Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
CGRP plasma level changes in patients with temporomandibular disorders treated with occlusal splints - a randomised clinical trial.

INTRODUCTION Occlusal splint therapy is a well-known method for the treatment of TMD. Muscle stretching and pain relief are effects of occlusal appliance. The aim of this study was to evaluate the plasma level of CGRP in patients with myofascial pain (RDC/TMD Ia) and myofascial pain with limited opening (RDC/TMD Ib) before and after muscle stretching with occlusal splint therapy. MATERIAL AND METHODS A randomised trial was performed including 35 subjects (males = 10, females = 25) in the experimental group and 30 subjects (males = 9, females = 21) in the control group. Blood samples were taken from the external jugular vein before and after 30 days of occlusal splint therapy. Plasma levels of CGRP were measured with a Radio Immunoassay Kit (Phoenix Pharmaceuticals Inc.) and Cobra Series Auto-Gamma Counting System. RESULTS The results of the study demonstrated that CGRP concentrations were significantly higher after occlusal splint than before splint therapy: CGRP2 = 17.02 pg/mL (SD = 5.85), CGRP1 = 13.78 pg/mL (SD = 5.12), in the experimental group (p < 0.05). In the control group, there were no statistically significant changes in CGRP levels: CGRP1 = 14.5 pg/mL (SD = 4.87) to CGRP2 = 13.5 pg/mL (SD = 4.63). In the experimental group, there was a statistically significant reduction in pain intensity, VAS1 = 5 (SD = 2.5) to VAS2 = 1 (SD = 1.04) after splint therapy (p < 0.05). In the control group, there were no statistically significant changes in pain intensity: VAS1 = 5 (SD = 2.3) to VAS2 = 4 (SD = 2.6), (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS CGRP plays an important role in muscle blood flow, which is altered by changes in muscle length. Further investigation is needed to clarify the mechanism of muscle blood flow and the muscle healing process in patients with TMD.
Optimizing post-acute care in breast cancer survivors: a rehabilitation perspective

Breast cancer (BC) is the most common malignancy and a leading cause of morbidity and mortality in women worldwide. Therapeutic advances and improved survival rates of women with BC have implications for long-term impact on disability, psychological function and quality of life (QoL), which may be amenable to rehabilitation. The focus of rehabilitation is on managing disability, reducing sequelae and symptoms, and enhancing participation and societal reintegration, to achieve the highest possible independence and the best QoL. Rehabilitation interventions should be considered early for maintaining functional capacity and reducing the risk of losing important abilities or independence and should be individualized depending on disease phase, functional deficits, personal requirements and specific goals. A number of interventions have been trialled to support rehabilitation input for women with BC, which include physical therapy, psychological interventions (psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral training) and others. Multidisciplinary rehabilitation and uni-disciplinary interventions such as physical therapy have been shown to be beneficial in reducing disability, and improving participation and QoL. There is a need for comprehensive assessment of health domains in BC patients using a standardized framework and a common language for describing the impact of disease at different levels, using the International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health core sets. This will provide more detailed information on the needs of these patients, so more efficient and targeted rehabilitation interventions can be provided.
Depression among Ethiopian Adults: Cross-Sectional Study

Background. Depression is one of the most common mental disorders worldwide and is the second leading cause of disability and major contributor to suicide. Methods. Community based cross-sectional study was conducted among 779 adults residing in Northwest Ethiopia. Multistage cluster sampling technique was used to select study participants. Depression was measured by Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9). Bivariate as well as multivariate logistic regressions were used to identify associated factors. p value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Result. The prevalence of depression was 17.5%, where 10.7% of patients were with mild depression, 4.2% were with moderate depression, 1.9% were with moderately severe depression, and 0.6% had severe depression. Being female, age of 55 years and above, poor social support, having a comorbidity medical illness, current tobacco smoking, and living alone were significantly associated with depression. Conclusion and Recommendation. The prevalence of depression in Ethiopia is as common as the other lower and middle income countries. Female gender, being currently not married, poor social support, low wealth index, tobacco smoking, older age, having comorbid illness, and living alone were significantly associated with depression. So, depression is a significant public health problem that requires a great emphasis and some factors like smoking habit are modifiable.
[Cytokine pattern in various forms of sinusitis].

