Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Structural features of prolactins and growth hormones that can be related to their biological properties.

IN THIS review we have compared the amino acid sequences of the GHs of eight mammalian species and the domestic chicken with the sequences of the PRLs of seven mammalian species. Individual amino acids, clusters of residues, and regions of the molecules were identified that were highly conserved among all of the hormones. Other individual amino acids, clusters of residues, and regions were identified that were specific to PRLs only or to GHs only. Attempts were made to associate these hormone-specific and commonly conserved features to the hormone-specific and shared biological properties of PRLs, GHs, and placental lactogens (PLs) by relating them to predicted secondary structure and hydropathy analysis. The latter involves predicting which regions of the molecules would be interior or exterior, based on the hydrophobicity or hydrophilicity of the regions. External clusters of conserved residues (consisting of both hormone-specific and commonly conserved) were identified that could be specifically associ.
PEDAGOGIA CONSTRUTIVISTA NA DISCIPLINA METODOLOGIA DA PESQUISA FLORESTAL, COM A UTILIZAÇÃO DO AMBIENTE VIRTUAL DE APRENDIZAGEM MOODLE

O objetivo deste trabalho e avaliar uma turma com metodo de ensino tradicional e duas turmas aplicadas no ambiente virtual de aprendizagem (Moodle) e comparar dados de presenca, registro, notas e avaliacao da turma. A mudanca da disciplina Metodologia da Pesquisa Florestal no curso de Engenharia Florestal da Universidade de Brasilia para o sistema de ensino construtivista aumentou o numero de registros e presenca nas unidades de ensino, gerou uma menor media de duvidas, e, consequentemente, aumentou a media das notas dos alunos. A maioria dos alunos concorda que o ambiente virtual de aprendizagem e suas ferramentas permitem uma construcao do conhecimento e um melhor desenvolvimento da disciplina de Metodologia da Pesquisa Florestal.
DIRECT SIMULATION OF TRAILING-EDGE NOISE GENERATED BY A CONTROLLED DIFFUSION AIRFOIL USING A LATTICE-BOLTZMANN METHOD

Broadband noise produced by the trailing-edge of a controlled diffusion (CD) airfoil is directly simulated using a Lattice-Boltzmann method (PowerFlow) which resolves both the aerodynamic and acoustic field around the airfoil. A proper DNS resolution is achieved in the vicinity of the airfoil for quasi-2D slice of the mock-up. Two numerical setups of the anechoic open-jet facility where both aerodynamic and acoustic data have been collected are investigated to capture the installation effects: in a first numerical setup (called free), the CD airfoil is set in an uniform flow, while in the second setup (lips) the real jet nozzle geometry is considered. While in the free-field configuration the boundary layer rapidly detaches on the suction side, in the lips the jet shear layers modify the pressure load on the airfoil and the boundary layer keeps attached in the configuration with nozzle. In both setups a laminar recirculation bubble is captured on the suction side near the leading edge. At the reattachment point vortices are emitted and convected either in the wake for the detached flow or along the suction side for the lips setup. The wallpressure and noise spectra for the free configuration are spread over a large band of frequencies and agree with similar experimental records at higher angle of attack for which the flow is detached. The spectra for the lips configuration better agree with the experimental record, despite a shift to low frequency caused by a lack of stretching due to the limited span-wise extent.
Christian Garavaglia , Franco Malerba ,

This paper examines the evolution of the pharmaceutical industry. After a brief discussion of the main stylised facts about the industry, we present a history-friendly model that aims at capturing the underlining mechanisms and the logic that guides the evolution of this industry. Simulation results show the mechanisms and dynamic processes linking the patterns of innovation, demand structure, and concentration.
Vibrant semi-implantable hearing device with digital sound processing: effective gain and speech perception.

