Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Changes in endothelial nitric oxide synthase mRNA during vasospasm after subarachnoid hemorrhage in monkeys.

OBJECTIVE We attempt to determine whether changes in messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) for nitric oxide synthase (NOS) and soluble guanylate cyclase, enzymes that mediate endothelium-dependent vasodilation in cerebral arteries, occur after subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) in monkeys. METHODS Baseline cerebral angiograms were obtained, and right-sided SAH was induced by microsurgically placing autologous blood clot against the right anterior circle of Willis in seven monkeys. Seven days later, angiographic studies were repeated and the animals were killed. Right (vasospastic) and left (control) middle cerebral arteries and underlying cortex were removed. The competitive reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction was used to quantify mRNA for soluble guanylate cyclase and two isoforms of constitutive NOS in these tissues. RESULTS Comparison of angiograms at baseline and after 7 days showed a 41 +/- 7% (mean +/- standard error of the mean, P < 0.05, Wilcoxon test) decrease in diameter of the right middle cerebral artery. After the animals were killed, comparison of right and left middle cerebral arteries showed a 56 +/- 11% decrease (P < 0.005, paired t test) in endothelial NOS mRNA. There was a 142 +/- 39% (P < 0.05) increase in right cortex endothelial NOS mRNA compared to the left cortex. There were no significant differences between right and left sides in mRNAs for soluble guanylate cyclase or brain NOS. CONCLUSION Decreased endothelial NOS mRNA in cerebral arteries 7 days after SAH may be caused by endothelial cell damage and could contribute to vasospasm after SAH. Increased endothelial NOS in brain tissue may reflect a compensatory vasodilator mechanism of the brain against the cerebral ischemia associated with vasospasm and SAH.
Medical practitioners’ attitudes to hearing rehabilitation for older adults

Abstract Objective: Medical practitioners have the potential to play a significant role in older adults’ help seeking behaviour in relation to hearing rehabilitation. The current study aimed to look at attitudinal factors that influence practitioners’ decisions to discuss hearing difficulties with older patients and refer them for hearing rehabilitation. Design: A questionnaire based on constructs from the Health Belief Model was used to examine factors that may influence practitioners’ referral decisions. Study Sample: One hundred and ten practitioners’ attitudes to hearing rehabilitation were examined. Results: The results indicated that practitioners have a high level of awareness about their older patients’ susceptibility to hearing loss, and a good understanding of the severity of the associated impacts on older adults’ lives. Although practitioners acknowledged the theoretical benefits of hearing rehabilitation, many appear less certain about the potential for actual benefit for their older adults. Barriers to referral include negative perceptions about how older patients prioritise hearing, and patients’ ability to afford and adapt to the use of hearing aids. Conclusions: Additional research and education targeted at these area may be beneficial for medical practitioners to increase referral behaviour and improve discussions about hearing rehabilitation with their older patients. Sumario Objetivo: Los médicos tienen el potencial para jugar un papel significativo en la conducta de las personas mayores en cuanto a la búsqueda de rehabilitación auditiva. Este estudio tiene como objetivo observar los factores que influyen en la actitud de los médicos para decidirse a discutir con los pacientes de edad mayor, sus dificultades auditivas y referirlos a rehabilitación auditiva. Diseño: Se utilizó un cuestionario basado en los constructos del Modelo de Creencias en Salud para examinar los factores que pueden influir en las decisiones para referir pacientes. Muestra: Se examinaron las actitudes hacia la rehabilitación auditiva en cien pacientes y diez médicos. Resultados: Los resultados indican que los médicos tienen un alto nivel de conciencia sobre la susceptibilidad de los pacientes mayores a presentar hipoacusia y comprenden la severidad del impacto que esto tiene en sus vidas. Aunque los médicos reconocen los beneficios teóricos de la rehabilitación auditiva, muchos de ellos parecen estar menos convencidos del potencial benéfico real en los adultos mayores. Las barreras para referir a los pacientes incluyen las percepciones negativas sobre la forma en la que los pacientes mayores dan prioridad a la audición y la habilidad de los pacientes para costear y adaptarse al uso de un auxiliar auditivo. Conclusiones: Investigaciones adicionales y educación específica en estas áreas pueden ser beneficiar a los médicos para aumentar la conducta de referencia y la discusión con sus pacientes mayores sobre la rehabilitación auditiva.
Epidural Versus Intravenous Fentanyl for Reducing Hormonal, Metabolic, and Physiologic Responses after Thoracotomy

