Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cartilage induction by controlled mechanical stimulation in vivo

To study mechanical control of tissue differentiation, we designed a new version of the previously described bone conduction chamber. The bone conduction chamber consists of a cylindrical titanium chamber for implantation in the rat tibia. It has tissue ingrowth openings at one end, located subcortically, and the other end protrudes into the subcutis. The newly developed load chamber has a mobile piston so that an external compressive load can be transferred to the tissue within the chamber. Sprague‐Dawley rats had a regular bone conduction chamber implanted in one tibia and a load chamber implanted in the other. Mesenchymal tissue was allowed to grow into the chamber for 3 weeks before the mechanical loading was started. Thereafter, twice a day, 20 cycles of compressive load were applied with a frequency of 0.17 Hz to the load chamber. This was estimated to produce a compressive hydrostatic stress of 2 MPa. The chambers, harvested after 7 weeks of loading, all contained newly formed bone. The bone ingrowth distance into the chamber was decreased in the loaded specimens compared with the contralateral unloaded controls (p = 0.01). Instead, cartilage was found in the loaded chambers next to the piston. Beneath the cartilage was a dense bone plate under which a marrow cavity had formed. No cartilage was found in the unloaded controls, but the architecture of the bone and marrow cavity was similar to that of the loaded specimens. We conclude that this model allows load to be transmitted onto the ingrowing tissue and that the load parameters used cause this tissue to differentiate into cartilage close to the piston.
Thrombin Upregulates Tissue Transglutaminase in Endothelial Cells: A Potential Role for Tissue Transglutaminase in Stability of Atherosclerotic Plaque

Abstract—Atherosclerosis is characterized by thickening of the vessel wall, smooth muscle cell proliferation, macrophage infiltration, and deposition of a fibrin network. Transglutaminases are a family of enzymes catalyzing the formation of stable covalent cross-links between proteins. Here, we show that tissue transglutaminase (tTG) synthesis by human umbilical vein endothelial cells is upregulated by thrombin, the serine protease that causes fibrin formation and many cellular inflammatory effects. Thrombin upregulated tTG 2-fold at the mRNA and protein level. Cellular cross-linking activity was increased to an even greater extent; antibody to tTG neutralized the increased activity. The effect on tTG expression required active thrombin and was mediated mainly through protease-activated receptor-1, a thrombin receptor. Increased tTG antigen and activity were evident in human umbilical vein endothelial cells and extracellular matrix in situ. Thrombin treatment also led to a cellular redistribution of tTG. Normal vessel wall stained positively for tTG in the smooth muscle cells and in the subendothelium. The intensity of staining increased in vessel walls with plaque, where there was a striking increase in tTG in the smooth muscle cells immediately below the plaque. These studies indicate a role for tTG in the stabilization of atherosclerotic plaques and suggest that its local expression can be controlled by thrombin.
Enhanced efficacy of autologous blood donation with epoetin alfa.

In the setting of elective orthopedic surgery, epoetin alfa has been shown to facilitate autologous blood (AB) donation and reduce allogeneic blood requirements. However, the most appropriate dose and route of administration remains to be defined. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study was therefore conducted to compare the effect of different subcutaneous (s.c.) doses of epoetin alfa on hemoglobin (Hb) and endogenous erythropoietin (EPO) levels and transfusion requirements in 62 patients donating AB prior to hip surgery. Epoetin alfa (100 or 200 IU/kg s.c. on days -30, -23, -16, and -9 prior to surgery, in conjunction with oral iron supplementation) dose-dependently ameliorated the reduction in Hb levels associated with AB donation. No patient treated with epoetin alfa required allogeneic blood compared with two placebo recipients (one of whom required additional blood because of reoperation). The results of this study confirm that relatively low dosages of epoetin alfa minimize the decrease in Hb levels during AB donation and help to reduce exposure to allogeneic blood in patients scheduled for elective orthopedic surgery.
Changes in oral microflora after full-mouth tooth extraction: a prospective cohort study.

