Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Microbial players involved in the decline of filamentous and colonial cyanobacterial blooms with a focus on fungal parasitism.

In the forthcoming decades, it is widely believed that the dominance of colonial and filamentous bloom-forming cyanobacteria (e.g. Microcystis, Planktothrix, Anabaena and Cylindrospermopsis) will increase in freshwater systems as a combined result of anthropogenic nutrient input into freshwater bodies and climate change. While the physicochemical parameters controlling bloom dynamics are well known, the role of biotic factors remains comparatively poorly studied. Morphology and toxicity often - but not always - limit the availability of cyanobacteria to filter feeding zooplankton (e.g. cladocerans). Filamentous and colonial cyanobacteria are widely regarded as trophic dead-ends mostly inedible for zooplankton, but substantial evidence shows that some grazers (e.g. copepods) can bypass this size constraint by breaking down filaments, making the bloom biomass available to other zooplankton species. A wide range of algicidal bacteria (mostly from the Alcaligenes, Flavobacterium/Cytophaga group and Pseudomonas) and viruses (Podoviridae, Siphoviridae and Myoviridae) may also contribute to bloom control, via their lytic activity underpinned by a diverse array of mechanisms. Fungal parasitism by the Chytridiomycota remains the least studied. While each of these biotic factors has traditionally been studied in isolation, emerging research consistently point to complex interwoven interactions between biotic and environmental factors.
Alcohol and homicide in Russia and the United States: a comparative analysis.

OBJECTIVE The object of this study was to perform a comparative analysis of the aggregate relationship between alcohol and homicide in Russia and in the United States. The comparison was based on the magnitude of the alcohol effect, the alcohol attributable fraction (AAF), and the degree to which total consumption could account for trends in homicide. METHOD We analyzed total and sex-specific homicide rates for the age groups 15-64 years, 15-34 years, and 35-64 years. The study period was 1959-1998 for Russia and 1950-2002 for the United States. For the United States, alcohol consumption was gauged by sales of alcohol; for Russia, estimated unrecorded consumption was included as well. The data were analyzed through autoregressive integrated moving average (ARIMA) modeling. RESULTS The results show that, for Russia as well as for the United States, a 1-L increase in consumption was associated with an increase in homicides of about 10%, although the absolute effect was markedly larger in Russia because of differences in homicide rates. The AAF estimates suggested that 73% and 57% of the homicides would be attributable to alcohol in Russia and in the United States, respectively. Most of the temporal variation in the Russian homicide rate could be accounted for by the trend in drinking, whereas the U.S. trend in total alcohol consumption had a more limited ability to predict the trend in homicides. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that the role of alcohol in homicide seems to be larger in Russia than in the United States.
Gender Roles and the Expression of Driving Anger Among Ukrainian Drivers

The current study investigated the validity of the revised (25‐item) version of the driving anger expression inventory (DAX) on a novel sample of 385 drivers from Ukraine. The roles of sex and gender in relation to self‐reported aggressive tendencies were also examined. Confirmatory factor analysis supported the four‐factor structure of the DAX (adaptive/constructive expression; use of the vehicle to express anger; verbal aggressive expression; and personal physical aggressive expression), and the three aggressive factors were found to have positive relationships with trait anger and driving anger, while adaptive/constructive expression was negatively related to trait and driving anger. Drivers who reported recent near‐misses or loss of concentration scored higher on verbal aggressive expression. Those who had recently received a traffic ticket also reported higher levels of all three types of aggressive anger expression. Further, the presence of feminine traits, but not sex, predicted more adaptive/constructive behaviors and lower scores for verbal aggressive expression, personal physical aggressive expression, and total aggressive expression. However, masculine traits did not predict any of these factors. This research concludes that the revised DAX is a valid tool to measure the expression of driving anger and that the endorsement of feminine traits is related to less aggressive expression of driving anger.
Eating in the Absence of Hunger and Weight Gain in Low-income Toddlers

