Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Heavy Metal Pollution in Soil Using Transversely Excited Atmospheric CO2 Laser-Induced Plasma by Trapping the Soil in Microstructured Holes on Metal Subtargets

A unique technique for direct analysis of soil samples utilizing a special advantage of a transversely excited atmospheric (TEA) CO2 laser-induced plasma generated at atmospheric pressure on a metal target has been developed. In this technique, a metal subtarget, such as nickel plate, structured with intentional microholes on its surface, each with dimensions of around 100 μm in diameter and depth, was used to selectively trap small sized soil particles by immersing the metal plate subtarget into the polluted soil sample. The trapped small soil particles on the metal subtarget were irradiated by a TEA CO2 laser (10.6 μm, 1.5 J, 200 ns) at atmospheric pressure under defocused condition with a spot size of 3 mm × 3 mm. This trapping and confining scheme substantially suppresses the blowing off effect; thus, the trapped soil particles can effectively be dissociated and atomized in the microstructured holes. Using this method of a microstructured metal plate subtarget, quantitative analysis was carried out on loam soil samples polluted by Pb. A linear calibration curve was obtained with a detection limit of approximately 50 mg/kg. Preliminary quantitative studies were carried out for a quartz sand sample containing Cr and Hg, resulting in linear calibration curves with detection limits of approximately 25 mg/kg and 10 mg/kg, respectively, at this stage. This technique is promising as a potential field screening tool for soil analysis.
Characterization of Numb expression in astrocytomas

During early neurodevelopment, asymmetric segregation of Numb in mitotic progenitor cells influences the fate of daughter cells, whereby one daughter retains the progenitor phenotype while the other proceeds along a differentiation pathway. Numb has also been reported to function as a tumor suppressor in breast cancers and medulloblastomas. Given its role in maintaining neural progenitor pools in animal models and its reported role as a tumor suppressor, Numb could potentially contribute to astrocytoma oncogenesis. We characterized Numb expression in both human astrocytoma tissue samples and glioblastoma cell lines. We found that Numb is expressed in all grades of astrocytomas, being predominantly cytoplasmic in higher‐grade astrocytomas but nuclear in pilocytic astrocytomas. Numb is also present in normal neurons, but not in normal astrocytes. In cultured glioblastoma cells, Numb concentrates in the perinuclear region and process tips. Numb expression in astrocytomas recapitulates that of progenitor cells during neurodevelopment, and suggests a role for Numb in astrocytoma oncogenesis.
Localization of the adenovirus E1Aa protein, a positive-acting transcriptional factor, in infected cells infected cells

The function of the adenovirus E1Aa protein (the product of the 13S E1A mRNA) during a productive viral infection is to activate transcription of the six early viral transcription units. To study the mechanism of action of this protein, a peptide which was 13 amino acids long and had a sequence unique to the protein product of the adenovirus 13S E1A mRNA (pE1Aa) was coupled to keyhole limpet hemocyanin and used to raise an antibody in rabbits. The resulting antiserum was specific to this protein and did not react with the protein product of the 12S E1A mRNA, which shares considerable sequence with the E1Aa protein. This antiserum was used to probe for the E1Aa protein in situ by indirect immunofluorescence and in extracts of infected HeLa cells. We found that the protein was associated with large cellular structures both in the nucleus and in the cytoplasm. The nuclear form of the protein was analyzed further and was found to purify with the nuclear matrix.
Oxyresveratrol as the potent inhibitor on dopa oxidase activity of mushroom tyrosinase.

