Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Soil Solution Phosphorus Status and Mycorrhizal Dependency in Leucaena leucocephala

A phosphorus sorption isotherm was used to establish concentrations of P in a soil solution ranging from 0.002 to 0.807 μg/ml. The influence of P concentration on the symbiotic interaction between the tropical tree legume Leucaena leucocephala and the vesicular-arbuscular mycorrhizal (VAM) fungus Glomus fasciculatum was evaluated in pot experiments. The level of mycorrhizal infection in Leucaena roots increased as the concentration of P was raised from 0.002 to 0.153 μg/ml. Higher levels of P depressed mycorrhizal infection, but the level of infection never declined below 50%. Periodic monitoring of P contents of Leucaena subleaflets indicated that significant mycorrhizal activity was detected as early as 17 days after planting, with the activity peaking 12 to 16 days thereafter. The highest level of mycorrhizal activity was associated with a soil solution P level of 0.021 μg/ml. Even though the mycorrhizal inoculation effect diminished as the concentration of P in the soil solution was increased, mycorrhizal inoculation significantly increased P uptake and dry-matter yield of Leucaena at all levels of soil solution P examined. The concentration of P required by nonmycorrhizal L. leucocephala for maximum yield was 27 to 38 times higher than that required by mycorrhizal L. leucocephala. The results illustrate the very high dependence of L. leucocephala on VAM fungi and the significance of optimizing soil solution phosphorus for enhancing the benefits of the VAM symbiosis.
Strategies, time, and costs associated with the recruitment and enrollment of nursing home residents for a micronutrient supplementation clinical trial.

BACKGROUND Concomitant with the substantial growth of the elderly population in the last decade, there has been a steady rise in the number of nursing home residents aged 65 years and older. Well designed, rigorously conducted clinical intervention trials provide an important source of data for evidence-based improvements in the medical care of nursing home residents. The information available on strategies for the recruitment and screening of participants for such studies in long-term care facilities, as well as the financial and time costs for carrying out these investigations, is limited. METHODS This report describes our experience in recruiting 617 nursing home residents for a multisite, double-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled trial designed to determine the efficacy of a 1-year period of vitamin E supplementation in preventing respiratory tract infections. Comparisons of the projected staffing costs and actual costs incurred are presented, using a retrospective method for the determination of unit costs. RESULTS Initially, 874 consents were obtained from 2815 potential participants, of which only 617 were enrolled. Each successful enrollment required an average of 15 hours of staff time at a combined personnel and supply cost of $515 per participant and a total study cost of $317,661. Several obstacles were encountered during the recruitment and enrollment process: resistance on the part of family or primary care provider; transfer out of facility; and changes in the medical condition of the patient, including death. DISCUSSION The results of this report should prove useful to investigators developing budgets for nursing home-based clinical trials by providing a more accurate determination of the personnel needed and the costs associated with recruitment and enrollment of participants.
Basic studies on the equivalent cross‐relaxation rate imaging (equivalent CRI)—phantom studies

We have studied saturation transfer in hydrophilic, cross‐linked copolymer gels from irradiated polymer protons to observed water protons, using f2 (ppm) profiles of [1 − (I∞/I0)], [(I0/I∞) − 1] or 1/TIS(H2O), where I0 and I∞ are the longitudinal magnetization of the observed water protons before and after long‐timef2‐irradiation on polymer protons, respectively, and 1/TIS(H2O) is the cross‐relaxation rate. (A) [1 − (I∞/I0)] (magnetization transfer ratio, MTR) was used in magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) as the MTR imaging. 1/TIS(H2O) (cross‐relaxation rate) was used in the imaging of the magnetization transfer rate constant. This method was quite time‐consuming compared with MTR imaging. However, f2 (ppm) profiles of [(I0/I∞) − 1] correlated well with corresponding profiles of 1/TIS(H2O), because [(I0/I∞) − 1] is equal to 1/[TIS(H2O)/T1(H2O)]. These results lead us to the conclusion that [(I0/I∞) − 1] might be applicable to cross‐relaxation rate (CR)‐like imaging, i.e. equivalent CRI. (B) W (%) (dry weight) profiles of [(I0/I∞) − 1] and 1/TIS(H2O), obtained by near‐resonance f2‐irradiation, seem to indicate participation of molecular rigidity and an amount of bound water. However, those values, monitored with off‐resonance f2‐irradiation, seem to be independent of monomer composition and to indicate mainly participation of rigidity, i.e. W (%) of copolymer gels. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
MR Imaging−Based Localized Intra-Arterial Thrombolysis Assisted by Mechanical Clot Disruption for Acute Ischemic Stroke due to Middle Cerebral Artery Occlusion

