Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of inhaled prostaglandin E2 on allergen-induced asthma.

Prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) is produced in the lung but unlike most other lipid mediators has potentially important antiallergic effects. Whether these properties are relevant to asthma has not been established. The effect of inhaled PGE2 on allergen-induced asthma was examined in a double-blind crossover study of eight subjects with asthma. In Study 1 subjects inhaled 100 micrograms PGE2 or placebo 5 min before a normal saline challenge, and FEV1 and bronchial reactivity to methacholine was measured at intervals for 7 h. In Study 2, which had a similar design, subjects inhaled the same dose of PGE2 or placebo followed by a dose of allergen previously shown to cause a fall in FEV1 of 20% or more. On the normal saline challenge day inhaled PGE2 caused a small increase in FEV1 that lasted for around 60 min; there was no difference in the provocative dose of methacholine causing a 20% fall in FEV1 (PD20) at 4 and 7 h compared with placebo. PGE2 caused marked inhibition of the early and late response to allergen. The mean maximum fall in FEV1 0 to 2 h after allergen was 37.8 and 7.7% with placebo and PGE2 pretreatment, respectively (mean difference 30%; 95% CI 15, 45%; p < 0.005). The mean maximum fall in FEV1 from 4 to 7 h after allergen was 25.5 and 8.8% respectively (mean difference 16.7%; 95% CI 4, 29%; p < 0.02). The methacholine PD20 fell significantly after allergen with placebo but not with PGE2. The difference was 1.5 doubling doses at both 4 and 7 h (p < 0.01 and p < 0.02). (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Vitamin E increases the risk of developing heart failure after myocardial infarction: results from the GISSI-Prevenzione trial

Objective Although results from basic science suggested a protective role of vitamin E treatment in the prevention of cardiovascular disease, recent evidence indicates increased cardiovascular mortality due to vitamin E treatment. Recently, the HOPE trial showed an increment of the incidence of congestive heart failure (CHF) in patients treated with vitamin E. Methods We explored the effect of vitamin E on development of CHF in 8415 postinfarction patients without CHF at baseline, with an echocardiographic measure of left ventricular ejection fraction, who have been followed up for 3.5 years in the GISSI-Prevenzione trial. CHF during follow-up was defined as hospitalization or death for CHF. Cox regression models adjusted for relevant prognostic indicators were fitted. Results Main clinical characteristics were balanced in the 4202 and 4213 patients allocated vitamin E and control group, respectively. During follow-up, 220 patients (2.6%) developed CHF. Patients allocated vitamin E had a nonsignificant 20% (95% confidence intervals 0.92–1.56, P = 0.18) increased risk of developing CHF. Vitamin E treatment, however, was associated with a significant 50% increase (95% confidence intervals 1.03–2.20, P = 0.034) of CHF in patients with left ventricular dysfunction (ejection fraction < 50%). Conclusions Our results confirm and extend previous evidence on the possible harmful effect of vitamin E on ventricular function in patients with cardiovascular disease. Available evidence should discourage the use of vitamin E in patients with left ventricular dysfunction.
Overlooked text types: From fictional texts to real-world discourses

Behind the enthusiastic adoption of corpus-based approaches in discourse research lies the promise of an ability to explore data more completely and representatively. Traditional methods in discourse studies were primarily designed for delicacy and richness; given the complexity of the links between language use and its social context, and the wide range of linguistic features in which these links are expressed, research tended to focus on the ‘detailed analysis of a small number of discourse samples’ (Fairclough, 1992: 230). But the depth afforded by such approaches places corresponding limits on breadth of coverage: examining particular excerpts in such detail is only possible at the expense of overlooking everything else that goes on in a given discursive practice. The ‘fragmentary [and] exemplificatory’ nature of the evidence that can be thus gathered poses considerable problems for generalisation (Fowler, 1996: 8). When texts and features for analysis are selected on the basis of the researcher’s intuitive judgement (Marchi & Taylor, 2009: 3), there is no guarantee that they truly represent the distinctive patterns that characterise a discourse (Stubbs, 1997).
Pulmonary retention of ultrafine and fine particles in rats.

