Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The neutrophil‐activating protein of Helicobacter pylori (HP‐NAP) activates the MAPK pathway in human neutrophils

Infection by Helicobacter pylori causes an acute inflammatory response followed by a chronic infection of the human gastric mucosa characterized by the infiltration of neutrophils andmononuclear inflammatory cells. The neutrophil‐activating protein of Helicobacter pylori (HP‐NAP) is a virulence factor that activates neutrophils, monocytes, and mast cells. However, the mechanism by which HP‐NAP activates these cells is not fully understood. Here, we show that HP‐NAP induces extracellular regulated kinase (ERK) and p38‐mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK) activation in human neutrophils; c‐Jun N‐terminal kinase is not activated by HP‐NAP. A MAPK/ERK kinase inhibitor and a p38‐MAPK inhibitor suppress HP‐NAP‐mediated neutrophil oxidative burst, adhesion, andchemotaxis, but not actin polymerization. Pertussis toxin (PTX) inhibits all these neutrophil functions and the MAPK activation caused by HP‐NAP. These results demonstrate that HP‐NAP activates neutrophils through a PTX‐sensitive pathway and that ERK and p38‐MAPK are involved in many neutrophil functions stimulated by HP‐NAP.
A Multifaceted Intervention to Improve Compliance With Process Measures for ICU Clinician Communication With ICU Patients and Families*

Rationale:Despite recommendations supporting the importance of clinician-family communication in the ICU, this communication is often rated as suboptimal in frequency and quality. We employed a multifaceted behavioral-change intervention to improve communication between families and clinicians in a statewide collaboration of ICUs. Objectives:Our primary objective was to examine whether the intervention resulted in increased compliance with process measures that targeted clinician-family communication. As secondary objectives, we examined the ICU-level characteristics that might be associated with increased compliance (open vs closed, teaching vs nonteaching, and medical vs medical-surgical vs surgical) and patient-specific outcomes (mortality, length of stay). Methods:The intervention was a multifaceted quality improvement approach targeting process measures adapted from the Institute of Health Improvement and combined into two “bundles” to be completed either 24 or 72 hours after ICU admission. Measurements and Main Results:Significant increases were seen in full compliance for both day 1 and day 3 process measures. Day 1 compliance improved from 10.7% to 83.8% after 21 months of intervention (p < 0.001). Day 3 compliance improved from 1.6% to 28.8% (p < 0.001). Improvements in compliance varied across ICU type with less improvement in open, nonteaching, and mixed medical-surgical ICUs. Patient-specific outcome measures were unchanged, although there was a small increase in patients discharged from ICU to inpatient hospice (p = 0.002). Conclusions:We found that a multifaceted intervention in a statewide ICU collaborative improved compliance with specific process measures targeting communication with family members. The effect of the intervention varied by ICU type.
Death mechanisms of animal cells in conditions of intensive agitation

The question is addressed as to whether cells which are subject to high‐energy dissipation rates in agitated bioreactors show an apoptotic response. Murine hybridoma cells in batch culture were agitated in bench‐scale (1‐L) bioreactors without gas sparging. At an energy dissipation rate of 1.5 W m−3 there was no apparent damage. At 320 W m−3 cell viability declined, and increasing proportions of the dead cells displayed the morphological features of apoptosis, but necrosis also remained as a significant mechanism of death. When cells were subjected to the intensive energy dissipation rate of 1870 W m−3 in a bioreactor without gas headspace, the cell number dropped by 50% within 2 h and a subpopulation of smaller‐sized cells emerged. This excluded trypan blue but showed some apoptotic characteristics such as reduced and condensed DNA content and low F‐actin content. The incidence of apoptotic activity was further demonstrated by the appearance of numerous apoptotic bodies. Analysis of the cell cycles of both small and normal size populations indicated that greater proportions of S and G2 cells had become apoptotic and there was evidence of preferential survival of G1 cells. It is suggested that two mechanisms of cell death are apparent in hydrodynamically stressful situations, but their relative expression depends on the energy dissipation rate. © 1995 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
Elevated serum uric acid levels are associated with diastolic dysfunction in patients with dilated cardiomyopathy.

