Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Chemical composition and antibacterial activity of Gongronema latifolium

Chemical composition of Gongronema latifolium leaves was determined using standard methods. Aqueous and methanol G. latifolium extracts were tested against thirteen pathogenic bacterial isolates. Crude protein, lipid extract, ash, crude fibre and nitrogen free extractives obtained are: 27.2%, 6.07%, 11.6%, 10.8% and 44.3% dry matter respectively. Potassium, sodium, calcium, phosphorus and cobalt contents are 332, 110, 115, 125 and 116 mg/kg respectively. Dominant essential amino acids are leucine, valine and phenylalanine. Aspartic acid, glutamic acid and glycine are 13.8%, 11.9% and 10.3% respectively of total amino acid. Saturated and unsaturated fatty acids are 50.2% and 39.4% of the oil respectively. Palmitic acid makes up 36% of the total fatty acid. Extracts show no activity against E. faecalis, Y. enterolytica, E. aerogenes, B. cereus and E. agglomerans. Methanol extracts were active against S. enteritidis, S. cholerasius ser typhimurium and P. aeruginosa (minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) 1 mg; zone of growth inhibition 7, 6.5 and 7 mm respectively). A queous extracts show activity against E. coli (MIC 5 mg) and P. aeruginosa (MIC 1 mg) while methanol extracts are active against P. aeruginosa and L. monocytogenes. G. latifolium has potential food and antibacterial uses.
A Requirement for the Mitogen-activated Protein Kinase Cascade in Hippocampal Long Term Potentiation*

The mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) cascade has been intensely studied as a primary biochemical pathway through which a variety of extracellular stimuli initiate and regulate processes of cellular transformation. That MAPKs are abundantly expressed in postmitotic neurons, however, suggests different yet currently unknown functions for this cascade in the mature nervous system. Here we report that the MAPK cascade is required for hippocampal long term potentiation (LTP), a robust and widely studied form of synaptic plasticity. We observed that PD 098059, a selective inhibitor of the MAPK cascade, blocked MAPK activation in response to direct stimulation of the NMDA receptor as well as to LTP-inducing stimuli. Furthermore, inhibition of the MAPK cascade markedly attenuated the induction of LTP. PD 098059, however, had no effect on the expression of established LTP, and the MAPK cascade was not persistently activated during LTP expression. Our observations provide the first demonstration of a role for the MAPK cascade in the activity-dependent modification of synaptic connections between neurons in the adult mammalian nervous system.
Protein kinase C activity in mouse eggs regulates gamete membrane interaction

Gamete membrane interaction is critical to initiate the development of a new organism. The signaling pathways governing this event, however, are poorly understood. In this report, we provide the first evidence that protein kinase C activity in mouse eggs plays a crucial role in the regulation of this process. Stimulating PKC activity in mouse eggs by phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate (PMA) drastically inhibited the egg's membrane ability to bind and fuse with sperm. Surprisingly, this significant reduction of gamete membrane interaction was also observed in eggs treated with the PKC inhibitors staurosporine and calphostin c. In further analysis, we found that while no change of egg actin cytoskeleton was detected after either PMA or calphostin c treatment, the structural morphology of egg surface microvilli was severely altered in the PMA‐treated eggs, but not in the calphostin c‐treated eggs. Moreover, sperm, which bound but did not fuse with the eggs treated with the anti‐CD9 antibody KMC8, were liberated from the egg membrane after PMA, but not calphostin c, treatment. Taken together, these results suggest that egg PKC may be precisely balanced to regulate gamete membrane interaction in a biphasic mode, and this biphasic regulation is executed through two different mechanisms. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 74: 1465–1472, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Body water content of extremely preterm infants at birth

