Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Phenotypic and genotypic characterization of antimicrobial resistance in German Escherichia coli isolates from cattle, swine and poultry.

OBJECTIVE Phenotypic and genotypic characterization of the antimicrobial resistance of German Escherichia coli strains isolated during 1999-2001 from cattle, swine and poultry. MATERIALS AND METHODS Three hundred and seventeen isolates were tested for their resistance to 17 antimicrobial agents by broth microdilution. Resistant strains were screened by molecular methods for resistance genes, integrons and mutations in quinolone-resistance determining regions. RESULTS Resistance was found in 40% and multiresistance in 32% of the strains. The resistance was significantly higher in isolates from poultry (61%) and swine (60%) than from cattle (25%) (P < 0.01). The most prevalent resistances were to sulfamethoxazole, tetracycline, streptomycin, ampicillin and spectinomycin (30-15%). For each antibiotic, the predominant resistance genes were: ampicillin, blaTEM1-like (92%); chloramphenicol, catA (68%) and cmlA1-like (36%); gentamicin, aac(3)-IV (60%); kanamycin, aphA1 (100%); streptomycin, aadA1-like (61%) and strA/B (59%); sulfamethoxazole, sul2 (66%), sul1 (42%) and sul3 (14%); tetracycline, tet(A) (66%) and tet(B) (42%); and trimethoprim, dfrA1-like (77%), dfrA17 (13%) and dfrA12 (7%). Class 1 integrons were found in 30% of the strains. They carried dfrA1-aadA1a (40%), aadA1a (29%), sat1-aadA1a (16%), dfrA17-aadA5 (11%), oxa1-aadA1a (5%) and dfrA12-aadA2 (3%). Eleven percent of the strains were resistant to nalidixic acid. Of these, 61% presented a reduced susceptibility to ciprofloxacin (MIC = 0.12-2 mg/L) and single mutations in gyrA or gyrA and parC genes, and 39%, full resistance to ciprofloxacin (MIC > or = 4 mg/L) and double and single mutations in gyrA and parC, respectively. CONCLUSION The study gives baseline information on the magnitude of the resistance problem and its genetic background in contemporary German E. coli from food-producing animals.
Integration of CCP Leadership with Corporate Governance

Since 2018, a political campaign to integrate leadership by the Communist Party as the core force in corporate governance in China has reversed the course of market reform in the past 40 years, which was predicated on separation of the Party’s political functions from company business operations. This article critically reviews the trend of developments from a historical perspective and analyses the impact of the political campaign on China’s socialist market economy and rule of law conditions. Some institutional implications are also examined in the comparative context with reference to the OECD Corporate Principles. The major argument of this article is that enhancing the Party’s leadership in companies will negatively affect development of the market economy and rule of law as well as China’s attempt to create an innovative society for its economic upgrading.
Presynaptic plasticity and associative learning are impaired in a Drosophila presenilin null mutant

Alzheimer's disease is a neurodegenerative disorder characterized by progressive memory and cognitive decline that is associated with changes in synaptic plasticity and neuronal cell loss. Recent evidence suggests that some of these defects may be due to a loss of normal presenilin activity. Here, we have examined the effect of loss of Drosophila presenilin (psn) function on synaptic plasticity and learning. Basal transmitter release was elevated in psn mutants while both paired pulse synaptic plasticity and post‐tetanic potentiation were impaired. These defects in synaptic strength and plasticity were not due to developmental defects in NMJ morphology. We also found that psn null terminals take up significantly less FM 4‐64 than control terminals when loaded with high frequency stimulation, suggesting a defect in synaptic vesicle availability or mobilization. To determine whether these reductions in synaptic plasticity had any impact on learning, we tested the larvae for defects in associative learning. Using both olfactory and visual learning assays, we found that associative learning is impaired in psn mutants compared with controls. Both the learning and synaptic defects could be rescued by expression of a full length psn transgene suggesting the defects are specifically due to a loss of psn function. Taken together, these results provide the first evidence of learning and synaptic defects in a Drosophila psn mutant and strongly suggest a presynaptic role for presenilin in normal neuronal function. © 2007 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol, 2007
Infant Sleep Position Practices 2 Years Into the “Back to Sleep” Campaign