BACKGROUND The Vibrant Soundbridge (Symphonix Devices, San Jose, Calif) is a semi-implantable hearing device. The transducer is attached directly to the incus and is linked by telemetry to the externally worn audioprocessor. A major advantage of this semi-implantable setup, especially during its experimental phase, is that the audioprocessor can be updated. Recently, we replaced the previous 2-channel analog audioprocessor in 14 patients with a 3-channel digital device. DESIGN Prospective clinical study. Basic functions were measured, including gain as a function of input level and speech perception in quiet. PATIENTS Patients (n = 14) had moderate to severe sensorineural hearing impairment (average hearing threshold at 0.5, 1.0, 2.0, and 4.0 kHz of 40- to 76-dB hearing level [HL]) and chronic external otitis, which contraindicated use of an ear mold. RESULTS Gain of the 3-channel audioprocessor for comfortable listening levels and for conversational levels varied from approximately 15- to 30-dB HL, suggesting that the device is suitable for patients with hearing loss of up to 60- to 70-dB HL. In 5 patients, identical measurements were performed using their conventional hearing aids. The other 9 patients did not use a conventional hearing device because of severe external otitis. On average, results obtained with the Vibrant Soundbridge were not as good as those obtained with the conventional device. Nevertheless, patients were satisfied with the Vibrant Soundbridge because they could use it all day without pain or itching. CONCLUSIONS The Vibrant Soundbridge is suitable for patients with hearing loss of up to 70-dB HL. Compared with conventional devices, in audiometric terms, a surplus value of the Vibrant Soundbridge was not found.
Cardiovascular responses to leisure alpine skiing in habitually sedentary middle-aged men.

In order to evaluate the cardiovascular responses to leisure alpine skiing of habitually sedentary and not particularly active adult men, a series of continuous recordings of heart rate (HR) was performed on 10 subjects aged 51.0 +/- 1.3 years (mean +/- S.E.) during a 6-day ski trip at an altitude of 1000-2485 m. From the very first day, the subjects spontaneously adopted a regimen of intense physical activity, since 17.9% of the HR values recorded on the ski runs were higher than 85% of the maximal theoretical HR [THRmax (beats min-1) = 220--age (years)], which represented 19.5% of the actual skiing time. On day 2, 10.7% of the HR values were higher than 85% THRmax, or 17.9% of actual skiing time. For the entire ski trip, the mean HR during skiing was approximately 126 beats min-1, which corresponds to 75% THRmax. At rest, HR in the morning did not change significantly from days 2 to 6 (from 80 +/- 4 to 75 +/- 4 beats min-1, P > 0.05), whereas HR in the evening correlated significantly with the duration of physical activity during the day (r = 0.487, P < 0.001). In all cases, HR at rest was significantly higher than before the trip, except in the evening of day 4, the day on which the subjects skied less because they were fatigued after skiing in the morning. Systolic blood pressure (SBP) at rest was always lower than the control established before the trip, whether taken in the morning or in the evening. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Outcome of Pediatric Acquired Aplastic Anemia: A Developing World Experience

Introduction: Outcome data of children with acquired aplastic anemia (AA) are lacking from the developing world. Here, we describe the same from a centre in North India. Methods: Retrospective data regarding medical history, physical examination, complete blood count, bone marrow aspirate, and biopsy were retrieved for all children <18 years, with acquired AA admitted between January 2005 and June 2012. In addition, the outcome data after immunosuppressive therapy (IST) or bone marrow transplant (BMT) was obtained. Results: A total of 61 children were diagnosed with AA (Inherited-18 and acquired-43). Among 43 children with acquired AA, 3 had nonsevere and 40 had severe. One patient with nonsevere AA died of sepsis and 2 recovered spontaneously. Of the 40 remaining children with severe AA, 10 refused therapy and 3 died due to severe sepsis prior to any therapy. Five underwent upfront matched sibling donor BMT and one post-IST failure. Four year overall survival (OS) and event free survival (EFS) for children undergoing BMT was 100% and 80 ± 17.9, respectively. Out of 22 treated with IST, 20 were evaluable for response. Seventeen received one course and 3 received two course of IST. The overall response to IST was seen in 14/20 (70%). Only two achieved complete response while remaining 12 had partial response. The 4-year estimated OS and EFS for children treated with IST was 74.4 ± 12.1% and 65.6 ± 12.2. Conclusion: Outcomes for children with AA are encouraging in the developing world although barriers like sepsis and treatment abandonment remain. BMT offers faster and complete recovery.
Inflammatory changes in the aneurysm wall: a review