BACKGROUND Preterm birth is often associated with impaired growth. Small for gestational age status confers additional risk. AIM To determine the body water content of appropriately grown (AGA) and small for gestational age (SGA) preterm infants in order to provide a baseline for longitudinal studies of growth after preterm birth. METHODS All infants born at the Hammersmith and Queen Charlotte's Hospitals between 25 and 30 weeks gestational age were eligible for entry into the study. Informed parental consent was obtained as soon after delivery as possible, after which the extracellular fluid content was determined by bromide dilution and total body water by H2 18O dilution. RESULTS Forty two preterm infants were studied. SGA infants had a significantly higher body water content than AGA infants (906 (833–954) and 844 (637–958) ml/kg respectively; median (range); p = 0.019). There were no differences in extracellular and intracellular fluid volumes, nor in the ratio of extracellular to intracellular fluid. Estimates of relative adiposity suggest a body fat content of about 7% in AGA infants, assuming negligible fat content in SGA infants and lean body tissue hydration to be equivalent in the two groups. CONCLUSIONS Novel values for the body water composition of the SGA preterm infant at 25–30 weeks gestation are presented. The data do not support the view that SGA infants have extracellular dehydration, nor is their regulation of body water impaired.
Linezolid against penicillin-sensitive and -resistant pneumococci in the rabbit meningitis model.

Linezolid, a new oxazolidinone antibiotic, showed good penetration (38+/-4%) into the meninges of rabbits with levels in the CSF ranging from 9.5 to 1.8 mg/L after two i.v. injections (20 mg/kg). Linezolid was clearly less effective than ceftriaxone against a penicillin-sensitive pneumococcal strain. Against a penicillin-resistant strain, linezolid had slightly inferior killing rates compared with the standard regimen (ceftriaxone combined with vancomycin). In vitro, linezolid was marginally bactericidal at concentrations above the MIC (5 x and 10 x MIC).
Anthropophagy and aggregation behaviour of the sandfly Phlebotomus argentipes in Sri Lanka

ABSTRACT. The visceral leishmaniasis (VL) vector Phlebotomus argentipes Annandale & Brunetti is widely distributed throughout the Indian sub‐continent and S.E. Asia. The absence of VL in areas such as Sri Lanka has been attributed to the zoophilic nature of P.argentipes, since they were not recorded biting man.
A Phospholipid Acts as a Chaperone in Assembly of a Membrane Transport Protein (*)

A mutant of Escherichia coli lacking phosphatidylethanolamine (PE) and a monoclonal antibody (mAb 4B1) directed against a conformationally sensitive epitope (4B1) of lactose permease were used to establish a novel role for a phospholipid in the assembly of a membrane protein. Epitope 4B1 is readily detectable in spheroplasts and right-side-out membrane vesicles from PE-containing but not from PE-deficient cells expressing lactose permease. Lactose permease from PE-containing membranes, but not from PE-deficient membranes, subjected to sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS)-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and Western blot analysis is also recognized by mAb 4B1. If total E. coli phospholipids or PE (but not phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylglycerol, or cardiolipin) are blotted on nitrocellulose sheets (Eastern blot) prior to transfer of proteins from SDS-polyacrylamide gels, the permease from PE-deficient cells regains its recognition by mAb 4B1. Therefore, PE is required during assembly to form epitope 4B1, but, once formed, sufficient “conformational memory” is retained in the permease to either retain or reform this epitope in the absence of PE. Lactose permease lacking epitope 4B1 can be induced to form the epitope if partially denatured and then renatured in the presence of PE specifically. These results establish for the first time a role for PE as a molecular chaperone in the assembly of the lactose permease.
Interleukin-21 Is a Critical Cytokine for the Generation of Virus-Specific Long-Lived Plasma Cells

ABSTRACT Long-lived plasma cells that reside in the bone marrow constitutively produce antibody in the absence of antigen and are the cellular basis of durable humoral immunity. The generation of these long-lived plasma cells depends upon a series of highly orchestrated interactions between antigen-specific CD4 T cells and B cells and the formation of germinal centers (GCs). In this study, we have examined the role of the cytokine interleukin-21 (IL-21) in regulating humoral immunity during acute viral infections. Using IL-21 receptor-deficient (IL-21R−/−) mice, we found that virus-specific CD4 T cells were generated after infection with lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus (LCMV) and that these CD4 T cells differentiated into T follicular helper (TFH)-like cells in the absence of IL-21 signaling. There was also no defect in the formation of GCs, although after day 15 these GCs disappeared faster in IL-21R−/− mice than in wild-type mice. Isotype switching and the initial LCMV-specific IgG response were normal in IL-21R−/− mice. However, these mice exhibited a profound defect in generating long-lived plasma cells and in sustaining antibody levels over time. Similar results were seen after infection of IL-21R−/− mice with vesicular stomatitis virus and influenza virus. Using chimeric mice containing wild-type or IL-21R−/− CD4 T cells and B cells, we showed that both B and CD4 T cells need IL-21 signaling for generating long-term humoral immunity. Taken together, our results highlight the importance of IL-21 in humoral immunity to viruses.
The effects of preferred music on agitation of older people with dementia in Taiwan

