Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Does the arrival index predict physiological stress reactivity in children

Abstract Knowledge about children's stress reactivity and its correlates is mostly based on one stress task, making it hard to assess the generalizability of the results. The development of an additional stress paradigm for children, that also limits stress exposure and test time, could greatly advance this field of research. Research in adults may provide a starting point for the development of such an additional stress paradigm, as changes in salivary cortisol and alpha-amylase (sAA) over a 1-h pre-stress period in the laboratory correlated strongly with subsequent reactivity to stress task (Balodis et al., 2010, Psychoneuroendocrinology 35:1363–73). The present study examined whether such strong correlations could be replicated in 9- to 11-year-old children. Cortisol and sAA samples were collected from 158 children (83 girls) during a 2.5-h visit to the laboratory. This visit included a 1-h pre-stress period in which children performed some non-stressful tasks and relaxed before taking part in a psychosocial stress task (TSST-C). A higher cortisol arrival index was significantly and weakly correlated with a higher AUCg but unrelated to cortisol reactivity to the stressor. A higher sAA arrival index was significantly and moderately related to lower stress reactivity and to a lower AUCi. Children's personality and emotion regulation variables were unrelated to the cortisol and sAA arrival indices. The results of this study do not provide a basis for the development of an additional stress paradigm for children. Further replications in children and adults are needed to clarify the potential meaning of an arrival index.
Calcium dynamics and buffering in oculomotor neurones from mouse that are particularly resistant during amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS)‐related motoneurone disease

1 Motoneurones are particularly vulnerable both in human forms of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and corresponding animal models of the disease. While most motoneurone populations are selectively impaired, oculomotor neurones are essentially resistant to ALS‐related damage. 2 Motoneurone vulnerability has been closely linked to disruptions of calcium signalling. To investigate underlying events, we performed a quantitative analysis of calcium homeostasis in oculomotor neurones from mice by simultaneous patch‐clamp recordings in sliced tissue and microfluorometric‐calcium measurements. 3 Somatic calcium dynamics were investigated by using a computer‐controlled microfluorometric system. In oculomotor neurones, basal calcium concentrations were around 80 nm and depolarisation‐induced calcium responses were observed for membrane voltages positive to −40 mV. 4 Endogenous calcium homeostasis was quantified by using the ‘added buffer’ approach. The recovery phase of depolarisation‐induced calcium transients was well approximated by a mono‐exponential function with a decay time constant that showed a linear dependence on dye concentration. The extrapolated time constant in the absence of indicator dye was 1.7 ± 0.2 s (n= 11 cells, 21°C). 5 Endogenous calcium binding ratios (κs) were found to be 264 ± 25 (n= 11 cells), indicating that 99.6 % of cytosolic calcium ions were taken up by endogenous buffers. Recovery of calcium transients was characterised by an ‘effective’ extrusion rate γ= 156 ± 20 s−1 (n= 11 cells, 21 °C). 6 Endogenous calcium binding ratios in oculomotor neurones were 5‐ to 6‐fold larger compared with those of more vulnerable motoneurones in the nucleus hypoglossus and spinal cord. In a first order approximation, they reduced the volume of local calcium elevations around open calcium channels, lowered peak amplitudes of global calcium transients for a given influx and prolonged calcium recovery times for a given set of uptake and extrusion mechanisms. 7 With respect to motoneurone degeneration, our measurements suggest that the exceptional stability of oculomotor neurones partially results from a specialised calcium homeostasis based on high buffering capacities. Furthermore, they indicate that cellular adaptations that account for rapid calcium signalling in hypoglossal and spinal motoneurones enhance their vulnerability during ALS‐related motoneurone disease.
Effect of Growth Hormone Administration: Reciprocal Changes in Serum lα,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D and Intestinal Calcium Absorption*

