Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Leishmania, macrophages and complement: a tale of subversion and exploitation

Leishmania are intracellular protozoan parasites which reside primarily, if not exclusively, in host mononuclear phagocytes. Several studies have demonstrated that infectious promastigotes rapidly and efficiently fix complement when they encounter serum components during their transmission to the mammalian host. Activation of the complement system by a microorganism can have 3 distinct biological effects. First, fixation of the terminal complement components can result in complement-mediated lysis. Second, fixation of the 3rd component of complement can lead to opsonization of the organism for uptake by phagocytic cells. Finally, the elaboration of the complement anaphylotoxins, C3a and C5a, can lead to inflammation. In the present chapter, we discuss the interaction of leishmania promastigotes with the complement system. We show that infectious promastigotes avoid the lytic effects of complement and resist fixation of the terminal complement components. At the same time, however, these organisms depend on fixation of opsonic complement to invade host mononuclear phagocytes efficiently. We discuss the mechanisms which allow metacyclic leishmania promastigotes to exploit the opsonic properties of complement and the receptors on macrophages involved in leishmania recognition. The role of complement mediated inflammatory processes in the host response to leishmania infection is an area which requires additional study.
Sorting of basal cells with FACS IV (fluorescence activated cell sorter)

To create in vitro cellular pharmacological models, it is essential to standardize techniques of epidermal cell cultures. One aspect of this problem is the heterogeneity of epidermal cells. In this study, we aimed at extracting and purifying the basal cell populations. Three main ways to achieve this goal have been proposed so far. The first is to perform sequential trypsinization (Regnier, Delescluse & Prunieras, 1973). The second is based on differences in cell densities between differentiated keratinocytes and lower cells (Sun & Green, 1976). The third takes advantage of the preferential adherence of basal cells to collagen (Skerrow & Skerrow, 1983). Here, we used another method based on the fact that after dissociation with trypsin-EDTA, basal cells retain at their surface the bullous pemphigoid antigen (BPA) (Grekin et al., 1981), a specific constituent of the basement membrane zone. Since this antigen can be revealed by specific antibodies and indirect immunofiuorescence (Beutner, Jordon & Chorzelski, 1968), a fluorescence-activated cell sorter was used to select out basal cells after reacting them with BP antisera (dilution i: 100) in fresh unfixed suspensions. After cell sorting, cell viability was evaluated by trypan blue exclusion and in vitro cultures. The results are summarized in Table i. Table i shows that the selected fluorescent population is not viable, while the counter selected population is viable. This surprising result suggests that basal cells are essentially non-viable. A possible explanation for this paradox is that basal cells were killed during their transit through the narrow channel of the cell sorter. However, when dissociated epidermal cells were separated on Percoll gradients, similar results were obtained, as shown in Table 2 [light band corresponding to fluorescent population (FACS)]. We conclude that when the dermo-epidermal split needed to prepare epidermal suspension is made by trypsin, some of the isolated basal cells are viable and others are not, and that the cell sorter is not responsible for killing basal cells. Another explanation could be that a number of cells are killed by trypsin during the process of preparing epidermal cell suspensions. To check this point epidermis was split from dermis with EDTA. By the dye exclusion test the percentage of dead cells was above 80%. However, the percentage of cells reacting positively with BP sera in suspension, without fixation was around 15-20%, as with trypsin. (Latter data not shown.) Since the percentage of fluorescent cells was only 16% in fresh unfixed suspension (see Table i) and 42% in air-dried smears (see Table 2), we wondered whether fixation could modify the number of the BP fluorescent reacting cells. To test this hypothesis, we compared the number of BPA+ cells in fresh unfixed suspension with that in the same suspension stained after smearing on glass slides and air-drying. Results are shown in Table 3.
The Effect of Diabetes on Performance and Metabolism of Rat Hearts

