Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Nanoparticle energy transfer on the cell surface

Membrane topology of receptors plays an important role in shaping transmembrane signalling of cells. Among the methods used for characterizing receptor clusters, fluorescence resonance energy transfer between a donor and acceptor fluorophore plays a unique role based on its capability of detecting molecular level (2–10 nm) proximities of receptors in physiological conditions. Recent development of biotechnology has made possible the usage of colloidal gold particles in a large size range for specific labelling of cells for the purposes of electron microscopy. However, by combining metal and fluorophore labelling of cells, the versatility of metal–fluorophore interactions opens the way for new applications by detecting the presence of the metal particles by the methods of fluorescence spectroscopy. An outstanding feature of the metal nanoparticle–fluorophore interaction is that the metal particle can enhance spontaneous emission of the fluorophore in a distance‐dependent fashion, in an interaction range esentially determined by the size of the nanoparticle. In our work enhanced fluorescence of rhodamine and cyanine dyes was observed in the vicinity of immunogold nanoparticles on the surface of JY cells in a flow cytometer. The dyes and the immunogold were targetted to the cell surface receptors MHCI, MHCII, transferrin receptor and CD45 by monoclonal antibodies. The fluorescence enhancement was sensitive to the wavelength of the exciting light, the size and amount of surface bound gold beads, as well as the fluorophore–nanoparticle distance. The intensity of 90° scattering of the incident light beam was enhanced by the immunogold in a concentration and size‐dependent fashion. The 90° light scattering varied with the wavelength of the incident light in a manner characteristic to gold nanoparticles of the applied sizes. A reduction in photobleaching time constant of the cyanine dye was observed in the vicinity of gold particles in a digital imaging microscope. Modulations of 90° light scattering intensity and photobleaching time constant indicate the role of the local field in the fluorescence enhancement. A mathematical simulation based on the electrodynamic theory of fluorescence enhancement showed a consistency between the measured enhancement values, the inter‐epitope distances and the quantum yields. The feasibility of realizing proximity sensors operating at distance ranges larger than that of the conventional Förster transfer is demonstrated on the surface of living cells. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Serum Salusin-β Levels Are Associated With the Presence and Severity of Coronary Artery Disease

Objectives We sought to assess whether serum salusin-β levels are correlated with the presence and severity of coronary artery disease (CAD). Methods We measured serum salusin-β levels in 278 consecutive patients undergoing coronary angiography (CAG) for the evaluation of CAD and in 126 healthy controls. Serum salusin-β levels were measured by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The severity of CAD was assessed by angiographic coronary atherosclerosis index score system. Results Serum salusin-β levels were significantly higher in patients undergoing CAG (n = 278) than those in healthy controls (n = 126) (3.81 ± 0.99 vs 4.34 ± 1.40 nmol/L, P < 0.01). In patients undergoing CAG, patients with CAD (n = 160) had significantly higher serum salusin-β levels compared to patients without CAD (n = 118) (4.65 ± 1.44 vs 3.94 ± 1.23 nmol/L, P < 0.01). Multivariate logistic regression analysis revealed that serum salusin-β levels were independently associated with the presence of CAD (odds ratio, 1.439; 95% confidence interval, 1.176–1.760; P < 0.01). Serum salusin-β levels were positively correlated with the coronary atherosclerosis index score (r = 0.316, P < 0.001). Conclusions Serum salusin-β levels were associated with the presence and severity of CAD. Salusin-β in serum might serve as a potential biomarker for reflecting the development and progression of CAD. Therapeutic treatment by inhibiting salusin-β interaction to prevent CAD warrants further investigation.
Primary Bone Lymphoma of the Talus: A Challenging Diagnosis

Purpose Diagnostic challenges are common in clinical practice and diagnostic or classification criteria for musculoskeletal conditions cannot overshadow clinical skills. Methods We present the case of a young man who complained of prolonged articular pain and mild swelling of the right ankle in the absence of other remarkable data. Apparently fulfilling the Budapest diagnostic criteria for complex regional pain syndrome, the patient was treated accordingly, but the pain increased over time. Then the patient underwent an additional diagnostic workup including synovial and bone biopsies in 2 separate occasions with the second one demonstrating diffuse lymphoid infiltrate compatible with lymphoma. Results The conclusive diagnosis of primary diffuse large B-cell lymphoma of the talus was made and adequate treatment initiated. Conclusions The diagnostic difficulties as well as the importance of a multidisciplinary approach for complex cases are highlighted in this report.
Is Normocalcemic Primary Hyperparathyroidism Harmful or Harmless?

