Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Proteomic Analysis of Peritoneal Dialysate Fluid in Patients with Dialysis-Related Peritonitis

The prognosis of uremia patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) is related to frequent peritonitis rate. Frequent peritonitis will lead to peritoneum failure, making CAPD unfeasible. We have performed proteomic profiling of peritoneal dialysis effluent samples from a cross-section of CAPD patients with and without peritonitis in order to identify biomarkers of peritonitis. We performed 2D gel electrophoresis and surface-enhanced laser esorption/ionization time of flight mass spectrometry (SELDI-TOF MS) on peritoneal dialysis effluent from 16 subjects with peritonitis. A genetic algorithm search of principal component space revealed a group of a peak distinguishing peritonitis-positive subjects, with mass/charge (m/z) values of 11,117.4. Our analyses identified the peak at m/z 11,117.4 with an accuracy of 95% for classifying peritonitis. Mass spectrometric analysis of peritonitis PDE samples identified the 11,117.4 protein as β2-microglobulin (B2M). Using an unbiased protein profiling approach, we have validated previously reported findings of B2M as a biomarker associated with CAPD peritonitis. Prospective studies are warranted to establish additional biomarkers that would be predictive of peritoneal dialysis peritonitis. Besides, extending the study to a larger number of patients with subgroup analyses may yield additional information of the peritoneal dialysate proteins in association with dialysis adequacy, residual renal function, nutritional status, and risk of peritoneal infection.
Relations between Concentrations of Asymmetric Dimethylarginine and Neopterin as Potential Risk Factors for Cardiovascular Diseases in Haemodialysis-Treated Patients

Objectives. To investigate the correlation between concentrations of asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) and neopterin (NP) as potential risk factors for cardiovascular diseases in chronic renal failure patients. Method. In this study, 33 patients with renal failure before and after haemodialysis were compared with healthy control subjects. Serum ADMA and NP levels were measured using high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Results. When ADMA and NP concentrations in renal failure patients were compared before and after dialysis, before dialysis ADMA and NP concentrations were higher than those in the control group. However, ADMA and NP levels showed a falling mean and clear after dialysis. While there is no correlation between ADMA and NP levels before dialysis, there is a mean and positive correlation between ADMA and NP levels after dialysis. Conclusion. Potential risk factors for cardiovascular diseases include high concentrations of both ADMA and NP levels in chronic renal failure patients. A correlation mean between ADMA and NP levels after dialysis was found, but no correlation between ADMA and NP levels before haemodialysis was discovered. These can be evaluated as two different risk factors independent from each other.
Effects of Pentoxifylline on Amikacin-Induced Nephrotoxicity in Rats

The nephrotoxicity of amikacin (AK) was prevented with pentoxifylline (PTX) in a rat model. Rats were received a single injection of AK (1.2 g/kg, i.p.) with or without PTX pretreatment (25 mg/kg, orally). Renal morphology was investigated by light microscopy. Tissue samples and trunk blood were also obtained to determine renal malondialdehyde (MDA), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and creatinine (Cr) levels. MDA production was found to be higher in AK group. PTX administration caused a significant decrease in MDA production. Morphological damage in rats given AK was severe in the kidney, whereas in rats given AK plus PTX, no histological changes occurred. It is concluded that PTX could be useful for reducing the nephrotoxic effects of AK.
Levetiracetam results in increased and decreased alcohol drinking with different access procedures in C57BL/6J mice

The antiepileptic levetiracetam (LEV) has been investigated for the treatment of alcohol abuse. However, little is known about how LEV alters the behavioral effects of alcohol in laboratory animals. The acute effects of LEV on alcohol drinking by male C57BL/6J mice were investigated using two different drinking procedures, limited access [drinking-in-the-dark (DID)] and intermittent access (IA) drinking. In the first experiment (DID), mice had access to a single bottle containing alcohol or sucrose for 4 h every other day. In the second experiment (IA), mice had IA to two bottles, one containing alcohol or sucrose and one containing water, for 24 h on Monday, Wednesday, and Friday. In both experiments, mice were administered LEV (0.3–100 mg/kg intraperitoneally) or vehicle 30 min before access to the drinking solutions. In the DID mice, LEV increased alcohol intake from 4.3 to 5.4 g/kg, whereas in the IA mice LEV decreased alcohol intake from 4.8 to 3.0 g/kg in the first 4 h of access and decreased 24 h alcohol intake from 20 to ∼15 g/kg. These effects appear specific to alcohol, as LEV did not affect sucrose intake in either experiment. LEV appears to differentially affect drinking in animal models of moderate and heavier alcohol consumption.
Editor's Introduction to This Special Issue on Syringe Access and Secondary Syringe Exchange: International Perspectives and Future Directions

