Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Induction dose of propofol in patients using cannabis

Background and objective An estimated 150 million people worldwide use cannabis. The effect of cannabis on anaesthetic requirements in humans does not appear to have been studied. Methods In this prospective, randomized, single-blinded study, 30 male patients using cannabis more than once per week (group C) and 30 nonusers (group NC), aged 18–50 years, were induced with propofol 1.5, 2, 2.5, 3 or 3.5 mg kg−1. Additional doses were given when required. The primary outcome was the 50% effective dose of propofol and successful induction was determined by loss of consciousness with a bispectral index value of less than 60 and satisfactory insertion of a laryngeal mask. Propofol requirements to achieve these outcomes were recorded. Results The dose required to achieve the target bispectral index value was not significantly higher in group C, but group C required a significantly higher propofol dose to achieve laryngeal mask insertion (314.0 ± 109.3 vs. 263.2 ± 69.5 mg, P < 0.04). The estimated effective propofol induction dose in 50–95% of patients did not significantly differ between groups. Conclusion We conclude that cannabis use increases the propofol dose required for satisfactory clinical induction when inserting a laryngeal mask.
Homer2 regulates alcohol and stress cross‐sensitization

An interaction exists between stress and alcohol in the etiology and chronicity of alcohol use disorders, yet a knowledge gap exists regarding the neurobiological underpinnings of this interaction. In this regard, we employed an 11‐day unpredictable, chronic, mild stress (UCMS) procedure to examine for stress–alcohol cross‐sensitization of motor activity as well as alcohol consumption/preference and intoxication. We also employed immunoblotting to relate the expression of glutamate receptor‐related proteins within subregions of the nucleus accumbens (NAC) to the manifestation of behavioral cross‐sensitization. UCMS mice exhibited a greater locomotor response to an acute injection of 2 g/kg alcohol than unstressed controls and this cross‐sensitization extended to alcohol intake (0–20 percent), as well as to the intoxicating and sedative properties of 3 and 5 g/kg alcohol, respectively. Regardless of prior alcohol injection (2 g/kg), UCMS mice exhibited elevated NAC shell levels of mGlu1α, GluN2b and Homer2, as well as lower phospholipase Cβ within this subregion. GluN2b levels were also lower within the NAC core of UCMS mice. The expression of stress–alcohol locomotor cross‐sensitization was associated with lower mGlu1α within the NAC core and lower extracellular signal‐regulated kinase activity within both NAC subregions. As Homer2 regulates alcohol sensitization, we assayed also for locomotor cross‐sensitization in Homer2 wild‐type (WT) and knock‐out (KO) mice. WT mice exhibited a very robust cross‐sensitization that was absent in KO animals. These results indicate that a history of mild stress renders an animal more sensitive to the psychomotor and rewarding properties of alcohol, which may depend on neuroplasticity within NAC glutamate transmission.
Modification of the Staphylococcus aureus fibronectin binding phenotype by V8 protease

The amount of cell surface fibronectin (Fn)-binding protein (FnBP) adhesin expressed by Staphylococcus aureus is maximal during exponential growth but disappears rapidly as the culture progresses into stationary phase. To identify factors responsible for the loss of cell surface FnBP, a culture of S. aureus L170, which shows high levels of Fn binding, was supplemented at the time of inoculation with concentrated stationary-phase supernatant from S. aureus L530, a strain which binds Fn poorly. The resulting exponential-phase cells were devoid of FnBP. The factor responsible for this activity was purified from the culture supernatant and identified as V8 protease. When cultured with 375 ng of exogenous V8 protease ml(-1), exponential-phase cells of S. aureus L170 were devoid of cell surface FnBP, and concentrations as low as 23 ng x ml(-1) resulted in reduced amounts of FnBP. Addition of the protease inhibitor alpha2-macroglobulin to the culture medium prevented the growth-phase-dependent loss of cell surface FnBP, whereas growth with exogenous V8 protease resulted in reduced adherence to the solid-phase N-terminal fragment of Fn and to the extracellular matrix synthesized by fetal rabbit lung fibroblasts. Although FnBP was extremely sensitive to V8 protease, exogenous protease did not exert a significant influence on the amount of cell surface protein A. However, a limited number of other high-molecular-weight cell surface proteins were also sensitive to V8 protease. Therefore, both the adhesive phenotype and cell surface protein profile of S. aureus can be modified by V8 protease activity.
Dietary Service Staffing Impact Nutritional Quality in Nursing Homes

