Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of thyme essential oil and selenium on intestine integrity and antioxidant status of broilers

Abstract 1. This study evaluated the duodenal wall integrity, antioxidant status as well as some immunological parameters of broiler chickens supplemented with 0.5 g Thymus vulgaris essential oil (EO)/kg diet and 0.4 mg Se/kg DM (dry matter) derived from sodium selenite. 2. A total of 192 one-d-old randomly divided chickens of both sexes (Ross 308 hybrid broilers) were divided into 4 treatment groups of 48 birds each. 3. The first group was fed on a nutritionally balanced basal diet (BD). The other three groups received BD supplemented with 0.5 g/kg thyme oil, or 0.4 mg Se/kg DM, or both feed additives together. 4. The results for the evaluated feed additives were (1) thyme oil – decreased malondialdehyde (MDA) concentration in duodenal mucosa and kidney, increased immunoglobulin A (IgA) concentration in duodenal mucosa, stimulated phagocytic activity in blood, improved intestinal barrier integrity (2) selenium – increased glutathione peroxidase (GPx) activity in blood and liver as well as thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) activity in duodenal mucosa, liver and in the kidney, (3) EO with selenium – increased thioredoxin reductase (TrxR) activity in duodenal mucosa. 5. These results demonstrated that thyme oil alone showed more effective potential to improve intestinal barrier integrity and antioxidant status as well as evoking an immune response in chickens, than if diets were supplemented with both thyme oil and selenium.
Loss of Continuity in the Thin Epicardial Layer Because of Endomysial Fibrosis Increases the Complexity of Atrial Fibrillatory Conduction

Background—The transition from persistent to permanent atrial fibrillation (AF) is associated with increased complexity of fibrillatory conduction. We have investigated the spatial distribution of fibrillation waves and structural alterations in the atrial free walls in a goat model of AF. Methods and Results—AF was maintained for 3 weeks (short term [ST], persistent AF) or 6 months (long term [LT], permanent AF). Fibrillation patterns were assessed with epicardial mapping. The origin of fibrillation waves and sites of conduction abnormalities were more homogeneously distributed in LT than in ST goats. Histologically, the total area fraction occupied by fibrous tissue and the degree of perimysial fibrosis (separation between myocyte bundles) were not significantly different between groups. However, endomysial fibrosis (distance between myocytes within bundles) was significantly larger in LT goats, particularly in the outer millimeter of the atria. By contrast, myocyte diameters were larger in LT goats throughout the atrial walls. High-resolution optical mapping showed that epicardial wavefront expansion was slower and more anisotropic in LT than in ST goats. Finally, a mathematical model of a simplified atrial architecture confirmed the potential impact of epicardial endomysial fibrosis on AF complexity. Conclusions—Altered propagation after 6 months of AF is consistent with homogeneous structural remodeling in the outer millimeter of the atria. Loss of continuity of the epicardial layer because of endomysial fibrosis may reduce its synchronizing effect, thereby increasing the complexity of fibrillatory conduction pathways. The exact distribution of fibrosis may be more important for the occurrence of conduction disturbances than the overall quantity.
Information Transfer and Communication in Surgery: A Systematic Review

Objectives:We conducted a systematic review of published literature to gain a better understanding of interprofessional information transfer and communication (ITC) in hospital setting in the field of surgical and anesthetic care. Background:Communication breakdowns are a common cause of surgical errors and adverse events. Data Sources:Medline, Embase, PsycINFO, Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews, and hand search of articles bibliography. Study Selection:Of the 4027 citations identified through the initial electronic search and screened for possible inclusion, 110 articles were retained following title and abstract reviews. Of these, 38 were accepted for this review. Data Extraction:Data were extracted from the studies about objectives, clinical domain, methodology including study design, sample population, tools for assessing communication, results, and limitations. Results:Information transfer failures are common in surgical care and are distributed across the continuum of care. They not only lead to errors in care provision but also lead to patient harm. Most of the articles have focused on ITC process in different phases especially in operating room. None of the studies have looked at whole of the surgical care process. No standard tool has been developed to capture the ITC process in different teams and to evaluate the effect of various communication interventions. Uses of standardized communication through checklist, proformas, and technology innovations have improved the ITC process, with an effect on clinical and patient outcomes. Conclusions:ITC deficits adversely affect patient care. There is a need for standard measures to evaluate this process. Effective and standardized communication among healthcare professionals during the perioperative process facilitates surgical safety.
The impact of social influence on the relationship between personality traits and perceived investment performance of individual investors: Evidence from Indian stock market

