Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase activities in the lymphoid organs and skeletal muscles of rats treated with dexamethasone

The effect of dexamethasone (a synthetic glucocorticoid) on the activity of antioxidant enzymes (superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase and glutathione peroxidase) of the lymphoid organs (mesenteric lymph nodes (MLN), spleen and thymus) was investigated. For comparison with non‐immune tissues, skeletal muscles (soleus and gastrocnemius (GC) were also studied. As an indication of the occurrence of lipid peroxidation, the content of thiobarbituric acid reactant substances (TBARs) was also determined. Dexamethasone treatment decreased the TBARs content of the lymphoid organs and raised it in the GC and soleus muscles. The activity of Cu/Zn‐SOD was reduced in all tissues. However, the activity of Mn‐SOD was decreased in the MLN and soleus muscle only. The activity of catalase was reduced in the MLN and thymus and raised in the spleen and GC and soleus muscles. The imposed treatment raised the activity of GPX in the MLN, thymus and spleen and reduced it in GC and soleus muscles. These data led us to postulate that the mechanism for the therapeutic effect of glucocorticoids as antiinflammatory and immunosuppressive agents might include modification of antioxidant enzyme activities. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Iatrogenic vesicovaginal fistula.

OBJECTIVE To find the frequency of iatrogenic VVF in patients admitted for repair of VVF in Lady Willingdon Hospital, Lahore. STUDY DESIGN An observational study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY Lady Willingdon Hospital, Lahore, from January 2007 to December 2008. METHODOLOGY All cases of VVF treated at the centre during the study period were included in the study. The patients were admitted and evaluated through detailed history, physical examination, relevant investigations and evaluation under general anaesthesia (EUA). Iatrogenic VVF was defined as the one following gynaecological procedure. Repair was done through abdominal or vaginal route based on the findings of EUA. RESULTS of repair were noted and analyzed using SPSS version 12. RESULTS Iatrogenic cases of VVF made more than half of the total cases (54%) while 46% were due to obstructed labour. Women under the age of 40 years, made up 77% of the total cases. The success rate for repair of VVF was 87%. CONCLUSION This study shows that iatrogenic injuries in women under 40 years of age form a major share in the etiology of VVF requiring a check on the experience of surgeons doing the gynaecological and obstetrical surgeries in a developing country.
EBV Load in Whole Blood Correlates With LMP2 Gene Expression After Pediatric Heart Transplantation or Allogeneic Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

Background Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is associated with posttransplant lymphoproliferative disease (PTLD), and EBV load measurement is an important tool to monitor transplant patients. Although EBV DNA quantification has high sensitivity to identify patients at risk for PTLD, it lacks specificity. We examined whether EBV gene expression in peripheral B cells can increase specificity or correlates with EBV load. Methods Altogether, 220 blood samples were collected from pediatric patients after heart transplantation (HTx, n=57), renal transplantation (n=1), or hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (n=21). In each blood sample, EBV load was quantified in whole blood, plasma, and B cells using qPCR. Additionally EBV gene expression (EBNA2, LMP1, LMP2, and BZLF1) in B cells was analyzed using relative quantitative RT-qPCR. Results Positive expression of at least one gene was detected in 112 (51%) of 220 samples. Patients with PTLD or chronic high viral loads after solid organ transplantation exhibited no homogeneous EBV gene expression pattern. Expression of LMP2, LMP1, or EBNA2 was only observed when EBV load exceeded 1000 copies/mL. A high correlation between the level of LMP2 expression and EBV load in B cells or whole blood was observed (&rgr;=0.72 or &rgr;=0.6, HTx population). Conclusion The analysis of EBV gene expression in peripheral B cells does not provide additional information about patients’ risk of developing PTLD. As EBV load in whole blood correlates well with LMP2 gene expression in EBV-infected B cells, EBV DNA quantification in whole blood alone seems to be a sufficient tool to monitor these patients.
Cellular Contact Guidance through Dynamic Sensing of Nanotopography

