Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Antibacterial peptides isolated from insects.

Insects are amazingly resistant to bacterial infections. To combat pathogens, insects rely on cellular and humoral mechanisms, innate immunity being dominant in the latter category. Upon detection of bacteria, a complex genetic cascade is activated, which ultimately results in the synthesis of a battery of antibacterial peptides and their release into the haemolymph. The peptides are usually basic in character and are composed of 20-40 amino acid residues, although some smaller proteins are also included in the antimicrobial repertoire. While the proline-rich peptides and the glycine-rich peptides are predominantly active against Gram-negative strains, the defensins selectively kill Gram-positive bacteria and the cecropins are active against both types. The insect antibacterial peptides are very potent: their IC50 (50% of the bacterial growth inhibition) hovers in the submicromolar or low micromolar range. The majority of the peptides act through disintegrating the bacterial membrane or interfering with membrane assembly, with the exception of drosocin, apidaecin and pyrrhocoricin which appear to deactivate a bacterial protein in a stereospecific manner. In accordance with their biological function, the membrane-active peptides form ordered structures, e.g. alpha-helices or beta-pleated sheets and often cast permeable ion-pores. Their cytotoxic properties were exploited in in vivo studies targeting tumour progression. Although the native peptides degrade quickly in biological fluids other than insect haemolymph, structural modifications render the peptides resistant against proteases without sacrificing biological activity. Indeed, a pyrrhocoricin analogue shows lack of toxicity in vitro and in vivo and protects mice against experimental Escherichia coli infection. Careful selection of lead molecules based on the insect antibacterial peptides may extend their utility and produce viable alternatives to the conventional antimicrobial compounds for mammalian therapy.
Chemical composition, antioxidant and antimicrobial activity of the turmeric essential oil (Curcuma longa L.)

In the present work, essential oil has been obtained by Clevenger-type hydrodestillation from grounded curcuma rhizome (Rhizoma Curcumae) (Turkey) with hydromodulus 1:5 m/V during 180 minutes. The qualitative and quantitative composition of the oil was determined by GC-MS and GC-FID spectrometry. The antioxidant activity of the obtained oil was determined using DPPH assay just after adding DPPH radical and after 20 min, 30 min and 45 min incubation with radical. The antimicrobial activity was determined using a discdiffusion method. The yield of the essential oil was 0.3 cm3/ 100 g plant material. Eight compounds were identified. The major ones were ar-turmerone (22.7%), turmerone (26%) and curlone (16.8%). The best antioxidant activity showed the oil incubated for 45 minutes with DPPH radical. EC50 values for the obtained oil were 1.784 mg/cm3 (without incubation), 0.098 mg/cm3 (after 20 minutes), 0.072 mg/cm3 (after 30 minutes) and 0.045 mg/cm3 (after 45 minutes incubation with radical). The oil showed the best antimicrobial activity against Candida albicans. The results indicate that turmeric essential oil is an extremely strong antioxidant and antimicrobial (antifungal) agent with potential application in the food and pharmaceutical industries as a safer alternative to the synthetic antioxidants and antimicrobial agents.
Psychological, Allergic, and Toxicological Aspects of Patients with Amalgam-Related Complaints

Background: To deepen the understanding of the numerous unspecific complaints which are related to the dental material amalgam both in patients and physicians, an interdisciplinary case-control study regarding toxicological, allergic, psychological and psychiatric aspects was conducted. Forty patients with amalgam-associated complaints were compared to a well-matched group of 40 amalgam bearers without complaints. Methods: Patients and controls underwent a dental examination, which included recording of the quantity, surface area and quality of amalgam fillings, a determination of the mercury load in blood and urine, an allergy examination including patch testing with amalgam and a psychometric assessment with questionnaires noting coping strategies (ABI-UMW-P), interpersonal problems (Inventory of Interpersonal Problems) and self-consciousness (SAM), the NEO Five-Factor Inventory, Symptom Checklist-90-R, Beck Depression Inventory and a screening instrument for somatoform disorders. Results: Patients and controls did not differ with respect to mercury concentrations in body fluids. Only 1 patient was found to have a positive amalgam patch test; various other allergies could be determined in 28% of patients (n = 11). Patients had higher levels of psychic distress, a higher incidence of depression and somatization disorders as well as different styles of coping with anxiety compared to controls. Conclusions: No indication for mercury intoxication or amalgam allergy as a cause of the patients’ complaints could be found. The theory of amalgam-related complaints as an expression of underlying psychic problems is supported. Treatment should focus on somatization and changing coping and attribution styles.
Environmental antecedents of young‐onset Parkinson's disease

