Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Review on the Current Trends of Toxoplasmosis Serodiagnosis in Humans

Toxoplasmosis is a widely distributed zoonotic infection caused by the obligate intracellular apicomplexan parasite Toxoplasma gondii. It is mainly transmitted through the ingestion of oocysts shed by an infected cat acting as its definitive host. The key to effective control and treatment of toxoplasmosis is prompt and accurate detection of T. gondii infection. Several laboratory diagnostic methods have been established, including the most commonly used serological assays such as the dye test (DT), direct or modified agglutination test (DAT/MAT), indirect hemagglutination test (IHA), latex agglutination test (LAT), indirect immunofluorescent test (IFAT), enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays (ELISA), immunochromatographic tests (ICT), and the western blot. Nonetheless, creating specific and reliable approaches for serodiagnosis of T. gondii infection, and differentiating between acute and chronic phases of infection remains a challenge. This review provides information on the current trends in the serodiagnosis of human toxoplasmosis. It highlights the advantages of the use of recombinant proteins for serological testing and provides insight into the possible future direction of these methods.
iTRAQ-Based Comparative Proteomic Analysis of Larval Midgut From the Beet Armyworm, Spodoptera exigua (Hübner) (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae) Challenged With the Entomopathogenic Bacteria Serratia marcescens

Entomopathogenic bacteria Serratia marcescens is widely used as an environmentally friendly biocontrol agent against various pests, including Spodoptera exigua. Understanding the immune defense mechanism of S. exigua through comparative proteomic analysis can identify the key proteins expressed in response to the microbial infection. Here, we employed the as isobaric tags for relative and absolute quantification (iTRAQ) technique to investigate the effects of S. marcescens on the proteomic expression of S. exigua. Based on the molecular functional analysis, the differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) were mainly involved in the binding process and catalytic activities. Further bioinformatics analysis revealed important DEPs that played a crucial role in innate immunity of S. exigua with recognition (C-type lectin), melanization (propanol oxidase 3, serine protease, Serine-type carboxypeptidase activity, clip domain serine protease 4), antimicrobial activity (lysozyme, lysozyme-like, gloverin, cecropin B), detoxification (acetyl-CoA C-acetyltransferase, 3-dehydroecdysone 3-alpha-reductase, glucuronosyltransferase, glutathione S-transferase) and others. The Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) results further indicated the significant upregulation of the immune-related genes in Spodoptera exigua following S. marcescens infection. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first iTRAQ based study to characterize S. marcescens mediated proteomic changes in S. exigua and identified important immune-related DEPs. The results of this study will provide an essential resource for understanding the host-pathogen interactions and the development of novel microbial biopesticides against various pests.
Steps Toward Safe Cell Therapy Using Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells

The enthusiasm for producing patient-specific human embryonic stem cells using somatic nuclear transfer has somewhat abated in recent years because of ethical, technical, and political concerns. However, the interest in generating induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs), in which pluripotency can be obtained by transcription factor transduction of various somatic cells, has rapidly increased. Human iPSCs are anticipated to open enormous opportunities in the biomedical sciences in terms of cell therapies for regenerative medicine and stem cell modeling of human disease. On the other hand, recent reports have emphasized the pitfalls of iPSC technology, including the potential for genetic and epigenetic abnormalities, tumorigenicity, and immunogenicity of transplanted cells. These constitute serious safety-related concerns for iPSC-based cell therapy. However, preclinical data supporting the safety and efficacy of iPSCs are also accumulating. In this Review, recent achievements and future tasks for safe iPSC-based cell therapy are summarized, using regenerative medicine for repair strategies in the damaged central nervous system (CNS) as a model. Insights on safety and preclinical use of iPSCs in cardiovascular repair model are also discussed.
The Range of Human APOBEC3H Sensitivity to Lentiviral Vif Proteins

