Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Microinjection of Propofol into the Perifornical Area Induces Sedation with Decreasing Cortical Acetylcholine Release in Rats

BACKGROUND: Among many neurotransmitter systems in the central nervous system, the cholinergic system has been shown to contribute to propofol's sedative/anesthetic effects, because it has been shown that cholinesterase inhibitor reverses the level of propofol-induced unconsciousness in humans. It has been reported that intraperitoneal injection of propofol induced sedative/anesthetic actions and decreased the release of acetylcholine (Ach) from the rat cortex. However, the sites of action of propofol in the cholinergic pathway and its related pathways remain unresolved. We studied whether microinjection of propofol into the nuclei in the cholinergic pathway and its related pathways may induce sedation and decrease Ach from the cortex. METHODS: Thirty-seven male Wistar rats weighing 270 to 320 g were used. Almost 5 days before the experiments, 23 rats anesthetized with pentobarbital (50 mg/kg) were outfitted with an electroencephalogram (EEG) socket, a microdialysis cannula in the cortex, and an intraperitoneal tube or a microinjection tube into the basal forebrain (BF), the perifornical area (Pef), or the striatum. The Ach effluxes in the somatosensory cortex were detected using in vivo intracerebral microdialysis in freely moving rats. Once basal levels of Ach were stabilized, samples were collected every 20 minutes and measured by high-performance liquid chromatography. In the intraperitoneal group, propofol was cumulatively administered (10, 30, and 100 mg/kg) into the peritoneal cavity. In the microinjection groups, propofol (40 ng in 0.2 &mgr;L) was administered into the BF, the Pef, or the striatum (control), and the cortical changes in Ach efflux and EEG were observed for 2 hours. In another 14 rats, the sedative/anesthetic score was obtained after intraperitoneal, Pef, or striatal injection of propofol. The placement of the tip of the microdialysis probe and the microinjection tube was confirmed by histological examination. RESULTS: Intraperitoneal injection of propofol dose-dependently decreased the Ach efflux and induced light sedative to moderate anesthetic states. Loss of righting reflex was observed with significant increases in the relative &agr;-power band at 100 mg/kg propofol. Microinjection of propofol into the BF significantly decreased the cortical Ach efflux to −40.2% ± 19.9% at 40 to 60 minutes. However, there was no difference in the total Ach efflux for 2 hours between BF and control groups. In contrast, microinjection of propofol into the Pef immediately decreased the Ach efflux at 0 to 20 min and maximally to −59.3 ± 20.4 at 100 to 120 minutes. The total Ach efflux in the Pef microinjection group was significantly less than that in the control group. The same dose of propofol injected into the Pef induced light to deep sedation. There was no significant change in the relative EEG power band between BF or Pef and control groups. CONCLUSION: The nuclei in the Pef are, at least in part, responsible for the sedative action of propofol in rats.
Common Antigen between Coxsackievirus A 16 and Enterovirus 71

Cross immunofluorescence revealed that coxsackievirus A 16 (CA 16) shared a common antigen with enterovirus 71 (E 71). The cross reactivity of these two serotypes was also examined by complement fixation test with purified virus preparations fractionated by sucrose density gradient centrifugation and two peaks of antigenicity were detected, one being type‐specific and the other cross‐reacting. The common antigen was heat‐stable and attributable to empty capsids. Immunodiffusion also revealed the common antigen. Infants without antibody to E 71 developed complement fixing and precipitin antibody to E 71 after recovery from hand, foot and mouth disease caused by CA 16.
Renewing Everyday Hope: The Hope Experience of Family Caregivers of Persons with Dementia

The purpose of this grounded theory study was to explore the experience of hope for family members caring for a person with dementia. Seventeen family members caring for persons with dementia were interviewed. The participants described their hope as the possibility of a positive future within their daily lives and in the social context of grief and loss, stress, fatigue, and constantly dealing with challenging behaviours of the person with dementia. The main concern of the study participants was “fading hope,” which they dealt with by “renewing every day hope” through (a) coming to terms, (b) finding positives, and (c) seeing possibilities.
Retransplantation for hepatitis C: Results of a U.S. multicenter retransplant study