OBJECTIVE To assess whether serum uric acid, which is a marker of impaired oxidative metabolism, might correlate with left ventricular systolic and diastolic dysfunction in patients with chronic heart failure (CHF). BACKGROUND Uric acid levels, which are frequently elevated in patients with CHF, correlate with leg vascular resistance. The effects of elevated levels of uric acid on cardiac function in patients with CHF have never been evaluated. METHODS We studied 150 outpatients with CHF who came to our heart failure clinic. Patients underwent a complete echo-Doppler examination, with measurement of mitral E wave and mitral A wave velocities, E/A ratio, E wave deceleration time (DtE), left ventricular volumes, ejection fraction, and stroke volume. A restrictive mitral filling pattern (RMFP) was defined as either E/A ratio >2 or E/A >1 and DtE <140 milliseconds. RESULTS Mean age was 62.2 +/- 7.8 years (86% male); 24 patients (16%) had an RMFP. Patients with an RMFP had significantly higher uric acid levels compared with patients without RMFP (0.48 +/- 0.14 mmol/L vs 0.38 +/- 0.08 mmol/L, respectively, P <.001). Uric acid levels correlated significantly with mitral E wave velocity (r =.22, P <.01), E/A ratio (r =.21, P <.05), DtE (r =.26, P <.01), and RMFP (P =.0001). There was no correlation between uric acid and left ventricular volumes, ejection fraction, or stroke volume. In a multivariate model, uric acid predicted DtE independently of renal function, diuretic dose, and left ventricular volumes. CONCLUSION Elevated uric acid levels are associated with diastolic dysfunction in CHF. Xanthine oxydase inhibition in patients with CHF might theoretically result in an improvement of diastolic function.
Gonadotropin-releasing hormone immunoreactivity in the nasal epithelia of adults with Kallmann's syndrome and isolated hypogonadotropic hypogonadism and in the early midtrimester human fetus.

GnRH-secreting neurons are known to originate in the epithelium of the medial olfactory placode, whence they migrate along the axons of the terminal nerve via the forebrain and into the hypothalamus. Synaptic contact between the developing olfactory bulbs and fascicles of the vomeronasal, terminal, and olfactory nerves does not occur in Kallmann's syndrome. Consequently, there is migration arrest of GnRH cells and partial or complete failure of formation of the olfactory bulbs, resulting in severe olfactory deficit and hypogonadotropic hypogonadism. In the present study, using an immunofluorescent, double immunostaining technique and confocal laser scanning microscopy, we observed GnRH-immunoreactive neurons in the hypothalamus of a 14-week-old human fetus. However, migration of GnRH neurons was not complete, and indeed, such cells were seen to be migrating along terminal nerve fascicles beneath the cribriform plate in a 16-week-old fetus. The same immunofluorescent technique demonstrated the presence of GnRH cells in biopsies of nasal mucosa obtained from three adults with Kallmann's syndrome, one normosmic subject with hypogonadotropic hypogonadism, and a eugonadal male cadaver. These findings are consistent with two different interpretations: the nasal GnRH neurons may be vestigial, representing cells that failed to migrate during embryogenesis; alternatively, they may have been generated de novo later in life, a possibility consistent with the recognized plasticity of human postnatal olfactory neuroepithelium. They also reveal that subjects with the normosmic (i.e. non-Kallmann's) form of GnRH deficiency are able to synthesize immunologically recognizable GnRH, implying that failure of GnRH synthesis is not responsible for this type of hypogonadotropic hypogonadism.
Habitat factors influencing the presence of adult Calopteryx splendens (Odonata: Zygoptera)

In Great Britain the distribution of the riverine damselfly Calopteryx splendens is predominantly southern. However, the last decade has seen records of the species in previously unoccupied areas in the northeast of England, prompting speculation regarding northward range expansion. The current study is the first to quantify the physical features of the habitat that influence the presence of C. splendens. 2. A field survey was carried out on the physical characteristics of habitat supporting C. splendens along a section of the River Wharfe, West Yorkshire, U.K. Adult C. splendens were marked uniquely for individual identification in order to assess the occur- rence of the species within different habitat patches of the study area. 3. A multiple logistic regression was used to identify the significant habitat variables in explaining the occurrence of adult C. splendens. 4. The most important habitat factor in determining the presence of C. splendens was the height of the vegetation at the edge of the river. Significant negative relationships were found between the presence of C. splendens and tree coverage along the bank, and between its presence and increased bank height. 5. The distribution of C. splendens is affected by the natural physical features of the habitat, anthropogenic disturbance and the behaviour of the species itself. 6. The importance of quantitative habitat data in species conservation, particularly with regard to range expansion, is discuss ed .
Patient evaluation for rapid pleurodesis of malignant pleural effusions.

