Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Taurolidine: Mode of administration in mouse tumor models

investigating the treatment of malignantmesothelioma with taurolidine, used successfully an i.p.dose of 17.5–20 mg/mouse/injection in nude mice with<10% mortality. All these data taken together, and the factthat 2-day treatment intervals in our and the studies byDarnowski and Nici were the same, show that the tauroli-dine doses used in our experiments were in the range ofpreviously reported MTD. Unfortunately, none of the threeprevious or any other study reported data of a toxicologicalanalysis of animals that died during the treatment withtaurolidine. If one further considers dose-dependent toxicityof taurolidine in mice, one needs to keep in mind thatimmunocompetent BALB/c and C3H mice used in ourstudy are in general less sensitive to any kind of treatmentthan immunodeﬁcient mice, which were used in the threepreviously reported tumor models. This is supported by theobserved 0% mortality in our initial experiment with BALB/c mice that received 10 mg taurolidine/mouse/injection(equivalent to 500 mg/kg/injection),
Segmental differences of aortic function and composition: clinical implications.

INTRODUCTION Aortic function is an important determinant of pressure and flow in the entire cardiovascular system. This study aimed at evaluating segmental differences of aortic function and composition, in order to understand their clinical implications. METHODS The thoracic aorta from each of 20 healthy pigs was divided into four and the abdominal into three segments. From the stress-strain curves, relationships between elastic modulus and stress were obtained for low (part I), physiologic (part II) and high (part III) stresses. Linear regression analysis was performed. RESULTS No differences were found in the intercepts and slopes for part I. Significant differences were found in the intercepts and slopes between the thoracic and abdominal segments for part II, and in the slopes for part III, suggesting that the distal segments became progressively stiffer. Histologic examination disclosed higher concentrations of elastin in the proximal and collagen in the distal aortic wall. Aortic wall thickness reduced from proximal to distal aorta. Multiple regression analysis showed good correlations between elastic moduli and either elastin in part I (r=0.640) or collagen in part III (r=0.803). CONCLUSIONS The elastic properties and composition vary in different aortic segments. These differences should be taken into consideration when aortic function is determined in clinical practice.
Small molecule inhibitors of Abeta assembly

The Aβ peptide assembles into a variety of distinct types of structures in vitro and in the brain which have different biological consequences. Differential effects of inhibitory small molecules suggest that a sequential monomer – oligomer – fibril mechanism is overly simplistic and that soluble toxic oligomers and fibrils can be formed in common or separate pathways depending on the local environment. As a result, the effects of inhibitors are often assay-dependent because multiple pathways are operating. This review discusses strategies for teasing apart the intricate protein–protein interactions that result in Aβ assembly.
Using Image Pattern Recognition Algorithms for Processing Video Log Images to Enhance Roadway Infrastructure Data Collection

This Innovations Deserving Exploratory Analysis (IDEA) project developed generalized algorithms to automatically detect and recognize more than 670 different types of traffic signs specified in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) by using video log images that are widely available. The developed algorithms provide new capabilities for automating the traffic sign inventory by means of batch processing, which significantly reduces the time and cost spent by state departments of transportation for acquiring traffic sign inventory data. Tests show that the developed detection and recognition algorithms are promising for developing an intelligent sign inventory and management system.
Localization and Identification of Schistosoma mansoni/KLH-crossreactive Components in Infected Mice

KLH (Keyhole limpet hemocyanin) is highly immunogenic, and crossreactive epitopes occur widely in nature. In schistosomiasis, infected hosts generate antibodies reactive with KLH. This is of diagnostic importance but we lack detailed information on the immunogen-carrying molecules and their distribution in the worm. We used anti-KLH antibodies to localize cross-reacting epitopes in the various developmental stages of the parasite in experimental Schistosoma mansoni infection. The staining results show KLH crossreactivity in the life stages of the parasite. By immunoblotting we show that KLH-crossreactive antigenic epitopes in the parasite eggs are carbohydrates, also recognized by antibodies against soluble schistosome egg antigens. The localizations in the larval stages and in adult worms suggest that crossreacting antigenic epitopes are secretory products.
Intravenous Lipid Emulsion Improves Recovery Time and Quality from Isoflurane Anaesthesia: A Double‐Blind Clinical Trial