Agitation is commonly seen in people with dementia. In Taiwan, the prevalence of agitation in those with dementia is approximately 45% (Chow et al., 2002). Agitation has a negative impact on the physical and psychosocial functions of those with dementia and also increases the burden on caregivers and health care resources. Agitation has traditionally been managed with chemical or physical restraints, but these treatments may cause negative effects. Alternative approaches, such as use of preferred music, would be valuable in managing agitation. While there is some evidence of the benefits of preferred music for people with dementia, further study is needed to overcome the limitations in previous studies (Sung and Chang,2005). This quasi-experimental study aimed to examine the effects of preferred music on agitation in institutionalized elders with dementia in Taiwan.
Effect of isometric exercise and body scanning on cigarette cravings and withdrawal symptoms.

AIMS To examine the acute effects of a guided relaxation routine (body scan) and isometric exercise on desire to smoke and tobacco withdrawal symptoms. DESIGN Experimental comparison of three conditions. PARTICIPANTS Forty-eight individuals reporting smoking > or =10 cigarettes daily. INTERVENTION Random assignment to one of three interventions delivered via a 10-minute audio: isometric exercise (IE, n = 14), body scanning (BS, n = 18) or a reading about natural history (control group, n = 16). Interventions were delivered twice on the same day: in the laboratory, then in their 'normal' environment. MEASUREMENTS Desire to smoke (primary outcome) and withdrawal symptoms were rated at pre-intervention and up to 30 minutes post-intervention. FINDINGS Controlling for baseline scores, post-intervention desire to smoke and withdrawal symptoms were significantly lower for IE and BS groups, compared with the controls, in both environments. There were no significant differences for IE versus BS. For desire to smoke, controlling for baseline values, ratings in the laboratory were significantly lower for IE and BS versus the control up to 30 minutes post-intervention. In the normal environment, these ratings were significantly lower only up to 5 minutes post-intervention. CONCLUSIONS Brief IE and BS interventions are effective for reducing desire to smoke and withdrawal symptoms in temporarily abstaining smokers. These interventions were found to be more effective in the laboratory than in the smoker's normal environment, but this may be an artefact of there not being a sufficient 'wash-out' period between interventions. These techniques may be beneficial for managing desire to smoke and tobacco withdrawal.
Modulation of excitatory synaptic transmission by endogenous glutamate acting on presynaptic group II mGluRs in rat substantia nigra compacta

Excitatory synaptic inputs from the subthalamic nucleus (STN) have been proposed to underlie burst firing of substantia nigra pars compacta (SNc) dopamine (DA) neurons in Parkinson's disease. Given the potential importance of the STN‐SNc synapse in health and disease, our goal was to study how transmission at this synapse is regulated. We tested the hypothesis that neurotransmission at STN‐SNc synapses is tonically inhibited by endogenous glutamate acting on presynaptic group II metabotropic glutamate receptors (mGluRs). By using whole‐cell recording techniques in brain slices, we examined the effect of LY341495, a mGluR antagonist that is most potent at group II mGluRs, on excitatory postsynaptic currents (EPSCs) that either were evoked in SNc DA neurons by stimulation of the STN or were spontaneously occurred in the presence of tetrodotoxin (miniature EPSCs; mEPSCs). LY341495 increased the evoked EPSC amplitude and mEPSC frequency without changing mEPSC amplitude. In contrast, the group III mGluR antagonist UBP1112 failed to increase the evoked EPSC amplitude. An elevation of extracellular glutamate concentration by a glutamate transporter inhibitor, TBOA, suppressed the evoked EPSCs. LY341495, but not UBP1112, partially reversed the TBOA action. The modulations of EPSCs by TBOA and LY341495 were associated with changes in paired‐pulse facilitation ratio. Furthermore, TBOA decreased mEPSC frequency, which was partially reversed by LY341495, without affecting mEPSC amplitude. The results indicate that presynaptic group II mGluRs at STN‐SNc synapses appear to be partially activated by a basal level of extracellular glutamate and able to sense the change in extracellular glutamate concentration, subsequently modulating synaptic glutamate release. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Evaluation of SCH51048 in an experimental model of pulmonary aspergillosis

