Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Bioengineered gold nanoparticles targeted to mesenchymal cells from patients with bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome does not rise the inflammatory response and can be safely inhaled by rodents

Abstract The use of gold nanoparticles (GNPs) as drug delivery system represents a promising issue for diseases without effective pharmacological treatment due to insufficient local drug accumulation and excessive systemic toxicity. Bronchiolitis obliterans syndrome (BOS) represents about 70% of cases of chronic lung allograft dysfunction, the main challenge to long-term lung transplantation. It is believed that due to repeated insults to epithelial bronchiolar cells local inflammatory response creates a milieu that favors epithelial–mesenchymal transition and activation of local mesenchymal cells (MCs) leading to airway fibro-obliteration. In a previous work, we engineered GNPs loaded with the mammalian target of rapamycin inhibitor everolimus, specifically decorated with an antibody against CD44, a surface receptor expressed by primary MCs isolated from bronchoalveolar lavage of BOS patients. We proved in vitro that these GNPs (GNP-HCe) were able to specifically inhibit primary MCs without affecting the bronchial epithelial cell. In the present work, we investigated the effect of these bioengineered nanoconstructs on inflammatory cells, given that a stimulating effect on macrophages, neutrophils or lymphocytes is strongly unwanted in graft airways since it would foster fibrogenesis. In addition, we administered GNP-HCe by the inhalatory route to normal mice for a preliminary assessment of their pulmonary and peripheral (liver, spleen and kidney) uptake. By these experiments, an evaluation of tissue toxicity was also performed. The present study proves that our bioengineered nanotools do not rise an inflammatory response and, under the tested inhalatory conditions that were used, are non-toxic.
A Case Control Study on Risk Factors Involved in Inflammatory Breast Recurrence afterBreast-Conserving Surgery

Recurrence that poses the biggest problem after breast-conserving surgery is local recurrence. Particularly, in the case of inflammatory breast recurrence which is rare but has a specific pathologic nature, it is important to elucidate the pathology and risk factors and to consider appropriate countermeasures. In the present study, we classified 133 cases of recurrence following breast-conserving surgery, collected from 18 key hospitals/institutes in Japan. Recurrence types were divided into three groups, namely, inflammatory breast recurrence, noninflammatory breast recurrence and distant metastasis only, and the risk factors involved in recurrence were investigated by the case control study allotting 2 controls to each case. The study population consisted of 9 cases of the inflammatory type, 64 cases of the noninflammatory type and 60 cases of distant metastasis. The significant risk factor for inflammatory breast recurrence was positive lymph node metastasis, which was significantly more frequent in lymphatic invasion-positive cases unlike in the distant metastasis group. The positive surgical margin and nonradiation therapy which have been shown to be significant risk factors for noninflammatory breast recurrence were entirely unrelated with inflammatory breast recurrence. In addition, the inflammatory-type recurrence time was as short as about 12 months irrespective of whether radiation therapy was performed or not. The inflammatory type was accompanied with local wide extension (cancerous embolus of the dermal lymphatic vessels), and distant metastasis (lymphangitis carcinomatosa) at the time of recurrence, and further surgery was impossible in most cases, with a significantly poorer prognosis than the other recurrence types. These findings suggest that this recurrence corresponds to the so-called ‘occult’ case of primary inflammatory breast carcinoma. We think it important to predict this recurrence by close pathological examination, particularly in patients with lymph node metastasis, and to consider appropriate measures.
How states of mind change in psychotherapy: An intensive case analysis of Lisa's case using the Grid of Problematic States

Abstract This study uses the Grid of Problematic States (GPS) to examine Lisa's case, one of the most successful in the York Psychotherapy Depression Project. This study tried to assess whether the contents of mental experience form stable clusters consistent with a diagnosis of depression. It was possible with the GPS to pinpoint problematic states typical of depression and trace the transitional states occurring in Lisa between two different mental states: depressive and well-being. The GPS analysis suggested that the treatment successfully managed to deal with symptoms and to change the patient's thought themes and emotions. At the end of treatment, Lisa was less sad and displayed some anger, and a state of being nurtured emerged.
AN APPRAISAL OF LUMBAR EPIDURAL BLOCKADE IN LABOUR IN PATIENTS WITH MULTIPLE PREGNANCY

