Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
WOLVERINES AND THEIR PREY IN SOUTHERN NORWAY

Wolverines (Gulo gulo) recolonized the Snohetta plateau in southern Norway in 1976–1979 after an absence of over 50 years. This is presently the southernmost part of the wolverine's distribution and the only area where it coexists with wild reindeer (Rangifer tarandus) in western Europe. Other, larger predators in the Scandinavian ecosystem, the wolf (Canis lupus), lynx (Lynx lynx), and brown bear (Ursus arctos), have been absent from the area since the beginning of this century. We monitored wolverine numbers, reproduction, and diet during the denning period and studied the effects of abundance of different prey species on wolverine reproduction. Although there were differences in productivity among maternity dens, the main factor influencing the number of wolverine cubs surviving was the abundance of small rodents (p = 0.0002). Although small rodents constituted the main factor explaining variation in cub numbers, the basic prey during the denning period was reindeer. Hares (Lepus timidus) accounted for.
Book Review

Nonlinear dynamics is a field of mathematics devoted to understanding the geometry and behavior of systems of differential equations. Neuroscience is one of the fields in biology which is perhaps most benefited from the use of differential equations models and their analysis. One has to merely open almost any neuroscience journal to see examples of mechanistic models and even bifurcation diagrams peppered throughout the text. In their Nobel prize winning work, Hodgkin and Huxley (1952) developed a framework and mathematical model for the generation of action potentials in the squid axon. A few years later Richard Fitzhugh (1955) was able to distill their four-dimensional system to a twodimensional model, and with this offered the first application of nonlinear dynamics to the study of neural excitability. Building on these ideas, John Rinzel and his collaborators applied concepts such as bifurcation theory, singular perturbation, and other tools from the theory of dynamical systems to the study of a host of problems from neuroscience. The utility of these methods is such that many experimental papers now contain or are motivated by theoretical considerations. More and more neuroscientists are finding it useful to learn to be, at least, conversant in the methods and terminology associated with the field of nonlinear dynamics. Similarly, many mathematicians are finding that questions in neuroscience provide rich new areas of mathematics to explore and develop such as Evans functions, coupled oscillators, and the theory of canards. While there are now numerous theoretical neuroscience books on the market, and some of these include the occasional chapter on phaseplanes and stability theory, there has been a notable lack of a comprehensive textbook applying the methods of nonlinear dynamics to neural problems. With the publication of Dynamical Systems
Desiccation resistance of adult Queensland fruit flies Bactrocera tryoni decreases with age

Desiccation resistance is important for the survival of adult insects, although this key physiological trait has rarely been studied in tephritid flies. In the present study, desiccation resistance of female and male adult Queensland fruit flies Bactrocera tryoni (Froggatt) (Diptera: Tephritidae) is determined with respect to age after adult eclosion. Resistance to acute starvation is measured over the same period to disentangle the competing roles of water loss and food deprivation. Survival of adult B. tryoni subjected to conditions of low humidity and starvation is reduced considerably compared with adults that are subjected to starvation alone. Desiccation resistance of adult female B. tryoni is generally lower than that of adult males. Desiccation resistance of adult B. tryoni declines in a continuous and regular manner over the first 20 days after adult eclosion. The regular pattern of declining resistance to desiccation with age in B. tryoni indicates that this reduction is not associated with the onset of maturity and maintenance of reproductive structures, nor with sexual activity. By contrast, resistance to starvation is similar at 0 and 6 days after adult eclosion, and declines thereafter. Survival under starvation and water stress is not related to wing length, which is a standard measure of fly size.
In vitro modified release of acyclovir from ethyl cellulose microspheres