Objective: To examine the relationship between dietary service staff and dietary deficiency citations in nursing homes (NHs). Method: 2007-2011 Online Survey and Certification and Reporting data for 14,881 freestanding NHs were used to examine the relationship between dietary service staff and the probability of receiving a dietary service–related deficiency citation. An unconditional logit model with random effects was employed. Results: Findings suggest that higher staffing levels for dietitians (odds ratio [OR] = .955; p < .01), dietary service personnel (OR = .996; p < .01), and certified nursing assistants (CNAs; OR = .981; p < .05) decrease the likelihood of receiving a dietary service deficiency citation. Conclusion: Higher levels of dietary service and CNA staffing levels have the potential to improve the quality of nutritional care in NHs. Findings help substantiate the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services’ proposed rules for more stringent Food and Nutrition Services in the NH setting and signify the need for further research relative to the impact of dietary service staff on nutritional and clinical outcomes.
Clinical aspects of HIV infection in developing countries.

The HIV epidemic probably arose in Africa at about the same time as in the West, and there is a significant seroprevalence of HIV in the central African region. However, the epidemiology and clinical course of AIDS are different in Africa and in the West. In Africa males are infected as often as females, and the commonest means of transmission is heterosexual intercourse. Many HIV-infected people are symptomless, but many others present with or progress to generalized lymphadenopathy, pruritus, herpes zoster, herpes simplex, cellulitis, and oral candidiasis. The World Health Organization developed a clinical case-definition of AIDS in Africa, which was found to have a specificity of 90% and a sensitivity of 59% when tested in Zaire. The Kaposi's sarcoma seen in African AIDS patients is more aggressive than that seen in the West and is often visceral. Gastrointestinal AIDS (the "slim" disease) with weight loss and diarrhea is common in Africa, as are oral and esophageal candidiasis. In Africa Pneumocystis carinii pneumonia is rare, but pulmonary tuberculosis is common. Neurological manifestations include cerebral toxoplasmosis, cytomegalovirus infection, headache, and terminal encephalopathy. About 60% of infants born to seropositive women are infected and die within the 1st year of life. Lack of drugs and diagnostic facilities make both diagnosis and treatment of opportunistic infections difficult.
Pertuzumab monotherapy following trastuzumab-based treatment: Activity and tolerability in patients with advanced HER2- positive breast cancer.

1022 Background: Pertuzumab binds to the dimerization epitope of the HER2 receptor, inhibits HER dimerization and signal transduction, and induces ADCC. In 2 cohorts of pts (n = 66) with HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer which had progressed during trastuzumab therapy after ≤3 lines of chemotherapy with or without trastuzumab, pertuzumab plus trastuzumab has been shown to be active (CR 7.6%, PR 16.7%, SD ≥6/12 25.8%) (Gelmon et al. ASCO 2008, Abs 1026). To assess the activity of pertuzumab monotherapy in this clinical setting, the protocol was amended to include a 3rd cohort of pts. METHODS Pt selection was not changed except that ≥1 month between the last dose of trastuzumab and study start was required. Pts received pertuzumab monotherapy. If the tumor failed to respond or responded and then progressed, trastuzumab could be added to pertuzumab. 27 pts were to be recruited to ensure that ≥24 were fully evaluable for objective response and stabilization of disease ≥6 months. Standard 21-day schedules of the antibodies were given. RESULTS 29 pts were recruited. Tolerability was good: the major adverse events were mild diarrhea and rash with no clinical cardiac events. To date, 2 responses have been reported, and several pts have ongoing stabilization of disease. 14 pts have received trastuzumab plus pertuzumab following inadequate response (or response then relapse) on pertuzumab monotherapy. Of these 14, 2, having progressed during trastuzumab, failed to respond to pertuzumab monotherapy but underwent confirmed response when trastuzumab was added to the pertuzumab -possibly the first report of such a phenomenon and providing good evidence of an enhanced effect when the antibodies are combined. Updated results will be presented. CONCLUSIONS Pertuzumab monotherapy is active against HER2-positive breast cancer which has progressed during trastuzumab-based therapy. The combination of the two antibodies appears to be more active than either antibody alone. The combination is also active in patients that had failed both antibodies given separately. In clinical studies, the use of the two antibodies combined is justified. [Table: see text].
Dose‐dependent changes in the synaptic strength on dopamine neurons and locomotor activity after cocaine exposure