The mechanism by which GH stimulates intestinal calcium absorption was explored. In this study, seven children with idiopathic GH deficiency were studied before and during GH therapy while they were maintained on the same metabolic diet. After 5–14 months of GH administration, fractional intestinal calcium absorption increased from 0.364 ± 0.114 to 0.449 ± 0.159 (P < 0.01), and serum 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D decreased from 63.7 ± 19.3 to 46.7 ± 17.8 pg/ml (P < 0.025). Serum immunoreactive parathyroid hormone, urinary cAMP, serum 24,25-dihydroxyvitamin D, and 25-hydroxyvitamin D did not change significantly.The data suggest that GH does not directly influence parathyroid hormone or vitamin D metabolism. The possibility that relative intestinal resistance to 1,25-dihydroxyvitaminD exists in patients with GH deficiency is considered. (J Clin Endocrinol Metab 51: 321, 1980)
Health Blogging and Social Support: A 3-Year Panel Study

The reported study explored the implications of informal computer-mediated social support for the well-being of individuals coping with illness over the course of 3 years. A panel study was conducted in which respondents—bloggers writing about their experiences living with a health condition—reported on their perceptions of social support and well-being during 2010 and again during 2013. Among respondents who completed both questionnaires (n = 49), increases in support availability from family and friends were related to improvements in bloggers' health self-efficacy as well as improvements in bloggers' loneliness, particularly among those who also experienced increased support availability from blog readers. Increased blog reader support availability was associated with improvements in bloggers' health-related uncertainty. Among respondents who completed the initial questionnaire (N = 121), a survival analysis showed that neither support available from family and friends nor support from blog readers predicted continued health blogging over the 3-year period.
Some factors associated with the development of coronary heart disease: six years' follow-up experience in the Framingham study.

AT FRAMINGHAM, MASS. , the National Heart Institute has been conducting a prospective longitudinal study of factors related to the development of cardiovascular disease. A random sample consisting of two-thirds of the adult population, aged 29-62 years, was chosen for study. The sample size and age distribution were chosen to provide an adequate group of persons to be observed 20 or more years in which there would be a sufficient number of susceptible individuals. It was possible to bring in for examination 68.6 per cent (4,469) of the 6,510 selected. A group of 740 volunteers was added to supplement the initial group of respondents for prospective study (Table 1). 1 Follow-up of this group has been carried on for four biennial examinations representing six years of observation. A previous report has confirmed that certain factors are associated with increased risk of development of coronary heart disease.2 Most important of these are hypercholesterolemia and hypertension. Many factors appear to be related to the development of coronary heart disease. The exact interplay of these factors and a possible common denominator important in the pathogenesis of coronary heart disease remain to be determined. No one factor has been clearly demonstrated to be essential.
EFFECT OF PLANT GROWTH REGULATORS ON FRUIT CHARACTERS AND YIELD OF POMEGRANATE ( PUNICA GRANATUM L . )

Krishi Vigyan Kendra, Ramnagar, Adilabad-504001, Andhra Pradesh, India Email: adi.hortico@gmail.com ABSTRACT: An investigation was carried out during 2008-09 to study beneficial effects of plant growth regulators on fruit characters and yield in pomegranate cv. Ganesh. Nine treatments with three growth regulators, viz., NAA at 20, 30 and 40 ppm; 2,4-D at 20, 30 and 40 ppm, GA3 at 25, 50 and 75 ppm and control (water spray) were sprayed three times starting at full bloom and, subsequently, at 45 and 90 days after fruit set. Results revealed that application of 2,4-D at 40 ppm gave significantly high fruit size in length, breadth and volume and higher fruit weight (262.23g), higher aril percent, maximum number of fruits (64.00) which resulted in highest fruit yield of 16.78 kg/plant, as against 7.41 kg in the control.
Role of the immune response induced by superantigens in the pathogenesis of microbial infections

