Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Adherence of mucoid and nonmucoid Pseudomonas aeruginosa to acid-injured tracheal epithelium

A model of the adherence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa to injured lower respiratory tract cells is described. Mouse tracheas were injured by exposure to 0.1 N HCl for 15 min, cut into pieces of 2 to 4 rings, and placed in petri dishes for adherence studies. Adherence was quantitated by direct count of the number of bacteria attached to a fixed surface area as viewed by scanning electron microscopy. Optimal conditions for study were 1 h of incubation with an inoculum of 10(7) to 10(8) CFU/ml. Both mucoid and nonmucoid P. aeruginosa adhered to the injured cells in this system, and no major differences in adherence between these strains was apparent. Adherence to injured tracheal cells was a phenomenon limited to P. aeruginosa and did not occur with Escherichia coli and Klebsiella pneumoniae. Besides adherence to injured cells, this model allowed the demonstration of adherence of mucoid P. aeruginosa and K. pneumoniae to mucin strands of uninjured control tracheas. This model is an alternative to the buccal cell model and has the advantage of allowing the study of the adherence of both mucoid and nonmucoid strains of P. aeruginosa.
Soluble iC3b as an Early Marker for Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma Is Superior to CA19.9 and Radiology

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma as an aggressive tumor still lacks specific markers. Resection offers the only potential cure, and earlier diagnosis could benefit many patients. Here, we analyzed siC3b as a potential diagnostic marker. Soluble iC3b is generated in the fluid phase after binding of autoantibodies to tumor cells and subsequent inactivation of the complement cascade by interaction with complement regulatory proteins. Two hundred thirty-two plasma samples from patients with adjuvant treatment after resection, from healthy volunteers, and from vulnerable patients were collected prospectively and analyzed for siC3b. Every 3 months, the patients underwent imaging and the results from siC3b enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay were categorized according to radiologically defined recurrence within 4 months after blood withdrawal. Furthermore, the regulatory factors of the complement system were analyzed in tumor cells and in urine. The most important finding was that up to 4 months before radiologically defined recurrence, siC3b plasma level is increased with a sensitivity and specificity resulting in an area under the curve of 0.85, which could be further increased by combining it with CA19.9 (area under the curve=0.92). Complement regulatory proteins are highly expressed in pancreatic carcinoma cells and detectable in the patient's urine. In summary, screening for siC3b in patients with an increased risk for pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (patients with chronic pancreatitis, hereditary pancreatitis, after curative resection, and patients with a variety of familial cancer syndromes) allows for early detection with high sensitivity, as siC3b plasma levels are increased up to 4 months before radiologic evidence. Sensitivity could be further increased by combining this approach with CA19.9.
P300 Component Identification in Auditory Oddball and Novel Paradigms Using Source Analysis Techniques: Reduced Latency Variability in the Elderly

P300 latency variability in normal subjects limits its diagnostic applicability as a test for cognitive function. One of the causes of variation is the overlap in P300 (P3A and P3B) components resulting in inaccurate latency determination. Recently, we have shown that identification of P3A and P3B components using source analysis techniques significantly reduces P300 latency variability in healthy younger subjects. Here, we included a novel paradigm to enhance sensitivity and investigated the efficiency of the source analysis technique in reducing the P300 latency variability in healthy older subjects. Data were recorded with a 128-channel EEG system in 28 healthy subjects (aged 53–82 years, 12 males). We used a standard two-tone and a novel three-tone auditory oddball paradigm and an established source analysis technique, and compared the latencies to those obtained with conventional P300 analysis. The source analysis method identified both P3A and P3B components in a substantially larger percentage of subjects (93% versus 32%) than the conventional method. Both for the standard and novel paradigm, the source analysis method yielded a later mean P3B latency (361.4 versus 344.2 milliseconds, P = 0.017, and 374.4 milliseconds versus 354.3 milliseconds, P = 0.014, respectively) with a smaller standard deviation (15.8 versus 26.2 milliseconds, P = 0.013, and 18.9 versus 30.0 milliseconds, P = 0.052, borderline significant, respectively) than the conventional P300 method, for subjects aged 50 to 70 years. When applying the source analysis technique, as in young healthy subjects, a considerable reduction of P300 latency variability was thus found in healthy older subjects aged 50 to 70 years for both paradigms. This may have important consequences for applications of clinical event-related potential research in the early diagnosis of dementia, because the first signs of this disease are mostly observed in this age category.
Syncytins expression in cultured trophoblast cells according to differentiation status

