Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Nosocomial pneumonia in patients having bone marrow transplant attributable mortality and risk factors

The authors performed a matched historic cohort study to determine the attributable mortality and risk factors for nosocomial pneumonia in bone marrow transplant (BMT) recipients. All patients with nosocomial pneumonia at a university tertiary care center were identified by a prospective surveillance system between 1980 and 1988. Control patients were selected from the population of BMT patients. The crude mortality for 55 patients with nosocomial pneumonia was 74.5% (95% confidence interval [CI95], 63% to 86%). The excess or attributable mortality was 61.8% (CI95,43.7% to 80%). Aspergillus species represented the most frequent etiologic agent in this series, causing 20 of the 55 (36%) episodes. The attributable mortality of Aspergillus species pneumonia alone was 85% (CI95, 58.6% to 100%). For death in the hospital, the risk ratio for all 55 case patients relative to control patients was 9.5 (CI95, 4.1 to 22.1). To evaluate several risk factors simultaneously, a multiple logistic regression analysis using a conditional likelihood method was performed. A mathematical model with three variables best predicted nosocomial pneumonia in our patients: the occurrence of other nosocomial infections before the diagnosis of pneumonia, allogeneic BMT, and the use of methotrexate. The presence of other nosocomial infections before the diagnosis of pneumonia remained a significant independent risk factor, with an odds ratio of 13.27 (CI95, 2.51 to 70.2) after adjustment for the use of methotrexate and allogeneic BMT. Most importantly, effective methods for preventing nosocomial pneumonias in BMT recipients will have an enormous effect on crude mortality. Cancer 1992: 69:2653‐2662.
Function of the Acrosomal Matrix: Zona Pellucida 3 Receptor (ZP3R/sp56) Is Not Essential for Mouse Fertilization1

ABSTRACT In mammalian fertilization, sperm-zona pellucida binding is considered to be a critical aspect of gamete interaction. In this study, we examine the mouse sperm acrosomal matrix protein zona pellucida 3 receptor (ZP3R; formerly called sp56) because of our interest in defining the function of the acrosomal matrix, the particulate compartment within the sperm secretory acrosome. Using targeted deletion of the Zp3r gene by homologous recombination, we examined the fertility of nullizygous animals. Our experiments showed that males and females homozygous for the affected gene exhibited no differences in litter sizes compared to wild-type and heterozygous animals. Testis weights of nullizygous males were equivalent to those of wild-type and heterozygous males, and no differences in the number of sperm produced by mice of three genotypes were found. In vitro fertilization rates using cumulus-intact and cumulus-free oocytes were also equivalent. Examination of sperm-binding zonae of unfertilized eggs and the ability of the sperm to undergo acrosomal exocytosis in response to calcium ionophore A23187 displayed no differences between wild-type, heterozygous, and nullizygous mouse sperm. These results provide further evidence that either ZP3R is not involved in sperm-zona pellucida binding or this process might be functionally redundant, involving multiple proteins for gamete interactions.
Motor modeling for EMC simulation by 3-D electromagnetic field analysis

A building technique of high-frequency motor models by 3-D electromagnetic field analysis has been developed to establish the simulation technology for EMC estimation in the design stage of motor drive systems. Stray capacitance of each part of a motor was calculated by static electric field analysis, while inductance and resistance of its stator windings were calculated by magnetic field analysis. A motor equivalent circuit was then built with these circuit constants to compute frequency characteristics of motor impedance. In order to take eddy current in laminated iron core into account precisely, we analyzed a 3-D model of half thickness of one laminated steel sheet, and a simplified 3-D model of coil end of a motor. We also took the difference between magnetic field distribution of common mode and that of differential mode into account by setting different coil current and boundary conditions in the analyses. The frequency dependence of calculated inductance and resistance was introduced into circuit simulations. As a result, we have obtained frequency characteristics of motor impedance, whose basic features are similar to those of measured data. Possible causes of the discrepancy have also been discussed.
[Effects of proBDNF on cell proliferation and differentiation in hippocampal dentate gyrus in Alzheimer' disease rat model].