ABSTRACT The APOBEC3H gene is polymorphic in humans, with four major population-dependent haplotypes that encode proteins with different levels of antiviral activity. Haplotype II, present most frequently in African populations, encodes the most stable protein and is most active against human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1). In contrast to human APOBEC3G, which can be completely counteracted by HIV-1 Vif, the protein encoded by APOBEC3H haplotype II is only partially sensitive to Vif, while the protein encoded by APOBEC3H haplotype I is completely resistant to HIV-1 Vif. We mapped a residue on APOBEC3H that determines this partial Vif sensitivity. However, it is unclear how HIV-1 can replicate in vivo without the ability to neutralize APOBEC3H antiviral activity. In order to directly address this question, we cloned vif genes from HIV-1-infected individuals with different APOBEC3H genotypes and tested them for their ability to inhibit human APOBEC3H. We found that while the APOBEC3H genotype of infected individuals significantly influences the activity of Vif encoded by their virus, none of the Vif variants tested can completely neutralize APOBEC3H as well as they neutralize APOBEC3G. Consistent with this genetic result, APOBEC3H protein expression in human peripheral blood mononuclear cells was below our limit of detection using newly developed antibodies against the endogenous protein. These results demonstrate that human APOBEC3H is not as strong of a selective force for current HIV-1 infections as human APOBEC3G.
GLOBAL CLASSICAL SOLUTIONS FOR REACTION-DIFFUSION SYSTEMS WITH A TRIANGULAR MATRIX OF DIFFUSION COEFFICIENTS

The goal of this article is to study the existence of classical solutions global in time for reaction-diffusion systems with strong coupling in the diffusion and with exponential growth (or without any growth) conditions on the nonlinear reactive terms. This extends some similar results in the case of a diagonal diffusion-operator associated with nonlinearities preserving the positivity and the total mass of the solutions or for which the total mass is a priori bounded.
Erythrocyte Incorporation of Iron by 56-Day-Old Infants Fed a 58Fe-Labeled Supplement

ABSTRACT: In an effort to obtain information about absorption of supplemental iron by breast-fed infants during the early months of life, we determined erythrocyte incorporation of a stable iron isotope, administered to 56-d-old breast-fed infants in the form of a 58Fe-labeled vitamin-iron supplement. Infants of similar age fed a milk-based formula low in iron (approximately 4 mg/L) were also studied. The 58Fe-labeled vitamin-iron supplement was given between feedings. Fourteen days after administration of 58Fe, mean erythrocyte incorporation of the isotope was 7.8% of the dose by breast-fed infants and 4.4% of the dose by formula-fed infants. The feeding-related difference was statistically significant, probably reflecting the greater quantities of inhibitors of iron absorption in the intestines of formula-fed infants. With mean iron intake from the 58Fe-labeled vitamin-iron supplement of 7.99 mg for the breast-fed infants, erythrocyte incorporation of 7.8% of the dose corresponded to 0.62 mg, a value in the range of the estimated requirement for absorbed iron. We conclude that 2-mo-old breast-fed infants are able to absorb nutritionally significant amounts of iron from an iron supplement.
Cross-Field Comparison of Ethics Education: Golden Rules and Particulars

ABSTRACT Research misconduct negatively impacts the scientific community and society in general. Providing training in the responsible conduct of research (RCR) to researchers is one viable approach to minimizing research misconduct. Although recent evidence suggests ethics training can indeed be effective, little empirical work has examined the similarities and differences across fields. In the present study, we analyzed 62 empirical studies in engineering, biomedical science, social science, and mixed fields. The findings suggest certain instructional principles, or “golden rules,” apply generally to all fields. These golden rules include maintaining a field-specific or field-general approach and emphasizing processes in training. The findings also suggest that content areas contributing to instructional effectiveness vary as a function of field. Generally, it appears that all fields may benefit from taking a multi-pronged approach to ethics education wherein the salient field issues are covered. Implications for RCR education are discussed.
In vitro activity of Sch 34343 and cefbuperazone against anaerobic bacteria

