Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Salivary acetaldehyde increase due to alcohol‐containing mouthwash use: A risk factor for oral cancer

Increasing evidence suggests that acetaldehyde, the first and genotoxic metabolite of ethanol, mediates the carcinogenicity of alcoholic beverages. Ethanol is also contained in a number of ready‐to‐use mouthwashes typically between 5 and 27% vol. An increased risk of oral cancer has been discussed for users of such mouthwashes; however, epidemiological evidence had remained inconclusive. This study is the first to investigate acetaldehyde levels in saliva after use of alcohol‐containing mouthwashes. Ready‐to‐use mouthwashes and mouthrinses (n = 13) were rinsed in the mouth by healthy, nonsmoking volunteers (n = 4) as intended by the manufacturers (20 ml for 30 sec). Saliva was collected at 0.5, 2, 5 and 10 min after mouthwash use and analyzed using headspace gas chromatography. The acetaldehyde content in the saliva was 41 ± 15 μM, range 9–85 μM (0.5 min), 52 ± 14 μM, range 11–105 μM (2 min), 32 ± 7 μM, range 9–67 μM (5 min) and 15 ± 7 μM, range 0–37 μM (10 min). The contents were significantly above endogenous levels and corresponding to concentrations normally found after alcoholic beverage consumption. A twice‐daily use of alcohol‐containing mouthwashes leads to a systemic acetaldehyde exposure of 0.26 μg/kg bodyweight/day on average, which corresponds to a lifetime cancer risk of 3E−6. The margin of exposure was calculated to be 217,604, which would be seen as a low public health concern. However, the local acetaldehyde contents in the saliva are reaching concentrations associated with DNA adduct formation and sister chromatid exchange in vitro, so that concerns for local carcinogenic effects in the oral cavity remain. © 2009 UICC
Tracheal Tube Exchange: Feasibility of Continuous Glottic Viewing with Advanced Laryngoscopy Assistance

Trachea tube exchange via an airway exchange catheter is commonly combined with conventional laryngoscopy to assist intubation of the trachea. Glottic visualization may not be possible in the difficult airway. A delay in reintubation, airway injury, or intubation failure may complicate “blind” tracheal intubation because of excessive endotracheal tube size or tip impingement on airway structures. Advanced laryngoscopic techniques offering “around the corner” visualization may overcome many of the limitations of conventional laryngoscopy's “line of sight. ” In this data review, I examined the feasibility and usefulness of transforming a high-risk exchange from a blind procedure into one with improved glottic visualization.
Pentadecamer-binding proteins: definition of two independent protein-binding sites needed for functional activity

The SP6 kappa-promoter pentadecamer (pd) element was found to be unable to stimulate transcription when present in one copy as the only promoter element in a minimal promoter but showed weak stimulatory activity when present as a multimer (four copies). One copy of the pd element acted synergistically with an octamer element, but not with a SP1 site, to stimulate transcription. The effect was orientation dependent with regard to the pd element. Gel shift analysis showed that pd-binding proteins were expressed in transformed as well as nontransformed B lymphocytes, irregardless of their differentiation stage, and in HeLa cells. Two major complexes, binding to different sites within the pd element, were observed in gel shifts. A low-molecular-weight form dominated in resting cells, while a higher-molecular-weight form appeared after mitogenic stimulation. Southwestern analysis showed that the low-molecular-weight pd-binding protein had a molecular mass of 35 kDa, which was confirmed by fractionation by denaturating polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis and molecular sieving. The higher-molecular-weight complex was sensitive to detergent treatment, while the low-molecular-weight complex was not. Mutation analysis showed that the two pd-binding complexes interacted with distinct sites within the element and that dual occupancy was required for functional activity. The functional synergy between the pd element and the octamer was more pronounced in plasmacytomas than in B-cell lymphomas.
GRANULOVACUOLAR DEGENERATION IN THE AGEING BRAIN AND IN DEMENTIA

