Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Protease and peptidase activities in growing and sporulating cells and dormant spores of Bacillus megaterium

Peptidase and protease activities on many different substrates have been determined in several stages of growth of Bacillus megaterium. Extracts of log-phase cells, sporulating cells, and dormant spores of B. megaterium each hydrolyzed 16 different di- and tripeptides. The specific peptidase activity was highest in dormant spores, and the activity in sporulating cells and log-phase cells was about 1.2-fold and 2- to 3-fold lower, respectively. This peptidase acticity was wholly intracellular since extracellular peptidase activity was not detected throughout growth and sporulation. In contrast, intracellular protease activity on a variety of common protein substrates was highest in sporulating cells, and much extracellular activity was also present at this time. The specific activity of intracellular protease in sporulating cells was about 50- and 30-fold higher than that in log-phase cells and dormant spores, respectively. However, the two unique dormant spores proteins known to be the major species degraded during spore germination were degraded most rapidly by extracts of dormant spores, and slightly slower by extracts from log-phase or sporulating cells. The specific activities for degradation of peptides and proteins are compared to values for intracellular protein turnover during various stages of growth.
Pancreatoblastoma in Adults: A Review of the Literature

Background: Pancreatoblastoma is a very uncommon neoplasm in adults and its management represents a great challenge with regards to different treatment options. Given the rarity of the disease, the aim of this study was to review our personal experience with adult pancreatoblastoma as well as the cases reported in the literature in order to support clinicians observing this entity. Methods: Adult patients with histologically proven pancreatoblastoma were identified from our prospective database of pancreatic resections. After a search on the Medline database, a review of all cases was performed as well, focusing on clinical, radiological and hystopathological features and treatment options. Results: At our Institution, 2 adult males, 26 and 69 years old, underwent successful pancreatic resection for pancreatoblastoma. The diagnosis of pancreatoblastoma mainly depends on the pathological findings characterized by squamoid corpuscles at histopathology. Only 21 cases of adult pancreatoblastoma have been identified in the literature. In general, despite aggressive treatment, pancreatoblastoma in adults is associated with poorer outcome than in children, with a median survival time of 18.5 months. Both our patients are disease free after 15 months (case 2) and 51 months (case 1). The latter represents the most successful result in long-term disease-free survival. Conclusion: Pancreatoblastoma is a rare neoplasm in adults. The differential diagnosis includes nonfunctional pancreatic endocrine tumor, acinar cell carcinoma, solid pseudopapillary tumor and adenocarcinoma. Surgical resection is the only treatment associated with long-term survival. Chemotherapy may play a role as palliative treatment in advanced disease.
Physically demanding jobs and occupational injury and disability in the U.S. Army.

UNLABELLED Effective job assignments should take into account physical capabilities to perform required tasks. Failure to do so is likely to result in increased injuries and musculoskeletal disability. OBJECTIVE To evaluate the association between job demands and health outcomes among U.S. Army soldiers. METHODS Multivariate Cox proportional hazards analysis is used to describe associations between job demands, hospitalizations, and disability among 261,096 enlisted Army soldiers in heavily, moderately, and lightly physically demanding occupations (2000-2005) who were followed for up to 5 years. RESULTS Controlling for gender, race, and age, soldiers in heavily demanding jobs were at increased risk for any-cause injury, on-duty injuries, any-cause hospitalizations, and any-cause disability, but not for musculoskeletal disability. CONCLUSION Army job assignments should more accurately match physical capabilities to job demands and/or jobs should be redesigned to reduce injuries. Though musculoskeletal disorders are often the result of acute injury, the demographic and occupational risk patterns differ from acute injury.
Changes in Amounts of Total Salivary Gland Proteins of Lutzomyia longipalpis (Diptera: Psychodidae) According to Age and Diet

