Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Expression and Regulation of CCR1 by Airway Smooth Muscle Cells in Asthma1

C-C chemokines such as CCL11, CCL5, and CCL3 are central mediators in the pathogenesis of asthma. They are mainly associated with the recruitment and the activation of specific inflammatory cells, such as eosinophils, lymphocytes, and neutrophils. It has recently been shown that they can also activate structural cells, such as airway smooth muscle and epithelial cells. The aims of this study were to examine the expression of the CCL3 receptor, CCR1, on human airway smooth muscle cells (ASMC) and to document the regulation of this receptor by cytokines involved in asthma pathogenesis. We first demonstrated that CCR1 mRNA is increased in the airways of asthmatic vs control subjects and showed for the first time that ASMC express CCR1 mRNA and protein, both in vitro and in vivo. Calcium mobilization by CCR1 ligands confirmed its functionality on ASMC. Stimulation of ASMC with TNF-α and, to a lesser extent, IFN-γ resulted in an up-regulation of CCR1 expression, which was totally suppressed by both dexamethasone or mithramycin. Taken together, our data suggest that CCR1 might be involved in the pathogenesis of asthma, through the activation of ASMC by its ligands.
Posreduje li profesionalno sagorijevanje učinke osobina ličnosti na zadovoljstvo životom odgojitelja predškolske djece

Zadovoljstvo životom jednog odgojitelja vrlo je važno za njegov kvalitetan rad u kontekstu ranog i predskolskog odgoja i obrazovanja. S obzirom na cinjenicu da istraživanja na uzorcima odgojitelja uglavnom nisu bila ranije provođena, cilj je ovog rada bio analizirati zadovoljstvo životom odgojitelja te eventualne ucinke osobina licnosti na zadovoljstvo životom posredovane profesionalnim sagorijevanjem. Prema rezultatima se dosadasnjih istraživanja ocekivao izravan ucinak ekstraverzije i neuroticizma na zadovoljstvo životom te znacajno posredovanje profesionalnog sagorijevanja na ucinke ovih osobina licnosti. Ispitano je 295 odgojitelja (od toga 4 muskog spola) iz cijele Hrvatske, prosjecne dobi 37 godina. Tri varijable ispitane su upitnicima samoprocjene: Skalom zadovoljstva životom, Petofaktorskim upitnikom licnosti i Maslachin upitnikom sagorijevanja. Rezultati su pokazali znacajne izravne efekte ekstraverzije i neuroticizma na zadovoljstvo životom odgojitelja, sto je potvrdilo nalaze dosadasnjih istraživanja. Osim izravnih efekata ekstraverzija ima i posredan pozitivan efekt na zadovoljstvo životom posredovan smanjenjem emocionalne iscrpljenosti, dok neuroticizam ima posredan negativan efekt na zadovoljstvo životom kroz povecanje emocionalne iscrpljenosti i percepciju smanjenoga osobnog postignuca. Otvorenost i savjesnost imaju samo posredne pozitivne efekte na zadovoljstvo životom umanjujuci osjecaj smanjenoga osobnog postignuca. Depersonalizacija nije pokazala znacajan samostalan doprinos objasnjenju zadovoljstva životom, neovisan o ostalim prediktorskim (licnost) i medijacijskim varijablama. Utvrđeni su nalazi analizirani u kontekstu složenosti ispitanih varijabli i njihovih međusobnih odnosa, kao i važnosti njihova daljnjeg ispitivanja s obzirom na važnost uloge odgojitelja u procesu ranog ucenja i poucavanja.
Intermittent presumptive treatment of malaria to prevent low birth weight in newborns in a cohort of pregnant women from a malaria endemic area.

