Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Endothelium-derived relaxing factor regulates renin release in vivo.

Endothelium-derived relaxing factor (EDRF), through its inhibitory second messenger guanosine 3',5'-cyclic monophosphate (cGMP), inhibits renin release in vitro. To determine whether EDRF affects renin in vivo, we tested whether EDRF synthesis inhibition could stimulate renin secretion in intact rats. Because EDRF synthesis inhibition increases blood pressure and consequently withdraws sympathetic activity (both renin inhibitory signals), we also studied the effect of L-N omega-nitroarginine methyl ester (L-NAME) when renal perfusion pressure was controlled and during beta-adrenergic blockade. Mean blood pressure (BP), heart rate (HR), and plasma renin activity (PRA) were measured in anesthetized rats before and after EDRF synthesis inhibition by a 10 mg/kg body wt bolus of L-NAME. L-NAME decreased PRA by 67% [from 11.0 +/- 2.7 to 3.7 +/- 0.8 ng angiotensin I (ANG I). ml-1.h-1, n = 12; P less than 0.001], increased BP by 20 +/- 2 mmHg (P less than 0.001), and decreased HR from 332 +/- 8 to 312 +/- 9 beats/min (P less than 0.005). We repeated our experiment in rats instrumented with an intra-aortic balloon catheter to control renal perfusion pressure and pretreated with propranolol to eliminate the beta-adrenergic effect. Under these conditions, L-NAME now increased PRA by 55% (from 6.9 +/- 1.9 to 10.8 +/- 2.6 ng ANG I.ml-1.h-1, n = 12; P less than 0.02), whereas renal perfusion pressure was unchanged (91 +/- 4 vs. 90 +/- 4 mmHg). HR increased slightly from 308 +/- 5 to 315 +/- 3 beats/min (P less than 0.005). (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Reduced spillover transmission of Mycobacterium bovis to feral pigs (Sus scofa) following population control of brushtail possums (Trichosurus vulpecula)

SUMMARY In New Zealand, bovine tuberculosis (bTB) is present in domestic cattle and deer herds primarily as the result of on-going disease transmission from the primary wildlife host, the brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula). However, bTB is also present in other introduced free-ranging mammalian species. Between 1996 and 2007, we conducted a series of studies to determine whether poison control of possum populations would have any effect on the prevalence of Mycobacterium bovis infection in sympatric feral pigs (Sus scrofa). We compared trends in the prevalence of bTB infection in feral pigs in six study areas: possum numbers were reduced in three areas, but not in the other three, effectively providing a thrice-replicated before-after-control-intervention design. Before possum control, the overall prevalence of culture-confirmed M. bovis infection in feral pigs was 16·7–94·4%, depending on area. Infection prevalence varied little between genders but did vary with age, increasing during the first 2–3 years of life but then declining in older pigs. In the areas in which possum control was applied, M. bovis prevalence in feral pigs fell to near zero within 2–3 years, provided control was applied successfully at the whole-landscape scale. In contrast, prevalence changed much less or not at all in the areas with no possum control. We conclude that feral pigs in New Zealand acquire M. bovis infection mainly by inter-species transmission from possums, but then rarely pass the disease on to other pigs and are end hosts. This is in contrast to the purported role of pigs as bTB maintenance hosts in other countries, and we suggest the difference in host status may reflect differences in the relative importance of the oral route of infection in different environments. Despite harbouring M. bovis infection for a number of years, pigs in New Zealand do not sustain bTB independently, but are good sentinels for disease prevalence in possum populations.
Measurement of bacterial size via image analysis of epifluorescence preparations: description of an inexpensive system and solutions to some of the most common problems