The purpose of this paper is to clarify the relationship between an individual investor’s personality trait and his perceived investment performance. It proposes a novel conceptual framework that integrates social influence (as a moderating construct) and outlines the role of personality in determining the perceived investment performance during the investment decision-making process. ,A questionnaire-based survey was conducted to collect responses from 396 individual investors through stratified and quota sampling approach. The collected data were then analysed using both hierarchical regression analysis and structural equation modelling to evaluate the strength of the relationship between the constructs, namely, personality trait, perceived investment performance and social influence. ,This study suggests that social influence positively moderates the relationship between extraversion-perceived investment performance, whereas it negatively moderates the relationship between agreeability-perceived investment performance. ,This study has certain limitations. First, this work follows a modelling approach which is more centred towards the prediction of relationships. Second, because of choosing a research approach (since the study has been conducted in one country, i.e. India), the results of the study may lack generalisability. Therefore, further studies could be encouraged to test the proposed hypotheses. ,Insights from this study suggest that investors should look in for their personality traits while making an investment decision. In fact, psychologically modified portfolios should be developed as per the personality traits of the investors. ,The study, perhaps, is the only study to apply social influence in a framework using Big Five personality traits as a possible factor to understand the individual differences in terms of perceived investment performance.
Undergraduate Iraqi Students’ Awareness of Social Mobile Media and Their Attitudes to Mobile Learning

In recent years advances in social networking and rapid developments in wireless internet technologies stimulated all of us to integrate and use them in our lives. Smart mobile technology industries are racing with each other to launch the newest model for their consumers. The biggest market beyond the dispute is teenagers and young generation. Of course, the adults cannot be ignored, either. The general aim to use the social network is for communication and sharing information. During the daytime students want to keep in touch with their peers. The most common electronic devices are smart mobile phones and the top rate for social networking website is Facebook. This study aims to seek for and clarify the perceptions and the attitudes of undergraduate students in Northern Iraq, using electronic devices, in particular, smart mobile devices. What kinds of social media tools and platforms they are registered to? How often do they benefit from their accounts? What is their frequency to login to internet access and what part of the day do students use their mobile devices? What are students’ general purposes to use social media? – these were the questions asked in the research. This article emphasizes the diversity according to gender, faculty, grade, universities, etc. In addition, it seeks for the distribution of social media accounts. An online survey, conducted among different university students to recognize the ratio between various institutions, came to a conclusion that undergraduate students in Northern Iraq are equipped with sufficient smart devices to get involved in mobile learning via using social platforms such as Facebook, Instagram,
Fecal Microbiota Transplantation is Safe and Efficacious for Recurrent or Refractory Clostridium difficile Infection in Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Background:New treatments are needed as Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is becoming increasingly formidable. Fecal microbiota transplantation (FMT) has a 90% success rate in the treatment of recurrent CDI. However, evidence regarding its safety, efficacy, and effect on disease activity in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is lacking. Methods:This cohort study used data from 8 national and international academic centers. Patients with established IBD who underwent FMT for recurrent CDI were followed for a minimum of 3 months. The primary outcome was CDI recurrence at 3 months after FMT. The secondary outcomes were (1) IBD activity and severity at 3 months based on the judgment of the treating physician, endoscopic findings, and clinical disease activity scores; and (2) safety. Results:Sixty-seven patients were included in the analysis. Thirty-five (52%) had Crohn's disease, 31 (46%) ulcerative colitis, and one indeterminate colitis with 43 (64%) patients on an immunosuppressive agent at the time of FMT. The initial FMT was successful in 53 (79%) patients. After the FMT, IBD disease activity was reported as improved in 25 (37%), no change in 20 (30%), and worse in 9 (13%) patients. Serious adverse events included colectomy (1.4%), hospitalization for CDI (2.9%), hospitalization for IBD flare (2.9%), small bowel obstruction (1.4%), CMV colitis (1.4%), and pancreatitis (1.4%). Discussion:The overall CDI cure rates were high, with a large percentage of patients experiencing clinical improvement of their IBD after FMT. A minority of patients developed an IBD flare. No severe adverse events directly attributable to FMT were found in this largest reported series of recurrent or refractory CDI patients with concurrent IBD.
DNA DAMAGE BINDING PROTEIN2 Shapes the DNA Methylation Landscape

