Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Factors Influencing Gel‐strengthening at the Mucoadhesive‐mucus Interface

Abstract— Mechanical spectroscopy was used to examine some of the factors that may affect mucus gel strengthening: the effect of adding various concentrations of sodium chloride; mucoadhesive polymer molecular weight and its concentration; and the introduction of anionic, cationic and neutral polymers. A reduction in the storage modulus of the mucus/mucoadhesive mixture was observed with the introduction of sodium chloride. A poly(acrylic acid) with a molecular weight of 750 kDa gave the optimum mucus gel strengthening effect relative to other molecular weights. An anionic polymer was found to strengthen the mucus gel much more than a neutral or cationic polymer. It was proposed that the gel strengthening effect could be due to the formation of hydrogen bonded intermolecular complexes between the mucoadhesive and the mucus molecules. Furthermore, the complex formed is influenced by the ionic strength of the environment, and the molecular weight, nature and concentration of the mucoadhesive. In all cases the changes in the rheological properties of the mixes could be correlated directly to the strength of mucoadhesion reported in previous studies.
Decline in MHC class I expression with increasing thickness of cutaneous melanomas in standard-strain transgenic mouse models

Major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I proteins are required for the formation of complexes with antigenic peptides that enable cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) to recognize and lyse target cells. The frequent loss of MHC class I expression reported in human melanomas and melanoma cell lines may therefore be an obstacle to CTL-based immunotherapy. We have investigated the expression of MHC class I proteins in the cutaneous melanomas of Tyr-SV40E (C57BL/6 strain) transgenic mice in order to evaluate their potential as experimental models for immunotherapy. The SV40 large T (LT) oncoprotein, which is expressed exclusively in the melanocytic lineages of these mice, was used as a marker for flow cytometric analysis of the parenchymal (potential target) cells of 35 freshly dissociated samples from 28 primary tumours. All the tumours were ulcerated and exceeded the Breslow thickness indicative of a poor clinical prognosis in human melanoma. Using antibodies against H-2Db and H-2Kb class I proteins, the LT antigen-positive cells were found to have high levels of both these MHC class I molecules in the thinnest tumours (2 mm), whereas the levels tended to decline with increasing tumour thickness. Among the tumours > 4 mm thick, five had no detectable MHC class I expression. Unexpectedly, the apparent loss of H-2Db and H-2Kb proteins was observed not only in LT-positive cells but also in LT-negative cell populations. Expression of both H-2Db and H-2Kb was restored in tumours derived from a class I-low melanoma cell line by treatment of the hosts with interferon-γ. These results implicate a regulatory defect as a principal cause of the loss of MHC class I antigens, as noted by others in some human tumours, and they demonstrate that this loss is remediable, even in advanced stages of melanomas.
Eye Morphology in some Wild Rodents

The eye anatomy of six rodent species (Murinae: Apodemus sylvaticus, Mus domesticus, and Mus spretus; Arvicolinae: Clethrionomys glareolus, Arvicola terrestris and Microtus arvalis) was compared by means of light or electron microscopy to determine adaptive, and evolutive signals. Our observations revealed inter‐specific morphological differences, which were moderate among representatives of the same subfamily. Specifically, traits that distinguished murines from arvicolines were the globe’s relative size, the pupillary constrictor muscle, the amount of retinal epithelium melanin, and the thickness of certain ocular coats. Moreover, adaptations to new habitats and differences in temporal activity among species of the same subfamily determined discords respect to the phylogenetic patterns. This was true of the adaptations to underground conditions seen in A. terrestris, which involved the thickness of the cornea, sclera, and choroids. Likewise, A. sylvaticus had adaptations to its nocturnal lifestyle, as shown by the large overall size of the eye and lens, and by a large, thick cornea.
Biologic Differences Between Noninvasive Papillary Urothelial Neoplasms of Low Malignant Potential and Low-Grade (Grade 1) Papillary Carcinomas of the Bladder