SUMMARY: Computerized image-analysis of epifluorescence preparations is the most accurate and simple method for the estimation of bacterial size. We present a simple and inexpensive image-analysis system used to measure and count planktonic bacteria and presently in operation in our laboratory. We show that there is a wide range of image exposures (brightness) over which the system performs correctly. Even though the procedure involves some steps that depend upon operator intervention, the results obtained are highly reproducible and we have estimated the among-operator variability at 5%. We then discuss the advantages and disadvantages of different algorithms used for the estimation of volume from two-dimensional images and we identify those that perform better for curved and unusual cells. We finally estimate that 4 to 6 images and 200 - 250 cells are the optimal number of images to be processed and cells to be measured to obtain accurate estimates of population values with the minimum effort. These calibrations should be useful to all those laboratories that are implementing image-analysis systems.
The role of eight polymorphisms in three candidate genes in determining the susceptibility, phenotype, and response to anti-TNF therapy in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

OBJECTIVES Several single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) have been associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) such as peptidylarginine deiminase-4 (PADI4), osteopontin (OPN), and perforin (PRF1) genes. Thus, we aimed at analysing the influence of eight SNPs in these candidate genes on RA susceptibility and their association with laboratory and clinical features in terms of response to anti-TNF therapy. METHODS We performed a case-control study on 377 Caucasian RA patients and 391 healthy, ethnicity-matched, population-based controls. All subjects were genotyped for PADI4_89/94, PADI4_92, PADI4_104, PADI4_100 in PADI4; -156G/GG and +1239A/C in OPN and A91V and N252S in PRF1 genes. The patients were stratified for shared epitope (SE) HLA-DRB1. rheumatoid factor (RF) and anti-citrullinated protein/peptide antibodies (ACPA) were analysed. The patients started anti-TNF treatment and they were evaluated at baseline and after 12 weeks. Disease activity was evaluated with DAS28 and response to treatment with EULAR criteria. RESULTS A statistically significant association between RA and OPN -156G/GG was found (p=0.023). SE was firmly confirmed to be associated with RA (OR=3.68; p<10-10). No other statistically significant association with clinical and laboratory features were observed. CONCLUSIONS For the first time, in an Italian cohort, we report the association between -156G/GG in OPN gene and RA susceptibility. Short-term response to anti-TNF therapy was not influenced by the genetic variants studied.
Zero-bias operational ultra-broadband UTC-PD above 110 GHz for high symbol rate PD-array in high-density photonic integration

We have successfully developed a zero-bias operational ultra-broadband uni-traveling-carrier photodiode (UTC-PD) with a frequency bandwidth above 110 GHz using a low carrier concentration of 3 × 10<sup>14</sup> cm<sup>-3</sup> in the carrier collection layer.
Characterization of genetically distinct subgroup of Candida albicans strains isolated from oral cavities of patients infected with human immunodeficiency virus

During the course of a study of oral Candida albicans strains from 60 human immunodeficiency virus-infected patients over a 2.5-year period, 18 of the 295 C. albicans isolates had genomes that failed to hybridize with a C. albicans-specific DNA probe (27A). These strains were germ tube positive and chlamydospore positive and were identified as C. albicans by the ID 32C test (API Systems, Montlieu, France). These strains were analyzed for the presence of two other C. albicans-specific DNA segments by PCR. The first was a C. albicans 1,348-bp species-specific sequence, and the second was a 1,059-bp C. albicans repetitive element. The probe 27A-hybridizing strains yielded PCR products which differed from those of the nonhybridizing strains. Five of these genetically atypical C. albicans strains and 98 of the C. albicans strains were then analyzed for purported virulence factors. The genetically atypical C. albicans strains, in comparison with typical C. albicans strains, produced greater amounts of extracellular proteinase (P = 0.038, Student's t test), adhered to a greater degree to buccal epithelial cells (P = 0.018, Student's t test), and were less susceptible to the antifungal drug 5-flucytosine (P = 0.0003, Mann-Whitney test). Analysis of these strains with other common antifungal drugs showed no statistically significant variation in susceptibility. The results of this study indicated that these genetically atypical C. albicans strains possess increased virulence in comparison with typical C. albicans strains.
1-Tetradecylpyridinium bromide monohydrate

In the title compound, C19H34N+·Br−·H2O, the dihedral angle between the trans-planar alkyl side chain and the pyridinium ring is 52.73 (7)°. In the crystal structure, O—H⋯Br, C—H⋯Br and C—H⋯O hydrogen bonds form a network, while the hydrophobic alkyl chains interdigitate, forming bilayers.
Chronic exposure to aluminum in drinking water increases inflammatory parameters selectively in the brain

