Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Blue blood.

Abstract: In a world of increasing immigration of a diverse range of nationalities, hereditary hemoglobin variants will be increasingly encountered, and should be considered in infants and children presenting with low saturations. We present a case report of an infant presenting with low oxygen saturations, who was extensively investigated before the correct diagnosis became apparent. Initial haemoglobin electrophoresis was normal, but subsequently abnormal on repeat testing. With further screening, a number of affected family members have since been identified.
UvA-DARE ( Digital Academic Repository ) Tuned to survive : Salt stress induced changes in Arabidopsis

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FDG Uptake , GLUT-i Glucose Transporterand Cellularity in Human Pancreatic Tumors

close relationship between FDG accumulation in FDG PET and the grading of immunohistochemical expression of GLUT-I glucose transporter in the resected tumor tissues. However, in the strong GLUT1 expression group, there was an enormous range of SUVs within them. There was no reported relationship between FDG and other glucose transporters: GLUT-2, 3, 4 and 5 (13). Recent in vitro study showed that FDG accumulation has a close relationship with the number of viable tumor cells rather than with proliferative activity (14). Some studies showed that not only tumor cells, but fibrous tissue or inflammatory cells, could have some weak accumulation of FDG (15â€”18). Further more, some clinical studies showed that the size of the scanned tumor had some influence on the result of maximal SUV in FDG PET (19,20). Many complicated factors are supposed to affect the results of FDG accumulation in clinical FDG PET imaging. But no correlative study has been reported so far about the relationship among tumor size, FDG accumulation, the number of tumor cells and immunohistochemical expression of GLUT-i glucose transporter in the resected human tumor tissues. In this study, to evaluate other factors determining FDG PET uptake, we performed a series of FDG PET studies and, after surgery, examined tumor size and the number oftumor cells and the immunohistochemical expression of the GLUT-l glucose transporter in the resected pancreatic tumor tissue specimen.
Antimicrobial Actions of Degraded and Native Chitosan against Spoilage Organisms in Laboratory Media and Foods

ABSTRACT The objective of this study was to determine whether chitosan (poly-β-1,4-glucosamine) and hydrolysates of chitosan can be used as novel preservatives in foods. Chitosan was hydrolyzed by using oxidative-reductive degradation, crude papaya latex, and lysozyme. Mild hydrolysis of chitosan resulted in improved microbial inactivation in saline and greater inhibition of growth of several spoilage yeasts in laboratory media, but highly degraded products of chitosan exhibited no antimicrobial activity. In pasteurized apple-elderflower juice stored at 7°C, addition of 0.3 g of chitosan per liter eliminated yeasts entirely for the duration of the experiment (13 days), while the total counts and the lactic acid bacterial counts increased at a slower rate than they increased in the control. Addition of 0.3 or 1.0 g of chitosan per kg had no effect on the microbial flora of houmous, a chickpea dip; in the presence of 5.0 g of chitosan per kg, bacterial growth but not yeast growth was substantially reduced compared with growth in control dip stored at 7°C for 6 days. Improved antimicrobial potency of chitosan hydrolysates like that observed in the saline and laboratory medium experiments was not observed in juice and dip experiments. We concluded that native chitosan has potential for use as a preservative in certain types of food but that the increase in antimicrobial activity that occurs following partial hydrolysis is too small to justify the extra processing involved.
Extracting drug mechanism and pharmacodynamic information from clinical electroencephalographic data using generalised semi-linear canonical correlation analysis