Quantitative morphometry with a sampling stage light microscope was performed to determine the severity of granulovacuolar degeneration of hippocampal neurones in serially sectioned temporal lobe from mentally normal subjects of different ages and from demented patients. The degree of granulovacuolar change in control brains increased slightly with increasing age; the “granulovacuolar index” of cases with Alzheimer's disease exceeded by many times that of age-matched controls. This significant difference was demonstrable whether the granulovacuolar severity was expressed as number of affected cells per volume of cortex analysed, or as the percentage involvement of total neurones counted in the hippocampus. The posterior half of each dement's hippocampus was found to be more susceptible to this augmented granulovacuolar degeneration than the anterior half, a selectivity already observed for neurofibrillary tangle formation in the same material.
Neural circuit analysis of spatial working memory: Role of pre‐ and parasubiculum, medial and lateral entorhinal cortex

Using a continuous recognition memory procedure for spatial location information, rats were given sequential presentation of individual arms on a 12‐arm maze. Each arm contained a Froot Loop reinforcement the first time it was presented, and latency to traverse the arm was measured. A subset of the arms were repeated, but did not contain reinforcement. Repeated arms were presented with lags ranging from zero to six (from zero to six different arm presentations occurred between the first and repeated presentation). After completion of acquisition training (significantly longer latencies for repeated arms in comparison with the first presentation of an arm), rats received lesions of the medial or lateral entorhinal cortex, pre‐ and parasubiculum, or served as sham‐operated controls. Based on continued postsurgery training and additional tests, the results indicated that rats with pre‐ and parasubiculum or pre‐ and parasubiculum plus medial entorhinal cortex produced sustained impairment in performing the task. Medial or lateral entorhinal cortex and control lesions did not display any sustained deficits. The data suggest that working memory for spatial location information is mediated primarily by the pre‐ and parasubiculum, but not medial entorhinal and lateral entorhinal cortex. Hippocampus 1998;8:416–423. © 1998 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Fitness Cost of Escape Mutations in p24 Gag in Association with Control of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1

ABSTRACT Mutational escape by human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) from cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) recognition is a major challenge for vaccine design. However, recent studies suggest that CTL escape may carry a sufficient cost to viral replicative capacity to facilitate subsequent immune control of a now attenuated virus. In order to examine how limitations can be imposed on viral escape, the epitope TSTLQEQIGW (TW10 [Gag residues 240 to 249]), presented by two HLA alleles associated with effective control of HIV, HLA-B*57 and -B*5801, was investigated. The in vitro experiments described here demonstrate that the dominant TW10 escape mutation, T242N, reduces viral replicative capacity. Structural analysis reveals that T242 plays a critical role in defining the start point and in stabilizing helix 6 within p24 Gag, ensuring that escape occurs at a significant cost. A very similar role is played by Thr-180, which is also an escape residue, but within a second p24 Gag epitope associated with immune control. Analysis of HIV type 1 gag in 206 B*57/5801-positive subjects reveals three principle alternative TW10-associated variants, and each is strongly linked to concomitant additional variants within p24 Gag, suggesting that functional constraints operate against their occurrence alone. The extreme conservation of p24 Gag and the predictable nature of escape variation resulting from these tight functional constraints indicate that p24 Gag may be a critical immunogen in vaccine design and suggest novel vaccination strategies to limit viral escape options from such epitopes.
Renal impairment in patients with inflammatory bowel disease: association with aminosalicylate therapy?

BACKGROUND In recent years, several case reports have been published suggesting an association between the use of 5-aminosalicylic acid (5-ASA) in patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and the development of chronic tubulo-interstitial nephritis. Apart from lesions associated to 5-ASA treatment, however, it is clear that IBD itself may also induce renal impairment, albeit the frequency is unknown. METHODS During 1 year, all IBD patients seen at the outpatient clinic of 27 European centres of gastro-enterology were registered and screened for renal impairment controlling for a possible association with 5-ASA therapy. Patients were questioned about their medical and drug history and their IBD disease activity. Renal screening (calculated creatinine clearance) was performed at baseline, after 6 and 12 months. RESULTS Included patients (n = 1,529) had a mean age of 39 (range 14-98), 56% had Crohn's disease, 42% ulcerative colitis and 2% indeterminate colitis. Half of the patients used 5-ASA during the study period. Decreased creatinine clearance was observed in 34 patients, among them 13 with chronic renal impairment. Comparing patients with and without renal impairment, no difference could be observed in 5-ASA consumption. In contrast, patients with renal impairment were significantly older, had a lower body mass index and showed a higher frequency of male sex, bowel resection and stoma. CONCLUSION Although the association between 5-ASA therapy and chronic tubulo-interstitial nephritis is clearly described in several case reports, this prospective study came to the reassuring conclusion that renal impairment in IBD patients is not frequently observed and is rarely associated with 5-ASA therapy.
Biventricular Function after Myocardial Revascularization in Humans: Deterioration and Recovery Patterns during the First 24 Hours

