Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Enhanced Membrane Pore Formation through High-Affinity Targeted Antimicrobial Peptides

Many cationic antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) target the unique lipid composition of the prokaryotic cell membrane. However, the micromolar activities common for these peptides are considered weak in comparison to nisin, which follows a targeted, pore-forming mode of action. Here we show that AMPs can be modified with a high-affinity targeting module, which enables membrane permeabilization at low concentration. Magainin 2 and a truncated peptide analog were conjugated to vancomycin using click chemistry, and could be directed towards specific membrane embedded receptors both in model membrane systems and whole cells. Compared with untargeted vesicles, a gain in permeabilization efficacy of two orders of magnitude was reached with large unilamellar vesicles that included lipid II, the target of vancomycin. The truncated vancomycin-peptide conjugate showed an increased activity against vancomycin resistant Enterococci, whereas the full-length conjugate was more active against a targeted eukaryotic cell model: lipid II containing erythrocytes. This study highlights that AMPs can be made more selective and more potent against biological membranes that contain structures that can be targeted.
Victims of workplace bullying in Ireland

There is a growing awareness of the problem of bullying behaviour in the workplace. Most of our knowledge of bullying behaviour in Ireland is gained from international research. The present paper reports results from a study involving self-referred victims of workplace bullying in Ireland. The nature and effects of bullying is examined as well as the victims’ personality and their views of the cause of victimisation. The findings support international research in that bullying is damaging to the physical and mental health and to the careers of victims. The results highlight the need for early intervention and the development of anti-bullying programmes in the workplace.
Stroke prevention in the elderly atrial fibrillation patient with comorbid conditions: focus on non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants

Stroke prevention in elderly atrial fibrillation patients remains a challenge. There is a high risk of stroke and systemic thromboembolism but also a high risk of bleeding if anticoagulants are prescribed. The elderly have increased chronic kidney disease, coronary artery disease, polypharmacy, and overall frailty. For all these reasons, anticoagulant use is underutilized in the elderly. In this manuscript, the benefits of non-vitamin K antagonist oral anticoagulants compared with warfarin in the elderly patient population with multiple comorbid conditions are reviewed.
Age differences in skill acquisition and transfer in an implicit learning paradigm

Age differences in learning a complex cognitive skill are examined. The type of knowledge gained and levels of performance and transfer achieved, under different practice conditions, were compared in younger and older groups of trainees. The development of verbalizable knowledge about the task but not task performance itself varied as a function of age and practice condition. All trainees achieved transfer to novel versions of the task but older subjects appeared restricted to tasks drawn from the same semantic domain. The implications of these findings for developing training programmes for older workers are discussed.
Extracellular matrix protein lumican regulates inflammation in a mouse model of colitis

Background: Abnormal innate immune response contributes to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and experimental mouse colitis. Colitis studies have focused primarily on key regulators of innate immunity, like pathogen recognition receptors and cytoplasmic mediators. Extracellular matrix (ECM) proteins are emerging as modulators of inflammatory responses by virtue of their interactions with pathogen‐associated molecular patterns (PAMPs), cytokines, growth factors, receptors, and ECM fragments that mimic pathogens or cytokines. The ECM proteins have not been investigated in IBD at great depth from this standpoint. We have shown previously that the ECM protein lumican modulates host sensing of bacterial lipopolysaccharides (LPS) by Toll‐like receptor (TLR) 4, and neutrophil chemotaxis via integrins. Methods: Here we investigated the role of lumican in the development of colitis mediated by intrarectal administration of the hapten 2‐4‐5, trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS) in Lum+/+ and Lum−/− mice. Results: The TNBS treated Lum+/+ mouse colons showed marked increases in CXCL1, tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF‐&agr;), and neutrophil infiltration, whereas these responses were significantly dampened in the Lum−/− mice. The nuclear factor kappa B (NF‐&kgr;B) transcription factor, known to regulate inflammatory genes, showed a robust increase after TNBS treatment in Lum+/+ but not in Lum−/− colons. Also, nuclear translocation of NF‐&kgr;B was delayed in LPS stimulated Lum−/− primary peritoneal macrophages. Conclusions: The Lum−/− mice have low innate immune and inflammatory responses, but more severe body weight loss and tissue damage, a phenomenon seen in the innate immune impaired Tlr4−/− and MyD88−/− mice. Therefore, lumican promotes intestinal homeostasis by aiding innate immune and inflammatory responses that are beneficial in the early stages of colitis. (Inflamm Bowel Dis 2011;)
Confirmatory Factor Analysis of the Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale: Evidence for the Dimensionality of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder.

