Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
NF-kappaB inhibition ameliorates angiotensin II-induced inflammatory damage in rats.

We recently reported that the activation of nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-kappaB) promotes inflammation in rats harboring both human renin and angiotensinogen genes (double-transgenic rats [dTGR]). We tested the hypothesis that the antioxidant pyrrolidine dithiocarbamate (PDTC) inhibits NF-kappaB and ameliorates renal and cardiac end-organ damage. dTGR feature hypertension, severe renal and cardiac damage, and a 40% mortality rate at 7 weeks. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay showed increased NF-kappaB DNA binding activity in hearts and kidneys of dTGR. Chronic PDTC (200 mg/kg SC) treatment decreased blood pressure (162+/-8 versus 190+/-7 mm Hg; P=0.02) in dTGR compared with dTGR controls. The cardiac hypertrophy index was also significantly reduced (4.90+/-0.1 versus 5.77+/-0.1 mg/g; P<0. 001). PDTC reduced 24-hour albuminuria by >95% (2.5+/-0.8 versus 57. 1+/-8.7 mg/d; P<0.001) and prevented death. Vascular injury was ameliorated in small renal and cardiac vessels. Electrophoretic mobility shift assay showed that PDTC inhibited NF-kappaB binding activity in heart and kidney, whereas AP-1 activity in the kidney was not decreased. dTGR exhibited increased left ventricular c-fos and c-jun mRNA expression. PDTC treatment reduced c-fos but not c-jun mRNA. Immunohistochemistry showed increased p65 NF-kappaB subunit expression in the endothelium and smooth muscle cells of damaged small vessels, as well as infiltrating cells in glomeruli, tubules, and collecting ducts of dTGR. PDTC markedly reduced the immunoreactivity of p65. PDTC also prevented the NF-kappaB-dependent transactivation of the intercellular adhesion molecule ICAM-1 and inducible nitric oxide synthase. Monocyte infiltration was markedly increased in dTGR kidneys and hearts. Chronic treatment reduced monocyte/macrophage infiltration by 72% and 64%, respectively. Thus, these results demonstrate that PDTC inhibits NF-kappaB activity, ameliorates inflammation, and protects against angiotensin II-induced end-organ damage.
Dependence graph and master switch for seamless dependent routes replacement in SDN (extended abstract)

We study the problem of seamlessly updating several routes in a network, in the context of Software-Defined Networking (SDN). A set of routes pairs (Ci, Ni) is given, where each new Ni should replace the existing Ci. We look for a way of gradual updating, so that routing cycles are never created during the replacement process. In that, we follow the recent paper of Delaet et al., which considered the case of updating a single route. In addition, we require avoiding congestion on links. We provide an example of several routes replacement, where the strategy suggested by Delaet et al. fails: it arrives at a deadlock, while a legal way of replacement exists. We suggest a dependence graph model for solving the problem. The dependence graph nodes are: a) the sub-routes resulting from sub-dividing all Ni and Ci by the routers common to Ni and Ci, and b) the potentially congested links. We define which new sub-routes are legal for replacement. Further, we describe the changes in routing and in the dependence graph resulting from launching a legal new subroute. Summarizing, we reduce the route replacement problem to finding an (optimal) sequence of launchings of currently legal new sub-routes, using the dynamic dependence graph. Moreover, we suggest a novel meta-approach for resolving deadlocks, by utilizing the optical wires that connect the SDN controller to the routers.
Resistance to Malathion and Deltamethrin in Aedes aegypti (Diptera: Culicidae) From Western Venezuela

ABSTRACT Resistance to the insecticides deltamethrin and malathion and the enzymes associated with metabolic resistance mechanisms were determined in four field populations of Aedes aegypti (L.) from western Venezuela during 2008 and 2010 using the bottle assay and the microplate biochemical techniques. For deltamethrin, mortality rates after 1 h exposure and after a 24-h recovery period were determined to calculate the 50% knock-downconcentration (KC50) and the lethal concentration (LC50,) respectively. For malathion, mortality was recorded at 24 h to determine the LC50. For deltamethrin, resistance ratios of knock-down resistance and postrecovery were determined by calculating the RRKC50 and RRLC50, comparing the KC50 and LC50 values of the field populations and those of the susceptible New Orleans strain. Knock-down resistance to deltamethrin was moderate in the majority of the populations in 2008 (RRKC50 values were between 5- and 10-fold), and only one population showed high resistance in 2010 (RRKC50 >10-fold). Moderate and high postrecovery resistance to deltamethrin was observed in the majority of the populations for 2008 and 2010, respectively. There was significantly increased expression of glutathione-S-tranferases and mixedfunction oxidases. All populations showed low resistance to malathion in 2008 and 2010 with significantly higher levels of &agr;-esterases for 2008 and 2010 and &bgr;-esterases for 2008.
The Use of an Antifibrosis Agent to Improve Muscle Recovery after Laceration *