Conventional analysis of clinical resting electroencephalography (EEG) recordings typically involves assessment of spectral power in pre-defined frequency bands at specific electrodes. EEG is a potentially useful technique in drug development for measuring the pharmacodynamic (PD) effects of a centrally acting compound and hence to assess the likelihood of success of a novel drug based on pharmacokinetic–pharmacodynamic (PK–PD) principles. However, the need to define the electrodes and spectral bands to be analysed a priori is limiting where the nature of the drug-induced EEG effects is initially not known. We describe the extension to human EEG data of a generalised semi-linear canonical correlation analysis (GSLCCA), developed for small animal data. GSLCCA uses data from the whole spectrum, the entire recording duration and multiple electrodes. It provides interpretable information on the mechanism of drug action and a PD measure suitable for use in PK–PD modelling. Data from a study with low (analgesic) doses of the μ-opioid agonist, remifentanil, in 12 healthy subjects were analysed using conventional spectral edge analysis and GSLCCA. At this low dose, the conventional analysis was unsuccessful but plausible results consistent with previous observations were obtained using GSLCCA, confirming that GSLCCA can be successfully applied to clinical EEG data.
In vivo bacterial protease production during Pseudomonas aeruginosa corneal infection.

PURPOSE To establish if active pseudomonal proteases are present in vivo during corneal infection with Pseudomonas aeruginosa and to determine if the mouse strains used in these and previous studies have the ability to mount a nonocular antibody response to the purified proteases because antibodies to the bacterial proteases were not detected previously during in vivo ocular infection. METHODS At certain times after corneal infection with P. aeruginosa, corneas were harvested and supernatants from the corneal homogenates were analyzed for proteolytic activity by zymography and immunoreactivity by immunoblotting. The efficiency of the extraction procedures used in these studies was determined by incubating uninfected corneal homogenates with the purified proteases. The resultant supernatants were analyzed for alkaline protease and elastase activity. Additionally, mice were immunized intraperitoneally with the purified proteases with and without adjuvant to determine if the animals could mount a nonocular antibody response. RESULTS Corneas infected with P. aeruginosa demonstrated the presence of alkaline protease, but not elastase, by the two methods examined. The kinetics of the in vivo alkaline protease response closely parallels previously reported bacterial clearance studies in that peak alkaline protease activity was detected in corneal tissue when peak bacterial numbers also were observed in the eye, and it was absent when the eyes were sterile or nearly sterile. In addition, C57BL/6J mice were capable of mounting a nonocular antibody response to microgram quantities of both proteases only in the presence of adjuvant. CONCLUSIONS In the model described, enzymatically active alkaline protease, but not elastase, was demonstrated in corneal tissues during in vivo infection. Concentrations of these proteases were much lower than those required to stimulate an antibody response.
Genes Coding for Hepatotoxic Heptapeptides (Microcystins) in the Cyanobacterium Anabaena Strain 90

ABSTRACT The cluster of microcystin synthetase genes from Anabaena strain 90 was sequenced and characterized. The total size of the region is 55.4 kb, and the genes are organized in three putative operons. The first operon (mcyA-mcyB-mcyC) is transcribed in the opposite direction from the second operon (mcyG-mcyD-mcyJ-mcyE-mcyF-mcyI) and the third operon (mcyH). The genes mcyA, mcyB, and mcyC encode nonribosomal peptide synthetases (NRPS), while mcyD codes for a polyketide synthase (PKS), and mcyG and mcyE are mixed NRPS-PKS genes. The genes mcyJ, mcyF, and mcyI are similar to genes coding for a methyltransferase, an aspartate racemase, and a d-3-phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase, respectively. The region in the first module of mcyB coding for the adenylation domain was found to be 96% identical with the corresponding part of mcyC, suggesting a recent duplication of this fragment and a replacement in mcyB. In Anabaena strain 90, the order of the domains encoded by the genes in the two sets (from mcyG to mcyI and from mcyA to mcyC) is colinear with the hypothetical order of the enzymatic reactions for microcystin biosynthesis. The order of the microcystin synthetase genes in Anabaena strain 90 differs from the arrangement found in two other cyanobacterial species, Microcystis aeruginosa and Planktothrix agardhii. The average sequence match between the microcystin synthetase genes of Anabaena strain 90 and the corresponding genes of the other species is 74%. The identity of the individual proteins varies from 67 to 81%. The genes of microcystin biosynthesis from three major producers of this toxin are now known. This makes it possible to design probes and primers to identify the toxin producers in the environment.
A Global Macroeconomic Risk Explanation for Momentum and Value

