Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Nurturing a valuable resource: family caregivers in multiple sclerosis.

UNLABELLED Neuroscience nurses are most likely to encounter multiple sclerosis (MS) patients in outpatient clinic situations or during their usually brief admissions to acute care facilities. In the early stages of their disease, most people with MS are able to live normal lives in their own homes. Then disabilities (weakness, loss of control of limbs and of bowel and bladder function, sensory and visual impairment) become permanent, the possibility of remaining in the community is usually made feasible only by the presence of a family caregiver in the home. Although community care of persons with MS is socially and economically desirable, many literature sources discuss the "burden" of family caregiving. This study examined the impact of caregiving on 61 MS family caregivers in British Columbia. The report of the study will include information regarding the caregiver's physical and mental health, health behaviours, participation in and satisfaction with preferred activities, and financial resources. In spite of marked health deficits in all domains, most caregivers reported their desire to remain in the role. Study findings will be used to describe how health professionals such as neuroscience nurses can support caregivers even with limited contact. Areas in which specific improvements in community resources and public policy are needed will also be discussed. OBJECTIVES 1. Describe deficits in well-being reported by this group of caregivers. 2. Describe nursing interventions that will support the family member in the caregiving role. 3. Identify potential changes in public policy and adjunctive services that could facilitate the caregiver's work.
The JASMONATE ZIM-Domain Gene Family Mediates JA Signaling and Stress Response in Cotton

JASMONATE ZIM-domain (JAZ) family proteins are involved in regulating diverse biological processes in plants. However, their functions have not been well characterized in cotton (Gossypium spp.). In the present study, 13, 15, 25 and 30 JAZ genes were identified in Gossypium arboretum, Gossypium raimondii, Gossypium barbadense and Gossypium hirsutum, respectively, based on gene homology. Selection and variation analyses showed that the single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) density of GhJAZ genes in wild species was much higher than that in domesticated species. Expression pattern analysis showed that all the GhJAZ genes are expressed in at least one tissue and respond to one or more stress factors, as well as being induced by some phytohormones. The co-expression network indicated that GhJAZ genes might mediate multiple stress response pathways. Yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) experiments showed extensive interactions among GhJAZ proteins, including homo- and heteromeric interactions. Overexpressing one member of the JAZ gene family, GhJAZ2 (Gh_D06G0810), significantly enhanced sensitivity to salt stress in transgenic cotton. Transcriptome analysis indicated that GhJAZ2 regulates stress responses possibly by participating in α-linolenic acid metabolism and jasmonate signaling, and is involved in the repression of GhMYC2 regulated by GhJAZ2. Our data provide important clues for further elucidating the functions of JAZ genes in cotton.
Molecular cloning of a novel putative Ca2+ channel protein (TRPC7) highly expressed in brain.

We have isolated cDNA clones for a novel human protein, TRPC7 (transient receptor potential-related channels), which consists of 1503 amino acid residues from the fetal brain and caudate nucleus cDNA libraries. Northern blot analysis indicated that the TRPC7 gene is highly expressed as a 6.5-kb transcript in brain. The TRPC7 protein has significant homology with Caenorhabditis elegans hypothetical proteins T01H8.5, C05C12.3, and F54D1.5 and with Drosophila and human transient receptor potential (trp) proteins. The TRPC7 protein has seven putative transmembrane domains that probably constitute a Ca2+ channel as in the above-mentioned proteins. Genomic sequencing revealed that the TRPC7 gene consists of 32 exons spanning approximately 90 kb. The TRPC7 gene was mapped between D21S400 and D21S171 on human chromosome 21q22.3, 14 kb distal to a NotI site in D21S400. This novel TRPC7 gene could be a candidate gene for genetic disorders such as bipolar affective disorder, nonsyndromic hereditary deafness, Knobloch syndrome, and holoprosencephaly, which were mapped to this region.
The Acute Proinflammatory and Prothrombotic Effects of Pulmonary Exposure to Rutile TiO2 Nanorods in Rats

