gebhart/patrepeval huggingface dataset:
Production of Electricity from Acetate or Butyrate Using a Single-Chamber Microbial Fuel Cell (2004)

Hydrogen can be recovered by fermentation of organic material rich in carbohydrates, but much of the organic matter remains in the form of acetate and butyrate. An alternative to methane production from this organic matter is the direct generation of electricity in a microbial fuel cell (MFC). Electricity generation using a single-chambered MFC was examined using acetate or butyrate. Power generated with acetate (800 mg/L) (506 mW/m2 or 12.7 mW/ L) was up to 66% higher than that fed with butyrate (1000 mg/L) (305 mW/m2 or 7.6 mW/L), demonstrating that acetate is a preferred aqueous substrate for electricity generation in MFCs. Power output as a function of substrate concentration was well described by saturation kinetics, although maximum power densities varied with the circuit load. Maximum power densities and half-saturation constants were Pmax = 661 mW/m2 and Ks = 141 mg/L for acetate (218 ohms) and Pmax = 349 mW/m2 and Ks = 93 mg/L for butyrate (1000 ohms). Similar open circuit potentials were obtained in using acetate (798 mV) or butyrate (795 mV). Current densities measured for stable power outputwere higher for acetate (2.2 A/m2) than those measured in MFCs using butyrate (0.77 A/m2). Cyclic voltammograms suggested that the main mechanism of power production in these batch tests was by direct transfer of electrons to the electrode by bacteria growing on the electrode and not by bacteria-produced mediators. Coulombic efficiencies and overall energy recovery were 10-31 and 3-7% for acetate and 8-15 and 2-5% for butyrate, indicating substantial electron and energy losses to processes other than electricity generation. These results demonstrate that electricity generation is possible from soluble fermentation end products such as acetate and butyrate, but energy recoveries should be increased to improve the overall process performance.
Review article: infliximab therapy for inflammatory bowel disease – seven years on (2006)

Infliximab, the chimeric monoclonal IgG1 antibody to tumour necrosis factor, is indicated for refractory luminal and fistulizing Crohn's disease and extra-intestinal manifestations of inflammatory bowel disease. Recently, the active ulcerative colitis trials (ACT) studies have shown that infliximab is also efficacious to treat ulcerative colitis resistant to standard therapy. Induction with 5 mg/kg infliximab at weeks 0, 2 and 6 is advocated. The response to infliximab is improved when concomitant immunosuppressive therapy is given. As the majority of patients will relapse if not retreated, a long-term strategy is necessary. Although episodic therapy can be used, the optimal strategy is systematic maintenance treatment with 5 mg/kg intravenous (i.v.) every 8 weeks. Long-term maintenance therapy with infliximab results in a reduction of the rate of complications, hospitalizations and surgeries associated with Crohn's disease. Safety problems with the monoclonal antibody infliximab treatment mainly concern the formation of antibodies to infliximab, which may lead to infusion reactions, loss of response and serum sickness-like delayed infusion reactions. Latent tuberculosis needs to be screened for. The rate of other opportunistic infections is slightly increased mainly in patients treated concomitantly with immunosuppression. There is no evidence that malignancy rates in patients treated with antitumour necrosis factor strategies are increased.
The financial benefits of eLearning (2004)

In the pioneering days of eLeaming, many institutions suffered from significant levels of investment in eLearning initiatives that brought poor returns. Increasingly, eLeaming projects are required to justify the budgets they request from decision-makers. However, the benefits of eLearning in tertiary education tend to be less quantitatively obvious than the financial gains that corporate training through eLeaming can realise. This paper examines the issues faced by tertiary educators when comparing their eLeaming activities with those of corporate trainers, and suggests ways in which specific Learning projects, both courses and elements within courses, might be justified using CBA (cost-benefit analysis) and ROI(return on investment). The approach suggests ways in which the financially intangible aspects of improved learning and institutional reputation might be considered when justifying eLeaming expenditure.
Cirrhosis, bile acids and gut microbiota (2013)

