Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Targeted Disruption of Fibronectin-Integrin Interactions in Human Gingival Fibroblasts by the RI Protease ofPorphyromonas gingivalis W50

ABSTRACT Cell surface integrins mediate interactions between cells and their extracellular matrix and are frequently exploited by a range of bacterial pathogens to facilitate adherence and/or invasion. In this study we examined the effects of Porphyromonas gingivalisproteases on human gingival fibroblast (HGF) integrins and their fibronectin matrix. Culture supernatant from the virulent strain W50 caused considerably greater loss of the β1 integrin subunit from HGF in vitro than did that of the beige-pigmented strain W50/BE1. Prior treatment of the W50 culture supernatant with the protease inhibitor Nα-p-tosyl-l-lysine chloromethyl ketone (TLCK) blocked its effects on cultured cells, indicating that this process is proteolytically mediated. Purified arginine-specific proteases from P. gingivalis W50 were able to mimic the effects of the whole-culture supernatant on loss of β1 integrin expression. However purified RI, an α/β heterodimer in which the catalytic chain is associated with an adhesin chain, was 12 times more active than RIA, the catalytic monomer, in causing loss of the α5β1 integrin (fibronectin receptor) from HGF. No effect was observed on the αVβ3 integrin (vitronectin receptor). The sites of action of RI and RIA were investigated in cells exposed to proteases pretreated with TLCK to inactivate the catalytic component. Use of both monoclonal antibody 1A1, which recognizes only the adhesin chain of RI, and a rabbit antibody against P. gingivaliswhole cells indicated localization of RI on the fibroblasts in a clear, linear pattern typical of that seen with fibronectin and α5β1 integrin. Exact colocalization of RI with fibronectin and its α5β1 receptor was confirmed by double labeling and multiple-exposure photomicroscopy. In contrast, RIA bound to fibroblasts in a weak, patchy manner, showing only fine linear or granular staining. It is concluded that the adhesin component of RI targets the P. gingivalis arginine-protease to sites of fibronectin deposition on HGF, contributing to the rapid loss of both fibronectin and its main α5β1integrin receptor. Given the importance of integrin-ligand interactions in fibroblast function, their targeted disruption by RI may represent a novel mechanism of damage in periodontal disease.
Increased hydrogen peroxide in the exhaled breath of uraemic patients unaffected by haemodialysis.

BACKGROUND Uraemia is accompanied by conditions favouring the rise of H2O2 activity in body fluids. This results from the increased release of H2O2 by polymorphonuclear leukocytes and decreased plasma glutathione peroxidase activity. The purpose of this study was to determine if patients on chronic haemodialysis (HD) exhale more H2O2 than healthy individuals, and if dialysis affects breath H2O2 content. METHODS We studied 29 chronic HD patients (mean age 49 +/- 11 years) and 40 healthy persons (mean age 44 +/- 9 years). H2O2, which is volatile, was measured fluorimetrically with the homovanillic acid method in the exhaled breath condensate (EBC) of the study cohort. EBC was collected immediately before and after the HD session and also at 20 and 60 min of HD treatment (n = 14) and once in controls. Peak expiratory flow (PEF), white blood cell (WBC) count, PaO(2) and circulatory cyclic guanosine monophosphate (cGMP), Il-6 and Il-8 concentrations were measured concomitantly. Finally, H2O2 diffusion through the dialyser cuprophane membrane was determined in an in vitro experiment. RESULTS At baseline, EBC H2O2 concentration was 22 times higher in HD patients than in controls (2.92 +/- 4.64 vs 0.16 +/- 0.13 microM, P < 0.001). Although the maximum decrease in PEF (431 +/- 52 vs 398 +/- 56 l/min, P < 0.01) and WBC count (6.72 +/- 1.02 vs 3.82 +/- 1.51 x 10(3)/ microl, P < 0.01) occurred at 20 min after the start of HD, no significant changes in breath H2O2 levels were noted throughout the session. Plasma IL-6 and IL-8 levels remained unchanged whereas cGMP rose 1.3 times at 60 min (P < 0.01). In vitro, H2O2 rapidly diffused through the cuprophane membrane. CONCLUSION Chronic HD patients exhale more H2O2 than healthy subjects. Although no change of breath H2O2 concentration was observed during HD, as H2O2 easily diffuses through the dialyser membrane, it is not possible to rule out that HD stimulates H2O2 generation.
The Earliest Phases of Star formation (EPoS) observed with Herschel: the dust temperature and density distributions of B68