OBJECTIVE: To identify predictors of eating in the absence of hunger (EAH) in low-income toddlers, describe affect during EAH, test EAH as a predictor of body mass index (BMI), and examine the type of food eaten as a predictor of BMI. METHODS: EAH, indexed as kilocalories (sweet, salty, and total) of palatable foods consumed after a satiating meal, was measured (n = 209) at ages 21, 27, and 33 months. Child gender, age, race/ethnicity, and previous exposure to the foods; maternal education and depressive symptoms; and family chaos, food insecurity, and structure were obtained via questionnaire. Child and mother BMI were measured. Child affect was coded from videotape. Linear regression was used to examine predictors of EAH and the association of kilocalories consumed and affect with 33 month BMI z-score (BMIz). RESULTS: Predictors of greater total kilocalories included the child being a boy (P < .01), being older (P < .001), and greater maternal education (P < .01). Being in the the top quartile of sweet kilocalories consumed at 27 months and showing negative affect at food removal had higher BMIz (β = 0.29 [95% confidence interval 0.10 to 0.48] and β = 0.34 [95% confidence interval, 0.12 to 0.56], respectively). There was no association of salty kilocalories consumed or positive affect with BMIz. CONCLUSIONS: There was little evidence that maternal or family characteristics contribute to EAH. EAH for sweet food predicts higher BMIz in toddlerhood. Studies investigating the etiology of EAH and interventions to reduce EAH in early childhood are needed.
Regulation of Nucleoside Transport by Lipopolysaccharide, Phorbol Esters, and Tumor Necrosis Factor-α in Human B-lymphocytes*

Nucleoside transport systems and their regulation in human B-lymphocytes have been characterized using the cell lines Raji and Bare lymphoma syndrome-1 (BLS-1) as experimental models. These cells express at least three different nucleoside transport systems as follows: a nitrobenzylthioinosine-sensitive equilibrative transport system of the es-type, which appears to be associated with hENT1 expression, and two Na+-dependent transport systems that may correspond to N1 and to the recently characterized N5-type, which is nitrobenzylthioinosine-sensitive and guanosine-preferring. B cell activators such as phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate and lipopolysaccharide (LPS) up-regulate both concentrative transport systems but down-regulate the equilibrativees-type transporter, which correlates with lower hENT1 mRNA levels. These effects are dependent on protein kinase C activity. Phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate and LPS also induce an increase in tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF–α) mRNA levels, which suggest that this cytokine may mediate some of the effects triggered by these agents, since addition of TNF-α alone can increase N1 and N5 transport activities by a mechanism that also depends on protein kinase C activation. Interestingly, TNF-α down-regulates esactivity, but this effect cannot be abolished by inhibiting protein kinase C. This study reveals differential regulation of nucleoside transport systems following activation of human B-lymphocyte cell lines by agents of physiological relevance such as TNF-α and LPS. Moreover, it indicates that the recently characterized N5 transport system can also be regulated following B cell activation, which may be relevant to lymphocyte physiology and to the treatment of lymphocyte malignancies.
Comparison of a double poling ergometer and field test for elite cross country sit skiers.

BACKGROUND Sport specific ergometers are important for laboratory testing (i.e. peak oxygen consumption (VO(2))) and out of season training. OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to compare cardiorespiratory variables during exercise on a double poling ergometer to a field test in elite sit skiers. METHODS Three male and four female athletes from the Canadian National / Developmental team (17-54 years of age, six with complete paraplegia and one with cerebral palsy) completed a field test and a double poling ergometer protocol separated by at least 24 hours. Both protocols consisted of three maximal trials of skiing of three minutes duration separated by 1.5 minutes of rest. A wireless metabolic system and heart rate monitor were used to measure cardiorespiratory responses [peak heart rate, peak VO(2), and peak respiratory exchange ratio (RER)] during each test. Arterialized blood lactate was measured before the beginning of exercise, after each trial and at 5, 10 and 15 minutes post exercise. RESULTS No significant differences existed between the field and ergometer tests for peak oxygen consumption (VO(2)) (field=34.7±5.5 mL·kg-1·min-1 vs. ergometer=33.4±6.9 mL·kg-1·min-1). Significantly higher peak heart rate and RER were found during the ergometer test. Significantly higher lactates were found during the ergometer test after trial 2 and trial 3. CONCLUSION The double poling ergometer is similar to a field test for evaluating peak VO(2) in elite cross country sit skiers; however, the ergometer test elicits a higher heart rate and anaerobic response.
MINERAL DEFICIENCIES IN TULE ELK, OWENS VALLEY, CALIFORNIA