It is widely perceived that outcomes are relatively poor following retransplantation (reTX) for recurrent of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Transplant centers debate the utility of offering another liver to these patients. A U.S. study group was formed to retrospectively compare survival after reTX in patients with recurrent HCV (histologically proven) and those transplanted for other indications greater than 90 days after first transplantation, from 1996 to 2004. Patients were divided into 3 groups; group 1: HCV reTX (n = 43), group 2: non‐HCV reTX (n = 73), and group 3: recurrent HCV but no reTX (n = 156). They were predominantly male, Caucasian, with mean age of 47.2 yr. The commonest indications for non‐HCV reTX were chronic rejection (36%), hepatic artery thrombosis (31%) and recurrent primary sclerosing cholangitis (17%). Duration of hospitalization, number of intensive care unit (ICU) days, and time interval from listing to transplantation or reTX were similar between reTX groups. The 1‐yr and 3‐yr survival rates after reTX were also similar for HCV reTX and non‐HCV reTX groups (1 yr, 69% vs. 73%; 3 yr, 49% vs. 55%). Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease (MELD) scores were not predictive of survival from reTX. However, with a MELD score of >30 in the non HCV group, survival was <50%. In the recurrent HCV not undergoing reTX group, 30% were reevaluated for reTX but only 15% were listed for reTX and the 3‐yr survival was 47%. The most common reasons for not listing for reTX were recurrent HCV within 6 months (22%), fibrosing cholestatic hepatitis (19%), and renal dysfunction (9%). In conclusion, patients retransplanted for recurrent HCV had similar 1‐yr and 3‐yr survival when compared to patients undergoing reTX for other indications. MELD scores were not predictive of post‐reTX survival. Survival was <50% in the non‐HCV reTx group with MELD score of >30. Many patients with recurrent HCV are not considered for reTX and die from recurrent disease. Liver Transpl 13:1246–1253, 2007. © 2007 AASLD.
‘Real Ale’ Enthusiasts, Serious Leisure and the Costs of Getting ‘Too Serious’ About Beer

The article uses the concept of serious leisure to explain the leisure commitments made by members of the British consumer campaign group the Campaign for Real Ale (CAMRA) and that of Real Ale enthusiasts in general. Drawing on in-depth qualitative research including interviews with CAMRA branch members and staff, the article demonstrates that beer appreciation can be understood as a serious rather than a casual leisure activity. While many of the benefits to participation typical of serious leisure activities are identified, so are the numerous “costs” involved. Beyond costs relating to money, time, obligation, and organizational conflicts, the article suggests that Real Ale enthusiasts are at times marginalized by wider cultural stereotypes positioning them as obsessive and snobbish. The article concludes with discussion of how the concept of the cultural omnivore might explain how serious leisure practitioners are often marginalized because of their specialism in a single field rather than many.
Pancreatic infection in severe pancreatitis: the role of fungus and multiresistant organisms.

HYPOTHESIS Recent controlled clinical studies suggest a positive effect of early antibiotic treatment on late morbidity and mortality in severe acute pancreatitis. However, widespread use of antibiotics may lead to an increased number of fungal infections and multiresistant bacteria, thereby worsening the outcome of the disease. DESIGN Single-center prospective study. SETTING University hospital, gastrointestinal surgical service. PATIENTS One hundred three patients with necrotizing pancreatitis seen consecutively in our service. INTERVENTIONS In addition to standard treatment, patients with proven necrotizing pancreatitis received a prophylactic intravenous antibiotic treatment. Pancreatic infection was regarded as an indication for surgery. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Pancreatic infection, microbiological findings, drug resistance, fungal infections. RESULTS Thirty-three patients (32%) had infected necrosis. Gram-negative organisms were isolated from 19 patients (58%), Gram-positive organisms were isolated from 18 patients (55%), fungal organisms were isolated from 8 patients (24%), and multiresistant organisms were isolated from 3 patients (9%). In 7 patients (21%), the organisms cultured from the pancreatic tissue were resistant to the antibiotics given in for prophylaxis. Infection with multiresistant organisms or organisms resistant to the antibiotic used for prophylaxis, but not with fungal infection or Gram-positive or Gram-negative infection, was correlated with a negative outcome. CONCLUSIONS Fungal infection under adequate treatment is not associated with a negative outcome. The occurrence of multiresistant organisms seems to be a rare finding (3 of 103 patients). Antibiotic prophylaxis is effective in preventing infection in necrotizing pancreatitis, but optimal choice and duration of administration of the antibiotic agent(s) need to be carefully determined to avoid the sequelae of multiresistant organisms.
Clinical syndromes: Parkinsonian gait

