Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Enteral nutrition prevents bacterial translocation but does not improve survival during acute pancreatitis.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the effect of enteral nutrition (EN) in attenuating bacterial and/or endotoxin translocation, maintaining immune responsiveness, and improving outcome in early acute pancreatitis (AP) in Wistar male rats. DESIGN Acute pancreatitis was induced in rats receiving total parenteral nutrition (TPN) (AP/TPN group) (n=34) and EN (AP/EN group) (n=35) by pressure injection of 1% deoxycholate into the biliopancreatic duct (0.6 mg/kg of body weight). Rats in the sham/TPN and sham/EN groups (n=10 each) underwent laparotomy without induction of AP. Catheters for TPN and EN were placed into the external jugular vein and jejunum, respectively. Rats were infused with Ringer lactate solution for 48 hours followed by TPN in the AP/TPN and sham/TPN groups, and EN in the AP/EN and sham/EN groups until day 7. The fluid volume and energy (calories) intake were similar in all groups. SETTING Medical school research laboratory. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Survival, blood endotoxin level, villus height, 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU) uptake in the jejunum and ileum, bacterial culture of mesenteric lymph nodes, and CD4/CD8 ratio of T cells in mesenteric lymph nodes, spleen, and peripheral blood. RESULTS There was no difference in survival and pancreatic healing between the AP/TPN and AP/EN groups. Colony-forming units of the mesenteric lymph nodes and the endotoxin level were significantly lower in the AP/EN group than in the AP/TPN group (P<.05). Villus height and BrdU intake was significantly higher in the AP/EN group than in the AP/TPN group (P<.05). The CD4/CD8 ratio of T cells in spleen and peripheral blood was higher in the AP/EN group than in the AP/TPN group (P<.05), whereas there was no difference in mesenteric lymph nodes. CONCLUSIONS Jejunal administration of EN is well tolerated in early AP, maintains immune responsiveness and gut integrity, and reduces bacterial and/or endotoxin translocation. However, compared with TPN, EN does not improve outcome. These results suggest that factors other than bacterial and/or endotoxin translocation may be responsible for mortality in this rat model of early AP. However, additional studies of both early bacterial and/or endotoxin translocation and late assessment of outcome are indicated.
Mycobacterium tuberculosis Rv2536 protein implicated in specific binding to human cell lines

The gene encoding the Mycobacterium tuberculosis Rv2536 protein is present in the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (as assayed by PCR) and transcribed (as determined by RT‐PCR) in M. tuberculosis H37Rv, M. tuberculosis H37Ra, M. bovis BCG, and M. africanum strains. Rabbits immunized with synthetic polymer peptides from this protein produced antibodies specifically recognizing a 25‐kDa band in mycobacterial sonicate. U937 and A549 cells were used in binding assays involving 20‐amino‐acid‐long synthetic peptides covering the whole Rv2536 protein sequence. Peptide 11207 (161DVFSAVRADDSPTGEMQVAQY180) presented high specific binding to both types of cells; the binding was saturable and presented nanomolar affinity constants. Cross‐linking assays revealed that this peptide specifically binds to 50 kDa U937 cell membrane and 45 kDa A549 cell membrane proteins.
What are good R&D investment strategies for leaders and followers?

Research and development (R&D) investment affects the growth of firms in the same industry differently according to their technological positions. This study empirically investigates differences in how R&D investment influences firm growth between technological leaders and followers. Additionally, this study investigates the moderating effects of complementary assets and market competition on the relationship between R&D investment and firm growth. Using a sample of 2322 observations from 492 firms in the U.S. chemical and allied products industry for the period 2000–2009, we show that an increase in R&D investment leads to greater firm growth for technological followers than for technological leaders. We also find that the moderating effects of complementary assets and market competition vary depending on whether a firm is a technological leader or follower.
One- and two-electron oxidations of methionine by peroxynitrite.

