Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Synergistic Effects of Erythromycin and N-Acetylcysteine on Amelioration of Cigarette Smoke-Induced Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Adult Male Rats

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) affects various structural and functional domains in the lungs. It is characterized by damage of small airways due to an inflammatory process, oxidative stress and imbalance of proteolytic and anti-proteolytic activities. The aim of this work is to investigate the mechanisms involved in COPD and the role of erythromycin and/or N-acetyl cysteine in amelioration of these mechanisms by their role in the extracellular matrix remodeling together with their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects. Methods: In this study a total of 50 male albino rats were divided into five groups (10 rats/group); control group, COPD group, COPD group treated by erythromycin, COPD group treated by N-acetyl-cysteine and COPD group treated by both erythromycin and N-acetyl-cysteine. In lung tissue, levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factorα (TNF-α ) were measured using ELISA techniques, glutathione (GSH), catalase, myeloperoxidase activity (MPO) and malondialdehyde (MDA) were measured by specific chemical methods, together with gene expression of Interleukin-8 (IL-8), matrix metalloproteinase-9 (MMP-9) and tissue inhibitors of matrix metalloproteinase-1 (TIMP-1) by RT-PCR, histo-pathological examination of lung tissues to detect the damage level was also done. Results: When compared with the control group, COPD group showed significant increase of IL-8, IL-6, TNFα , MPO activity, MDA and MMP-9 with significant decrease of GSH, catalase and TIMP-1 together with tissue damage shown by the histo-pathological examination. The use of erythromycin or N_acetyl-cysteine lead to significant decrease of IL-8, IL6, TNF-α , MPO activity, MDA and MMP-9 with significant increase of GSH, catalase and TIMP-1and improvement of histo-pathological damages, but the use of erythromycin affected significantly the inflammatory aspect of COPD ( IL8, IL-6, TNF-α , MPO activity, MDA and MMP-9 and TIMP1 balance), while N-acetyl-cysteine affect significantly oxidative stress in COPD (TNFα , MPO activity, MDA, GSH and catalase). However, treatment of COPD by both erythroCorrespondence to: Dr. Heba M. Shawky, The Department of Physiology, Faculty of Medicine, Cairo University mycin and N-acetyl-cysteine lead to improvement of inflammation, alveolar structure destruction (emphysema) and oxidative stress in COPD. Conclusion: Administration of erythromycin or N-acetylcysteine can ameliorate the changes that occur in COPD by their anti-inflammatory, antioxidant effects and their role in regain the balance between extracellular matrix degradation and deposition, while treatment of COPD using combination of the two drugs resulted in better improvement.
Genotypes of p53 codon 72 correlate with age at onset of type 1 diabetes in a sex-specific manner

Abstract In type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D) p53 pathways are up-regulated and there is an increased susceptibility to apoptosis. The hypothesis is that p53 codon 72 polymorphism could be associated with T1D. A total of 286 children with T1D and a control sample of 730 subjects were studied. p53 codon 72 polymorphism was analysed by polymerase chain reaction. A large increase of p53 *Arg/*Arg was observed in T1D patients with age at onset <6 years. A strong linear correlation between *Arg/*Arg genotype and age at onset was observed in females. The involvement of the *Arg/*Arg genotype in apoptosis suggests that during the autoimmune process leading to T1D, genetic factors that favor apoptosis may contribute to the onset of overt disease.
Selection and mapping of DNA structural features for short gene recognition

This paper presents two new approaches for short gene recognition in DNA sequences. Three of fourteen DNA structural features are selected based on their classification power by a modified auto-regressive model method. Experiments on human genome show that the method is superior to existing exon detection algorithms. However, this method requires computing time. To overcome this problem, the DNA structural features are mapped to a set of new values. The three signals generated by the mapped feature values are normalised and averaged before their power spectral density is estimated. The computational complexity is reduced substantially using the feature mapping method.
Management of Pediatric Maxillary Fractures

