Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The flavonoid luteolin prevents lipopolysaccharide‐induced NF‐κB signalling and gene expression by blocking IκB kinase activity in intestinal epithelial cells and bone‐marrow derived dendritic cells

The nuclear factor (NF)‐κB transcriptional system is a major effector pathway involved in inflammation and innate immune responses. The flavonoid luteolin is found in various herbal extracts and has shown anti‐inflammatory properties. However, the mechanism of action and impact of luteolin on innate immunity is still unknown. We report that luteolin significantly blocks lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐induced IκB phosphorylation/degradation, NF‐κB transcriptional activity and intercellular adhesion molecule‐1 (ICAM‐1) gene expression in rat IEC‐18 cells. Using chromatin immunoprecipitation, we demonstrate that LPS‐induced RelA recruitment to the ICAM‐1 gene promoter is significantly reduced in luteolin‐treated cells. Moreover, in vitro kinase assays show that luteolin directly inhibits LPS‐induced IκB kinase (IKK) activity in IEC‐18 cells. Using bone‐marrow derived dendritic cells (BMDCs) isolated from interleukin (IL)‐10–/– mice or from recently engineered transgenic mice expressing the enhanced green fluorescent protein (EGFP) under the transcriptional control of NF‐κB cis‐elements (cis‐NF‐κBEGFP), we found that luteolin blocks LPS‐induced IκB phosphorylation and IKK activity, and decreases EGFP, IL‐12 and tumour necrosis factor‐α gene expression. Moreover, intraperitoneal administration of luteolin significantly inhibited LPS‐induced EGFP expression in both peripheral blood mononuclear cells and splenocytes isolated from cis‐NF‐κBEGFP mice. These results indicate that luteolin blocks LPS‐induced NF‐κB signalling and proinflammatory gene expression in intestinal epithelial cells and dendritic cells. Modulation of innate immunity by natural plant products may represent an attractive strategy to prevent intestinal inflammation associated with dysregulated innate immune responses.
Characterization of Ceramic Filled Polymer Matrix Composite Used for Biomedical Applications

A particulate composite material was prepared by adding (CaCO3, CaO, MgCO3, MgO) ceramic particles with particle size of (< 53 μm) to unsaturated polyester resin with weight fraction of (3, 6, 9, 12, 15)% and fixed amount of CaF2 (0.5% wt.). The results had revealed that the maximum values of tensile strength, compression, bending strength, hardness, impact energy and water absorption%, were (57.6828 N/mm2 at 3% wt. CaCO3, 124.0965 N/mm2 at 9% wt. CaCO3, 102.188 N/mm2 at 9% wt. MgO, 88.2 Shore D at 9% wt. CaCO3, 0.27 J at 6%wt. CaCO3 and 0.8432 % at 15%wt.CaO) compared with reference values, i.e.( 37.4742 N/mm2, 100.3563 N/mm2, 34.194 N/mm2, 83 Shore D, 0.36 J and 0.2626%) respectively.
Significantly Depressed Percentage of CD27+ (Memory) B Cells among Peripheral Blood B Cells in Patients with Primary Sjögren's Syndrome

CD27 has been found to be expressed on somatically mutated B cells and is thus a positive marker for memory B cells in peripheral blood (PB). Since abnormal immunogloblin (Ig) production is characteristic of the autoimmune diseases primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) and rheumatoid arthritis (RA), we have analyzed in detail the CD27 expression on PB B cell from these patient groups. Staining of PB B cells with monoclonal antibodies (MoAb) specific for CD19 and CD27 revealed a significantly depressed percentage of CD27+ PB B cells in patients with pSS (14.8 ± 1.6%) compared to both healthy donors (31.3 ± 4.7%, P = 0.005) and patients with RA (40.8 ± 4.1%, P = 0.0001). In addition, the percentages of both the IgD+CD27+ and the IgD‐CD27+ B‐cell subpopulations were significantly lower in pSS patients compared to RA patients and healthy donors. However, the relative proportion of IgD‐ and IgD+ cells among the CD27+B cells were almost the same for the three groups. Our data suggest a disturbance in the differentiation of peripheral B cells and possibly a bias towards plasma cell differentiation, resulting in a depressed percentage of CD27+ memory PB B cells in pSS. These results are potentially of pathological significance and of diagnostic value.
Gut-associated microbes of Drosophila melanogaster