The aim of this study was to demonstrate a sustained-release microparticulate dosage form for acyclovir via an in vitro study. Ethyl cellulose was selected as a model encapsulation material. All of the microspheres were prepared by an oil-in-water solvent evaporation technique. A 23 full factorial experiment was applied to study the effects of the viscosity of polymer, polymer/drug ratio, and polymer concentration on the drug encapsulation efficiency and the dissolution characteristics. The encapsulation efficiency of acyclovir in microspheres was in the range of 20.0-56.6%. Increase in the viscosity of ethyl cellulose and the ratio of CH2Cl2/ethyl cellulose increased drug encapsulation efficiency. The drug continuously released from microspheres for at least 12 h, and the release rate depended on the pH of the release medium. The sustained release characteristic was more prominent in the simulated intestine fluid than in the simulated gastric fluid. A faster release of drug was observed when a high viscosity polymer was used. The decomposition of acyclovir significantly decreased when encapsulated by ethyl cellulose, especially when stored at 37 and 50 °C.
Editorial

Pyoderma gangrenosum (PG) is one of the few skin conditions that general physicians and medical students are aware of, and as a consequence it tends to be over-diagnosed. Referrals for advice are frequent but often turn out to be more common causes of ulceration than PG, such as venous insuf ciency. The management of PG begins with two questions:  rstly, is there an associated underlying disease, such as in ammatory bowel disease or rheumatoid arthritis? Usually there is not. Secondly, what treatment is required? The condition is painful and frequently rapidly progressive, so therapy needs to be effective and quick acting. If lesions are small then a conservative topical approach is acceptable; either ultra-potent topical steroid under occlusion or tacrolimus, also under occlusion. If these therapies are ineffective, or the ulcer too large, then systemic therapies are indicated. The options are many but in our experience cyclosporin and/or prednisolone are best. However, minocycline, dapsone, systemic tacrolimus and plasmapheresis are amongst the other therapies that have been reported to be successful. A key factor in therapy is to use high doses of drugs to gain rapid control of the condition. If these approaches fail then more avant garde therapies are justi ed. In this issue of the Journal of Dermatological Treatment, Hagman and colleagues from Rome and Miami describe the successful use of high dose intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIG) for the treatment of PG. Nowadays IVIG seems to be used for a variety of dermatoses which have no common pathogenetic link. Success has been attributed to IVIG in therapy of chronic idiopathic urticaria, pemphigus vulgaris, dermatomyositis, toxic epidermal necrolysis (TEN) and atopic dermatitis. The mechanism of action of IVIG is uncertain but in the case of TEN may result from blockade of fas-ligand on epidermal keratinocytes, thereby preventing apoptosis. IVIG at high dose is not without risk and its osmotic load is not to be recommended in patients with cardiovascular insuf ciency. To truly ascertain the place of IVIG in the management of PG, and other dermatoses, there is a need for randomised, vehicle-controlled trials.
ADVANCE: Lessons from the run‐in phase of a large study in type 2 diabetes

Background. ADVANCE is a major international trial assessing the effects of routine compared with more intensive blood pressure lowering and intensive glucose control on macrovascular and microvascular outcomes, among high‐risk individuals with type 2 diabetes. We describe the experience of participants receiving active blood pressure lowering therapy during the run‐in phase of the study, and the characteristics of participants who withdrew during this phase. Methods. All participants potentially eligible for inclusion in ADVANCE underwent 6 weeks of therapy with fixed low‐dose perindopril 2 mg and indapamide 0.625 mg combination daily, as part of an active run‐in phase of the study. This treatment was provided in addition to the participants' existing therapeutic regimen, including other blood pressure lowering drugs. Results. Of the 12 878 registered participants who entered the run‐in phase, 11 140 participants were randomized. Only 459 participants (3.6%) withdrew due to suspected intolerance of perindopril–indapamide. The mean blood pressure fell by an average of 8/3 mmHg from 145/81 mmHg (standard deviation 22/11 mmHg) to 137/78 (20/10). Participants who proceeded to randomization were broadly similar to those who withdrew during the run‐in phase; however, some features suggest that those randomized were a higher risk group overall. Conclusions. A substantial fall in blood pressure was observed following 6 weeks of treatment with a fixed low‐dose combination of perindopril–indapamide in a broad range of high‐risk individuals with type 2 diabetes. Good tolerability and safety of the study drug was confirmed during the active run‐in phase of the ADVANCE study.
α6‐Integrin is expressed on germinal centre B cells and modifies growth of a B‐cell line

