Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Palynological characters and their phylogenetic signal in Rubiaceae

In the 1990s Rubiaceae became a hot spot for systematists, mainly due to the comprehensive treatment of the family by Robbrecht in 1988. Next to the exploration of macromolecular characters to infer the phylogeny, the palynology of Rubiaceae finally received the attention it deserves. This article aims to present a state-of-the-art analysis of the systematic palynology of the family. The range of varíation in pollen morphology is wide, and some of the pollen features are not known from other angiosperm taxa; e.g., a looplike or spiral pattern for the position of apertures in pantoaperturate grains. We compiled an online database at the generic level for the major pollen characters and orbicule presence in Rubiaceae. An overview of the variation is presented here and illustrated per character: dispersal unit, pollen size and shape, aperture number, position and type, sexine ornamentation, nexine pattern, and stratification of the sporoderm. The presence/absence and morphological variation of orbicules at the generic level is provided as well. The systematic usefulness of pollen morphology in Rubiaceae is discussed at the (sub)family, tribal, generic, and infraspecific levels, using up-to-date evolutionary hypotheses for the different lineages in the family. The problems and opportunities of coding pollen characters for cladistic analyses are also treated.
New Nurses’ Perceptions of Hostility and Job Satisfaction: Magnet® Versus Non-Magnet

PURPOSE: This study investigated the perceptions of nursing hostility and job satisfaction of new RNs, comparing the working settings of Magnet® and non-Magnet hospitals. METHODS: An online survey of new graduate RNs was conducted using the Negative Acts Questionnaire–Revised, the McCloskey/Mueller Satisfaction Survey, the Casey-Fink Graduate Nurse Experience Survey, and a demographic questionnaire. RESULTS: Findings indicated that RNs of Magnet and non-Magnet facilities experienced similar hostility and job satisfaction results. Magnet nurses (n = 226) perceived nursing hostility significantly different than non-Magnet nurses (n = 939); however, both groups reported a global perception of nursing hostility as new RNs. CONCLUSION: Based on this study’s findings, greater consideration should be placed on orientation/residency programs, collaborative partnerships between academia and service, zero tolerance for behaviors undermining culture safety, and addressing nursing hostility.
Influence of Immunosuppressive Regimens on Graft Survival and Secondary Outcomes After Kidney Transplantation

Background. There have been striking changes during the last 10 years concerning the choice of calcineurin inhibitor and antimetabolite agent prescribed after kidney transplantation. Methods. A retrospective analysis of 51,303 patients undergoing deceased-donor kidney transplantation during 1998 to 2007 was performed using multivariate regression analysis. All patients received cyclosporine A (CsA) or tacrolimus (Tac) with azathioprine (AZA) or mycophenolic acid (MPA) on an intention-to-treat basis with corticosteroids plus/minus antibody induction. Graft survival rates and secondary outcomes were analyzed. A subanalysis was performed for transplants undertaken during 2002 to 2007, in which all patients were treated with MPA plus corticosteroids and CsA or Tac. Results. All-cause graft failure and death-censored graft failure to 5 years posttransplant did not differ significantly between Tac and CsA. We found no evidence in support of previous claims that MPA results in superior long-term graft survival compared with AZA treatment. At the end of year 1, Tac was associated with a lower risk for serum creatinine more than or equal to 130 &mgr;mol/L (P<0.001) and hypercholesterolemia (P<0.001) versus CsA, but a higher risk for de novo posttransplant diabetes (P<0.001). MPA treatment was associated with a lower risk of acute rejection (P<0.001) but a higher risk of hospitalization because of infection (P<0.001) versus AZA. Conclusions. Five-year graft survival in deceased-donor kidney transplant recipients is equivalent in patients receiving CsA- or Tac-based immunosuppression, and in those receiving MPA or AZA. The absence of a survival benefit with modern agents is relevant in the current cost-conscious era of prescribing.
Impact of Physical Activity and Sport on the Immune System

