Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Isolation and genetic identification of spore-forming bacteria associated with concentrated-milk processing in Nebraska.

Spore-forming bacteria are heat-resistant microorganisms capable of surviving and germinating in milk after pasteurization. They have been reported to affect the quality of dairy products by the production of enzymes (lipolytic and proteolytic) under low-temperature conditions in fluid milk, and have become a limiting factor for milk powder in reaching some selective markets. The objective of this research was to isolate and identify the population of spore-forming bacteria (psychrotrophic and thermophilic strains) associated with concentrated milk processing in Nebraska. During 2 seasons, in-process milk samples from a commercial plant (raw, pasteurized, and concentrated) were collected and heat-treated (80°C/12 min) to recover only spore-formers. Samples were spread-plated using standard methods agar and incubated at 32°C to enumerate mesophilic spore counts. Heat-treated samples were also stored at 7°C and 55°C to recover spore-formers that had the ability to grow under those temperature conditions. Isolates obtained from incubation or storage conditions were identified using molecular techniques (16S or rpoB sequencing). Based on the identification of the isolates and their relatedness, strains found in raw, pasteurized, and concentrated milk were determined to be similar. Paenibacillus spp. were associated with both raw and concentrated milk. Due to their known ability to cause spoilage under refrigeration, this shows the potential risk associated with the transferring of these problematic organisms into other dairy products. Other Bacillus species found in concentrated milk included Bacillus clausii, Bacillus subtilis, Lysinibacillus sp. , Bacillus safensis, Bacillus licheniformis, Bacillus sonorensis, and Brevibacillus sp. , with the last 3 organisms being capable of growing at thermophilic temperatures. These strains can also be translocated to other dairy products, such as milk powder, representing a quality problem. The results of this research highlight the importance of understanding spore-formers associated with the processing of condensed milk, which then may allow for specific interventions to be applied to control these microorganisms in this processing chain. To our knowledge, this is the first study evaluating spore-formers associated with concentrated milk in the United States.
Independent Role of Hypertension in Bell’s Palsy: A Case-Control Study

Background/Aim: In this case-control study, our aim was to check for a possible independent role of hypertension in increasing the risk of developing Bell’s palsy. Methods: All patients diagnosed as having Bell’s palsy referred to a neurology clinic were enrolled as cases. Controls were selected among other patients referred to the same clinic. Data were analyzed using the Stata 8 statistical software package. To detect the independent effect of exposure variables, a multiple logistic regression test was used. Results: Bivariate analysis showed an increased risk of Bell’s palsy for patients with diabetes or hypertension. Logistic regression results stratified for patients younger than 40 years of age and others showed that diabetes was the independent predictor of Bell’s palsy in both age groups. Logistic regression results showed that hypertension could not independently predict the occurrence of Bell’s palsy among patients younger than 40 years but for older ones it could. Conclusion: Hypertension may increase the risk of Bell’s palsy among those aged above 40 years. Researchers should be very cautious when declaring an independent role of hypertension as a cause of Bell’s palsy.
Critical properties of laminated rubber bearings including the effect of eccentric vertical loading

The critical properties of laminated rubber bearings including the effect of eccentric vertical loading are investigated in this article. The critical load, horizontal critical displacement, and vertical displacement of the laminated rubber bearing including an initial eccentric vertical loading are compared with those of the laminated rubber bearing under axial vertical loading. The comparison results show that the critical load and the horizontal critical displacement decrease with the increase in the eccentricity of the vertical loading when the laminated rubber bearing moves into the side where the vertical load acts (“positive side”), whereas they increase in the opposite side (“negative side”). The vertical displacement in the “positive side” increases with the increase in the eccentricity of the vertical loading, whereas that in the “negative side” decreases. Moreover, the vertical displacement of the laminated rubber bearing in the “positive side” is larger than that in the “negative side. ”
Pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamics of controlled release insulin loaded PLGA microcapsules using dry powder inhaler in diabetic rats