Changes in synaptic strength on ventral tegmental area (VTA) dopamine neurons are thought to play a critical role in the development of addiction‐related behaviors. However, it is unknown how a single injection of cocaine at different doses affects locomotor activity, behavioral sensitization, and glutamatergic synaptic strength on VTA dopamine neurons in mice. We observed that behavioral sensitization to a challenge cocaine injection scaled with the dose of cocaine received 1 day prior. Interestingly, the locomotor activity after the initial exposure to different doses of cocaine corresponded to the changes in glutamatergic strength on VTA dopamine neurons. These results in mice suggest that a single exposure to cocaine dose‐dependently affects excitatory synapses on VTA dopamine neurons, and that this acute synaptic alteration is directly associated with the locomotor responses to cocaine and not to behavioral sensitization. Synapse 62:790–795, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Substance P primes lipoteichoic acid‐ and Pam3CysSerLys4‐mediated activation of human mast cells by up‐regulating Toll‐like receptor 2

Substance P (SP) is a neuropeptide with neuroimmunoregulatory activity that may play a role in susceptibility to infection. Human mast cells, which are important in innate immune responses, were analysed for their responses to pathogen‐associated molecules via Toll‐like receptors (TLRs) in the presence of SP. Human cultured mast cells (LAD2) were activated by SP and TLR ligands including lipopolysaccharide (LPS), Pam3CysSerLys4 (Pam3CSK4) and lipoteichoic acid (LTA), and mast cell leukotriene and chemokine production was assessed by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and gene expression by quantitative PCR (qPCR). Mast cell degranulation was determined using a β‐hexosaminidase (β‐hex) assay. SP treatment of LAD2 up‐regulated mRNA for TLR2, TLR4, TLR8 and TLR9 while anti‐immunoglobulin E (IgE) stimulation up‐regulated expression of TLR4 only. Flow cytometry and western blot confirmed up‐regulation of TLR2 and TLR8. Pretreatment of LAD2 with SP followed by stimulation with Pam3CSK4 or LTA increased production of leukotriene C4 (LTC4) and interleukin (IL)‐8 compared with treatment with Pam3CSK4 or LTA alone (> 2‐fold; P < 0·01). SP alone activated 5‐lipoxygenase (5‐LO) nuclear translocation but also augmented Pam3CSK4 and LTA‐mediated 5‐LO translocation. Pam3CSK4, LPS and LTA did not induce LAD2 degranulation. SP primed LTA and Pam3CSK4‐mediated activation of JNK, p38 and extracellular‐signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) and activated the nuclear translocation of c‐Jun, nuclear factor (NF)‐κB, activating transcription factor 2 (ATF‐2) and cyclic‐AMP‐responsive element binding protein (CREB) transcription factors. Pretreatment with SP followed by LTA stimulation synergistically induced production of chemokine (C‐X‐C motif) ligand 8 (CXCL8)/IL‐8, chemokine (C‐C motif) ligand 2 (CCL2)/monocyte chemotactic protein 1 (MCP‐1), tumour necrosis factor (TNF) and IL‐6 protein. SP primes TLR2‐mediated activation of human mast cells by up‐regulating TLR expression and potentiating signalling pathways associated with TLR. These results suggest that neuronal responses may influence innate host defence responses.
Mindfulness meditation to reduce symptoms after organ transplant: a pilot study.