AIM The aim of the study was to evaluate the effect of full-mouth tooth extraction on the oral microflora, with emphasis on the presence and load of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans and Porphyromonas gingivalis. MATERIAL AND METHODS Adult patients (n = 30), with moderate to advanced periodontitis and scheduled for full-mouth tooth extraction, were consecutively selected. Prior to and 1 and 3 months after full-mouth tooth extraction saliva, tongue, buccal and gingival mucosa and subgingival plaque/prosthesis samples were obtained. Aerobic and anaerobic culture techniques and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) were employed for the detection of oral pathogens. RESULTS Full-mouth tooth extraction resulted in reduction below detection level of A. actinomycetemcomitans and P. gingivalis in 15 of 16 and 8 of 16 previously positive patients using culture techniques and qPCR, respectively. Those patients remaining qPCR positive showed a significant reduction in load of these bacteria. CONCLUSION Full-mouth tooth extraction significantly changes the oral microflora. These changes include reduction of A. actinomycetemcomitans and P. gingivalis, frequently to levels below detection threshold. In some patients, A. actinomycetemcomitans and P. gingivalis can persist in the edentulous oral cavity up to 3 months after full-mouth tooth extraction.
Characteristics of Injection Drug Users Who Participate in Drug Dealing: Implications for Drug Policy

Abstract So-called “balanced” drug policy couples enforcement initiatives targeting drug dealers with health-focused interventions serving addicted individuals. There are few evaluations of this approach, and little is known about how these two populations may overlap. We evaluated factors associated with drug dealing among injection drug users (IDUs) in Vancouver, Canada, and examined self-reported drug-dealing roles and reasons for dealing. Among 412 IDUs seen from March through December 2005, 68 (17%) had dealt drugs during the previous six months. Variables independently associated with drug dealing included: recent incarceration (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 2.9; 95%CI: 1.4 – 6.0); frequent heroin injection (AOR = 2.5; 95%CI: 1.4 – 4.6); frequent cocaine injection (AOR = 2.0; 95%CI: 1.1 – 3.8); and recent overdose (AOR = 2.7; 95%CI:1.0 – 7.3). The most common drug-dealing roles were direct selling (82%), middling (35%), and steering (19%), while the most common reasons for dealing included obtaining drugs (49%) and money (36%). Drug dealing among IDUs was predicted by several markers of higher intensity addiction, and drug-dealing IDUs tended to occupy the most dangerous positions in the drug-dealing hierarchy. These findings suggest that elements of “balanced” drug policies may undermine each other and indicate the need for alternative interventions.
Cerebral hemoglobin concentration and oxygen saturation measured by intensity modulated optical spectroscopy in the human fetus during labor

Abstract Aims: To quantify hemoglobin concentration and oxygen saturation in the human fetal brain using intensity modulated optical spectroscopy during labor. Methods: A specially designed probe was applied to the fetal scalp in 20 women during uncomplicated labor at term. Optical fibres transmitted near infrared light to and from an intensity modulated optical spectrometer (IMOS), which detected changes in the optical parameters of the infra-red light source.Using novel offline analytic techniques, these changes were converted into absolute measurements of oxyhemoglobin (HbO2) and deoxyhemoglobin (Hb). Summing Hb and HbO2 gives total hemoglobin concentration (HbT) and HbO2/HbT×100% provided measurements of cerebral saturation (SmcO2). Results: Of 20 fetuses studied, data from 10 fetuses were suitable for analysis. Over three consecutive uterine contractions, the mean (± SD) absolute cerebral concentrations of Hb and HbO2 were 30+/-18 and 46+/-21 μmol/l, respectively. This gave a mean cerebral HbT of 77+/-29 μmol/l and a mean SmcO2 of 59+/-12%. In the other ten fetuses insufficient light was detected to allow chromophore quantification. Conclusion: These are the first absolute measurements of cerebral Hb and HbO2 in human fetuses during labor. The values of total hemoglobin are similar to those obtained in neonates with hypoxia-ischemia and the measurements of fetal cerebral oxygen saturation are similar to previously published values. Keywords: Cerebral blood volume, fetal, intrapartum, saturation.
A Review of Inverted Papilloma at a Tertiary Centre: A Six-Year Experience

