Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Residual Viral and Bacterial Contamination of Surfaces after Cleaning and Disinfection

ABSTRACT Environmental surfaces contaminated with pathogens can be sources of indirect transmission, and cleaning and disinfection are common interventions focused on reducing contamination levels. We determined the efficacy of cleaning and disinfection procedures for reducing contamination by noroviruses, rotavirus, poliovirus, parechovirus, adenovirus, influenza virus, Staphylococcus aureus, and Salmonella enterica from artificially contaminated stainless steel surfaces. After a single wipe with water, liquid soap, or 250-ppm free chlorine solution, the numbers of infective viruses and bacteria were reduced by 1 log10 for poliovirus and close to 4 log10 for influenza virus. There was no significant difference in residual contamination levels after wiping with water, liquid soap, or 250-ppm chlorine solution. When a single wipe with liquid soap was followed by a second wipe using 250- or 1,000-ppm chlorine, an extra 1- to 3-log10 reduction was achieved, and except for rotavirus and norovirus genogroup I, no significant additional effect of 1,000 ppm compared to 250 ppm was found. A reduced correlation between reduction in PCR units (PCRU) and reduction in infectious particles suggests that at least part of the reduction achieved in the second step is due to inactivation instead of removal alone. We used data on infectious doses and transfer efficiencies to estimate a target level to which the residual contamination should be reduced and found that a single wipe with liquid soap followed by a wipe with 250-ppm free chlorine solution was sufficient to reduce the residual contamination to below the target level for most of the pathogens tested.
Use of fluoresceinated Epstein-Barr virus to study Epstein-Barr virus-lymphoid cell interactions

As a direct approach to visualize Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) binding to its cellular receptors and to learn more on the nature of this binding, virus preparations were conjugated to fluorescein isothiocyanate and used to detect EBV receptors on lymphoid cells. Different enzymatic and chemical treatments were also applied either to the virus or to target cells or to both, and the effect of these treatments on virus binding was then examined. The results obtained show that: (i) EBV can be fluoresceinated without affecting its infectivity or cell binding ability, and the fluoresceinated virus represents an important tool to investigate the biology and nature of EBV interactions with its cellular receptors; (ii) the two virus strains (P3HR-1 and B95-8) share common receptors on Raji cells; (iii) protease treatment of EBV or target cells abrogates virus binding; (iv) EBV receptors regenerate after removal of the protease, and this regeneration is inhibited by cycloheximide or sucrose; (v) EBV particles bear concanavalin A receptors, and this lectin hinders the interaction of the virus with its cellular receptors; (vi) neuraminidase treatment, various monosaccharides, ovalbumin, and glycopeptides derived from EBV or cell surface do not inhibit virus binding. Taken together, the above data also demonstrate that some cellular and viral surface (glyco-) proteins are required for EBV binding to its targets.
In vivo degradation of gonococcal outer membrane proteins within human leukocyte phagolysosomes

We previously showed in vitro hydrolysis of outer membrane proteins by lysosomal proteases and purified elastase. In this study we examined the in vivo relevance of the previous studies. Outer membranes were obtained from Neisseria gonorrhoeae type 3 (strain GC7) by LiCl2 extraction. Some preparations were labeled with 125I. Phagocytizable particles were prepared by coating latex beads with outer membranes, and polymorphonuclear leukocytes were allowed to phagocytize serum-opsonized particles. After homogenization of neutrophils, phagolysosomes were recovered by flotation through sucrose. Phagolysosomes were prepared for slab gel electrophoresis immediately or incubated further at 37 degrees C to allow continued degradation of outer membrane proteins. The principal protein (protein I) and minor proteins (proteins II) of outer membranes were hydrolyzed in whole neutrophils and in isolated phagolysosomes. Proteins II were more susceptible to hydrolysis than protein I. Hydrolytic products formed were nearly identical in vivo and in vitro. We also radiolabeled the surface-exposed proteins of live gonococci. Degradation of outer membrane proteins on the intact bacteria within neutrophil and monocyte phagolysosomes was shown. This indicates that our earlier in vitro model is relevant to in vivo hydrolysis of gonococcal outer membrane proteins.
Patterns of cytokines, plasma endotoxin, plasminogen activator inhibitor, and acute‐phase proteins during the treatment of severe sepsis in humans