Oxyresveratrol (2,3',4,5'-tetrahydroxystilbene), a naturally occurring compound particularly found in Morus alba L. , exhibited a potent inhibitory effect on dopa oxidase activity of tyrosinase which catalyzes rate-limiting steps of melanin biosynthesis. Oxyresveratrol with 0.3 to 5 microM exhibited potent and dose-dependent inhibitions (25 to 84%) on the enzyme activity, where 50% of inhibition was shown at the concentration of about 1 microM. Oxyresveratrol seemed to inhibit the dopa oxidase activity of tyrosinase via a noncompetitive manner (Ki = 9.1 x 10(-7) M) when L-dopa was used as a substrate. Oxyresveratrol exhibited about a 150-fold more potent inhibitory effect than resveratrol (3,4',5-trihydroxystilbene). The more hydroxy groups of the hydroxystilbenes are methylated to be methoxy groups, while the less inhibitory effects on the enzyme activity were exhibited. The results indicate that both the number and positions of hydroxy groups in oxyresveratrol seem to play a critical role in exerting the inhibitory effect on dopa oxidase activity of mushroom tyrosinase.
CFTR genotype‐related body water and electrolyte balance during a marathon

The aim of this investigation was to determine the influence of CFTR genotype on body water and electrolyte balance during a marathon. Fifty‐one experienced runners completed a marathon race. Before and after the race, body mass and a sample of venous blood were obtained. During the race, sweat samples were collected using sweat patches, and fluid and electrolyte intake were obtained using self‐reported questionnaires. Thirty‐eight participants (74.5% of the total) were 7T/7T homozygotes, 11 (21.6%) were 7T/9T heterozygotes, and one participant presented the rare genotype 5T/7T. Another participant with 9T/9T presented the mutation p.L206W. Participants with 7T/7T showed higher sweat sodium concentrations (42.2 ± 21.6 mmol/L) than 7T/9T (29.0 ± 24.7 mmol/L; P = 0.04). The runner with the 5T/7T genotype (10.2 mmol/L) and the participant with the p.L206W mutation (20.5 mmol/L) exhibited low‐range sweat sodium concentrations. However, post‐race serum sodium concentration was similar in 7T/7T and 7T/9T (142.1 ± 1.3 and 142.4 ± 1.6 mmol/L, respectively; P = 0.27) and did not show abnormalities in participants with the 5T/7T genotype (140.0 mmol/L) and the p.L206W mutation (143.0 mmol/L). Runners with the CFTR‐7T/7T genotype exhibited increased sweat sodium concentrations during a marathon. However, this phenotype was not related with increased likelihood of suffering body water and electrolyte imbalances during real competitions.
Optimizing outcomes in patients with chronic myeloid leukemia in chronic phase: comparative safety profiles of newer agents

Imatinib is broadly used in the frontline treatment of chronic myeloid leukemia (CML). Although long-term safety and efficacy have been established, some patients will not respond to imatinib. Nilotinib and dasatinib successfully recapture responses for most patients with imatinib-refractory or -intolerant disease. These drugs have different safety profiles, which are likely associated with their divergent inhibitory targets. The presence of Bcr–Abl mutations and safety profiles of available therapies in relation to patient history should be considered when choosing a second-line agent. This review evaluates the safety and tolerability of agents approved for CML treatment and briefly discusses newer third-line agents.
Antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies: two cases of changing antigenic specificity

The transformation of the antineutrophil cytoplasmic antibody (ANCA) specificity in the absence of specific drug treatment has not been reported in the literature. A few studies have suggested changes in the epitopes recognized by the ANCAs. We describe two patients who switched from myeloperoxidase-positive to PR3 (proteinase 3)-positive ANCA during the course of their disease process and subsequently remained unchanged. One patient developed ulcerative colitis following the appearance of PR3-ANCA while the other remains quiescent. Regular follow-up and close monitoring of ANCA specificity are essential. A change of specificity may indicate the development of a new ANCA-related disease.
Incidence of brain metastases as a first site of recurrence among women with triple receptor-negative breast cancer.