Objectives: To evaluate the clinical presentation and treatment outcome of all patients treated for inverted papilloma at the University Malaya Medical Centre, Malaysia. Methods: A retrospective review of 22 patients with inverted papilloma, treated at our centre, from 1st January 2005 to 31st August 2011. The demographic data, clinical features, radiological findings, surgical procedures, recurrent rate and malignant transformation were assessed. Result: The commonest presentation was a unilateral nasal blockage, comprising 77.3% cases. A total of 19 patients had undergone endoscopic surgery while three patients had open surgery performed. The mean duration of the follow-up period was 30.5 months. Seven (31.7%) patients were detected of tumour recurrence during the entire course of follow-up. However, throughout the follow-up period, none had demonstrated malignant transformation. Conclusion: Endoscopic medial maxillectomy is a well-accepted approach in treating inverted papilloma. Nevertheless, open surgery still plays an important role in extensive diseases and in cases of malignancy. Unilateral nasal obstruction is the most important symptom. Repeated pre-operative biopsy or perhaps frozen section of intraoperative biopsies is necessary to avoid misdiagnosis. Krouse stage II disease showed the highest recurrent rate of 18.2%. Lifelong follow-up and emphasis on adherence is mandatory for early detection of recurrence and malignant transformation.
Resistance to Fas-Mediated Apoptosis in EBV-Infected B Cell Lymphomas Is Due to Defects in the Proximal Fas Signaling Pathway1

Post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder is characterized by the outgrowth of EBV-infected B cell lymphomas in immunosuppressed transplant recipients. Using a panel of EBV-infected spontaneous lymphoblastoid cell lines (SLCL) derived from post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder patients, we assessed the sensitivity of such lymphomas to Fas-mediated cell death. Treatment with either an agonist anti-Fas mAb or Fas ligand-expressing cells identifies two subsets of SLCL based on their sensitivity or resistance to Fas-driven apoptosis. Fas resistance in these cells cannot be attributed to reduced Fas expression or to mutations in the Fas molecule itself. In addition, all SLCL are sensitive to staurosporine-induced cell death, indicating that there is no global defect in apoptosis. Although all SLCL express comparable levels of Fas signaling molecules including Fas-associated death domain protein, caspase 8, and caspase 3, Fas-resistant SLCL exhibit a block in Fas-signaling before caspase 3 activation. In two SLCL, this block results in impaired assembly of the death-inducing signaling complex, resulting in reduced caspase 8 activation. In a third Fas-resistant SLCL, caspase 3 activation is hindered despite intact death-inducing signaling complex formation and caspase 8 activation. Whereas multiple mechanisms exist by which tumor cells can evade Fas-mediated apoptosis, these studies suggest that the proximal Fas-signaling pathway is impeded in Fas-resistant post-transplant lymphoproliferative disorder-associated EBV+ B cell lymphomas.
Mixture optimization of anaerobic co-digestion of tomato and cucumber waste

Greenhouse cultivation has significantly increased the production of vegetables and reduced dependence on environmental conditions. In Mediterranean areas, vegetable crops are nowadays one of the most important sources of organic waste generation. Anaerobic digestion is among the methods used to treat this type of biodegradable waste. However, the selection of the organic wastes to be subjected to this microbial treatment is a crucial aspect due to seasonality and simultaneity of the original crops. In this sense, as waste does not have frequently the proper nutrient balance, co-digestion with other substrates generated in the same geographical area is recommended to ensure the correct development of the process. This work studies the mesophilic co-digestion of tomato waste (TW) and cucumber waste (CW), which are common greenhouse wastes that do not contain an adequate ratio among nutrients (C/N/P) and are generated simultaneously. The influence of the percentage of both wastes in the mixture on the overall performance of the process was evaluated. The combination of TW and CW was found to be feasible in terms of stability, biodegradability and methane yield, which reached a value of 292 mLSTP CH4/g VS (STP: standard temperature and pressure, 0°C and 760 mmHg) for the percentage of tomato in the mixture, which is considered optimal at 55–75%. The most suitable organic load rate was determined for a percentage of 65% of TW, reaching a value of 1562 kgwaste m−3 month−1.
Development of agar diffusion method for dosage of gramicidin