The production of high‐affinity antibodies requires diversification of the antibody repertoire by somatic hypermutation followed by selection of those B cells bearing the highest affinity antibodies. Whilst many surface molecules that mediate the cell–cell interactions required for germinal centre formation have been identified, little is known of the importance of interactions with components of the extracellular matrix, i.e. fibronectin, collagen and laminin. We demonstrate that the laminin‐binding α6‐integrin is expressed on germinal centre B cells and is induced during the in vitro activation of naïve splenic B cells. A laminin network is demonstrated within the germinal centre. Analysis of an α6‐integrin‐expressing mouse B‐cell line, A20, demonstrates that this molecule is essential for binding to laminin, and that blocking by anti‐α6‐integrin immunoglobulin causes loss of adhesion associated with an increase in proliferation. There is no correlation with changes in BCL‐6 or Blimp‐1 expression, suggesting that α6‐integrin does not play a role in differentiation.
The pyoverdin receptor FpvA, a TonB-dependent receptor involved in iron uptake by Pseudomonas aeruginosa (Review)

Iron is an important element, essential for the growth of almost all living cells. Because of the high insolubility of iron(III) in aerobic conditions, many gram-negative bacteria produce, under iron limitation, small iron-chelating compounds called siderophores, together with new outer-membrane proteins, which function as receptors for the ferrisiderophores. Pseudomonas aeruginosa, an important human opportunistic pathogen, produces at least three known siderophores when grown in irondeficient conditions: pyochelin, salicylate and pyoverdin. This reviewfocuses on pyoverdin and on the ability of FpvA to bind iron-free and ferric-PaA pyoverdin, in the light of recent information gained from biochemical and biophysical studies and of the recently solved 3D-structures of the related ferrichrome FhuA and enterobactin FepA receptors in Escherichia coli.
THE QUALITY OF FISH FROM RETAIL MARKETS IN ISTANBUL, TURKEY

The quality of fish (anchovy, horse mackerel, whiting, sea bass and sea bream), selling in Istanbul market, were studied. Samples were obtained from the retail fish markets located in three main regions (Region I= Kadikoy, Region II=Besiktas and Region III= Kumkapi) of Is-tanbul. According to the results of sensory, chemical and microbiological analysis; quality of the samples was lower (P0.05) in summer then the other seasons due to the high ambient temperatures (32 ±2oC), and samples obtained from Region III (Kumkapi) was generally better (P0.05) than the others. Istanbul wholesale fish market, the seafood supplier of the retailers, is also located in Kumkapi. Therefore transport of fish from whoesale market to the retailers in Region III is easy and fast. However, wolesale fish market is far from the local markets in Region I and II. Thus, it was concluded that unsuitable transport conditions of fish from whole sale market to the retailers are the main reasons of poor quality. Vehicles must be equipped with a cooling system, and retailers should properly refrigerate seafood especially in summer season. It is mandatory to apply Turkish legislation of 2002, which is on the regulation of sea-food market conditions and harmonious with EC (European Commission) criteria.
Non‐invasive virological diagnosis: Are saliva and urine specimens adequate substitutes for blood?

The blood specimen, collected from a vein or capillary, is the basis for a wide range of serologicai analyses. Staff are specially trained to collect such specimens and much effort expended in persuading patients of the need to have their bodily integrity breached so that the blood can be obtained. Vast amounts of sterile equipment are used to ensure that these collections are performed safely. Health professionals, who are taught at an early stage that most laboratory determinations require a blood specimen, take all this for granted. Patients and research subjects, on the other hand, have never been entirely persuaded. Many dislike the idea of the invading needle, the associated pain and the frequently ensuing bruise. The better informed, moreover, may fear cross infection from unsterile equipment. ’ Even in well-ordered circumstances a very few are at a substantial risk from blood collection, for instance those neonates who are made anaemic by too frequent investigatory venepunctures. This review seeks to question the sfdw quo with regard to blood sampling. It considers two alternative, noninvasive types of samples, saliva and urine, and confines itself to the detection of viral antibodies. Examples are taken largely from investigation of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, but the approach is obviously of wider applicability.
Trichomes in Camptotheca acuminata Decaisne (Nyssaceae): Morphology, distribution, structure, and secretion