BackgroundPrevious attempts to prevent all the unwanted postoperative responses to major surgery with an epidural hydrophilic opioid, morphine, have not succeeded. The authors' hypothesis was that the lipophilic opioid fentanyl, infused epidurally close to the spinal-cord oplold receptors corresponding to the dermatome of the surgical incision, gives equal pain relief but attenuates postoperative hormonal and metabolic responses more effectively than does systemic fentanyl. MethodsForty patients were randomly assigned to receive either fentanyl epidurally and saline intravenously, or fentanyl intravenously and saline epidurally, In a double-blind fashion for the first 20 h after thoracotomy. For each patient, the fentanyl infusion was titrated to the rate required for pain relief (pain score < 3, maximum 10). Postoperative changes in blood pressure, heart rate, rectal temperature, and blood concentrations of adrenocorticotrophic hormone, β-endorphin immunoreactivity, cortisol, growth hormone, prolactin, glucose, and leukocytes were assessed. ResultsPatients reported similar median pain scores, but the epidural group required about 40% less fentanyl than the Intravenous group. Four hours postoperatively, the β-endorphin immunoreactivity concentrations were less in the epidural than in the intravenous group. Plasma cortisol increased in a similar manner in both groups within 4 h of surgery, but the increase persisted to the next morning only in patients receiving intravenous fentanyl. Adrenocorticotropin, growth hormone, and prolactin responses were similar in both groups. The postoperative hyperglycemic response, leukocytosis, and blood pressure were greater, and mean rectal temperature was lower, in the intravenous than in the epidural fentanyl group. ConclusionsThe authors' results indicate that some aspects of the hormonal response to surgery are blocked more completely with epidural than with Intravenous fentanyl. Adequate pain relief with epidural fentanyl, with a smaller mean dose, led to a smaller increase of some hormonal, metabolic, and physiologic responses after thoracotomy than in association with the adequate pain relief provided by Intravenous fentanyl.
Raising Awareness and Providing Free Screening Improves Cervical Cancer Screening Among Economically Disadvantaged Lebanese/Armenian Women

Women need to practice cervical screening regularly to reduce morbidity and mortality. The purpose of this study was to examine the impact of an intervention program on knowledge, attitude, and practice of cervical screening in the population of Lebanese/Armenian women. The design was a cross-sectional, quasi-experimental posttest survey following a yearlong intervention program. The sample included 176 women, who were members of the Armenian Relief Cross in Lebanon. Interventions consisted of educational classes, media messages, and free screening. The instrument was a self-administered questionnaire. Knowledge of women with intervention was higher (p > .05) and practice rate increased between intervention and comparison groups. No difference in attitude was noted. The study was successful in raising awareness and increasing screening in the sample. It is recommended to continue helping women to overcome barriers for cervical screening.
The Proteome of Copper, Iron, Zinc, and Manganese Micronutrient Deficiency in Chlamydomonas reinhardtii*

Trace metals such as copper, iron, zinc, and manganese play important roles in several biochemical processes, including respiration and photosynthesis. Using a label-free, quantitative proteomics strategy (MSE), we examined the effect of deficiencies in these micronutrients on the soluble proteome of Chlamydomonas reinhardtii. We quantified >103 proteins with abundances within a dynamic range of 3 to 4 orders of magnitude and demonstrated statistically significant changes in ∼200 proteins in each metal-deficient growth condition relative to nutrient-replete media. Through analysis of Pearson's coefficient, we also examined the correlation between protein abundance and transcript abundance (as determined via RNA-Seq analysis) and found moderate correlations under all nutritional states. Interestingly, in a subset of transcripts known to significantly change in abundance in metal-replete and metal-deficient conditions, the correlation to protein abundance is much stronger. Examples of new discoveries highlighted in this work include the accumulation of O2 labile, anaerobiosis-related enzymes (Hyd1, Pfr1, and Hcp2) in copper-deficient cells; co-variation of Cgl78/Ycf54 and coprogen oxidase; the loss of various stromal and lumenal photosynthesis-related proteins, including plastocyanin, in iron-limited cells; a large accumulation (from undetectable amounts to over 1,000 zmol/cell) of two COG0523 domain-containing proteins in zinc-deficient cells; and the preservation of photosynthesis proteins in manganese-deficient cells despite known losses in photosynthetic function in this condition.
The prevalence of overweight/obesity in high school adolescents in Jeddah and the association of obesity association with dental caries