A picture is now starting to emerge regarding the liver-bile acid-microbiome axis. Increasing levels of the primary bile acid cholic acid (CA) causes a dramatic shift toward the Firmicutes, particularly Clostridium cluster XIVa and increasing production of the harmful secondary bile acid deoxycholic acid (DCA). During progression of cirrhosis, the microbiome, both through their metabolism, cell wall components (LPS) and translocation lead to inflammation. Inflammation suppresses synthesis of bile acids in the liver leading to a positive-feedback mechanism. Decrease in bile acids entering the intestines appears to favor overgrowth of pathogenic and pro-inflammatory members of the microbiome including Porphyromonadaceae and Enterobacteriaceae. Decreasing bile acid concentration in the colon in cirrhosis is also associated with decreases in Clostridium cluster XIVa, which includes bile acid 7α-dehydroxylating bacteria which produce DCA. Rifaximin treatment appears to act by suppressing DCA production, reducing endotoxemia and harmful metabolites without significantly altering microbiome structure. Taken together, the bile acid pool size and composition appear to be a major regulator of microbiome structure, which in turn appears to be an important regulator of bile acid pool size and composition. The balance between this equilibrium is critical for human health and disease.
Activation of blood coagulation in cancer: Trousseau's syndrome revisited (1983)

On a passe en revue les diverses indications cliniques, histologiques, pharmacologiques et physiopathologiques confirmant l'existence d'une relation etroite entre les anomalies de la coagulation du sang et la biologie du cancer. Il apparait clair que les cellules cancereuses peuvent exercer une influence profonde sur la fonction d'hemostase et, inversement, que les reactions de la coagulation du sang peuvent influencer l'homeostase des tumeurs
Minimal epitopes expressed in a recombinant polyepitope protein are processed and presented to CD8+ cytotoxic T cells: implications for vaccine design. (1995)

The epitopes recognized by CD8+ cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) are generated from cytosolic proteins by proteolytic processing. The nature of the influences exerted by the sequences flanking CTL epitopes on these processing events remains controversial. Here we show that each epitope within an artificial polyepitope protein containing nine minimal CD8+ CTL epitopes in sequence was processed and presented to appropriate CTL clones. Natural flanking sequences were thus not required to direct class I proteolytic processing. In addition, unnatural flanking sequences containing other CTL epitopes did not interfere with processing. The ability of every CTL epitope to be effectively processed from a protein containing only CTL epitopes is likely to find application in the construction of recombinant polyepitope CTL vaccines.
A Central Strategy for Converting Natural Products into Fluorescent Probes (2006)

A centralized method for studying natural product chemical biology begins by designating a single fluorescent dye as a core reporter and develops through the facile conversion to a diverse panel of fluorescently labeled natural products. Comparative analyses are developed by using LED fluorescence microscopy. Application of this method is established by profiling the cellular uptake and localization of selected members of the anthracycline, acetogenin, depsipeptide, nonribosomal peptide, polyether, and polyketide families of natural products.
Internalin of Listeria monocytogenes with an intact leucine-rich repeat region is sufficient to promote internalization (1997)