Peroxynitrite is stable, but its acid, HOONO, either rearranges to form nitrate or oxidizes nearby biomolecules. We report here the reactions of HOONO with methionine and the methionine analog 2-keto-4-thiomethylbutanoic acid (KTBA). These oxidations proceed by two competing mechanisms. The first yields the sulfoxide; the second-order rate constants, k2, for this process for methionine and KTBA are 181 +/- 8 and 277 +/- 11 M-1.s-1, respectively, at pH 7.4 and 25 degrees C. In the second mechanism, methionine or KTBA undergoes a one-electron oxidation that ultimately gives ethylene. We propose that the one-electron oxidant is an activated form of peroxynitrous acid, HOONO*, that is formed in a steady state mechanism. The ratios of the second-order rate constants for the ethylene-producing reaction (k*2) and the first-order rate constant to produce nitric acid (kN) for methionine and KTBA, k*2/kN, are 1250 +/- 290 and 6230 +/- 1390 M-1, respectively. Both ceric and peroxydisulfate ions also oxidize KTBA to ethylene, confirming a one-electron transfer mechanism. The yields of neither MetSO nor ethylene are affected by several hydroxyl radical scavengers, suggesting that a unimolecular homolysis of HOONO to HO. and . NO2 is not involved in these reactions. HOONO* gives hydroxyl radical-like products from various substrates but displays more selectivity than does the hydroxyl radical; thus, HOONO* is incompletely trapped by typical HO. scavengers. However, a mechanism involving dissociation of HOONO* to caged radicals cannot be ruled out at this time.
Limited Contribution of Small Marine Protected Areas to Regional Biodiversity: The Example of a Small Canadian No-Take MPA

Over 5,000 marine protected areas (MPAs) exist around the world. Most are small (median size of ~2km2) and designed primarily for the conservation of a single flagship species. Internationally, there is an increasing focus on ecologically representative conservation; however the contribution of these small MPAs to the protection of regional biodiversity is often unknown. This paper presents a benthic habitat mapping exercise and reports on measures of biodiversity in the Eastport MPA and the nearby area of Newman Sound in Eastern Canada. The Eastport MPA is a 2.1km2 no-take reserve designated in 2005, based on a voluntary fishery closure implemented by the local community in 1997. The primary goal of the Eastport MPA is to protect and sustain the American lobster (Homarus americanus) population, supporting a local commercial fishery. Benthic habitats were characterized and mapped using multibeam echosounder data and seafloor videos. Three statistically distinct benthic habitats were identified within the boundaries of the MPA: ‘shallow rocky’, ‘sand and cobble’, and ‘sand’. The distribution of species is primarily driven by depth and substrate type. The shallow rocky habitat (48% of the study area) contains complex bedrock and boulder features with high macroalgal cover. These characteristics are associated with juvenile and adult American lobster habitat. However, comparison of the MPA habitats to the surrounding Newman Sound area indicate that this small MPA contributes little to the conservation of the regional marine biodiversity. We recommend that adaptive management be used to review such MPAs and expand them to better protect ecosystems representative of their regions.
Quality of life in adolescents with mild asthma

The majority of individuals with asthma have mild disease, often in conjunction with allergic rhinitis and exercise‐induced bronchoconstriction (EIB). Although health‐related quality‐of‐life (HRQoL) is reduced in moderate to severe asthma and allergic rhinitis, little is known about the effect of mild asthma, mild allergic rhinitis, and EIB on HRQoL outcomes. The objective of this study was to determine the effect of mild asthma, allergic rhinitis, and EIB on HRQoL. A cross‐sectional study was conducted of 160 adolescent athletes participating in a screening program to detect EIB. Generic HRQoL was assessed with the teen version of the pediatric quality‐of‐life inventory (PedsQL™). Prior diagnoses of asthma, allergic rhinitis, and EIB, and current symptoms of dyspnea during exercise and asthma, were recorded. Lung function and the presence of EIB were determined by spirometry before and after an exercise challenge test. Adolescent athletes with a prior physician diagnosis of asthma had a lower HRQoL scale summary score (P < 0.01) and lower physical functioning, emotional functioning, and school functioning domain scores (P values, 0.01–0.02) in comparison to adolescent athletes with no prior diagnosis of these disorders. Athletes with a prior diagnosis of asthma reported dyspnea during exercise more frequently than did those without asthma (P < 0.001). Adolescent athletes with dyspnea during exercise had a lower scale summary score, and lower physical functioning, general well‐being, and emotional functioning domain scores (P values, 0.02–0.03). These data show that mild asthma and dyspnea without asthma significantly affect HRQoL. Symptoms of dyspnea during exercise are common in asthma and are associated with lower HRQoL. The clinical significance of these differences in HRQoL is unclear. Pediatr Pulmonol. 2003; 36:536–543. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Electronic structure and properties of AlN.

