Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Helicobacter pylori MutS protein confers protection from oxidative DNA damage

The human gastric pathogenic bacterium Helicobacter pylori lacks a MutSLH‐like DNA mismatch repair system. Here, we have investigated the functional roles of a mutS homologue found in H. pylori, and show that it plays an important physiological role in repairing oxidative DNA damage. H. pylori mutS mutants are more sensitive than wild‐type cells to oxidative stress induced by agents such as H2O2, paraquat or oxygen. Exposure of mutS cells to oxidative stress results in a significant (∼10‐fold) elevation of mutagenesis. Strikingly, most mutations in mutS cells under oxidative stress condition are G:C to T:A transversions, a signature of 8‐oxoguanine (8‐oxoG). Purified H. pylori MutS protein binds with a high specific affinity to double‐stranded DNA (dsDNA) containing 8‐oxoG as well as to DNA Holliday junction structures, but only weakly to dsDNA containing a G:A mismatch. Under oxidative stress conditions, mutS cells accumulate higher levels (approximately threefold) of 8‐oxoG DNA lesions than wild‐type cells. Finally, we observe that mutS mutant cells have reduced colonization capacity in comparison to wild‐type cells in a mouse infection model.
Low Density Lipoprotein Receptor-related Protein-1 Promotes β1 Integrin Maturation and Transport to the Cell Surface*

Low density lipoprotein receptor-related protein-1 (LRP-1) mediates the endocytosis of multiple plasma membrane proteins and thereby models the composition of the cell surface. LRP-1 also functions as a catabolic receptor for fibronectin, limiting fibronectin accumulation in association with cells. The goal of the present study was to determine whether LRP-1 regulates cell surface levels of the β1 integrin subunit. We hypothesized that LRP-1 may down-regulate cell surface β1 by promoting its internalization; however, unexpectedly, LRP-1 expression was associated with a substantial increase in cell surface β1 integrin in two separate cell lines, murine embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) and CHO cells. The total amount of β1 integrin was unchanged because LRP-1-deficient cells retained increased amounts of β1 in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Expression of human LRP-1 in LRP-1-deficient MEFs reversed the shift in subcellular β1 integrin distribution. Metabolic labeling experiments demonstrated that the precursor form of newly synthesized β1 integrin (p105) is converted into mature β1 (p125) more slowly in LRP-1-deficient cells. Although low levels of cell surface β1 integrin, in LRP-1-deficient MEFs, were associated with decreased adhesion to fibronectin, the subcellular distribution of β1 integrin was most profoundly dependent on LRP-1 only after the cell cultures became confluent. A mutagen-treated CHO cell line, in which LRP-1 is expressed but retained in the secretory pathway, also demonstrated nearly complete ER retention of β1 integrin. These studies support a model in which LRP-1 either directly or indirectly promotes maturation of β1 integrin precursor and thereby increases the level of β1 integrin at the cell surface.
Infra‐inguinal percutaneous transluminal angioplasty for limb salvage: a retrospective analysis in a single center

Purpose: To review the feasibility of infra‐inguinal angioplasty in the management of critical limb ischemia (CLI). Material and Methods: Data on 221 patients with 230 critically ischemic limbs, treated with consecutive percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) at Helsinki University Central Hospital between January 2000 and December 2002 were collected and analyzed retrospectively. Patency, limb salvage, and survival rates were calculated on an intention‐to‐treat basis. Comparisons were done with univariate (Kaplan‐Meier) and multivariate analysis (Cox regression). Results: Overall primary patency, secondary patency, limb salvage, and survival rates were 47%, 59%, 92%, and 76%, respectively, at 12 months. In the multivariate analysis, low toe pressure (⩽30 mmHg) was a significant risk factor for poor patency. Uremia with hemodialysis, low toe pressure (⩽30 mmHg), and hemodynamic failure of the endovascular procedure were found to increase significantly the risk of amputation. Uremia with hemodialysis, coronary artery disease, tissue loss as indication for PTA (Fontaine stage IV), and age over 70 years were all found to increase significantly the risk of death. Conclusion: Infra‐inguinal PTA is feasible in patients with CLI and resulted in good limb salvage.
Prevalence and Susceptibility Testing of New Species of Pseudallescheria and Scedosporium in a Collection of Clinical Mold Isolates