BACKGROUND The prevalence of overweight/obesity in children in Saudi Arabia is among the highest in the world. The prevalence of dental caries is also high in Saudi children. Studies on the relationship between caries and obesity in Saudi adolescents are lacking. OBJECTIVES To study the prevalence of overweight/obesity in adolescents, and determine any association between obesity and caries. DESIGN An analytical cross-sectional study. SETTING Private and public schools in Jeddah. PATIENTS AND METHODS The study sample comprised high school children from public and private schools selected by multistage stratified random sampling. Height, weight, waist circumference (WC), and body mass index (BMI) were measured for all children, who were then classified as underweight/normal, overweight, or obese according to their BMI values, and nonobese or obese according to their WC values. The presence of caries was assessed using the Association of State and Territorial Dental Directors criteria. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE(S) The prevalence of overweight/obesity and the association of obesity with the number of decayed permanent teeth. RESULTS 801 high school children (48% boys, 49% from public schools) with a mean (SD) age of 16.5 (0.9) years. When the BMI classification was used, 24%, 16%, and 60% adolescents were obese, overweight, and underweight/normal, respectively. When the WC classification was used, 19% and 81% were obese and nonobese, respectively. Obesity was more prevalent in boys and in students attending private schools (P<.05). The number of decayed permanent teeth showed a very weak and insignificant correlation with BMI and WC. CONCLUSION One in every four adolescents residing in Jeddah was obese, with a high obesity prevalence in boys and in children attending private schools. The prevalence of caries in the permanent dentition was not associated with BMI or WC. LIMITATIONS It was difficult to establish temporality in this cross-sectional study. Data on common risk factors were not adjusted for in the analyses.
The Relation between Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) Aerosol Optical Depth and PM2.5 over the United States: A Geographical Comparison by U.S. Environmental Protection Agency Regions

Abstract Aerosol optical depth (AOD) acquired from satellite measurements demonstrates good correlation with particulate matter with diameters less than 2.5 µm (PM2.5) in some regions of the United States and has been used for monitoring and nowcasting air quality over the United States. This work investigates the relation between Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer (MODIS) AOD and PM2.5 over the 10 U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)-defined geographic regions in the United States on the basis of a 2-yr (2005–2006) match-up dataset of MODIS AOD and hourly PM2.5 measurements. The AOD retrievals demonstrate a geographical and seasonal variation in their relation with PM2.5. Good correlations are mostly observed over the eastern United States in summer and fall. The southeastern United States has the highest correlation coefficients at more than 0.6. The southwestern United States has the lowest correlation coefficient of approximately 0.2. The seasonal regression relations derived for each region are used to estimate the PM2.5 from AOD retrievals, and it is shown that the estimation using this method is more accurate than that using a fixed ratio between PM2.5 and AOD. Two versions of AOD from Terra (v4.0.1 and v5.2.6) are also compared in terms of the inversion methods and screening algorithms. The v5.2. 6 AOD retrievals demonstrate better correlation with PM2.5 than v4.0. 1 retrievals, but they have much less coverage because of the differences in the cloud-screening algorithm.
Effects of antipsychotic drugs on cardiovascular variability in participants with bipolar disorder

The risk for cardiovascular diseases is elevated in persons with bipolar disorder. However, it remains unknown how much of this excess risk is secondary to pharmacologic treatment. We tested the hypothesis that current and cumulative antipsychotic drug exposure is associated with increased cardiovascular risk as indicated by lower heart rate variability (HRV) and increased blood pressure variability (BPV).
Dairy matrix effect on the transference of rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis) essential oil compounds during cheese making.

