Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Endogenously released DOPA is a causal factor for glutamate release and resultant delayed neuronal cell death by transient ischemia in rat striata

Glutamate is implicated in neuronal cell death. Exogenously applied DOPA by itself releases neuronal glutamate and causes neuronal cell death in in vitro striatal systems. Herein, we attempt to clarify whether endogenous DOPA is released by 10 min transient ischemia due to four‐vessel occlusion during rat striatal microdialysis and, further, whether DOPA, when released, functions to cause glutamate release and resultant delayed neuronal cell death. Ischemia increased extracellular DOPA, dopamine, and glutamate, and elicited neuronal cell death 96 h after ischemic insult. Inhibition of striatal l‐aromatic amino acid decarboxylase 10 min before ischemia increased markedly basal DOPA, tripled glutamate release with a tendency of decrease in dopamine release by ischemia, and exaggerated neuronal cell death. Intrastriatal perfusion of 10–30 nm DOPA cyclohexyl ester, a competitive DOPA antagonist, 10 min before ischemia, concentration‐dependently decreased glutamate release without modification of dopamine release by ischemia. At 100 nm, the antagonist elicited a slight ceiling effect on decreases in glutamate release by ischemia and protected neurons from cell death. Glutamate was released concentration‐dependently by intrastriatal perfusion of 0.3–1 mm DOPA and stereoselectively by 0.6 mm DOPA. The antagonist elicited no hypothermia during and after ischemia. Endogenously released DOPA is an upstream causal factor for glutamate release and resultant delayed neuronal cell death by brain ischemia in rat striata. DOPA antagonist has a neuroprotective action.
Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis: Diagnosis and treatment: International Consensus Statement

Many acute and chronic lung disorders with variable degrees of pulmonary inflammation and fibrosis are collectively referred to as interstitial lung diseases (ILDs) or diffuse parenchymal lung diseases. Idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (or cryptogenic fibrosing alveolitis) (IPF or CFA) is one of several idiopathic interstitial pneumonias. IPF is now recognized as a distinct clinical disorder. Despite major accomplishments in our understanding of the pathogenesis of lung fibrosis (l), the diagnosis and management of patients with IPF continues to pose significant challenges (24).
Identification of Lactobacillus sakei Genes Induced during Meat Fermentation and Their Role in Survival and Growth

ABSTRACT Lactobacillus sakei is a lactic acid bacterium that is ubiquitous in the food environment and is one of the most important constituents of commercial meat starter cultures. In this study, in vivo expression technology (IVET) was applied to investigate gene expression of L. sakei 23K during meat fermentation. The IVET vector used (pEH100) contained promoterless and transcriptionally fused reporter genes mediating β-glucuronidase activity and erythromycin resistance. A genomic library of L. sakei 23K was established, and the clones were subjected to fermentation in a raw-sausage model. Fifteen in carne-induced fusions were identified. Several genes encoded proteins which are likely to contribute to stress-related functions. One of these genes was involved in acquisition of ammonia from amino acids, and the remaining either were part of functionally unrelated pathways or encoded hypothetical proteins. The construction and use of isogenic mutants in the sausage model suggested that four genes have an impact on the performance of L. sakei during raw-sausage fermentation. Inactivation of the heat shock regulator gene ctsR resulted in increased growth, whereas knockout of the genes asnA2, LSA1065, and LSA1194 resulted in attenuated performance compared to the wild-type strain. The results of our study are the first to provide an insight into the transcriptional response of L. sakei when growing in the meat environment. In addition, this study establishes a molecular basis which allows investigation of bacterial properties that are likely to contribute to the ecological performance of the organism and to influence the final outcome of sausage fermentation.
A multivariate test of an expanded Andersen Health Care utilization model for complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use in African Americans.