We investigated the expression of oncogenes p53, c-erbB-2, and bcl-2 and cell proliferative activity in 62 newly diagnosed superficial pTa papillary bladder tumors. Based on the 1998 World Health Organization/International Society of Urological Pathology (WHO/ISUP) and 1999 WHO classifications, 19 were urothelial neoplasias of low malignant potential (LMP) and 43 low-grade (grade 1) papillary carcinomas. All the patients underwent transurethral resection and were followed up to 97 months; 42 had recurrences. Initial biopsies were tested for p53, c-erbB-2, and bcl-2 proteins using DO7, CB11, and bcl-2 124 monoclonal antibodies. Cell proliferation was assessed by MIB-1 mAb and mitotic count. LMP had significantly lower MIB-1 (p = 0.002) and p53 immunopositivity (p = 0.03), mitotic count (p = 0.006), and recurrence rates (p = 0.04) than did grade 1 cases, whereas no difference was observed for c-erbB-2 and bcl-2 expression. The median disease-free survival for LMP was 76 months but only 15 months for grade 1 cases (p = 0.002). Although the cohort is small, the results indicate that the distinction between LMP and low-grade (grade 1) papillary urothelial neoplasias, as proposed by the 1998 WHO/ISUP and 1999 WHO classifications, reflects different biologic activity and clinical behavior; however, a long-term follow-up is advisable also for patients with LMP.
P NMR of Apicomplexans and the Effects of isedronate on Cryptosporidium parvum Growth 1

enjamin Moreno,* Brian N. Bailey,† Shuhong Luo,† Michael B. Martin,* Mark Kuhlenschmidt,† ilvia N. J. Moreno,† Roberto Docampo,† and Eric Oldfield* Department of Chemistry and Department of Biophysics, University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign, 00 South Mathews Avenue, Urbana, Illinois 61801; and †Department of Pathobiology, University f Illinois at Urbana–Champaign, 2100 South Lincoln Avenue, Urbana, Illinois 61802
Detection of structural damage from glaucoma with confocal laser image analysis.

PURPOSE To determine which structural optic nerve head parameters measured with confocal scanning laser image analysis that best discriminate between normal persons and those with glaucoma. METHODS One randomly selected eye of 53 patients with early open-angle glaucoma (average visual field mean deviation = -4.8 dB) and of 43 age-, race-, and refractive error-matched normal subjects were studied. The performance of nine structural measures was evaluated with linear multivariate analysis and a neural network: cup area, cup to disc area ratio, rim area, height variation contour, cup volume, rim volume, cup shape measure, mean retinal nerve fiber layer thickness, and retinal nerve fiber layer cross-section area. A discriminant function was derived with two thirds of the sample and its discriminant power tested on the remaining one third. This was repeated twice so that the entire sample was used for training and testing. A neural network was trained and tested in the same way. Stereoscopic color optic nerve photographs of the same eyes were evaluated qualitatively by three experienced, masked observers. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves of discriminant function, neural network results, and qualitative evaluation were plotted. Comparisons of the areas under the ROC curves were performed with nonparametric statistics. RESULTS There were statistically significant differences between the normal and glaucoma groups for all measures (P < or = 0.007) except for height variation contour, mean retinal nerve fiber layer thickness, and retinal nerve fiber layer cross-section area. Cup shape measure provided the single best measure to distinguish between normal subjects and those with early glaucoma and had a diagnostic precision of 84%. Neural network diagnostic precision, when all measures were used, was 92% and decreased to 82% when cup shape measure was omitted. The area under the ROC curve when all measures were combined was 0.94; it was significantly lower (P = 0.04) when cup shape measure was omitted (area = 0.84). The area under the ROC curve for qualitative optic disc evaluation by experienced observers was 0.93. There was no statistically significant difference between qualitative evaluation and neural network performance (P = 0.80). CONCLUSIONS Cup shape measure, the statistical third moment of the distribution of depth values of the optic nerve head obtained with confocal laser image analysis, can be used to discriminate between normal persons and those with early glaucomatous damage with high diagnostic precision.
Association of Kidney Disease Measures with Cause-Specific Mortality: The Korean Heart Study

