Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Appearance of pulmonary metastases on high-resolution CT scans: comparison with histopathologic findings from autopsy specimens.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to compare the appearance of pulmonary metastases on high-resolution CT scans with the histopathologic findings in lung specimens obtained at autopsy. The factors considered were the appearance of the margins of pulmonary metastases, the location of relatively small nodules in relation to the secondary pulmonary lobules, and the detectability of lymphangitic spread of tumors and intravascular tumor emboli on high-resolution CT scans. MATERIALS AND METHODS We studied 14 lungs obtained at autopsy that contained metastatic lesions. We used both microscopy and high-resolution CT to evaluate 87 metastatic nodules 5-20 mm in diameter for the appearance of their margins and to determine the location of 43 nodules that were less than 5 mm in diameter relative to the secondary pulmonary lobules. The detection of histologically confirmed intravascular tumor emboli and lymphangitic spread by high-resolution CT also was evaluated. RESULTS On high-resolution CT scans, 38% of the nodules had well-defined, smooth margins, 16% had well-defined, irregular margins, 16% had poorly defined, smooth margins, and 30% had poorly defined, irregular margins. The well-defined, smooth margins on high-resolution CT scans corresponded histologically to an expanding type and to an alveolar space-filling type; the poorly defined margins, to an alveolar cell type; and the irregular margins, to an interstitial proliferative type. Some correlation was found between the histologic type of primary tumor and the CT appearance of the lesion's margins. As for small nodules, 12% were connected with the central bronchovascular bundle, 28% were on the perilobular structures, and 60% were apparently not in contact with these structures. Only two of the 11 lungs with histopathologically confirmed lymphangitic tumor spread and none of the tumor emboli were detected on high-resolution CT scans. CONCLUSION The characteristics of the margins of metastatic pulmonary nodules noted on histopathologic examination correlated well with their high-resolution CT findings. Microscopic intravascular tumor emboli and lymphangitic tumor spread were difficult to detect on high-resolution CT scans, indicating a limitation of high-resolution CT in the diagnosis of pulmonary metastatic disease.
Molecular analyses of GCH‐1, TH and parkin genes in Chinese dopa‐responsive dystonia families

The symptomatic treatment of dopa‐responsive dystonia (DRD) emphasizes the importance of molecular analyses of the GCH‐1, TH and parkin genes. However, these analyses have not been extensively studied in Chinese DRD patients. Ten DRD families from the Han ethnic group including 14 patients and 28 clinically unaffected relatives were screened for GCH‐1, TH and parkin mutations by direct sequencing, semiquantitative polymerase chain reaction (PCR), polymerase chain reaction–restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis and allele‐specific PCR. Variations were verified in 200 unrelated control subjects. We have identified six novel mutations and three known mutations. The novel mutations are Leu91Val, Pro95Leu, Val204Gly and 628delC in GCH‐1 gene; Gly216Ser in TH gene; and Cys253Phe in parkin gene. After molecular analyses of seven families with identified GCH‐1 mutations, nine asymptomatic cases were found among 23 relatives, which confirmed the low penetrance of DRD. Unlike previous publications, male patients with GCH‐1 mutations have early onset ages, while some female patients have very late onset ages in this medium‐size series. Our data show that it is difficult to establish an evident genotype–phenotype correlation for DRD. However, it is necessary to know the genetic defects of DRD patients in clinics, which will help elucidate the mode of inheritance, facilitate causal therapy with levodopa and evaluate the prognosis.
The catechol-O-methyltransferase Met158 low-activity allele and association with nonvertebral fracture risk in elderly men.

