Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Abundance and structure of copepod communities along the Atlantic coast of southern Morocco

Zooplankton composition and the spatial and temporal abundance distribution ofcopepods were examined on the southern Atlantic coast of Morocco. In 1998, 31 stations during March and 30 stations during July were sampled on the continent shelf between Cape Blanc (21° O'N) and Cape Boujdor (26°30'N). Holoplankton dominated the zooplankton assemblages. Copepods represented 86% of the zooplankton in March and 73% in July. Herbivorous species were the main components of the 78 identified copepod species (60 species in March and 49 in July). Four species were recorded for the first time in this area: Calanus hyperboreus, Scaphocalanus brevicornis, S. medius, and Heterocope saliens. Both zooplankton abundance and diversity were related to changes in ecological parameters resulting from upwelling currents. The uplift of cold water enriched superficial water layers with nutrients and induced strong primary production upon which zooplankton depend. This study discusses the environmental features that influence plankton resources and the relationship of plankton production to the pelagic fisheries off northwest Africa.
Randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled intervention study with supplemental calcium in families with hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND A high-fat diet has been recognized for some time as a major risk factor for colorectal cancer. It is thought that fat promotes this disease by increasing the levels of fatty and bile acids within the colon. These acids irritate and damage the epithelial cells of the colon. As a result of this cellular destruction, an increase in the rate of cellular proliferation occurs. Oral calcium supplementation has been proposed as a dietary intervention for individuals at high risk of colorectal cancer because of its ability to reduce rectal epithelial cell proliferation through the binding of fatty and bile acids. Placebo-controlled studies, however, have yielded varying results. PURPOSE We conducted a randomized, double-blinded, placebo-controlled trial to test oral calcium supplementation in patients at high risk of developing hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer. METHODS Thirty subjects at risk for this cancer, with an increased epithelial cell proliferation along the colon and rectum, were randomly assigned to either a placebo group (n = 15) or a treatment group (n = 15). They received either oral calcium carbonate (CaCO3) supplements (1.5 g) or placebo (cellulose and starch) three times a day during a 12-week period. Colonic biopsy specimens (rectal, sigmoidal, and descending) were obtained prior to and after the intervention trial, during endoscopy, for determination of labeling index (LI) of whole crypts and crypt compartments by 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine incorporation and immunohistochemistry. Proportional bile acid compositions in duodenal bile and cytolytic activity of fecal water were also determined. All P values represent two-tailed tests of statistical significance. RESULTS Statistically significant reductions, comparing before with after intervention, in rectal whole-crypt LI after receiving either calcium supplements (from 10.9% +/- 5.2% [mean +/- SD] to 6.2% +/- 1.5%; P < .02) or placebo (from 11.7% +/- 4.7% to 8.2% +/- 3.1%; P < .05) were observed. In the three bowel segments, no statistically significant differences were observed between the supplemental calcium and placebo groups. A statistically significant reduction in cytolytic activity was determined during calcium supplementation (from 57% +/- 41% to 32% +/- 30%; P < .05), whereas in the placebo group, it did not change (from 42% +/- 41% to 36% +/- 27%; P > .10). CONCLUSIONS Oral calcium supplementation was shown to cause only a minor nonstatistically significant reduction of epithelial cell proliferation in the rectum, compared with placebo, and to have no effect on the same parameter in the sigmoid and descending colon in first-degree relatives of hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer patients. IMPLICATION These results cast doubt on the value of calcium supplementation in the prevention of colorectal cancer, especially in individuals already consuming an adequate amount of dietary calcium.
An update on the treatment options for gout and calcium pyrophosphate deposition

Gout and calcium pyrophosphate deposition disease are two common causes of inflammatory joint disease. Despite differences underlying their pathogenesis, their clinical presentation and treatment share some common features. Optimal treatment for both requires prompt resolution of acute synovitis, reduction of chronic joint damage and management of associated conditions. Available therapeutic interventions and future strategies are reviewed in this article.
27-hydroxylated low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol can be converted to 7alpha,27-dihydroxy-4-cholesten-3-one (cytosterone) before suppressing cholesterol production in normal human fibroblasts. Evidence that an altered metabolism of ldl cholesterol can underlie a defective feedback control in

