Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Production of Ligninases and Degradation of Lignin in Agitated Submerged Cultures of Phanerochaete chrysosporium

Research on the extracellular hemeprotein ligninases of Phanerochaete chrysosporium has been hampered by the necessity to produce them in stationary culture. This investigation examined the effects of detergents on development of ligninase activity in agitated submerged cultures. Results show that addition of Tween 80, Tween 20, or 3-[(3-colamidopropyl)dimethylammonio]1-propanesulfonate to the cultures permits development of ligninase activity comparable to that routinely obtained in stationary cultures. The detergent-amended cultures express the entire ligninolytic system, assayed as the complete oxidation of [14C]lignin to 14CO2. The detergent effect is evidently not merely in facilitating release of extant enzyme. Development of ligninolytic activity in the agitated cultures, as in stationary cultures, is idiophasic. Ion-exchange fast protein-liquid chromatography indicated that the heme protein profiles in agitated and stationary cultures are very similar. These findings should make it possible to scale up production of ligninolytic enzymes in stirred tank fermentors.
Addressing Workplace Violence Among Nurses Who Care for the Elderly

OBJECTIVE: The objective of this study was to examine the social-situational (ie, Job Demands-Resource model) and individual (ie, negative affectivity) factors that might be associated with violence among nurses caring for the elderly (aged care nurses). BACKGROUND: Workplace violence is recognized as a serious issue among nurses. Effective intervention and prevention require an understanding of antecedent factors. METHODS: Nurses working in elderly care facilities across an Australian healthcare organization participated in a cross-sectional survey. RESULTS: Job demands were associated with all of the externally sourced types of violence. Low job control was linked with external emotional abuse and physical assault. Outside work support was related to external physical assault and verbal sexual harassment. Finally, high negative affectivity was linked to internal and external emotional abuse and threat of assault. CONCLUSIONS: Both the Job Demands-Resource model and negative affectivity were useful in identifying relationships with violence, supporting suggestions that situational and individual factors are associated with violence among nurses who care for the elderly.
The prevalence of Escherichia coli O157.H7 in dairy and beef cattle in Washington State

SUMMARY Escherichia coli O157.H7 was found in 10 of 3570 (0·28%) faecal samples from dairy cattle in 5 of 60 herds (8·3%). Several tentative associations with manure handling and feeding management practices on dairy farms were identified. Faecal/urine slurry samples, bulk milk samples, and milk filters from dairy herds were negative for E. coli 0157.H7. E. coli 0157.H7 was also isolated from 10 of 1412 (0·71 %) faecal samples from pastured beef cattle in 4 of 25 (16%) herds. The prevalence of E. coli 0157. H7 excretion in feedlot beef cattle was 2 of 600 (0·33 %). The identification of cattle management practices associated with colonization of cattle by E. coli 0157.H7 suggests the possibility that human E. coli O157.H7 exposure may be reduced by cattle management procedures.
Derivatives of Plant Phenolic Compound Affect the Type III Secretion System of Pseudomonas aeruginosa via a GacS-GacA Two-Component Signal Transduction System

ABSTRACT Antibiotic therapy is the most commonly used strategy to control pathogenic infections; however, it has contributed to the generation of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. To circumvent this emerging problem, we are searching for compounds that target bacterial virulence factors rather than their viability. Pseudomonas aeruginosa, an opportunistic human pathogen, possesses a type III secretion system (T3SS) as one of the major virulence factors by which it secretes and translocates T3 effector proteins into human host cells. The fact that this human pathogen also is able to infect several plant species led us to screen a library of phenolic compounds involved in plant defense signaling and their derivatives for novel T3 inhibitors. Promoter activity screening of exoS, which encodes a T3-secreted toxin, identified two T3 inhibitors and two T3 inducers of P. aeruginosa PAO1. These compounds alter exoS transcription by affecting the expression levels of the regulatory small RNAs RsmY and RsmZ. These two small RNAs are known to control the activity of carbon storage regulator RsmA, which is responsible for the regulation of the key T3SS regulator ExsA. As RsmY and RsmZ are the only targets directly regulated by GacA, our results suggest that these phenolic compounds affect the expression of exoS through the GacSA-RsmYZ-RsmA-ExsA regulatory pathway.
Coagulation, Platelets, and Acute Pancreatitis