Muscle injuries are challenging problems in traumatology and the most frequent injuries in sports medicine. Muscle injuries are capable of healing, although slowly and occasionally with incomplete functional recovery. We observed that lacerated muscle undergoes a rapid process of regeneration, which is hindered by the development of fibrosis. Biologic approaches to enhance muscle regeneration and prevent fibrosis are being investigated to improve muscle healing after injuries. We observed that growth factors can improve muscle regeneration but cannot prevent muscle fibrosis. We investigated the use of an antifibrosis substance, decorin, as an approach to prevent fibrosis and thereby improve muscle healing after injury in murine muscle. We observed that direct injection of human recombinant decorin can efficiently prevent fibrosis and enhance muscle regeneration in the lacerated muscle. More importantly, decorin can improve the recovery of strength in the injured muscle to a level similar to that observed in normal noninjured muscle. These results suggest that injection of decorin improves both the muscle structure and the function of the lacerated muscle to near complete recovery. This study will contribute significantly to the development of strategies to promote efficient muscle healing and complete functional recovery after muscle injuries.
The chemoprotective effects of l-carnitine against genotoxicity induced by diazinon in rat blood lymphocyte

The purpose of this study was to assess the preventive effects of l-carnitine (LC) against DNA damage induced by diazinon (DZN) in rat blood lymphocytes. Animals were concurrently administered intraperitoneally with DZN in proper solvent (20 mg/kg body weight (b.w.)) and LC at three different doses (50, 100, and 150 mg/kg b.w.) for 30 consecutive days. The positive control group received DZN at the same dose without LC. Twenty-four hour after last injection, 0.5 ml blood of each rat was received and cultured in culture medium for 44 h. The lymphocyte cultures were mitogenically stimulated with cytochalasin B for the evaluation of the number of micronuclei (MNs) in cytokinesis-blocked binucleated cells. Incubation of lymphocytes with DZN induced additional genotoxicity and was shown by increase in MNs frequency in rat lymphocytes. LC at all doses had a protective effect and significantly reduced the MNs frequency in cultured lymphocytes (p < 0.0001–p < 0.05). The maximum effect was observed at 150 mg/kg that reduced the frequency of MN from 12.78 ± 0.24% for DZN group to 5.61 ± 0.17%. Our study revealed that LC has a potent antigenotoxic effect against DZN-induced toxicity in rats, which may be due to the scavenging of free radicals and increased antioxidant status. Since LC is a natural compound and is being safe, it is recommended as a daily supplement for body defense against side effects induced by chemical hazardous agents.
Melanoma brain metastasis: overview of current management and emerging targeted therapies

The high rate of brain metastasis in patients with advanced melanoma has been a clinical challenge for oncologists. Despite considerable progress made in the management of advanced melanoma over the past two decades, improvement in overall survival has been elusive. This is due to the high incidence of CNS metastases, which progress relentlessly and which are only anecdotally responsive to systemic therapies. Surgery, stereotactic radiosurgery and whole-brain radiotherapy with or without cytotoxic chemotherapy remain the mainstay of treatment. However, new drugs have been developed based on our improved understanding of the molecular signaling mechanisms responsible for host immune tolerance and for melanoma growth. In 2011, the US FDA approved two agents, one antagonizing each of these processes, for the treatment of advanced melanoma. The first is ipilimumab, an anti-CTLA-4 monoclonal antibody that enhances cellular immunity and reduces tolerance to tumor-associated antigens. The second is vemurafenib, an inhibitor that blocks the abnormal signaling for melanoma cellular growth in tumors that carry the BRAFV600E mutation. Both drugs have anecdotal clinical activity for brain metastasis and are being evaluated in clinical trial settings. Additional clinical trials of newer agents involving these pathways are also showing promise. Therefore, targeted therapies must be incorporated into the multimodality management of melanoma brain metastasis.
Tramadol drops in children: analgesic efficacy, lack of respiratory effects, and normal recovery times.