CONTEXT Because sex steroids play an important role in bone development, variants in genes encoding proteins involved in estrogen synthesis and metabolism could contribute to interindividual variation in bone parameters and fracture risk. An example is catechol-O-methyltransferase (COMT), an estrogen-degrading enzyme involved in inactivation of catechol-estrogens. Its gene contains a functional valine to methionine substitution at codon 158. OBJECTIVE The aim of our study was to determine whether this polymorphism is associated with bone parameters and fracture risk in elderly subjects. METHODS COMT genotypes were determined using TaqMan allelic discrimination in 2515 men and 3554 women from the Rotterdam Study, a population-based cohort study of individuals aged 55 and older. Associations with bone mineral density (BMD) and bone loss were analyzed using ANOVA or analysis of covariance, whereas fracture risk was analyzed using Cox's proportional hazard regression analysis. COMT mRNA expression in three osteoblastic cell lines (SaOS, MG63, and SVHFO) was analyzed by RT-PCR. RESULTS Male carriers of the Met(158) allele had an increased risk for osteoporotic fractures (hazard ratio = 1.6; 95% confidence interval, 1.0-2.4) and for fragility fractures (hazard ratio = 2.7; 95% confidence interval, 1.3-5.9), with evidence for a dominant effect. Adjustments for age, height, weight, and BMD did not change the risk estimates. In women, this association was weaker and not significant. BMD was not significantly associated with the variant in either men or women. COMT mRNA was expressed in all three osteoblastic cell lines tested. CONCLUSION The COMT Val158Met polymorphism is associated with fracture risk in elderly men, through a mechanism independent of BMD.
In Vitro Activity of Fosfomycin against a Collection of Clinical Pseudomonas aeruginosa Isolates from 16 Spanish Hospitals: Establishing the Validity of Standard Broth Microdilution as Susceptibility Testing Method

ABSTRACT The broth microdilution method for fosfomycin and Pseudomonas aeruginosa was assessed and compared with the approved agar dilution method in 206 genetically unrelated P. aeruginosa clinical isolates. Essential agreement between the two methods was 84%, and categorical agreement was 89.3%. Additionally, Etest and disk diffusion assays were performed. Results validate broth microdilution as a reliable susceptibility testing method for fosfomycin against P. aeruginosa. Conversely, unacceptable concordance was established between Etest and disk diffusion results with agar dilution results.
Impact of knowledge oriented leadership on knowledge management behaviour through employee work attitudes

Abstract Despite the acknowledged importance of knowledge management (KM), many employees avoid practicing KM at the individual level. This avoidance often leads to loss of the intellectual capital due to employee turnover. Many potential behavioural remedies are still untapped in the existing literature. This study extends the construct of knowledge oriented leadership (KOL) and examines its role in predicting KM behaviour among employees of the hospitality sector, at the individual level. It also investigates the mediating effect of employee work attitudes including affective commitment, creative self-efficacy and work engagement, by using partial least square for structure equation modelling. This study finds that KOL positively affects KM behaviour, affective commitment, creative self-efficacy and employee work engagement. Work attitudes (affective commitment, creative self-efficacy, work engagement) mediate the relationship of KOL and KM behaviour. Furthermore the direct positive effect of employee affective commitment, creative self-efficacy and work engagement on KM behaviour is also significant. This study contributes to the body of knowledge by extending the construct of KOL, and by investigating the connection between KOL, work attitudes, and KM behaviour among hospitality employees, at the individual level.
Jellyfish extract induces apoptotic cell death through the p38 pathway and cell cycle arrest in chronic myelogenous leukemia K562 cells

Jellyfish species are widely distributed in the world’s oceans, and their population is rapidly increasing. Jellyfish extracts have several biological functions, such as cytotoxic, anti-microbial, and antioxidant activities in cells and organisms. However, the anti-cancer effect of Jellyfish extract has not yet been examined. We used chronic myelogenous leukemia K562 cells to evaluate the mechanisms of anti-cancer activity of hexane extracts from Nomura’s jellyfish in vitro. In this study, jellyfish are subjected to hexane extraction, and the extract is shown to have an anticancer effect on chronic myelogenous leukemia K562 cells. Interestingly, the present results show that jellyfish hexane extract (Jellyfish-HE) induces apoptosis in a dose- and time-dependent manner. To identify the mechanism(s) underlying Jellyfish-HE-induced apoptosis in K562 cells, we examined the effects of Jellyfish-HE on activation of caspase and mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPKs), which are responsible for cell cycle progression. Induction of apoptosis by Jellyfish-HE occurred through the activation of caspases-3,-8 and -9 and phosphorylation of p38. Jellyfish-HE-induced apoptosis was blocked by a caspase inhibitor, Z-VAD. Moreover, during apoptosis in K562 cells, p38 MAPK was inhibited by pretreatment with SB203580, an inhibitor of p38. SB203580 blocked jellyfish-HE-induced apoptosis. Additionally, Jellyfish-HE markedly arrests the cell cycle in the G0/G1 phase. Therefore, taken together, the results imply that the anti-cancer activity of Jellyfish-HE may be mediated apoptosis by induction of caspases and activation of MAPK, especially phosphorylation of p38, and cell cycle arrest at the Go/G1 phase in K562 cells.
Comparison of the MK-801-induced increase in non-rewarded appetitive responding with dopamine agonists and locomotor activity in rats

