Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Population dynamics of small mammals in semi-arid regions: a comparative study of demographic variability in two rodent species

The seasonally determined demographic structure of two semi-arid rodents, both agricultural pest species (the leaf–eared mouse (Phyllotis darwini) in Chile and the multimammate mouse (Mastomys natalensis) in Tanzania), is analysed using capture–mark–recapture (CMR) statistical models and measures for elasticity (the relative change in the growth rate due to a relative unit change in the parameter of concern) derived from projection linear matrix models. We demonstrate that reproduction and survival during the breeding season contribute approximately equally to population growth in the leaf–eared mouse, whereas the multimammate mouse is characterized by a more clearly defined seasonal structure into breeding and non–breeding seasons and that reproduction contributes far more than survival during the breeding season. On this basis, we discuss evolutionary and applied (pest control) issues. Regarding the evolution of life histories (leading to a maximization of the overall net annual growth rate), we suggest that for the leaf–eared mouse, features favouring survival throughout the year will provide selective value, but that during the main breeding season, features favouring reproduction and survival are about equally favourable. For the multimammate mouse, features favouring survival are particularly important outside the breeding season, whereas during the breeding season features favouring reproduction are more important. Regarding pest control (aiming at reducing the overall net annual growth rate), we suggest that (ignoring economic considerations) affecting survival outside the main breeding season is particularly effective for the leaf–eared mouse, a feature that is even more the case for the multimammate mouse. In sum, we demonstrate through this comparative study that much is to be learnt from studying the dynamics of fluctuating small rodents––a focal issue within much of population ecology.
Accidental poisoning in children.

OBJECTIVE To assess the pattern of acute poisoning in children at Liaquat National Hospital, Karachi. METHODS The one-year descriptive study was conducted in the Paediatric Emergency Unit of the Liaquat National Hospital, Karachi, from April 1, 2006 to March 31, 2007, involving all patients under 12 years of age who visited the unit with a history of accidental exposure to toxic substances. Demographic data and all other relevant information were obtained mainly by retrieving hospital records and the admission register. Immediate outcomes were analysed in terms of admission, discharge and 'left against medical advice' (LAMA). RESULTS During the study period, 43 cases of accidental poisoning were registered, constituting 0.58% of the total emergency visits. Most (46.5%) were less than 3 years of age. Pharmaceutical products (34.9%) were the leading cause of ingestion followed by kerosene oil (25.6%), organophosphorous (16.3%), alkali (9.3%) and acid (7%). Regarding the outcome of these cases, 29 were admitted, 7 were discharged and 7 patients left against medical advice. CONCLUSION In our study, a small percentage of children presented with acute poisoning. Pharmacologic agents were a common source of poisoning in children. There is a need to further study and identify risk factors of acute poisoning in children.
Digital vs. conventional full‐arch implant impressions: a comparative study

PURPOSE To test whether or not digital full-arch implant impressions with two different intra-oral scanners (CEREC Omnicam and True Definition) have the same accuracy as conventional ones. The hypothesis was that the splinted open-tray impressions would be more accurate than digital full-arch impressions. MATERIAL AND METHODS A stone master cast representing an edentulous mandible using five internal connection implant analogs (Straumann Bone Level RC, Basel, Switzerland) was fabricated. The three median implants were parallel to each other, the far left implant had 10°, and the far right had 15° distal angulation. A splinted open-tray technique was used for the conventional polyether impressions (n = 10) for Group 1. Digital impressions (n = 10) were taken with two intra-oral optical scanners (CEREC Omnicam and 3M True Definition) after connecting polymer scan bodies to the master cast for groups 2 and 3. Master cast and conventional impression test casts were digitized with a high-resolution reference scanner (Activity 880 scanner; Smart Optics, Bochum, Germany) to obtain digital files. Standard tessellation language (STL) datasets from the three test groups of digital and conventional impressions were superimposed with the STL dataset from the master cast to assess the 3D deviations. Deviations were recorded as root-mean-square error. To compare the master cast with conventional and digital impressions at the implant level, Welch's F-test was used together with Games-Howell post hoc test. RESULTS Group I had a mean value of 167.93 μm (SD 50.37); Group II (Omnicam) had a mean value of 46.41 μm (SD 7.34); Group III (True Definition) had a mean value of 19.32 μm (SD 2.77). Welch's F-test was used together with the Games-Howell test for post hoc comparisons. Welch's F-test showed a significant difference between the groups (P < 0.001). The Games-Howell test showed statistically significant 3D deviations for all three groups (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION Full-arch digital implant impressions using True Definition scanner and Omnicam were significantly more accurate than the conventional impressions with the splinted open-tray technique. Additionally, the digital impressions with the True Definition scanner had significantly less 3D deviations when compared with the Omnicam.
Novel Biological Substrates of Human Kallikrein 7 Identified through Degradomics*