A link between aluminum (Al) exposure and age‐related neurological disorders has long been proposed. Although the exact mechanism by which the metal may influence disease processes is unknown, there is evidence that exposure to Al causes an increase in both oxidative stress and inflammatory events. These processes have also been suggested to play a role in Alzheimer's disease (AD), and exposure to the metal may contribute to the disorder by potentiating these events. Al lactate (0.01, 0.1, and 1 mM) in drinking water for 10 weeks increased inflammatory processes in the brains of mice. The lowest of these levels is in the range found to increase the prevalence of AD in regions where the concentrations of the metal are elevated in residential drinking water (Flaten [2001] Brain Res. Bull. 55:187–196). Nuclear factor‐κB as well as tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) and interleukin 1α (IL‐1α) levels were increased in the brains of treated animals. The mRNA for TNF‐α was also up‐regulated following treatment. Enhancement of glial fibrillary acidic protein levels and reactive microglia was seen in the striatum of Al‐treated animals. The level of amyloid beta (Aβ40) was not significantly altered in the brains of exposed animals. Insofar as no parallel changes were observed in the serum or liver of treated animals, the proinflammatory effects of the metal may be selective to the brain. Al exposure may not be sufficient to cause abnormal production of the principal component of senile plaques directly but does exacerbate underlying events associated with brain aging and thus could contribute to progression of neurodegeneration. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effectiveness of an Educational Program on Nurses Knowledge Concerning Prevent of Post-Thoracic Surgery Complications at AL-Najaf Teaching Hospitals

Objectives: To assess nurses' knowledge working in thoracic surgery units and wards toward prevention complications of thoracic surgery and to find out the effectiveness of educational program on Intensive Care Unit and wards nurses knowledge regarding prevention complications of thoracic surgery and socio-demographic information. Methodology: A descriptive study was carried out from October 4, 2016 to August 1, 2017. A non-probability sample of (50) nurses. The tool of the study included a questionnaire. The data were analyzed through the application of frequencies, percentages, MS and the inferential statistical analysis. Results: Results of the study show that the effectiveness of educational program regarding nurses' knowledge about preventing post thoracic surgery complications are good. Conclusions: (1) Most of the study sample was females. (2)Mostly the ages of study sample were (21-25) Year. (3) There were highly significant differences between the two periods (pre and post tests) of study sample in all domains of questionnaire. Recommendations: The study recommends that nurses need to join special training courses in order to improve their knowledge so as to participate in educating patients with thoracic surgery.
Effect of Helicobacter pylori eradication on treatment of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease: a double blind, placebo controlled, randomised trial

Background: The role of Helicobacter pylori eradication in the management of gastro-oesophageal reflux disease (GORD) is controversial. We hypothesised that H pylori eradication leads to worsened control of reflux disease. Methods: Consecutive patients with weekly reflux symptoms were prospectively recruited for endoscopy and symptom evaluation. Patients were enrolled if they had H pylori infection and required long term acid suppressants. Eligible patients were randomly assigned to omeprazole triple therapy (HpE group) or omeprazole with placebo antibiotics (Hp+ group) for one week. Omeprazole 20 mg daily was given for eight weeks for healing of oesophagitis and symptom relief. This was followed by a maintenance dose of 10 mg daily for up to 12 months. The primary study end point was the probability of treatment failure within 12 months, which was defined as either incomplete resolution of symptoms or oesophagitis at the initial treatment phase, or relapse of symptoms and oesophagitis during the maintenance phase. Predictors of treatment failure were determined by Cox’s proportional hazards model. Results: A total of 236 GORD patients were screened and 113 (47.9%) were positive for H pylori; 104 (92%) patients were included in the intention to treat analysis (53 in the HpE group and 51 in the Hp+ group). Thirty one patients (30%) had erosive oesophagitis at baseline. H pylori was eradicated in 98% of the HpE group and in 3.9% of the Hp+ group. Overall, 15 patients (28.3%) in the HpE group and eight patients (15.7%) in the Hp+ group had treatment failure. The 12 month probability of treatment failure was 43.2% (95% confidence interval (CI) 29.9–56.5%) in the HpE group and 21.1% (95% CI 9.9–32.3%) in the Hp+ group (log rank test, p = 0.043). In the Cox proportional hazards model, after adjustment for the covariates age, sex, erosive oesophagitis, hiatus hernia, degree of gastritis, and severity of symptoms at baseline, H pylori eradication was the only predictor of treatment failure (adjusted hazard ratio 2.47 (95% CI 1.05–5.85)). Conclusion:H pylori eradication leads to more resilient GORD.
The Effect of Trait Self-Awareness, Self-Reflection, and Perceptions of Choice Meaningfulness on Indicators of Social Identity within a Decision-Making Context

