Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Identification of Cellulose-Responsive Bacterial and Fungal Communities in Geographically and Edaphically Different Soils by Using Stable Isotope Probing

ABSTRACT Many bacteria and fungi are known to degrade cellulose in culture, but their combined response to cellulose in different soils is unknown. Replicate soil microcosms amended with [13C]cellulose were used to identify bacterial and fungal communities responsive to cellulose in five geographically and edaphically different soils. The diversity and composition of the cellulose-responsive communities were assessed by DNA-stable isotope probing combined with Sanger sequencing of small-subunit and large-subunit rRNA genes for the bacterial and fungal communities, respectively. In each soil, the 13C-enriched, cellulose-responsive communities were of distinct composition compared to the original soil community or 12C-nonenriched communities. The composition of cellulose-responsive taxa, as identified by sequence operational taxonomic unit (OTU) similarity, differed in each soil. When OTUs were grouped at the bacterial order level, we found that members of the Burkholderiales, Caulobacteriales, Rhizobiales, Sphingobacteriales, Xanthomonadales, and the subdivision 1 Acidobacteria were prevalent in the 13C-enriched DNA in at least three of the soils. The cellulose-responsive fungi were identified as members of the Trichocladium, Chaetomium, Dactylaria, and Arthrobotrys genera, along with two novel Ascomycota clusters, unique to one soil. Although similarities were identified in higher-level taxa among some soils, the composition of cellulose-responsive bacteria and fungi was generally unique to a certain soil type, suggesting a strong potential influence of multiple edaphic factors in shaping the community.
Roughness and temperature effects on the filter media of a trickling filter for nitrification

The performance of trickling filters using two types of plastic media with the same material, the same shape and different roughness was evaluated during a temperature-decreasing period to understand the roughness and temperature effects on the filter media. Real restaurant wastewater was used for the experiments. The chemical oxygen demand (COD) removal and nitrification performance of plastic media with a rough surface (LT-15) was superior to that with a smooth surface (KT-15). Because the biomass of microorganisms attached on the LT-15 was twice that attached on the KT-15, the larger biomass attached on the LT-15 was thought to be responsible for the higher performance. During the operation, the COD loading and water temperature varied in the range from 0.37 to 1.9 kg m −3 d −1 and 17.0−10.0°C, respectively. However, the COD removal performance was not dependent on the COD loading or water temperature. On the contrary, the COD loading and the water temperature influenced the nitrification performance. Although a nitrification efficiency of 100% was recorded at a COD loading of 0.37 kg m −3 d −1, it deteriorated to 17–28% at higher COD loading. Moreover, a decline in the water temperature decreased the nitrification performance. The temperature-activity coefficient for nitrification was estimated to be 1.096. Based on this value, it was inferred that the COD loading should be set at less than 0.20 kg m −3 d −1 for the complete nitrification of the restaurant wastewater in winter, when the water temperature usually drops to around 10°C.
Passaged human chondrocytes accumulate extracellular matrix when induced by bovine chondrocytes

A source of sufficient number of cells is a major limiting factor for cartilage tissue engineering. To circumvent this problem, we developed a co‐culture method to induce redifferentiation in bovine articular chondrocytes, which had undergone dedifferentiation following serial passage in monolayer culture. In this study we determine whether human osteoarthritic (OA) and non‐diseased passaged dedifferentiated chondrocytes will respond similarly. Human passaged chondrocytes were co‐cultured for 4 weeks with primary bovine chondrocytes and their redifferentiation status was determined. Afterwards the cells were cultured either independently or in co‐culture with cryopreserved passaged cells for functional analysis. The co‐culture of passaged cells with primary chondrocytes resulted in reversion of their phenotype towards articular chondrocytes, as shown by increased gene expression of type II collagen and COMP, decreased type I collagen expression and extracellular matrix formation in vitro. Furthermore, this redifferentiation was stable, as those cells not only formed hyaline‐like cartilage tissue when grown on their own but also they could induce redifferentiation of passaged chondrocytes in co‐culture. These data suggest that it may be possible to use autologous chondrocytes obtained from osteoarthritic cartilage to form tissue suitable to use for cartilage repair. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Impact of methicillin resistance on the outcome of patients with bacteremia caused by Staphylococcus aureus.