Since the advent of the HIV/AIDS pandemic, improved syringe access has been highlighted as one of the most effective means to successful disease prevention among injection drug users (IDUs). Different social, cultural, political, economic, moral, and legal contexts have influenced the creation, maintenance, interference with, and closing down of syringe access–oriented programs in locations across the globe. Local de facto realities, as well as individual and systemic stakeholders, have and continue to dictate the ease or difficultly with which these programs are developed, utilized, changed, and sustained. In many areas, particularly in communities where harm reduction is less supported, innovative disease prevention and health promotion approaches are required to maintain authorized syringe access and prevention efforts. Where these are not possible, informal and indigenous programs often effectively fill the prevention void and can provide needed resources and a humanity-driven ethics—saving thousands of lives globally over the years. The purpose of this special issue of Substance Use & Misuse (SUM) is to share some of the latest research surrounding syringe access and disease prevention. Syringe access programs—primarily syringe exchange programs (SEPs) and pharmacy sales of over-the-counter syringes—are considered sound disease prevention and health promotion initiatives that are supported by scientific research internationally even as they remain challenged by various political stakeholders and modern moral entrepreneurs. Secondary syringe exchange (SSE)—the exchange of syringes by an individual on behalf of IDUs who do not regularly access SEPs, pharmacies, or other syringe sources—is increasingly documented in the literature, but many questions persist, as do many opinions. This issue of SUM adds to the literature on syringe access and secondary exchange by highlighting new and important research findings and sharing new intervention, assessment, and research models that merit consideration. Often, secondary exchangers are dichotomized in the literature into secondary exchange providers and secondary exchange recipients, the latter of which experience little if any contact with SEPs, pharmacies, and harm reduction programs and their staff. In this issue, you will read about secondary syringe exchangers, syringe sellers, needle dealers, syringe relayers, designated exchangers, and resident agents. Although these terms may have slightly different connotations and may evoke different emotions and responses from researchers, program staff, policymakers, and the lay community, they all point to dependence, within the IDU community, on peer networks for sterile syringes, other harm reduction materials, referrals, and health education. A growing body of literature indicates that SSE is important to consider from a public health perspective for several reasons:
Seroprevalence of Brucellosis in Camels (Camelus dromedaries) in South East Ethiopia

Seroprevalence of Brucellosis in Camels (Camelus dromedaries) in South East Ethiopia The present study was delineated to investigate the seroprevalence and risk factors of brucellosis in camels at Adama town brought for export purposes from Bale and Borena zones of Oromia region, Ethiopia. Also questionnaire survey was conducted among camel owners to assess the knowledge-attitude-practice (KAP) among these farmers towards brucellosis.
Mapping GP integration in the health care system in different locations in Australia

The study's objective was to map general practitioner (GP) integration in urban and rural locations as well as areas defined by Divisions of General Practice (DGP) in Australia. A cross-sectional mail survey of a stratified random, national sample of 2029 GP members of DGPs was conducted to estimate their GP integration index scores. Data on other measures of GP integration-related behaviour were also collected. Rural GPs had higher levels of GP integration than urban GPs, judged by their GP higher-order factor scores, their integration factor scores and integration enabling factor scores. This applied to their patient care management roles but, more substantially, their wider role in community health. Rural GPs had higher levels of involvement in Enhanced Primary Care within their practice and with other health practitioners, hospitals and DGPs outside their practice. A small number of DGP areas showed consistently higher or lower levels of GP integration compared to all other DGP areas in the same urban/rural locations. It was concluded that levels of GP integration varied in geographic location across Australia. Urban DGPs, particularly poorly-performing ones, should be closely monitored in terms of their response to recent initiatives to promote GP integration, and should be the focus of future initiatives.
Preferência de gestantes pelo parto normal ou cesariano