Background The link of low estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) and high proteinuria to cardiovascular disease (CVD) mortality is well known. However, its link to mortality due to other causes is less clear. Methods We studied 367,932 adults (20–93 years old) in the Korean Heart Study (baseline between 1996–2004 and follow-up until 2011) and assessed the associations of creatinine-based eGFR and dipstick proteinuria with mortality due to CVD (1,608 cases), cancer (4,035 cases), and other (non-CVD/non-cancer) causes (3,152 cases) after adjusting for potential confounders. Results Although cancer was overall the most common cause of mortality, in participants with chronic kidney disease (CKD), non-CVD/non-cancer mortality accounted for approximately half of cause of death (47.0%for eGFR <60 ml/min/1.73m2 and 54.3% for proteinuria ≥1+). Lower eGFR (<60 vs. ≥60 ml/min/1.73m2) was significantly associated with mortality due to CVD (adjusted hazard ratio 1.49 [95% CI, 1.24–1.78]) and non-CVD/non-cancer causes (1.78 [1.54–2.05]). The risk of cancer mortality only reached significance at eGFR <45 ml/min/1.73m2 when eGFR 45–59 ml/min/1.73m2 was set as a reference (1.62 [1.10–2.39]). High proteinuria (dipstick ≥1+ vs. negative/trace) was consistently associated with mortality due to CVD (1.93 [1.66–2.25]), cancer (1.49 [1.32–1.68]), and other causes (2.19 [1.96–2.45]). Examining finer mortality causes, low eGFR and high proteinuria were commonly associated with mortality due to coronary heart disease, any infectious disease, diabetes, and renal failure. In addition, proteinuria was also related to death from stroke, cancers of stomach, liver, pancreas, and lung, myeloma, pneumonia, and viral hepatitis. Conclusion Low eGFR was associated with CVD and non-CVD/non-cancer mortality, whereas higher proteinuria was consistently related to mortality due to CVD, cancer, and other causes. These findings suggest the need for multidisciplinary prevention and management strategies in individuals with CKD, particularly when proteinuria is present.
Functional and molecular evidence of MaxiK channel β1 subunit decrease with coronary artery ageing in the rat

Large‐conductance, voltage‐ and Ca2+‐activated K+ channels (MaxiK, BK) are key regulators of vascular tone. Vascular MaxiK are formed by the pore‐forming α subunit and the modulatory β1 subunit, which imprints unique kinetics, Ca2+/voltage sensitivities and pharmacology to the channel. As age progresses, α subunit functional expression and protein levels diminish in coronary myocytes. However, whether ageing modifies β1 subunit expression or the mechanism of α subunit reduction is unknown. Thus, we examined functional and pharmacological characteristics of MaxiK, as well as α and β1 transcript levels in coronary myocytes from young and old F344 rats. The mechanism of age‐dependent α subunit protein reduction involves its transcript downregulation. A corresponding loss of β1 transcripts was also detected in old myocytes, suggesting a proportional age‐dependent decrease of β1 to α subunit protein. Indeed, MaxiK channel properties, defined by coassembly of β1 and α subunits, were equivalent in young versus old, for example in terms of (i) activation kinetics, (ii) sensitivity to Ca2+ levels > 1 μm (iii) dehydrosoyasaponin‐I‐induced activation, and (iv) iberiotoxin blockade. Consistent with less MaxiK expression/function in older myocytes, the ability of iberiotoxin to contract coronary rings was reduced ∼50% with ageing confirming our previous findings. 5‐Hydroxytryptamine (5‐HT) contractile efficacy was reduced by iberiotoxin pretreatment in young > old coronary arteries (explained by larger iberiotoxin‐induced contraction and decreased dynamic range for 5‐HT contraction in young versus old) with no apparent differences in nitroglycerine‐induced relaxation. We propose that the age‐related MaxiK reduction involves a parallel decrease of α and β1 functional expression via a transcript downregulatory mechanism; a major impact on basal and possibly stimulated coronary contraction may contribute to altered coronary flow regulation and coronary morbidity in the elderly.
Use of monoclonal antibodies for the diagnosis of cytomegalovirus infection by the detection of early antigen fluorescent foci (DEAFF) in cell culture

A pool of seven monoclonal antibodies, each reactive with cytomegalovirus (CMV) early antigens, was used in an indirect immunofluorescence method for the rapid detection of CMV‐infected fibroblasts following inoculation with clinical specimens. A total of 1,639 specimens were examined, and the results were compared with those of conventional isolation procedures. The detection of CMV by early antigen fluorescent foci (DEAFF) was found to be comparable, both in terms of specificity and sensitivity, to that of conventional cell culture. Its great advantage, however, is the rapidity with which results are achieved. Thus, results were available from the DEAFF test within 24 hours of receipt of the specimens as compared to a mean of 16 days for cell culture. This single rapid assay for the detection of CMV in clinical samples may be performed by any laboratory familiar with cell culture techniques and in our hands is the preferred diagnostic method for CMV.
Human carbonic anhydrases. VI. Levels of isozymes in old and young erythrocytes and in various tissues.