Value and momentum returns and combinations of them are explained by their loadings on global macroeconomic risk factors across both countries and asset classes. These loadings describe why value and momentum have positive return premia and why they are negatively correlated. The global macroeconomic risk factor model also performs well in summarizing the cross section of various additional asset classes. The findings identify the source of the common variation in expected returns across asset classes and countries suggesting that markets are integrated.
From Principled Negotiation to Interest-based Bargaining

This research paper presents a portrait both descriptive and analytical of the knowledge associated with so-called integrative bargaining methods. After justifying the choice of the term "interest-based bargaining" (IBB) to designate the different methods of integrative negotiations, an analysis of the theoretical foundations of IBB with regards to the sub-processes of the collective bargaining was done. In addition, an explanation of the theoretical premises and methodological application of IBB as described [5] was proposed. After explaining the factors that facilitate the implementation of IBB, an analysis of the results of some empirical studies on the impacts of IBB was also carried out. Finally, some reflections on the method itself, the state of knowledge on the subject as well as various avenues of research that could be considered are suggested.
Changes in Proteinuria and Side Effects of Corticosteroids Alone or in Combination with Azathioprine at Different Stages of IgA Nephropathy.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Time-average proteinuria (TAp) is the strongest predictor of renal survival in IgA nephropathy (IgAN). Little is known about the utility and safety of corticosteroids (CS) to obtain TAp<1 g/d in patients with advanced IgAN. This study sought to evaluate TAp at different degree of baseline renal function and histologic severity during CS use and to investigate treatment safety. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS We performed one-stage individual-patient data meta-analysis among 325 patients with IgAN enrolled in three prospective, randomized clinical trials. Patients were divided into three groups according to treatment: no treatment (NT; supportive therapy), CS, and CS plus azathioprine (CS+A). Associations of TAp with histologic grading, treatment, and eGFR at baseline were performed with linear regression models for repeated measures. The median follow-up duration was 66.6 months (range, 12-144 months). RESULTS In the first 6 months, proteinuria did not change in the NT group and decreased substantially in the other groups(CS: from a mean±SD of 2.20±1.0 to 0.8 [interquartile range, 0.4-1.2] g/d; CS+A: from 2.876±2.1 to 1.0 [interquartile range, 0.5-1.7] g/d), independent of the degree of histologic damage and baseline eGFR. The percentage of patients who maintained TAp<1 g/d was 30.2% in the NT, 67.3% in the CS, and 66.6% in the CS+A group. Thirty-four patients experienced adverse events: none in the NT, 11 (6.4%) in the CS, and 23 (20.7%) in the CS+A group. The risk of developing adverse events increased with decreasing levels of eGFR (from 2.3% to 15.4%). The addition of azathioprine to CS further increased the percentage of patients with adverse events (16.8% versus 5.7% in study 2 and 30.0% versus 15.4% in study 3; overall P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS In patients with IgAN, CS can reduce proteinuria and increase the possibility of maintaining TAp<1 g/d, regardless of the stage of CKD and the histologic damage. The risk of major adverse events is low in patients with normal renal function but increases in those with impaired renal function and with the addition of azathioprine.
Severity and distribution of ventral thoracolumbar spondylosis and histological assessment of associated intervertebral disc degeneration in cull rams

Abstract AIM: To conduct a pilot study investigating the incidence and pathology of spondylosis in a sample of cull rams in New Zealand. METHODS: Vertebral columns from 51 cull rams from different properties were assessed radiographically for evidence of spondylosis. They were graded according to severity, using a four-point grading system. Samples of intervertebral discs representing different grades of spondylosis were examined histopathologically. RESULTS: Forty (78%) rams had spondylosis in at least one intervertebral space. Of these, 11 had ankylosis involving one or more intervertebral spaces. The frequency of spondylosis was greater in the thoracic than lumbar region (p<0.001), and was most frequent between T10–T11. Histopathological examination of intervertebral discs associated with all grades of spondylosis revealed degenerative changes in the annulus fibrosis. CONCLUSIONS: Spondylosis appeared to be common in cull rams and affected thoracic and lumbar vertebrae. It often involved ankylosis of adjacent vertebrae, and was associated with degeneration of the intervertebral disc. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Spondylosis may reduce the serving ability of rams and be an important underlying reason for culling. The pathogenesis of spondylosis is unknown but may involve high mating frequencies during the breeding season.
Comparison of atrial electromechanical coupling interval and P-wave dispersion in non-dipper versus dipper hypertensive subjects