The study investigated the preference for delivery in 40 pregnant women using a semi-structured interview. Most women (75%) reported a preference for vaginal delivery, mainly because they believe it will result in a speedy recovery and be better for them and/or their babies. Of the women interviewed, 15% preferred a caesarean section because they considered it be less painful. These preferences, in general, were influenced by friends. Most women said they had fear of parturition due to: feelings of pain/suffering, concern of something happening to them or their babies and because the situation is unknown or assessed in a negative fashion. The presence of trusted people, like one’s husband, mother or doctor, could minimize this fear. These results reinforce the contributions of health professionals, such as psychologists, in answering the psychosocial needs of pregnant women in situations of delivery and birth. Keywords: vaginal birth; caesarean section; pregnancy; health psychology.
Techniques for Measuring Body Composition: Proceedings of a Conference, Quartermaster Research and Engineering Center, Natick, Mass., January 22-23, 1959

The proceedings of a conference held at the Quartermaster Research and Engineering Center, Natick, Mass. , January 22-23, 1959 compresses into 300 pages a comprehensive and critical survey of all the methods that have been used to measure the composition of the human body. There are sections of somatometric, volumetric, and biochemical approaches to the problem of body composition. The unique value of this book is that it brings together the findings and opinions of the leaders in the various disciplines whose interests converge in the subject of body composition. A section on interrelations and comparisons is valuable in showing how the various approaches differ and how they may be put to practical use in measuring adiposity, muscularity, and in applying the concept of lean body mass as a metabolic reference standard. The last section is an epilogue by Josef Brožek in which the literature from the time of the conference
Physical Health Parameters: Comparison of People with Severe Mental Illness with the General Population

Introduction: Obesity is commonly associated with severe mental illness (SMI). Physical activity has been shown to reduce morbidity and mortality from chronic conditions. The aim of this exploratory study was to explore the physical health parameters and physical activity levels of people with SMI in North Queensland. Method: Twenty participants from the general population and 21 participants with SMI volunteered to participate in this comparative study. Information regarding participants' physical activity levels in the previous 7 days was collected. Anthropometric measures were taken, including body mass index, blood pressure and waist-to-hip ratio. Results: Body mass index was significantly higher for participants with SMI (p = 0.05). Total domestic and garden metabolic equivalent of task (MET) mean (p = 0.03), total leisure MET mean (p = 0.00), total moderate MET mean (p = 0.04), total vigorous MET mean (p = 0.01), total work MET mean (p = 0.05) and overall total physical activity (p = 0.00) scores were significantly higher for participants from the general population. Conclusion: This study found differences in physical health parameters and activity levels between these two populations. These results can inform future occupational therapy by providing a direction for intervention.
Influence of chronic mild stress on the behavioural effects of acute tryptophan depletion induced by a gelatin-based mixture

Several types of stress can increase vulnerability to developing depression. This depression may be caused by the effects of stress on the serotonergic system, which may make the system more vulnerable. The aim of this experiment was to evaluate whether chronic mild stress (CMS) resulted in long-lasting vulnerability of the serotonergic system, reflected by stronger behavioural responses to a serotonergic challenge with acute tryptophan depletion (ATD) several weeks after the CMS had ended. Male Wistar rats were exposed to 3 weeks of CMS followed by a 2-week resting period. CMS resulted in blunted weight gain and lower sucrose consumption. After the resting period, rats were repeatedly treated with a gelatin-based protein–carbohydrate mixture, either with or without L-tryptophan, to acutely challenge the serotonergic system and the rats were tested in several tests of anxiety-related and depression-related behaviour and memory. CMS and ATD both influenced behaviour on some tests, but overall this CMS procedure did not result in increased sensitivity to ATD, as there were no CMS×ATD interaction effects on behaviour. In conclusion, CMS did not result in long-lasting vulnerability of the serotonergic system, measured by the behavioural response to ATD several weeks after the CMS had ended.
Effects of a metabotropic glutamate receptor group II agonist LY354740 in animal models of positive schizophrenia symptoms and cognition

