Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of simulated solar disinfection of water on infectivity of Salmonella typhimurium

To determine whether cells of Salmonella typhimurium rendered nonculturable by simulated solar disinfection retain infectivity for mice. Bacteria suspended in water were exposed to UVA irradiation for up to 8 h. Culturability, determined by colony forming unit and Most Probable Number counts, fell by six log10 units, while cellular activity determined by the Kogure cell elongation test was retained by approximately 5% of the cells present after 8 h. Intraperitoneal doses of nonculturable cells and active but nonculturable (ABNC) cells exceeding the LD50 of the test organism and BALB/c mouse host, respectively, by 4 and 3 orders of magnitude failed to produce detectable infections. Culturable cells that had been irradiated for 1·5 h were less infective (virulent) than their nonirradiated counterparts. Nonculturable and ABNC cells of Salm. typhimurium produced by UVA irradiation do not retain infectivity for mice. Although ABNC cells could be produced by low cost solar disinfection systems, they do not appear to pose a potential infection hazard.
Nutritional and sensory profile of two Indian rice varieties with different degrees of polishing

Traditional hand-pounded rice has been replaced today with highly polished white rice in the Asian Indian diets. The study aimed to evaluate the nutritional as well as the sensory differences between the brown (0% polish) and the rice milled to different degrees of polish (2.3, 4.4 and 8.0%). Bapatla and Uma (red pigmented) varieties in both raw and parboiled forms were used. The protein, fat, dietary fibre, γ-oryzanol, polyphenols, vitamin E, total antioxidant activity and free radical scavenging abilities of the brown rice decreased while the available carbohydrates increased with polishing. Sensory attributes of the cooked rice samples (whiteness, grain intactness, fluffiness, firmness, stickiness, chewiness and the cooked rice aroma) were evaluated by trained panelists. Scores for branny taste and chewiness decreased with polishing. On the whole, brown rice of both the varieties was readily accepted by the well-informed sensory trained panelists.
Chick embryo back skin organ and fibroblast cultures. Extracellular matrix changes induced by dialysate fluid and uraemic toxins in relation to proliferation and differentiation processes

Aim: During uraemia, an increase of middle molecules and acetylpolyamines occurs. In vitro the middle molecules produce cell toxicity, while the acetylpolyamines stimulate cell proliferation and differentiation. These phenomena are related to protein and extracellular glycosaminoglycan production. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the activity of dialysate, dialysate fluid and the chromatographic peaks of dialysate fractionated by G‐15 Sephadex column on chick embryo skin development. Methods: We evaluated the effects of protein and glycosaminoglycan synthesis using monolayer and organotypic cultures. Results: Our data show that dialysate, chromatographic peak II, and 2×10−8 M N1‐acetylspermine cause inhibition of chick embryo skin culture development. On the contrary, 10−8 M N‐acetylornithine and dialysate fluid increase protein and extracellular glycosaminoglycan synthesis, whereas chromatographic peak I does not reveal differences when compared to controls. Conclusions: These extracelluar changes are related to cell proliferation and feather formation in chick embryo organotypic culture. Moreover, the pH changes of culture medium do not influence the biological action of acetylpolyamines and dialysate fluid on protein and extracellular glycosaminoglycan synthesis. Cell death in the presence of N1‐acetylspermine, dialysate and peak II appears unrelated to the apoptotic process. The data show that acetylpolyamines, dialysis fluid, dialysate and chromatographic peaks act on fibroblasts, and are able to modify glycosaminoglycan synthesis. The organotypic cultures of chick embryo back skin could represent a model for studying the modifications of the extracellular matrix induced by these substances.
Trigeminal‐baroreceptor reflex interactions modulate human cardiac vagal efferent activity.

