Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Drinking motives as mediators of the link between alcohol expectancies and alcohol use among adolescents.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to test whether the link between alcohol expectancies and alcohol use (drinking frequency, usual quantity, five-plus drinking) is mediated by drinking motives. METHOD Linear structural equation models were estimated based on a nationally representative sample of 5,616 8th, 9th, and 10th graders in Switzerland (51% female; mean [SD] age = 15.1 [1.0] years). RESULTS In most cases, a perfect mediation occurred. Although all expectancy and motive dimensions were related to all alcohol-use measures in multivariate models, the expectancy link in multiple multivariate models was reduced to zero, whereas the motive link remained basically the same. One exception was the Tension Reduction Expectancy scale, which included aspects other than problem coping that were still related to alcohol consumption, even when coping motives were controlled for. CONCLUSIONS Given the consistency of the results across different alcohol expectancies, drinking motives, and alcohol-use measures, the present study provides evidence to support one basic assumption of the motivational model of alcohol use: Drinking motives are the most proximate factor that precedes alcohol use. They are the gateway through which more distal influences (e.g., alcohol expectancies) are mediated.
Superparamagnetic Iron Oxide Nanoparticles-Complexed Cationic Amylose for In Vivo Magnetic Resonance Imaging Tracking of Transplanted Stem Cells in Stroke

Cell-based therapy with mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is a promising strategy for acute ischemic stroke. In vivo tracking of therapeutic stem cells with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is imperative for better understanding cellular survival and migrational dynamics over time. In this study, we develop a novel biocompatible nanocomplex (ASP-SPIONs) based on cationic amylose, by introducing spermine and the image label, ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide nanoparticles (SPIONs), to label MSCs. The capacity, efficiency, and cytotoxicity of the nanocomplex in transferring SPIONs into green fluorescence protein-modified MSCs were tested; and the performance of in vivo MRI tracking of the transplanted cells in acute ischemic stroke was determined. The results demonstrated that the new class of SPIONs-complexed nanoparticles based on biodegradable amylose can serve as a highly effective and safe carrier to transfer magnetic label into stem cells. A reliable tracking of transplanted stem cells in stroke was achieved by MRI up to 6 weeks, with the desirable therapeutic benefit of stem cells on stroke retained. With the advantages of a relatively low SPIONs concentration and a short labeling period, the biocompatible complex of cationic amylose with SPIONs is highly translatable for clinical application. It holds great promise in efficient, rapid, and safe labeling of stem cells for subsequent cellular MRI tracking in regenerative medicine.
Functional genomics of fibroblasts

Purpose of reviewSuccessful analysis of the pathophysiology of rheumatoid arthritis requires the functional understanding of interactions between different cell types and the cell matrix, intracellular signaling pathways, as well as between cartilage, bone, and synovium in rheumatoid arthritis. During the review period, molecular biology has provided and used a growing number of tools to screen the genome such as gene and protein chips, haplotype analysis, and single nucleotide polymorphism analysis, resulting in various novel findings with considerable impact on the overall understanding of rheumatoid arthritis. Recent findingsKey issues that have been addressed and elucidated by numerous research groups are the regulation and modulation of synovial fibroblast metabolism and activation by proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines. In addition, examination of adhesion processes and neoangiogenesis has revealed new insights into the interaction network between rheumatoid synovial fibroblasts and the surrounding matrix and cells. Finally, a more detailed view of activation of these fibroblasts has been obtained by analysis of the molecular balance between cellular activation and regulation of apoptosis. SummaryAlthough high throughput molecular analysis methods provided an ample amount of novel data, it needs to be stressed that a one-method approach of gene expression (eg, by array analysis) is not sufficient to validate the gene/gene product as a new therapeutic target. Therefore, the next steps are the so-called functional genomics or functionomics, which intend to reveal relations between the obtained data and to unveil their interactions for a better understanding of the pathogenesis and the mechanisms that are operative in rheumatoid arthritis.
Effects of juvenile isolation and morphine treatment on social interactions and opioid receptors in adult rats: behavioural and autoradiographic studies