The Clinician-Administered PTSD Scale (CAPS; Blake et al., 1990) is a structured interview that assesses the 17 key symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) as established in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (4th ed.; DSM-IV; American Psychiatric Association, 1994). CAPS data from 524 treatment-seeking male military veterans were submitted to confirmatory factor analysis to test a series of nested models reflecting alternative representations of PTSD dimensionality : (a) a 4-factor, 1st-order solution; (b) a 2-factor, higher order solution; (c) a single-factor, higher order solution; and (d) a single-factor, 1st-order solution. The model of best fit was the 4-factor, 1st-order solution, containing moderately to highly correlated yet distinct 1st-order factors corresponding to the reexperiencing, effortful avoidance, emotional numbing, and hyperarousal aspects of PTSD. Implications for theory, assessment, and future research are presented in this article.
Stimulation of lung innate immunity protects against lethal pneumococcal pneumonia in mice.

RATIONALE The lungs are a common site of serious infection in both healthy and immunocompromised subjects, and the most likely route of delivery of a bioterror agent. Since the airway epithelium shows great structural plasticity in response to inflammatory stimuli, we hypothesized it might also show functional plasticity. OBJECTIVES To test the inducibility of lung defenses against bacterial challenge. METHODS Mice were treated with an aerosolized lysate of ultraviolet-killed nontypeable (unencapsulated) Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi), then challenged with a lethal dose of live Streptococcus pneumoniae (Spn) delivered by aerosol. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Treatment with the NTHi lysate induced complete protection against challenge with a lethal dose of Spn if treatment preceded challenge by 4 to 24 hours. Lesser levels of protection occurred at shorter (83% at 2 h) and longer (83% at 48-72 h) intervals between treatment and challenge. There was also some protection when treatment was given 2 hours after challenge (survival increased from 14 to 57%), but not 24 hours after challenge. Protection did not depend on recruited neutrophils or resident mast cells and alveolar macrophages. Protection was specific to the airway route of infection, correlated in magnitude and time with rapid bacterial killing within the lungs, and was associated with increases of multiple antimicrobial polypeptides in lung lining fluid. CONCLUSIONS We infer that protection derives from stimulation of local innate immune mechanisms, and that activated lung epithelium is the most likely cellular effector of this response. Augmentation of innate antimicrobial defenses of the lungs might have therapeutic value.
Impaired microvascular endothelial function in relatively young obese humans is associated with altered metabolic and inflammatory markers.