We investigate the effects of surface nanotopography on the migration and cell shape dynamics of the amoeba Dictyostelium discoideum. Multiple prior studies have implicated the patterning of focal adhesions in contact guidance. However, we observe significant contact guidance of Dictyostelium along surfaces with nanoscale ridges or grooves, even though this organism lacks integrin-based adhesions. Cells that move parallel to nanoridges are faster, more protrusive at their fronts, and more elongated than are cells that move perpendicular to nanoridges. Quantitative studies show that nanoridges spaced 1.5 μm apart exhibit the greatest contact guidance efficiency. Because Dictyostelium cells exhibit oscillatory shape dynamics, we model contact guidance as a process in which stochastic cellular harmonic oscillators couple to the periodicity of the nanoridges. In support of this connection, we find that nanoridges nucleate actin polymerization waves of nanoscale width that propagate parallel to the nanoridges.
Off-Hour Primary Percutaneous Coronary Angioplasty Does Not Affect Contrast-Induced Nephropathy in Patients With ST-Segment Elevation Myocardial Infarction

We evaluated whether primary percutaneous coronary intervention (pPCI) during off-hours is related to an increased incidence of contrast-induced nephropathy (CIN). We retrospectively analyzed the incidence of CIN mortality among 2552 patients with consecutive ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction treated with pPCI during regular hours (weekdays 8:00 am to 5:00 pm) and off-hours (weekdays 5:01 pm to 7:59 am, weekends and holidays). Patients in the off-hour group were more frequently admitted with acute heart failure symptoms (16.4% vs 7.8%, P < .001) and more contrast was injected during the procedure (235.2 ± 82.3 vs 248.9 ± 87.1 mL, P = .002). The frequency of CIN between on-hour and off-hour groups was similar (7.1% vs 6.2%, P = .453), but there was a trend toward higher in-hospital mortality when pPCI was performed during off-hours (1.9% vs 0.7%, P = .081). Off-hour pPCI was not associated with an increased risk of CIN (odds ratio: 1.051, P = .833). The incidence of CIN did not increase during off-hours, and off-hour pPCI is not a risk factor for CIN, despite an apparent increase in contrast media use during off-hour pPCI.
Glaucoma management after corneal transplantation surgeries

Purpose of review Intraocular pressure (IOP) elevation and glaucoma progression following corneal transplantation, specifically, penetrating keratoplasty, Descemet's stripping endothelial keratoplasty, and Boston keratoprosthesis, are well described causes of ocular morbidity. Depending on the procedure performed, the incidence of glaucoma is highly variable. Several etiologic factors have been identified, the most common being synechial angle closure and corticosteroid-induced IOP elevation. The purpose of this review is to describe the various treatment strategies for glaucoma following corneal transplantation. Recent findings Medications and laser treatments are usually first-line therapies for postoperative IOP elevation. Surgical intervention, including filtering surgery and glaucoma drainage devices, may be necessary to control IOP and prevent progressive glaucomatous damage. Summary Glaucoma is a common complication of corneal transplantation, and the degree of aggressiveness is often related to the indication for corneal surgery. Although postoperative IOP elevation may be controlled with medical therapy alone, refractory cases may require glaucoma surgery. In all cases, early detection and intervention are necessary to optimize patient outcomes.
Plant-activated bacterial receptor adenylate cyclases modulate epidermal infection in the Sinorhizobium meliloti–Medicago symbiosis

Legumes and soil bacteria called rhizobia have coevolved a facultative nitrogen-fixing symbiosis. Establishment of the symbiosis requires bacterial entry via root hair infection threads and, in parallel, organogenesis of nodules that subsequently are invaded by bacteria. Tight control of nodulation and infection is required to maintain the mutualistic character of the interaction. Available evidence supports a passive bacterial role in nodulation and infection after the microsymbiont has triggered the symbiotic plant developmental program. Here we identify in Sinorhizobium meliloti, the Medicago symbiont, a cAMP-signaling regulatory cascade consisting of three receptor-like adenylate cyclases, a Crp-like regulator, and a target gene of unknown function. The cascade is activated specifically by a plant signal during nodule organogenesis. Cascade inactivation results in a hyperinfection phenotype consisting of abortive epidermal infection events uncoupled from nodulation. These findings show that, in response to a plant signal, rhizobia play an active role in the control of infection. We suggest that rhizobia may modulate the plant’s susceptibility to infection. This regulatory loop likely aims at optimizing legume infection.
Non-adiabatic quantized charge pumping with tunable-barrier quantum dots: a review of current progress