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: LIT-MCD is used in our institution for acute stroke due to MCA occlusion, with the goal of reducing symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage by maintaining recanalization of the occluded vessels. The purpose of the study was to investigate the safety and efficacy of LIT-MCD and to identify factors associated with a poor outcome in patients undergoing this procedure. MATERIALS AND METHODS: LIT-MCD for MCA occlusion was performed in 90 of 1907 consecutive patients with acute stroke admitted to our institution. Radiographic data and clinical outcome were evaluated in the 90 patients, and factors predictive of a poor outcome (3-month mRS score, 3–6) were investigated by multivariate analysis. RESULTS: Recanalization was achieved in 73 of the 90 patients (81%); symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage occurred in 7 (8%); procedure-related complications, in 9 (10%); and a favorable clinical outcome (3-month mRS score, 0–2), in 48 (53%). A high baseline NIHSS score (≥20), a low preprocedural ASPECTS on MR imaging (≤7), proximal M1 occlusion (in the horizontal segment of the MCA at or proximal to the lenticulostriate arteries), and no recanalization were significant predictors of a poor clinical outcome. CONCLUSIONS: LIT-MCD is a safe and effective treatment for acute stroke due to MCA occlusion. However, further intervention is needed to improve the outcome of patients with proximal M1 occlusion.
AMPK‐independent pathways regulate skeletal muscle fatty acid oxidation

The activation of AMP‐activated protein kinase (AMPK) and phosphorylation/inhibition of acetyl‐CoA carboxylase 2 (ACC2) is believed to be the principal pathway regulating fatty acid oxidation. However, during exercise AMPK activity and ACC Ser‐221 phosphorylation does not always correlate with rates of fatty acid oxidation. To address this issue we have investigated the requirement for skeletal muscle AMPK in controlling aminoimidazole‐4‐carboxymide‐1‐β‐d‐ribofuranoside (AICAR) and contraction‐stimulated fatty acid oxidation utilizing transgenic mice expressing a muscle‐specific kinase dead (KD) AMPK α2. In wild‐type (WT) mice, AICAR and contraction increased AMPK α2 and α1 activities, the phosphorylation of ACC2 and rates of fatty acid oxidation while tending to reduce malonyl‐CoA levels. Despite no activation of AMPK in KD mice, ACC2 phosphorylation was maintained, malonyl‐CoA levels were reduced and rates of fatty acid oxidation were comparable between genotypes. During treadmill exercise both KD and WT mice had similar values of respiratory exchange ratio. These studies suggested the presence of an alternative ACC2 kinase(s). Using a phosphoproteomics‐based approach we identified 18 Ser/Thr protein kinases whose phosphorylation was increased by greater than 25% in contracted KD relative to WT muscle. Utilizing bioinformatics we predicted that extracellular regulated protein‐serine kinase (ERK1/2), inhibitor of nuclear factor (NF)‐κB protein‐serine kinase β (IKKβ) and protein kinase D (PKD) may phosphorylate ACC2 at Ser‐221 but during in vitro phosphorylation assays only AMPK phosphorylated ACC2. These data demonstrate that AMPK is not essential for the regulation of fatty acid oxidation by AICAR or muscle contraction.
A model of fertility control in a Puerto Rican community.