OBJECTIVE To explore the effects of proBDNF on cell proliferation and differentiation in hippocampal dentate gyrus in Alzheimer' disease (AD) rat model. METHODS The AD rat model was established. Alzet osmotic minipumps were connected to right hippocampus of AD rat and filled with proBDNF, sheep antibody to proBDNF or normal sheep serum respectively. Rats received the injection for 14 days at the speed of 0.5 microl/h. 5-bromo-2'-deoxyuridine (BrdU, 50 mg/kg, ip) was injected twice daily for 14 days. BrdU immunohistochemistry was processed to determine the number of newly generated cells. To examine the phenotype of newly generated cells, immunofluorescent triple labeling was conducted to colocalize BrdU-positive cells with rabbit anti-doublecortin (DCX) or mouse anti-glial fibrillary acid protein (GFAP). RESULTS proBDNF group had fewer BrdU positive cells in dentate gyrus (P < 0.01), while anti-proBDNF group had more BrdU positive cells (P < 0.01) as compared with control group respectively. Immunofluorescent triple labeling showed that there was no phenotypic difference of BrdU positive cells between each group. CONCLUSION proBDNF can suppress the proliferation of hippocampal neuron in dentate gyrus in AD rats while anti-proBDNF has the opposite effect. These findings suggest that promoting the hippocampal neurogenesis by blocking the functions of endogenous proBDNF may be a potential therapeutic strategy for AD.
Beginning to talk like an adult: increases in speech-like utterances in young cochlear implant recipients and typically developing children.

PURPOSE Speech-like utterances containing rapidly combined consonants and vowels eventually dominate the prelinguistic and early word productions of typically developing (TD) toddlers. It seems reasonable to expect a similar phenomenon in young recipients of cochlear implants (CIs). The authors of this study sought to determine the number of months of robust hearing experience needed to achieve a majority of speech-like utterances in both of these groups. METHOD Speech samples were recorded from CI recipients at 3-month intervals during the first 2 years of CI experience, and from TD children at time points between 6 and 24 months of age. Speech-like utterances were operationally defined as those belonging to the basic canonical syllables (BCS) or advanced forms (AF) levels of the Consolidated Stark Assessment of Early Vocal Development-Revised ( Ertmer, Young, & Nathani, 2007). RESULTS On average, the CI group achieved a majority of speech-like utterances after 12 months of robust hearing experience and the TD group after 18 months. The CI group produced greater percentages of speech-like utterances at each interval until 24 months, when both groups approximated 80%. CONCLUSION Auditory deprivation did not limit progress in vocal development as young CI recipients showed more-rapid-than-typical speech development during the first 2 years of device use. Implications for the infraphonological model of speech development are considered.
Psychosocial determinants of sexual activity and condom use intention among youth in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia

Determinants of sexual activity and intentions for condom use were examined guided by the Attitude, Social influences, and Self-efficacy (ASE) model as a theoretical framework. A total of 561 in and out-of-school youth (15–24 years) in Addis Ababa completed a self-administered questionnaire. A third of them reported sexual intercourse in the past and half of the sexually active used condoms during recent intercourse. Being out-of-school, male, aged 20–24 years, alcohol use and khat (amphetamine-like substance) consumption predicted the likelihood of engagement in sexual activity. Of these variables, however, male sex was more associated with reported condom use during recent sexual intercourse. Self-efficacy, skills, and barriers predicted 23% of the variance in intentions to use condoms. Self-efficacy was also associated with past condom use. Psychosocial constructs predicted more variations in condom use intention for males than for females. In general, self-efficacy was found to be the strongest predictor of the constructs, whereas attitude and social influences were the weakest. The study implies that HIV/AIDS prevention programmes for young people in Ethiopia need to emphasize building assertive communication skills in sexual negotiations and condom use. Minimizing the gender gap in sexual relationships forms the cornerstone for such educational strategies.
Absence of β-Amyloid Immunoreactivity in Mesial Temporal Lobe in Cockayne's Syndrome

Cockayne's syndrome is associated with dementia and other physical signs of premature senescence. Death usually occurs in the first or second decade of life. Because previous neuropathologic descriptions have included neurofibrillary tangles and calcific and dystrophic cerebrovascular changes, we examined the mesial temporal lobes of three children with Cockayne's syndrome (confirmed by 254-nm ultraviolet light studies). Immunohistochemistry was used to determine if β-amyloid immunoreactivity was present in the parenchyma or cerebral blood vessels. Tissues from the mesial temporal lobe of patients with Alzheimer's disease and Down syndrome were used as controls. None of the three temporal lobes from patients with Cockayne's syndrome contained β-amyloid immunoreactive material in either the parenchyma or vessels; all of the Alzheimer's disease and Down syndrome controls had β-amyloid immunoreactivity. (J Child Neurol 1991;6:32-34).
Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis/matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation mass spectrometry of commercial bovine milk.