OBJECTIVES The objectives of this study were (1) to determine which Andersen Model variables [predisposing, enabling, and need (PEN)] are related to complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) use by African Americans in the past 12 months; and (2) to determine whether the addition of disease states to the Model will explain significant variation in CAM use in the past 12 months. DESIGN The 2002 National Health Interview Survey was used with 4256 African American adults (n = 23,828,268 weighted) selected as the study population. The dependent variable, CAM Past 12 Months, represented participants' use of at least 1 of 17 CAM modalities during the past 12 months. The Andersen Model variables [predisposing (e.g., age); enabling (e.g., insurance); and need (e.g., medical conditions)] and prevalent disease states (> or =10%) comprised the independent variables. Logistic regression analyses, incorporating the sampling weights, were employed. RESULTS Among predisposing factors, CAM use was associated with middle-aged to older, more educated, and female African Americans. Region (Northeast less likely than South) was the only significant enabling factor. Need factors had the most frequent relationships, with more medical conditions, more physician visits, better health status, prescription and over-the-counter medication use, more frequent exercise, and having activities of daily living limitations being associated with CAM use. After adjusting for PEN factors, the disease states of pain/aching joints, recurring pain, and migraine were related to CAM use. CONCLUSIONS African American CAM users are middle-aged to older, female, educated, and have more medical conditions (especially pain-related). Users report higher utilization of "traditional" care (e.g., physician visits), indicating that CAM is likely a complement to conventional treatment in this population. Health care providers should use these factors as prompts for inquiring about CAM use in African American patients.
The Influence of Acidosis on the Distribution of Lidocaine and Bupivacaine into the Myocardium and Brain of the Sheep

To test the hypothesis that acidosis can increase the toxicity of bupivacaine more than that of lidocaine by increasing the distribution into the brain, myocardium, or both, studies were performed to measure the in vivo tissue: blood partition coefficients during continuous steady state intravenous infusions of these agents in anesthetized sheep during normal acid-base status and during combined respiratory-metabolic acidosis. Acidosis decreased the partition coefficient of both agents into the myocardium and that of bupivacaine into the brain but did not systematically change that of either agent into skeletal muscle or fat. Total body and hepatic drug clearances were not affected systematically, but plasma binding of both agents was decreased. Thus predictions based on the pH partition hypothesis about the effects of acidosis on myocardial: blood partition coefficients being a basis for explaining the relative toxicity of these agents were not supported.
TRYPANOSOMIASIS IN WOODLAND CARIBOU OF NORTHERN ALBERTA

Blood was collected from 49 adult woodland caribou (Rangifer tarandus caribou) captured in northern Alberta, Canada, from October to February, 1991 to 1992 and 1992 to 1993. Smears of the buffy coat layer and of whole blood were examined microscopically for Trypanosoma sp. , and blood was cultured for latent parasites. Trypanosomes were present in 41 (84%) of 49 cultures 9 days or older, but none was detected in fresh blood. Trypanosomes were pleomorphic, consisting of small oval amastigotes, 2 to 8 μm, intermediate-size epimastigotes, 20 to 30 μm in total length (including the flagellum), and large trypomastigotes, 60 to 90 μm length, with pointed ends, a well developed kinetoplast, a long free flagellum, and a prominent undulating membrane. Dividing epimastigotes appeared in pairs or rosettes of five or more organisms. Based on culture characteristics and morphologic features, the organism was identified as Trypanosoma (Megatrypanum) sp.
A retrospective study of neutropenia in HIV disease

In aiming to define the characteristics of HIV-infected subjects developing neutropenia and describe the causes, features and effects of neutropenia we undertook a retrospective study in a dedicated HIV unit in London, UK. Two hundred and forty-four patients with documented neutropenia, defined as absolute neutrophil count (ANC) < 1000/mm 3, during a 12-month period were studied. First neutropenia occurred at a median CD4 count of 30 cells/mm 3. Low CD4 count was associated with longer episodes of neutropenia with a more profound nadir. Two thirds of episodes lasted less than 2 weeks. ANC nadir was < 500 cells/mm 3 in 45% of episodes. Infections were most frequent in patients with profound but brief neutropenic episodes. Neutropenia was generally mild, short-lived and associated with late-stage disease. However, profound neutropenia did develop suddenly in some patients with no prior history of neutropenia (in 13% first neutropenic ANC recorded was 500 cells/mm 3), and at CD4 count> 200 cells/mm 3. Most patients were receiving multiple myelosuppressive therapies. Infection was associated with brief, profound neutropenia.
[Association of Q576R polymorphism in the interleukin-4 receptor gene with serum IgE levels in children with asthma].