BACKGROUND The use of aromatic plant extracts as ingredients may be compromised owing to low transference and activity lack in food matrixes compared with in vitro trials. Rosemary essential oil (REO) was added to sheep milk to study the transference of its compounds during the cheese-making process and to determine how cheese antimicrobial activity is modified. RESULTS The volatile characterization of dairy samples was performed using headspace stir bar sorptive extraction coupled to gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (HS-SBSE/GC/MS) so that fat matrix interferences were reduced. This method detected a decrease in volatile recovery concentration of 19.33% when REO was added to milk. A total recovery volatile yield of 62.51% was measured from the initial quantification of milk to cheese, with hydrocarbon volatiles being transferred in a higher ratio (64.88%) than oxygenated ones (58.74%). No effects were observed for REO in fortified cheese on the counts of native flora necessary for ripening processes, but the total inhibition of Clostridium spp. was provoked CONCLUSION The study of active compound transference during cheese elaboration was achieved. The antimicrobial results in fortified cheeses with REO showed a preventive effect in the case of clostridial species, which are responsible for late cheese blowing.
Iliac Anastomotic Stenting with a Biodegradable Poly-L-Lactide Stent: A Preliminary Study after 1 and 6 Weeks

Purpose: To assess the technical feasibility, thrombogenicity, and biocompatibility of a new biodegradable poly-L-lactic acid (PLLA) anastomotic stent. Methods: A polytetrafluoroethylene bifurcated graft was implanted in 17 pigs through a midline abdominal incision. After transverse graft incision, 17 316L stainless steel stents and 17 PLLA stents were randomly implanted at both iliac anastomotic sites and deployed with a 6-mm balloon under direct vision without angiography. Intended follow-up was 1 week in 6 pigs receiving oral acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) and in 7 pigs receiving ASA/clopidogrel; 4 pigs receiving ASA/clopidogrel were followed for 6 weeks. At the end of the study, the segments containing the stents were surgically explanted and processed for histology to measure the mean luminal diameter, intimal thickness, and the vascular injury and inflammation scores. Results: Initial technical success of stent placement was achieved in all animals without rupture of the suture. Two pigs died (unrelated to the stent) at 3 days after operation (1 in groups A and B). At 1 week, all PLLA stents showed thrombotic occlusion with the use of ASA alone. In contrast, all PLLA stents remained patent with concurrent administration of ASA/clopidogrel. All metal stents were patent regardless of the antiplatelet regimen. The mean luminal diameter of patent PLLA stents (4.13±0.17 mm) was comparable to metal stents (4.27±0.35 mm, p=0.78) at 1 week, but significantly diminished at 6 weeks (3.21±0.44 versus 4.19±0.18 mm, p=0.005). Histological analysis showed no signs of excessive recoil. PLLA stents induced a higher inflammation score (1.79±0.56) and more intimal hyperplasia (0.34±0.11 mm) compared to metal stents [1.27±0.44 mm (p<0.001) and 0.18±0.04 mm (p=0.006), respectively] at 6 weeks. Vascular injury was comparable between PLLA and metal stents. Conclusion: Biodegradable PLLA stents showed higher thrombogenicity and reduced patency compared to metal stents during early follow-up. Although ASA and clopidogrel prevented thrombotic occlusion, the increased inflammatory response and neointima formation remain major concerns of PLLA stents. A solution to this problem might be the incorporation of anti-inflammatory drugs into the PLLA stent.
Characterization and mitigation of nitrous oxide (N2O) emissions from partial and full‐nitrification BNR processes based on post‐anoxic aeration control