Background: The physiological substrates of most kallikreins remain unknown. Results: Our degradomics approach combined with sequence analysis identified a number of novel substrates for KLK7. Conclusion: Proteolytic cleavage of midkine, CYR61, and tenascin-C govern the pathophysiological roles of KLK7. Significance: Our data provide further insights into the physiological roles of KLK7. Kallikrein-related peptidases (KLKs) are a group of serine proteases widely expressed in various tissues and involved in a wide range of physiological and pathological processes. Although our understanding of the pathophysiological roles of most KLKs has blossomed in recent years, identification of the direct endogenous substrates of human KLKs remains an unmet objective. In this study we employed a degradomics approach to systemically investigate the endogenous substrates of KLK7 in an effort to understand the molecular pathways underlying KLK7 action in skin. We identified several previously known as well as novel protein substrates. Our most promising candidates were further validated with the use of targeted quantitative proteomics (selected reaction monitoring methods) and in vitro recombinant protein digestion assays. Our study revealed midkine, CYR61, and tenascin-C as endogenous substrates for KLK7. Interestingly, some of these substrates (e.g. midkine) were prone to proteolytic cleavage only by KLK7 (and not by other skin-associated KLKs), whereas others (e.g. CYR61 and tenascin-C) could be digested by several KLKs. Furthermore, using melanoma cell line, we show that KLK7-mediated cleavage of midkine results in an overall reduction in the pro-proliferative and pro-migratory effect of midkine. An inverse relation between KLK7 and midkine is also observed in human melanoma tissues. In summary, our degradomics approach revealed three novel endogenous substrates for KLK7, which may shed more light on the pathobiological roles of KLK7 in human skin. Similar substrate screening approaches could be applied for the discovery of biological substrates of other protease.
Differential Response of Growth Hormone, Cortisol, and Prolactin to Seizures and to Stress

Summary: Plasma concentrations of growth hormone (GH), Cortisol, and prolactin (PRL), following a spontaneous generalized seizure in epileptic men were compared with similar measurements made in nonepileptic, stressed men to determine the role of stress in the hormonal response to seizures. Nonepileptic, nonstressed men served as control subjects. GH concentrations increased significantly within 60 min postictally, and as expected, so did Cortisol and PRL. A subgroup of alcoholic patients exhibited a smaller GH response to seizures.
Persistent gestational trophoblastic neoplasia after partial hydatidiform mole incidence and outcome.

OBJECTIVE To report the Sheffield experience with persistent gestational trophoblastic neoplasia (GTN) after partial hydatidiform mole (PHM) and to review worldwide experience. METHODS All PHMs registered at the Sheffield Trophoblast Centre between 1991 and 2004 were included in this retrospective study. Any case of PHM leading to persistent GTN was reviewed centrally by an expert gynecologic pathologist. Clinical features, treatment and outcome were recorded. RESULTS During the 14-year study period 3189 PHMs were registered. Forty-one developed persistent GTN. Central histopathology review confirmed PHM in only 14 cases (0.91% of all those registered). Twelve scored low and 2 high risk according to International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics 2000 criteria. During the same period, 271 cases of persistent GTN originally registered as complete hydatidiform mole were reviewed; 3 were found to be PHMs (2 low, 1 high risk). In all, 15 of 17 persistent PHMs required chemotherapy. CONCLUSION Persistent GTN requiring chemotherapy can occasionally occur after PHM; surveillance of all cases continues to be recommended.
Methionine sulfoxide reductase B1 deficiency does not increase high-fat diet-induced insulin resistance in mice