Camptotheca acuminata is a main source of the anti-cancer drug camptothecin (CPT). In this species, several studies have observed non-glandular trichomes (NGTs) and glandular trichomes (GTs). It has been assumed that GTs contain CPT, yet this has not been proven and no information is available on the accumulation of other secondary metabolites. The objective of this study was to describe the morphology, distribution and structure of C. acuminata trichomes and to investigate the chemical nature of the substances secreted by GTs. Light and fluorescence microscope, scanning electron microscope (SEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) were used to determine the morphology, distribution and structure of GTs and NGTs. Thin layer chromatography (TLC) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) analyses were carried out to confirm the presence of CPT in GTs, and histochemical tests were performed to investigate the presence of other secondary metabolites. C. acuminata possesses two types of GTs (GT1 and GT2), which differ in terms of their morphology, pattern of distribution and accumulated substances. The chemical analyses demonstrated that both GT1 and GT2 accumulate CPT. Histochemical analysis showed that phenols accumulate in the vacuole of GT2s. No isoprenoids were detected in GTs.
The preparation and drug-release behaviour of CTA/EC and PMS/EC composite microcapsules

A cellulose triacetate (CTA) and three different molecular weights of poly(alphamethyl styrene) (PMS) were used as co-wall materials to prepare composite microcapsules with ethylcellulose (EC). A non-solvent-addition phase-separation method was used. The core material was theophylline (TH) and the solvent-non-solvent pair was dichloromethane-n-hexane, and the drug-release rates of the microcapsules prepared from these two types of co-wall materials were compared. The effects of their phase-separation range on the properties of the microcapsules, such as particle size, release rate and the morphology of the microcapsules are also discussed. The release rate of microcapsules was also affected by the compatibility of the co-wall materials and the EC. The dissolution studies indicated that the drug-release time of CTA/EC and PMS/EC composite microcapsules was sustained to 10 and 3.5 times, respectively, in comparison with that for pure EC microcapsules.
Sazonalidade da fauna de metazoários de Pygocentrus nattereri (Kner, 1858) no lago Piranha (Amazonas, Brasil) e a avaliação de seu potencial como indicadora da saúde do ambiente

article+bn03111012011. Abstract: The metazoan parasitic fauna of Pygocentrus nattereri collected in different phases of hydrologic cycle of Piranha lake was studied during the year of 2007. The study area is located in gas pipeline Coari-Manaus construction zone, near the municipality of Manacapuru-Am. The relationship between condition factor and parasite occurrence and the viability of use the parasitic fauna as an environmental bio-indicator were verified. The following Monogenoidea were collected: Amphithecium microphalum, Amphitecium brachycirrum, Amphitecium calycinum, Amphithecium catalaoensis, Amphithecium junki, Pithanothecium amazonensis e Rhinoxenus piranhus, as well as the nematode Procamallanus inopinatus, the copepod Miracetyma sp. and the isopod Anphira branchialis. There was not significant correlation between the parasite occurrence and the condition factor. There were significant variances in the parasitic index according to the different periods of hydrologic cycle and P. nattereri has achieved the conditions described in the literature to be select a fish-host and his parasite fauna as biomonitor.
REVISITING NURSING IN A NONTHERAPEUTIC ENVIRONMENT