Precise manipulation of individual charge carriers in nanoelectronic circuits underpins practical applications of their most basic quantum property—the universality and invariance of the elementary charge. A charge pump generates a net current from periodic external modulation of parameters controlling a nanostructure connected to source and drain leads; in the regime of quantized pumping the current varies in steps of qe f ? > as function of control parameters, where qe ? > is the electron charge and f is the frequency of modulation. In recent years, robust and accurate quantized charge pumps have been developed based on semiconductor quantum dots with tunable tunnel barriers. These devices allow modulation of charge exchange rates between the dot and the leads over many orders of magnitude and enable trapping of a precise number of electrons far away from equilibrium with the leads. The corresponding non-adiabatic pumping protocols focus on understanding of separate parts of the pumping cycle associated with charge loading, capture and release. In this report we review realizations, models and metrology applications of quantized charge pumps based on tunable-barrier quantum dots.
Growth of Mycobacterium lepraemurium in Cultures of Mouse Peritoneal Macrophages

Successful growth of Mycobacterium lepraemurium was observed in cultures of mouse peritoneal macrophages. The optimal host cell maintenance medium was composed of 40% horse serum, 50% of the chemically defined medium NCTC 109, and 10% of a 1:5 dilution of beef embryo extract, supplemented with both liver extract and ferric nitrate. Multiplication of the bacilli was observed in 1 week and maximal growth in 6 to 7 weeks. All macrophages were filled with tens to hundreds of the organisms in cultures showing maximal growth. Glycerol caused an increase in the normal length of M. lepraemurium, without a corresponding increase in the number of the bacilli. Elongation of M. lepraemurium was observed 3 or 4 days after infection. Rapid and uniform growth of M. lepraemurium was achieved in serially transferred cultures (subcultures). The cumulative increase of the number of intracellular bacilli was 1.4 × 1020-fold in 14 transfers over a period of 68 weeks in one series, and 1017-fold in 12 transfers over a period of 56 weeks in another series. The generation time of M. lepraemurium was 7 days, a growth rate which approximates the fastest growth of the organisms in vivo. Organisms harvested from cultures at various stages of growth produced murine leprosy in mice, but showed no growth in bacteriological media. The present model offers an opportunity for studies on the host-parasite relationship without the complication of extracellular growth of the parasites.
Perforin‐expressing cytotoxic cells contribute to chronic cardiomyopathy in Trypanosoma cruzi infection

Understanding the dual participation of the immune response in controlling the invader and at the same time causing tissue damage might contribute to the design of effective new vaccines and therapies for Chagas disease. Perforin, a cytolytic protein product of killer cells, is involved in resistance to acute Trypanosoma cruzi infection. However, the contribution of perforin in parasite control and chronic chagasic cardiomyopathy is unclear. Perforin‐positive cells were detected in the heart tissue during the acute and chronic phases of infection of C57BL/6 mice inoculated with low dose (102 parasites) of the Colombian T. cruzi strain. This protocol led to acute phase survival in both wild‐type and perforin null (pfp−/−) mice lineages. During the chronic infection, parasitism and inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) as well as interleukin (IL)‐4+ and, mainly, interferon (IFN)‐γ+ cells were more elevated in the heart tissue of pfp−/− mice. Higher levels of circulating NO and anti‐parasite immunoglobulin (Ig)G2c and IgG3, paralleled by a prominent frequency of IFN‐γ+ and IL‐10+ splenocytes, were present in pfp−/−‐infected mice. Therefore, although the perforin‐dependent pathway plays a role, it is not crucial for anti‐T. cruzi immunity and acute phase survival of mice infected with a low inoculum. Further, perforin deficiency resulted in lower activity of creatine kinase‐muscle brain isoform (CK‐MB) isoenzyme in serum and a more restricted connexin 43 loss, both of which are markers of the cardiomyocyte lesion. Moreover, perforin deficiency hampered the development of severe electrocardiographic abnormalities. Hence, our results corroborate that perforin‐bearing cytotoxic cells might contribute to cardiomyocyte lesion and heart dysfunction during chronic T. cruzi infection, shedding light on immunopathogenesis of chronic chagasic cardiomyopathy.
Renal Tubular Epithelial Cell Self‐Injury Through Fas/Fas Ligand Interaction Promotes Renal Allograft Injury

