Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of sedimentary sootlike materials on bioaccumulation and sorption of polychlorinated biphenyls

Bioaccumulation of hydrophobic organic chemicals from sediments containing soot or sootlike materials has been hypothesized to be limited by strong sorption of the chemicals to the soot matrixes. To test this hypothesis, we quantified bioaccumulation of 11 polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) into the aquatic oligochaete Limnodrilus sp. exposed to spiked sediment with and without the sootlike materials coal and charcoal. In addition, sorption experiments with sediment containing varying amounts of coal or charcoal were performed to elucidate the accumulation mechanism. Results showed that coal and charcoal (at realistic levels of 1.5% on a dry‐wt basis) reduced PCB accumulation in worms 1.2 to 8.5 times when expressed on a mass basis. Moreover, whereas bioaccumulation from pure sediment increased with molecular planarity of the PCBs (toxic potency), it decreased in case of sediments containing coal and charcoal. In contrast to this advantageous effect, it was hypothesized that coal and charcoal had an adverse influence on the habitat quality of oligochaetes: Organisms inhabiting sediment containing coal or charcoal had significantly reduced lipid contents as compared to organisms from pure sediment. Because of these reduced lipid contents, lipid‐normalized PCB concentrations in worms and biota‐to‐sediment accumulation factors (BSAFs) for most PCBs were higher in sediments containing the sootlike materials as compared to those for reference sediment. Also, measured BSAFs for coal‐ and charcoal‐containing sediments appeared to be much higher than estimated on the basis of equilibrium partitioning theory. Sorption experiments revealed that this was caused by much weaker sorption to the sediment‐coal/charcoal mixture than calculated assuming linear additivity of sorption capacities of the distinct phases. It was hypothesized that this weaker sorption resulted from competition between PCBs and dissolved organic carbon molecules for sorption sites on coal/charcoal. This points to a sorption process that is much more complicated than generally assumed.
Thermostabilization of Bacterial Fructosyl-Amino Acid Oxidase by Directed Evolution

ABSTRACT We succeeded in isolating several thermostable mutant fructosyl-amino acid oxidase (FAOX; EC 1.5.3) without reduction of productivity by directed evolution that combined an in vivo mutagenesis and membrane assay screening system. Five amino acid substitutions (T60A, A188G, M244L, N257S, and L261M) occurred in the most thermostable mutant obtained by a fourth round of directed evolution. This altered enzyme, FAOX-TE, was stable at 45°C, whereas the wild-type enzyme was not stable above 37°C. The Km values of FAOX-TE for d-fructosyl-l-valine and d-fructosyl-glycine were 1.50 and 0.58 mM, respectively, in contrast with corresponding values of 1.61 and 0.74 mM for the wild-type enzyme. This altered FAOX-TE will be useful in the diagnosis of diabetes.
Early transport changes during erythroid differentiation of friend leukemic cells

Early transport changes occurring during Friend erythroleukemic cell differentiation are reported. A decrease in the rate of 86Rb transport was observed beginning approximately five hours after stimulation with 1.5% dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), a potent inducer of Friend cell differentiation. By 12 to 14 hours after DMSO addition, the transport rate had stabilized at close to 60% of control level. This decrease in the rate of 86Rb transport preceded a previously reported decrease in cell volume. Other chemical inducers of Friend cells, such as hypoxanthine and ouabain, also caused early decreases in 86Rb influx. In contrast, xanthine, which does not induce Friend cell differentiation, also did not affect 86Rb influx.
MiR‐125b regulates SFRP5 expression to promote growth and activation of cardiac fibroblasts