Abstract Saliva plays important roles in facilitation of a bloodmeal, lubrication of mouthparts, and parasite transmission for some vector insects. Salivary composition changes during the lifetime of an insect, and differences in the salivary profile may influence its functions. In this report, the amount and profile of salivary gland protein of the American visceral leishmaniasis vector Lutzomyia longipalpis (Lutz & Neiva, 1912) were analyzed at different times of insect development and diet. Protein content from unfed female sand flies increased significantly with age, and a significant difference was observed in sugar-fed females during the first 10 d of adult life. Salivary protein content sharply decreased 1 d after blood feeding, with gradual increase in concentration the following days. SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis analysis revealed that most polypeptides present in the saliva of sugar-fed also were present in the saliva of blood-fed females. Understanding changes in sand fly’s saliva contents at distinct days after emergence and the influence of a bloodmeal in this aspect may reveal the role played by saliva during leishmaniasis transmission.
Identification of a SUFU germline mutation in a family with Gorlin syndrome

Gorlin syndrome (GS) is inherited in an autosomal dominant pattern with high‐penetrance and is characterized by a range of developmental anomalies and increased risk of developing basal cell carcinoma and medulloblastoma. Between 50% and 85% of patients with GS harbor germ line mutations in the only susceptibility gene identified to date, PTCH1, a key component in the Sonic Hedgehog signaling pathway. Another component in this pathway, SUFU, is known to be involved in susceptibility to medulloblastoma but has never been reported in GS patients to date. We have identified the known c.1022 + 1G>A SUFU germ line splicing mutation in a family that was PTCH1‐negative and who had signs and symptoms of GS, including medulloblastoma. This is the first report of a germ line SUFU mutation associated with GS. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Application of ubiquinone systems and electrophoretic comparison of enzymes to identification of clinical isolates of Aspergillus fumigatus and several other species of Aspergillus

The ubiquinone systems and electrophoretic comparison of enzymes were used to determine the relatedness among 64 isolates of seven Aspergillus spp. These were 31 clinical and 3 nonclinical isolates of Aspergillus fumigatus Fres. , 2 isolates of A. nidulellus Samson & W. Gams, 8 isolates of A. terreus Thom, 4 isolates of A. flavus Link, 1 isolate of A. oryzae (Ahlburg) Cohn, 14 isolates of A. niger van Tieghem, and 1 isolate of A. japonicus Saito. The enzymes glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase, lactate dehydrogenase, glutamate dehydrogenase, fumarase, and malate dehydrogenase were examined. The relative mobilities were analyzed numerically. The results were presented as a dendrogram. Isolates from clinical and nonclinical sources within the same species had identical ubiquinone systems and identical or very similar enzyme patterns. In the dendrogram, 64 of the tested isolates were separated into seven major clusters at a 60% similarity level. Each major cluster corresponds to a single species. On the dendrogram, A. fumigatus isolates showed homogeneity, whereas A. niger isolates showed relative heterogeneity; in particular, A. niger MF-24 and the other A. niger isolates were distantly linked to each other. All A. fumigatus isolates had the Q-10 ubiquinone system and formed a single major cluster at a similarity level of 73% or greater. Glucose 6-phosphate dehydrogenase and glutamate dehydrogenase were key enzymes for differentiating all clinical and nonclinical isolates of A. fumigatus from the other Aspergillus spp. Ubiquinone systems and enzyme patterns appear to be objective and useful indicators for use in the precise identification of clinical isolates of Aspergillus spp.
Activation of complement in normal serum by hydrogen peroxide and hydrogen peroxide‐related oxygen radicals produced by activated neutrophils

Neutrophils activated by soluble partculate stimuli generate superoxide anion and subsequently form hydrogen peroxide and other oxygen radicals. The effect of hydrogen peroxide on the complement system in normal serum was investigated. Treatment of normal serum with hydrogen peroxide resulted in a diminution of the haemolytic activity of the total and alternative complement pathways and the haemolytic titres of C3 and C5 but not of C2, in normal serum. These decreases in complement activity depended on the concentration of hydrogen peroxide added to the serum. Immunoelectrophoretic analysis of hydrogen peroxide‐treated serum showed that C3 and C5 proteins were activated. Complement degradation products C3a and C5a were produced in normal serum treated with hydrogen peroxide, and 20 mm EDTA abolished C3a and C5a production in hydrogen peroxide‐treated serum but 20 mm Mg‐EGTA did not. Catalase completely abolished and dimethylsulphoxide and D‐mannitol, hydroxyl radical scavengers, partially inhibited the hydrogen peroxide‐mediated complement activation. Hypochlorite, incubated with normal serum, significantly inhibited serum haemolytic activity, and sodium thiosulphate, a reducing agent, abolished the effect of hypochlorite. Normal serum incubated with activated neutrophils showed neutrophil chemotactic activity and decreased serum haemolytic activity, and the addition of catalase or methionine (S mm) completely abolished the effects of activated neutrophils. These results suggest that hydrogen peroxide activates complement via an alternative pathway of complement activation and that hydroxyl radicals and other hydrogen peroxide‐related species such as hypochlorite are most likely involved in hydrogen peroxide‐mediated complement activation. Complement activation by oxygen radicals produced by activated neutrophils may be one of the mechanisms by which complement is activated in human immune complex diseases.
Development of tolerance to and physical dependence on barbiturates in rhesus monkeys.

