Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Acute Myocardial Infarction Reduces Respiration in Rat Cardiac Fibers, despite Adipose Tissue Mesenchymal Stromal Cell Transplant

Adipose-derived mesenchymal stromal cell (AD-MSC) administration improves cardiac function after acute myocardial infarction (AMI). Although the mechanisms underlying this effect remain to be elucidated, the reversal of the mitochondrial dysfunction may be associated with AMI recovery. Here, we analyzed the alterations in the respiratory capacity of cardiomyocytes in the infarcted zone (IZ) and the border zone (BZ) and evaluated if mitochondrial function improved in cardiomyocytes after AD-MSC transplantation. Female rats were subjected to AMI by permanent left anterior descending coronary (LAD) ligation and were then treated with AD-MSCs or PBS in the border zone (BZ). Cardiac fibers were analyzed 24 hours (necrotic phase) and 8 days (fibrotic phase) after AMI for mitochondrial respiration, citrate synthase (CS) activity, F0F1-ATPase activity, and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). High-resolution respirometry of permeabilized cardiac fibers showed that AMI reduced numerous mitochondrial respiration parameters in cardiac tissue, including phosphorylating and nonphosphorylating conditions, respiration coupled to ATP synthesis, and maximal respiratory capacity. CS decreased in IZ and BZ at the necrotic phase, whereas it recovered in BZ and continued to drop in IZ over time when compared to Sham. Exogenous cytochrome c doubled respiration at the necrotic phase in IZ. F0F1-ATPase activity decreased in the BZ and, to more extent, in IZ in both phases. Transmission electron microscopy showed disorganized mitochondrial cristae structure, which was more accentuated in IZ but also important in BZ. All these alterations in mitochondrial respiration were still present in the group treated with AD-MSC. In conclusion, AMI led to mitochondrial dysfunction with oxidative phosphorylation disorders, and AD-MSC improved CS temporarily but was not able to avoid alterations in mitochondria function over time.
The effects of intramuscular administration of scopolamine augmentation in moderate to severe major depressive disorder: a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial

Introduction: Major depressive disorder (MDD) is a common affective disorder. Currently established pharmacotherapies lack rapid clinical response, thereby limiting their ability to bring instant relief to patients. A series of clinical trials has demonstrated the antidepressant effects of scopolamine, yet few have studied the effects of add-on scopolamine to currently available antidepressants. It is not known whether conventional antidepressant treatment with a 3-day scopolamine injection could speed up oral antidepressant efficacy. The main focus of this study is to detect the capacity of the rapid-onset efficacy of such a treatment option. Methods and analysis: This study consisted of a single-centre, double-blind, three-arm randomized trial with a 4-week follow-up period. Sixty-six participants meeting entry criteria were randomly allocated to three treatment groups: a high-dose group, a low-dose group and a placebo control group. Psychiatric rating scales were administered at baseline and seven viewing points following the administration of intramuscular injections. The primary outcome measure was length of time from randomization (baseline) to early improvement. Results: Both primary and secondary outcome measures consistently showed no differences among the three groups. The cumulative response rate and the remission rate were 72.7% (48/66) and 47.0% (31/66). Intramuscular scopolamine treatment was relatively well tolerated. Two subjects with high-dose injections dropped out because of a drug-related side effect. Conclusion: Contrary to our prediction, we found that, compared to placebo (0.9% saline i.m.), scopolamine was not associated with a significantly faster antidepressant response rate. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03131050. Registered on 18 April 2017.
Endemism analysis of Neotropical Pentatomidae (Hemiptera, Heteroptera)