Superantigens (SAgs) are microbial proteins which have potent effects on the immune system. They are presented by major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II molecules and interact with a large number of T cells expressing specific T cell receptor Vβ domains. Encounter of a SAg leads initially to the stimulation and subsequently to the clonal deletion of reactive T cells. SAgs are expressed by a wide variety of microorganisms which use them to exploit the immune system to their own advantage. Bacterial SAgs are exotoxins which are linked to several diseases in humans and animals. A classical example is the toxic shock syndrome in which the massive release of cytokines by SAg-reactive cells is thought to play a major pathogenic role. The best characterized viral SAg is encoded by mouse mammary tumour virus (MMTV) and has proved to have a major influence on the viral life cycle by dramatically increasing the efficiency of viral infection. In this paper, we review the general properties of SAgs and discuss the different types of microorganisms which produce these molecules, with a particular emphasis on the role played by the SAg-induced immune response in the course of microbial infections.
Hepatitis B vaccinees may be mistaken for confirmed hepatitis B surface antigen‐positive blood donors

Background and Objectives Hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) test sensitivities have gradually increased, and neutralizable weak HBsAg‐positive donations, with no other hepatitis B virus (HBV) markers, have occasionally been found in our donor population. On investigation, these donors have admitted to receiving hepatitis B vaccine up to 5 days previously. A study was therefore initiated to monitor HBsAg reactivity amongst volunteers after receiving their first dose of hepatitis B vaccine.
The Arboreal Foraging Behavior of the Frugivorous Monitor Lizard Varanus olivaceus on Polillo Island

Conjecture exists over the degree that arboreal frugivorous foraging is used by Varanus olivaceus. Here I present evidence from still camera traps, video camera traps, direct observations and spool and line tracking that indicate these monitor lizards take fruit directly from trees, rather than feeding exclusively on fallen fruit as suggested previously.
Multiple testing, uncertainty and realistic pictures

We study statistical detection of grayscale objects in noisy images. The object of interest is of unknown shape and has an unknown intensity, that can be varying over the object and can be negative. No boundary shape constraints are imposed on the object, only a weak bulk condition for the object's interior is required. We propose an algorithm that can be used to detect grayscale objects of unknown shapes in the presence of nonparametric noise of unknown level. Our algorithm is based on a nonparametric multiple testing procedure. We establish the limit of applicability of our method via an explicit, closed-form, non-asymptotic and nonparametric consistency bound. This bound is valid for a wide class of nonparametric noise distributions. We achieve this by proving an uncertainty principle for percolation on finite lattices.
Bordetella pertussis major outer membrane porin protein forms small, anion-selective channels in lipid bilayer membranes

The major outer membrane protein of molecular weight 40,000 (the 40K protein) of a virulent isolate of Bordetella pertussis was purified to apparent homogeneity. The purified protein formed an oligomer band (of apparent molecular weight 90,000) on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gels after solubilization at low temperatures. The porin function of this protein was characterized by the black lipid bilayer method. The 40K protein formed channels smaller than all other constitutive major outer membrane porins studied to date. The average single-channel conductance in 1 M KCl was 0.56 nS. This was less than a third of the conductance previously observed for Escherichia coli porins. Zero-current potential measurements made of the porin to determine its ion selectivity revealed the porin to be more than 100-fold selective for anions over cations. The single-channel conductance was measured as a function of salt concentration. The data could be fitted to a Lineweaver-Burk plot suggesting an anion binding site with a Kd of 1.17 M Cl- and a maximum possible conductance through the channel of 1.28 nS.
Laparoscopic and Laparotomic Cholecystectomy: A Randomized Trial Comparing Postoperative Respiratory Function

Background: The fact that pulmonary complications occur in 20–60% of the patients subjected to abdominal operations clearly indicates that the lungs are the most endangered organ during the postoperative period. Objective: The aim of this study was to demonstrate the impact of cholecystectomy on postoperative respiratory disturbances by comparing the laparotomic cholecystectomy with laparoscopic gallbladder removal. Patients and Methods: A hundred cholecystectomized patients were included in the prospective randomized clinical trial. Half of the patients were operated on by the laparotomic procedure, whereas the other half underwent laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Spirometric parameters, arterial blood gases, and acid-base balance were determined before the operation, and at 6, 24, 72 and 144 h postoperatively. Abdominal distension was assessed by auscultating intestinal peristaltics, abdominal circumference measurement, and time interval to restitution of defecation. Results: Six hours postoperatively, the values of ventilation parameters decreased on average by 40–50% from the baseline preoperative values in both groups of patients. The group of patients submitted to laparotomic cholecystectomy had significantly lower spirometric values and slower recovery of the ventilation parameters than the laparoscopic cholecystectomy group. Abdominal circumference was significantly greater and the time needed for restitution of peristaltics and defecation was significantly longer in the laparotomic cholecystectomy group compared to the group of laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Conclusions: Statistically significant impairments including hypoxia, hypocapnia and hyperventilation were observed in the patients submitted to laparotomic cholecystectomy, indicating the presence of objective respiratory risk, especially in elderly patients and patients with obstructive pulmonary diseases or cardiac insufficiency.
Hodgkin's disease in children 4 years of age or younger