Gramicidin, an antimicrobial peptide active against Gram positive bacteria, is commonly used in pharmaceutical preparations for topical use. Considering that only the turbidimetric method has been described in the literature, the present study sought to develop and validate an agar diffusion method for the dosage of gramicidin. The method was developed and validated using the Kocuria rhizophila ATCC 9341 as a test microorganism. Two designs were used: a 3x3 parallel-line model, and a 5x1 standard curve. The validation demonstrated that the method follows the linear model (r2= 0.994), presenting a significant regression between the zone diameter of growth inhibition and the logarithm of the concentration within the range of 5 to 25.3 µg/mL. The results obtained for both designs were precise, having a relative standard deviation (R.S.D.) for intra-day precision of 0.81 for the 3x3 assay and 1.90 for the 5x1 assay. For the inter-day precision, the R.S. D. was 1.35 for the 3x3 and 2.64 for the 5x1. The accuracy was verified and results confirmed to be accurate, having a tolerance interval of 95%, which lay within permitted limits and appropriate trueness. In addition, the method was considered selective, with limit of detection and upper and lower limits of quantification of 2.00, 5.00 and 25.3 µg/mL, respectively. No difference in precision between the designs used in the agar diffusion method was evident (p>0.05). The method proved to be appropriate for the microbiological dosage of the raw material gramicidin.
Nanotribology of a Kr monolayer: A quartz-crystal microbalance study of atomic-scale friction.

A quartz-crystal microbalance has been utilized to probe sliding-friction effects in Kr monolayers undergoing solidification on Au and Ag surfaces. Solid layers are observed to be far more sensitive to surface morphology than liquids. The behavior of liquid layers is consistent with a frictional force whose magnitude is a nonlinear function of the sliding velocity.
Automatic Hysteresis Modeling of Piezoelectric Micromanipulator in Vision-Guided Micromanipulation Systems

Conventional hysteresis modeling of piezoelectric actuators using interferometers or capacitive sensors is often performed off-line. However, the hysteresis of the piezoelectric actuator changes as the load acting on it or the driving frequency of the input signal alters, demanding that the hysteresis of the micromanipulator be modeled on the fly. The employment of interferometers or capacitive sensors is a challenging task in micromanipulation systems due to their special requirements, e.g., the micropipette tip is desired to provide mirror-like reflection of the incoming beam if an interferometer is employed while a capacitive sensor might not be easily placed in the workspace. An automatic Prandtl-Ishlinskii hysteresis modeling method is proposed and implemented using vision-feedback. The method can be conducted on the fly in real time making it suitable for time critical vision-guided micromanipulation, while providing comparable accuracy with that of using interferometers.
Nanoparticle Usage and Protection Measures in the Manufacturing Industry—A Representative Survey

Addressing the risks of nanoparticles requires knowledge about release into the environment and occupational exposure. However, such information currently is not systematically collected; therefore, this risk assessment lacks quantitative data. The goal was to evaluate the current level of nanoparticle usage in Swiss industry as well as health, safety, and environmental measures, and the number of potentially exposed workers. A representative, stratified mail survey was conducted among 1626 clients of the Swiss National Accident Insurance Fund (SUVA), which insures 80,000 manufacturing firms, representing 84% of all Swiss manufacturing companies (947 companies answered the survey for a 58.3% response rate). The extrapolation to all Swiss manufacturing companies results in 1309 workers (95% confidence interval [CI]: 1073 to 1545) potentially exposed to nanoparticles in 586 companies (95% CI: 145 to 1027). This corresponds to 0.08% of workers (95% CI: 0.06% to 0.09%) and to 0.6% of companies (95% CI: 0.2% to 1.1%). The industrial chemistry sector showed the highest percentage of companies using nanoparticles (21.2%). Other important sectors also reported nanoparticles. Personal protection equipment was the predominant protection strategy. Only a few applied specific environmental protection measures. This is the first nationwide representative study on nanoparticle use in the manufacturing sector. The information gained can be used for quantitative risk assessment. It can also help policymakers design strategies to support companies developing a safer use of nanomaterial. Noting the current low use of nanoparticles, there is still time to proactively introduce protective methods. If the predicted “nano-revolution” comes true, now is the time to take action. [Supplementary materials are available for this article. Go to the publisher's online edition of Journal of Occupational and Environmental Hygiene for the following free supplemental resource: a pdf file containing a detailed description of the approach to statistical analyses, English translation of the questionnaire, additional information for Figure 1, and additional information for the SUVA-code. ]
Prevalence of cardiovascular disorders among the elderly in primary care in Estonia

