Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The effect of deacetylated gellan gum on aesculin distribution in the posterior segment of the eye after topical administration

The aim of the present work was to evaluate the effect of deacetylated gellan gum on delivering hydrophilic drug to the posterior segment of the eye. An aesculin-containing in situ gel based on deacetylated gellan gum (AG) was prepared and characterized. In vitro corneal permeation across isolated rabbit cornea of aesculin between AG and aesculin solution (AS) was compared. The results showed that deacetylated gellan gum promotes corneal penetration of aesculin. Pharmacokinetics and ocular tissue distribution of aesculin after topical administration in rabbit eye showed that AG greatly improved aesculin accumulation in posterior segmentsrelative to AS, which was probably attributed to conjunctivital/sclera pathway. The area-under-the-curve (AUC) for AG in aqueous humor, choroid-retina, sclera and iris-ciliary body were significantly larger than those of AS. AG can be used as a potential carrier for broading the application of aesculin.
Pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic profiling of imipenem in patients admitted to an intensive care unit in India: A nonrandomized, cross-sectional, analytical, open-labeled study

Background and Aim: Widespread use of imipenem in intensive care units (ICUs) in India has led to the development of numerous carbapenemase-producing strains of pathogens. The altered pathophysiological state in critically ill patients could lead to subtherapeutic antibiotic levels. Hence, the aim of this study was to investigate the variability in the pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profile of imipenem in critically ill patients admitted to an ICU in India. Materials and Methods: Plasma concentration of imipenem was determined in critically ill patients using high performance liquid chromatography, at different time points, by grouping them according to their locus of infection. The elimination half-life (t΍) and volume of distribution (Vd) values were also computed. The patients with imipenem trough concentration values below the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) and 5 times the MIC for the isolated pathogen were determined. Results: The difference in the plasma imipenem concentration between the gastrointestinal and the nongastrointestinal groups was significant at 2 h (P = 0.015) following drug dosing; while the difference was significant between the skin/cellulitis and nonskin/cellulitus groups at 2 h (P = 0.008), after drug dosing. The imipenem levels were above the MIC and 5 times the MIC for the isolated organism in 96.67% and 50% of the patients, respectively. Conclusions: The pharmacokinetic profile of imipenem does not vary according to the locus of an infection in critically ill patients. Imipenem, 3 g/day intermittent dosing, maintains a plasma concentration which is adequate to treat most infections encountered in patients admitted to an ICU. However, a change in the dosing regimen is suggested for patients infected with organisms having MIC values above 4 mg/L.
Discovery of Invariant T Cells by Next-Generation Sequencing of the Human TCR α-Chain Repertoire

During infection and autoimmune disease, activation and expansion of T cells take place. Consequently, the TCR repertoire contains information about ongoing and past diseases. Analysis and interpretation of the human TCR repertoire are hampered by its size and stochastic variation and by the diversity of Ags and Ag-presenting molecules encoded by the MHC, but are highly desirable and would greatly impact fundamental and clinical immunology. A subset of the TCR repertoire is formed by invariant T cells. Invariant T cells express interdonor-conserved TCRs and recognize a limited set of Ags, presented by nonpolymorphic Ag-presenting molecules. Discovery of the three known invariant T cell populations has been a tedious and slow process, identifying them one by one. Because conservation of the TCR α-chain of invariant T cells is much higher than the β-chain, and because the TCR α-chain V gene segment TRAV1-2 is used by two of the three known invariant TCRs, we employed next-generation sequencing of TCR α-chains that contain the TRAV1-2 gene segment to identify 16 invariant TCRs shared among many blood donors. Frequency analysis of individual clones indicates these T cells are expanded in many donors, implying an important role in human immunity. This approach extends the number of known interdonor-conserved TCRs and suggests that many more exist and that these TCR patterns can be used to systematically evaluate human Ag exposure.
Human parvovirus B19 surveillance in patients with rash and fever from Belarus