There is growing interest in using Drosophila melanogaster to elucidate mechanisms that underlie the complex relationships between a host and its microbiota. In addition to the many genetic resources and tools Drosophila provides, its associated microbiota is relatively simple (1–30 taxa), in contrast to the complex diversity associated with vertebrates (> 500 taxa). These attributes highlight the potential of this system to dissect the complex cellular and molecular interactions that occur between a host and its microbiota. In this review, we summarize what is known regarding the composition of gut-associated microbes of Drosophila and their impact on host physiology. We also discuss these interactions in the context of their natural history and ecology and describe some recent insights into mechanisms by which Drosophila and its gut microbiota interact. “Workers with Drosophila have been considered fortunate in that they deal with the first multicellular invertebrate to be cultured monoxenically (Delcourt and Guyenot, 1910); the first to be handled axenically on a semisynthetic diet (Guyenot, 1917); and the first to be grown on a defined diet (Schultz et al., 1946). This list of advantages is somewhat embarrassing, since it implies an interest in nutrition that, in reality, was only secondary. The very first studies were concerned with the reduction of variability in genetic experiments (Delcourt and Guyenot, 1910) and standardization of the nutritional environment. ” -James Sang, 1959 Ann NY Acad 1
Parkinson's Disease and Exposure to Rural Environmental Factors: A Population Based Case-Control Study

ABSTRACT: To determine whether a history of exposure to rural environmental factors leads to an increased likelihood of developing idiopathic Parkinson's disease, we conducted a case-control study of 130 cases and 260 randomly selected community controls (matched with the cases by sex and age ± 2.5 years at a ratio of 2 controls: 1 case) in the city of Calgary. The data were collected by personal interviews and were analyzed using conditional logistic regression for matched sets. The ages of the cases ranged from 36.5 to 90.7 years (mean = 68.5 ± 11.3 years). The mean age at diagnosis was 61.1 ± 12.4 years. The mean duration of disease was 7.8 ± 0.6 years. Eleven (9.1%) cases were diagnosed before age 40. In this sample from the Province of Alberta, Canada, no significant increase in risk for Parkinson's disease was associated with a history of rural living, farm living, or well water drinking in early childhood or at any time during the first 45 years of life.
Clinical features and keratoplasty results in keratoconus complicated by acute hydrops

PURPOSE: Acute hydrops develops when Descemet's membrane and the endothelium of the ectatic cornea separates to allow aqueous humor to enter the stroma. The current study was done to determine if penetrating keratoplasty (PK) in keratoconus patients with resolved hydrops has a poor prognosis. METHODS: A retrospective chart review of 35 eyes of 35 patients with keratoconus who underwent PK after the resolution of acute hydrops (Group 1) and of 74 eyes of 69 patients who had PK without a previous history of acute hydrops (Group 2) was performed. The chi-square test was used for statistical analysis. RESULTS: The mean age in Group 1 was 21.1±11.0 years. The mean age in Group 2 was 23.2±14.4 years. Vernal keratoconjunctivitis was present in 11 patients in Group 1 (31%) and in 12 (17.4%) patients in Group 2. Loose sutures were present in two patients (6%) in Group 1; both resulted in loose suture-related corneal neovascularization. Loose sutures developed in five patients (7%) in Group 2. In Group 1, three patients (9%) had microbial keratitis. Microbial keratitis was seen in five patients (7%) in Group 2. Two patients (6%) in Group 1 developed late endothelial graft failure. In Group 2, one eye (1%) developed early and one eye (1%) late epithelial graft rejection; five eyes (7%) developed late endothelial graft rejection. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups with respect to the incidence of graft rejection. At the last examination, 34 eyes in Group 1 had clear grafts; in the second group, graft clarity was achieved in 71 eyes. CONCLUSION: Penetrating keratoplasty in hydrops is successful in terms of graft clarity and visual outcome in patients with keratoconus after the resolution of hydrops. The patients should have preoperative and postoperative anti-allergic treatment and close follow-up for possible complications.
Normative developmental behavior with implications for health and health promotion among adolescents: a Swedish cross‐sectional survey