A series of 102 patients with a multiple pregnancy (including three sets of triplets) delivered vaginally is presented. An epidural block was provided for 55 of these patients, and comparisons were made between these patients and those who did not have an epidural block. There was a higher incidence of low Apgar‐minus‐colour (A‐C) scores at one minute among the second twins of at least 36 weeks gestation in the epidural series, but no other remarkable contrasts in the (A‐C) scores of the respective group of infants. In the non‐epidural series two second twins of at least 36 weeks gestational age apparently suffered severe cerebral trauma. Of the 91 liveborn infants in the non‐epidural series, five died (two with intracranial haemorrhage, three with hyaline membrane disease); of the 112 live‐born infants in the epidural series, two died (both with hyaline membrane disease). The incidence of instrumental delivery of infants presenting by the vertex, and of breech extraction, was markedly higher in the epidural series. The mean interval between full dilatation of the cervix and delivery of the first twin was greater in the epidural series, but the mean interval between delivery of the first and second infant was smaller in the epidural series. It is concluded that the provision of an epidural block for labour and delivery to patients with a multiple pregnancy is beneficial to the infants.
EFFECTS OF GABA ANALOGUES OF RESTRICTED CONFORMATION ON GABA TRANSPORT IN ASTROCYTES AND BRAIN CORTEX SLICES AND ON GABA RECEPTOR BINDING

—The effects of a variety of acyclic or heterocyclic GABA analogues on GABA receptor binding and on high affinity transport of GABA in cultured astrocytes and mini‐slices of brain cortex were studied. The receptor and transport sites were found to be stereospecific and they exhibited opposite stereoselectivity for (R)‐ and (S)‐trans‐4‐amino‐4‐methylcrotonic acid and (R)‐ and (S)‐β‐proline. The most potent inhibitors of GABA binding were (RS)‐4, 5‐dihydromuscimol, muscimol, GABA, isoguvacine and isonipecotic acid with IC50values of, respectively, 0.009, 0.006, 0.033, 0.037 and 0.33 μM. Under the present experimental conditions the following compounds inhibited preferentially the glial transport system: (3RS, 4SR)‐4‐hydroxynipecotic acid, guvacine, (RS)‐N‐methylnipecotic acid, (RS)‐β‐proline and β‐alanine (IC50 values 10, 25, 70, 320 and 1000 μM, respectively vs. 200, 100, 300, 1200 and >5000 for neuronal transport). On the other hand, (R)‐trans‐4‐amino‐4‐methylcrotonic acid, (3RS, 4SR, 5SR)‐4‐hydroxy‐5‐methymipecotic acid and (RS)‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐aminovaleric acid preferentially inhibited neuronal transport as studied in mini‐slices of brain cortex (IC50 values 160, 300 and 430 μM, respectively vs. 500, > 5000 and 1400 μM for glial transport).
Antibacterial use in the Faroe Islands, Iceland, and Denmark 1999–2011