BACKGROUND Uncertainties remain about the contribution of methicillin resistance to morbidity and mortality associated with bacteremia caused by Staphylococcus aureus. OBJECTIVE To assess the impact of methicillin resistance on patient outcome after staphylococcal bacteremia. METHODS We investigated a cohort of 145 patients with methicillin-sensitive S aureus bloodstream infection (MSSA BSI) and 39 patients with methicillin-resistant S aureus bloodstream infection (MRSA BSI) and further performed a pairwise-matched (1:1) case-control study. All patients in the University Hospital of Geneva, Geneva, Switzerland, with clinically significant staphylococcal bacteremia between January 1, 1994, and December 31, 1995, were included in the study. For the case-control study, cases were defined as patients with MRSA BSI; control patients with MSSA BSI were selected in a stepwise manner according to the following matching variables: age, sex, number of comorbidities, severity of underlying illness, and prior length of stay in the hospital. Matching was successful for 97% of the cohort. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE The in-hospital mortality after staphylococcal bacteremia. RESULTS In the population-based study, the relative hazard of death among patients with MRSA BSI (n = 39, 14 deaths, 36% fatality rate) compared with patients with MSSA BSI (n = 145, 40 deaths, 28% fatality rate) was 1.1 (95% confidence interval, 0.5-2.1), after adjusting for age and length of stay from admission to the onset of bloodstream infection. Following pairwise matching (n = 38), the in-hospital mortality was 34% in both groups (odds ratio, 1.0; 95% confidence interval, 0.4-2.5). Infection was the probable or definite cause of death in 54% of patients with MRSA BSI and 69% of patients with MSSA BSI who died. CONCLUSION Methicillin resistance in patients with S aureus bacteremia had no significant impact on patient outcome as measured by in-hospital mortality after adjustment was made for major confounders.
The Interaction between Reflective Thinking and Grade Dropping: An Alternative Assessment Policy

The present study aimed to investigate the interaction among grade dropping and reflective thinking abilities of the participants and to also check if action research enhances learners’ reflective thinking. A cyclic action research was run for 8 sessions. Kember et al.’s (2010) reflective thinking questionnaire and three in-term quizzes were administered. Students also made questions based on their course book passages and develop reflective thinking journals. Although the results suggested no linear relation between grade dropping and reflective thinking, students strategically decided to drop their lowest score and receive a replacement exam. Furthermore, analyses of students’ questions based on Bloom’s (1956) Taxonomy and their reflections revealed that learners’ reflective thinking level was enhanced. Such results might be conducive to highlighting students’ role in assessment policies.
Molecular markers of adrenocortical tumors

Adrenocortical tumors are common and incidentally discovered in up to 14% of axial imaging studies performed for other indications. Most of these tumors are nonfunctioning but may require removal because of the risk of adrenocortical carcinoma. Unfortunately, most clinical and imaging features are still not accurate enough to allow definitive diagnosis and an increasing number of patients undergo adrenalectomy to exclude a cancer diagnosis. Adrenocortical carcinoma is an aggressive malignancy with no effective therapy for patients with locally advanced and metastatic disease. Studies using new genomic approaches including mRNA, miRNA, methylation, and CGH profiling have identified dysregulated genes and pathways that may have clinical implications in improved molecular diagnosis and prognostication of adrenocortical cancer (ACC). In this review, we highlight recent advances in the molecular diagnosis of adrenocortical tumors. Published 2012. J. Surg. Oncol. 2012; 106:549–556. Published 2012. This article is a U.S. Government work and is in the public domain in the USA.
Left ventricular performance during para-His pacing in patients with high-grade atrioventricular block: an acute study.