It has been proposed that activation of metabotropic glutamate receptor subtype 2/3 (mGluR2/3) may induce both antipsychotic and anxiolytic effects. The aim of this study was to evaluate further the effect of the mGluR2/3 agonist, LY354740 [(+)-2-aminobicyclo(3.1.0)hexane-2,6-dicarboxylate monohydrate] in animal models relevant to both psychotic and cognitive impairment in schizophrenia. The elevated plus maze was used to select the doses for further experiments, LY354740 induced anxiolytic-like effects at doses of 3 and 10 mg/kg but not 1 mg/kg. At a dose of 10 mg/kg. LY354740 attenuated phencyclidine (PCP)-induced locomotor activity. Administered alone, it had no effect on horizontal activity, but at doses of 3 and 10 mg/kg, slightly decreased vertical activity (rearings). LY354740 (1–10 mg/kg intraperitoneally) affected neither prepulse inhibition in normal rats nor reversed the disruption of prepulse inhibition produced by PCP (2 mg/kg subcutaneously). Moreover, LY354740 (3–10 mg/kg) did not modify PCP-induced working memory deficits assessed in a spontaneous alternation task and had no effect on PCP-evoked amnesia in the passive avoidance test. LY354740 alone (3 and 10 mg/kg) induced working memory deficits, but had no effect on acquisition of passive avoidance. In conclusion, LY354740 was effective in models for anxiety and positive symptoms of schizophrenia but not in models for sensorimotor gating and cognitive impairment.
Mutant mouse models and antidepressant drug research: focus on serotonin and brain-derived neurotrophic factor

Several lines of knockout (KO) mice have been evaluated as models of depression-related behavioral and neurobiological changes, and used to investigate molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying the activity of antidepressant drugs. Adult neurogenesis and brain 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)/neurotrophic factor interactions have recently attracted great interest in relation to the mechanism of action of antidepressant drugs. The present review focuses primarily on genetic manipulation of the serotoninergic (5-HT) system. Basal neurochemical and behavioral changes occurring in mice lacking the 5-HT transporter (SERT), which is the main target of antidepressant drugs, as well as in those lacking G protein-coupled serotonin receptors (e.g. 5-HT1B, 5-HT1A, and 5-HT4 receptors) are described and evaluated. The importance of KO mice for neurotrophic factors, particularly for brain-derived neurotrophic factor and its high-affinity receptor (R-TrkB), is also addressed. Constitutive KO, tissue specific, or inducible KO mice targeting both 5-HT and brain-derived neurotrophic factor systems may potentially make an important contribution to knowledge of the pathophysiology and treatment of depression.
The effects of nicotine, denicotinized tobacco, and nicotine-containing tobacco on cigarette craving, withdrawal, and self-administration in male and female smokers

The effects of the acute administration of nicotine [through nicotine inhalers (NI) and placebo inhalers (PI)], nicotine-containing tobacco (NT), and denicotinized tobacco (DT), on smokers' subjective responses and motivation to smoke were examined in 22 smokers (12 male, 10 female; 11 low dependent, 11 high dependent). During four randomized blinded sessions, participants self-administered NI, PI, NT, or DT, and assessed their effects using Visual Analogue Scales and the Brief Questionnaire of Smoking Urges. They could then self-administer their preferred brand of cigarettes using a progressive ratio task. NT and DT were each associated with increased satisfaction and relaxation as well as decreased craving relative to the inhalers and NT increased ratings of stimulation relative to each of the other products. Both NT and DT delayed the onset of preferred tobacco self-administration relative to NI and PI but only NT reduced the total amount self-administered. Sex differences were evident in the effects of DT on withdrawal-related cravings with women experiencing greater DT-induced craving relief than men. Findings suggest that DT is effective in acutely reducing many smoking abstinence symptoms, especially in women, but a combination of nicotine and non-nicotine tobacco ingredients may be necessary to suppress smoking behavior.
Discriminative stimulus effects of NMDA, AMPA, and mGluR5 glutamate receptor ligands in methamphetamine-trained rats