Abstract Background: The Faroe Islands, Iceland, and Denmark are neighbouring Nordic countries with great ethnic, cultural, and political similarities and are relatively homogeneous. Important information about prescribing practices can be obtained by comparing the antibacterial use in these countries. The objective was to describe, compare, and analyse the use of systemic antibacterial agents in these countries during the y 1999–2011. Methods: Data were obtained from the Faroe Islands, Iceland, and Denmark on systemic antibacterial use and expressed in defined daily dosages (DDD). Prescription data were also obtained for specific age groups. Results: The total antibacterial use for the y 1999–2011 varied markedly between the 3 countries, with a mean use of 21.8 DDD/1000 inhabitants/day (DID) in Iceland, 17.7 in the Faroe Islands, and 16.3 in Denmark. The total use remained fairly constant over the years in the Faroe Islands and Iceland, whereas in Denmark it increased gradually from 13.5 DID in 1999 to 19.5 DID in 2011. The higher use in Iceland can be explained by much higher consumption of tetracyclines. There was also considerable variation in the use of individual penicillins and macrolides between the countries. Conclusions: Despite the great ethnic and cultural similarities of these 3 countries, we found marked differences in total antibacterial use and important differences in the use of individual antibacterials.
Widening educational inequalities in adolescent smoking following national tobacco control policies in the Netherlands in 2003: a time-series analysis.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS In 2003, the Netherlands introduced tobacco control policies, including bans on tobacco sales to minors, advertising and sponsoring and tobacco sales in government institutions. We examined the extent to which these policies were associated with a change in educational inequalities in adolescent smoking. DESIGN Repeated cross-sectional survey. SETTING The Netherlands, 1992-2011. PARTICIPANTS A total of 43 527 14-19-year-old adolescents. MEASUREMENTS Data were obtained from the national Youth Smoking Monitor. We used logistic regression analyses to model the immediate change in daily smoking prevalence in 2003, the trends and the changes in trends. Models included interactions between educational level (high versus low, based on the educational track of the respondent) and, respectively, period (after versus before 2003), time and time × period. FINDINGS Before 2003 the smoking trend declined slightly, and the decline was comparable for students of both high and low educational levels. Immediately after tobacco policies were introduced, daily smoking prevalence dropped for the total population [regression coefficient (β) = -0.340, 95% confidence interval (CI) = -0.445; -0.236]. This drop was larger for high educational level compared to low educational level (β interaction = -0.400, 95% CI = -0.623; -0.176). After 2003, trends in educational inequalities in smoking stabilized. CONCLUSIONS Following the introduction of new tobacco control policies in the Netherlands in 2003, smoking prevalence rates decreased among adolescents of both higher and lower educational levels. However, socio-economic inequalities in adolescent smoking increased.
Isolation and basic characterization of human term amnion and chorion mesenchymal stromal cells.

BACKGROUND AIMS Emerging evidence suggests human placental membrane is a valuable source of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSC). Amnion and chorion are tissues of early embryologic origin that may entail progenitor potential. These tissues are abundantly available and ethically unobjectionable and, because they are discarded post-partum, they can be widely used for extensive research and eventually for therapeutic studies. METHODS We looked at the cells isolated from the six amnions and chorions of term placentas of gestational weeks 39 ± 1. Isolated cells were characterized by morphologic and immunophenotypic analysis. RESULTS With flow cytometry immunophenotype analysis, amnion- and chorion-derived cells were positive for MSC markers, and negative for hematopoietic markers. Immunocytochemical staining was positive for the embryonic cell markers Oct-3/4 and Rex-1. Oct-3/4 is a POU transcription factor that is expressed in embryonic stem (ES) cells and germ cells, and its expression is required to sustain cell self-renewal and pluripotency. Oct-3/4 is the most recognized marker for totipotent ES cells. Rex-1 is a zinc finger family transcription factor that is highly expressed in embryonic stem cells. It is one of several gene markers used to identify undifferentiated stem cells, and its expression is downregulated upon stem cell differentiation. Amnion- and chorion-derived cells were capable, under differentiation conditions, to differentiate into to mesoderm lineages. CONCLUSIONS Phenotypic studies indicate MSC-like profiles in both amnion- and chorion-derived cells. Cells in vitro had fibroblastoid morphology. The in vitro growth behavior of such placenta-derived progenitor cells was similar to that of bone marrow MSC. Our results indicate that MSC can be easily isolated from the human term placenta. The human amniotic and chorion MSC maintained a marker profile similar to the mesenchymal progenitors and could be used for studies as an alternative source of MSC for further application in cellular therapy.
A selC-Associated Genomic Island of the Extraintestinal Avian Pathogenic Escherichia coli Strain BEN2908 Is Involved in Carbohydrate Uptake and Virulence