Critical changes in left and right ventricular function immediately after myocardial revascularization may affect the success of the procedure, morbidity, and mortality. To delineate these changes and identify vulnerable patient populations and times of highest risk, ventricular function was studied for 24 h in 22 patients undergoing myocardial revascularization. Preoperative ejection fractions ranged from 0.26 to 0.81. For each patient, eight left and eight right ventricular function curves (LVFC and RVFC) were generated by altering preload during the 24-h perioperative period. Central venous pressure ranged from 0 to 19 mmHg and pulmonary capillary wedge pressure from 0 to 31 mmHg. In all patients, significant (P < 0.05) left and right ventricular dysfunction occurred at 15 min following bypass, LVFCs and RVFCs being depressed 35–75% of control. The degree of depression and the pattern of recovery could be predicted best (stepwise logistic regression) by two preoperative indices: the ejection fraction and degree of dyssynergy. Patients with ejection fractions greater than 0.55 and no significant dyssynergy (n = 11) had postbypass LVFCs and RVFCs that were 75% and 60% of control, respectively. However, these depressions were transient, and recovery to 90% of control occurred within 4 h of revascularization. In contrast, patients having preoperative ejection fractions less than 0.45 or dyssynergy (n = 11) had more severely depressed ventricular function (LVFC = 40% and RVFC = 30% of control) that persisted for 24 h after revascularization, resulting in only 60% recovery of ventricular function. In conclusion, the preoperative indices—ejection fraction and degree of dyssynergy—best identified patients most likely to have significant and prolonged biventricular dysfunction after revascularization.
Regional Distribution and Accumulation of Lead in Caprine Brain Tissues Following a Long-Term Oral Dosing Regimen

It is well known that the brain is a key target organ for lead (Pb)-induced toxicity, with exposure potentially resulting in numerous adverse neurological effects. However, information on the distribution and accumulation of Pb within different brain regions is scarce. In this study, Pb uptake and accumulation were characterized in brain and related tissues obtained from a convenience sample of goats dosed with Pb. Tissues were harvested postmortem from 10 animals (9 dosed and 1 undosed) that are used to produce blood Pb pools for the New York State Department of Health’s Proficiency Testing program. Whole brains were subdivided into 14 distinct anatomical regions to explore interregional differences. Related tissues included the olfactory epithelium and spinal cord. Where sufficient tissue mass permitted, further subdivision into smaller sections was carried out to examine intraregional Pb variability. Determination of Pb content in these tissues was accomplished using inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS), with accuracy assessed using reference materials certified for Pb. Lead content (dry weight) varied from <10 ng/g, that is, below the method detection limit, to as much as 4.45 × 104 ng/g Pb. Olfactory epithelium Pb content was several orders of magnitude greater than found in other regions analyzed. Enrichment of Pb was also observed in the olfactory bulb and choroid plexus. Data for each region analyzed were pooled from all goats to identify regions with the greatest propensity for Pb accumulation. Data related to Pb content were also assessed individually within each goat and significant differences in Pb content between regions were determined.
The Influence of Mobile Application Quality and Attributes on the Continuance Intention of Mobile Shopping

