Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Pharmacological activation of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ (PPAR‐γ) protects against hypoxia‐associated fetal growth restriction

The hypoxia of high‐altitude (HA) residence increases the risk of intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) and preeclampsia 3‐fold, augmenting perinatal morbidity and mortality and the risk for childhood and adult disease. Currently, no effective therapies exist to prevent these vascular disorders of pregnancy. The peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ (PPAR‐γ) is an important regulator of uteroplacental vascular development and function and has been implicated in the pathogenesis of IUGR and preeclampsia. Here, we used a model of HA pregnancy in mice to determine whether hypoxia‐induced fetal growth restriction reduces placental PPAR‐γ protein expression and placental vascularization and, if so, to evaluate the effectiveness of the selective PPAR‐γ agonist pioglitazone (PIO) for preventing hypoxia‐induced IUGR. Hypoxia resulted in asymmetric IUGR, placental insufficiency, and reduced placental PPAR‐γ expression; PIO prevented approximately half of the fetal growth restriction and attenuated placental insufficiency. PIO did not affect fetal growth under normoxia. Although PIO was beneficial for fetal growth, PIO treatment reduced placental vascular density of the labrynthine zone in normoxic and hypoxic (Hx) conditions, and mean vascular area was reduced in the Hx group. Our results suggest that pharmacological PPAR‐γ activation is a potential strategy for preventing IUGR in pregnancies complicated by hypoxia, although further studies are needed to identify its likely metabolic or vascular mechanisms. —Lane, S. L. , Dodson, R. B. , Doyle, A. S. , Park, H. , Rathi, H. , Matarrazo, C. J., Moore, L. G. , Lorca, R. A. , Wolf son, G. H. Julian, C. G. Pharmacological activation of peroxisome proliferator‐activated receptor γ (PPAR‐γ) protects against hypoxia‐associated fetal growth restriction. FASEB J. 33, 8999–9007 (2019). www.fasebj. org
Modelling of Critical Slopes of Gait Patterns for the Realization of a Wireless Foot Clearance Measurement

Gait analysis measurement is a method to access and identify gait events and the measurements of dynamic and motion parameters involving the lower part of body. This significant method is widely used in sports, rehabilitation as well as the health diagnostic towards improving the quality of life. Many researchers has proposed various ways to access gait features that require specially set-up motion laboratories, highend video based-motion imaging systems, and professionals to visually observe the gait, this makes current way of accessing gait to be very costly and limited in many ways.Therefore, this research focuses on design and development of a portable shoe integrated wireless MEMS-based and recent microelectronic based foot clearance measurement system that is cheap, portable, real life and can be used by more people. The foot clearance measurement is representing the measurement of the distance between foot and ground. The clearance measured by an ultrasonic sensor. The system was tested and proven to satisfy the gait analysis requirement.
Sublingual Immunotherapy for Asthma: Affects T-Cells but Does not Impact Basophil Activation.

Objective: Allergen-specific immunotherapy (SIT) is the unique modifying treatment of atopic diseases. Dysregulation of T-cell apoptosis plays a crucial role in the in the development of asthma. Nevertheless, the effect of sublingual immunotherapy (SLIT) on T-cell apoptosis has not been elucidated. The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of 1 year of SIT in atopic children on the frequency of Th1 and Th2 cells in peripheral blood, on T-cell apoptosis, and on the response of basophils to allergen challenge. Methods: Children suffering from bronchial asthma were treated with SLIT for 12 months (Staloral 300). Basophil activation was evaluated by measurement of CD203c antigen expression. Th1 and Th2 cells frequencies and their associated frequencies of apoptosis by the expression of Bcl-2 were evaluated with flow cytometry. Results: Basophil activation showed no difference in response before and after therapy. The frequency of Th1 cells increased (p=0.01, n=19), whereas the frequency of Th2 cells remained stable. Additionally, a significant increase of Bcl-2 positive Th1 cells was found (p=0.0465, n=19). Conclusions: We conclude that the increase in frequency of Th1 cells secondary to SLIT might be associated with increased resistance to apoptotic signals. The basophil activation is not useful in evaluation of patient desensitization.
Use of anticoagulants in elderly patients: practical recommendations