BackgroundData of syncytin 1 and 2 env gene expression in human placenta and participation in the syncytialisation phenomena has been reported. However, there are not many studies on simultaneous changes in expression of both syncytins in culture. We sought evidence on the relative expression of syncytins and syncytin 1 receptors in trophoblast cell culture treated with a differentiation inducing factor (forskolin). MethodologyTotal RNA was isolated from normal karyotype specimens after chorionic villous sampling of a mean gestational week of 12+5 after 10 days of culture with or without the addition of forskolin. Real time quantitative PCR was used to measure the expression of syncytins and syncytin 1 receptors.ResultsIn cultures of trophoblast cells treated with the inducing factor we noted an inverse expression pattern of syncytins. When forskolin was added, syncytin 1 levels increased, while syncytin 2 levels decreased. Expression levels of syncytin 1 receptors remained unchanged.ConclusionsOur data provide evidence for the expression of syncytins in normal trophoblastic tissue from early placentas and advance the understanding of the physiological changes of syncytins upon differentiation towards syncytium.
Phosphofructokinase activity and acidosis during short-term tetanic contractions.

Anaerobic energy production is essential for the production of muscular tension when the demand for energy is greater than can be provided aerobically and when oxygen is in short supply. The largest source of anaerobic energy is from the glycolytic pathway. With sustained tetanic contractions, muscle glycolytic activity is high and hydrogen ions (H+) accumulate while tension production decreases. The increasing [H+] and decreasing tension led to the suggestion that H+ inhibits the activity of the regulatory glycolytic enzyme phosphofructokinase (PFK). Early in vitro work confirmed the H+ sensitivity of PFK in the test tube, indicating that little PFK activity should persist at a pH of 6.9-7.0. However, in situ and in vivo experiments suggested that significant PFK activity was maintained during intense contractions when muscle pH decreased to 6.4-6.6. There are several concerns associated with the application of in vitro findings to in vivo exercise situations: (i) there is little in vitro work in mammalian skeletal muscle with substrate and modulator concentrations representative of exercise, (ii) most in vitro analyses of PFK activity are performed following the dilution of the enzyme in mediums with low protein concentration, and (iii) do the modulators identified in vitro exist in high enough in vivo concentrations at rest and during exercise to contribute to the regulation of PFK? More recent in vitro and in situ PFK experiments have overcome some of these concerns. They confirm that during intense, short-term tetanic contractions, PFK activity is well matched to the ATP demand despite decreases in pH to approximately 6.4-6.5. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Contribution of the IsK (MinK) Potassium Channel Subunit to Regulatory Volume Decrease in Murine Tracheal Epithelial Cells*

The cell volume regulatory response following hypotonic shocks is often achieved by the coordinated activation of K+ and Cl− channels. In this study, we investigate the identity of the K+ and Cl−channels that mediate the regulatory volume decrease (RVD) in ciliated epithelial cells from murine trachea. RVD was inhibited by tamoxifen and 1,9-dideoxyforskolin, two agents that block swelling-activated Cl− channels. These data suggest that swelling-activated Cl− channels play an important role in cell volume regulation in murine tracheal epithelial cells. Ba2+ and apamin, inhibitors of K+ channels, were without effect on RVD, while tetraethylammoniun had little effect on RVD. In contrast, clofilium, an inhibitor of the KvLQT/IsK potassium channel complex potently inhibited RVD, suggesting a role for the KvLQT/IsK channel complex in cell volume regulation by tracheal epithelial cells. To investigate further the role of KvLQT/IsK channels in RVD, we used IsK knock-out mice. When exposed to hypotonic solutions, tracheal cells from IsK(+/+) mice underwent RVD, whereas cells from IsK(−/−) failed to recover their normal size. These data suggest that the IsK potassium subunit plays an important role in RVD in murine tracheal epithelial cells.
Evaluation of the protective effect of quercetin against cisplatin‐induced renal and testis tissue damage and sperm parameters in rats