BACKGROUND Inflammatory sinus diseases include acute sinusitis, chronic purulent sinusitis, and chronic polypoid rhinosinusitis. We investigated the cytokine profile of different types of rhinosinusitis in order to evaluate whether a distinct form of rhinosinusitis is associated with the expression of a specific cytokine profile. METHODS AND PATIENTS Fresh sinus mucosa obtained during routine surgery from patients with acute sinusitis (n = 10), chronic sinusitis (n = 7), antrochoanal polyp (n = 10), nasal polyps (n = 8), and controls of turbinate mucosa (n = 7) were homogenized. The cytokine protein content (IL-1 beta,IL-3,IL-5,IL-6,IL-8,GM-CSF) of tissue homogenates was measured using ELISA technique. RESULTS In the group of proinflammatory cytokines, the protein levels measured for interleukin IL-8, a proinflammatory cytokine, IL-1 beta, and IL-6 were elevated in acute sinusitis. In the group of eosinophil-activating cytokines interleukin-3, -5 and granulocyte an makrophage-colony stimulating factor, we measured a significantly elevated protein level of IL-5 in nasal polyp tissue in contrast to significantly elevated IL-3 protein level in chronic sinusitis. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that IL-8 plays a pivotal role in neutrophil-dominated and IL-5 in eosinophil-dominated sinusitis. IL-3 seems to sustain chronic inflammation.
Industrial Devon: Reflections and learning from schools-based heritage outreach in Scotland

ABSTRACT ‘Industrial Devon’ is a schools-based heritage engagement initiative that staff at the Centre for Environment, Heritage and Policy at Stirling University, Scotland, undertook in 2013/14. The project’s implementation involved collaboration with a variety of internal and external education and municipal partners, together with student volunteers. The project explored the environmental history of historic industries located along the River Devon in Clackmannanshire, Scotland, and the associated settlements along its route through the ‘eyes’ and activities of the local primary school pupils. The year-long project offered a hands-on, experiential approach to knowledge exchange delivery in schools; supplementing the state curriculum and research design for promoting local heritage across community groups of all ages and locations. The reflective narrative on how the initiative evolved, examines the pitfalls and opportunities encountered during planning and implementation and is designed both to inspire and provide a practical tool kit to all considering embarking on similar activities.
Congestion of the donor remnant right liver after extended left lobe donation

The clinical importance of congestion of the remnant right lobe has not yet been fully elucidated in donors who donate their left lobe with the middle hepatic vein. The impact of congestion on clinical course and liver regeneration in 52 donor remnant livers were evaluated. The donors were divided into three groups according to the degree of the congestion: the mild [congestion ratio (CR) < 10%], moderate (CR ranged from 10% to 25%) and severe congestion groups (CR > 25%). The regeneration ratio of the graft at postoperative day 7 (7 POD) was 22.0 ± 14.3% and inversely correlated with the CR in the remnant right lobe (P = 0.003). Aspartate aminotransferase and alanine aminotransferase at 7 POD were significantly higher in the severe CR group in comparison to the mild CR group (P = 0.003 and 0.019, respectively), but those of the three groups were comparable at 30 POD. The hospital stays were significantly longer in the severe CR group (P = 0.010). In conclusion, the congestion of the donors’ remnant right liver can lead the transient liver dysfunction and poor regeneration. Therefore, the conversion of the graft from the left to right lobe might be appropriate according to the degree of the congestion.
INTEGRATED CONSERVATION ACTIONS FOR THE RELICT AND ENDEMIC CRETAN TREE ZELKOVA ABELICEA ( ULMACEAE )