Elderly people represent a patient population at high thromboembolic risk, but also at high hemorrhagic risk. There is a general tendency among physicians to underuse anticoagulants in the elderly, probably both because of underestimation of thromboembolic risk and overestimation of bleeding risk. The main indications for anticoagulation are venous thromboembolism (VTE) prophylaxis in medical and surgical settings, VTE treatment, atrial fibrillation (AF) and valvular heart disease. Available anticoagulants for VTE prophylaxis and initial treatment of VTE are low molecular weight heparins (LMWH), unfractionated heparin (UFH) or synthetic anti-factor Xa pentasaccharide fondaparinux. For long-term anticoagulation vitamin K antagonists (VKA) are the first choice and only available oral anticoagulants nowadays. Assessing the benefit-risk ratio of anticoagulation is one of the most challenging issues in the individual elderly patient, patients at highest hemorrhagic risk often being those who would have the greatest benefit from anticoagulants. Some specific considerations are of utmost importance when using anticoagulants in the elderly to maximize safety of these treatments, including decreased renal function, co-morbidities and risk of falls, altered pharmacodynamics of anticoagulants especially VKAs, association with antiplatelet agents, patient education. Newer anticoagulants that are currently under study could simplify the management and increase the safety of anticoagulation in the future.
Co-victims of Homicide

This systematic literature review examines the effects of homicide on surviving family members, the “co-victims” or “survivors” of homicide. A content analysis was conducted on 40 articles identified through a search of the literature. The research samples were predominately located in the United States, but included two U.K. samples, one Jamaican sample, and one sample from Israel. All articles were written in English. Three themes were identified. Nineteen articles explored the psychological, academic, social, occupational, and familial effects of homicide. Thirteen articles considered survivors’ grieving process and how it was altered by experiences with the criminal justice system as well as coping strategies used by survivors to deal with their grief. Eight articles explored treatment interventions available to help surviving family members deal with their grief. Key findings from the articles, limitations of the current research, and implications for future research, policy, and practice are included.
The role of interactions

Interactions between galaxies are suggested to be a mechanism responsible for feeding Active Galactic Nuclei (AGN). Theoretical models show that interactions are an efficient way to drive gas from the galaxy to the nucleus, however, the observational evidence on this subject is controversial. Here we review results in this field, discuss possible limitations of previous studies and the importance of dealing with selection effects. We also show that there is no significant difference in the percentage of low luminosity AGN and normal galaxies with companions, and discuss possible interpretations of this result.To search for other articles by the author(s) go to: http://adsabs.harvard. edu/abstract_service. html
Responses in Human Macrophages

Macrophages are sentinel immune cells that survey the tissue microenvironment, releasing cytokines in response to both exogenous insults and endogenous events such as tumorigenesis. Macrophages mediate tumor surveillance and therapy-induced tumor regression; however, tumor-associated macrophages (TAM) and their products may also promote tumor progression. Whereas NF-kB is prominent in macrophage-initiated inflammatory responses, little is known about the role of p53 in macrophage responses to environmental challenge, including chemotherapy or inTAMs.Here, we report thatNF-kBandp53, which generally have opposing effects in cancer cells, coregulate induction of proinflammatory genes in primary human monocytes and macrophages. Using Nutlin-3 as a tool, we demonstrate that p53 and NF-kB rapidly and highly induce interleukin (IL)-6 by binding to its promoter. Transcriptome analysis revealed global p53/NF-kB co-regulation of immune response genes, including several chemokines, which effectively inducedhumanneutrophilmigration. In addition, we show that p53, activated by tumor cell paracrine factors, induces high basal levels of macrophage IL-6 in a TAMmodel system [tumor-conditioned macrophages (TCM)]. Compared with normal macrophages, TCMs exhibited higher p53 levels, enhanced p53 binding to the IL-6 promoter, and reduced IL-6 levels upon p53 inhibition. Taken together, we describe a mechanism by which human macrophages integrate signals through p53 and NF-kB to drive proinflammatory cytokine induction. Our results implicate a novel role formacrophage p53 in conditioning the tumor microenvironment and suggest a potential mechanism by which p53-activating chemotherapeutics, acting upon p53-sufficient macrophages and precursor monocytes, may indirectly impact tumors lacking functional p53. Cancer Res; 74(8); 2182–92. 2014 AACR.
Tenascin-C in peripheral nerve morphogenesis.