Rupture of a saccular intracranial artery aneurysm (IA) causes subarachnoid hemorrhage, a significant cause of stroke and death. The current treatment options, endovascular coiling and clipping, are invasive and somewhat risky. Since only some IAs rupture, those IAs at risk for rupture should be identified. However, to improve the imaging of rupture-prone IAs and improve IA treatment, IA wall pathobiology requires more thorough knowledge. Chronic inflammation has become understood as an important phenomenon in IA wall pathobiology, featuring inflammatory cell infiltration as well as proliferative and fibrotic remodulatory responses. We review the literature on what is known about inflammation in the IA wall and also review the probable mechanisms of how inflammation would result in the degenerative changes that ultimately lead to IA wall rupture. We also discuss current options in imaging inflammation and how knowledge of inflammation in IA walls may improve IA treatment.
Effect of Fluid Intake Encouragement Program on Moisture Content, Skin Hydration, Urine Tract Infection in the Elderly

To examine the effect of a program to encourage fluid intake in institutionalized elderly people. A non-equivalent control group preand post-time series design was used. Data were analyzed with the SPSS program by t-test, chi-square test, and repeated measures ANOVA. Elderly people in the experimental group showed significantly better outcomes in terms of body weight reduction, skin moisture levels, and fluid intake and output compared with elderly people in the control group. Elderly people in the experimental group also showed significantly better outcomes in comparison with elderly people in the control group in relation to urinalysis including odor, pH, specific gravity, osmolality, color, white blood cell count, and bacteriuria. A hydration management program could be one of the most effective nursing strategies to ultimately enhance the quality of life and health of institutionalized elderly people.
Development and validation of a reversed-phase HPLC method for the determination of γ-tocotrienol in rat and human plasma.

γ-Tocotrienol (γ-T3) is a member of the vitamin E family. Recently, γ-T3 has attracted the attention of the scientific community due to its potent anticancer activity and other therapeutic benefits. The objective of this study was to develop and validate a simple and practical reversed-phase HPLC method with satisfactory sensitivity for the routine quantification of γ-T3 in rat and human plasma. The separation of γ-T3 from the plasma components was achieved with a C(18) reversed-phase column with an isocratic elution using a mixture of methanol, ethanol and acetonitrile (85:7.5:7.5, v/v/v) with a UV detection at 295 nm. γ-T3 was extracted from rat and human plasma by liquid-liquid extraction with an average recovery of 60%. The method proved linear in the range 100-5000 ng/mL. The inter-day precision ranged from 5.8 to 12.8% and the accuracy ranged from 92.4 to 108.5%, while the intra-day precision ranged from 0.7 to 7.9% in both rat and human plasma. This data confirm that the developed method has a satisfactory sensitivity, accuracy and precision for the quantification of γ-T3 in plasma. To assess its applicability the method was successfully applied to the quantitative analysis for pharmacokinetic studies of γ-T3 in rats administered a 10 mg/kg single oral dose.
Examinando a relação L1-L2 na pedagogia de ensino de ESL

Neste artigo procuro refletir sobre como a relacao L1-L2 tem sido tratada nas teorias de aquisicao de linguas, na politica e na pedagogia de ensino de L2, em especial no ensino de ingles como segunda lingua (ESL). Ao longo do estudo, argumento que o ensino de L2 pode se beneficiar do uso da L1 na sala de aula, principalmente quando se trata de criancas em processo de escolarizacao por meio da L2, ao inves de se concentrar no modelo ideal monolingue. O cenario que deu origem a essas reflexoes e uma sala de aula de ESL de uma escola de imersao em ingles situada na regiao centro-oeste do Brasil.
Species differences in the localization of cGMP‐producing and NO‐responsive elements in the mouse and rat hippocampus using cGMP immunocytochemistry

