Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Function of opioids in the enteric nervous system

Alterations in gastrointestinal motility and secretion underlie the constipating action of therapeutically administered opiates. The prototype opiate is morphine, which acts to delay gastric emptying and intestinal transit, to suppress intestinal secretion of water and electrolytes and to suppress transport of bile into the duodenum. The effects of opiates, synthetic opioids and endogenously released opioid peptides on these organ‐level gastrointestinal functions reflect actions on electrical and synaptic behaviour of neurones in the enteric nervous system. Adverse effects and positive therapeutic effects of administration of opioid‐receptor‐blocking drugs on the digestive tract must be understood in the context of the neurophysiology of the enteric nervous system and mechanisms of neural control of gastrointestinal smooth muscle, secretory glands and blood–lymphatic vasculature. We review here the integrated systems of physiology and cellular neurobiology that are basic to understanding the actions of opioid agonists and antagonists in the digestive tract.
The effect of bradykinin, serum kallikrein and other endogenous substances on capillary permeability in the guinea‐pig

Experiments with crude preparations of bradykinin have shown that they increase capillary permeability in the guinea-pig, rabbit (Holdstock, Mathias & Schachter, 1957) and man (Herxheimer & Schachter, 1959). The present experiments with highly purified preparations demonstrated that bradykinin is indeed a very potent enhancer of permeability. It was of interest therefore to study also the effect of serum kallikrein on capillary permeability, since this substance occurs normally in an inactive form in the blood of man and animals, and when activated releases kallidin, a polypeptide closely resembling bradykinin (see Frey, Kraut & Werle, 1950; Werle, 1955, 1960). Serum kallikrein was also found to be effective in increasing capillary permeability, and our results suggest that this activity is, in fact, due to the release of kallidin. The effects of serum kallikrein and bradykinin were similar qualitatively and quantitatively and both differed in a number of ways from the effect of histamine. Since plasmin, the fibrinolytic enzyme in plasma, resembles kallikrein in that it exists in blood in an inactive but activable form (Mullertz, 1956; Biggs & MacFarlane, 1957), and has been found by some workers to be a potent releaser of a substance indistinguishable from bradykinin (Beraldo, 1950; Lewis, 1958), we compared its properties with those of serum kallikrein. Our experiments showed that kallikrein differed from plasmin in several ways. Plasmin was relatively ineffective in increasing capillary permeability and failed to release a smooth-muscle stimulating agent from plasma under conditions in which serum kallikrein was very active; on the other hand, plasmin was far more effective than kallikrein in producing fibrinolysis. A preliminary communication of some of these results has previously been made to the Physiological Society (Bhoola & Schachter, 1959).
Research of turbine regulating system based on neuron PID optimal control

Aiming at the nonlinear characteristics of dead-time and saturation in the turbine regulating system, an optimal tuning method of neuron PID controller is presented in this paper for solving the problem to be difficult to tune PID parameters in nonlinear system. The approach uses PID control model as input-output model of neuron, and uses the PID parameters as the weights of neuron. The real-time optimal parameters are achieved through the online training of neuron. Hence, the nonlinear system can be optimally controlled. The research results show that the approach presented has very high control precision and very good online tracking performance in controlling nonlinear systems. so, it is of an effective approach of intelligent control.
Hyperthermia using nanoparticles – Promises and pitfalls

Abstract An ever-increasing body of literature affirms the physical and biological basis for sensitisation of tumours to conventional therapies such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy by mild temperature hyperthermia. This knowledge has fuelled the efforts to attain, maintain, measure and monitor temperature via technological advances. A relatively new entrant in the field of hyperthermia is nanotechnology which capitalises on locally injected or systemically administered nanoparticles that are activated by extrinsic energy sources to generate heat. This review describes the kinds of nanoparticles available for hyperthermia generation, their activation sources, their characteristics, and the unique opportunities and challenges with nanoparticle-mediated hyperthermia.
Effect of the oral administration of tryptophan‐free amino acid mixtures on serum tryptophan, brain tryptophan and serotonin metabolism