The definition of areas of endemism is central to studies of historical biogeography, and their interrelationships are fundamental questions. Consistent hypotheses for the evolution of Pentatomidae in the Neotropical region depend on the accuracy of the units employed in the analyses, which in the case of studies of historical biogeography, may be areas of endemism. In this study, the distribution patterns of 222 species, belonging to 14 Pentatomidae (Hemiptera) genera, predominantly neotropical, were studied with the Analysis of Endemicity (NDM) to identify possible areas of endemism and to correlate them to previously delimited areas. The search by areas of endemism was carried out using grid-cell units of 2.5° and 5° latitude-longitude. The analysis based on groupings of grid-cells of 2.5° of latitude-longitude allowed the identification of 51 areas of endemism, the consensus of these areas resulted in four clusters of grid-cells. The second analysis, with grid-cells units of 5° latitude-longitude, resulted in 109 areas of endemism. The flexible consensus employed resulted in 17 areas of endemism. The analyses were sensitive to the identification of areas of endemism in different scales in the Atlantic Forest. The Amazonian region was identified as a single area in the area of consensus, and its southeastern portion shares elements with the Chacoan and Parana subregions. The distribution data of the taxa studied, with different units of analysis, did not allow the identification of individual areas of endemism for the Cerrado and Caatinga. The areas of endemism identified here should be seen as primary biogeographic hypotheses.
Effects of Intervention Program on Cognitive Function, Depression,Activity of Daily Living and Psycho-behavioral Function among Patients with Dementia

The purpose of this study was identify the effects of intervention program among persons with dementia(PWDs) in long-term catr facilities(LTCT). This study adopted the one group pre-post test design. Participants were 96 PWDs: 1) over 65years old, 2)diagnosed with dementia, 3)who had spent one month in LTCT. The intervention program was conducted one or two a week for eight times. After program, cognition(t=-4.80, p<.001) and depression(t=2.33, p=.022) improved significantly. activity of daily living and psycho-behavioral function improved marginally. Results indicate that intervention program in LTCT is Received (March 16, 2015), Review Request(March 17, 2015), Review Result(April 01, 2015) Accepted(April 23, 2015), Published(June 30, 2015) 487-717 Dept. Nursing, Kyungbok University, 154 Sinpyeong-개, Sinbuk-myeon, Pocheon-si, Gyeonggi-do, Korea email: yspark@kbu.ac. kr (Corresponding Author) 631-701 College of Nursing,Kyungnam University, Woryeongbuk 16-gil Masanhappo-gu, Changwon-si, Gyeongsangnam-do. Korea email: jeeyoungju@kyungnam.ac. kr Effects of Intervention Program on Cognitive Function, Depression, Activity of Daily Living and Psycho-behavioral Function among Patients with Dementia Copyright c 2015 HSST 188 effective in improving cognition, depression, activities of daily living and psycho-behavioral function. Therefore, it is recommended ongoing management and development of the intervention program for PWDs in LTCT.
TNF-α and IFN-γ regulate the expression of the NOD2 (CARD15) gene in human intestinal epithelial cells ☆ ☆☆ ★ ★★ ♢

Abstract Background & Aims: NOD2, a member of the NOD1/Apaf-1 family, was recently identified as the first susceptibility gene for Crohn's disease. The aim of this report was to describe the regulation and functional significance of NOD2 expression in intestinal epithelial cells. Methods: Expression of NOD2 messenger RNA was determined by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR); NOD2 protein was detected by Western blot. Promoter activity was assessed by reporter gene assays and DNA-binding of NF-κB by electrophoretic mobility shift assays. IL-8 production was investigated by RT-PCR and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results: TNF-α induced an up-regulation of NOD2 in epithelial cell lines (HT-29, SW620, SW948, HeLa S3) and in primary colonic epithelial cells. A synergism was seen by cotreatment with IFN-γ. Two NF-κB binding sites were identified in the promoter. Deletion of either site or overexpression of dominant negative IκBα led to reduced levels of TNF-α/IFN-γ-stimulated reporter gene activity. The identified κB3 site was bound by NF-κB as determined by gelshift assays. Elevated amounts of NOD2 protein were also found in colonic epithelial cells from patients with IBD. LPS induced high levels of IL-8 production in SW620 cells overexpressing NOD2. Conclusions: TNF-α(/IFN-γ) treatment up-regulates the expression of the NOD2 gene in intestinal epithelial cells and subsequently increases their LPS susceptibility. Together with the mutation-derived truncation and functional change of the NOD2 protein, this could be part of the complex pathophysiology of barrier disruption as it is observed in inflammatory bowel diseases.
Diet of Iheringichthys labrosus (Pimelodidae, Siluriformes) in the Itaipu Reservoir, Paraná River, Brazil-Paraguay