Abstract The more acidic, minor isozymes of human carbonic anhydrase types B and C are present in higher concentrations in the older erythrocyte populations. The levels of all of these isozymes can be determined quantitatively by immunochemical methods following their separation by electrofocusing. A wide variety of human tissues have been assayed for carbonic anhydrases. Significant levels of the C type were found in all tissues except cardiac muscle and testis. Carbonic anhydrases of the B type was found only in kidney medulla and gall bladder mucosa.
Influence of conditioning time on enamel adhesion.

OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to calculate enamel bond strengths of 4 self-etch adhesives in function of conditioning time. METHODS AND MATERIALS Sixty proximal surfaces of 30 extracted human molars were roughened and assigned to 4 self-etch adhesives: AdheSE (Ivoclar Vivadent), Adper Prompt L-Pop (3M Espe), Clearfil SE Bond (Kuraray America), and Tyrian SPE/One-Step Plus (Bisco). Prime & Bond NT (Dentsply) was used as the total-etch control. For 30 surfaces, the adhesives were applied per the manufacturers' directions. For the remaining 30, enamel was conditioned for twice the time recommended by the manufacturer. Buildups were constructed with Filtek Z250 (3M ESPE). Bonded specimens were sectioned in sticks and tested to tensile failure. Data were analyzed with 2-way ANOVA and Duncan's test at P < . 05. The pH of the self-etch solutions and the phosphoric acid gel was measured with a pH meter. A correlation coefficient was computed to measure the linear association between pH and bond strengths. RESULTS Tyrian SPE and Prime & Bond NT, the adhesives whose acidic conditioners yielded the lowest pH, ranked in the highest subset regardless of application time. AdheSE and Clearfil SE Bond, which had the highest pH, were the only adhesives for which double application time resulted in statistically higher bond strengths than the recommended time. When means were pooled for application time, Tyrian SPE and Prime & Bond NT resulted in bond strengths that were significantly higher than those of the remaining adhesives. AdheSE resulted in statistically lower bond strengths than any other adhesive. A significant correlation was found between pH and mean bond strengths. CONCLUSION Doubling the enamel conditioning time might increase bond strengths for specific self-etch adhesives.
A cross-sectional survey of biosecurity practices on Thoroughbred stud farms in New Zealand

Abstract AIM: To examine the on-farm biosecurity practices of a group of commercial Thoroughbred stud farms in the North Island of New Zealand, in the absence of an exotic disease outbreak. METHODS: A cross-sectional survey of biosecurity practices was conducted during the 2006/2007 Thoroughbred breeding season, and consisted of data from commercial Thoroughbred farms in the North Island of New Zealand standing a stallion. Data were collected on-farm by a single interviewer, using 17 open, closed and multiple-choice questions examining general farm/operation size and features, general animal health and biosecurity practices, biosecurity practices in relation to breeding stock, and opinions about the application of on-farm quarantine measures. Data were examined for differences in biosecurity practice between farms with and without shuttle stallions, and differing in size. RESULTS: Data were collected from 28/34 selected farms during the 2006/2007 breeding season. Thirteen farms were classified as small, 10 medium, and five large; shuttle stallions were present on 12 farms. Commercial transporters were responsible for the delivery of 79% (3,116/3,945) of the mares. On arrival non-resident mares were rarely isolated though they were screened for cough (25/28; 89%) or nasal discharge (28/28; 100%); constraints on implementing arrival quarantine protocols for such mares were time (5/28; 18%), space (11/28; 39%), and staff workload (4/28; 14%). In the absence of disease, few farms (3/28; 11%) implemented protocols between cohorts of horses. However, focal points of high interaction between horses, such as foaling paddocks, isolation yards and crushes, were regularly cleaned and/or disinfected. In the presence of disease, the vast majority of farms (92–100%) implemented control measures such as changing clothes and washing hands between cohorts. Stallions were rarely quarantined on arrival. If the stallion was imported many considered pre-importation quarantine to be sufficient. Farms with shuttle stallions were more likely to have an arrival protocol in place than those that did not (92% vs 50%; p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Most stud managers were aware of the need for on-farm biosecurity; management constraints meant that protocols might not always be followed. The absence of an exotic disease outbreak and the overwhelming confidence of stud managers in the Ministry of Agriculture and Forestry (MAF) in preventing an exotic disease incursion were reasons for a lack of implementation of on-farm biosecurity protocols.
[Tobacco use and plasma lipid-lipoprotein profile in adolescents].