The consequences of juvenile isolation and morphine treatment during the isolation period on (social) behaviour and μ‐, δ‐ and κ‐opioid receptors in adulthood were investigated by using a social interaction test and in vitro autoradiography in rats. Juvenile isolation reduced social exploration in adults. Morphine treatment counteracted this reduction in isolated rats, but decreased social exploration in nonisolated rats. Self‐grooming and nonsocial exploration were enhanced after juvenile isolation. Morphine treatment had no effect on self‐grooming, but suppressed nonsocial exploration in isolated rats. With respect to the opioid receptors, juvenile isolation resulted in regiospecific increases in μ‐binding sites with a 58% increase in the basolateral amygdala and a 33% increase in the bed nucleus of stria terminalis. Morphine treatment in isolated rats reversed this upregulation in both areas. The number of δ‐binding sites did not differ between the experimental groups. A general upregulation of κ‐binding sites was observed after juvenile isolation, predominantly in the cortical regions, the hippocampus and the substantia nigra. Morphine treatment did not affect the upregulation of κ‐receptors. The results show that juvenile isolation during the play period causes long‐term effects on social and nonsocial behaviours and on the number of μ‐ and κ‐ but not δ‐opioid receptors in distinct brain areas. The number of μ‐receptors in the basolateral amygdala appears to be negatively correlated with the amount of social exploration in adult rats.
Briefwechsel zwischen Jacob und Wilhelm Grimm

Die erstmals veroffentlichte Sagenkonkordanz ist ein fast tausend Motive umfassender Index zur epischen Volksdichtung, wie sie die Bruder Grimm als ursprunglichste und wertvollste Form aller Poesie ansahen. Sie nutzten den hauptsachlich zwischen 1809 und 1811 entstandenen Katalog, der offensichtlich von ihnen nie in extenso zur Publikation bestimmt war, als Materialsteinbruch fur ihre Werke, wohl vereinzelt noch bis in wesentlich spatere Zeit. Die in der Konkordanz katalogisierten Schriften sind ein Querschnitt jenes Studienpensums, das sich Jacob und Wilhelm Grimm am Beginn ihrer wissenschaftlichen Arbeit vornahmen, von altindischen und altiranischen Sammlungen uber die klassisch-antike und mittelalterliche Literatur bis zu den von ihnen selbst zusammengetragenen "Kinder- und Hausmarchen". Die grostenteils unuberholten Materialien sind zugleich Fundgruben fur einschlagige Forschungen. Innerhalb der Kritischen Ausgabe des Grimm-Briefwechsels erscheint die Sagenkonkordanz als ein Dokument, das den Briefwechsel zwischen den Brudern Grimm erganzt, da es die dem Briefwechsel parallel laufende gemeinsame Arbeit fur einen Zeitraum, aus dem auch zahlreiche Briefe uberliefert sind, wie durch eine Lupe zeigt. Auserdem erschliest die Edition in grundlegender Weise fachliche Aspekte zahlreicher fruher Briefwechsel der Bruder Grimm, die in spateren Banden herausgegeben werden.
Treatment Compliance and Early Termination of Therapy: A Comparative Study

Background: Compliance in therapy appears to be linked to the process of therapeutic alliance. A positive patient–therapist relationship usually leads to successful completion of therapy. The aim of this study was to compare evidence, collected at two time periods in a Community Mental Health Center in Athens, on factors affecting treatment compliance. The hypothesis was that by modifying the therapeutic team’s functioning, noncompliance could be reduced. Methods: Epidemiological data were collected from child and adolescent out-patient files at two time periods: time period A, 1990–1994, n = 455 (sample A) and time period B, 2000–2002, n = 476 (sample B). Variables pertaining to the patient, his family and recommended treatment were examined. Student’s t test and the Pearson χ2 test were used in order to explore the correlation of the variables with treatment completion in each sample. Logistic regression analyses were used to determine whether the effect of each variable on treatment completion differed between the two samples. Results: In sample A, most patients (58.6%) did not comply with therapy. The type of recommended treatment, the number of sessions, season of admission and the type of presented problem were found to correlate with treatment completion. Between the two time periods, certain modifications were implemented in the team’s functioning (less diagnostic sessions, focused psychotherapy techniques, less time interval between referral and first diagnostic appointment). A significant reduction in the early termination rate (45.7%) was noted in sample B. The type of recommended treatment, the number of sessions, the family’s situation, the mother’s educational level and the patient’s gender were related to treatment completion in sample B. The effect of the type of proposed treatment and the mean number of sessions of the completed treatments differed significantly between the two samples. Conclusions:Early termination rates in therapy decreased between two time periods. This decrease may be attributed to modifications in the team’s functioning, aimed at improving the therapeutic relationship. The limitation of this study is that only those factors pertaining to the service’s organization and functioning were investigated.
Exploring the multi‐scale structure of printing paper – a review of modern technology