It has been reported that a directional change from anoxic to aerobic conditions is a common trigger for nitrous oxide (N2O) production by ammonia oxidizing bacteria (AOB). By extension, during anoxic–aerobic cycling, post‐anoxic dissolved oxygen (DO) concentrations might likely play a role in the magnitude of N2O emissions observed. The overall goal of this study was to determine the impact of three select post‐anoxic DO concentrations (0.8, 2.0, and 3.0 mg O2/L) on N2O emissions from partial‐nitrification (PN) and full‐nitrification (FN) reactors subjected to anoxic–aerobic cycling and, ultimately, to explore the development of strategies to minimize N2O emissions from PN and FN based biological nitrogen removal (BNR) processes. Statistically similar N2O emissions were observed during anoxia for both PN (0.62 ± 0.21% N load) and FN (0.61 ± 0.070% N load) processes. In contrast, N2O emissions were statistically lower for PN (0.86 ± 0.25% N load) than for FN (4.6 ± 2.8% N load), during the post‐anoxic aerobic phase, when compared together for all three post‐anoxic DO concentrations. Further, for PN, the highest N2O emissions were observed at the highest post‐anoxic DO concentration of 3.0 mg O2/L (1.2% N load), likely due to the highest corresponding AOB specific growth rate. In contrast, for FN, the highest N2O emissions were at the lowest post‐anoxic DO concentration of 0.8 mg O2/L (8.5% N load). The higher emissions from FN process at low DO concentrations were associated with a lag in nitrite oxidizing bacteria activity upon recovery to aerobic conditions. This lag phase contributed to transient nitrite accumulation, and in turn correlated positively to the observed N2O emissions. Based on our findings, a gradual ramp up in post‐anoxic DO concentrations can minimize N2O emissions during PN‐based BNR, whereas a completely different strategy, entailing a rapid increase in post‐anoxic DO concentrations can minimize emissions during FN‐based BNR operations. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2015;112: 2241–2247. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Crosstalk between ERK, AKT, and cell survival

It is historically well known that signaling by the PI3K-AKT and MEK1/2-ERK1/2 pathways in a cell type-dependent fashion can collaborate to maintain cell viability.1-3 Signaling pathways can also crosstalk with each other wherein one pathway can signal to either enhance or suppress signaling by another.4 Signaling by the ERK1/2 pathway can also stimulate release of growth factors which can feed back onto tumor cells to re-energize signaling pathways.5 The studies described by Toulany et al. add to this knowledge base by examining the relationship between PI3K-AKT and MEK1/2-ERK1/2 pathway signaling, EGF receptor signaling, K-RAS function, and tumor cell survival.6
Thermal enhancement of oxaliplatin-induced inhibition of cell proliferation and cell cycle progression in human carcinoma cell lines

Hyperthermia is used to treat intraperitoneal colorectal carcinomatosis. In this setting, the molecular effects of oxaliplatin and hyperthermia, in combination and alone, were deciphered in ovarian and colon cancer cells. The combined antiproliferative effects of hyperthermia and oxaliplatin (Eloxatine™;) on human IGROV-1 ovarian carcinoma, Caco-2 and HT-29 colon carcinoma cell lines were investigated by cell viability test, cell cycle analysis and modulation of expression of cell cycle-related proteins. Oxaliplatin inhibited growth of all cell lines in a dose-dependent manner. The efficacy of the drug was markedly enhanced by concurrent exposure to mild heat shock (1 h, 42°C). In IGROV-1 cells, a low concentration (15 µg/ml) of oxaliplatin in combination with hyperthermia induced a transient G2/M arrest. In both colon carcinoma cell lines, a G1/S arrest with a reduction of the G0/G1 population occurred. In IGROV-1 and Caco-2 cells, growth arrest was accompanied by apoptosis as suggested by the appearance of sub-G1 population. Time-course changes of cell cycle regulatory proteins levels revealed accumulation of cyclins A and B as well as of cdc2 and cdk2 upon exposure of IGROV-1 cells to hyperthermia and oxaliplatin. In this cell line, p53 appeared to be implicated in both G2/M arrest and apoptosis. G1/S arrest of HT-29 cells was linked to up-regulation of cyclin E and p27Kip1 and accumulation of the hypophosphorylated form of pRB, whereas in Caco-2 cells only the hyperphosphorylated form was detected as well as a down-regulation of the proto-oncogene c-myc. Taken together, the results of these in vitro studies suggest that hyperthermia and oxaliplatin might elicit antiproliferative effects by modulating the expression of cell cycle regulatory proteins through different signalling pathways.
Real time cerebral perfusion monitoring in acute trauma patients: a preliminary study

Management of traumatic brain injury is focused on preventing secondary damage. Early recognition of brain ischaemia may improve the final outcome of the trauma victim. The primary aim of this study was to examine the correlation between peripheral oxygen pulse oximetry and brain oxygen saturation measured by a near infrared oximetry device. A second aim was to evaluate the influence of different factors such as fluid and blood administration on brain tissue oxygenation.