Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pharmacologic interactions of albutoin with other anticonvulsant drugs.

The isobole method was used to evaluate the acute anticonvulsant and toxic interactions of albutoin paired with phenobarbital, diphenyhhydantoin or trimethadione and of phenobarbital paired with diphenylhydantoin. Anticonvulsant potencies (EDSO) of all drugs and of drug pairs in various proportions were determined, after oral administration in male CF-1 mice, by the Metnazol seizure threshold and maximal electroshock seizure tests. Median i.p. lethal doses of all drugs and drug pairs in various proportions were also determined. The potencies of four of the drug pairs were greater than additive (P > .05): trimethadione plus albutoin and diphenyihydantoin plus albutoin in the Metrazol seizure threshold test; phenobarbital plus albutoin and phenobarbital plus diphenylhydantion dantoin in the maximal electroshock seizure test. The potencies of all other drug pairs and the toxicities of all but one pair were not significantly different from additive. Combinations of diphenylhydantoin plus phenobarbital were antagonistic with respect to lethality. The study suggests no pharmacologic incompatibilities based on potency or toxicity for any of the drug pairs studied.
Flexibility or muscle length?

To the Editor: I read with special interest the research report by Bandy and Irion entitled “The Effect of Time of Static Stretch on the Flexibility of the Hamstring Muscles,” as well as the invited commentary by Walker and the authors' response to the commentary (September 1994). I commend the authors for their efforts to study the effects of different times of static stretching of the hamstring muscles (15, 30, and 60 seconds per day) over a period of 6 weeks. I believe that their experimental methods and conclusions were basically sound and that the results add to our body of knowledge about the effects of stretching exercises on this important muscle group. In her commentary, Walker provided valuable insight into some of the possible shortcomings of the study, as well as suggestions for future studies. [ ARTICLE][1] [ ARTICLE][2] [1]: /lookup/volpage/74/845? iss=9 [2]: /lookup/volpage/74/850? iss=9
Genetic Subtype-Independent Inhibition of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Replication by CC and CXC Chemokines

ABSTRACT We have studied the breadth and potency of the inhibitory actions of the CC chemokines macrophage inhibitory protein 1α (MIP-1α), MIP-1β, and RANTES against macrophage-tropic (M-tropic) primary isolates of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and of the CXC chemokine stromal cell-derived factor 1α against T-cell-tropic (T-tropic) isolates, using mitogen-stimulated primary CD4+T cells as targets. There was considerable interisolate variation in the sensitivity of HIV-1 to chemokine inhibition, which was especially pronounced for the CC chemokines and M-tropic strains. However, this variation was not obviously dependent on the genetic subtype (A through F) of the virus isolates. Peripheral blood mononuclear cell donor-dependent variation in chemokine inhibition potency was also observed. Among the CC chemokines, the rank order for potency (from most to least potent) was RANTES, MIP-1β, MIP-1α. Some M-tropic isolates, unexpectedly, were much more sensitive to RANTES than to MIP-1β, whereas other isolates showed sensitivities comparable to those of these two chemokines. Down-regulation of the CCR5 and CXCR4 receptors occurred in cells treated with the cognate chemokines and probably contributes to anti-HIV-1 activity. Thus, for CCR5, the rank order for down-regulation was also RANTES, MIP-1β, MIP-1α.
Developing a Wireless Speech- and Touch-Based Intelligent Comprehensive Triage Support System

The implementation of voice recognition technology has been expected to occur in mobile healthcare settings, but it is the least studied solution in nursing. The objective of this study is to examine its value to mobile nursing. The study was done at a triage station in an emergency department. The system was developed using VB6.0, Microsoft Speech SDK 5.1 and the Simplified Chinese Language pack, and was installed on touchscreen PCs with wireless headsets. Thirty nurses were enrolled. Accuracy rate and operation time were used to measure the subjects' performance. A "willingness to use" score on a scale of 1 to 10 was used to measure subjects' preference for the system. The results showed that the average accuracy rate was 99%, the average operation time was 108 seconds, and the mean "willingness to use" rating was 8.2. This study demonstrates the value of multimodal voice recognition techniques to mobile nursing.
[The effects of aspirin and acetaminophen during pregnancy on chromosomal structure in rat fetuses].

