Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Speeds of Actin Translocation in Vitro by Myosins Extracted from Single Rat Muscle Fibres of Different Types

As skeletal muscle fibres mostly express a single myosin isoform, they are a potential source of pure myosin isoforms. A technique is described that allows extraction and identification of pure myosin isoforms from single fibres, and testing of such myosins in an in vitro motility assay (IVMA). The results show that the extraction procedure does not alter myosin function and support the view that single fibres are reliable sources of purified myosin isoforms for IVMA.
Induction of Nonphotochemical Energy Dissipation and Absorbance Changes in Leaves (Evidence for Changes in the State of the Light-Harvesting System of Photosystem II in Vivo)

Simultaneous measurements of nonphotochemical quenching of chlorophyll fluorescence and absorbance changes in the 400- to 560-nm region have been made following illumination of dark-adapted leaves of the epiphytic bromeliad Guzmania monostachia. During the first illumination, an absorbance change at 505 nm occurred with a half-time of 45 s as the leaf zeaxanthin content rose to 14% of total leaf carotenoid. Selective light scattering at 535 nm occurred with a half-time of 30 s. During a second illumination, following a 5-min dark period, quenching and the 535-nm absorbance change occurred more rapidly, reaching a maximum extent within 30 s. Nonphotochemical quenching of chlorophyll fluorescence was found to be linearly correlated to the 535-nm absorbance change throughout. Examination of the spectra of chlorophyll fluorescence emission at 77 K for leaves sampled at intervals during this regime showed selective quenching in the light-harvesting complexes of photosystem II (LHCII). The quenching spectrum of the reversible component of quenching had a maximum at 700 nm, indicating quenching in aggregated LHCII, whereas the irreversible component represented a quenching of 680-nm fluorescence from unaggregated LHCII. It is suggested that this latter process, which is associated with the 505-nm absorbance change and zeaxanthin formation, is indicating a change in state of the LHCII complexes that is necessary to amplify or activate reversible pH-dependent energy dissipation, which is monitored by the 535-nm absorbance change. Both of the major forms of nonphotochemical energy dissipation in vivo are therefore part of the same physiological photoprotective process and both result from alterations in the LHCII system.
Expression of toll‐like receptors in T lymphocytes stimulated with N‐(3‐oxododecanoyl)‐L‐homoserine lactone from Pseudomonas aeruginosa

The establishment of chronic Pseudomonas aeruginosa infections is correlated with the disturbance of the host immune system. The P. aeruginosa quorum‐sensing molecule N‐3‐(oxododecanoyl)‐L‐homoserine lactone (3‐O‐C12‐HSL) has the potential to modulate the host immune system. The immune system recognizes pathogens via toll‐like receptors (TLRs). We found that 3‐O‐C12‐HSL induced TLR changes in monocytes. However, the role of T cells in P. aeruginosa infection has not been delineated. In order to understand this activity, we examined whether 3‐O‐C12‐HSL has an effect on the immune function and the expression of TLRs in T lymphocytes. Human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) cells were cultured with 0, 1, 10, 50, or 100 μM 3‐O‐C12‐HSL for 12 h. TLR2/TLR4 expression and T‐lymphocyte proliferation were increased in a dose‐dependent manner, and 100 μM 3‐O‐C12‐HSL significantly increased TLR2 expression. Moreover, tumor necrosis factor‐α production of these PBMCs was inhibited. To conclude, 3‐O‐C12‐HSL can induce lymphocyte cell proliferation. These findings provide a new perspective on our understanding of the persistence of the chronic inflammation that accompanies P. aeruginosa infection.
Tissue factor/factor VIIa pathway mediates coagulation activation in induced-heat stroke in the baboon

