Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Macular imaging by optical coherence tomography in the diagnosis and management of glaucoma

The macular area is important to the detection of glaucomatous retinal ganglion cell (RGC) damage. Macular thickness complementary to peripapillary retinal nerve fibre layer (RNFL) thickness can well reflect glaucomatous damage, given that the macula contains more than 50% of the RGCs in a multilayered pattern and larger RGC bodies compared with their axons. Thus, macular ganglion cell thickness parameters recently have been considered to be an effective glaucoma-diagnostic tool comparable to RNFL thickness parameters. Furthermore, spectral-domain optical coherence tomography ganglion cell–inner plexiform layer thickness and deviation maps can provide additional information essential for distinguishing glaucomatous changes from other, myopia-associated or macular disease-associated changes. Therefore, our aim with this study was to review the clinical application of macular imaging by optical coherence tomography and to provide essential clinical tips for its use in the diagnosis and management of glaucoma.
Induction of cytochrome P450 2E1 [corrected] promotes liver injury in ob/ob mice.

UNLABELLED Cytochrome P450 2E1 (CYP2E1) activates several hepatotoxins and contributes to alcoholic liver damage. Obesity is a growing health problem in the United States. The aim of the present study was to evaluate whether acetone- or pyrazole-mediated induction of CYP2E1 can potentiate liver injury in obesity. CYP2E1 protein and activity were elevated in acetone- or pyrazole-treated obese and lean mice. Acetone or pyrazole induced distinct histological changes in liver and significantly higher aminotransferase enzymes in obese mice compared to obese controls or acetone- or pyrazole-treated lean mice. Higher caspase-3 activity and numerous apoptotic hepatocytes were observed in the acetone- or pyrazole-treated obese mice. Increased protein carbonyls, malondialdehyde, 4-hydroxynonenal-protein adducts, elevated levels of inducible nitric oxide synthase, and higher 3-nitrotyrosine protein adducts were found in livers of acetone- or pyrazole-treated obese animals, suggesting elevated oxidative and nitrosative stress. Liver tumor necrosis factor alpha levels were higher in pyrazole-treated animals. The CYP2E1 inhibitor chlormethiazole and iNOS inhibitor N-(3-(aminomethyl)-benzyl) acetamidine abrogated the toxicity and the oxidative/nitrosative stress elicited by the induction of CYP2E1. CONCLUSION These results show that obesity contributes to oxidative stress and liver injury and that induction of CYP2E1 enhances these effects.
On Chip Bioelectric Impedance Spectroscopy Reveals the Effect of P-Glycoprotein Efflux Pumps on the Paracellular Impedance of Tight Junctions at the Blood–Brain Barrier

Bioelectric impedance spectroscopy was used to elucidate the influence of P-gp efflux pumps on the kinetics of tight junction down-regulation in confluent monolayers of Madine Darby Canine Kidney Epithelial Cells (MDCK) following administration of phenylarsine oxide (PAO), a molecule that inhibits protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTP) and induces matrix metalloproteinase activity. Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) and phosphatase inhibitors induce modification of occludin tight junction proteins critical for the proper function of the blood-brain barrier. The addition of PAO to MDCKII cell lines resulted in a dramatic decrease in monolayer resistance. In contrast, MDCKII-MDR1 cells transfected with the MDR1 gene treated with PAO showed an initial decrease in monolayer resistance followed by a partial recovery and subsequent decrease. This resistance decay reversal was suppressed with the addition of the P-glycoprotein (P-gp) pump inhibitor elacridar, and is attributed to PAO efflux. These results illustrate impedance spectroscopy can be used to characterize the competing kinetics of efflux and down-regulation of tight junctions. In addition, the resistance decay reversal effect can be used to evaluate P-gp pump inhibitor efficacy.
Lymphocyte subset counts during the course of community-acquired pneumonia: evolution according to age, human immunodeficiency virus status, and etiologic microorganisms.