TRYPTOPHAN (Try) is the only amino acid circulating in plasma which is bound to serum proteins (MCMENAMY & ONCLEY, 1958). Previous studies from our (TAGLIAMONTE et al., 1971a; GESSA et al., 1972; TAGLIAMONTE et al., 1973a; 1973b) and Curzon's laboratories (KNOTT & CURZON, 1972) have shown that the concentration of free Try in serum parallels in many instances the concentration of Try in brain which, in turn, parallels the synthesis rate of brain serotonin (TAGLIAMONTE et al., 1971~; TAGLIAMONTE, et al., 1971b). On the other hand, studies on transport of amino acids from blood to brain on uptake of amino acids by brain slices GUROFF & UDENFRIEND, 1962; OLDENWRF, 1971; &HEN & LAJTHA, 1972) or synaptosomes (GRAHAME-SMITH & PARFITT, 1970) have shown that many of the aromatic acids share the same transport mechanism from blood to brain and that a high concentration of one can lower the uptake or transport of others. These considerations suggest that Try concentration in brain may depend not only on the concentration of free serumTry but also, as suggested by FERNSTROM & WURTMAN (1971), on the plasma concentration of the other amino acids competing for the same transport mechanism. In order to test this hypothesis, we studied the effect of the intragastric administration of different amino acid mixtures not containing Try, on brain Try level and serotonin metabolism. Results show that certain amino acid combinations produce a dramatic fall in Try, serotonin and 5-h ydroxyindoleacetic acid in brain and in free and total Try in serum. MATERIALS AND METHODS
Use of subtraction ictal SPECT co-registered to MRI for optimizing the localization of seizure foci in children.

UNLABELLED Ictal SPECT studies are increasingly used to localize seizure foci in children with refractory epilepsy, but few studies have reported on ictal-interictal subtraction images co-registered to MRI at this age. METHODS Twenty-seven children with partial epilepsy (aged 3 mo-18 y) underwent ictal ethyl cysteinate dimer (ECD) SPECT (20 mCi/1.73 m2) combined with video-electroencephalography (EEG) and interictal ECD SPECT followed 2 d later by three-dimensional MRI. Ictal-interictal and interictal-ictal subtraction images were computed by registering and normalizing the ictal to the interictal SPECT scans for each child. The ictal, interictal SPECT and subtraction images were registered to each child's MRI. Difference images (ictal-interictal) were then superimposed on MRI for anatomic localization of the perfusion changes. Intra- and interobserver reproducibility and "facility of interpretation" of overlay images were compared with standard analysis of the non-coregistered ictal and interictal scans. RESULTS Overlay images allowed the detection of at least one hyperperfused focus in 93% of the children, compared with 74% using ictal and interictal scans separately. Seizure onset was suspected clinically, on EEG or on MRI in 20 children. Overlay images were concordant (n = 11) or larger (n = 7) than the suspected focus in 18 of 20 (90%), whereas these images failed to show any abnormality in 1 child and were discordant with MRI in another patient. In the remaining 7, images showed cortical localization in 6 patients. Among the 5 patients who underwent electrocorticography, overlay images were concordant in 3, larger in 1 and absent in 1. The intra- and interobserver reproducibility and facility of interpretation were significantly higher using overlay images than standard analysis, even when ictal and interictal SPECT were co-registered. CONCLUSION The co-registration of ictal-interictal subtraction SPECT images to MRI seems to be a helpful technique in localizing the onset of seizure and guiding the intracranial recording in childhood epilepsy. Moreover, this method improves sensitivity, enhances intra- and interobserver reproducibility and makes interpretation easier.
Collaborative pharmacy practice: an update

