Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Serum Cytokeratin Fragment 21.1 (CYFRA 21.1) as Tumour Marker for Breast Cancer: Comparison with Carbohydrate Antigen 15.3 (CA 15.3) and Carcinoembryonic Antigen (CEA)

Abstract Serum carbohydrate antigen 15.3 (CA 15.3) and carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) are currently employed in clinical practice as markers for breast cancer, particularly in the follow-up and therapy monitoring. However, the American Society for Clinical Oncology (ASCO) stated in its clinical practice guidelines for the use of tumour markers in breast carcinoma that neither CA 15.3 nor CEA are recommended for routine use in screening, diagnosis and surveillance after primary treatment, or in monitoring response to treatment, because current literature data are insufficient. Cytokeratin fragment 21.1 (CYFRA 21.1) assay detects a serum fragment of cytokeratin 19 (CK19) and is employed in the diagnosis and management of lung cancer, particularly of squamous cell histotype. Breast carcinoma has been demonstrated to express CK19 fragments in the primary and metastatic lesions and CK19 mRNA is detectable in peripheral blood from patients affected by breast cancer. We measured serum markers CYFRA 21.1, CEA and CA 15.3 in the sera from 212 females affected by histologically proven breast carcinoma. Patients comprised 96 individuals with untreated primary disease (54 stage I-II, 18 stage III and 24 stage IV), 30 regional (chest-wall and/or lymph-nodes) relapsing disease and 68 metastatic (haematogenous metastases) relapsing disease. Forty-eight patients previously treated by surgery and without any evidence of disease were enrolled to evaluate the role of serum markers in the monitoring for recurrence of the disease. One hundred healthy age-matched females and 65 patients affected by benign mammary gland disease (including 38 patients with mastopathy and 27 with fibroadenoma) were enrolled as controls. Serum levels of all markers increased from controls to patients affected by breast cancer, from stage I-II to stage IV of the breast cancer and from local to advanced recurrence. The comparison of diagnostic accuracy in the detection of primary and relapsing breast cancer showed no significant differences between markers. Univariate and multivariate survival analysis showed a significant statistically prognostic value for CA 15.3 and CYFRA 21.1 but not for CEA. However, the factors N and M were confirmed to be very strong predictors of the patients' survival. Finally, CEA and CYFRA 21.1 detected less recurrences than CA 15.3. In conclusion, our data show no significant improvement in the diagnosis, prognostic evaluation and follow-up of breast cancer by CYFRA 21.1 and CEA assays compared to CA 15.3 assay. Considering the ASCO statement on tumour markers in breast cancer, the CYFRA 21.1 assay should not be employed in clinical practice.
Identification of novel staphylococcal virulence genes by in vivo expression technology

We have applied in vivo expression technology (IVET) to the study of staphylococcal virulence. Using a promoter trap that relies on genetic recombination as a reporter of gene expression, we identified 45 staphylococcal genes that are induced during infection in a murine renal abscess model. Of these, only six were known previously; 11 others have homology to known non‐staphylococcal genes. The known staphylococcal genes include agrA, part of a key locus regulating numerous virulence products, and a glycerol ester hydrolase, which may enhance staphylococcal survival in abscesses. We constructed 11 strains containing mutations in previously unknown ivi genes. Of these strains, seven were significantly attenuated in virulence compared with the wild‐type parent. The mutagenized ivi genes may encode novel staphylococcal virulence factors.
Rituximab: Applications in dermatology

Rituximab is a chimeric anti‐CD20 monoclonal antibody which has been used extensively for B‐lymphocytic malignancies. In addition, applications for autoimmune diseases have emerged in recent years. Case reports support the use of rituximab in certain dermatologic conditions, including paraneoplastic pemphigus, pemphigus vulgaris, graft versus host disease, and cutaneous B‐cell malignancies. Clinical trials are lacking and would be an appropriate next step.
Successive and Targeted DNA Integrations in the Drosophila Genome by Bxb1 and φC31 Integrases