ABSTRACT The prevalence of new species of Pseudallescheria and Scedosporium in a collection of 46 clinical isolates was analyzed. Strain identification was done by morphological and molecular methods. Four Scedosporium aurantiacum isolates were detected among the panel of clinical strains. The susceptibility profile of S. aurantiacum was similar to that of Scedosporium apiospermum.
Serum alkaline phosphatase and mortality in hemodialysis patients.

BACKGROUND Alkaline phosphatase is typically considered as an innocent by-stander, but emerging data suggest that alkaline phosphatase might play a pathogenic role in vascular calcification and thus contribute to increased mortality in hemodialysis patients. STUDY DESIGN Longitudinal analyses of the existing HEMO Study database. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS 1,827 HEMO Study participants. PREDICTOR Serum alkaline phosphatase level. OUTCOME AND MEASUREMENTS: All-cause and cardiovascular mortality. RESULTS Based on the median serum alkaline phosphatase of 97 IU/l, participants were divided into low (< 97 IU/l) and high (> or = 97 IU/l) serum alkaline phosphatase groups. The lower serum alkaline phosphatase group was associated with older age, male gender, non-black race and shorter dialysis years as well as higher serum calcium, higher serum calcium-phosphorus product and lower parathyroid hormone levels. Mean serum liver enzyme values were in the normal range in both groups, but the high alkaline phosphatase group had slightly higher values. In a multivariate time-dependent Cox model using baseline and follow-up values of serum alkaline phosphatase levels, adjusted for demographics, HEMO Study groups, comorbidity, bone metabolism parameters and liver enzymes, each doubling of serum alkaline phosphatase was significantly associated with increased hazard of all-cause (hazard ratio 1.44, 95% CI 1.30 - 1.59) and cardiovascular mortality (hazard ratio 1.35, 95% CI 1.16 - 1.57). LIMITATIONS Nonstandardized measurements of alkaline phosphatase. CONCLUSIONS Serum alkaline phosphatase is associated with increased mortality in hemodialysis patients, independent of bone metabolism parameters and liver enzymes. Alkaline phosphatase might be a potential therapeutic target in hemodialysis patients.
Patient-related risk factors that predict poor outcome after total hip replacement.

OBJECTIVE To identify factors associated with poor outcome after total hip replacement (THR) surgery. DATA SOURCES This article is the first to present results from the American Medical Group Association (AMGA) THR consortium. STUDY DESIGN The outcomes evaluated were pain and physical function. Eight patient risk factors were evaluated. These included the age, sex, race, marital status, and education of the patient; whether the patient had polyarticular disease or other comorbid conditions; and the patient's preoperative pain and physical function score. DATA COLLECTION Data were collected from patients using AMGA-approved, self-administered questionnaires preoperatively and at six weeks, three months, six months, one year, and two years postoperatively. PRINCIPAL FINDINGS Of the patient risk factors studied, race, education, number of comorbid conditions, and preoperative Health Status Questionnaire (HSQ) score were found to be associated with poor outcome. These risk factors were found to have an effect on both pain and physical function at six months postoperatively. Patients with higher preoperative scores were found to have higher postoperative scores, but substantially fewer of these patients received any benefit from their surgery. For each 10-point increase in preoperative score, patients could expect at least a 6-point decrease in postoperative improvement. CONCLUSIONS Our study indicates that preoperative status is an important predictor of outcome for THR.
Reduced neutrophil superoxide anion release after prolonged infusions of lidocaine.