We investigated the evolution of lymphocyte subsets in blood samples from 94 consecutive patients with community-acquired pneumonia; these samples were obtained 72 hours after hospitalization and at follow-up, when the patients were considered to be cured. Acute-phase lymphocyte counts, as compared with follow-up counts, were decreased in the overall population (P < .0001); however, the percentage of CD4+ T cells remained unchanged during the course of pneumonia in each patient. These changes that were noted for the overall population were not significantly influenced by age, the presence (or not) of infection with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), or etiologic microorganisms. Of the 68 HIV-seronegative patients, 12 had initial CD4+ T cell counts of < 200/mm3; multivariate analysis revealed that this finding was significantly associated with the presence of an underlying disease or tuberculosis and an age of > or = 60 years.
Towards a qualitative understanding of human capital in entrepreneurship research

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to revisit the conceptualization and measurement of human capital in entrepreneurship research. Design/methodology/approach By contrasting reflective and formative conceptions, it shows that human capital is more appropriately seen as defined and formed by its indicators (education, work experience, entrepreneurial experience, industry experience, and managerial experience). It, then, explores the configurations of these indicators in a qualitative comparative analysis framework based on Boolean algebra and fuzzy-set methodology. It derives an empirical typology of the human capital of nascent entrepreneurs, based on two primary combinations of indicators. Findings The paper shows that the relationship between human capital and venture emergence is best represented as multiple, conjectural causation, i.e. human capital matters through certain combinations of its indicators. Originality/value The discussion and results offer novel and valuable insights into entrepreneurship researchers for the conceptualization and use of human capital constructs.
PET of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor expression.

UNLABELLED For solid tumors and metastatic lesions, tumor vascularity is a critical factor in assessing response to therapy. Here we report the first example, to our knowledge, of (64)Cu-labeled vascular endothelial growth factor 121 (VEGF(121)) for PET of VEGF receptor (VEGFR) expression in vivo. METHODS VEGF(121) was conjugated with 1,4,7,10-tetraazadodecane-N,N',N'',N'''-tetraacetic acid (DOTA) and then labeled with (64)Cu for small-animal PET of mice bearing different sized U87MG human glioblastoma xenografts. Blocking experiments and ex vivo histopathology were performed to confirm the in vivo results. RESULTS There were 4.3 +/- 0.2 DOTA molecules per VEGF(121), and the VEGFR2 binding affinity of DOTA-VEGF(121) was comparable to VEGF(121). (64)Cu labeling of DOTA-VEGF(121) was achieved in 90 +/- 10 min and the radiolabeling yield was 87.4% +/- 3.2%. The specific activity of (64)Cu-DOTA-VEGF(121) was 3.2 +/- 0.1 GBq/mg with a radiochemical purity of >98%. Small-animal PET revealed rapid, specific, and prominent uptake of (64)Cu-DOTA-VEGF(121) in small U87MG tumors (high VEGFR2 expression) but significantly lower and sporadic uptake in large U87MG tumors (low VEGFR2 expression). No appreciable renal clearance of (64)Cu-DOTA-VEGF(121) was observed, although the kidney uptake was relatively high likely due to VEGFR1 expression. Blocking experiments, immunofluorescence staining, and western blot confirmed the VEGFR specificity of (64)Cu-DOTA-VEGF(121). CONCLUSION Successful demonstration of the ability of (64)Cu-DOTA-VEGF(121) to visualize VEGFR expression in vivo may allow for clinical translation of this radiopharmaceutical for imaging tumor angiogenesis and guiding antiangiogenic treatment, especially patient selection and treatment monitoring of VEGFR-targeted cancer therapy.
Improving Opto-Electronic Oscillator stability by controlling the Electro-Optic Modulator