OBJECTIVE To determine and describe the patterns of low birth weight in newborns of a cohort of mothers given intermittent presumptive treatment (IPT) for malaria prevention in a malaria endemic area of Kenya. DESIGN A longitudinal prospective cohort study. SETTING Got Agulu Health Centre in Usigu Division, Bondo District, Nyanza Province. SUBJECTS Pregnant women of all parities attending antenatal care services. Only women who gave informed consent for themselves and their newborns after birth were eligible to participate in the study. RESULTS Parity was highly predictive of birth weight in the study subjects. Primigravidae and secondigravidae had a significantly lower mean birth weight (2952g) than women of higher gravidity (3214g) p-value <0.0001. Regardless of IPT administration, women who became positive for malaria infection at any point during pregnancy delivered 73.7% of the LBW infants. There was no significant difference in mean birth weights between primigravidae and multigravidae who had parasitaemia at baseline and at delivery (means 2906g and 3062g respectively, p=0.11). However, there was a significant difference between the parasitaemia negative primigravidae and multigravidae at baseline and at delivery (means 2952g and 3204g respectively, p=0.006). Infection with helminths did not have an effect on birth weight. Overall, low birth weight was observed in 9% of the newborns and was most commonly found in primigravidae and secondigravidae (14.8% and 13.1% respectively). CONCLUSION Although many factors have been known to play a role in the causation of low birth weight (LBW <2500g), parity status and malaria infection in malaria endemic areas still play a major role regardless of IPT administration.
Walk-Time Address Adjustment for Improving the Accuracy of Dynamic Branch Prediction

Dynamic branch prediction has been an effective technique for boosting the performance of modern high performance microprocessors. Since hardware predictors only have a limited number of 2-bit counters but programs often have a large, variable number of branches, two branches in the programs may thus be mapped to the same 2-bit counter. Predictions for these two branches may interfere with each other. This, in turn, reduces the prediction accuracy. In this paper, we discuss how a pre-run-time optimization technique, called address adjustment, can help to reduce branch interference. The technique adjusts the addresses of conditional branches in the given program by inserting NOP instructions at appropriate locations. In this way, the mapping between the conditional branches and the 2-bit counters can be controlled and branch interference can be minimized. Address adjustment can be applied at compile or link time, and the latter makes it a walk-time transformation technique. Three possible address adjustment schemes are investigated: constrained address adjustment, relaxed address adjustment, and branch classification. Experimental results show that address adjustment can reduce branch misprediction ratios on existing hardware predictors. Among the three methods, branch classification has the most improvement.
Physiological Genomics Analysis for Mania: Supportive Evidence for Epigenetics Concept

Background: Mania is an important psychological problem. This disorder can be detected anywhere in the world. This psychological disorder becomes an important concern in modern psychological medicine. Aims: There are some researches on the pathogenesis of this disease; however, there is no clear-cut on its etiopathogenesis. The big query is on the genetic underlying of the mania. Materials and Methods: Here, the author uses the physiological genomics study to better understand the pathogenesis of mania. Results: According to this work, the physiogenomics relationship on chromosomes could not be identified. Conclusion: The result from this study shows that mania might not have a genetic, but epigenic origin, which is different from the well-known disorder in psychological medicine, Alzheimer's disease.
Information provision for stroke patients and their caregivers.

BACKGROUND The provision of information has been recommended as a key component of service provision after stroke. However, research suggests that patients' understanding of stroke and associated issues remains poor. We determined to undertake a systematic review of information provision strategies for patients and their carers after stroke. OBJECTIVES To examine the effectiveness of an information and/or education strategy to improve the outcome of stroke patients and/or their identified caregivers. SEARCH STRATEGY Relevant trials were identified in the Cochrane Stroke Group Specialised Trials Register (last searched: June 2000). Additional intervention-based search strategies were developed for: The Cochrane Controlled Trials Register (CENTRAL/CCTR) Medline; Embase; CINAHL; ISI citation index; Science and Social Science Citation Indexes; ISI Web of Science Service; Aslib Index to UK theses; Dissertation Abstracts International, ASSIA and Psychlit/PsycINFO. We also searched the Journal of Advanced Nursing, bibliographies of retrieved papers, relevant articles and books. SELECTION CRITERIA Two or three investigators independently assessed trials and abstracts identified for eligibility, methodological quality and other participant characteristics. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Data were extracted independently using piloted data extraction forms. The primary outcomes were knowledge about stroke and stroke services, and impact on health, specifically mood. MAIN RESULTS We identified 152 abstracts, of which 36 studies were potentially relevant to this review. The current analysis includes nine completed trials, a further eight studies are ongoing. Of the nine trials, three evaluated a programme of lectures and the remaining trials evaluated the provision of information. There is some evidence that information combined with educational sessions improved knowledge and was more effective than providing information only. Information provision only had no effect on mood, perceived health status or quality of life for patients or carers. Two trials used an objective measure of satisfaction and no significant differences were found between groups. One trial reported that information and education sessions for carers improved 'family functioning'. REVIEWER'S CONCLUSIONS The results of the review are limited by the variable quality of the trials and the wide range of outcome measures used. The general effectiveness of information provision has not been conclusively demonstrated. Future work should address the expressed needs of patients and carers and seek to identify appropriate teaching strategies which can be successfully implemented within clinical practice.
Chinese academic journals: quality, issues and solutions