Disturbances of gait manifest in almost all cases of Parkinson's disease (PD), often leading to loss of mobility and increased mortality. In this review a clinically oriented approach to gait disorders in different stages of PD is presented. In addition, interactions between motor behavior and mental processing will be discussed. Analyzing the clinical features of gait can be helpful to differentiate PD from atypical forms of parkinsonism. Bedside tests to distinguish parkinsonian gait disorders are reviewed. There is still an unmet need to effectively treat complex gait disturbances, which are frequently not responsive to dopamine replacement medication. We thus present current approaches for the management of dopa‐refractory gait disorders. © 2013 International Parkinson and Movement Disorder Society
Studies on an Acetylcholine Binding Protein Identify a Basic Residue in Loop G on the β1 Strand as a New Structural Determinant of Neonicotinoid Actions

Neonicotinoid insecticides target insect nicotinic acetylcholine receptors (nAChRs). Their widespread use and possible risks to pollinators make it extremely urgent to understand the mechanisms underlying their actions on insect nAChRs. We therefore elucidated X-ray crystal structures of the Lymnaea stagnalis acetylcholine binding protein (Ls-AChBP) and its Gln55Arg mutant, more closely resembling insect nAChRs, in complex with a nitromethylene imidacloprid analog (CH-IMI) and desnitro-imidacloprid metabolite (DN-IMI) as well as commercial neonicotinoids, imidacloprid, clothianidin, and thiacloprid. Unlike imidacloprid, clothianidin, and CH-IMI, thiacloprid did not stack with Tyr185 in the wild-type Ls-AChBP, but did in the Gln55Arg mutant, interacting electrostatically with Arg55. In contrast, DN-IMI lacking the NO2 group was directed away from Lys34 and Arg55 to form hydrogen bonds with Tyr89 in loop A and the main chain carbonyl of Trp143 in loop B. Unexpectedly, we found that several neonicotinoids interacted with Lys34 in loop G on the β1 strand in the crystal structure of the Gln55Arg mutant. Basic residues introduced into the α7 nAChR at positions equivalent to AChBP Lys34 and Arg55 enhanced agonist actions of neonicotinoids, while reducing the actions of acetylcholine, (–)-nicotine, and DN-IMI. Thus, not only the basic residues in loop D, but also those in loop G determine the actions of neonicotinoids. These novel findings provide new insights into the modes of action of neonicotinoids and emerging derivatives.
Dependence Scale for Alzheimer’s Disease

The objective of this cross-sectional and multicenter study was to evaluate the psychometric properties of the Spanish version of the Dependence Scale (DS) and to assess the relationship between dependence and clinical measures according to disease severity. Medical comorbidities, cognitive status and functional status, behavior, dependence, caregiver burden, and medical and social resources were assessed using standardized instruments. The sample consisted of 343 patients (32.1% mild, 36.7% moderate, and 31.2% severe), the mean age was 78.9 years (standard deviation = 7.4), and 67.0% were women. Criterion and construct validity index of DS were appropriate. The DS standard error of measurement was ±1.23. The explained variance in DS ranged between 0.598 and 0.731, and the relative contribution of clinical measures depended on disease severity. Current findings confirm that the Spanish version of the DS has appropriate psychometric indices and suggest that clinical indicators have different contribution to dependence according to disease severity.
Antiretroviral medication errors remain high but are quickly corrected among hospitalized HIV-infected adults.