Lidocaine is used extensively in coronary care units, yet the effect of lidocaine infusions on neutrophil function has not been known. Lidocaine and other local anesthetics impair leukocyte antibacterial functions when added in vitro. We found that lidocaine added to human neutrophils in vitro markedly impaired the release of superoxide anion (O2-) and the granule enzymes lysozyme and myeloperoxidase after stimulation by phorbol myristate acetate or opsonized zymosan. We then measured production of O2- during stimulation of neutrophils from eight normal subjects, five coronary artery disease patients not receiving lidocaine and 13 coronary artery disease patients receiving lidocaine infusions for at least 12 hr. Release of O2- by cells from lidocaine-treated patients (14.2 +/- 3.8 nmol/2.5 X 10(6) neutrophils per 15 min) was significantly lower than from cells of the normal subjects (78.4 +/- 7.2 nmol; P less than .001) and the coronary patients not receiving lidocaine (70.6 +/- 4.0 nmol; P less than .001). Bactericidal assays at a high concentration (2 mg/ml) of lidocaine demonstrated slight reductions in 2 hr killing rates for Escherichia coli (70% with lidocaine vs. 95% control). Inhibition by lidocaine of the release of toxic oxygen metabolites from neutrophils could potentially reduce infarct size in patients with acute myocardial infarction; but as there is only a slightly reduced ability to kill bacteria, increased susceptibility to infections is unlikely although it cannot be excluded.
Development of Ultrahigh-Voltage SiC Devices

Ultrahigh-voltage silicon carbide (SiC) devices [p-i-n diodes and insulated-gate bipolar transistors (IGBTs)] and switching test have been investigated. As a result, we have succeeded in developing a 13-kV p-i-n diode, 15-kV p-channel IGBT, and 16-kV flip-type n-channel implantation and epitaxial IGBT with a low differential specific on-resistance (Rdiff,on). It was revealed that a power module fabricated using a nanotech resin, Si3N4 ceramic substrate, and W base plate was suitable for ultrahigh voltage and high temperature. A switching test was carried out using a clamped inductive load circuit, which indicated that the energy loss of a circuit with ultrahigh-voltage SiC devices is lower than that of Si devices.
Relationships between body symmetry during weight-bearing and functional reach among chronic hemiparetic patients.

BACKGROUND Postural control is often impaired in hemiparetic patients. During upright stance, hemiparetic subjects sway more than subjects with an unaffected hemibody, and they assume asymmetrical postures to place less weight on the affected side. OBJECTIVE To analyze functional reach and dependence on support devices among people with chronic hemiparesis and to investigate the relationships between displacements of functional reach and weight-bearing symmetry during upright stance. METHODS Fourteen participants with hemiparesis, classified as dependent on support devices or independent from them, were included in experimental procedures to record functional reach displacements and symmetry values. RESULTS No significant differences were found between the dependent and independent participants for any variable. However, when weight-bearing occurred on the unaffected side, the greatest displacements were significantly correlated with the most asymmetrical hemiparetic participants. CONCLUSION Symmetry did not contribute to functional reach or independence from support devices among participants with hemiparesis. Article registered in the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry under the number ACTRN12609000267257.
A comparison of dexmedetomidine and midazolam for sedation in third molar surgery *

This randomised, double‐blind study compared dexmedetomidine and midazolam for intravenous sedation during third molar surgery under local anaesthesia. Sixty patients received either dexmedetomidine (up to 1 μg.kg−1) or midazolam (up to 5 mg), which was infused until the Ramsay Sedation Score was four or the maximum dose limit was reached. Intra‐operative vital signs, postoperative pain scores and analgesic consumption, amnesia, and satisfaction scores for patients and surgeons, were recorded. Sedation was achieved by median (IQR (range)) doses of 47 μg (39–52 (25–76)) or 0.88 μg. kg−1 (0.75–1.0 (0.6–1.0)) dexmedetomidine, and 3.6 mg (3.3–4.4 (1.9–5.0)) or 0.07 mg.kg−1 (0.055–0.085 (0.017–0.12)) midazolam. Heart rate and blood pressure during surgery were lower in dexmedetomidine group. There was no significant difference in satisfaction or pain scores. Midazolam was associated with greater amnesia. Dexmedetomidine produces comparable sedation to midazolam.
Ageing and consumption in Finland: The effect of age and life course stage on ecological, economical and self‐indulgent consumption among late middle‐agers and young adults between 1999 and 2014

