Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Differences in Virulence Markers between Helicobacter pylori Strains from Iraq and Those from Iran: Potential Importance of Regional Differences in H. pylori-Associated Disease

ABSTRACT Helicobacter pylori causes peptic ulceration and gastric adenocarcinoma; the latter is common in Iran but not in Iraq. We hypothesized that more virulent H. pylori strains may be found in Iran than in Iraq and so compared established and newly described virulence factors in strains from these countries. We studied 59 unselected dyspeptic patients from Iran and 49 from Iraq. cagA was found in similar proportions of strains from both countries (76% in Iran versus 71% in Iraq) and was significantly associated with peptic ulcer disease in Iraq (P ≤ 0.01) but not in Iran. cagA alleles encoding four or more tyrosine phosphorylation motifs were found in 12% of the Iranian strains but none of the Iraqi strains (P = 0.02). There were no significant differences in the vacA signal-, middle-, or intermediate-region types between Iranian and Iraqi strains. Among the strains from Iran, vacA genotypes showed no specific peptic ulcer associations, but among the strains from Iraq, vacA i1 strains were associated with gastric ulcer (P ≤ 0.02), mimicking their previously demonstrated association with gastric cancer in Iran. dupA was found in similar proportions of Iranian and Iraqi strains (38% and 32%, respectively) and was associated with peptic ulceration in Iraqi patients (P ≤ 0.01) but not Iranian patients. H. pylori strains from Iraq and Iran possess virulence factors similar to those in Western countries. The presence of cagA with more phosphorylation motifs in Iranian strains may contribute to the higher incidence of gastric cancer. However, the association between strain virulence markers and disease in Iraq but not Iran suggests that other host and environmental factors may be more important in the disease-prone Iranian population.
The Prevalence of Two Canals in Mesial Root of Endodontically Treated Maxillary First Molars among a Saudi Arabian Sub-Population

The aim of this in vivo study was to assess the incidence of two root canals in the mesial root of the endodontically treated permanent maxillary first molars of a Saudi Arabian sub-population. A clinical study of 352 root-canal treated permanent maxillary first molars was conducted. The teeth were examined clinically and radiographically. The results showed that 23.3% of the examined teeth had two canals in the mesial root (17.0% with one apical foramen and 6.3% with two separate foramens). The occurrence of two canals in the mesial root of the maxillary first molar of a Saudi Arabian sub-population was within the normal range.
Oxidative Post-translational Modification of Tryptophan Residues in Cardiac Mitochondrial Proteins*

We examined the distribution of N-formylkynurenine, a product of the dioxidation of tryptophan residues in proteins, throughout the human heart mitochondrial proteome. This oxidized amino acid is associated with a distinct subset of proteins, including an over-representation of complex I subunits as well as complex V subunits and enzymes involved in redox metabolism. No relationship was observed between the tryptophan modification and methionine oxidation, a known artifact of sample handling. As the mitochondria were isolated from normal human heart tissue and not subject to any artificially induced oxidative stress, we suggest that the susceptible tryptophan residues in this group of proteins are “hot spots” for oxidation in close proximity to a source of reactive oxygen species in respiring mitochondria.
Preservation of splenic immune functions by female sex hormones after trauma-hemorrhage

Objectives Immune functions are markedly depressed in males but not in proestrus females after trauma-hemorrhage. Nonetheless, it is unclear what role sex steroids play in the maintenance of immune function in females after trauma-hemorrhage. Design Prospective, controlled animal study. Setting University research laboratory. Subjects Eight-week-old female CBA/J mice. Interventions Mice underwent sham-ovariectomy or ovariectomy. Two weeks thereafter, ovariectomized and proestrus sham-ovariectomized mice were subjected to laparotomy (i.e., soft tissue trauma) and hemorrhagic shock (35 ± 5 mm Hg for 90 mins, resuscitated) or sham operation. Splenocyte proliferation and interleukin-2, interleukin-3, and interferon-&ggr; release were determined at 2 hrs after trauma-hemorrhage. Measurements and Main Results These immune functional capacities were maintained in proestrus sham-ovariectomized mice after trauma-hemorrhage, whereas they were suppressed in ovariectomized mice subjected to trauma-hemorrhage. 17&bgr;-Estradiol in vitro had no effect on splenocyte functions in proestrus sham-ovariectomized females; however, addition of 17&bgr;-estradiol to splenocytes from ovariectomized females subjected to trauma-hemorrhage normalized immune functional capacities. Conclusions These findings suggest that elevated circulating 17&bgr;-estradiol in proestrus females plays a direct role in the maintenance of immunocompetence after trauma-hemorrhage.
Mapping of the Porcine Calpastatin Gene and Association Study of Its Variance with Economic Traits in Pigs