BACKGROUND Antiretroviral therapy (ART) medication errors can lead to drug resistance, treatment failure, and death. Prior research suggests that ART medication errors are on the rise in US hospitals. This analysis provides a current estimate of inpatient antiretroviral prescribing errors. METHODS Retrospective review of medication orders during the first 48 hours of hospitalization for patients with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection admitted to the Johns Hopkins Hospital between 1 January and 31 December 2009. Errors were classified as (1) incomplete regimen, (2) incorrect dosage, (3) incorrect schedule, and (4) nonrecommended drug-drug combinations. Multivariable regression was used to identify factors associated with errors. RESULTS A total of 702 admissions occurred in 2009. Of these, 380 had ART medications prescribed on the first day and 308 on the second day of hospitalization. A total of 145 ART medication errors in 110 admissions were identified on the first day (29%), and 22 errors were identified in 21 admissions on the second day (7%). The most common errors were incomplete regimen and incorrect dosage or schedule. Protease inhibitors accounted for the majority of dosing and scheduling errors (71%-73%). Compared with patients admitted to the HIV/AIDS service, those admitted to surgical services were at increased risk of errors (adjusted odds ratio, 3.10; 95% confidence interval, 1.18-8.18). CONCLUSIONS ART medication errors are common among hospitalized HIV-infected patients on the first day of admission, but most are corrected within 48 hours. Interventions are needed to safeguard patients and prevent serious complications of ART medication errors especially during the first 24 hours of hospitalization.
Achieving Competitive Advantage through Managing Supply Chain Excellence: The Case of Thai Garment Industry

The purpose of this research is to understand the relationship between supply chain enablers and firm performance within the Thai garment industry, which is mediated by competitive advantage. The findings reveal that the proposed model has a significant mediating effect of competitive advantage. In terms of the causal path model, IT capabilities and supply chain integration are the key enablers contributing to firm performance. On the other hand, they reveal that supply chain integration is the only key enabler contributing to competitive advantage. The findings also reveal that, the most critical set of the supply chain enablers contributing to firm performance is a combination of IT capabilities and integration via competitive advantage. This study demonstrates that, firms need to incorporate supply chain orientation into their business strategy and supply chain should be an absolute core of a firm’s business model, in the competitive environment of Thai garment industry.
Studies on the intestine section to be sampled in broiler studies on precaecal amino acid digestibility

Abstract Measurements of precaecal amino acid digestibility with digesta sampled from slaughtered animals may be affected by the chosen length of the sampled section. The length needs standardization, therefore, when digestibility is understood to be a measure of feedstuff potential. It was our objective to study the change in the net disappearance of amino acids from the lower small intestine of broiler chicken. The section between Meckel's diverticulum and 2 cm anterior of the ileo-caeco-colonic junction was cut into three subsections of equal length: proximal, medial, and terminal. The contents of each subsection were pooled within the birds of each pen (12 in Experiment 1 and 10 in Experiment 2). TiO2 was used as an indigestible marker. Prior to digesta sampling, broilers had been fed the experimental diets for seven days. In Experiment 1, two diets with either soybean meal or a mix of soybean meal and peas as the main protein sources were used. Each diet was allocated to eight pens and feeding commenced on day 14 of age. Net disappearance was significantly affected by diet only in regard to aspartic acid and methionine. No significant interaction between diet and subsection occurred. Net disappearance was significantly affected by subsection for all amino acids. It ranged from 74 – 92% for individual amino acids without significant differences in the medial and terminal subsections. Net disappearance was, however, between 3% and 9% lower in the proximal subsection. In Experiment 2, diets contained soybean meal as the main protein source and were given to 18 pens from day 22 of age. Again, the effect of subsection on net disappearance was significant for all amino acids. Net disappearance was significantly lower in the proximal than in the middle subsection, and differences ranged from 5 – 10%. Significant differences in the net disappearance were also found for most of the amino acids between the middle and the terminal subsection ranging from 2 – 4%. In conclusion, when precaecal amino acid digestibility should be used as a measure for a protein source's potential, digesta sampling should not consider the proximal third of the section between Meckel's diverticulum and the end of the ileum.
Identification of an Interneuronal Population that Mediates Recurrent Inhibition of Motoneurons in the Developing Chick Spinal Cord