In aerosol research, particle size has been mainly considered in the context of the role it plays in particle deposition along the respiratory tract. The possibility that the primary particle size may affect the fate of particles after they are deposited was explored in this study. Rats were exposed for 12 wk to aerosolized ultrafine (integral of 21 nm diameter) or fine (integral of 250 nm diameter) titanium dioxide (TiO2) particles. Other rats were exposed to TiO2 particles of various sizes (12, 21, 230, and 250 nm) by intratracheal instillation. After the rat lungs were extensively lavaged, analysis of particle content in the lavaged lungs, lavage fluid, and of lymphatic nodes was performed. Electron and light microscopy was also performed using unlavaged lungs. Both acute instillation and subchronic inhalation studies showed that ultrafine particles (integral of 20 nm) at equivalent masses access the pulmonary interstitium to a larger extent than fine particles (integral of 250 nm). An increasing dose in terms of particle numbers and a decreasing particle size promoted particle access into the interstitium. The translocation of particles into the interstitium appeared to be a function of the number of particles, and the process appeared to be related to the particle size, the delivered dose, and the delivered dose rate. A net effect of the preferential translocation of the smaller particles into the interstitium was a prolongation in their lung retention. After the 12-wk inhalation exposure, pulmonary clearance of ultrafine particles was slower (t1/2 = 501 days) than of larger particles (t1/2 = 174 days). (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Analysis of glycosylinositol phosphorylceramides expressed by the opportunistic mycopathogen Aspergillus fumigatus s⃞ Published, JLR Papers in Press, May 8, 2007.

Acidic glycosphingolipid components were extracted from the opportunistic mycopathogen Aspergillus fumigatus and identified as inositol phosphorylceramide and glycosylinositol phosphorylceramides (GIPCs). Using nuclear magnetic resonance sppectroscopy, mass spectrometry, and other techniques, the structures of six major components were elucidated as Ins-P-Cer (Af-0), Manp(α1→3)Manp(α1→2)Ins-P-Cer (Af-2), Manp(α1→2)Manp(α1→3)Manp(α1→2)Ins-P-Cer (Af-3a), Manp(α1→3)[Galf(β1→6)]Manp(α1→2)-Ins-P-Cer (Af-3b), Manp(α1→2)-Manp(α1→3)[Galf(β1→6)]Manp(α1→2)Ins-P-Cer (Af-4), and Manp(α1→3)Manp(α1→6)GlcpN(α1→2)Ins-P-Cer (Af-3c) (where Ins = myo-inositol and P = phosphodiester). A minor A. fumigatus GIPC was also identified as the N-acetylated version of Af-3c (Af-3c*), which suggests that formation of the GlcNα1→2Ins linkage may proceed by a two-step process, similar to the GlcNα1→6Ins linkage in glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchors (transfer of GlcNAc, followed by enzymatic de-N-acetylation). The glycosylinositol of Af-3b, which bears a distinctive branching Galf(β1→6) residue, is identical to that of a GIPC isolated previously from the dimorphic mycopathogen Paracoccidioides brasiliensis (designated Pb-3), but components Af-3a and Af-4 have novel structures. Overlay immunostaining of A. fumigatus GIPCs separated on thin-layer chromatograms was used to assess their reactivity against sera from a patient with aspergillosis and against a murine monoclonal antibody (MEST-1) shown previously to react with the Galf(β1→6) residue in Pb-3. These results are discussed in relation to pathogenicity and potential approaches to the immunodiagnosis of A. fumigatus.
Modelling the supercritical CO2 extraction kinetics of soybean oil

Different empirical models were used to describe the supercritical CO2 extraction of soybean oil obtained at series of operational parameters namely pressure, temperature, solvent flow rate and characteristic particle size. Process yields obtained by supercritical CO2 were up to 19.33%. Several kinetic models: Brunner, Kandiah and Spiro, Tan and Liou, Martinez et al. and Esquivel et al. were used to test the experimental yield data. All models were analysed using nonlinear regression method. Also a new model, modified Esquivel et al., was proposed and analysed using nonlinear regression method as well. According to the obtained results for extraction yield of soybean oil, the modified Esquivel et al. model show the best agreement between experimental and model calculated data.
Innate immunity in acute HIV-1 infection.