Myocardial fibrosis (MF), which typically occurs after a myocardial infarction (MI), is a major factor involved in the process of ventricular remodeling and subsequent progression to heart failure. Current studies have found that various microRNAs (miRNAs), such as miR‐125b, play an important role in this process. However, few studies have investigated the specific mechanism of miR‐125b. Transfection of miR‐125b mimics into cardiac fibroblasts (CFs) resulted in significantly increased expression of the myofibroblast marker alpha‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) and vinculin by Western blot analysis, while transfection of miR‐125b inhibitors resulted in the opposite effect. Analysis of putative CF target genes for miR‐125b revealed that miR‐125b specifically inhibits expression of secreted frizzled‐related protein 5 (SFRP5). SFRP5 inhibited expression of α‐SMA and collagen I and III in CFs, while miR‐125b promoted the expression of these proteins. Cotransfection of the SFRP5 overexpression vector and miR‐125b mimics did not result in significant upregulation of SFRP5 expression or downregulation of α‐SMA and collagen I and III. Further analysis revealed that miR‐125b promotes the proliferation and migration of CFs and inhibits their apoptosis, while SFRP5 exhibits the opposite effects. These results indicate that miR‐125b can regulate SFRP5 expression and thus influence the growth and activation of CFs. Hence, this study provides important insight into possible approaches for the prevention and treatment of MF after an MI.
Intact adrenocorticotropic hormone secretion but impaired cortisol response in patients with active rheumatoid arthritis. Effect of glucocorticoids.

OBJECTIVE To study the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal axis in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and the influence of glucocorticoid treatment. METHODS Consecutive untreated patients with RA with moderately high inflammatory activity were studied and compared with healthy subjects of similar age. Subjects were studied both at baseline and after multiple releasing hormone (MRH) stimulations. Patients were reexamined one week after starting prednisolone. RESULTS The baseline cortisol/adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) ratio was significantly lower in patients with RA. After corticotropin releasing hormone (CRH) stimulation, their serum cortisol response was reduced during the later test phases in spite of intact ACTH response. The baseline and stimulated levels of luteinizing hormone (LH), follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), and thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) were normal. An impaired prolactin response was seen after MRH stimulation. After one week of prednisolone therapy the absolute response of serum cortisol to CRH was decreased and the stimulated prolactin response was normalized. CONCLUSION Impaired cortisol secretion in patients with RA in the presence of intact ACTH secretion is consistent with relative adrenal glucocorticoid insufficiency. Adrenal impairment may be secondary to the inflammatory disease process.
The curious ability of polyethylene glycol fusion technologies to restore lost behaviors after nerve severance

Traumatic injuries to PNS and CNS axons are not uncommon. Restoration of lost behaviors following severance of mammalian peripheral nerve axons (PNAs) relies on regeneration by slow outgrowths and is typically poor or nonexistent when after ablation or injuries close to the soma. Behavioral recovery after severing spinal tract axons (STAs) is poor because STAs do not naturally regenerate. Current techniques to enhance PNA and/or STA regeneration have had limited success and do not prevent the onset of Wallerian degeneration of severed distal segments. This Review describes the use of a recently developed polyethylene glycol (PEG) fusion technology combining concepts from biochemical engineering, cell biology, and clinical microsurgery. Within minutes after microsuturing carefully trimmed cut ends and applying a well‐specified sequence of solutions, PEG‐fused axons exhibit morphological continuity (assessed by intra‐axonal dye diffusion) and electrophysiological continuity (assessed by conduction of action potentials) across the lesion site. Wallerian degeneration of PEG‐fused PNAs is greatly reduced as measured by counts of sensory and/or motor axons and maintenance of axonal diameters and neuromuscular synapses. After PEG‐fusion repair, cut‐severed, crush‐severed, or ablated PNAs or crush‐severed STAs rapidly (within days to weeks), more completely, and permanently restore PNA‐ or STA‐mediated behaviors compared with nontreated or conventionally treated animals. PEG‐fusion success is enhanced or decreased by applying antioxidants or oxidants, trimming cut ends or stretching axons, and exposure to Ca2+‐free or Ca2+‐containing solutions, respectively. PEG‐fusion technology employs surgical techniques and chemicals already used by clinicians and has the potential to produce a paradigm shift in the treatment of traumatic injuries to PNAs and STAs. © 2015 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Current-Induced Vasodilation during Water Iontophoresis (5 min, 0.10 mA) Is Delayed from Current Onset and Involves Aspirin Sensitive Mechanisms