Twelve Chinese academic journals, indexed by SCI and financed by the National Natural Science Foundation (NNSF), were analysed using the 2000–2003 Total Citations and Impact Factor data from JCR. It is concluded that the quality of Chinese journals is generally low and has remained so despite recent government measures aimed at improvement. Several factors are influential – particularly the Chinese government's policy of encouraging submission to foreign journals. Finance, management, and the academic degree policy are also obstacles. It is suggested that the Chinese government should reconsider its current policies so as to encourage higher quality in domestic periodicals and thus a greater recognition of Chinese journals by the international academic community.
Differential effects of methylphenidate and atomoxetine on intrinsic brain activity in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

Background Methylphenidate and atomoxetine are commonly prescribed for treating attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). However, their therapeutic neural mechanisms remain unclear. Method After baseline evaluation including cognitive testing of the Cambridge Neuropsychological Test Automated Battery (CANTAB), drug-naive children with ADHD (n = 46), aged 7–17 years, were randomly assigned to a 12-week treatment with methylphenidate (n = 22) or atomoxetine (n = 24). Intrinsic brain activity, including the fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (fALFF) and regional homogeneity (ReHo), was quantified via resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging at baseline and week 12. Results Reductions in inattentive symptoms were related to increased fALFF in the left superior temporal gyrus and left inferior parietal lobule for ADHD children treated with methylphenidate, and in the left lingual gyrus and left inferior occipital gyrus for ADHD children treated with atomoxetine. Hyperactivity/impulsivity symptom reductions were differentially related to increased fALFF in the methylphenidate group and to decreased fALFF in the atomoxetine group in bilateral precentral and postcentral gyri. Prediction analyses in the atomoxetine group revealed negative correlations between pre-treatment CANTAB simple reaction time and fALFF change in the left lingual gyrus and left inferior occipital gyrus, and positive correlations between pre-treatment CANTAB simple movement time and fALFF change in bilateral precentral and postcentral gyri and left precuneus, with a negative correlation between movement time and the fALFF change in the left lingual gyrus and the inferior occipital gyrus. Conclusions Our findings suggest differential neurophysiological mechanisms for the treatment effects of methylphenidate and atomoxetine in children with ADHD.
Decompression of the Facial Nerve in Bell's Palsy: A Historical Review

This year, 1981, is the 50th anniversary of facial nerve decompression for Bell's palsy. The procedure was first suggested in 1923 but not performed until 1931. From the start, facial nerve decompression has generated disagreement regarding the indication and timing for surgical treatment and the anatomic extent of decompression. In each decade as the postonset time within which to perform surgical intervention has decreased, the anatomic extent of decompression has increased. Otologists continue to disagree, and we need to reevaluate our past and analyze how the difference may be resolved in the future. This critical review, in chronologic order, of the history and present status of facial nerve decompression is the necessary first step in resolving some of the persistent problems in surgical management of patients with Bell's palsy.
Aminoacid zwitterions in solution: Geometric, energetic, and vibrational analysis using density functional theory-continuum model calculations