The cytogenetic effects of analgesics and antipyretics on Sprague-Dawley rats, aged 8-18 weeks were examined. Aspirin or acetaminophen was administered to female rats for 2 weeks prior to mating. The doses of aspirin were 0 (controls-5% arabic gum sol.), 125 and 250mg/kg.b. wt. and those of acetaminophen 0 (controls), 500 and 1,000mg/kg.b. wt. Treatment was continued until day 11.5 after copulation copulation was at the 0.5 dayat which time, the animals were sacrificed and the fetuses were recovered. The fetuses were then analyzed cytogenetically by using a direct method for chromosome preparations. Chromosome anomaly frequencies were 0.9% (1/115), 5.1% (5/98) and 4.7% (4/85) respectively in the aspirin 0, 125 and 250mg/kg.b. wt. groups, and 7.1% (7/98) in the acetaminophen 500mg/kg.b. wt. and 4.8% (5/104) in the 1,000mg/kg.b. wt. groups. A significant difference (p=0.019) was found only for the control group and the 500mg/kg.b. wt. acetaminophen group. When the differences were analyzed as to anomaly type, triploid occurrence was not related to drug treatment. However, aneuploid formation increased significantly after treatment with either drug: controls; 0.0% (0/115), aspirin 125mg/kg.b. wt. ; 5.1% (5/98), aspirin 250mg/kg.b. wt. ; 4.7% (4/85), acetaminophen 500mg/kg.b. wt. ; 6.1% (6/98) and acetaminophen 1,000mg/kg.b. wt. ; 4.8% (5/104). The karyotypes were all mosaics, consisting of monosomy/normal or trisomy/normal cells. The results, therefore, suggest that treatment with aspirin or acetaminophen during pregnancy induces mosaic aneuploidy in F1 fetuses.
Field-based fitness assessment in young people: the ALPHA health-related fitness test battery for children and adolescents

The present study summarises the work developed by the ALPHA (Assessing Levels of Physical Activity) study and describes the procedures followed to select the tests included in the ALPHA health-related fitness test battery for children and adolescents. The authors reviewed physical fitness and health in youth findings from cross-sectional studies. The authors also performed three systematic reviews dealing with (1) the predictive validity of health-related fitness, (2) the criterion validity of field-based fitness tests and (3) the reliability of field-based fitness tests in youth. The authors also carried out 11-methodological studies to determine the criterion validity and the reliability of several field-based fitness tests for youth. Finally, the authors performed a study in the school setting to examine the reliability, feasibility and safety of the selected tests. The selected fitness tests were (1) the 20 m shuttle run test to assess cardiorespiratory fitness; (2) the handgrip strength and (3) standing broad jump to assess musculoskeletal fitness, and (4) body mass index, (5) skinfold thickness and (5) waist circumference to assess body composition. When there are time limits, the authors propose the high-priority ALPHA health-related fitness test battery, which comprises all the evidence-based fitness tests except the measurement of the skinfold thickness. The time required to administer this battery to a group of 20 youth by one physical education teacher is less than 2 h. In conclusion, the ALPHA fitness tests battery is valid, reliable, feasible and safe for the assessment of health-related physical fitness in children and adolescents to be used for health monitoring purposes at population level.
Risk of Extrapyramidal Syndromes with Haloperidol, Risperidone, or Olanzapine

OBJECTIVE: To compare the risk of extrapyramidal syndrome (EPS) between risperidone, olanzapine, and haloperidol, taking into account patients' past antipsychotic drug use and past EPS. METHODS: Data were obtained from the PHARMO-database, containing filled prescriptions of 450 000 community-dwelling people in the Netherlands from 1986 through 1999. We defined cohorts of first-time users of haloperidol, risperidone, or olanzapine aged 15 to 54 years. In the first 90 days of treatment, we assessed the occurrence of EPS, defined as first use of any antiparkinsonian agent. We estimated relative risks of EPS for risperidone and olanzapine versus haloperidol using a Cox proportional hazards model. Patients were subdivided according to prior use of antipsychotic and antiparkinsonian drugs. RESULTS: We identified 424 patients starting treatment with haloperidol, 243 with risperidone, and 181 with olanzapine. Prior use of antipsychotic plus antiparkinsonian medication was significantly more frequent among users of risperidone and olanzapine than in those using haloperidol (36.2%, 40.3%, and 4.5%, respectively; p < 0.001). Within most subgroups of comparable treatment history, patients using risperidone and olanzapine showed reduced risks of EPS compared with haloperidol, although some of these findings did not reach statistical significance (RR 0.03–0.22). However, this was not observed for patients using risperidone who had experienced EPS in the past (RR 1.30; 95% CI 0.24 to 7.18). CONCLUSIONS: In general, we observed reduced risks of EPS for risperidone and olanzapine compared with haloperidol within subgroups of patients with a similar treatment history. However, the added value of risperidone in patients who have experienced EPS in the past needs further study.
The impact of NTMs in global value chains