The objectives of this study were to confirm a location of the calpastatin (CAST) gene in chromosome 2 and to detect associations of genetic variations with economic traits in the porcine CAST gene as a candidate gene for growth and meat quality traits in pigs. Calpastatin is a specific endogenous inhibitor of calpains. The calpain protease system is ubiquitous, and is involved in numerous growth and metabolic processes. Three single nucleotide variations were identified within a 1.6 kb fragment of the porcine CAST gene and these polymorphisms were used for genetic linkage mapping. Linkage and QTL mapping were performed with the National Livestock Research Institute (NLRI) reference families using eight microsatellites and SNP makers in the CAST gene. The porcine CAST gene was mapped adjacent to the markers, SW395 and SW1695 on SSC2 with LOD scores of 15.32 and 8.50, respectively. According to the QTL mapping, a significant association was detected at 82 cM between SW395 and CAST-Hinf I for weight at the age of 30 weeks. In addition, an association study was performed with the F2 animals of NLRI reference families for Hinf I, Msp I and Rsa I polymorphisms in the CAST gene. Two polymorphisms, CAST-Rsa I and CAST-Hinf I, showed significant correlation for growth traits at p<0.01 and p<0.05, respectively. (Key Words : Calpastatin (CAST), Linkage Mapping, QTL Mapping, Korean Native Pig)
A noise-robust radar target classification method based on complex probabilistic principal component analysis

We develop a noise-robust radar target classification method to discriminate the moving vehicle and walking human. The traditional real-valued Probabilistic Principal Component Analysis (PPCA) model is extended to the complex-value domain for modeling the low resolution radar echoes from the ground moving targets. The denoising preprocessing is accomplished by signal reconstruction with the proposed Complex Probabilistic Principal Component Analysis (CPPCA) model, where we utilize the Bayesian Inference Criterion (BIC) to adaptively select the principal components. After denoising, a 3-dimensional timefrequency feature vector is extracted from the denoised micro-Doppler signatures of the two kinds of ground targets, and the classification is performed via Support Vector Machine (SVM) classifier. In the experiments based on the measured data, the proposed classification scheme shows the good classification and denoising performance under the relatively low SNR condition. In the real application, the advantage in SNR can effectively extend the classification distance between the target and radar.
The Presence of New Psychoactive Substances in a Tor Network Marketplace Environment

ABSTRACT Prior research has documented the availability of drugs on many Tor Network websites, with the Internet playing a particularly vital role in the global new psychoactive substances (NPS) market. The primary objective of this research was to document types of NPS for sale on the largest operating Tor site (Agora) over a period of four months. Secondary objectives were to analyze countries and vendors sourcing NPS on Agora. Data from Agora were collected in February and June 2015. The number of total advertisements on Agora increased from 20,742 to 27,431 over the four months, while the number of NPS advertisements increased from 2,205 to 2,271 and the number of vendors increased from 157 to 288. The composition of NPS listings and source countries for NPS advertised on Agora diversified over time. Advertisements for ketamine and unclassified NPS experienced substantial growth, while the availability of phenethylamines decreased. However, phenethylamines remained the most frequently advertised NPS type. China and the U.S. were found to be the top two countries by volume selling NPS on Agora over the fpir months, but the number of countries identified as advertising NPS increased by nearly 43%. The United States housed the most NPS vendors.
NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) genetic C609T polymorphism is associated with the risk of digestive tract cancer: a meta-analysis based on 21 case–control studies