The pulmonary route is an alternative route of administration for the systemic delivery of peptide and proteins with short‐half lives. A long‐acting formulation of insulin was prepared by encapsulation of protein into respirable, biodegradable microcapsules prepared by an oil in oil emulsification/solvent evaporation method. Insulin‐loaded PLGA microcapsules prepared as a dry powder inhaler formulation were administered via the pulmonary route to diabetic rats and serum insulin and glucose concentrations were monitored. Control treatments consisted of respirable spray‐dried insulin (RSDI) powder administered by intratracheal insufflation, insulin‐loaded PLGA microcapsules and NPH (long‐acting) insulin administered by subcutaneous (SC) administration. Pharmacokinetic analysis demonstrated that insulin administered in PLGA microcapsules illustrated a sustained release profile which resulted in a longer mean residence time, 4 and 5 fold longer than those after pulmonary administration of RSDI and SC injection of NPH insulin, respectively. Accordingly, the hypoglycemic profile followed a stable and sustained pattern which remained constant between 10 and 48 h. Results of the in vitro experiments were in good agreement with those of in vivo studies. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid analysis indicated that microcapsules administration did not increase the activities of lactate dehydrogenase and total protein. However, histological examination of the lung tissue indicated a minor but detectable effect on the normal physiology of the rat lung. These findings suggest that the encapsulation of peptides and proteins into PLGA microcapsules technique could be a promising controlled delivery system for pulmonary administration. Copyright © 2010 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effects of Infantile/Prepubertal Chronic Estrogen Treatment and Chemical Sympathectomy with Guanethidine on Developing Cholinergic Nerves of the Rat Uterus

The innervation of the uterus is remarkable in that it exhibits physiological changes in response to altered levels in the circulating levels of sex hormones. Previous studies by our group showed that chronic administration of estrogen to rats during the infantile/prepubertal period provoked, at 28 days of age, an almost complete loss of norepinephrine-labeled sympathetic nerves, similar to that observed in late pregnancy. It is not known, however, whether early exposure to estrogen affects uterine cholinergic nerves. Similarly, it is not known to what extent development and estrogen-induced responses in the uterine cholinergic innervation are affected by the absence of sympathetic nerves. To address this question, in this study we analyzed the effects of infantile/prepubertal chronic estrogen treatment, chronic chemical sympathectomy with guanethidine, and combined sympathectomy and chronic estrogen treatment on developing cholinergic nerves of the rat uterus. Cholinergic nerves were visualized using a combination of acetylcholinesterase histochemistry and the immunohistochemical demonstration of the vesicular acetylcholine transporter (VAChT). After chronic estrogen treatment, a well-developed plexus of cholinergic nerves was observed in the uterus. Quantitative studies showed that chronic exposure to estrogen induced contrasting responses in uterine cholinergic nerves, increasing the density of large and medium-sized nerve bundles and reducing the intercept density of fine fibers providing myometrial and perivascular innervation. Estrogen-induced changes in the uterine cholinergic innervation did not appear to result from the absence/impairment of sympathetic nerves, because sympathectomy did not mimic the effects produced by estrogen. Estrogen-induced responses in parasympathetic nerves are discussed, considering the direct effects of estrogen on neurons and on changes in neuron-target interactions.
Metabolic syndrome in migraine headache: A case-control study

Background: The correlation of metabolic syndrome and migraine headache was evaluated in some previous studies. However there is no study that compared the prevalence of metabolic syndrome in the patients with and without migraine. Control of coincidental factors such as metabolic syndrome reduces therapeutic resistance in migrainous patients. The aim of this study was to compare prevalence of metabolic syndrome in patients with and without migraine headache. Materials and Methods: 200 migrainous patients diagnosed according to International Headache Society and 200 healthy controls without migraine enrolled in this study. Metabolic syndrome was diagnosed according to ATP III criteria in these two groups and compared with each other. Results: In this study, 17% (34) of migrainous patients and 15% (30) of healthy control without migraine had metabolic syndrome. (P = 0.585). Of the metabolic syndrome components, body mass index (P = 0.05) and waist circumference in migrainous (P = 0.03) were significantly more frequent. Conclusion: Our results demonstrate that metabolic syndrome and migraine headache had not significant correlation; however, higher body mass index and waist circumference as metabolic syndrome components had correlated with migraine headache.
No Effect of the 1α,25-Dihydroxyvitamin D3 on β-Cell Residual Function and Insulin Requirement in Adults With New-Onset Type 1 Diabetes

