Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Virulence factors are released from Pseudomonas aeruginosa in association with membrane vesicles during normal growth and exposure to gentamicin: a novel mechanism of enzyme secretion

Pseudomonas aeruginosa blebs-off membrane vesicles (MVs) into culture medium during normal growth. Release of these vesicles increased approximately threefold after exposure of the organism to four times the MIC of gentamicin. Natural and gentamicin-induced membrane vesicles (n-MVs and g-MVs and g-MVs, respectively) were isolated by filtration and differential centrifugation, and several of their biological activities were characterized. Electron microscopy of both n-MVs and g-MVs revealed that they were spherical bilayer MVs with a diameter of 50 to 150 nm. Immunoelectron microscopy and Western blot (immunoblot) analysis of the vesicles demonstrated the presence of B-band lipopolysaccharide (LPS), with a slightly higher proportion of B-band LPS in g-MVs than in n-MVs. A-band LPS was occasionally detected in g-MVs but not in n-MVs. In addition to LPS, several enzymes, such as phospholipase C, protease, hemolysin, and alkaline phosphatase, which are known to contribute to the pathogenicity of Pseudomonas infections were found to be present in both vesicle types. Both types of vesicles contained DNA, with a significantly higher content in g-MVs. These vesicles could thus play an important role in genetic transformation and disease by serving as a transport vehicle for DNA and virulence factors and are presumably involved in septic shock.
International Spillovers of R&D and Marginal Social Returns

This study analyzes marginal social and private returns of R&D investment through the impact of international spillovers of R&D stocks. We compare the marginal social with marginal private returns using data of 27 OECD and EU countries from 1995 to 2008. We consider two channels of R&D spillovers: embodied in trade flows and disembodied by bilateral technological proximity. We find that marginal social returns on R&D are much larger than the marginal private returns for R&D-intensive countries, in the embodied spillover channel. We also find that the embodied spillover channel through import flows is more important than the disembodied channel.
Vaccination trials in rhesus monkeys with a minor, invariant, Plasmodium knowlesi 66 kD merozoite antigen

Summary A minor Plasmodium knowlesi 66 kD antigen, which plays an essential role in merozoite invasion, has been shown to be stable in distinct variants and strains of the parasite, and in the face of a specific immune response from the host. Parasites were unable to produce novel molecule(s) to replace it functionally, even in the presence of specific immune pressure. Rhesus monkeys immunized with the purified 66 kD antigen, with saponin as adjuvant, produced antibody which inhibited merozoite invasion of red cells in vitro. Four out of six immunized rhesus monkeys demonstrated clinically effective immunity when challenged at a time of known or presumed high inhibitory antibody titre. When immunization failed to protect, it was ascribed to insufficient levels of specific antibody attributable either to a suboptimal dose of antigen or the use of an inadequate adjuvant.
Incidence of bacterial meningitis in Asia using enhanced CSF testing: polymerase chain reaction, latex agglutination and culture

SUMMARY To enhance the detection of bacterial meningitis in an East Asian surveillance study, we employed cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) bacterial culture, latex agglutination (LA) and polymerase chain reaction–enzyme immunoassay (PCR–EIA) testing for Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib) and Streptococcus pneumoniae (Sp). The sensitivity and specificity of CSF PCR–EIA testing was compared to LA and culture. A meningitis case was defined by one positive result for any of the three tests. The sensitivity of H. influenzae CSF PCR–EIA, LA, and culture was 100%, 40% and 57·5% respectively; and for Sp CSF PCR–EIA, LA and culture, the sensitivity was 100%, 58·3% and 66·7%, respectively. Hib and Sp specificity was 100% by each method. CSF PCR–EIA was more sensitive than culture or LA for the detection of Hib and Sp meningitis cases increasing their incidence by 74% and 50% compared to culture respectively. CSF PCR–EIA should be included for the detection of bacterial meningitis in surveillance studies.
On-scene helicopter transport of patients with multiple injuries--comparison of a German and an American system.

