Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The effect of deproteinized bovine bone on osteoblast growth factors and proinflammatory cytokine production.

OBJECTIVE To test the ability of Bio-Oss in inducing growth factors and proinflammatory cytokines that may have a role in inflammation after grafting, bone resorption, remodeling and in the homeostasis of osteoblasts. MATERIAL AND METHODS Normal human osteoblasts were seeded in Petri dishes containing granules of Bio-Oss, cells were harvested after confluency and RNA was extracted. Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction was performed using specific primers for osteonectin, bone sialoprotein (BSP), bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)-2 and BMP-7, platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF), interleukin 6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) and integrin beta1. Glycerol-3-phosphate dehydrogenase was used as the housekeeping gene and normal human osteoblasts grown on Petri dishes without Bio-Oss granules were used as negative controls. RESULTS Osteoblast grown on Bio-Oss showed a normal RNA expression of osteonectin, integrin beta1 and PDGF. However, compared with control osteoblasts it showed a reduced expression of BSP, BMP-2 and BMP-7, IL-6 and TNF-alpha. CONCLUSIONS Our findings further support the evidence that Bio-Oss is an excellent biomaterial that does not enhance the production of proinflammatory cytokines.
Retinoic acid regulates the development of oligodendrocyte precursor cells in vitro

Cultures of oligodendrocyte precursor cells can be grown from brain hemispheres of newborn rats. These cells, also called O‐2A progenitor cells, can differentiate in vitro into oligodendrocytes or type 2 astrocytes. Basic FGF and PDGF are known to stimulate their proliferation and delay their differentiation. Lack or excess of retinoic acid (RA) has been known for a long time to alter brain development suggesting that this compound is involved in normal brain development. Here we report that RA partially inhibits both the proliferation and the differentiation of oligodendrocyte precursor cells. It also down‐regulates the mitogenic effect of bFGF on these cells while keeping them in an immature stage. RA is more effective than bFGF in inhibiting myelin basic protein mRNA expression in these cells, and like bFGF, it preserves their bipotential character. RA nuclear receptors RAR‐α and their transcripts are expressed in oligodendrocyte precursor cells as seen by Western blot, Northern blot and in situ hybridization. The expression of RAR‐α transcripts is stimulated transiently by RA alone or associated to bFGF. The expression of RAR‐β transcripts is not constitutive and is induced by RA alone or associated to bFGF and to a lesser extent by bFGF alone. These results suggest that retinoids participate in the control of the development of glial cells of the oligodendrocyte lineage. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Freedom Farmers

In the late 1960s, internationally renowned activist Fannie Lou Hamer purchased forty acres of land in the Mississippi Delta, launching the Freedom Farms Cooperative (FFC). A community-based rural and economic development project, FFC would grow to over 600 acres, offering a means for local sharecroppers, tenant farmers, and domestic workers to pursue community wellness, self-reliance, and political resistance. Life on the cooperative farm presented an alternative to the second wave of northern migration by African Americans--an opportunity to stay in the South, live off the land, and create a healthy community based upon building an alternative food system as a cooperative and collective effort. Freedom Farmers expands the historical narrative of the black freedom struggle to embrace the work, roles, and contributions of southern black farmers and the organizations they formed. Whereas existing scholarship generally views agriculture as a site of oppression and exploitation of black people, this book reveals agriculture as a site of resistance and provides a historical foundation that adds meaning and context to current conversations around the resurgence of food justice/sovereignty movements in urban spaces like Detroit, Chicago, Milwaukee, New York City, and New Orleans.
Genetic diversity and antimicrobial resistance profile of Enterococcus faecalis isolated from broilers with vertebral osteomyelitis in Southeast Brazil