OBJECTIVE Interleukin-4 plays a key role in the development of asthma. Overseas studies have shown that Q576R polymorphism in the interleukin-4 receptor (IL-4R) gene is related to asthma as well as increased serum IgE levels. This study was designed to investigate the association of Q576R polymorphism in IL-4R gene with childhood asthma and serum IgE levels. METHODS The polymorphism of IL-4R Q576R was determined by PCR/RFLP and serum total IgE level was measured using ELISA in 94 children with asthma. Sixty-eight healthy children served as controls. RESULTS The distribution frequency of heterozygous genotype Q576R (41%) and mutant allele R576 (26%) was significantly higher in children with asthma than that of controls (16% each) (P < 0.01; P < 0.05). The total serum IgE level between patients with genotype Q576R and Q576Q was not significantly different (225.78 +/- 51.43 IU/mL vs 163.24 +/- 31.32 IU/mL, P> 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The mutant R576 allele of IL-4R may be one of the candidate genes for susceptibility to asthma. Allele R576 of IL-4R is related to asthma but is irrelevant to the total serum IgE level in children with asthma.
In vitro effects of 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 on interferon-gamma and tumor necrosis factor-alpha secretion by blood leukocytes from young and adult cattle vaccinated with Mycobacterium bovis BCG.

Interferon-gamma (IFN-gamma) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) are critical in the development of an effective immune response. Vitamin D, essential in short-term calcium homeostasis and recently shown to modulate proliferation and function of blood mononuclear cells from adult dairy cattle, may be an effective modulator of the calf's immune system. Effects of antigen sensitization and 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3[1,25-(OH)2D3] on cytokine secretion by cells from calves vaccinated with Bacille Calmette-Guérin (BCG) were examined. One-week-old dairy calves (n = 6) and yearling heifers (n = 4) were vaccinated concurrently with BCG and boosted six weeks later. Ten weeks after primary vaccination, cells from vaccinated calves and adults, and nonvaccinated, age-matched calves (n = 4) were evaluated in vitro for their capacity to produce IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha. Cells were stimulated with pokeweed mitogen (PWM) or recall antigen [Mycobacterium bovis-derived purified protein derivative (PPD)] in the presence of 0, 0.1, 1.0, and 10 nM of 1,25-(OH)2D3 for 20, 44, and 68 hours, respectively. IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha concentrations in culture supernatants harvested at these times were quantified by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). PPD-induced IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha responses of cells from vaccinated calves and adults were greater than responses of autologous unstimulated cells. In contrast, PPD-specific responses of calf and adult cells collected immediately before primary vaccination were substantially lower and comparable to responses in resting (i.e., unstimulated) cultures. At ten weeks, the PPD-specific response of vaccinates exceeded the response of nonvaccinated calves; however, responses of vaccinated calves were more vigorous than corresponding responses of vaccinated adults. Incubation period also influenced the magnitude of both IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha, responses in PPD- and PWM-stimulated cultures. Effects of 1,25-(OH)2D3 on antigen-induced secretion of IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha were marginal. Only IFN-gamma responses of vaccinated adults were affected by 1,25-(OH)2D3. Vitamin D caused a concentration-dependent decrease in IFN-gamma response and an increase in TNF-alpha response in PWM-stimulated cultures. These results indicate that animal maturity (i.e., age) and antigenic experience affect IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha secretion by bovine leukocytes and suggest that 1,25-(OH)2D3 can alter secretion of both cytokines under specific conditions of culture.
Characteristics, determinants, and clinical relevance of CD4 T cell recovery to <500 cells/microL in HIV type 1-infected individuals receiving potent antiretroviral therapy.