ObjectiveTo study the patterns of plasma concentrations of endotoxin, tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF), interleukin-6 (IL-6), plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, C-reactive protein, and serum amyloid A during the treatment of human sepsis. DesignA prospective case series study. SettingICU of the Department of Internal Medicine, University Hospital Groningen, The Netherlands. PatientsTwenty consecutive patients (11 female, 9 male, mean age 67 yrs) with clinically defined sepsis. Eighteen patients were admitted from the outpatient emergency ward; two patients were already inpatients. The control group (n = 7) comprised patients with nonseptic shock. Measurements and Main ResultsTen (50%) septic patients had detectable endotoxemia (>5 ng/L). TNF concentrations on admission were increased in 94% of the septic patients, whereas IL-6 and plasminogen activator inhibitor plasma concentrations were increased in all septic patients. The septic group showed significantly (p < .05) higher concentrations of TNF, IL-6, plasminogen activator inhibitor-1, C-reactive protein, and serum amyloid A compared with the nonseptic patients. In the septic group, we found a correlation of both IL-6 and plasminogen activator inhibitor concentrations with severity of illness (r2 = .33, p < .05; r2 = .22, p < .05, respectively). After the start of antibiotic treatment, high concentrations of TNF and plasminogen activator inhibitor persisted in the nonsurvivors in contrast to decreasing concentrations in most of the survivors. After an initial increase in seven patients, IL-6 concentrations decreased in all septic patients and also in nonsurvivors. ConclusionsThis study confirms previous findings that: a) TNF is a major mediator involved in the pathogenesis of septic shock; b) plasminogen activator inhibitor activity is significantly increased in septic patients and might be involved in the pathogenesis of disseminated intravascular coagulation associated with sepsis; and c) IL-6 is involved in the pathophysiology of septic shock, although further studies are needed to determine whether IL-6 is directly involved in mediating the lethal complications of septic shock or whether it should be considered an “alarm hormone” that reflects endothelial cell injury. Our findings also suggest that the concentrations and trends of these mediators during treatment are valuable for monitoring septic patients.
Involvement of Multiple Epitope-Specific Cytotoxic T-Lymphocyte Responses in Vaccine-Based Control of Simian Immunodeficiency Virus Replication in Rhesus Macaques

ABSTRACT Cytotoxic T-lymphocyte (CTL) responses are crucial for the control of immunodeficiency virus replication. Possible involvement of a dominant single epitope-specific CTL in control of viral replication has recently been indicated in preclinical AIDS vaccine trials, but it has remained unclear if multiple epitope-specific CTLs can be involved in the vaccine-based control. Here, by following up five rhesus macaques that showed vaccine-based control of primary replication of a simian immunodeficiency virus, SIVmac239, we present evidence indicating involvement of multiple epitope-specific CTL responses in this control. Three macaques maintained control for more than 2 years without additional mutations in the provirus. However, in the other two that shared a major histocompatibility complex haplotype, viral mutations were accumulated in a similar order, leading to viral evasion from three epitope-specific CTL responses with viral fitness costs. Accumulation of these multiple escape mutations resulted in the reappearance of plasma viremia around week 60 after challenge. Our results implicate multiple epitope-specific CTL responses in control of immunodeficiency virus replication and furthermore suggest that sequential accumulation of multiple CTL escape mutations, if allowed, can result in viral evasion from this control.
Use of a stainless steel washer platform to study Acinetobacter baumannii adhesion and biofilm formation on abiotic surfaces.