Theorists operating from within a narrative identity framework have suggested that self-reflective reasoning plays a central role in the development of the self. Typically, however, narrative identity researchers have investigated this relationship using correlational rather than experimental methods. In the present study, leveraging on a classic research paradigm from within the social identity literature we developed an experiment to test the extent to which self-reflection might have a causal impact on the self-concept within a decision-making context. In a minimal group paradigm participants were prompted to reflect on their painting choices either before or after allocating points to in-group∖ out-group members. As anticipated, self-reflection augmented social identification, but only when participants felt their choices were personally meaningful. Participants who reasoned about their choices and felt they were subjectively meaningful showed stronger similarity and liking for in-group members compared to those who did not reflect on their choices or found them to be subjectively meaningless. Hence, reflecting on and finding meaning in one’s choices may be an important step in linking behavior with in-group identification and thus the self-concept in turn. The absence of any effects on in-group favoritism (a third indicator of social identification measured) as well as implications of the study’s findings for self-perception, cognitive dissonance and social identity processes are also discussed.
Association between Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Preflood Behavioral Characteristics among Children Aged 7–15 Years in Hunan, China

Objective: To explore the relationship between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and preflood behavioral characteristics among children aged 7–15 years in Hunan, China. Subjects and Methods: In 2000, a retrospective study was carried out among children who had been exposed to the 1998 floods in Hunan. A multistage sampling method was used to select subjects from the flood-affected areas. A structured questionnaire administered to the children selected was used to diagnose PTSD based on the DSM-IV criteria. A parent questionnaire was used to measure preflood behavioral characteristics related to health, behavioral, and habit problems. The association between PTSD and preflood behavioral characteristics was assessed using χ2-tests and multivariate logistic regression. Results: A total of 7,038 children from 13,450 households, aged 7–15 years, were investigated. The overall prevalence of PTSD was 2.05%. Generally, the PTSD-positive rate increased with increasing scores for behavioral characteristics. Conclusion: Preflood behavioral characteristics are an important factor influencing the prevalence of PTSD among children exposed to floods. It is therefore necessary to give special attention to children with behavioral problems in order to reduce the psychological impact of floods.
Investigating the use of Landsat thematic mapper data for estimation of forest leaf area index in southern Sweden

The study aims at investigating the use of Landsat thematic mapper (TM) for mapping leaf area index (LAI) in coniferous and deciduous forests in southern Sweden. LAI has been estimated in the field with optical measurements, allometric equations, and litter-trap data, and empirical relationships between LAI estimates and satellite-measured reflectances have been analysed. Several common vegetation indices and multiple regressions where estimated LAI is predicted as a function of various spectral bands are tested. The results indicate significant relationships between Landsat TM reflectances and parameters related to LAI, and the relationships are improved when separating coniferous and deciduous stands. The best relationships occur between Landsat TM data and the product of effective LAI as estimated with the LAI-2000 instrument and a needle clumping factor (LG), which explains about 80% of the variation in coniferous stands and about 50% of the variation in deciduous stands. The best single bands in coniferous stands are the middle-infrared bands (TM5 and TM7), and the best vegetation index is the moisture stress index (TM5/TM4). The best single band in deciduous stands is TM4, and the best vegetation index is the simple ratio (SR).
Accumulation and subcellular distribution of cadmium in ramie (Boehmeria nivea L. Gaud.) planted on elevated soil cadmium contents