We conducted an exploratory study of young-onset Parkinson's disease (YOPD) to examine occupational and environmental factors associated with disease risk. This case-control study included 63 YOPD patients (diagnosis on or before age 50); controls (n = 68) were diagnosed with rheumatoid arthritis. Crude odds ratios (ORs) were computed to identify exposure variables for logistic regression analyses. After controlling for the variables of race, educational level, sex, age, age at diagnosis, and family history of Parkinson's disease (PD), PD was positively associated with insecticide exposure (OR = 5.75, p < 0.001), past residency in a fumigated house (OR = 5.25, p = 0.046), herbicide exposure (OR = 3.22, p = 0.033), rural residency at time of diagnosis (OR = 2.72, p = 0.027), and nuts and seed eating 10 years before diagnosis (OR = 1.49, p = 0.021). PD was inversely associated with cigarette smoking at 5 years (OR = 0.50, p = 0.027), 10 years (OR = 0.43, p = 0.012), and 15 years (OR = 0.37, p = 0.005) before diagnosis, farm residency (OR = 0.38, p = 0.018), and exposure to dimethyl sulfoxide (OR = 0.10, p < 0.001). These findings are consistent with hypotheses linking PD to exposure to pesticide agents.
Analysis of Pterygium Size and Induced Corneal Astigmatism

Purpose: To study the relationship between pterygium size (extension, width, total area) and corneal astigmatism in eyes with unilateral primary pterygium. Also to determine the critical size for surgery before the occurrence of a significant corneal astigmatism. Methods: This study was conducted on 77 eyes of 77 patients with unilateral primary pterygium. The extension and width were measured and the total area was calculated. Automated keratometry was used to determine corneal astigmatism. Results: Pterygium extension ranged from 0.25 to 6.50 mm (mean, 2.0 ± 1.2 mm), width ranged from 1.50 to 10.0 mm (mean, 4.19 ± 1.5 mm), and total area ranged from 0.3 to 24.3 mm2 (mean, 5.0 ± 4.8 mm2). The mean value of corneal astigmatism was significantly (P < 0.0001) higher in pterygium-affected eyes (1.2 ± 0.9 D) than control eyes (0.6 ± 0.5 D). With-the-rule was the main type of pterygium-induced astigmatism (49.4%), followed by against-the-rule (36.4%) and oblique (14.3%). Pterygium extension had the best correlation (Pearson correlation coefficient r = 0.462, P < 0.001), followed by total area (r = 0.447, P < 0.002) and width (r = 0.348, P < 0.002). A stronger correlation was noted between pterygium size and the difference in corneal astigmatism between pterygium-affected eyes and control eyes. Pterygium induced 2 D of corneal astigmatism when its extension exceeded 2.2 mm, width exceeded 5 mm, or total area exceeded 6.25 mm2. Conclusions: Pterygium extension and total area have a stronger correlation with corneal astigmatism than does width. Surgical intervention is indicated when pterygium extension exceeded 2.2 mm, width exceeded 5 mm, or total area exceeded 6.25 mm2.
Neurocognitive consequences of a paediatric brain tumour and its treatment: a meta‐analysis

Aim This meta‐analysis provides a systematic review of studies into intellectual and attentional functioning of paediatric brain tumour survivors (PBTS) as assessed by two widely used measures: the Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children (3rd edition; WISC‐III) and the Conners’ Continuous Performance Test (CPT).
A Method to Produce Radiation Hybrids for the D-Genome Chromosomes of Wheat (Triticum aestivum L.)