The aim of the study was to compare the localization of the nitric oxide (NO)–cGMP pathway in hippocampus of mice and rats using cGMP‐ and soluble guanylyl cyclase (GC) immunocytochemistry and in situ hybridization of the cGMP‐hydrolysing phosphodiesterase types 2, 5 and 9. In vitro incubation of hippocampus slices in the absence of a guanylyl cyclase stimulator or a phosphodiesterase inhibitor resulted in cGMP‐positive astrocytes mainly in the CA1 area in mouse slices. In contrast, no cGMP immunoreactivity was observed under these conditions in the rat hippocampus. Treatment with an NO synthase inhibitor or inhibitors of soluble or particulate GC did not abolish cGMP immunoreactivity in astrocytes. Incubation with the NO donors sodium nitroprusside or diethylamino NONOate, or with the NO‐independent activators of soluble GC, YC‐1 and BAY 41‐2272, in combination with phosphodiesterase inhibitors, resulted in an increase in cGMP immunoreactivity in numerous astrocytes throughout the mouse hippocampus. In contrast, under these conditions cGMP immunoreactivity was primarily observed in varicose fibers in rat hippocampus. Comparison of the cellular localization of the β1 subunit of soluble GC and the mRNAs of PDE2, PDE5 and PDE9 revealed that in both species the β1 subunit was observed in pyramidal and granule cells, which also expressed the mRNAs of the three phosphodiesterase families. Although the β1 subunit was observed in astrocytes, none of the phosphodiesterases were detected in these cells. We conclude that, although the expression profiles of the soluble GC β1 subunit and cGMP‐hydrolysing phosphodiesterase mRNAs were identical, the cellular patterns of cGMP immunoreactivity differ between rat and mouse hippocampus.
Exploring potential health disparities in excessive gestational weight gain.

INTRODUCTION Although previous public health efforts have focused on redressing health disparities associated with insufficient gestational weight gain, examination of the impact of excessive gestational weight gain is warranted currently given the 2009 revision of the Institute of Medicine (IOM) gestational weight gain guidelines for obese women coupled with rising rates of obesity, particularly among African American women. MATERIALS AND METHODS In the years 2004-2008, 4619 African American and Caucasian women gave birth to a single, live, and full-term infant, completed Arkansas Pregnancy Risk Assessment Monitoring System questions about gestational weight gain and prepregnancy weight status, and gained within or in excess of the guidelines. Logistic regression was used to identify sociodemographic and health variables associated with the odds of exceeding the 2009 IOM guidelines overall and by race. RESULTS Regardless of race, overweight (odds ratio [OR]=3.21; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 2.64-3.91) and obese (OR=4.37; 95% CI: 3.50-5.46) women had significantly higher odds of gaining excessively, as compared with normal weight women. In the multivariate model, women who were overweight or obese prepregnancy and who were married had higher odds of exceeding the IOM guidelines, while lower odds of exceeding the guidelines were seen among African American women, those who had Medicaid at any point in their pregnancy, who were multiparous, and those of Hispanic ethnicity. DISCUSSION These findings can inform efforts to promote appropriate gestational weight gain among those at highest risk (i.e., overweight/obese women) and facilitate targeting to produce greatest improvement in the health of mothers and children.
Single channel properties of recombinant GABAA receptors containing γ2 or δ subtypes expressed with α1 and β3 subtypes in mouse L929 Cells

1 To determine their contributions to GABAA receptor (GABAR) channel properties, rat γ2L and δ subunits were acutely co‐expressed with α1 and β3 subtypes in mouse L929 fibroblasts to produce α1β3, α1β3δ or α1β3γ2L GABAR isoforms. 2 With whole‐cell recording, the α1β3 isoform had relatively high sensitivity to GABA (EC50 2.1 μm) and low maximum current amplitude. The α1β1δ isoform had similar sensitivity to GABA (EC50 2.8 μm) and low current amplitude. The α1β3γ2L isoform had lower sensitivity to GABA (EC50 11.6 μm) and higher maximum current amplitude. 3 The single channel conductance of α1β3 channels was low (13 pS) compared with that of α1α3δ and α1β3γ2L channels (27 pS). 4 The single channel kinetic properties of the channels also differed. The α1β3γ2L channel exhibited three open states, while the α1β3 and α1β3δ channels exhibited only two open states with mean dwell times similar to those of the two shorter open states of the α1β3γ2L channel. All three channels exhibited at least five closed states. Bursts of α1β3δ channels consisted primarily of only one or two openings, while those of α1β3 channels contained multiple openings. α1β3γ2L channels exhibited burst kinetics typical for native GABARs with several long openings per burst. 5 These results show that the α1β3 heterodimer formed a GABA‐sensitive channel with complex gating kinetics. Addition of a δ subunit to form the α1β3δ heterotrimer altered the single channel conductance and the kinetic properties of the closed components, but did not affect the GABA sensitivity of the receptor nor the open state kinetics. In contrast, addition of a γ subunit (γ2L subtype) to produce the α1β3γ2L heterotrimer affected the GABA sensitivity, channel conductance and kinetic properties of both open and closed states.
Characterization of a Rac1- and RhoGDI-Associated Lipid Kinase Signaling Complex

