Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of Swimming on the Inflammatory and Redox Response in a Model of Allergic Asthma

Abstract In this study we hypothesized that swimming during sensitization phase could result in a preventive effect in mice with allergic asthma. Swiss mice were divided into 4 groups: Control and Swimming (non-sensitized), OVA and OVA+Swimming (sensitized). The allergic inflammation was induced by 2 intraperitoneal injections and 4 aerosol challenges using ovalbumin. Swimming sessions were performed at high intensity over 3 weeks. 48 h after the last challenge mice were euthanized. Swimming decreased OVA-increased total IgE, IL-1, IL-4, IL-5 and IL-6 levels, as well as the number of total cells, lymphocytes and eosinophils in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid, (p<0.05). Simultaneously, swimming also increased IL-10 and glutathione levels in the Swimming and OVA+Swimming groups (p<0.05). The levels of glutathione peroxidase and catalase were increased only in the Swimming group when compared to all groups (p<0.05). 21 days of swimming resulted in an attenuation of pulmonary allergic inflammation followed by an increase of glutathione levels in the OVA group. Swimming only increased the levels of glutathione peroxidase and catalase in non-sensitized mice (p<0.05). These data suggest that the pulmonary anti-inflammatory effects produced by 3 weeks of high-intensity swimming in this model of OVA-induced asthma may be, at least partly, modulated by reduced oxidative stress and increased IL-10 production.
Avoidable sight loss from glaucoma: is it unavoidable?

Aims To review the characteristics of patients attending a tertiary ophthalmic referral centre certified as sight impaired (SI) or severely sight impaired (SSI) from glaucoma. Methods One hundred consecutive patients certified SI/SSI from the Glaucoma Service at Moorfields Eye Hospital, London, from January 2007 were identified from the England and Wales certification of visual impairment database. Clinical and demographic data were collected from hospital case records. Results The median (IQR) age of patients at presentation was 66.3 (55.6 to 75.3) years; median (IQR) interval to certification was 62.2 (22.5 to 129.3) months. Fifty-seven patients presented with bilateral SSI (median (IQR) age 70.4 (59.0 to 76.9) years); interval to certification was 35.4 (5.6 to 78.1) months. Seventeen patients presented with a bilateral SI (median (IQR) age 62.1 (58.7 to 68.4) years; median (IQR) interval to certification: 137.4 (64.4 to 190.4) months). Twenty-eight patients showed disease progression while under National Health Service hospital eye service care, five of whom had no certifiable visual impairment in either eye at presentation. This was attributed to inadequate intraocular pressure control; five of these patients (18%) were deemed poorly compliant to topical hypotensive medication. Conclusions Over 80% patients on the certification of visual impairment register from Moorfields Eye Hospital with glaucoma as the primary cause had a significant visual disability at presentation, with almost two-thirds of patients presenting bilaterally ‘blind’. There appear to be delays to certification. Despite being under the hospital eye service, a number of glaucoma patients still progress to certifiable visual impairment.
MITOCHONDRIAL GENE TREES AND THE EVOLUTIONARY RELATIONSHIP OF MALLARD AND BLACK DUCKS

We assayed restriction site differences in mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) within and among allopatric populations of the Mallard (Anas platyrhynchos) and the American Black Duck (A. rubripes). The observed mtDNA clones grouped into two phylogenetically distinct arrays that we estimate differ by about 0.8% in nucleotide sequence. Genotypes in one clonal array were present in both species, while genotypes in the other array were seen only in Mallards. In terms of the mtDNA “gene tree,” the assayed Mallards exhibit a paraphyletic relationship with respect to Black Ducks, meaning that genealogical separations among some extant haplotypes in the Mallard predate the species separation. Evidence is advanced that this pattern probably resulted from demographically based processes of lineage sorting, rather than recent, secondary introgressive hybridization. However, haplotype frequencies were most similar among conspecific populations, so the Mallard and Black Ducks cluster separately in terms of a population phenogram. The results provide a clear example of the distinction between a gene tree and a population tree, and of the distinction between data analyses that view individuals versus populations as operational taxonomic units (OTUs). Overall, the mtDNA data indicate an extremely close evolutionary relationship between Mallards and Black Ducks, and in conjunction with the geographic distributions suggest that the Black Duck is a recent evolutionary derivative of a more broadly distributed Mallard‐Black ancestor.
The changing spectrum of Group B streptococcal disease in infants: an eleven‐year experience in a tertiary care hospital