Male tule elk (Cervus elaphus nannodes) are susceptible to high rates of antler breakage in Owens Valley, California. We hypothesized that a mineral deficiency in the diet predisposed male elk to antler breakage. We analyzed elk antler, liver, and forage samples to identify mineral imbalances. We compared the mineral content of livers and antlers from elk in Owens Valley to samples taken from tule elk at Grizzly Island Wildlife Area, a population experiencing normal rates (<5%) of antler breakage. Antler and liver samples were collected from 1989 to 1993, and in 2002, and were tested for calcium (Ca), copper (Cu), iron (Fe), magnesium (Mg), manganese (Mn), molybdenum (Mo), phosphorus (P), sulfur (S), and zinc (Zn). Mineral levels from antler and liver samples were compared to reference values established for elk and deer. We also compared the mineral content of elk forage in Owens Valley, collected in 2002–03, to dietary reference values established for cattle. In antlers, Ca, Fe, and Mg levels were higher in Owens Valley elk than in Grizzly Island elk, although all mineral levels were lower than reference values established for deer antlers. In liver samples, Cu levels from elk in Owens Valley were lower than those from Grizzly Island and lower than minimum reference values; liver Ca and Mo levels were higher in elk from Owens Valley than in those from Grizzly Island. Compared to reference values, elk forage in Owens Valley had high levels of Ca and Mo, and low levels of Cu, P, and Zn. Mineral analyses from antlers, livers, and forage suggest that tule elk in the Owens Valley are Cu and/or P deficient. High levels of Mo and Ca may exacerbate Cu and P deficiencies, respectively. Bone fragility is a symptom of both deficiencies, and an imbalance in Cu, P, or a combination of both, may predispose male tule elk in the Owens Valley to antler breakage.
What Spouse Caregivers Know About Communication in Alzheimer's Disease: Development of the AD Communication Knowledge Test

Most individuals with Alzheimer's disease are cared for at home by family members, particularly spouses. As language impairment progresses, communication between spouses becomes difficult and caregivers are likely to be unprepared for this challenge. The purpose of this study is to describe spouse caregivers’ knowledge of communication in AD and to determine their learning needs regarding effective communication strategies. A measure of knowledge about declining language skills and appropriate communication strategies was developed and pilot tested. Participants included 16 spouses caring for a partner with AD at home. Care recipients were generally mildly impaired. Caregivers were aware of at least some of the decline in language but were less knowledgeable about communication strategies. They were experiencing numerous communication problems, but reported minimal difficulty in communicating. Nurses in acute and long-term care settings are challenged to assess spouses’ knowledge and awareness about communication in AD and provide information about effective communication strategies to decrease misunderstandings and frustration, which often lead to behavior problems. Recommendations for further development of the AD Communication Knowledge Test are offered.
Cellular distribution of superoxide dismutases in the rat CNS

Superoxide dismutase (SOD) is considered to be a major factor in protection of nervous tissue against excitotoxic and ischemic/hypoxic lesion. Controversial reports about the localization of SOD after such an insult prompted us to re‐investigate immunocytochemically the localization of the enzyme in the brain and spinal cord using specific antibodies against the manganese (Mn‐SOD) and copper/zinc (Cu/Zn‐SOD) containing isoenzyme in combination with cell type specific markers. CNS tissue sections were analyzed by confocal laser scanning microscopy and digital photo imaging. Cu/Zn‐SOD immunoreactivity was found to be located predominantly in astrocytes throughout the CNS. The staining was found in the cytoplasm, in cellular processes and, less intensive, in the nucleus sparing the nucleolus. At a lower level the enzyme was also detectable in neuronal perikarya and in structures of the neuropil. Motoneurons of the spinal cord displayed an enhanced Cu/Zn‐SOD staining intensity, when compared to brain neurons. In contrast the Mn‐containing isoenzyme was predominantly localized to neurons and their processes throughout the brain and the spinal cord. Confirming the mitochondrial localization of the enzyme, a granular staining pattern sparing the nucleus was observed. Mn‐SOD stained mitochondria were also seen in astroglial cells but the staining intensity was, on the whole, much lower compared to neurons, and often hardly detectable. It seems reasonable to conclude that differences in the basal content of SOD‐isoenzymes may contribute to different cellular susceptibilities in neurodegenerative processes that are accompanied by oxidative stress. GLIA 29:25–34, 2000. © 2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Neurologic Investigations of Childhood Abdominal Migraine: A Combined Electrophysiologic Approach to Diagnosis