Nanotechnology is extensively used in industry and is widely explored for possible applications in medicine. However, its potential respiratory and systemic adverse effects remain unknown. Here pure titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanorods with rutile structure were prepared at room temperature by using a soft chemistry technique. The structure of the TiO2 rutile nanorods was confirmed by powder X-ray diffraction, and the size was revealed by transmission electron microscopy. Thereafter, we investigated, in Wistar rats, the acute (24-hr) effects of intratracheal instillation of these rutile TiO2 nanorods (1 and 5 mg/kg) on lung inflammation (assessed by bronchoalveolar lavage), systemic inflammation, and platelet aggregation in whole blood. Compared with vehicle-exposed rats, rats that underwent intratracheal instillation of TiO2 nanorods experienced a dose-dependent increase in macrophage numbers at 1 (+50%) and 5 mg/kg (+81%; P < 0.05) and an influx of neutrophils at 1 (+294%) and 5 mg/kg (+4117%; P < 0.01) in their bronchoalveolar lavage fluid. Both doses of rutile TiO2 nanorods caused pulmonary and cardiac edema, assessed by analysis of the wet weight–to–dry weight ratios. Similarly, the numbers of monocytes and granulocytes in the blood were increased in a dose-dependent manner after exposure to rutile TiO2 nanorods. In contrast, the number of platelets was significantly reduced after pulmonary exposure to 5 mg/kg TiO2 nanorods; this result indicated the occurrence of platelet aggregation in vivo. The direct addition of TiO2 nanorods (0.4–10 μg/ml) to untreated rat blood significantly induced platelet aggregation in a dose-dependent fashion in vitro. It is concluded that the intratracheal instillation of rutile TiO2 nanorods caused upregulation of lung inflammation, pulmonary and cardiac edema, and systemic inflammation. Rutile TiO2 nanorods also triggered platelet aggregation in vivo and in vitro.
Patient perception of tics and other movement disorders

To determine the subjective perception patients have of abnormal movements, 170 patients with various hyperkinesias were interviewed with questions directed at the "voluntary" or intentional versus "involuntary" aspects of their symptoms. One hundred and two of 110 patients with non-tic disorders thought that the abnormal movements were entirely involuntary. Forty-one of 60 tic disorder patients stated that all their motor and phonic tics were intentionally produced. Fifteen others had both voluntary and involuntary components, usually with the former predominating. A "voluntary" response could be used to predict the correct diagnostic category (tic versus non-tic) in 8 of 9 patients for whom the referral category was incorrect. These results suggest that a large proportion of the motor and phonic symptoms experienced by tic patients are irresistibly but purposefully executed, more akin to compulsions than to the other "involuntary" hyperkinesias with which they are commonly discussed.
Dihydrotestosterone formation in fetal tissues of the rabbit and rat.

The rate of conversion of testosterone- l,2-3H to dihydrotestosterone-3H has been measured in a variety of tissues in rabbit embryos from 17 days of development to 3 days following birth and in rat embryos from 15 days of gestation to 4 days after delivery. In the rabbit embryo dihydrotestosterone formation was rapid only in the urogenital sinus and urogenital tubercle of both sexes at the earliest stages studied and was not measurable in wolffian and mullerian ducts until after gender identification was easily demonstrable. A similar pattern of development was observed in the rat embryo. These findings suggest that the capacity to form dihydrotestosterone in urogenital sinus and tubercle is not the result of androgen action but rather an inherent or obligatory property of the tissue and may fulfill in part the function of an initial androgen receptor in these organs. In contrast, in the mullerian and wolffian ducts the ability to form dihydrotestosterone appears to be acquired after the initial stages of.
Relationship of polymorphism of the tandem repeat sequence in the thymidylate synthase gene and the survival of stage III colorectal cancer patients receiving adjuvant 5‐flurouracil‐based chemotherapy

The aim of this study was to determine whether the different polymorphisms in the thymidylate synthase (TS) gene, novel G>C single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) and variable number of tandem repeat (VNTR), may be related with disease‐free survival (DFS) in patients with stage III colorectal cancer receiving adjuvant chemotherapy.
Topological invariants in Fermi systems with time-reversal invariance.