Systemic administration of the noncompetitive N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA)- receptor antagonist, MK-801, has been proposed to model cognitive deficits similar to those seen in patients with schizophrenia. Evidence has shown that MK-801 increases the probability of operant responding during extinction, possibly modeling perseveration, as would be seen in patients with schizophrenia. This MK-801-induced behavioral perseveration is reversed by dopamine receptor antagonism. To further explore the role of dopamine in this behavioral change, the current study sought to determine if the MK-801-induced increase in non-rewarded operant responding could be mimicked by dopamine agonism and determine how it was related to locomotor activity. Male Long Evans rats were treated systemically with MK-801, cocaine, GBR12909 or apomorphine (APO) and given a single trial operant extinction session, followed by a separate assessment of locomotor activity. Both MK-801 (0.05 mg/kg) and cocaine (10 mg/kg) significantly increased responding during the extinction session and both increased horizontal locomotor activity. No dose of GBR-12909 (5, 10 or 20 mg/kg) was found to effect non-rewarded operant responding or locomotor activity. APO (0.05, 0.5, 2 or 5 mg/kg) treatment produced a dose-dependent decrease in both operant responding and locomotor activity. These results suggest the possibility that, rather than a primary influence of increased dopamine concentration on elevating bar-pressing responses during extinction, other neurotransmitter systems may be involved.
Emergence of Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza A(H5N1) Virus PB1-F2 Variants and Their Virulence in BALB/c Mice

ABSTRACT Influenza A viruses (IAVs) express the PB1-F2 protein from an alternate reading frame within the PB1 gene segment. The roles of PB1-F2 are not well understood but appear to involve modulation of host cell responses. As shown in previous studies, we find that PB1-F2 proteins of mammalian IAVs frequently have premature stop codons that are expected to cause truncations of the protein, whereas avian IAVs usually express a full-length 90-amino-acid PB1-F2. However, in contrast to other avian IAVs, recent isolates of highly pathogenic H5N1 influenza viruses had a high proportion of PB1-F2 truncations (15% since 2010; 61% of isolates in 2013) due to several independent mutations that have persisted and expanded in circulating viruses. One natural H5N1 IAV containing a mutated PB1-F2 start codon (i.e., lacking ATG) was 1,000-fold more virulent for BALB/c mice than a closely related H5N1 containing intact PB1-F2. In vitro, we detected expression of an in-frame protein (C-terminal PB1-F2) from downstream ATGs in PB1-F2 plasmids lacking the well-conserved ATG start codon. Transient expression of full-length PB1-F2, truncated (24-amino-acid) PB1-F2, and PB1-F2 lacking the initiating ATG in mammalian and avian cells had no effect on cell apoptosis or interferon expression in human lung epithelial cells. Full-length and C-terminal PB1-F2 mutants colocalized with mitochondria in A549 cells. Close monitoring of alterations of PB1-F2 and their frequency in contemporary avian H5N1 viruses should continue, as such changes may be markers for mammalian virulence. IMPORTANCE Although most avian influenza viruses are harmless for humans, some (such as highly pathogenic H5N1 avian influenza viruses) are capable of infecting humans and causing severe disease with a high mortality rate. A number of risk factors potentially associated with adaptation to mammalian infection have been noted. Here we demonstrate that the protein PB1-F2 is frequently truncated in recent isolates of highly pathogenic H5N1 viruses. Truncation of PB1-F2 has been proposed to act as an adaptation to mammalian infection. We show that some forms of truncation of PB1-F2 may be associated with increased virulence in mammals. Our data support the assessment of PB1-F2 truncations for genomic surveillance of influenza viruses.
Vertical and Horizontal Jump Tests Are Strongly Associated With Competitive Performance in 100-m Dash Events