The efficacy of a novel triazole, SCH51048, was assessed with a murine model of pulmonary aspergillosis and was compared with those of SCH39304 and itraconazole. A wide range of doses of SCH51048 (5 to 50 mg/kg of body weight) was evaluated. Mortality was significantly delayed in mice treated with doses of 5 mg of SCH51048 per kg or greater in comparison with mortality in controls (P < 0.05). Both SCH51048 and SCH39304 at higher doses (30 and 50 mg/kg) reduced the number of viable Aspergillus fumigatus organisms in lung tissue (P < 0.05). In the present model, itraconazole neither delayed mortality nor significantly reduced the counts in tissue at the doses used. We conclude that SCH51048 is an effective therapy for murine pulmonary aspergillosis.
Genotype/phenotype correlation in nephrotic syndrome caused by WT1 mutations.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES The risk of developing Wilms tumor (WT) can be present or absent in patients with nephrotic syndrome (NS) caused by WT1 mutations. Here, the genotype/phenotype correlation regarding the outcome and risk for WT in 52 patients from 51 families with NS due to WT1 mutations is described. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS This study followed 19 patients with mutations in intron 9 splice donor site (KTS mutations), 27 patients with missense mutations, 4 patients with nonsense mutations, 1 patient with a splice site mutation in intron 8, and 1 patient with a deletion. RESULTS Twenty-four different WT1 mutations were detected. Sixteen of the 19 patients with KTS mutations were females. These patients had isolated NS if karyotype was 46,XX and Frasier syndrome if karyotype was 46,XY. Patients with KTS mutations presented at a significantly older age and with a slower progression toward chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage 5, compared with missense mutations. Patients with nonsense mutations presented initially with WT. Six patients with missense mutations developed WT after the diagnosis of NS (interval-range from NS onset to WT of 0.1 to 1.4 years). CONCLUSIONS (1) KTS mutations cause isolated NS with absence of WT in 46,XX females. (2) KTS mutations cause Frasier syndrome with gonadoblastoma risk in 46,XY phenotypic females. (3) KTS mutations cause NS with a slower progression when compared with missense mutations. (4) Missense mutations can occur with and without WT. (5) WT1 analysis is important in young patients with NS for early detection and tumor prophylaxis.
Effectiveness of hands-on tutoring and guided self-directed learning versus self-directed learning alone to educate critical care fellows on mechanical ventilation – a pilot project

Background Physicians require extensive training to achieve proficiency in mechanical ventilator (MV) management of the critically ill patients. Guided self-directed learning (GSDL) is usually the method used to learn. However, it is unclear if this is the most proficient approach to teaching mechanical ventilation to critical care fellows. We, therefore, investigated whether critical care fellows achieve higher scores on standardized testing and report higher satisfaction after participating in a hands-on tutorial combined with GSDL compared to self-directed learning alone. Methods First-year Pulmonary and Critical Care Medicine (PCCM) fellows (n=6) and Critical Care Internal Medicine (CCIM) (n=8) fellows participated. Satisfaction was assessed using the Likert scale. MV knowledge assessment was performed by administering a standardized 25-question multiple choice pre- and posttest. For 2 weeks the CCIM fellows were exposed to GSDL, while the PCCM fellows received hands-on tutoring combined with GSDL. Results Ninety-three percentage (6 PCCM and 7 CCIM fellows, total of 13 fellows) completed all evaluations and were included in the final analysis. CCIM and PCCM fellows scored similarly in the pretest (64% vs. 52%, p=0.13). Following interventions, the posttest scores increased in both groups. However, no significant difference was observed based on the interventions (74% vs. 77%, p=0.39). The absolute improvement with the hands-on-tutoring and GSDL group was higher than GSDL alone (25% vs. 10%, p=0.07). Improved satisfaction scores were noted with hands-on tutoring. Conclusions Hands-on tutoring combined with GSDL and GSDL alone were both associated with an improvement in posttest scores. Absolute improvement in test and satisfaction scores both trended higher in the hands-on tutorial group combined with GSDL group.
Gene Expression Analysis Reveals Inhibition of Radiation-Induced TGFβ-Signaling by Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy in Mouse Salivary Glands