Previous studies on ageing consumers have mainly focused on chronological age and generational values or studied ageing and consumption with cross-sectional data. Few quantitative studies exist that examine the effect of age together with life course on consumption using longitudinal data. To bridge this gap, the article examines ageing and attitudes towards consumption in Finland, focusing particularly on late middle-agers (46–60 year-olds) in comparison with young adults (18–30 year-olds) between 1999 and 2014. The article explores three consumption patterns based on attitudinal statements: ecological, economical and self-indulgent consumption. Through analysis of a nationally representative survey study in Finland (N = 8,543), the article reveals that in all years under examination, late middle-agers reported more ecological attitudes towards consumption than young adults. In 1999 and 2004, the attitudes of late middle-agers appeared more economical, but age-related differences in economical attitudes disappeared between 2009 and 2014. In each year, late middle-agers reported less self-indulgent attitudes than young adults, and these age-related differences did not remarkably change between 1999 and 2014. The results indicate that in 1999 and 2004, ecological and economical attitudes towards consumption were best predicted by age at the year of the study. In later years, ecological attitudes were more closely determined by life course stage, that is household type and other socio-demographic determinants. Regarding economical attitudes, generational or cohort effects were pronounced among late middle-agers in 1999. In contrast, the significance of age remained throughout the years for self-indulgent attitudes, indicating the absence of generational or cohort effects.
Fluid Flow and Heat Transfer in Porous Media and Post Heated Obstacle: Lattice Boltzmann Simulation

The purpose of this paper is to study heat transfer and fluid flow in porous media with and without obstacle. The double-population thermal lattice Boltzmann is applied. The validation of the accuracy of our numerical code is done. We resort to a comparison between the present and the numerical results reported in previous studies on benchmark problems (the generalized Poiseuille flow). Then, the problem of a fluid sheared in a porous media is studied using two approaches of LBM: generalized lattice Boltzmann equation (GLBE) and simplified lattice Boltzmann equation (SLBE). The comparison of these models is achieved at a specific node and cross-section. It includes many dynamic parameters and covers all over the medium. It is so important to conclude that the GLBE is more suitable to study heat transfer in porous media. In the second part, the heat transfer is calculated through a porous media with hot obstacle. The effect of the obstacle dimension and position is presented. The dependence of fluid flow and heat transfer to several parameters is studied. We conclude by showing that the model presented here is particularly well-suited to study heat and mass transfer in porous media with many applications.
Student Readiness Formation for Activities Oriented to Health Saving

The relevance of the studied problem is caused by the need of formation and development among students of educational organizations of the personal qualities directed to updating of their potential concerning preservation and promotion of health, organization of own style of a healthy lifestyle, i.e. formation of readiness for healthoriented activity – HOA. The purpose of the article consists in the development of conceptual aspects of readiness formation of students for HOA. The leading methodological approach to the research of this problem is a personal and activity approaches, allowing us to disclose the features of organization of an educational process directed to readiness formation of students for HOA. Conceptual aspects of students’ readiness formation for HOA conclude in the fact that health is considered as a target resource of a person which can be operated; the basis of this resource is the health saving potential of the person, its components and phases of development are presented; the model of student readiness for HOA is developed. Materials of the article can be useful to pedagogical workers regarding the organization of activities for preservation and promotion of student health in educational organizations, by means of change of intrinsic and substantial components of this activity.
Scleral fixation of intraocular lenses using Gore-Tex suture: clinical outcomes and safety profile