Recovery time and quality after general anaesthesia is important for patient safety. This study aimed to determine whether intravenous lipid emulsion could improve recovery profiles from isoflurane anaesthesia in adult patients undergoing laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Sixty‐six patients were enrolled. After anaesthesia induction, inspired isoflurane concentration was adjusted to maintain stable vital signs and the suitable conditions for operation. At the end of the operation, the isoflurane was discontinued, and either 2 ml/kg 30% lipid emulsions or 0.9% saline solution was administered intravenously. The time to eye opening, extubation and exit from the operation room was recorded, and the quality of recovery from anaesthesia was assessed. Sixty patients completed the study. The median time to eye opening and exit from the operation room was significantly shorter in the lipid emulsion group than in the saline group [15.5 (interquartile range 9.0) versus 20.0 (10.0) min., p = 0.01; 19.5 (8.3) versus 23.6 (6.3) min., p = 0.04, respectively], whereas the median time to extubation did not show any noticeable difference. The quality of recovery was better in the lipid emulsion group than that of the saline solution group with respect to drowsiness visual analogue scale score (p < 0.01), Observer's Assessment of Alertness/Sedation score (p < 0.01), Mini‐Mental State Examination score (p = 0.04) and Modified Aldrete Post Anaesthesia Recovery score (p = 0.03). No serious adverse events were observed during the study period. In conclusion, intravenous lipid emulsion may effectively improve the recovery time and quality from isoflurane anaesthesia for laparoscopic cholecystectomy.
Saccharomyces cerevisiae CNE1 Encodes an Endoplasmic Reticulum (ER) Membrane Protein with Sequence Similarity to Calnexin and Calreticulin and Functions as a Constituent of the ER Quality Control Apparatus (*)

We have used a polymerase chain reaction strategy to identify in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae genes of the mammalian calnexin/calreticulin family, and we have identified and isolated a single gene, CNE1. The protein predicted from the CNE1 DNA sequence shares some of the motifs with calnexin and calreticulin, and it is 24% identical and 31% similar at the amino acid level with mammalian calnexin. On the basis of its solubility in detergents and its lack of extraction from membranes by 2.5 M urea, high salt, and sodium carbonate at pH 11.5, we have established that Cne1p is an integral membrane protein. However, unlike calnexins, the predicted carboxyl-terminal membrane-spanning domain of Cne1p terminates directly. Furthermore, based on its changed mobility from 76 to 60 kDa after endoglycosidase H digestion Cne1p was shown to be N-glycosylated. Localization of the Cne1p protein by differential and analytical subcellular fractionation as well as by confocal immunofluorescence microscopy showed that it was exclusively located in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER), despite the lack of known ER retention motifs. Although six Ca-binding proteins were detected in the ER fractions, they were all soluble proteins, and Ca binding activity has not been detected for Cne1p. Disruption of the CNE1 gene did not lead to inviable cells or to gross effects on the levels of secreted proteins such as α-pheromone or acid phosphatase. However, in CNE1 disrupted cells, there was an increase of cell-surface expression of an ER retained temperature-sensitive mutant of the α-pheromone receptor, ste2-3p, and also an increase in the secretion of heterologously expressed mammalian α1-antitrypsin. Hence, Cne1p appears to function as a constituent of the S. cerevisiae ER protein quality control apparatus.
Inoculating wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) with the endophytic bacterium Serratia sp. PW7 to reduce pyrene contamination