The in vitro activities of Sch 34343, a new penem antibiotic, and cefbuperazone, a new cephamycin antibiotic, were determined against 459 clinical anaerobic bacterial isolates and compared with the activities of imipenem and cefoxitin, respectively, by an agar dilution method. Both penems showed potent and similar activity against all anaerobic bacteria tested, particularly Peptococcus spp. , Bacteroides fragilis, and Clostridium perfringens. All organisms except a single strain of Fusobacterium necrogenes were inhibited by an 8 micrograms/ml concentration of either Sch 34343 or imipenem. Overall, gram-positive bacilli, particularly Lactobacillus species, Clostridium difficile, and Bifidobacterium and Actinomyces species, were relatively more resistant to either penem than other genera of anaerobic bacteria tested. Cefbuperazone demonstrated only modest activity against a wide spectrum of anaerobic bacteria. It had excellent and selective activity against B. fragilis and Bacteroides vulgatus but was highly inactive against Bacteroides distasonis and Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron within the B. fragilis group. Both cephamycins showed virtually no activity against C. difficile and Lactobacillus spp. Although cefbuperazone was more active against Bifidobacterium spp. , it had less activity against Fusobacterium spp. , Eubacterium spp. , and all Bacteroides spp. other than B. fragilis and B. vulgatus.
Influence of Carbopol 71G-NF on the release of dextromethorphan hydrobromide from extended-release matrix tablets

The objective of this study was to evaluate the potential of Carbopol® 71G-NF on the release of dextromethorphan hydrobromide (DM) from matrix tablets in comparison with hydroxypropyl methylcellulose (HPMC® K15M) and Eudragit® L100-55 polymers. Controlled release DM matrix tablets were prepared using Carbopol 71G-NF, HPMC K15M, and Eudragit L100-55 at different drug to polymer ratios by direct compression technique. The mechanical properties of the tablets as tested by crushing strength and friability tests were improved as the concentration of Carbopol, HPMC, and Eudragit increased. However, Carbopol-based tablets showed a significantly (P < 0.05) higher crushing strength and a lower friability than HPMC and Eudragit tablets. No significant differences in weight uniformity and thickness values were observed between the different formulations. It was also found that Carbopol significantly (P < 0.05) delayed the release of DM in comparison with HPMC K15M and Eudragit L100-55. A combination of HPMC K15M and Eudragit L100-55 in a 1:1 ratio at 20 and 30% significantly (P < 0.05) delayed the release of DM than Eudragit L100-55 alone. Moreover, blends of Carbopol and HPMC at a 1:1 ratio at the 10, 20, and 30% total polymer concentration were investigated. The blend of Carbopol and HPMC at 10% level significantly (P < 0.05) slowed the release of DM than Carbopol or HPMC alone, whereas blends at 20 and 30% level significantly (P < 0.05) delayed the release of DM compared with HPMC or Carbopol alone. The results with these polymer blends showed that it was possible to reduce the total amount of polymers when used as a combination in formulation.
Breast milk fatty acid composition has a long‐term effect on the risk of asthma, eczema, and sensitization

Levels of n‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) and n‐6 PUFAs in breast milk are associated with the development of allergic diseases up to school age. However, it is unknown whether this relationship persists when the child becomes older. We therefore studied the association between levels of n‐3 PUFAs and n‐6 PUFAs in breast milk of allergic‐ and nonallergic mothers and asthma, eczema and sensitization up to the age of 14 years.
Induction of caspase‐3 and nitric oxide synthase‐2 during gastric mucosal inflammatory reaction to Helicobacter pylori lipopolysaccharide

Helicobacter pylori lipopolysaccharide is recognized as a primary virulence factor evoking acute mucosal inflammatory reaction associated with H. pylori infection. We investigated the activity of a key apoptotic protease, caspase‐3, and the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase (NOS‐2) during H. pylori lipopolysaccharide‐induced acute gastritis. The assays conducted 4 days following intragastric dose of the lipopolysaccharide revealed a pattern of acute mucosal responses characterized by an 11.2‐fold increase in epithelial cells apoptosis, inflammatory infiltration of the lamina propria, hyperemia, and epithelial hemorrhage. This was accompanied by a 5.4‐fold increase in caspase‐3 activity, while the mucosal expression of NOS‐2 showed a 6.5‐fold induction. The results implicate H. pylori lipopolysaccharide in the induction of NOS‐2 expression, and point to its effect on activation of the signaling cascade involving caspase‐3 in the process gastric epithelial cells apoptosis.
Hepatocellular carcinoma in a low-endemic area: rising incidence and improved survival