Proteins in commercial bovine milk have been separated by two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and examined by matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionisation mass spectrometry. Gel separation was conducted in two different pH gradients, 3-10 and 6-11; the latter range resulted in a higher spot resolution and favoured the basic proteins. We have limited the time-of-flight mass spectrometry analysis to the linear mode to examine the capability of reliable relative molecular masses of the intact proteins in their characterisation. The present study draws attention to the difficulty of identifying basic proteins with low molecular masses (below 12000 Da) that are commonly encountered in milk samples.
Potential implications of vascular wall resident endothelial progenitor cells

Summary A rapidly increasing body of data suggests an essential role of endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) in vascular regeneration, formation of new vessels in cardiovascular diseases and also in tumor vasculogenesis. Moreover, recent data obtained from clinical studies with anti-angiogenic drugs in tumor therapy or with pro-angiogenic stimuli in ischemic disorders implicate a predictive role of the number of EPCs circulating in the peripheral blood in monitoring of these diseases. However, there is still some controversial data regarding the relevance of the EPCs in vascular formation depending on models used and diseases studied. One of the essential prerequisites for a better understanding of the whole contribution of EPCs to vascular formation in adult, a process called postnatal vasculogenesis, is to identify their exact sources. We could recently discover the existence of EPCs in a distinct zone of the vascular wall of large and middle sized adult blood vessels and showed that these cells are capable to differentiate into mature endothelial cells, to form capillary sprouts in arterial ring assay and to build vasa vasorumlike structures within the vascular wall. They also can be mobilized very rapidly from the vascular wall by tumor cells. This review will discuss the functional implications of these vascular wall resident endothelial progenitor cells (VW-EPCs) in relation to those of EPCs circulating in peripheral blood or derived from the bone marrow in cardiovascular and neoplastic diseases.
Diploid strains of the pathogenic basidiomycete Cryptococcus neoformans are thermally dimorphic.

Cryptococcus neoformans is an opportunistic human pathogenic fungus with a defined sexual cycle. Clinical and environmental isolates of C. neoformans are haploid, and the diploid stage of the lifecycle is thought to be transient and unstable. In contrast, we find that diploid strains are readily obtained following genetic crosses of congenic MATalpha and MATa strains. At 37 degrees C, the diploid strains grow as yeast cells with a single nucleus that is larger than a haploid nucleus, contains a 2n content of DNA by FACS analysis, and is heterozygous for the MATalpha and MATa loci. At 24 degrees C, these diploid self-fertile strains filament and sporulate, producing recombinant haploid progeny in which meiotic segregation has occurred. In contrast to dikaryotic filament cells that are typically linked by fused clamp connections during mating, self-fertile diploid strains produce monokaryotic filament cells with unfused clamp connections. We also show that these diploid strains can be transformed and sporulated and that an integrated selectable marker segregates in a mendelian fashion. The diploid state could play novel roles in the lifecycle and virulence of the organism and can be exploited for the analysis of essential genes. Finally, the observation that dimorphism is thermally regulated suggests similarities between the lifecycle of C. neoformans and other thermally dimorphic human pathogenic fungi, including Histoplasma capsulatum, Blastomyces dermatitidis, Coccidioides immitis, Paracoccidioides brasiliensis, and Sporothrix schenkii.
Overview and framework for dynamic deflection contention resolution in OBS network