Instantaneous levels of vagal cardiac inhibition reflect integrated responses of vagal motonuclei to multiple sensory neural inputs. We studied how two of these inputs, from trigeminal cutaneous receptors and carotid arterial baroreceptors interact to influence human vagal cardiac outflow. Nine healthy young men voluntarily maintained breathing rates and tidal volumes within narrow limits. Carotid baroreceptors were stimulated with brief periods of moderate neck suction. Volunteers were studied prone, breathing through a snorkel, before and during face immersion in cold water, and before and after an intravenous injection of a very low dose of atropine sulphate (which increases vagal cardiac efferent activity in dogs). Face immersion raised blood pressure slightly, increased heart period, and augmented baroreflex bradycardia and respiratory sinus arrhythmia significantly. Low‐dose atropine together with face immersion further augmented blood pressure, heart period, baroreflex responses and sinus arrhythmia. These results suggest that one input to the central nervous system (from trigeminal cutaneous receptors) which increases vagal cardiac outflow, augments vagal responses to another input (from arterial baroreceptors). Since the initial pathways of these two inputs are anatomically separate, it is likely that the influences of respiration and low doses of atropine on vagal motonuclei are exerted down‐stream from the termination of primary trigeminal and baroreceptor afferent fibres.
In Vitro Study of Dentin Hypersensitivity Treated by 980-nm Diode Laser.

INTRODUCTION To investigate the ultrastructural changes of dentin irradiated with 980-nm diode laser under different parameters and to observe the morphological alterations of odontoblasts and pulp tissue to determine the safety parameters of 980-nm diode laser in the treatment of dentin hypersensitivity (DH). METHODS Twenty extracted human third molars were selected to prepare dentin discs. Each dentin disc was divided into four areas and was irradiated by 980-nm diode laser under different parameters: Group A: control group, 0 J/cm(2); Group B: 2 W/CW (continuous mode), 166 J/cm(2); Group C: 3W/CW, 250 J/cm(2); and Group D: 4W/CW, 333 J/cm(2). Ten additional extracted human third molars were selected to prepare dentin discs. Each dentin disc was divided into two areas and was irradiated by 980-nm diode laser: Group E: control group, 0 J/cm(2); and Group F: 2.0 W/CW, 166 J/cm(2). The morphological alterations of the dentin surfaces and odontoblasts were examined with scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and the morphological alterations of the dental pulp tissue irradiated by laser were observed with an upright microscope. RESULTS The study demonstrated that dentinal tubules can be entirely blocked after irradiation by 980-nm diode laser, regardless of the parameter setting. Diode laser with settings of 2.0 W and 980-nm sealed exposed dentin tubules effectively, and no significant morphological alterations of the pulp and odontoblasts were observed after irradiation. CONCLUSIONS Irradiation with 980-nm diode laser could be effective for routine clinical treatment of DH, and 2.0W/CW (166 J/cm(2)) was a suitable energy parameter due to its rapid sealing of the exposed dentin tubules and its safety to the odontoblasts and pulp tissue.
The Effect of Exchange Rate Shocks on Firm-Level Exports: Evidence from the Brexit Vote

This paper exploits the abrupt and sharp depreciation of the British Pound after the Brexit referendum as a quasi-natural experiment to investigate the effect of exchange rate shocks on export quantity, price, entry and exit. We use transaction-level export data for the universe of exporters in Portugal. Using monthly observations on export quantity and price for the same firm exporting the same product to buyers in the UK and in other countries, allows us to cleanly identify the differential response to the shock for the UK market, relative to other markets. We find that exporters reduced their mark-up in the UK market after the referendum shock. Our estimates imply a large pricing-to-market coefficient and exchange rate pass-through. Exporters that are more productive adjust their mark-ups by more after the exchange rate shock, and have lower pass-through. There is more pricing-to-market for consumer goods than for intermediate inputs. Within the same firm-product, export quantity to the UK also decreased after the shock. The referendum shock reduced the rate of export entry to the UK market by Portuguese firms and the probability of their continuing to export in the UK.
Repeated ketamine administration alters N-methyl-d-aspartic acid receptor subunit gene expression: Implication of genetic vulnerability for ketamine abuse and ketamine psychosis in humans