The formation of oxysterols in cultured human fibroblasts and their physiological roles as intracellular regulators of cholesterol production have been investigated. In the presence of low density lipoproteins (LDL), normal fibroblasts converted LDL cholesterol to 27hydroxycholesterol, which was further metabolized to 7alpha, 27-dihydroxycholesterol, 7alpha,27-dihydroxy-4-cholesten-3-one, and 7alpha-hydroxy-3-oxo-4-cholestenoic acid. Autooxidation products of cholesterol contaminating the lipoproteins were also metabolized in the cells. 7alpha-Hydroxycholesterol was converted to 7alpha-hydroxy-4-cholesten-3-one prior to 27-hydroxylation and further oxidation to 7alpha-hydroxy-3-oxo-4-cholestenoic acid. 7beta-Hydroxycholesterol and 7-oxocholesterol were 27-hydroxylated and then oxidized to C27-acids. Oxidation of the 7beta-hydroxy group also occurred. 25-Hydroxycholesterol was 7alpha-hydroxylated and further oxidized to 7alpha,25-dihydroxy-4-cholesten-3-one. 25-Hydroxylation of sterols was observed only under specific conditions. In contrast, only small amounts of oxysterols were formed in virus-transformed human fibroblasts when incubated with lipoproteins. This was due to very low activities of the 27- and 7alpha-hydroxylating enzymes. The rate of oxidation at C-3 was also decreased moderately. A defective suppression of 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase by LDL and autooxidation products of cholesterol observed in the transformed fibroblasts could be caused by the deficiencies of the sterol-metabolizing enzymes, since these cells responded normally to the sterol metabolites 7alpha,27-dihydroxy-4-cholesten-3-one, 7alpha, 25-dihydroxy-4-cholesten-3-one, and 27-hydroxy-7-oxo-cholesterol. These metabolites, which all possessed an oxo group with a conjugated double bond in the steroid nucleus and a hydroxyl group in the side chain, did not seem to require further metabolism in order to be active. An impaired response to LDL was also seen in other human tumor cells, including breast carcinoma, colonic carcinoma, and malignant melanoma cells. Common to all the malignant cells was an intracellular shortage of 7alpha, 27-dihydroxy-4-cholesten-3-one caused by a decreased formation or an increased metabolism.
Comment on "Gonadal development of larval male xenopus laevis exposed to atrazine in outdoor microcosms".

Hayes begins by stating that his 2002 study, “. demonstrated that atrazine is a potent endocrine disruptor. ”, but fails to mention that the U. S. EPA Science Advisory Panel, after extensive review of all of the data, stated, “there are currently insufficient data to confirm or refute the hypothesis” (2). Hayes is incorrect in stating that older literature has not reported testicular oocytes in Xenopus laevis. Although some authors have not reported the presence of testicular oocytes in X. laevis, as referenced in our paper (1), other authors have reported testicular oocytes in X. laevis and other frog species, both before and after the introduction of atrazine. For example, Gallien (3) stated, “Xenopus laevis undergoes a phase of juvenile intersexuality shown by the temporary appearance of oocytes in young gonads of some males” (ref 3, p 527), an observation consistent with our findings. In addition, testicular oocytes were observed in X. laevis at a frequency of 8% in the control and from 8 to 12% in the animals exposed to 0.1-25 μg/L atrazine under laboratory conditions (17-23 °C)swith no concentration response (4). The statement by Hayes that female X. laevis do not have oocytes in their ovaries at metamorphosis is not clear as he does not specify the stage of metamorphosis. The frogs used in our study were examined at completion of metamorphosis (stage 66). Oogonia and oocytes are both clearly visible in the ovary of stage 66 X. laevis (Figure 1). His statement is also inconsistent with the observations of oocyte development in X. laevis (ref 5, p 144) and the occurrence of vitellogenesis, an estrogen-induced activity that is dependent on ovarian development, in stage 62 larvae of X. laevis (6). Hayes is also incorrect in his interpretation of the results of TaveraMendoza et al. (7), who reported effects on stage 56 larvae, not stage 66 metamorphs.
Localization of hand motor activation in Broca's pli de passage moyen.