AIM To compare changes in left ventricular (LV) performance and mechanical synchrony between atrial-based pacing with intrinsic conduction (AAI), dual-chamber para-His Pacing (DDD-PHP) and dual-chamber right ventricular septal pacing (DDD-RVS) in patients with high-grade atrioventricular block (AVB). METHODS AND RESULTS Patients with high-grade AVB and QRS <120 ms, who had temporary intrinsic atrioventricular (AV) conduction the day after the implantation were included in the study. All patients received a biventricular pacemaker with a para-His lead in the LV port, and a RVS lead in the right ventricular port. Left ventricular three-dimensional echocardiograms, LV outlet tract-velocity time integrals (LVOT-VTI), and LV synchrony with tissue Doppler imaging were recorded during AAI, DDD-PHP, and DDD-RVS. Eleven patients were included. The mean LVOT-VTI was significant lower during DDD-RVS (19.2 ± 5.5 cm) as compared with DDD-PHP (21.4 ± 5.5 cm), P = 0.006 and AAI (21.6 ± 6.8 cm), P = 0.016. The LVEF was higher during AAI than during DDD-PHP (P= 0.02) and DDD-RVS (P< 0.01). The maximal time to peak velocity between basal segments was significant longer with DDD-RVS (95 ± 26 ms) than with AAI (72 ± 30 ms), P = 0.028, whereas no difference was observed between AAI and DDD-PHP (81 ± 42 ms), P = 0.20. CONCLUSIONS Acutely, DDD-PHP preserves LV systolic performance and mechanical synchrony as compared with DDD-RVS.
Integrating Transit Pass Ownership into Mode Choice Modelling

The relationship between monthly transit pass ownership and home-work trip mode choice in the Greater Toronto Area was explored using a logit formulation. A Nested Logit model was specified with the primary mode (non-motorised, auto, transit, or auto access to transit) in the upper level and the pass ownership in the lower transit nests. Inclusive value parameters confirm the chosen structure, and a range of policy sensitive, statistically significant parameters having expected signs and magnitudes reveal differences between socio-economic characteristics of pass holders and non-pass holders. In particular, pass holders are less likely to possess a driver’s license or automobile than non-pass holders, implying that passes can be thought of as complementary mobility tools. Cost parameters, which include differentiated pricing for pass and non-pass holders, result in plausible in-vehicle values of time of approximately $31/hour, $33/hour and $8/hour for auto, auto access to transit, and transit all way, respectively.
Expression of glutathione S-transferase during rat liver development.

The ontogeny of rat liver glutathione S-transferase (EC 2.5.1.18) (GSTs) during foetal and postnatal development was investigated. The GSTs are dimers, the subunits of which belong to three multigene families, Alpha (subunits 1, 2, 8 and 10), Mu (subunits 3, 4, 6, 9 and 11) and Pi (subunit 7) [Mannervik, Alin, Guthenberg, Jennsson, Tahir, Warholm & Jörnvall (1985) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U.S.A. 82, 7202-7206; Kispert, Meyer, Lalor, Coles & Ketterer (1989) Biochem. J. 260, 789-793]. There is considerable structural homology within each gene family, with the result that whereas reverse-phase h.p.l.c. successfully differentiates individual subunits, immunocytochemical and Northern-blotting analyses may only differentiate families. Enzymic activity, h.p.l.c. and Northern blotting indicated that expression of GST increased from very low levels at 12 days of foetal growth to substantial amounts at day 21. At birth, GST concentrations underwent a dramatic decline and remained low until 5-10 days post partum, after which they increased to adult levels. During the period under study, GST subunits underwent differential expression. The Mu family had a lower level of expression than the Alpha family, and, within the Alpha family, subunit 1 was more dominant in the adult than the foetus. Subunit 2 is the major form in the foetus. Most noteworthy were subunits 7 and 10, which were prominent in the foetus, but present at low levels post partum. Immunocytochemical analysis of the 17-day foetal and newborn rat livers showed marked differences in the distribution of GSTs in hepatocytes. In the 17-day foetal liver Pi greater than Alpha greater than Mu whereas in the newborns Alpha greater than Mu much greater than Pi. Erythropoietic cells were not stained for any of the three GST families. Steady-state mRNA concentrations in the foetus correlated with the relative transcription of the Alpha, Mu and Pi class genes. However, in those genes expressed post partum, namely the Alpha and Mu class, low transcriptional activity was associated with high concentrations of mRNA. This suggests that there is a switch from transcriptional control to post-transcriptional control at birth. GST 7-7 appears to be regulated predominantly by transcription throughout the period of liver development under observation.
The study of allergic skin test in patients with globus pharyngeus: a preliminary report.