For more than 40 years following its approval by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as an anesthetic, ketamine, a non-competitive N-methyl-d-aspartic acid (NMDA) receptor antagonist, has been used as a tool of psychiatric research. As a psychedelic drug, ketamine induces psychotic symptoms, cognitive impairment, and mood elevation, which resemble some symptoms of schizophrenia. Recreational use of ketamine has been increasing in recent years. However, little is known of the underlying molecular mechanisms responsible for ketamine-associated psychosis. Recent animal studies have shown that repeated ketamine administration significantly increases NMDA receptor subunit gene expression, in particular subunit 1 (NR1 or GluN1) levels. This results in neurodegeneration, supporting a potential mechanism where up-regulation of NMDA receptors could produce cognitive deficits in chronic ketamine abuse patients. In other studies, NMDA receptor gene variants are associated with addictive behavior. Here, we focus on the roles of NMDA receptor gene subunits in ketamine abuse and ketamine psychosis and propose that full sequencing of NMDA receptor genes may help explain individual vulnerability to ketamine abuse and ketamine-associated psychosis.
Effectiveness of conservative interventions including exercise, manual therapy and medical management in adults with shoulder impingement: a systematic review and meta-analysis of RCTs

Objective To investigate the effectiveness of conservative interventions for pain, function and range of motion in adults with shoulder impingement. Design Systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised trials. Data sources Medline, CENTRAL, CINAHL, Embase and PEDro were searched from inception to January 2017. Study selection criteria Randomised controlled trials including participants with shoulder impingement and evaluating at least one conservative intervention against sham or other treatments. Results For pain, exercise was superior to non-exercise control interventions (standardised mean difference (SMD) −0.94, 95% CI −1.69 to −0.19). Specific exercises were superior to generic exercises (SMD −0.65, 95% CI −0.99 to −0.32). Corticosteroid injections were superior to no treatment (SMD −0.65, 95% CI −1.04 to −0.26), and ultrasound guided injections were superior to non-guided injections (SMD −0.51, 95% CI −0.89 to −0.13). Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) had a small to moderate SMD of −0.29 (95% CI −0.53 to −0.05) compared with placebo. Manual therapy was superior to placebo (SMD −0.35, 95% CI −0.69 to −0.01). When combined with exercise, manual therapy was superior to exercise alone, but only at the shortest follow-up (SMD −0.32, 95% CI −0.62 to −0.01). Laser was superior to sham laser (SMD −0.88, 95% CI −1.48 to −0.27). Extracorporeal shockwave therapy (ECSWT) was superior to sham (−0.39, 95% CI −0.78 to –0.01) and tape was superior to sham (−0.64, 95% CI −1.16 to −0.12), with small to moderate SMDs. Conclusion Although there was only very low quality evidence, exercise should be considered for patients with shoulder impingement symptoms and tape, ECSWT, laser or manual therapy might be added. NSAIDS and corticosteroids are superior to placebo, but it is unclear how these treatments compare to exercise.
Four twist genes in zebrafish, four expression patterns

Twist genes code for regulatory bHLH proteins essential for embryonic development and conserved across the metazoa. There are four genes that constitute the zebrafish twist family: twist1a, twist1b, twist2, orthologs of the mammalian twist1 and twist2 genes; and twist3—a gene from a new clade that does not exist in mammals. Presented here are their embryonic mRNA expression profiles. The study extends the known conservation of twist developmental patterns in tetrapods to the fish, e.g., expression in cephalic neural crest, sclerotome and lateral plate mesoderm. Some other expression domains are unique, like hypochord and dorsal aorta; some, like the notochord, may be ancestral patterns retained from protochordates; and the expression in invaginating/migrating cells may have been retained from the jellyfish. Perhaps this is one of the more ancient functions of twist—conserved from diploblasts to humans—to facilitate cell movement. Developmental Dynamics 236:2615–2626, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Consumption of Material and Experiential Goods, Social Comparison and Subjective Well-being in Cosmopolitan Bangkok

