Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mesenchymal stem cell therapy for the treatment of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Recent studies have revealed that adult stem cells such as bone marrow-derived cells contribute to lung tissue regeneration and protection, and thus administration of exogenous stem/progenitor cells may be a potent next-generation therapy for COPD. Pathogenesis of COPD is characterized by an upregulation of inflammatory processes leading to irreversible events such as apoptosis of epithelial cells, proteolysis of the terminal air-space and lung extracellular matrix components. The available pharmacological treatments are essentially symptomatic, therefore, there is a need to develop more effective therapeutic strategies. It has been previously demonstrated that transplanted MSC home to the lung in response to lung injury and adopt phenotypes of alveolar epithelial cells, endothelial cells, fibroblasts and bronchial epithelial cells. However, engraftment and differentiation are now felt to be rare occurrences and other mechanisms might be involved and play a more important role. Importantly, MSCs protect lung tissue through suppression of proinflammatory cytokines, and through triggering production of reparative growth factors. Accordingly, it is not clear if and how these cells will be able to repair, to slow or to prevent the disease. This article reviews recent advances in regenerative medicine in COPD and highlights that their potential application although promising and very attractive, are still a far away opinion.
Artrosis vertebral en la población de La Encantada (Granátula de Calatrava, Ciudad Real, II milenio a. C.)

RESUMEN. En este trabajo se ha estudiado la aparición de artrosis en la columna vertebral en los individuos de la colección perteneciente al yacimiento de El Cerro de La Encantada (Ciudad Real, II milenio a. C.), considerado uno de los mejor conocidos de la Edad del Bronce Manchego y uno de los que consta de un mayor número de enterramientos. La valoración del grado de artrosis se llevó a cabo mediante la observación de tres caracteres: osteofitosis, eburnación y labiación, con una serie de grados de aparición o intensidad. Los resultados obtenidos indican la existencia de una tendencia en relación con la frecuencia de aparición de artrosis por segmentos vertebrales. La región lumbar es la más afectada (∼70%), hecho comúnmente citado en la literatura (Campillo, 2001; Jiménez-Brobeil y OrtegaVallet, 1992; Jiménez-Brobeil et al., 2004). Sin embargo, en este caso se observa una mayor frecuencia de artrosis en la región cervical (∼ 55%) en comparación con otras poblaciones contemporáneas (Jiménez-Brobeil et al., 2004). Se discute el significado de la aparición y la frecuencia de las lesiones encontradas.
Frequency‐selectivity of a thalamocortical relay neuron during Parkinson’s disease and deep brain stimulation: a computational study

In this computational study, we investigated (i) the functional importance of correlated basal ganglia (BG) activity associated with Parkinson’s disease (PD) motor symptoms by analysing the effects of globus pallidus internum (GPi) bursting frequency and synchrony on a thalamocortical (TC) relay neuron, which received GABAergic projections from this nucleus; (ii) the effects of subthalamic nucleus (STN) deep brain stimulation (DBS) on the response of the TC relay neuron to synchronized GPi oscillations; and (iii) the functional basis of the inverse relationship that has been reported between DBS frequency and stimulus amplitude, required to alleviate PD motor symptoms [A. L. Benabid et al. (1991)Lancet, 337, 403–406]. The TC relay neuron selectively responded to and relayed synchronized GPi inputs bursting at a frequency located in the range 2–25 Hz. Input selectivity of the TC relay neuron is dictated by low‐threshold calcium current dynamics and passive membrane properties of the neuron. STN‐DBS prevented the TC relay neuron from relaying synchronized GPi oscillations to cortex. Our model indicates that DBS alters BG output and input selectivity of the TC relay neuron, providing an explanation for the clinically observed inverse relationship between DBS frequency and stimulus amplitude.
Prediabetes influences cardiac rehabilitation in coronary artery disease patients