I describe behavior with impact on health in adolescents against the background of characteristics of the Swedish society and analyse possible areas for improvement. A total of 4500 adolescents, aged 13‐18yr, in seven areas answered an anonymous questionnaire. Their socioeconomic back grounds reflected mainstream adolescents. The response rate was 80‐85%. Questions concerned health habits, exploratory behaviors regarding sexuality, use of alcohol and tobacco, problem behaviors, such as getting drunk, and life quality. There was very little experimentation with regard to health habits learned in childhood. Rapid adaptation to adult life‐styles occurred, which was similar in both sexes m the younger age groups, but there were significant differences among older students. Alcohol use is of considerable concern. Adolescent prediction of future behavior indicated that negative behaviors require intervention. Parental influence on adolescent behavior needs to be explored. Peer groups could be an additional area for intervention.
HPV, Cervical Cancer and Pap Test Related Knowledge Among a Sample of Female Dental Students in India.

BACKGROUND The present study was designed to ascertain knowledge about HPV, cervical cancer (CC) and the Pap test among female dental students of Panineeya Institute of Dental Sciences and Hospital, Hyderabad, India. MATERIALS AND METHODS A self-administered questionnaire covering demographic details, knowledge relating to human papilloma virus (HPV) (8 items), cervical cancer (4 items) and the Pap smear (6 items) was employed. Responses were coded as "True, False and Don't Know". Mean and standard deviation (SD) for correct answers and levels of knowledge were determined. RESULTS Based on the year of study, significant differences in knowledge of HPV were noted for questions on symptoms (p=0.01); transmission from asymptomatic partners (p=0.002); treatment with antibiotics (p=0.002); start of sexual activity (p=0.004); and recommended age for HPV vaccination (p=0.01). For knowledge regarding CC, significance was observed for the age group being affected (p=0.008) and symptoms of the disease in early stages (p=0.001). Indications for Pap smear tests like symptoms' of vaginal discharge (p=0.002), marital status (p=0.01) and women with children (p=0.02) had significant difference based on the year of study. Based on religion, transmission of HPV via pregnancy, HPV related diseases except CC and preventive measures except condom use and oral contraceptives showed significant differences. However, significant variation with religion was observed only for two preventive measures of CC (Pap test; p=0.004) and HPV vaccination (p=0.003). Likewise, only the frequency of Pap test showed a significant difference for religion (p=0.001). CONCLUSIONS This study emphasizes the lack of awareness with regard to HPV, CC and screening with pap smear even among health professionals. Hence, regular health campaigns are essential to reduce the disease burden.
Associations between milk production level, calving interval length, lactation curve parameters and economic results in Holstein cows

The objective of work was to evaluate effects of milk production level (MY1≥9500 kg, n=23; MY2 = 8000-9499, n=28; and MY3≤7999 kg, n=29) and calving interval length (CI1≥440 days, n=22; CI2 = 400-439 days, n=33; and CI3≤399 days, n=25) on the lactation curve parameters calculated using MilkBot® Model and economic profitability of Holstein dairy cow breeding. Data were obtained from 80 Holstein cows on 1st to 4th parity calved between January and August 2012 on the dairy farm of the Czech University of Life Sciences Prague in Czech Republic. Lactation curve parameters differed more in relation with milk production level compared to calving interval length. Lactation curve in cows with the highest MY was characterized with significantly higher overall magnitude (scale parameter) of milk production (P<0.01), higher peak yield (P<0.01) which occurred later (P<0.05) and higher persistence (P<0.05). Due to combination of higher persistence and total yield, average milk yield per day of calving interval was significantly (P<0.05) higher in cows with middle CI than in short CI. Optimal calving interval length should be assessed in relation with lactation persistence and milk production level. The highest individual profitability was reached by cows in MY1 and CI2 group.
Dissociated sensation in amylidosis. Compound action potential, quantitative histologic and teased-fiber, and electron microscopic studies of sural nerve biopsies.