OBJECT The object of this study was to identify a reliable surface landmark for the hand motor area and to demonstrate that it corresponds to a specific structural component of the precentral gyrus. METHODS Positron emission tomography (PET) activation studies for hand motor function were reviewed in 12 patients in whom magnetic resonance imaging results were normal. Each patient performed a hand opening and closing task. Using a computer-assisted three-dimensional reconstruction of the surface of each hemisphere studied, the relationship of the hand motor area with cortical surface landmarks was evaluated. CONCLUSIONS The region of hand motor activation can be reliably identified on the surface of the brain by assessing anatomical relationships to nearby structures. After identification of the central sulcus, the superior and middle frontal gyrus can be seen to arise from the precentral gyrus at a perpendicular angle. A bend or genu in the precentral gyrus is constantly seen between the superior and middle frontal gyrus, which points posteriorly (posteriorly convex). The location of hand motor function, identified using PET activation studies, is within the central sulcus at the apex of this posteriorly pointing genu. The apex of the genu of the precentral gyrus leads to a deep cortical fold connecting the pre- and postcentral gyri and elevating the floor of the central sulcus. This deep fold was described by Paul Broca as the pli de passage fronto-parietal moyen, and the precentral bank of the pli de passage represents the anatomical substratum of hand motor function. Observers blinded to the results of the activation studies were able to identify the hand motor area reliably after instruction in using these surface landmarks.
Dream Characteristics of Stock Brokers after a Major Market Downturn

Dream characteristics of 28 stock brokers during the second worst weekly performance of the Dow Jones Industrial Average in the last 11 yr. were measured using the KJP Dream Inventory. Additional measures of powerlessness and stress were administered as well. Significant correlations appeared between the amount of stress brokers reported during this week and the appearance of recurring nightmares (.59), feelings of being chased (.42), and dreams' pleasantness (–.64). The brokers' clients' investment performance was correlated significantly with changes in the brokers' experience of traumatic dreams (–.57) and dreams of falling (–.43). Further, as the brokers' own personal investments deteriorated overall, dreaming increased (.48), suggesting compensatory mechanisms. Results were discussed in terms of the relationship between onset of acute traumatic states and dreaming.
Related antimicrobial resistance genes detected in different bacterial species co-isolated from swine fecal samples.

A potential factor leading to the spread of antimicrobial resistance (AR) in bacteria is the horizontal transfer of resistance genes between bacteria in animals or their environment. To investigate this, swine fecal samples were collected on-farm and cultured for Escherichia coli, Salmonella enterica, Campylobacter spp. , and Enterococcus spp. which are all commonly found in swine. Forty-nine of the samples from which all four bacteria were recovered were selected yielding a total of 196 isolates for analysis. Isolates were tested for antimicrobial susceptibility followed by hybridization to a DNA microarray designed to detect 775 AR-related genes. E. coli and Salmonella isolated from the same fecal sample had the most AR genes in common among the four bacteria. Genes detected encoded resistance to aminoglycosides (aac(3), aadA1, aadB, and strAB), β-lactams (ampC, ampR, and bla(TEM)), chloramphenicols (cat and floR), sulfanillic acid (sul1/sulI), tetracyclines (tet(A), tet(D), tet(C), tet(G), and tet(R)), and trimethoprim (dfrA1 and dfh). Campylobacter coli and Enterococcus isolated from the same sample frequently had tet(O) and aphA-3 genes detected in common. Almost half (47%) of E. coli and Salmonella isolated from the same fecal sample shared resistance genes at a significant level (χ², p < 0.0000001). These data suggest that there may have been horizontal exchange of AR genes between these bacteria or there may be a common source of AR genes in the swine environment for E. coli and Salmonella.
Distribution of normal saline and 5% albumin infusions in cardiac surgical patients