Human parvovirus B19 (B19V) infection in immunocompetent patients usually has a mild clinical course, but during pregnancy it can cause serious and even fatal complications in the fetus. The most common clinical presentation of B19V infection is erythema infectiosum and in this case laboratory confirmation is required for differentiation from other exanthematous diseases. Measles and rubella negative sera collected in Belarus between 2005 and 2008 from 906 patients with a rash and fever were screened for B19V infection by ELISA. More than 35% of the samples (322/906) were positive for B19V. The proportion ranged from 10.1% in 2008 to 53.2% in 2006 when an outbreak took place in Minsk city. All B19V outbreaks and cluster cases occurred during the winter–spring period, but sporadic cases were recorded basically throughout the year. The majority of the cases (56.5%) occurred among the 2 till 10 year old children, and 27.3% of the cases were observed in adults between 19 and 53 years. All 104 B19V strains sequenced in the NS1/VP1u region belonged to genotype 1 with a maximal genetic distance of 1.75%. The two phylogenetic clusters reflected the geographic origins of the viruses within the country. Forty‐two unique nucleotide mutations as compared to sequences downloaded from GenBank were found in the VP1u and NS1 regions; most of these changes were nonsynonymous. This report highlights the importance of B19V infection in patients with a rash and fever in Belarus. J. Med. Virol. 84:973–978, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effect of Cadmium and Chromium Toxicity on the Demography and Population Growth of Brachionus calyciflorus and Brachionus patulus (Rotifera)

This paper reports on the assessment of the effect of Cd+2 and Cr+6 to the rotifers Brachionus calyciflorus and B. patulus using life table demography and population growth. Based on acute toxicity tests, cadmium was nearly 100 times more toxic than chromium for both the rotifer species. Age-specific fecundity curves of both the brachionids showed increased offspring beyond the age of 4 days and after that the production nearly stabilized for about 10 days and later declined. At any given treatment, B. calyciflorus had the higher rate of offspring production than B. patulus. For any given rotifer, increased metal concentration (Cd or Cr) resulted in decreased offspring production. While chromium at a concentration of 8.0 mg L−1, permitted reproduction in B. calyciflorus, the egg production of B. patulus was inhibited at half that level (4.0 mg L−1). Cd at concentrations as low as 0.056 mg L−1 caused 10–30% reduction in survivorship and reproductive parameters of B. calyciflorus. The lowest chromium concentration chosen for B. calyciflorus (0.5 mg L−1) had, however, a lower impact (2–22%) on the life history variables. Corresponding values of life history variables for B. patulus at the lowest Cd (0.0028 mg L−1) and Cr (0.25 mg L−1) concentrations varied greatly (2–40% and < 1–24%, respectively). Compared to controls, both the rotifer species in Cd or Cr treatments had lower densities. In controls, B. calyciflorus reached a peak abundance of about 100 ind. mL−1, while the corresponding value for B. patulus was slightly higher (120 ind. mL−1). The rate of population increase (r) derived from the population growth data varied from +0.42 to −0.40 depending on the concentration of the heavy metal in the medium.
Reducing track errors caused by rotating micrometer tips

This paper describes research on a new mechanism to reduce undesirable cross-track motions in precision mechanisms driven by lead screws and micrometer heads. The discussion includes an analysis of the forces between a driving micrometer tip and a driven carriage, the forces which generate the undesirable cross-track motions of the carriage. Test data from a typical mechanism are presented. A novel machine element is proposed to reduce these forces and their effects. The mechanisms was modified to incorporate the element and laboratory test data are presented corroborating the analysis, showing the anticipated reduction in the cross-track motions in the mechanism.
The value of thyroid shielding in intraoral radiography.