Background: An abnormal glucose tolerance (AGT) in coronary artery disease (CAD) patients could negatively influence recovery after an acute event but the question, relevant in the field of cardiac rehabilitation (CR), is still controversial. Design: Prospective study, aiming to establish the prevalence of AGT and its possible influence on functional recovery in CAD patients without a previous diagnosis of diabetes mellitus (DM). Methods: An oral glucose tolerance test was performed on 230 CAD patients without known DM, submitted to a 2-week period of intensive exercise-based CR after a recent acute myocardial infarction or coronary artery bypass graft. Functional capacity was assessed by a cardiopulmonary exercise test (CPET) and by 6-minute walking tests (6MWT) performed both on admission and at discharge. Results: The prevalence of AGT in our population was 53%. Exercise capacity was lower in AGT patients (maximum workload achieved at CPET 79.3 ± 29.9 vs. 91.8 ± 36.9 W, p = 0.01; peak-VO2 17.8 ± 4.7 vs. 19.8 ± 5.6 ml/kg/min, p = 0.01). In the subgroup of AGT patients characterized by an inferior walking capacity at baseline, the increment in the distance walked was less than in the controls (Δ6MWT: 81.9 ± 60.1 vs. 109.1 ± 72.1, p = 0.04). An independent, negative, association was observed between AGT and Δ6MWT in patients with lower baseline test, and between maximum workload and peak-VO2 in the whole population. Conclusions: A high prevalence of AGT was observed in a population of CAD patients without known DM after an acute coronary event. AGT is associated to a lower functional recovery, and to a reduced exercise capacity at the end of CR.
Purification of Pseudomonas putida acyl coenzyme A ligase active with a range of aliphatic and aromatic substrates

Acyl coenzyme A (acyl-CoA) ligase (acyl-CoA synthetase [ACoAS]) from Pseudomonas putida U was purified to homogeneity (252-fold) after this bacterium was grown in a chemically defined medium containing octanoic acid as the sole carbon source. The enzyme, which has a mass of 67 kDa, showed maximal activity at 40 degrees C in 10 mM K2PO4H-NaPO4H2 buffer (pH 7.0) containing 20% (wt/vol) glycerol. Under these conditions, ACoAS showed hyperbolic behavior against acetate, CoA, and ATP; the Kms calculated for these substrates were 4.0, 0.7, and 5.2 mM, respectively. Acyl-CoA ligase recognizes several aliphatic molecules (acetic, propionic, butyric, valeric, hexanoic, heptanoic, and octanoic acids) as substrates, as well as some aromatic compounds (phenylacetic and phenoxyacetic acids). The broad substrate specificity of ACoAS from P. putida was confirmed by coupling it with acyl-CoA:6-aminopenicillanic acid acyltransferase from Penicillium chrysogenum to study the formation of several penicillins.
Early Diagnosis of Human Immunodeficiency Virus in Infants Using Polymerase Chain Reaction on Dried Blood Spots in Botswana's National Program for Prevention of Mother-to-Child Transmission

Background: Botswana has high antenatal human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) prevalence (33.4%). The public health system provides free services for prevention of mother to child transmission of HIV (PMTCT) and antiretroviral therapy, which can reduce vertical HIV transmission from 35% to <5%. Infant HIV diagnosis is challenging in resource-limited settings, and HIV prevalence among HIV-exposed infants in Botswana is unknown. Dried blood spot (DBS) polymerase chain reaction (PCR) provides a feasible method to assess PMTCT programs and identify HIV-infected children. Methods: We trained staff in 15 clinics and a hospital to obtain DBS on HIV-exposed infants age 6 weeks to 17 months receiving routine care. Samples were sent to the national HIV reference laboratory. Roche Amplicor 1.5 DNA PCR testing was performed. Results: Between June–December 2005, 1931 HIV-exposed infants age 6 weeks to 17 months were tested for HIV, of whom 136 (7.0%) were HIV infected. Among infants ≤8 weeks old, 27 of 544 (5.0%) were HIV infected. Among infants tested in clinics (primarily during routine health visits), 65 of 1376 (4.7%) were infected; among infants tested in the hospital, 71 of 555 (12.8%) were infected. Conclusions: Collection and testing of DBS was successfully integrated into routine infant care in the public health system. HIV prevalence among infants in the Botswana PMTCT program is low. National expansion of infant DBS PCR in Botswana is planned.
THE EFFECT OF NA-BUTYRATE AND YUCCA SCHIDIGERA EXTRACT ON BONE QUALITY IN DEVELOPING PIGS DJELOVANJE NA-BUTIRATA I EKSTRAKTA YUCCA SCHIDIGERA-E NA KAKVOU KOSTI SVINJA U RAZVOJU