ABSTRACT Vertebral osteomyelitis (VO) is a worldwide emerging disease that affects broilers. Recently, the isolation of Enterococcus faecalis in cases of the disease has been described. This study aimed at determining the genetic diversity and antimicrobial resistance profile of 12 E. faecalis strains isolated from broilers with VO. Strains were isolated from nine flocks from six farms in a high-density poultry production area in Southeast Brazil and were evaluated using multilocus sequence typing and phylogenetic analysis. Antimicrobial susceptibility tests and PCR were performed to detect antimicrobial resistance genes. E. faecalis isolates belonged to different sequence types (ST), six of which (ST49, ST100, ST116, ST202, ST249, and ST300) have been previously described. Strains ST708 and ST709 were newly identified in this study. Strain ST49 was most frequently isolated (50% of the flocks) from the analysed VO cases. No phylogenetic or phylogeographic relationship was found among the strains. The VO isolated E. faecalis strains showed highest resistance to aminoglycosides, mainly gentamicin (40%), but were highly susceptible to vancomycin (10%). Aminoglycoside resistance genes were detected in seven E. faecalis strains, and AAC6′-APH2″ genes were most frequently detected. The results showed that E. faecalis strains isolated from recently reported VO cases were highly diverse genetically. The diversity of genotypes in circulation in the analysed flocks, without apparent relationship among them, raises questions on aetiopathogenesis of the disease in broilers and evolutionary aspects of E. faecalis.
The value of ultrasonographic examination of the uterine cervix in predicting post-term pregnancy

Abstract Object: To assess whether transvaginal ultrasound is helpful in predicting the post-term onset of labor (≥ 1 weeks). Setting: Antenatal clinic of a University hospital and referral center. Subject and mehods: One hundred and twenty singleton uncomplicated pregnancies in primiparous women were enrolled at 37 weeks of gestation. Ultrasound examination of the cervical length by a transvaginal probe was performed at recruitment and at weekly intervals until 40 completed weeks. Subjects were divided into Group A (those with spontaneous onset of labor ≤ 1 completed weeks) and Group B (those not in labor by that date). Results: Eighty women delivered ≤ 41 completed weeks, forty were not in labor by that date. The cervix was significantly shorter at 39 and 40 weeks in group A, but no particular cervical length was predictive of post-term delivery. Discussion: There is a significant difference in cervical length in women delivering at term compared with those due to have a post-term delivery. This difference is significant from 39 weeks of gestation onwards. We speculate that targeted transvaginal ultrasound may be useful in predicting the post-term onset of labor and possibly in assisting its active management.
Postnatal Tissue-specific Disruption of Transcription Factor FoxN1 Triggers Acute Thymic Atrophy*

The transcription factor FoxN1 is essential for differentiation of thymic epithelial cell (TEC) progenitors during thymic organogenesis. However, limited information is available on the postnatal contribution of FoxN1 to thymic maintenance. To address this question, we generated a loxP-floxed FoxN1 (fx) mouse with three different promoter-driven inducible CreERT transgenes. Postnatal ubiquitous deletion of FoxN1 caused dramatic thymic atrophy in 5 days and more severe deterioration in medullary TECs (mTECs) than in cortical TECs (cTECs). Induction of FoxN1 deletion selectively in K5 promoter-driven somatic epithelial cells (mostly mTECs and possibly some adult epithelial stem cells) was sufficient to cause significant thymic atrophy, whereas FoxN1 deletion in K18 promoter-driven somatic epithelial cells (mostly cTECs) was not. Thymic atrophy resulted from increased apoptosis and was associated with activation of the p53 gene in mature mTECs. Although FoxN1 is required for the development of both mTECs and cTECs in thymic organogenesis, it is most important for the maintenance of mTECs in the postnatal thymus, which are in turn necessary to prevent thymic atrophy.
Escherichia coli α-Hemolysin Triggers Shrinkage of Erythrocytes via KCa3.1 and TMEM16A Channels with Subsequent Phosphatidylserine Exposure*