Abstract Loturco, I, Pereira, LA, Cal Abad, CC, D'Angelo, RA, Fernandes, V, Kitamura, K, Kobal, R, and Nakamura, FY. Vertical and horizontal jump tests are strongly associated with competitive performance in 100-m dash events. J Strength Cond Res 29(7): 1966–1971, 2015—Fourteen male elite sprinters performed short-distance sprints and jump tests until 18 days before 100-m dash competitions in track and field to determine if these tests are associated with 100-m sprint times. Testing comprised of squat jumps (SJ), countermovement jumps (CMJ), horizontal jumps (HJ), maximum mean propulsive power relative to body mass in loaded jump squats, and a flying start 50-m sprint. Moderate associations were found between speed tests and competitive 100-m times (r = 0.54, r = 0.61, and r = 0.66 for 10-, 30-, and 50-m, respectively, p ⩽ 0.05). In addition, the maximum mean propulsive power relative to body mass was very largely correlated with 100-m sprinting performance (r = 0.75, p < 0.01). The correlations of SJ, CMJ, and HJ with actual 100-m sprinting times amounted to −0.82, −0.85, and −0.81, respectively. Because of their practicality, safeness, and relationship with the actual times obtained by top-level athletes in 100-m dash events, it is highly recommended that SJ, CMJ, and HJ be regularly incorporated into elite sprint-testing routines.
EPR oxygen imaging and hyperpolarized 13C MRI of pyruvate metabolism as noninvasive biomarkers of tumor treatment response to a glycolysis inhibitor 3‐bromopyruvate

The hypoxic nature of tumors results in treatment resistance and poor prognosis. To spare limited oxygen for more crucial pathways, hypoxic cancerous cells suppress mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and promote glycolysis for energy production. Thereby, inhibition of glycolysis has the potential to overcome treatment resistance of hypoxic tumors. Here, EPR imaging was used to evaluate oxygen dependent efficacy on hypoxia‐sensitive drug. The small molecule 3‐bromopyruvate blocks glycolysis pathway by inhibiting hypoxia inducible enzymes and enhanced cytotoxicity of 3‐bromopyruvate under hypoxic conditions has been reported in vitro. However, the efficacy of 3‐bromopyruvate was substantially attenuated in hypoxic tumor regions (pO2 < 10 mmHg) in vivo using squamous cell carcinoma (SCCVII)‐bearing mouse model. Metabolic MRI studies using hyperpolarized 13C‐labeled pyruvate showed that monocarboxylate transporter‐1 is the major transporter for pyruvate and the analog 3‐bromopyruvate in SCCVII tumor. The discrepant results between in vitro and in vivo data were attributed to biphasic oxygen dependent expression of monocarboxylate transporter‐1 in vivo. Expression of monocarboxylate transporter‐1 was enhanced in moderately hypoxic (8–15 mmHg) tumor regions but down regulated in severely hypoxic (<5 mmHg) tumor regions. These results emphasize the importance of noninvasive imaging biomarkers to confirm the action of hypoxia‐activated drugs. Magn Reson Med, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Epstein-Barr Virus BARF1 Protein Is Dispensable for B-Cell Transformation and Inhibits Alpha Interferon Secretion from Mononuclear Cells

ABSTRACT The Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) BARF1 gene encodes a soluble colony-stimulating factor 1 (CSF-1) receptor that neutralizes the effects of CSF-1 in vitro. To study the effect of BARF1 on EBV-induced transformation, we added recombinant BARF1 to B cells in the presence of EBV. BARF1 did not enhance transformation of B cells by EBV in vitro. To study the role of BARF1 in the context of EBV infection, we constructed a recombinant EBV mutant with a large deletion followed by stop codons in the BARF1 gene as well as a recombinant virus with a wild-type BARF1 gene. While BARF1 has previously been shown to act as an oncogene in several cell lines, the EBV BARF1 deletion mutant transformed B cells and initiated latent infection, and the B cells transformed with the BARF1 mutant virus induced tumors in SCID mice with an efficiency similar to that of the wild-type recombinant virus. Since human CSF-1 stimulates secretion of alpha interferon from mononuclear cells and BARF1 encodes a soluble CSF-1 receptor, we examined whether recombinant BARF1 or BARF1 derived from EBV-infected B cells could inhibit alpha interferon secretion. Recombinant BARF1 inhibited alpha interferon secretion by mononuclear cells in a dose-dependent fashion. The B cells transformed with mutant BARF1 EBV showed reduced inhibition of alpha interferon secretion by human mononuclear cells when compared with the B cells transformed with wild-type recombinant virus. These experiments indicate that BARF1 expressed from the EBV genome directly inhibits alpha interferon secretion, which may modulate the innate host response to the virus.
Paraoxonase Activity and Lipid Profile in Paediatric Nephrotic Syndrome: A Cross-sectional Study.