Abstract Methionine-S-sulfoxide reductase (MsrA) protects against high-fat diet-induced insulin resistance due to its antioxidant effects. To determine whether its counterpart, methionine-R-sulfoxide reductase (MsrB) has similar effects, we compared MsrB1 knockout and wild-type mice using a hyperinsulinemic-euglycemic clamp technique. High-fat feeding for eight weeks increased body weights, fat masses, and plasma levels of glucose, insulin, and triglycerides to similar extents in wild-type and MsrB1 knockout mice. Intraperitoneal glucose tolerance test showed no difference in blood glucose levels between the two genotypes after eight weeks on the high-fat diet. The hyperglycemic-euglycemic clamp study showed that glucose infusion rates and whole body glucose uptakes were decreased to similar extents by the high-fat diet in both wild-type and MsrB1 knockout mice. Hepatic glucose production and glucose uptake of skeletal muscle were unaffected by MsrB1 deficiency. The high-fat diet-induced oxidative stress in skeletal muscle and liver was not aggravated in MsrB1-deficient mice. Interestingly, whereas MsrB1 deficiency reduced JNK protein levels to a great extent in skeletal muscle and liver, it markedly elevated phosphorylation of JNK, suggesting the involvement of MsrB1 in JNK protein activation. However, this JNK phosphorylation based on a p-JNK/JNK level did not positively correlate with insulin resistance in MsrB1-deficient mice. Taken together, our results show that, in contrast to MsrA deficiency, MsrB1 deficiency does not increase high-fat diet-induced insulin resistance in mice.
Business Analytics and Business Value: A Case Study

In the backdrop of growing adoption of business analytics in various business domains, it is important for investing firms to understand how business value is created from the investments. Earlier studies conducted in IT domain have highlighted how higher investment in technology may not bring more returns, rather how IT as a capability built by the organization acts as a key mediator in the business value creation. This research extends the model to business analytics, first to identify elements of underlying concepts like analytics technology assets and analytics capability, using a case study approach. This research further captures how analytics resources contribute to business performance by developing suitable operational and organizational measures for performance. This research contributes to the body of knowledge related to business analytics in the form of theory building.
Contemporary Management of Early-Stage Melanoma: A Systematic Review

Importance The incidence of melanoma is increasing, with 76 380 new cases of invasive melanoma and 68 480 new cases of melanoma in situ expected in 2016. Objective To review the contemporary management of early-stage melanoma. Evidence Review We searched PubMed, MEDLINE, and the Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews databases from January 1, 2011, to May 1, 2016, yielding 966 articles. We focused our search on early-stage (melanoma in situ, stage I, and stage II) cutaneous melanoma. After excluding articles, 41 articles were manually reviewed. A review of the bibliographies of selected articles generated additional references. Findings While the majority of recent advances have been in the treatment of advanced melanoma, surgical excision with margins based on the presence and depth of invasion continues to be the cornerstone of management. Sentinel lymph node biopsy plays a central role in the staging and treatment of melanoma. Conclusions and Relevance Accurate diagnosis and adequate surgical excision are critical in reducing local recurrences and improving outcomes. Sentinel lymph node biopsy is useful in staging the regional nodal basin and guiding treatment in appropriately selected patients.
Lipopolysaccharide mutants of Rhizobium meliloti are not defective in symbiosis

Mutants of Rhizobium meliloti selected primarily for bacteriophage resistance fall into 13 groups. Mutants in the four best-characterized groups (class A, lpsB, lpsC, and class D), which map to the rhizobial chromosome, appear to affect lipopolysaccharide (LPS) as judged by the reactivity with monoclonal antibodies and behavior on sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gels of extracted LPS. Mutations in all 13 groups, in an otherwise wild-type genetic background, are Fix+ on alfalfa. This suggests that LPS does not play a major role in symbiosis. Mutations in lpsB, however, are Fix- in one particular genetic background, evidently because of the cumulative effect of several independent background mutations. In addition, an auxotrophic mutation evidently equivalent to Escherichia coli carAB is Fix- on alfalfa.
Interleukin-10 Alters Effector Functions of Multiple Genes Induced by Borrelia burgdorferi in Macrophages To Regulate Lyme Disease Inflammation