We discuss topological invariants for Fermi systems that have time-reversal invariance. The TK${\mathrm{N}}^{2}$ integers (first Chern numbers) are replaced by second Chern numbers, and Berry's phase becomes a unit quaternion, or equivalently an element of SU(2). The canonical example playing much the same role as spin \textonehalf{} in a magnetic field is spin \textonehalf{} in a quadrupole electric field. In particular, the associated bundles are nontrivial and have \ifmmode\pm\else\textpm\fi{} 1 second Chern number. The connection that governs the adiabatic evolution coincides with the symmetric SU(2) Yang-Mills instanton.
HapMap European American genotypes are compatible with the hypothesis of MHC‐dependent mate choice (response to DOI 10.1002/bies.201200023, Derti and Roth)

The major histocompatibility complex (MHC), a genomic region containing genes crucial to immunity [1], is known to be involved in mate choice in numerous vertebrate species. More precisely, it has been shown that mate choice is influenced by MHC in ways that favor the mating of MHC-dissimilar individuals [2]. This pattern is believed to improve the immune resistance of the offspring conceived through such matings. In humans, the question of MHC-dependent mate choice remains highly controversial (see [3] for a review). Nowadays, through the availability of high-density genomic datasets providing genotypes for couples, such as the HapMap datasets [4, 5], MHCdependent mating patterns in humans can be re-considered. In a recent commentary [6], Derti and Roth wrote that the ‘‘HapMap genotypes do not confidently support a role for the MHC locus in human mate selection’’. This statement follows a previous article of Derti et al. [7] entitled ‘‘Absence of evidence for MHC-dependent mate selection within HapMap populations’’. This article and commentary contrast with previous publications by Chaix et al. [8] and by us [9] reporting lines of evidence compatible with MHC-disassortative mating among HapMap European American spouses. More specifically, Derti and Roth raise the following main criticisms:
Ventilatory Function in Young Adults and Dietary Antioxidant Intake

Dietary antioxidants may protect against poor ventilatory function. We assessed the relation between ventilatory function and antioxidant components of diet in young Chileans. Forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1), forced vital capacity (FVC), and the ratio FEV1/FVC were measured in 1232 adults aged 22–28 years, using a Vitalograph device. Dietary intake was ascertained with a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ) designed for this study, from which nutrient and flavonoid intakes were estimated. Dietary patterns were derived with Principal Component Analysis (PCA). After controlling for potential confounders, dietary intake of total catechins was positively associated with FVC (Regression coefficient (RC) of highest vs. lowest quintile of intake 0.07; 95% CI 0.01 to 0.15; p per trend 0.006). Total fruit intake was related to FVC (RC of highest vs. lowest quintile 0.08; 95% CI 0.003 to 0.15; p per trend 0.02). Intake of omega 3 fatty acids was associated with a higher FEV1 (RC for highest vs. lowest quintile 0.08; 95% CI 0.01 to 0.15 L; p per trend 0.02) and with FVC 0.08 (RC in highest vs. lowest quintile of intake 0.08, 95% CI 0.001 to 0.16; p per trend 0.04). Our results show that fresh fruits, flavonoids, and omega 3 fatty acids may contribute to maintain ventilatory function.
The Effect of Disability on the Net Worth of Elderly People

Abstract As demographic shifts make the Social Security program financially vulnerable, the responsibility for income security in old age will shift from the government to elderly people. In this changing environment, the accumulation of wealth will be a crucial issue because wealth holders can draw income from assets, which can supplement retirement income. Thus, wealth (or net worth) is a proximate indicator of economic well-being of the elderly. This article presents the findings of a study of the net worth of elderly people with disabilities. The major findings were that a smaller proportion of elderly people with disabilities has assets of any type compared with elderly people with no disability; the dollar value of each type of asset is smaller among elderly people with disabilities than among elderly people with no disability; and the net worth of people with disabilities is smaller than that of elderly people with no disability even after other variables were controlled.
[Pharmacokinetics of ciprofloxacin in young healthy volunteers].