Abstract Background. The lack of nocturnal BP fall less than 10% of the daytime, called non-dipper hypertension, is associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The aim of our study was to investigate atrial conduction time in patients with non-dipper hypertension using electromechanical coupling interval and P-wave dispersion (PWD), measured with the surface electrocardiogram and tissue Doppler echocardiographic imaging (TDI). Methods. Age- and sex-matched 43 dipper hypertensive patients (19 male, 24 female, mean age: 53.9 ± 10.5 years), 40 non-dipper patients (18 male, 22 female, mean age 54.3 ± 9.6 years) and 46 healthy subjects (22 male, 24 female, mean age: 52.8 ± 9.6 years) were included in the study. The difference between the maximum and minimum P-wave durations was calculated and defined as PWD. Atrial electromechanical coupling (PA), inter-atrial and intra-atrial electromechanical delays were measured with TDI. Results. PWD was significantly higher in patients with non-dippers compared with dippers (p <0.02) and controls (p <0.001). The inter-atrial conduction time was delayed in non-dippers compared with dippers (p <0.01) and controls (p <0.001). There was a positive correlation between left atrial (LA) diameter and inter-atrial conduction times (r = 0.46, p <0.001). LA diameter was also correlated with PWD (r = 0.44, p <0.001). Conclusion. The patients with non-dipper hypertension have higher P-wave duration, PWD and delayed inter-atrial electromechanical coupling intervals compared with those of dippers and controls. This indicates that these subjects may be more prone to atrial rhythm disturbances.
Feed Scarcity and Livestock Mortality in Enset Farming Systems in the Bale Highlands of Southern Ethiopia

Livestock feed scarcity is often the major cause of livestock mortality during drought in the enset (Ensete ventricosum)–livestock mixed farming systems in the Kokosa district of the Bale highlands in south-eastern Ethiopia. Livestock mortality associated with feed scarcity was investigated in the livestock–enset, enset–livestock and enset–livestock–cereals production systems of the Ararso, Jafaro and Bokore subdistricts of Kokosa respectively, using farmers' perceptions during a drought year in 1998, an average rainfall year in 1999 and a wet year in 2000. Livestock mortality was variable between years and between farming systems. Greater livestock mortality occurred during the drought than in an average or wet year. Generally, mortality was greater in the livestock–enset and least in the enset– cereals–livestock production system. Among livestock, cattle experienced greater mortality than small ruminants and equines, and the greatest mortality was amongst the mature cows, followed by calves (<2 years old) and least among yearlings (2–4 years old) and oxen. Livestock mortality was associated with shortages of feed – often related to shrinkage of communal grazing lands and inadequate supplementary feeding. Feed supplementation by farmers, when used, improved livestock survival. The capacity to provide feed supplementation depended on herd size as well as the size of the semi-private range enclosures (kalo), while supplementation with enset by-products was less effective. Purchase of feed from other farmers and cereal crop residues were important means of rescue. In the future, extension services should promote improved feed management through feed conservation and greater integration of livestock and cropping systems.
El Escorial revisited: Revised criteria for the diagnosis of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disorder involving primarily motor neurons in the cerebral cortex, brainstem and spinal cord. The variability in clinical ndings early in the course of ALS and the lack of any biological diagnostic marker make absolute diagnosis difcult and compromise the certainty of diagnosis in clinical practice, therapeutic trials and other research purposes. The El Escorial criteria for the diagnosis of ALS have been widely accepted, but it was felt that they should be revised in order to increase their sensititvity. The criteria described below represent the result of a three-day workshop, convened at Airlie Conference Center, Warrenton, Virginia on 2–4 April, 1998 by the World Federation of Neurology Research Committee on Motor Neuron Diseases. This consensus document, reviewed, amended and ultimately accepted by all workshop participants, has been placed on the WFN ALS website (www.wfnals.org) where additional clinicians, researchers involved in ALS research, as well as appropriate scientic review bodies and concerned voluntary organizations, have reviewed it, prior to formal publication. Requirements for the diagnosis of ALS
Rac1 and Rac2 regulate macrophage morphology but are not essential for migration