The tolerance, accumulation and subcellular distribution characteristics of cadmium (Cd) in ramie ( Boehmeria nivea L. Gaud.) were investigated using a 2-year field experiment. The results indicated that ramie has a certain extent of tolerance to soil Cd (≤ 20 mg/kg) contamination with no significant decrease in shoot biomass and fibre yield rela tive to control conditions. Although ramie did not hyperaccumulate Cd, it accumulated considerable amount of Cd in the aboveground parts (approximately 0.19 to 1.09 kg/ha annually). The Cd contents retained in ramie tissues were found in order of roots > stems > leaves. Further, regarding the subcellular distribution of Cd in ramie tissues, 80% of the total Cd was bound to the cell walls of the roots and stems, whereas in leaves the proportion of Cd stored in the cell wall fraction was around 60% and a lesser amount of Cd was stored in the soluble fraction (24.1–25.5%). Our collective results indicated that ramie adapts to Cd stress via the store of a large amount of Cd in cell walls, and suggested potential usefulness of ramie in the phytoremediation of Cd-contaminated farmlands.
Correlates of the Use of Different Tobacco Cessation Methods by Smokers and Smokeless Tobacco Users According to Their Socio-Demographic Characteristics: Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) India 2009-10

Background: Tobacco control has two aspects. One involves preventing non-tobacco users from using tobacco and the second involves tobacco cessation (quitting) by existing tobacco users. There are various methods of tobacco cessation. Pharmacotherapy [e.g., nicotine replacement therapy (NRT) and medications such as bupropion] and behavioral counselling are some of the internationally approved methods of tobacco cessation. Objective: This paper intends to study how age, gender, residence (rural/urban), education, and occupation influence the use of various tobacco cessation methods by smokers and smokeless tobacco users. Materials and Methods: The study was a cross-sectional secondary data analysis of the Global Adult Tobacco Survey (GATS) India 2009-2010. There were 3725 smokers and 6354 smokeless tobacco users included in the study who made attempts to quit in the 12 months prior to the survey by use of different cessation methods (NRT, drugs such as bupropion, counselling, and other methods). Results: A significant association was demonstrated between increasing educational attainment and use of cessation methods for all the methods among smokers. Being employed (Govt. or non-Govt.) was positively associated with the use of NRT as a cessation method by smokers. Students and homemakers had higher odds of using pharmacotherapy methods among smokers. A significant association was demonstrated for the gender and age of tobacco users with the use of counselling as a cessation method among smokeless tobacco users. Conclusion: The findings of this study have important implications for tobacco cessation service providers in view of supporting their decision of choosing a particular tobacco cessation method for tobacco users according to certain kinds of sociodemographic characteristics.
Amoxicillin less effective than ampicillin against Shigella in vitro and in vivo: relationship of efficacy to activity in serum.

Minimal inhibitory concentrations of amoxicillin and ampicillin against Shigella are similar. Infants and children hospitalized for shigellosis were treated with amoxicillin (25 or 50 mg/kg per day) or ampicillin (50 mg/kg per day) given orally. Dose-response curves demonstrated that, with equivalent dosage, mean peak levels in serum were three times as high after amoxicillin as after ampicillin (8.7 ptg/ml vs. 3.0 [tg/ml), and one-half the dose of amoxicillin gave a mean peak level in serum of 5.3 [tg/ml. However, amoxicillin failed to effect a bacteriologic or clinical cure of shigellosis. The apparent paradox of pharmacologic superiority but clinical inferiority of amoxicillin to ampicillin correlated with the lesser inhibitory power of amoxicillin in serum. Approximately twice the amount of amoxicillin in serum was required for comparable inhibition of the infecting strain of Shigella as determined from studies of specimens of patients' sera and from in vitro experiments with known amounts of the two drugs added to pooled normal human serum.