Glycine and alanine aminoacids chemistry in solution is explored using a hybrid three parameters density functional (B3PW91) together with a continuum model. Geometries, energies, and vibrational spectra of glycine and alanine zwitterions are studied at the B3PW91/6-31+G** level and the results compared with those obtained at the HF and MP2/6-31+G** levels. Solvents effects are incorporated by means of an ellipsoidal cavity model with a multipolar expansion (up to sixth order) of the solute’s electrostatic potential. Our results confirm the validity of the B3PW91 functional for studying aminoacid chemistry in solution. Taking into account the more favorable scaling behavior of density functional techniques with respect to correlated ab initio methods these studies could be extended to larger systems.
Enhancement of Ia-like antigen expression by interferon-gamma in polymorphonuclear leukocytes.

The effects of interferons (IFNs) on Ia-like antigen expression in human peripheral blood polymorphonuclear leukocytes (PMNs) were examined in vitro using flow cytometry and FITC-labelled monoclonal antibody specific for the Ia-like antigen OKIa1. Recombinant human IFN-gamma markedly enhanced the expression of Ia-like antigen on PMNs and increased the number of Ia-positive PMNs. In contrast, natural human IFN-alpha and-beta had no effect on the expression when compared on the basis of antiviral activity.
Pharmacological induction and modulation of stridulation in two species of acridid grasshoppers

The influence of neurotransmitters and neuroactive substances on stridulatory behaviour was analysed in two species of acridid grasshoppers (Omocestus viridulus and Chorthippus mollis). Acetylcholine, octopamine, gamma-aminobutyric acid and glutamate were applied by pressure injection (0.5­1.0 nl, 10(-3) mol l-1) into the protocerebrum. All except octopamine were also applied to the metathoracic ganglion by pressure injection or superfusion (1 ml). Injection of acetylcholine into the medial dorsal neuropile of the protocerebrum elicited continuous long-lasting species-specific stridulation in both acridid species. All other substances tested had no effect when injected into the brain. Injection of acetylcholine into the medial dorsal neuropile of the metathoracic ganglion enhanced the amplitude of the stridulatory leg movements elicited by electrical brain stimulation. It did not alter the repetition rate or coordination of the movements in O. viridulus; but it decreased the length of stridulatory cycles in C. mollis. Injection of gamma-aminobutyric acid into the medial dorsal metathoracic neuropile in both species suppressed the stridulatory leg movements ipsilateral to the injection site but did not alter those on the contralateral side. Superfusion of the metathoracic ganglion with gamma-aminobutyric acid suppressed the movements of both hindlegs. Pressure injection of glutamate into the metathoracic ganglion had no effect on the stridulatory leg movements, but superfusion enhanced the stridulatory movements.
A model of the determinants of purchase of home security and remote control equipments

The study extends the original technology acceptance model (TAM) by applying it to the purchase intention of home security and remote control equipments, and introducing two external variables, “task-technology fit” and “reliability and interaction. ” The paper addresses the original cognitive TAM variables, and then revises them by adding emotional antecedents which fit into consumer context. The hypotheses incorporating all of the variables and the relationships among the variables are tested in the study of consumer behavior, and supporting evidence is found for TAM. Thus, the findings of the study reveal that TAM is stable across contexts and additional variables help explain the technology acceptance by consumer in personal scenarios.
The development of biofilm architecture

We extend the one-dimensional polymer solution theory of bacterial biofilm growth described by Winstanley et al. (2011 Proc. R. Soc. A 467, 1449–1467 (doi:10.1098/rspa.2010.0327)) to deal with the problem of the growth of a patch of biofilm in more than one lateral dimension. The extension is non-trivial, as it requires consideration of the rheology of the polymer phase. We use a novel asymptotic technique to reduce the model to a free-boundary problem governed by the equations of Stokes flow with non-standard boundary conditions. We then consider the stability of laterally uniform biofilm growth, and show that the model predicts spatial instability; this is confirmed by a direct numerical solution of the governing equations. The instability results in cusp formation at the biofilm surface and provides an explanation for the common observation of patterned biofilm architectures.
Streptolysin O and adherence synergistically modulate proinflammatory responses of keratinocytes to group A streptococci