At present φC31 is the only phage integrase system available for directionally regulated site-specific DNA integration in the Drosophila genome. Here we report that mycobacteriophage Bxb1 integrase also mediates targeted DNA integration in Drosophila with high specificity and efficiency. By alternately using Bxb1 and φC31, we were able to carry out multiple rounds of successive and targeted DNA integrations in our genomic engineering founder lines for the purpose of generating complex knock-in alleles.
An Experimental Investigation of Kinetic Fractionation of Open‐Water Evaporation Over a Large Lake

The oxygen isotopes of water (H218O and H216O) are tracers widely used for the investigation of Earth science problems. The tracer applications are based on the premise that the 18O/16O ratio of open‐water evaporation (δ18OE) can be calculated from environmental conditions. A long‐standing issue concerns the role of kinetic fractionation, or diffusion transport, in the evaporation process. Here we deployed an optical instrument at a large lake (area 2,400 km2) to make in situ measurement of δ18O and δD of atmospheric vapor, then determined δ18O and δD of open‐water evaporation using the gradient‐diffusion method. Our results show a much weaker kinetic effect than suggested by the kinetic factor εk adopted in some previous studies of lake hydrology (14.2‰). By incorporating into the H218O isotopic mass balance of the lake a lower εk value (about 6.2‰) used for ocean evaporation in global climate models, we obtain an annual lake evaporation rate that agrees with an independent eddy‐covariance observation, but the rate is 72% higher than if the commonly used lake εk value of 14.2‰ is applied. The applicability of this results to small lakes is uncertain and in need of field‐based assessment.
Intracellular accumulation of norfloxacin in Mycobacterium smegmatis

To evaluate the intracellular accumulation of norfloxacin in mycobacteria, two methods were used with Mycobacterium smegmatis. A radiometric method (K. V. Cundy, C. E. Fasching, K. E. Willard, and L. R. Peterson, J. Antimicrob. Chemother. 28:491-497, 1991) was used without great modification, but the fluorometric method (P. G. S. Mortimer and L. J. V. Piddock, J. Antimicrob. Chemother. 28:639-653, 1991) was changed considerably. Indeed, adsorption of the quinolone to the bacterial surface was characterized by measuring the level of accumulation of 0 degree C. Taking into account the adsorption, the pH of the washing buffer was increased from 7.0 to 9.0 to improve the desorption of norfloxacin from the cell surface. Both the fluorometric method, with the technical improvement, and the radiometric method could be used to estimate the intracellular accumulation of norfloxacin, which resulted from the difference between the whole uptake measured at 37 degrees C and the adsorption measured at 0 degrees C. A total of 35 ng of norfloxacin per mg of cells (dry weight) penetrated into the M. smegmatis cell, and the steady state was achieved in 5 min. Use of inhibitors of the proton motive force revealed that transport of norfloxacin was energy independent. Thus, the same mechanisms of quinolone accumulation that occur in eubacteria seem to occur in mycobacteria, at least in M. smegmatis.
On an Ammonia Gas Sensor Based on a Pt/AlGaN Heterostructure Field-Effect Transistor

A new and interesting Pt/AlGaN heterostructure field-effect transistor (HFET)-based ammonia gas sensor is fabricated and investigated. The related ammonia-sensing mechanisms, including direct dissociation of ammonia gas and triple-point model, are presented. Experimentally, the maximum transconductance variation Δgm and threshold voltage variation ΔVth are 16.63 mS/mm and 318.1 mV, respectively, upon exposing to a 10 000-ppm NH3/air gas. In addition, the maximum sensing response and rectification ratio of 113.4 and 2.1 × 103, respectively, are obtained when 10 000- and 35-ppm NH3/air gases are introduced. Therefore, the studied Pt/AlGaN HFET shows the promise for ammonia-gas-sensing applications.
Star Formation in W49A: Gravitational Collapse of the Molecular Cloud Core Toward a Ring of Massive Stars

High-resolution molecular line and continuum radio images from the Hat Creek Radio Observatory and the Very Large Array suggest that the core of the W49A star-forming region is undergoing gravitational collapse. The radio continuum shows a 2-parsec ring of at least ten distinct ultracompact H-II regions, each associated with at least one O star. The ring is a region of large-scale, organized massive star formation. Recombination line velocities and HCO+ excitation requirements indicate that the ring is rotating around 50,000 solar masses of material. Because the HCO+ (1-0) line shows red-shifted absorption but blue-shifted emission, the molecular cloud core is believed to be collapsing toward the center of the ring. The HCO+ radial velocities, as well as H-I, H2CO, and magnetic-field measurements, fit a simple model of inside-out gravitational collapse of a once magnetically supported cloud.
Social Efficiency of Hospital Care Delivery: Frontier Analysis From the Consumer’s Perspective