The OBS networks suffer from contention due to buffer less nature of transmission. Deflection Routing and Retransmission Mechanism have been proposed as potential techniques for resolving the burst contention problem. Combining deflection routing with retransmission technique outperforms both pure deflection and pure retransmission techniques to improve the performance. Previous work uses static as well as adaptive combination of deflection with retransmission for reducing burst losses due to contention. The static combination approach gives poor performance in terms of Burst loss ratio (BLR) as it attempt deflection first even if the load is high. For adaptive combination, limited hybrid deflection and retransmission (LHDR) scheme have been developed that limits the deflection. However, LHDR perform poorly when traffic is very high. This paper presents a review of these techniques. In addition, we propose a concept called dynamic hybrid retransmission in deflection routing (DHRD) to further resolve contention. Unlike, the exiting hybrid schemes our approach provide an accurate relationship between impact of network load due to retransmissions or deflection and gain in the end-to-end burst delivery rate. In this, two retransmission parameters are introduced namely, retransmission probability (D1) and persistent probability (D2) to control rate of data transmission with the help of updated values of BLR. It is expected that the proposed approach will produce better BLR performance compared to static and adaptive approaches due to use of dynamic nature of deflection with retransmission.
Effects of aerobic exercise on energy metabolism in the hypertensive rat heart.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE In order to explore the possible effects of physical therapy interventions on people with hypertension, we evaluated the effects of aerobic exercise training on myocardial energy metabolism in an animal model of hypertension. SUBJECTS We used 36 female spontaneously hypertensive rats (rats with genetically induced hypertension) and 12 normotensive Wistar-Kyoto rats. METHODS The normotensive rats were sedentary and formed the CONsed group. The spontaneously hypertensive rats were randomly divided into 3 experimental groups (12 rats per group). Hypertensive rats that were sedentary formed the HTNsed group, those that received 8 weeks of exercise training formed the HTNx8 group, and those that received 16 weeks of exercise training formed the HTNx16 group. We measured systolic blood pressure, heart wet weight, maximal activities of cardiac energy metabolism enzymes, glucose transporter content, and total concentrations of protein, glycogen, and triglyceride. RESULTS Systolic blood pressure was greater than 200 mm Hg in the CONsed group at the time of testing. Exercise training modestly (approximately 11-18 mm Hg) lowered blood pressure in the HTNx8 and HTNx16 groups. Fatty acid enzyme activity was greater in the CONsed group than in HTNsed and HTNx8 groups, but activity was roughly equivalent between the CONsed group and the HTNx16 group. Glucose enzyme activity was greater in the HTNx16 group than in the CONsed group and HTNsed group. Intracellular glycogen concentration was greater in the HTNx8 group than in HTNsed group. CONCLUSION AND DISCUSSION Results of this study suggest that aerobic exercises may help to normalize cardiac energy metabolism in mammals with hypertension.
Comparison of nefazodone and sertraline for the treatment of posttraumatic stress disorder

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a prevalent condition that has been shown to be responsive to pharmacotherapy. Few head‐to‐head comparisons of medications used in the treatment of PTSD have been published. This 12‐week, randomized, double‐blind study compares the effectiveness, safety, and tolerability of nefazodone and sertraline for the treatment of PTSD. Thirty‐seven male and female outpatients meeting DSM‐IV criteria for PTSD were randomly assigned to receive nefazodone (maximum dose 600 mg /day; average dose 463 mg/day) or sertraline (maximum dose 200/day; average dose 153 mg/day). The primary outcome measures were the 17‐item total severity score of the Clinician Administered PTSD Scale, Part 2 (CAPS‐2) and the Clinical Global Impression Improvement Scale (CGI‐I). Other assessments included the Davidson Trauma Scale (DTS), the Top‐8 PTSD Rating Scale, Sheehan Disability Scale (SDS), Montgomery‐Asberg Depression Rating Scale (MADRS), Hamilton Anxiety Scale (HAM‐A), and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Twenty‐six subjects had at least one post‐randomization CAPS‐2 assessment and were therefore included in the data analysis. There were no statistically significant differences between treatment groups on any of the outcome measures. There was a significant effect for time in both groups, indicating an improvement in PTSD symptoms, depression, sleep, and quality of life over time. CAPS‐2 scores for all of the PTSD symptom clusters decreased significantly over time. This study did not find significant differences in the effectiveness of nefazodone and sertraline for the treatment of PTSD. Larger trials are warranted. Depression and Anxiety 19:190‐196, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Alpinia Oxyphylla Miquel Fruit Extract Activates MAPK-mediated Signaling of PAs and MMP2/9 to Induce Schwann Cell Migration and Nerve Regeneration