Zelkova abelicea is an endangered, relict and the only endemic tree species of the island of Crete. This rare species is threatened mainly by browsing and trampling by flocks. We present here a project initiated in 2014 for the conservation of Z. abelicea which includes specific in situ and ex situ conservation actions such as fencing of small natural stands, seed and vegetative material collection for seed bank or ex situ plantations, as well as public sensitization actions. Z. abelicea individuals reacted positively in most fenced areas by growing fast and producing long shoots directly after fencing took place, and plant species richness and coverage were found to be higher than in areas still subject to browsing. Regarding ex situ conservation actions, definitive results are still expected in the following years. Finally, numerous local people have been informed about this threatened and rare tree and the project actions through environmental education programs and local public events.
Anti-inflammatory effects of retinoids and carotenoid derivatives on caspase-3-dependent apoptosis and efferocytosis of bovine neutrophils.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate immunomodulatory properties of all-trans retinoic acid and a fully oxidized β-carotene dietary product in calves with Mannheimia haemolytica-induced pneumonia. ANIMALS Twenty-five 6- to 10-week-old male Holstein calves for experimental inoculations and three 8- to 30-week-old Angus heifers for blood donations. PROCEDURES In vitro, neutrophils and monocyte-derived macrophages isolated from blood of healthy Angus heifers were treated with all-trans retinoic acid (1 μM) or fully oxidized β-carotene (8.3 μg/mL) for various times and assessed for markers of cellular death, antimicrobial function, and production of proinflammatory leukotriene B4. Following 28 days of dietary supplementation with fully oxidized β-carotene, Holstein calves were experimentally inoculated with M haemolytica. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was collected at 3 and 24 hours after challenge inoculation and analyzed for markers of apoptosis. RESULTS In vitro, all-trans retinoic acid and fully oxidized β-carotene induced cell-selective, caspase-3-dependent apoptosis in neutrophils, which subsequently enhanced efferocytosis in macrophages. Conversely, neither treatment altered phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate-induced oxidative burst, phagocytosis of nonopsonized zymosan (complement or antibody independent), or M haemolytica-induced leukotriene B4 production in bovine neutrophils. In vivo, fully oxidized β-carotene enhanced leukocyte apoptosis in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid as well as subsequent efferocytosis by macrophages without altering numbers of circulating leukocytes. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Neutrophil apoptosis and subsequent efferocytosis by macrophages are key mechanisms in the resolution of inflammation. Findings for the present study indicated that all-trans retinoic acid and fully oxidized β-carotene could be novel nutraceutical strategies that may confer anti-inflammatory benefits for cattle with respiratory tract disease.
Exchange Rate Management and the Manufacturing Sector Performance in the Nigerian Economy

Since Nigeria is heavily factor-input import dependent, the inability to locally source the required inputs in the manufacturing sector in the country is a chronic problem. Consequently, the exchange rate plays an important role in the ability of the economy to attain a realistic growth in the manufacturing sector. This study examined the impact of exchange rate management on the growth of the manufacturing sector in Nigeria. Ordinary Least Square (OLS) multiple regression analysis, using E-view was employed. The study covered the periods of 1986-2010 with the use of time-series data. The empirical result of this study shows that depreciation which forms part of the structural adjustment policy (SAP) 1986, and which dominated the period under review has no significant relationship with the manufacturing's sector productivity. It was found that in Nigeria, exchange rate appreciation has a significant relationship with domestic output. And that exchange rate appreciation will promote growth in the manufacturing sector. It was also ascertained from the estimated regression line that there is a positive relationship between the manufacturing gross domestic product and inflation. It is recommended that government should direct its exchange rate management policy towards exchange rate appreciation in order to reduce the cost of production in the manufacturing sector that depends heavily on foreign inputs while there should be total ban of importation on consumer and intermediate goods that can be produced locally. Since manufacturing sector depends much on foreign inputs, and for the importation of these foreign inputs not be continuous, efforts should be geared towards improving the level of technology, increasing agricultural production, and developing local raw materials in the country. In addition, the government should ensure stable electricity, good roads, water, telecommunication etc. And more importantly as regards this study, the exchange rate appreciation is what the Government should intensify efforts to achieve in Nigeria.
Expansion of Substrate Specificity of Cytochrome P450 2A6 by Random and Site-directed Mutagenesis*