Acinetobacter baumannii is a frequent cause of hospital-acquired pneumonia, and has recently increased in incidence as the causative agent of severe disease in troops wounded in Afghanistan and Iraq. Clinical approaches are limited since A. baumannii strains isolated from patients are extremely resistant to current antimicrobials. A. baumannii can survive desiccation and during outbreaks has been recovered from various sites in the patients' environment. To better understand its prevalence in hospital settings, we used a stainless steel washer (SSW) platform to investigate A. baumannii biofilm formation on abiotic surfaces. Scanning electron microscopy demonstrated that A. baumannii forms strong biofilms on stainless steel surfaces. This platform was combined with a colorimetric 2,3-bis(2-methoxy-4-nitro-5-sulfophenyl)-5-[(phenylamino)carbonyl]-2H-tetrazolium hydroxide (XTT) reduction assay to observe the metabolic activity of bacterial cells, and to facilitate the manipulation and comparison of multiple A. baumannii clinical strains. A strong correlation between XTT and c.f. u. assays was demonstrated. To complement the cell viability assays, A. baumannii biofilm mass was measured by crystal violet staining. Furthermore, the effect of commonly used disinfectants and environmental stressors on A. baumannii biofilms and planktonic cells was compared and characterized. Biofilms on SSWs were significantly more resistant than their planktonic counterparts, providing additional evidence that may allow us to understand the high prevalence of this microbe in hospital settings. Our results validate that SSWs are a simple, versatile and innovative method to study A. baumannii biofilms in vitro.
Attitudes of African American and Low Socioeconomic Status White Women toward Medical Research

Minority and low socioeconomic status women are under-represented in clinical research due to logistical, informational, attitudinal, and sociocultural barriers. The primary objective of this study was to explore factors associated with research participation among African American and low socioeconomic status White women using the Theory of Planned Behavior. A secondary goal was to assess differences in barriers to research participation by age and race. A combination of qualitative (focus groups) and quantitative (trust scale) methodologies was employed. Ten focus groups were held, organized by age and race. Content analysis revealed three predominant themes: fear, distrust, and hope. Older women had higher trust; there was no difference in trust by race. The results suggest that women have conflicting feelings about research that cross ethnic lines and should be addressed by researchers. Effective strategies for overcoming barriers and increasing representation are those that establish ongoing relationships with relevant communities.
A survey on public knowledge and perceptions of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus.

OBJECTIVES The aim of the study was to establish knowledge and understanding of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) among patients, visitors and members of the general public accessing health services and to identify public education needs in relation to MRSA. PARTICIPANTS AND METHODS Survey participants were recruited through 15 general practice surgeries across Tayside and through a young people's health and information project in Dundee city centre and at a health information facility at Ninewells Hospital and Medical School, Dundee. RESULTS There were 1000 responses. The majority (86%) had heard of MRSA, 59% knew that it is a bacterium and 47% were aware that a healthy person can have MRSA without feeling ill. Those who knew someone who had had MRSA (32%) showed greater knowledge but greater worry about getting MRSA if admitted to hospital. Knowledge of possible treatments was variable, with 7% of respondents thinking of MRSA as untreatable. Across all groups, most estimates of MRSA prevalence were much higher than actual prevalence. CONCLUSIONS Public awareness of MRSA and its treatment was higher than expected, mainly gained through the media, but with considerable gaps in knowledge. Knowing someone with MRSA makes the individual more likely to be knowledgeable about MRSA in general, but more likely to think it is untreatable and almost twice as likely to be worried about contracting MRSA if admitted to hospital. The findings of this survey will inform the development of educational packages for the general public, as well as patients entering hospital and their visitors.
The Role of Bradykinin and the Effect of the Bradykinin Receptor Antagonist Icatibant in Porcine Sepsis

