Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Search for a cardiac nociceptor: stimulation by bradykinin of sympathetic afferent nerve endings in the heart of the cat.

1. We have examined the effect of bradykinin on impulse traffic in sympathetic afferent fibres from the heart, great vessels and pleura, and have attempted to identify cardiac nociceptors that on the basis of their functional characteristics might have a role in the initiation of cardiac pain. 2. In anaesthetized cats, we recorded afferent impulses from ‘single‐fibre’ slips of the left 2nd‐‐5th thoracic rami communicantes and associated chain, and selected fibres arising from endings in the heart, great vessels, pericardium and pleura. We applied bradykinin solution (0 . 1‐‐1 . 0 microgram/ml.) locally to the site of the ending; we also injected bradykinin (0 . 3‐‐1 . 0 microgram/kg) into the left atrium. 3. Afferent endings excited by bradykinin (159 of 191 tested) were of two types. The larger group (140) were primarily mechanoreceptors with A delta of C fibres (mean conduction velocity, 7 . 5 +/‐ 0 . 6 m/sec). They were very sensitive to light touch. Those located in the heart, great vessels or overlying pleura had a cardiac rhythm of discharge and were stimulated by an increase in blood pressure or cardiac volume. 4. Bradykinin increased mechanoreceptor firing from 0 . 7 +/‐ to 5 . 0 +/‐ 0 . 3 (mean +/‐ S.E. of mean) impulses/sec. Some endings appeared to be stimulated directly by bradykinin, others sensitized by it so that they responded more vigorously to the pulsatile mechanical stimulation associated with the cardiac cycle. 5. The smaller group of eighteen endings, of which ten were in the left ventricle, were primarily chemosensitive. Most had C fibres, a few had A delta fibres (mean conduction velocity, 2 . 3 +/‐ 0 . 7 m/sec). They were insensitive to light touch. With one exception they never fired with a cardiac rhythm, and even large increases in aortic or left ventricular pressure had little effect on impulse frequency. 6. Chemosensitive endings were stimulated by bradykinin, impulse activity increasing from 0 . 6 to 15 . 6 +/‐ 1 . 3 impulses/sec and remaining above the control level for 1‐3 min. The evoked discharge, which was either continuous or occurred in irregular bursts, was not secondary to mechanical changes in the heart and great vessels. 7. Tachyphylaxis occurred when the interval between successive applications of bradykinin was 20 min or less. It was a feature of the response of both mechanosensitive and chemosensitive endings. 8. Because of their responsiveness to changes in pressure and their sensitivity to light touch, the mechanosensitive endings appear to be unlikely to subserve a primarily nociceptive function, although they may be responsible for evoking some of the components of the pseudoaffective response. By contrast, the chemosensitive endings appear well fitted to act as cardiac nociceptors.
Social phobia and potential childhood risk factors in a community sample

Background. This study examined the relationship between potential childhood risk factors and social phobia in an epidemiological sample. Identifying risk factors such as childhood adversities can often uncover important clues as to the aetiology of a disorder. This information also enables health care providers to predict which individuals are most likely to develop the disorder. Methods. Data came from the Mental Health Supplement to the Ontario Health Survey of a survey of 8116 Canadian respondents, aged 15–64. Social phobia was diagnosed using the Composite International Diagnostic Interview (CIDI). Childhood risk factors were assessed by a series of standardized questions. Results. A positive relationship was observed between social phobia and lack of close relationship with an adult, not being first born (in males only), marital conflict in the family of origin, parental history of mental disorder, moving more than three times as a child, juvenile justice and child welfare involvement, running away from home, childhood physical and sexual abuse, failing a grade, requirement of special education before age 9 and dropping out of high school. Many of these variables remained significant after controlling for phobias, major depressive disorder and alcohol abuse. The data also suggest that some childhood risk factors may interact with gender to influence the development of social phobia. Conclusions. Although an association was detected between social phobia and childhood risk factors, naturalistic prospective studies are needed to clarify the aetiological importance of these and other potential risk factors for the disorder.
Successful treatment of a patient with mixed warm and cold antibody mediated Evans syndrome and glucose intolerance