Tubular epithelial cells (TECs) coexpress Fas and Fas ligand (FasL), which could influence renal allograft injury. While TECs can resist apoptosis by Fas antibody, TEC apoptosis by contact with adjacent TECs has not been studied. Fas expression increased in TECs with cytokine treatment (IFN‐γ, TNF‐α) while abundant FasL levels were not altered. Apoptosis (Annexin‐V, DNA fragmentation) occurred in cytokine‐treated TECs monolayers from C3H‐HeJ mice by 24 h, but was absent in similarly treated TECs from Fas‐deficient (lpr) or FasL‐mutant (gld) mice, suggesting that ‘self injury’ occurred through Fas/FasL. Membrane labeling of TECs in cocultures confirmed that FasL‐bearing TECs induced apoptosis when in contact with Fas‐bearing TECs. Culturing TECs with allogeneic C57BL/6 (H‐2b) splenocytes resulted in apoptosis and elimination of C3H‐HeJ TECs by 48 h, with enhanced survival and reduced apoptosis using lpr or gld TECs. In a renal allograft model, survival of C57BL/6 recipients was greater (p < 0.05) and renal function improved (p < 0.001) using C3H‐lpr or C3H‐gld (H‐2 k) donor kidneys compared with C3H‐HeJ kidneys. These data demonstrate for the first time that cytokine‐activated TECs can injure TECs through expression of functional FasL and Fas. We suggest that inhibition of TEC–TEC ‘self injury’ may be a novel strategy to augment renal allograft survival.
Primary liver cancer and occupation in men: A case‐control study in a high‐incidence area in northern Italy

The objective of our study was to evaluate the association between occupation and risk of liver cancer. A hospital‐based case‐control study was carried out during 1997–1999 in the Province of Brescia, a highly industrialized area in Northern Italy with a high incidence of this neoplasm. The cases were 144 male patients with incident liver cancer (96% hepatocellular carcinoma). Controls were 283 male patients, matched to cases on age (±5 years), period and hospital of admission. Information on lifetime occupational history and alcohol consumption was obtained via interview. Specific occupational exposures to pesticides, solvents and other suspected hepatocarcinogens were evaluated. A blood sample was collected to detect hepatitis B and C infections. Odds ratios (OR) of occupational exposure and 95% confidence intervals (CI), adjusted for age, residence, education, heavy alcohol intake, hepatitis B surface antigen and hepatitis C virus antibodies positivity were computed. A statistically significant increased OR was observed for employment in repair of motor vehicles (OR 3.7; 95% CI 1.1–12.3; 9 exposed cases, 10 exposed controls). Increased ORs, although not statistically significant, were found for field‐crop farm workers, food and beverage processors, blacksmiths and machine‐tool operators, electrical fitters, clerical workers, manufacture of industrial machinery and personal and household services. A slightly increased OR was noted in workers exposed to toluene and xylene (OR 1.4; 95% CI 0.7–3.0, 23 cases, 36 controls); the OR was 2.8 (95% CI 1.0–7.6, 11 cases, 12 controls) for 20 or more years of exposure and 2.0 (95% CI 0.9–4.1, 21 cases, 28 controls) for 30 or more years of time since first exposure. The increase in OR seemed to be independent from that of alcohol or viral infections. Our study showed that the role of occupational exposures in liver carcinogenesis is limited. However, prolonged exposure to organic solvents such as toluene and xylene may represent a risk factor for liver cancer. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Lack of competition results in efficient packaging of heterologous murine retroviral RNAs and reticuloendotheliosis virus encapsidation-minus RNAs by the reticuloendotheliosis virus helper cell line