The natural product indole is a substrate for cytochrome P450 2A6. Mutagenesis of P450 2A6 was done to expand its capability in the oxidization of bulky substituted indole compounds, which are not substrates for the wild-type enzyme or the double mutant L240C/N297Q, as determined in our previous work (Wu, Z.-L., Aryal, P., Lozach, O., Meijer, L., and Guengerich, F. P. (2005) Chem. Biodivers. 2, 51-65). Error-prone PCR and site-directed mutagenesis led to the identification of two critical amino acid residue changes (N297Q and I300V) that achieve the purpose. The new mutant (N297Q/I300V) was able to oxidize both 4- and 5-benzyloxy(OBzl)indoles to form colored products. Both changes were required for oxidation of these bulky substrates. The colored product derived from 5-OBzl-indole was mainly 5,5′-di-OBzl-indirubin, whereas the dominant blue dye isolated upon incubations with 4-OBzl-indole was neither an indigo nor an indirubin. Two-dimensional NMR experiments led to assignment of the structure as 4-OBzl-2-(4′-OBzl-1′,7′-dihydro-7′-oxo-6′H-indol-6′-ylidene)indolin-3-one, in which a pyrrole ring and a benzene ring are connected with a double bond instead of the pyrrole-pyrrole connection of other indigoids. Monomeric oxidation products were also isolated and characterized; three phenols (4-OBzl-1H-indol-5-ol, 4-OBzl-1H-indol-6-ol, and 4-OBzl-1H-indol-7-ol) and one quinone (4-OBzl-1H-indole-6,7-dione, the postulated immediate precursor of the final blue dye) were identified. The results are interpreted in the context of a crystal structure of a P450 2A6-coumarin complex. The I300V change opens an additional pocket to accommodate the OBzl bulk. The N2297Q change is postulated to generate a hydrogen bond between Gln and the substrate oxygen. Thus, the substrate specificity of P450 2A6 was expanded, and new products were obtained in this study.
Contrasting effects of dopamine and glutamate receptor antagonist injection in the nucleus accumbens suggest a neural mechanism underlying cue‐evoked goal‐directed behavior

Discriminative stimuli (DSs) inform animals that reward can be obtained contingent on the performance of a specific behavior. Such stimuli reinstate drug‐seeking behavior, evoke dopamine release in the nucleus accumbens (NAc) and excite and inhibit specific subpopulations of NAc neurons. Here we show in rats that DSs can reinstate food‐seeking behavior. In addition, we compare the effects of injecting dopamine receptor antagonists into the NAc with those of general NAc inactivation on the performance of a DS task. Selective antagonism of D1 receptors reduced responding to the DS and increased the latency to respond, whereas general inactivation of NAc neuronal activity increased the latency to respond to the DS and increased behaviors extraneous to the task, such as responding in the absence of cues and responding on the inactive lever. Based on these results and our previous findings that NAc neuronal responses to DSs are dependent on the ventral tegmental area, we propose a model for the functional role of NAc neurons in controlling behavioral responses to reward‐predictive stimuli.
Mitochondrial Release of Pro-apoptotic Proteins

A key step in the initiation of apoptosis is the release from the mitochondrial intermembrane space of cytochrome c and other pro-apoptotic proteins such as Smac/DIABLO, Omi/HtrA2, apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF), and endonuclease G (EndoG). Discrepancies have arisen, however, as to whether all these proteins are released in different systems. Our results suggest that failure to observe cytochrome c release may be due to the use of different buffers because after permeabilization by caspase-8 cleaved human Bid (tBid), cytochrome c dissociation from mitochondria was highly dependent on ionic strength and required 50-80 mm KCl, NaCl, or LiCl. In addition, mitochondria isolated from apoptotic cells using low ionic strength buffer bound a greater proportion of endogenous cytochrome c. In contrast to cytochrome c, Smac/DIABLO and Omi/HtrA2 were released independent of ionic strength, and AIF and EndoG behaved as if they are exposed to the intermembrane space but tethered to or within the inner membrane. AIF and EndoG were also not released by active caspases, which suggests their involvement in apoptosis may be limited. In summary, whereas tBid permeabilizes the outer membrane to cytochrome c, Smac/DIABLO, and Omi/HtrA2, the release of cytochrome c during apoptosis will be underestimated unless sufficient ionic strength is maintained to overcome the electrostatic association of cytochrome c with membranes.
Pharmacological Characterization ofN,N-Dimethyl-2-(2-amino-4-methylphenyl thio)benzylamine as a Ligand of the Serotonin Transporter with High Affinity and Selectivity