Scand J Prim Health Care 2003;21:000-000. ISSN 0281-3432 Objectiv e r - r To assess the prevalence of diagnoses of cardiovascular disorders among the elderly in family practice. Design r - r Cross-sectional study. Setting r - r Estonia, population aged 65 years or older (206 t 915 persons). Subjects r - r 811 elderly persons selected randomly from the lists of family practitioners. Main outcome measures r - r Prevalence of hypertension, hypotension, coronary heart disease (CHD), myocardial infarction (MI), heart failure (HF) and cardiac arrhythmias; differences between the genders and age groups. Results r - r The prevalence of cardiovascular disorders was as follows: hypertension 63.2%, hypotension 11.1%, CHD 56.5%, MI 9.8%, HF 41.4% and arrhythmias 37.5%. Women had a significantly higher prevalence of hypertension and men of MI. The prevalence of CHD and hypotension was significantly higher in the oldest elderly persons. Conclusion r - r Among the older population in Estonia, cardiovascular disorders that have broader diagnostic criteria and need expensive methods for verifying (CHD, HF) have a high prevalence and are most likely over-diagnosed. The need for strict and simple diagnostic methods for these disorders in primary care practice continues to be serious.
Sustained high levels of neuregulin‐1 in the longest‐lived rodents; a key determinant of rodent longevity

Naked mole‐rats (Heterocephalus glaber), the longest‐lived rodents, live 7–10 times longer than similarly sized mice and exhibit normal activities for approximately 75% of their lives. Little is known about the mechanisms that allow them to delay the aging process and live so long. Neuregulin‐1 (NRG‐1) signaling is critical for normal brain function during both development and adulthood. We hypothesized that long‐lived species will maintain higher levels of NRG‐1 and that this contributes to their sustained brain function and concomitant maintenance of normal activity. We monitored the levels of NRG‐1 and its receptor ErbB4 in H. glaber at different ages ranging from 1 day to 26 years and found that levels of NRG‐1 and ErbB4 were sustained throughout development and adulthood. In addition, we compared seven rodent species with widely divergent (4–32 year) maximum lifespan potential (MLSP) and found that at a physiologically equivalent age, the longer‐lived rodents had higher levels of NRG‐1 and ErbB4. Moreover, phylogenetic independent contrast analyses revealed that this significant strong correlation between MLSP and NRG‐1 levels was independent of phylogeny. These results suggest that NRG‐1 is an important factor contributing to divergent species MLSP through its role in maintaining neuronal integrity.
Murine macrophage precursor characterization. II. Monoclonal antibodies against macrophage precursor antigens

The aim of the present study was the phenotypical analysis of early stages in macrophage (Mϕ) differentiation. For this purpose, we produced a panel of syngeneic rat hybridomas, which secreted antibodies (mAb) against Mϕ precursor antigens. As immunogens we used immortalized Mϕ precursors (P. J. M. Leenen et al., Eur. J. Immunol. 1990. 20: 15). We screened the obtained mAb in the following in vitro models of Mϕ differentiation: (a) a panel of Mϕ cell lines ordered in a linear differentiated sequence; (b) immature and mature mononuclear phagocytes obtained from bone marrow (BM) culture; (c) a panel of Mϕ precursor hybrids, and (d) differentiated and control Mϕ precursor hybrid cells.
The Determinants of Brand Loyalty in the Online and Offline Banking Sectors

This study adopts a comprehensive customer value approach in determining brand loyalty. Multiple regression results reveal that online customers’ loyalty is driven positively by the functional value of service variety, the functional value of convenience, the functional value of the internet, the emotional value of trust, and the corporate value of reputation, whereas the negative driver is the functional value of price. The positive determinants of brand loyalty for offline customers are the functional value of quality, the corporate value of reputation, and switching cost, while the negative determinant is the functional value of establishment. Societal value works positively for referral and against repurchase for offline customers.