The efficiency of hospital services and patients’ access to hospitals are both important health care policy issues. In the past, research has relied on studying these topics separately. In this article, we measure both efficiency and access at the same time using data envelopment analysis (DEA). By including both the technically efficient use of resources, as well as the patients’ travel distances, we found increases in social efficiency when patients’ travel distances were taken into account. When compared with patients with nonurgent conditions, we found that patients suffering from conditions requiring urgent attention were treated at closer hospitals, increasing the social efficiency. Insurance coverage and hospital ownership were also examined. Our findings corroborated past literature in the hospital and travel distance literature and set out a framework for future research. Perhaps most important, we demonstrate the techniques needed to incorporate broader measures of social costs into studies of hospital efficiency.
Purification and Characterization of Alkaline Protease from Bacillus megaterium Isolated from Thai Fish Sauce Fermentation Process

An alkaline protease produced by Bacillus megaterium isolated from a fermented broth of Thai fish sauce was purified by hydrophobic interaction combined with gel filtration techniques. After final purification step, the enzyme was purified 148-fold with an increase in specific activity from 0.09 to 13.33 U/mg protein. The properties of the purified enzyme were then analyzed. The molecular weight of the enzyme under denaturing condition was estimated to be 27 kDa. The optimum pH and temperature for protease activity were 10 and 50 o C, respectively. This protease could retain the activity in the pH and temperature ranging from pH 7.5 to 9.5 and 30 to 45 o C, respectively, resulting in the relative activity of higher than 80%. The enzyme was completely inhibited by diisopropyl fluorophosphate (DFP) suggesting that it was a serine protease. Phenylmethylsulfonyl fluoride (PMSF), p-Chloromercuribenzoic acid (PCMB), ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), 1, 10-phenanthroline and Fe 3+ strongly inhibited the activity of this purified enzyme activity, decreasing relative activity to lower than 15%. Protease activity was enhanced by Mn 2+ , Ca 2+ and Mg 2+ . Cytochrome C, soybean protein isolate and casein were good substrates specific to the enzyme with the relative activity of more than 100%.
Activated recombinant factor VII after cardiopulmonary bypass reduces allogeneic transfusion in complex non-coronary cardiac surgery: randomized double-blind placebo-controlled pilot study.

BACKGROUND Receiving an allogeneic transfusion may be an independent predictor of mortality for patients undergoing cardiac surgery. Furthermore, these patients utilize 15% of all donated blood in the UK. In our unit, 80% of patients undergoing complex non-coronary cardiac surgery requiring cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) receive an allogeneic transfusion. Activated recombinant FVII (rFVIIa) may be effective in reducing this need for transfusion. METHODS Twenty patients undergoing complex cardiac surgery were randomized to receive rFVIIa or placebo after CPB and reversal of heparin. RESULTS Two patients in the rFVIIa group received 13 units of allogeneic red cells and coagulation products compared with eight patients receiving 105 units of allogeneic red cells and coagulation products in the placebo group (relative risk of any transfusion 0.26; confidence interval 0.07-0.9; P=0.037). The groups did not differ for adverse events. CONCLUSION Despite major limitations (underpowered study and prone to type I error), we have shown that rFVIIa significantly reduces the need for allogeneic transfusion in complex non-coronary cardiac surgery without causing adverse events.
Nasopharyngeal colonization of infants in southern India with Streptococcus pneumoniae