ABSTRACT The complete nucleotide sequence and genetic organization of a new genomic island (AGI-3) isolated from the extraintestinal avian pathogenic Escherichia coli strain BEN2908 is reported. This 49,600-bp island is inserted at the selC locus and contains putative mobile genetic elements such as a phage-related integrase gene, transposase genes, and direct repeats. AGI-3 shows a mosaic structure of five modules. Some of these modules are present in other E. coli strains and in other pathogenic bacterial species. The gene cluster aec-35 to aec-37 of module 1 encodes proteins associated with carbohydrates assimilation such as a major facilitator superfamily transporter (Aec-36), a glycosidase (Aec-37), and a putative transcriptional regulator of the LacI family (Aec-35). The aec-35 to aec-37 cluster was found in 11.6% of the tested pathogenic and nonpathogenic E. coli strains. When present, the aec-35 to aec-37 cluster is strongly associated with the selC locus (97%). Deletion of the aec-35-aec-37 region affects the assimilation of seven carbohydrates, decreases the growth rate of the strain in minimal medium containing galacturonate or trehalose, and attenuates the virulence of E. coli BEN2908 for chickens.
Bortezomib induces apoptosis in T lymphoma cells and natural killer lymphoma cells independent of Epstein‐Barr virus infection

Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV), which infects not only B cells, but also T cells and natural killer (NK) cells, is associated with multiple lymphoid malignancies. Recently, the proteasome inhibitor bortezomib was reported to induce apoptosis of EBV‐transformed B cells. We evaluated the killing effect of this proteasome inhibitor on EBV‐associated T lymphoma cells and NK lymphoma cells. First, we found that bortezomib treatment decreased the viability of multiple T and NK cell lines. No significant difference was observed between EBV‐positive and EBV‐negative cell lines. The decreased viability in response to bortezomib treatment was abrogated by a pan‐caspase inhibitor. The induction of apoptosis was confirmed by flow cytometric assessment of annexin V staining. Additionally, cleavage of caspases and polyadenosine diphosphate‐ribose polymerase, increased expression of phosphorylated IκB, and decreased expression of inhibitor of apoptotic proteins were detected by immunoblotting in bortezomib‐treated cell lines. We found that bortezomib induced lytic infection in EBV‐positive T cell lines, although the existence of EBV did not modulate the killing effect of bortezomib. Finally, we administered bortezomib to peripheral blood mononuclear cells from five patients with EBV‐associated lymphoproliferative diseases. Bortezomib had a greater killing effect on EBV‐infected cells. These results indicate that bortezomib killed T or NK lymphoma cells by inducing apoptosis, regardless of the presence or absence of EBV.
Long-Term Exposure to Urban Air Pollution and Myocardial Infarction

Background: Cohort studies have reported increased risks of cardiopulmonary mortality from long-term air pollution exposure, but the evidence is limited and inconclusive. We studied the association between long-term exposure to source-specific air pollution and myocardial infarction (MI) in a case–control study of first-time MI cases and population controls age 45 to 70 years in Stockholm county in 1992 to 1994. Methods: Home addresses during several decades were combined with historical emission databases and dispersion models to obtain annual mean levels of pollutants from traffic and heating during 30 years for 1397 cases and 1870 controls. Nitrogen dioxide (NO2), carbon monoxide (CO), and particulate matter with an aerodynamic diameter less than 10 μm (PM10) were used as indicators of traffic emissions and sulfur dioxide (SO2) as an indicator of emissions from residential heating. Results: There was no association between long-term average air pollution exposure and overall MI, but an increased risk of fatal MI was suggested, especially for out-of-hospital death. After adjustment for cardiovascular risk factors, the odds ratio for fatal MI associated with a 5th to 95th percentile difference in 30-year average exposure was 1.51 (95% confidence interval = 0.96–2.16) for NO2, 1.22 (0.98–1.52) for CO, 1.39 (0.94–2.07) for PM10, and 1.24 (0.77–2.02) for SO2. For out-of-hospital death, the odds ratio related to NO2 exposure was 2.17 (1.05–4.51). Conclusions: This study provides some support for an association between long-term air pollution exposure and fatal cardiovascular disease.
Nascent Entrepreneurs' Motivations in European Economies: A Gender Approach Using GEM Data

ABSTRACT Entrepreneurship is becoming an important source of employment for women in many countries. There are different circumstances and motives that contribute to the decision to start a business. In this study, we developed a model that can estimate the probability of individuals becoming nascent entrepreneurs by opportunity or necessity. The model considers individuals' sociodemographic characteristics and European economies' perceived characteristics as oriented towards efficiency or innovation. Statistical logistic regression was used to test the model. The results show statistically significant differences between genders, European economies oriented either to efficiency or innovation, and entrepreneurs who are born out of opportunity or necessity.
Isolation and characterization of key contributors to the “kokumi” taste in soybean seeds