Hospital-based helicopter services from a German (GER) and an American (AMR) university-affiliated trauma center were reviewed. All patients with multiple injuries transported via helicopter from the scene to the trauma centers during a 1-year period were included. The patients were comparable regarding mechanism of injury, age, flight times, mean ISS, ISS distribution, and number of severe injuries per body region (patients with AIS score > 3 for head, thorax, and abdomen). Overall mortality was 21 of 221 (9.5%) for GER and 21 of 186 (11.3%) for AMR (NS). Survivor-based TRISS analysis yielded Z statistics of +2.459 for GER (p < 0.025) and +1.049 for AMR (NS). M statistics were 0.89 for GER, 0.874 for AMR; the W statistic +1.35 for GER. There were nine unexpected survivors (Ps < 0.50) for GER and six for AMR. There was a significantly higher (p < 0.01) number of early deaths (< 6 hours) in AMR (12; ISS = 56) than in GER (four; ISS = 64). Analysis of the prehospital data demonstrated significant differences in the mean volume of IV fluids infused: 1800 mL, GER; 825 mL, AMR (p < 0.05); rate of intubation: 82 of 221 (37.1%) GER; 24 of 186 (13.4%) AMR (p < 0.001); and thoracic decompressions: 20 of 221 (9.1%) GER; 1 of 186 (0.5%) AMR (p < 0.001). Prehospital care in the GER system is directed on scene by a trauma surgeon member of the flight crew compared with a nurse/paramedic team with remote medical control in the AMR system. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Insulin-like growth factor I--an important intrauterine growth factor.

The importance of insulin-like growth factor I (IGF-I) in regulating the effects of growth hormone on postnatal growth and development is well established, but its role during the prenatal period is not. Postnatally, the synthesis and release of IGF-I and its carriers — the IGF-binding proteins — are induced by the binding of growth hormone to its receptors in the liver. IGF-II, on the other hand, is not dependent on growth hormone. IGF-I acts by means of receptors for IGF-I and perhaps insulin, and IGF-II acts by means of a mannose-6-phosphate receptor. An understanding of how the system functions prenatally .
Defective B cell receptor‐mediated responses in mice lacking the Ets protein, Spi‐B

Spi‐B is a hematopoietic‐specific Ets family transcription factor closely related to PU.1. Previous gene targeting experiments have shown that PU.1 is essential for the production of both lymphocytes and monocytes. We have now generated mice with a null mutation at the Spi‐B locus. Unlike PU.1 mutant mice, Spi‐B−/− mice are viable, fertile and possess mature B and T lymphocytes. However, Spi‐B−/− mice exhibit severe abnormalities in B cell function and selective T cell‐dependent humoral immune responses. First, although Spi‐B−/− splenic B cells respond normally to lipopolysaccharide stimulation in vitro, these B cells proliferate poorly and die in response to B cell receptor (surface IgM) cross‐linking. Secondly, Spi‐B−/− mice display abnormal T‐dependent antigenic responses in vivo and produce low levels of antigen‐specific IgG1, IgG2a and IgG2b after immunization. Finally, Spi‐B−/− mice show a dramatic defect in germinal center formation and maintenance. In contrast to wild‐type animals, germinal centers in Spi‐B−/− mice are smaller and short‐lived with significantly increased numbers of apoptotic B cells. Taken together, these results demonstrate that Spi‐B is essential for antigen‐dependent expansion of B cells, T‐dependent immune responses and maturation of normal germinal centers in vivo.
Lupus erythematosus associated with genetically determined deficiency of the second component of the complement.

BACKGROUND The gene deletion responsible for the type I human complement C2 deficiency was reported in 1992. The purpose of our study is to evaluate clinical and immunological characteristics of 11 patients with lupus erythematosus and type I C2 deficiency. OBSERVATIONS We observed 5 patients with a homozygous C2 deficiency and 6 with a heterozygous C2 deficiency. Eight patients had systemic lupus erythematosus, 2 had subacute cutaneous lupus erythematosus, and 1 had chronic lupus erythematosus. Photosensitivity was present in 73% of the patients, and 64% tested positive for anti-Ro (SSA) antibodies. Renal involvement that required immunosuppressive therapy was present in 54% of the patients. Ninety percent of the patients tested positive for antinuclear antibodies, and 54% tested positive for anti-double-stranded DNA antibodies. Phenotyping of the fourth component of the complement was performed in 82% of the patients and showed a C4A4B2 phenotype, which is suggestive for the type I C2 deficiency. CONCLUSIONS Most patients with lupus erythematosus associated with C2 type I deficiency are photosensitive, and this is probably related to the presence of anti-Ro (SSA) autoantibodies. The prognosis for those patients is not better than that for patients with lupus erythematosus in general.
Association of regional body fat with metabolic risks in Chinese women