ABSTRACT This research was conducted to find an optimal inoculation way for a pyrene-degrading endophytic Serratia sp. PW7 to colonize wheat for reducing pyrene contamination. Three inoculation ways, which are soaking seeds in inocula (TS), dipping roots of seedlings in inocula (TR), and spraying inocula on leaves of seedlings (TL), were used in this study. Inoculated seedlings and noninoculated seedlings (CK) were, respectively, cultivated in Hoagland solutions supplemented with pyrene in a growth chamber. The results showed that strain PW7 successfully colonized the inoculated seedlings in high numbers, and significantly promoted the growth of seedlings (TS and TR). More importantly, strain PW7 reduced pyrene levels in the seedlings and the Hoagland solutions. Compared to the noninoculated seedlings, the pyrene contents of the inoculated seedlings were decreased by 35.7-86.3% in the shoots and by 26.8–60.1% in the roots after 8-day cultivation. By comparing the efficiencies of decreasing pyrene residues, it can be concluded that TR was an optimal inoculation way for endophytic strains to colonize the inoculated plants and to reduce the pyrene contamination. Our findings provide an optimized inoculation way to reduce organic contamination in crops by inoculating plants with functional endophytic bacteria.
The effect of azelastine on the early allergic response

To study the effect of azelastine on the immediate reaction to nasal allergen challenge, we performed a double blind, placebo‐controlled cross‐over clinical trial. Thirteen subjects with seasonal allergic rhinitis underwent nasal challenge with antigen 4 hr after a single oral 2 mg dose of azelastine. The response was monitored by counting the number of sneezes and by measuring the levels of histamine, prostaglandin D2, immunoreactive sulphidopeptide leukotrienes, kinins and TAME‐esterase activity in recovered nasal lavages. After a single dose of azelastine, there was a significant reduction in sneezing (10 vs 2, P= 0.01) and in the median levels of recovered TAME‐esterase activity (63.1 vs 17.5 c.p.m. × 10‐3, P= 0.01), immunoreactive sulphidopeptide leukotrienes (7.5 vs 2.1 ng/ml, P= 0.03) and kinins (1370 vs 251 pg/ml, P= 0.03), with no significant reduction in the median levels of histamine (3.7 vs 1.2 ng/ml, P= 0.2) and prostaglandin D2 (70 vs 70 pg/ml, P= 0.2) compared to placebo (numbers represent total increase over diluent challenge). These results suggest that azelastine does not inhibit mast cell activation but affects the consequences of released histamine, namely sneezing, increased vascular permeability and the generation of kinins. The results further suggest that other cells, in addition to mast cells, might be responsible for the generation of leukotrienes during the early allergic response, and that azelastine reduces their ability to generate this mediator or that inhibition of leukotriene release from mast cells occurs at lower drug concentrations.
Docosahexaenoic acid promotes neurite growth in hippocampal neurons

Docosahexanoic acid (22:6n‐3; DHA) deficiency during development is associated with impairment in learning and memory, suggesting an important role of DHA in neuronal development. Here we provide evidence that DHA promotes neuronal differentiation in rat embryonic hippocampal primary cultures. DHA deficiency in vitro was spontaneously induced by culturing hippocampal cells in chemically defined medium. DHA supplementation improved DHA levels to values observed in freshly isolated hippocampus. We found that DHA supplementation in culture increased the population of neurons with longer neurite length per neuron and with higher number of branches. However, supplementation with arachidonic, oleic or docosapentaenoic acid did not have any effect, indicating specificity of the DHA action on neurite growth. Furthermore, hippocampal cultures obtained from n‐3 fatty acid deficient animals contained a lower DHA level and a neuronal population with shorter neurite length per neuron in comparison to those obtained from animals with adequate n‐3 fatty acids. DHA supplementation to the deficient group recovered the neurite length to the level similar to n‐3 fatty acid adequate cultures. Our data demonstrates that DHA uniquely promotes neurite growth in hippocampal neurons. Inadequate neurite development due to DHA deficiency may contribute to the cognitive impairment associated with n‐3 fatty acid deficiency.
An increase in mouse tumor growth by an in vivo immunomodulating effect of titanium dioxide nanoparticles