The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of Na-butyrate and Yucca schidigera extract treatment on skeletal development of pigs. The study was conducted from the 14 until the 56 day of postnatal life. Piglets were randomly assigned to control group fed on a standard diet supplemented with a coated blend of organic acids (fumaric, malic and citric 1.5 kg/t feed), and an experimental group fed on a similar diet with the addition of coated Na-butyrate (900g/t feed) and extract of Yucca schidigera (75g/t feed). At age of the 28, 35 and 56 days of life the piglets were slaughtered and the humera were isolated for further analyses. The bone formation and quality were measured based on weight, length, bone mineral content (BMC), bone mineral density (BMD), physical (ultimate strength, maximum elastic strength) and geometrical parameters. The bone weight and geometrical parameters such as cross-sectional area, second moment of inertia, mean relative wall thickness were significantly increased in experimental 56 d old piglets. Furthermore, experimental diet induced significantly higher BMC and BMD, and improved the mechanical endurance of bones in terms of the moments of maximum elastic strength and maximum strength. It is concluded that early postnatal treatment of piglets with Na-butyrate and extract of Yucca schidigera positively affects the development and function of the bones during growth.
Sleep position and the use of soft bedding during bed sharing among African American infants at increased risk for sudden infant death syndrome.

UNLABELLED Soft bedding increases the risk for death among prone infants. We compared the softness of beds and bedding and infant sleep position for infants sleeping alone and for those bed sharing. STUDY DESIGN Questionnaires were used to record the bedding and sleep practices of 218 consecutive African American infants. Enrollment was prospective. Mechanical models were used in the homes of a subgroup to measure the softness of bedding and its propensity to cause rebreathing. Results were compared by using the Student t test, Mann-Whitney U test, and chi(2) analysis. RESULTS In a cross-sectional sample of infants, at 8.2 +/- 3.3 weeks of age, 61% (133 of 218) had bed shared > or =1 of the previous 14 nights and 48.6% (106 of 218) had bed shared the night before. Breast-feeding rates were not different for bed sharers and those sleeping alone. The rates of maternal smoking for both groups were low (13.6% vs 11.8%). Comforters, pillows, and waterbeds were more commonly used beneath bed-sharing infants. Bed sharers were twice as likely to habitually be placed prone for sleep (18% vs 9%). In the subgroup studied in their homes (13 bed sharing, 19 alone), the shared beds were softer (P <.0001) and could cause more rebreathing (P =.007). CONCLUSIONS Infants at increased risk for sudden infant death syndrome, by sociodemographic criteria, who also bed share are more likely to sleep prone and to use softer beds. These findings may explain part of the risk associated with bed sharing among US infants, a risk that appears to be independent of the effects of maternal smoking.
Height, Bone Mineral Density and Bone Markers in Congenital Adrenal Hyperplasia

Aim: To evaluate height, bone growth, areal bone mineral density (aBMD), volumetric bone mineral density (vBMD) and markers of bone turnover in a group of patients affected by congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH). Patients: There were 50 patients (23 males, 27 females), aged 1–28 years, affected by CAH due to 21-hydroxylase deficiency: 27 with the salt-wasting (SW); 14 with the simple virilizing (SV), and 9 with the nonclassical (NC) forms. Methods: Bone morphometry was evaluated with the metacarpal index (MI) and lumbar aBMD and vBMD (L2–L4) by dual energy X-ray absorptiometry. Serum osteocalcin was used as a marker of bone formation, while urinary cross-linked N-telopeptides of type-I collagen and free deoxypyridinoline levels were evaluated as indexes of bone resorption. Results: The height standard deviation score (SDS) was –0.41 ± 1.4 in SW patients, –0.01 ± 1.9 in SV patients, and –0.01 ± 2.3 in NC patients. There was no significant difference among groups and against zero. The MI SDS was also not different between groups and against zero.aBMD was significantly lower in the pubertal patients compared with normal values, but only when patients with the SW and SV forms were considered together (p < 0.05). vBMD was significantly reduced in all patients with the classical form. Bone markers were not different in patients and controls. Conclusion: Our study shows that normal height can be attained in CAH patients; however, an impairment in bone growth and mineralization may be found in adolescents and young adults affected by the classical form.
Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Hog1 Mediates Adaptation to G1 Checkpoint Arrest during Arsenite and Hyperosmotic Stress