Since the 1992 American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommendation to put babies to sleep in the nonprone position and the subsequent 1994 “Back to Sleep” campaign, the U.S. rate of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) has decreased more than 40%. This study reports sleep position practices in the greater Philadelphia area during 1996 and 1997. Four hundred and ten parents of infants 6 months of age or less answered a questionnaire by interview in Philadelphia clinics and private pediatric offikes from December 1995 through February 1997. Sleep position practices and other SIDS risk factors were measured among demographic groups and compared with reported rates in a similar population from 1993 and 1994. Data were analyzed by Chi square after analysis of correlation coefficients. Significance is reported at p<O.05. Seventy-two percent of all infants surveyed slept nonprone (NP) compared to 31.8% in 1993 and 59.1% in 1994. The population was 61% African-American (AA), 62% clinic patients. The breast feeding rate was 31%, maternal smoking 17%, and cosleeping 46%. AA infants (67% vs. 82%), infants receiving care at a clinic (66% vs. 84%), and infants >3 months old (65% vs. 76%) are less likely to be placed nonprone. Most parents who place infants on their back report it was recommended by a medical professional (56%). The majority of those placing infants prone do so because their infant is more comfortable or sleeps better (65%), although 73% said their physician/nurse discussed sleep position with them. Nonprone sleeping continues to increase since the initiation of the “Back to Sleep” campaign. Disparity between some demographic groups persists. An excessive number of African-American families and clinic families still choose a prone sleep position. Many who do so cite increased infant comfort, despite knowledge of the AAP recommendation.
Argatroban anticoagulation during percutaneous coronary intervention in patients with heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia

Heparin‐induced thrombocytopenia (HIT) is an immune‐mediated syndrome associated with thrombosis. Alternative anticoagulation to heparin is needed for HIT patients during percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). We evaluated argatroban, a direct thrombin inhibitor, for anticoagulation in this setting. Ninety‐one HIT patients underwent 112 PCIs while on intravenous argatroban (25 μg/kg/min [350 μg/kg initial bolus], adjusted to achieve an activated clotting time of 300–450 sec). Primary efficacy endpoints were subjective assessments of the satisfactory outcome of the procedure and adequate anticoagulation during PCI. Among patients undergoing initial PCIs with argatroban (n = 91), 94.5% had a satisfactory outcome of the procedure and 97.8% achieved adequate anticoagulation. Death (zero patients), myocardial infarction (four patients), or revascularization (four patients) at 24 hr after PCI occurred in seven (7.7%) patients overall. One patient (1.1%) experienced periprocedural major bleeding. For patients who had subsequent hospitalizations (mean separation of 150 days) for repeat PCI using argatroban anticoagulation (n = 21), there were no unsatisfactory outcomes. Overall, outcomes were comparable with those historically reported for heparin. Argatroban therefore is a reasonable anticoagulant option in this setting, where current options are limited. Cathet Cardiovasc Intervent 2002;57:177–184. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A Survey for Weather Communicators: Twitter and Information Channel Preferences

It has been almost a decade since researchers assessed user preferences in gathering weather information. Maturing channels and increasingly mobile audiences necessitate the need for understanding what channels people use for weather information, what information people want, and how they react to specific content—especially potentially life-saving warnings. Furthermore, geographically compartmentalizing this information will allow communication strategies to be tailored to a more localized audience. As an initiative to this effort, a survey of digitally connected Louisianians found different channel preferences than were found in previous studies. Beyond this study, future research should seek to identify regional preferences since the last broad study on this topic nearly 10 years ago. In the survey, information preferences are collected with Twitter as the focal point, but other channels are included as choices to assess overall user preference. As older channels such as television decline in preference, mobile telephone applications are disrupting previous literature by quickly gaining popularity while studies on their utility remain in short supply. Results show that user channel preferences do not necessarily align with those that best serve weather communication efforts. Facebook, a channel notoriously problematic from a chronology standpoint, is favored by many respondents. On Twitter, there is a disconnect in the type of information respondents report wanting and what type of information generates a response. Interest in warning messages was not coincident with the threat posed by that specific type of weather. The format—wording and construction—of warning messages that generated the most response on Twitter does not align with extensive literature on proper risk communication.
Dynamics of collagen, MMP and TIMP gene expression during the granulomatous, fibrotic process induced by Schistosoma mansoni eggs

