Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Advancing Palliative Care in Kenya

Background: Life-threatening illnesses such as HIV/AIDS, malaria, tuberculosis, and other disorders are prevalent in the developing world, including Kenya. Objective: The aim of this project was to assist in the development of palliative care throughout Kenya by enhancing the knowledge and skill of faculty members in palliative care so they could integrate this content into existing nursing curricula. Methods: In an effort to develop palliative care throughout the country, experts from the Kenya Hospices and Palliative Care Association and the Kenyatta National Hospital invited faculty from the End-of-Life Nursing Education Consortium with the United States to adopt the content of its training program to address the needs of nurses and other health care professionals in Kenya. This curriculum was delivered to nursing faculty from throughout Kenya during a 5-day training course that incorporated presentations, case studies, exercises, and other teaching methods. Results: The course participants completed daily course evaluations in which they rated each session on a scale of 0 = not helpful to 5 = very helpful. All of the sessions were rated very favorably, with scores for all sessions across the 5 days ranging from 4.57 to 4.91. Conclusion: End-of-Life Nursing Education Consortium provided educational and other support to faculty teaching in nursing schools in Kenya so they could advance palliative care efforts in this country. Implications for Practice: Nurses working in the United States can share their expertise and learn immense lessons from colleagues in developing worlds.
Iron deficiency‐induced tetracycline production in submerged cultures by Streptomyces aureofaciens

Streptomyces aureofaciens ATCC 10762 grown in rotary‐shaken submerged cultures produced substantial amounts of tetracycline only when the defined medium was deprived of iron. The biosynthesis of tetracycline was inhibited either by free iron at concentrations above 1–2 μmol l−1, or by chelated iron provided by the siderophores of this bacterial strain. Late static iron‐containing cultures allowed cell differentiation and sporulation and led to tetracyclines synthesis. A nitrosoguanidine‐induced mutant able to synthesize tetracycline in the presence of iron in shaken submerged cultures was isolated and compared to the wild‐type strain. However, no constitutive siderophore‐mediated iron transport occurred in the mutant. These results suggest the involvement of a putative iron‐controlled repressor in the biosynthesis of these secondary metabolites during vegetative growth and primary metabolism of the bacterium.
IMPORTANCE OF THE FAMILIAR THERAPY AS TOOL AUXILIARY IN THE SUCCESSORY PROCESS OF FAMILIAR COMPANIES

In this study was presented the familiar therapy’s importance as tool auxiliary in the successory process of familiar companies, aiming at reduction of interpersonal conflicts between the family members and aggregates, condition necessary for the peace of the clan and the existence of the family company. A survey of the subject studied had been carried out in scientific books, articles, congress annals and journal specialized. It was presented the analysis of 24 studies. The criteria for choosing the texts that supplied this study, has elements satisfactory in the understanding of the thematic boarded. Finally, it was evident that the family therapy contributes in the power conflicts reduction inherent to the process of succession of the familiar companies. Descriptors : Familiar company; Succession; Familiar therapy; Mediation
Role of Endothelium-Derived Nitric Oxide in the Regulation of Cardiac Oxygen Metabolism: Implications in Health and Disease

Abstract— Endothelium-derived NO is considered to be primarily an important determinant of vascular tone and platelet activity; however, the modulation of myocardial metabolism by NO may be one of its most important roles. This modulation may be critical for the regulation of tissue metabolism. Several physiological processes act in concert to make endothelial NO synthase–derived NO potentially important in the regulation of mitochondrial respiration in cardiac tissue, including (1) the nature of the capillary network in the myocardium, (2) the diffusion distance for NO, (3) the low toxicity of NO at physiological (nanomolar) concentrations, (4) the fact that low Po2 in tissue facilitates the action of NO on cytochrome oxidase, and (5) the formation of oxygen free radicals. A decrease in NO production is involved in the pathophysiological modifications that occur in heart failure and diabetes, disease states associated with altered cardiac metabolism that contributes to the evolution of the disease process. In contrast, several drugs (eg, angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitors, amlodipine, and statins) can restore or maintain endogenous production of NO by endothelial cells, and this mechanism may explain part of their therapeutic efficiency. Thus, the purpose of this review is to critically evaluate the role of NO in the control of mitochondrial respiration, with special emphasis on its effect on cardiac metabolism.
Persistent anxiogenic effects of a single or repeated doses of cocaine and methamphetamine: interactions with endogenous cannabinoid receptor ligands