The main objective of this study is the measurement of the influence of user-perceived mobile application quality, and mobiles attributes on the continuance intention of mobile shopping mediated by perceived usefulness, perceived enjoyment and trust. A quantitative data collection method is applied to collect the suitable data, and Hierarchical Multiple Regression Analysis (HMRA) is used to test both study hypothesis and model. Results have revealed that user-perceived mobile application quality indeed affects the continuance intention of mobile shopping mediated by perceived usefulness, and trust. On the other hand, mobile attributes in fact do influence online shopping through mobile devices, and that is due to perceived usefulness and enjoyment. The study structure, model and findings add more values to both mobile shopping and continuous intention literature. [Hani Al Dmour, Muhammad Alshurideh, Farah Shishan. The Influence of Mobile Application Quality and Attributes on the Continuance Intention of Mobile Shopping. Life Sci J 2014;11(10):172-181]. (ISSN:10978135). http://www.lifesciencesite. com. 24
Nuclear Pro-IL-16 Regulation of T Cell Proliferation: p27KIP1-Dependent G0/G1 Arrest Mediated by Inhibition of Skp2 Transcription1

The precursor for IL-16 (pro-IL-16) is a nuclear and cytoplasmic PDZ domain-containing protein. In this study we have found that pro-IL-16 is absent or mutated in four T lymphoblastic leukemia cell lines examined. Ectopic expression of pro-IL-16 in pro-IL-16-negative Jurkat cells blocks cell cycle progression from G0/G1 to S phase associated with elevated levels of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p27KIP1. Pro-IL-16 decreases p27KIP1 degradation by reducing transcription and subsequent expression of Skp2, a key component of the SCFSkp2 ubiquitin E3 ligase complex. Taken together, these findings identify pro-IL-16 as a novel regulator of Skp2 expression and p27KIP1 levels and implicate a role for pro-IL-16 in T cell proliferation.
Parastyle in a Permanent Maxillary First Molar Tooth : A Rare Entity

Supernumerary cusp occurring on the buccal or lingual surface of upper or lower premolars and molars is referred as paramolar cusp or tubercle. A paramolar cusp seen on the buccal surface of the maxillary molars is specially termed as parastyle. Here we report a case of parastyle occurring on permanent maxillary 1st molar in a 32-year-old male patient of South Indian origin.
Conceptualising the professional identity of industrial or organisational psychologists within the South African context

Orientation: Lack in congruence amongst industrial and organisational psychologists (IOPs) as to the conceptualisation of its profession poses a significant risk as to the relevance, longevity and professional identity of the profession within the South African context. Research purpose: This study aimed to explore the professional identity of IOPs within the South African context. Specifically, the aim of this study was four-fold: (1) to develop a contemporary definition for IOP, (2) to investigate IOP roles, (3) to determine how the profession should be labelled and (4) to differentiate IOP from human resource management (HRM) from IOPs’ perspectives within South Africa. Motivation for the study: IOPs do not enjoy the same benefits in stature or status as other professions such as medicine, finances and engineering in the world of work. IOPs need to justify its relevance within organisational contexts as a globally shared understanding of ‘what it is’, ‘what it does’ and ‘what makes it different from other professions’, which is non-existent. In order to enhance its perceived relevance, clarity as to IOPs professional identity is needed. Research design, approach and method: A post-positivistic qualitative content analytic and descriptive research design was employed in this study. Data from practising industrial and organisational psychology (IOP) within South Africa (N = 151) were gathered through an electronic web-based survey and were analysed through thematic content analysis. Main findings: The results indicate that IOP in South Africa seeks to optimise the potential of individuals, groups, organisations and the community by implementing scientific processes to support both individual and organisational wellness and sustainability. ‘Work Psychology’ was considered a more fitting professional designation or label than industrial and/or organisational psychology. The industrial psychologist’s major roles related to the well-being and development of employees. A clear distinction between a more dynamic, pro-active approach of IOP compared to a more transactional approach of HRM was also evident. IOP within South Africa appears to have a community development function. Practical/managerial implications: The longevity, relevance and impact of IOP as a profession requires alignment amongst practitioners as to shared common professional identity. Contribution/value-add: This study provides a contemporary understanding of the roles, functions, labels and unique value proposition of industrial and organisational psychology within the South African context.
Global aerosol optical properties and application to Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer aerosol retrieval over land