Objective:Excessive activation of coagulation, which can culminate in overt disseminated intravascular coagulation, is a prominent feature of heat stroke. However, neither the mechanism that initiates the coagulation activation nor its pathogenic role is known. We examined whether the tissue factor/factor VIIa complex initiates the coagulation activation in heat stroke and, if so, whether upstream inhibition of coagulation activation through its neutralization may minimize cellular injury and organ dysfunction. We also examined whether coagulation inhibition influences heat stroke-induced fibrinolytic and inflammatory responses. Design:Randomized controlled study. Setting:Comparative Medicine Department, King Faisal Specialist Hospital and Research Center, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. Subjects:Baboons (Papio Hamadryas). Interventions:Twelve anesthetized baboons assigned randomly to recombinant nematode anticoagulant protein c2, a powerful inhibitor of tissue factor/factor VIIa-dependent coagulation (n = 6), or a control group (n = 6) were heat-stressed in a prewarmed neonatal incubator at 44–47°C until systolic blood pressure fell <90 mm Hg, signaling the onset of severe heat stroke. Recombinant nematode anticoagulant protein c2 was administered as a single intravenous dose of 30 &mgr;g/kg body weight at onset of heat stroke. The control group received an equivalent volume of sterile saline intravenously. Measurements and Main Results:Heat stroke was associated with coagulation activation and fibrin formation as evidenced by the increased plasma thrombin–antithrombin complexes, endogenous thrombin potential, and D-dimer levels. Recombinant nematode anticoagulant protein c2 induced significant inhibition of thrombin generation and fibrin formation. Inhibition of coagulation in recombinant nematode anticoagulant protein c2-treated animals did not influence either fibrinolysis (assessed by tissue plasminogen activator, plasmin-&agr;2-antiplasmin complexes, and plasminogen activator inhibitor) or the release of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines. No difference in markers of cell injury and organ dysfunction was observed between recombinant nematode anticoagulant protein c2-treated and control groups. Conclusions:Tissue factor/factor VIIa-dependent pathway initiates coagulation activation in induced-heat stroke in the baboon without an effect on fibrinolysis and inflammation. The findings suggest also that coagulation activation is not a prerequisite of cell injury and organ dysfunction. (Crit Care Med 2012; 40:–1236)
Characterization of self-heating and current-carrying capacity of intercalation doped graphene-nanoribbon interconnects

As VLSI technology node scales down beyond 14 nm, the current carrying capacity of metal interconnects decreases rapidly and will not meet the increasing circuit performance driven current density requirements. FeCl3 intercalation doped multilayer (ML-) graphene-nanoribbon (GNR) interconnect has been recently demonstrated to surpass nanoscale Cu interconnects, in terms of performance, reliability, and energy-efficiency. Doped ML-GNRs, unlike conventional metals (such as Cu) do not exhibit any gradual time-dependent degradation of resistance due to electromigration. In the DC current stress/breakdown tests, doped ML-GNR breakdown showed a strong dependency on GNR temperature induced by self-heating, indicating that the major breakdown mechanism is self-heating induced thermal decomposition. A detailed self-heating model is developed and calibrated with experimental measurements on doped ML-GNR interconnects to explain the thermally activated breakdown of such interconnects. Moreover, ML-GNR thinning by thermal decomposition was observed near the breakdown, which started from the top-most GNR layer. Overall, our doped ML-GNR interconnect shows excellent current carrying capacity (>200 MA/cm2), w.r. t. Cu (<5 MA/cm2), indicating their feasibility as likely replacement for Cu in next-generation ICs.
Microscopic-observation drug susceptibility assay provides rapid and reliable identification of MDR-TB.

BACKGROUND Liquid culture systems are more rapid and sensitive for both the detection and drug susceptibility testing (DST) of Mycobacterium tuberculosis. SETTING St Peter's TB Specialised Hospital and public health laboratory, Addis Ababa. OBJECTIVE To compare the microscopic-observation drug susceptibility (MODS) assay with the BACTEC-MGIT 960 system for isoniazid and rifampicin DST (i.e., multidrug-resistant tuberculosis [MDR-TB] identification) of M. tuberculosis. DESIGN The evaluation was based on 58 smear- and culture-positive sputum samples from patients diagnosed in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. BACTEC-MGIT was used as the reference standard. RESULTS For the detection of MDR-TB, MODS has a sensitivity, specificity and accuracy rate of respectively 95%, 100% and 98.3% (kappa 0.981, concordance 98.3%). Concurrent culture detection and DST results are obtained in a median of 9 days with MODS, while indirect DST results with BACTEC-MGIT are obtained in a median of 8 days (this does not include time to primary isolate). CONCLUSION MODS is an accurate, rapid and relatively inexpensive method for the identification of MDR-TB.
Immuno‐stimulating complexes prepared by ethanol injection