BACKGROUND Globus pharyngeus is the lump sensation in the throat associated with various conditions including somatoform disorder and gastroesophageal reflux disease. However, many patients with unrelated causes were found to respond to anti-allergic treatment. OBJECTIVE Determine the results of allergic skin test in globus pharyngeus patients who had unidentified causes. MATERIAL AND METHOD Fifty-four globus pharyngeus patients were enrolled and referred for complete physical examination, screening psychological status, videostroboscopy, and reflux finding score assessment. All patients including 38 controlled subjects underwent skin prick test and/or intradermal test. The globus patients who had positive test were recommended to have anti allergic treatment. Barium swallowing study, ambulatory double-probe pH monitoring, or plain film cervical spine was done in patients with negative skin tests and in non-response to medication. RESULTS There was statistically significant difference of positive skin test results between globus and the control group (77.8% vs. 28.6% OR = 13.12, p < 0.001). In positive skin test-globus group, globus symptom was improved in 64.3% after allergic treatment, which 85.2% had moderate and excellent improvement. In patients with negative skin test and non-response group show various conditions including gastroesophageal reflux disease (18.52%), abnormal esophageal manometry (40.74%), and myofascial pain syndrome (3.71%). CONCLUSION Due to high prevalence of positive skin test in globus pharyngeus patients, this symptom should be considered as one of the atypical allergic manifestations.
High‐frequency electrical conduction block of mammalian peripheral motor nerve

A quick‐acting, quick‐reversing method for blocking action potentials in peripheral nerves could be used in the treatment of muscle spasticity and pain. A high‐frequency alternating‐current (HFAC) sinusoidal waveform is one possible means for providing this type of block. HFAC was used to block peripheral motor nerve activity in an in vivo mammalian model. Frequencies from 10 to 30 kHZ at amplitudes of between 2 and 10 V were investigated. A complete and reversible motor block was obtained at all frequencies. The block threshold amplitudes showed a linear relationship with frequency, the lowest threshold being at 10 kHZ. HFAC block has three phases: an onset response; a period of asynchronous firing; and a steady state of complete or partial block. The onset response and the asynchronous firing can be minimized by using an optimal frequency–amplitude combination. In general, the onset response was lowest for the combination of 30 kHZ and 10 V. Muscle Nerve, 2005
A single bout of walking exercise enhances endogenous fibrinolysis in stroke patients.

PURPOSE Impaired endogenous fibrinolysis is an important predictor for increased risk of stroke and myocardial infarction. Acute exercise can enhance fibrinolysis, primarily by stimulating short-term increases in plasma tissue plasminogen activator (tPA), which is postulated to protect against atherothrombotic events. No prior studies have examined the fibrinolytic response to exercise in stroke survivors despite their high risk for recurrent stroke and myocardial infarction. The purpose of this study was to assess the fibrinolytic response to acute submaximal exercise in chronic hemiparetic stroke patients. METHODS Eighteen (16 men, 2 women) untrained stroke patients with chronic hemiparetic gait deficits volunteered for participation in this single session exercise study. Fasting blood samples for determination of tPA and plasminogen activator inhibitor (PAI-1) enzyme activities were obtained before, immediately after, and 60 min after submaximal treadmill walking. Patients walked at 60% maximal heart rate reserve (low-moderate intensity) for a cumulative total of 20 min. RESULTS The exercise bout increased tPA activity by 79% (P < 0.01) and decreased PAI-1 activity by 18% (P < 0.01). At 1 h after completing the walking exercise, plasma tPA activity levels were still significantly elevated (43%,P < 0.01), and PAI-1 activity levels were 25% lower (P < 0.01) than baseline. CONCLUSIONS These findings demonstrate that a single bout of aerobic walking exercise can improve fibrinolysis profiles in chronic stroke patients. Significant increases in endogenous tPA and reductions in PAI-1 activity persist for at least 1 h after exercise cessation. The implications are that alterations in physical activity during the day may modify clot lysing potential, thereby affecting atherothrombotic risk.
Suppressed cutaneous endothelial vascular control and hemodynamic changes in paretic extremities with edema in the extremities of patients with hemiplegia.