Objective To examine recent trends in incidence and outcome among patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in an unselected population in Western Europe. Methods Data from the nationwide Netherlands Cancer Registry were used to estimate trends in incidence for all 6514 patients newly diagnosed with primary liver cancer between 1989 and 2009. Trends in incidence, treatment, and relative survival according to sex and age were estimated in 5143 patients with HCC, also using the European Standardized Rates (ESR). Results The ESR for all primary liver cancers combined increased significantly between 1989 and 2009 as did the ESR for HCC among men (estimated annual percentage change: 2.2%, 95% confidence interval: 1.6–2.7) and for women aged below 60 years, suggesting etiological influences in these groups. Especially, the nonhistologically confirmed HCC incidence increased. More patients underwent surgery for HCC, from 9% in 1989–1994 to 23% in 2005–2009, as well as chemotherapy and/or irradiation, from 6 to 11% in the same period. At the end of the study period, only 66% of patients received noncancer-related HCC therapy, that is, best supportive care, compared with 85% in 1989–1994. The 1 and 5-year relative survival for patients with HCC increased significantly (P<0.001 and P<0.001). Conclusion In as much as the modest increase in the incidence of HCC was a matter of better detection, due to improved imaging techniques, which may have affected the overall relative survival for HCC patients, the increasing trend in survival is likely to be, in the absence of other explanations, due to better treatment of the underlying liver cirrhosis.
The Recommendation and Provision of Mouthguards: A Survey of Consultant Orthodontists in the UK

Objective To establish the recommendation and provision of mouthguards for orthodontic patients attending hospital departments in the UK. Design Prospective, online questionnaire. Setting Hospital orthodontic departments in the UK. Participants In total, 196 out of 254 consultant orthodontists completed a questionnaire (response rate 77%). Method Consultants were asked to complete an online questionnaire regarding the recommendation and provision of mouthguards in their units. Results The majority of consultants (73%) routinely advise the use of a mouthguard to patients wearing fixed appliances whilst playing contact sports. Adaptable mouthguards are most frequently recommended, followed by custom-made and stock mouthguards. One hundred and eight consultants (55%) stated that they were able to provide custom-made mouthguards in their units. Thirty-four consultants charged for the service, at an average price of £37. The majority of consultants (63%) did not provide adaptable or stock mouthguards. In departments where adaptable or stock mouthguards were sold, the average price was £13. Thirty-eight consultants (20%) did not routinely give advice regarding the lifespan, or the possible need to replace the mouthguard. Conclusions The recommendation and provision of mouthguards varies amongst consultants. The majority of consultant orthodontists provide custom-made mouthguards.
Effect of aluminium on calcium-sensing receptor expression, proliferation, and apoptosis of parathyroid glands from rats with chronic renal failure.

BACKGROUND To assess the effect of aluminium on the calcium-sensing receptor expression, proliferation, and apoptosis in parathyroid glands from rats with chronic renal failure, 2(1/2)-month-old male Wistar rats were 7/8 nephrectomized. METHODS Eight weeks after surgery the rats were divided into two groups, one receiving intraperitoneal AlCl3 for 8 weeks and the other receiving intraperitoneal placebo. Serum Al, Ca, P, creatinine, and PTH were measured. Parathyroid glands were removed, formaldehyde-fixed, and paraffin-embedded. Calcium-sensing receptor and proliferation were detected by immunohistochemistry and apoptosis by TUNEL and propidium iodide uptake. RESULTS At the end of the study, despite higher levels of serum P in the aluminium group (6.27 +/- 0.63 vs. 5.56 +/- 0.58 mg/dL; P = 0.045), serum PTH was lower (89.6 +/- 57.7 vs. 183.1 +/- 123.8 pg/mL; P = 0.059). No significant differences were found in the calcium-sensing receptor expression between groups (aluminium: 27.1 +/- 7.6; placebo: 25.4 +/- 3.5 RU). Rats receiving aluminium showed a significantly lower cell proliferation rate than the control rats (0.54 +/- 0.69 vs. 4.43 +/- 3.10 cells/mm2; P = 0.003). No apoptotic events were detected. CONCLUSION Aluminium was able to reduce the cell proliferation of the parathyroid glands. Due to the low apoptosis rate, however, it was not possible to find any change. Aluminium had no effect on the calcium-sensing receptor expression.
Effects of different shoe-lacing patterns on the biomechanics of running shoes