Risk factors, clinical syndromes and the case fatality rates associated with Group B Streptococcus (GBS) infections in infants managed at the University of Rochester Medical Center during 1979 to 1989 were reviewed. Overall 92 episodes of early onset disease (EOD) and 54 of late onset disease (LOD) were diagnosed in 143 infants (3 infants with EOD presented later with LOD). About one-third of patients with EOD and controls were non-white compared with two-thirds of patients with LOD that occurred in racial minority groups. Prematurity and low birth weight were significantly more common in patients with invasive GBS disease than in controls. Eighty-three of 92 (90%) cases of EOD were detected during the first day of life and 10 of 54 (19%) cases of LOD occurred in infants older than 3 months of age. At the time of diagnosis 4% of infants with EOD were asymptomatic, 54% had respiratory disease, 27% had sepsis without a focus, 15% had meningitis and 1% had urinary tract infection or omphalitis. Among infants with LOD 46% had sepsis, 37% meningitis, 7% urinary tract infection, 6% osteomyelitis and/or septic arthritis and 4% cellulitis or pneumonia. Leukopenia and shift to the left were observed in 43 and 61% of episodes of EOD and in 28 and 57% of episodes of LOD, respectively. All infants were promptly treated with antibiotics and vigorous supportive therapy. The case-fatality rate was 13% in EOD and 0 in LOD. These data suggest that: (1) the vast majority of patients with EOD are recognized on the first day of life; (2) the occurrence of LOD can extend beyond the third month of life; (3) nonwhite infants and infants born prematurely are at increased risk to develop LOD; (4) The observed case-fatality rate of invasive GBS disease is lower than that reported in the past. These data provide a current and accurate deseription of the clinical spectrum of GBS disease and suggest that early recognition and aggressive supportive therapeutic interventions have resulted in a much lower mortality rate than previously reported.
Impact of anxiety on verbal and visuospatial working memory in patients with acute stroke without severe cognitive impairment

Background Working memory is the most impaired cognitive domain in the acute phase of stroke. In a context where anxiety is highly prevalent, close attention must be paid to anxiety which could mimic mild to moderate working memory impairments. This is the first study to assess the contribution of state anxiety (the currently experienced level of anxiety) to the working memory (verbal, visuospatial) in patients with first-ever acute stroke without severe cognitive impairment. Methods 28 patients with first-ever acute stroke and 41 matched control subjects were exposed to a neutral condition and an anxiogenic condition in which verbal (VWM) and visuospatial working memory (VSWM) performance and state anxiety were assessed. State anxiety was assessed before the beginning of the experiment (baseline), after the neutral condition and after the anxiogenic condition. Results The mean state anxiety score was higher in patients than in controls in the neutral (z=1.9, p<0.05) and anxiogenic (z=2, p<0.05) conditions despite a similar level at baseline. Multiple regression analyses with a dummy variable ‘group’ (patients vs controls) showed that increased state anxiety in patients contributed significantly more to both reduced VWM (β=−0.93, p<0.05) and VSWM (β=−1, p<0.05) performance between the neutral and anxiogenic conditions compared to controls. Conclusions In a stressful context, the contribution of state anxiety to reduced working memory performance is more pronounced in patients with acute stroke than in controls. These results are of particular relevance for clinicians assessing patients in the acute phase of stroke in which anxiety is highly prevalent.
Verification and Dosimetric Impact of Acuros XB Algorithm for Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) and RapidArc Planning for Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer (NSCLC) Patients