BACKGROUND The CD4 T cell count recovery in human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1)-infected individuals receiving potent antiretroviral therapy (ART) shows high variability. We studied the determinants and the clinical relevance of incomplete CD4 T cell restoration. METHODS Longitudinal CD4 T cell count was analyzed in 293 participants of the Swiss HIV Cohort Study who had had a plasma HIV-1 RNA load <1000 copies/mL for > or =5 years. CD4 T cell recovery was stratified by CD4 T cell count 5 years after initiation of ART (> or =500 cells/microL was defined as a complete response, and <500 cells/microL was defined as an incomplete response). Determinants of incomplete responses and clinical events were evaluated using logistic regression and survival analyses. RESULTS The median CD4 T cell count increased from 180 cells/microL at baseline to 576 cells/microL 5 years after ART initiation. A total of 35.8% of patients were incomplete responders, of whom 47.6% reached a CD4 T cell plateau <500 cells/microL. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention HIV-1 disease category B and/or C events occurred in 21% of incomplete responders and in 14.4% of complete responders (P>.05). Older age (adjusted odds ratio [aOR], 1.71 per 10-year increase; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.21-2.43), lower baseline CD4 T cell count (aOR, 0.37 per 100-cell increase; 95% CI, 0.28-0.49), and longer duration of HIV infection (aOR, 2.39 per 10-year increase; 95% CI, 1.19-4.81) were significantly associated with a CD4 T cell count <500 cells/microL at 5 years. The median increases in CD4 T cell count after 3-6 months of ART were smaller in incomplete responders (P<.001) and predicted, in conjunction with baseline CD4 T cell count and age, incomplete response with 80% sensitivity and 72% specificity. CONCLUSION Individuals with incomplete CD4 T cell recovery to <500 cells/microL had more advanced HIV-1 infection at baseline. CD4 T cell changes during the first 3-6 months of ART already reflect the capacity of the immune system to replenish depleted CD4 T lymphocytes.
Cord serum alpha-fetoprotein and Down's syndrome.

ting of samples, buffers, substrates and standard solutions have been made using air displacement pipettes. During the last year, however, an external quality assessment scheme has become available and quality control material is available commercially both of which will in turn assist in the accuracy and precision of CD assay. When the precautions described above are taken, falsely elevated values for serum CD activity can be eliminated. We are also of the opinion that serum CD assay is of significant clinical value in both obstetrics and rheumatology .
PSYCHOSOCIAL PREDICTORS OF PROSOCIAL BEHAVIOUR AMONG A SAMPLE OF NIGERIAN UNDERGRADUATES

Only few psychological researches have actually investigated prosocial behavior among Youths in Nigeria. The other ones have been among children and the aged. Thus, this research looked at the roles of psychosocial factors (religiosity, life satisfaction, perceived social exclusion, family type, type of residence, rural/urban and cultural/ethnic differences) on prosocial behavior among undergraduates. The study makes use of crosssectional survey design that employed a well designed questionnaire with 5 sections. Data was gathered from 440 students from 2 Nigerian Universities. Of the sample, 230 (52.3%) are males and 210 (47.7%) are females with their ages ranging from 19-27years. Results of the 4 hypotheses tested revealed that there were significant relationships among the variables of study. Besides their significant individual contributions to prosocial behavior, religiosity also mediated the relationships between life satisfaction, perceived social exclusion and prosocial behavior. It was also found that respondents residing in a village are more prosocial than those in a city. Lastly, cultural/ethnic differences significantly influence prosocial behavior. The findings were discussed and recommendations made.
Depression and perceptions of quality of life of breast cancer survivors and their male partners.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES To assess differences in ways women with breast cancer evaluate their own quality of life (QOL) compared to perceptions of their partners and to identify factors that influence dissimilarities in QOL perceptions. DESIGN Cross-sectional study. SETTING Breast unit in southern Brazil. SAMPLE 73 women with stage I-III breast cancer and their partners. Most participants were middle-aged, with partners of long-term cohabitation. METHODS QOL was evaluated with the World Health Organization Quality of Life-Brief Form (WHOQOL-BREF), Beck Depression Inventory, and WHOQOL-BREF adapted for a third person. MAIN RESEARCH VARIABLES Demographic and clinical features, QOL, partners' perceptions, and depression. FINDINGS No differences were found between the perceptions of QOL in different domains between the patients and their partners. Depression in women seemed to be the only variable that interfered in a consistent manner with the congruity of the QOL assessments made by patients and their partners. CONCLUSIONS Partners of women with breast cancer may be viewed as reliable surrogates to assess patients' QOL. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING Partners' judgments of patients' QOL may be important in some circumstances, particularly when patients are not able to answer questions about their own QOL because of cognitive or functional limitations. Nurses must be aware that partners are the most frequent informal caregivers and should be included in the entire treatment process.
Comparison of Two Insemination Programs in Synchronized Early Postpartum Zebu Cows under Tropical Conditions: An Economic Appraisal