Context. Isolated starless cores within molecular clouds can be used as a testbed to investigate the conditions prior to the onset of fragmentation and gravitational proto-stellar collapse. Aims. We aim to determine the distribution of the dust temperature and the density of the starless core B68. Methods. In the framework of the Herschel guaranteed-time key programme “The Earliest Phases of Star formation” (EPoS), we have imaged B68 between 100 and 500 μm. Ancillary data at (sub)millimetre wavelengths, spectral line maps of the 12 CO (2–1), and 13 CO (2–1) transitions, as well as an NIR extinction map were added to the analysis. We employed a ray-tracing algorithm to derive the 2D mid-plane dust temperature and volume density distribution without suffering from the line-of-sight averaging effects of simple SED fitting procedures. Additional 3D radiative transfer calculations were employed to investigate the connection between the external irradiation and the peculiar crescent-shaped morphology found in the FIR maps. Results. For the first time, we spatially resolve the dust temperature and density distribution of B68, convolved to a beam size of 36. �� 4. We find a temperature gradient dropping from (16.7 +1.3 −1.0 ) K at the edge to (8.2
Design and construction of a hydro-pneumatic mock circulation loop that emulates the systemic circuit of the circulatory system

An inexpensive and simple mock circulation loop was developed with the purpose of emulating the systemic circuit of the cardiovascular system, and which must be able to function under physiological conditions found on an average healthy adult person. This mock circulation loop contains a pulsatile left ventricle and a passive left atrium coupled with both, arterial and venous, resistances and compliances. A fluid, complying with blood's density and viscosity, was developed to emulate the human cardiovascular system behavior in the mock circulation loop. Also, a data acquisition system was developed and implemented to control the system's heart rate. This data acquisition system also contains a GUI used to control the parameters that have direct implications in the function of the mock circulation loop and is used to present the gathered values to the user.
Loxocorone, a New Genus of the Family Loxosomatidae (Entoprocta: Solitaria), with Descriptions of Two New Loxomitra (sensu stricto) and a New Loxocorone from Okinawa, the Ryukyu Archipelago, Japan

Abstract The type species of Loxomitra Nielsen, 1964, L. kefersteinii (Claparède, 1867), has following characters: A) the buds have a pair of terminal wings at the base of the stalk, and B) the liberated buds crawl on the substratum by attaching the two terminal wings to the substratum and twisting the whole body. By contrast, some other members of the genus have following characters: A′) the buds lack the terminal wings but have a foot with foot groove, and B′) the liberated buds glide over the substratum using the foot with foot groove. I thus propose to divide Loxomitra (sensu lato) into two genera–Loxomitra (sensu stricto) characterized by A) and B), and Loxocorone gen. nov. by A′) and B′). I also describe two new Loxomitra (sensu stricto), L. mizugamaensis sp. nov., and L. tetraorganon sp. nov., and one new Loxocorone, L. allax sp. nov. from the Ryukyu Archipelago, Japan. All of the currently recognized species of the Loxomitra (sensu lato) are reviewed to specify their generic allocations in response to the above change.
ZAPs: Using interactive programs for learning psychology

ZAPs are short, self-contained computer programs that encourage students to experience psychological phenomena in a vivid, self-explanatory way, and that are meant to evoke enthusiasm about psychological topics. ZAPs were designed according to principles that originate from experiential and discovery learning theories. The interactive approach that is offered invites students to engage in subject matter through exploration, experience, and discovery of psychology. In an empirical study the effectiveness of different ZAPs for teaching psychology was examined. A group of students who worked with complete ZAPs was compared to a control group who worked with a ZAP from which the “activity” component was removed. Posttest results showed that the control group outperformed the experiment group. However, on a retention test the differences between the groups disappeared. The results show that, in the long run, relatively good learning effects may be expected from working with ZAPs.
The importance of water‐retaining features for biodiversity on artificial intertidal coastal defence structures