1039 Background: The aim of this retrospective study was to define the incidence of brain metastases as a first site of recurrence among women with triple receptor-negative breast cancer (TNBC). METHODS 2,448 patients with stage I-III TNBC diagnosed between 1990 and 2010 were identified. We computed the cumulative incidence of developing brain metastases as a first site of recurrence at 2 and 5 years. Cox proportional hazards models were fitted to determine factors that could predict for the development of brain metastases as a first site of recurrence. Kaplan-Meier product limit method was used to compute survival following a diagnosis of brain metastases. RESULTS At a median follow up of 39 months 115 (4.7%) patients had developed brain metastases as a first site of recurrence. The cumulative incidence at 2 and 5 years was 3.73% (95% CI 2.92%-4.55%) and 5.44% (95% CI 4.41%-6.47%), respectively. Among patients with stage I, II and III disease, the 2-year cumulative incidence of brain metastases was 0.8%, 3.1% and 8%, respectively (p<0.0001). 5- year cumulative incidence was 2.8%, 4.6% and 9.6% among patients with stage I, II and III disease, respectively (p<0.0001). In the multivariable model, patients with stage III disease had a significant increase in the risk of developing brain metastases as a first site of recurrence (HR = 3.51; 95% CI 1.85 - 6.67; p = .0001) compared to patients with stage I disease. Those with stage II disease had a non significant increased risk of developing brain metastases (HR = 1.61; 95% CI 0.92 - 2.81; p = .10) compared to patients with stage I disease. Median survival following a diagnosis of brain metastases was 7.2 months (range 5.7 to 9.4 months). CONCLUSIONS Patients with non metastatic TNBC have a high early incidence of developing brain metastases as a first site of recurrence, which is associated with subsequent poor survival. Patients with stage III TNBC in particular would be an ideal cohort to research preventive strategies.
[The effect of antioxidant enzyme on germ cell apoptosis in cryptorchidism].

OBJECTIVES To evaluate the effect of superoxide dismutase (SOD), catalase (CAT) and glutathione peroxidase (GSHPx) on germ cell apoptosis in cryptorchidism. METHODS Forty-eight immature male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into the cryptorchid and the control group randomly. Testes were harvested at 1, 3 and 7 days after the operation. Germ cell apoptosis was determined by TUNEL technique, at the same time the activities of antioxidant enzymes and the level of malonic diethyl aldehyde (MDA) were detected with spectrophotometer. RESULTS At the 7th day, as compared with the control, testicular weight, SOD activities, CAT activities and the ratio of SOD/(CAT + GSHPx) were reduced significantly(P < 0.01), GSHPx activities had no apparent change(P > 0.05), while apoptosis index and the MDA level increased predominantly in cryptorchidism(P < 0.01). CONCLUSIONS Germ cell apoptosis in cryptorchidism related closely to the decrease of antioxidant enzyme activity.
The Use of Nucleosome Substrates Improves Binding of SAM Analogs to SETD8

SETD8 is the methyltransferase responsible for monomethylation of lysine at position 20 of the N-terminus of histone H4 (H4K20). This activity has been implicated in both DNA damage and cell cycle progression. Existing biochemical assays have utilized truncated enzymes containing the SET domain of SETD8 and peptide substrates. In this report, we present the development of a mechanistically balanced biochemical assay using full-length SETD8 and a recombinant nucleosome substrate. This improves the binding of SAM, SAH, and sinefungin by up to 10,000-fold. A small collection of inhibitors structurally related to SAM were screened and 40 compounds were identified that only inhibit SETD8 when a nucleosome substrate is used.
Cyclic patterns of cerebral malaria admissions in Papua New Guinea for the years 1987–1996

SUMMARY Data on the dynamics of malaria incidence, admissions and mortality and their best possible description are very important to better forecast and assess the implementation of programmes to register, monitor (e.g. by remote sensing) and control the disease, especially in endemic zones. Semi-annual and seasonal cycles in malaria rates have been observed in various countries and close similarity with cycles in the natural environment (temperature, heliogeophysical activity, etc.), host immunity and/or virulence of the parasite suggested. This study aimed at confirming previous results on malaria cyclicity by exploring whether trans-year and/or multiannual cycles might exist. The exploration of underlying chronomes (time structures) was done with raw data (without smoothing) by linear and nonlinear parametric regression models, autocorrelation, spectral (Fourier) and periodogram regression analysis. The strongest cyclical patterns of detrended malaria admissions were (i) annual period of 1·0 year (12 months or seasonality); (ii) quasi-biennial cycle of about 2·25 years; and (iii) infrannual, circadecennial cycle of about 10·3 years. The seasonal maximum occurred in May with the minimum in September. Notably, these cycles corresponded to similar cyclic components of heliogeophysical activity such as sunspot seasonality and solar activity cyclicities and well-known climate/weather oscillations. Further analyses are thus warranted to investigate such similarities. In conclusion, multicomponent cyclical dynamics of cerebral malaria admissions in Papua New Guinea were observed thus allowing more specific analyses and modelling as well as correlations with environmental factors of similar cyclicity to be explored. Such further results might also contribute to and provide more precise estimates for the forecasting and prevention, as well as the better understanding, of the dynamics and aetiology of this vector-borne disease.
Impact of colony-stimulating factor therapy on clinical outcome and frequency rate of nosocomial infections in intensive care unit neutropenic patients