CONTEXT Primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) is reported to be associated with an increased frequency of hypertension, however, information in this regard is sparse in relation to normocalcemic primary hyperparathyroidism (NPHPT). OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to determine the association between NPHPT and blood pressure. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PATIENTS We retrospectively enrolled 940 patients who visited the Fujian Provincial Hospital between September 2010 and December 2013 with a measured serum parathyroid hormone (PTH) and calcium level. Among them, 11 patients were diagnosed with NPHPT, while 296 cases with normal PTH and albumin-adjusted serum calcium. MAIN OUTCOMES MEASURES Systolic blood pressure (SBP), diastolic blood pressure (DBP), intact serum PTH, and serum calcium were recorded. RESULTS There were no significant differences between subjects identified with NPHPT and those with normal PTH in terms of age, sex, body mass index, serum calcium, 25-Hydroxyvitamin D, serum creatinine, fasting plasma glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, high density lipoprotein, and low density lipoprotein. The subjects with a diagnosis of NPHPT had higher levels of SBP (141.9 ± 20.2 vs 131.2 ± 16.5, P = .041) and DBP (85.2 ± 12.4 vs 76.8 ± 10.3, P = .026) than the subjects in the cohort with normal PTH. After adjustment for all potential confounders, risks (odds ratios and 95% confidence interval) of SBP and DBP in NPHPT patients were 1.035 (1.000, 1.071) and 1.063 (1.004, 1.125), respectively (P < .05). CONCLUSIONS The NPHPT had higher risk of high blood pressure than subjects with normal PTH. It is worth considering the necessity of more aggressive therapeutic intervention aimed to normalize PTH even if patients with NPHPT continue to be normocalcemic.
Modeling of common mode currents induced by motor cable in converter fed AC motor drives

Investigation of conducted EMI generation in AC motor fed by pulse width modulated frequency converters requires to consider parasitic capacitances in converters, motor windings and feeding cables to be taken into account. Motor voltage transients and related common mode currents are significantly correlated with resonance effects occurring in load circuits. An analysis of frequency converter load impedance-frequency characteristics allows for identification and determination of frequency ranges in which the foremost contributions to EMI noise generation have the voltage ringing phenomena associated with the load parasitic capacitances. This paper presents a method to model an AC motor with a feeding cable in conducted EMI frequency range up to 30 MHz. Distributed parasitic capacitances of AC motor windings are modeled by a ladder circuit. The proposed circuit model allows for an analysis of the influence of motor feeding cable parameters on common mode currents generated in AC motor drive system, particularly in AC motor itself. The simulation results obtained based on the proposed ladder circuit model are verified by the experimental tests which have been carried out for an exemplary adjustable speed AC motor drive application.
Prediction of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Involvement in Disease Sites by Concomitant Nasal Sampling

ABSTRACT Nasal colonization with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) is believed to precede disease. It is therefore reasonable to expect that testing for nasal MRSA colonization could provide guidance in the choice of empirical therapy for infections. We conducted a retrospective review of 5,779 nasal MRSA tests performed within a 24-h period before or after a clinical culture showed the growth of any organism. A positive nasal MRSA test strongly predicted MRSA involvement at a clinical site (relative risk, 12.9 times higher than in the remainder of the population; 95% confidence intervals [CI], 10.4, 16.1). Nasal MRSA colonization also strongly predicted antimicrobial resistance in other organisms. A negative nasal test was less useful; only 217 of 323 patients (67.2%; 95% CI, 61.8, 72.3) with clinical cultures involving MRSA had detectable, concomitant nasal MRSA colonization. Patients with clindamycin-susceptible MRSA infections were less likely (59%) to have nasal colonization than those with clindamycin-resistant MRSA infections (71%; P = 0.042). Patients nasally colonized with MRSA were substantially more likely to have antibiotic-resistant floras in clinical specimens, and this should be considered when initiating therapy. However, nearly a third of MRSA-infected patients were not nasally colonized, suggesting that nasal colonization need not precede disease and that a negative test for nasal colonization would not rule out MRSA disease in settings of moderate or high prevalence.
Perception on the abortion laws in Sri Lanka: A community based study in the city of Colombo