CONTEXT Solid organ transplant patients require life-long immune suppression that can produce distressing side effects and complications. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the potential of Mindfulness-Based Stress Reduction (MBSR) to reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and sleep disturbance and improve quality of life after solid organ transplantation. DESIGN Longitudinal with evaluations at baseline, postcourse and 3-month follow-up. PARTICIPANTS AND SETTING Kidney, lung, or pancreas transplant recipients (N=20), aged 35 to 59 years, living in the community. INTERVENTION An MBSR class (2.5 hours weekly, for 8 weeks), modeled after the program of Jon Kabat-Zinn. Home practice (goal: 45 minutes, 5 days weekly) was monitored. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Self-report scales for depression (CES-D), anxiety (STAI-Y1), and sleep dysfunction (PSQI). RESULTS Nineteen participants completed the course. Findings suggest improvement from baseline symptom scores for depression (P=.006) and sleep (P=.011) at the completion of the MBSR program. At 3 months, improvement in sleep continued (P=.002), and a significant improvement in anxiety scores was seen (P=.043); scores for both symptoms demonstrated a linear trend and dose-response relationship with practice time. In contrast, depression scores showed a quadratic trend, and at 3 months were no longer different from baseline. A composite symptom measure was significantly improved at 3-month follow-up (P=.007). Global and health-related quality of life ratings were not improved. Effects of group support and instructor attention were not controlled, and sample size and follow-up time were limited. A randomized trial to overcome these shortcomings should be done, as symptom distress in transplant recipients appears responsive to MBSR.
Environmental Advertising Claims: A Preliminary Investigation

As organizations increasingly target consumers who are concerned about the environment, the nature of their advertising becomes more of an issue. While much has been written about the problems associated with environmental advertising, this phenomenon has seldom been addressed systematically. This paper is intended to ascertain the extent to which environmental ads contain misleading and deceptive claims and to pose public policy recommendations concerning environmental advertising.
Introducing Team Learning in a Developing Economy: Students’ Experiences of Experiential Entrepreneurship Education in Namibia

Entrepreneurship is considered to be a driving force behind nations’ economic development, and entrepreneurship education’s role is essential in shaping entrepreneurial attitudes, skills and culture. The objective of this study was to investigate students’ experiences of entrepreneurship education in a developing economy, especially as regards learning in and through teams. The research project was conducted in Namibia, where the challenges to breaking out of poverty are huge. Methodologically, the study was based on qualitative thematic analysis of semi-structured interviews (2009–2014) of higher education students (N=13) taking part in an action-based, experiential entrepreneurship programme. In the analysis of students’ teamwork experiences, five main themes related to learning in and through teams emerged — the first three relating to individuals, the fourth to the team, and the fifth to wider social relations: (i) psychological safety, (ii) tolerance of uncertainty, (iii) strengthening of self-efficacy, (iv) strengthening of team-efficacy, and (v) understanding of others and other cultures. The outcomes may be utilised in establishing, developing and planning similar entrepreneurship education programmes across different cultural settings in developing economies.
Serum paraoxonase 1 activity and malondialdehyde levels in patients with ulcerative colitis

This study was designed to evaluate the oxidative and antioxidative status in patients with ulcerative colitis by detecting antioxidant enzyme paraoxonase 1 activity together with the level of a well‐known marker of oxidative stress, malondialdehyde. Serum paraoxonase 1 activity and malondialdehyde levels were analysed in 30 patients with ulcerative colitis and 30 controls using a spectrophotometric method; correlation analysis was made between these variables. Serum malondialdehyde levels were higher in the ulcerative colitis group (median: 2.5, range: 0.5–9.4 nmol ml−1) than among the controls (median:1.1, range: 0.5–2.3 nmol ml−1; p < 0.001) whereas paraoxonase 1 activities were lower in the ulcerative colitis group (median: 158.4, range: 61.6–264.1 U l−1) than in the control group (median: 233.3, range: 114.4–431.0 U l−1; p < 0.001). There was no correlation between serum malondialdehyde level, paraoxonase 1 activity and disease activity. (1) Increased reactive oxygen metabolites levels in ulcerative colitis may result in a pro‐oxidation environment, which in turn could result in decreased antioxidant paraoxonase 1 activity and increased malondialdehyde levels, (2) increased cytokines may be a possible cause of decreased paraoxonase 1 activity and (3) decreased serum paraoxonase 1 activity may be a part of an inflammatory response. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Developmental changes in CSF hypocretin‐1 (orexin‐A) levels in normal and genetically narcoleptic Doberman pinschers