[1] As more information about global aerosol properties has become available from remotely sensed retrievals and in situ measurements, it is prudent to evaluate this new information, both on its own and in the context of satellite retrieval algorithms. Using the climatology of almucantur retrievals from global Aerosol Robotic Network (AERONET) Sun photometer sites, we perform cluster analysis to determine aerosol type as a function of location and season. We find that three spherical-derived types (describing fine-sized dominated aerosol) and one spheroid-derived types (describing coarse-sized dominated aerosol, presumably dust) generally describe the range of AERONET observed global aerosol properties. The fine-dominated types are separated mainly by their single scattering albedo (ω0), ranging from nonabsorbing aerosol (ω0 ∼ 0.95) in developed urban/industrial regions, to moderately absorbing aerosol (ω0 ∼ 0.90) in forest fire burning and developing industrial regions, to absorbing aerosol (ω0 ∼ 0.85) in regions of savanna/grassland burning. We identify the dominant aerosol type at each site, and extrapolate to create seasonal 1° × 1° maps of expected aerosol types. Each aerosol type is bilognormal, with dynamic (function of optical depth) size parameters (radius, standard deviation, volume distribution) and complex refractive index. Not only are these parameters interesting in their own right, they can also be applied to aerosol retrieval algorithms, such as to aerosol retrieval over land from Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer. Independent direct-Sun AERONET observations of spectral aerosol optical depth (τ) are consistent the spectral dependence of the models, indicating that our derived aerosol models are relevant.
The hepatitis C virus NS4A protein: interactions with the NS4B and NS5A proteins

Hepatitis C virus encodes a large polyprotein precursor that is proteolytically processed into at least 10 distinct products, in the order NH2-C-E1-E2-p7-NS2-NS3-NS4A-NS4B-NS5A-NS5B -COOH. A serine proteinase encoded in the N-terminal 181 residues of the NS3 nonstructural protein is responsible for cleavage at four sites (3/4A, 4A/4B, 4B/5A, and 5A/5B) in the nonstructural region. NS4A, a 54-residue nonstructural protein which forms a stable complex with the NS3 proteinase, is required as a cofactor for cleavage at the 3/4A and 4B/5A sites and enhances processing at the 4A/4B and 5A/5B sites. Recently reported crystal structures demonstrated that NS4A forms an integral part of the NS3 serine proteinase. In this report, we present evidence that NS4A forms a nonionic-detergent-stable complex with the NS4B5A polyprotein substrate, which may explain the requirement of NS4A for the 4B/5A cleavage. Isoleucine-29 of NS4A, which has been previously shown to be essential for its proteinase cofactor activity and formation of the NS3 complex, was found to be important for the interaction between NS4A and the NS4B5A substrate. In addition, two more hydrophobic residues in the NS4A central region (valine-23 and isoleucine-25) were also shown to be essential for the cofactor activity and for the interaction with either the NS3 proteinase or the NS4B5A polyprotein substrate. Finally, the possible mechanisms by which these viral proteins interact with each other are discussed.
Hernia Prevention and Aesthetic Contouring of the Abdomen Following TRAM Flap Breast Reconstruction by the Use of Polypropylene Mesh

The value of synthetic mesh use in the treatment of recurrent abdominal hernias is well recognized and has led to its advocacy by some authors as an adjunct in primary hernia repair. Mesh use in the donor-site closure associated with TRAM flap reconstruction is typically restricted to situations where undue tension or questionable tissue integrity may be predisposing factors to herniation. Although more liberal use of mesh has been advocated for these circumstances, fear of mesh complications may continue to restrict its use. We present a series of 65 consecutive patients who had routine mesh application to fascial closures following TRAM flap breast reconstruction. The use of mesh provides an added margin of strength to fascial reconstruction and was found to have additional benefit as a technical adjunct to the aesthetic aspects of the abdominoplasty. Mean patient follow-up was 56.4 months. The resulting rates of hernia (1.5 percent) and mesh-related infection (1.5 percent) demonstrate its considerable safety. We recommend consideration of polypropylene mesh use for improved strength and aesthetic quality of the donor-site closure following TRAM flap breast reconstruction.