Empirical evidence of the consumption of material and experientialgoods is limited to a few countries, most of which are developed countries.It has been shown that the consumption of life experiences makes peoplehappier than that of material goods. However, these studies typically conductdichotomous comparisons and do not consider social comparison as a purchasemotive. The objective of this paper, thus, is to examine the relationship betweenconsumption of material and experiential goods and subjective well-being,by taking into account if the purchase was made based on social comparisonor not. Cross-sectional data were collected in 2015 using probability sampling.The regression results show that the consumption of material goods overa range of prices is negatively related with subjective well-being, while thecoefficients on material goods, if purchased not because others bought it,however, are mostly positive. In case of experiential goods, the coefficient ispositive at a price range of THB 1,000 to THB 5,000 only, but turns negativeat higher prices, irrespective of the purchase motive. In line with the existingliterature, experiential goods are less prone to social comparison than materialgoods. Sub-sample analyses by age groups and gender confirm these results.
Evaluation of Alternative Cut-to-Length Harvesting Technology for Native Forest Thinning in Australia

Abstract This research quantified the equipment productivity relationships between piece size and terrain conditions for mechanized harvesting operations in native forest re-growth thinning. In addition, the economic gains or losses of adding a feller buncher to a cut-to-length (CTL) harvesting system were quantified. Study results indicate that although the use of a feller buncher working in combination with two processors is more productive than the use of a harvester-processor (single-grip harvester) working alone the high cost per tonne of this harvesting system means that its use is not recommended in areas with moderately steep terrain and small tree diameter. The differential in costs obtained between the two harvesting systems (feller buncher and two processors vs. one harvester-processor) on moderately steep and gentle terrain was approximately AUD$5/tonne and AUD$2/tonne, respectively, for an average tree diameter of 19 cm. Regression models developed from the study showed that diameter at breast height accounted for more than 85 percent of the variance in productivity of the machines and, therefore, represented the main driver of productivity and cost per tonne of the harvesting systems in all of the scenarios studied.
Solution sales process blueprinting

By utilising the blueprinting technique, this study develops a sales process framework that visualises different activities, actors, and customer touch-points in the solution sales process. Based on a multiple-case study that includes data from eight Finnish manufacturers (18 face-to-face interviews with company representatives), our findings show that, although the main actors that have a direct encounter with customers are the salespeople, early engagement of the project and design divisions help firms serve and understand customers better. Additionally, interactions with customers during post-sales delivery allow the acquisition and dissemination of new information. While displaying the customer touch-points and how actors in provider's organisation interact to deliver value for customers, the process blueprint reveals the need for improvements in the firms' sales process design, to better integrate the service function into the selling phase and to enhance the opportunities for post-sales customer support.
A comparison of the residual effects of zaleplon and zolpidem following administration 5 to 2 h before awakening.

AIMS To compare the duration of the residual hypnotic and sedative effects of zaleplon with those of zolpidem and placebo following nocturnal administration at various times before morning awakening. METHODS Zaleplon 10 mg, zolpidem 10 mg, or placebo was administered double-blind to 36 healthy subjects under standardized conditions in a six-period, incomplete-block, crossover study. Subjects were gently awakened and given medication at predetermined times 5, 4, 3, or 2 h before morning awakening, which occurred 8 h after bedtime. When the subjects awoke in the morning, a battery of subjective and objective assessments of residual effects of hypnotics was administered. RESULTS No residual effects were demonstrated after zaleplon 10 mg, when administered as little as 2 h before waking, on either subjective or objective assessments, whereas zolpidem 10 mg showed significant residual effects on DSST and memory (immediate and delayed free recall) after administration up to 5 h before waking and choice reaction time, critical flicker fusion threshold and Sternberg memory scanning after administration up to 4 h before waking. Residual effects of zolpidem were apparent in all objective and subjective measurements when the drug was administered later in the night. CONCLUSIONS The present results demonstrate that zaleplon at the dose of 10 mg is free of residual hypnotic or sedative effects when administered nocturnally as little as 2 h before waking in normal subjects. In contrast, residual effects of zolpidem are still apparent on objective assessments up to 5 h after nocturnal administration, longer than has been reported from studies involving daytime administration.
Rationale behind high-dose amoxicillin therapy for acute otitis media due to penicillin-nonsusceptible pneumococci: support from in vitro pharmacodynamic studies