PURPOSE OF REVIEW Acute HIV-1 infection (AHI) is composed of the eclipse phase, during which the transmitted virus struggles to avoid eradication and achieve amplification/spread; the expansion phase when virus disseminates and undergoes exponential replication associated with extensive CD4⁺ T-cell destruction; and the containment phase when set-point levels of viremia and immune activation are established. The importance of interactions between HIV-1 and innate responses in determining events throughout AHI is increasingly recognized, and is reviewed here. RECENT FINDINGS During the eclipse phase, HIV-1 subverts dendritic cell functions to promote its replication at mucosal sites and employs multiple strategies to minimize control by type 1 interferons. Systemic virus dissemination is associated with widespread activation of innate responses which fuels HIV-1 replication. To minimize the protective effects of innate responses, HIV-1 resists control by natural killer cells and may impair innate regulation of adaptive responses. Innate responses remain chronically activated after HIV-1 containment which is thought to drive HIV-1 pathogenesis. SUMMARY Innate responses are pivotal determinants of events at all stages of AHI. Increased understanding of mechanisms involved in innate control of HIV-1 and pathways regulating innate activation during HIV-1 infection could facilitate development of novel approaches to combating this infection.
Diagnosis and Therapy of Localized Scleroderma

Localized scleroderma is a rare autoimmune disease with primary affection of the skin, and occasional involvement of the fat tissue, muscle, fascia, and bone. Depending on the clinical subtype, the spectrum of skin lesions ranges from singular plaque lesions to severe generalized or linear subtypes which may lead to movement restrictions and permanent disability. This German S1‐guideline proposes a classification of localized scleroderma that, considering the extent and depth of fibrosis, distinguishes limited, generalized, linear, and deep forms of localized scleroderma, together with its associated subtypes. The guideline includes a description of the pathogenesis, of differential diagnoses, and particular aspects of juvenile localized scleroderma, as well as recommendations for histopathologic, serologic, and biometric diagnostic procedures. Based on studies of topical and systemic treatments as well as phototherapy for localized scleroderma published in international literature, a treatment algorithm was developed which takes account of the different subtypes and the extent of disease.
Tarifbindung und betriebliche Interessenvertretung: Ergebnisse aus dem IAB-Betriebspanel 2018

Der Beitrag schreibt die jährliche Berichterstattung des IAB in den WSI-Mitteilungen zur Tarifbindung und betrieblichen Interessenvertretung mit Daten für 2018 fort. Zunächst wird die Tarifbindung der Betriebe nach Branche, Betriebsgröße und Bundesland dargestellt. Dabei wird auf die nach wie vor vorherrschenden Unterschiede zwischen West- und Ostdeutschland abgestellt. Seit 1996 hat die Flächentarifbindung in beiden Landesteilen eine deutlich rückläufige Tendenz, auch wenn die Entwicklung in jüngster Zeit weniger eindeutig verläuft. Ergänzt werden die Ergebnisse zur Tarifbindung durch Informationen zum Betriebsrat und zu alternativen Formen der betrieblichen Mitarbeitervertretung. Auch für den Betriebsrat ist in der langen Sicht ein abnehmender Deckungsgrad zu konstatieren. Allerdings scheint dieser Trend 2018 gebrochen. Die verschiedenen nicht gesetzlich legitimierten Vertretungsformen zeichnen sich in erster Linie durch ihre geringe Stabilität aus. Abschließend werden in einer gemeinsamen Betrachtung der betrieblichen und sektoralen Ebene der Interessenvertretung die ausgedehnten betrieblichen Vertretungslücken so wie die „weißen Flecken“ in der Tarif- und Mitbestimmungslandschaft ausgewiesen.
Optimal Degradation Rate for Collagen Chambers Used for Regeneration of Peripheral Nerves over Long Gaps