Iheringichthys labrosus is a secondary commercial fish species in the Itaipu Reservoir, but it is important in other reservoirs of the basin. However, little information exists about this species in the literature. The purpose of this study was to describe the diet of this species in the Itaipu Reservoir. Stomachs of 306 fishes were analyzed, collected from October 1994 to September 1996 in the differents zones of the reservoir (according to a longitudinal gradient). The reservoir was separated into riverine (upper reach), transitional (middle reach), and lacustrine (next to the dam) zones. Main items in the diet of I. labrosus were aquatic insects (mainly Chironomidae) and mollusks (mainly Bivalvia). Their presence in the diet did not vary according to zones. Also, there was little seasonal variation in the diet. This indicated a conservative diet that could be a result of the high abundance of the items in the reservoir, or restrictions imposed by its buccal and digestive apparatus.
Red Turpentine Beetle, Dendroctonus valens LeConte (Coleoptera: Scolytidae), Response to Host Semiochemicals in China

Abstract The response of the introduced red turpentine beetle, Dendroctonus valens LeConte, to host semiochemicals in Shanxi Province, China, was distinctly different from that reported in previous studies conducted in the western part of the native range of D. valens in the central Sierra Nevada, CA. This finding suggests either that there is regional variation in D. valens response to host volatiles in North America or that the species underwent rapid adaptation after its introduction into Asia. In the Chinese population of D. valens, (+)-3-carene was the most attractive host monoterpene tested in studies conducted in 2002 using multiple funnel traps suspended in a Pinus tabuliformis stand. It attracted significantly more beetles than did any other single semiochemical or any of the ternary or quaternary blends tested, including the standard D. valens blend used in North America [a 1:1:1 blend of (+)-α-pinene, (−)-β-pinene, and (+)-3-carene]. (+)-α-Pinene and (−)-β-pinene, presented individually, were not significantly more attractive than controls. Adding limonene to the standard lure decreased response of D. valens but not significantly. A new type of semiochemical release vial was tested using a range of release rates of a 1:1:1 blend of (+)-α-pinene, (−)-β-pinene, and (+)-3-carene. The rates ranged from 150 to 210 mg/d, and these were compared with the standard North American lure, which releases ≈110 mg/d. The most attractive of these vials, which released ≈150 mg/d, captured significantly more beetles than did the standard release device; however, increasing the release rate beyond 150 mg/d did not further increase trap catch. The implications of our results for the phylogenetic geography of D. valens and its management as an invasive species are discussed.
Discounting disentangled: an expert survey on the determinants of the long-term social discount rate

We present evidence from a survey of 197 experts on the determinants of the long-term social discount rate (SDR). The survey disentangles central discounting concepts and components. Alongside forecasts of real risk-free interest rates and experts’ recommended SDRs, we elicit responses on the individual parameters of the Ramsey Rule’s social rate of time preference: the elasticity of marginal utility of consumption, the pure rate of time preference, and a prediction of long-term per capita consumption growth. Obtaining disentangled data such as these is crucial because appropriate guidance on the SDR depends on how heterogeneous recommendations and forecasts on the SDR’s determinants are combined. We find a mean (median) recommended long-term SDR of 2.25% (2%) and characterise empirical distributions of all other determinants. Besides providing this necessary raw data, which may also prove useful in other fields, we obtain three key results. First, while there is considerable disagreement on point SDRs, 92% of experts are comfortable with SDRs somewhere in the interval of 1% to 3%. Second, we find that the simple Ramsey Rule cannot predict the responses of the majority of experts. In fact, 81% of experts do not recommend a SDR equal to the Ramsey Rule’s social rate of time preference. Furthermore, the SDR responses of only 25% of experts match their forecasted interest rates. This indicates that the prominence of the Ramsey Rule in policy guidance should be revisited. Finally, the rich body of qualitative responses we received underscores the more complex nature of social discounting. Among others, experts point to issues such as uncertainty, heterogeneity, relative price effects and alternative ethical approaches that policy guidance on social discounting should consider. Overall, our findings lead us to the conclusion that current policy guidance concerning social discounting and the evaluation of long-term public projects needs to be updated. This applies among others to the UK Treasury’s Green Book and the Assessments of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change.
A new technique for estimating rates of carboxylation and electron transport in leaves of C3 plants for use in dynamic global vegetation models