Tramadol hydrochloride is a racemic mixture of two enantiomers. It has analgesic activity suitable for mild to moderate pain, part of its analgesic activity being modulated via mu receptors. Adult studies have raised the question of increased electroencephalographic activity. The study examined the analgesic efficacy, respiratory effects, and behavior plus recovery-influencing properties of tramadol in the pediatric patient. Day-case dental extraction children, aged 4-7 years having 6 or more extractions, were studied. Tramadol drops, 3 mg/kg, plus oral midazolam, 0.5 mg/kg, were administered 30 minutes prior to a sevoflurane in N2O and O2 anesthetic. Forty children received this premedication treatment (T) and 10 entered a placebo control group (P), where no tramadol was administered. Entry was random, double blind, and parallel. Analgesic efficacy was measured using the Oucher face pain scale (OFPS), with responders scoring three or less. Respiration was measured by rate and oxygen saturation. Behavior and ease of mask induction were assessed on a 4-point scale. Recovery was measured with the Aldrete scale. Parameters were measured from 30 minute preanesthetic to 120 minute postanesthetic. Analgesic efficacy was shown, with an OFPS score of 11.42 (SD 18.66) (T) and 29.80 (SD 25.14) (P) (P < .05). Responders on tramadol were 77.5% versus 0% on placebo (P < .05). No respiratory depression was seen; rates and oxygen saturations were the same preanesthetic and postanesthetic. Similarly, the two groups had no cardiovascular differences. Preanesthetic behavior patterns were the same (P > .05), with 85% of the tramadol group being drowsy but awake versus 90% in the placebo group. Similarly satisfactory induction behavior was seen in 95% of the tramadol group and 90% of the placebo group. Recovery times were 48.6 minutes (SD 32.3) (T) and 43.1 minutes (SD 32.5) (P) (P > .05). It is concluded that tramadol at 3 mg/kg has no clinical respiratory depressant effect and that behavior and recovery times are unaffected. Analgesic efficacy is demonstrated.
Unpacking the Influence of Public–Private Partnerships on Disaster Resilience: A Comparison of Expert Perspectives

Public managers are under increasing pressure to develop and operate physical infrastructure systems that prove resilient in the face of natural disasters. At the same time, fiscal pressures and mounting infrastructure needs are drawing more and more attention to public&#8211;private partnerships (PPP) as a mechanism for delivering infrastructure. The research question guiding this study is how can the institutional designs of PPPs influence the potential for improving infrastructure resilience? We examined the perceived relationship between infrastructure resilience and PPPs by conducting and analyzing research interviews with twenty&#8208;four senior infrastructure experts in Washington, DC. The results reflect findings of related privatization research, indicating that market&#8208;based incentives can advance public values such as resilience, but the responsibility for ensuring they do so rests primarily with government. We note key differences in how the infrastructure investment experts and disaster resilience experts view issues in infrastructure management, and provide suggestions for improving public&#8208;private collaboration to improve resilience.
Structural alterations of alpha-crystallin during its chaperone action.

The small heat-shock protein, alpha-crystallin, has chaperone ability whereby it stabilises proteins under stress conditions. In this study, alterations in the structure of alpha-crystallin during its interaction with a variety of substrate proteins (insulin, alpha-lactalbumin, ovotransferrin and serum albumin) under stress conditions have been examined using visible absorption, 31P-NMR and 1H-NMR and fluorescence spectroscopy. The fluorescence and 31P-NMR data imply that during the chaperone action of alpha-crystallin under reducing conditions, there is a slight increase in hydrophilicity of its N-terminal region and an alteration in flexibility of its C-terminal region, but overall, alpha-crystallin does not undergo a gross structural change. The fluorescence data suggest that substrate proteins interact with alpha-crystallin in a molten globule or intermediately folded state. The same conclusion is made from 1H-NMR spectroscopic monitoring of the interaction of alpha-crystallin with substrate proteins, e.g. the insulin B chain. The stoichiometry of interaction between alpha-crystallin and the various substrate proteins reveals that steric factors are important in determining the efficiency of interaction between the two proteins, i.e. on a molar subunit basis, alpha-crystallin is a more efficient chaperone protein with smaller substrate proteins. Comparison is also made between the high-molecular-mass (HMM) complexes formed between alpha-crystallin and ovotransferrin when reduced and heat stressed. Under heating conditions, fluorescence spectroscopy indicates that the HMM complex has a greater exposure of hydrophobicity to solution than that formed by reduction. Furthermore, in interacting with heated ovotransferrin, the C-terminal extension of the alphaB-crystallin subunit preferentially loses its flexibility suggesting that it is involved in stabilising bound ovotransferrin. By contrast, this extension is only partially reduced in flexibility in the HMM complex formed after reduction of ovotransferrin. The functional role of the C-terminal extensions in the chaperone action and the overall quaternary structure of alpha-crystallin is discussed.
Automated analysis of the electrical activity of the human brain (EEG): A progress report