This paper presents a study concerning the improvement of the stability of an Opto-Electronic Oscillator (OEO). It seems to be the first publication about this subject. An advanced method for controlling the optical bias point of the Electro-Optic Modulator (EOM) has been developed. The evolution of the modulator characteristics can be followed through its non-linear behavior by detecting the second harmonic of a low-frequency modulating signal. The control system implemented with PSoC microcontrollers is designed in order to keep the bias point at the quadrature position for minimizing the second order non-linear component. By this way the medium term stability can be greatly improved. Without bias point position control the OEO operates only for a few hours (2 or 3 h) but with the control it can operate for at least a working day (8 h).
Multivariate analysis of ball possessions effectiveness in elite futsal

Abstract The aim of the present study was to identify the importance of ball possessions effectiveness in elite futsal according to space- and task-related indicators and situational variables. The sample was composed of 2327 ball possessions, corresponding to 9 close matches (1 goal of score difference) and selected from the playoff matches of the Spanish Futsal League (2012–2013). The binary logistic regression and classification tree (Exhaustive-Chi-squared Automatic Interaction Detection) multivariate models were used to identify the best predictor variables on the most successful ball possessions. Results from binomial logistic regression emphasised the relationships of ending in the goalkeeper’s area and half-court defensive pressure with effectiveness. The individual defence, set play, and 0–3 passes used were found to be related to unsuccessful ball possessions. The classification tree results identified higher effectiveness during stopped balls or during set play that ended in zones 80, 60, 41, 20 and 10, and used more than 4 passes. Additionally, negative effects were observed in set plays that used less than 4 passes, individual defences and ended in zones 90, 70, 61, 40 and 30. The identified trends allow coaches to improve strategic plans that involve selecting the most appropriate offensive and defensive approaches when performing ball possessions in futsal.
Mechanism of Action of the Mannopeptimycins, a Novel Class of Glycopeptide Antibiotics Active against Vancomycin-Resistant Gram-Positive Bacteria

ABSTRACT The naturally occurring mannopeptimycins (formerly AC98-1 through AC98-5) are a novel class of glycopeptide antibiotics that are active against a wide variety of gram-positive bacteria. The structures of the mannopeptimycins suggested that they might act by targeting cell wall biosynthesis, similar to other known glycopeptide antibiotics; but the fact that the mannopeptimycins retain activity against vancomycin-resistant organisms suggested that they might have a unique mode of action. By using a radioactive mannopeptimycin derivative bearing a photoactivation ligand, it was shown that mannopeptimycins interact with the membrane-bound cell wall precursor lipid II [C55-MurNAc-(peptide)-GlcNAc] and that this interaction is different from the binding of other lipid II-binding antibiotics such as vancomycin and mersacidin. The antimicrobial activities of several mannopeptimycin derivatives correlated with their affinities toward lipid II, suggesting that the inhibition of cell wall biosynthesis was primarily through lipid II binding. In addition, it was shown that mannopeptimycins bind to lipoteichoic acid in a rather nonspecific interaction, which might facilitate the accumulation of antibiotic on the bacterial cell surface.
Hyperoside Induces Endogenous Antioxidant System to Alleviate Oxidative Stress

Background: Hyperoside, a flavonoid which is mainly found in Hypericum perforatum L. , has many biological effects. One of the most important effects is to prevent the oxidative stress induced by reactive oxygen species. However, the molecular mechanisms underlying its effect are not fully understood. Oxidative stress is implicated in the occurrence of various physical diseases. A wide array of enzymatic antioxidant defense systems include NADH: quinone oxidoreductase 1, superoxide dismutase, and heme oxygenase-1 (HO-1). In the present study, the protective effects of hyperoside against hydrogen peroxide-induced oxidative stress in human lens epithelial cells, HLE-B3, were investigated in terms of HO-1 induction. Methods: The protein and mRNA expressions of HO-1 were examined by Western blotting and reverse transcriptase-PCR assays, respectively. To evaluate the ability of hyperoside to activate nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2), Western blotting and electrophoretic mobility shift assay were performed with nuclear extracts prepared from HLE-B3 cells treated with hyperoside. The activation of extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK), the upstream kinase of Nrf2 signaling, was monitored by Western blot analysis. The protective effect of hyperoside in HLE-B3 cells against hydrogen peroxide was performed by MTT assay. Results: Hyperoside increased both the mRNA and protein expression of HO-1 in a time- and dose-dependent manner. In addition, hyperoside elevated the level of of Nrf2 and its antioxidant response element-binding activity, which was modulated by upstream of ERK. Moreover, it activated ERK and restored cell viability which was decreased by hydrogen peroxide. Conclusions: Hyperoside is an effective compound to protect cells against oxidative stress via HO-1 induction.
Dietary Self-Efficacy Predicts AHEI Diet Quality in Women With Previous Gestational Diabetes