The relationships between the NAD(P)H quinone oxidoreductase 1 (NQO1) C609T polymorphism and the risk of digestive tract (DT) cancer are controversial. Therefore, we performed a meta-analysis to assess the relationships. The databases of Medline, Embase, and WanFang (updated to 15 May 2011) were reviewed. Odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals were calculated to assess the strength of the associations. Overall, 21 individual case–control studies in 20 papers with 5340 cases and 5911 controls were included in this meta-analysis. The results of combined analyses indicated that the T allele of NQO1 C609T was significantly associated with increased risk of DT cancer [odds ratio (95% CI): 1.58 (1.22–2.07) for TT vs. CC and 1.13 (1.06–1.22) for T carriers vs. C carriers]. Subgroup analyses for different types of cancers indicated that the T allele was significantly associated with an increased risk of gastric cancer [1.19 (1.13–1.47) for T carriers vs. C carriers], but not with esophageal cancer [1.05 (0.86–1.27) for T carriers vs. C carriers] and colorectal cancer [1.09 (0.98–1.21) for T carriers vs. CC]. Subgroup analyses for ethnicities and countries indicated that the T allele was associated with risk of DT cancer among Europeans [1.52 (1.05–2.19) for TT vs. CC] and Asians [1.52 (1.05–2.19) for TT vs. CC], and German, Indian, and Chinese populations but not among English and Japanese populations. In addition, subgroup analyses also indicated that the T allele was significantly associated with risk of DT cancer in studies with large and small sample sizes and in population-based studies, but not in hospital-based studies. This meta-analysis suggests that NQO1 C609T is significantly associated with risk of DT cancer among both Europeans and Asians, especially gastric cancer. Because of the limited number of cases and controls in the subgroup analyses, more well-designed studies with a large sample of participants are needed to verify our findings.
The terminal distribution of the hepatic artery with special reference to arterio-portal anastomosis.

Although there have been a number of publications on the distribution of the hepatic artery, much controversy still exists regarding the mode of termination of the hepatic artery and the manner of mixing of arterial and portal blood. Kiernan (1833) first noted that the arterial branches supply bile ducts and form a capillary plexus around them which is drained by small veins ('internal roots') into the portal veins. This observation has been supported by the majority of investigators. However, a few workers (Andrews, Maegraith & Wenyon, 1949) suggest that the 'internal roots' are actually branches of the portal vein which contribute to the formation of the peribiliary plexus, and they further state that this plexus is drained into the sinusoids by a radicular portal vein. The other controversial point concerns anastomoses between the branches of the hepatic artery and the portal vein. Their existence has been postulated by numerous investigators including Mall (1906), and Elias & Pettv (1953), but nonewas successful in demonstrating such a communication by injection methods. However, vital microscopic examination of animal liver indicates that arterio-portal anastomoses exist (Bloch, 1940; Wakim, 1941; Wakim & Mann, 1942). The present work was undertaken in an attempt to demonstrate the various modes of termination of the hepatic artery in the rat and man, with particular attention to arterio-portal anastomosis and to drainage of the peribiliary plexus. The investigation was carried out by injection of indian ink and carmine-gelatine mass via the hepatic artery and portal vein.
Internal Ca2+ stores involved in anoxic responses of rat hippocampal neurons.