The extracellular matrix (ECM) molecule tenascin/cytotactin (TN-C) is expressed at a high level by satellite (glial precursor) cells in developing peripheral nerves of the chick embryo; synthesis of its mRNA peaks at the time period when axonal growth is maximal. When offered as a substrate in vitro, TN-C mediates neurite outgrowth by both motor and sensory neurons. The ability to grow neurites on TN-C is developmentally regulated: sensory neurons from 4-day chick embryos (the stage at which peripheral nerves start to develop) grow immediately and rapidly, whereas neurons from older embryos respond with a long delay. A TN-C domain responsible for this activity is located within the C-terminal (distal) portion of TN-C subunits. Integrin receptors seem to be involved on peripheral neurites because their growth on TN-C is completely blocked by antibodies to beta 1 integrins. In striking contrast to neuronal processes, nerve satellite cells can attach to a TN-C substrate but are completely inhibited in their migratory activity. Artificial substrate borders between tenascin and fibronectin or laminin act as selective barriers that allow neurites to pass while holding up satellite cells. The repulsive action of TN-C on satellite cells is similar to that observed for other cell types and is likely to be mediated by additional TN-C domains. In view of these data, it is surprising that mice seem to develop normally without a functional TN-C gene. TN-C is likely to be redundant, that is, its dual action on cell adhesion is shared by other molecules. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Effects of parenteral administration of vitamin E on health of periparturient dairy cows.

OBJECTIVE To determine the effect of administration of vitamin E (D-alpha-tocopherol) on the incidence of retained placenta, metritis, and clinical mastitis during early lactation and on tocopherol concentrations. DESIGN Prospective randomized controlled study. ANIMALS 420 Holstein cows. PROCEDURE Vitamin E (3,000 mg, IM, once) was administered to 204 cows B to 14 days before expected parturition, and 216 control cows were not treated. The number of cows that had retained placenta, metritis, clinical mastitis, displaced abomasum, and clinically apparent acetonemia or hypocalcemia were recorded. Serum concentrations of tocopherol, the tocopherol:cholesterol ratio, and glutathione-peroxidase activity were determined from samples obtained before administration of vitamin E, 7 and 14 days after administration, and at 30 days after parturition from 36 treated and 36 control cows. RESULTS Administration of vitamin E significantly decreased the incidence of retained placenta and metritis (13/204 [6.4%] and 8/204: [3.9%], respectively, for the vitamin E-treated group; 27/216 [12.5%] and 19/ 216 [8.8%], respectively, for the untreated group) but did not affect the incidence of clinical mastitis. Serum vitamin E concentration was significantly higher in treated than in control cattle at 7 and 14 days after administration, but serum tocopherol: cholesterol ratio was significantly higher only at 7 days after administration. CLINICAL IMPLICATIONS Parenteral administration of a single injection of vitamin E before parturition may decrease the incidence of retained placenta and metritis in dairy cows but will increase serum concentrations for 7 to 14 days after administration.
Theoretical Models of Superbursts on Accreting Neutron Stars