Thrombocytopenia and autoimmune hemolytic anemia (Evans syndrome) with the presence of both warm and cold autoantibodies (mixed type) are rare in the pediatric age group. This condition may be associated with other autoimmune disorders and is notoriously difficult to treat. This case describes an adolescent male who presented with rapid onset Evans syndrome and diabetes. After failing to respond to high dose prednisone and intravenous immunoglobulin, the patient was successfully treated with monoclonal antibody against CD20 (anti‐CD20). This suggests that anti‐CD20 is a valuable treatment for severe warm and cold antibody mediated Evans syndrome, and possibly for select cases of antibody mediated diabetes. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Endoleak and in-stent thrombus detection with CT angiography in a thoracic aortic aneurysm phantom at different tube energies using filtered back projection and iterative algorithms.

PURPOSE To determine the lower limit of dose reduction with hybrid and fully iterative reconstruction algorithms in detection of endoleaks and in-stent thrombus of thoracic aorta with computed tomographic (CT) angiography by applying protocols with different tube energies and automated tube current modulation. MATERIALS AND METHODS The calcification insert of an anthropomorphic cardiac phantom was replaced with an aortic aneurysm model containing a stent, simulated endoleaks, and an intraluminal thrombus. CT was performed at tube energies of 120, 100, and 80 kVp with incrementally increasing noise indexes (NIs) of 16, 25, 34, 43, 52, 61, and 70 and a 2.5-mm section thickness. NI directly controls radiation exposure; a higher NI allows for greater image noise and decreases radiation. Images were reconstructed with filtered back projection (FBP) and hybrid and fully iterative algorithms. Five radiologists independently analyzed lesion conspicuity to assess sensitivity and specificity. Mean attenuation (in Hounsfield units) and standard deviation were measured in the aorta to calculate signal-to-noise ratio (SNR). Attenuation and SNR of different protocols and algorithms were analyzed with analysis of variance or Welch test depending on data distribution. RESULTS Both sensitivity and specificity were 100% for simulated lesions on images with 2.5-mm section thickness and an NI of 25 (3.45 mGy), 34 (1.83 mGy), or 43 (1.16 mGy) at 120 kVp; an NI of 34 (1.98 mGy), 43 (1.23 mGy), or 61 (0.61 mGy) at 100 kVp; and an NI of 43 (1.46 mGy) or 70 (0.54 mGy) at 80 kVp. SNR values showed similar results. With the fully iterative algorithm, mean attenuation of the aorta decreased significantly in reduced-dose protocols in comparison with control protocols at 100 kVp (311 HU at 16 NI vs 290 HU at 70 NI, P ≤ .0011) and 80 kVp (400 HU at 16 NI vs 369 HU at 70 NI, P ≤ .0007). CONCLUSION Endoleaks and in-stent thrombus of thoracic aorta were detectable to 1.46 mGy (80 kVp) with FBP, 1.23 mGy (100 kVp) with the hybrid algorithm, and 0.54 mGy (80 kVp) with the fully iterative algorithm.
Functional Evidence for Visuospatial Coding in the Mauthner Neuron

When startled by sound, goldfish make large turns away from a rostral stimulus and small responses away from caudal stimuli, suggesting that rostral startling stimuli recruit larger pools of reticulospinal neurons in the Brainstem Escape Network (BEN) than do caudal stimuli. Consistent with this idea, the zebrafish Mauthner (M-) cell fires when the fish is startled by tail-directed stimuli, but the M-cell homologues (MiD2cm and MiD3cm) are also recruited when the fish is startled by displacing the head. Because vision is known to modulate M-cell activity, a nonstartling, modulatory sensory ‘signal’ conveyed to the reticular formation may be stronger if the visual sensory image is from a rostral vs. caudal spatial location and could account for a differential neuron pool recruitment and response magnitude. In this study, electrophysiological recordings from cichlid Mauthner neurons showed that visual stimulation of the caudal retina (by a rostral cue) generates a depolarization that is about 1.5 times the amplitude of that generated by stimulation of the rostral retina (by a caudal cue). In behavioral testing, where fish were stimulated visually for 30 ms and then startled by sound, fish startled in the presence of a rostral visual stimulus performed larger amplitude and faster turns than when startled in the presence of a caudal visual stimulus. Thus, M-cell potentials might reflect the strength of visual input to the BEN in general. For a particular visual spatial location, the relative strength of descending visual input appears to contribute to a recruitment of a reticulospinal neuron population that generates a turn magnitude appropriate to the visual cue, and suggests that a retinotopic representation is preserved in the BEN.
Geographic Distribution and Ecology of Triatoma dimidiata (Hemiptera: Reduviidae) in Colombia