To investigate the dynamics of nasopharyngeal colonization with Streptococcus pneumoniae, and to determine the prevalent serogroups/types (SGT) and their antimicrobial susceptibility, we studied 100 infants attending our well-baby clinic. Nasopharyngeal swab specimens were obtained at 6, 10, 14, 18 and 22 weeks and at 9 and 18 months of age and submitted for culture, serotyping and antimicrobial susceptibility testing of S. pneumoniae. Colonization with pneumococcus was seen on at least one occasion in 81 infants. The median age of acquisition was 11 weeks and the median duration of carriage was 1·3 months. The common SGTs identified were 6, 19, 14 and 15. SGT 1, which was a common invasive isolate in children in our hospital during this period, was not isolated from these children. Sequential colonization by 2, 3 or 4 SGTs was observed in 18, 5 and 2 children, respectively. Resistance to penicillin, chloramphenicol, cotrimoxazole and erythromycin was observed in 0, 13 (6%) 11 (5%) and 5 (3%) isolates, respectively. There was a significant difference in susceptibility to cotrimoxazole between colonizing and invasive isolates (5% vs. 40%, P<0·0001).
Noninfectious Granulomas

Primary immunodeficiency disorders, such as ataxia-telangiectasia (A-T), may rarely be associated with cutaneous granulomas without an identifiable infection. The authors report a case of a 3-year-old boy with A-T who presented with two persistent ulcerated erythematous nodules. Histopathology was consistent with a granulomatous process secondary to A-T, without an infectious origin. Partial improvement was noted with clobetasol propionate 0.05% cream applied twice daily under occlusion. Of note, the presence of multiple noninfectious granulomas in a child may be the initial sign of an immune deficiency and should alert the astute clinician to investigate for an underlying primary immunodeficiency. Herein, the authors discuss the associations of noninfectious granulomas and primary immunodeficiency disorders and present management options for these difficult-to-treat lesions.
Inhaled Hydrogen Sulfide Protects against Ventilator-induced Lung Injury

Background:Mechanical ventilation still causes an unacceptably high rate of morbidity and mortality because of ventilator-induced lung injury (VILI). Therefore, new therapeutic strategies are needed to treat VILI. Hydrogen sulfide can induce hypothermia and suspended animation-like states in mice. Hydrogen sulfide can also confer antiinflammatory and antiapoptotic effects. This study investigates the organ-protective effects of inhaled hydrogen sulfide during mechanical ventilation. Methods:Mice were ventilated with a tidal volume of 12 ml/kg body weight for 6 h with synthetic air in the absence or presence of hydrogen sulfide (80 parts per million) and, in a second series, at either mild hypothermia or normothermia. Staining of lung sections determined the degree of lung damage by VILI score and apoptotic cells. Bronchoalveolar lavage fluid was analyzed for the cytokines interleukin-1&bgr; and macrophage inflammatory protein-1&bgr; and for neutrophil accumulation. Heme oxygenase-1 and heat shock protein 70 expression were assessed in the lung tissue by Western immunoblot analysis. Results:Mechanical ventilation at both hypothermia and normothermia led to a profound development of VILI, characterized by pulmonary edema, increased apoptosis, cytokine release, neutrophil recruitment, and up-regulation of the stress proteins such as heme oxygenase-1 and heat shock protein 70. In contrast, the application of hydrogen sulfide during ventilation at either mild hypothermia or normothermia prevented edema formation, apoptosis, proinflammatory cytokine production, neutrophil accumulation, and inhibited heme oxygenase-1 expression. Conclusions:Inhalation of hydrogen sulfide during mechanical ventilation protects against VILI by the inhibition of inflammatory and apoptotic responses. Hydrogen sulfide confers lung protection independently of its ability to induce mild hypothermia during ventilation.
Psyllid endosymbionts exhibit patterns of co‐speciation with hosts and destabilizing substitutions in ribosomal RNA

Eubacterial 16S rDNAs were sequenced from endosymbionts of seven psyllids (Psylloidea) and one whitefly (Aleyrodoidea), to investigate the evolution of endosymbionts and their hosts. Primary endosymbionts from all psyllids formed a highly supported clade, tentatively placed as the sister to whitefly primary endosymbionts, and showing several points of congruence with the host morphological phylogeny. Almost all host taxa yielded an additional eubacterial sequence, related either to known psyllid secondary endosymbionts or to other insect endosymbionts or parasites. The relationships of some secondary endosymbionts also suggested cospeciation with psyllid hosts, or ancient horizontal transfers. All primary endosymbionts, and some secondary endosymbionts, exhibited molecular genetic effects of a long‐term, intracellular existence in their biased nucleotide content and decreased stability of rRNA secondary structure.
Fine Structural Localization of Acetylcholinesterase at a Cholinergic Vasodilator Nerve‐Arterial Smooth Muscle Synapse