1. During whole‐cell recordings from CA1 neurons of rat brain slices with electrodes containing only KMeSO4 and Hepes, brief anoxia (2‐3 min) consistently evoked a hyperpolarization (delta V approximately 14 mV) and reduction in input resistance (delta R approximately ‐20%). 2. As in previous intracellular recordings, Dantrolene sodium (10 microM) suppressed the anoxic delta V and delta R, confirming the release of internal Ca2+ is a major component of the anoxic response. 3. To identify the relevant intracellular Ca2+ store, other blockers of Ca2+ release were applied either externally (in the bath) or internally, by addition to the contents of the recording electrode. 4. The anoxic hyperpolarization was abolished or much reduced by heparin (10‐20 micrograms ml‐1, internal), thapsigargin (10 microM, external), Ruthenium Red (50 microM, internal) and external procaine (0.5‐2 mM), but not by internal procaine (0.5‐1 mM) or ryanodine (10 microM, external). 5. The anoxic fall in resistance was also abolished or reduced by heparin, thapsigargin and external procaine, but not by ryanodine, internal procaine or Ruthenium Red. 6. In addition, external procaine (0.5‐2 mM) eliminated the early (transient) depolarization and reduced the post‐anoxic hyperpolarization by 60 +/‐ 22%. 7. None of these agents consistently changed the resting potential, but the input resistance was significantly increased by Dantrolene and external procaine. 8. In view of the marked effects of heparin and thapsigargin, but not ryanodine and internal procaine, we conclude that the anoxic response seen in such whole‐cell recordings is initiated predominantly by Ca2+ release from an internal store that is InsP3 sensitive rather than Ca2+ sensitive. 9. Comparable but less pronounced effects of external procaine were seen during intracellular recordings with 3 M KCl‐containing electrodes. The dose‐dependent suppression of various features of the anoxic response by external procaine (EC50 approximately 0.2 mM) is presumed to be mediated by a superficial membrane trigger or modulating site.
Factors Affecting Bacterial Inactivation during High Hydrostatic Pressure Processing of Foods: A Review

Although, the High Hydrostatic Pressure (HHP) technology has been gaining gradual popularity in food industry since last two decades, intensive research is needed to explore the missing information. Bacterial inactivation in food by using HHP applications can be enhanced by getting deeper insights of the process. Some of these aspects have been already studied in detail (like pressure, time, and temperature, etc.), while some others still need to be investigated in more details (like pH, rates of compression, and decompression, etc.). Selection of process parameters is mainly dependent on type of matrix and target bacteria. This intensive review provides comprehensive information about the variety of aspects that can determine the bacterial inactivation potential of HHP process indicating the fields of future research on this subject including pH shifts of the pressure treated samples and critical limits of compression and decompression rates to accelerate the process efficacy.
Comparison of experienced and inexperienced operators on bond strengths of total-etch and self-etch bonding systems.

PURPOSE To compare a two-step etch-and-rinse adhesive system and a one-step self-etch adhesive system in order to evaluate the influence of clinical experience on dentin bond strength. METHODS 24 human molars were sectioned to obtain two 1 mm-thick slabs of mid-coronal dentin. Both surfaces of one of the two slabs that were obtained from each tooth were treated with a two-step etch-and-rinse adhesive (OptiBond Solo Plus), while both surfaces of the other slab were treated with a one-step self-etch adhesive (OptiBond All-In-One). 24 undergraduate, second-year students applied the adhesive on one of the two surfaces of each slab (Student group), while 12 dentists with experience in adhesive restorative dentistry (Expert group) applied the same adhesive on the other surface of the slab. Nine conical frustum-shaped resin composite (Premise Flowable) build-ups, whose smaller base was bonded to the dentin surface, were constructed on both surfaces of each dentin slab using a custom-made device. After thermocycling, specimens were subjected to microshear bond strength test. Data were analyzed by a multilevel statistical model. RESULTS The interaction term Experience x Adhesive resulted statistically significant (P < 0.0001). The bond strength (MPa) resulting from the self-etch adhesive was similar in the Student (27.8 +/- 9.0) and in the Expert group (26.5 +/- 7.0). The etch-and-rinse adhesive bond strength within the Student group (23.6 +/- 10.4) was lower than that within the Expert group (28.1 +/- 8.9).
Persistent rotavirus infection in mice with severe combined immunodeficiency

Rotaviruses are important pathogens of human infants and the infants of many animal species. The disease produced by these viruses can be described as an acute, self-limiting diarrheal disease, with virus replication localized to the differentiated epithelial enterocytes of the small intestine. Immunologically normal infants shed virus for approximately 5 to 12 days after the onset of infection. Recently, it has been shown that rotavirus can produce a chronic infection in severely immunocompromised children, with virus shedding and intermittent diarrhea lasting from 6 weeks to 2 years (G. A. Losonsky, J. P. Johnson, J. A. Winkelstein, and R. H. Yolken, J. Clin. Invest. 76:2362-2367, 1985; F. T. Saulsbury, J. A. Winkelstein, and R. H. Yolken, J. Pediatr. 97:61-65, 1980). These findings point to an important role for the immune system in recovery from the disease. The study described here examined the outcome of murine rotavirus infection in mice with severe combined B- and T-cell immunodeficiency (SCID) and in immunologically normal seronegative BALB/c mice. Persistent rotavirus infection was established in all mice with SCID which had been inoculated orally as pups. Low levels of virus replication and constant fecal virus shedding characterized the chronic infection. This is the first report of a persistent rotavirus infection in an animal model.
Identification of the region of non‐Aβ component (NAC) of Alzheimer's disease amyloid responsible for its aggregation and toxicity