Listeria monocytogenes can use two different surface proteins, internalin (InlA) and InlB, to invade mammalian cells. The exact role of these invasiveness factors in vivo remains to be determined. In cultured cells, InlA is necessary to promote Listeria entry into human epithelial cells, such as Caco-2 cells, whereas InlB is necessary to promote Listeria internalization in several other cell types, including hepatocytes, fibroblasts, and epithelioid cells, such as Vero, HeLa, CHO, or Hep-2 cells. We have recently reported that the InlA receptor on Caco-2 cells is the cell adhesion molecule E-cadherin and demonstrated that nonpermissive fibroblasts become permissive for internalin-mediated entry when transfected with the gene coding for LCAM, the chicken homolog of the human E-cadherin gene. In this study, we demonstrate for the first time that the internalin protein alone is sufficient to promote internalization into cells expressing its receptor. Indeed, internalin confers invasiveness to both Enterococcus faecalis and internalin-coated latex beads. As shown by transmission electron microscopy, these beads were phagocytosed via a "zipper" mechanism similar to that observed during the internalin-E-cadherin-mediated entry of Listeria. Moreover, a functional analysis of internalin demonstrates that its amino-terminal region, encompassing the leucine-rich repeat (LRR) region and the inter-repeat (IR) region, is necessary and sufficient to promote bacterial entry into cells expressing its receptor. Several lines of evidence suggest that the LRR region would interact directly with E-cadherin, whereas the IR region would be required for a proper folding of the LRR region.
Results of total hip replacement in systemic lupus erythematosus. (1991)

Ten total hip replacements were performed between 1 June 1984 and 31 May 1989 in 6 patients who had systemic lupus erythematosus. All had avascular necrosis of the femoral head. The mean age at operation was 31.2 years with a range of 21 - 41 years. The mean follow-up period was 3.9 years with a range of 1.75 to 6.25 years. Mayo clinical hip ratings were excellent for all but one hip. Complications included transient sciatic nerve palsy in one hip and aseptic loosening of the femoral component in another.
Un século de migracións forzosas: as orixes e consecuencias da limpeza étnica (2003)

El siglo XX no fue solo el siglo del Holocausto o el Gulag, sino que fue tambien una centuria de limpiezas etnicas. En el transcurso del siglo XX, alrededor de 50 millones de personas han sido obligadas a dejar permanentemente sus hogares tan solo en Europa, mientras muchas mas corrian la misma suerte en Africa y Asia. El articulo se centra en las causas de la etnica limpieza, analizando las pautas especificas de la construccion nacional y los nacionalismos, la incapacidad de los estados-nacion para un dialogo constructivo con ls minorias y la aceptacion de las migraciones forzosas como una forma de politica.
RISKS OF INTRAVITREOUS INJECTION: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW (2004)

The risk of serious adverse events reported after IVT injection is low. Nevertheless, careful attention to injection technique and appropriate postinjection monitoring are essential because uncommon injection-related complications may be associated with permanent vision loss.
Lysophosphatidic Acid Promotes Survival and Differentiation of Rat Schwann Cells (2003)

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA; 1-acyl-sn-glycerol-3-phosphate), an abundant constituent of serum, mediates multiple biological responses via G protein-coupled serpentine receptors. Schwann cells express the LPA receptors (Edg receptors), which, once activated, have the potential to signal through G(alphai) to activate p21(ras) and phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, through G(alphaq) to activate phospholipase C, or through G(q12/13) to activate the Rho pathway. We found that the addition of serum or LPA to serum-starved Schwann cells rapidly (10 min) induced the appearance of actin stress fibers via a Rho-mediated pathway. Furthermore, LPA was able to rescue Schwann cells from apoptosis in a G(alphai)/phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase/MEK/MAPK-dependent manner. In addition, LPA increased the expression of myelin protein P(0) in Schwann cells in a Galpha(i)-independent manner but dependent on protein kinase C. By means of pharmacological and overexpression approaches, we found that the novel isozyme protein kinase Cdelta was required for myelin P(0) expression. Thus, the multiple effects of LPA in Schwann cells (actin reorganization, survival, and myelin gene expression) appear to be mediated through the different G protein-dependent pathways activated by the LPA receptor.
Genetics and molecular biology of siderophore-mediated iron transport in bacteria. (1989)