BACKGROUND Malignant pleural effusions (MPEs) represent advanced stage disease with potentially significant patient discomfort due to dyspnea. Palliative management options include repetitive thoracenteses, placement of a tunneled pleural catheter (TPC), chemical pleurodesis, or some combination of these procedures. The rapid pleurodesis procedure combines thoracoscopic talc pleurodesis and insertion of a TPC at the same time with the goals of reducing both the length of hospitalization and the duration of catheter use. The rapid pleurodesis procedure has previously been described to achieve both of these goals in a pilot study of 30 patients with fully expandable lungs. Both symptoms of dyspnea and quality of life improved with few complications. Additional data on procedural effectiveness is needed to optimize patient selection for this procedure. METHODS We performed a retrospective analysis of patients who had undergone rapid pleurodesis protocol at two academic institutions over a 40-month period. Data was collected and analyzed on time to removal of the TPC, chemotherapy, malignancy type, complications, age, and catheter occlusion. RESULTS A total of 29 patients underwent the rapid pleurodesis protocol with a median hospital length of stay of 2 days. Total length of hospitalization was not significantly different between patients with and without primary lung cancer. Median duration of the indwelling TPC was 10 days. Patients with primary lung cancer and those actively or recently undergoing chemotherapy maintained the catheter longer than their counterparts. CONCLUSIONS The rapid pleurodesis protocol should be considered a viable treatment option for select patients with symptomatic recurrent MPEs undergoing chemical pleurodesis.
Temporal and farm-management-associated variation in faecal pat prevalence of Arcobacter spp. in ruminants

SUMMARY In a 2-year longitudinal study of adult animals on 15 dairy farms and four sheep farms in Lancashire, UK, Arcobacter spp. were isolated from all farms although not at every sampling occasion. Faecal samples were collected and cultured using standard techniques for isolation of campylobacters. Assignment to species was via PCR assays. Apparent prevalence of Arcobacter spp. was higher in dairy cattle compared to sheep (40·1% vs. 8%, P < 0·001) and in housed cattle compared to cattle at pasture (50·1% vs. 20·9%, P < 0·001). This was reflected in the higher prevalence observed in herds that were housed (n = 4) all year compared to herds that grazed cattle on pasture in the summer and housed cattle in the winter (n = 11) (55·5% vs. 36%, P < 0·001). In the case of sheep, peak prevalence was observed in autumn with increased prevalence also being associated with improving pasture quality. There was an apparent inverse association between the faecal pat prevalence of Arcobacter spp. and Campylobacter jejuni although this may in part be an artefact of laboratory test method sensitivity, whereby a relative increase in the frequency of one bacterial species would reduce the sensitivity of detecting the other.
Lobar and Multilobar Resections for Medically Intractable Pediatric Epilepsy

Pediatric epilepsy surgery patients are different than adult epilepsy surgery patients by having a higher proportion of extratemporal than temporal lobe lesions, and by having cortical dysplasia as the most frequent pathology. We analyzed 111 pediatric epilepsy patients who received lobar or multilobar resections at the University of California, Los Angeles, between the years 1986 and 2000 to determine if there were differences in seizure outcome by lobe of resection and tissue pathology. Results showed that temporal lobe resection patients had lower pre- and postoperative seizure frequencies compared with extratemporal single lobe resection patients (p < 0.05). Furthermore, single lobe resection patients from any brain region had lower pre- and postoperative seizure frequencies compared with multilobar resection patients (p < 0.05), an effect which was due to the better seizure outcomes in temporal lobe resection cases. Patients with mass lesions had the best postoperative seizure control, followed by cortical dysplasia patients and other pathologies (p < 0.05). In all patient groups, there was a significant reduction in pre- to postoperative seizure frequencies (p < 0.0001). These results indicate that postsurgery seizure outcomes in pediatric epilepsy surgery patients vary by lesion location and pathology, with the best outcomes in temporal lobe patients with mass lesions. However, surgical resections of epileptogenic lesions, regardless of lobe, were associated with significant postoperative improvements in seizure frequency.
Adenosine receptor agonists differentially regulate IL-10, TNF-alpha, and nitric oxide production in RAW 264.7 macrophages and in endotoxemic mice.