We carry out a general relativistic global linear stability analysis of the amassed carbon fuel on the surface of an accreting neutron star to determine the conditions under which superbursts occur. We reproduce the general observational characteristics of superbursts, including burst fluences, recurrence times, and the absence of superbursts on stars with accretion rates < 0.1Edd, where Edd denotes the Eddington limit. By comparing our results with observations, we are able to set constraints on neutron star parameters such as the stellar radius and neutrino cooling mechanism in the core. Specifically, we find that accreting neutron stars with ordered crusts and highly efficient neutrino emission in their cores (due to direct Urca or pionic reactions, for example) produce extremely energetic (>1044 ergs) superbursts that are inconsistent with observations, in agreement with previous investigations. Also, because of pycnonuclear burning of carbon, they do not have superbursts in the range of accretion rates at which superbursts are actually observed unless the crust is very impure. Stars with less efficient neutrino emission (due to modified Urca reactions, for example) produce bursts that agree better with observations. Stars with highly inefficient neutrino emission in their cores produce bursts that agree best with observations. Furthermore, we find that neutron stars with large radii (R ~ 16 km) produce very energetic superbursts that conflict with observations, even if the core neutrino emission mechanism is highly inefficient. Superburst characteristics are quite sensitive to several other parameters as well, most notably the composition of the accreted gas, concentration of carbon in the ignition region, and degree of crystallization of the crust. All systems that accrete primarily hydrogen and in which superbursts are observed show evidence of H- and He-burning delayed mixed bursts. We speculate that delayed mixed bursts provide sufficient amounts of carbon fuel for superbursts and are thus a prerequisite for having superbursts. We compare our global stability analysis to approximate one-zone criteria used by other authors and identify a particular set of approximations that give accurate results for most choices of parameters.
Antibiotic resistance—What’s dosing got to do with it?

Objective:This review seeks to identify original research articles that link antibiotic dosing and the development of antibiotic resistance for different antibiotic classes. Using this data, we seek to apply pharmacodynamic principles to assist clinical practice for suppressing the emergence of resistance. Concepts such as mutant selection window and mutant prevention concentration will be discussed. Data Sources:PubMed, EMBASE, and the Cochrane Controlled Trial Register. Study Selection:All articles that related antibiotic doses and exposure to the formation of antibiotic resistance were reviewed. Data Synthesis:The escalation of antibiotic resistance continues worldwide, most prominently in patients in intensive care units. Data are emerging from in vitro and in vivo studies that suggest that inappropriately low antibiotic dosing may be contributing to the increasing rate of antibiotic resistance. Fluoroquinolones have widely been researched and publications on other antibiotic classes are emerging. Developing dosing regimens that adhere to pharmacodynamic principles and maximize antibiotic exposure is essential to reduce the increasing rate of antibiotic resistance. Conclusions:Antibiotic dosing must aim to address not only the bacteria isolated, but also the most resistant subpopulation in the colony, to prevent the advent of further resistant infections because of the inadvertent selection pressure of current dosing regimens. This may be achieved by maximizing antibiotic exposure by administering the highest recommended dose to the patient.
Retrospective review of epidemic viral pneumonia cases in Turkey: A multicenter study

Influenza A (H1N1) caused its first pandemic in 2009 in USA and Mexico. Since then, clinicians have exercised great care in order to make an early diagnosis of viral pneumonias. This is due in part to pandemic influenza A infection having greater impact on populations <65 years old than other viral strains, including seasonal influenza. Chest radiographies of those affected displayed a rapid progression of patchy infiltrates, and a large proportion of individuals required admission to intensive care units (ICU). Despite efforts, patients infected with the virus had a high mortality rate. The present multicenter study aimed to retrospectively evaluate the clinical, demographic and prognostic characteristics of patients diagnosed with epidemic viral pneumonia in Turkey. A total of 92 patients were included in the study. The Student's t-test and Chi-square tests were performed to analyze quantitative data, assuming a normal distribution, and to analyze qualitative data, respectively. Stepwise logistic regression was used to evaluate the effects of demographic variables and laboratory values on the virus mortality rate. The male/female ratio was 42/50 and the mean age was 48.74±16.65 years. A total of 69 (75%) patients were unvaccinated against influenza. The most common symptoms were cough (87%) and fever (63%). Chest computed tomography showed peripheral patchy areas of the lungs of ground glass density in 38 patients (41.3%). A total of 22 (59.4%) patients had H1N1, 5 (12.5%) patients had influenza B, and 38 (41.3%) patients met the criteria for admission to the ICU. Of these patients, 20 (52.63%) were monitored with a mechanical ventilator, with a noninvasive ventilator being adequate for 10 (26.32%) of patients. The length of stay in the ICU was 6.45±5.97 days and the duration of mechanical ventilation was 5.06±4.69 days. A total of 12 (13.04%) patients in the ICU succumbed. Logistic regression analysis revealed that among the parameters possibly associated with mortality, being an active smoker increased the risk of mortality 7.08-fold compared to other groups (P=0.005). In conclusion, viral pneumonia remains a significant health problem during the winter period. Considering the high number of ICU admissions and high rate of mortality for patients in the present study, earlier initiation of antiviral therapy is necessary. Active smoking increased mortality in viral pneumonia.
A Replication-Competent, Neuronal Spread-Defective, Live Attenuated Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1 Vaccine