Acute pancreatitis generates a complex cascade of immunological events that affect the pathogenesis and the progression of this disease. Several inflammatory mediators seem to play a critical role in the pathogenesis of pancreatitis and the subsequent inflammatory response. In turn, these mediators can influence hemostasis. Coagulation abnormalities occur in acute pancreatitis and are related to its severity. The contribution of blood platelets in the disturbed hemostasis in acute pancreatitis, although extensively studied, remains obscure. This article reviews the local and systemic implications of hemostatic abnormalities during acute pancreatitis. Furthermore, we discuss the prognostic value and the potential therapeutic implications of platelet activation and other hemostatic variables.
Localized infant neuroblastomas often show spontaneous regression: results of the prospective trials NB95-S and NB97.

PURPOSE The excellent prognosis of localized neuroblastoma in infants, the overdiagnosis observed in neuroblastoma screening studies, and several case reports of regression of localized neuroblastoma prompted us to initiate a prospective cooperative trial on observation of localized neuroblastoma without cytotoxic treatment. PATIENTS AND METHODS For infants with localized neuroblastoma without MYCN amplification, chemotherapy was scheduled only in cases with threatening symptoms; otherwise, the tumor was either resected or observed by ultrasound and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). RESULTS Of 340 eligible participants, 190 underwent resection, 57 were treated with chemotherapy, and 93 were observed with gross residual tumor. Of those 93 patients with unresected tumors, spontaneous regression was seen in 44, local progression in 28, progression to stage 4S in seven, and progression to stage 4 in four. Time to regression was quite variable, with first signs of regression noted 1 to 18 months after diagnosis and in 15 of 44 patients even after the first year of life. So far, complete regression was observed in 17 of 44 patients 4 to 20 months after diagnosis. Known clinical risk factors were not able to differentiate between patients with regression and regional or metastatic progression. Overall survival (OS; 3-year OS, 0.99 +/- 0.01) and metastases-free survival (rate at 3 years, 0.94 +/- 0.03) for patients with unresected tumors was excellent and was not different from patients treated with surgery or chemotherapy. CONCLUSION Spontaneous regression is regularly seen in infants with localized neuroblastoma and is not limited to the first year of life. A wait-and-see strategy is justified in those patients.
The Changing Impact of Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease in Clinical Practice

Objectives: The National Ambulatory Medical Care Survey (NAMCS) database was utilized to understand evolving national trends in diagnosis and management of reflux. Methods: The NAMCS database was queried for visits related to gastroesophageal reflux diagnosis and management. Analysis performed for time periods 1998-2001, 2002-2005, and 2006-2009 was weighted to provide national estimates of care. Results were compared to previously reported time periods from 1990 to 2001 to evaluate patterns in overall visits, age and ethnicity of patients, provider type, and prescriptions provided. Results: The number of ambulatory visits for reflux increased from 8 684 000 in 1998-2001 to 15 750 000 in 2006-2009. Visits increased across each time period for internal medicine, family, and gastroenterology physicians. Among otolaryngologists, absolute visits increased from 1998-2001 to 2002-2005 but decreased in 2006-2009; difference between these time periods did not reach statistical significance. From 1998-2001 to 2006-2009, reflux medication use increased 233%, with continuing trends toward increased proton pump inhibitor use. Conclusions: Reflux visits have increased across all demographic subgroups studied. Knowledge of these trends may inform further paradigm shifts in diagnosis and management of reflux.
NuA4 Lysine Acetyltransferase Esa1 Is Targeted to Coding Regions and Stimulates Transcription Elongation with Gcn5