We constructed recombinant reticuloendotheliosis virus (Rev)-derived and murine leukemia virus-derived vectors to characterize the specificity of packaging retroviral RNAs in Rev proteins. Using this approach, we further localized the Rev encapsidation sequence (E) to a 144-nucleotide region and determined that there are sequences in both the 5' and 3' halves of this region which are necessary in cis for viral replication. We found that the Rev E, like the murine leukemia virus E (psi), is position independent (R. Mann and D. Baltimore, J. Virol. 54:401-407, 1986). Also, a 156-nucleotide region of the Rev intron enhanced replication in a cis-acting fashion in the presence, but not in the absence, of helper virus. Finally, we showed that packaging of E- and heterologous retroviral genomes occurred efficiently in the Rev helper cell in the absence of competing E-containing (E+) viral RNAs.
Impact of thermal cycling and background gas environment on tin whiskering

(Part A) Work by Hoffman (Savannah River National Laboratory) reported Sn whiskers which grew longer in nitrogen (sealed jar) environments compared to air environments. This is of concern in electronics systems which operate in nitrogen-backfilled environments, such as hybrid circuits and sensor systems. In this work we compare Sn whiskers grown in two different environments-pure N2 and ultrahigh vacuum (UHV). After 140 days of incubation in N2, the compressive films had the highest whisker density (8,320 cm-2), of those in the sample set. X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS) analysis of the sputtered Sn surface after the incubation period indicate a more complex surface structure on the samples exposed to the N2 compared to UHV, suggesting that the details of the Sn oxide influences the whisker growth. (Part B) Under thermal cycling, Sn whiskers on electrodeposited films have been observed to display submicron striations that form perpendicular to the whisker's growth axis, hypothesized to originate from periodic film stress variations during cycling. In this work we have investigated whether striations occur in whiskers grown from sputter deposited films. The samples were exposed to two different thermal profiles cycling between -40°C and 125°C in a conventional cycling furnace. Very few whiskers were grown with any observable striations.
Tracking large solid constructs suspended in a rotating bioreactor: A combined experimental and theoretical study

We present a combined experimental and theoretical study of the trajectory of a large solid cylindrical disc suspended within a fluid‐filled rotating cylindrical vessel. The experimental set‐up is relevant to tissue‐engineering applications where a disc‐shaped porous scaffold is seeded with cells to be cultured, placed within a bioreactor filled with nutrient‐rich culture medium, which is then rotated in a vertical plane to keep the growing tissue construct suspended in a state of “free fall. ” The experimental results are compared with theoretical predictions based on the model of Cummings and Waters (2007), who showed that the suspended disc executes a periodic motion. For anticlockwise vessel rotation three regimes were identified: (i) disc remains suspended at a fixed position on the right‐hand side of the bioreactor; (ii) disc executes a periodic oscillatory motion on the right‐hand side of the bioreactor; and (iii) disc orbits the bioreactor. All three regimes are captured experimentally, and good agreement between theory and experiment is obtained. For the tissue engineering application, computation of the fluid dynamics allows the nutrient concentration field surrounding a tissue construct (a property that cannot be measured experimentally) to be determined (Cummings and Waters, 2007). The implications for experimental cell‐culture protocols are discussed. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2009; 104: 1224–1234. © 2009 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
The Experience of Latino Parents of Hospitalized Children During Family-Centered Rounds

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study is to describe the experience of Latino parents of hospitalized children during family-centered rounds (FCRs). BACKGROUND: Family-centered rounds provide a mechanism to exchange information and facilitate shared decision making. Latino parents may have a suboptimal experience during FCRs. Understanding this experience helps nurse leaders improve patient satisfaction. METHODS: Using a convenience sample, written surveys in Spanish were given to 20 parents who had attended at least 2 FCRs. The surveys were translated into English for data analysis. RESULTS: The narrative data were analyzed for common themes using content analysis. Four themes were identified: valued perception, inclusion and care, facilitated communication, and meeting expectations. CONCLUSIONS: Parents in this study felt that their participation and input were valued and that these positively impacted care. Family-centered rounds helped them understand the plan and facilitated communication when done in Spanish. Nurse leaders play a key role in improving satisfaction and increasing access to translation services or bilingual staff.