In contrast to a mutant adhesin‐deficient Streptococcus pyogenes (group A streptococcus), its isogenic parental strain binds to human keratinocytes and promotes a vigorous proinflammatory response, characterized by enhanced expression of several cytokines, a more rapid release of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and damage to keratinocyte membranes. However, adherence alone is not sufficient to induce these responses. In this study, we have begun to examine the contribution of other streptococcal products in interactions with keratinocytes by the construction and evaluation of mutants deficient in expression of the secreted pore‐forming haemolysin, streptolysin O (SLO). Inactivation of SLO did not prevent the streptococci from adhering to cultured HaCaT keratinocytes or from expressing an unrelated second streptococcal haemolysin, streptolysin S, during infection of keratinocytes. As measured by a quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (PCR) assay, inactivation of SLO also did not have a marked effect on the expression of interleukin 1α (IL‐1α) during infection. However, the lack of the ability to produce SLO was associated with a considerable reduction in expression of IL‐1β, IL‐6 and IL‐8 by infected keratinocytes. Measurement of the release of PGE2 by an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay demonstrated that the SLO‐deficient mutants were also not capable of promoting the rapid high level of PGE2 release characteristic of the adherent SLO‐producing parental strain. Finally, analyses using the fluorescent probe ethidium homodimer‐1 and measurements of release of keratinocyte lactate dehydrogenase indicated that the failure of the SLO‐deficient mutants to induce responses was associated with the failure of these mutants to damage the integrity of the keratinocyte membrane. These data implicate SLO as a factor that acts synergistically with an adhesin to modulate the signalling responses of keratinocytes during infection.
Current controversies on the role of behavior therapy in Tourette syndrome

Comprehensive behavioral intervention for tics (CBIT) is a safe and effective treatment for managing the tics of Tourette syndrome (TS). In contrast to most current medications used for the treatment of tics, the efficacy of CBIT has been demonstrated in 2 relatively large, multisite trials. It also shows durability of benefit over time. Similar to psychopharmacological intervention, skilled practitioners are required to implement the intervention. Despite concerns about the effort required to participate in CBIT, patients with TS and parents of children with TS appear willing to meet the requirements of the CBIT program. Efforts are under way to increase the number of trained CBIT providers in the United States. Based on available evidence, recent published guidelines suggest that CBIT can be considered a first‐line treatment for persons with tic disorders. © 2013 Movement Disorder Society
Does Surgery of the Olfactory Clefts Modify the Sense of Smell?

Background The olfactory outcome after surgery of polyps in the olfactory clefts (OCs) is unknown. This study was designed to (1) investigate the relationship between clinical characteristics and the presence of the respiratory epithelial adenomatoid hamartoma (REAH) in the OCs and (2) assess the olfactory outcome after surgery in the OC for either eosinophilic polyps (EP) or REAH in patients with ethmoidectomy for nasal polyposis (NP). Methods Seventy-four patients with NP having undergone nasalization procedure were enrolled in this prospective study. The OCs were systematically examined during endoscopic surgery. Small polyps or edematous mucosa of the OC were systematically biopsied. Moderate or big polyps in the OC were removed after nasalization of the ethmoidal labyrinths. The distinction between REAH and EP relied on histopathological examinations. The olfactory function was measured with standardized odor threshold and identification tests 1 day before and 6 weeks after surgery. Results There was a close relationship between the presence of REAH-OC and the duration of NP disease (p = 0.0009), asthma (p = 0.004), and previous surgery (p = 0.0006). Before surgery, 90.6% of patients with REAH-OC were hypo-anosmic in contrast with one-half of patients having EP-OC (p = 0.0003). Predictors of poor olfactory outcomes after surgery were long-standing nasal symptoms (p = 0.027), history of previous surgery (p = 0.01), and history of previous middle turbinates resection (p = 0.0006). Polyp histology and surgery of the OC were not predictors of poor olfactory outcomes. Conclusion The resection of REAH or EP of the OC in patients with NP does not worsen but instead can improve the sense of smell after surgery.