Collaborative practice among health professionals is slowly coming of age, given the global focus on efficiency and effectiveness of care to achieve positive patient outcomes and to reduce the economic burden of fragmented care. Collaborative pharmacy practice (CPP) is accordingly evolving within different models including: disease management, medication therapy management, patient centered medical home, and accountable care organizations. Pharmacist roles in these models relate to drug therapy management and include therapy introduction, adjustment, or discontinuation, patient counseling and education, and identification, resolution, and prevention of problems leading to drug interactions and adverse reactions. Most forms of CPP occur with physicians in various settings. Collaborative practice agreements exist in many states in the US and are mentioned in the International Pharmaceutical Federation policy statement. Impetus for CPP comes from health system and economic concerns, as well as from a regulatory push. There are positive examples in community, ambulatory care, and inpatient settings that have well documented protocols, indicators of care, and measurement and reporting of clinical, economic, and patient reported outcomes; however, implementation of the practice is still not widespread. Conceptual and implementation challenges include health professional training, attitudes, confidence and comfort levels, power and communication issues, logistic barriers of time, workload, proximity, resistance to establish and adopt regulations, and importantly, payment models. Some of the attitudinal and perceptual challenges can be mitigated by incorporation of interprofessional concepts and practice in health profession education. Other challenges need to be addressed across health systems, given the inefficiencies and problems that arise from lack of communication and coordination of patient care including medication nonadherence, errors and patient safety, complexity of compounded health problems, and potential liability. The existing evidence needs to be examined to address some challenges and improve infrastructure for CPP.
P‐selectin requirement for neutrophil accumulation and injury in the direct passive Arthus reaction

The aim of this study was to investigate the role of P‐selectin in the accumulation of neutrophils in the direct passive Arthus reaction in rat skin. Direct passive Arthus dermal reaction was induced in male Sprague‐Dawley (SD) rats by a single i.v. injection of rat anti‐sheep globulin (SG) 1 h before i.d. injection of SG antigen. Anti‐P‐selectin or irrelevant control antibody was given 1 h before rat anti‐SG injection. Complement depletion was also performed in a separate group by pretreatment with cobra venom factor (CVF). In all groups dermal swelling was assessed 4 h after antigen challenge. Four hours after antigen challenge, rats treated with control antibody developed skin swelling (2.29 ± 0.47 mm), prominent complement deposition and neutrophil accumulation. This response was associated with local up‐regulation of endothelial P‐selectin. Pre‐treatment with anti‐P‐selectin antibody 1 h before passive Arthus induction prevented skin swelling (0.29 ± 0.06 mm, P < 0.05, cf with control antibody treatment), neutrophil accumulation and up‐regulation of endothelial P‐selectin despite complement deposition. CVF treatment prevented complement deposition, neutrophil accumulation and skin swelling (0.13 ± 0.07 mm, P < 0.05, cf with saline treatment). However, endothelial P‐selectin expression was still present. Inhibition of skin swelling and neutrophil accumulation in direct passive Arthus by functional inhibition of P‐selectin suggest a pivotal role for this adhesion molecule in this inflammatory process. These results also suggest that multiple steps are involved in the evolution of direct passive Arthus, including both P‐selectin expression and complement activation. However, while complement activation is essential for neutrophil accumulation and expression of dermal injury, P‐selectin up‐regulation initiated by antibody/antigen deposition occurs independently of complement activation.
Novel antibiotics for the treatment of Staphylococcus aureus

Staphylococcus aureus is a leading cause of nosocomial and community-acquired infection associated with significant morbidity and mortality. Antibiotic treatment of infections owing to S. aureus have become increasingly challenging as the pathogen has acquired a broad spectrum of antibiotic resistance mechanisms. In particular, emergence and spread of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) progressed to a global health threat. The glycopeptides antibiotics vancomycin and teicoplanin have remained as the drugs of last resort for more than 20 years. Fortunately, in addition to the glycopeptides, several novel antibiotics including linezolid, daptomycin, tigecycline, quinupristin/dalfopristin and ceftobiprole acting against MRSA have been recently introduced into clinical practice broadening therapeutic options. Although the arsenal of antistaphylococcal drugs has filled up in recent years, the rate of MRSA infection continues to be high in most countries. This demands an ongoing search for new antibacterials and lead compounds as well as development of alternative therapies and faster diagnostics to ensure effective anti-staphylococcal therapy in the future.
Cytokine Control of the Granulomatous Response in Schistosoma mansoni-Infected Baboons: Role of Exposure and Treatment