OBJECTIVE To determine whether daily intake of 1α,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 [1,25(OH)2D3] is safe and improves β-cell function in patients with recently diagnosed type 1 diabetes. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Safety was assessed in an open study of 25 patients aged 18–39 years with recent-onset type 1 diabetes who received 0.25 μg 1,25(OH)2D3 daily for 9 months. An additional 40 patients were randomly assigned to 0.25 μg 1,25(OH)2D3 or placebo daily for 9 months and followed for a total of 18 months for safety, β-cell function, insulin requirement, and glycemic control. RESULTS Safety assessment showed values in the normal range in nearly all patients, regardless of whether they received 1,25(OH)2D3 or placebo. No differences in AUC C-peptide, peak C-peptide, and fasting C-peptide after a mixed-meal tolerance test between the treatment and placebo groups were observed at 9 and 18 months after study entry, with ∼40% loss for each parameter over the 18-month period. A1C and daily insulin requirement were similar between treatment and placebo groups throughout the study follow-up period. CONCLUSIONS Treatment with 1,25(OH)2D3 at a daily dose of 0.25 μg was safe but did not reduce loss of β-cell function.
Enhanced Piezocapacitive Effect in CaCu3Ti4O12–Polydimethylsiloxane Composited Sponge for Ultrasensitive Flexible Capacitive Sensor

Highly sensitive flexible piezocapacitive (PC) pressure sensor demonstrates wide applications in wearable electronics. In this paper, we first theoretically proposed an effective strategy to improve the sensitivity of the PC pressure sensor, by constructing a porous dielectric layer composted of inorganics with high dielectric constant (eH) and organics with low dielectric constant (eL). By using CaCu3Ti4O12 (CCTO) nanocrystals with giant e as the dopant and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) with a low e as the matrix, an ultrasoft CCTO-PDMS dielectric sponge was fabricated, via a simple porogen-assisted process. The CCTO-PDMS composited sponge exhibits an ultralow compression modulus of 6.3 kPa, a highly enhanced sensitivity with the gauge factor of up to 1.66 kPa–1 in a range of 0–640 Pa, and a response time of 33 ms, and the sensitivity outperforms that of pure PDMS and other PC sensors reported recently. This sensitivity enhancement is attributed to the hybridization of two phases of eH/eL in the composites.
miR‐21 downregulates the tumor suppressor P12CDK2AP1 and Stimulates Cell Proliferation and Invasion

The present study was undertaken to investigate the regulation of P12CDK2AP1 by miRNAs. A conserved target site for miR‐21 within the CDK2AP1‐3′‐UTR at nt 349–370 was predicted by bioinformatics software and an inverse correlation of miR‐21 and CDK2AP1 protein was observed. Highly specific amplification and quantification of miR‐21 was achieved using real‐time RT‐PCR. Transfection of HaCaT cells with pre‐miR‐21 significantly suppressed a luciferase reporter including the CDK2AP1‐3′‐UTR, whereas transfection of Tca8113 with anti‐miR‐21 increased activity of this reporter. This was abolished when a construct mutated at the miR‐21/nt 349–370 target site was used instead. Anti‐miR‐21‐transfected Tca8113 cells showed an increase of CDK2AP1 protein and reduced proliferation and invasion. Resected primary tumors and tumor‐free surgical margins of 18 patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinomas demonstrated an inverse correlation between miR‐21 and P12CDK2AP1. This study shows that P12CDK2AP1 is downregulated by miR‐21 and that miR‐21 promotes proliferation and invasion in cultured cells. J. Cell. Biochem. 112: 872–880, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
RelA Ser276 Phosphorylation-Coupled Lys310 Acetylation Controls Transcriptional Elongation of Inflammatory Cytokines in Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection

ABSTRACT Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a negative-sense single-stranded RNA virus responsible for lower respiratory tract infections (LRTIs) in humans. In experimental models of RSV LRTI, the actions of the nuclear factor κB (NF-κB) transcription factor mediate inflammation and pathology. We have shown that RSV replication induces a mitogen-and-stress-related kinase 1 (MSK-1) pathway that activates NF-κB RelA transcriptional activity by a process involving serine phosphorylation at serine (Ser) residue 276. In this study, we examined the mechanism by which phospho-Ser276 RelA mediates expression of the NF-κB-dependent gene network. RelA-deficient mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) complemented with the RelA Ser276Ala mutant are deficient in CXCL2/Groβ, KC, and interleukin-6 (IL-6) expression, but NFKBIA/IκBα is preserved. We show that RSV-induced RelA Ser276 phosphorylation is required for acetylation at Lys310, an event required for transcriptional activity and stable association of RelA with the activated positive transcriptional elongation factor (PTEF-b) complex proteins, bromodomain 4 (Brd4), and cyclin-dependent kinase 9 (CDK9). In contrast to gene loading pattern of PTEF-b proteins produced by tumor necrosis factor (TNF) stimulation, RSV induces their initial clearance followed by partial reaccumulation coincident with RelA recruitment. The RSV-induced binding patterns of the CDK9 substrate, phospho-Ser2 RNA polymerase (Pol) II, follows a similar pattern of clearance and downstream gene reaccumulation. The functional role of CDK9 was examined using CDK9 small interfering RNA (siRNA) and CDK inhibitors, where RSV-induced NF-κB-dependent gene expression was significantly inhibited. Finally, although RSV induces a transition from short transcripts to fully spliced mRNA in wild-type RelA (RelA WT)-expressing cells, this transition is not seen in cells expressing RelA Ser276Ala. We conclude that RelA Ser276 phosphorylation mediates RelA acetylation, Brd4/CDK9 association, and activation of downstream inflammatory genes by transcriptional elongation in RSV infection.
Smith–Magenis syndrome: haploinsufficiency of RAI1 results in altered gene regulation in neurological and metabolic pathways

Smith–Magenis syndrome (SMS) is a complex neurobehavioural disorder characterised by intellectual disability, self-injurious behaviours, sleep disturbance, obesity, and craniofacial and skeletal anomalies. Diagnostic strategies are focused towards identification of a 17p11.2 microdeletion encompassing the gene RAI1 (retinoic acid induced 1) or a mutation of RAI1. Molecular evidence shows that most SMS features are due to RAI1 haploinsufficiency, whereas variability and severity are modified by other genes in the 17p11.2 region for 17p11.2 deletion cases. The functional role of RAI1 is not completely understood, but it is probably a transcription factor acting in several different biological pathways that are dysregulated in SMS. Functional studies based on the hypothesis that RAI1 acts through phenotype-specific pathways involving several downstream genes have shown that RAI1 gene dosage is crucial for normal regulation of circadian rhythm, lipid metabolism and neurotransmitter function. Here, we review the clinical and molecular features of SMS and explore more recent studies supporting possible therapeutic strategies for behavioural management.
Combined strength and power training in high-level amateur football during the competitive season: a randomised-controlled trial

Abstract We aimed to analyse the effects of combined strength and power training during the competitive season on physical fitness in high-level amateur football players. Sixteen male players (22.5 (SD 2.5) years, 1.79 (0.05) m, 76.8 (6.1) kg) from one team were randomly assigned to either a strength training (ST, N = 8) or a control (CON, N = 8) group. ST conducted lower extremity resistance exercises combined with plyometrics and/or sprints 2 × 30 min per week for 7 weeks. CON performed technical-tactical training during the same time period. Before and after training several physical fitness parameters were assessed: one-repetition maximum (1-RM, half squat), isometric peak strength and rate of force development (RFD, leg press), jump height (countermovement, CMJ, drop jump, DJ), sprint times, agility, and intermittent endurance. Large significant test × group interactions were found for 1-RM, CMJ, and DJ reactivity index with increases in CT relative to CON(+11 to 18%). Although not significant (P < 0.20), likely practically relevant effects were observed for isometric peak strength and RFD (+24 to 29%). We found no relevant interaction effects for agility, sprint times, and intermittent endurance. A 7-week in-season combined strength and power training program can improve relevant strength and jump parameters in high-level amateur football players.
Exploring the Influence of Neighborhood Characteristics on Burglary Risks: A Bayesian Random Effects Modeling Approach