α-Hemolysin from Escherichia coli (HlyA) readily lyse erythrocytes from various species. We have recently demonstrated that this pore-forming toxin provokes distinct shrinkage and crenation before it finally leads to swelling and lysis of erythrocytes. The present study documents the underlying mechanism for this severe volume reduction. We show that HlyA-induced shrinkage and crenation of human erythrocytes occur subsequent to a significant rise in [Ca2+]i. The Ca2+-activated K+ channel KCa3.1 (or Gardos channel) is essential for the initial shrinkage, because both clotrimazole and TRAM-34 prevent the shrinkage and potentiate hemolysis produced by HlyA. Notably, the recently described Ca2+-activated Cl− channel TMEM16A contributes substantially to HlyA-induced cell volume reduction. Erythrocytes isolated from TMEM16A−/− mice showed significantly attenuated crenation and increased lysis compared with controls. Additionally, we found that HlyA leads to acute exposure of phosphatidylserine in the outer leaflet of the plasma membrane. This exposure was considerably reduced by KCa3.1 antagonists. In conclusion, this study shows that HlyA triggers acute erythrocyte shrinkage, which depends on Ca2+-activated efflux of K+ via KCa3.1 and Cl− via TMEM16A, with subsequent phosphatidylserine exposure. This mechanism might potentially allow HlyA-damaged erythrocytes to be removed from the bloodstream by macrophages and thereby reduce the risk of intravascular hemolysis.
A novel medium access Control Protocol for radio-over-fiber access networks

Radio over fiber (RoF) technology is considered as an energy and cost-effective solution to cover the users' rapidly increasing demands for bandwidth and mobility. However, integration of a wireless and an optical network into a hybrid one needs the design of new protocols. In this work, a novel MAC protocol based on the MultiPoint Control Protocol (MPCP) is proposed. The network's decision center receives feedback from the mobile clients via MPCP's GATE/REPORT mechanism so as to efficiently allocate the bandwidth and the wavelength resources in a dynamic manner. The proposed MAC protocol adapts its operation according to the actual client traffic demands. Simulation results reveal the superior performance of the proposed protocol compared to other similar competing proposals reported in the literature.
Ubiquitin-dependent Destruction of Topoisomerase I Is Stimulated by the Antitumor Drug Camptothecin*

Topoisomerase I (TOP1) relaxes superhelical DNA through a breakage/rejoining reaction in which the active site tyrosine links covalently to a 3′ phosphate at the break site as a transient intermediate. The antitumor drug camptothecin (CPT) and its analogs inhibit the rejoining step of the breakage/rejoining reaction, which traps the enzyme in covalent linkage with DNA (the cleavable complex). Little is known about the fate of cellular TOP1 trapped in the cleavable complex. We have analyzed TOP1 in mammalian cell lines treated with CPT. When CPT-treated cells were lysed with either SDS or alkali and analyzed by Western blotting, greater than 90% of the TOP1 was linked to DNA. Nuclease treatment of the cell lysate to remove the covalently linked DNA from TOP1 revealed a distinct ladder of higher molecular weight bands having properties indicative of multi-ubiquitin (Ub) conjugates of TOP1. Approximately 5–10% of TOP1 was present as these conjugates within minutes of CPT treatment. Consistent with ubiquitination, TOP1 was not modified in ts85 cells at the restrictive temperature for its thermolabile ubiquitin-activating enzyme (E1). Because conjugation with ubiquitin can mark proteins for destruction by the 26S proteasome, we analyzed TOP1 protein levels during prolonged CPT treatment. TOP1 protein levels were reduced to about 25% during CPT treatments of 2–4 h resulting from increased destruction, with the half-life dropping from 10–16 h down to 1–2 h. The destruction of TOP1, like the formation of Ub-TOP1 conjugates, was not observed in ts85 cells at the restrictive temperature. The destruction of TOP1 was also prevented in cells treated with MG-132 and lactacystin, specific inhibitors of the 26S proteasome. Finally, the multi-Ub conjugates of TOP1 were observed whether or not aphidicolin was included in cotreatment with CPT, indicating that replication fork activity was not involved in making TOP1 a substrate for ubiquitination. These results demonstrate that independent of DNA replication, the TOP1 cleavable complex is ubiquitinated and destroyed in cells treated with antitumor drugs that block the religation step of the TOP1 reaction.
Infliximab and methotrexate as induction therapy in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the efficacy of infliximab plus methotrexate (MTX) as induction therapy in patients with early rheumatoid arthritis (RA). METHODS Disease-modifying antirheumatic drug (DMARD)-naive patients with active, early RA who were included as group 4 of the BeSt study were initially treated with infliximab (3 mg/kg) in combination with MTX (25 mg/week). The Disease Activity Score (DAS) was measured every 3 months. In patients with persistent low disease activity (DAS <or=2.4) for at least 6 months, the infliximab dosage was tapered and finally discontinued; the MTX dosage then was tapered to 10 mg/week. In patients with a DAS of >2.4, the infliximab dosage was increased (maximum 10 mg/kg), and they were subsequently switched to another DMARD. Except for intraarticular administration, corticosteroids were not permitted. Functional ability and the modified Sharp/van der Heijde score were determined after 2 years of therapy. RESULTS Of the 120 patients, 67 responders (56%) had persistent low disease activity and discontinued infliximab after a median of 9.9 months, with a median MTX dosage of 10 mg/week after 2 years. Ten other patients experienced a disease flare after discontinuation and resumed infliximab after a median of 3.7 months. Thirteen patients did not achieve persistent low disease activity and received infliximab at various dosages. Treatment was unsuccessful in 30 patients. In the 67 responders, the progression of joint damage was lower than in the 30 patients in whom treatment failed. CONCLUSION Fifty-six percent of patients with active early RA, initially treated with infliximab plus MTX, could discontinue infliximab after achieving a DAS of <or=2.4. Low disease activity was maintained in these patients while the MTX dosage was tapered to 10 mg/week.
Comparative Study of Three Amniotic Fluid Markers in Premature Rupture of Membranes: Prolactin, Beta Subunit of Human Chorionic Gonadotropin, and Alpha-Fetoprotein