To address unanswered questions raised by a previous study of nurses? ethical decision making in the context of psychiatric-mental health nursing, a reinterpretation of the previous data was conducted. In the earlier study, the core category was found to be Moral Survival in a Nontherapeutic Environment, and involved the nurses in a precarious and somewhat unsatisfactory balance in meeting their patients? needs while attempting to elicit no harm to themselves and others. In this second interpretation, we considered the nurses? actions from two different ethical perspectives ? an ethic of care and a critical feminist ethic ? in order to gain a deeper understanding of how these mental health nurses balance ethical demands in a nontherapeutic environment, and to understand why the nurses did not express satisfaction with their work.
Comparison of in vivo fate and immunogenicity of hepatitis B surface antigen incorporated in cationic and neutral liposomes

To compare cationic liposomes (CatL) and neutral liposomes (NeuL), as a vaccine carrier, the in vivo fate and immunogenicity of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), incorporated in CatL and NeuL, were investigated. CatL, composed of phosphatidyl choline (PC) and stearyl amine (SA) with a molar ratio of 9:1, showed a 2.5-fold higher incorporating efficiency of HBsAg than NeuL composed of PC alone. Most of HBsAg incorporated in both liposomes existed in an antibody-available form on the outer surface of liposomes. After intramuscular injection to rats, HBsAg in CatL resided at the injection site for a longer period than that in NeuL with terminal half lives of 52.5 and 42.9h, respectively. However, HBsAg in NeuL was more efficiently taken up by the lymphatic organs and spleen than that in CatL. Furthermore, the group treated with HBsAg in NeuL showed earlier sero-conversion with higher anti-HBsAg titre than the group treated with HBsAg in CatL. Sero-conversion rates (SCRs) in both CatL- and NeuL-treated animals were 100% after every injection carried out, except the primary injection of CatL. These results demonstrate that CatL can enhance the retention of incorporated antigen at the injection site, compared with NeuL. However, the production of antibody by HBsAg in NeuL is more effective than that by HBsAg in CatL, probably due tothe higher lymphatic targeting ability of NeuL. Thus, NeuL appears to be a better carrier for HBsAg than CatL.
Fractional photothermolysis for the treatment of acne scars: A report of 27 Korean patients

Objectives: Atrophic post‐acne scarring remains a therapeutically challenging condition despite various currently available technologies. Fractional photothermolysis (FP) is a novel concept of cutaneous resurfacing which induces non‐contiguous microscopic thermal injury. The aim of this study is to evaluate the safety and efficacy of FP in the treatment of acne scars in Asian patients. Methods: A total of 27 Korean patients (Fitzpatrick skin types IV or V) with moderate to severe facial acne scars received three to five sessions of FP treatment (Fraxel™ Laser; Reliant Technologies, CA, USA), each spaced 3–4 weeks apart. Standardized digital photographs were obtained before each treatment and 3 months after the final treatment. In addition, the patients' perceived degrees of improvement were assessed 3 months after the final treatment using a five‐point grading scale. Results: FP led to marked improvement in the appearance of acne scars at 3 months post‐treatment. Patients' self‐assessed degrees of improvement were as follows: excellent improvement in eight patients (30%), significant improvement in 16 patients (59%), and moderate improvement in three patients (11%). Adverse events were limited to transient pain, erythema and edema. Conclusions: The 1550‐nm erbium‐doped FP is associated with significant patient‐reported improvement in the appearance of acne scars, with minimal downtime.
Pesticide susceptibility of two dominant phytoseiid mites, Neoseiulus californicus and N. womersleyi, in conventional Japanese fruit orchards (Gamasina : Phytoseiidae)

2004) ABSTRACT Pesticide (six insecticides and 16 acaricides) susceptibility of populations of N. californicus (4 populations) and N. womersleyi (5 populations) was investigated to test the hypothesis that the recent species replacement between these two species was due to a change in pesticides used in orchards combined with a differential susceptibility of the two species to one or more of the new pesticides. Although the present results cannot provide a clear conclusion regarding factors responsible for the change in dominant phytoseiid, it was suggested, at this point, that none of the pesticides examined here seemed to have a decisive influence on the replacement of N. womersleyi by N. californicus