Artificial coastal defence structures are proliferating in response to rising and stormier seas. These structures provide habitat for many species but generally support lower biodiversity than natural habitats. This is primarily due to the absence of environmental heterogeneity and water‐retaining features on artificial structures. We compared the epibiotic communities associated with artificial coastal defence structures and natural habitats to ask the following questions: (1) is species richness on emergent substrata greater in natural than artificial habitats and is the magnitude of this difference greater at mid than upper tidal levels; (2) is species richness greater in rock pools than emergent substrata and is the magnitude of this difference greater in artificial than natural habitats; and (3) in artificial habitats, is species richness in rock pools greater at mid than upper tidal levels?
Clock Drawing in Schizophrenia

The Clock Drawing Test, a task sensitive to cognitive decline in neurological groups, was administered to 27 patients with schizophrenia. Clock drawings were scored for over-all global performance and the frequency of specific qualitative errors. Mean global performance scores indicated a small proportion of the sample was below the threshold typically used to identify dementia, and the patients displayed qualitative Clock Drawing deficits not fully represented in the global performance measure. Qualitative analyses indicated that size errors, graphic difficulty, and spatial planning problems were most common. Lastly, duration of illness was not related to global performance, suggesting that the latter might not reflect deterioration but the stable trajectory of impairment that may be constant through the schizophrenia illness.
Change in adiposity minimally affects the lipid profile in youth with recent onset type 1 diabetes

Dyslipidemia contributes to the increased risk of cardiovascular disease in persons with type 1 diabetes (T1D). Weight control is commonly recommended as a treatment for dyslipidemia. However, the extent to which decreases in weight affect the lipid profile in youth with T1D is not known. Therefore, we tested the hypothesis that decreases in body mass index z‐score (BMIz) were associated with concomitant changes in the lipid profile in youth with T1D.
P63 Immunoreactivity Distinguishes Upper Urinary Tract Transitional-cell Carcinoma and Renal-cell Carcinoma Even in Poorly Differentiated Tumors

P63 is essential for the differentiation of normal urothelium and is also expressed in transitional cell carcinoma (TCC) of the bladder. We investigated p63 immunoreactivity in upper urinary tract TCC (n = 53) and in renal-cell carcinoma (RCC; n = 188) using a tissue microarray technique. P63 expression was detected in 51/53 (96.2%) TCCs, showing decreased expression in high-stage (pT1 and pT2 100%; pT3 90.9%) and poorly differentiated (G1 and G2 100%; G3 92%) tumors. All RCCs were negative for p63. P63 proved to be a helpful tool, even in poorly differentiated and undifferentiated renal malignancies, to distinguish TCC from RCC.
Amphotericin B-Induced Nephrotoxicity: A Review

Abstract Amphotericin B is the gold standard for antifungal treatment for the most severe mycoses. However, adverse effects are common, with nephrotoxicity being the most serious, occurring early in the course of treatment, and usually being reversible in most patients. Tubular damage is a well known problem associated with amphotericin B therapy but acute renal failure is the most serious complication. Recent studies have examined ways to ameliorate the well-known toxicities of amphotericin B. A new approach has been to complex the drug with lipids or entrap it in liposomes. This review will concern amphotericin B-induced nephrotoxicity, whose mechanisms are not completely clear. Nephrotoxicity seems related to direct amphotericin B action on the renal tubules as well as to drug-induced renal vasoconstriction. The main mechanisms of nephrotoxicity suggested in the literature are presented. The clinical picture at different ages (adults, children, newborns), interactions of clinical significance, strategies for prevention of amphotericin B-induced nephrotoxicity are summarized. To provide optimal patient care, it is imperative that the clinician understand the etiology of and the signs and symptoms associated with nephrotoxicity, as well as interventions to prevent nephrotoxicity in patients receiving amphotericin B.
The onset of three-dimensional centrifugal global modes and their nonlinear development in a recirculating flow over a flat surface