ABSTRACT Interleukin-10 (IL-10) modulates inflammatory responses elicited in vitro and in vivo by Borrelia burgdorferi, the Lyme disease spirochete. How IL-10 modulates these inflammatory responses still remains elusive. We hypothesize that IL-10 inhibits effector functions of multiple genes induced by B. burgdorferi in macrophages to control concomitantly elicited inflammation. Because macrophages are essential in the initiation of inflammation, we used mouse J774 macrophages and live B. burgdorferi spirochetes as the model target cell and stimulant, respectively. First, we employed transcriptome profiling to identify genes that were induced by stimulation of cells with live spirochetes and that were perturbed by addition of IL-10 to spirochete cultures. Spirochetes significantly induced upregulation of 347 genes at both the 4-h and 24-h time points. IL-10 inhibited the expression levels, respectively, of 53 and 65 of the 4-h and 24-h genes, and potentiated, respectively, at 4 h and 24 h, 65 and 50 genes. Prominent among the novel identified IL-10-inhibited genes also validated by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) were Toll-like receptor 1 (TLR1), TLR2, IRAK3, TRAF1, IRG1, PTGS2, MMP9, IFI44, IFIT1, and CD40. Proteome analysis using a multiplex enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) revealed the IL-10 modulation/and or potentiation of RANTES/CCL5, macrophage inflammatory protein 2 (MIP-2)/CXCL2, IP-10/CXCL10, MIP-1α/CCL3, granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF)/CSF3, CXCL1, CXCL5, CCL2, CCL4, IL-6, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α), IL-1α, IL-1β, gamma interferon (IFN-γ), and IL-9. Similar results were obtained using sonicated spirochetes or lipoprotein as stimulants. Our data show that IL-10 alters effectors induced by B. burgdorferi in macrophages to control concomitantly elicited inflammatory responses. Moreover, for the first time, this study provides global insight into potential mechanisms used by IL-10 to control Lyme disease inflammation.
CHOLESTEROL AND CHOLESTEROL ESTERS IN MYCOPLASMA.

Free and esterified cholesterol were determined in the lipid extract of nine parasitic and saprophytic Mycoplasma strains. The saprophytic strains were usally free from esterified cholesterol. Esterified cholesterol was found in the parasitic strains at a ratio of 1:8 to 1:3 to free cholesterol; in the growth medium the ratio was about 4:1 [4-14C]-cholesterol added to the growth medium was incorporated by all Mycoplasma stains without esterification or any other chemical change. [4-14C]-cholesteryl oleate was incorporated into the lipid of the parasitic strains and was not hydrolysed to yield free cholesterol. The small amounts of radioactive oleic acid incorporated by serveral Mycoplasma strains during grwoth was not detected in the cholesteryl ester fraction. Our results show that under the grwoth conditions examined, the Mycoplasma organisms tested were unable to esterify cholesterol or hydrolyse cholesteryl esters.
Pharmacokinetics and protein binding of bupivacaine in postoperative epidural analgesia

We describe a method, which is both specific and rapid, for the measurement of bupivacaine concentrations in plasma using high‐performance liquid chromatography. Bupivacaine plasma concentrations, pharmacokinetics and protein binding in the postoperative period were investigated in seven patients (58–77 years old) following hip surgery. Postoperative analgesia was achieved by epidural bolus injections of 25 mg bupivacaine 0.25% every 6 h. Sufficient pain relief without side‐effects was obtained. Total (maximum 1.13 μg/ml) as well as free (maximum 0.1 μg/ml) bupivacaine plasma concentrations remained below toxic threshold levels and no cumulation occurred. Increased protein binding in the postoperative period is reported, emphasizing the importance of measuring the free fraction in addition to the total plasma concentration. The free fraction decreased from 5.4% preoperatively to 2.7% in the postoperative period (P<0.05). Changes in plasma protein binding of bupivacaine and changes in plasma levels of the acute phase reactant α‐1‐acid glycoprotein were correlated (r = 0.8, P<0.05). Difficulties in interpreting the elimination parameters following epidural administration are discussed, leading to the conclusion that the derivation of dosage regimens from kinetic parameters following epidural administration is not warranted.
The Relationship Between Balance, Disability, and Recovery After Stroke: Predictive Validity of the Brunel Balance Assessment