DDB2 influences de novo DNA methylation by interacting with ARGONAUTE4 and controlling the local abundance of 24-nucleotide short interfering RNAs. In eukaryotes, DNA repair pathways help to maintain genome integrity and epigenomic patterns. However, the factors at the nexus of DNA repair and chromatin modification/remodeling remain poorly characterized. Here, we uncover a previously unrecognized interplay between the DNA repair factor DNA DAMAGE BINDING PROTEIN2 (DDB2) and the DNA methylation machinery in Arabidopsis thaliana. Loss-of-function mutation in DDB2 leads to genome-wide DNA methylation alterations. Genetic and biochemical evidence indicate that at many repeat loci, DDB2 influences de novo DNA methylation by interacting with ARGONAUTE4 and by controlling the local abundance of 24-nucleotide short interfering RNAs (siRNAs). We also show that DDB2 regulates active DNA demethylation mediated by REPRESSOR OF SILENCING1 and DEMETER LIKE3. Together, these findings reveal a role for the DNA repair factor DDB2 in shaping the Arabidopsis DNA methylation landscape in the absence of applied genotoxic stress.
College Major Choice: Sorting and Differential Returns to Skills

Does the college major premium reflect returns to prior abilities or college education? We decompose the college major premium into labor market returns to multidimensional abilities (grit, interpersonal, and cognitive) and skills learned in college. This allows us to quantify how much of the college major premium is due to sorting on multi-dimensional abilities and how much is due to the differential labor market value of major-specific skills. We find that sorting on abilities accounts for 10-50\% of the college major premium. We also provide novel estimates of complementarities and interaction effects between abilities and skills, since the returns to abilities vary significantly across college majors. We document that 40\% of students who enter STEM degrees change major or drop out. We evaluate counterfactual policies to promote STEM degrees, accounting for the fact that many who start STEM degrees do not finish.
An improved algorithm of Neural Networks with Cubic Spline Weight Function

The paper proposes an improved Neural Networks construction with Cubic Spline Weight Function and its algorithm for the characteristic of the poor extending ability of the Neural Networks with Cubic Spline Weight Function. The Weight Function is divided into two parts by the improved algorithm. The Weight Function is trained by the three Cubic Spline Weight Function of the original algorithm and the constant coefficient of the Weight Function is trained by the grad dropping method. Because the new algorithm combines the merits of the Cubic Spline Weight Function Neural Networks with the merits of the traditional Neural Networks, the problems of the traditional dropping algorithm, such as the local minimum, slow convergence rate and initial value sensitivity, are not existed and the extending ability is better. The results of the simulation shows that compared to the traditional algorithm, the algorithm has high precision, fast speed and the extending ability remarkably improved compared to the unimproved algorithm.
Immunotargeting of glucose oxidase: intracellular production of H 2 O 2 and endothelial oxidative stress

