Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Characterization of the IncA/C plasmid pCC416 encoding VIM-4 and CMY-4 beta-lactamases.

OBJECTIVES To characterize the antibiotic resistance regions of pCC416, a VIM-4- and CMY-4-encoding plasmid from clinical enterobacteria, and to elucidate its relation with the CMY-encoding plasmids widely diffused in Salmonella. METHODS The enterobacterial multiresistant plasmid pCC416 was derived from an Escherichia coli transconjugant and characterized. Conventional and long-range PCR assays were performed using primers specific for VIM-4- and CMY-4-encoding segments of pCC416. Amplicons were characterized by sequencing. blaVIM-4, blaCMY-4 and IntI1-specific probes were prepared from PCR products and used for the identification of various pCC416 clones. VIM- and CMY-positive BamHI and Sau3AI fragments of pCC416 were cloned into pACYC184 and their sequences were determined by gene walking. RESULTS The pCC416 plasmid contained two distinct resistant loci carrying beta-lactamase genes. The blaVIM-4 gene was part of an integron located in a complex, multidrug-resistant region of novel structure, interspersed with mobile elements or remnants thereof and being similar to various regions of other resistance plasmids. Nevertheless, a region in the 3' end of this structure resembled the respective region found in a CMY-2-encoding plasmid from Salmonella. The blaCMY-4 gene was identified within an 11.3 kb region also related to the CMY-2-encoding plasmids. CONCLUSIONS pCC416 probably evolved from an IncA/C2, CMY-encoding plasmid through acquisition of a VIM-encoding In4-type integron providing an example of accretion of resistance determinants in a single replicon.
Physiological demands and activity profiles during futsal match play according to competitive level.

AIM The aims of this study were to examine and compare the physiological demands and activity profiles of players at different competitive levels during futsal match play. METHODS Fifteen professional futsal players (elite group) and 15 university futsal players (amateur group) participated in the study. The players in each group were divided into three teams; each team consisted of 1 goalkeeper and 4 outfield players. All players were observed during two match simulated competitive games. The physiological demands were analyzed by measuring heart rate, estimated ∙VO2 from an individual HR-∙VO2 relationship, and earlobe-blood lactate concentration before and at the end of the match. Activity profiles were analyzed for whole game movement patterns using a computer-based tracking system. RESULTS The physiological demands of the outfield players in the elite group was higher (P<0.05) than in the amateur group (%HRmax: 89.8±5.8 vs. 86.2±6.7%, %∙VO2max: 77.9±9 vs. 73.1±6.2% and blood lactate: 5.5±1.4 vs. 5.1±1.5 mmol/L, respectively). Analysis of activity profiles of outfield players showed that the total distance covered of the elite group was higher (P<0.05) than that of the amateur group: (5087±1104 vs. 4528±1248 m, respectively). However, there were no significant differences in the physiological demands and activity profiles between the goalkeepers in the two groups (P>0.05). CONCLUSION These results demonstrate that the higher physiological demands and activity profiles placed on elite players during the game could indicate the players' physical fitness reserves for the formulation of an optimized specific training program as well as being useful in the preparation of the athletes for competition.
Dynamic Ventilatory Characteristics During Weaning in Postoperative Critically III Patients