IN A perspicuous report in 1952, Andrade 1 described the natural history of dominantly inherited amyloidosis. The hallmarks of the condition were (1) dominant inheritance, (2) onset in the second or third decade, (3) unremitting course to death, due to cachexia and infection, an average of seven to ten years later, and (4) characteristic pattern of symptoms. Affected persons exhibited paresis, early impairment of thermal and pain sensibilities, and anhidrosis in the lower limbs. Concomitant symptoms were nausea, vomiting, abdominal pains, and sexual and sphincter disorders. A unique feature was the dissociated sensory loss. Andrade found that the various modalities of sensation were lost in the following order: temperature, pain, touch, and, finally, joint position. On postmortem examination, amyloid deposits were found in large amounts in kidneys and peripheral nerves and to a lesser extent in other organs. No adequate anatomic or physiologic explanation for the dissociated sensory loss
Neuroprotective role of fibroblast growth factor‐2 in experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis

The role of fibroblast growth factor‐2 (FGF‐2) in multiple sclerosis and its animal model experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis is discussed. This study is the first to use FGF‐2−/− mice to further address the involvement of FGF‐2 in the disease process. We demonstrate that immunization with myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein peptide 35–55 induces more severe experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis in FGF‐2−/− mice compared with FGF‐2+/+ mice. The antigen‐specific cytokine response to myelin oligodendrocyte glycoprotein peptide and the degree of central nervous system inflammation was similar in both groups. However, FGF‐2−/− mice displayed increased infiltration of CD8+ T cells and macrophages/microglia. In addition, nerve fibre degeneration and axonal loss were augmented, whereas the extent of remyelination in central nervous system lesions was reduced. FGF‐2 has been associated with the induction of demyelination and the inhibition of myelin production by oligodendrocytes. Our study supports the opposing notion that FGF‐2 can also assert a neuroprotective function. This may be particularly appealing when it comes to targeting the neurodegenerative aspect of multiple sclerosis.
Exercise for multiple sclerosis: a single-blind randomized trial comparing three exercise intensities

Background: The most effective exercise dose has yet to be established for multiple sclerosis (MS). Objective: The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of different exercise intensities in people with MS. Methods: We completed a randomized comparator study of three cycling exercise intensities, with blinded assessment, was carried out in Oxford. Sixty-one adults with MS who fulfilled inclusion criteria were randomized at entry into the study, using a computer-generated list held by an exercise professional, into either: continuous (at 45% peak power, n = 20), intermittent (30 sec on, 30 sec off at 90% peak power, n = 21) or combined (10 min intermittent at 90% peak power then 10 min continuous at 45% peak power, n = 20) exercise for 20 min twice a week for 12 weeks in a leisure facility. Groups were assessed at: baseline, halfway (6 weeks), end intervention (12 weeks) and follow-up (24 weeks). Primary outcome measure was 2 min walk. Results: Fifty-five participants were included in the analysis (n = continuous 20, intermittent 18, combined 17). No differences were found between groups. After 6 weeks, considering all participants, 2 min walk distance increased by 6.96 ± 2.56 m (95% CI: 1.81 to 12.10, effect size (es): 0.25, p < 0.01). The continuous group increased by 4.71 ± 4.24 m (95% CI: −3.80 to 13.22, es: 0.06), intermittent by 12.94 ± 4.71 m (95% CI: 3.97 to 21.92, es: 0.28) and combined by 3.22 ± 4.60 m (95% CI: −6.01 to 12.46, es: 0.04). Two minute walk did not significantly change between further assessments. Between 6 and 12 weeks there was a drop in attendance that seemed to be associated with the intermittent and combined groups; these groups also had a greater number of adverse events (leg pain during cycling most common) and dropouts (n = continuous 1, intermittent 5, combined 10). Considering all participants, 6 weeks of cycling exercise produced benefits in mobility that were maintained with further sessions. Conclusion: While no differences were found between groups, greater benefit may be associated with higher-intensity exercise, but this may be less well tolerated.CONSORT - trial registration number (ISRCTN89009719)
Evaluation and Quantification of Nuclear DNA from Human Telogen Hairs *

Abstract: Nuclear DNA was extracted from human telogen hairs from 60 individuals. Six to nine hairs from each individual were individually extracted. The amount of DNA recovered from each individual varied greatly, and most samples yielded a quantity of 550 pg or less per hair. A selective extraction buffer was used to remove epithelial cell DNA and the amount of exogenous DNA was determined. DNA was also quantified by real time PCR using three different sized amplicons targeting an Alu sequence. The results were used to determine the state of degradation of the extracted DNA. Different quantities of sample (<100pg, 100–500pg, >500pg) were amplified with the Miniplex kits to determine the minimum DNA template required for successful amplification. DNA recovered from hair showed degradation; however, partial profiles were obtained for those samples containing at least 60 pg using MiniSTRs.
Multi-Edge Low-Density Parity-Check Coded Modulation