Purpose The purpose of this study was to examine the association of intrapersonal influences of diet quality as defined by the Health Belief Model constructs in women with recent histories of gestational diabetes. Methods A descriptive, correlational, cross-sectional design was used to analyze relationships between diet quality and intrapersonal variables, including perceptions of threat of type 2 diabetes mellitus development, benefits and barriers of healthy eating, and dietary self-efficacy, in a convenience sample of 75 community-dwelling women (55% minority; mean age, 35.5 years; SD, 5.5 years) with previous gestational diabetes mellitus. Diet quality was defined by the Alternative Healthy Eating Index (AHEI). Multiple regression was used to identify predictors of AHEI diet quality. Results Women had moderate AHEI diet quality (mean score, 47.6; SD, 14.3). Only higher levels of education and self-efficacy significantly predicted better AHEI diet quality, controlling for other contributing variables. Conclusions There is a significant opportunity to improve diet quality in women with previous gestational diabetes mellitus. Improving self-efficacy may be an important component to include in nutrition interventions. In addition to identifying other important individual components, future studies of diet quality in women with previous gestational diabetes mellitus are needed to investigate the scope of influence beyond the individual to potential family, social, and environmental factors.
Post-transcriptional Regulation of Meprin α by the RNA-binding Proteins Hu Antigen R (HuR) and Tristetraprolin (TTP)*

Background: Meprin α is a metalloproteinase implicated in the pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Results: RNA-binding proteins post-transcriptionally regulate meprin α, and RNA stability decreases after induction of an inflammatory response. Conclusion: Inflammatory stimuli downregulate meprin α by inducing TTP expression and binding to the transcript. Significance: Determining how inflammation alters meprin α regulation is crucial to understanding its role in IBD. Meprins are multimeric proteases that are implicated in inflammatory bowel disease by both genetic association studies and functional studies in knock-out mice. Patients with inflammatory bowel disease show decreased colonic expression of meprin α, although regulation of expression, particularly under inflammatory stimuli, has not been studied. The studies herein demonstrate that the human meprin α transcript is bound and stabilized by Hu antigen R at baseline, and that treatment with the inflammatory stimulus phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate downregulates meprin α expression by inducing tristetraprolin. The enhanced binding of tristetraprolin to the MEP1A 3′-UTR results in destabilization of the transcript and occurs at a discrete site from Hu antigen R. This is the first report to describe a mechanism for post-transcriptional regulation of meprin α and will help clarify the role of meprins in the inflammatory response and disease.
The prevalence of viral antibodies during a large population fluctuation of house mice in Australia

We studied the seroprevalence of three viruses (mouse cytomegalovirus (MCMV), minute virus of mice (MVM), and mouse parvovirus (MPV)) in house mice (Mus domesticus) in 1995–7. In the first year average mouse density was less than 1 mouse/ha. From November 1995 to May 1996 the population increased at an average rate of 7% per week, a doubling time of about 10 weeks. From August 1996 to May 1997 the population increased at an average rate of 10% per week, a doubling time of about 7·5 weeks. From a peak around 250 mice/ha in May 1997, the mouse population fell 19% per week to 5 mice/ha in October 1997. The seroprevalence for all three viruses varied dramatically over time. MCMV had the highest seroprevalence (61·7%), followed by MVM (8·5%) and MPV (18·4%). Time series data indicated that MCMV spread rapidly through the population of mice once trap success was greater than 14% (40–100 mice/ha). By contrast MVM and MPV seroprevalence occurred with a 2–3 month and 3–4 month time lag, respectively. The current study supports the contention that MCMV would be a good carrier for an immunocontraceptive vaccine for controlling field populations of mice.
Molecular Tools for Diagnosis of Visceral Leishmaniasis: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Diagnostic Test Accuracy