Background/aims To report the short-term safety profile and clinical outcomes of scleral fixation of intraocular lenses (IOLs) using Gore-Tex suture. Methods Retrospective, interventional case series. 85 eyes of 84 patients undergoing ab externo scleral fixation of a Bausch and Lomb Akreos AO60 or Alcon CZ70BD IOL using Gore-Tex suture. Primary outcome measures were change in visual acuity and occurrence of intraoperative and postoperative complications with minimum follow-up of 90 days. Results 85 eyes of 84 patients were identified. Mean logarithm of the minimum angle of resolution visual acuity improved from 1.43±0.72 (20/538 Snellen equivalent) preoperatively to 0.64±0.61 (20/87 Snellen equivalent) postoperatively (p<0.001). Mean follow-up was 325 days (median 264 days, range 90–996 days). There were no intraoperative complications noted. Postoperative complications included hypotony in eight patients (9.4%), ocular hypertension in six eyes (7%), vitreous haemorrhage in six eyes (7%), hyphema in two eyes (2%), serous choroidal detachment in two eyes (2%), cystoid macular oedema in two eyes (2%) and corneal oedema in one eye (1%). There were no cases of postoperative endophthalmitis, suture erosion/breakage, retinal detachment, suprachoroidal haemorrhage, uveitis–glaucoma–hyphema syndrome or persistent postoperative inflammation in the follow-up period. Conclusions Ab externo scleral fixation of IOLs with Gore-Tex suture was well tolerated in all cases. No suture-related complications were encountered. This procedure led to improvement in visual acuity and was not associated with significant intraoperative or postoperative complications.
When Anti-Islamic Protest Comes to Town: Political Responses to the English Defence League

Seven years since its formation, scant academic attention has been paid to how politicians and policymakers have responded to the English Defence League. While a small and fragmented literature has charted some governmental, policing and civil society responses to this form of anti-Islamic protest, little is known about how UK politicians and policymakers have responded to the group where the EDL has demonstrated the most: at the local level. This study aims to address this lacuna. Using semi-structured elite interviews with thirty-four Members of Parliament and local Councillors as well as six behind-the-scenes policy officials, this thesis maps the types of responses issued by local politicians in Birmingham, Bradford, Leicester, Luton and Tower Hamlets. Moreover, it generates a new typology for anti-EDL responses – charting a continuum from ‘hard’ to ‘soft’ exclusion and on towards more inclusionary measures. Additionally, it provides the first cross-case analysis of the EDL and its protest – positing de-industrialisation, migration as well as prior histories of extremism and disorder as key contextual drivers when the EDL comes to town. What will be found here is significant. Whilst the majority of political responses towards the EDL have been largely static and exclusionary in nature, how these exclusionary responses manifest themselves and what drives such responses varies greatly. Moreover, some responses have exhibited a more inclusionary character - with a minority of responses involved in engagement and interaction work with both communities prone to and affected by EDL protest. This thesis will argue it is only through politicians’ engagement with the politically disaffected and the construction of meaningful forms of interaction between (previously isolated) communities that we can counteract the populist and prejudicial barbs of the EDL and other far-right groups across Europe.
Antigen detection for the diagnosis of pneumonia

Streptococcus pneumoniae and Haemophilus influenzae type b are the main agents of bacterial community‐acquired pneumonia in developing countries, although a definite etiologic diagnosis cannot be established in most cases. This study was carried out to assess the performance of a latex particle agglutination test (LPAT) from a commercial kit (Slidex Méningite Kit™, BioMérieux, France) in diagnosing pneumococcal and H. influenzae type b pneumonia. One hundred and seven children (45 ill subjects and 62 healthy controls) were enrolled. All 45 cases had a presumptive diagnosis of bacterial pneumonia based on clinical (WHO criteria), laboratory (white blood cell count ≥15.000/mm3, polymorphonuclear leukocytes ≥70%, bands ≥500/mm3, and C‐reactive protein ≥40 mg/l), and radiological findings, i.e., two or more positive points in the scoring system described by Khamapirad and Glezen (Semin Respir Infect 1987;2:130–144). Clinical, laboratory, and radiological assessments were performed in a blinded manner. LPAT was performed in urine samples after concentration through an ethanol‐acetone solution. Sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values were 77.3% (95% CI, 61.8–88.0%), 90.3% (95% CI, 79.5–96.0%), 85.0% (95% CI, 69.5–93.8%), and 84.8% (95% CI, 73.4–92.1%), respectively. Results suggest that LPAT is a useful diagnostic tool for the etiologic diagnosis of S. pneumoniae and H. influenzae type b pneumonia, especially in the developing world. Pediatr Pulmonol. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.