Introduction Abortion is legally permitted in Sri Lanka, only if it is performed to save the mother’s life. However, it is estimated that a large number of induced abortions take place in Sri Lanka. Knowledge and attitudes towards induced abortion in the society are key issues influencing the policy response towards changes in the law. This study aimed to assess the knowledge and attitudes of adults towards induced abortion in Sri Lanka. Methods Six Grama Niladhari Divisions (GNDs) and five to eight housing clusters from each GND were selected from Thimbirigasyaya Divisional Secretariat Division using multi stage stratified random sampling. Fifty households were systematically selected from each GND. An interview was scheduled among 743 residents aged between 19 to 49 years of age after receiving written informed consent. Results Only 11% of the respondents knew the situations in which abortion was legal in Sri Lanka. Approximately one tenth of the respondents (11%) did not agree with the current law which allows an induced abortion only to save the life of the mother. However, a majority agreed to legalization of abortion for rape (65%), incest (55%) and pregnancies with lethal fetal abnormalities (53%). Less than one tenth of respondents agreed with legalisation of induced abortion for other reasons such as con-traceptive failure (6%), poor economic conditions (7%) and, on request (4%). Conclusions Although the society rejects abortion on request majority are in favour of allowing abortions for rape, incest and fetuses with lethal abnormalities.
Language Segmentation

Language segmentation consists in finding the boundaries where one language ends and another language begins in a text written in more than one language. This is important for all natural language processing tasks. The problem can be solved by training language models on language data. However, in the case of low- or no-resource languages, this is problematic. I therefore investigate whether unsupervised methods perform better than supervised methods when it is difficult or impossible to train supervised approaches. A special focus is given to difficult texts, i.e. texts that are rather short (one sentence), containing abbreviations, low-resource languages and non-standard language. I compare three approaches: supervised n-gram language models, unsupervised clustering and weakly supervised n-gram language model induction. I devised the weakly supervised approach in order to deal with difficult text specifically. In order to test the approach, I compiled a small corpus of different text types, ranging from one-sentence texts to texts of about 300 words. The weakly supervised language model induction approach works well on short and difficult texts, outperforming the clustering algorithm and reaching scores in the vicinity of the supervised approach. The results look promising, but there is room for improvement and a more thorough investigation should be undertaken.
Nutritional deficiencies in patients with Crohn's disease in remission

Background: Patients with Crohn's disease (CD) are at risk of developing nutritional deficiencies, especially because of restrictive diets. The aim of our study was to assess food intake and the status for vitamins and trace elements in nonselected CD patients in clinical remission. Methods: A total of 54 consecutive CD patients (28 females, 26 males, 39 ± 2 years of age [mean ± SD]) in clinical remission for >3 months underwent body composition, resting energy expenditure, nutrient intake, and plasma concentration assessment, and were compared with 25 healthy controls (16 females, 9 males, 38 ± 3 years old). Results: According to the nutritional risk index, 37 patients (70%) were not malnourished, 12 were at moderate risk, and 4 were at severe risk for malnutrition. Fat mass was lower in patients in remission compared with controls (P = 0.04). The mean daily energy intake was comparable between patients (2218 ± 92 kcal/day) and controls (2066 ± 101 kcal/day), covering their needs. No significant difference was observed for macronutrient intake in comparison with controls; compared to controls, female CD patients had lower intakes of &bgr;‐carotene (P < 0.005), vitamins B1 (P < 0.05), B6 (P < 0.01), and C (P < 0.005), and magnesium (P < 0.01). They had significantly higher intakes of zinc (P < 0.01). Male CD patients had lower intakes of &bgr;‐carotene and vitamin C (P < 0.05). More than 50% of patients had low plasma concentrations of vitamin C (84%), copper (84%), niacin (77%), and zinc (65%). Conclusions: In CD patients in remission, macronutrient needs are usually covered by food intake. However, micronutrient deficiencies are frequent and call for specific screening and treatment.
Channel properties of the translocator domain of the autotransporter Hbp of Escherichia coli