ABSTRACT Variations in exposure and treatment may contribute to heterogeneity in immunity and granuloma-induced pathology in human schistosomiasis. To examine this hypothesis, olive baboons were either repeatedly infected with Schistosoma mansoni cercariae or received an equivalent dose in a single infection. They were then cured with praziquantel and reinfected with a single exposure. Serial liver biopsies were obtained throughout the course of the experiment, and cytokine responses by peripheral blood mononuclear cells were measured every 2 to 3 weeks. Reinfection after treatment resulted in a twofold-smaller granuloma size at 6 and 9 weeks after infection compared to the size for the same period after primary infection (P < 0.001) but had no effect at 16 or 19 weeks postinfection. The pattern of exposure did not influence granuloma size. During primary infection schistosome-soluble egg antigen (SEA)-induced cytokine production correlated with granulomatous inflammation. Cytokine levels peaked during the acute infection, declined with chronic infection, and became undetectable after treatment. Reinfection after treatment stimulated a two- to three-fold increase in SEA-specific interleukin-4 (IL-4), IL-5, IL-10, IL-2, and transforming growth factor β (TGF-β) production and a marked rise in SEA-specific immunoglobulin E (IgE) and IgG regardless of the type of exposure. Cytokine production was significantly greater in repeatedly exposed animals (P < 0.001). SEA-induced gamma interferon production, however, did not increase with reinfection after treatment. SEA-induced TGF-β was the only cytokine that remained elevated as the infection become chronic and correlated with diminished hepatic granuloma size, implying its participation in down-modulation. These studies demonstrate that baboons partially retain their ability to down-modulate the granulomatous response after treatment.
Elimination and Reinvasion Studies with Coptotermes formosanus (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) in Louisiana

Abstract Three Formosan subterranean termite, Coptotermes formosanus Shiraki (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae), colonies located inside the 12.75-ha Louis Armstrong Park, New Orleans, were selected for elimination by using the chitin synthesis inhibitor hexaflumuron. Once eliminated, each vacated foraging territory was monitored for reinvasion by neighboring C. formosanus colonies, Reticulitermes flavipes (Kollar) (Isoptera: Rhinotermitidae) colonies, or both. Each selected colony was eliminated in ≈3 mo by using baits containing hexaflumuron. Overall activity of each untreated colony in the park remained unchanged during the same period. New C. formosanus and R. flavipes activity was detected in two of the three vacated territories, and in both areas, within days of selected colony elimination. The third vacated territory was completely reoccupied by a new C. formosanus colony ≈7 mo later. Mark–recapture studies and DNA fingerprinting confirmed the distinctness of the reinvaders from eliminated and neighboring colonies.
Consensus and Variant cAMP-regulated Enhancers Have Distinct CREB-binding Properties*

Recent determination of the cAMP response element-binding protein (CREB) basic leucine zipper (bZIP) consensus CRE crystal structure revealed key dimerization and DNA binding features that are conserved among members of the CREB/CREM/ATF-1 family of transcription factors. Dimerization appeared to be mediated by a Tyr307–Glu312interhelical hydrogen bond and a Glu319–Arg314electrostatic interaction. An unexpected hexahydrated Mg2+ion was centered above the CRE in the dimer cavity. In the present study, we related these features to CREB dimerization and DNA binding. A Y307F substitution reduced dimer stability and DNA binding affinity, whereas a Y307R mutation produced a stabilizing effect. Mutation of Glu319 to Ala or Lys attenuated dimerization and DNA binding. Mg2+ ions enhanced the binding affinity of wild-type CREB to the palindromic CRE by ∼20-fold but did not do so for divergent CREs. Similarly, mutation of Lys304, which mediates the CREB interaction with the hydrated Mg2+, blocked CREB binding to the palindromic but not the variant CRE sequences. The distinct binding characteristics of the K304A mutants to the consensus and variant CRE sequences indicate that CREB binding to these elements is differentially regulated by Mg2+ ions. We suggest that CREB binds the consensus and variant CRE sequences through fundamentally distinct mechanisms.
Central venous-to-arterial carbon dioxide difference as a useful complementary goal of fluid resuscitation for septic shock patients