Background: Maxillary trauma in pediatric patients is a challenge to health care professionals. The successful treatment and extended care of pediatric maxillary fractures requires multiple considerations. Methods: This review of the current literature investigates all components of management to provide optimal outcome. Specifically, pediatric management distinctions are discussed for both facial reconstruction and rehabilitation. The current etiology, incidence, classification of injury, and methods to diagnose and treat these patients is outlined. Conclusions: Pediatric maxillofacial fractures remain a challenging problem. The management of this patient population includes comprehensive knowledge of pediatric maxillofacial growth and development, available reduction techniques, biocompatible materials, and duration of the selected therapy.
Aronia melanocarpa extract reduces blood pressure, serum endothelin, lipid, and oxidative stress marker levels in patients with metabolic syndrome.

BACKGROUND Experimental studies have shown that anthocyanins may exert pleiotropic effects. The aim of the study was to determine the influence of Aronia melanocarpa extract on blood pressure and serum concentration of endothelin-1 (ET-1), lipids, glucose, uric acid, C-reactive protein (CRP), fibrinogen, the antioxidant enzymes catalase (CAT), superoxide dysmutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px), and lipid peroxidation (thiobarbituric acid-reacting substrates, TBARS) in erythrocytes of patients with metabolic syndrome (MS). MATERIAL/METHODS The study comprised 22 healthy volunteers and 25 patients with MS. Patients with MS were treated with aronia extract (3 x 100 mg/day) for two months. The above parameters were measured. RESULTS After two months of therapy, statistically significant decreases were observed in SBP (143.40+/-7.87 vs. 131.83+/-12.24 mmHg, p<0.001), DBP (87.20+/-9.9 vs. 82.13+/-10.33 mmHg, p<0.05), ET-1 (2.44+/-0.51 vs. 1.74+/-0.42 pg/ml, p<0.001), TC (242.80+/-34.48 vs. 227.96+/-33.07 mg/dl, p<0.001), LDL-C (158.71+/-35.78 vs. 146.21+/-34.63 mg/dl, p<0.01), TG (215.92+/-63.61 vs. 187.58+/-90 mg/dl, p<0.05), TBARS (0.0712+/-0.0191 vs. 0.0362+/-0.0135 micromol/g-Hb, p<0.001), and CAT (261.30+/-59.78 vs. 213.34+/-47.36 U/mg-Hb) and significant increases in SOD (2380.63+/-419.91 vs. 3066.53+/-542.24 U/g-Hb, p<0.001), GSH-Px (12.60+/-5.97 vs. 19.18+/-9.09 U/g-Hb, p<0.01), and fibrinogen levels (249.20+/-27.17 vs. 276.67+/-57.41 mg/dl, p<0.05) compared with the baseline values. CONCLUSIONS Aronia extract may be of benefit to patients with MS. This seems to result from the influence of anthocyanins and possibly other flavonoids on blood pressure, serum level of ET-1, lipids, and oxidative status (GSH-Px, SOD, TBARS).
Does strength training inhibit gains in range of motion from flexibility training in older adults?

Thirty-one untrained men between the ages of 50 and 74 (61 +/- 6 yr, mean +/- SD) were studied to compare the effects of strength and flexibility (SF) training, flexibility only (FO) training, and no training (inactive control group) on shoulder and hip range of motion. Fourteen of these subjects volunteered to participate in an SF training program three times per week for 10 wk. Ten others participated in an FO training program during this same time period, and the remaining seven subjects agreed to serve as an inactive control group by not participating in any regular exercise. The SF training consisted of a 3-min warm-up on a stationary bike, approximately 30 min of heavy resistance strength training, and about 10 min of static stretches performed before and after each training session. Maximal oxygen uptake (VO2max), percentage of body fat, and muscular strength (three-repetition maximum and peak isokinetic torque) were assessed before and after training for the SF group. Shoulder abduction, shoulder flexion, and hip flexion were measured with a universal goniometer in all groups before and after the training period. The FO training consisted of the identical warm-up and stretching exercises used in the SF training but without strength training. The results indicate that the FO group increased its range of motion in shoulder abduction to a significantly greater extent than the SF group (P < 0.001), and none of the changes in range of motion for the SF group was significantly different than the changes in the control group. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Antimicrobial screening of some indian spices