Printing paper is an important communication and information medium affecting our daily activities in several ways. The structure of paper may affect its optical, mechanical, fluid transport and print properties. In order to achieve a complete understanding of these processes a comprehensive characterization of relevant surface and bulk structures of paper is necessary. The paper grades considered in this study are newsprints, super calendered and coated papers. A detailed description of several image acquisition techniques used to assess the printing paper structures is given, including desktop scanners, profilometry, light microscopy, confocal laser scanning microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, atomic force microscopy, focused‐ion‐beam, X‐ray microtomography and transmission electron microscopy. The presented methods cover a wide range of structure sizes, from the macro‐ to the sub‐nano level. The complementary capabilities of the image acquisition techniques for assessing structural details of paper and prints are discussed.
Granulocyte colony‐stimulating factor in cardiac repair: time for a reappraisal?

This editorial refers to 'Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor attenuates left ventricular remodelling after acute anterior STEMI: results of the single-blind, randomized, placebo-controlled multicentre STem cEll Mobilization in Acute Myocardial Infarction (STEM-AMI) Trial' by F. Achilli et al., published in this issue on pages 1112―1122.
Biochemical and Microbiological Evidence for Fermentative Digestion in Free‐Living Land Iguanas (Conolophus pallidus) and Marine Iguanas (Amblyrhynchus cristatus) on the Galápagos Archipelago

Herbivorous lizards are potentially capable of high digestive efficiency, but the presence of an indigenous microbial population has been implied from measurements of activity rather than directly studied. This study is the first to provide direct biochemical and microbiological evidence for fermentative digestion in free‐living land iguanas (Conolophus pallidus) and marine iguanas (Amblyrhynchus cristatus) from the Galápagos archipelago. In marine iguanas, the stomach and large capacious colon contained ca. 32% and 60%, respectively, of the weight of total gut content. Total volatile fatty acid concentration was ca. 150 and 180 mM, respectively, for marine and land iguanas. Molar proportions of acetate, propionate, and butyrate (80.3%, 9.5%, and 3.5%) in land iguana fecal samples were similar to those for marine iguanas. Examination of fecal samples using confocal and transmission electron microscopy, as well as cultivable counts, revealed a dense and diverse population of bacteria, with spores prominent. Total culturable counts of anaerobes (2.22 × 108 g−1 wet weight of fecal material) outnumbered aerobes on average by a factor of ca. 700. Combined, these results strongly support the contention that these unique herbivorous lizards are largely dependent on the presence and metabolic activities of a resident bacterial population in order to hydrolyze and ferment plant polymers that are indigestible to the host.
Amplification of the c‐erbB‐2 gene detected by FISH in gastric cancers

The amplification and overexpression of the c‐erbB‐2 gene are considered to be Implicated In the process of carcincogenesis of a variety of human tumors. The amplification and overexpression of c‐erbB‐2 were investigated in 48 surgically resected human gastric cancers by means of fluorescence In situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry. DNA ploidy was determined by flow cytometry. The c‐erbB‐2 amplification was demonstrated as a cluster of signals, suggesting homogeneously staining region (HSR), in three tumors (6.3%) accompanied by the overexpression of its protein. Such overexpression was detected In another tumor without amplification of the c‐erbB‐2 gene. All tumors with amplification and overexpression of c‐erbB‐2 were differentiated adenocarcinoma histologically, but only 10.3 and 13.8% of differentiated carcinomas showed amplification and over‐expression of the c‐erbB‐2 gene, respectively. There was no relationship between the amplification and overexpression of c‐erbB‐2 and the depth of tumor invaslon and lymph node Involvement. Three of four cases with overexpression of c‐erbB‐2 were classified Into DNA aneupldd tumor.
C-terminal Domains of Transmembrane α-Amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole Propionate (AMPA) Receptor Regulatory Proteins Not Only Facilitate Trafficking but Are Major Modulators of AMPA Receptor Function*