To evaluate an artificial insemination program in postpartum Bos indicus cows and by using deterministic models, to estimate the possible economic advantages of insemination by appointment over detected estrus, sixty-three multiparous animals were synchronized using a progestagen device inserted at day 31 and withdrawn after 9 days (average time for withdrawal was 40.9 ± 6.8 days). Cows were observed continuously from 0700 to 1800 during 72 h. The percentage of animals detected positive to estrus by riding behavior was 43.4%, transrectal palpation, 22% and heat detector patches, 4.6%. The percentage of cows ovulating as evidenced by progesterone samples taken at 9 and 11 days after the average estrus response was 73%. The economical assessment by using the values obtained in the present study afforded that the cost of semen, ovulation rate and fertility point to a definitive advantage of using AI at fixed time over a program based on estrus detection.
The reaction between acetyl choline and muscle cells

IN a previous paper(l) the writer described the relation between the concentration and the action of acetyl choline on the isolated heart and on the rectus abdominis of the frog. Loewi and Navratil(2) have since shown that extracts of frog's tissues and particularly extracts of the frog's heart can destroy acetyl choline fairly rapidly. This suggested a possible source of error in the writers' calculations both regarding the relation between concentration and action, and the amount of drug fixed by the heart, and therefore experiments were made to eliminate these errors. Experimental methods. The following methods were used: (1) Immersed strip: a strip of ventricle was immersed in Ringer and the isometric response was recorded. (2) Moist strip: a moist strip of ventricle was suspended in air and its response recorded isometrically. This method was used chiefly to estimate the amount of acetyl choline present in very small quantities of fluid. (3) Irrigated strip: a strip of ventricle was arranged as above, but was irrigated by a fine jet of fluid driven by compressed air. Two capillary nozzles were arranged so that irrigation either with a solution of a drug or with Ringer's fluid could be alternated rapidly. (4) Isometric ventricle: the response of the whole ventricle was recorded isometrically. The arrangement used is shown in Fig. 1. The advantages of method (4) are that any quantity of irrigation fluid from 10 c.c. to 041 c.c. can be used, and can be changed quickly. The whole system outside the heart was filled with boiled saline (0.65 p.c. NaCl). The usual initial tension was 3 cm. of water, and this sufficed to produce a rapid diastolic filling. The ventricle was allowed to contract isotonically except for short periods when records were taken, and thus the heart received an adequate amount of aerated fluid.
DUST-SCATTERED ULTRAVIOLET HALOS AROUND BRIGHT STARS

We have discovered ultraviolet (UV) halos extending as far as 5° around four (of six) bright UV stars using data from the Galaxy Evolution Explorer satellite. These halos are due to scattering of the starlight from nearby thin, foreground dust clouds. We have placed limits of 0.58 ± 0.12 and 0.72 ± 0.06 on the phase function asymmetry factor (g) in the FUV (1521 Å) and NUV (2320 Å) bands, respectively. We suggest that these halos are a common feature around bright stars and may be used to explore the scattering function of interstellar grains at small angles.