In India, spices have been traditionally used since ancient times, for the preservation of food products as they have been reported to have antiseptic and disinfectant properties. In this respect, a preliminary screening for antimicrobial activities of 35 different Indian spices has been carried out. Of the spices surveyed, the results indicate that clove, cinnamon, bishop's weed, chilli, horse raddish, cumin, tamarind, black cumin, pomegranate seeds, nutmeg, garlic, onion, tejpat, cellary, cambodge, have potent antimicrobial activities against the test organisms Bacillus subtilis (ATCC 6633), Escherichia coli (ATCC 10536) and Saccharomyces cerevisiae (ATCC 9763). The results also establish the traditional use of spices as food preservatives, disinfectants and antiseptics. Copyright © 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Growth of upper- and lower-body segments in Patamona and Wapishana Amerindian children (cross-sectional data)

Primary objective : To describe the upper- and lower-body growth of two populations of lowland Amazonian Amerindian children. Research design and methods : The stature and sitting height of a convenience sample of 659 Patamona and 543 Wapishana children of known ages between 0 and 16 years of age was collected using standard techniques. Subischial leg length was calculated as stature less sitting height. The raw data were compared with reference data of British children, and body segment z -score values were calculated. Results : The data suggest that Amerindian children were significantly shorter than their British contemporaries, and that considerable faltering in total stature occurred by the third year of life. However, there were contrasting patterns of faltering in the upper and lower body which may well reflect differences in the tempo of growth of body segments at different ages. The two study populations differed significantly in their total stature and this was shown to be due to significant differences in leg length but not in sitting height. Conclusions : The adverse effects on childhood growth of poor environmental conditions are well known, and it is argued that the variation in body size found between the populations in this study were the results of marked differences in the quality of their living conditions. This paper provides baseline data on the growth of Amerindian populations that are currently facing unprecedented changes in their economic and environmental circumstances.
Ensemble models of proteins and protein domains based on distance distribution restraints

Conformational ensembles of intrinsically disordered peptide chains are not fully determined by experimental observations. Uncertainty due to lack of experimental restraints and due to intrinsic disorder can be distinguished if distance distributions restraints are available. Such restraints can be obtained from pulsed dipolar electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy applied to pairs of spin labels. Here, we introduce a Monte Carlo approach for generating conformational ensembles that are consistent with a set of distance distribution restraints, backbone dihedral angle statistics in known protein structures, and optionally, secondary structure propensities or membrane immersion depths. The approach is tested with simulated restraints for a terminal and an internal loop and for a protein with 69 residues by using sets of sparse restraints for underlying well‐defined conformations and for published ensembles of a premolten globule‐like and a coil‐like intrinsically disordered protein. Proteins 2016; 84:544–560. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
World Perspective on Celiac Disease

Received August 30, 201 From the Department o Ancona, Italy, the zIm University School of Haunersches Kindersp wig Maximilian Un University Departm Department of Gastroe Mohammed V, Rabat Rheumatologie und Charité—Universitäts ment of Pediatric G Institute of Medical S Address correspondence Department of Pediat Ancona, Italy (e-mail C.C. has served as scien Schär. The other auth Copyright # 2012 by E Hepatology, and Nut Gastroenterology, He DOI: 10.1097/MPG.0b01
Optical Power Efficiency Versus Breakdown Voltage of Avalanche-Mode Silicon LEDs in CMOS