The three-dimensional stability dynamics of a separation bubble over a flat plate has been studied in both linear and nonlinear conditions. Using a global eigenvalue analysis, two centrifugal global modes are identified: an asymptotically unstable three-dimensional weakly growing mode which appears to be originated by a Rayleigh instability; a marginally stable three-dimensional steady mode which is originated by a convective Gortler instability. Direct numerical simulations show that both modes play a role in the route to transition toward the turbulent flow. A structural sensitivity analysis is used to investigate the mechanism of selection of the path toward transition when small perturbations are considered. Finally, a scenario of transition via Gortler modes breakdown is studied in detail, revealing the formation of trains of hairpin vortices in streamwise succession.
Potential Therapeutic Effects of Prescribed and Over-the-Counter Androgens in Women

Menopause is associated with a decrease in the secretion of estrogens and androgens. Plasma levels of dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) peak at the age of 25 years and then decrease gradually, reaching 15–20% of the maximum in persons older than 70 years. The levels of androstenedione and testosterone decrease with aging, but this decrease occurs just before or at the time of menopause. The levels of these androgens then remain stable over the course of the years. The decreases in the secretion of testosterone and androstenedione reflect a decrease in ovarian function. The ovary is an important source of circulating androgens. After oophorectomy, concentrations of testosterone decrease by 50% within 1 week, and those of androstenedione decrease by 40% within 4 weeks. In contrast to other androgens, the concentration of dihydrotestosterone does not change with aging. Both DHEA and androstenedione circulate tightly bound to albumin, whereas testosterone is bound primarily to sex hormone-binding globulin (SHBG). There are no changes in SHBG levels and therefore, the metabolic clearance rates of these androgens does not change with aging, although aromatization of DHEA, androstenedione, and testosterone to estrone and estradiol all increase with advancing age. In addition to the decreasing ovarian function, hypoandrogenism in women can have other causes, such as chemotherapy, radiotherapy, gonadotropin-releasing hormone antagonists, and ingestion of exogenous estrogen and glucocorticoids. There is a decrease in circulating free testosterone levels in women using combined oral contraceptive pills or oral estrogen replacement therapy. These treatments cause an increase in SHBG levels, thus reducing free hormone concentrations. Oral contraceptives also suppress luteinizing hormone production, which is a stimulus necessary for the production of ovarian stromal androgen. Oral glucocorticoids cause hypoandrogenism by suppressing adrenocorticotrophic hormone and, thereby, adrenal androgen production. Correspondence: Omid Khorram, MD, PhD, Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Box 489, Harbor–UCLA Medical Center, 1000 West Carson Street, Torrance, CA 90502. CLINICAL OBSTETRICS AND GYNECOLOGY Volume 44, Number 4, pp 880–892 © 2001, Lippincott Williams & Wilkins, Inc.
Impact of Bovine Oocyte Maturation Media on Oocyte Transcript Levels, Blastocyst Development, Cell Number, and Apoptosis1

Abstract The objectives were 1) to investigate the effects of oocyte maturation in serum-free and amino acid-supplemented defined media on oocyte transcript levels, blastocyst cell number, and apoptosis; 2) to investigate the influence of oocyte maturation culture atmosphere on blastocyst development, total cell number, and apoptosis; and 3) to examine the influence of epidermal growth factor (EGF) during oocyte maturation on blastocyst cell number and apoptosis. The results demonstrate that blastocysts derived from in vitro maturation, fertilization, and embryo culture protocols undergo apoptosis but that apoptotic levels are not greatly influenced by the oocyte maturation environment. Amino acid supplementation of oocyte maturation media was associated with enhanced developmental frequencies, increased blastocyst cell number, and elevated oocyte maternal mRNA levels. Oocyte maturation with supplemented synthetic oviduct fluid medium (cSOFMaa) resulted in blastocyst cell numbers comparable to those observed with Tissue Culture Medium 199 + newborn calf serum. Blastocyst development was reduced following oocyte maturation under a 5% CO2, 7% O2, 88% N2 culture atmosphere. EGF supplementation of oocyte maturation medium resulted in a concentration-dependent increase in blastocyst development but did not influence blastocyst total cell number or apoptosis. Our findings indicate that cSOFMaa medium is an effective base medium for bovine oocyte maturation.
Acquisition of cytomegalovirus infection: an update