Summary: Neurologic studies of childhood migraine, including imaging techniques and electrophysiology, have identified a number of abnormalities, but none of high specificity. Therefore, a diagnostic marker for childhood migraine and its equivalents remains elusive. In this study a combined electrophysiologic approach is assessed, using measurements of visually provoked &bgr;‐activity, highfrequency photic following responses, and visually stimulated event‐related potentials. Eighteen children younger than 10 years of age with abdominal migraine and/or cyclic vomiting syndrome were investigated with these techniques. They were compared with the responses from a number of control groups, including a group diagnosed as childhood migraine with or without aura. Individually, each investigation yielded high sensitivities but low specificities (<50%). However, when these techniques were used in combination the specificity for migraine rose to >90%. There was no significant difference between abdominal migraineurs and those with migraine with or without aura in any of the parameters studied. This combined approach is potentially useful in the diagnosis of abdominal migraine and supports the view that abdominal migraine can be classed as a true childhood migraine equivalent.
Treatment burden among people with chronic illness: what are consumer health organizations saying?

Objectives: To explore the perspectives of consumer health organizations about the burden of chronic illness and multiple treatment regimens experienced by the consumers they represent. Methods: In-depth interviews (n = 15) were conducted with senior representatives from peak Australian consumer health organizations representing diabetes, asthma, cardiovascular disease, cancer, musculoskeletal illness and mental health. Results: Medication burden, which included aspects such as multiple medications, side effects, stigma and adverse events resulting from medication use, emerged as the most significant and prevalent theme. Carer burden and the negative impact of financial burden was widely discussed, particularly for low-income earners with claims that these consumers were forced to prioritise medications according to how effective they perceived them to be. Time taken to learn about treatment, administer, and monitor or travel to obtain treatment also emerged as being burdensome, however, difficulty accessing treatment was considered to be particularly burdensome. The disjointed nature of care among healthcare services was thought to create a sense of confusion and distress. Discussion: Many of the issues discussed by participants corroborated existing research, underscoring the complementary provider, and advocacy role of these organisations in mitigating treatment burden for people with chronic illness.
Evaluation of three different agents for in-office treatment of dentinal hypersensitivity: a controlled clinical study.

CONTEXT Dentin desensitizers are used for in-office treatment of dentinal hypersensitivity. They block the open tubules and bring about a reduction in hypersensitivity. AIM The aim was to evaluate and compare the clinical effectiveness of a dentin desensitizer, a combination of a dentin desensitizer + adhesive and one-bottle self-etching adhesive for in-office treatment of dentin hypersensitivity. SETTINGS AND DESIGN Institutional, prospective double-blind parallel clinical design. SUBJECTS AND METHODS A total of 54 teeth in 20 patients were randomly allocated to one of the three study groups, with 18 teeth in each group as follows: Group A-Gluma Desensitizer (GD), Group B-Gluma Comfort Bond + Desensitizer (GCBD), Group C-Single Bond Universal (SBU). The patients' dentinal hypersensitivity scores for tactile (hand-held scratch device), thermal (cold), and evaporative (dental unit air syringe) stimuli were recorded on a visual analog scale. The parameters were recorded at baseline, immediately after application of the agent, 3- and 6-week posttreatment. STATISTICAL ANALYSIS USED The data were analyzed with Friedman's test, Wilcoxon signed ranks test, Kruskal-Wallis test, and Mann-Whitney-U-test (P < 0.05). RESULTS All three groups showed a significant reduction in dentinal hypersensitivity (P < 0.05) compared to baseline at all time intervals. Statistically, significant differences were noted between GD and SBU; between GCBD and SBU in all testing parameters. Between GD and GCBD no significant difference was noted. CONCLUSIONS GD and GCBD showed a greater reduction in dentin hypersensitivity than SBU.
Developmental vasculotoxicity associated with inhibition of semicarbazide-sensitive amine oxidase.