ObjectivesTo determine whether the use of recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF, filgrastim) reduces the mortality rate and the frequency rate of nosocomial infections in neutropenic patients requiring intensive care unit (ICU) admission. DesignRetrospective consecutive case series analysis. SettingMedical ICU of a teaching hospital. PatientsWe compared two groups of patients, according to whether or not they received G-CSF. In the ICU, 28 leukopenic patients received filgrastim (5 &mgr;g of body weight per day intravenously). In all these patients, G-CSF was continued until recovery from leukopenia, defined as a leukocyte count >1000/mm3. A total of 33 ICU leukopenic patients did not receive G-CSF. End points included leukocyte count, bone marrow recovery, frequency of ICU nosocomial infections (pneumonia, urinary tract, and catheter-related infections), and mortality rate. Measurements and Main ResultsThere were no differences in number of patients who recovered from leukopenia or in whom blood leukocyte count increased. Nosocomial infections occurred in the same percentage in both groups. The percentage of patients who died was identical in both groups. The percentage of patients with and without filgrastim therapy who recovered from leukopenia but died, was 86% and 78%, respectively. ConclusionIn the ICU, clinical outcome of neutropenic patients was not changed by G-CSF therapy. It is possible that G-CSF therapy may not be helpful in improving the ICU clinical outcome of neutropenic patients. Additional controlled studies designed to address this question are warranted.
Temporal Binding Window of the Sound-Induced Flash Illusion in Amblyopia.

Purpose Amblyopia is a neurodevelopmental visual disorder caused by abnormal visual experience in childhood. In addition to known visual deficits, there is evidence for changes in audiovisual integration in amblyopia using explicit tasks. We examined audiovisual integration in amblyopia using an implicit task that is more relevant in a real-world context. Methods A total of 11 participants with amblyopia and 16 controls were tested binocularly and monocularly on the sound-induced flash illusion, in which flashes and beeps are presented concurrently and the perceived number of flashes is influenced by the number of beeps. The task used 1 to 2 rapid peripheral flashes presented with 0 to 2 beeps, at 5 stimulus onset asynchronies, that is, beep (-200 milliseconds, -100 milliseconds) or flash leading (100 milliseconds, 200 milliseconds) or simultaneous (0 milliseconds). Participants reported the number of perceived flashes. Susceptibility was indicated by a "2 flashes" response to "fission" (1 flash, 2 beeps) or "1 flash" to "fusion" (2 flashes, 1 beep). Results For fission with the beep leading during binocular viewing, controls showed an expected decrease in illusion strength as stimulus onset asynchronies increased, whereas the illusion strength remained constant in participants with amblyopia, indicating a wider temporal binding window in amblyopia (P = 0.007). For fusion, participants with amblyopia showed reduced illusion strength during amblyopic eye viewing (P = 0.044) with the flash leading. Conclusions Amblyopia is associated with the widening of the temporal binding window, specifically for fission when viewing binocularly with the beep leading. This suggests a developmental adaptation to delayed amblyopic eye visual processing to optimize audiovisual integration.
What makes labour and birth traumatic? A survey of intrapartum ‘hotspots’