Abstract In schistosomiasis mansoni, granulomatous inflammation and fibrotic resolution are the major pathogenetic factors. The outcome of fibrosis is influenced by the deposition of collagen and degradation mediated by matrix metalloproteinases (MMP). There is a dearth of data on the expression of MMP and the tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinase (TIMP) during the fibrosis associated with schistosomiasis. In this study, the dynamics of collagen, MMP and TIMP gene expression were analysed during murine Schistosoma mansoni infection. Expression within the granulomatous liver tissue of the genes coding for collagen of types I, III and IV was up-regulated at the onset of granuloma development, and the dominant type-I expression peaked at the chronic, fibrotic stage. The amount of deposited hepatic collagen increased with the chronicity of the infection, indicating cumulative fibrosis. Collagenase, gelatinase, stromelysin, matrilysin-specific gene activities were similarly up-regulated, but only MMP-8 (collagenase-2) expression peaked at the height of fibrosis. TIMP-1 gene expression gradually increased during the course of the disease and, along with TIMP-2, peaked at the chronic, fibrotic stage. Granuloma myofibroblasts expressed both MMP and TIMP-1 genes. In ELISA of the splenic cytokines, high levels of fibrogenic interleukin-13 and moderate production of transforming growth factor- b were found to be concurrent with fibrosis. These data indicate that an imbalance in MMP:TIMP expression and fibrogenic cytokine production are associated with cumulative fibrosis.
Partner Interactions Are Associated With Reduced Blood Pressure in the Natural Environment: Ambulatory Monitoring Evidence From a Healthy, Multiethnic Adult Sample

Objective The objective of this study was to examine the effects of partner interactions on ambulatory blood pressure in a sample of 120 healthy adults who were monitored over a 6-day period. Methods After each blood pressure measurement, participants rated characteristics of ongoing social interactions, along with emotional activation, physical activity, talking, posture, and other covariates, with computer-assisted self-report assessments. Results Using multilevel modeling, we showed that blood pressure was significantly lower during social interactions with one’s partner relative to social interactions with any other person and relative to periods of not interacting. Interactions with partners also were characterized by significantly less talking and emotional activation and more intimacy and perceived emotional support; however, these differences did not mediate the partner effect on blood pressure. In addition, the relative benefits of interacting with a partner were not moderated by relationship quality, gender, or race. Conclusions The effects of social situations on ambulatory blood pressure may represent one pathway through which social relationships affect cardiovascular health.
Predicting early symptomatic osteoarthritis in the human knee using machine learning classification of magnetic resonance images from the osteoarthritis initiative

The purpose of this study is to evaluate the ability of a machine learning algorithm to classify in vivo magnetic resonance images (MRI) of human articular cartilage for development of osteoarthritis (OA). Sixty‐eight subjects were selected from the osteoarthritis initiative (OAI) control and incidence cohorts. Progression to clinical OA was defined by the development of symptoms as quantified by the Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Arthritis (WOMAC) questionnaire 3 years after baseline evaluation. Multi‐slice T2‐weighted knee images, obtained through the OAI, of these subjects were registered using a nonlinear image registration algorithm. T2 maps of cartilage from the central weight bearing slices of the medial femoral condyle were derived from the registered images using the multiple available echo times and were classified for “progression to symptomatic OA” using the machine learning tool, weighted neighbor distance using compound hierarchy of algorithms representing morphology (WND‐CHRM). WND‐CHRM classified the isolated T2 maps for the progression to symptomatic OA with 75% accuracy. Clinical significance: Machine learning algorithms applied to T2 maps have the potential to provide important prognostic information for the development of OA. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 35:2243–2250, 2017.
[Possible mechanisms of polyuria in progressive chronic renal failure].