OBJECTIVES To evaluate the utility of the application of a thyroid shield in intraoral radiography when using rectangular collimation. METHODS Experimental data were obtained by measuring the absorbed dose at the position of the thyroid gland in a RANDO(®) (The Phantom Laboratory, Salem, NY) male phantom with a dosemeter. Four protocols were tested: round collimation and rectangular collimation, both with and without thyroid shield. Five exposure positions were deployed: upper incisor (Isup), upper canine (Csup), upper premolar (Psup), upper molar (Msup) and posterior bitewing (BW). Exposures were made with 70 kV and 7 mA and were repeated 10 times. The exposure times were as recommended for the exposure positions for the respective collimator type by the manufacturer for digital imaging. The data were statistically analyzed with a three-way ANOVA test. Significance was set at p < 0.01. RESULTS The ANOVA test revealed that the differences between mean doses of all protocols and geometries were statistically significant, p < 0.001. For the Isup, thyroid dose levels were comparable with both collimators at a level indicating primary beam exposure. Thyroid shield reduced this dose with circa 75%. For the Csup position, round collimation also revealed primary beam exposure, and thyroid shield yield was 70%. In Csup with rectangular collimation, the thyroid dose was reduced with a factor 4 compared with round collimation and thyroid shield yielded an additional 42% dose reduction. The thyroid dose levels for the Csup, Psup, Msup and BW exposures were lower with rectangular collimation without thyroid shield than with round collimation with thyroid shield. With rectangular collimation, the thyroid shield in Psup, Msup and BW reduced the dose 10% or less, where dose levels were already low, implying no clinical significance. CONCLUSIONS For the exposures in the upper anterior region, thyroid shield results in an important dose reduction for the thyroid. For the other exposures, thyroid shield augments little to the reduction achieved by rectangular collimation. The use of thyroid shield is to be advised, when performing upper anterior radiography.
Active and Involuntary Tobacco Smoking and Upper Aerodigestive Tract Cancer Risks in a Multicenter Case-Control Study

Introduction: Several important issues for the established association between tobacco smoking and upper aerodigestive tract (UADT) cancer risks include the associations with smoking by cancer subsite, by type of tobacco, and among never alcohol drinkers and the associations with involuntary smoking among nonsmokers. Our aim was to examine these specific issues in a large-scale case-control study in Europe. Methods: Analysis was done on 2,103 UADT squamous cell carcinoma cases and 2,221 controls in the Alcohol-Related Cancers and Genetic Susceptibility in Europe project, a multicenter case-control study in 10 European countries. Unconditional logistic regression was done to obtain odds ratios (OR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI). Results: Compared with never tobacco smoking, current smoking was associated with UADT cancer risks (OR, 6.72; 95% CI, 5.45-8.30 for overall; OR, 5.83; 95% CI, 4.50-7.54 for oral cavity and oropharynx; OR, 12.19; 95% CI, 8.29-17.92 for hypopharynx and larynx; and OR, 4.17; 95% CI, 2.45-7.10 for esophagus). Among never drinkers, dose-response relationships with tobacco smoking pack-years were observed for hypopharyngeal and laryngeal cancers (Ptrend = 0.010) but not for oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancers (Ptrend = 0.282). Among never smokers, ever exposure to involuntary smoking was associated with an increased risk of UADT cancers (OR, 1.60; 95% CI, 1.04-2.46). Conclusion: Our results corroborate that tobacco smoking may play a stronger role in the development of hypopharyngeal and laryngeal cancers than that of oral cavity and oropharyngeal cancers among never drinkers and that involuntary smoking is an important risk factor for UADT cancers. Public health interventions to reduce involuntary smoking exposure could help reduce UADT cancer incidence. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2009;18(12):3353–61)
Inhibition of Mcl-1 Promotes Senescence in Cancer Cells: Implications for Preventing Tumor Growth and Chemotherapy Resistance