OBJECTIVE To analyze the impact of tobacco use on plasma lipid lipoprotein profile in representative sample of adolescents. METHODS A sample of 452 subjects (246 girls and 206 boys) 15 to 18 years old were included in the study. Each participant completed a structured and self-administered questionnaire concerning tobacco use. Plasma lipid-lipoprotein concentrations were measured by standard procedures. Differences between mean values were evaluated by analysis of covariance, controlling for saturated fat and cholesterol intake. Odds ratio was used to estimate the relative risk of the smokers being classified with an undesirable level of a plasma lipidlipoprotein parameter. RESULTS The proportion of smokers was 20.9% for boys and 15.4% for girls. The average consumption of cigarettes per day was 9.2+/-4.7 for boys and 5.6+/-3.1 for girls. When compared with non-smokers, boy and girl smokers showed a significantly higher serum levels of total cholesterol, LDL-cholesterol, triglycerides and apolipoprotein B100, and significantly lower serum levels of HDL-cholesterol. Adolescent smokers tended to show a two-fold higher risk of altered lipid-lipoprotein levels than non-smokers. CONCLUSION The present data could imply that intervention promoting a healthy lifestyle, including non smoking, should start at an early age to prevent or delay development of atherosclerotic lesions and ultimately to minimize the appearance of premature coronary heart disease in adults.
Apparent ileal digestibility of protein and amino acids in protein feedstuffs and trypsin activity in the small intestine in broiler chickens.

Coefficients of ileal apparent digestibility (CIAD) for crude protein (CP) and amino acids in five protein feedstuffs: corn distillers dried grains with solubles (DDGS), raw full-fat soybean (RFFSB), extruded full fat soybean (EFFSB), soybean meal (SBM), and rapeseed meal (RSM) were determined using 5-week-old male broiler chickens. Trypsin activity in digesta in the ileum and jejunum were also measured. CIAD of CP was the highest in SBM (0.73). The lowest ( P 0.05) in CIAD of Leu (0.71, 0.73), His (0.66, 0.69), Lys (0.70, 0.77), Met (0.74, 0.80), Thr (0.60, 0.62), and Val (0.65, 0.67). Both the feedstuff and the intestinal region and their interaction had a significant ( P < 0.01) effect on trypsin activity. The CIAD of CP and amino acids were very high and comparable both in EFFSB and SBM. The CIAD values for CP and amino acids in DDGS and RSM were lower than in SBM, but they seemed to be comparable to each other.
Testicular Function in Patients with Spinal Cord Damage

Vaying degrees of testicular dysfunction are found in men with traumatic spinal cord damage. Eighteen paraplegic men have been studied and the gonadotropin response to luteinizing hormone-releasing hormone (LRH) measured. Basal serum testosterone estimations were made and in eight of the patients testicular testosterone reserve was assessed by the testosterone response to human chorionic gonadotropin (HCG). Testicular biopsies were performed in seven cases. In three of these patients, the testicular biopsies were abnormal. Five of the patients had elevated Follicle stimulating hormone levels and abnormalities of Luteinizing hormone kinetics were found in the same five patients. There was no significant difference between the plasma testosterone levels of the paraplegic patients when compared to the control group. In all the patients tested, there was an adequate testosterone reserve, and this included the three patients with the abnormal testicular biopsies. No relationship was found between the level of cord lesion and any of the hormonal parameters measured. This study confirms the primary nature of the seminiferous tubular damage which occurs in some patients with paraplegia.
Antigenic switching of TSA 417, a trophozoite variable surface protein, following completion of the life cycle of Giardia lamblia

Expression of TSA 417, the predominant cysteine-rich variable surface protein of Giardia lamblia WB clone C6 trophozoites, did not change during encystation in vitro. However, in vitro excystation of cysts derived in vitro or in vivo consistently produced TSA 417 nonexpressing trophozoite populations, suggesting that completion of the life cycle leads to antigenic switching.