The experimental study of peripheral nerve regeneration has depended heavily on the use of a nerve chamber in which the stumps of the transected nerve are inserted. A large variety of chamber fillings and chamber types have been used in an effort to induce a higher quality of regeneration across the gap initially separating the two stumps. In this study we studied the morphology of nerves regenerated across a 15 mm gap following implantation of a series of five chambers. The chambers were fabricated from type I collagen and possessed identical pore volume fractions as well as average pore diameters, but differed in cross-link density continuously along the series. The residual mass of the implanted chambers at 9 weeks was observed to increase continuously with increasing cross-link density along the series, indicating a continuous decrease in degradation rate. The quality of regenerated nerves, determined by the number of large diameter fibers (A-fibers) per nerve, the average diameter of all axons and the ratio of area occupied by axons (N-Ratio), was superior at an intermediate level of chamber degradation rate. The maximal quality of peripheral nerve regeneration corresponded to an optimal degradation rate with an estimated chamber half-life of approximately 2–3 weeks following implantation. A speculative mechanistic explanation of the observed optimum focuses on the hypothetical role of cell and cytokine traffic that may take place through holes in the chamber generated by the degradation process. The data show the presence of a hitherto unreported optimal chamber degradation rate that leads to regenerated nerves of maximum quality.
Platelet transfusion in the management of severe thrombocytopenia in neonatal intensive care unit patients

Summary Platelet transfusions are frequently given to neonatal intensive care unit (NICU) patients with severe thrombocytopenia (platelets less than 50 × 109 L−1) but no study has assessed whether this is clinically appropriate. To address this we conducted a retrospective review of platelet transfusion practice in patients developing severe thrombocytopenia over 3 years in a single NICU. Out of 901 admissions, 53 (6%) developed severe thrombocytopenia. Twenty‐seven neonates received a total of 63 platelet transfusions, the main triggers being: platelet count less than 30 × 109 L−1 (all patients), or less than 50 × 109 L−1 in those with previous haemorrhage or clinical instability. No major haemorrhage occurred during severe thrombocytopenia either in neonates in whom platelet transfusions were withheld (26/53) or in neonates given platelets who survived to discharge (22/27). Five preterm neonates given platelets died but all had overwhelming sepsis or necrotizing enterocolitis and none died directly as a result of haemorrhage.
Adolescents and blood donation: motivations, hurdles and possible recruitment strategies.

BACKGROUND For years researchers have been trying to determine what factors influence a person's choice to give blood, with the aim of translating the data collected into ever more concrete operative methods for recruiting new donors and managing and using blood to meet the needs of the donor. Adolescents are a potential source of great interest not only for the blood they could supply, but also because information on the subject of "giving blood" could favour the spread of healthy lifestyles and contribute to the development of a mature, responsible civic culture. The aim of the present study was to investigate the motivations and obstacles to giving blood among adolescents and strategies to recruit donors from this group of subjects. MATERIALS AND METHODS A self-report questionnaire was given to 3,050 pupils in 11 high schools in the Lombardy Region (Italy) (Age range: 13-21 years, mean 16.5, SD=1.65, males=47.7%, females=52.3%). The questionnaire comprised 14 items that addressed motivations and obstacles to giving blood and recruitment strategies in adolescents, knowledge about the world of blood donation and socio-demographic information. Descriptive analyses (frequencies, means and standard deviations), chi squared test (χ(2)) and the t-test (t) for independent samples were conducted. RESULTS AND DISCUSSION The data collected regarding the three abovementioned areas of investigation (motivations, obstacles and recruitment strategies) were analysed with respect to gender. The results yielded some interesting information on which to build hypotheses concerning the pre-established objectives, including the importance of active involvement of adolescents by the organisations charged with promoting blood collection, emphasising the important role of the school and giving the adolescents the chance to meet with an expert on blood donation.
Increased prevalence of subclinical atherosclerosis in rheumatoid arthritis patients of Indian descent.