Clinical evaluation of electroencephalographic (EEG) recordings is based on complex subjective processes of data reduction and feature extraction. The high dimensionality of the EEG signal, its variability, and the lack of standard population values have retarded development of automated systems. An interactive, real-time analysis system (ADIEEG) has been implemented to develop features to simplify visual interpretation and facilitate automated classification. It uses a 40 000 word PDP15-PDP11 dual processor computer. Resident code occupies approximately 11 000 locations, while a maximum of 12 000 locations are used for buffers. The system performs 1) continuous spectral analysis using the fast Fourier transform to produce estimates of power and coherence, 2) parallel time domain analysis to detect sharp transients significant to diagnosis, 3) several forms of graphics, 4) simple algorithms to reject noncortical and instrumental artifact, 5) interactive parameter alteration and on-line feedback to adjust decision thresholds when necessary, and 6) extraction of diagnostically helpful features using heuristics based on clinical EEG. The ADIEEG system resides in the University of California, San Francisco Medical Center, and Langley Porter Neuropsychiatric Institute.
Kinetics of phosphatidylinositol‐3‐phosphate acquisition differ between IgG bead‐containing phagosomes and Mycobacterium tuberculosis‐containing phagosomes

A key aspect of Mycobacterium tuberculosis pathogenesis is the ability of the bacteria to survive within the host macrophage. A phagosome containing an IgG‐coated bead matures into a lysosomal compartment as evidenced by a decrease in pH and an increased acquisition of hydrolytic enzymes. In contrast, when M. tuberculosis is phagocytosed, the maturation of the bacteria‐containing phagosome is arrested, and the bacterium resides within a vacuole that retains characteristics of early endosomal compartments. M. tuberculosis‐containing phagosomes are delayed in the recruitment of the early endosome autoantigen EEA1. Acquisition of EEA1 is dependent on the presence of phosphatidylinositol‐3‐phosphate (PI‐3‐P) generated by the kinase Vps34. We tested the hypothesis that delayed recruitment of EEA1 was due to altered kinetics of PI‐3‐P accumulation at the phagosomal membrane. Biochemical analysis of the phosphatidylinositol phosphates on M. tuberculosis‐containing phagosomes revealed that PI‐3‐P acquisition was markedly retarded and reduced in comparison to IgG bead‐containing phagosomes. Given the role these lipids play in the regulation of phagosome maturation these findings have implications with respect to the mechanisms behind the arrest of phagosome maturation.
Relationship of serum thyroid stimulating hormone with body mass index in healthy adults

Objective: To investigate any possible relationship between serum thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) with body mass index (BMI) in healthy adults. Materials and Methods: A total of 417 subjects aged 18-60 years who volunteered to get screened for thyroid illness with serum TSH have been enrolled from November 2012 to July 2013. Patients were divided into four groups based on BMI value: Underweight (BMI <18 kg/m2), normal (BMI: 18-22.9 kg/m2), overweight (BMI: 23-24.9 kg/m2), and obese (BMI ≥25 kg/m2). Result: In our study we found a significant variation (P < 0.001) in TSH with increasing BMI. As the BMI increased, mean TSH in the BMI range also increased. The individuals with higher BMI had higher TSH and this trend continued from underweight to Obese. The mean TSH of underweight group was 1.6036 mIU/L, normal weight group 2.1727 mIU/L, overweight group 2.2870 mIU/L and obese group 2.6416 mIU/L. Conclusion: In this study we found a significant relationship between serum TSH and BMI and mean TSH increased as BMI increased. Further large scale data from the population is required to confirm our findings.
Injuries among Swedish female elite football players: a prospective population study