Human cytomegalovirus (CMV) is a ubiquitous deoxyribonucleic acid virus that commonly infects a majority of individuals at some time during their life. Although most of these CMV infections are asymptomatic, certain patient groups are at risk to develop serious illness. Understanding the epidemiology of this virus is a key element in the development of strategies for preventing CMV disease. However, a number of features of this virus complicate such understanding. Following infection, CMV can remain latent, with subsequent reactivation; the factors controlling latency and reactivation and those factors which determine whether a CMV infection will be symptomatic are unknown. CMV disease can be acquired by natural routes, including horizontal and vertical transmission. Due to the ubiquity of CMV, the delineation of CMV transmission by these natural routes is complicated by the myriad of possible sources. Moreover, concerns over the risk of CMV transmission to the seronegative pregnant female have been raised in relation to preventing CMV transmission. By using molecular biologic techniques, much knowledge has been gained regarding the transmission of CMV disease by natural routes; however, a number of questions remain unanswered. The transmission of CMV infection by natural routes is therefore reviewed and the issues are highlighted. Primary infection, reactivation, and reinfection are the types of active CMV infections that can occur in an immunocompromised patient. In addition to natural routes of infection, introduction of presumably latently infected organs and requirements for multiple blood transfusions increase potential exposure to CMV in the immunocompromised patient. Understanding the epidemiology of CMV infections in the immunocompromised patient is difficult and in some instances controversial due to the complexity and interdependency of a number of factors which lead to CMV infection. In an immunocompromised individual, a major risk factor in developing overt CMV-related disease is associated with the serological status of an organ donor, the recipient, and the blood product given to these patients. In addition, a large body of inferential data supports the transmission of CMV by blood products or organs from seropositive donors; however, the mechanisms by which transmission occurs remain unclear. The possible sources and mechanisms of transmission of CMV infections in the immunocompromised host are reviewed. Lastly, strategies for the ultimate prevention of CMV disease are discussed in light of the epidemiology of CMV infections. To date, these strategies have included use of CMV-seronegative blood products or organs, antiviral agents, and vaccines. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
The human menstrual cycle: plasma concentrations of prolactin, LH, FSH, oestradiol and progesterone in conceiving and non-conceiving women.

Hormonal profiles were obtained throughout 26 conception cycles and 27 non-conception control cycles. The pregnancies followed treatment (clomiphene or bromocriptine) in 12 women but were spontaneous in the remaining 14. No sustained significant difference between the various types of conception cycle was found for LH, FSH, oestradiol or progesterone concentrations. Prolactin concentrations varied widely, suggesting that mean cycle prolactin concentrations ranging from 45 to 760 mi.u. /l are compatible with conception. Although there were no significant differences in progesterone secretion within the conception cycles, there were highly significant differences between the conception cycles and the non-pregnant control cycles. Mean progesterone concentrations in the conception group were higher (P less than 0.005) than those in the control women over Days 3-8 following the LH peak. This difference could only be partly accounted for by heterogeneity within the control group (15-20% of the control cycles had low progesterone concentrations and were probably subfertile. It is suggested that the higher conception cycle progesterone concentrations during the early part of the luteal phase may constitute a preimplantation component of the maternal recognition of pregnancy in women.
Treatment for lupus, first in 50 years, offers modest benefits, hope to patients.

by weighing the risk of infection against mechanical complicationssuchaspneumothoraxorsubclavianarterypuncture; avoiding use of the femoral vein for central venous access in adults. •Washing hands with soap and water or alcohol-based rubs before and after palpating insertion sites as well as inserting, replacing, accessing, repairing, or dressing an intravascular catheter. Wearing sterile gloves to insert arterial, central, or midline catheters. •Using maximal sterile barrier precautions—cap, mask, sterile gown, sterile gloves, and sterile full-body drape— wheninsertingcentralvenouscatheters, peripherally insertedcentralcatheters,or guidewire exchange. •Preparing patients’ clean skin with a chlorhexidine preparation of greater than 0.5% with alcohol before inserting central venous or peripheral arterial catheters, and during dressing changes. Later this year, US hospitals will have totrackandreportcentral line–associated bloodstreaminfectionsthatoccurintheir intensivecareunits if theywant toget an annual2%payment increase fromMedicare.Thedatasubsequentlywillbeavailable to the public on the government’s Hospital Compare Web site, http://www . hospitalcompare.hhs. gov.