BACKGROUND Studies have shown that rheumatoid arthritis (RA) patients are two to five times more likely to develop premature cardiovascular disease, thus shortening their life expectancy by five to 10 years. This risk has risen to approximately 12.6% in the urban population and 7.4% in the rural population of India. The Framingham risk score (FRS) identifies patients at increased cardiovascular risk and helps determine the need for preventive interventions. An investigation of the patients' coronary arteries and coronary artery calcification (CAC) - a measure of atherosclerotic plaque - has been found to be a strong predictor of cardiovascular disease. OBJECTIVE To identify important biological markers for easy and non-invasive identification of cardiovascular disease in RA patients, and to investigate whether there is a relationship between the FRS and coronary artery atherosclerosis in RA patients. METHODS The present study included 43 established RA patients and 50 healthy individuals (controls). Traditional and nontraditional risk factors were studied and compared with the control group. Insulin resistance was assessed using the homeostasis model of assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and the homeostasis model of assessment of beta cell function. The FRS and the 10-year cardiovascular risk were compared between RA patients and controls. The presence of CAC was determined using electron-beam computed tomography, and the association between the FRS and CAC was examined. RESULTS Significant differences in body mass index, waist circumference, rheumatoid factors (immunoglobulin [Ig]G, IgM and IgA) and inflammatory markers - C-reactive protein and erythrocyte sedimentation rate - were noted. There was significant correlation between HOMA-IR and body mass index, hypertension and C-reactive protein, but no correlation was seen with the homeostasis model of assessment of beta cell function. Significant differences were observed in the nontraditional biomarkers in RA patients, thus supporting their importance. Calcium deposition was observed in only seven RA patients. CONCLUSIONS RA patients with increased C-reactive protein levels and erythrocyte sedimentation rates showed an increase in serum insulin levels and significant differences in HOMA-IR, thus indicating insulin resistance, which could lead to underlying progression of artherosclerosis. Significant differences were observed in the nontraditional risk factors, which could be chosen as biomarkers for endothelial dysfunction. There was a significant correlation between calcium score and the FRS in seven patients, suggestive of an underlying risk of atherosclerosis.
Prevalence and impact of bronchiectasis in alpha1-antitrypsin deficiency.

RATIONALE alpha(1)-Antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency is associated with increased risk of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), in particular emphysema, but airway disease is less well described. OBJECTIVES To assess the prevalence of airways disease in subjects with AAT deficiency and to identify the relationship between radiological airway abnormalities and clinical phenotype. METHODS We characterized the computed tomographic phenotype of 74 subjects (PiZ), using visual scoring of airway disease and densitometric assessment of emphysema. Computed tomographic measurements were related to physiology, health status (St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire), and emphysema severity, and the relative impact of airway disease and emphysema severity on health status and airflow obstruction was compared by stepwise regression. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Bronchiectatic changes were seen in 70 subjects, and a subgroup with a bronchiectasis-predominant phenotype was identified. Clinically significant bronchiectasis (radiologic bronchiectasis in 4 or more bronchopulmonary segments together with symptoms of regular sputum production) occurred in 20 subjects (27%). AAT-deficient index cases had higher airway disease scores (P < 0.05), more severe emphysema (P < 0.001), and greater impairment of physiology (P < 0.001) and health status (P < 0.05) than nonindex cases. Airway disease scores correlated with health status, and bronchial wall thickening correlated with FEV(1). Regression analysis indicated that emphysema severity had the strongest associations for health status (r = 0.505, P < 0.001) and FEV(1) (r = 0.699, P < 0.001), but the addition of airway disease score improved the regression models (r = 0.596, P = 0.002 and r = 0.783, P < 0.001, respectively). CONCLUSIONS Emphysema is the predominant component of COPD in AAT deficiency, but the prevalence and impact of airway disease are greater than currently recognized. Consequently, future therapeutic strategies in AAT deficiency should also target this component of COPD.
TyrR protein of Escherichia coli and its role as repressor and activator

The TyrR protein regulates the expression of eight transcriptional units that comprise the TyrR regulon. In all but one case, regulation is by repression, while in two cases activation of expression can occur. Notwithstanding the fact that the TyrR protein contains an ATP‐binding domain and a helix‐turn‐helix DNA‐binding domain which are structurally homologous to domains of similar functions in proteins such as NifA, NtrC, DctD and XylR, it differs from them in a number of respects. It is not a part of a two‐protein component system and it lacks the amino‐terminal domain that is present on NtrC and DctD. It activates transcription from‘Eσ70’promoters but not from‘Eσ54’promoters. ATP binding seems to be essential for tyrosine‐mediated repression but not for activation. In addition, the activity of the TyrR protein is modulated by the binding of one or more of the aromatic amino acids. The consensus sequence for TyrR‐binding sites in DNA, referred to as TyrR boxes, is TGTAAAN6TTTACA. Tyrosine‐mediated repression occurs at operators containing a pair of adjacent boxes. These have unequal affinities for the TyrR protein. The box that overlaps the RNA polymerase binding site is only bound by TyrR in the presence of both ATP and tyrosine, and binding appears to involve co‐operativity between two TyrR protein dimers.