To explore the effects of diabetes on myocardial function and metabolism we injected male rats with streptozotocin and studied their hearts 8 weeks later. Blood sugar levels in the treated rats were about 600 mg/100 ml. Body and heart growth rates were diminished. When studied in an isolated working rat heart apparatus using 5.5 mM glucose, hearts of diabetic animals showed dimin-ished cardiac output and stroke work at high filling pressures. There also were significant depressions in peak left ventricular systolic pressure, peak aortic flow rate, maximum negative dP/dt, myocardial oxygen extraction, myocardial lactate production, and effluent lactate: pyruvate ratios. Myocardial glycogen stores, calculated glycogen utilization, and pyruvate production were increased in hearts of diabetics, and myocardial oxygen consumption was the same as in control hearts. The end-diastolic pressure-volume relationship was shifted to the right in hearts of diabetics. Most of the abnormalities observed in hearts of diabetic rats persisted when insulin and 15 mM glucose were included in the perfusion medium. Hearts from young rats or from age-matched food-restricted rats with heart weights similar to those of diabetics did not show depressed function or a pressure-volume shift. Our findings indicate that streptozotocin diabetes in rats results in abnormal myocardial performance. This is not due to restrictions in coronary flow or myocardial oxygenation and is not correctable by the provision of high glucose plus insulin in the perfusion medium. Circ Res 47: 911-921, 1980
Slow release caffeine and prolonged (64‐h) continuous wakefulness: effects on vigilance and cognitive performance

Some long work or shift work schedules necessitate an elevated and prolonged level of vigilance and performance but often result in sleep deprivation (SD), fatigue and sleepiness, which may impair efficiency. This study investigated the effects of a slow‐release caffeine [(SRC) at the daily dose of 600 mg] on vigilance and cognitive performance during a 64 h continuous wakefulness period. Sixteen healthy males volunteered for this double‐blind, randomised, placebo controlled, two‐way crossover study. A total of 300‐mg SRC or placebo (PBO) was given twice a day at 21:00 and 9:00 h during the SD period. Vigilance was objectively assessed with continuous electroencephalogram (EEG), the multiple sleep latency tests (MSLT) and wrist actigraphy. Cognitive functions (information processing and working memory), selective and divided attention were determined with computerised tests from the AGARD‐NATO STRES Battery (Standardised Tests for Research with Environmental Stressors). Attention was also assessed with a symbol cancellation task and a Stroop’s test; alertness was appreciated from visual analogue scales (VAS). Tests were performed at the hypo (02:00–04:00 h, 14:00–16:00 h) and hypervigilance (10:00–12:00 h, 22:00–00:00 h) periods during SD. Central temperature was continuously measured and safety of treatment was assessed from repeated clinical examinations. Compared with PBO, MSLT showed that SRC subjects were more vigilant from the onset (P=0.001) to the end of SD (P < 0.0001) whereas some cognitive functions were improved till the thirty third of SD but others were ameliorated through all the SD period and alertness was better from the thirteenth hour of SD, as shown by Stroop’s test (P=0.048). We showed that 300‐mg SRC given twice daily during a 64‐h SD is able to antagonize the impairment produced on vigilance and cognitive functions.
Use of carotid ultrasound to identify subclinical vascular disease and evaluate cardiovascular disease risk: summary and discussion of the American Society of Echocardiography consensus statement.

This consensus statement wasendorsed by the Society for Vascular Medicine. Itwas the product of a year-long effort to synthesizethe best data available regarding CIMT and caro-tid plaque presence as predictors of CVD risk,with a goal of producing a clinically useful docu-ment that provided recommendations for the useof carotid ultrasonography in clinical practice.This document addressed issues of standardizationand will help improve the availability of experi-enced clinical laboratories that can perform high-quality CIMT studies in a clinical setting. Thispaper summarizes the major ﬁndings of the ASEconsensus statement and updates areas related tothe effects of carotid ultrasound on patient andphysician outcomes, as well as recent studies eval-uating the predictive values of CIMT and coro-nary calciﬁcation.
Usos de redes sociales para mejorar el rendimiento de los alumnos con diferentes niveles de aprendizaje