Study of the microcirculation by iontophoresis is potentially confounded by any non-specific effects of current application. Laser Doppler flow (LDF, mean ± SD; arbitrary units; AU) was recorded on the forearms of healthy volunteers during and 20 min following application of 0.10-mA current for 1, 3 and 5 min, using deionised water as a vehicle. Local heating to 44°C was then applied for 24 min to assess maximal vasodilation. Cathodal current applications resulted in delayed and prolonged vasodilation (peak values: 78 ± 29, 75 ± 19, 80 ± 37 AU) whereas anodal peak LDF was 13 ± 6, 27 ± 34 and 72 ± 40 AU for 1-, 3- and 5-min periods of current applications, respectively. From current onset, inflexion points in the responses to 3- and 5-min anodal current applications occurred at 4.5 and 6.5 min, respectively, and at ∼1.5 min for all cathodal current applications. For 5-min current applications: a preliminary tourniquet ischaemia neither changed the time course nor the amplitude of the response to current application. In this situation, local anaesthesia abolished the current-induced vasodilation. Chronic capsaicin pretreatment decreased the amplitude of the vasodilation. Pretreatment with 500 mg oral aspirin decreased the cathodal vasodilation and abolished the anodal vasodilation, even in the absence of preliminary ischaemia. We conclude that vasodilation to prolonged application of 0.10-mA continuous monopolar current after transient tourniquet ischaemia cannot be exclusively the result of an axon reflex initiated by current onset. This current-induced vasodilation is at least partly dependent on capsaicin-sensitive afferent fibres and relies on aspirin-sensitive mechanisms at both polarities.
Short- and Long-Term Outcomes of Spontaneous CSF Hypovolemia

We undertook a study to investigate the short- and long-term outcomes of spontaneous CSF hypovolemia. Fifty-three consecutive patients with spontaneous CSF hypovolemia were included. Short-term outcome was assessed 4 weeks after the treatment in all patients. Long-term outcome after a mean follow-up of 61 months (range, 13–101 months) was evaluated in 26 patients. There were 18 men and 35 women (66%) with an age range of 22–64 years (mean 37 ± 9.5). In assessing the short-term outcome of CSF hypovolemia, we found that complete headache relief was significantly higher in 43 patients who received epidural blood patch (EBP) than in 10 patients treated with supportive measures (p < 0.05). After a mean follow-up of 61 months, 25 (96%) of the 26 patients evaluated for long-term outcome had complete headache relief. These results suggest that EBP is safe and effective, resulting in excellent short- and long-term outcomes of CSF hypovolemia.
Clear Cell Sarcoma of Tendons and Aponeuroses: A Historical Perspective and Tribute to the Man Behind the Entity

Clear cell sarcoma of tendons and aponeuroses is a unique sarcoma initially described by Dr Franz M. Enzinger. The tumor has a proclivity to involve the tendons and aponeuroses of distal extremities of relatively young individuals and is characterized by multiple local recurrences with late metastases and a high rate of tumor deaths. Since its seminal description in 1965, there have been many studies verifying the uniqueness of this entity and probing its differentiation. Ultrastructural and immunohistochemical studies have shown melanocytic differentiation, whereas molecular genetic studies have shown cytogenetic rearrangements resulting in a EWSR1-ATF1 fusion gene that is characteristic but not entirely unique for clear cell sarcoma (similar fusion genes are also seen in angiomatoid fibrous histiocytoma). Detection of this fusion gene and the absence of BRAF gene mutations clearly distinguish clear cell sarcoma from cutaneous melanoma. Adverse prognostic factors identified to date include larger tumor size and any microscopic tumor necrosis. Surgery is the mainstay of treatment for this high grade sarcoma, with chemotherapy having little effect. Although the melanocytic differentiation of clear cell sarcoma is indisputable, its precise lineage remains unclear. Thus, clear cell sarcoma maintains the status of a unique yet enigmatic clinicopathologic entity of ever increasing complexity 40 years after its original description by an extraordinarily gifted man.
The state of transport opinion poll South Africa : a four-year review (2012-2015)