A side effect of radiation therapy in the head and neck region is injury to surrounding healthy tissues such as irreversible impaired function of the salivary glands. Hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) is clinically used to treat radiation-induced damage but its mechanism of action is largely unknown. In this study, we investigated the molecular pathways that are affected by HBOT in mouse salivary glands two weeks after radiation therapy by microarray analysis. Interestingly, HBOT led to significant attenuation of the radiation-induced expression of a set of genes and upstream regulators that are involved in processes such as fibrosis and tissue regeneration. Our data suggest that the TGFβ-pathway, which is involved in radiation-induced fibrosis and chronic loss of function after radiation therapy, is affected by HBOT. On the longer term, HBOT reduced the expression of the fibrosis-associated factor α-smooth muscle actin in irradiated salivary glands. This study highlights the potential of HBOT to inhibit the TGFβ-pathway in irradiated salivary glands and to restrain consequential radiation induced tissue injury.
Development of Resistance During Antimicrobial Therapy: A Review of Antibiotic Classes and Patient Characteristics in 173 Studies

The incidence of emergent resistance and clinical factors affecting its development were evaluated by retrospective review of 173 studies encompassing over 14,000 patients. Eight antibiotic classes and 225 individual treatment regimens were evaluated. Emergent resistance occurred among 4.0% of all organisms and 5.6% of all infections treated. It appeared to be significantly more frequent with penicillin and aminoglycoside monotherapy, with significantly lower rates associated with imipenem‐cilastatin, aztreonam, and combination therapy. Clinical failure also appeared to be significantly more likely to occur after emergence of resistance among organisms treated with fluoroquinolones or aminoglycosides. Infections associated with higher resistance rates were cystic fibrosis, osteomyelitis, and lower respiratory tract infections. Resistance was most common in patients in intensive care units or receiving mechanical ventilation. It was also significantly frequent among studies performed in university or teaching hospitals. Organisms associated with high resistance rates were Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Serratia, Enterobacter, and Acinetobacter sp. Factors such as infection type, underlying diseases, type of institution, and specific pathogens warrant consideration when examining emergent resistance.
Transition from hospital to home: Parents’ perception of their preparation and readiness for discharge with their preterm infant

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To explore the experiences of parents with babies born between 28-32 weeks' gestation during transition through the neonatal intensive care unit and discharge to home. BACKGROUND Following birth of a preterm baby, parents undergo a momentous journey through the neonatal intensive care unit prior to their arrival home. The complexity of the journey varies on the degree of prematurity and problems faced by each baby. The neonatal intensive care unit environment has many stressors and facilitating education to assist parents to feel ready for discharge can be challenging for all health professionals. DESIGN Qualitative descriptive design. METHODS The project included two phases, pre- and postdischarge, to capture the experiences of 20 couples (40 parents), whilst their baby was a neonatal intensive care unit inpatient and then after discharge. Face-to-face interviews, an online survey and telephone interviews were employed to gather parent's experiences. Constant comparative analysis was used to identify commonalities between experiences. Recruitment and data collection occurred from October 2014-February 2015. RESULTS/FINDINGS Overlapping themes from both phases revealed three overarching concepts: effective parent staff communication; feeling informed and involved; and being prepared to go home. CONCLUSION Our findings can be used to develop strategies to improve the neonatal intensive care unit stay and discharge experience for parents. Proposed strategies would be to improve information transfer, promote parental contact with the multidisciplinary team, encourage input from fathers to identify their needs and facilitate parental involvement according to individual needs within families. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE Providing information to parents during their time in hospital, in a consistent and timely manner is an essential component of their preparation when transitioning to home.