Debido a los cambios que el Espacio Europeo de Educacion Superior introduce al potenciar las horas de trabajo no presencial, se hacen necesarios nuevos mecanismos para posibilitar una mejor comunicacion y cooperacion en el proceso de aprendizaje. Las redes sociales, como Facebook, pueden suministrar estos mecanismos, pero su uso satisfactorio para la docencia puede verse afectado en gran medida por el estilo de aprendizaje de los alumnos. Este articulo plantea la necesidad de estudiar la influencia de los diferentes estilos de aprendizaje en la docencia no presencial mediante el uso de redes sociales con el fin de incrementar el rendimiento de los alumnos. Cabe destacar que este articulo describe el proyecto “Las redes sociales y su relacion con los estilos de aprendizaje” a realizar dentro del programa de Redes de Investigacion en Docencia Universitaria del Instituto de Ciencias de la Educacion de la Universidad de Alicante.
Aspects of nasal realization and the place of articulation imperative in Bininj Gun-Wok

Vowel transition duration is often claimed to be one of the important cues to place of articulation in nasals. Nasal murmur also differs in duration depending on place of articulation. The duration of nasal murmur and vowel transitions in different VNC and VN sequences were measured in the Kunwinjku variety of Bininj Gun-wok. Bilabial and velar nasals tend to be longer than alveolars and retroflexes in nasal+C clusters. Moreover nasals in clusters are somewhat longer than singleton nasals. Significantly longer vowel transitions are found in alveopalatal and retroflex clusters than in bilabial or alveolar clusters. These results are interpreted in terms of general articulatory constraints as well as a specific constraint that operates in place-rich Australian languages, namely, the need to preserve place of articulation contrasts in VNC contexts.
Enzymes of drug metabolism during delirium.

BACKGROUND Delirium is common in ill medical patients. Several drugs and polypharmacy are recognised risk factors, yet little is known about drug metabolism in people with delirium. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to investigate the activities of plasma esterases (drug metabolising enzymes) in delirium. DESIGN This was a prospective study of delirium present at time of hospital admission (community acquired) or developing later (hospital acquired) in patients admitted as a medical emergency and aged 75 years or over. METHODS Following informed consent or assent cognitive screening was completed on all patients on admission and every 48 hours subsequently. Delirium was diagnosed by Confusion Assessment Method and DSM IV criteria. Blood samples were taken on admission and at onset of delirium if this was later. Four plasma esterase assays were performed spectrophotometrically: acetylcholinesterase, aspirin esterase, benzoylcholinesterase, butyrylcholinesterase. RESULTS 283 patients (71% of eligible) were recruited, with mean age 82.4 years and 59% female. 27% had community acquired delirium, 10% developed hospital acquired delirium, 63% never developed delirium. On admission the mean activities of all four esterase assays were statistically significantly lower in delirious than non delirious patients. There were no significant differences on admission in any plasma esterase activity between patients with hospital and community acquired delirium. In-hospital mortality was associated with low plasma esterase activities on admission. CONCLUSION Plasma esterase activities are suppressed during delirium. These data reinforce the need for extreme caution with drugs in this vulnerable population.
Clinical Significance of Increased Intraabdominal Pressure in Severe Acute Pancreatitis

Abstract The aim of the study was to assess whether increased intra-abdominal pressure affects the clinical course and reflects on the effectiveness of the conservative treatment in patients with severe acute pancreatitis. Data on 37 consecutive patients with severe acute pancreatitis that were collected prospectively included APACHE II score, daily measurement of the intra-abdominal pressure, and clinical routine. Group A consisted of 26 patients with intra-abdominal pressure < 25 cm/H2O during their treatment period, and group B consisted of 11 patients with intraabdominal pressure > 25 cm/H2O. SIRS, MODS, complication rate and mortality were analysed. The age, APACHE II scores and hospital stay were similar in both groups. ICU stay was 9.1 ± 9.6 vs. 20.7 ± 16.8 days in groups A and B, p < 0.05. SIRS and MODS developed less frequently in group A. More pulmonary complications developed in group B, reaching 64% compared to 19% in group A, p < 0.05. Intra-abdominal pressure had negative interrelation with enterally provided volume (r = -0.45, p < 0.001) and positive interrelation with parenterally provided volume (r = +0.27, p < 0.01) in all. Mortality was zero in group A vs. 36% in group B, p < 0.01. Increase of the intra-abdominal pressure is common during the clinical course of severe acute pancreatitis and can be associated with aggressive fluid replacement therapy. Routine measurement of the intra-abdominal pressure is rational in the clinical setting of the ICU and gives additional criteria for the evaluation of the clinical course and the effectiveness of the treatment. Marked increase of the intra-abdominal pressure should be considered a serious prognostic sign in patients with severe acute pancreatitis.
A High-Performance Dual-Cantilever High-Shock Accelerometer Single-Sided Micromachined in (111) Silicon Wafers