This review describes how exercise and physical training affect the immune system. Although many immune functions are stimulated by moderate physical activity, more vigorous effort and periods of heavy training suppress various immune response parameters. Experimental studies from our own laboratories and elsewhere illustrate that cellular infiltration of the active muscle is accompanied by phagocyte activation, suppressed NK-cell function, impaired lymphocyte proliferation, decreased in-vitro immunoglobulin production, pro-inflammatory eicosanoid release, cytokine cascade activation, and altered expression of cytokine receptors. Examples cover deliberate heavy training; single bouts of fatiguing, submaximal work; repeated bouts of exercise; and ultra-long distance athletic events. In young adults, age, environment, and light physical training do not change immune-response parameters. Parallels between immune impairment after vigorous exercise and reactions to surgical sepsis are noted. Vigorous exercise probably induces subclinical muscle injury and an associated inflammatory response. Heavy exercise may be a useful experimental model for developing more effective treatments for sepsis. For protection average athletes may take the anti-oxidant vitamins C and E and non-steroidal inflammatory drugs, if the muscles show signs of an inflammatory reaction. Top-level athletes have received immunoglobulin preparations.
Effect of flow‐stop on noradrenaline release from normal spleens and spleens treated with cocaine, phentolamine or phenoxybenzamine

1 Cat spleens were perfused with Krebs‐bicarbonate solution, using a constant‐flow pump at a rate of about 7 ml/min at 33–35° C. Noradrenaline (NA) overflow by nerve stimulation at 10 Hz for 20 s was determined with or without flow‐stop before and after treatment with cocaine, phentolamine or phenoxybenzamine. In order to determine the effect of flow‐stop on overflow, the arterial and the venous flows were occluded by clamping the inflow and outflow tubes during the period of stimulation plus 30, 60 or 120 seconds. 2 Without flow‐stop, NA output was 0·93±0·25 ng/stimulus, which was significantly increased after cocaine (123±6·6%), phentolamine (415±93%) and phenoxybenzamine (578±107%). Phentolamine and phenoxybenzamine were much more effective than cocaine in enhancing overflow. 3 Before treatment with drugs, flow‐stops of 30, 60 and 120 s reduced NA outputs to 70±6·6, 27·5±2 and 7%, respectively, of the control outputs without flow‐stop. None of the drugs significantly influenced the percentage reductions in NA outputs during a 30 s flow‐stop. However, the percentage outputs after cocaine or phenoxybenzamine treatment during a 60 s flow‐stop significantly increased to 45±2·5% and 57±6%, respectively, as compared to the percentage output of 27·5±2% from untreated spleens during a corresponding flow‐stop period. During flow‐stop, there was no appreciable metabolism of the released transmitter. 4 Diffusion of the released transmitter from the site of liberation plays only a minor role in the removal of the released NA. 5 It is suggested that the NA released by nerve stimulation acts on the presynaptic α sites to inhibit its own release by a negative feedback mechanism. Adrenoceptor blocking agents enhance the NA overflow from spleen because they remove this autoinhibition by blocking the presynaptic α sites.
Chronic Intravenous Drug Self‐Administration in Rats and Mice

Chronic intravenous drug self‐administration in rodents is a useful procedure for predicting the abuse liability of novel drugs in humans, for evaluating candidate treatments for drug abuse and dependence, and for studying the biological basis of addiction. This unit focuses on recent technical innovations for conducting long‐term studies of i.v. drug self‐administration behavior in healthy, freely moving rats and mice. Included are protocols for construction, implantation, and maintenance of chronic indwelling jugular catheters, commentary on critical parameters, a troubleshooting guide, and anticipated results.
Student Attitudes about Surgery in Older Patients Before and After the Surgical Clerkship

Although emphasis has been placed on including content on treating the elderly in the medical school curriculum, little attention has been given to whether content on surgical management of the elderly should be provided in the surgical clerkship. The purpose of this paper is to describe geriatric principles emphasized in a surgical clerkship and changes in attitudes of students. Junior students (N = 175) were tested on attitudes before and after the clerkship. Attitudes about treating the elderly and surgery in the elderly changed significantly and positively. Attitudes about emergency surgery in the elderly became more realistic, particularly in those selecting surgery as a career. This study differs from others that found that students became more negative about treating the elderly as they progressed through medical school. The surgical clerkship provides a different perspective of the older patient from that seen on medicine or in long-term care, in that the elderly are usually admitted and treated successfully in a short time. The fact that the surgical clerkship, in contrast to other medical school experiences, can positively influence attitudes about aging for all students, regardless of career choice, is encouraging and suggests that including content on surgical management of the elderly can help students become more favorable about treating older patients.
Multiple forms of poly(A) polymerases purified from HeLa cells function in specific mRNA 3'-end formation