Abstract In the present study, we examined the influence of shoe lacing on foot biomechanics in running. Twenty experienced rearfoot runners ran in six different lacing conditions across a force platform at a speed of 3.3 m · s−1. Foot pronation during contact, tibial acceleration, and plantar pressure distribution of the right leg were recorded. The test conditions differed in the number of laced eyelets (1, 2, 3, 6 or 7) and in lacing tightness (weak, regular or strong). The results show reduced loading rates (P < 0.05) and pronation velocities (P < 0.01) in the tightest and highest lacing conditions. The lowest peak pressures under the heel and lateral midfoot (P < 0.01) were observed in the high (seven-eyelet) lacing pattern. Regular six-eyelet cross-lacing resulted in higher loading rates (P < 0.05) and higher peak heel pressures (P < 0.01) than seven-eyelet lacing, without any significant differences in perceived comfort. The low lace shoe conditions resulted in lower impacts (P < 0.01) and lower peak pressures under metatarsal heads III and V (P < 0.01), which is probably induced by the foot sliding within the shoe. A firm foot-to-shoe coupling with higher lacing leads to a more effective use of running shoe features and is likely to reduce the risk of lower limb injury.
Multiple sclerosis pathology in the normal and abnormal appearing white matter of the corpus callosum by diffusion tensor imaging

Lesions in the corpus callosum in multiple sclerosis (MS) include those that are hyperintense on T2-weighted images, which can be either focal (isolated) or connected, but there is evidence that the corpus callosum, similar to other white matter regions, contains normal appearing white matter (NAWM) which is abnormal based on quantitative MR methodologies. In this pilot study, diffusion tensor based measures were determined in corpus callosum from 10 patients with MS and 12 age and gender matched controls. T2-hyperintense lesions were carefully segmented out from normal appearing corpus callosum to minimize contamination of the NAWM fraction with these lesions. The orientationally averaged diffusion coefficient was increased and the fractional anisotropy reduced in the NAWM fraction of the MS patients. These results confirm prior studies which suggest that pathology in the NAWM occurs independent of focal MS lesions, and are not likely the result of sample contamination through or across slices. This injury to the NAWM may be the result of focal, microscopic T2-invisible lesions and/or secondary degeneration related to distant lesions whose related fibres cross the corpus callosum.
The Cardioprotective Effects of Preconditioning with Endotoxin, but Not Ischemia, Are Abolished by a Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor-γ Antagonist

We investigated whether endogenous ligands of peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPAR-γ) protect the heart against ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury. The selective PPAR-γ antagonist GW9662 (2-chloro-5-nitrobenzanilide) was used in rat models of 1) regional myocardial I/R, 2) ischemic preconditioning, and 3) delayed cardioprotection by endotoxin. We also investigated the effects of the selective cyclooxygenase-2 inhibitor, parecoxib, on ischemic preconditioning and delayed cardioprotective effects of endotoxin. Male Wistar rats were anesthetized with sodium thiopentone. Animals were subjected to either 15 or 25 min of regional myocardial I/R and pretreated with the PPAR-γ agonist ciglitazone (0.3 mg/kg), the PPAR-γ antagonist GW9662 (1 mg/kg), or GW9662 and ciglitazone. Animals were also subjected to either 1) ischemic preconditioning alone, ischemic preconditioning, and pretreated with either GW9662 or parecoxib (20 mg/kg) or 2) lipopolysaccharide (LPS) (1 mg/kg) alone, LPS, and pretreated with ciglitazone, GW9662, or parecoxib (20 mg/kg). Myocardial infarct size was determined by p-nitroblue tetrazolium staining. The PPAR-γ antagonist GW9662 (1 mg/kg) abolished the cardioprotection afforded by the potent PPAR-γ agonist ciglitazone (0.3 mg/kg). Neither GW9662 nor parecoxib affected the cardioprotective effects of ischemic preconditioning. Pretreatment with ciglitazone did not provide additional cardioprotection to LPS-treated animals. Both GW9662 and parecoxib abolished the delayed cardioprotective effects of endotoxin. Thus, we propose that 1) endogenous ligands of PPAR-γ are being generated by myocardial ischemia in sufficient amounts to attenuate myocardial I/R injury, and 2) that cyclooxygenase-2 metabolites contribute to (or even account for) the cardioprotective effects of endotoxin (second window of protection) by acting as endogenous PPAR-γ ligands.