As persistent behavioural changes, such as increased anxiety-related behaviours, can be predicted based on the phenomenon of psychostimulant-induced neuronal plasticity, the time course (3-, 5- and 10-day time points) of the effects of both a single and repeated (daily for 7 days) i.p. administrations of cocaine (COC) and methamphetamine (MA) on anxiety-related behavioural symptoms in the elevated plus-maze test were examined in mice. Furthermore, based on the reported interactions between brain dopamine versus cannabinoid (CB) receptors and the contribution of CB receptors to the occurrence of persistent anxiety-related behavioural symptoms, the interactions of the agonist CP 55940 (CP) and the endogenous ligands anandamide (arachidonylethanolamide: AEA), 2-arachidonylglycerol (ARA), N-arachidonyldopamine (NADA), noladin ether (NL), and virodhamine (VA) with the COC- or MA-induced anxiety-related behaviours were also studied. In both an acute experiment using a single COC (30 mg/kg) or MA (4 mg/kg) dose and a chronic experiment using repeated COC (15 mg/kg) or MA (2 mg/kg) doses, anxiety-related behavioural symptoms were observed similarly at 3- and 5-day time points, but disappeared at the 10-day time point. Among the CB ligands, the agonists CP, AEA, ARA, NADA, and NL provided strong protective effects against each parameter at 3- and 5-day time points. Therefore, it was concluded that both COC and MA caused persistent anxiety-related behavioural symptoms following both a single and repeated treatments. Since these anxiogenic effects were attenuated by the endogenous CB agonists, the involvement of brain CB receptors was suspected.
Increased monocyte tissue factor expression in coronary disease.

OBJECTIVE--To investigate whether monocyte expression of tissue factor is increased in patients with acute coronary syndromes and chronic stable angina. DESIGN--Cross sectional study of monocyte tissue factor expression in patients with ischaemic heart disease and control subjects. BACKGROUND--Unstable angina and myocardial infarction are associated with enhanced mononuclear cell procoagulant activity. Procoagulant activity of blood monocytes is principally mediated by tissue factor expression. Tissue factor initiates the coagulation cascade and monocyte tissue factor expression may therefore be increased in these syndromes. METHODS--Monocyte tissue factor expression was measured cytometrically in whole blood flow using a polyclonal rabbit antihuman tissue factor antibody. PATIENTS--30 patients with acute myocardial infarction, 17 with unstable angina, 13 with chronic stable angina, and 11 normal control subjects. RESULTS--Increased proportions of monocytes expressing tissue factor (> 2.5%) were found in none of 11 (0%) normal subjects, five 13 (38%) patients with stable angina, 11 of 17 (64%) patients with unstable angina, and 16 of 30 (53%) patients with myocardial infarction (2P = 0.006). Blood from all subjects showed similar monocyte tissue factor expression similar monocyte tissue factor expression (46.1 (15.1)%) after lipopolysaccharide stimulation. CONCLUSION--Hypercoagulability associated with acute myocardial infarction, unstable angina, and chronic stable angina may be induced by tissue factor expressed on circulating monocytes.
Paraneoplastic and oncologic profiles of patients seropositive for type 1 antineuronal nuclear autoantibodies