Injury occurrence in all 12 female elite senior football teams in premiere league was registered during 1 year. Of 269 players, 129 (48%) sustained 237 injuries. The total injury incidence was 4.6/1000 h of football. The injury incidence during practice was 2.7 and during the game time was 13.9/1000 h. The highest injury incidence during practice was to the knee (0.8/1000 h) and thigh (0.5/1000 h), and during game time was to the knee (4.4/1000 h) and head (2.2/1000 h). In total, the location for the highest injury incidence was the knee with 1.5 injuries/1000 h of football.
Protease inhibitor monotherapy

Purpose of review The present review focuses on recent data about boosted protease inhibitor monotherapy for maintenance of HIV virological suppression. Recent findings Until recently most of the trials of boosted protease inhibitor monotherapy have studied lopinavir/ritonavir monotherapy. These trials showed a slightly inferior efficacy of lopinavir/ritonavir monotherapy than that of lopinavir/ritonavir and two nucleosides. Two clinical trials [Monotherapy in Europe with TMC114 (MONET) and Monotherapy inhibitor protease (MONOI)] have shown that darunavir/ritonavir monotherapy has also a slightly lower efficacy for maintenance of virological suppression than darunavir/ritonavir with two nucleosides. The risk of resistance development is minimal and patients who fail this strategy can be re-suppressed again by adding nucleosides or switching to a triple therapy regimen without having lost therapeutic options. MONOI has also shown limb fat recovery in patients receiving darunavir/ritonavir monotherapy and good penetration of darunavir in the seminal fluid. There are still conflicting views about the ability of boosted protease inhibitor to protect the central nervous system from HIV replication. There are no randomized clinical trials showing a higher risk of discordant HIV replication in the cerebrospinal fluid in patients exposed to monotherapy. There are insufficient data of monotherapy with atazanavir/ritonavir. Summary There currently is no consensus about the role of boosted protease inhibitor monotherapy for the treatment of HIV infection. It is clear that suppression can be maintained in a large proportion of patients without exposing patients to a substantial risk of resistance development, but the precise role of this strategy is still undefined.
Modelling and bending control of flexible arm based on bionic octopus

Octopus arm has dexterous grasping capabilities due to their muscular hydrostatic skeletal structure, but too many degrees of freedom and soft tissue cause numerous difficulties to bionic octopus's arm in modelling and controlling. The Cosserat theory is used to establish the space coordinate system of the particle for tendon-driven flexible manipulator, analysis of cable force and establishing an accurate cable-driven bionic octopus arm geometry model, and solve the kinematics and kinetic equation. According to the location of four cables and the equivalent force, the tension distribution of the expected bending of each cable is designed, and then accuracy of the method is verified by MATLAB. Finally, the bending control of complete arm is realized by this method. The modelling method is general and suitable for other types of wire-driven flexible arms.
From theory to practice: designing interventions to reduce fatigue in patients with cancer.

PURPOSE/OBJECTIVES To review the evidence available to guide the development of interventions to alleviate cancer-related fatigue. DATA SOURCES Published fatigue theories and research describing patients' self-care strategies and the efficacy of interventions for the management of fatigue. DATA SYNTHESIS Fatigue is a pervasive problem for patients with cancer. Without guidance, patients adopt common-sense strategies that generally prove unsuccessful in alleviating fatigue. Theories that identify self-care actions that can reduce fatigue are becoming increasingly sophisticated. A small number of strategies, most notably exercise, has been evaluated. Other interventions--educational, attention-restoring, and psychosocial--have been tested to a lesser extent. The theoretical foundations of these experimental studies frequently are unclear. However, primary evidence is favorable and supports further evaluation. CONCLUSIONS Passive approaches frequently fail to reduce fatigue in patients with cancer. Alternative approaches based on the growing body of theoretical and research evidence should be adopted. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE Patients require guidance in managing cancer-related fatigue. Nurses need to develop and evaluate relief interventions. Systematic research programs based on sound theoretical premises and previous research will contribute to the growing body of evidence to aid future management of this troublesome symptom.