Abstract Autotransporters produced by Gram-negative bacteria consist of an N-terminal signal sequence, a C-terminal translocator domain (TD), and a passenger domain in between. The TD facilitates the secretion of the passenger across the outer membrane. It generally consists of a channel-forming β-barrel that can be plugged by an α-helix that is formed by a polypeptide fragment immediately N-terminal to the barrel domain in the sequence. In this work, we characterized the TD of the hemoglobin protease Hbp of Escherichia coli by comparing its properties with the TDs of NalP of Neisseria meningitidis and IgA protease of Neisseria gonorrhoeae. All TDs were produced in inclusion bodies and folded in vitro. In the case of the TD of Hbp, this procedure resulted in autocatalytic intramolecular processing, which mimicked the in vivo processing. Liposome-swelling assays and planar lipid bilayer experiments revealed that the pore of the Hbp TD was largely obstructed. In contrast, an Hbp TD variant that lacked only one amino-acid residue from the N terminus showed the opening and closing of a channel comparable to what was reported for the TD of NalP. Additionally, the naturally processed helix contributed to the stability of the TD, as shown by chemical denaturation monitored by tryptophan fluorescence. Overall these results show that Hbp is processed by an autocatalytic intramolecular mechanism resulting in the stable docking of the α-helix in the barrel. In addition, we could show that the α-helix contributes to the stability of TDs.
Analysis of the Multiseptate Potential of Bacillus subtilis

Bacillus subtilis was grown at 30 C in 15 media which produced generation times of between 200 and 40 min. A correlation was observed between the growth rate and the number of septa per cell. The time between the production of a septum and its involvement in cell division was not related to the growth rate, but, for the 15 populations, had a mean value of 138 min. Multiseptate cells became progressively evident when the organism was grown at rates in excess of a 138-min generation time.
Nasal pillows as an alternative interface in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome initiating continuous positive airway pressure therapy

Side‐effects directly due to the nasal mask are common in patients with obstructive sleep apnoea syndrome (OSAS) commencing continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP). Recently, nasal pillows have been designed to overcome these issues. Limited evidence exists of the benefits and effectiveness of these devices. Twenty‐one patients (19 male, 49 ± 10 years) with the established diagnosis of OSAS [apnoea/hypopnoea index (AHI): 52 ± 22] and who had a successful CPAP titration were commenced on CPAP therapy (10 ± 2 cmH2O), and randomized to 4 weeks of a nasal pillow (P) and a standard nasal mask (M) in a crossover design. Outcome measures were objective compliance, AHI, quality of life, Epworth Sleepiness Score (ESS) and CPAP side‐effects. There was no difference in compliance (M versus P: 5.1 ± 1.9 h versus 5.0 ± 1.7 h; P = 0.701) and AHI (2.6 ± 2.7 versus 3.0 ± 2.9; P = 0.509). Quality of life and ESS improved with CPAP, but there was no difference in the extent of improvement between both devices. Usage of nasal pillows resulted in less reported pressure on the face and more subjects found the nasal pillow the more comfortable device. However, there was no clear overall preference for either device at the end of the study (mask = 57%, pillow = 43%; P = 0.513). The applied CPAP pressure did not correlate with compliance, AHI and ESS. Furthermore, no differences in outcome parameters were noted comparing groups with CPAP pressure <10 and ≥10 cm H2O. Nasal pillows are equally effective in CPAP therapy, but do not generally lead to improved compliance.
Prospective Cohort Study of Nephrogenic Systemic Fibrosis in Patients With Stage 3-5 Chronic Kidney Disease Undergoing MRI With Injected Gadobenate Dimeglumine or Gadoteridol.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to determine the incidence of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis (NSF) in patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) and moderate-to-severe impairment of kidney function who had not previously been exposed to gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) or referred to undergo contrast-enhanced MRI with gadobenate dimeglumine or gadoteridol. SUBJECTS AND METHODS Two multicenter prospective cohort studies evaluated the incidence of unconfounded NSF in patients with stage 3 CKD (estimated glomerular filtration rate [eGFR] in cohort 1, 30-59 mL/min/1.73 m(2)) or stage 4 or 5 CKD (eGFR in cohort 2, < 30 mL/min/1.73 m(2)) after injection of gadobenate dimeglumine (study A) or gadoteridol (study B). A third study (study C) determined the incidence of NSF in patients with stage 4 or 5 CKD who had not received a GBCA in the 10 years before enrollment. Monitoring for signs and symptoms suggestive of NSF was performed via telephone at 1, 3, 6, and 18 months, with clinic visits occurring at 1 and 2 years. RESULTS For studies A and B, the populations evaluated for NSF comprised 363 and 171 patients, respectively, with 318 and 159 patients in cohort 1 of each study, respectively, and with 45 and 12 patients in cohort 2, respectively. No signs or symptoms of NSF were reported or detected during the 2 years of patient monitoring. Likewise, no cases of NSF were reported for any of the 405 subjects enrolled in study C. CONCLUSION To our knowledge, and consistent with reports in the literature, no association of gadobenate dimeglumine or gadoteridol with unconfounded cases of NSF has yet been established. Study data confirm that both gadoteridol and gadobenate dimeglumine properly belong to the class of GBCAs considered to be associated with the lowest risk of NSF.
Partial liquid ventilation and positive end-expiratory pressure reduce ventilator-induced lung injury in an ovine model of acute respiratory failure