Type 1 antineuronal nuclear autoantibody (ANNA-1, also known as "anti-Hu") is a marker of neurologic autoimmunity that is highly associated with small-cell lung carcinoma (SCLC). To determine the spectrum of symptoms and signs as well as the frequency of cancer in adult patients who are seropositive for ANNA-1, we reviewed 162 sequential patients (67% female) identified as ANNA-1-positive in a comprehensive immunofluorescence screening test. In 21% of these patients, the antibody test requested by the physician was not ANNA-1. By the end of the follow-up period, cancer had been found in 142 patients (88%). Ten of these lacked evidence of SCLC (4 had prostate carcinoma, 3 breast carcinoma, 1 both prostate carcinoma and melanoma, 1 lymphoma, and 1 squamous-cell lung carcinoma). Of the 132 patients(81%) with proven SCLC, 17 had one or more coexisting malignant neoplasms (6 had renal carcinoma, 4 another lung primary carcinoma, 3 prostate carcinoma, 3 breast carcinoma, and 4 assorted neoplasms). The diagnosis of SCLC in 128 patients(97%) followed the onset of paraneoplastic symptoms. SCLC was identified in 10 patients by chest MRI after an equivocal chest radiograph or CT; in 28 by bronchoscopy, mediastinoscopy, or thoracotomy; and in 7 at autopsy. Neurologic signs in decreasing frequency were neuropathy (sensory> mixed somatic > autonomic > cranial [especially cranial nerve VIII] > motor), cerebellar ataxia, limbic encephalitis, polyradiculopathy, associated Lambert-Eaton myasthenic syndrome, myopathy, myelopathy, opsoclonus/myoclonus, motor neuronopathy, brachial plexopathy, and aphasia. Nineteen patients had a solely gastrointestinal initial presentation, including gastroparesis, pseudo-obstruction, esophageal achalasia, or other dysmotility. We conclude that seropositivity for ANNA-1 can expedite the diagnosis and treatment of otherwise occult cancer in patients, especially tobacco abusers, with varied neurologic and gastroenterologic presentations. The search for SCLC should not end on discovering a different neoplasm.
The impact of glycosylation on monoclonal antibody conformation and stability

Antibody glycosylation is a common post-translational modification and has a critical role in antibody effector function. The use of glycoengineering to produce antibodies with specific glycoforms may be required to achieve the desired therapeutic efficacy. However, the modified molecule could have unusual behavior during development due to the alteration of its intrinsic properties and stability. In this study, we focused on the differences between glycosylated and deglycosylated antibodies, as aglycosyl antibodies are often chosen when effector function is not desired or unimportant. We selected three human IgG1 antibodies and used PNGase F to remove their oligosaccharide chains. Although there were no detected secondary or tertiary structural changes after deglycosylation, other intrinsic properties of the antibody were altered with the removal of oligosaccharide chains in the Fc region. The apparent molecular hydrodynamic radius increased after deglycosylation based on size-exclusion chromatography analysis. Deglycosylated antibodies exhibited less thermal stability for the CH2 domain and less resistance to GdnHCl induced unfolding. Susceptibility to proteolytic cleavage demonstrated that the deglycosylated version was more susceptible to papain. An accelerated stability study revealed that deglycosylated antibodies had higher aggregation rates. These changes may impact the development of aglycosyl antibody biotherapeutics.
A High-Performance Source Engineered Charge Plasma-Based Schottky MOSFET on SOI

In this paper, we address an important issue of low ON current in a Schottky barrier (SB) MOSFET by proposing a novel structure of Schottky MOSFET on silicon on insulator. The proposed Schottky device employs a dual material at the source side and is being named as the source engineered SB MOSFET (SE-SB-MOSFET). Erbium silicide (ErSi1.7) is used as the main source material, and Hafnium is used as a source extension. The use of Hafnium as a source extension induces an n+-type charge plasma in an undoped silicon film, which significantly reduces the SB thickness. A calibrated simulation study has shown that the ON current (ION) and ION/IOFF have increased by 225 and 65×, respectively, in the proposed device in comparison with the conventional SB-MOSFET device. The ac analysis has shown that the cutoff frequency (fT) in the proposed SE-SB-MOSFET (~200 GHz) has increased by 200× as compared with the conventional SB-MOSFET (~1 GHz). Furthermore, the performance of the proposed device has been tested at the circuit level also. It has been observed from the transient analysis that a significant reduction in switching ON delay (65×) and switching OFF delay (33%) has been achieved in the proposed SE-SB-MOSFET-based inverter in comparison with the conventional device-based inverter. Furthermore, the use of the charge plasma concept makes the fabrication of the proposed device relatively easy as it uses low thermal budget.
Detergent Insoluble Microdomains are not Involved in Transcytosis of Polymeric Ig Receptor in FRT and MDCK Cells