The endogenous substrate(s) and physiological function(s) of semicarbazide-sensitive amine oxidase (SSAO), a group of enzymes exhibiting highest activity in vascular smooth muscle cells of the mammalian aortic wall, remain undetermined. This study examines the pathophysiological effects in the thoracic aortic wall resulting from specific in vivo SSAO inhibition. Weanling Sprague-Dawley rats were treated acutely or chronically with either semicarbazide hydrochloride or the allylamine derivatives MDL-72274 or MDL-72145 (Marion Merrell Dow Research Institute, Cincinnati, OH). Treatment with these compounds produced acute (6 and 24 h) and chronic (21 day) lowering of SSAO activity in aorta and lung with little effect on the activity of the vital matrix-forming enzyme, lysyl oxidase, in aortas of chronically treated animals. Chronic SSAO inhibition produced lesions consisting of striking disorganization of elastin architecture within the aortic media accompanied by degenerative medial changes and metaplastic changes in vascular smooth muscle cells. No significant difference in the total weight of dry, lipid-extracted aortic elastin and collagen components were observed between chronically SSAO inhibited and control animals. However, the amount of mature elastin was lowered and mature collagen was raised in the aortas of animals treated chronically with semicarbazide. Descending thoracic aortic rings isolated from chronically SSAO-inhibited animals had larger cross-sectional diameters (i.e., exhibited dilation) when compared to corresponding rings from control animals. This study demonstrates that developmental toxicity, characterized by striking vascular lesions and dilated thoracic aortas, can result from specific in vivo SSAO inhibition, suggesting a role for SSAO in connective tissue matrix development and maintenance, and specifically in the development of normal elastin.
CHANGED DIFFERENTIATION PATTERN OF PARENTAL COLONY‐FORMING CELLS IN F1 HYBRID MICE SUFFERING FROM GRAFT‐VERSUS-HOST DISEASE

SUMMARY A histological study was carried out on the spleen and bone marrow colonies of (DS X C57BL) F1 hybrid mice. Parental (DS) lymph node cells injected into F1 hybrid mice after sublethal irradiation eradicated the endogenous colonies of the host. The host colonies disappeared earlier in the spleen than in bone marrow. When parental spleen or bone marow cells were added to the lymph node cells, colonies appeared in the spleens of F1 hybrid mice whose endogenous colonies were eradicated by parental lymph node cells. The fact that the number of colonies was directly proportional to the number of added spleen cells suggested the parental origin of these colonies. In this case, myeloid colonies outnumbered erythroid colonies (erythroid to myeloid colony ratio of below 0.5). The differentiation pattern was different from those of endogenous colonies, exogenous colonies coming from spleen cells of hybrid donors and exogenous colonies which appeared in F1 hybrid mice injected with parental bone marrow cells only (erythroid to myeloid colony ratio of above 2.5). The result of the graft-versus-host reaction caused by parental immunocompetent cells affects the differentiation of parental colony-forming cells.
TDR measurement of stem and soil water content in two Mediterranean oak species

Abstract Since 1990s, time domain reflectometry (TDR) has been applied to estimate the stem water content of living trees. Here, new calibration equations relating the apparent dielectric constant (Ka ) to the volumetric water content (θ) were developed for two Mediterranean oak species. Our calibration equations differ from those previously calculated for other species, suggesting that stem water contents could be monitored more accurately using species-specific curves. The stem water content in the trees of these species and the surrounding soil were monitored with TDR to examine the feasibility of this technology for recording changes in trunk water storage. The average stem water contents of the oaks reflect the soil water contents, and the temporal differences observed (17%) point to the importance of trunk water for coping with soil water deficit. Although it would be very useful to obtain a single function to estimate the stem water content of trees, it remains necessary to obtain the results in more species.