Abstract Objective To investigate the association of regional fat depots with metabolic risk factors in Chinese women. Design Total and regional fat depots including android fat and gynoid fat were measured by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. Central fat distribution was defined as android:gynoid fat ratio. Metabolic risk factors were defined as elevated TAG, reduced HDL-cholesterol, elevated blood pressure and elevated fasting plasma glucose. Logistic regression analyses were performed to examine the associations of regional fat depots with metabolic risk factors. The odds ratios of metabolic risks were further calculated according to tertiles of android fat and gynoid fat. Setting Participants were recruited from a community-based cross-sectional study. Face-to-face questionnaires, anthropometric and dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry measures were conducted. Subjects Chinese women (n 609) aged 18–79 years. Results Android fat and android:gynoid fat ratio were associated with significantly increased odds (OR = 1·4–3·7; P < 0·01) for almost all risk factors, whereas gynoid fat was independently associated with significantly decreased odds (OR = 0·3–0·6; P < 0·01). The inverse associations of gynoid fat with metabolic risk factors remained after adjusting for android fat. Even if their android fat level was in high, women in the highest tertile of gynoid fat had lower odds of having at least two metabolic risk factors compared with women in the lowest gynoid fat tertile (P for trend < 0·01). Conclusions There were opposite associations of android and gynoid fat with metabolic risks in Chinese women. Gynoid fat rather than android fat might be a more important inclusion in metabolic disease risk evaluation in female Asians.
Characterization of the dopaminergic innervation of the primate frontal cortex using a dopamine-specific antibody.

The mesencephalic dopaminergic system has been implicated in the motor and cognitive operations of the cerebral cortex as well as in the pathogenesis of neurological and psychiatric disorders. However, to date, the dopamine (DA)-containing axons of the primate cerebral cortex have not been directly visualized immunohistochemically due to the lack of a DA-specific antibody. We have now analyzed the regional and laminar distribution of DA-immunoreactive (DA-IR) afferents in the frontal cortex of the rhesus monkey using a monoclonal antibody specific for DA. In addition, we compared the distribution of DA-IR processes to tyrosine hydroxylase (the rate-limiting enzyme in DA synthesis) immunoreactive (TH-IR) axons. Frontal cortex displays an elaborate and robust dopaminergic innervation. Although regional differences in the DA-IR innervation were clearly evident, variations in the DA innervation were essentially unrelated to cytoarchitectonic boundaries. Instead, the DA innervation followed two basic gradients: (1) a prominent medial-to-lateral gradient of decreasing fiber density that was most prominent in the dorsal cortical regions, and (2) a more subtle anterior-posterior gradient in which DA-IR fiber density decreased slightly in both rostral and caudal directions from a peak density centered in the region of granular frontal area 8Bm and the supplementary motor area 6M. The laminar pattern of DA-IR axons also showed regional variations that again were typified by smooth transitions irrespective of cytoarchitecture. Analysis of DA-IR axonal morphology indicated that immunoreactive fibers form a basically uniform population, giving little evidence of a bimodal heterogeneity evident in other species. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Hydrothermal Pretreatment of Date Palm (Phoenix dactylifera L.) Leaflets and Rachis to Enhance Enzymatic Digestibility and Bioethanol Potential

Date palm residues are one of the most promising lignocellulosic biomass for bioethanol production in the Middle East. In this study, leaflets and rachis were subjected to hydrothermal pretreatment to overcome the recalcitrance of the biomass for enzymatic conversion. Evident morphological, structural, and chemical changes were observed by scanning electron microscopy, X-ray diffraction, and infrared spectroscopy after pretreatment. High glucan (>90% for both leaflets and rachis) and xylan (>75% for leaflets and >79% for rachis) recovery were achieved. Under the optimal condition of hydrothermal pretreatment (210°C/10 min) highly digestible (glucan convertibility, 100% to leaflets, 78% to rachis) and fermentable (ethanol yield, 96% to leaflets, 80% to rachis) solid fractions were obtained. Fermentability test of the liquid fractions proved that no considerable inhibitors to Saccharomyces cerevisiae were produced in hydrothermal pretreatment. Given the high sugar recovery, enzymatic digestibility, and ethanol yield, production of bioethanol by hydrothermal pretreatment could be a promising way of valorization of date palm residues in this region.
Contrasting Properties of Hypoxia-Inducible Factor 1 (HIF-1) and HIF-2 in von Hippel-Lindau-Associated Renal Cell Carcinoma