AIM Elucidation of the role of saluresis and osmotic diuresis in renal function of patients with chronic renal failure. MATERIAL AND METHODS The trial included 68 subjects, among them 25 patients with chronic renal failure (CRF) of the third and fourth degree aged 16 to 72 years. Enzyme immunoassay was used to measure osmolality, sodium, potassium, magnesium, calcium and creatinine concentrations in the serum and urine as well as urine prostaglandin E2. RESULTS Renal function was studied in CRF patients with a 75-90% fall of glomerular filtration rate. Creatinine clearance was 19.9 +/- 0.96, it varied in different patients from 10.6 to 29.7 ml/min. It is shown that diuresis does not correlate with the total ion excretion (Na+ plus K+)(r = 0.946, p < 0.0001). A correlation was found between excretion of these ions and Mg2+ ions this indicating location of reabsorption reduction in the thick ascending limb of Henle loop. In CRF patients (Na+ plus K+) excretion correlated with PGE2 excretion (r = 0.65, p < 0.0001). CONCLUSION It is suggested that at this stage of chronic renal failure the mechanism of a diuresis increase is not due to osmotic diuresis but rather to secretion of prostaglandin E2 which inhibits cation reabsorption and stimulates diuresis. Differences are considered between osmotic diuresis and different types of saluresis; their possible mechanisms are discussed.
Src-Mediated Phosphorylation of Focal Adhesion Kinase Couples Actin and Adhesion Dynamics to Survival Signaling

ABSTRACT Integrin-associated focal adhesions not only provide adhesive links between cellular actin and extracellular matrix but also are sites of signal transmission into the cell interior. Many cell responses signal through focal adhesion kinase (FAK), often by integrin-induced autophosphorylation of FAK or phosphorylation by Src family kinases. Here, we used an interfering FAK mutant (4-9F-FAK) to show that Src-dependent FAK phosphorylation is required for focal adhesion turnover and cell migration, by controlling assembly of a calpain 2/FAK/Src/p42ERK complex, calpain activation, and proteolysis of FAK. Expression of 4-9F-FAK in FAK-deficient fibroblasts also disrupts F-actin assembly associated with normal adhesion and spreading. In addition, we found that FAK's ability to regulate both assembly and disassembly of the actin and adhesion networks may be linked to regulation of the protease calpain. Surprisingly, we also found that the same interfering 4-9F-FAK mutant protein causes apoptosis of serum-deprived, transformed cells and suppresses anchorage-independent growth. These data show that Src-mediated phosphorylation of FAK acts as a pivotal regulator of both actin and adhesion dynamics and survival signaling, which, in turn, control apparently distinct processes such as cell migration and anchorage-independent growth. This also highlights that dynamic regulation of actin and adhesions (which include the integrin matrix receptors) is critical to signaling output and biological responses.
A Phase I and pharmacokinetic study of squalamine, an aminosterol angiogenesis inhibitor.