Postoperative patients occasionally require more than 48 h of mechanical ventilation.This study examined whether there were distinct differences in dynamic respiratory variables between patients who successfully weaned from mechanical ventilation and those who failed. Forty general and thoracic surgery patients underwent a standardized weaning sequence: 25 min of synchronous intermittent mandatory ventilation (SIMV) at 8 bpm plus 5 cm H2 O pressure support ventilation (PSV), then SIMV at 4 bpm plus 5 cm H2 O PSV, followed by continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) plus 5 cm H2 O PSV and, finally, CPAP without PSV. Twenty-eight patients successfully weaned and 12 failed. During SIMV at 4 bpm plus 5 cm H2 O PSV, the spontaneous respiratory rate to spontaneous tidal volume ratio (sRR/sVT) and total and spontaneous respiratory rates were higher (P < 0.01) in the failure group. sRR/sVT values (threshold 65 bpm/L, sensitivity 1.00, specificity 0.82) and sRR values (threshold 12 bpm, sensitivity 0.95, specificity 0.84) were distinctive. During CPAP plus 5 cm H2 O of PSV, respiratory rate, minute ventilation, patient work of breathing, and P0.1 were higher (P < 0.01) in those who failed. P0.1 (threshold 4.5 cm H2 O, sensitivity 1.00, specificity 1.00), patient work of breathing (threshold 1.3 J/L, sensitivity 0.92, and specificity 0.98), and the sRR/sVT ratio (threshold 65 bpm/L, sensitivity 0.90, specificity 0.80) were distinctive. Most unique was the analysis of spontaneous breaths during low SIMV rates. This appears to permit an early determination of whether weaning would succeed. (Anesth Analg 1997;84:1250-5)
Delivery of genomic medicine for common chronic adult diseases: a systematic review.

CONTEXT The greatest public health benefit of advances in understanding the human genome may be realized for common chronic diseases such as cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, and cancer. Attempts to integrate such knowledge into clinical practice are still in the early stages, and as a result, many questions surround the current state of this translation. OBJECTIVE To synthesize current information on genetic health services for common adult-onset conditions by examining studies that have addressed the outcomes, consumer information needs, delivery, and challenges in integrating these services. DATA SOURCES MEDLINE articles published between January 2000 and February 2008. STUDY SELECTION Original research articles and systematic reviews dealing with common chronic adult-onset conditions were reviewed. A total of 3371 citations were reviewed, 170 articles retrieved, and 68 articles included in the analysis. DATA EXTRACTION Data were independently extracted by one reviewer and checked by another with disagreement resolved by consensus. Variables assessed included study design and 4 key areas: outcomes of genomic medicine, consumer information needs, delivery of genomic medicine, and challenges and barriers to integration of genomic medicine. DATA SYNTHESIS Sixty-eight articles contributed data to the synthesis: 5 systematic reviews, 8 experimental studies, 35 surveys, 7 pre/post studies, 3 observational studies, and 10 qualitative reports. Three systematic reviews, 4 experimental studies, and 9 additional studies reported on outcomes of genetic services. Generally there were modest positive effects on psychological outcomes such as worry and anxiety, behavioral outcomes have shown mixed results, and clinical outcomes were less well studied. One systematic review, 1 randomized controlled trial, and 14 other studies assessed consumer information needs and found in general that genetics knowledge was reported to be low but that attitudes were generally positive. Three randomized controlled trials and 13 other studies assessed how genomic medicine is delivered and newer models of delivery. One systematic review and 19 other studies assessed barriers; the most consistent finding was the self-assessed inadequacy of the primary care workforce to deliver genetic services. Additional identified barriers included lack of oversight of genetic testing and concerns about privacy and discrimination. CONCLUSION Many gaps in knowledge about organization, clinician, and patient needs must be filled to translate basic and clinical science advances in genomics of common chronic diseases into practice.
MicroRNA-23b Inhibits Enterovirus 71 Replication through Downregulation of EV71 VPl Protein

Enterovirus 71 (EV71) is one of the causative pathogens of hand-foot-and-mouth disease and effective antiviral agents and vaccines against this virus have, to date, not been available. MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a recently discovered class of RNAs with the function of post-transcriptional gene expression regulation. It has been demonstrated that miRNAs play important roles in the complicated interaction network between virus and host, while few studies have explored the role of miRNAs in EV71 infection. A recent study showed that hsa-miR-23b was downregulated significantly in cell-infected viruses. To address this issue, biological software miRanda was first used to predict possible target sites of miR-23b at EV71 gene sequence, then to confirm it by luciferase assay. miR-23b mimics were transfected to verify its effects on infection of EV71. These results suggest that miR-23b and upregulation of miR-23b inhibited the replication of EV71 by targeting at EV71 3′UTR conserved sequence. Taken together, miR-23b could inhibit EV71 replication through downregulation of EV71 VPl protein. These results may enhance our understanding on the prevention and treatment of hand-foot-and-mouth disease caused by EV71 infection.
Haplotype relative risks: an easy reliable way to construct a proper control sample for risk calculations