Radiation hybrid (RH) mapping is based on radiation-induced chromosome breakage rather than meiotic recombination, as a means to induce marker segregation for mapping. To date, the implementation of this mapping approach in hexaploid (Triticum aestivum L.; 2n = 6x = 42; AABBDD) and tetraploid (T. turgidum L.; 2n = 4x = 28; AABB) wheat has concentrated on the production of mapping panels for individual chromosomes. In order to extend the usefulness of this approach, we have devised a method to produce panels for the simultaneous mapping of all chromosomes of the D subgenome of hexaploid wheat. In this approach, seeds of hexaploid wheat (AABBDD) are irradiated and the surviving plants are crossed to tetraploid wheat (AABB) to produce a mapping panel based on quasi-pentaploids (AABBD). Chromosome lesions in the A and B genomes are largely masked in the quasi-pentaploids due to the presence of A- and B-genome chromosomes from the tetraploid parent. On the other hand, the chromosomes from the D-genome are present in one copy (hemizygous) and allow radiation hybrid mapping of all D-genome chromosomes simultaneously. Our analyses showed that transmission of D-genome chromosomes was apparently normal and that radiation-induced chromosome breakage along D-genome chromosomes was homogeneous. Chromosome breakage levels between D-genome chromosomes were comparable except for chromosome 6D which suffered greater chromosome breakage. These results demonstrate the feasibility of constructing D-genome radiation hybrids (DGRHs) in wheat.
Outcome of elderly patients undergoing primary percutaneous coronary intervention for acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction.

AIM To investigate the outcome of primary percutaneous coronary interventions (PCI) in elderly patients (>/=>/=75 years) with ST-elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). METHODS AND RESULTS Between 1995 and 2003, a total of 319 consecutive patients with acute ST-elevation myocardial infarction presenting within 6-12 hr after onset of symptoms were prospectively enrolled in a registry. Of 296 patients undergoing primary PCI, 40 patients were >/=>/=75 years old (group A) and 256 patients younger than 75 years (group B). Elderly patients presented with a lower ejection fraction (49 +/- 14% vs. 53 +/- 13%, P = 0.046) and a higher number of cardiovascular risk factors. PCI success was achieved in 80% (group A) and 91% (group B, P = 0.031), respectively with comparable door-to-balloon times (87 +/- 49 and 95 +/- 79 min, P = ns). Periprocedural complications in both groups were low and major adverse cardiac events (death, myocardial infarction, target vessel revascularization and cardiac rehospitalization) after 6 months amounted to 23% (group A) and 20% (group B, P = ns), respectively. CONCLUSIONS Clinical outcome of elderly patients (>/=>/=75 years) with acute STEMI is favorable and comparable with the middle-aged population. However, procedural success was significantly lower in elderly (80%) compared to younger patients (90%). Acute percutaneous coronary intervention appears to be safe and not associated with higher periprocedural complications, in elderly patients.
The effects of transient systemic hypotension on renal oxidative status, morphology and plasma nitric oxide levels in pregnant rats

Objective. Transient hypotension attacks, frequently experienced during pregnancy, have detrimental effects on maternal and fetal physiology. Despite the strong autoregulatory mechanisms, kidneys are remarkably sensitive to hypoperfusion. Transient hypotension together with high metabolic demand and increased oxygen requirement during pregnancy may disturb the oxidant status and natural course of nitric oxide (NO) metabolism. Therefore, we investigated in this study the effects of systemic hypotension during pregnancy on kidney oxidant status and morphology and plasma NO levels in an experimental hypotension model in rats. Methods. Twenty-four rats were allocated into four groups as non-pregnant control (NPC), non-pregnant hypotensive (NPH), pregnant control (PC) and pregnant-hypotensive (PH). Blood pressure was monitored only (NPC, PC) or systemic hypotension by blood withdrawal (NPH, PH) was produced for 30 min following catheterisation on the 15th day of pregnancy or at a corresponding time in the control animals. Animals were sacrificed after 48 h of reperfusion. Malonyldialdehyde (MDA) and reduced glutathione (GSH) levels, superoxide dismutase and catalase activities in the kidneys and plasma NO levels were measured. Tissues were evaluated, histologically. Results. Hypotension and/or pregnancy elevated MDA levels, which was significant in the NPH and PH groups (p < 0.05). GSH levels were lower in all groups compared with the NPC group (p < 0.05). Pregnancy itself increased NO only in the control animals (p < 0.05), not in the hypotensive pregnant rats. Transient hypotension resulted in kidney damage in both hypotension groups, and damage was more prominent in renal cortical regions. The most severe effects were seen in the PH group (p < 0.05). Conclusions. The findings of this study show that transient hypotension induces a kidney injury in pregnant rats. MDA and GSH in kidneys seem to play a role in the pathophysiology of this injury. However, the roles of antioxidant enzymes and NO and the other underlying mechanisms deserve and necessitate further investigation regarding the long-term health of the mother and fetus.
Blockage of the neurokinin 1 receptor and capsaicin‐induced ablation of the enteric afferent nerves protect SCID mice against T‐cell‐induced chronic colitis