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility and characterize the pharmacokinetics of squalamine administered as a continuous i.v. infusion daily for 5 days every 3 weeks. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Patients with advanced solid malignancies were treated with escalating doses of squalamine as a 5-day continuous i.v. infusion every 3 weeks. Doses were initially escalated in 100% increments from a starting dose of 6 mg/m(2)/day, with a single patient treated at each dose level until moderate toxicity was observed, at which time additional patients were treated. RESULTS Thirty-three patients were treated with 73 courses of squalamine at 13 dose levels ranging from 6 to 700 mg/m(2)/day. Hepatotoxicity, characterized by brief, asymptomatic elevations in transaminases and hyperbilirubinemia, was the principal dose-limiting toxicity of squalamine. At 700 mg/m(2)/day, two of three patients developed grade 4 hyperbilirubinemia, which precluded further dose escalation. At 500 mg/m(2)/day, one of seven patients experienced dose-limiting grade 4 hyperbilirubinemia and grade 3 neurosensory changes, which resolved soon after treatment. Squalamine pharmacokinetics were dose-proportional. At 500 mg/m(2)/day, the mean (percentage coefficient of variation) clearance, half-life, and volume of distribution of squalamine were 2.67 liters/h/m(2) (85%), 9.46 h (81%), and 36.84 liters/m(2) (124%), respectively, and steady-state concentrations [20.08 micro g/ml (13%)] were well above those that inhibit angiogenesis in preclinical models. CONCLUSIONS At the recommended Phase II dose of 500 mg/m(2)/day, squalamine is well tolerated and results in plasma concentrations at least an order of magnitude higher than those required for prominent antiangiogenic effects in preclinical studies.
Reproducibility and Repeatability of Peripheral Microvascular Assessment Using Iontophoresis in Conjunction With Laser Doppler Imaging

Interrogation of peripheral vascular function is increasingly recognized as a noninvasive surrogate marker for coronary vascular function and carries with it important prognostic information regarding future cardiovascular risk. Laser Doppler imaging (LDI) is a completely noninvasive method for looking at peripheral microvascular function. We sought to look at reproducibility and repeatability of LDI-derived assessment of peripheral microvascular function between arms and 8 weeks apart. We used LDI in conjunction with iontophoretic application of ACh and SNP to look at endothelium-dependent and -independent microvascular function, respectively, in a mixture of women with cardiac syndrome X and healthy volunteers. We looked at variation between arms (n = 40) and variation at 8 weeks apart (n = 22). When measurements were corrected for skin resistance, there was nonsignificant variation between arms for ACh (2.7%) and SNP (3.8%) and nonsignificant temporal variation for ACh (3.5%) and SNP (4.7%). Construction of Bland-Altman plots reinforce that measurements have good repeatability. Elimination of the baseline perfusion response had deleterious effects on repeatability. LDI can be used to assess peripheral vascular response with good repeatability as long as measurements are corrected for skin resistance, which affects drug delivery. This has important implications for the future use of LDI.
Hepatic lipase gene variant -514C>T is associated with lipoprotein and insulin sensitivity response to regular exercise: the HERITAGE Family Study.

We investigated the associations between the hepatic lipase gene (LIPC) -514C>T polymorphism and lipases, lipoproteins, and insulin sensitivity (Si) responses to exercise training. Hepatic lipase and lipoprotein lipase activities, plasma lipoprotein levels, and Si were measured in the sedentary state and post-exercise training in the Health, Risk Factors, Exercise Training, and Genetics (HERITAGE) Family Study (n=662). The LIPC -514C allele frequency was 0.516 (blacks) and 0.796 (whites). Baseline and post-exercise training hepatic lipase activities were 40% higher in CC homozygotes (P < 0.0001) in both races. Black CC homozygotes had lower baseline lipoprotein lipase activity, HDL cholesterol, HDL3, and apolipoprotein (apo)A-1 concentrations. White CC homozygotes had lower baseline HDL cholesterol, apoA-1, LDL cholesterol, and apoB levels that remained low post-exercise training. Baseline Si was not associated with the LIPC genotypes. However, training-induced improvements in Si both in blacks and whites were greater in CC homozygotes (+1.25 +/- 0.2 and +0.22 +/- 0.2 microU.min(-1). ml(-1)) than in the TT genotype (+0.27 +/- 0.3 and -0.97 +/- 0.3 microU.min(-1). ml(-1)) (P = 0.008 and P = 0.002, respectively). The LIPC -514C allele was associated with higher hepatic lipase activity in sedentary and physically active states and better Si responses to regular exercise both in black and white individuals. The benefits from an exercise program on Si are likely to be substantial in the general population given the high frequency of the LIPC -514C allele, particularly in whites.