Glutamate contributes to the reinforcing and stimulant effects of methamphetamine, yet its potential role in the interoceptive stimulus properties of methamphetamine is unknown. In this study, adult male Sprague−Dawley rats were trained to discriminate methamphetamine [1.0 mg/kg, intraperitoneally] from saline in a standard operant discrimination task. The effects of methamphetamine (0.1–1.0 mg/kg, intraperitoneally); N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) receptor channel blockers, MK-801 (0.03–0.3 mg/kg, intraperitoneally) and ketamine (1.0–10.0 mg/kg, intraperitoneally); polyamine site NMDA receptor antagonist, ifenprodil (1–10 mg/kg); &agr;-amino-3-hydroxyl-5-methyl-4-isoxazole-propionate receptor antagonist, 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (1–10 mg/kg, intraperitoneally); and metabotropic 5 glutamate receptor antagonist, 6-methyl-2-(phenylethynyl)pyridine (1–10 mg/kg), given alone were determined in substitution tests. The effects of MK-801 (0.03 and 0.1 mg/kg), ketamine (1.0 and 3.0 mg/kg), ifenprodil (5.6 mg/kg), 6-cyano-7-nitroquinoxaline-2,3-dione (5.6 mg/kg), and 6-methyl-2-(phenylethynyl)pyridine (5.6 mg/kg) were also tested in combination with methamphetamine to assess for alterations in the methamphetamine cue. In substitution tests, none of the test drugs generalized to the methamphetamine cue. However, ketamine and ifenprodil produced significant leftward shifts in the methamphetamine dose–response curve. In addition, the potention by MK-801 nearly attained significance. These results suggest that blockade of the NMDA receptor augments the interoceptive stimulus properties of methamphetamine.
Evaluation of functional relationship between mouse hippocampal cholinergic and nitrergic systems in anxiogenic-like behavior

Although a body of evidence shows the crucial role of hippocampal nitrergic and cholinergic systems in the modulation of anxiety, little is known about their functional relationship with regard to anxiety. The present study investigated the relationship between intra-CA1 administration of a nicotinic acetylcholine receptor antagonist (mecamylamine) and a nitric oxide synthase inhibitor [N&ohgr;-nitro-L-arginine methyl ester (L-NAME)] or its precursor (L-arginine) in anxiety-related behaviors. Mice received bilateral intra-CA1 injections of either L-NAME or L-arginine in the presence of mecamylamine and were subsequently tested in the elevated plus maze. A dose of 0.5 &mgr;g/0.5 &mgr;l mecamylamine bilaterally administered into CA1 did not change the percentage of open arm time (%OAT) or the percentage of open arm entries (%OAE) in the elevated plus maze task and thus was considered as a subeffective dose. Intra-CA1 administration of either L-arginine (1 and 1.5 &mgr;g/0.5 &mgr;l, bilaterally) or L-NAME (at 60 ng/0.5 &mgr;l, bilaterally) decreased %OAT, which represents an anxiogenic-like effect. Coadministration of the subeffective dose of mecamylamine together with the lower doses of L-NAME (10 and 30 ng/0.5 &mgr;l, bilaterally) or L-arginine (0.5 &mgr;g/0.5 &mgr;l, bilaterally) led to a decrease in %OAT and %OAE. Thus, both L-NAME and L-arginine showed anxiogenic-like effects, but the effects of mecamylamine were too small to support a functional relationship between the hippocampal cholinergic and nitrergic systems.
A Spiritually Based Caregiver Intervention With Telephone Delivery for Family Caregivers of Veterans With Dementia

Caring for veterans with dementia is burdensome for family caregivers. This exploratory study tested the efficacy of an innovative, spiritually based mantram caregiver intervention delivered using teleconference calls. A prospective, within-subjects, mixed-methods, and 3-time repeated-measures design with 36-week follow-up telephone interviews was conducted. Sixteen caregivers (94% women, 94% Whites with mean age 69.2 years, SD = 10.35 years) completed the intervention. Significant effects for time and linear terms were found for decreasing caregiver burden, perceived stress, depression, and rumination and for increasing quality of life enjoyment and satisfaction, all with large effect sizes. Findings suggest that teleconference delivery of a spiritually based caregiver intervention is feasible.