The protective effect of quercetin on cisplatin‐induced renal and testicular tissue damage was investigated using biochemical, histopathological and histological approaches. A total of 40 male rats were divided into 5 groups as follows: control; cisplatin alone; quercetin alone; cisplatin + quercetin; and quercetin + cisplatin. Cisplatin was administered to rats at a single dose of 7 mg kg−1 intraperitoneal. Quercetin was administered by gavage daily for 10 days at dosage 50 mg kg−1. At the end of the study serum, total antioxidant capacity (TAC) levels and total oxidant status (TOS) were determined. Malondialdehyde (MDA), superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and xanthine oxidase (XO) were studied separately in serum, renal tissue and testicular tissue. Renal and testicular morphological alterations were assessed, histopathologically. Epididymal sperm concentration, motility and morphology were investigated. Testicular and renal TAC and TOS values did not alter significantly. Renal CAT levels were increased by cisplatin and cisplatin plus quercetin groups that is reversed by administration of quercetin before cisplatin. MDA, CAT, SOD ve XO levels of testicular tissue did not differ significantly. Cisplatin and cisplatin plus quercetin groups had decreased sperm motility ratio and increased abnormal spermatozoa. Quercetin partially reverses some of the cisplatin‐related pathological effects on kidney and testis.
Maternal smoking and the epidemic of testicular cancer—A nested case–control study

For no apparent reason, the incidence of testicular cancer has increased to epidemic proportions in many countries. Pregnancy smoking has been suggested to be a cause. Previous analytical studies have been negative, but the inherent difficulties in retrospective assessment of this exposure have led to no definite conclusion. We have conducted a population‐based case–control study on 192 cases of testicular germ‐cell cancer—born in Sweden in 1973 onwards and aged ≥15 at cancer diagnosis—and 494 matched controls, where data on maternal smoking were collected during pregnancy. We found no association with testicular cancer for maternal smoking during pregnancy (OR, 0.91; 95% CI, 0.64–1.30), and there was no evidence of a dose–response effect. We conclude that the epidemic rise in testicular cancer in many populations is not due to the surge in smoking among women. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A survey of medical students' opinions about complementary and alternative medicine.

OBJECTIVE We wished to determine third-year medical students' opinions and knowledge related to complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) in a school with no formal or elective course on the subject. STUDY DESIGN A questionnaire was offered to third-year medical students during their 8-week rotation on obstetrics and gynecology. RESULTS Most students had been exposed to CAM therapies, knew that the majority of the American public was using CAM, believed that some CAM interventions were useful, and did not believe CAM therapies were a threat to public health. Most students had insufficient knowledge or understanding of the safety or lack of it for 10 of the more common CAM modalities. Most respondents thought these interventions were useful, but would not refer the patient nor dissuade her from using them. There were no significant differences in responses between men and women or related to the time in the year of the clerkship. CONCLUSION Medical students in this school self-identified an interest about the clinical usefulness of 10 CAM modalities, but did not have sufficient knowledge about the safety for 10 of the more common CAM modalities. Including CAM topics in the medical school curriculum would better prepare physicians to respond to patient inquiries about CAM and thereby to fulfill their role as patient advocates.
Depletion in Antibodies Targeted to the HR2 Region of HIV-1 Glycoprotein gp41 in Sera of HIV-1-Seropositive Patients Treated With T20