The possible responses of the terrestrial biosphere to future CO2 increases and associated climatic change are being investigated using dynamic global vegetation models (DG VMs) which include the Farquhar et al. (1980) biochemical model of leaf assimilation as the primary means of carbon capture. This model requires representative values of the maximum rates of Rubisco activity, Vmax, and electron transport, Jmax, for different vegetation types when applied at the global scale. Here, we describe an approach for calculating these values based on measurements of the maximum rate of leaf photosynthesis (Amax) 13C discrimination. The approach is tested and validated by comparison with measurements of Rubisco activity assayed directly on wild-type and transgenic Nicotiana tabacum (tobacco) plants with altered Rubisco activity grown under ambient and elevated CO2 mole fractions with high and low N-supply. Vmax and Jmax values are reported for 18 different vegetation types with global coverage. Both variables were linearly related reinforcing the idea of optimal allocation of resources to photosynthesis (light harvesting vs. Rubisco) at the global scale. The reported figures should be of value to the further development of vegetation and ecosystem models employing mechanistic DGVMs.
Occupation of Active Xylocopa virginica Nests by the Recently Invasive Megachile sculpturalis in Upstate New York

The Asian native Giant Resin Bee, Megachile sculpturalis Smith, was inadvertently introduced to the southeastern United States in the early 1990’s (Mangum and Brooks, 1997; Mangum and Sumner, 2003; Hinojosa-Diaz, 2008). Since its introduction, it has rapidly spread throughout much of the eastern US from its North Carolina center of introduction (Magnum and Brooks, 1997), reaching north as far as New York and southern Ontario by 2000 and 2002, respectively (Ascher, 2001; Paiero and Buck, 2003), and as far west as Michigan and eastern Kansas by 2008 (Hinojosa-Diaz, 2008; O’Brien and Craves, 2008). Despite the rapid spread, the ecological impact and affect on native bee fauna by M. sculpturalis has not been widely studied. It has been assumed that the invasion of the Giant Resin Bee is relatively benign except that it may preferentially pollinate plant species introduced to North America (Koelreuteria paniculata Laxm., Ligustrum lucidum Aiton, Pueraria lobata DC., Sophora japonica L.) from its native range. The presence of these plant species may have aided the establishment of M. sculpturalis in the U.S. (Mangum and Sumner, 2003). Possible negative effects of M. sculpturalis on native North American bees are unstudied (HinojosaDiaz, 2005). Megachile sculpturalis nests have been reported in empty tree cavities, crevices, downed logs, and other debris sometimes used by native bees, as well as vacant burrows of the Eastern Carpenter Bee (Xylocopa virginica L.; Mangum and Brooks, 1997; Batra, 1998). It remains unknown, however, whether M. sculpturalis utilizes active X. virginica nests, evicting the resident female. Here we report a usurpation and occupation of active X. virginica burrows by M. sculpturalis in upstate New York.
Internal Control Quality: The Role of Auditor-Provided Tax Services

ABSTRACT: We propose that auditor-provided tax services (tax NAS) improve internal control quality by accelerating audit firm awareness of transactions material to the financial statements. Using data from 2004 to 2012, we find robust evidence that companies purchasing tax NAS are significantly less likely to disclose a material weakness and that this result is not due to auditor independence impairment. A one-standard-deviation increase in tax NAS is associated with approximately a 13 percent decrease in the rate of material weaknesses relative to the base rate. These results are robust to tests addressing endogeneity concerns. Additional cross-sectional analyses reveal expected increased effects of tax NAS on internal control quality (1) after significant operational changes that require changes to the internal control structure, and (2) earlier in the relationship with the financial statement audit firm, when there are fewer established lines of communication between the audit team and client. This pap.
CHEMICAL COMPOSITION OF FORAGE LICHENS FROM NORTHERN SASKATCHEWAN AS RELATED TO USE BY BARREN-GROUND CARIBOU

As part of a study stimulated by the decline in numbers of the barren-ground caribou in Northern Canada, the quality of their winter forage plants was studied. Twenty-five lichens and eight vascular plants, comprising the important forage species on the winter range of the animals, were collected in June, September, and March. They were analyzed for crude protein, ether extract, crude fiber, ash, calcium, and phosphorus.In general, lichens were found to be low in protein, calcium, and phosphorus in relation to the estimated nutrient requirements of the caribou. They do however appear to supply a major part of the energy needs of this species. An attempt has been made to list the groups of lichen species studied in the order of animal preference. Seasonal fluctuations in chemical composition are indicated.
Identification and Differentiation of Brucella Melitensis Rev .1 Vaccine and B. Melitensis Biovar 3 Field Isolates in Egypt by Serological and PCR-RFLP Techniques