This article examines the fertility control decision making of Puerto Rican women in Hartford, Connecticut a city that has a high sterilization rate among Puerto Rican heads or co-heads of households. Decisions regarding fertility are conceptualized as a result of a complex interaction among individual needs of women, factors influencing the family, the impact of religious institutions, accessibility of medical services, and socioeconomic resources of the household and the local community. A survey of 153 female household heads in Hartford conducted in 1978-79 by the Hispanic Health Council found that 79 (51.6%) had been sterilized. Further analysis was aimed at identifying the factors linked to sterilization in a subsample of the original respondents that included 3 categories: those using no birth control, those using the IUD or oral contraception, and those sterilized. The results indicate that Puerto Rican women begin their sexual activity with limited use of birth control, accept reversible methods primarily after the 2nd and 3rd births, become sterilized in significant numbers after their 3rd child, and have generally attaned sterilization after 5 births. Sterilization is the fertility control method most frequently selected at the point where women feel they have reached their desired family size. Since optimal family size is achieved quickly, many Puerto Rican women seek sterilization in their 20s. This widespread acceptance of sterilization in part reflects the effects of recent sterilization campaigns in Puerto Rico. It further reflects health care providers' expectation that Puerto Rican women will not be successful in their use of reversible methods. The major difference between higher and lower socioeconomic groups centers around the point in family size at which sterilization takes place, with women of higher socioeconomic status terminating childbearing after fewer births. It is concluded that interventions should aim to increase use of reversible methods of birth control, both for birth spacing and family size limitation, among Puerto Rican women of higher socioeconomic status and that a comprehensive approach, involving both socioeconomic factors and fertility control, should be directed toward those of lower socioeconomic status.
Modeling of Corticosteroid Pharmacogenomics in Rat Liver Using Gene Microarrays

Corticosteroid (CS) pharmacogenomics was studied using gene microarrays in rat liver. Methylprednisolone (MPL) was administered intravenously at 50 mg/kg. Rats were sacrificed and liver excised at 17 time points over 72 h. RNAs from individual livers were used to query Affymetrix GeneChips that contain sequences for 8000 genes. Cluster analysis revealed six temporal patterns consisting of 197 CS-responsive probes representing 143 genes. Based on our fifth-generation model of CS pharmacokinetics/pharmacodynamics (PK/PD), mechanistic models were developed to describe the time pattern for each CS-responsive gene. Two clusters showed increased expression with different effect duration. PK/PD models assuming CS stimulation of mRNA synthesis were applied. Another two clusters showed an initial decline followed by delayed increase, suggesting two mechanisms might be involved jointly. The initial suppression was captured by CS inhibition of mRNA synthesis or stimulation of degradation. CS may also stimulate the production of a biosignal (transcription factors or other hormones), which can cause secondary induction of the target mRNA. One cluster showed a very abrupt increase in message followed by rapid decrease. These genes were lymphocytic in origin and were modeled combining the fast gene induction effect of CS in lymphoid cells and its direct lymphocyte trafficking effect. Another cluster showed reduction persisting for 18 h, which was described by CS inhibition of mRNA synthesis. Our results reveal the marked diversity of genes regulated by CS via a limited array of mechanisms. These PK/PD models provide quantitation of CS pharmacogenomics and new hypotheses regarding understanding of diverse mechanisms of CS receptor-gene mediated action.
Conversion of Micronodular Cirrhosis into Macronodular Cirrhosis

The conversion from micro‐ to macronodular cirrhosis is claimed to be a general phenomenon. In this study, the conversion was quantitated by means of liver needle follow‐up biopsies and autopsy in 156 patients followed in a controlled clinical trial of prednisone treatment in cirrhosis.
[Thrombocytopenia onset in acute episodes of pancreatitis].