Pharmacokinetic studies on ciprofloxacin were carried out in 6 young healthy volunteers. Serum and urine levels of ciprofloxacin were measured by reversed-phase high performance liquid chromatography. The drug obeyed one-compartment model kinetics in serum. The mean peak serum concentration, time to peak concentration and the area under the curve were 4.17 +/- 1.05mg/L, 1.75 +/- 0.40h and 18.09 +/- 2.69mg/L.h respectively after oral administration of 500mg of ciprofloxacin tablet. The elimination half life was 2.34 +/- 0.81h and the apparent volume of distribution was 3.71 +/- 0.75L. The urinary rate of ciprofloxacin over 24h after dosing was 34.22 +/- 6.57%. These data indicate that ciprofloxacin is easily absorbed and its concentration reaches the peak level rapidly. There are high levels of drug both in serum and urine.
Anxious Attachment as a Determinant of Adult Psychopathology

Traditionally, an excess of interpersonal dependency has been used to characterize disturbed interpersonal relationships in adults. This approach stands in sharp contrast to that of attachment theorists who conceptualize attachment as functionally distinct from dependency. Attachment theory focuses on anxious attachment in the definition and dynamics of disturbed adult interpersonal relationships. The purpose of this study was to examine the relevance of anxious attachment to the differentiation of psychiatric outpatients from nonpatients. Empirically, three scales (feared loss of the attachment figure, proximity seeking, and separation protest) measure the components of anxious attachment as defined by Bowlby. The scales were administered to two research samples. Sample 1 was composed of 136 respondents to a survey within the Calgary community. Sample 2 consisted of 110 psychiatric outpatients drawn from the psychotherapy clinic of the Calgary General Hospital. The results indicate that the three components of anxious attachment offer a clinically relevant system for differentiating between psychiatric outpatients and nonpatients. Of these three components, feared loss has the predominant effect. The implications of this finding for the delineation of disturbed interpersonal relationships in adults is discussed.
A New Evolutionary Algorithm Based on Uniform and Contraction for Many-objective Optimization

For many-objective optimization problems, how to get a set of solutions with good convergence and diversity is a difficult and challenging work. To achieve the goal, a new evolutionary algorithm based on uniform and contraction is proposed. The uniform design method is utilized to generate the weight vectors. The weight vectors uniformly distribute over the design space and the size of the weight vectors neither nonlinearly with the number of objectives nor considers a formulaic setting. Moreover, a sub-population strategy is used to enhance the local search ability to improve the convergence. The proposed algorithm adopts a ranking method to contract the non-dominance area to determine the best solution of each sub-population. The comparison with the several existing well-known algorithms: NSGAII, MOEA/D and HypE, on six benchmark functions with 5 to 25 objectives, indicate that the proposed algorithm is able to obtain more accurate Pareto front with better diversity.
Therapeutics , Targets , and Chemical Biology COX-2 Blockade Suppresses Gliomagenesis by Inhibiting Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cells