In this paper we examine the impact of non-tariff measures (NTMs) on trade between countries at the 6-digit level of the Harmonized System over the period 2002-2011. We draw on existing information on NTM notifications to the WTO from the Integrated Trade Intelligence Portal (I-TIP) distinguishing various NTMs, e.g. technical barriers to trade and sanitary and phytosanitary measures. Following existing literature (e.g. Kee et al., 2009) a gravity approach is chosen to assess whether NTMs facilitate or impede trade across countries. This approach allows calculating implied ad valorem equivalents for NTMs, which can be differentiated by NTM types, country groups, industries and product categories. Furthermore, the effects of NTMs are distinguished by the broad economic categories (BEC) classification, which allows assessing whether the effects of NTMs differ for intermediary products or final goods.
Real-time Intelligent Clustering for Graph Visualization

We present a tool for the interactive exploration and analysis of large clustered graphs. The tool empowers users to control the granularity of the graph, either by direct interaction (collapsing/expanding clusters) or via a slider that automatically computes a clustered graph of the desired size. Moreover, we explore the use of learning algorithms to capture graph exploration preferences based on a history of user interactions. The learned parameters are then used to modify the action of the slider in view of mimicking the natural interaction/exploration behavior of the user.
A gene probe for TEM type beta-lactamases

A restriction fragment of plasmid pBR322 bearing the TEM-1 beta-lactamase structural gene was electroeluted from agarose gels after digestion with EcoRI and HinfI. The 1-kilobase fragment was 32P-labeled and used to examine genetic relationships with nucleic acids encoding seven other beta-lactamase classes. The probe hybridized only with TEM-2 and OXA-2 class plasmids.
The Effect of Albumin and Platelet-Poor Plasma Supplemented Botulinum A Toxin on Bioavaliability: An Experimental Rabbit Model

Abstract Today, botulinum toxin is commonly used for cosmetic purposes throughout the world. Despite various agents reducing the efficiency of toxin are well defined, the studies related to increasing the bioavailability are limited. The purpose of our study is to assess the effect of the preparation of toxin by diluting with platelet-poor plasma (PPP) and/or albumin instead of standard dilution (saline) on bioavailability in cosmetic-purpose botulinum toxin applications. In the study, 24 New Zealand rabbits were used. Right anterior auricular muscle was preferred for toxin injections. Subjects were divided in 4 groups and in every group; botulinum A toxin (BTxA) that was prepared by different dilution methods was injected. 2.5 U saline-diluted BTxA was injected to the subjects in group 1, 2.5 U ready-to-use rabbit albumin-diluted BTxA was injected to group 2 and 2.5 U autologous PPP-diluted BTxA was injected to group 3 and pure saline was injected to group 4. Before the injection (0th week) and in the second, sixth, and 12th weeks after the injection, visual and electroneuromyographic evaluations of the ears of the subjects were performed. In the second week, median amplitude levels in group 2 were significantly found lower than other groups. In the sixth week, median amplitude levels in group 1 were significantly found lower than other groups. In 12th week, no significant difference was found among all the groups in terms of median amplitude levels. Visual findings were also correlated with electroneuromyographic findings. It was observed that the dilution of BTxA with albumin had caused a stronger paralysis when compared to dilution with saline or PPP at the beginning (second week); however, in the following weeks (sixth week), it was seen that dilution with saline had maintained paralysis better when compared with other dilution methods. In cosmetic BTxA applications, dilution of the toxin with albumin or PPP instead of standard dilution has no positive effect on bioavailability and such modifications regarding this kind of dilution are found unsuitable. Further studies are needed to directly relate the results with clinical applications.
Epidemiology and characterization of Staphylococcus epidermidis isolates from humans, raw bovine milk and a dairy plant