ABSTRACT Molecular methods have been proposed as highly sensitive tools for the detection of Leishmania parasites in visceral leishmaniasis (VL) patients. Here, we evaluate the diagnostic accuracy of these tools in a meta-analysis of the published literature. The selection criteria were original studies that evaluate the sensitivities and specificities of molecular tests for diagnosis of VL, adequate classification of study participants, and the absolute numbers of true positives and negatives derivable from the data presented. Forty studies met the selection criteria, including PCR, real-time PCR, nucleic acid sequence-based amplification (NASBA), and loop-mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP). The sensitivities of the individual studies ranged from 29 to 100%, and the specificities ranged from 25 to 100%. The pooled sensitivity of PCR in whole blood was 93.1% (95% confidence interval [CI], 90.0 to 95.2), and the specificity was 95.6% (95% CI, 87.0 to 98.6). The specificity was significantly lower in consecutive studies, at 63.3% (95% CI, 53.9 to 71.8), due either to true-positive patients not being identified by parasitological methods or to the number of asymptomatic carriers in areas of endemicity. PCR for patients with HIV-VL coinfection showed high diagnostic accuracy in buffy coat and bone marrow, ranging from 93.1 to 96.9%. Molecular tools are highly sensitive assays for Leishmania detection and may contribute as an additional test in the algorithm, together with a clear clinical case definition. We observed wide variety in reference standards and study designs and now recommend consecutively designed studies.
Low-dose interleukin-2 immunotherapy does not improve outcome of patients age 60 years and older with acute myeloid leukemia in first complete remission: Cancer and Leukemia Group B Study 9720.

PURPOSE Cancer and Leukemia Group B (CALGB) 9720 evaluated subcutaneous low-dose recombinant interleukin-2 (rIL-2) maintenance immunotherapy as a strategy for prolonging remission in older patients with acute myeloid leukemia (AML). PATIENTS AND METHODS AML patients age 60 years and older in first complete remission after induction and consolidation chemotherapy were randomly assigned to no further therapy or a 90-day regimen of 14-day cycles of low-dose rIL-2, aimed at expanding natural killer (NK) cells, followed by 3-day higher doses aimed at activating cytotoxicity of expanded NK cells to lyse residual AML cells. All randomly assigned patients were included in an intention-to-treat analysis. RESULTS A total of 163 (64%) of 254 patients who completed induction and consolidation chemotherapy on CALGB 9720 were randomly assigned to rIL-2 (n = 81) or no further therapy (n = 82); the most common reasons for lack of random assignment were patient refusal and relapse. Fifteen patients randomly assigned to rIL-2 never initiated it because of refusal, intercurrent medical problems, or relapse, and 24 patients initiated rIL-2 but stopped early because of toxicity or relapse. Grade 4 toxicities during rIL-2 therapy included thrombocytopenia (65%) and neutropenia (64%), and grade 3 toxicities included anemia (33%), infection (24%) and malaise/fatigue (14%). Forty-two patients (52%) randomly assigned to rIL-2 completed the full 90-day course. Patients in both arms had similar distributions of both disease-free (combined median = 6.1 months; P = .47) and overall survival (combined median = 14.7 months; P = .61) after random assignment. Moreover, the 42 patients who completed all planned therapy did not show prolongation of disease-free or overall survival. CONCLUSION Low-dose rIL-2 maintenance immunotherapy is not a successful strategy in older AML patients.