Bradykinin (BK) is regarded as an important mediator of edema, shock, and inflammation during sepsis. In this study, we evaluated the contribution of BK in porcine sepsis by blocking BK and by measuring the stable BK metabolite, BK1-5, using anesthetized pigs. The effect of BK alone, the efficacy of icatibant to block this effect, and the recovery of BK measured as plasma BK1-5 were first investigated. Purified BK injected intravenously induced an abrupt fall in blood pressure, which was completely prevented by pretreatment with icatibant. BK1-5 was detected in plasma corresponding to the doses given. The effect of icatibant was then investigated in an established model of porcine gram-negative sepsis. Neisseria meningitidis was infused intravenously without any pretreatment (n = 8) or pretreated with icatibant (n = 8). Negative controls received saline only. Icatibant-treated pigs developed the same degree of severe sepsis as did the controls. Both groups had massive capillary leakage, leukopenia, and excessive cytokine release. The plasma level of BK1-5 was low or nondetectable in all pigs. The latter observation was confirmed in supplementary studies with pigs undergoing Escherichia coli or polymicrobial sepsis induced by cecal ligation and puncture. In conclusion, icatibant completely blocked the hemodynamic effects of BK but had no beneficial effects on N. meningitidis-induced edema, shock, and inflammation. This and the fact that plasma BK1-5 in all the septic pigs was virtually nondetectable question the role of BK as an important mediator of porcine sepsis. Thus, the data challenge the current view of the role of BK also in human sepsis.
Intravoxel Incoherent Motion Diffusion-Weighted Magnetic Resonance Imaging of Cervical Cancer With Different b-Values

Objective The aims of this study were to evaluate the dependence of diffusion parameters on the b values adopted for intravoxel incoherent motion diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging and to investigate the application value of multiple diffusion parameters obtained from monoexponential and biexponential models in subjects with a normal cervix and in cervical cancer patients. Methods A total of 120 female patients with cervical cancer and 21 female control subjects with a normal cervix underwent diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging with 13 b values (0–2000 s/mm2) at 3 T. The standard apparent diffusion coefficient (Dst), diffusion coefficient (D), pseudodiffusion coefficient (D*), and perfusion fraction (f) were calculated by fitting with monoexponential and biexponential models at 2 different ranges of b values: 0 to 1000 and 0 to 2000 s/mm2. A univariate analysis was performed to identify factors that could distinguish cervical carcinoma from normal cervical tissue. Parameters that correlated with the pathological grade and stage of cervical cancer were also evaluated. Receiver operating characteristic curves were used to evaluate the diagnostic efficiency of every parameter. Results All the tested parameters, except the D* of the 2 different ranges of b value groups, significantly differed between the patients with cervical carcinoma and control subjects (P < 0.01). D2000, Dst2000, and D1000 showed comparable diagnostic value, with an area under the curve of 0.923, 0.909, and 0.907, respectively. Dst2000, D2000, Dst1000, and D1000 differed significantly among the 3 degrees of cervical stromal infiltration depth (P < 0.05). Conclusions D2000 and Dst2000 tended to outperform D1000 in terms of diagnostic efficiency, but there was no significant difference in their ability to differentiate cervical carcinoma from normal cervix. Cervical cancers with lower Dst and D values tended to have greater infiltration depth.
Forest vegetation affecting the deposition of atmospheric elements to soils

Atmospheric inputs of elements/ions into the soil through bulk precipitation and throughfall (precipitation below tree canopies) were monitored monthly at two forested catchments (Lesni Potok and Liz) in central and southwestern Bohemia, respectively. The annual deposition fluxes (expressed in μg/mg m−2 yr−1) of Al, As, Ba, Be, Ca, Cd, Cl−, F−, Fe, K, Mg, Mn, Ntot, Na, Ni, Pb, Rb, SO42−, Sr and Zn between 1997 and 2005 were calculated from their concentrations in monthly collected samples of both precipitation types. The flux of H+ was calculated from the monthly pH values as well. The more pristine character of the Liz catchment was manifested in lower inputs of anions of strong inorganic acids (mostly of anthropogenic origin) and of H+ in spite of higher precipitation amounts at the site. The comparison of fluxes in bulk precipitation (BP) and throughfall (TH) has shown significantly higher values for Rb, K, Mg, Mn, F−, Ca, SO42−, Sr, Ba and Cl− in the latter flux. It is declared that high fluxes of these elements/ions in TH significantly affect the forest soil water chemistry and that the forest vegetation significantly contributes to the mobilization of several elements in soil and to their redistribution throughout the soil profile.
Renal function and angiotensin AT1 receptor expression in young rats following intrauterine exposure to a maternal low-protein diet.