Tolerance to and physical dependence on barbiturates was developed in rhesus monkeys by p.o. and parenteral administration. With i.v. administration, strong physical dependence can be developed within two weeks. Major abstinence signs observed in monkeys physically dependent on barbiturates were apprehension, hyperirritabiity, mild tremors, anorexia and piloerection (mild grade); severe tremors, muscle rigidity, impaired motor activity, retching or vomiting and weight loss of over 10% (intermediate); grand mal convulsions, delirium and hyperthermia (severe). Delirium was observed more frequently at night. The rapid development of physical dependence required progressive incrementation of total daily doses to parallel tolerance development in order to maintain maximal central nervous system depression consistent with the health of the animal. This was more critical than any single factor such as duration of drug administration, differences in agent, route of administration or relative dose.
Coliphages as indicators of enteroviruses

Coliphages were monitored in conjunction with indicator bacteria and enteroviruses in a drinking-water plant modified to reduce trihalomethane production. Coliphages could be detected in the source water by direct inoculation, and sufficient coliphages were detected in enterovirus concentrates to permit following the coliphage levels through different water treatment processes. The recovery efficiency by different filter types ranged from 1 to 53%. Statistical analysis of the data indicated that enterovirus isolates were better correlated with coliphages than with total coliforms, fecal coliforms, fecal streptococci, or standard plate count organisms. Coliphages were not detected in finished water.
Induction of murine NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase by 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo-p-dioxin requires the CNC (cap 'n' collar) basic leucine zipper transcription factor Nrf2 (nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2): cross-interaction between AhR (aryl hydrocarbon receptor) and Nrf2 signal transduc

TCDD (2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo- p -dixoin) induces phase II drug-metabolizing enzyme NQO1 [NAD(P)H:quinone oxidoreductase; EC 1.6. 99.2; DT-diaphorase] in a wide range of mammalian tissues and cells. Here, we analysed the molecular pathway mediating NQO1 induction by TCDD in mouse hepatoma cells. Inhibition of protein synthesis with CHX (cycloheximide) completely blocks induction of NQO1 by TCDD as well as the basal expression and induction by phenolic antioxidant tBHQ (2-t-butylbenzene-1,4-diol), implicating a labile factor in NQO1 mRNA expression. The inhibition is both time- and concentration-dependent, requires inhibition of protein synthesis, and occurs at a transcriptional level. Inhibition of NQO1 transcription by CHX correlates with a rapid reduction of the CNC bZip (cap 'n' collar basic leucine zipper) transcription factor Nrf2 (nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2) through the 26 S proteasome pathway. Moreover, blocking Nrf2 degradation with proteasome inhibitor MG132 increases the amount of Nrf2 and superinduces NQO1 in the presence of TCDD or tBHQ. Finally, genetic experiments using AhR (aryl hydrocarbon receptor)-, Arnt (aryl hydrocarbon receptor nuclear translocator)- or Nrf2-deficient cells reveal that, while induction of NQO1 by TCDD depends on the presence of AhR and Arnt, the basal and inducible expression of NQO1 by either TCDD or tBHQ requires functional Nrf2. The findings demonstrate a novel role of Nrf2 in the induction of NQO1 by TCDD and provide new insights into the mechanism by which Nrf2 regulates the induction of phase II enzymes by both phenolic antioxidants and AhR ligands.
Commutes, Neighborhood Effects, and Earnings: An Analysis of Racial Discrimination and Compensating Differentials