Abstract Triatoma dimidiata Latreille is the second most important vector of Chagas' disease in Colombia and is found in urban and periurban areas. From January 2007 to June 2008, we performed field work in 8 departments, 18 municipalities, and 44 rural villages, covering most of its known distribution and all of its ecological zones in the country. The goal was to determine the geographical distribution, the ecology, and house infestation indices of T. dimidiata over its range and hence the Chagas' disease transmission risk. In Colombia, T. dimidiata occupies a wide variety of ecosystems, from transformed ecosystems in the Andean biome with shrub and xerofitic vegetation to very dense forests in the humid tropical forests in the Sierra Nevada of Santa Marta. According to genetic and ecological criteria, at least two T. dimidiata forms of this species are present: populations from the northwest of the country (Caribbean plains) are restricted to palm tree habitats, and domestic involvement is limited to sporadic visits because of attraction by light; and populations of the east region (Andean mountains) presenting a complex distributional pattern including sylvatic, peridomestic, and domiciliated ecotopes, and occupying a great variety of life zones. The latter population is of epidemiological importance due to the demonstrated migration and genetical flow of individuals among the different habitats. Control, therefore, must take into account its diversity of habitats.
Switched Systems Optimal Control Formulation and a Two Stage Optimization Methodology

|This paper provides an approach toward solving optimal control problems of switched systems. In general, in such problems one needs to nd both optimal continuous inputs and optimal switching sequences, since the system dynamics vary before and after every switching instant. After formulating the optimal control problem, we propose a two stage optimization methodology. Since many practical problems only concern Stage 1 optimization where the number of switchings and the order of active subsystems are given, we concentrate on Stage 1 and develop an algorithm based on di erentiations of the value function with respect to the switching instants. The algorithm is also applied to general switched linear quadratic problems and the advantages are discussed. Keywords| Switched Systems, Optimal Control, Nonlinear Optimizations.
Involvement of the Azorhizobial Chromosome Partition Gene (parA) in the Onset of Bacteroid Differentiation during Sesbania rostrata Stem Nodule Development

ABSTRACT A parA gene in-frame deletion mutant of Azorhizobium caulinodans ORS571 (ORS571-ΔparA) was constructed to evaluate the roles of the chromosome-partitioning gene on various bacterial traits and on the development of stem-positioned nodules. The ΔparA mutant showed a pleiomorphic cell shape phenotype and was polyploid, with differences in nucleoid sizes due to dramatic defects in chromosome partitioning. Upon inoculation of the ΔparA mutant onto the stem of Sesbania rostrata, three types of immature nodule-like structures with impaired nitrogen-fixing activity were generated. Most showed signs of bacteroid early senescence. Moreover, the ΔparA cells within the nodule-like structures exhibited multiple developmental-stage phenotypes. Since the bacA gene has been considered an indicator for bacteroid formation, we applied the expression pattern of bacA as a nodule maturity index in this study. Our data indicate that the bacA gene expression is parA dependent in symbiosis. The presence of the parA gene transcript was inversely correlated with the maturity of nodule; the transcript was switched off in fully mature bacteroids. In summary, our experimental evidence demonstrates that the parA gene not only plays crucial roles in cellular development when the microbe is free-living but also negatively regulates bacteroid formation in S. rostrata stem nodules.
Molecular characterization of two novel C‐type lectin‐like receptors, one of which is selectively expressed in human dendritic cells

We have identified two human C‐type lectin‐like receptors, CLEC‐1 and CLEC‐2. Both display a single carbohydrate recognition domain and a cytoplasmic tyrosine‐based motif. They are homologous to the NK cell receptors NKG2s and CD94 and also to the oxidized low‐density lipoprotein receptor 1. CLEC‐1 and CLEC‐2 are preferentially transcribed in dendritic cells (DC) and in the liver, respectively. Following transient transfection in COS cells, CLEC‐1 is expressed intracellularly, perhaps requiring an associated chain to reach the cell surface. CLEC‐2 is expressed on the surface of transfected cells as a protein of approximately 33 kDa. CLEC‐1 and CLEC‐2 genes map to human chromosome 12, most likely in linkage with the NK gene complex (NKC). Thus, the NKC may encode C‐type lectin‐like receptors expressed not only in NK cells but also in other cells, and at least one of these is of potential importance in regulating DC function.
Sequential feeding of whole wheat to growing broiler chickens.