SUMMARY Geographically related Staphylococcus epidermidis isolates from human patients (n=30), dairy farms (farmers and individual raw milk from cattle, n=36) and a dairy plant (n=55) were examined for epidemiological relatedness by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis and, using in vitro methods, for the ability to produce biofilm and antimicrobial resistance. Methicillin-resistant isolates (MRSE) were also identified and characterized. Isolates from farmers and dairy cattle were found to be genetically related, while isolates from human patients were highly diverse. Some dairy plant isolates (18·2%) were closely related to those from dairy farms. Biofilm production and resistance to antimicrobial agents were most typical for isolates from human patients, of which 76·7% were MRSE. Methicillin resistance was also widespread in farm-related isolates (61·1%). This study indicates the possible transmission of S. epidermidis between cattle and farmers. Dairy products were not proven to be an important source of either human infections or methicillin-resistant strains.
THE OPACITY OF GALACTIC DISKS AT z ∼ 0.7

We compare the surface brightness–inclination relation for a sample of COSMOS pure disk galaxies at z ∼ 0.7 with an artificially redshifted sample of Sloan Digital Sky Survey (SDSS) disks well matched to the COSMOS sample in terms of rest-frame photometry and morphology, as well as their selection and analysis. The offset between the average surface brightness of face-on and edge-on disks in the redshifted SDSS sample matches that predicted by measurements of the optical depth of galactic disks in the nearby universe. In contrast, large disks at z ∼ 0.7 have a virtually flat surface brightness–inclination relation, suggesting that they are more opaque than their local counterparts. This could be explained by either an increased amount of optically thick material in disks at higher redshift or a different spatial distribution of the dust.
Spatial and developmental heterogeneity of calcium signaling in olfactory ensheathing cells

Olfactory ensheathing cells (OECs) are specialized glial cells in the mammalian olfactory system supporting growth of axons from the olfactory epithelium into the olfactory bulb. OECs in the olfactory bulb can be subdivided into OECs of the outer nerve layer and the inner nerve layer according to the expression of marker proteins and their location in the nerve layer. In the present study, we have used confocal calcium imaging of OECs in acute mouse brain slices and olfactory bulbs in toto to investigate physiological differences between OEC subpopulations. OECs in the outer nerve layer, but not the inner nerve layer, responded to glutamate, ATP, serotonin, dopamine, carbachol, and phenylephrine with increases in the cytosolic calcium concentration. The calcium responses consisted of a transient and a tonic component, the latter being mediated by store‐operated calcium entry. Calcium measurements in OECs during the first three postnatal weeks revealed a downregulation of mGluR1 and P2Y1 receptor‐mediated calcium signaling within the first 2 weeks, suggesting that the expression of these receptors is developmentally controlled. In addition, electrical stimulation of sensory axons evoked calcium signaling via mGluR1 and P2Y1 only in outer nerve layer OECs. Downregulation of the receptor‐mediated calcium responses in postnatal animals is reflected by a decrease in amplitude of stimulation‐evoked calcium transients in OECs from postnatal days 3 to 21. In summary, the results presented reveal striking differences in receptor responses during development and in axon–OEC communication between the two subpopulations of OECs in the olfactory bulb. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Undisclosed HIV infection and antiretroviral therapy use in the Kenya AIDS indicator survey 2012: relevance to national targets for HIV diagnosis and treatment