An electron-microscope study of the localization of acetylcholinesterase (AChE) has been made in the main uterine artery of the guinea pig, which is supplied by cholinergic dilator and adrenergic constrictor nerves. Large bundles of nonterminal axons were present in the outer adventitia, and terminal axons, containing numerous vesicles, were scattered through the inner adventitia up to 1μ away from the outer layer of smooth muscle cells. About 50% of these axons were within 0. 2μ of a muscle cell; the minimum neuromuscular gap found was 0. 05μ. No axons were within the media. The outer membranes of axons stained either heavily or lightly for AChE. These two distinct classes appear to represent cholinergic and noncholinergic axons, respectively. In late pregnancy, all cholinergic terminal axons which contained vesicles and were not separated from the muscle by Schwann or elastic tissue were associated with heavy postsynaptic staining which was restricted to that region of the muscle membrane adjacent to the axon. In tissue from virgin animals, most cholinergic terminal axons were associated with only scanty postsynaptic staining. The increase in postsynaptic AChE during pregnancy can be correlated with the increase in sensitivity of the arterial muscle to acetylcholine over this period. Assuming that the association of heavy AChE staining both pre- and postsynaptically is indicative of a functional cholinergic synapse, acetylcholine released up to 1μ away from the muscle may participate in transmission from vasodilator axons in this vessel. Since postsynaptic AChE staining is restricted to discrete areas on the outer muscle cells, probably only these cells are directly affected by transmitter released from nerves.
EVALUATION OF FIBRIN CLOT ADHESION AS A PRECURSOR FOR NEW ATTACHMENT FOLLOWING ROOT CONDITIONING

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the influence of various root conditioning modalities on adsorption and adhesion of blood to scaled and planned root surfaces. This research work was done in the Department of Periodontics, DAV Dental College, Yamunanagar, Haryana, India (Year 2006-2009). The SEM analysis was done in …SEM & TEM centre, Department of Radiology, AIIMS, New Delhi (India) A total of 24 specimens were obtained from fresh extracted human teeth which were divided into 4 groups comprising of 6 specimens in each group. The root conditioning groups included 3 experimental – Citric acid, EDTA (Ethylene diamine tetra acetic acid), Tetracycline hydrochloride and 1 PBS (Phosphate buffered saline) as control group. The root surfaces were planned and specimen blocks (4x4x1mm) were obtained. They were subject to various conditioning agents and then exposed to fresh blood which was allowed to clot. These specimens were then rinsed and subjected to SEM analysis. The results showed that Citric acid treated planned root specimens presented a dense blood cells and fibrin attachment, while tetracycline treated showed moderate and EDTA treated showed scarce attachment of blood clot elements. In contrast, untreated planned dentin exhibited smear layer. The adhesion of fibrin network and blood cell attachment was best following application of Citric acid followed by moderate attachment seen in Tetracycline.
In vitro susceptibility and cross-resistance of South African isolates of Neisseria gonorrhoeae to 14 antimicrobial agents

One hundred isolates of Neisseria gonorrhoeae obtained from patients attending clinics in Johannesburg, South Africa, were tested by a broth dilution technique for their minimal inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of benzyl penicillin G, ampicillin, cefoxitin, cefuroxime, cefotaxime, ceftriaxone, ceftazidime, tetracycline, minocycline, doxycycline, spectinomycin, rosaramicin, chloramphenicol, and rosoxacin. None of the isolates tested produced beta-lactamase. The MICs of penicillin ranged from less than or equal to 0.007 to 0.5 micrograms/ml. The isolates were also very susceptible to rosaramicin (minimal concentration at which 50% of isolates were inhibited [MIC50] = 0.02 micrograms/ml) and to the new cephalosporins (cefotaxime MIC50 less than 0.007 micrograms/ml, ceftriaxone MIC50 less than 0.007 micrograms/ml, and ceftazidime MIC50 less than 0.007 micrograms/ml). By using regression analysis, good correlation was observed between the MICs of penicillin and those of the other agents, with the exception of ceftriaxone, spectinomycin, and rosaramicin. The MICs and the minimal bactericidal concentrations were within a log2 concentration of each other.