The electronic structure of the wurtzite-type phase of aluminum nitride has been investigated by means of periodic ab initio Hartree-Fock calculations. The binding energy, lattice parameters (a,c), and the internal coordinate (u) have been calculated. All structural parameters are in excellent agreement with the experimental data. The electronic structure and bonding in AlN are analyzed by means of density-of-states projections and electron-density maps. The calculated values of the bulk modulus, its pressure derivative, the optical-phonon frequencies at the center of the Brillouin zone, and the full set of elastic constants are in good agreement with the experimental data.
Rising rates of Caesarean sections: an audit of Caesarean sections in a specialist private practice

Abstract Background: Caesarean section (CS) rates are increasing worldwide; rates in the private sector in South Africa are reported to be particularly high. To the best of our knowledge there has been no recent audit of Caesarean sections performed by the private health sector in KwaZulu-Natal. The aim of this study was to carry out an audit of CS in a private practice. Methods: An audit of the patient records over a period of one year was done. No personal identifiers were noted or reported on. All relevant clinical data were pooled and used to analyse the clinical information. Results: There were 364 deliveries in the study period and 209 of these were CS, giving a rate of 60.4%. Most of the caesarean sections were carried out because of a previous CS; maternal request and HIV status also contributed to the high rate. Conclusion: The high CS rate in private practice is probably a window to the increased rates of Caesarean section being performed worldwide. This high rate is in keeping with trends in countries such as South America, and is considerably higher than the ideal rate of 10 to 15% in low-risk obstetric populations suggested by the WHO.
The use of television in 2- to 8-year-old children and the attitude of parents about such use.

BACKGROUND It has been recognized that uncontrolled use of television (TV) in childhood is potentially harmful. Few data about family habits regarding TV use are available. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the quantitative-qualitative TV viewing habits of children and the relationship between the attitudes of parents about TV programs and TV use by their children. DESIGN Descriptive study. SETTING General pediatric community. PARTICIPANTS A convenience sample. All the parents of the children attending the nursery school, kindergarten, and the first 2 years of elementary school in a neighborhood of Padova, a city in northern Italy. The parents of 156 children (95%) responded. RESULTS Nine percent of the children viewed TV for more than 3 hours per day, and 50% of the children viewed TV for 1 to 3 hours per day. A range of TV programs were viewed. Parents were involved in the TV use of their children; the most frequent way was by prohibiting some programs. The attitudinal profiles of the parents about the contents and the value of TV messages were notably associated with different kinds of TV use. A high score (ie, an optimistic judgment) on the attitudinal profile about the contents of TV programs was significantly associated with greater quantitative (P < .04), uncritical exposure (P < .05) of children to TV messages. A high score (ie, severe judgment) on the attitudinal profile regarding the values of TV programs was associated with qualitatively better exposure to TV (P < .05) and greater selectivity of programs watched (P < .05). In the parents, a critical attitude seemed to have a direct relationship with a higher social and educational level. CONCLUSIONS This pilot study suggests that the attitude of parents about TV may influence the TV viewing habits of children. A broader study that accounts for this factor and other factors that influence TV use is necessary to better understand the reasons for the excessive exposure of children to TV.
Association of polymorphisms in the AGT gene(M235T, T174M) with ischemic stroke in the Chinese population

Objective: The angiotensinogen (AGT) gene polymorphisms has been shown to be involved in the development of ischemic stroke. However, the published studies have yielded inconsistent results. We performed a meta-analysis to assess the correlation. Methods: Published literature from PubMed, EMBASE, CNKI and Wanfang Data was searched. The association was assessed by odds ratio (OR) with 95% confidence intervals (CI). Publication bias was also calculated. Results: Eight studies (1636 cases and 1433 controls) on M235T polymorphism and four studies (726 cases and 495 controls) on T174M polymorphism were included in the meta-analysis. The results showed that M235T polymorphism was significantly associated with risk of ischemic stroke risk (TT vs. MM: OR=2.60, 95% CI=1.77–3.83; MT vs. MM: OR=1.37, 95% CI=1.01–1.86; TT+MT vs. MM: OR=0.43, 95% CI=0.35–0.54; MM+MT vs. TT: OR=1.74, 95% CI=1.31–2.32). There was also significant association between T174M polymorphism and ischemic stroke risk (MM vs. TT: OR=3.66, 95% CI=1.89–7.08; TT+MT vs. MM: OR=0.28, 95% CI=0.14–0.54). Further sensitivity analysis confirmed the significant association between AGT gene polymorphisms and risk of ischemic stroke. No evidence indicated publication bias. Conclusions: The meta-analysis indicated the significant association of AGT gene polymorphisms (M235T, T174M) with risk of ischemic stroke in the Chinese population.
Human chorionic gonadotropin beta-subunit nicking enzymes in pregnancy and cancer patient serum.