Recent studies have proposed a link between impaired nephrogenesis, decreased activity of the renin-angiotensin system and the onset of hypertension in rats exposed in the uterus to a maternal low-protein diet. However, there is no detailed information about renal function in this model; hence the aim of the present study was to assess renal function in young (4-week-old) rats exposed in the uterus to a maternal low-protein diet. Pregnant Wistar rats were fed isocalorific diets containing either 18% (normal protein; offspring denoted NP rats) or 9% (low protein; offspring denoted LP rats) (w/w) protein from conception until birth. At 4 weeks of age, male offspring were anaesthetized and prepared for the study of renal function, during which animals received saline alone, a bolus of enalapril (5 mg.kg(-1)) or a bolus of enalapril followed by an infusion of angiotensin II (30 ng.min(-1). kg(-1)). Under control conditions, renal haemodynamic and tubular function did not differ. However, when challenged with angiotensin II, LP rats responded with a greater decrease in glomerular filtration rate than did NP rats [NP, 2.0+/-0.2 ml.min(-1). g(-1) kidney weight ( n =9); LP, 1.0+/-0.2 ml.min(-1). g(-1) kidney weight ( n =5); P <0.05]. Renal electrolyte excretion did not differ. LP rats had significantly fewer glomeruli than NP rats ( P <0.01). Renal angiotensin II AT(1) receptor expression was increased ( P <0.01) by 24% in LP rats. It is concluded that blood pressure may be elevated in LP rats in order to maintain glomerular filtration rate against a background of fewer nephrons. Increased AT(1) receptor expression, which may arise as a result of the direct effect of protein restriction or in response to the reported decrease in renal tissue angiotensin II concentration, could also contribute to the elevated blood pressure of this model.
Assessment of health-related quality of life in end-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and non-small-cell lung cancer patients in Serbia

ABSTRACT Objective: Under conditions in which palliative care has not yet become part of clinical practice, the differences in palliative care needs between patients with cancer and other life-limiting diseases can yield knowledge that will be very valuable for future planning. The aim of our investigation was to compare health-related quality of life (HRQoL) for patients with end-stage chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) and those with non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) in Belgrade, Serbia. We also evaluated the influence of demographic, socioeconomic, and clinical factors on HRQoL for both patient groups. Method: This cross-sectional study included 100 NSCLC patients (stages IIIb and IV) and 100 patients with stage IV COPD. Measures included the SF-36 questionnaire, the EORTC QLQ–C30, the St. George's Respiratory Questionnaire, and the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI). Associations of demographic, socioeconomic, and clinical factors with QoL were examined using linear regression analyses. Results: The COPD group scored significantly lower compared to NSCLC patients in all SF-36 domains except for bodily pain. Additionally, a significantly higher level of depressive symptoms was observed in COPD patients. A worse physical QoL for COPD patients was independently associated with a longer duration of unemployment, a lack of wage earning, lower Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) scores, and higher levels of depression. A worse mental QoL for COPD patients was related to a longer duration of disease, poorer KPS scores, and higher BDI scores. The independent variables significantly associated with worse physical and mental QoL of NSCLC patients were lower KPS and higher BDI scores. Significance of Results: A worse QoL, a significantly higher level of depressive symptoms, and adverse socioeconomic status in the COPD group imposes the need for development of more intensive psychosocial and community support for COPD patients during implementation of palliative care.