We report on the dependency of the optical power efficiency <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\eta $ </tex-math></inline-formula> on the breakdown voltage <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${V}_{\text {BR}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> of avalanche-mode (AM) light-emitting diodes (LEDs) in silicon. Lateral p<sup>+</sup>-n-n<sup>+</sup> LEDs have been designed in a 65-nm bulk CMOS technology, where <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${V}_{\text {BR}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> is varied between 2 and 9 V. This tunes both the magnitude and the spatial distribution of the reverse electric field, which governs AM electroluminescence. Experiments show that a maximum <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\eta $ </tex-math></inline-formula> of <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\sim 1.7 \times 10^{-6}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> is obtained for <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${V}_{\text {BR}} \sim 6$ </tex-math></inline-formula> V. For <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${V}_{\text {BR}} < 6$ </tex-math></inline-formula> V, non-local avalanche results in a lower <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\eta $ </tex-math></inline-formula>, while for <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${V}_{\text {BR}} > 6$ </tex-math></inline-formula> V, a gradual reduction in <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\eta $ </tex-math></inline-formula> with increasing <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">${V}_{\text {BR}}$ </tex-math></inline-formula> is obtained. This trend is compared with two recently proposed opto-electronic models. A maximum in <inline-formula> <tex-math notation="LaTeX">$\eta $ </tex-math></inline-formula> at relatively low voltages is attractive for monolithic opto-electronic integration in silicon
Transfusion in critical care – a UK regional audit of current practice

A consistent message within critical care publications has been that a restrictive transfusion strategy is non‐inferior, and possibly superior, to a liberal strategy for stable, non‐bleeding critically ill patients. Translation into clinical practice has, however, been slow. Here, we describe the degree of adherence to UK best practice guidelines in a regional network of nine intensive care units within Wessex. All transfusions given during a 2‐month period were included (n = 444). Those given for active bleeding or within 24 h of major surgery, trauma or gastrointestinal bleeding were excluded (n = 148). The median (IQR [range]) haemoglobin concentration before transfusion was 73 (68–77 [53–106]) g.l−1, with only 34% of transfusion episodes using a transfusion threshold of < 70 g.l−1. In a subgroup analysis that did not study patients with a history of cardiac disease (n = 42), haemoglobin concentration before transfusion was 72 (68–77 [50–98]) g.l−1, with only 36% of transfusion episodes using a threshold of < 70 g.l−1 (see Fig. 3). Most blood transfusions given to critically ill patients who were not bleeding in this audit used a haemoglobin threshold > 70 g.l−1. The reason why recommendations on transfusion triggers have not translated into clinical practice is unclear. With a clear national drive to decrease usage of blood products and clear evidence that a threshold of 70 g.l−1 is non‐inferior, it is surprising that a scarce and potentially dangerous resource is still being overused within critical care. Simple solutions such as electronic patient records that force pause for thought before blood transfusion, or prescriptions that only allow administration of a single unit in non‐emergency circumstances may help to reduce the incidence of unnecessary blood transfusions.
Interacting electrons in disordered wires: Anderson localization and low-T transport.

We study the conductivity sigma(T) of interacting electrons in a low-dimensional disordered system at low temperature T. For weak interactions, the weak-localization regime crosses over with lowering T into a dephasing-induced "power-law hopping. " As T is further decreased, the Anderson localization in Fock space crucially affects sigma(T), inducing a transition at T = T(c), so that sigma(T < T(c)) = 0. The critical behavior of sigma(T) above T(c) is ln sigma(T) proportional to -(T - T(c))(-1/2). The mechanism of transport in the critical regime is many-particle transitions between distant states in Fock space.
Diurnal Growth of Tall Fescue Leaf Blades : II. Dry Matter Partitioning and Carbohydrate Metabolism in the Elongation Zone and Adjacent Expanded Tissue.