R. Immunotargeting of glucose oxidase: intracellular production of H 2 O 2 and endothelial oxidative stress. Am. J. Physiol. 277 ( Lung Cell. Mol. Physiol. 21): L271–L281, 1999. —Extracellular and intracellular reactive oxygen species attack different targets and may, therefore, result in different forms of oxidative stress. To speciﬁcally study an oxidative stress induced by a regulated intracellular ﬂux of a deﬁned reactive oxygen species in endothelium, we used immunotargeting of the H 2 O 2 -gen- erating enzyme glucose oxidase (GOX) conjugated with an antibody to platelet-endothelial cell adhesion molecule (PECAM)-1, an endothelial surface antigen. Anti-PECAM- 125 I-GOX conjugates speciﬁcally bind to both endothelial and PECAM-transfected cells. Approximately 70% of cell-bound anti-PECAM- 125 I-GOX was internalized. The cell-bound conjugate was enzymatically active and generated H 2 O 2 from glucose. Use of the ﬂuorescent dye dihydrorhodamine 123 revealed that 70% of H 2 O 2 was generated intracellularly, whereas 30% of H 2 O 2 was detected in the cell medium. Catalase added to the cells eliminated H 2 O 2 in the medium but had little effect on the intracellular generation of H 2 O 2 by anti-PECAM-GOX. Both H 2 O 2 added exogenously to the cell medium (extracellular H 2 O 2 ) and that generated by anti-PECAM-GOX caused oxidative stress manifested by time-and dose-dependent irreversible plasma membrane damage. Inactivation of cellular catalase by aminotriazole treatment augmented damage caused by either extracellular H 2 O 2 or anti-PECAM-GOX. Catalase added to the medium protected either normal or aminotriazole-treated cells against extracellular H 2 O 2 , yet failed to protect cells against injury induced by anti-PECAM-GOX. Therefore, treatment of PECAM-positive cells with anti-PECAM-GOX leads to conjugate internalization, predominantly intracellular H 2 O 2 generation and intracellular oxidative stress. These results indicate that anti-PECAM-GOX 1 ) provides cell-speciﬁc intracellular delivery of an active enzyme and 2 ) causes intracellular oxidative stress in PECAM-positive cells.
Essentiality, Expression, and Characterization of the Class II 3-Hydroxy-3-Methylglutaryl Coenzyme A Reductase ofStaphylococcus aureus

ABSTRACT Sequence comparisons have implied the presence of genes encoding enzymes of the mevalonate pathway for isopentenyl diphosphate biosynthesis in the gram-positive pathogen Staphylococcus aureus. In this study we showed through genetic disruption experiments that mvaA, which encodes a putative class II 3-hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl coenzyme A (HMG-CoA) reductase, is essential for in vitro growth of S. aureus. Supplementation of media with mevalonate permitted isolation of an auxotrophic mvaAnull mutant that was attenuated for virulence in a murine hematogenous pyelonephritis infection model. The mvaA gene was cloned from S. aureus DNA and expressed with an N-terminal His tag in Escherichia coli. The encoded protein was affinity purified to apparent homogeneity and was shown to be a class II HMG-CoA reductase, the first class II eubacterial biosynthetic enzyme isolated. Unlike most other HMG-CoA reductases, the S. aureus enzyme exhibits dual coenzyme specificity for NADP(H) and NAD(H), but NADP(H) was the preferred coenzyme. Kinetic parameters were determined for all substrates for all four catalyzed reactions using either NADP(H) or NAD(H). In all instances optimal activity using NAD(H) occurred at a pH one to two units more acidic than that using NADP(H). pH profiles suggested that His378 and Lys263, the apparent cognates of the active-site histidine and lysine of Pseudomonas mevaloniiHMG-CoA reductase, function in catalysis and that the general catalytic mechanism is valid for the S. aureus enzyme. Fluvastatin inhibited competitively with HMG-CoA, with a Kiof 320 μM, over 104 higher than that for a class I HMG-CoA reductase. Bacterial class II HMG-CoA reductases thus are potential targets for antibacterial agents directed against multidrug-resistant gram-positive cocci.
Nodal signalling and asymmetry of the nervous system