The natural history of Hodgkin's disease in children younger than 4 years of age is unknown. Thirty‐eight patients younger than 4 years of age at the time of diagnosis of Hodgkin's disease were treated at the member institutions of the Pediatric Oncology Group. They were found to be predominantly white and male with early‐stage disease. Mixed cellularity and nodular sclerosing histologies were most commonly seen and occurred in equal frequency. They responded to therapy extremely well attaining a complete remission rate of 92% to 94%. Even after relapse, they can be successfully retrieved with salvaging therapy.
Effect of rofecoxib, a cyclo‐oxygenase‐2 inhibitor, on various biochemical parameters of brain associated with pentylenetetrazol‐induced chemical kindling in mice

Cyclo‐oxygenase (COX) has been reported to play a significant role in neurodegeneration and other brain‐related disorders. Recent studies have reported that COX plays a significant role in the pathophysiology of brain‐related disorders and COX‐2 inhibitors could be useful drug therapy in neurodegenerative disorders. The aim of the present study was to explore the possible role of COX and the effect of COX‐2 inhibitor, rofecoxib in epilepsy. In the present study, kindling was induced in mice by chronic administration of a subconvulsive dose of pentylenetetrazol (PTZ, 40 mg/kg, i.p.) on every other day for a period of 15 days. Rofecoxib was administered orally daily 45 min before either PTZ or vehicle. The kindling score was recorded after PTZ administration. Seizure severity was measured according to a prevalidated scoring scale. Biochemical estimations were performed on the day 16 of PTZ treatment (24 h after the last dose of PTZ). Chronic treatment with selective COX‐2 inhibitor, rofecoxib (2.0 and 5.0 mg/kg, p.o.) for 15 days showed significant decrease in PTZ‐induced kindling score. Biochemical analysis showed that chronic treatment with PTZ significantly increased lipid peroxidation, nitrite levels (NO levels), and myeloperoxidase levels and decreased the reduced glutathione levels in brain homogenate. Chronic treatment with rofecoxib, a selective COX‐2 inhibitor, significantly reversed the PTZ‐induced kindling score as well as various biochemical alterations suggesting the use of COX‐2 inhibitor rofecoxib in epilepsy. In conclusion, results of the present study suggested that COX‐2 plays an important role in the pathophysiology of PTZ‐induced kindling in mice and rofecoxib is protective against various biochemical alterations against PTZ‐induced kindling in mice.
Photic Resetting and Entrainment in CLOCK-Deficient Mice

Mice lacking the CLOCK protein have a relatively subtle circadian phenotype, including a slightly shorter period in constant darkness, differences in phase resetting after 4-hour light pulses in the early and late night, and a variably advanced phase angle of entrainment in a light-dark (LD) cycle. The present series of experiments was conducted to more fully characterize the circadian phenotype of Clock−/− mice under various lighting conditions. A phase-response curve (PRC) to 4-hour light pulses in free-running mice was conducted; the results confirm that Clock−/− mice exhibit very large phase advances after 4-hour light pulses in the late subjective night but have relatively normal responses to light at other phases. The abnormal shape of the PRC to light may explain the tendency of CLOCK-deficient mice to begin activity before lights-out when housed in a 12-hour light:12-hour dark lighting schedule. To assess this relationship further, Clock−/− and wild-type control mice were entrained to skeleton lighting cycles (1L:23D and 1L:10D:1L:12D). Comparing entrainment under the 2 types of skeleton photoperiods revealed that exposure to 1-hour light in the morning leads to a phase advance of activity onset (expressed the following afternoon) in Clock−/− mice but not in the controls. Constant light typically causes an intensity-dependent increase in circadian period in mice, but this did not occur in CLOCK-deficient mice. The failure of Clock−/− mice to respond to the period-lengthening effect of constant light likely results from the increased functional impact of light falling in the phase advance zone of the PRC. Collectively, these experiments reveal that alterations in the response of CLOCK-deficient mice to light in several paradigms are likely due to an imbalance in the shape of the PRC to light.
Learning to Love the Landscapes of Carbon-Neutrality