Poly(A) polymerases (PAPs) from HeLa cell cytoplasmic and nuclear fractions were extensively purified by using a combination of fast protein liquid chromatography and standard chromatographic methods. Several forms of the enzyme were identified, two from the nuclear fraction (NE PAPs I and II) and one from the cytoplasmic fraction (S100 PAP). NE PAP I had chromatographic properties similar to those of S100 PAP, and both enzymes displayed higher activities in the presence of Mn2+ than in the presence of Mg2+, whereas NE PAP II was chromatographically distinct and had approximately equal levels of activity in the presence of Mn2+ and Mg2+. Each of the enzymes, when mixed with other nuclear fractions containing cleavage or specificity factors, was able to reconstitute efficient cleavage and polyadenylation of pre-mRNAs containing an AAUAAA sequence element. The PAPs alone, however, showed no preference for precursors containing an intact AAUAAA sequence over a mutated one, providing further evidence that the PAPs have no intrinsic ability to recognize poly(A) addition sites. Two additional properties of the three enzymes suggest that they are related: sedimentation in glycerol density gradients indicated that the native size of each enzyme is approximately 50 to 60 kilodaltons, and antibodies against a rat hepatoma PAP inhibited the ability of each enzyme to function in AAUAAA-dependent polyadenylation.
P120-Catenin Regulates Early Trafficking Stages of the N-Cadherin Precursor Complex

It is well established that binding of p120 catenin to the cytoplasmic domain of surface cadherin prevents cadherin endocytosis and degradation, contributing to cell-cell adhesion. In the present work we show that p120 catenin bound to the N-cadherin precursor, contributes to its anterograde movement from the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) to the Golgi complex. In HeLa cells, depletion of p120 expression, or blocking its binding to N-cadherin, increased the accumulation of the precursor in the ER, while it decreased the localization of mature N-cadherin at intercellular junctions. Reconstitution experiments in p120-deficient SW48 cells with all three major isoforms of p120 (1, 3 and 4) had similar capacity to promote the processing of the N-cadherin precursor to the mature form, and its localization at cell-cell junctions. P120 catenin and protein tyrosine phosphatase PTP1B facilitated the recruitment of the N-ethylmaleimide sensitive factor (NSF), an ATPase involved in vesicular trafficking, to the N-cadherin precursor complex. Dominant negative NSF E329Q impaired N-cadherin trafficking, maturation and localization at cell-cell junctions. Our results uncover a new role for p120 catenin bound to the N-cadherin precursor ensuring its trafficking through the biosynthetic pathway towards the cell surface.
Relation between Different Treatment Modalities and Genomic Damage of End-Stage Renal Failure Patients

Background: Patients with end-stage renal disease display enhanced genomic damage. We investigated the relation between genomic damage and different treatment modalities. Methods: In a longitudinal study two groups of patients were analyzed in monthly intervals. We assessed the initiation of hemodialysis in 5 conservatively treated patients, and a switch from hemodialysis to hemodiafiltration in 7 patients. DNA damage was investigated in peripheral blood lymphocytes by micronucleus frequency and by comet assay analysis. With regard to potential genotoxicity of advanced glycation end products (AGEs), levels of imidazolone A and AGE-associated fluorescence (AGE-FL) were determined. Results: The initiation of hemodialysis did not alter the genomic damage. In patients who switched from hemodialysis to hemodiafiltration, a small but significant reduction in the comet assay but not in the micronucleus frequency was observed. Elevated plasmalevels of imidazolone A and AGE-FL were not influenced by the treatment modalities. Conclusion: In our small patient group no major reduction of the elevated genomic damage could be reached. Disease factors not influenced by altered dialysis modalities may have contributed considerably in our patient group. The persisting high levels of DNA damage suggest a need for further improvement. Inhibiting AGE formation may be one promising way for the future.
Metal Contamination and Infiltration into the Soil at Refuse Dump Sites in Awka, Nigeria