α-Amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionate (AMPA)- type glutamate receptors are essential players in fast synaptic transmission in the vertebrate central nervous system. Their synaptic delivery and localization as well as their electrophysiological properties are regulated by transmembrane AMPA receptor regulatory proteins (TARPs). However, the exact mechanisms of how the four originally designated TARPs (γ2, γ3, γ4, and γ8) modulate AMPA receptor function remain largely unknown. Previous studies suggested the C-terminal domain (CTD) of γ2 to mediate increased trafficking and reduced desensitization of AMPA receptors. As it remained unclear whether these findings extend to other TARPs, we set out to investigate and compare the role of the CTDs of the four original TARPs in AMPA receptor modulation. To address this issue, we replaced the TARP CTDs with the CTD of the homologous subunit γ1, a voltage-dependent calcium channel subunit expressed in skeletal muscle that lacks TARP properties. We analyzed the impact of the resulting chimeras on GluR1 functional properties in Xenopus oocytes and HEK293 cells. Interestingly, the CTDs of all TARPs not only modulate the extent and kinetics of desensitization but also modulate agonist potencies of AMPA receptors. Furthermore, the CTDs are required for TARP-induced modulation of AMPA receptor gating, including conversion of antagonists to partial agonists and constitutive channel openings. Strikingly, we found a special role of the cytoplasmic tail of γ4, suggesting that the underlying mechanisms of modulation of AMPA receptor function are different among the TARPs. We propose that the intracellularly located CTD is the origin of TARP-specific functional modulation and not merely a facilitator of trafficking.
Multidrug-resistant, extensively drug-resistant and pandrug-resistant bacteria: an international expert proposal for interim standard definitions for acquired resistance.

Many different definitions for multidrug-resistant (MDR), extensively drug-resistant (XDR) and pandrug-resistant (PDR) bacteria are being used in the medical literature to characterize the different patterns of resistance found in healthcare-associated, antimicrobial-resistant bacteria. A group of international experts came together through a joint initiative by the European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), to create a standardized international terminology with which to describe acquired resistance profiles in Staphylococcus aureus, Enterococcus spp. , Enterobacteriaceae (other than Salmonella and Shigella), Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Acinetobacter spp. , all bacteria often responsible for healthcare-associated infections and prone to multidrug resistance. Epidemiologically significant antimicrobial categories were constructed for each bacterium. Lists of antimicrobial categories proposed for antimicrobial susceptibility testing were created using documents and breakpoints from the Clinical Laboratory Standards Institute (CLSI), the European Committee on Antimicrobial Susceptibility Testing (EUCAST) and the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA). MDR was defined as acquired non-susceptibility to at least one agent in three or more antimicrobial categories, XDR was defined as non-susceptibility to at least one agent in all but two or fewer antimicrobial categories (i.e. bacterial isolates remain susceptible to only one or two categories) and PDR was defined as non-susceptibility to all agents in all antimicrobial categories. To ensure correct application of these definitions, bacterial isolates should be tested against all or nearly all of the antimicrobial agents within the antimicrobial categories and selective reporting and suppression of results should be avoided.
Integrated fiber Bragg grating incorporated textile carbon reinforcement structures