Abstract Landscape changes often provoke controversy, and yet may produce outcomes which become accepted and valued after a period of time. This paper proposes that society's increasingly earnest pursuit of sustainable development will involve landscape changes that attract protest and opposition, and which may prove a barrier to the rapid adjustments necessary to substantially reduce our carbon footprint. It considers this possibility by exploring two aspects. First, it considers the role of drivers of change, and suggests that significant loss of traditional landscapes is inevitable, as the drivers that produced them are often becoming obsolete. Energy is likely to be a major driver of new landscapes as society seeks ways of weaning itself off fossil carbon fuels. The effects of this shift will be far-reaching, not only arising from energy production technologies, but also from the ripple effects of the energy life cycle. Second, reference is made to the notion of the ‘acquired aesthetic’, which might suggest the capacity to develop a taste for emerging landscapes if we endorse their underlying story. The paper therefore raises the possibility that, by emphasizing the underlying narrative of ingenuity in rising to the challenge of sustainable development, we can learn to see beauty and attractiveness in emerging landscapes of carbon neutrality.
Traumatic abdominal wall hernia: Is the treatment strategy a real problem?

T abdominal wall hernia (TAWH) is a rare type of hernia that occurs after lowor high-velocity impact of the abdominal wall against a blunt object. It is defined as bowel or abdominal organ herniation through a disruption of musculature and fascia following adequate trauma. Skin penetration is absent, and there should be no evidence of hernia defect before the injury. The first case of TAWH was reported in 1906, and since then, multiple case reports or series have been reported. Although the incidence of blunt abdominal trauma is high in civilian practice, TAWH remains rarely reported. Owing to the infrequent incidence and unexpected nature of this condition, it is impossible to plan randomized control trials for evaluation and optimal surgical management. Repair of these complex traumatic hernias is not standardized, and most surgeons combine knowledge of the acute management of the trauma patient with elective nontrauma associated hernia repair. Outcomes are poorly defined owing to its infrequent nature and variability in classification strategy. The aim of this review was to establish and provide a comprehensive algorithm for surgical repair and management.
Long-term Effects of Parents' Education on Children's Educational and Occupational Success: Mediation by Family Interactions, Child Aggression, and Teenage Aspirations

We examine the prediction of individuals' educational and occupational success at age 48 from contextual and personal variables assessed during their middle childhood and late adolescence. We focus particularly on the predictive role of the parents' educational level during middle childhood, controlling for other indices of socioeconomic status and children's IQ, and the mediating roles of negative family interactions, childhood behavior, and late adolescent aspirations. Data come from the Columbia County Longitudinal Study, which began in 1960 when all 856 third graders in a semirural county in New York State were interviewed along with their parents; participants were reinterviewed at ages 19, 30, and 48 (Eron et al., 1971; Huesmann et al., 2002). Parents' educational level when the child was 8 years old significantly predicted educational and occupational success for the child 40 years later. Structural models showed that parental educational level had no direct effects on child educational level or occupational prestige at age 48 but had significant indirect effects that were independent of the other predictor variables' effects. These indirect effects were mediated through age 19 educational aspirations and age 19 educational level. These results provide strong support for the unique predictive role of parental education on adult outcomes 40 years later and underscore the developmental importance of mediators of parent education effects such as late adolescent achievement and achievement-related aspirations.