ABSTRACT Cells slow down cell cycle progression in order to adapt to unfavorable stress conditions. Yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) responds to osmotic stress by triggering G1 and G2 checkpoint delays that are dependent on the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) Hog1. The high-osmolarity glycerol (HOG) pathway is also activated by arsenite, and the hog1Δ mutant is highly sensitive to arsenite, partly due to increased arsenite influx into hog1Δ cells. Yeast cell cycle regulation in response to arsenite and the role of Hog1 in this process have not yet been analyzed. Here, we found that long-term exposure to arsenite led to transient G1 and G2 delays in wild-type cells, whereas cells that lack the HOG1 gene or are defective in Hog1 kinase activity displayed persistent G1 cell cycle arrest. Elevated levels of intracellular arsenite and “cross talk” between the HOG and pheromone response pathways, observed in arsenite-treated hog1Δ cells, prolonged the G1 delay but did not cause a persistent G1 arrest. In contrast, deletion of the SIC1 gene encoding a cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor fully suppressed the observed block of G1 exit in hog1Δ cells. Moreover, the Sic1 protein was stabilized in arsenite-treated hog1Δ cells. Interestingly, Sic1-dependent persistent G1 arrest was also observed in hog1Δ cells during hyperosmotic stress. Taken together, our data point to an important role of the Hog1 kinase in adaptation to stress-induced G1 cell cycle arrest.
Efficient gigahertz femtosecond Yb:KGW laser with 2.2-W average power generates octave-spanning supercontinuum

We present a 1-GHz Yb:KGW laser with 2.2-W average power and 38% optical-to-optical efficiency. The 290-fs pulses with 6.7-kW peak power generate an octave-spanning supercontinuum in a photonic-crystal-fiber.
Bipolar hemiarthroplasty in juvenile rheumatoid arthritis: long-term survivorship and outcomes.

Because controversy surrounds the management of end-stage hip disease in juvenile rheumatoid arthritis (JRA), this study evaluated the long-term outcome of bipolar hemiarthroplasty as an alternative to conventional joint arthroplasty. A total of 24 JRA patients underwent 39 hemiarthroplasties; follow-up averaged 12 years (range, 3 to 15 years). There were 14 hips (36%) revised, and 25 hips (64%) maintained the original components. Mean Harris hip scores in surviving hips improved from 29 to 69 points (P<.001). Radiographs showed progressive bipolar superomedial migration (P<.01) despite attempted augmentation. Failure defined as revision to total hip arthroplasty or definite radiographic loosening occurred in 15 hips (38%). Ten-year Kaplan-Meier survivorship for all prostheses was 78%. Independent multivariate risk factors for failure included acetabular grafting (P =.006), prosthesis type (P<.001), and unilateral replacement (P<.001).
Patterns and correlates of generalized anxiety disorder in community samples.

BACKGROUND Although generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) is at least twice as prevalent as panic disorder and is among the commonly occurring mental disorders, changing diagnostic criteria have hampered the cumulation of data on patterns and correlates. METHOD A computer literature search was carried out for the terms generalized anxiety disorder and GAD in the MEDLINE and PsycLIT databases. Reports published in English since 1995 were reviewed to determine patterns and correlates of GAD in the general population. RESULTS The literature shows clearly that GAD is a commonly occurring disorder associated with serious impairment. Although the high comorbidities of GAD with other disorders in clinical samples led to speculation that the impairments associated with GAD were due to comorbid conditions, several recent studies show that pure GAD is associated with serious impairments. Considerable uncertainty remains regarding appropriate diagnostic criteria. The requirements that the anxiety be excessive and persist for 6 months are the subject of the most controversy. Recently reported community epidemiologic data show that generalized anxiety syndromes that persist for shorter time periods and that are not excessive in relation to objective stressors are as seriously impairing as syndromes that meet full criteria for GAD. It is less clear whether currently available treatments are as useful in resolving episodes of generalized anxiety that lie outside the boundaries of current ICD and DSM criteria. CONCLUSION GAD is a commonly occurring mental disorder that can seriously impair functioning. Coordinated community epidemiologic studies and treatment effectiveness studies are needed to resolve remaining uncertainties regarding the diagnostic boundaries of GAD.
Decision aids for breast and nodal surgery in patients with early breast cancer: Development and a pilot study

Aim: As survival rates for aggressive and conservative breast and lymph node surgery are similar, surgical treatment decisions for patients with early‐stage breast cancer should take patient preference into account. Decision aids have been demonstrated to increase patient knowledge and satisfaction with decision making, while decreasing decisional conflict. Hundreds of decision aids exist; however, few address lymph node surgery in any detail, and none acknowledge that there is a choice comparable to that between mastectomy and breast‐conserving therapy.
Serum iodine in hyperthyroidism, with particular reference to the effects of subtotal thyroidectomy.