Abstract Recent “tester” studies indicate that minority workers face restricted residential and employment opportunities because of racial discrimination in housing and labor markets. These restrictions may create a spatial mismatch between where urban minorities reside and where metropolitan area jobs are located, resulting in reduced proximity of minority workers to jobs. Prior studies of racial discrimination and urban spatial mismatch, however, have paid little attention to the possibility that differences in employment commutes may be partially offset by compensating variations in neighborhood amenities, quality-adjusted house prices, and earnings. Such effects could help to mitigate the impact of discrimination on minority workers. Using a unique subset of the 1985 and 1989 American Housing Surveys, we estimate a fixed effects commute time model that controls for quality-adjusted house prices, neighborhood amenities, and earnings. Results indicate that although blacks have longer commutes than comparably skilled white and Asian workers, roughly one-third of the estimated difference is offset by neighborhood amenity and housing price differentials. However, even after controlling for neighborhood fixed effects and earnings, educated black workers have significantly longer commutes than comparably skilled Asian and white workers. Additional findings indicate that regardless of race, household mobility is an important mechanism through which the market attains a spatial equilibrium, providing further support for arguments that restricted proximity to residential opportunities and jobs reduces the economic welfare of minority households.
Posttraumatic stress disorder and risk of obesity: systematic review and meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE To examine the association between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and obesity in the literature to date. DATA SOURCES We systematically searched PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and ProQuest from database inception till September 2013. Search phrases combining the terms Obesity and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder were used. STUDY SELECTION We selected observational studies estimating obesity prevalence in samples of people with PTSD, as well as in comparison groups without PTSD. DATA EXTRACTION Obesity rates as well as demographic, clinical, and methodological variables were extracted from each publication or obtained directly from its authors. RESULTS A total of 113, 395, 59, 115, and 400 records were generated from PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Web of Science, and ProQuest, respectively. Thirteen studies were eligible according to inclusion criteria. The pooled crude odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for obesity among people with PTSD, based on 589,781 subjects, was 1.55 (1.32-1.82). A large heterogeneity was found (I(2) = 90%), and risk of publication bias was statistically significant (P = .002). However,subgroup and sensitivity analyses including only studies with most accurate methods to assess obesity (OR = 1.35; 95% CI,1.05-1.74; I(2) = 47%) and PTSD (OR = 1.82; 95% CI, 1.33-2.50; I(2) = 75%) also confirmed the association between PTSD and obesity. CONCLUSIONS Despite some limitations, individuals suffering from PTSD seem more likely, relative to controls, to suffer from obesity. As such, individuals with this comorbidity should be targeted for intensive prevention and treatment focused on both disorders. Future research is needed to identify the role of unknown factors and mediators that might clarify the nature of this association.
Impact of closure at the first take back: complication burden and potential overutilization of damage control laparotomy.