A Bayesian random effects modeling approach was used to examine the influence of neighborhood characteristics on burglary risks in Jianghan District, Wuhan, China. This random effects model is essentially spatial; a spatially structured random effects term and an unstructured random effects term are added to the traditional non-spatial Poisson regression model. Based on social disorganization and routine activity theories, five covariates extracted from the available data at the neighborhood level were used in the modeling. Three regression models were fitted and compared by the deviance information criterion to identify which model best fit our data. A comparison of the results from the three models indicates that the Bayesian random effects model is superior to the non-spatial models in fitting the data and estimating regression coefficients. Our results also show that neighborhoods with above average bar density and department store density have higher burglary risks. Neighborhood-specific burglary risks and posterior probabilities of neighborhoods having a burglary risk greater than 1.0 were mapped, indicating the neighborhoods that should warrant more attention and be prioritized for crime intervention and reduction. Implications and limitations of the study are discussed in our concluding section.
MR outcome parameters in multiple sclerosis: comparison of surface-based thresholding segmentation and magnetization transfer ratio histographic analysis in relation to disability (a preliminary note).

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSES MR imaging is now widely used to monitor disease progression in patients with multiple sclerosis (MS). The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between disability status and existing and new MR parameters in MS patients. METHODS Forty-one patients with clinically definitive MS were studied. MR imaging included T2- and T1-weighted imaging as well as gradient-echo imaging with and without magnetization transfer contrast. We used surface-based thresholding segmentation techniques to obtain T2 and T1 lesion load, T1/T2 ratio, and several magnetization transfer ratio (MTR) lesion load parameters. MTR histographic analysis included measurements of absolute peak height (aHp), relative peak height (rHp), MTR of the peak (MTRp), mean MTR (MTRm), and MTR25, MTR50, and MTR75, relating to the integrals of the histogram at 25%, 50%, and 75%, respectively, of the total area under the curve. All MR parameters were correlated with Expanded Disability Status Scale (EDSS) score, disease duration, and patient's age. RESULTS Using surface-based thresholding segmentation techniques, we found relatively low correlations with EDSS. T1 lesion load and T1/T2 ratios correlated most strongly. Regarding MTR histographic parameters, EDSS correlated best with rHp but only weakly with others. Similar correlations were found with disease duration, but not with age. CONCLUSION The best MR correlations with disability were several MTR histographic parameters. Our findings may favor the use of these MR parameters over T2 lesion load to monitor disease progression in patients with MS, findings that should be explored further in longitudinal studies.
Study of the knitted TiNi mesh graft in a rabbit cranioplasty model

Objective: To evaluate in vivo application of a new surgical mesh knitted of the TiNi-based filament as a graft substitute for the repair of cranial defects in a rabbit model. Materials and methods: The study was carried out in 69 male rabbits. Full-thickness excisional wounds of 15.0 by 15.0 mm were bilaterally created in the parietotemporal area by symmetrical dissection, leaving the dura mater intact. The lesion was treated by the knitted TiNi mesh graft (KTNM) that has been preoperatively laminated by twice-folding. Four groups were assigned: animals were grafted with the KTNM made of 40 μm (Group I), 60 μm (Group II), and 90 μm (Group III) thick TiNi-based filament, whereas in the sham-surgery control Group IV defects were left unrepaired. For histomorphological examination of the in vivo osteogenic capability, samples were taken at 7, 14, 21, 28 and 35 days postoperatively. Three series of studies in each experimental group and 3 cases in the control group (total number of cases—135) have been histomorphologically evaluated. Results: The diameter of a filament used in the KTNM fabrication has no significant impact on the osteogenic ability, but nonetheless, Group I tended to has rapid regeneration in histological assessment. In all experimental groups, an organotypic stratified-spongy osseous tissue was noted to form in the periphery layers, whereas the compact, semi-mature connective tissue was detected within the core horizons by the end of the study. A newly formed bone-KTNM interface was noted to modulate and facilitate the regenerative process therein observed, which enables us to expect that anatomical and functional features of the brain, cranium and dura mater can be completely restored by osseous wound-healing. Conclusion: These findings thus shed light on the promising tissue-engineering approach and unsophisticated surgical technique utilising KTNMs, which can repair even large skull lesions.