ABSTRACT NuA4, the major H4 lysine acetyltransferase (KAT) complex in Saccharomyces cerevisiae, is recruited to promoters and stimulates transcription initiation. NuA4 subunits contain domains that bind methylated histones, suggesting that histone methylation should target NuA4 to coding sequences during transcription elongation. We show that NuA4 is cotranscriptionally recruited, dependent on its physical association with elongating polymerase II (Pol II) phosphorylated on the C-terminal domain by cyclin-dependent kinase 7/Kin28, but independently of subunits (Eaf1 and Tra1) required for NuA4 recruitment to promoters. Whereas histone methylation by Set1 and Set2 is dispensable for NuA4's interaction with Pol II and targeting to some coding regions, it stimulates NuA4-histone interaction and H4 acetylation in vivo. The NuA4 KAT, Esa1, mediates increased H4 acetylation and enhanced RSC occupancy and histone eviction in coding sequences and stimulates the rate of transcription elongation. Esa1 cooperates with the H3 KAT in SAGA, Gcn5, to enhance these functions. Our findings delineate a pathway for acetylation-mediated nucleosome remodeling and eviction in coding sequences that stimulates transcription elongation by Pol II in vivo.
Etiology of Diarrhea in Young Children and Patterns of Antibiotic Resistance in Cambodia

Background: Little is known about diarrhea etiology and antibiotic resistance in developing countries where diarrhea is a major public health problem. Methods: To describe diarrhea etiology and antibiotic resistance patterns in Cambodia, 600 children aged 3 months to 5 years with acute diarrhea (cases) and 578 children without diarrhea (controls) were enrolled from a hospital in Phnom Penh. Stool samples were collected, and pathogens and antibiotic resistance patterns were described. Results: The most frequently isolated pathogens in these cases were enteroaggregative Escherichia coli (20%) and rotavirus (26%). Enterotoxigenic E. coli, enteroaggregative E. coli, Shigella, Aeromonas, rotavirus, and adenovirus were statistically significantly associated with diarrhea. Among cases, vomiting was associated with viral infections, whereas bloody stool was associated with Shigella. Enterotoxigenic E. coli isolates were highly resistant to ampicillin, sulfonamides, and tetracycline. Approximately 50% of Campylobacter coli and 30% of Campylobacter jejuni isolates were resistant to nalidixic acid and ciprofloxacin. Over 33% of Salmonella isolates were resistant to ampicillin and tetracycline, and almost 100% of Shigella isolates were resistant to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole. Conclusions: These data on the etiology of diarrhea and antibiotic resistance patterns in Cambodia will have significant effect on local public health policies and on local resource prioritization practices.
The mode of action of chlorhexidine.

Radioactive chlorhexidine * (14C labeled in the phenyl rings) was used to study absorption by and desorption From Streptococcus mulans and teeth. When S. mutans was grown in brain heart infusion broth, the rate of absorption by the bacteria was rapid, but when bacteria were grown in medium containing sucrose, absorption was slow apart from an initial rapid phase. Very slow absorption was observed by organisms grown on wire immersed in the sucrose medium. Thus there appears to have been some barrier delaying absorption when the culture medium contained sucrose. Studies with human teeth showed considerable variation between teeth but the rates of absorption and desorption were generally slow.
A rapid plate assay for screening l‐asparaginase producing micro‐organisms

A pH and dye‐based fast procedure for screening l‐asparaginase‐producing micro‐organisms is reported. The procedure is suitable for bacterial and fungal screening. The results are obtained within 24 and 48 h for bacteria and fungi, respectively. The results correlate with quantitative estimations in culture broths.
The number of p16INK4a positive cells in human skin reflects biological age

Cellular senescence is a defense mechanism in response to molecular damage which accumulates with aging. Correspondingly, the number of senescent cells has been reported to be greater in older than in younger subjects and furthermore associates with age‐related pathologies. Inter‐individual differences exist in the rate at which a person ages (biological age). Here, we studied whether younger biological age is related to fewer senescent cells in middle‐aged individuals with the propensity for longevity, using p16INK4a as a marker for cellular senescence. We observed that a younger biological age associates with lower levels of p16INK4a positive cells in human skin.
Motor Cortex Stimulation for Phantom Limb Pain: Comprehensive Therapy with Spinal Cord and Thalamic Stimulation