Adenosine released into the extracellular space by immunologic and nonimmunologic stimuli has been shown to regulate various immune functions. In this study we report that i.p. pretreatment of mice with CGS-21680 HCl (CGS), a selective agonist of A2 adenosine receptors, at 0.2 to 2 mg/kg caused an augmentation of plasma IL-10 levels induced by i.p. injection of LPS, but decreased plasma levels of LPS-induced TNF-alpha. 2-Chloro-N6-cyclopentyladenosine (CCPA), an agonist of A1 adenosine receptors, at 0.5 mg/kg diminished LPS-induced plasma TNF-alpha concentrations, but enhanced LPS-induced IL-10 levels only at the highest dose used (2 mg/kg). The specific A3 adenosine receptor agonist 1-deoxy-1-[6-[[(3-iodophenyl)methyl]amino]-9H-purin-9-yl]-N-methyl-beta- D-ribofuranuronamide, at 0.2 and 0.5 mg/kg potentiated LPS-stimulated IL-10 production and inhibited LPS-induced TNF-alpha production. LPS-induced plasma nitrite and nitrate levels (the breakdown products of nitric oxide (NO)) were suppressed by CGS and CCPA. In the RAW 264.7 macrophage cell line, pretreatment of the cells with both CGS and CCPA inhibited LPS-induced IL-10, TNF-alpha, and NO production, each in a concentration-dependent manner. The inhibitory effect of these drugs on cytokine and NO production was associated with improved mitochondrial respiration. Neither CGS nor CCPA affected the LPS-induced nuclear translocation of transcription factor nuclear factor-kappaB in these cells. These results demonstrate that adenosine receptor stimulation differentially modulates the LPS-induced production of IL-10, TNF-alpha, and NO in vitro and in vivo. The increase in LPS-induced IL-10 production and suppression of LPS-induced TNF-alpha and NO production caused by adenosine receptor activation may explain some of the immunomodulatory actions of adenosine released in excess during inflammatory and/or ischemic insult.
Insertions and Deletions: Evolution in the assemblage of Vietnamese food plants

An analysis of taxa used and that are salient to Vietnamese in Hawai‘i compared with southern Vietnam reflects an evolution of the assemblage of food plants demonstrated by substitutions, insertions, and deletions of plant taxa. Replications occur as the Vietnamese in Hawai‘i have access to many similar plant taxa as those in Vietnam, possibly due to the location of Hawai‘i as a place where similar food plants can grow and due to a large Asian population. Food plant taxa were elicited from interviews and recorded during participant observations. The current scientific botanical nomenclature and taxonomic groupings, plant life form or part utilized, the southern and many northern Vietnamese vernacular names with diacritical markings, and the English and French translations are provided for over 200 food plants. An introduction to Vietnamese diacritical writing and vernacular botanical nomenclature is included.
Corneal Sensitivity Is Reduced and Relates to the Severity of Neuropathy in Patients With Diabetes