ABSTRACT Rho family GTPases regulate a number of cellular processes, including actin cytoskeletal organization, cellular proliferation, and NADPH oxidase activation. The mechanisms by which these G proteins mediate their effects are unclear, although a number of downstream targets have been identified. The interaction of most of these target proteins with Rho GTPases is GTP dependent and requires the effector domain. The activation of the NADPH oxidase also depends on the C terminus of Rac, but no effector molecules that bind to this region have yet been identified. We previously showed that Rac interacts with a type I phosphatidylinositol-4-phosphate (PtdInsP) 5-kinase, independent of GTP. Here we report the identification of a diacylglycerol kinase (DGK) which also associates with both GTP- and GDP-bound Rac1. In vitro binding analysis using chimeric proteins, peptides, and a truncation mutant demonstrated that the C terminus of Rac is necessary and sufficient for binding to both lipid kinases. The Rac-associated PtdInsP 5-kinase and DGK copurify by liquid chromatography, suggesting that they bind as a complex to Rac. RhoGDI also associates with this lipid kinase complex both in vivo and in vitro, primarily via its interaction with Rac. The interaction between Rac and the lipid kinases was enhanced by specific phospholipids, indicating a possible mechanism of regulation in vivo. Given that the products of the PtdInsP 5-kinase and the DGK have been implicated in several Rac-regulated processes, and they bind to the Rac C terminus, these lipid kinases may play important roles in Rac activation of the NADPH oxidase, actin polymerization, and other signaling pathways.
Synergy of Daptomycin with Oxacillin and Other β-Lactams against Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus

ABSTRACT We previously observed marked synergy between daptomycin and both rifampin and ampicillin against vancomycin-resistant enterococci (VRE). Because the synergy between daptomycin and ampicillin was observed for 100% of VRE strains with high-level ampicillin resistance (ampicillin MIC of ≥128 μg/ml), we looked for synergy between daptomycin and other β-lactams against 18 strains of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) by employing a time-kill method using Mueller-Hinton broth supplemented to 50 mg of Ca2+/liter. All strains were resistant to oxacillin (16 of 18 strains were resistant at drug concentrations of ≥256 μg/ml), and all strains were susceptible to daptomycin (the MIC at which 90% of the tested isolates were inhibited was 1 μg/ml). Daptomycin was tested at concentrations of 2, 1, 0.5, 0.25, 0.125, and 0.0625 μg/ml alone or in combination with oxacillin at a fixed concentration of 32 μg/ml. Synergy was found for all 18 strains with daptomycin at one-half the MIC in combination with 32 μg of oxacillin/ml, and synergy was found for 11 of 18 strains (61%) with daptomycin at one-fourth the MIC or less in combination with oxacillin. At 24 h, the daptomycin-oxacillin combination with daptomycin at one-half the MIC showed bactericidal activity against all 18 strains, and the combination with one-fourth the daptomycin MIC showed bactericidal activity against 9 of 18 strains. We also used a novel screening method to look for synergy between daptomycin and other β-lactams. In this approach, daptomycin was incorporated into Ca2+-supplemented Mueller-Hinton agar at subinhibitory concentrations, and synergy was screened by comparing test antibiotic Kirby-Bauer disks on agar with and without daptomycin. By this method, daptomycin with ampicillin-sulbactam, ticarcillin-clavulanate, or piperacillin-tazobactam showed synergy comparable to or greater than daptomycin with oxacillin. For seven of the eight strains tested, time-kill studies confirmed synergy between daptomycin and ampicillin-sulbactam with ampicillin in the range of 2 to 8 μg/ml. The combination of daptomycin and β-lactams may be useful for the treatment of MRSA infection, but further studies are needed to elucidate the mechanisms and to determine the in vivo efficacy of the combination.