Evidence suggests between 1% and 6% of women develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after childbirth. ‘Hotspots’ are moments of extreme distress during traumatising events that are implicated in symptoms of PTSD. This cross-sectional internet survey of hotspots examined (1) the content of intrapartum hotspots and (2) whether particular events, cognitions or emotions during hotspots are related to PTSD. Women (N = 675) who experienced a difficult or traumatic birth completed a questionnaire composed of a validated measure of PTSD, questions concerning the existence of hotspots, and a newly developed measure of emotions and cognitions during hotspots. The majority of women (67.4%) reported at least one hotspot during birth and 52.9% had re-experiencing symptoms of these hotspots. Women were more likely to have PTSD if hotspots involved fear and lack of control (odds ratio (OR) 1.30, 95% CI 1.17–1.43) or intrapartum dissociation (OR 1.12, 95% CI 1.05–1.19). Risk of PTSD was higher if hotspots concerned interpersonal difficulties (OR 4.34, 95% CI 2.15–8.77) or obstetric complications (OR 3.35, 95% CI 1.64–6.87) compared to complications with the baby.
Self-administered measurement of symphysis-fundus heights.

BACKGROUND Antenatal identification of infants small for gestational age (SGA) improves their perinatal outcome. Repeated measurement of symphysis-fundus (SF) heights performed by midwives is the most widespread screening method for detection of SGA. However, the inefficiency of this method necessitates improved practices. Earlier start and more frequent SF measurements, which could be accomplished by self-administered measurements, might improve the ability to detect deviant growth. The present study was set up to evaluate whether pregnant women can reliably perform SF measurements by themselves. METHOD Forty healthy women with singleton and ultrasound-dated pregnancies from 2 antenatal clinics in Uppsala, Sweden, were asked to perform 4 consecutive SF measurements once every week, from 20 to 25 weeks of gestation until delivery. The self-administered SF measurements were recorded and systematically compared with midwives' SF measurements. RESULTS Thirty-three pregnant women performed self-administered SF measurements over a 14-week period (range: 1-21). The SF curves constructed from self-administered SF measurements had the same shape as previously constructed population-based reference curves. The variance for self-administered SF measurements was higher than that of the midwives. CONCLUSIONS Pregnant women are capable of measuring SF heights by themselves, but with higher individual variance than midwives. Repeated measurements at each occasion can compensate for the higher variance. The main advantage of self-administered SF measurements is the opportunity to follow fetal growth earlier and more frequently.
On the Causal Links between the Stock Market and the Economy of Hong Kong

There is a bulk of literature that identifies the major economic drivers of Hong Kongâ€™s rapid and steady economic performance over the last three decades. Of these major economic drivers identified, the performance of the stock market has received less attention. This paper examines the causal links between stock market performance and economic performance of Hong Kong in an augmented VAR setting. Using an extended quarterly dataset which covers the period 1986 Q2-2014 Q4 and the Toda-Yamamoto causality test, we find that stock market performance, as proxied by market capitalisation ratio, and economic performance stimulates each other. Also, the stock market performance, as proxied by total value traded ratio, and economic performance influence each other. However, the causal links between stock market performance and economic performance dissipate, if stock market performance is proxied by turnover ratio. This suggests that the causal links between stock market performance and economic performance are highly dependent on the proxy of stock market performance in the case of Hong Kong.
coccus sanguis , Streptococcus intermedius , Streptococcus anginosus , Streptococcus constellatus , or Streptococcus

INTRODUCTION . 184 MORPHOLOGICAL OBSERVATIONS . 184 PHYSIOLOGICAL AND TAXONOMIC STUDIES. 185 Nutritional Requirements. 185 Identifying Characteristics of NVS . 185 SEROLOGICAL STUDIES . 186 Lancefield Antigens . 186 Antigens Unique to NVS. 186 Host Response to NVS Antigens . 187 ANTIMICROBIAL SUSCEPTIBILITY OF NVS . 187 In Vitro Studies . 187 In Vivo Studies: Synergy . 187 Tolerance . 187 CLINICAL IMPORTANCE OF NVS . 187 Endocarditis. 187 Other Infections. 188 LABORATORY CONSIDERATIONS . 188 FUTURE PROSPECTS . 188 REFERENCES. 188