INTRODUCTION This study aims to assess microvascular endothelial function in obese compared to age matched lean controls. Serum lipid profile, fasting glucose, high sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and adiponectin levels were also determined. METHODS This cross-sectional study involved 36 healthy lean and 36 obese subjects. Microvascular endothelial function was assessed using Laser Doppler fluximetry and iontophoresis with acetylcholine and sodium nitroprusside. RESULTS Mean age of subjects was 26.54 ± 0.60 years. Obese subjects had higher systolic (118.8 ± 1.5 vs 105.7 ± 2.0 mmHg, p < 0.001) and diastolic blood pressure (71.61 ± 1.35 vs 64.53 ± 1.40 mmHg, p = 0.001), higher triglyceride (1.35 ± 0.13 vs 0.79 ± 0.05 mmol/l, p < 0.001), lower high density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) (1.43 ± 0.04 vs 1.62 ± 0.05 mmol/l, p = 0.003), higher hs-CRP (11.58 ± 1.88 vs 1.88 ± 0.35 mg/l, p < 0.001), and lower adiponectin levels (8.80 ± 0.43 vs 25.93 ± 0.40 μg/ml, p < 0.001) compared to lean subjects. Endothelial dependent vasodilatation was lower in obese compared to lean subjects (40.53 ± 6.59 vs 71.03 ± 7.13 AU, p = 0.001). CONCLUSION Microvascular endothelial function is reduced in obese compared to age matched controls. This is associated with higher BP, triglyceride and lower HDL-C and adiponectin levels in obese group.
The Social Integration of Individuals with Aphasia

This article describes the social networks of four individuals with aphasia and their perception of their social interactions and social integration within their network. Four male participants, who were aphasic as a result of a single left hemisphere stroke, were interviewed with their significant other. the age of the participants ranged from 29 to 65 years and they were between 9 and 25 months poststroke. the Interview Schedule of Social Interaction (ISSI) (Henderson, Byrne, & Duncan-Jones, 1981) was used to measure the perception of social support. Several aphasia-related variables and contextual factors were assessed for their impact on the maintenance of social networks using a standardised language assessment and a range of questionnaires. A descriptive analysis of results revealed that social support networks were altered following the onset of aphasia, with extended network relationships being most affected. Several factors were identified that potentially shaped the networks of the four participants. These factors fell into two broad categories: aphasia-related and contextual factors. Aphasia-related factors included severity of aphasia, time post onset, and inherent disease characteristics. Contextual factors included degree of distress exhibited by the recipient, age at onset, life cycle stage, quality and type of relationship, social network characteristics, and family constellation. Finally, limitations of the study and directions for future research are discussed.
Cytotoxic Oleanane-Type Triterpenoid Saponins from the Rhizomes of Anemone rivularis var. flore-minore

Phytochemical investigation of the n-BuOH extract of the rhizomes of Anemone rivularis var. flore-minore led to the isolation of five new oleanane-type triterpenoid saponins 1–5, together with five known saponins 6–10. Their structures were determined by the extensive use of 1D and 2D NMR experiments, along with ESIMS analyses and acid hydrolysis. The aglycone of 4 and 5 was determined as 21α-hydroxyoleanolic acid, which was reported in this genus for the first time. The cytotoxicity of these compounds was evaluated against four human cancer cell line, including HL-60 (promyelocytic leukemia), HepG2 (hepatocellular carcinoma), A549 (lung carcinoma) and HeLa (cervical carcinoma). The monodesmosidic saponins 6–8 exhibited cytotoxic activity toward all tested cancer cell lines, with IC50 values in the 7.25–22.38 μM range.
Wavelet – Based Face Recognition Schemes 99 Wavelet – Based Face Recognition Schemes

The growth in direct threats to people’s safety in recent years and the rapid increase in fraud and identity theft has increased the awareness of security requirements in society and added urgency to the task of developing biometric-based person identification as a reliable alternative to conventional authentication methods. In this Chapter we describe various approaches to face recognition with focus on wavelet-based schemes and present their performance using a number of benchmark databases of face images and videos. These schemes include single-stream (i.e. those using single-subband representations of face) as well as multi-stream schemes (i.e. those based on fusing a number of wavelet subband representations of face). We shall also discuss the various factors and quality measures that influence the performance of face recognition schemes including extreme variation in lighting conditions and facial expressions together with measures to reduce the adverse impact of such variations. These discussions will lead to the introduction of new innovative adaptive face recognition schemes. We shall present arguments in support of the suitability of such schemes for implementation on mobile phones and PDA’s.
Methods and rationale for closed treatment of Achilles tendon ruptures