An optical fibre Bragg grating (FBG) based strain sensor network incorporated in a functionalized textile-based carbon structure (FTCS) that can be used for structural health monitoring (SHM) is introduced. The aim of the design is not only to monitor strain, but also to act as a structural strengthening mechanism in the target application. The integration of the optical fiber, i.e. incorporating the FBG sensors, on the FTCS is achieved by “interweaving” the two elements, i.e. optical fiber and carbon filaments, on a polymer textile substrate in a grid formation using a specialized fabrication process. The thus obtained sensors was then characterized and calibrated where a variation in the fibre length, i.e. resulting from strain, would induce a variation in the reflection wavelength of FBG sensors. To do so, the functionalized skein sample (incorporating FBG sensors) was subjected to varying elongation using a tensile testing machine by carefully incrementing the applied force. A good correlation between the applied force and measured Bragg wavelength change was observed, showing the value of the dual-achievement of the proposed optical fiber-based mechanism in obtaining strain measurement while being utilized as a strengthening agent.
HVR-1 heterogeneity during treatment with telaprevir with or without pegylated interferon alfa-2a

Abstract Background. The extensive heterogeneity of the hypervariable region-1 (HVR-1) of hepatitis C virus (HCV) evidences the high genetic flexibility of HCV and was shown to be associated with virologic response to interferon-α-based therapies. However, the evolution of HVR-1 heterogeneity during treatment with directly acting antivirals has not been studied. Methods. Clonal sequence analysis of HVR-1 quasispecies in the serum of patients who were treated with telaprevir (3 × 750 mg/day) alone, telaprevir plus pegylated interferon-α-2a (pegIFN-α-2a), or pegIFN-α-2a plus placebo for 14 days was performed. HVR-1 heterogeneity, expressed as Shannon complexity and Hamming distance, was analyzed with virologic response and with the emergence of variants associated with resistance to telaprevir. Results. HVR-1 heterogeneity at baseline was not associated with response to telaprevir-based therapy (Shannon complexity 0.34 vs. 0.55, p = 0.38; Hamming distance 0.15 vs. 0.23, p = 0.51; for patients with or without viral breakthrough, respectively). No significant changes in HVR-1 complexity were observed from baseline to day 4 of therapy in patients in whom a continued decline in HCV RNA was observed (Shannon complexity = 0.55 vs. 0.51, p = 0.67; Hamming distance = 0.23 vs. 0.25, p = 0.81, respectively). This was similar in patients with viral breakthrough associated with telaprevir-resistant variants (Shannon complexity = 0.34 vs. 0.42, p = 0.68; Hamming distance = 0.15 vs. 0.2, p = 0.50, at baseline and day 4, respectively). Conclusions. Baseline and on-treatment HVR-1 heterogeneity are not associated with early viral response to telaprevir-based therapy.
H-Ras/Mitogen-activated Protein Kinase Pathway Inhibits Integrin-mediated Adhesion and Induces Apoptosis in Osteoblasts*

We have studied the relevance of H-Ras and its downstream effectors to osteoblast functions. 1) Purified human osteoblasts highly expressed integrins β1, α4, α5, α6 and the activation epitope of β1. However, these molecules were markedly down-regulated on osteoblasts transfected with expression vector encoding fully activated H-RasV12 ,H-RasV12T35S, activating Raf-1/mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), or an active Raf-1 but not on cells having H-RasV12Y40C, a phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)-binding mutant. 2) Although osteoblasts spontaneously adhered to fibronectin and laminin in β1-dependent manner, the expression of H-RasV12 or H-RasV12T35S, but not H-RasV12Y40C, in osteoblasts reduced their adhesion. 3) Osteoblasts bearing H-RasV12, H-RasV12T35S, or Raf-1 failed to proliferate, whereas those with H-RasV12Y40C proliferated well. (4) The up-regulation of Fas and down-regulation of Bcl-2 were observed in osteoblasts expressing H-RasV12, H-RasV12T35S, or Raf-1. (5) Most of the cells having H-RasV12, H-RasV12T35S, or Raf-1 became annexin-Vhigh/propidium iodide (PI)high or lowand terminal deoxynucleotidyl-transferase-mediated dUTP nick-end labeling (TUNEL)high/PIlow after 24 and 72 h incubation, respectively. Thus, we propose that H-Ras signals followed by Raf-1/MAPK pathway but not PI3K not only reduces β1-mediated adhesion of osteoblasts to matrix proteins but induces apoptosis presumably via the Fas up-regulation and Bcl-2 down-regulation.