Objectives:This analysis assessed the impact of undisclosed HIV infection and antiretroviral therapy (ART) on national estimates of diagnosed HIV and ART coverage in Kenya. Methods:HIV-positive dried blood spot samples from Kenya's second AIDS Indicator Survey were tested for an antiretroviral biomarker by liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry. Weighted estimates of diagnosed HIV and ART coverage based on self-report were compared with those corrected for undisclosed HIV infection and ART use based on antiretroviral test results. Multivariate analysis determined factors associated with undisclosed HIV infection and ART use among persons on ART. Results:The antiretroviral biomarker was detected in 42.5% [confidence interval (CI) 37.4–47.7] of HIV-infected persons. Antiretroviral drugs were present in 90.7% (CI 86.1–95.2) of HIV-infected persons reporting HIV-positive status and receiving ART, 66.7% (CI 59.9–73.4) reporting HIV-positive status irrespective of ART use, 21.0% (CI 13.4–28.6) reporting HIV-negative status, and 19.3% (CI 9.0–29.5) reporting no previous HIV test. After correcting for undisclosed HIV infection and ART use, diagnosed HIV increased from 46.9 to 57.2% and ART coverage increased from 31.8 to 42.8%. Undisclosed HIV infection while on ART was associated with being aged 25–39 years and not visiting a health provider in the past year, while younger age and higher wealth were associated with undisclosed ART use. Conclusion:Substantial levels of undisclosed HIV infection and ART use among persons on ART were observed, resulting in diagnosed HIV underestimated by approximately 112000 persons and ART coverage by approximately 131000 persons. Supplementing self-reported ART status with objective measures of ART use in national population-based serosurveys can improve monitoring of HIV diagnosis and treatment targets in countries.
Monitoring the Content of Reticulocyte Hemoglobin (CHr) as the Progression of Anemia in Nondialysis Chronic Renal Failure (CRF) Patients

Background: We previously showed that the content of reticulocyte hemoglobin (CHr) is a reliable measure of iron status in chronic dialysis patients with erythrocytopoiesis. The CHr was significantly correlated with conventional parameters of iron deficiency in dialysis patients. We attempted to utilize the measurement of CHr levels to monitor iron status and clarify the changes in iron levels that occur as renal anemia progresses in patients with chronic renal failure (CRF). Methods: We measured CHr, iron parameters, and the intrinsic erythropoietin (EPO) concentration in nondialysis CRF patients who visited our outpatient clinic (n = 211). Iron deficiency was defined according to the transferrin saturation (TSAT) and ferritin levels. Conventional red blood cell parameters and CHr levels were measured using an ADVIA120 autoanalyzer (Bayer Medical, USA). Results: The mean CHr value of the nondialysis CRF patients (creatinine clearance less than 70 mL/min) was 32.3 pg, which was not significantly different from that of the dialysis patients. Significant correlations were found between CHr and ferritin levels (r = 0.042, p < 0.0403) and CHr and TSAT levels (r = 0.040, p < 0.0157). A positive correlation was observed between the CHr and serum creatinine levels. Nondialysis CRF patients treated with recombinant human EPO (rHuEPO) at a dose of 24,000 U/month exhibited lower CHr levels, compared with those of other patients who received less than 24,000 U/month. Conclusion: CHr is an easily measurable and trustworthy marker of iron status in nondialysis CRF patients. Moreover, the CHr level was also sensitive to iron alterations in nondialysis CRF patients receiving rHuEPO treatment, and thus, the CHr value could likely provide useful information regarding the need for iron supplementation.
Rapid Dissociation of HIV-1 from Cultured Cells Severely Limits Infectivity Assays, Causes the Inactivation Ascribed to Entry Inhibitors, and Masks the Inherently High Level of Infectivity of Virions

ABSTRACT By using immunofluorescence microscopy to observe and analyze freshly made HIV-1 virions adsorbed onto cells, we found that they are inherently highly infectious, rather than predominantly defective as previously suggested. Surprisingly, polycations enhance titers 20- to 30-fold by stabilizing adsorption and preventing a previously undescribed process of rapid dissociation, strongly implying that infectivity assays for many viruses are limited not only by inefficient virus diffusion onto cells but also by a postattachment race between entry and dissociation. This kinetic competition underlies inhibitory effects of CCR5 antagonists and explains why adaptive HIV-1 mutations overcome many cell entry limitations by accelerating entry.
Sound Rose: Creating Music and Images with a Touch Table

Sound Rose is an interactive audiovisual installation created in the context of the research about new touch sensitive interfaces. This installation shows how a daily object, such as a table, can be transformed into a musical and visual instrument by using the sound produced when touching and interacting with it. This paper principally describes the hardware and software development behind the installation, as well as the design of the visual and musical interaction.