1. Four broiler feeding trials were performed to examine the suitability of a whole wheat sequential feeding regimen for commercial broiler production. The sequential feeding programme gave a continuous cycle of ad libitum access to only whole wheat followed by the same time of access to only a pelleted diet. The pelleted diet provided a concentration of nutrients to balance that provided by the whole wheat. This was called a balancer diet. 2. The first trial used 144 cage-reared broilers from 28 to 49 d of age. Four different times of access (4, 8, 12 and 24 h) to the two alternate foods were compared. A whole wheat choice-feeding treatment and a complete single diet treatment were also compared. Whole wheat accounted for over 40% of the broilers' total food intakes when they were given the sequential feeding treatments of 8 h or greater. The whole wheat intakes of the birds given the 4 h sequential feeding and the choice-feeding were only 20 and 5% respectively. There was a non linear relationship between the weight gains of the broilers and the length of the sequential feeding period (P < 0.01). The growth rates of the broilers given sequential feeding were lowest (P < 0.05) in the 4-h feeding periods but highest (P < 0.05) in the 8-h periods. Weight gains decreased (P < 0.01) linearly as the sequential feeding periods were increased above 8 h. 3. A second trial, using 144 cage-reared broilers, examined the effect of different balancer compositions or different wheat varieties in 8-h sequential feeding. The broilers selected more whole wheat in their diet when they were given balancers with increased cereal contents. However, these broilers did not eat enough whole wheat to compensate for the reduced cereal content of the balancers and their overall diets had lower energy:protein ratios. The two different wheat samples did not result in any differences (P > 0.05) in the proportion of whole wheat selected by the broilers. 4. A third trial compared the diet selections, weight gains, food intakes and water excretions of 72 cage-reared broilers given whole wheat feeding regimens. The growth rates of the broilers given a loose mix of whole wheat and a pelleted balancer diet were similar (P > 0.05) to broilers given a complete single diet. The growth rates of these two groups were 7% greater (P < 0.05) than broilers given choice-feeding or 8-h sequential feeding. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
The distribution and characteristics of nitrate reductase and glutamate dehydrogenase in the maize seedling.

In a study on 3-day maize (Zea mays) seedlings, grown on nitrate, requirements were established for the maximum extraction and optimum stabilization of nitrate reductase in vitro. With the primary root, 5 mm cysteine were required in the extraction medium, but for the scutellum, which has a high level of endogenous thiol, the use of additional thiol resulted in a reduced yield of a more labile enzyme. Activity of the root and scutella nitrate reductase was obtained with either NADH or NADPH, but that of the root enzyme with NADPH was only demonstrated in the absence of phosphate.Before leaf expansion, the nitrate reductase in the maize seedling was mainly in the scutellum. The enzyme present in the primary root was predominantly in the apical region (0-2 mm). In contrast, glutamate dehydrogenase was concentrated in the mature basal region of the root (30-60 mm). A high level of nitrate (approximately 100 mm) was required to saturate the induction of nitrate reductase in the root tip, mature root, and scutellum. The concentration of nitrate required to give half the maximum level of enzyme induced was the same for each region (29 mm). After leaf expansion, more than 90% of the nitrate reductase was in the shoot, mainly in the leaf blade, and a marked decrease occurred in the level of the enzyme in the scutellum. A large proportion of the glutamate dehydrogenase was still found in the root.
Meta-Analysis of the Effects of Academic Interventions and Modifications on Student Behavior Outcomes

The current study examined the effect of academic interventions and modifications on behavioral outcomes in a meta-analysis of 32 single-case design studies. Academic interventions included modifying task difficulty, providing instruction in reading, mathematics, or writing, and contingent reinforcement for academic performance. There was an overall small to moderate effect (ϕ = .56) on behavioral outcomes, with a stronger effect on increasing time on task (ϕ = .64) than on decreasing disruptive behavior (ϕ = .42). There was a small effect for using a performance-based contingent reinforcer (ϕ = .48). Interventions completed in an individual setting resulted in a moderate to large effects on behavior outcomes. Results of the current meta-analysis suggest that academic interventions can offer both positive academic and behavioral outcomes. Practical implications and suggestions for future research are included.
Lateral tarsorrhaphy: is it preferable to patching?