This study describes the formulation of immuno‐stimulating complexes (ISCOMs) utilising the ethanol injection technique. Cholesterol and phosphatidylcholine were dissolved in ethanol and the resulting solution was rapidly injected into a stirred, aqueous solution of the triterpene‐saponin mixture Quil‐A. The reversed experiment was also carried out by adding the aqueous Quil‐A solution to a solution of cholesterol/phosphatidylcholine dissolved in ethanol. This was done by either rapid injection or dropwise addition of the aqueous Quil‐A solution. The colloidal dispersions obtained by ethanol injection and reversed addition were compared with formulations obtained by the dialysis and lipid‐film hydration methods. In a further experiment, the preparation of ISCOMs from liposomes as precursor structures was investigated. Transmission electron microscopy was used to analyse the resulting colloidal dispersions. Samples were also compared with respect to homogeneity of obtained particle species. The ethanol injection technique led to formation of ISCOMs in high numbers within 2h post formulation. The reversed rapid injection resulted in a similar colloidal dispersion, differing from the former mainly due to the presence of some helical micellar structures. The reversed, dropwise addition led to the formation of helices as the predominant colloidal structure. Of the three previously established methods, only dialysis led to the formation of ISCOMs within 48 h. The lipid‐film hydration method and the approach using liposomes as precursor structures did not produce ISCOMs under the conditions and within the time periods investigated. However, it is known that dispersions prepared by the hydration method equilibrate towards ISCOMs after longer storage. Ethanol injection and reversed rapid injection are simple, cost‐effective and quick methods to produce ISCOMs.
Twin Studies Used to Prove That the Comorbidity of Major Depressive Disorder With IBS Is NOT Influenced by Heredity

Twin studies have traditionally been used to assess the heritability of diseases such as irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) by comparing concordance rates in monozygotic twins (identical genetic endowment) to dizygotic twins (half of genes shared). Wojczynski et al. used twins in a novel way—they studied monozygotic twins who were discordant for IBS (but who shared identical genes) to show that the comorbidity of IBS with major depressive disorder could NOT be due to genetic influences. This paradigm provides the most rigorous method for separating genetic from environmental influences and should be adopted by other researchers. However, the authors' conclusion that major depressive disorder and IBS are part of the same pathophysiological process is questioned on the basis of (a) incomplete co-occurrence of IBS and major depressive disorder (13–45% co-occurrence) and (b) lack of specificity—the authors show that chronic widespread pain (related to fibromyalgia) and chronic fatigue are also strongly associated with IBS. This study provides precise, generalizable estimates from a large population-based study for the comorbidity of IBS with major depressive disorder, chronic widespread pain, and chronic fatigue.
Extreme longevity is associated with increased serum thyrotropin.

CONTEXT The distribution of serum TSH shifts progressively to higher concentrations with age. OBJECTIVE The aim of the study was to determine whether the population shift in TSH distribution to higher concentrations with aging extends to people of exceptional longevity, namely centenarians, and to assess the relationship between concentrations of TSH and free T(4) (FT4). DESIGN/SETTING/PATIENTS We analyzed TSH, FT4, and TSH frequency distribution curves in thyroid disease-free Ashkenazi Jews with exceptional longevity (centenarians; median age, 98 yr), in younger Ashkenazi controls (median age, 72 yr), and in a population of thyroid disease-free individuals (median age, 68 yr) from the U.S. National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 1998-2002 (NHANES controls). RESULTS Serum TSH was significantly higher in centenarians [1.97 (0.42-7.15) mIU/liter] than in Ashkenazi controls [1.55 (0.46-4.55) mIU/liter] and NHANES controls [1.61 (0.39-6.29) mIU/liter] (median, 2.5 and 97.5 centiles) (P < 0.001). The TSH frequency distribution curve of centenarians was relatively similar in shape to controls but shifted significantly to higher TSH, including TSH concentration at peak frequency. The TSH distribution curve of the NHANES control group was superimposable to and not significantly different from the Ashkenazi controls. FT4 was similar in centenarians and Ashkenazi controls, and there was a significant inverse correlation between FT4 and TSH in both groups. CONCLUSIONS The TSH population shifts to higher concentrations with age appear to be a continuum that extends even to people with exceptional longevity. The inverse correlation between TSH and FT4 in our populations suggests that changes in negative feedback may contribute to exceptional longevity.
Impact of Tailored Education on Awareness of Personal Risk for Therapy-Related Complications Among Childhood Cancer Survivors