An alternative to Woolf's (1955) relative risk (RR) statistic is proposed for use in calculating the risk of disease in the presence of particular antigens or phenotypes. This alternative uses, as the control sample, the parental antigens or haplotypes not present in the affected child. The formulation of a haplotype relative risk (HRR) thus eliminates the problems of sampling from the same homogeneous population to form both the disease sample and an appropriate control.
"Streptococcus milleri" strains displaying a gliding type of motility.

Isolates belonging to the "Streptococcus milleri" species group that appear to exhibit a gliding type of motility, which is expressed as spreading growth on certain types of agar media, are described. These strains resembled a biotype of "S. milleri" that is usually isolated from genitourinary sources and is notable for its ability to ferment a wide array of carbohydrates. This biotype, which is currently included in the species Streptococcus anginosus, has been implicated in cases of neonatal infection. The "S. milleri" isolates which we studied lacked any observable organelles of motility and gave negative results when they were tested in conventional motility test medium stab cultures. Colonies growing on certain agar media, however, spread over the surfaces of plates and increased in area with increasing time of incubation. Chocolate agar supported maximum spreading, while this characteristic was barely discernible on blood agar. Electron microscopy studies revealed that there was more production of extracellular glycocalyx by motile strains than by a nonmotile isolate having a similar biotype. The results of an analysis of 16S rRNA gene sequences suggested that the motile strains are closely related to S. anginosus and represent a distinct rRNA population within the "S. milleri" species complex.
Sustainable Supply Chain Management and Organizational Performance: The Intermediary Role of Competitive Advantage

Sustainability issues have been on the rise due to negative impacts of organizational practices on the environment. The logistics sector has been known as a major contributor in polluting and consuming enormous amount of resources. This study therefore aims to provide insight into how sustainable supply chain management (SSCM) influences performance of organizations operating in the logistics sector. This study went further to focus on the intermediary function of competitive advantage in the SSCM and organizational performance relationship. Questionnaires were distributed to solicit information from 190 logistics managers. Data were analysed using partial least square method of structural equation modelling. Analysis of the data indicates that SSCM significantly and positively influence competitive advantage and organizational performance. In addition, competitive advantage also proved to significantly influence organizational performance. Competitive advantage indirectly has a significant impact on the SSCM and organizational performance relationship. The findings of the study provide key information to managers and academics in understanding the essence of integrating sustainability in supply chain management (SCM) and how the integration influences organizational performance in the current business and industrial setting.
Epithelial Cell Regulation of Type 2 Cytokine Release by Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells

Background Type 2 cytokines such as IL-13 and IL-5 are important drivers of pathophysiology and exacerbation in asthma. Defining how these type 2 cytokine responses are regulated is a research priority. Epithelial cells promote type 2 responses by releasing alarmins including IL-25, IL-33 and TSLP, but much less is known about inhibitory factors. Methods IL-13 release was measured from peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) cultured with Interleukin (IL)-2 for five days. Epithelial cell lines or human bronchial epithelial cells (HBEC) isolated from healthy or asthma donors were added to these PBMC cultured with IL-2 and release of IL-13 or IL-5 measured. To characterise the mechanisms, we assessed the effect of mechanical disruption of epithelial cells, addition of the COX inhibitor indomethacin and the G-protein inhibitor pertussis toxin. Results PBMC cultured with IL-2 secreted type 2 cytokines in a cell number and time dependent manner. Epithelial cell lines inhibited IL-13 and IL-5 release after co-culture with PBMC in the presence of IL-2, directly, across a transwell and using epithelial cell supernatant. Cells or supernatant from HBEC from healthy or asthma donors also inhibited the cytokine release. Trypsin treatment of conditioned media indicated that inhibitory factor(s) are trypsin insensitive. Mechanical disruption of epithelial cells or indomethacin treatment had no effect, but pertussis toxin reduced epithelial cell inhibition of IL-2 driven type 2 cytokine release. Conclusion Epithelial cells regulate cytokine release by soluble factor(s) and this could be an important immunoregulatory function of the airway epithelium.
SRAM FPGA Reliability Analysis for Harsh Radiation Environments