INTRODUCTION Dyslipidaemia of Nephrotic Syndrome (NS) is known to be linked to oxidative reactions and atherosclerosis. Paraoxonase (PON1) has been implicated in the prevention of Low Density Lipoprotein (LDL) lipid peroxidation and also degrades biologically active oxidised lipids in lipoprotein. AIM The present study was taken up to assess PON1 levels in paediatric nephrotic syndrome and also to see if any correlation exists between lipid parameters and PON1. MATERIALS AND METHODS This study consists of Group 1 with 40 cases of NS in the age group of 2-14 years and Group 2 with 40 age and sex matched healthy controls. Lipid profile and paraoxonase activity was measured in serum samples of both the groups. RESULTS Statistical analysis by student's t-test showed that the mean levels of Total Cholesterol, Trigylycerides, LDL, and VLDL were significantly increased in Group 1 when compared to Group 2 (p <0.001). The mean levels of HDL were similar in both groups. The levels of PON1 were significantly lowered in Group 1 when compared to Group 2. Correlation studies showed no significant correlation between lipid profile and PON1. CONCLUSION Cases have atherosclerotic dyslipidaemia and significantly decreased PON1 activity. Decreased PON1 may lead to increased oxidation of LDL accelerating the process of atherosclerosis.
Population Structure of Listeria monocytogenes Serotype 4b Isolates from Sporadic Human Listeriosis Cases in the United States from 2003 to 2008

ABSTRACT Listeria monocytogenes can cause severe food-borne disease (listeriosis). Numerous outbreaks have involved three serotype 4b epidemic clones (ECs): ECI, ECII, and ECIa. However, little is known about the population structure of L. monocytogenes serotype 4b from sporadic listeriosis in the United States, even though most cases of human listeriosis are in fact sporadic. Here we analyzed 136 serotype 4b isolates from sporadic cases in the United States, 2003 to 2008, utilizing multiple tools including multilocus genotyping, pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, and sequence analysis of the inlAB locus. ECI, ECII, and ECIa were frequently encountered (32, 17, and 7%, respectively). However, annually 30 to 68% of isolates were outside these ECs, and several novel clonal groups were identified. An estimated 33 and 17% of the isolates, mostly among the ECs, were resistant to cadmium and arsenic, respectively, but resistance to benzalkonium chloride was uncommon (3%) among the sporadic isolates. The frequency of clonal groups fluctuated within the 6-year study period, without consistent trends. However, on several occasions, temporal clusters of isolates with indistinguishable genotypes were detected, suggesting the possibility of hidden multistate outbreaks. Our analysis suggests a complex population structure of serotype 4b L. monocytogenes from sporadic disease, with important contributions by ECs and several novel clonal groups. Continuous monitoring will be needed to assess long-term trends in clonality patterns and population structure of L. monocytogenes from sporadic listeriosis.
The prevalence of selected potentially hazardous workplace exposures in the US: findings from the 2010 National Health Interview Survey.

OBJECTIVE Assess the national prevalence of current workplace exposure to potential skin hazards, secondhand smoke (SHS), and outdoor work among various industry and occupation groups. Also, assess the national prevalence of chronic workplace exposure to vapors, gas, dust, and fumes (VGDF) among these groups. METHODS Data were obtained from the 2010 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS). NHIS is a multistage probability sample survey of the civilian non-institutionalized population of the US. Prevalence rates and their variances were calculated using SUDAAN to account for the complex NHIS sample design. RESULTS The data for 2010 were available for 17,524 adults who worked in the 12 months that preceded interview. The highest prevalence rates of hazardous workplace exposures were typically in agriculture, mining, and construction. The prevalence rate of frequent handling of or skin contact with chemicals, and of non-smokers frequently exposed to SHS at work was highest in mining and construction. Outdoor work was most common in agriculture (85%), construction (73%), and mining (65%). Finally, frequent occupational exposure to VGDF was most common among mining (67%), agriculture (53%), and construction workers (51%). CONCLUSION We identified industries and occupations with the highest prevalence of potentially hazardous workplace exposures, and provided targets for investigation and intervention activities.