3 Abstract: Serum samples w ere obtained from 32 ewes fro m different l ocalities in Menufia governorate of unknown history of vaccination or infection. These samples were subjected to s erological examination for detection of specific brucella antibodies. Among these animals, 10 (31.25%), 8 (25.55%), 7 (21.88%) and 7 (2 1.88%) were positive f or St andard tube aggl utination t est (SAT), Rose B engal p late test (RBPT), Rivanol test (Riv T ) and com plement fixation t est (CFT), respectively . Tissue samples were c ollected from seropositive animals.Brucella melitensis were detected in tissue samples c ollected from only 6 seropositive animals . C haracterization of B. m elitensis isolates by biotyping t ests revealed that 4 st rains were identified as B. m elitensis biovar 3 and 2 strains w ere identified as B. m elitensis Rev. 1 st rain. These result s were confirmed by polymerase cha in reac tion- restriction f ragment le ngth polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) a s a molecular m arker te chnique.
Contribution of some wild food plants from forestry to the diet of tribals of Southern Rajasthan

Ethnobotanical survey among the tribals inhabiting Southern Rajasthan brought to light a number of wild plant species used as edibles. The plant parts, viz., tubers, stems, leaves, flowers, fruits and seeds are used in raw or cooked form. The health, vitality and longevity enjoyed by the tribals have been attributed by them to these wild edibles. However, most of the tribals today are deprived of their traditional food choice due to depletion of forest resources and destruction of forest areas. These tribals are malnutritioned and are susceptible to many diseases. This paper enumerates and discusses various aspects of the contribution of some wild edible plants in the diet of tribals of Southern Rajasthan.
Distribution and prognostic significance of CD8+ T cells in urothelial cell carcinoma of the bladder

Objective The aim of this study was to investigate the distribution and clinical significance of CD8+ T cells in bladder cancer tissues in situ. Methods Immunohistochemistry were used to examine the distribution of CD8+ T cells in bladder cancer tissues, which were obtained from January 2003 to December 2009 from 302 patients.Among all the patients, 262 were male while 40 were female; mean age is 60 years; tumor size ≤ 3 cm was in 235 and tumor size > 3 cm was in 67; Unifocal tumor was in 214 and multifocal tumors were in 88.Amount of tumor stage Ta–T1 was 212 and T2–T4 was 90.Sixteen patients have lymph node metastasis.Histological low grade was diagnosed in 175 and histological high grade was diagnosed in 127.According to the differences between anatomic structure and cellular composition, bladder tumor tissues can be classified to two localization patterns: (1) intratumoral regions, defined as tumor cell nests; (2) stromal regions, defined as stromal areas that lack direct contact with tumor cells.Therefore, we divided 302 bladder cancer patients into two groups based on the median frequency of intratumoral CD8+ T cells (median, 3/×400 high resolution) and stromal CD8+ T cells (median, 37/×400 high resolution), respectively. χ2 analysis was used to evaluated the correlation between CD8+ T cell density and clinicalpathological variables.Kaplan–Meier analysis and Cox proportional hazards regression models were applied to estimate overall survival (OS). Results CD8+ T cells were predominantly located in the intratumoral regions (mean, 14 ± 2/×400 high resolution) rather than in associated stromal regions (mean, 50± 3/×400 high resolution, P<0.05). The density of intratumoral CD8+ T cells was inversely associated with age(P=0.026), tumor size (P<0.05) and tumor stage (P<0.05), and could represent a favorable prognostic predictor of OS (HR=0.427, P=0.003). However, the density of stromal CD8+ T cells was positively associated with age(P=0.004) and histological grade (P<0.01), and could represent an adverse prognostic predictor of OS (HR=2.206, P=0.009). Conclusions Our findings suggest that intratumoral/ stromal CD8+ T cells could potentially serve as favorable/ adverse prognostic markers for bladder cancer patients, respectively. Key words: Bladder cancer; CD8; T cells; Prognosis