South Africans are very concerned about the state of transport in the country, ranking it as their 3rd highest priority after education and health. This paper reports the results from four years of the Institute of Transport and Logistics Studies’ (Africa) State of Transport Opinion Poll, an annual survey of 1,000 adults across South Africa, which investigates the public’s opinions on transport matters and determines whether confidence in public transport is changing. Important indicators in the survey include transport as a national priority, the perceived highest priorities in transport, conditions of transport facilities and services, perceptions on the current and future state of transport and the state of law enforcement. The top transport issues identified by respondents were the quality, accessibility and frequencies of public transport; safety; taxi related concerns; the condition of road infrastructure and the affordability of transport. The results seem to indicate that public transport needs of South Africans concerning mobility, accessibility, affordability and safety are not adequately dealt with by government. This research could be of interest to policy makers, establishing a database on public opinion. It also provides an original contribution in that it represents the only annual public opinion survey on transport matters in South Africa.
Moderating Role Of Entrepreneurial Orientation On The Relationship Between Information Technology Competence And Firm Performance In Kenya

This study explored moderating role of entrepreneurial orientation on the relationship between Information Technology Competence and firm performance in Kenya. The impact of IT on FP remains debatable to-date because some results of previous studies have had high variations resulting from diversities in the conceptualization of the key constructs and their interrelationship, coupled with the exclusion of intangible effect of IT on performance. In Kenya, SMEs employ about 85 percent of the workforce. The need to link ITC with FP has become vital for firms striving to achieve superior performance. However, limited attention has been paid to the link and more so to the moderating role of EO on ITC- FP relationship model. To better understand this relationship, this paper adopted a mixed methods research guided by cross-sectional survey design. Quantitative and qualitative techniques were employed to analyze the collected data using SPSS, Ms-Excel, AMOS, SmartPLS, STATA, R-GUI and ATLAS.ti analytical softwares. Analyses were conducted using a two-phase process consisting of CFA and SEM models. The theoretical models and hypotheses were tested based on empirical data gathered from 94 SMEs in the 2013 Top 100 Survey. The study found that ITC had a positive relationship with FP. The results also revealed that EO did not significantly moderate the relationship between ITC and FP in Kenya. However, when run with the interaction term, the Technical (ITC and ISRA)*EO was statistically significant at 10% α-level. This study will enhance the skill set in Kenyan SMEs and produce a more sustainable solution.
Two antibodies that neutralize papillomavirus by different mechanisms show distinct binding patterns at 13 A resolution.

Complexes between bovine papillomavirus type 1 (BPV1) and examples of two sets of neutralizing, monoclonal antibodies (mAb) to the major capsid protein (L1) were analyzed by low-dose cryo-electron microscopy and three-dimensional (3D) image reconstruction to 13 A resolution. mAb #9 is representative of a set of neutralizing antibodies that can inhibit viral binding to the cell surface, while mAb 5B6 is representative of a second set that efficiently neutralizes papillomaviruses without significantly inhibiting viral binding to the cell surface. The 3D reconstructions reveal that mAb #9 binds to L1 molecules of both pentavalent and hexavalent capsomeres. In contrast, 5B6 binds only to hexavalent capsomeres, reflecting the significant structural or environmental differences for the 5B6 epitope in the 12 pentavalent capsomeres. Epitope localization shows that mAb #9 binds monovalently to the tips of capsomeres whereas 5B6 binds both monovalently and bivalently to the sides of hexavalent capsomeres approximately two-thirds of the way down from the outer tips, very close to the putative stabilizing intercapsomere connections. The absence of mAb 5B6 from the pentavalent capsomeres and its inability to prevent viral binding to the cell surface suggest that receptor binding may occur at one or more of the 12 virion vertices.
Rapid Dissemination and Diversity of CTX-M Extended-Spectrum β-Lactamase Genes in Commensal Escherichia coli Isolates from Healthy Children from Low-Resource Settings in Latin America