The spatial distributions of net deposition rates of water soluble carbohydrate-free dry matter (WSC-free DM) and WSC were evaluated within and above the elongation zone of tall fescue (Festuca arundinacea Schreb.) leaf blades during light and darkness. Imported DM used for WSC-free DM synthesis during darkness (67% of the total in experiment I and 59% in experiment II) was greater than during light (47% in both experiments), suggesting that the 65% higher leaf elongation rate during darkness was accompanied by higher rates of synthesis of cellular structural components. Deposition rates of WSC in the basal and central part of the elongation zone (0-20 mm from the ligule) were similar during light and darkness, but above 20 millimeters WSC deposition occurred during light and WSC loss occurred during darkness. WSC deposition and loss throughout the elongation zone and the recently expanded tissue were mostly due to net synthesis and degradation of fructan. Fructan was predominantly low molecular weight and contributed about 50% of the total osmotic partial pressure of WSC. In the most actively growing region, where fructan synthesis was most rapid, no diurnal change occurred in molecular weight distribution of fructan. WSC solute concentrations were diluted in the most actively growing tissue during darkness because net monosaccharide and fructan deposition were unaltered and sucrose deposition was decreased, but growth-associated water deposition was increased by 77%. Net rates of fructan synthesis and degradation were not related to tissue sucrose concentration, but appeared to respond to the balance between assimilate import and assimilate use in synthesis of cellular structural components (i.e. WSC-free DM) and deposition of monosaccharides. Fructan synthesized in tissue during most active elongation was degraded when the respective tissue reached the distal limit of the elongation zone where assimilate import in darkness was insufficient to maintain synthetic processes associated with further differentiation of cells.
Epidermal Growth Factor-Receptor Tyrosine Kinase Activity Regulates Expansion of Porcine Oocyte-Cumulus Cell Complexes In Vitro1

Abstract We have recently shown that epidermal growth factor (EGF) strongly stimulates expansion of porcine oocyte-cumulus complexes (OCCs) isolated from large follicles (>6 mm) and does not promote expansion of OCCs from small (3–4-mm) follicles. In order to elucidate the role of EGF in OCCs expansion, in the present study, we first examined the presence of EGF receptors (EGFRs) in cumulus cells isolated from follicles of different sizes. Surprisingly, immunoblotting showed that cumulus cells obtained from all follicular size categories contained similar amounts of EGFR protein. On the other hand, we found a dramatic difference in the pattern of protein tyrosine phosphorylation in a comparison of cumulus cells isolated from small and large follicles treated by EGF. Furthermore, tyrosine-phosphorylated EGFR was specifically immunoprecipitated with antiphosphotyrosine antibodies from EGF-treated cumulus cells isolated from the large follicles. This result strongly indicates that only OCCs from the large follicles contain mature EGFRs that are capable of becoming activated by EGF. Remarkably, preincubation of cumulus cells from small follicles (3–4 mm) with FSH strongly increased EGF-stimulated tyrosine phosphorylation to levels comparable with OCCs from large follicles. The FSH-dependent activation of EGFRs was beneficial for expansion of OCCs isolated from the small follicles since OCCs treated sequentially by FSH (3 h) and EGF (1 h) underwent expansion significantly better then OCCs cultured in FSH or EGF alone. We conclude that a FSH-dependent pathway has an important role in the maturation of the EGFR in cumulus cells and that activation of EGFR-dependent signaling is sufficient to induce expansion.
A Combined Assay of hTERT and E6 Oncoprotein to Identify Virus-Infected Keratinocytes With Higher Telomerase Activity in Human Papillomaviruses 16 and 18–Related Bowenoid Papulosis

Abstract:In the present study, we aim to evaluate the application potential of a combined assay of human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) and E6 oncoprotein in screening the virus-infected keratinocytes with higher telomerase activity in human papillomaviruses (HPV) 16- and 18-related bowenoid papulosis (BP). HPV16/18 DNA in BP (n = 123) was identified by in situ hybridization, the expression of hTERT and E6 in HPV16/18-related BP (n = 68) was determined by immunohistochemistry. We demonstrated that the expression of hTERT correlated well with that of E6 oncoprotein in HPV16/18-related BP lesions (Spearman rho = 0.868, P < 0.01). Furthermore, the majority of keratinocytes with positive nuclear staining for hTERT or E6 in the consecutive sections of each HPV16/18-related BP lesion showed nuclear paleomorphism or nuclear mitosis. In conclusion, we suggested that a combined assay of hTERT and E6 oncoprotein can be used to screen the HPV-infected keratinocytes with higher telomerase activity in HPV16-related and HPV18-related BP lesions.