Background: The neurotransmitter substance P (SP) released by, and the transient receptor potential vanilloid (TRPV1), expressed by afferent nerves, have been implicated in mucosal neuro‐immune‐regulation. To test if enteric afferent nerves are of importance for the development of chronic colitis, we examined antagonists for the high‐affinity neurokinin 1 (NK‐1) SP receptor and the TRPV1 receptor agonist capsaicin in a T‐cell transfer model for chronic colitis. Methods: Chronic colitis was induced in SCID mice by injection of CD4+CD25− T cells. The importance of NK‐1 signaling and TRPV1 expressing afferent nerves for disease development was studied in recipient SCID mice systemically treated with either high‐affinity NK‐1 receptor antagonists or neurotoxic doses of capsaicin. In addition, we studied the colitis‐inducing effect of NK‐1 receptor deleted CD4+CD25− T cells. Results: Treatment with the NK‐1 receptor antagonist CAM 4092 reduced the severity of colitis, but colitis was induced by NK‐1 receptor‐deleted T cells, suggesting that SP in colitis targets the recipient mouse cells and not the colitogenic donor T cells. Capsaicin‐induced depletion of nociceptive afferent nerves prior to CD4+CD25− T‐cell transfer completely inhibited the development of colitis. Conclusions: Our data demonstrate the importance of an intact enteric afferent nerve system and NK‐1 signaling in mucosal inflammation and may suggest new treatment modalities for patients suffering from inflammatory bowel disease. (Inflamm Bowel Dis 2009)
Immunopathological and ultrastructural findings in human allergic and irritant contact dermatitis

The histopathological features of allergic contact dermatitis were compared with those of irritant contact dermatitis in a group of 17 subjects. Each patient received simultaneous patch tests of a known allergen and a standardized irritant (benzalkonium chloride). The cellular changes occurring between 3 h and 7 days after patch test application were studied by light and electron microscopy and immunocytochemistry. No differences were observed between the induced allergic contact dermatitis (ACD) and the irritant contact dermatitis (ICD), either in the responding cell types or the sequence of cellular events. Both reactions showed a predominantly T lymphocyte infiltrate with no polymorphonuclear leukocyte involvement. Apposition of Langerbans cells to lymphocytes in the epidermis was seen in both types of response. Considerable variability in the intensity of reaction to irritant and allergen occurred within individuals. There was no statistically significant difference between the intensity of the reactions to the irritant and the allergen.
Association of iron indices and type 2 diabetes: a meta‐analysis of observational studies

The literature on the role of body iron status in the development of type 2 diabetes (T2D) in humans is inconsistent. We aimed to assess the association between iron indices and T2D by a meta‐analysis of previously published studies. A systematic literature search was conducted in PubMed and EMBASE. Observational studies on the association of ferritin (when controlled for age and sex), transferrin saturation, soluble transferrin receptor and transferrin with T2D were included. Pooled association estimates were calculated using a random effects model. Forty‐six eligible studies were identified. The pooled multivariable adjusted relative risks of T2D in the highest versus lowest quartile of ferritin levels were significantly elevated in both cross‐sectional as well as prospective studies and after restriction to inflammation‐adjusted studies [overall: 1.67 (95%CI 1.41‐1.99)]. The mean difference indicated 43.54 ng/mL (95%CI 28.14‐58.94) higher ferritin levels in type 2 diabetic individuals. The relative risk for a transferrin saturation ≥50% was 1.59 (95%CI 1.28‐1.97), the mean difference was −1.92% [95%CI −2.99‐(−0.85)]. Study‐specific results of soluble transferrin receptor and transferrin levels were extremely heterogeneous. Ferritin and clinically elevated transferrin saturation were strongly associated with an increased risk of T2D, overall and in prospective studies. Ferritin was also significantly associated after multivariable adjustment including inflammation. Thus, the current evidence hints at a causal effect; however, publication bias and unmeasured confounding cannot be excluded. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Biochemical evaluation of the effects of storage on feline erythrocytes.