hCG is a dimer composed of an alpha- and a beta-subunit, joined noncovalently. In addition to the hCG dimer, uncombined alpha- and beta-subunits (free beta) and nicked hCG and free beta molecules (cleaved at 44-45 or 47-48) can be detected in the circulation. Of these circulating molecules, only the intact hCG dimer fully expresses biological activity. The pathways that dissociate, nick, and degrade hCG and beta-subunit molecules in pregnancy are unknown and could have a major role in regulating hormone levels. Immunoassays for intact (nonnicked) hCG and intact (beta-subunit (with < 1% detection of nicked molecules) and a subtractive immunoassay system for measuring nicked hCG levels have been described previously. A multiantibody scavenger assay is described here for measuring nicked beta-subunit levels (< 6% detection of intact beta-subunit). In this report we use these four assays to assess conversion of intact hCG or beta-subunit to nicked forms over time (nicking enzyme activities) in control (healthy nonpregnant), pregnant, and cancer patient serum samples. Pools of pregnancy and control sera were supplemented with intact hCG and its dissociated beta-subunit and incubated at 37 C. Intact and nicked molecule measurements were made between 0-48 h. In two different pools of control sera, no loss of intact hCG or intact beta-subunit and no significant gain in nicked hCG or nicked beta-subunit were detected over 48 h. This indicated a lack of nicking enzyme activity in control serum. In two different pools of first trimester pregnancy sera, we found no obvious loss of intact hCG or gain of nicked hCG levels over 48 h. However, we found 70% and 62% losses (pools 1 and 2) of intact beta-subunit and 51% and 39% gains of nicked beta-subunit over the same time period. We inferred that an uncombined or free beta-subunit-modifying activity was present in pregnancy serum. We repeated the pregnancy serum experiment with six different concentrations of beta-subunit (0.62-29 mg/L). A linear relationship, percent nicking against time, existed for the six concentrations for up to 6 h at 37 C (r = 0.97); after that, the rate of nicking declined. A plot of rate against concentration against revealed a classical Michaelis-Menten enzyme relationship (logarithmic regression, r = 0.96). The pregnancy serum beta-subunit nicking activity was partially purified by gel filtration. A single peak of activity emerged, eluting between the 150,000-443,000 mol wt standards. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Ameliorative Effect of Combination of Fenofibrate and Rosiglitazone in Pressure Overload-Induced Cardiac Hypertrophy in Rats

The present study has been designed to investigate the effects of fenofibrate, a peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR)α agonist, rosiglitazone, a PPARγ agonist and the combination of both fenofibrate and rosiglitazone in partial abdominal aortic constriction (PAAC)-induced pathological cardiac hypertrophy in rats. Rats were subjected to PAAC for 4 weeks to produce pathological cardiac hypertrophy. The fenofibrate (3 mg/kg day–1, p.o.), rosiglitazone (3 mg/kg day–1, p.o.) and the combination of both fenofibrate (3 mg/kg day–1, p.o.) and rosiglitazone (3 mg/kg day–1, p.o.) were administered 3 days before PAAC and continued for 4 weeks after PAAC. The development of cardiac hypertrophy was assessed in terms of measuring ratio of left ventricular (LV) weight to body weight (LVW/BW), LV wall thickness (LVWT), LV protein content and LV collagen content. Further, the collagen accumulation in left ventricle was analyzed using picrosirius red staining. Moreover, the cross-sectional area (CSA) of cardiomyocytes was assessed using hematoxylin and eosin staining and measured using a NIH Scion image analyzer. The PAAC produced cardiac hypertrophy by increasing LVW/BW, LVWT, LV protein content, LV collagen content and mean CSA of cardiomyocytes. However, treatment with fenofibrate and rosiglitazone either alone or in combination significantly attenuated PAAC-induced increase in LVW/BW, LVWT, LV protein content, LV collagen content and mean CSA of cardiomyocytes. The combination of fenofibrate and rosiglitazone was more effective in attenuating the PAAC-induced cardiac hypertrophy than either drug alone. Thus, it may be concluded that dual activation of PPARα and PPARγ may provide synergistic benefits in preventing the development of pathological cardiac hypertrophy.
Validation of Instrumented Insoles for Measuring Height in Vertical Jump