Purpose: The experimental verification of the Acuros XB (AXB) algorithm was conducted in a heterogeneous rectangular slab phantom, and compared to the Anisotropic Analytical Algorithm (AAA). The dosimetric impact of the AXB for stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) and RapidArc planning for 16 non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients was assessed due to the dose recalculation from the AAA to the AXB. Methods: The calculated central axis percentage depth doses (PDD) in a heterogeneous slab phantom for an open field size of 3 ×3 cm2 were compared against the PDD measured by an ionization chamber. For 16 NSCLC patients, the dose-volume parameters from the treatment plans calculated by the AXB and the AAA were compared using identical jaw settings, leaf positions, and monitor units (MUs). Results: The results from the heterogeneous slab phantom study showed that the AXB was more accurate than the AAA; however, the dose underestimation by the AXB (up to ? 3.9%) and AAA (up to ? 13.5%) was observed. For a planning target volume (PTV) in the NSCLC patients, in comparison to the AAA, the AXB predicted lower mean and minimum doses by average 0.3% and 4.3% respectively, but a higher maximum dose by average 2.3%. The averaged maximum doses to the heart and spinal cord predicted by the AXB were lower by 1.3% and 2.6% respectively; whereas the doses to the lungs predicted by the AXB were higher by up to 0.5% compared to the AAA. The percentage of ipsilateral lung volume receiving at least 20 and 5 Gy (V20 and V5 respectively) were higher in the AXB plans than in the AAA plans by average 1.1% and 2.8% respectively. The AXB plans produced higher target heterogeneity by average 4.5% and lower plan conformity by average 5.8% compared to the AAA plans. Using the AXB, the PTV coverage (95% of the PTV covered by the 100% of the prescribed dose) was reduced by average 8.2% than using the AAA. The AXB plans required about 2.3% increment in the number of MUs in order to achieve the same PTV coverage as in the AAA plans. Conclusion: The AXB is more accurate to use for the dose calculations in SBRT lung plans created with a RapidArc technique; however, one should also note the reduced PTV coverage due to the dose recalculation from the AAA to the AXB.
The Role of Mitochondria in Reactive Oxygen Species Metabolism and Signaling

Oxidative stress is considered a major contributor to the etiology of both “normal” senescence and severe pathologies with serious public health implications. Several cellular sources, including mitochondria, are known to produce significant amounts of reactive oxygen species (ROS) that may contribute to intracellular oxidative stress. Mitochondria possess at least 10 known sites that are capable of generating ROS, but they also feature a sophisticated multilayered ROS defense system that is much less studied. This review summarizes the current knowledge about major components involved in mitochondrial ROS metabolism and factors that regulate ROS generation and removal at the level of mitochondria. An integrative systemic approach is applied to analysis of mitochondrial ROS metabolism, which is “dissected” into ROS generation, ROS emission, and ROS scavenging. The in vitro ROS‐producing capacity of several mitochondrial sites is compared in the metabolic context and the role of mitochondria in ROS‐dependent intracellular signaling is discussed.
The Anticholinesterase Properties of Plants from the Northeast of Brazil Selected by an Ethnopharmacological Study for Disorders Relating to the Nervous System

Background: Various factors may trigger Alzheimer's disease and the cholinergic hypothesis, which is one of the most widely accepted, argues damage to the brain nuclei, may reduce the production of the choline acetyltransferase enzyme, and cause a decline in the synthesis of acetylcholine (ACh). Studies have thus focused on discovering molecules that are capable of inhibiting the action of cholinesterase enzymes that degrade ACh, thereby preventing the evolution of the disease. Objective: The aim of the present study is to assess the anticholinesterase properties of extracts of medicinal plants in a semi-arid region of Northeast of Brazil. Materials and Methods: The species were selected by way of an ethnobotanical study and were collected if there were some indications that they are related to the nervous system. The plant samples were extracted using hexane, ethyl acetate, and methanol. Anticholinesterase activity in vitro was assessed by way of bioautography in thin layer chromatography and microassays in 96-well plates. Results: Twenty-three species of plant were collected, and 75 extracts were analyzed. The bioautography revealed that 26.7% of the samples showed inhibitory activity against the acetylcholinesterase (AChE) enzyme. After the test for false positives, 8% of the samples were found to inhibit AChE. Thirty samples were analyzed by microassay (500 μg/mL), on which 86.7% showed moderate to powerful anticholinesterase activity. Conclusion: Of the extracts tested, Citrus limonum, Ricinus communis, and Senna occidentalis stand out as was the most promising in terms of anticholinesterase activity and may serve as a guide for the discovery and development of new substances for the treatment of AD. SUMMARY The bioautography revealed that 26.7% of the samples showed inhibitory activity against the acetylcholinesterase enzyme Samples were analyzed by microassay (500 μg/mL), upon which 86.7% showed moderate to powerful anticholinesterase activity Citrus limonum, Ricinus communis, and Senna occidentalis stand out as being the most promising in terms of anticholinesterase activity C. limonum, R. communis, and S. occidentalis may serve as a guide for the discovery and development of new substances for the treatment of Alzheimer's disease. Abbreviations used: AChE: Acetilcolinesterase Valerium Thijan Nobre de Almeida e Castro
Position-based impedance control of an industrial hydraulic manipulator