Here, we investigated whether titanium dioxide (TiO2) nanoparticles affect in vivo tumor growth through the modulation of mononuclear leukocytes. In vitro lymphocyte proliferation by lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or concanavalin A (ConA) was reduced by < 25 nm TiO2 with a dose-dependent manner. Similarly, TiO2 nanoparticles inhibited nitric oxide (NO) production from bone marrow-derived macrophages obtained from naïve mice. When mice were intraperitoneally (IP) injected with < 25 or < 100 nm TiO2 once a day for 7 days, total cell number of splenocytes was reduced in the spleen of TiO2 nanoparticle-exposed mice. Both CD4+ and CD8+ T-lymphocyte numbers were significantly decreased and B-lymphocyte development was retarded by host exposure to the TiO2 nanoparticles. LPS-stimulated spleen cell proliferation was significantly reduced by host exposure to < 25 or < 100 nm TiO2, but no changes were detected in ConA-stimulated spleen cell proliferation. Further, LPS-stimulated cytokine production by peritoneal macrophages and the percentage of NK1.1+ natural killer cells among splenocytes was reduced by the host exposures to the TiO2 nanoparticles. When mice were IP injected with TiO2 nanoparticles once a day for 28 days prior to the subcutaneous implantation of B16F10 melanoma cells, tumor growth was subsequently significantly increased. Collectively, these results show that TiO2 nanoparticles may damage the development and proliferation of B- and T-lymphocytes, reduce the activity of macrophages, and decrease natural killer (NK) cell population levels, outcomes that appear to lead to an increase in tumor growth in situ. These studies allow us to suggest that TiO2 nanoparticles might have the potential to enhance tumor growth through immunomodulation of B- and T-lymphocytes, macrophages, and NK cells.
Rivaroxaban for the prevention of venous thromboembolism following major orthopedic surgery: the RECORD trials

Patients undergoing total hip or knee arthroplasty face an increased risk for venous thromboembolism in the days and weeks following surgery. Hence, the routine application of prophylactic strategies is currently recommended. These include parenteral anticoagulants such as the low-molecular-weight heparins or fondaparinux and oral anticoagulants such as warfarin. New anticoagulant drugs are rapidly becoming available, including drugs that are administered orally, at fixed doses and without laboratory monitoring. Rivaroxaban is the first of a new class of anticoagulants: the selective, direct Factor Xa inhibitors. It has completed clinical evaluation in the setting of major orthopedic surgery and is now approved in many countries for the prevention of venous thromboembolism in patients undergoing total knee and hip arthroplasty. In this paper, we will review the trial data now supporting the clinical use of rivaroxaban and will discuss the potential role of this agent in daily clinical practice.
[Migraine with aura, right-to-left shunt and frequency of seizures].

INTRODUCTION The high prevalence of patent foramen ovale in migraine with aura (MWA) seems to be well established; yet, the possible relation between the magnitude of the right-to-left shunt (RLS) and MWA is not so clear. As a hypothesis, if the RLS played a precipitating role, subjects with a larger degree of shunt might experience a higher number of seizures. We examine this possible relationship between the magnitude of the shunt and the incidence of seizures. PATIENTS AND METHODS We examined a series of 72 patients with MWA to obtain the frequencies of seizures (dividing them into three groups of increasing frequency), history and precipitating factors. The presence and magnitude of the RLS were later determined by means of transcranial Doppler ultrasonography, following a method that had previously been validated. Univariate analysis was then used to evaluate the possible association between the magnitude of the shunt and the frequency of seizures. RESULTS The mean age was 36 years. RLS appeared in 44 patients (61.1%) and followed a 'shower/curtain' pattern in 38% of cases. Frequency of seizures was low in 27%, medium in 45% and high in 27% of patients. Frequency was not associated with the magnitude of the shunt even when only high-frequency cases were considered. High frequency was associated, however, with certain precipitating factors. CONCLUSIONS Our study confirms the existence of a high prevalence of RLS in patients with MWA, but no association was found between the magnitude of the shunt and the frequency of the seizures. As discussed here, these findings are partly at odds with a 'threshold' type of association or mechanism that precipitates seizures.
Multimodal Evaluation of Motor Imagery Training Supported by Mobile EEG at Home: A Case Report