ABSTRACT Defective function of the von Hippel-Lindau (VHL) tumor suppressor ablates proteolytic regulation of hypoxia-inducible factor α subunits (HIF-1α and HIF-2α), leading to constitutive activation of hypoxia pathways in renal cell carcinoma (RCC). Here we report a comparative analysis of the functions of HIF-1α and HIF-2α in RCC and non-RCC cells. We demonstrate common patterns of HIF-α isoform transcriptional selectivity in VHL-defective RCC that show consistent and striking differences from patterns in other cell types. We also show that HIF-α isoforms display unexpected suppressive interactions in RCC cells, with enhanced expression of HIF-2α suppressing HIF-1α and vice-versa. In VHL-defective RCC cells, we demonstrate that the protumorigenic genes encoding cyclin D1, transforming growth factor alpha, and vascular endothelial growth factor respond specifically to HIF-2α and that the proapoptotic gene encoding BNip3 responds positively to HIF-1α and negatively to HIF-2α, indicating that HIF-1α and HIF-2α have contrasting properties in the biology of RCC. In keeping with this, HIF-α isoform-specific transcriptional selectivity was matched by differential effects on the growth of RCC as tumor xenografts, with HIF-1α retarding and HIF-2α enhancing tumor growth. These findings indicate that therapeutic approaches to targeting of the HIF system, at least in this setting, will need to take account of HIF isoform-specific functions.
Clonal heterogeneity in chronic lymphocytic leukemia cells: superior response to surface IgM cross-linking in CD38, ZAP-70-positive cells

The reasons why immunoglobulin gene mutation status and expression of ZAP-70 and CD38 influence disease progression in chronic lymphocytic leukemia are still undefined. This study shows that CD38+, ZAP-70+ cells have a greater capacity for signalling through the B-cell receptor and suggests a function for B-cell receptor signaling in promoting cell expansion. Background Patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia whose cells express CD38 and ZAP-70 and utilize unmutated Ig VH region genes have a very poor prognosis. We studied whether cells expressing CD38 and ZAP-70 are more susceptible to stimulation through B-cell receptors than are cells that do not express CD38 and ZAP-70. Design and Methods CD38-positive and CD38-negative leukemic cells were separated from single cases and compared for their response to B-cell receptor cross-linking and ZAP-70 expression. Cohort studies were also carried out by measuring the apoptotic response to surface immunoglobulin M (IgM) cross-linking in 82 patients with chronic lymphocytic leukemia and the protein tyrosine phosphorylation induced by surface IgM in 21 patients. Results CD38-positive cells, isolated from cases of chronic lymphocytic leukemia classified as CD38-positive or CD38-negative, expressed more ZAP-70 than the corresponding CD38-negative cells, exhibited more robust protein tyrosine phosphorylation and had a greater tendency to apoptosis upon B-cell receptor cross-linking. In the cohort studies, surface IgM-induced protein tyrosine phosphorylation correlated significantly with CD38 and ZAP-70 expression and with the absence of Ig VH gene mutations. Apoptosis induced by surface IgM cross-linking correlated significantly only with the proportion of CD38-positive cells. Difficulties in finding more definitive correlations were probably related to imprecision in the in vitro test system and in the definition of cases as positive or negative. Conclusions Collectively, these data indicate that CD38-positive, ZAP-70-positive cells have a greater capacity for signaling through the B-cell receptor and suggest a function for B-cell receptor signaling in promoting chronic lymphocytic leukemia cell expansion, especially within the CD38-positive fraction of the leukemic clone.
When Are Preferences Consistent? The Effects of Task Familiarity and Contextual Cues on Revealed and Stated Preferences