In polarized epithelial cells, sorting of proteins and lipids to the apical or basolateral domain of the plasma membrane can occur via direct or indirect (transcytotic) pathways from the trans Golgi network (TGN). The ‘rafts’ hypothesis postulates that the key event for direct apical sorting of some transmembrane proteins and the majority of GPI‐anchored proteins depends on their association with glycosphingolipid and cholesterol enriched microdomains (rafts). However, the mechanism of indirect sorting to the apical membrane is not clear. The polyimmunoglobulin receptor (pIgR) is one of the best studied proteins that follow the transcytotic pathway. It is normally delivered from the TGN to the basolateral surface of polarized Madin–Darby Canine Kidney (MDCK) cells from where it transports dIgA or dIgM to the apical surface. We have studied the intracellular trafficking of pIgR in Fischer rat thyroid cells (FRT), and have investigated the sorting machinery involved in transcytosis of this receptor in both FRT and MDCK cells. We found that, in contrast with MDCK cells, a significant amount (∼30%) of pIgR reaches the apical surface by a direct pathway. Furthermore, in both cell lines it does not associate with Triton X‐100‐insoluble microdomains, suggesting that at least in these cells ‘rafts’ are not involved in basolateral to apical transcytosis.
Dysfunction of Monocytes and Dendritic Cells in Patients With Premature Ovarian Failure

PROBLEM: Due to the presence of ovarian antibodies it has been suggested that premature ovarian failure (POF) belongs to the autoimmune endocrinopathies. Monocytes and the monocyte‐derived dendritic cells play a prominent role in the initial stages of endocrine autoimmune reactions: the accumulation of monocytes/dendritic cells and the clustering of dendritic cells in endocrine organs is one of the first phenomena of an autoimmune endocrinopathy.
In Vivo Tissue-Engineered Small-Caliber Arterial Graft Prosthesis Consisting of Autologous Tissue (Biotube)

In this study, vascular-like tubular tissues called biotubes, consisting of autologous tissues, were prepared using in vivo tissue engineering. Their mechanical properties were evaluated for application as a small-caliber artificial vascular prosthesis. The biotubes were prepared by embedding six kinds of polymeric rods [poly(ethylene) (PE), poly(fluoroacetate) (PFA), poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA), segmented poly(urethane) (PU), poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC), and silicone (Si)] as a mold in six subcutaneous pouches in the dorsal skin of New Zealand White rabbits. For rods apart from PFA, biotubes were constructed after 1 month of implantation by encapsulation around the polymeric implants. The wall thickness of the biotubes ranged from about 50 to 200 μm depending on the implant material and were in the order PFA < PVC < PMMA < PU < PE. As for PE, PMMA, and PVC, the thickness increased after 3 months of implantation and ranged from 1.5-to 2-fold. None of the biotubes were ruptured when a hydrostatic pressure was gradually applied to their lumen up to 200 mmHg. The relationship between the intraluminal pressure and the external diameter, which was highly reproducible, showed a “J”-shaped curve similar to the native artery. The tissue mostly consisted of collagen-rich extracellular matrices and fibroblasts. Generally, the tissue was relatively firm and inelastic for Si and soft for PMMA. For PMMA, PE, and PVC the stiffness parameter (β value; one of the indexes for compliance) of the biotubes obtained was similar to those of the human coronary, femoral, and carotid arteries, respectively. Biotubes, which possess the ability for wide adjustments in their matrices, mechanics, shape, and luminal surface design, can be applied for use as small-caliber blood vessels and are an ideal implant because they avoid immunological rejection.
Nitrate as a preferred electron sink for the acetogen Clostridium thermoaceticum

Nitrate enhanced the vanillin- and vanillate-dependent growth of Clostridium thermoaceticum. Under nitrate-enriched conditions, these aromatic substrates were subject to O demethylation. However, acetate, the normal product obtained from O demethylation, was not detected. Acetate was also not detected when methanol and CO cultures were supplemented with nitrate; glucose cultures likewise produced approximately one-third less acetate when enriched with nitrate. Reductant derived from the oxidation of these substrates was recovered in nitrite and ammonia. With an ammonia-limited medium employed to evaluate N turnover, the following stoichiometry was observed concomitantly with the consumption of 2.0 mM O-methyl groups (the recovery of nitrate-derived N approximated 89%): 3.9 mM NO3(-)-->2.8 mM NO2- +0.7 mM NH3. The results demonstrated that (i) nitrate was preferentially used as an electron sink under conditions that were otherwise acetogenic, (ii) nitrate dissimilation was energy conserving and growth supportive, and (iii) nitrate-coupled utilization of O-methyl groups conserved more energy than acetogenic O demethylation.
Receptor Expression in Olfactory Neurons During Rat Development: In Situ Hybridization Studies