Multi-Edge Low-Density Parity-Check Coded Modulation Lei Zhang Master of Applied Science Graduate Department of Edward Rogers Sr. Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering University of Toronto 2011 A method for designing low-density parity-check (LDPC) codes for bandwidth-efficient high-order coded modulation is proposed. Code structure utilizes the multi-edge-type LDPC code ensemble to achieve an improved match between codeword bit protection capabilities and modulation bit-channel capacities over existing LDPC coded modulation techniques. The multi-dimensional EXIT vector field for the specific multi-edge parameterization is developed for the analysis and design of code ensembles. A multi-dimensional EXIT decoding convergence condition is derived to enable efficient optimization. Code design results in terms of ensemble thresholds and finite-length Monte-Carlo simulations indicate that the new technique improves on the state-of-the-art performance, with significantly lower design and implementation complexity.
Augmentation of spontaneous hypertension by chronic stress in rats.

The alteration of blood pressure in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats (Okamoto and Aoki, hereafter abbreviated as SHR) was observed under various kinds of stresses and their hypertensive vascular lesions were histologically examined. 1) Effect of immobilization Seventy to 90 day-old SIR (male 38, female 16) and age-matched normotensive rats of Wistar strain (male 33, female 5, hereafter abbreviated as NR) were restrained supinely on a board for 2-10 hours daily, 100-130 hours in total during 20-30 days. a) Stress-loaded SIR showed a highly significant increase (p< 0.001) in blood pressure (male 29±16, female 29±11 mmHg) at the end of a series of stress-loadings in comparison with either control SIR (male 11±8, female 10±8 mmHg) or control NR (male 8±6, female 5±3 mmHg), and maintained it even one month after the final stress, while a slight elevation of blood pressure (11±8 mmHg) was observed only at the end of the stress-loadings in male NR. b) Stress-loaded SIR developed severe hypertension (over 210mmHg) during or after the stress-loadings in 8 out of 38 males, and pathological studies made on them revealed cerebral hemorrhage, abdominal hemorrhage, retinal bleeding, malignant and benign nephrosclerosis, periarteritis nodosa and angionecrosis in the various organs, some of which corresponded to the lesions in malignant hypertension. 2) Effect of combined visual, auditory and electric stimuli SIR and NR were loaded with a combined stress of high pitched buzzer (duration 3-7 sec., 5-6 times per min.), flickering of incandescent lamp (100V, 100W, 40-60 times per min.) and electric shock (20-40 V Alternating current of 60Hz, 0, 5-1 sec., 5-6 times per min.) for 1-4 hours daily from the 40th day up to the 18th week after birth. a) Stress-loaded NR (male 5, 141±7mmHg) showed a significantly (p<0.05) higher blood pressure (by 11-15 mmHg) than control NR (male 10, 126±7 mmHg) after the 6th week following the onset of the stress-loadings. b) Rise in blood pressure in stress-loaded SIR (male 4, 205 ±8 mmHg) was significantly (p< 0.01) greater than that in control SIR (male 4, 175±5 mmHg), and the increment of blood pressure ( 17-31 mmHg) in the former compared with the latter was evidently larger in comparison with that (11-15mmHg) of stress-loaded NR compared with control NR. 3) Effect of chronic cold exposure Ten SIR and 1 5 NR were exposed to cold temperature (2-10°C) from 3 to 4 months after birth for 7 weeks. In the 3rd week and 7th week of cold exposure the exposed SIR showed significantly (p<0.05, p<0.01) higher blood pressure (186±16, 207±15 mmHg) than nonexposed SIR (171±13, 182±21 mmHg), respectively, while no difference was noted between the exposed NR and nonexposed 13 NR. 4) These results provided an evidence that some kinds of chronic stress-loadings augment hypertension and aggravated hypertensive lesions in SIR and it is speculated that stress might activate the causative mechanisms of the spontaneous hypertension hypothetically supposed in the hypothalamo-medullary-autonomic nervous system and the hypothalamo-adeno-hypophyseo-adrenocortical and -thyroidal systems.