BACKGROUND Damage control laparotomy (DCL) is a lifesaving technique initially employed to minimize the lethal triad of coagulopathy, hypothermia, and acidosis. Recently, it has been recognized that DCL itself carries significant morbidity and may be overutilized. The purpose of this study was to determine (1) whether early fascial closure is associated with a reduction in postoperative complications and (2) whether patients at our institution met traditional DCL indications (acidosis, hypothermia, and coagulopathy). METHODS This is a retrospective review of all patients undergoing immediate laparotomy at a Level I trauma center between 2004 and 2008. DCL was defined as temporary abdominal closure at the initial surgery. Early closure was defined as primary fascial closure at initial take back laparotomy. Patients were excluded if they died before first take back. Acidosis (pH <7.30), hypothermia (temperature <95.0°F), and coagulopathy (international normalized ratio >1.5) were measured on intensive care unit (ICU) arrival. RESULTS Totally, 925 patients were eligible. Thirty percent had DCL employed. Of these, 86 subjects (34%) were closed at first take back while 161 (66%) were not. Both groups were similar in demographics, injury severity score, resuscitation volumes, blood products, and prehospital, emergency department, and operating room vital signs. Univariate analyses noted that intra-abdominal abscesses (8.4% vs. 21.3%), respiratory failure (14.4% vs. 37.1%), sepsis (8.4% vs. 25.1%), and renal failure (3.6% vs. 25.1%) were lower in patients closed at first take back (all <0.05). Controlling for age, gender, injury severity score, and transfusions, logistic regression analysis noted that closure at the first take back was associated with a reduction in infectious (odds ratio, 0.28; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.12-0.66; p = 0.004) and noninfectious abdominal complications (odds ratio, 0.23; 95% CI, 0.09-0.56; p = 0.001) as well as wound (odds ratio, 0.31; 95% CI, 0.13-0.72; p = 0.007) and pulmonary complications (odds ratio, 0.35; CI, 0.20-0.62; p < 0.001). Of patients closed at the initial take back, 78% were acidotic (35%), coagulopathic (49%), or hypothermic (44%) on initial ICU admission. CONCLUSION Early fascial closure is an independent predictor of reduced complications in DCL patients. One in five patients closed at initial take back did not meet any of the traditional indications for DCL upon initial ICU admission. This may represent an overutilization of this valuable technique, exposing patients to increased complications. Further efforts should be directed at achieving both early facial closure as well as redefining the appropriate indications for DCL.
Design of a Silicon Integrated Electro-Optic Modulator Using Ferroelectric BaTiO3 Films

We propose a novel design concept for compact electro-optic modulators based on a horizontally slotted ridge waveguide using ferroelectric barium titanate (BaTiO3) as the electro-optically active material. A low voltage-length product is achieved by concentrating the propagating electromagnetic fields in the BaTiO3 layer. Thus, high overlap between the modulation electric fields and the guided light is achieved. The proposed waveguide structure features low propagation loss and can be easily fabricated with standard silicon fabrication techniques.
Mutual independence of alkaline‐ and calcium‐mediated signalling in Aspergillus fumigatus refutes the existence of a conserved druggable signalling nexus

Functional coupling of calcium‐ and alkaline responsive signalling occurs in multiple fungi to afford efficient cation homeostasis. Host microenvironments exert alkaline stress and potentially toxic concentrations of Ca2+, such that highly conserved regulators of both calcium‐ (Crz) and pH‐ (PacC/Rim101) responsive signalling are crucial for fungal pathogenicity. Drugs targeting calcineurin are potent antifungal agents but also perturb human immunity thereby negating their use as anti‐infectives, abrogation of alkaline signalling has, therefore, been postulated as an adjunctive antifungal strategy. We examined the interdependency of pH‐ and calcium‐mediated signalling in Aspergillus fumigatus and found that calcium chelation severely impedes hyphal growth indicating a critical requirement for this ion independently of ambient pH. Transcriptomic responses to alkaline pH or calcium excess exhibited minimal similarity. Mutants lacking calcineurin, or its client CrzA, displayed normal alkaline tolerance and nuclear translocation of CrzA was unaffected by ambient pH. Expression of a highly conserved, alkaline‐regulated, sodium ATPase was tolerant of genetic or chemical perturbations of calcium‐mediated signalling, but abolished in null mutants of the pH‐responsive transcription factor PacC, and PacC proteolytic processing occurred normally during calcium excess. Taken together our data demonstrate that in A. fumigatus the regulatory hierarchy governing alkaline tolerance circumvents calcineurin signalling.
Prosociality During the Transition From Late Adolescence to Young Adulthood

The present prospective study examined the prediction of prosociality from effortful control and ego-resiliency from late adolescence to emerging adulthood. Participants were 476 young adults (239 males and 237 females) with a mean age of 16 years (SD = .81) at T1, 18 years (SD = .83) at T2, 20 years (SD = .79) at T3, 22 years (SD = .81) at T4, and 26 years (SD = .81) at T5. Controlling for the stability of the examined variables and the effect of potential confounding variables (i.e., sex, socioeconomic status [SES], and age), results supported a model in which a temperamental dimension, effortful control, positively predicted a specific behavioral tendency (i.e., prosociality) indirectly through mediation by a personality factor (i.e., ego-resiliency). Practical implications of the results are discussed in terms of the importance of early prevention efforts designed to enhance the capacity to cope effectively with emotional reactions and difficult situations.