Significant recent interest in closed treatment of Achilles tendon ruptures has been noted in the literature, as well as in clinical practice. This interest has grown out of dissatisfaction with operative treatment and its attendant high complication rates. The method of closed treatment consists of a gravity equinus, long leg, slightly bent knee cast for 6 weeks. This is followed by a short leg cast for a period of 4 weeks. A 2-cm heel lift is then used. Closed approximation of the tendon is easily demonstrated at the time of equinus casting. Results obtained have been gratifying. Observations were made on the Achilles tendon in dissected, fresh amputated specimens. Prominent transverse vessels in the paratenon, continuous with those of the anterior mesentery, illustrate well reports of the important role of these vessels in circulation to the midportion of the tendon, and its paratenon sheath is well demonstrated. An experimental study to document and compare closed methods of treatment of Achilles tendon injuries with open surgical methods has been done in mature rabbits. Results of tensile strength analysis at 1, 2, and 3 weeks demonstrate no significant difference between these two modes of treatment; at 3 weeks, tensile strength was 17.25 kg per cm' in the sutured side and 29.95 kg per cm' in the nonsutured side. Macroscopic examination demonstrated early tendon callus formation in all specimens ; this was more prominent in those treated closed where the paratenon was left in place. Surgical repair tended to destroy the paratenon envelope surrounding the tendon. However, an increased tendency toward separation of the tendon ends was seen in the nonsutured specimens ; yet both sutured and nonsutured tendons revealed a linear increase with time of immobilization. Microscopic examination presented clear evidence of progressive tendon healing in both types of specimens. By 24 days, organized fibroplasia can be seen spanning the tendon ends in an impressive fashion. The rationale for closed treatment of Achilles tendon ruptures is well supported through anatomical dissection and demonstration of a vascular paratenon and anterior mesentery. The maintenance of an intact paratenon sheath in nonsurgical treatment favors rapid healing, avoiding the complications of open surgical management. Experimental evidence in rabbits also supports this method of closed treatment as a satisfactory method which allows tendon healing to occur.
Statistical Methods for Comparing Regression Coefficients Between Models

Statistical methods are developed for comparing regression coefficients between models in the setting where one of the models is nested in the other. Comparisons of this kind are of interest whenever two explanations of a given phenomenon are specified as linear models. In this case, researchers should ask whether the coefficients associated with a given set of predictors change in a significant way when other predictors or covariates are added as controls. Simple calculations based on quantities provided by routines for regression analysis can be used to obtain the standard errors and other statistics that are required. Results are also given for the class of generalized linear models (e.g., logistic regression, log-linear models, etc.). We recommend fundamental change in strategies for model comparison in social research as well as modifications in the presentation of results from regression or regression-type models.
[Minimally invasive hip replacement--a meta-analysis].

AIM A systematic review of randomized controlled trials reporting on the comparison of minimally invasive THA and standard incision technique. METHOD An online search in Medline, CINAHL,EMBASE, and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register was performed. Data concerning the endpoints duration of procedure, blood loss,complications, and Harris Hip Score (HHS) were extracted and pooled using a random effects model. RESULTS 8 Studies observing a total of 917 patients(481 MIS, 436 Std.) were included. The weighted mean difference in duration of the procedures was 4 min, which is not significant(p = 0.21). There was significantly less blood loss in the mini group (p < 0.001). The difference in increases in HHS of averagely 4.14 pts. was only borderline significant (p = 0.06). The complication odds ratio showed no significance (p = 0.71). CONCLUSION There is only a marginal difference between these techniques. The minimally invasive total hip replacement is a variance of the standard procedure with better cosmesis. Differences in postoperative rehabilitation, however,are not within the scope of this study.
Sexual Minority Women's Gender Identity and Expression: Challenges and Supports