The anti-HIV drug T20 is a synthetic peptide derived from the HR2 region of HIV-1 gp41. T20 contains the sequence ELDKWA, which binds the broadly neutralizing antibody 2F5. Using plates coated with T20 or with synthetic peptides and recombinant proteins representing gp120 or gp41 domains, this study investigated by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay the levels of antibodies directed to the gp160 molecule in patients treated with T20. Analysis of sera obtained before and after administration of T20 indicated that the levels of antibodies directed to T20, to MBP44, a maltose binding protein representing the HR2 region, and to 4765, a synthetic peptide containing the sequence ELDKWA, fell following administration of T20, while the levels of antibodies directed to other regions of gp41 ectodomain and to gp120 remained stable. The decline observed was independent of the viral load and of the total IgG concentration. Follow-up studies with sera obtained from HIV-1-seropositive patients naive to T20 indicated no decline in the level of antibodies directed to HR2 and other regions of gp160. Analysis of sera obtained from a patient after 2 months of T20 treatment interruption showed a level of antibodies to the HR2 region similar to that measured before administration of T20. The addition of increasing amounts of T20 to sera from T20-naive patients decreased the level of serum antibodies against peptide 4765, T20, and MBP44. The observation of antibody depletion by T20 suggests that anti-gp41 antibodies may interfere with T20 treatment by forming T20-antibody complexes.
DNA damage and oxidative stress in human liver cell L‐02 caused by surface water extracts during drinking water treatment in a waterworks in China

Because of the daily and life‐long exposure to disinfection by‐products formed during drinking water treatment, potential adverse human health risk of drinking water disinfection is of great concern. Toxicological studies have shown that drinking water treatment increases the genotoxicity of surface water. Drinking water treatment is comprised of different potabilization steps, which greatly influence the levels of genotoxic products in the surface water and thus may alter the toxicity and genotoxicity of surface water. The aim of the present study was to understand the influence of specific steps on toxicity and genotoxicity during the treatment of surface water in a water treatment plant using liquid chlorine as the disinfectant in China. An integrated approach of the comet and oxidative stress assays was used in the study, and the results showed that both the prechlorination and postchlorination steps increased DNA damage and oxidative stress caused by water extracts in human derived L‐02 cells while the tube settling and filtration steps had the opposite effect. This research also highlighted the usefulness of an integrated approach of the comet and oxidative stress assays in evaluating the genotoxicity of surface water during drinking water treatment. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Use of the transmissibility function H for ambient vibration measurements of an archeological building

The present paper illustrates the use of the transmissibility function H with several approaches and formulated in different ways to analyze ambient vibration measurements of an archeological building. The use of H as a consolidated estimator of the frequency response function (FRF) of the studied structure, can take advantage of its application also to other approaches, such as the horizontal-to-vertical spectral ratio (HVSR) approach. In fact, in the case of ancient masonry and ruined buildings, characterized by high heterogeneities and complexities, modal estimators computed from on-the-field data are typically quite noisy, so that accurate identification of the analyzed structure is sometimes challenging. Through a mutual validation of the results by several methods useful indications on the reliability of findings can be provided. To such purpose, also operational modal analysis (OMA) was performed and compared to modal identification by H function. A practical application to the so-called temple of Minerva Medica, located in Rome, was described.
Tutorial on Stochastic Optimization in Energy—Part I: Modeling and Policies

There is a wide range of problems in energy systems that require making decisions in the presence of different forms of uncertainty. The fields that address sequential, stochastic decision problems lack a standard canonical modeling framework, with fragmented, competing solution strategies. Recognizing that we will never agree on a single notational system, this two-part tutorial proposes a simple, straightforward canonical model (that is most familiar to people with a control theory background), and introduces four fundamental classes of policies which integrate the competing strategies that have been proposed under names such as control theory, dynamic programming, stochastic programming and robust optimization. Part II of the tutorial illustrates the modeling framework using a simple energy storage problem, where we show that, depending on the problem characteristics, each of the four classes of policies may be best.
Interstitial and transurethral photodynamic therapy of the canine prostate using meso‐tetra‐(m‐hydroxyphenyl) chlorin