Objectives This study investigates the molecular mechanisms by which Alpiniae oxyphyllae fructus (AOF) promotes neuron regeneration. Methods A piece of silicone rubber was guided across a 15 mm gap in the sciatic nerve of a rat. This nerve gap was then filled with different concentrations of AOF extract (0-200 mg/ml). We investigated the role of MAPK (ERK1/2, JNK and p38) pathways for AOF-induced matrix-degrading proteolytic enzyme (PAs and MMP2/9) production in RSC96 Schwann cells. Results The results showed that AOF increased the expressions of uPA, tPA, MMP-9, and MAPKs in vivo. In vitro, our results show that treatment with AOF extract induces ERK1/2, JNK, and p38 phosphorylation to activate the downstream PAs and MMPs signaling expression. AOF-stimulated ERK1/2, JNK, and p38 phosphorylation attenuated by individual pretreatment with siRNAs or inhibitors (U0126, SP600125 and SB203580), resulting in migration and uPA-related signal pathway inhibition. Conclusions Taken together our data suggests the MAPKs (ERK1/2, JNK and p38), PAs (uPA, tPA), MMP (MMP2, MMP9) regenerative and migration signaling pathway of Schwann cells regulated by AOF extract might play a major role in Schwann cell migration and damaged peripheral nerve regeneration.
Advancements in DNA vaccine vectors, non-mechanical delivery methods, and molecular adjuvants to increase immunogenicity

ABSTRACT A major advantage of DNA vaccination is the ability to induce both humoral and cellular immune responses. DNA vaccines are currently used in veterinary medicine, but have not achieved widespread acceptance for use in humans due to their low immunogenicity in early clinical studies. However, recent clinical data have re-established the value of DNA vaccines, particularly in priming high-level antigen-specific antibody responses. Several approaches have been investigated for improving DNA vaccine efficacy, including advancements in DNA vaccine vector design, the inclusion of genetically engineered cytokine adjuvants, and novel non-mechanical delivery methods. These strategies have shown promise, resulting in augmented adaptive immune responses in not only mice, but also in large animal models. Here, we review advancements in each of these areas that show promise for increasing the immunogenicity of DNA vaccines.
Transcriptional inhibition of the interleukin-8 gene by interferon is mediated by the NF-kappa B site

The cytokine interleukin-8 (IL-8) is an important mediator of neutrophil, lymphocyte, and basophil chemotaxis and activation. Earlier we demonstrated that beta interferon (IFN-beta) can inhibit tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-induced IL-8 gene expression at the transcriptional level, apparently by a novel mechanism. To define the cis-acting elements and trans-acting factors involved in this inhibition, DNA constructs containing portions of the 5'-flanking region of the IL-8 gene were linked to the chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) reporter gene and transfected into human diploid FS-4 fibroblasts. The region spanning positions -98 to +44 was sufficient to confer both inducibility by TNF and inhibition by simultaneous treatment with IFN-beta. Inhibition of TNF- or IL-1-induced CAT activity by IFN-beta or IFN-alpha was also observed when a DNA fragment containing only the NF-IL-6 and NF-kappa B sites (positions -94 to -70) was placed upstream of the homologous or a heterologous minimal promoter. A construct containing three copies of the NF-kappa B element in front of the CAT gene also was inducible by TNF, and this stimulatory effect too was inhibited by IFN-beta, indicating that the NF-kappa B element is sufficient to confer inhibition by IFN-beta. This inhibitory effect was specific for the NF-kappa B site of the IL-8 gene since it was less marked with constructs containing three copies of the NF-kappa B site from the HLA-B7 gene. Gel shift assays with a probe containing the NF-kappa B and NF-IL-6 binding sites of the IL-8 gene (positions -101 to -63) showed that IFN-beta treatment did not block the activation of NF-kappa B proteins or their ability to bind to the NF-kappa B site. However, nuclear extracts from cells treated with TNF in the presence of IFN-beta gave rise to an additional band that appears to contain protein components from the NF-kappa B and NF-IL-6 families. NF-kappa B site-mediated suppression of IL-8 gene expression by IFN-beta represents a hitherto unknown mechanism and target of IFN action.