This paper investigates the viability of deploying SRAM-based FPGAs into harsh Earth-orbit environments. A reliability model is presented for estimating the MTTF of SRAM FPGA designs in specific orbits and orbit conditions. The model requires orbit- and condition-specific SEU rates and design-specific estimates of the probability of failure during a single scrubbing period. Probability of failure estimates are reported for several FPGA designs from both fault-injection and accelerator experiments. The model also includes a method for estimating composite mean time to failure (MTTF) that incorporates all orbit conditions over a solar cycle. Despite using pessimistic assumptions, the results from this model suggest that SRAM FPGA designs protected by TMR and scrubbing operate very reliably in a LEO orbit and surprisingly well in ¿harsh¿ orbits.
Lack of degeneration of loci on the neo-Y chromosome of Drosophila americana americana.

The extent of genetic degeneration of the neo-Y chromosome of Drosophila americana americana has been investigated. Three loci, coding for the enzymes enolase, phosphoglycerate kinase and alcohol dehydrogenase, have been localized to chromosome 4 of D. a. americana, which forms the neo-Y and neo-X chromosomes. Crosses between D.a. americana and D. virilis or D. montana showed that the loci coding for these enzymes carry active alleles on the neo-Y chromosome in all wild-derived strains of americana that were tested. Intercrosses between a genetically marked stock of virilis and strains of americana were carried out, creating F3 males that were homozygous for sections of the neo-Y chromosome. The sex ratios in the F3 generation of the intercrosses showed that no lethal alleles have accumulated on any of the neo-Y chromosomes tested. There was evidence for more minor reductions in fitness, but this seems to be mainly caused by deleterious alleles that are specific to each strain. A similar picture was provided by examination of the segregation ratios of two marker genes among the F3 progeny. Overall, the data suggest that the neo-Y chromosome has undergone very little degeneration, certainly not to the extent of having lost the functions of vital genes. This is consistent with the recent origin of the neo-Y and neo-X chromosomes, and the slow rates at which the forces that cause Y chromosome degeneration are likely to work.
Comparison Between Sandwich Bone Augmentation and Allogenic Block Graft for Vertical Ridge Augmentation in the Posterior Mandible

Introduction:The purpose of this randomized controlled clinical trial was to evaluate 2 different techniques for vertical ridge augmentation (VRA) of the posterior mandible. Materials and Methods:Sixteen subjects with 19 posterior mandibular edentulous sites requiring VRA were recruited for the study. Sites were randomly treated with either block allograft (BA; N = 9) or sandwich bone augmentation (SBA; N = 10). Clinical measurements were recorded at the time of surgery (baseline) and 6-month reentry with a custom-made acrylic surgical template. Results:The mean vertical bone gain (VBG) after mean 6.8 months was 44.5% (mean = 1.78 mm [0–5 mm]) in the BA group and 33.3% (mean = 1.0 mm [−1 to 3 mm]) in the SBA group. Significantly higher rates of incision line openings and wound dehiscences were found in the BA group (n = 7/9, 77.8%) as compared with the SBA group (n = 3/10, 30%) (P = 0.037). After adjusting for graft exposure, BA group demonstrated significantly higher VBG than SBA (difference = 2.26 mm, P < 0.001). In addition, graft exposure resulted in significantly less VBG in both groups (P < 0.001). Conclusions:A higher tendency of wound exposure during VRA was demonstrated when a BA was used compared with the SBA technique. However, if wound exposure could be prevented, higher vertical ridge gain could be achieved with a BA. Summary:The use of a BA in VRA resulted in a maximum of 2 mm more bone height gain compared with the SBA technique if the primary coverage can be achieved during the healing.
Renal Denervation: Unde Venis et Quo Vadis?