Purpose Survivors of childhood cancer carry a substantial burden of long-term morbidity; personal risk awareness is critical to ensure survivors' engagement in early detection/management of complications. The impact of education provided in survivorship clinics on survivors' understanding of their personal health risks is unclear. Methods Patients diagnosed with cancer at age 21 years or younger and at 2 or more years off therapy completed questionnaires about awareness of personal risk for therapy-related complications at T0 (first survivorship clinic visit) and at T1 to T5 (subsequent visits). After questionnaire completion at each clinic visit, survivors received education tailored to personal risk. Results A total of 369 survivors completed 1,248 visits (median, three visits; range, one to six visits). The median age at cancer diagnosis was 11 years (range, 0 to 21 years); the median age at T0 was 24 years (range, 5 to 57 years); 38% were white; 45% had leukemia; and 34% received hematopoietic cell transplantation. The cohort was at risk for a median of six (range, one to nine) complications. Awareness increased from 38.6% at T0 to 66.3% at T3. Generalized estimating equations (that adjusted for diagnosis, hematopoietic cell transplantation, race/ethnicity, and patient/parent education) showed significant gains in awareness from T0 to T1 (P < .001), T1 to T2 (P = .03), and T2 to T3 (P < .001) but no significant gain thereafter through T5 (P = .7). Predictors of low awareness included education less than a college degree (odds ratio [OR], 1.9; P = .02), longer time from diagnosis (OR, 1.03/year; P = .04), diagnosis of leukemia (OR, 2.1; P = .004), nonwhite race (OR, 2.8; P < .001), and risk for six or fewer complications (OR, 2.1; P = .002). Conclusion Risk-based education in a survivorship clinic significantly increases awareness of personal health risk through three sessions, with saturation thereafter. Vulnerable populations with minimal gain in awareness identified in this study could inform targeted interventions.
Breastfeeding and Mixed Feeding Practices in Malawi: Timing, Reasons, Decision Makers, and Child Health Consequences

Background In order to effectively promote exclusive breastfeeding, it is important to first understand who makes child-care and child-feeding decisions, and why those decisions are made; as in most parts of the world, exclusive breastfeeding until 6 months of age is uncommon in Malawi. Objective To characterize early infant foods in rural northern Malawi, who the decision-makers are, their motivation, and the consequences for child growth, in order to design a more effective program for improved child health and nutrition. Methods In a rural area of northern Malawi, 160 caregivers of children 6 to 48 months of age were asked to recall the child's age at introduction of 19 common early infant foods, who decided to introduce the food, and why. The heights and weights of the 160 children were measured. Results Sixty-five percent of the children were given food in their first month, and only 4% of the children were exclusively breastfed for 6 months. Mzuwula and dawale (two herbal infusions), water, and porridge were common early foods. Grandmothers introduced mzuwula to protect the children from illness; other foods were usually introduced by mothers or grandmothers in response to perceived hunger. The early introduction of porridge and dawale, but not mzuwula, was associated with worse anthropometric status. Mzuwula, which is not associated with poor growth, is usually made with boiled water and given in small amounts. Conversely, porridge, which is associated with poor child growth, is potentially contaminated and is served in larger amounts, which would displace breastmilk. Conclusions Promoters of exclusive breastfeeding should target their messages to appropriate decision makers and consider targeting foods that are most harmful to child growth.
Prevention strategies of chronic lung disease

Bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) was first described by Northway et al. in 1967 as ‘ventilator lung’ [1]. They proposed that acute lung injury was caused by barotrauma and oxygen toxicity in these relatively mature preterm infants. Classic Northway BPD is now uncommon having been largely replaced by a milder form of chronic lung disease (CLD) characterized by prolonged oxygen dependency and slightly hazy lungs on radiograph in infants <30 weeks’ gestation [2]. In the original description of BPD the infants had respiratory distress syndrome (RDS) and until recently it was believed that this was a necessary precursor [3]. However, it is now recognised that many infants can develop CLD without first having had RDS or after only very mild initial pulmonary disease [4,5]. Inflammation and oxidative stress in the perinatal period are probably key elements in the pathogenesis of this new milder form of CLD [6,7]. Chorioamnionitis, postnatal infection and inadequate antioxidant defenses at a time of relative oxygen excess have each been identified as important factors in causation of CLD. There is a close link between oxidative stress and inflammation; activated phagocytes generate a burst of oxygen radicals as part of the defence against invading organisms [7]. Oxidative stress also plays an important role in triggering apoptosis and in signal transduction. The histologic findings of new CLD also differ from those of classic BPD [8]. Formerly severe lung injury with fibrosis was found but new CLD is characterized by alveolar and capillary hypoplasia, probably as a result of an arrest of alveolarization induced by preterm birth complicated by inflammation and oxidative stress [8]. Prevention strategies need to be multi-faceted and include prevention of preterm birth, enhancement of fetal lung maturity, prevention of oxidative stress in the perinatal period, avoidance of lung injury during resuscitation and assisted ventilation, reduction of pulmonary and systemic inflammatory responses and boosting antioxidant deficiency.
Contribution of capsular polysaccharide and surface properties to virulence of Escherichia coli K1

We examined the surface properties, susceptibility to the bactericidal activity of serum, and susceptibility to phagocytosis of Escherichia coli K1, a laboratory strain of E. coli (LE392), and strain LE392 carrying a plasmid (pKT274) incorporating a 17-kilobase insert of DNA that encodes the ability to produce surface K1 antigen. As determined by electron microscopy, LE392 was nonencapsulated but both E. coli K1 and LE392(pKT274) possessed a thin capsule. By using charged aqueous two-phase polymer systems, both E. coli K1 and LE392(pKT274) were shown to be significantly more negatively charged than LE392. E. coli K1 was resistant to the bactericidal activity of serum, but both LE392 and LE392(pKT274) were completely inhibited by neonatal serum at a concentration of 20% (vol/vol). As measured by counting endocytosed and nonendocytosed bacteria and by chemiluminescent response, E. coli K1 was highly resistant to phagocytic uptake by polymorphonuclear leukocytes, whereas LE392 was rapidly taken up by such cells; LE392(pKT274) was resistant to endocytosis, although less so than E. coli K1. Most intraphagocytic E. coli LK1 remained structurally intact for up to 60 min, whereas both LE392 and LE392(pKT274) were rapidly degraded.
What happens in treatment doesn't stay in treatment: cocaine abstinence during treatment is associated with fewer problems at follow-up.

OBJECTIVE Cocaine users often present to treatment with a multitude of problems typically considered addiction related; however, there is little evidence that reductions in cocaine use are followed by reductions in these problems. This study evaluated the relationship between rates of cocaine use during treatment and the level of non-cocaine life problems experienced during a 12-month period following treatment in a pooled sample of 434 cocaine-dependent individuals participating in 1 of 5 randomized controlled trials. METHOD Structural equation modeling and latent growth curve modeling were used to evaluate the relationship between frequency of cocaine use within treatment (8 or 12 weeks) and a latent construct of global problems indicated by the days of problems reported on the Addiction Severity Index across follow-up time points (1, 3, 6, and 12 months after treatment). RESULTS Both a continuous latent cocaine use outcome measure (percent days abstinent, percent positive urines, and maximum days of consecutive abstinence) and a dichotomous measure of cocaine use (≥21 consecutive days of abstinence) during the treatment period were associated with frequency of cocaine use and global problems during follow-up. Overall, results indicated that greater cocaine abstinence during the treatment period was associated with higher rates of abstinence and fewer global problems experienced following treatment. CONCLUSION This is one of the first studies to support a model that suggests addiction-related problems decrease in accordance with achieving abstinence from cocaine, thereby providing evidence that within-treatment cocaine abstinence has benefits that extend beyond the frequency of drug use.