ABSTRACT A survey carried out in 2005 among members of a healthy population of children living in Bolivia and Peru revealed that fecal carriage of Escherichia coli strains resistant to expanded-spectrum cephalosporins was remarkably increased compared to that observed in the same settings in 2002 (1.7% in 2005 versus 0.1% in 2002). In this work, we demonstrated that this phenomenon was mainly related to the dissemination of CTX-M-type extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) determinants among commensal E. coli strains. Of 50 ESBL-producing isolates collected in the 2005 survey, 44 harbored a CTX-M-type and 6 an SHV-type (SHV-2 or SHV-12) ESBL. Compared to 2002 results, an increased diversity of CTX-M-type ESBLs was also observed: members of the CTX-M-1 group (CTX-M-15) emerged in Bolivia (where only CTX-M-2 was observed in 2002), while members of the CTX-M-9 group (CTX-M-14 and CTX-M-24) emerged in Peru (where only CTX-M-15 and CTX-M-2 were observed in 2002). A new CTX-M-2 variant named CTX-M-56 was also detected. Molecular characterization of the CTX-M-producing isolates and gene transfer experiments suggested that different mechanisms could be involved in the spreading of different CTX-M group determinants and revealed that additional resistance determinants for non-β-lactam antibiotics were preferentially carried by plasmids encoding certain CTX-M variants (CTX-M-15 and variants of the CTX-M-2 group). Three CTX-M-15-encoding conjugative plasmids from Peruvian isolates carried the new fluoroquinolone resistance gene aac(6′)-Ib-cr. To our best knowledge, this is the first report of the detection of aac(6′)-Ib-cr in Latin America.
Treatment of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in San Francisco: an outpatient-based approach.

BACKGROUND Treatment of patients with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis requires prolonged therapy, often involving long hospital stays. Despite intensive and costly therapy, cure rates are relatively low. METHODS We reviewed the outcomes for all patients with multidrug-resistant tuberculosis treated in San Francisco, California, during 1982-2000 and identified billing charges for patients treated during 1995-2000. Mycobacterium tuberculosis isolates were genotyped by IS6110-based restriction fragment-length polymorphism analysis. RESULTS Forty-eight cases were identified with resistance to a median of 3 drugs (range, 2-9 drugs). The median age of the patients was 49.5 years (range, 22-78 years); 36 (75%) of 48 patients were foreign born, 11 (23%) were human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) seropositive, and 45 (94%) had pulmonary tuberculosis. Thirty-two (97%) of the 33 HIV-seronegative patients were cured, with only 1 relapse occurring 5 years after treatment. All 11 HIV-seropositive patients died during observation. Twenty-one patients (44%) required hospitalization, with a median duration of stay of 14 days (range, 3-74 days). The estimated inpatient and outpatient aggregate cost for the 11 patients treated after 1994 was $519,928, with a median cost of $27,752 per patient. No secondary cases of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis were identified through population-based genotyping. CONCLUSIONS Treatment of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis in HIV-seronegative patients largely on an outpatient basis was feasible and was associated with high cure rates and lower cost than in other published studies. Patients with underlying HIV infection had very poor outcomes.
Multicultural Competence: A Case Study of Teachers and Their Student Perceptions.

The purpose of this study is to describe the level of multicultural competence among secondary agriculture teachers in schools with a minimum of 30% ethnic minority student enrollment. Using the Multicultural Skills Awareness and Skill Survey – Teacher Form, teachers assessed their multicultural competence as did their students assess the teacher’s multicultural competence. For comparison purposes, teachers were grouped by the ethnic diversity of their FFA chapter membership: diverse and non-diverse FFA membership. From the findings, teachers within a diverse FFA membership had a higher multicultural competence level (by the teacher and the students) then did teachers within a non-diverse FFA membership. When combining both teacher groups together, the results suggest that students perceive their teachers to be more multicultural competent then the teachers perceive themselves. The results and recommendations are provided as to the development of teachers that are multicultural competent.