Studies on the development of synaptic specificity, embryonic activity, and neuronal specification in the spinal cord have all been limited by the absence of a functionally identified interneuron class (defined by its unique set of connections). Here, we identify an interneuron population in the embryonic chick spinal cord that appears to be the avian equivalent of the mammalian Renshaw cell (R-interneurons). These cells receive monosynaptic nicotinic, cholinergic input from motoneuron recurrent collaterals. They make predominately GABAergic connections back onto motoneurons and to other R-interneurons but project rarely to other spinal interneurons. The similarity between the connections of the developing R-interneuron, shortly after circuit formation, and the mature mammalian Renshaw cell raises the possibility that R-interneuronal connections are formed precisely from the onset. Using a newly developed optical approach, we identified the location of R-interneurons in a column, dorsomedial to the motor nucleus. Functional characterization of theR-interneuron population provides the basis for analyses that have so far only been possible for motoneurons.
Glycaemia Status, Lipid Profile and Renal Parameters in Progressive Diabetic Neuropathy.

INTRODUCTION Diabetic Peripheral Neuropathy (DPN) is a common complication of diabetes. Existence of systemic co-morbidities in DPN patients has not been studied much, especially in Indian population. AIM To evaluate glycaemic status, lipid profile, renal parameters and blood count to assess occurrence of co-morbidities as severity of DPN progresses. MATERIALS AND METHODS A case control study involving 104 DPN patients and 43 controls of age 31-70years were selected. Patients were categorized into stage 0, 1, 2 and 3 of severity as per Dyck system of classification. Fasting Blood Sugar (FBS), Post Prandial Blood Sugar (PPBS), Glycosylated haemoglobin (HbA1c), Lipid profile, Vitamin B12, Thyroid Stimulating Hormone, Urea, Creatinine and Complete blood counts were assessed along with baseline characteristics. RESULTS Glycosylated haemoglobin was in uncontrolled range for DPN patients (9.03±2.09) FBS and PPBS were significantly more with progress of severity of DPN (p<0.001). HDL decreased (p<0.001) as severity progressed and Triglyceride increased in DPN cases. Mean urea values increased (p=0.008) while haemoglobin levels and RBC count decreased (p<0.001) as severity of DPN progressed. CONCLUSION Abnormal lipid profile, increased urea and decreased RBC levels point to co-existence of cardiovascular and renal comorbidities as severity of DPN progressed.
MOLLUSK SPECIES AT A PLIOCENE SHELF WHALE FALL (ORCIANO PISANO, TUSCANY)

Abstract The recovery of an intact, 10 m long fossil baleen whale from the Pliocene of Tuscany (Italy) offers the first opportunity to study the paleoecology of a fully developed, natural whale-fall community at outer shelf depth. Quantitative data on mollusk species from the whale fall have been compared with data from the sediments below and around the bones, representing the fauna living in the muddy bottom before and during the sinking of the carcass, but at a distance from it. Although the bulk of the fauna associated with the fossil bones is dominated by the same heterotrophs as found in the surrounding community, whale-fall samples are distinguishable primarily by the presence of chemosymbiotic bivalves and a greater species richness of carnivores and parasites. Large lucinid clams (Megaxinus incrassatus) and very rare small mussels (Idas sp.) testify to the occurrence of a sulphophilic stage, but specialized, chemosymbiotic vesicomyid clams common at deep-sea whale falls are absent. The Orciano whale-fall community is at the threshold between the nutrient-poor deep sea and the shallow-water shelf, where communities are shaped around photosynthetic trophic pathways and chemosymbiotic specialists are excluded by competition.