BACKGROUND The objective of this study was to determine the prevalence of thrombocytopenia in acute pancreatitis and its value as a prognostic marker for complications. METHODS The records of all patients admitted to our institution between January and June 1993 were reviewed. After exclusion of other possible causes of thrombocytopenia, 104 patients were evaluated. The prognostic value of thrombocytopenia was determined by evaluation of the length of hospital stay, radiologic severity, complications, need for ICU care, need for surgery and mortality. RESULTS The etiology of pancreatitis was as follows: gallstone-induced in 49 patients, alcoholic in 35, idiopathic in 12 and due to other causes in the remaining 8 cases. Thrombocytopenia developed early, within the first 48 hours and was moderate (106 +/- 27 x 10(9)/l). Alcoholic pancreatitis was associated to a higher probability to develop thrombocytopenia (43% vs 36% in gallstone-induced pancreatitis and 4% in idiopathic pancreatitis, p = 0.02). Thrombocytopenic patients had a greater radiologic severity (Balthazar's scores D or E 78% vs 49%, p = 0.04), a higher number of acute complications (28% vs 10%, p = 0.05) and a more frequent need for ICU care (25% vs 7%, p = 0.01). No differences were seen in length of hospital stay, need for surgery and mortality between the two groups of patients. CONCLUSIONS Thrombocytopenia is frequent in acute pancreatitis, especially in cases of alcoholic origin. Its presence suggests a higher risk to develop complications.
Fetal serum concentrations of cystatin C and beta2-microglobulin as predictors of postnatal kidney function.

OBJECTIVES Cystatin C and beta(2)-microglobulin are established serum markers of renal function in children and adults. In contrast to creatinine, diaplacental exchange is minimal. The aim of the study was to establish reference values in fetal serum and to test their efficiency in predicting postnatal kidney function. STUDY DESIGN This was a prospective noninterventional study measuring cystatin C and beta(2)-microglobulin by particle-enhanced immunoturbidimetry in excess serum from 129 cordocenteses performed in 84 fetuses. Reference intervals (mean +/- 1.96 SD) were calculated in a subgroup of 54 fetuses without evidence of kidney disease, and these reference values were evaluated in 75 sera from 55 fetuses. RESULTS Mean cystatin C was 1.66 +/- 0.202 mg/L (upper limit 2.06), and mean beta(2)-microglobulin was 4.25 +/- 0.734 mg/L. Unlike cystatin C, beta(2)-microglobulin decreased significantly with gestational age so that the upper reference limit was 7.19-0.052 x gestational age in weeks. beta(2)-Microglobulin had higher sensitivity (90.0% vs 63.6%) and cystatin C a higher specificity (91.8% vs. 85.5%) for the prediction of impaired renal function; diagnostic efficiency was equal (87.6% vs. 86.1%). Fetuses with impaired renal function at birth or who were aborted for renal malformations had higher cystatin C concentrations than those in a control group. beta(2)-Microglobulin was increased only in fetuses who were aborted. CONCLUSION Fetal serum cystatin C and beta(2)-microglobulin concentrations may be useful predictors of postnatal kidney function.
Comparison of the diagnostic value of bone marrow biopsy and bone marrow aspiration in neoplastic disease

The Jamshidi-Swaim biopsy needle was utilized to perform 205 bone marrow biopsies, accompanied by simultaneous bone marrow aspirates, on patients with lymphoma, leukaemia, and a variety of solid tumours. There was no significant morbidity. There were 67 positive findings with biopsy and 42 with aspiration. The two techniques were complementary in Hodgkin's disease, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, breast carcinoma, bronchogenic carcinoma, malignant melanoma, and in leukaemia. We have examined the bone marrow biopsies and aspirates with respect to the adequacy of the bone marrow biopsy specimen, the number of positive biopsies in the various categories of neoplasia, and the disparity of biopsy and aspirate, finding that 28 of the 67 positive biopsies (41·8%) had negative aspirates. These data and specimens obtained compared quite favourably with other series in which a modification of the Vim-Silverman needle was used.
Decision-Making in Meetings as Talk-in-Interaction

Abstract Decisions in organizations are often made during some form of talk-in-interaction. In this article, conversation analysis is used to identify those interactions and linguistic features which characterize decision-making at four Dutch organizations. In taking this approach, the research highlights the ways in which organizational members collaboratively create the future of their organization. It also shows that the formulation and content of decisions is inextricably connected to the situations in which they are produced and that what counts as a decision depends on the communicative norms of the group that is talking.
Soil water flow is a source of the plant pathogen Pseudomonas syringae in subalpine headwaters.