ABSTRACT Although senescence in oncogenesis has been widely studied, little is known regarding the role of this process in chemotherapy resistance. Thus, from the standpoint of enhancing and improving cancer therapy, a better understanding of the molecular machinery involved in chemotherapy-related senescence is paramount. We show for the first time that Mcl-1, a Bcl-2 family member, plays an important role in preventing chemotherapy-induced senescence (CIS). Overexpression of Mcl-1 in p53+ cell lines inhibits CIS. Conversely, downregulation of Mcl-1 makes cells sensitive to CIS. Surprisingly, downregulation of Mcl-1 in p53− cells restored CIS to similar levels as p53+ cells. In all cases where senescence can be induced, we observed increased p21 expression. Moreover, we show that the domain of Mcl-1 responsible for its antisenescent effects is distinct from that known to confer its antiapoptotic qualities. In vivo we observe that downregulation of Mcl-1 can almost retard tumor growth regardless of p53 status, while overexpression of Mcl-1 in p53+ cells conferred resistance to CIS and promoted tumor outgrowth. In summary, our data reveal that Mcl-1 can inhibit CIS in both a p53-dependent and -independent manner in vitro and in vivo and that this Mcl-1-mediated inhibition can enhance tumor growth in vivo.
Tr‐kit‐induced resumption of the cell cycle in mouse eggs requires activation of a Src‐like kinase

Microinjection in mouse eggs of tr‐kit, a truncated form of the c‐kit tyrosine kinase present in mouse spermatozoa, causes resumption of meiosis through activation of phospholipase Cγ1 (PLCγ1) and Ca2+ mobilization from intracellular stores. We show that the Src‐like kinase Fyn phosphorylates Tyr161 in tr‐kit and that this residue is essential for tr‐kit function. Fyn is localized in the cortex region underneath the plasma membrane in mouse oocytes. Using several approaches, we demonstrate that Fyn associates with tr‐kit and that the interaction requires Tyr161. The interaction between tr‐kit and Fyn triggers activation of the kinase as monitored by both autophosphorylation and phosphorylation of PLCγ1. Co‐injection of tr‐kit with the SH2 domain of Fyn, or pre‐treatment with a Fyn inhibitor, impairs oocyte activation, suggesting that activation of Fyn by tr‐kit also occurs in vivo. Finally, microinjection of constitutively active Fyn triggers oocyte activation downstream of tr‐kit but still requires PLC activity. We suggest that the mechanism by which tr‐kit triggers resumption of meiosis of mouse eggs requires a functional interaction with Fyn and phosphorylation of PLCγ1.
Efficacy of the Stonehenge Technique for Minimally Invasive Aortic Valve Replacement via Right Infraaxillary Thoracotomy.

Minimally invasive cardiac surgeries for aortic valve replacement (AVR) are still a technical challenge for surgeons because these procedures are undertaken through small incisions and deep surgical fields. Although AVR via vertical infraaxillary thoracotomy can be a cosmetically superior option, a disadvantage of this approach is the distance between the thoracotomy incision and the ascending aorta. Therefore, we devised a technique to perform all manipulations using the fingertips without the aid of a knot pusher or long-shafted surgical instruments. This was achieved by particular placement of several retracted sutures to the right chest wall. We named placement of these sutures the "Stonehenge technique. " In conclusion, AVR via vertical infraaxillary thoracotomy with our Stonehenge technique can be safely and simply performed with superior cosmetic advantages.
Metronidazole extravasation causing digital gangrene.

A 45 years old non-diabetic normotensive male presented with vomiting, watery diarrhoea and fever of acute onset. On examination, he was febri1e, toxic and mildly dehydrated. His pulse was llO/min and blood pressure 96170 mmHg. The abdominal examination revealed no organomegaly, no distension, vague diffuse tenderness on deep palpation and normal bowel sounds. There was no other abnormality detectable on systemic examination. Laboratory investigafions revealed normal routine biochemistry, mild neutrophilic leucocytosis and negative stool culture for pathogens. He was put on oral norfloxacin 400 mg twice daily and. ll1travenous normal saline.
Workplace spirituality in social services departments

ABSTRACT The current study, which included the participation of 179 social workers in Israel, aimed to enrich two primary research fields, spirituality in organizations and work attitudes, the latter of which focuses mainly on public administration organizations. Findings showed a correlation between spirituality and work attitudes. Specifically, correlations were found between workplace spirituality and spirit of work and both job satisfaction and affective organizational commitment. The study findings and their implications on the social work profession are discussed.
A flexible network on-chip router for data-flow monitoring