The non‐beta‐amyloid (Aβ) component of Alzheimer's disease amyloid (NAC) and its precursor α‐synuclein have been linked to amyloidogenesis in several neurodegenerative diseases. NAC and α‐synuclein both form β‐sheet structures upon ageing, aggregate to form fibrils, and are neurotoxic. We recently established that a peptide comprising residues 3–18 of NAC retains these properties. To pinpoint the exact region responsible we have carried out assays of toxicity and physicochemical properties on smaller fragments of NAC. Toxicity was measured by the ability of fresh and aged peptides to inhibit the reduction of the redox dye 3‐(4,5‐dimethylthiazol‐2‐yl)‐2,5 diphenyltetrazolium bromide (MTT) by rat pheochromocytoma PC12 cells and human neuroblastoma SHSY‐5Y cells. On immediate dissolution, or after ageing, the fragments NAC(8–18) and NAC(8–16) are toxic, whereas NAC(12–18), NAC(9–16) and NAC(8–15) are not. Circular dichroism indicates that none of the peptides displays β‐sheet structure; rather all remain random coil throughout 24 h. However, in acetonitrile, an organic solvent known to induce β sheet, fragments NAC(8–18) and NAC(8–16) both form β‐sheet structure. Only NAC(8–18) aggregates, as indicated by concentration of peptide remaining in solution after 3 days, and forms fibrils, as determined by electron microscopy. These findings indicate that residues 8–16 of NAC, equivalent to residues 68–76 in α‐synuclein, comprise the region crucial for toxicity.
Hemostats, sealants, and adhesives: components of the surgical toolbox

The surgical toolbox is expanding, and newer products are being developed to improve results. Reducing blood loss so that bloodless surgery can be performed may help minimize morbidity and length of stay. As patients, hospital administrators, and government regulators desire less invasive procedures, the surgical technical challenge is increasing. More operations are being performed through minimally invasive incisions with laparoscopic, endoscopic, and robotic approaches. In this setting, tools that can reduce bleeding by causing blood to clot, sealing vessels, or gluing tissues are gaining an increasing importance. Thus, hemostats, sealants, and adhesives are becoming a more important element of surgical practice. This review is designed to facilitate the reader's basic knowledge of these tools so that informed choices are made for controlling bleeding in specific clinical situations. Such information is useful for all members of the operative team. The team includes surgeons, anesthesiologists, residents, and nurses as well as hematologists and other medical specialists who may be involved in the perioperative care of surgical patients. An understanding of these therapeutic options may also be helpful to the transfusion service. In some cases, these materials may be stored in the blood bank, and their appropriate use may reduce demand for other transfusion components. The product classification used in this review includes hemostats as represented by product categories that include mechanical agents, active agents, flowables, and fibrin sealants; sealants as represented by fibrin sealants and polyethylene glycol hydrogels; and adhesives as represented by cyanoacrylates and albumin cross‐linked with glutaraldehyde. Only those agents approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and presently available (February 2008) for sale in the United States are discussed in this review.
Effects of Ageing on the Oral Absorption of d‐Xylose in Rats: Analysis of Gastrointestinal Disposition

The effects of ageing on the oral (gastrointestinal) absorption of d‐xylose were investigated by analysing the gastrointestinal disposition after oral administration to young (9 weeks) and old (53 weeks) rats. A linear model assuming first‐order gastric emptying followed by first‐order intestinal absorption was fitted to remaining fraction vs time profiles for the stomach and small intestine to estimate the gastric emptying rate constant (kg) and the intestinal absorption rate constant (ka).