The water extract of soybean seeds (Glycine max (L.) Merr. ) is nearly tasteless, but “kokumi” taste sensation was confirmed upon addition of a basic umami solution containing glutamic acid, inosine monophosphate, and sodium chloride. To identify the key contributors to the “kokumi” taste sensation in soybean seeds, sensory-guided fractionation, taste sensory analyses, and LC–MS/MS analyses were utilized. γ-glutamyl-tyrosine and γ-glutamyl-phenylalanine were identified as contributors to “kokumi taste”; specifically, these γ-glutamyl peptides imparted the “kokumi” taste sensation at a low taste threshold in a basic umami solution. Raffinose and stachyose, which are sufficiently present in soybean seeds, exhibited a synergistic effect in regard to the enhanced “kokumi” taste sensation of γ-glutamyl peptides. This is the first report that the combined use of γ-glutamyl peptides and oligosaccharides can increase the “kokumi” intensity, which suggests that soybean extracts or soymilk can be used to enhance the “kokumi” taste sensation in food products. The combined use of γ-glutamyl peptides and oligosaccharides can increase the “kokumi” taste intensity.
Adult-onset asthma and occupational exposures.

OBJECTIVES This study examined certain occupational exposures and the risk for adult-onset asthma. METHODS A nested case-referent study of adult-onset asthma was performed on a random population sample (N=15813), aged 21 to 51 years. Cases for the study included 2 groups: subjects reporting "physician-diagnosed" asthma (N=251) and a broader "asthma" group (N=362). The "asthma" group consisted of subjects with "physician-diagnosed" asthma (N=251) and subjects reporting asthma-like symptoms without having "physician-diagnosed" asthma (N=111). The referents (N=2044) were randomly selected from the whole population sample. The case-referent sample was investigated with a comprehensive questionnaire about occupational exposures, asthma, respiratory symptoms, smoking, and atopy. Odds ratios were calculated with stratification for gender, year of diagnosis, and birth year. RESULTS The highest odds ratio for "physician-diagnosed" asthma was associated with exposure to flour dust [odds ratio (OR) 2.8, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 1.5-5.2] and the occupational handling of resin-based paints (isocyanates) (OR 3.0, 95% CI 1.6-5.9). Exposure to welding fumes, textile dust, and work with glues containing acrylates was also associated with an increased odds ratio for "physician-diagnosed" asthma. Including persons with asthma-like symptoms (ie, the asthma group) showed similar results. CONCLUSION This population-based case-referent study from Sweden indicates that occupational exposure to acrylate-based compounds and welding fumes is associated with increased risk for adult-onset asthma.
Screening for Sexually Transmitted Infections (STIs) Among a Heterogeneous Group of WSW(M)

ABSTRACT Objectives: This study explored predictors of STI screening among a heterogeneous group of women who have sex with women and men. Methods: Following bivariate analyses, a multivariate logistic regression model was conducted to assess the relationship between testing and sociodemographic, relationship characteristics. Results: The majority of participants reported not receiving STI screening in the past year. Gender expression, and not sexual orientation, was a significant predictor of screening. For each increase in masculinity, participants had lower odds of receiving an STI test. Conclusions: More research is needed to understand how gender expression of WSW(M) relates to preventative health behaviors.
Factors influencing implementation of public procurement and disposal act, 2005 in public day secondary schools in Mukurwe-ini sub - county, Nyeri county, kenya

xi CHAPTER ONE: INTRODUCTION . 1 1.1 Background of the Study . 1 1.2 Statement of the Problem . 3 1.3 Purpose of the study . 5 1.4 Objectives of the study . 5 1.5 Research Questions . 5 1.6 Justification of the Study . 6 1.7 Limitation of the study. 6 1.8 Delimitation of the Study . 7 1.9 Assumptions . 7 1.10 Organization of the study . 7 1.11 Definition of Significant Terms . 8 CHAPTER TWO: LITERATURE REVIEW . 9