OBJECTIVE To investigate peripheral circulatory function and its underlying mechanisms in the paretic upper extremity after a stroke. DESIGN Case-control study. SETTING A department of physical medicine and rehabilitation in Taiwan. PARTICIPANTS A total of 53 hemiplegic patients (28 men, 25 women; mean age +/- standard deviation; 58.2+/-3.8y) were studied. Subjects were divided into edema and nonedema groups. The edema group included 29 hemiplegic patients with edematous paretic upper extremities. Twenty-four hemiplegic patients in the nonedema group did not suffer from limb edema in the paretic upper extremity. INTERVENTIONS Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Cutaneous microvascular perfusion responses to 3 grade levels of iontophoretically applied 1% acetylcholine (ACh), 1% ACh plus 1% N(G)-monomethyl-L-arginine (L-NMMA), and 1% sodium nitroprusside (SNP) in the skin of subjects' forearms were determined by laser Doppler perfusion measurements. Moreover, hemodynamic characteristics in the arterial and venous vessels were measured by impedance plethysmography. RESULTS Resting arterial inflow and venous capacity, tone, and outflow in paretic extremities did not significantly differ from nonparetic extremities, but the hyperemic arterial inflow was lower in paretic extremities than in nonparetic extremities, and paretic extremities were associated with lower ACh- and ACh plus L-NMMA-induced cutaneous perfusions than nonparetic extremities. ACh-induced cutaneous perfusions also decreased much more significantly in edematous paretic extremities than in nonedematous paretic extremities, and skin vascular responses to SNP do not differ significantly between paretic and nonparetic extremities. CONCLUSION Cutaneous microcirculatory function in the paretic upper extremity after stroke may be impaired. The impairment may occur because of decreased endothelium-dependent dilation in skin vasculature. Dysfunction in cutaneous microcirculation tends to be more pronounced in the edematous than in the nonedematous extremities.
Comparative effects of two different doses of low‐level laser therapy on wound healing third‐degree burns in rats

Burns are injuries caused by direct or indirect contact to chemical, physical, or biological agents. Low‐level laser therapy (LLLT) is a promising treatment since it is low‐cost, non‐invasive, and induces cell proliferation. This study aimed to investigate the effects of LLLT (660 nm) at two different fluences (12.5 J/cm2 and 25 J/cm2) per point of application on third‐degree burns in rats. Thirty rats (Wistar) divided into GC, GL12.5, and GL25 were used in the study, and submitted to burn injury through a soldering iron at 150°C, pressed on their back for 10 s. LLLT was applied immediately, and 2, 4, 6, and 8 days after wound induction. Histological analysis revealed a decreased inflammatory infiltrate in the group treated with 25 J/cm2, and intense inflammatory infiltrate in the control group and in the group treated with 12.5 J/cm2. The immunostaining of COX‐2 was more intense in the control groups and in the group treated with 12.5 J/cm2 than in the group treated with 25 J/cm2. Conversely, VEGF immunomarking was more expressive in the group treated with 25 J/cm2 than it was in the other two groups. Therefore, our findings suggest that the use of 25 J/cm2 and 1 J of energy was more effective in stimulating the cellular processes involved in tissue repair on third‐degree burns in rats by reducing the inflammatory phase, and stimulating angiogenesis, thus restoring the local microcirculation which is essential for cell migration. Microsc. Res. Tech. 79:313–320, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
TRALI: correlation of antigen‐antibody and monocyte activation in donor‐recipient pairs

BACKGROUND : TRALI may be a severe reaction associated with transfusion of plasma‐containing blood components. TRALI has usually been associated with antibodies against granulocytes and HLA class I antigens, but more recently with antibodies against HLA class II and monocytes. TRALI cases were investigated to determine correlation between antigen and antibody. Additionally, activation of monocytes by TRALI serums was studied.