Objective To determine the relative distribution of fluid within the extracellular fluid volume (ECFV) and the effect on oxygen delivery after infusing either normal saline or 5% albumin in cardiac surgical patients. Design Prospective, randomized, unblinded, interventional study. Setting Cardiac surgical intensive care unit in a 450-bed teaching hospital. Patients Postoperative cardiac surgical patients (n = 40). Interventions Infusion of either normal saline or 5% albumin to a hemodynamic end point determined by the patient’s clinician. Measurements and Main Results Plasma volume (PV), ECFV, cardiac index, and arterial oxygen content were measured immediately before (baseline) and after each fluid infusion. PV and ECFV were measured by dilution of 131I-albumin and [35S]sodium sulfate, respectively. Interstitial fluid volume (ISFV) was calculated as ECFV − PV. Baseline values for PV, ISFV, ECFV, and oxygen delivery index did not differ between treatment groups. Infusion of normal saline and 5% albumin increased PV by 9 ± 23% and 52 ± 84% of the volume infused, respectively (p < .05), whereas there was no significant difference between saline and albumin in the change in ISFV per volume infused. Only 5% albumin significantly increased cardiac index, although oxygen delivery did not change significantly after either infusion. Conclusions In postoperative cardiac surgical patients, infusion of 5% albumin is approximately five times as efficient as a PV expander but has comparable effects on changes in ISFV and oxygen delivery relative to normal saline.
Effect of Temperature on the Biotic Potential of Honeybee Microsporidia

ABSTRACT The biological cycle of Nosema spp. in honeybees depends on temperature. When expressed as total spore counts per day after infection, the biotic potentials of Nosema apis and N. ceranae at 33°C were similar, but a higher proportion of immature stages of N. ceranae than of N. apis were seen. At 25 and 37°C, the biotic potential of N. ceranae was higher than that of N. apis. The better adaptation of N. ceranae to complete its endogenous cycle at different temperatures clearly supports the observation of the different epidemiological patterns.
Functional characterization of compound heterozygosity for GlyRα1 mutations in the startle disease hyperekplexia

The human disease hyperekplexia is characterized by excessive startle reactions to auditory and cutaneous stimuli. In its familial form, hyperekplexia has been associated with both dominant and recessive mutations of the GLRA1 gene encoding the glycine receptor α1 subunit (GlyRα1), which mediates inhibitory transmission in the spinal cord and brainstem. Here we have examined the functional consequences of two amino acid substitutions found in a compound heterozygous family, R252H and R392H, to investigate the mechanisms determining this inheritance pattern. When expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes, both mutations were non‐functional. Neither mutant affected the electrophysiological properties of wild type GlyRα1 when co‐expressed. We introduced a green fluorescent protein tag to mutant subunits and found that both mutant proteins were detectable. Evidence that subcellular localization differed from wild type was significant for one of the mutants. Thus, an effective loss of functional GlyRα1‐mediated current underlies hyperekplexia in this family, whereas a partial loss is asymptomatic.
A Randomized Comparison of Patellar Tendon and Hamstring Tendon Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction *

Background Patellar and hamstring tendon autografts are the most frequently used graft types for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction, but few direct comparisons of outcomes have been published. Hypothesis There is no difference in outcome between the two types of reconstruction. Study Design Prospective randomized clinical trial. Methods After isolated anterior cruciate ligament rupture, 65 patients were randomized to receive either a patellar tendon or a four-strand hamstring tendon graft reconstruction, and results were reviewed at 4, 8, 12, 24, and 36 months. Results Pain on kneeling was more common and extension deficits were greater in the patellar tendon group. There were greater quadriceps peak torque deficits in the patellar tendon group at 4 and 8 months but not thereafter. In the hamstring tendon group, active flexion deficits were greater from 8 to 24 months, and KT-1000 arthrometer side-to-side differences in anterior knee laxity at 134 N were greater. Cincinnati knee scores, International Knee Documentation Committee ratings, and rates of return to preinjury activity levels were not significantly different between the two groups. Conclusions Both grafts resulted in satisfactory functional outcomes but with increased morbidity in the patellar tendon group and increased knee laxity and radiographic femoral tunnel widening in the hamstring tendon group.
Blood and Serum Groups in Taiwan

During I960 blood samples were collected in Taiwan from 300 male adolescents and adults in the capital town of Taipeh and in the small communities of Chi-Chi (centre of Island) and ChungLi (N.W.) (Motulsky, Lee, and Fraser, I964). The donors from Taipeh originated in all parts of Taiwan. The main object of the study was to investigate the distribution of abnormal haemoglobins and G6PD deficiency but the opportunity was also taken of characterizing blood and serum groups of this population. An attempt was made to restrict this study to the main group of Formosan Chinese who had imnigrated from Fukien province on the mainland in the I7th century.
A Randomized Controlled Trial of Implant-retained Mandibular Overdentures