The possession of specialized iron transport systems may be crucial for bacteria to override the iron limitation imposed by the host or the environment. One of the most commonly found strategies evolved by microorganisms is the production of siderophores, low-molecular-weight iron chelators that have very high constants of association for their complexes with iron. Thus, siderophores act as extracellular solubilizing agents for iron from minerals or organic compounds, such as transferrin and lactoferrin in the host vertebrate, under conditions of iron limitation. Transport of iron into the cell cytosol is mediated by specific membrane receptor and transport systems which recognize the iron-siderophore complexes. In this review I have analyzed in detail three siderophore-mediated iron uptake systems: the plasmid-encoded anguibactin system of Vibrio anguillarum, the aerobactin-mediated iron assimilation system present in the pColV-K30 plasmid and in the chromosomes of many enteric bacteria, and the chromosomally encoded enterobactin iron uptake system, found in Escherichia coli, Shigella spp., Salmonella spp., and other members of the family Enterobacteriaceae. The siderophore systems encoded by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, namely, pyochelin and pyoverdin, as well as the siderophore amonabactin, specified by Aeromonas hydrophila, are also discussed. The potential role of siderophore-mediated systems as virulence determinants in the specific host-bacteria interaction leading to disease is also analyzed with respect to the influence of these systems in the expression of other factors, such as toxins, in the bacterial virulence repertoire.
Muscle and Plasma Amino Acids Following Injury Influence of Intercurrent Infection (1980)

The present study was undertaken to determine intracellular amino acid patterns in patients with multiple trauma, whether or not complicated by sepsis and during convalescence. A percutaneous muscle biopsy was performed three to four days following major accidental injury in ten patients and analyzed for muscle free amino acids. Venous blood was drawn at the time of the biopsy and analyzed for plasma free amino acids. Five patients developed sepsis and a repeat biopsy was performed on days 8 to 11. In five of the patients a biopsy was performed during the late convalescent period (anabolic phase). A marked depletion of nonessential amino acids in muscle occurred in both injury and sepsis due to a decrease (50%) in glutamine, which was equally marked in both states. The essential amino acids in muscle increased in injury. During sepsis, a further increase was observed with a return toward normal in the convalescent period. In injury, the most marked rise was in the branched-chain amino acids, phenylalanine, tryosine and methionine. With sepsis, a further rise in muscle branched-chain amino acids, phenylalanine and tryosine occurred, while plasma levels remain unchanged. During convalescence, muscle glutamine, arginine, histidine and plasma branched-chain amino acids were below normal, whereas muscle phenylalanine and methionine were elevated. The muscle free amino acid pattern observed after major trauma was essentially the same as earlier described following elective operation. This suggests a common response of intracellular amino acids irrespective of the degree of injury, and may indicate that the pump settings which regulate amino acid transport follow the "all or none" rule. The high intracellular levels of branched-chain amino acids in sepsis suggest that the energy deficit of this state is due to an impairment of substrate use rather than intracellular availability. The high concentrations of the aromatic amino acids and methionine may be due to altered liver function. During the late convalescent period (anabolic phase) the low levels of certain key amino acids suggests inadequate nutrition. The difficulties in nourishing the injured or septic patient are well recognized. The period following these catabolic states may be an important period for the application of an optimal, aggressive nutritional regimen.
Endogenous expression of the β1A sodium channel subunit in HEK‐293 cells (2000)

The expression of the sole alpha-subunit of muscle or brain sodium channels in frog oocytes mediates currents with a bimodal inactivation with an abnormal slow mode that is strongly depressed only by co-expression of the beta1-subunit. In contrast, in the expression of the alpha-subunit in the human embryonic kidney cell line, HEK-293, the slow mode is almost absent, suggesting an endogenous expression of the beta1-subunit. We have tested this hypothesis by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction. We found an abundant expression of mRNA encoding the beta1A splicing of the putative regulatory sodium channel subunit but no mRNA encoding the beta1-subunit in HEK cells. This finding is consistent with the idea that the endogenous beta1A-subunit is sufficient for suppressing the slowly inactivating mode of sodium currents by co-assembly with alpha-subunits, and calls attention to the reliability of effects attributed in HEK cells to alpha-beta1 co-expression.
Immune Responses to Epitopes Inserted in Salmonella Flagellin (1994)