concentration of precipitable iodine in a sensitive of of The level of precipitable iodine is elevated in untreated hyperthyroidism and tends to after iodine medication and after thyroidectomy In the present study the changes following were analyzed with special to the development of abnormally or high levels of precipitable iodine at various intervals after
Electrophysiological Experiments With Photoisomerizable Cholinergic Compounds: Review and Progress Report *

Many small molecules, both natural and synthetic, act on biological membranes by controlling ionic channels in the membrane. Our particular interest is the channel associated with the acetylcholine receptor in the postsynaptic membrane of the nicotinic synapse, where impulses are transferred from a nerve to a muscle fiber or (in some fishes) to an electroplaque. This synapse is a highly efficient electrochemical machine, specialized to function on a millisecond time scale. ’,’ The immediate challenge is to understand the electrical and chemical regulation of receptor channels on this same time scale. In our experiments, we monitor the number of open channels in the membrane on a millisecond time scale while manipulating the concentration of drugs near receptors, the structure of the drug-receptor complex, or the electric field across the membrane. We employ three classes of drugs known to have distinct effects on acetylcholine receptor channels: 1. Agonists, such as acetylcholine (ACh) itself, which opens channels 2. Antagonists, which prevent channels from opening (for example, curare competes with acetylcholine for a binding site on the receptor and the elapid a-toxins, e.g., a-bungarotoxin, irreversibly block this site) 3. “Open-channel blockers” (local anesthetics are good examples), which block current flow in open channels much as a plug blocks water flow in a drain.
Plant oxylipins: COI1/JAZs/MYC2 as the core jasmonic acid‐signalling module

Jasmonic acid (JA) and its derivates, collectively known as jasmonates (JAs), are essential signalling molecules that coordinate the plant response to biotic and abiotic challenges, in addition to several developmental processes. The COI1 F‐box and additional SCF modulators have long been known to have a crucial role in the JA‐signalling pathway. Downstream JA‐dependent transcriptional re‐programming is regulated by a cascade of transcription factors and MYC2 plays a major role. Recently, JAZ family proteins have been identified as COI1 targets and repressors of MYC2, defining the ‘missing link’ in JA signalling. JA–Ile has been proposed to be the active form of the hormone, and COI1 is an essential component of the receptor complex. These recent discoveries have defined the core JA‐signalling pathway as the module COI1/JAZs/MYC2.
Innovative Governments: Creative Approaches to Local Problems

Climate for Innovation by Douglas J. Watson Managing Stormwater in a Coastal Community by Ronald W. McLemore and T. Duncan Rose, III Doing More with Less in Public Safety by Cortez Lawrence Organizing Against Losses by Steven A. Reeves From Prescriptive to Performance Zoning by Robert J. Juster Providing the American Dream by T. Phillip Dunlap Conflict Comes to Daphne by Douglas J. Watson and Wendy L. Hassett Epilogue by Douglas J. Watson Selected Bibliography Index About the Editor and Contributors
Perfil epidemiológico e análise espacial do risco da dengue da área urbana de Santa Bárbara d'Oeste-SP, durante no período de 1995 a 2010

O municipio de Santa Barbara d.Oeste - SP vem sendo assolado por sucessivas epidemias de Dengue nos ultimos 19 anos.Em virtude desta problematica, este trabalho tem por objetivo analisar os fatores epidemiologicos envolvidos na transmissao do dengue, no municipio de Santa Barbara d.Oeste, no periodo de 1995 a 2010. Para efetuar tal procedimento foram utilizados procedimentos geoestatisticos, que possibilitaram a visualizacao de cenarios da evolucao desta epidemia.Os resultados mostram que a dengue possui duas areas de risco bem proeminentes. ma delas esta localizada a nordeste da cidade e a outra na porcao centro-sul.
Gastric cancer epidemiology and risk factors

Gastric cancer is a prevalent yet heterogeneous disease. From diet and lifestyle to genetics and ethnicity, our appreciation of the complexity of gastric cancer has evolved. This review will discuss the epidemiology of gastric cancer focusing on trends across various risk categories. We realize that gastric cancer is not merely a single disease, but rather individual diseases within a single organ—a distinction that will aid our understanding of disease heterogeneity and its significance. J. Surg. Oncol. 2013;107:230–236. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.