Objective. To examine the influence of balance disability on function and the recovery of function after stroke and consequently to assess the predictive validity of the Brunel Balance Assessment (BBA). Methods. Cross-sectional study of 102 patients admitted consecutively to 6 National Health Service hospitals with weakness 2 to 4 weeks after their first anterior circulation stroke; 75 of whom completed follow-up assessment at 3 months. The BBA was assessed during admission and compared to the Barthel Index and Rivermead Mobility Index at 3 months. Results. Balance disability was the strongest predictor of function (in terms of activities of daily living [ADLs] and mobility disability) in the acute stages. Weakness was also an independent predictor. Recovery of ADLs was independently predicted by balance disability, weakness, age, and premorbid disability, whereas recovery of mobility disability was predicted by balance and age alone. At 3 months, a minority of people with limited sitting balance (0%-22%) and standing balance (25%-50%) recovered independent functional mobility. Most people who could walk initially recovered independent functional mobility (66%-84%), but 16% suffered a decline in their mobility and 44% had enduring limitations in everyday mobility activities. Conclusion. Initial balance disability is a strong predictor of function and recovery after stroke. These results demonstrate the predictive validity of the BBA.
HOMELESS HIGH SCHOOL STUDENTS IN AMERICA: WHO COUNTS?

After interviewing homeless high school students, the research team in a Colorado school district discovered that many students had not revealed their true living conditions (homelessness) to anyone in the school district. This research team developed an anonymous survey written around the homeless categories identified in the McKinney-Vento federal legislation. Results revealed students who identified as homeless for a portion of their high school years in numbers and percentages alarmingly higher than the district had on file. In fact, over 25 times as many homeless students were identified by this process than by the previously-used district system for identifying homelessness. An equally alarming finding is that very few students identified their homeless status to a teacher, counselor, or school administrator. This article identifies statistical patterns to predict homelessness and provides recommendations for administrative practices. Keywords: homeless, students, predictors, McKinney-Vento
Phase IB study on prevention of surgery‐induced immunodeficiency with preoperative administration of low‐dose subcutaneous interleukin‐2 in gastric cancer patients

Low count of total and T helper lymphocytes predicts a poor prognosis in cancer patients and surgical trauma can worsen cancer‐related immunodeficiency. Aim of this phase IB study is to verify toxicity and biological effects of interleukin‐2 (IL‐2) at 9 million IU/day subcutaneously (sc.) administered one, two or three preoperative days in patients with gastric cancer undergoing radical surgery.
Prevalence of mitochondrial DNA haplogroups in an Australian population

Mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) haplogroups are ‘neutral polymorphisms’ in the mtDNA genome, which have accumulated and persisted along maternal lineages as the human population has migrated worldwide. Three ethnically distinct lineages of human mtDNA populations have been identified: European, characterized by nine haplogroups H, I, J, K, T, U, V, W and X; African, characterized by superhaplogroup L and Asian, characterized by superhaplogroup M. We studied the prevalence of mtDNA haplogroups in participants of the Blue Mountains Eye Study, a large population‐based survey of vision conducted between 1991 and 2000 of non‐institutionalized permanent residents aged 49 years or older from two suburban postcode areas, west of Sydney, Australia. Total DNA isolated from either hair follicles or blood was available for 3377 of the 3509 participants (96.2%) to determine mtDNA haplogroups by polymerase chain reaction/restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. Approximately 94.2% of samples could be assigned to one of the nine major European haplogroups, whereas a further 1.2% included the African (L) and Asian (M) superhaplogroups. The five principal haplogroups represented were H (42.9%), U (14.1%), J (10.7%), T (9.2%) and K (8.1%), which together included 85% of this population.