The airborne plant pathogenic bacterium Pseudomonas syringae is ubiquitous in headwaters, snowpack and precipitation where its populations are genetically and phenotypically diverse. Here, we assessed its population dynamics during snowmelt in headwaters of the French Alps. We revealed a continuous and significant transport of P.syringae by these waters in which the population density is correlated with water chemistry. Via in situ observations and laboratory experiments, we validated that P.syringae is effectively transported with the snow melt and rain water infiltrating through the soil of subalpine grasslands, leading to the same range of concentrations as measured in headwaters (10(2) -10(5) CFU l(-1) ). A population structure analysis confirmed the relatedness between populations in percolated water and those above the ground (i.e. rain, leaf litter and snowpack). However, the transport study in porous media suggested that water percolation could have different efficiencies for different strains of P.syringae. Finally, leaching of soil cores incubated for up to 4 months at 8°C showed that indigenous populations of P.syringae were able to survive in subalpine soil under cold temperature. This study brings to light the underestimated role of hydrological processes involved in the long distance dissemination of P.syringae.
T-lymphocyte function from peripheral blood stem-cell donors is inhibited by activated granulocytes.

BACKGROUND PBSC transplant provides 10 times more T cells than BMT However, the incidence and severity of acute GvHD is similar among recipients of both types of transplants. Studies in mouse models suggest that the similar clinical outcome in BMT and PBSCT is due to differences in the lymphokine profiles. METHODS PBMC, PBMC from G-CSF mobilized donors (G-PBMC)and BM mononuclear cells (BM-MC) were analyzed by flow cytometry and ELISA to detect gamma-IFN and IL-4 production. Hematoxylin and eosin staining was used to identify morphology and annexin/propidium-iodide was used for apoptosis assays. RESULTS We show decreased production of gamma-interferon (85%) and IL-4 (60%) in G-PBMC when compared with either PBMC or BM-MCT cells on ex vivo assays. Surprisingly, 85% of fresh G-PBMC is composed of low-density granulocytes (LDG), which undergo apoptosis after 48 h in culture. At this same time, gamma-IFN production from G-PBMC T cell was reverted. In vitro, G-CSF converts granulocytes into LDGs, able to inhibit T-cell function by H2O2 production, and not through immune-deviation towards a Th2-type phenotype. DISCUSSION We show that the estimated numbers of Th1 and Th2 cells infused in BMT and PBSCT do not differ significantly. These findings are discussed with reference to the relatively low incidence of acute GvHD in PBSCT shown in the literature. We suggest that these results might depend on the high number of granulocytes and progenitors infused. The potential use of granulocytes as immunosupressive short-term therapy is now being investigated by our group using a mouse experimental model.
Zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis in northeastern Iran: a GIS-based spatio-temporal multi-criteria decision-making approach

SUMMARY Zoonotic cutaneous leishmaniasis (ZCL) constitutes a serious public health problem in many parts of the world including Iran. This study was carried out to assess the risk of the disease in an endemic province by developing spatial environmentally based models in yearly intervals. To fill the gap of underestimated true burden of ZCL and short study period, analytical hierarchy process (AHP) and fuzzy AHP decision-making methods were used to determine the ZCL risk zones in a Geographic Information System platform. Generated risk maps showed that high-risk areas were predominantly located at the northern and northeastern parts in each of the three study years. Comparison of the generated risk maps with geocoded ZCL cases at the village level demonstrated that in both methods more than 90%, 70% and 80% of the cases occurred in high and very high risk areas for the years 2010, 2011, and 2012, respectively. Moreover, comparison of the risk categories with spatially averaged normalized difference vegetation index (NDVI) images and a digital elevation model of the study region indicated persistent strong negative relationships between these environmental variables and ZCL risk degrees. These findings identified more susceptible areas of ZCL and will help the monitoring of this zoonosis to be more targeted.
The Quantity Theory of Money in a Developing Economy: Empirical Evidence from Nigeria

This paper investigates the quantity theory of money via Keynesian liquidity preference theory in a developing economy of Nigeria from 1986Q3 to 2005Q4. The study applies the ADF unit root and Johansen-Juselius cointegration tests and found a long run relationship among aggregate demand for money (seasonally adjusted M2), real income, real interest rate, and expected inflation rate. In essence, the stability of M2 is deemed necessary as a monetary policy tool to effect economic activity in Nigeria.