A single-side processed dual-cantilever high-shock accelerometer in (111) silicon wafers is proposed in this paper. The device is formed by using advanced silicon surface and bulk micromachining technologies, including deep-reactive ionic etch and lateral under-etching structural release. Because the sensor is fabricated in (111) silicon wafer and has a single-chip single-side structure, it facilitates simple post-packaging, reduced device dimension, and low cost mass production. The controllable gap distance between the bottom surface of the cantilever and the substrate can be used for restraining cross-sensitivity of orthogonal direction. The performance of the accelerometer is examined by using a free dropping hammer system. The results of the shock test show the acceleration sensitivity of 0.71 μVg-1 for a 20 500 g shock acceleration under 3.3 V power supply and the resonant frequency of 79 kHz. The zero-point offset temperature drift of the sensor is 89 within the temperature range of to 120 .
FAILURE OF POLYVALENT VACCINE TO PROVIDE CLINICAL PROTECTION AGAINST ASIAN INFLUENZA.

THE effectiveness of artificial immunization in preventing influenza has been difficult to evaluate. A reduction in the incidence of disease occurs when inactivated vaccines containing the antigen of the prevalent type of influenza are applied before exposure to infection,1 2 3 but there has been less convincing evidence that annual immunization with polyvalent vaccines composed of noncurrent types have a practical value.4 , 5 The recommendation to employ the latter procedure is based primarily on the interpretation of antibody responses observed after their use. Inactivated vaccines not only induce homotypic responses but also may stimulate the production of influenza antibodies whose antigens were not .
Differential Regulation of Pyk2 and Focal Adhesion Kinase (FAK)

Pyk2 is a recently described cytoplasmic tyrosine kinase that is related to focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and can be activated by a variety of stimuli that elevate intracellular calcium. In this report, we showed that Pyk2 and FAK tyrosine phosphorylation are regulated differentially by integrin-mediated cell adhesion and soluble factors both in rat aortic smooth muscle cells, which express endogenous Pyk2 and FAK, and in transfected Chinese hamster ovary cells. We also found that Pyk2 is diffusely present throughout the cytoplasm, while FAK is localized in focal contacts as expected, suggesting that the different localization may account for their differential regulation. By analyzing a chimeric protein contain N-terminal and kinase domains of Pyk2 and C-terminal domain of FAK, we provided evidence that the distinctive C-terminal domains of Pyk2 and FAK were responsible for their differential regulation by integrins and soluble stimuli as well as their subcellular localization. Finally, we correlated FAK, Pyk2, and the chimeric protein binding to talin, but not paxillin, with their regulation by integrins and focal contact localization. These results demonstrate that the distinctive C-terminal domain of Pyk2 and FAK confer their differential regulation by different subcellular localization and association with the cytoskeletal protein talin.
Neuropathology of schizophrenia: A mini review