Sexual minority women were divided into four groups to study their gender identities (butch and femme), and gender expression (traditionally gendered and non-traditionally gendered women who do not identify as butch or femme). Experiences of heterosexist events (discrimination, harassment, threats of violence, victimization, negative emotions associated with these events), mental health (self esteem, stress, depression), and supports for a sexual minority identity (social support, outness, internalized homophobia) were examined across these groups. Findings suggested that butch-identified women experienced more heterosexist events than femme women or women with non-traditional gender expressions. There were no differences in mental health variables.
Male Sexual Orientation and Avuncularity in Canada: Implications for the Kin Selection Hypothesis

Androphilia refers to sexual attraction and arousal to adult males, whereas gynephilia refers to sexual attraction and arousal to adult females. The Kin Selection Hypothesis (KSH) posits that genes for male androphilia can persist if androphilic males offset the fitness costs of not reproducing directly by enhancing indirect fitness. In theory, by directing altruistic behavior toward kin, androphilic males can increase the reproduction of kin, thereby enhancing indirect fitness. Evidence supporting the KSH has been documented in Samoa. Samoan transgendered, androphilic males, known locally as fa’afafine, are socially accepted by the majority of Samoans. In contrast, no supportive evidence has been garnered from other cultures (i.e., USA, UK, Japan) that are characterized by less social tolerance toward male androphiles. Tests of the KSH in Canada might be more likely to yield findings consistent with Samoa because Canadian social and political attitudes toward male androphiles are markedly more tolerant and accepting. Here, we compared the willingness of Canadian androphilic men, gynephilic men, and androphilic women to invest in nieces and nephews as well as in non-kin children. Consistent with the KSH and findings from Samoa, androphilic men exhibited a significantly greater cognitive dissociation between altruistic tendencies directed toward kin versus non-kin children relative to gynephilic men and androphilic women. The present study, therefore, provides some tentative support for the KSH from a culture other than Samoa. Findings and future directions for research are considered within the context of the existing cross-cultural literature.
Oligonucleotide clonospecific probes directed against the junctional sequence of t(14;18): a new tool for the assessment of minimal residual disease in follicular lymphomas

Follicular lymphomas are often associated with t(14;18) chromosomal translocation. The rearrangement site (bcl‐2/JH junctional region) between the two chromosomes is hypervariable regarding its size and DNA sequence, and is a potential specific marker for the neoplastic clone of each patient. We report the use of the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique for detecting and sequencing clonal bcl‐2/JH rearrangements in lymph nodes and/or bone marrow specimens from patients with follicular lymphoma. 53 patients at diagnosis (n = 40) or at relapse (n = 13) were studied. 25 of these 53 cases were found to have the t(14;18) translocation involving either the major breakpoint region (MBR) (n=21) or the minor cluster region (mcr) (n = 4). Since our PCR technique could detect the translocation in 1/106 cells we had to distinguish mal‐ignant cells from possible t(14;18)‐bearing non‐malignant cells which could be present during and after treatment. The bcl‐2/JH junctional regions were therefore sequenced in order to synthesize an anti‐junction oligonucleotide probe specific for each patient’s malignant clone (clonospecific probe). Using these clonospecific probes for hybridization it was possible to detect one malignant cell mixed with 106 normal cells. 28 patients with advanced stage (stage III and IV), had been enrolled for treatment with myeloablative chemoradiotherapy and autologous bone marrow transplantation (ABMT). In 12 of these patients bcl‐2/MBR translocation was found at diagnosis and used as a marker to detect the presence of residual lymphoma cells in serial bone marrow (BM) and peripheral blood (PB) samples. In three relapsed patients (with available tissue samples at diagnosis and relapse), clonospecific probes clearly demonstrated the same bcl‐2/JH junction, thus confirming that the relapse occurred from the same malignant clone, and which remained stable without any clonal evolution of its junctional region throughout the course of the disease. These results demonstrate the value of the t(14;18) clonospecific probes as a diagnostic tool in the detection of minimal residual disease and relapses in patients with follicular lymphoma.