ABSTRACT Herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) produces oral lesions, encephalitis, keratitis, and severe infections in the immunocompromised host. HSV-1 is almost as common as HSV-2 in causing first episodes of genital herpes, a disease that is associated with an increased risk of human immunodeficiency virus acquisition and transmission. No approved vaccines are currently available to protect against HSV-1 or HSV-2 infection. We developed a novel HSV vaccine strategy that uses a replication-competent strain of HSV-1, NS-gEnull, which has a defect in anterograde and retrograde directional spread and cell-to-cell spread. Following scratch inoculation on the mouse flank, NS-gEnull replicated at the site of inoculation without causing disease. Importantly, the vaccine strain was not isolated from dorsal root ganglia (DRG). We used the flank model to challenge vaccinated mice and demonstrated that NS-gEnull was highly protective against wild-type HSV-1. The challenge virus replicated to low titers at the site of inoculation; therefore, the vaccine strain did not provide sterilizing immunity. Nevertheless, challenge by HSV-1 or HSV-2 resulted in less-severe disease at the inoculation site, and vaccinated mice were totally protected against zosteriform disease and death. After HSV-1 challenge, latent virus was recovered by DRG explant cocultures from <10% of vaccinated mice compared with 100% of mock-vaccinated mice. The vaccine provided protection against disease and death after intravaginal challenge and markedly lowered the titers of the challenge virus in the vagina. Therefore, the HSV-1 gEnull strain is an excellent candidate for further vaccine development.
Effects of mineral nutrients on the growth of bacterioߚ and phytoplankton in two southern reservoirs

Nutrient limitation of bacterioߚ and phytoplankton was studied simultaneously in two warmߚwater lakes in the southern United StatesߞJoe Pool Lake (JPL) and Eagle Mountain Lake (EML). Lakes were sampled approximately biweekly between March 1998 and December 1999 from a single station. Nutrient limitation was assessed through dilution bioassays in which nitrogen (N, 50 µM above ambient), phosphorus (P, 10 µM above ambient), carbon (C, bacterioplankton only, 83 µM above ambient), and trace nutrients (Tm, phytoplankton only) were supplied. In both lakes, growth of bacterioߚ and phytoplankton was stimulated by nutrient additions. Multiple nutrient limitation was common. P alone and in combination with N and C or Tm most frequently limited growth of both bacterio and phytoplankton in JPL. N alone and in combination with P and C or Tm most frequently limited growth of both bacterioߚ and phytoplankton in EML. Comparison of in situ growth rates to growth rates under potentially nutrient saturating conditions revealed that both bacterioߚ and phytoplankton in both lakes were growing well below maximum potential during warm months but near maximum potential during cooler months. This result was due to a combined effect of low temperature in winter and restricted nutrient availability in summer. Phytoplankton was generally more strongly limited by nutrient availability than was bacterioplankton, but there were occasions when the intensity of limitation shifted between communities.
Comparison of Tracheal Diameter Measured by Chest X-Ray and by Computed Tomography

Assessments of tracheal diameter (TD) are important to select proper endotracheal tubes. Previous studies have used X-ray and physical indices to estimate tracheal diameter but these may not reflect the actual TD. We compared TD measured by X-ray (TD-XP) and by computer tomography (TD-CT) in 200 patients. Also, we analyzed correlation of TD-CT with physical indices such as age, height, weight, and BMI. TD-XP and TD-CT were significantly correlated (male: n = 55, P = .0146; female: n = 91, P = .001). TD-XP was 0.4 mm wider in male and 1.0 mm wider in female than TD-CT. However, correlation coefficients of TD-XP and TD-CT are very weak (male: r = 0.36; female: r = 0.653). TD-CT did not correlate with age, height, weight, or BMI. Our findings suggest that correlations of TD-XP and TD are statistically significant but not clinically significant. Physical indices are not useful to estimate TD.