Plasmid pLS408 includes gene fliC(d) specifying Salmonella flagellin of antigenic type d with an in vitro deletion of a 48 base-pair EcoRV fragment in its central hypervariable antigenically-determinant region IV. Oligonucleotides specifying peptide epitopes of antigens of unrelated pathogens inserted, in correct orientation, at the unique EcoRV site of pLS408 specify chimeric flagellins and, in many instances, cause production of functional flagella when the plasmid is placed in a flagellin-deficient delta aroA live-vaccine strain of Salmonella dublin. The foreign epitope is then exposed at the surface of the flagellar filaments, as shown by the immobilizing effect of anti-epitope antibody and by immunogold electron-microscopy. The live-vaccine strain with a foreign epitope at the surface of its flagella when administered to mice by injection nearly always causes production of antibody with affinity for the foreign epitope and, sometimes, also for the source protein. Repeated injection of the live vaccine with an epitope of Streptococcus pyogenes type 5 M protein as insert caused production of opsonizing antibody and conferred partial protection against Streptococcus challenge. Injection of semi-purified chimeric flagella or flagellin, alone or with adjuvant, likewise causes antibody production, in one instance sufficient to give partial protection against influenza A virus challenge. Plasmid pLS408 with some inserts does not confer motility, either because the filaments produced are non-functional or because flagellin is made but not assembled or because little or no flagellin is produced. The features of a sequence which as insert determine production or non-production of functional flagella are not known. The effect of insertion of known T-cell epitopes and cellular immune responses to epitope inserts in flagellin are as yet little explored.
The Interaction of Bacteria with Mammalian Cells (1992)

Cells organize many of their biochemical reactions in non-membrane compartments. Recent evidence has shown that many of these compartments are liquids that form by phase separation from the cytoplasm. Here we discuss the basic physical concepts necessary ...Read More
Short-Term Treatment With Anti-CD3 Antibody Reduces the Development and Progression of Atherosclerosis in Mice (2006)

Altered disease progression, combined with the emergence of this particular cytokine pattern, indicates that short-term treatment with an anti-CD3 antibody induces a regulatory T-cell phenotype that restores self-tolerance in a mouse model of atherosclerosis.
Identification of a neurotrophic sequence in erythropoietin. (1998)

Erythropoietin (Epo) is a hematopoietic factor that facilitates erythroid progenitor cell proliferation and differentiation. Recently, trophic effects of Epo have been observed in central cholinergic neurons. We have confirmed the neurotrophic factor activity of Epo and moreover, demonstrated sprouting and signaling by Epo in neural cells. Further, we have identified a 17-mer peptide sequence (epopeptide AB) in Epo (AEHCSLNENITVPDTKV) with activity similar to that of the holoprotein. This peptide induces differentiation and prevents cell death in both murine NS20Y and human SK-N-MC neuroblastoma cell lines. However, epopeptide AB does not promote the proliferation of erythropoietic cell lines or mouse primary spleen cells. The biological activities in neural cells were blocked by the addition of an antibody to the extracellular domain of the Epo receptor, indicating that the bioactive effects of epo-peptide AB in neural cells are Epo receptor mediated. Both epopeptide AB and Epo stimulated phosphorylation of ERKs in PC12 cells. When epopeptide AB or Epo was locally injected into mice, the frequency of motor end plate sprouting in adjacent muscles increased in a manner similar to that induced by CNTF. These findings indicate that neural cells and not hematological cells respond to a peptide sequence within erythropoietin and suggests that Epo may have separate domains for neurotrophic and hematotrophic function.
Classifying structural joint damage in rheumatoid arthritis as progressive or nonprogressive using a composite definition of joint radiographic change: A preliminary proposal (2004)

RA joint damage in an observational cohort can be classified as progressive or nonprogressive with the use of a composite definition. Validation and/or refinement of this definition is needed by utilizing the data from controlled clinical trials that compare placebo with active treatment.