Rac GTPases are believed to contribute to migration in leukocytes by transducing signals from cell surface receptors to the actin and microtubule cytoskeletons. Mammals have three closely related Rac isoforms, Rac1, Rac2 and Rac3, and it is widely assumed that cell migration requires the activity of these Rac GTPases. We have previously shown that Rac1-null mouse macrophages have altered cell shape and reduced membrane ruffling but normal migration speed. Here we investigate the behaviour of macrophages lacking Rac2 (Rac2–/–) or Rac1 and Rac2 (Rac1/2–/–). Rac2–/– macrophages have reduced F-actin levels and lack podosomes, which are integrin-based adhesion sites, and their migration speed is similar to or slightly slower than wild-type macrophages, depending on the substrate. Unexpectedly, Rac1/2–/– macrophages, which do not express Rac1, Rac2 or Rac3, migrate at a similar speed to wild-type macrophages on a variety of substrates and perform chemotaxis normally, although their morphology and mode of migration is altered. However, Rac1–/– and Rac1/2–/– but not Rac2–/– macrophages are impaired in their ability to invade through Matrigel. Together, these data show that Rac1 and Rac2 have distinct roles in regulating cell morphology, migration and invasion, but are not essential for macrophage migration or chemotaxis.
Long-term health implications for children conceived by IVF/ICSI

In vitro fertilisation and intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection are well recognised techniques for assisted reproduction, helping over 85% of infertile couples conceive within a year, contributing to over 1% of the annual birth rate in the western world. There is currently limited data on the health of these children in later life as the techniques are relatively new. Certain trends have started to emerge with high order births proving to be responsible for a large proportion of premature and low-birth weight infants. The increased risk of perinatal morbidity and mortality associated with singleton births has been linked to the infertility of the couple rather than the techniques used. This theory has also been suggested to account for the increase in congenital malformations observed. No discrepancies in neurodevelopmental outcome of these children have been established and no detrimental psychological effects on the families have been reported. There has been an increase in childhood illness observed and the future fertility of these children is a major concern for many parents. Further follow up of these children is needed to fully establish the long-term health implications of in vitro fertilisation and intra-cytoplasmic sperm injection.
Microglia

Microglial cells are the immune cells in the CNS and represent approximately 10% of the total brain cell population. Their morphologic characterization by Pio del Rio-Hortega was first published almost a century ago, but the understanding of their function in the normal and injured CNS is still incomplete. Classically, microglia have been classified into 2 main types: “resting” microglia, with a ramified morphology, present in the uninjured CNS; and “activated” microglia, with an amoeboid morphology, present at the sites of injury. However, morphologic, molecular, and genetic studies indicate that this subdivision is a misleading oversimplification. Resting microglia actively survey their environment; activated microglia constitute a heterogeneous population that dynamically changes in phenotype depending on the type of stimulus and microenvironment, participating not only in mechanisms of injury but also in neuroprotection, repair, and circuit refinement in the CNS. The primary role of microglia is therefore to maintain cellular, synaptic, and myelin homeostasis both during development and normal function of the CNS and in response to CNS injury. Microglia have been implicated in mechanisms of CNS trauma, stroke, infection, demyelination, neoplasm, and neurodegeneration. Microglial dysfunction may also contribute to genetic neurobehavioral disorders, such as Rett syndrome. There are several comprehensive reviews on all these topics.1–12