This paper addresses the problem of impedance control in hydraulic robots. Whereas most impedance and hybrid force/position control formulations have focussed on electrically-driven robots with controllable actuator torques, torque control of hydraulic actuators is a difficult task. A position-based impedance controller is proposed and demonstrated on an existing industrial hydraulic robot (a Unimate MKII-2000). A nonlinear proportional-integral (NPI) controller is first developed to meet the accurate positioning requirements of this impedance control formulation. The NPI controller is shown to make the manipulator match a range of second-order target impedances. Various experiments in free space and in environmental contact, including a simple impedance modulation experiment, demonstrate the feasibility and the promise of the technique.
Sodium and Potassium Activities in Normal and "Sodium-Rich" Frog Skeletal Muscle

In frog sartorius muscles immersed for 2 hours at 26�C in normal Ringer solution, the intrafiber potassium concentration, CK(in millimoles per liter), was 123 � 2 (mean value plus or minus standard error), and the potassium activity, aK (in millimoles per liter), was 90 � 1.0. The corresponding sodium concentration and activity were 20 � 1 and 6.5 � 0.4, respectively. After overnight immersion in K+-free Ringer solution the values were: CK, 97 � 2; aK, 81.5 � 1.6; CNa, 47 � 2; and aNa, 11.2 � 0.6. The changes in aK and aNa during storage were not consistent with an exchange between predominantly "free" fiber K+ and external Na+. These results suggest that the Na+ taken up during overnight immersion largely replaced adsorbed or sequestered K+ in the fibers.
Compared to what? The effects of a frame of reference on older adults’ subjective memory

ABSTRACT It is often unclear what comparisons older adults make when evaluating their own memory. If thinking about their memory relative to others, they may assess their own abilities differently than if comparing it to their past capabilities. To test the effect of reference frames on memory assessments and memory performance, we randomly assigned 120 older adults to one of three conditions in which we manipulated frames of reference (control, past-self comparison, or other adults comparison) on a memory self-efficacy questionnaire. Participants also completed general and specific memory predictions and an objective memory test. Participants in the past-self condition reported significantly lower global memory self-efficacy compared with the other adults and control conditions. No condition differences emerged for memory predictions, objective memory, or the likelihood of over- or underpredicting memory performance. These findings suggest that reference frames impact global memory self-efficacy, but do not influence the accuracy of subjective memory judgments.
Current options in treatment of anthracycline-resistant breast cancer.

Breast cancer is a chemosensitive tumour and anthracyclines are one of the most active cytotoxic agents in chemotherapy treatment. Failure after anthracycline-containing chemotherapy is a poor prognostic factor because of low response rate to salvage chemotherapy. Several factors like P-glycoprotein mediated drug resistance (MDR-1 or MRP), glutathione or amplification of topoisomerase II have been found to be involved in anthracycline resistance. No clear benefit for patients treated with 'resistance-modifier' agents like verapamil, dexverapamil or quinidine has yet been demonstrated. Most clinical studies with non-cross resistant cytotoxic agents are lacking a strict definition of anthracycline resistance. A strict definition of anthracycline resistance implies progressive disease during anthracycline chemotherapy. Among the cytotoxic drugs only 5-Fluorouracil (given as 24 h continuous infusion with folinic acid) and the taxanes produce more than 20% objective remission (RR) in case of anthracycline resistance, whereas the highest response rate was reported for docetaxel (32-57%). Only few randomized studies were performed: docetaxel showed higher anti-tumor activity than methotrexat/5-FU (RR: 42% vs 19%, P<0.001) or mitomycin/vinblastine (RR: 30% vs 12%;P<0.001) and treatment with paclitaxel (175 mg/m(2)) was in favour to mitomycin (RR 17% vs 6%). In combination chemotherapy most activity have been reported for paclitaxel plus high-dose 5-fluorouracil (given as 24 h continuous infusion with folinic acid) (RR: 58%) or for docetaxel plus cisplatinum (RR: 46%). High-dose regimens with growth factor or stem cell support seems to be active in anthracycline-resistant disease but the toxicity is considerable. In conclusion, the taxanes, especially docetaxel as single agent or paclitaxel plus high-dose 5-FU, are the most promising therapeutic options in treatment of anthracycline resistant disease. Further clinical phase II/III studies in breast cancer should include exact definition of anthracycline pretreatment and resistance.
PSALM CX IN THE LIGHT OF ASSYRIAN PROPHECIES