The effects of spinal cord stimulation (SCS), deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the thalamic nucleus ventralis caudalis (VC) and motor cortex stimulation (MCS) were analyzed in 19 patients with phantom limb pain. All of the patients underwent SCS and, if the SCS failed to reduce the pain, the patients were considered for DBS and/or MCS. Satisfactory pain control for the long-term was achieved in 6 of 19 (32%) by SCS, 6 of 10 (60%) by DBS and 1 (20%) of 5 by MCS. SCS and DBS of the VC sometimes produced a dramatic effect on the pain, leading to a long pain-free interval and infrequent use of stimulation. The effects of both DBS of the VC and MCS were tested in four. One patient of them reported better pain control by MCS than by DBS, whereas two reported the opposite results. There is no evidence at present for an advantage of MCS over SCS and DBS of the VC in controlling phantom limb pain.
Further investigations on the role of ascorbic acid in stratum corneum lipid models after UV exposure

This study is the continuation of our research into vitamin C and its possible effects on human skin after topical administration. The effects of ascorbic acid, iron ions and UV irradiation on stratum corneum lipid models were investigated. The lipid models used were: a simple system (linolenic acid dispersion), a complex system (liposomes consisting of dipalmitoylphosphatidylcholine, cholesterol and linolenic acid) and complex systems with additionally incorporated ceramides (types III and IV). The lipid peroxidation was quantified by the thiobarbituric acid assay. A human adult low‐calcium high‐temperature (HaCaT) keratinocytes cell culture was used as a second in‐vitro model. The amount of intracellular peroxides was determined by measuring the fluorescence intensity using the dihydrorhodamine 123 assay. Electron paramagnetic resonance spectroscopy was used to study the influence of ascorbic acid and iron ions on the signal intensity of 5‐doxylstearic acid during UV exposure. Ascorbic acid showed prooxidative properties in the thiobarbituric acid assay whereas cell protection was measured in the HaCaT keratinocytes experiments. Electron paramagnetic resonance investigations revealed different extents of free radical production generated by iron ions, ascorbic acid and UV irradiation. In evaluating the results from this study new aspects of the mechanism of lipid damage caused by these three factors were suggested, transcending the simple redox behaviour of ascorbic acid.
Development and validation of a confirmatory method for the determination of tranquilisers and a β-blocker in porcine and bovine kidney by LC-MS/MS

A method for the confirmation of the tranquilisers azaperone and its metabolite azaperol, of chlorpromazine, propionylpromazine and acepromazine, haloperidol, xylazine and the β-blocker carazolol in porcine and bovine kidney with LC-MS/MS was developed. Various solvents and extraction techniques and different ways of clean-up were tested and verified with incurred pig kidney from an animal study. The best extraction efficiency was reached by extraction with a mixture of ammonia in ethyl acetate and overhead shaking without SPE clean-up. The optimised method with a twofold sample extraction was validated according to Commission Decision 2002/657/EC in a matrix-comprehensive in-house validation supported by the InterVal software, taking into account the defined MRLs and recommended concentrations. The validated method can be used for residue control of the above-mentioned analytes in bovine and porcine kidney of food-producing animals in accordance with Council Directive 96/23/EC.
Vitamin D deficiency in Saudi Arabians: A reality or simply hype: A meta-analysis (2008–2015)

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: The objective of this systematic review was to determine from published data the prevalence of Vitamin D deficiency in the Saudi population. METHODS: An extensive and meticulous search was conducted for studies published in MEDLINE, EMBASE the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (2008”2015), and the Science Citation Index published data from the Annals of Saudi Medicine and Saudi Medical Journal with the key words: Vitamin D deficiency, insufficiency, and Saudi Arabians. The inclusion criterion was studies published during 2008 to 2015, and studies involving healthy individuals between the age of 18 and 80 years. Binary random- effect model was used to estimate pooled Vitamin D deficiency. Prevalence rates along with overall estimate were presented by forest plot. Heterogeneity test was used to assess the significance of heterogeneity among studies. RESULTS: The authors identified 26 potentially relevant articles, 16 of which met the inclusion criteria. A total of 20,787 patients were analyzed. Sixty-two percent (12,959) were females, and the rest were males. The overall Vitamin D deficiency was 63.5% (95% CI: 53.3, 73.7). CONCLUSIONS: The currently available literature on the Saudi Arabian population suggests that the Vitamin D deficiency is around 60% and not 100% as indicated in some studies. The relatively small number of studies on the population and the different modes of diagnostic methodology used make the issue of correct figures of Vitamin D deficiency contentious.
Cross‐sectional Study to Assess the Association of Population Density with Predicted Breast Cancer Risk