PURPOSE To evaluate the effectiveness of lateral tarsorrhaphy for the management of postkeratoplasty epithelial defects. METHOD Thirty-six patients with persistent postkeratoplasty epithelial defects that did not heal despite topical medical therapy for a period of 96 hours were treated with either a lateral tarsorrhaphy (18 patients) or with tight patching (18 patients). All patients were evaluated daily by slit-lamp examination until complete reepithelialization occurred. RESULTS The epithelial healing was significantly faster (7.61+/-0.91 days vs. 12.6+/-1.61 days, p<0.5) in the lateral tarsorrhaphy group. Further, the patients with lateral tarsorrhaphies were significantly more comfortable when compared with those of the patching group (p<0.05). CONCLUSION Lateral tarsorrhaphy provides quick symptomatic relief and faster corneal epithelial defect healing. Therefore, it may be of benefit in cases of postkeratoplasty persistent epithelial defects.
Comparison of salivary calcium, phosphate and alkaline phosphatase in children with severe, moderate caries and caries free in Tehran’s kindergarthens

Background: The most common dental disease in childhood is dental caries. This study was carried out to recognize the components of saliva which are protective factors in children in order to evaluate and predict caries susceptible and caries resistant individuals. Methods: A total of 75 subjects of either sex aged 3-5 years old from kindergartens in Tehran were selected and divided into 3 groups (case group: dmft>6, control group 1: 1 0.05). However, the results showed that salivary phosphate and alkaline phosphatase in caries free group and calcium in the group with severe caries was somewhat more than those in other groups. Conclusions: Despite the results of the present study, the relationship between salivary components and caries rate in children remainslcontroversial. So, more and wide studies are necessary to achieve some practical criteria for predicting dental caries, recognition of susceptible persons and finally prevention of caries in children.
Insights regarding the normal and abnormal formation of the atrial and ventricular septal structures

Knowledge of cardiac development can provide the basis for understanding the morphogenesis of congenital cardiac malformations. Only recently, however, has the quality of information regarding cardiac embryology been sufficient to justify this approach. In this review, we show how such knowledge of development of the normal atrial and ventricular septal structures underscores the interpretation of the lesions that provide the basis for interatrial and interventricular shunting of blood. We show that current concepts of atrial septation, which frequently depend on a suggested formation of an extensive secondary septum, are simplistic. There are additional contributions beyond growth of the primary septum, but the new tissue is added to form the ventral buttress of the definitive atrial septum, rather than its cranial margin, as is usually depicted. We show that the ventricular septum possesses muscular and membranous components, with the entirety of the muscular septum produced concomitant with the so‐called ballooning of the apical ventricular component. It is expansion of the atrioventricular canal that creates the inlet of the right ventricle, with no separate formation of an “inlet” septum. The proximal parts of the outflow cushions initially form a septal structure between the developing ventricular outlets, but this becomes converted into the free‐standing muscular subpulmonary infundibulum as the aortic outlet is transferred to the left ventricle. These features of normal development are then shown to provide the basis for understanding of the channels that provide the means for interatrial and interventricular shunting. Clin. Anat. 29:290–304, 2016. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Ethical Considerations in Qualitative Research with Hospice Patients

As scientific and medical advances propel the world toward the 21st century, ethical concerns have become an integral part of health care. The protection of human rights is mandated in health care research. The increasing use of qualitative research methods, however, high-lights ethical issues and concerns related to the research process, and these take on new meaning in the context of qualitative research. This article addresses three ethical issues in qualitative research with hospice patients. Examples taken from a naturalistic nursing study of the hospice patient's perspective of empathy describe one researcher's experience with those ethical issues.