In situ hybridization approaches have been employed to explore the onset and time course of odorant receptor expression during the prenatal development of rats. The critical phase for the maturation of the olfactory system from embryonic day (E) 12 to E18 was analysed. The onset of expression of four receptor genes (OR5, OR14, OR37 and OR124) was found between day E12 and E14. In the early phase of development (E14) a distinct receptor subtype was expressed only in a few hundred neurons; the number increased about two‐ to three‐fold within a 2 day interval. From the very beginning, spatial segregation of receptor subtypes in distinct expression zones was observed.
Anatomical Study and Comprehensive Review of the Incisivus Labii Superioris Muscle: Application to Lip and Cosmetic Surgery

Objectives The incisivus labii superioris muscle, which originates from the floor of the incisive fossa of the maxilla, has previously been described, it is not well understood. The purpose of this study was to investigate the incisivus labii superioris muscle with detailed dissection. Methods Twenty-six halves from thirteen fresh frozen cadaveric Caucasian heads were used in this study. First, the incisivus labii superioris muscle was dissected to reveal its origin and insertion, and its relationship to other mimetic muscles. Secondly, the distance from the midline to the innermost part of the bony attachment of the muscle was measured. The literature describing the incisivus labii superioris muscle was reviewed. Results The incisivus labii superioris muscle consisted of two parts, inferior and superior. The former merged into the orbicularis oris and the latter into the nasalis. The mean distance from the midline to the innermost part of the bony attachment of the incisivus labii superioris muscle was 4.8 ± 1.7 mm on the right side and 4.9 ±1.7 mm on the left. Conclusions The results of the present study suggest that the inferior part of the incisivus labii superioris should be considered as an accessory muscle of the orbicularis oris complex, and the superior part is the nasalis muscle.
Impact of Immunosuppressive Regimen on Survival of Kidney Transplant Recipients With Hepatitis C

Background. Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is common among end-stage renal disease patients receiving hemodialysis and a kidney transplant. HCV-positive kidney transplant recipients have worse clinical outcomes than those who are HCV negative. The optimal immunosuppressive regimen in this group of patients remains uncertain. Methods. Using data obtained from the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network/Scientific Registry of Transplant Recipients, we studied the impact of induction and maintenance immunosuppression on risk of patient death, with death-censored graft failure and death with a functioning graft as secondary endpoints. Cox regression analysis was used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) adjusted for donor, recipient, and transplant variables. A total of 3708 HCV-positive and 75,629 HCV-negative kidney transplant recipients were analyzed. Results. Patient survival was negatively affected by HCV-positive serology. Among HCV-positive kidney transplant recipients, a reduced HR for patient death was observed with the use of induction therapy (HR=0.75, 95% CI 0.61–0.90, P=0.003) and with the use of mycophenolate mofetil (HR=0.77, 95% CI 0.64–0.92, P=0.005). Conclusions. In kidney transplant recipients with HCV-positive serology, the use of antibody induction did not negatively affect patient survival and the use of mycophenolate mofetil as part of maintenance immunosuppression was associated with better patient survival.
Power system expansion using renewable energy sources in Ghana

Thermal power generation using light crude oil or natural gas and hydropower generation across the Volta Lake in Ghana, which is the world's largest man-made lake in terms of surface area, predominate Ghana's generation. The dependence of the power system on hydro (54.7%) and thermal (45.2%) generation results in high fuel (water and crude oil or natural gas) risk and insecurity, which translates into generation insufficiency in the country. Nonetheless, the average generation from these two energy sources for the year 2014 was estimated to be 2,515 MW, for a projected total peak demand of 2,381.58 MW, which represents a 13% increase in the previous year's demand. The closeness of the power generation and demand indicates a small reserve margin for contingencies in the power system. This has consequently led to excessive pressure on the power system especially as power generation has been inadequate to meet the increasing demand. An extensive expansion of the power system is thus urgently required to concurrently meet the increasing demand and maintain an optimum reserve margin necessary for the safe operation of the power system. In this regard, various generation expansion projects have been commissioned in Ghana, which focus on augmenting the generation capacity and hence utilize both conventional and renewable energy sources. This paper therefore highlights the deployment of renewable energy sources in Ghana's power system expansion.