Traditionally, economists make a sharp distinction between stated and revealed preferences, viewing the latter as more fully meeting the assumptions of economic analysis. Here, we consider one form of empirical evidence regarding this belief: the consistency of choices in stated and revealed preference tasks. We show that both kinds of task can produce consistent choices, suggesting that both can measure underlying preferences, if necessary conditions are met. We propose that a necessary condition is that task be either familiar to those facing it or offer contextual cues that substitute for familiarity, such as prices in competitive markets or recommendations from trusted, knowledgeable sources. We show that how well decision makers achieve such understanding is often confounded with the method that researchers use. Considering task familiarity not only clarifies some of the conflicting evidence regarding revealed and stated preference methods, but raises potentially productive questions regarding the roles of social institutions in shaping preferences.
NADPH Oxidase Hyperactivity Contributes to Cardiac Dysfunction and Apoptosis in Rats with Severe Experimental Pancreatitis through ROS-Mediated MAPK Signaling Pathway

NADPH oxidase (Nox) is considered a major source of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the heart in normal and pathological conditions. However, the role of Nox in severe acute pancreatitis- (SAP-) associated cardiac injury remains unclear. Therefore, we aim to investigate the contribution of Nox to SAP-associated cardiac injury and to explore the underlying molecular mechanisms. Apocynin, a Nox inhibitor, was given at 20 mg/kg for 30 min before SAP induction by a retrograde pancreatic duct injection of 5% sodium taurocholate. Histopathological staining, Nox activity and protein expression, oxidative stress markers, apoptosis and associated proteins, cardiac-related enzyme indexes, and cardiac function were assessed in the myocardium in SAP rats. The redox-sensitive MAPK signaling molecules were also examined by western blotting. SAP rats exhibited significant cardiac impairment along with increased Nox activity and protein expression, ROS production, cell apoptosis, and proapoptotic Bax and cleaved caspase-3 protein levels. Notably, Nox inhibition with apocynin prevented SAP-associated cardiac injury evidenced by a decreased histopathologic score, cardiac-related enzymes, and cardiac function through the reduction of ROS production and cell apoptosis. This protective role was further confirmed by a simulation experiment in vitro. Moreover, we found that SAP-induced activation in MAPK signaling molecules in cardiomyocytes was significantly attenuated by Nox inhibition. Our data provide the first evidence that Nox hyperactivation acts as the main source of ROS production in the myocardium, increases oxidative stress, and promotes cell apoptosis via activating the MAPK pathway, which ultimately results in cardiac injury in SAP.
Meat Production Potential Of Different Cross-Bred Ducklings

A study was conducted to determine the meat production potential of Pekin (P) x Pekin (P), P x Desi (D) and P x Jinding (J) ducklings up to 8 weeks of age. 54 day old ducklings were randomly allocated to 3 genotypic treatments having 3 replications in each genotype. One duckling from each replication was dissected to determine the meat yield. The initial and final live weight was found highest (P<0.01) in P X P, followed by those of P X D and P X J ducklings respectively. Feed conversion was poor in P X J, better in P X P and best in P X D (P<0.01). However, feed conversion for all genotypes decreased with the advance of age. At all ages except 1st week, better feed utilization was observed in P X D crossbred than that in P X P and P X J. Higher breast meat was observed in P X P (P<0.05) than in P X D and P X J. Thigh meat was found higher (P<0.05) in P X P and P X D than that in P X J. Considering the growth performance (growth rate and feed utilization) and meat yield characteristics, it may be concluded that crossing of Pekin with local ducks might produce a suitable genotype to improve meat production potential of duck to reared under Bangladesh condition. DOI: http://dx.doi. org/10.3329/bjas.v37i2. 9885 BJAS 2008; 37(2): 82-88
The experimental method.

To investigate the basic aerodynamic characteristics of jet-flap aircraft, six-component force and moment measurements have been made on jet-flap complete models in the R.A. E. No. 2 11½ ft x 8½ ft low speed wind tunnel. The tests covered the effects produced by variations of wing aspect ratio, dihedral, and sweep-back, and by ground proximity, on longitudinal and lateral static stability. Some of the more significant results outside ground influence include the high stalling incidence and CLmax values possible with a thick, heavily cambered jet-flap wing and the unexpected effects of the jet flap on lateral static stability. Proximity to the ground produced appreciable changes in downwash at the tailplane as soon as the jet sheet neared the ground, and caused large reductions in lift and stalling incidence once jet impingement occurred.