Objective: To evaluate whether prolactin, α-fetoprotein (AFP) or B-human chorionic gonadotropin (BHCG) is the most effective marker in vaginal fluid for diagnosing prelabor rupture of membranes (PROM). These proteins are present in amniotic and vaginal fluid and have been reported to be potent markers of PROM, but have not been used clinically nor compared to each other. Study Design: A total of 100 pregnant women between 28 and 37 weeks of gestation were recruited for the study. Patients were divided into 2 groups. The first group consisted of 50 pregnant women diagnosed with ruptured membranes. The second group consisted of 50 normal pregnant women seen during routine antenatal clinic visit (control) group. All women underwent speculum examination aiming to sample prolactin, BHCG and AFP in the vaginal fluid. Ultrasonographic examination for gestational age and amniotic fluid index measurement was performed. The electrochemoluminescence (ECLIA) method was used for quantitative measurement of the three proteins (the total duration of the assay was 18 min). Results: Vaginal fluid concentrations of the three markers were significantly higher in the PROM group than in the control group (p < 0.001). Receiver operator curve analysis indicated that AFP had 94% specificity, sensitivity, positive and negative predictive values, and efficiency. The other two markers have lower specificity, sensitivity, positive and negative predictive values, and efficiency: 70, 76, 71.7, 74.5 and 73% for prolactin and 72, 84, 75, 81.8 and 78% for BHCG, respectively. Conclusion: This work demonstrates that of the three markers investigated AFP has the highest diagnostic performance. Using the ECLIA method it can be an ideal marker for diagnosing PROM particularly in equivocal cases. The technique could be introduced into laboratory tests to meet clinical needs.
Identification of Fall Prevention Strategies for the Military: A Review of the Literature.

UNLABELLED In the U.S. Army, falls have historically been among the top five causes of hospitalization and a leading cause of nonbattle injuries in military operations overseas. OBJECTIVE For safety and public health professionals, commanders, and supervisors looking to address this problem, a literature review was conducted to identify and summarize existing fall prevention strategies applicable to a working-age population. METHODS A total of nine literature databases were searched for articles published from 1970 to 2011. Article titles and abstracts were screened to select original research with an injury or noninjury outcome. Intervention studies were reviewed in detail and quality scored by 3 public health scientists. RESULTS The search identified over 2,200 articles. Of these, 525 met inclusion criteria and were reviewed in more detail, resulting in identification of 9 interventions. Nearly all of the identified interventions had been implemented in occupational environments. Study quality was rated and scores ranged from 4.5 to 8.0 (maximum 10 points). CONCLUSIONS Few intervention studies were identified. Multifaceted programs showed the greatest promise for translation to military environments. Additional evaluation research is greatly needed to further efforts to address this leading military public health problem.
Does External Assurance Enhance the Credibility of CSR Reports? Evidence from CSR-related Misconduct Events in Taiwan