The focus in relation to the consequences of nerve damage in diabetes has been the loss of sensation in the feet predisposing to the development of foot ulceration and lower extremity amputation (1). However, the cornea is 300–600 times more sensitive than skin (2). In addition to serving a protective function, corneal nerves regulate corneal epithelial integrity, proliferation, and wound healing (3). In diabetic patients, corneal sensitivity is reduced (4), due to a loss of corneal nerve fibers (5), which leads to corneal keratopathy (6,7) and a susceptibility to injury, with recurrent erosions and ulcers (8). Thus, these changes are analogous to the diabetic foot, but because the cornea is not exposed to high pressures, ulceration infrequently occurs. Corneal sensation is mediated via myelinated A-δ and C-nerve fibers (9,10), which can be evaluated using the Cochet-Bonnet aesthesiometer (C-BA) (2) or the noncontact corneal aesthesiometer (NCCA) (11), respectively. In diabetic patients, the C-BA has been used to show a reduction in corneal sensitivity in some (12) but not other (13) studies. Furthermore, loss of corneal sensation has been related to the severity of retinopathy (12) and neuropathy (14). We have assessed corneal sensitivity in a large group of diabetic patients using both C-BA and NCCA to assess concordance between the two methods and also to define whether C-nerve fibers are the earliest to undergo damage (15). Using corneal confocal microscopy, we …
Response of Preterm Newborns to Immunization With a Hexavalent Diphtheria–Tetanus–Acellular Pertussis–Hepatitis B Virus–Inactivated Polio and Haemophilus influenzae Type b Vaccine: First Experiences and Solutions to a Serious and Sensitive Issue

Objective. Preterm infants are at increased risk from infections and should be vaccinated at the usual chronological age. The aim of the study was to evaluate the immunogenicity and reactogenicity of a hexavalent diphtheria–tetanus–acellular pertussis–hepatitis B virus–inactivated polio and Haemophilus influenzae type b (DTPa-HBV-IPV/Hib) vaccine in preterm infants. Methods. In a comparative trial, 94 preterm infants between 24 and 36 weeks (mean ± SD gestational age: 31.05 ± 3.45 weeks; mean birth weight: 1420 ± 600 g) and a control group of 92 full-term infants were enrolled to receive 3 doses of a DTPa-HBV-IPV/Hib vaccine at 2, 4, and 6 months. Immunogenicity was assessed in serum samples that were taken before and 4 weeks after primary vaccination. Evaluation of reactogenicity was based on diary cards. Results. All preterm (n = 93) and full-term (n = 89) infants who were included in the immunogenicity analysis had seroprotective titers to diphtheria; tetanus; and polio virus types 1, 2, and 3. The immune response to the Hib and hepatitis B components was lower in preterm than in full-term infants: 92.5% versus 97.8% and 93.4% versus 95.2%, respectively. Vaccine response rates for pertussis antigens were >98.9% in both study groups. Although most geometric mean titers were lower in preterm infants, titers were similar for pertussis, a major threat for premature infants. The vaccine was well tolerated, and there were no differences in reactogenicity between groups. Some extremely immature infants experienced transient cardiorespiratory events within the 72 hours after the first vaccination with no clinical repercussion. Conclusions. Preterm infants who were immunized with the hexavalent DTPa-HBV-IPV/Hib vaccine at 2, 4, and 6 months displayed good immune response to all antigens. The availability of this vaccine greatly facilitates the vaccination of premature infants.
Parental experiences of their infant's hospitalization for cardiac surgery.

BACKGROUND Parents are increasingly recognized as important partners in children's health care. Despite their involvement in care, parental experiences of their child's hospitalization have received little research attention. In this study we explored parents' perceptions of what they found difficult, what they would like to be different and what they found to be helpful during their infant's hospitalization and surgery for the treatment of congenital heart disease. METHODS Structured interviews were conducted with 154 parents (91 mothers, 63 fathers) whose infant underwent cardiac surgery (at <3 months of age) 1 month post discharge from hospital. Thematic and frequency analyses were performed. RESULTS Parents reported a range of difficulties from dealing with their baby's unfolding illness, surgery and recovery to the structural and systemic issues associated with the broader context of their experiences. In an effort to be near their baby, parents struggled to obtain the necessities for daily living at the hospital and negotiate transitions between their hospital and home lives throughout the admission. Domains parents identified for change included the availability of facilities and resources and the quantity and quality of information and emotional support. Parents reported relationships with hospital staff as the most common source of support during this challenging time. CONCLUSIONS Opportunities to improve parents' experiences when their infant is in hospital exist at an organizational level as well as at the clinical level. The significance of parents' relationship with hospital staff indicates the potential for each professional to impact on families' experiences on a daily basis. The range of challenges indicates the scope and need for allied health services.