Abstract The purpose of this study was to validate a new instrumented insole called ECnsole for measuring flight time during vertical jump performance. 66 participants performed 3 different jump tests (squat jump, countermovement jump and Abalakov jump) twice with flight times determined using an instrumented insole composed of 4 pressure sensors (PreECnsole) and an accelerometer sensor (AccECnsole), a laser platform (Sport Jump System Pro), and a high-speed motion capture system (HSC); the latter 2 systems are considered as reference methods. One-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), simple linear regression, and the Bland-Altman method were used to assess validity. Regardless of the jump test performed, the ECnsole system showed a systematic bias close to 0 and a low random error (average random error: ±2.8 cm; ±3.1 cm PreECnsole and AccECnsole vs. HSC system respectively and ± 2.3 cm; ±2.9 cm PreECnsole and AccECnsole vs. SJS system respectively). The associations between PreECnsole and AccECnsole with the HSC were very high (R2=0.967 and 0.958 respectively). Furthermore, the associations between PreECnsole and AccECnsole with the SJS were very high (R2=0.978 and 0.966 respectively) as well. Therefore, the ECnsole system can be considered an alternative method for measuring jump height during vertical jump performance.
The Extremal Function for Complete Minors

Let c(t) be the minimum number c such that every graph G with e(G)? c|G| contracts to a complete graph Kt. We show thatc(t)=(? +o(1))tlogtwhere ? =0.319. is an explicit constant. Random graphs are extremal graphs.
Comparative study of bacteriology in recurrent tonsillitis among children and adults.

INTRODUCTION Diagnosis and treatment of acute tonsillitis are one of the most common problems seen at an otorhinolaryngology clinic in both adult and paediatric populations. Much has been written about bacteriology of recurrent tonsillitis but it remains a controversial topic. Despite the fact that tonsillitis is so common, consensus seems to be lacking as to the main causative organism and the differences between children and adults. The tonsillar core bacteriology of 233 patients with recurrent tonsillitis who underwent tonsillectomy from January 2000 to June 2003 is presented. METHODS The patient population was divided into two groups, namely: the paediatric group and the adult group. 132 patients, whose age was more than 12 years, were in the adult group. 101 patients aged between two and 12 years, were in the paediatric group. The bacteriology of the children and adults were tabulated according to their species, and were compared. RESULTS 138 patients grew single pathogenic bacteria in their tonsillar core culture, 52 grew two different pathogenic bacteria, and the rest (43) grew normal bacterial flora. Staphylococcus aureus was the most commonly-isolated bacterium and accounted for 40.9 percent of the total cultures isolated; its prevalence was the same in the adults and children. Beta-haemolytic Streptococcus was isolated in 23 percent of subjects, and was predominantly from group A (Streptococcus pyogens). Group A beta-haemolytic Streptococci was more prevalent in children. Pseudomonas aeruginosa, which rarely cause pathogenicity in tonsils, was cultured from nine (3.8 percent) of our study subjects. CONCLUSION This study showed that Staphylococcus aureus is the most common pathogenic bacteria cultured both in adults and children. Klebsiella pneumonia, Streptococcus pneumonia, Escherichia coli and Enterobacter are more prevalent in adults. Haemophilus influenza and Streptococcus pyogens are more prevalent in children. Pseudomonas aeruginosa is not a rare causative organism in recurrent tonsillitis. Since the mechanism of activation of infection in recurrent tonsillitis is unknown, knowing the bacteriology does not help us to treat the disease. However, it may be a stepping stone to eventually understanding whether the bacteria play a role in reactivating recurrent infections. From previous and current studies, there is no relationship between bacteriology and recurrent infections.