This study examines the credibility of corporate social responsibility (CSR) reports and the role of external assurance on CSR reports. Based on a sample of listed firms in Taiwan, we find that the issuance of CSR reports is not associated with a lower incidence, or frequency, of future CSR-related misconduct, unless accompanied by external assurance. In other words, external assurance can enhance the credibility of CSR reports. Moreover, the perceived credibility of CSR reports depends on whether firms genuinely fulfill their CSR commitments. For first-time offenders, prior CSR reports play a significant role in protecting firm value when misconduct does occur; however, for repeat offenders, such an insurance role does not exist, regardless of whether the CSR report is assured or not. Our findings attest to the benefits of CSR assurance and underscore the importance of understanding CSR practice in the context of country-specific institutions. JEL Classifications: M14; M41; M42. Data Availability: Data are available from sources identified in the paper. Manually collected data on CSR-related misconduct events will be provided upon request.
Increased Cerebral Blood Flow After Brain Arteriovenous Malformation Resection Is Substantially Independent of Changes in Cardiac Output

Brain arteriovenous malformation (BAVM) resection can result in an acute increase in cerebral blood flow (CBF) of unclear etiology. This observational study investigated the relationship between changes in CBF and cardiac output (CO) in patients undergoing microsurgical resection of BAVMs. In 20 patients undergoing a BAVM resection during an isoflurane-based anesthesia, we measured CBF and systemic cardiovascular parameters immediately before and after BAVM resection. CBF was measured on the hemisphere ipsilateral to the lesions and on the contralateral side, using intravenous cold 133Xe washout. Cardiac output was measured using thermodilution technique via a pulmonary artery catheter. There was an increase in global CBF after resection (25 ± 8 versus 31 ± 13 mL/100 g/min, preresection versus postresection, mean ± SD, P = .002), ipsilateral CBF (25 ± 8 versus 31 ± 13 mL/100 g/min, P = .002), and contralateral CBF (24 ± 7 versus 30 ± 13 mL/100 g/min, P = .003). There was no change in CO, mean systemic arterial pressure, central venous pressure, or pulmonary artery diastolic pressure. The change in CBFGLOBAL was not correlated with changes in CO (r = .154, P = .517). BAVM resection resulted in global increases in CBF that was not substantially related to changes in CO or other systemic parameters.
The economic impact of implementing a multiple inflammatory biomarker-based approach to identify, treat, and reduce cardiovascular risk

Abstract Objectives: To develop an economic model to estimate the change in the number of events and costs of non-fatal myocardial infarction (MI) and non-fatal ischemic stroke (IS) as a result of implementing routine risk-stratification with a multiple inflammatory biomarker approach. Methods: Reductions in the numbers of non-fatal MI and non-fatal IS events and in related per-member-per-month (PMPM) and 5-year costs (excluding test costs) due to biomarker testing were modeled for a US health plan with one million beneficiaries. Inputs for the model included literature-based MI and IS incidence rates, healthcare costs associated with MI and IS, laboratory results of biomarker testing, MI and IS hazard ratios related to biomarker levels, patient monitoring and intervention costs and use/costs of preventative pharmacotherapy. Preventative pharmacotherapy inputs were based on an analysis of pharmacy claims data. Costs savings (2013 USD) were assessed for patients undergoing biomarker testing compared to the standard of care. Data from MDVIP and Cleveland Heart Lab supported two critical inputs: (1) treatment success rates and (2) the population distribution of biomarker testing. Incidence rates, hazard ratios, and other healthcare costs were obtained from the literature. Results: For a health plan with one million members, an estimated 21,104 MI and 22,589 IS events occurred in a 5-year period. Routine biomarker testing among a sub-group of beneficiaries ≥35 years old reduced non-fatal MI and IS events by 2039 and 1869, respectively, yielding cost savings of over $187 million over 5 years ($3.13 PMPM), excluding test costs. Results were sensitive to changes in treatment response rates. Nonetheless, cost savings were observed for all input values. Conclusions: This study suggests that health plans can realize substantial cost savings by preventing non-fatal MI and IS events after implementation of routine biomarker testing. Five-year cost savings before test costs could exceed $3.13 PMPM.