Evidence from randomized clinical trials of implant-retained overdentures is very limited at the present time. The aim of this study was to compare implant-retained mandibular overdentures and conventional complete dentures in a randomized controlled trial (RCT). Our a priori hypothesis was that implant-retained mandibular overdentures would be significantly better than conventional complete dentures. Edentulous patients (n = 118) were randomly allocated to either an Implant Group (n = 62) or a Denture Group (n = 56). Patients completed the Oral Health Impact Profile (OHIP) and a denture satisfaction scale pre-treatment and three months post-treatment. Upon completion of treatment, both groups reported improvement (p < 0.001, Wilcoxon Ranks Sum test) in oral-health-related quality of life and denture satisfaction. There were no significant post-treatment differences between the groups, but a treatment effect may be masked by application of “intention to treat” analysis. The OHIP change scores were significantly greater for patients receiving implants than for those who refused them.
Genetic variation of feed traits and relationships to some meat production traits in Japanese quail (Coturnix cot. japonica)

The present study was conducted to investigate the effect of sex on various carcass traits, abdominal fat and some feed traits, and to measure the genetic variations in traits studied, and to observe the pattern of association of various traits in the Japanese quail. Body weights and feed consumption were measured at 3 and 5 weeks, individually. FE and RFC were calculated. Quails were slaughtered at 35 days of age. A total of 706 quails of both sexes from 33 single-sire mating pens, each with 3 dams were utilized to estimate genetic parameters. Sex had in general a significant effect on traits studied with the exception of breast yield and RFC. The heritabilities of traits studied in this study were generally moderate to high. Heritabilities from sire plus dam components of carcass weight, breast weight, leg weight and abdominal fat weight adjusted for BW3, BW5 or both test weights (BW 3+5) were lower than those for unadjusted ones. Adjusted heritability estimates of FE for BW3, BW5 or both test weights from sire plus dam components were higher than those of unadjusted counterparts. Adjustment for any test weight did not lead to greater increases in heritabilities of FC and RFC with the exception of body weight, breast weight (unadjusted for body weight) and carcass yield. All estimates from maternal half-sibs were smaller than corresponding estimates from paternal half-sib correlations. Results indicate that selection will be efficient in improving these traits. In addition, genetic correlations among carcass weight, abdominal fat weight and feed traits showed that selection for any of these characteristics would not have any adverse effects on the other characteristics.
Cutting Edge: Molecular Analysis of the Negative Regulatory Function of Lymphocyte Activation Gene-31

Lymphocyte activation gene (LAG)-3 (CD223) is a CD4-related activation-induced cell surface molecule that binds to MHC class II molecules with high affinity and negatively regulates T cell expansion and homeostasis. In this study, we show that LAG-3 inhibits CD4-dependent, but not CD4-independent, T cell function via its cytoplasmic domain. Although high affinity interaction with MHC class II molecules is essential for LAG-3 function, tailless LAG-3 does not compete with CD4 for ligand binding. A single lysine residue (K468) within a conserved “KIEELE” motif is essential for interaction with downstream signaling molecules. These data provide insight into the mechanism of action of this important T cell regulatory molecule.
On the Velocity Field and the 3D Structure of the Galactic Soccer Ball Abell 43

Planetary nebulae (PNe) and their central stars (CSs) are ideal tools to test evolutionary theory: photospheric properties of their exciting stars give stringent constraints for theoretical predictions of stellar evolution. The nebular abundances display the star’s photosphere chemical composition at the time of the nebula’s ejection which allows to look back into the history of stellar evolution. More importantly, they even provide a possibility to investigate on the chemical evolution of our Galaxy because most of the nuclear processed material goes back into the interstellar medium via PNe.The recent developments in observation techniques and the new three‐dimensional photoionization code MOCASSIN (Ercolano et al. 2003) enable us to analyze PNe properties accurately by the construction of consistent models of PNe and CSs. In addition to PNe imaging and spectroscopy, detailed information about the velocity field within the PNe is a pre‐requisite to employ de‐projection techniques in modeling the physica.