Objective To examine the isolated and combined effects of positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) and partial liquid ventilation (PLV) on the development of ventilator-induced lung injury in an ovine model. Design Prospective controlled animal study. Setting University-based cardiovascular animal physiology laboratory. Subjects Thirty-eight anesthetized supine sheep weighing 22.3 ± 2.2 kg. Interventions Animals were ventilated for 6 hrs (respiratory rate, 15; Fio2, 1.0, inspiratory/expiratory ratio, 1:1) with one of five pressure-controlled strategies, expressed as peak inspiratory pressure (PIP)/PEEP: low-PIP, 25/5 cm H2O (n = 8); high-PIP, 50/5 cm H2O (n = 8); high-PIP-PLV, 50/5 cm H2O-PLV (n = 8); high-PEEP, 50/20 cm H2O (n = 7); and high-PEEP-PLV, 50/20 cm H2O-PLV (n = 7). Measurements and Main Results Compared with the low-PIP control, high-PIP ventilation increased airleak, shunt, histologic evidence of lung injury, neutrophil infiltrates, and wet lung weight. Maintaining PEEP at 20 cm H2O or adding PLV reduced the development of physiologic shunt and dependent histologic injury indexes. Neither higher PEEP nor PLV reduced the high incidence of barotrauma observed in high-PIP animals. Conclusions We conclude that application of PLV or PEEP at 20 cm H2O may improve gas exchange and afford lung protection from ventilator-induced lung injury during high-pressure mechanical ventilation in this model.
Purification and Subunit Characterization of the Rat Liver Endocytic Hyaluronan Receptor*

The endocytic hyaluronan (HA) receptor of liver sinusoidal endothelial cells (LECs) is responsible for the clearance of HA and other glycosaminoglycans from the circulation in mammals. We report here for the first time the purification of this liver HA receptor. Using lectin and immuno-affinity chromatography, two HA receptor species were purified from detergent-solubilized membranes prepared from purified rat LECs. In nonreducing SDS-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (PAGE), these two proteins migrated at 175- and ∼300 kDa corresponding to the two species previously identified by photoaffinity labeling of live cells as the HA receptor (Yannariello-Brown, J., Frost, S. J., and Weigel, P. H. (1992) J. Biol. Chem. 267, 20451–20456). These two proteins co-purify in a molar ratio of 2:1 (175:300), and both proteins are active, able to bind HA after SDS-PAGE, electrotransfer, and renaturation. After reduction, the 175-kDa protein migrates as a ∼185-kDa protein and is not able to bind HA. The 300-kDa HA receptor is a complex of three disulfide-bonded subunits that migrate in reducing SDS-PAGE at ∼260, 230, and 97 kDa. These proteins designated, respectively, the α, β, and γ subunits are present in a molar ratio of 1:1:1 and are also unable to bind HA when reduced. The 175-kDa protein and all three subunits of the 300-kDa species containN-linked oligosaccharides, as indicated by increased migration in SDS-PAGE after treatment with N-glycosidase F. Both of the deglycosylated, nonreduced HA receptor proteins still bind HA.