Abstract Objective and Methods: Renal denervation is a minimally invasive, catheter-based option for the treatment of refractory hypertension. Indications and contraindications for renal denervation have been defined in an interdisciplinary manner. The efficacy and safety of the procedure were evaluated. Results: Currently, indication for renal denervation is limited to patients with primary hypertension and a systolic blood pressure of ≥ 160 mm Hg (or ≥ 150 mm Hg in diabetes type 2) despite optimal medical therapy with ≥ 3 different antihypertensive drugs. In this specific patient population, an average blood pressure reduction of 32/14 mmHg was observed in non-randomized/-controlled trials after renal denervation. These results were not confirmed in the first randomized controlled trial with a non-significantly superior blood pressure reduction of 14.1 ± 23.9 mm Hg compared to controls (−11.74 ± 25.94 mm Hg, difference −2.39 mm Hg p = 0.26 for superiority with a margin of 5 mm Hg) who underwent a sham procedure. Conclusion: The efficacy and long-term effects of renal denervation need to be re-evaluated in light of the HTN3 study results. To date, renal denervation should not be performed outside of clinical trials. Future trials should also assess if renal denervation can be performed with sufficient safety and efficacy in patients with hypertension-associated diseases. The use of renal denervation as an alternative therapy (e. g. in patients with drug intolerance) can currently not be advocated. Key points: • The indication for renal denervation should be assessed in an interdisciplinary fashion and according to current guidelines with a special focus on ruling out secondary causes for arterial hypertension. • 5 – 10 % of patients with hypertension suffer from refractory hypertension, but only about 1 % of patients meet the criteria for a renal denervation. • Renal denervation leads to a significant decrease in office blood pressure; however, the impact on 24-hour blood pressure measurements remains unclear. • In the first randomized controlled trial on renal denervation with a control group undergoing a sham procedure, blood pressure reduction failed to reach the anticipated level of superiority over best medical treatment. • Periprocedural complications are rare, but long-term safety can currently not be appraised due to the limited data available. Citation Format: • Naehle CP, Düsing R, Schild H. Renale Denervation: Unde venis et quo vadis? Fortschr Röntgenstr 2015; 187: 237 – 247
Activation of the antioxidant response element in primary cortical neuronal cultures derived from transgenic reporter mice

Many phase II protective genes contain a cis‐acting enhancer region known as the antioxidant response element (ARE). Increased expression of these genes contributes to the protection of cells from oxidative stress. Transgenic reporter mice were created that carry in their genome the core ARE coupled to the human placental alkaline phosphatase (hPAP) reporter gene. Primary cortical cultures derived from these mice were treated with tBHQ resulting in a dose‐dependent increase in hPAP activity. Histochemical staining for hPAP activity was observed in both glia and neurons from tBHQ‐treated cultures. The tBHQ‐mediated increase in hPAP was not affected by the antioxidant glutathione monoethyl ester (GSHEE), whereas the increase in hPAP following DEM treatment was completely blocked by GSHEE. Pre‐treatment of cultures with the PI3‐kinase inhibitor LY 294002 demonstrated a dose‐dependent decrease in tBHQ‐induced hPAP activity. In addition, the tBHQ‐mediated expression of ARE‐driven genes in primary cortical cultures was blocked by LY 294002. Interestingly, basal expression of Nrf2 was also inhibited by LY 294002. We theorize that increased levels of genes controlled by the ARE are important for cellular protection against oxidative stress. These ARE‐hPAP transgenic mice will be an important in vivo model for testing our hypothesis.