The Network on-Chip (NoC) is considered as an emerging technology for distributed embedded systems which is proposed as an alternative interconnection solution in Mutli-Processors System on-Chip (MPSoC). This paper proposes a graphical toll that allows researchers to generate and configure quickly their Network on-Chip in the hope to evaluate easily their contributions in no time. Unlike major existing simulators which are developed in hardware language description and make debugging very difficult, this high-level framework helps software designer, who need simpler means, to properly build mapping and scheduler algorithm then validate their contributions. This proposed toll is open source and extensible. The provided conceptual details allow users to efficiently create, validate their real scheduler and mapper as well as integrate it easily.
Variable stiffness Mckibben muscles with hydraulic and pneumatic operating modes

Abstract McKibben muscles have been shown to have improved stiffness characteristics when operating hydraulically. However when operating pneumatically, they are compliant and so have potential for safer physical human–robot interaction. This paper presents a method for rapidly switching between pneumatic and hydraulic modes of operation without the need to remove all hydraulic fluid from the actuator. A compliant and potentially safe pneumatic mode is demonstrated and compared with a much stiffer hydraulic mode. The paper also explores a combined pneumatic/hydraulic mode of operation which allows both the position of the joint and the speed at which it reacts to a disturbance force to be controlled.
An Adjustable-Speed PFC Bridgeless Buck–Boost Converter-Fed BLDC Motor Drive

This paper presents a power factor corrected (PFC) bridgeless (BL) buck-boost converter-fed brushless direct current (BLDC) motor drive as a cost-effective solution for low-power applications. An approach of speed control of the BLDC motor by controlling the dc link voltage of the voltage source inverter (VSI) is used with a single voltage sensor. This facilitates the operation of VSI at fundamental frequency switching by using the electronic commutation of the BLDC motor which offers reduced switching losses. A BL configuration of the buck-boost converter is proposed which offers the elimination of the diode bridge rectifier, thus reducing the conduction losses associated with it. A PFC BL buck-boost converter is designed to operate in discontinuous inductor current mode (DICM) to provide an inherent PFC at ac mains. The performance of the proposed drive is evaluated over a wide range of speed control and varying supply voltages (universal ac mains at 90-265 V) with improved power quality at ac mains. The obtained power quality indices are within the acceptable limits of international power quality standards such as the IEC 61000-3-2. The performance of the proposed drive is simulated in MATLAB/Simulink environment, and the obtained results are validated experimentally on a developed prototype of the drive.
Altered TGF‐α/β signaling drives cooperation between breast cancer cell populations

The role of tumor heterogeneity in regulating disease progression is poorly understood. We hypothesized that interactions between subpopulations of cancer cells can affect the progression of tumors selecting for a more aggressive phenotype. We developed an in vivo assay based on the immortalized nontumorigenic breast cell line MCF10A and its Ras‐transformed derivatives AT1 (mildly tumorigenic) and CA1d (highly tumorigenic). CA1d cells outcompeted MCF10A, forming invasive tumors. AT1 grafts were approximately 1% the size of CA1d tumors when initiated using identical cell numbers. In contrast, CA1d/ AT1 mixed tumors were larger than tumors composed of AT1 alone (100‐fold) or CA1d (3‐fold), suggesting cooperation in tumor growth. One of the mechanisms whereby CA1d and AT1 were found to cooperate was by modulation of TGF‐α and TGF‐β signaling. Both of these molecules were sufficient to induce changes in AT1 proliferative potential in vitro. Reisolation of AT1 tumor‐derived (AT1‐TD) cells from these mixed tumors revealed that AT1‐TD cells grew in vivo, forming tumors as large as tumorigenic CA1d cells. Cooperation between subpopulations of cancer epithelium is an understudied mechanism of tumor growth and invasion that may have implications on tumor resistance to current therapies. —Franco, O. E. , Tyson, D. R. , Konvinse, K. C. , Udyavar, A. R. , Estrada, L. , Quaranta, V. , Crawford, S. E. , Hayward, S. W. Altered TGF‐α/β signaling drives cooperation between breast cancer cell populations. FASEB J. 30, 3441–3452 (2016). www.fasebj. org