To evaluate whether increased doses of amoxicillin should be used to treat acute pneumococcal otitis media, an in vitro pharmacokinetic model was used to evaluate the killing of pneumococci by amoxicillin when middle ear pharmacokinetics were simulated. Logarithmic-phase cultures were exposed to peak concentrations of 3, 6, and 9 microg of amoxicillin per ml every 12 h, and an elimination half-life of 1.6 h was simulated. Changes in viable bacterial counts were measured over 36 h. All three doses rapidly decreased the viable bacterial counts of penicillin-susceptible strains below the 10-CFU/ml limit of detection by 6 to 10 h and maintained counts below this limit through 36 h. The 3-microg/ml peak dose was much less effective against two of three strains with intermediate penicillin resistance and all three penicillin-resistant strains, with bacterial counts approaching those in drug-free control cultures by 12 h. The 6-microg/ml peak dose completely eliminated two of three strains with intermediate penicillin resistance and maintained viable counts of the other nonsusceptible strains at 1.5 to 2 logs below the initial inoculum through 36 h. The 9-microg/ml peak dose was most effective, completely eliminating all three strains with intermediate penicillin resistance and maintaining the viable counts of the resistant strains at 3 to 4 logs below the original inoculum. The pharmacodynamics observed in this study suggest that peak concentrations of amoxicillin of 6 to 9 microg/ml may be sufficient for the elimination of penicillin-nonsusceptible pneumococcal strains causing otitis media, especially those with intermediate resistance to amoxicillin. In vivo pharmacokinetic studies are needed to determine if these levels can be achieved in middle ear fluid with amoxicillin at 70 to 90 mg/kg/day divided into two daily doses. If these levels are reliably achieved, then clinical studies are warranted.
Financial Inclusion in Latin America 2007 - 2015: Evidence using Panel Data Analysis

Financial Inclusion plays an important role in terms of economic growth and poverty reduction owing to inequality, therefore, it is a key aspect of public policy in many governments. This study explores those variables that influence financial inclusion in some Latin American countries, through the use of the panel data econometric technique, based on information provided by the World Bank's Global Findex, and the Statistical Yearbook of the World Bank. ECLAC (Economic Commission for Latin America), during the period between 2007 and 2015. The sample includes 7 countries, namely, Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Mexico and Peru. The results indicate that financial inclusion has a positive and significant relationship with the value of GDP per capita, such that the greater the income level which families have, the greater will be the participation in the financial system, and consequently, the greater the degree of financial inclusion. On the other hand, the variable public debt, shows that a high level of indebtedness hinders financial inclusion, therefore, its relationship is negative.
High-yield expression, purification and characterization of tumor-targeted IFN-alpha2a.

BACKGROUND IFN-alpha has been shown to be effective against hematologic malignancies. However, it is ineffective against most solid tumors and has not been satisfactory because of its toxicity. METHODS The NGR (Asn-Gly-Arg) peptide is a tumor-homing peptide. In order to increase the anti-tumor activity of IFN-alpha2a and lower the dose, we coupled a cyclic NGR peptide with the C terminus of IFN-alpha2a (named IFN-alpha2a-NGR). RESULTS The fusion protein was expressed in E. coli and purified by ion-exchange chromatography. The purity of IFN-alpha2a-NGR was >98% and the final purification yield of IFN-alpha2a-NGR was approximately 18 mg/L. The anti-tumor efficacy and the binding ability of IFN-alpha2a-NGR with tumor vasculature were investigated in vitro and in vivo. DISCUSSION Our study has demonstrated that the anti-tumor efficacy of IFN-alpha2a-NGR is significantly increased in comparison with IFN-alpha2a, and IFN-alpha2a-NGR could selectively target tumor vessels. These data indicate that the tumor-homing peptide (NGR) can enhance the therapeutic efficacy of IFN-alpha2a against tumors.