The neuropathology of schizophrenia remains obscure despite the fact that many neuropathologists have investigated this area for over 100 years. While remarkable progress has been made in the neuropathological study of neurodegenerative diseases including Alzheimer's disease, progress in studying the neuropathological entity of schizophrenia has not kept pace; the phrase “schizophrenia is the graveyard of neuropathologists” has been stated in the field. Since the 1980s, the morphological or functional abnormalities in the brains of schizophrenia patients have been reported by means of CT or MRI and with advanced functional brain image technology such as positron emission tomography or single photon emission computed tomography. Results from such imaging studies have led to neuropathological examination of the post mortem brains of schizophrenia patients being undertaken again. These neuroimaging studies have influenced the neuropathological investigation of the schizophrenic brain. Not only the classical microscopic observation of neuropathology, but also measurement and statistical analysis using computer imaging software or using immunohistological techniques has been performed. Based on the neuropathological studies of schizophrenia over the last 20 years, it is clear that schizophrenia is not a pure functional disease without organic factors. Reports of neuropathological abnormalities in the post mortem schizophrenic brain indicated they were found in almost all areas of the brain, but there are more reports describing the temporal lobe and frontal lobe compared to those describing other areas of the brain. These observed neuropathological abnormalities are explained rationally by the hypothesis of a neurodevelopmental disorder in this disease. In recent molecular biology studies, several putative candidate genes were reported, and some of these genes might have the function of neurodevelopment or making neuronal networks. It is important to consider together these findings with morphometric studies in neuropathological observation, neuroimaging studies and genome studies to pursue the etiology of schizophrenia from various perspectives.
Do Inflammatory Bowel Disease Therapies Cause Cancer?

Abstract:Immunomodulators and biological agents are effective for the treatment of ulcerative colitis and Crohn's disease; however, there is concern that these therapies may be associated with an increased risk of malignancy. MEDLINE, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science were searched for articles regarding these medications and their associations with hematologic malignancies and solid tumors in inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) and transplant, rheumatology, dermatology, and neurology patient populations. There is evidence that use of thiopurines and anti–tumor necrosis factor (TNF) agents is associated with an increased risk of lymphoma, particularly non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in patients with IBD. Hepatosplenic T-cell lymphoma, although rare, also occurs with increased frequency in patients treated with thiopurines and anti-TNF medications, and young male patients with Crohn's disease appear to be at greatest risk. Furthermore, thiopurines and anti-TNF agents are associated with elevated rates of nonmelanoma skin cancer in non-IBD and IBD patients, and anti-TNF agents may also increase the risk of melanoma. Rates of abnormal cervical cytology may be elevated by the use of immunosuppressive agents in female patients with IBD. There is little evidence that exposure to the therapeutic agents prescribed for IBD increases the risk of any other solid tumors or hematologic malignancies in non-IBD or IBD patients. Although the use of immunomodulators and anti-TNF agents can promote certain types of lymphoma and skin cancer, patients and clinicians should be aware that the absolute rates of these malignancies remain low, and these risks should be weighed carefully against the substantial benefits offered by these therapies.
Intraoperative radiation therapy techniques and options for breast cancer

Intraoperative radiation therapy (IORT) applied to peri-tumoral tissue can play a significant role in preventing breast cancer recurrence. Approximately 80–100% of breast cancer recurrences occur at the tumor bed, thus restricting radiation to the postoperative bed may be reasonable in a select group of patients. IORT can be delivered as a boost in addition to standard external beam radiotherapy, or as a primary form of treatment. IORT can be administered via electrons generated by a linear accelerator or by a system using low-energy x-rays. Potential advantages of IORT include improved cosmesis, shorter overall treatment time, radiobiological advantages, and ability to define the tumor bed by direct visualization during surgery assuring accurate delivery of radiotherapy. IORT alone can be considered for appropriate patients with early breast cancer who may not require whole-breast radiation therapy. This review discusses patient criteria and benefits, IORT's roots, radiobiological considerations, treatment options, and device categories.
Simultaneous active power filter and G2V (or V2G) operation of EV on-board power electronics

This work proposes the application of a battery or plug-in electric vehicle on-board power electronics on the mitigation of possible residential electricity network power quality problems simultaneously to its use as a battery charger or a power generator. The integration of additional functions to an electric vehicle is a very desirable feature, since it can result on cost reduction (in comparison to the separated implementation of the integrated functions). Simulation results provide evidence of the feasibility of the proposed system and concepts.