Photodynamic therapy (PDT) produces localised necrosis with light after prior administration of a photosensitising drug. Although the technique is promising for small tumours of hollow organs, little work has been done on solid organs like the prostate. We studied the tissue biodistribution and photodynamic effects of meso‐tetra‐(m‐hydroxyphenyl) chlorin (mTHPC), a potent second‐generation photosensitiser, on normal canine prostate in vivo. Using quantitative fluorescence microscopy, the highest concentration of mTHPC in the prostate was seen 24–72 hr after intravenous administration. For PDT, red light (650 nm) was delivered to the prostate by laser fibres inserted via the transurethral or transperineal route under transrectal ultrasound guidance. PDT lesions up to 40 mm in diameter (using 4 fibre sites) were produced, characterised by swelling, inflammatory response and extensive glandular destruction. There was persistent glandular atrophy at 90 days, but no disruption of the main stroma and no change in the ultimate size or shape of the gland. Urethral damage sometimes caused temporary urinary retention, but this resolved by 7 days, and no animal became incontinent. Occasional small lesions were seen in the rectum, but these healed without sequelae and there were no fistulae. Since cancer and normal prostate are likely to respond similarly, PDT has considerable promise for treating cancer confined to the gland as large areas of glandular tissue can be necrosed with safe healing. Because the structural integrity of the gland is maintained, PDT is unlikely to be of value in the management of benign prostatic hypertrophy. © 1996 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Differential Item Functioning of the Full and Brief Wisconsin Schizotypy Scales in Asian, White, Hispanic, and Multiethnic Samples and Between Sexes

The Wisconsin Schizotypy Scales, including their brief versions, are among the most commonly used self-report measures of schizotypy. Although they have been used extensively in many ethnic groups, few studies have examined their differential item functioning (DIF) across groups. The current study included 1,056 Asian, 408 White, 476 Multiethnic, and 372 Hispanic undergraduates. Unidimensional models of the brief Magical Ideation Scale and Perceptual Aberration Scales fit the data well. For both scales, global tests of measurement invariance provided mixed evidence, but few of the items displayed DIF across ethnicities or between sexes within a multiple indicator multiple causes model. For the full versions of the scales and the brief Revised Social Anhedonia Scale, multiple indicator multiple causes models within an exploratory structural equation modeling framework found that few of the items had DIF. These findings suggest that some of the items may have different psychometric properties across groups, but most items do not.
[Prognostic risk factors in patients operated on for perforated peptic ulcer. A retrospective analysis of critical factors of mortality and morbidity in a series of 40 patients who underwent simple closure surgery].

STUDY OBJECTIVE To identify factors affecting mortality and morbidity in patients operated on for perforated peptic ulcer. DESIGN Retrospective analysis. SETTING University Hospital, Italy. PATIENTS Forty patients consecutively operated on for perforated peptic ulcer by simple suture procedure performed either by laparotomy (n = 26) or laparoscopic (n = 14) approach. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Mortality was 20% (n = 8) and morbidity in survivors was 25% (n = 8). Compared to survivors, non-survivors were older (mean age 79.3 yrs. vs 60.0 yrs., p < 0.01), had worse APACHE II and SAPS scores (mean 20.1 vs 8.5, p < 0.001; and 13.1 vs. 5.5, p < 0.0001 respectively), were treated later (mean interval from outbreak of symptoms to surgery 30.8 hrs. vs. 11.1 hrs., p < 0.01), and the size of their perforation was larger (mean 15.1 mm. vs. 8.6 mm, p < 0.05). The laparoscopic approach was the only factor that significantly was associated with morbidity in survivors (p < 0.01). The presence of at least two risk factors, enhanced the probability of death. CONCLUSION Old age, great APACHE II and SAPS scores, delay in treatment and large size of the perforation were associated significantly to mortality in perforated peptic ulcer patients. Efforts should be made perioperatively for patients having these risk factors.