OBJECTIVE To describe the biochemical changes that occur during storage of feline packed red blood cells. METHODS Feline packed red blood cells were obtained from the manufacturer via overnight delivery immediately following collection. Bag spikes were placed using aseptic technique and samples were drawn on days 1, 4, 7, 14, 21, 28 and 35. Sodium, potassium, chloride, glucose, lactate, pH and ammonia were measured at each time point. Aerobic and anaerobic bacterial cultures were submitted following collection on day 35. RESULTS There were statistically significant increases in the median concentrations of lactate and ammonia within the first 2 weeks of storage to a concentration of 12·38 mmol/L and 447·96 µmol/L, respectively. Glucose concentrations decreased significantly by day 28 to a mean of 1·86 mmol/L. Median sodium and chloride concentrations increased throughout the course of storage to a concentration of 158·20 and 131·00 mmol/L, respectively. Mean potassium concentrations decreased to a concentration of 2·40 mmol/L. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE These results show that biochemical derangements within feline packed red blood cells are progressive, with some alterations, such as lactate and ammonia, occurring early within the storage periods, while others, including glucose and electrolytes, are slower to develop. Additional prospective research evaluating the clinical effects of these biochemical alterations is required.
The possible role of factor H in colon cancer resistance to complement attack

A soluble complement inhibitor factor H (FH) and its splice variant factor H‐like protein (FHL) have been recently discovered to play a major role in malignant cell escape from complement‐mediated cytotoxicity in lung‐, ovarian‐ and glia‐derived neoplasms. The role of FH in colon cancer has not yet been examined. Here, we studied immunocytochemically FH/FHL expression in tumor samples derived from 40 patients, with both primary colon adenocarcinoma and metastatic foci in the liver. FH/FHL immunoreactivity was present in stroma of both primary and metastatic tumors, in virtually all patients. The cellular immunoreactivity was observed infrequently. Importantly, when analyzed quantitatively, FH/FHL immunoreactivity was significantly increased in liver metastases when compared with the primary sites. In addition, we have analyzed FH and FHL expression in 5 colon cancer cell lines: SW480, SW620, HCT116, HT‐29 and Lovo. FH mRNA and FH secretion were observed in SW620 and HT‐29 cells, whereas FHL was produced only by HT‐29 cell‐line. By confocal and electron microscopy, FH immunoreactivity was associated with the plasma membrane and intracellular vesicular structures. Finally, we have analyzed the role of FH in the susceptibility of SW620 colon cancer cells to complement‐mediated damage. When FH function was blocked, using specific antibody, the cells became more susceptible to lysis. Taken together, our results suggest an important role of FH/FHL in colon cancer cells defense against complement‐mediated cytotoxicity, and in metastatic process. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The cognitive profile and CSF biomarkers in dementia with Lewy bodies and Parkinson's disease dementia

Dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) and Parkinson's disease dementia (PDD) may be viewed as different points on a continuum reflecting the regional burden and distribution of pathology. An important clinical consideration is overlapping Alzheimer's disease (AD) pathology, since it has been reported that associated AD pathology in DLB shortens survival and leads to a more rapid cognitive decline. We aimed to investigate cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) biomarkers and the associated cognitive profile in DLB and PDD.
Human Lung Cancer Risks from Radon – Part III - Evidence of Influence of Combined Bystander and Adaptive Response Effects on Radon Case-Control Studies - A Microdose Analysis

Since the publication of the BEIR VI (1999) report on health risks from radon, a significant amount of new data has been published showing various mechanisms that may affect the ultimate assessment of radon as a carcinogen, in particular the potentially deleterious Bystander Effect (BE) and the potentially beneficial Adaptive Response radio-protection (AR). The case-control radon lung cancer risk data of the pooled 13 European countries radon study (Darby et al 2005, 2006) and the 8 North American pooled study (Krewski et al 2005, 2006) have been evaluated. The large variation in the odds ratios of lung cancer from radon risk is reconciled, based on the large variation in geological and ecological conditions and variation in the degree of adaptive response radio-protection against the bystander effect induced lung damage. The analysis clearly shows Bystander Effect radon lung cancer induction and Adaptive Response reduction in lung cancer in some geographical regions. It is estimated that for radon levels up to about 400 Bq m−3 there is about a 30% probability that no human lung cancer risk from radon will be experienced and a 20% probability that the risk is below the zero-radon, endogenic spontaneous or perhaps even genetically inheritable lung cancer risk rate. The BEIR VI (1999) and EPA (2003) estimates of human lung cancer deaths from radon are most likely significantly excessive. The assumption of linearity of risk, by the Linear No-Threshold Model, with increasing radon exposure is invalid.