The Gail and CARE models estimate breast cancer risk for white and African‐American (AA) women, respectively. The aims of this study were to compare metropolitan and nonmetropolitan women with respect to predicted breast cancer risks based on known risk factors, and to determine if population density was an independent risk factor for breast cancer risk. A cross‐sectional survey was completed by 15,582 women between 35 and 85 years of age with no history of breast cancer. Metropolitan and nonmetropolitan women were compared with respect to risk factors, and breast cancer risk estimates, using general linear models adjusted for age. For both white and AA women, tisk factors used to estimate breast cancer risk included age at menarche, history of breast biopsies, and family history. For white women, age at first childbirth was an additional risk factor. In comparison to their nonmetropolitan counterparts, metropolitan white women were more likely to report having a breast biopsy, have family history of breast cancer, and delay childbirth. Among white metropolitan and nonmetropolitan women, mean estimated 5‐year risks were 1.44% and 1.32% (p < 0.001), and lifetime risks of breast cancer were 10.81% and 10.01% (p < 0.001), respectively. AA metropolitan residents were more likely than those from nonmetropolitan areas to have had a breast biopsy. Among AA metropolitan and nonmetropolitan women, mean estimated 5‐year risks were 1.16% and 1.12% (p = 0.039) and lifetime risks were 8.94%, and 8.85% (p = 0.344). Metropolitan residence was associated with higher predicted breast cancer risks for white women. Among AA women, metropolitan residence was associated with a higher predicted breast cancer risk at 5 years, but not over a lifetime. Population density was not an independent risk factor for breast cancer.
Bioaerosols in the lungs of subjects with different ages-Part 2: clearance modeling.

BACKGROUND The present contribution deals with theoretical aspects regarding biogenic particle clearance from various lung structures of probands with different ages (1, 5, 15, 20 y). With reference to part 1 of the study, particles varying in size and shape are subject to a detailed analysis. The main goal of the investigation consists in an increase of our knowledge concerning the clearance behaviour of bioparticles and its dependence upon various physiological and anatomical factors. METHODS Theoretical clearance of biogenic particles was subdivided into four main phases, namely fast bronchial clearance, slow bronchial clearance, fast alveolar clearance, and slow alveolar clearance. All of these phases were simulated by using a well validated stochastic modeling approach, where the main focus is set on the randomly varied particle mass transfer between main compartments of the human respiratory tract. Whilst effects of particle geometry on clearance were approximated by application of the projective-diameter concept, age dependence of the particle removal process was expressed by the experimentally proven relationship between bronchial mucus velocities and morphometry of the airway tree. RESULTS According to the results of the theoretical simulations efficiency of fast bronchial clearance, expressed by the 24-h-retention value, exhibits a negative correlation with proband's age, whereas the other clearance phases are characterized by a rather conservative behaviour among the different age categories. Highest clearance rates may be observed for very fine (<0.01 µm) and very coarse particles (>5 µm) preferentially deposited in the upper bronchial airways, whilst large particles accumulated in the alveoli may be stored there for several months to years. CONCLUSIONS The study comes to the conclusion that infants and children dispose of an enhanced bronchial clearance efficiency with respect to adolescents and adults, which results in a faster removal of particulate substances accumulated in the upper bronchial regions. Particles escaping from the natural filtering process in the upper airways and undergoing alveolar deposition are subject to identical clearance scenarios among the age groups and may represent remarkable health hazards.
Peter Eeckhout. Pachacamac durant l’Intermédiaire récent: Étude d’un site monumental préhispanique de la Côte centrale du Pérou

Pachacamac et la region de Lurin occupent un espace presque mythique dans l’imaginaire non seulement des peruviens mais de tous ceux et celles qui s’interessent a l’histoire ancienne du Perou. Jusqu’a tout recemment la plupart de nos connaissances sur le sujet etaient basees sur de maigres donnees archeologiques et des informations de nature ethnohistorique, souvent imprecises, voire contradictoires et quelquefois meme traitees de facon fantastique. Tour a tour et au gre des auteurs et des ap.