Motor imagery (MI), the mental performance of movements, combined with real-time electroencephalogram (EEG) feedback has been suggested a promising add-on therapy to facilitate motor recovery after stroke. Yet to what extend mental training shapes brain function and structure is not well understood. The present investigation explored functional and structural changes using a multimodal framework after four weeks of MI neurofeedback training. Efficient MI training was archived by using a low-density mobile EEG system at the participants' home. Following training functional changes as increased classification accuracies, stronger contra lateral EEG and BOLD activity were observed. Functional plasticity was accompanied by structural changes in gray matter. Together, this proof-of concept investigation provides preliminary evidence that MI training induces systematic changes in brain function and structure.
Foundations of intelligent knowledge-based systems

Part I: Introduction: Background, Historical Developments, and Bibliography. Declarative Knowledge: Propositional Logic. Predicate Logic. Declarative Semantics. Clausal Form. Deduction and Inference: Meaning and Interpretation. Model--Theoretic and Proof, Theoretic Approaches. Query Evaluation. Proof Tree. Inference Procedures. Automated Reasoning Systems: Theoron Provers. Substitution and Unification. Resolution. Resolution Strategies. Rewrite Rules. Logic Programming and Deductive Data Bases. Frames, Semantic Nets, and Production Systems: Frame Structure. Slots--Assertions. ISA--Hierarchy. Inference with Frames. Production Systems. Computation Methods. Search: General: Search Algorithm. Domain Specific Search. Semantic Information and Strategies to Control the Search. Part II: Modal and Intentional Logic: Propositional Modal Logic. Predicate Modal Logic. Modal Structure, Kripke Structure. Modal Operation. IntentionalLogic. Nonmonotonic Reasoning: Nonmonotonic Logic. The Closed-World Assumption. Negation by Failure. Circumscription. Computational Model of Nonmonotonic Logic. Induction: Basic Properties. Concept Formation. Generalization and Specialization. Matching. Learning. Uncertainty: Probabilities. Bayes Law. Fuzzy Logic. Probabilistic Logic. Computation. Meta Knowledge. Temporal Systems. Planning Actions: States, Actions, and the Frame Problem. Action Ordering. A Basic Plan Interpreter. Conditional Plans. Goals, Restricted Goals. Goal Regression. Domains and Application. Decision Theory. Part III: Architecture of IKBS: Components. Data Flow. Control Flow. Case Study PAYE Tax System: Introduction and Basic Properties. Temporal Aspect. Architecture of PAYE. Design of PAYE. Computational Model. Execution. The Link to Imperative Systems. Knowledge Acquisition. The Future: Parallel Systems. Intelligent Systems.
Methimazole and propylthiouracil equally cross the perfused human term placental lobule.

Propylthiouracil (PTU) is widely believed to cross the placenta less freely than methimazole (MMI) and is therefore regarded as the preferred drug for treatment of hyperthyroidism in pregnancy. Clinical studies comparing the two drugs show, however, no differences in maternal or fetal thyroid function. We investigated transfer from the maternal to the fetal circuit in the isolated perfused term human placental lobule of low and high doses of PTU (4 micrograms/mL and 40 micrograms/mL) and MMI (1.5 micrograms/mL and 15 micrograms/mL) in protein-free perfusate and low doses of both drugs with addition of 40 g/L of bovine albumin. Both drugs readily crossed the placenta, reaching equilibrium in all experiments in about 2 h. Drug concentrations in the two circuits fitted a two compartmental model. Transfer kinetics for the two drugs were similar, nonsaturable, and unaffected by addition of albumin. Clearances (mL.min-1.g-1, means +/- SD) of PTU from maternal to fetal circuits were: 0.229 +/- 0.110, 0.216 +/- 0.065, and 0.170 +/- 0.032; and for transfer of MMI: 0.165 +/- 0.025, 0.232 +/- 0.153, and 0.174 +/- 0.009 (for low doses without, low doses with, and high doses without albumin, respectively). Clearances of PTU from fetal to maternal circuits were: 0.147 +/- 0.072, 0.109 +/- 0.014, and 0.116 +/- 0.028; and for transfer of MMI: 0.095 +/- 0.029, 0.122 +/- 0.088, and 0.12 +/- 0.005 (in the same experiments). There was no significant difference between drugs or drug doses and no effect of addition of albumin. We conclude that PTU and MMI have similar placental transfer kinetics.