Loss of hypocretin cells or mutation of hypocretin receptors causes narcolepsy. In canine genetic narcolepsy, produced by a mutation of the Hcrtr2 gene, symptoms develop postnatally with symptom onset at 4 weeks of age and maximal symptom severity by 10–32 weeks of age. Canine narcolepsy can readily be quantified. The large size of the dog cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) cerebellomedullary cistern allows the withdrawal of sufficient volumes of CSF for accurate assay of hypocretin levels, as early as postnatal day 4. We have taken advantage of these features to determine the relation of CSF hypocretin levels to symptom onset and compare hypocretin levels in narcoleptic and normal dogs. We find that by 4 days after birth, Hcrtr2 mutants have significantly higher levels of Hcrt than normal age‐ and breed‐matched dogs. These levels were also significantly higher than those in adult narcoleptic and normal dogs. A reduction followed by an increase in Hcrt levels coincides with symptom onset and increase in the narcoleptics. The Hcrtr2 mutation alters the normal developmental course of hypocretin levels.
Designing biomimetic antifouling surfaces

Marine biofouling is the accumulation of biological material on underwater surfaces, which has plagued both commercial and naval fleets. Biomimetic approaches may well provide new insights into designing and developing alternative, non-toxic, surface-active antifouling (AF) technologies. In the marine environment, all submerged surfaces are affected by the attachment of fouling organisms, such as bacteria, diatoms, algae and invertebrates, causing increased hydrodynamic drag, resulting in increased fuel consumption, and decreased speed and operational range. There are also additional expenses of dry-docking, together with increased fuel costs and corrosion, which are all important economic factors that demand the prevention of biofouling. Past solutions to AF have generally used toxic paints or coatings that have had a detrimental effect on marine life worldwide. The prohibited use of these antifoulants has led to the search for biologically inspired AF strategies. This review will explore the natural and biomimetic AF surface strategies for marine systems.
N‐Acetylaspartate: a literature review of animal research on brain ischaemia

The present review examines and discusses the changes in N‐acetylaspartate (NAA) concentration in the ischaemic brain from the existing literature of animal research. By summarizing the current knowledge on NAA metabolic pathways and reviewing the data obtained in animal models of global and focal ischaemia, the following conclusions emerge from this compilation: (i) both magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS) and the absolute HPLC method of NAA quantification give converging information; (ii) decreases in brain NAA concentration in acute stroke can be considered as an index of neuronal loss or dysfunction, although NAA redistribution by glial cells and NAA trapping in cell debris restrict its use as a quantitative neuronal marker; (iii) further studies on NAA metabolism in pathologic brain are required before using NAA measurement in the chronic stage of ischaemia for evaluating neuroprotective strategies.
Analysis and design of bandstop filter using E-shaped dual mode resonator

This paper reports analysis and design of bandstop filter utilizing E-shaped dual mode resonator. The basic structure of the bandstop filter consists of E-shaped resonator parallel to microstrip transmission line and an open stub inverter. Parametric analysis is carried out using Micro-Stripes software and the design is optimized to get stop band with high rejection level at 6 GHz centre frequency. Simulated and measured results of both single and double dual mode resonator bandstop filters are presented. Simulations of the bandstop filter using both edge-coupled and the side- coupled resonators are also reported. No significant improvement in the characteristics of bandstop filters using edge-coupled design was observed. However, side-coupled design showed remarkable improvement in the stop band characteristics as compared with the single resonator bandstop filter. The experimental and simulated results presented show good agreement.
Regulation of Staphylococcus aureus Capsular Polysaccharide Expression by agr and sarA

ABSTRACT This study addresses the regulation of Staphylococcus aureus type 8 capsular polysaccharide (CP8) expression by the global regulators agr and sarA. We analyzed CP8 production, cap8-specific mRNA synthesis, and blaZ reporter gene activities of the transcriptional and translational fusions in strain Becker and its agr, sarA, and agr-sarA isogenic mutants during different phases of bacterial growth. In the wild-type strain, cap8 mRNA was undetectable until the mid-logarithmic phase of growth, whereas CP8 production was undetectable until 2 h later, at the onset of stationary phase. The delay most likely reflects the time needed for completing CP8 synthesis resulting from translation of cap8 mRNA. The agr mutation caused drastic reductions in CP8 production and cap8 gene transcription, suggesting that agr is a major positive regulator of CP8 expression. The results of gene fusion studies indicated that regulation by agr is exerted at the transcriptional level. In contrast, the sarA mutation caused only a slight reduction in cap8 mRNA synthesis and reporter gene activities. By comparing CP8 production and cap8 transcription, we observed that sarA affected CP8 production both trancriptionally and posttranslationally. We showed that agr was a major activator for cap gene expression not only in type 8 strain Becker but also in strains representing the four agr groups.