Epidemiologic studies have highlighted associations between the regular use of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAID) and reduced glioma risks in humans. Most NSAIDs function as COX-2 inhibitors that prevent production of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2). Because PGE2 induces expansion of myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSC), we hypothesized that COX-2 blockade would suppress gliomagenesis by inhibiting MDSC development and accumulation in the tumor microenvironment (TME). In mouse models of glioma, treatment with the COX-2 inhibitors acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) or celecoxib inhibited systemic PGE2 production and delayed glioma development. ASA treatment also reduced the MDSC-attracting chemokine CCL2 (C-C motif ligand 2) in the TME along with numbers of CD11bþLy6GhiLy6Clo granulocytic MDSCs in both the bone marrow and the TME. In support of this evidence that COX-2 blockade blocked systemic development of MDSCs and their CCL2mediated accumulation in the TME, there were defects in these processes in glioma-bearing Cox2-deficient and Ccl2-deficient mice. Conversely, these mice or ASA-treated wild-type mice displayed enhanced expression of CXCL10 (C-X-C motif chemokine 10) and infiltration of cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) in the TME, consistent with a relief of MDSC-mediated immunosuppression. Antibody-mediated depletion of MDSCs delayed glioma growth in association with an increase in CXCL10 and CTLs in the TME, underscoring a critical role for MDSCs in glioma development. Finally, Cxcl10-deficient mice exhibited reduced CTL infiltration of tumors, establishing that CXCL10 limited this pathway of immunosuppression. Taken together, our findings show that the COX-2 pathway promotes gliomagenesis by directly supporting systemic development of MDSCs and their accumulation in the TME, where they limit CTL infiltration. Cancer Res; 71(7); 1–11. 2011 AACR.
Differences in Treatment Outcome among Marijuana-Dependent Young Adults with and without Antisocial Personality Disorder

Background: Few studies have addressed comorbid antisocial personality disorder (ASPD) and marijuana dependence in young adults, and results from previous studies are inconsistent. Objectives: This study evaluated differences in pretreatment characteristics and treatment outcomes between marijuana-dependent young adults with and without ASPD. Methods: Data for this study were derived from a randomized trial, in which marijuana-dependent young adults (n = 136) between 18 and 25 years of age were randomized to four behavioral conditions: (1) MET/CBT with CM, (2) MET/CBT without CM, (3) DC with CM, and (4) DC without CM. Results: Forty-four percent of the participants met DSM-IV-TR criteria for ASPD. ASPD clients had significantly more lifetime alcohol dependence disorders, marijuana use in the 28 days pretreatment, arrests, and assault and weapon charges compared to those without ASPD. ASPD clients did not differ in retention or substance use outcomes at 8 weeks posttreatment or the 6-month follow-up. In general, both groups had more attendance in the voucher condition, but there were no significant ASPD by treatment interactions. Conclusions: These data suggest that marijuana-dependent young adults with comorbid ASPD do not necessarily have poorer retention or substance use outcomes compared with marijuana-dependent young adults who do not have ASPD when treated in a well-defined behavioral therapy protocol. Scientific significance: Previous research has shown increased risks for clients with comorbid ASPD and marijuana dependence; however, our findings suggest that specialized programs for clients with ASPD may not be necessary if they are provided with empirically supported, structured treatments.
Inductor Current Measurement and Regulation Using a Single DC Link Current Sensor for Interleaved DC–DC Converters

Inductor current measurements using only a single dc link current sensor in an interleaved dc-dc converter is introduced in this paper. This technique is appealing for the interleaved dc-dc converter because it minimizes the number of current sensors, thereby reducing sensor cost, weight, and volume. A combination of analytical and experimental results is provided to confirm that the single dc link current sensor technique is capable of achieving attractive performance characteristics in the areas of inductor current reconstruction, inductor current regulation, and output voltage regulation for the interleaved dc-dc converter.
Achieving Low-Recovery Time in AlGaN/GaN HEMTs With AlN Interlayer Under Low- Noise Amplifiers Operation

Three transistors with different AlGaN/GaN interface designs (sharp interface, standard interface, and an extra AlN interlayer) were studied in-depth under conditions mimicking low-noise amplifiers (LNAs) operation. A new measurement setup, analog to LNAs operation condition, is established to measure recovery time on device level. For the first time, a direct relationship between the recovery time and the design of AlGaN/GaN interface is revealed in devices with Carbon doping buffer in this letter. An extremely low-recovery time is demonstrated in the transistor with an AlN interlayer. Both transistors without an AlN interlayer exhibit severe gain and drain current degradation after pulsed input stress. The transistor with a sharp interface shows a recovery time around 10 ms, whereas the transistorwith a standard interface shows even much longer recovery time. These results imply that AlN interlayer, which can effectively block the injection of hot electrons to AlGaN bulk or surface traps, is highly preferred in systems where LNAs need to function promptly after an input overdrive.