Neo-Assyrian prophetic oracles oer comparable stylistic and form-critical features to Psalm cx which bear on the questions of the nature, form, setting and date of the psalm. On the basis of these similarities, Psalm cx should be classied as cultic enthrone-ment prophecy with compositional unity dating to the monarchic period.
Oughts, options, and actualism

W Am Be often approach the question of what to do by identifying a set of alternative possible actions available to us, our options, and designating the best as what we ought to do. Questions can be raised about this approach; for instance, what to say about supererogation. This paper, though, is concerned with two problems that arise within the option approach, and which remain however questions about that approach are resolved. It can hardly be supposed that the option approach is totally misconceived, and, as will be apparent, our problems would arise for any approach to what agents ought to do (in the action guiding sense) which incorporated a ranking of available alternatives. An option for an agent is an action or course of action possible for that agent. Our first problem is whether, in addition to what is possible for the agent, we sometimes need to take into account what the agent would actually do in certain circumstances. By Actualism we will mean the view that the values that should figure in determining which option is the best and so ought to be done out of a set of options are the values of what would be the case were the agent to adopt or carry out the option, where what would be the case includes of course what the agent would simultaneously or subsequently in fact do: the (relevant) value of an option is the value of what would in fact be the case were the agent to perform it. We will call the alternative view that it is only necessary to attend to what is possible for the agent, Possibilism. The main aim of this paper is to explore and defend Actualism. Our second problem is how to select the right set of options in order to answer a given question about what ought to be done. The option approach says that what ought to be done is the best (or one of the best, but let's leave this inessential complication to one side) out of a set of options-but which set for which question about what ought to be done? Suppose we want to know if A is something an agent ought to do. Clearly A must be an option for the agent at (or over) whatever time it is, as must each member of the set out of which A needs to be best if it is to be something the agent ought to
The Effect of Music on Shoppers’ Shopping Behaviour in Virtual Reality Retail Stores: Mediation Analysis

The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of music, as an atmospheric cue of 3D virtual reality retail (VRR) stores, on shoppers’ emotions and behaviour. To complete this research, a major empirical study was conducted in Second Life (SL) which is one of the most mature virtual worlds (VWs). The effect of the music on shoppers’ emotions was experimentally tested in computer labs. Pre-test and post-test were conducted to evaluate the emotion levels before and after experiencing 3D VRR stores. Detailed mediation analysis was done with the PROCESS tool at the later stage of the analysis. This research confirmed ‘music’ as an atmospheric cue of 3D Servicescape. Results of this research determined the effect of music on shoppers’ arousal, pleasure and consequent shopping behaviour. Further, this research could not identify the direct effect of arousal on shoppers’ behaviour, however, it was a major source of inducing pleasure and increasing shoppers’ positive approach behaviour. This paper contribute to better understanding the 3D VRR store atmospheric, role of music in it, shoppers’ emotions and behaviour.
In Vitro Susceptibility to Posaconazole of 1,903 Yeast Isolates Recovered in France from 2003 to 2006 and Tested by the Method of the European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing

ABSTRACT The posaconazole MIC90 for 1,903 yeast isolates from France was 1 μg/ml (range, ≤0.015 to 8 μg/ml). Ninety percent of isolates with fluconazole MICs of ≥8 μg/ml (n = 509) and 90% of those with voriconazole MICs of ≥2 μg/ml (n = 80) were inhibited by 2 and 8 μg/ml of posaconazole, respectively.