Serotonin transporter has a key-role in regulation of serotoninergic function, and is involved in numerous neurodegenerative and psychiatric disorders. To obtain an efficient radioactive ligand allowing the study of this transporter in vitro and in vivo, we synthesized a new diphenyl sulfide derivative,N,N-dimethyl-2-(2-amino-4-methylphenylthio)benzylamine or MADAM. We present here extensive pharmacological characterization of this compound. [3H]MADAM bound to serotonin transporters with a very high affinity in vitro on rat cortical membranes, at least 2 times better than the most commonly used radioactive probes (K d, 60 pM; B max, 543 fmol/mg of protein). Competition studies showed few inhibitory effect of nisoxetine (K i = 270 nM), no inhibitory effect of desipramine or 1-[2-(diphenylmethoxy) ethyl]-4-(3-phenylpropyl)piperazine (GBR 12935) (K i >1000 nM), and strong effect of paroxetine (K i = 0.32 nM) and citalopram (K i = 1.57 nM). Therefore, MADAM has around 1000-fold better selectivity for the serotonin transporter than for other transporters. Autoradiographic studies both on rat and postmortem human brain slices demonstrated that the distribution of [3H]MADAM parallels the localization of serotonin transporters and is prevented by known inhibitors of them. The high affinity and selectivity of [3H]MADAM for the serotonin transporter show that it is very valuable for studies using in vitro approaches. The high selectivity and low nonspecific binding of [3H]MADAM on the postmortem human brain, together with preliminary in vivo results with [11C]MADAM, is a new argument for future use of this ligand in in vivo studies of the distribution, pharmacology, and pathophysiology of the serotonin transporter in the human brain with positron emission tomography.
A Philosophical, Qualitative, and Quantitative Examination of Transformational Leadership in Secondary Agricultural Education

A Philosophical, Qualitative, and Quantitative Examination of Transformational Leadership in Secondary Agricultural Education. (May 2010) Johnathan Lewis Hall, B.S., University of Florida; MAB, University of Florida Co-Chairs of Advisory Committee, Dr. Gary E. Briers Dr. Manda H. Rosser Leadership has been a foundational component of secondary agricultural education and teachers are recognized as the program leader; furthermore, agriculture teachers are expected to develop leadership in their students. However, research examining the leadership style of agriculture teachers has not been fully vetted. The purpose of this study was threefold: to examine transformational leadership in secondary agricultural education from philosophical, qualitative, and quantitative perspectives. The study was conducted through a qualitative case study of an agricultural education program at the local level and through a quantitative study of secondary agricultural educators at the national level. The philosophical portion of the study gave an overview of the agricultural education model and the transformational leadership approach. A dynamic model was developed for agricultural education which places an emphasis on the leadership approach of the agricultural educator. The Transformational Leadership and Community
Impact of prior HAART use on clinical outcomes in a large Kenyan HIV treatment program.

BACKGROUND HIV treatment programs in Africa typically approach all enrolling patients uniformly. Growing numbers of patients are antiretroviral experienced. Defining patients on the basis of antiretroviral experience may inform enrollment practices, particularly if medical outcomes differ. METHODS Baseline and follow-up measures (CD4, weight change, and survival) were compared in a retrospective analysis between antiretroviral-naïve (ARV-N) and antiretroviral experience (ARV-E) patients enrolled at the Coptic Hope Center for Infectious Diseases in Nairobi, Kenya and followed between January 2004 and August 2006. RESULTS 1,307 ARV-N and 962 ARV-E patients receiving highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) were followed for median of 9 months (interquartile range: 4-16 months). Compared to ARV-N, ARV-E had substantially higher CD4 count (median cells/mm(3), 193 versus 95, P < 0.001) and weight (median kg, 62 versus 57, P < 0.001) at baseline, and lower rates of change in CD4 (-9.2 cells/mm(3)/month; 95% CI, -11.4 -7.0) and weight (-0.24 kg/month; 95% CI, -0.35 - -0.14) over 12 months. Mortality was significantly higher in ARV-N than ARV-E (P = 0.001). CONCLUSIONS ARV-E patients form a growing group that differs significantly from ARV-N patients and requires a distinct approach from ARV-N clients. Systematic approaches to streamline care of ARV-E patients may allow focused attention on early ARV-N clients whose mortality risks are substantially higher.