Awka has been the site of increased human activities since it became a state capital in 1991. Because refuse dumps have hitherto been a disregarded environmental menace in Nigeria, the authors sought to find out how much of the current environmental metal pollutant load comes from refuse dumps. They investigated the metal contamination of the refuse dumps in Awka. The authors collected four soil samples (from the surface and from depths of 0.45 m, 0.90 m, and 1.35 m) from 5 dumpsites digested with nitric acid and perchloric acid, and they analyzed iron, sodium, arsenic, lead, magnesium, potassium, cobalt, zinc, nickel, copper, chromium, and cadmium by using an atomic absorption spectrophotometer. Sites A and C showed the highest levels of arsenic (2300 mg/kg) and lead (2467 mg/kg), respectively. Site D had highest level of both iron (72,200 mg/kg) and sodium (3561 mg/kg), whereas Site E had the lowest level of lead (572 mg/kg). The metal levels exceed the limits set forth by the US Environmental Protection Agency. This study suggests that the refuse dumps in Awka may increase the level of environmental heavy metals in Nigeria.
Contribution of skeletal muscle ‘ergoreceptors’ in the human leg to respiratory control in chronic heart failure

1 The role of skeletal muscle ergoreceptors (afferents sensitive to muscle contraction, differentiated into metaboreceptors, sensitive to metabolic changes, and mechanoreceptors, sensitive to mechanical changes) in the genesis of the increased ventilatory drive in chronic heart failure is controversial. We have aimed to clarify the contribution of muscle metaboreceptors in the leg to ventilation and to compare this with the contribution of mechanoreceptors. 2 Eighteen heart failure patients and 12 controls were studied. Metaboreceptor and mechanoreceptor responses were measured in the leg by bicycle exercise with and without regional circulatory occlusion during recovery, and by active and equivalent passive limb movement, respectively. 3 Patients, in comparison with controls, had a lower peak VO2 (Oxygen uptake) (18.1 ± 1.6 vs. 24.5 ± 2.5 ml min−1 kg−1, P < 0.05), and an evident metaboreceptor contribution to the ventilatory response (3.5 ± 1.6 vs. ‐4.0 ± 1.3 l min−1, P < 0.001). Passive limb movement increased ventilation in both patients and controls (+3.7 ± 0.4 and +2.9 ± 0.5 l min−1 from baseline, P < 0.003), but this was associated with an increase in VO2 (+0.1 ± 0.01 and +0.1 ± 0.02 l min−1 from baseline, P < 0.001). The ratio of the increase in ventilation to the increase in VO2 during passive movement was not significantly higher than that during active exercise for either patients or controls, suggesting a limited contribution from the mechanoreceptors. 4 In chronic heart failure the presence of a muscle metaboreceptor reflex is also demonstrated in the leg, while mechanoreceptors exhibited a non‐significant contribution in both patients and controls. The hypothesis of a peripheral origin of symptoms of exertional intolerance in this syndrome is confirmed as being mainly due to metabolic stimulation of the muscle metaboreceptors.
Creation of a stable mammary tumor cell line that maintains fertility-cycle tumor biology of the parent tumor

SummaryA mammary tumor cell line, designated MTCL, was successfully established from a mouse primary mammary tumor (MTP). The MTCL cells retain cytokeratin and both estrogen receptor (ER) and progesterone receptor (PR) in vitro. In vitro exposure of MTCL cells to progesterone causes a decrease in the cellular 3H-thymidine uptake, indicating an inhibition by progesterone on MTCL cellular deoxyribonucleic acid synthesis, whereas exposure of the cells to a high dose of estrogen (15 pg/ml) for 48 h causes an increase of 3H-thymidine uptake. We inoculated both MTP or MTCL tumor cells into normal cycling female, C3HeB/FeJ mice and demonstrated that the post-resection metastatic recurrence of MTCL tumors, like the original MTP tumors, depends on the time of tumor resection within the mouse estrous-cycle stage. Both MTCL and MTP tumors have similar histological appearances with the exception of less extensive tumor necrosis and higher vascularity in MTCL tumors. Equivalent levels of sex hormone receptors (ER α, ER β, and PR), epithelial growth hormone receptors (Her2/neu, EGFR1), tumor suppressors (BRCA1, P53), and cell apoptosis—relevant protein (bcl-xl) were found in these in vivo tumors by immunohistochemistry. Cyclin E protein, however, was significantly higher in MTP tumors compared with MTCL tumors. Our results indicate that MTCL cells retain many of the biologic features of the original MTP primary tumor cells, and to our knowledge, it is the first in vitro cell line that has been shown to maintain the estrous-cycle dependence of in vivo cancer metastasis.
Treatment outcomes of neonatal asphyxia at a national hospital in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania

Birth asphyxia is an important cause of neonatal morbidity and mortality in developing countries. Birth asphyxia continues to present a major clinical problem, and worldwide approximately one million newborn infants are affected annually. The broad purpose of this study was to describe the care given to asphyxiated neonates at a neonatal unit at a national hospital in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania. A descriptive cross-sectional study involving 40 neonates, admitted to the participating national hospital with neonatal asphyxia, was done. A checklist was used to obtain data from each patient’s records and another checklist to identify the availability of equipment. Out of 190 neonates admitted to the neonatal unit, 40 (21.1%) suffered from neonatal asphyxia. Out of the 40 asphyxiated neonates, 25 (62.5%) were referred from peripheral hospitals. As many as 25 (62.5%) of these neonates died. Those with severe birth asphyxia had significantly increased chances of mortality (p = 0.000). The lack of resuscitative facilities, limited available technology and the shortage of skilled personnel posed challenges to manage cases of neonatal asphyxia effectively.
Physical and mental health 10 years after multiple trauma: A prospective cohort study

BACKGROUND People who have sustained severe multiple injuries have reduced health and functioning years after the injury. For people who have sustained severe injuries, an optimal degree of predictability in future functioning and health-related quality of life is important. The main aim was to study the impacts of demographic- and injury-related factors as well as functioning at 1 year and 2 years after injury on physical and mental health 10 years after injury. METHODS Fifty-eight participants completed a 10-year follow-up (55.2% of all included patients). Demographic and injury severity characteristics were collected, and assessments at 1, 2, 5, and 10 years after injury were performed. Patient-reported outcome measures were the Short Form 36 (SF-36), the Brief Approach/Avoidance Coping Questionnaire, and the cognitive function scale (COG). The SF-36 Physical and Mental Component Summaries (PCS and MCS, respectively) were the main outcome variables. We performed hierarchical multiple regression analyses to assess functioning on the PCS and MCS. RESULTS Mean (SD) age at injury was 37.8 (14.7) years, 74% were male. Mean (SD) New Injury Severity Score (NISS) was 33.7 (13.0). Mean (SD) PCS score was 41.8 (11.7). Mean (SD) MCS was 48.8 (10.7). Predictors of the PCS were change in coping from 2 years to 10 years (p = 0.032), physical functioning (p < 0.001) and cognitive functioning at 1 year (p = 0.011), as well as bodily pain at 2 years (p = 0.005). Adjusted R2 was 0.57. Predictors of the MCS were change in coping (p = 0.031), vitality (p = 0.008) at 1 year, as well as social functioning (p = 0.034) and mental health (p = 0.043) at 2 years. Adjusted R2 was 0.64. CONCLUSION Physical health was reduced compared with the adjusted general population at 10 years after injury. The mental health did not differ from that of the general population. In addition to physical functioning, coping strategies, vitality, social functioning, and mental health should be considered in the long-term rehabilitation perspective. A more comprehensive approach should be used for rehabilitation after multiple injuries.
Test and simulation of lightning current distribution on a wind turbine blade

Design of the lightning protection system (LPS) of complex wind turbine blades must take into account how current is distributed along possible paths to ground. The flow of lightning currents can result in overvoltages which in turn can ignite sparks and deposit enough energy to produces severe damages. In addition, blades include several electric circuits such as signalization, sensors and controls that need to be considered. Test and simulation results of current distribution test of a wind turbine blade are presented in this paper. The effects of the carbon laminates, conductivity and connections will be discussed.