The role of Nodal signalling in nervous system asymmetry is still poorly understood. Here, we review and discuss how asymmetric Nodal signalling controls the ontogeny of nervous system asymmetry using a comparative developmental perspective. A detailed analysis of asymmetry in ascidians and fishes reveals a critical context-dependency of Nodal function and emphasizes that bilaterally paired and midline-unpaired structures/organs behave as different entities. We propose a conceptual framework to dissect the developmental function of Nodal as asymmetry inducer and laterality modulator in the nervous system, which can be used to study other types of body and visceral organ asymmetries. Using insights from developmental biology, we also present novel evolutionary hypotheses on how Nodal led the evolution of directional asymmetry in the brain, with a particular focus on the epithalamus. We intend this paper to provide a synthesis on how Nodal signalling controls left–right asymmetry of the nervous system. This article is part of the themed issue ‘Provocative questions in left–right asymmetry’.
Changes on brief cognitive instruments over time in Parkinson's disease

Two hundred and twenty‐one subjects with Parkinson's disease (PD) were examined using the Mini–Mental Status Examination (MMSE) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA), with a subset of these (n = 98) examined on repeat testing up to 3 years. The MoCA was more sensitive in identifying cognitive deficit, specifically in the domains of visuospatial abilities, language, and memory. In longitudinal study, the MMSE changed significantly over time, particularly in patients with disease duration of >10 years. The MoCA, however, did not change significantly, even when subjects were stratified by age, MMSE score, and disease duration. This suggests that the MoCA may be more sensitive for detecting early cognitive change in PD, but that the MMSE, and not the MoCA, may be better for tracking cognitive decline. © 2012 Movement Disorder Society
Long-Term-Infected Telomerase-Immortalized Endothelial Cells: a Model for Kaposi's Sarcoma-Associated Herpesvirus Latency In Vitro and In Vivo

ABSTRACT Kaposi's sarcoma-associated herpesvirus (KSHV) is associated with Kaposi's sarcoma (KS), primary effusion lymphoma (PEL), and multicentric Castleman's disease. Most KS tumor cells are latently infected with KSHV and are of endothelial origin. While PEL-derived cell lines maintain KSHV indefinitely, all KS tumor-derived cells to date have lost viral genomes upon ex vivo cultivation. To study KSHV latency and tumorigenesis in endothelial cells, we generated telomerase-immortalized human umbilical vein endothelial (TIVE) cells. TIVE cells express all KSHV latent genes 48 h postinfection, and productive lytic replication could be induced by RTA/Orf50. Similar to prior models, infected cultures gradually lost viral episomes. However, we also obtained, for the first time, two endothelial cell lines in which KSHV episomes were maintained indefinitely in the absence of selection. Long-term KSHV maintenance correlated with loss of reactivation in response to RTA/Orf50 and complete oncogenic transformation. Long-term-infected TIVE cells (LTC) grew in soft agar and proliferated under reduced-serum conditions. LTC, but not parental TIVE cells, formed tumors in nude mice. These tumors expressed high levels of the latency-associated nuclear antigen (LANA) and expressed lymphatic endothelial specific antigens as found in KS (LYVE-1). Furthermore, host genes, like those encoding interleukin 6, vascular endothelial growth factor, and basic fibroblast growth factor, known to be highly expressed in KS lesions were also induced in LTC-derived tumors. KSHV-infected LTCs represent the first xenograft model for KS and should be of use to study KS pathogenesis and for the validation of anti-KS drug candidates.
Women's Empowerment in Ecuador: Differentiating the Impact of Two Interventions

This paper analyses the impact of two interventions on women’s empowerment in Ecuador using an experimental design. Women’s empowerment is operationalized by using two metrics. First, the participation of women in the decision process at household level. Second, the disagreements between men and women in the decision process. We find negative effects of both interventions on women’s participation on the decision making process at household level. However, we do find positive effects on disagreements regarding women’s work and use of contraceptives, as well as positive effects of vouchers on disagreements on large food purchases and large assets purchases. JEL-codes: C93, H31, O22.
When plasmonics meets membrane technology

In this review, we present the applications of thermoplasmonics in membrane processes. We discuss the influence of the heat capacity of the solvent, the amount of plasmonic nanoparticles in the membrane, the intensity of the light source and the transmembrane flow rate on the increase of permeability. Remarkably, thermoplasmonic effects do not involve any noticeable loss of membrane rejection. Herein, we consider application feasibilities, including application fields, requirements of feed, alternatives of light sources, promising thermoplasmonic nanoparticles and scaling up issues.