Introduction: Central venous oxygen saturation has inevitable limitation when it serves as a goal of fluid resuscitation. The objective of this study was to assess the capacity of central venous-to-arterial carbon dioxide difference (P(cv-a)CO2) as a complementary marker to guide fluid resuscitation when ScvO2 has reached its threshold in septic shock patients. Methods: This is a singel-central, observational study of septic shock patient. Patients were randomly divided into two groups with ScvO2 normalized and both ScvO2 and P(cv-a)CO2 normalized as a target of fluid resuscitated respectively. Compared the variables at the beginning of study (T0) and 6 h after fluid resuscitated (T6) for both groups. Lactate clearanc were calculated, and dose of vasoactive drugs, duration of mechanical ventilation and ICU stay and 28-day mortality were recorded. Results: 68 septic shock patients were included in study. At T0, no defference were found between the two groups. Heart rate and lactic acid decreased significantly at T6 in both groups, but lactate clearance rate of ScvO2+P(cv-a)CO2 group (30.1 ± 17.2) were significantly higher than ScvO2 group (21.6 ± 14.3) (p<0.05). Mechanical ventilation time and duration of ICU stay of ScvO2+P(cv-a)CO2 group were shorter than ScvO2 group (11.7 ± 4.9 days vs. 14.7 ± 6.2 days and 9.3 ± 4.4 days vs. 13.2 ± 6.2 days respectively). No significant difference was observed in 28-days mortality for the two groups. Conclusion: P(cv-a)CO2 is a valuable complementay goal to guide the fluid resuscitation for septic shock patients. The inclusion of P(cv-a)CO2 into resuscitation protocol would be a safely and effectively practice. But P(cv-a)CO2 may not availably enough to serve as a predictor of prognosis and mortality.
Population and growth causality in developing countries.

This study empirically tests the null hypotheses of no causality between population growth and economic growth and of no causality between economic growth and population growth in 15 developing countries. The model follows the Cheng Hsiao form with lag lengths to minimize Akaike's Final Prediction Error (FPE). Equations are run separately for each country. Lag lengths and Granger causality test were chosen according to three steps. 1) Each of the variables was regressed on its own lagged values with a maximum lag of five years. A lag length was chosen that minimized FPE, which was calculated for each regression. 2) Bivariate regressions were run with a fixed lag length for population growth and mixed lag lengths for the other variable, until the lag length which minimized FPE was determined. 3) The last step involved checking the lag length of population growth by keeping the lag fixed for economic growth. The economic growth measure was gross domestic product per capita. Findings indicate that in seven countries the null hypothesis of no causality between population growth and economic growth, either positive or negative, cannot be rejected (Ghana, Sri Lanka, Bolivia, Philippines, Syria, Thailand, and Argentina). In Nepal, India, China, Guatemala, Peru, Turkey, Chile, and Mexico lagged values of population growth improve predictions of economic growth. Higher economic growth has no significant effect on population growth rates in Nepal, Bolivia, Philippines, Guatemala, Peru, Thailand, Argentina, and Mexico. Interaction between economic growth and population growth was found in India, China, Turkey, and Chile. The direction of causation tests indicate that population growth has a significant positive impact on income growth in China, Guatemala, Turkey, Chile, and Mexico. India shows a negative impact of population growth on income. A significant negative impact of economic growth on population growth is evident only in Sri Lanka. There is weak evidence of a positive influence in India. The sign is negative and not significant for the other countries. There was no evidence to support simultaneity bias between the two variables. The evidence lends support to the theory that population growth has a positive impact on economic growth.