gebhart/patrepeval huggingface dataset:
The Microbiota of the Gut in Preschool Children With Normal and Excessive Body Weight (2012)

The aim of this study was to investigate the gut microbiota in preschool children with and without overweight and obesity. Twenty overweight or obese children and twenty children with BMI within the normal range (age: 4-5 years) were recruited from the south of Sweden. The gut microbiota was accessed by quantitative PCR (qPCR) and terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism and calprotectin was measured in feces. Liver enzymes were quantified in obese/overweight children. The concentration of the gram-negative family Enterobacteriaceae was significantly higher in the obese/overweight children (P = 0.036), whereas levels of Desulfovibrio and Akkermansia muciniphila-like bacteria were significantly lower in the obese/overweight children (P = 0.027 and P = 0.030, respectively). No significant differences were found in content of Lactobacillus, Bifidobacterium or the Bacteroides fragilis group. The diversity of the dominating bacterial community tended to be less diverse in the obese/overweight group, but the difference was not statistically significant. Concentration of Bifidobacterium was inversely correlated to alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in obese/overweight children. The fecal levels of calprotectin did not differ between the study groups. These findings indicate that the gut microbiota differed among preschool children with obesity/overweight compared with children with BMI within the normal range.
Uses of granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor in vaccine development (2000)

Granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) is a potent cytokine capable of inducing differentiation, proliferation, and activation of a variety of immunologically active cell populations. In addition to its effects on stimulating granulocytic hematopoiesis, it also facilitates development of both humoral and cellular mediated immunity. Accordingly, strategies involving the use of GM-CSF as a vaccine adjuvant have attracted considerable attention. These strategies include the systemic administration of soluble GM-CSF with an immunogen, and also its use as part of gene therapy approaches to immunization. Because of the potency of this cytokine as an immune adjuvant, particular interest has focused on its use to overcome poorly immunogenic antigens such as those associated with intracellular infections and cancer. This review focuses on recent advances in the use of GM-CSF as a vaccine adjuvant.
Extraction of a melanoma growth-stimulatory activity from culture medium conditioned by the Hs0294 human melanoma cell line. (1983)

Extracts of conditioned medium (CM) from Hs0294 human malignant melanoma cells stimulate [3H]thymidine incorporation and an increase in cell number in serum-depleted Hs0294 cells. This activity is acid and heat stable, nonproteolytic, protease sensitive, contains disulfide bonds and elutes broadly from a Bio-Gel P-30 column with an approximate molecular weight range of 6,000 to 25,000. Hs0294 CM also stimulates [3H]thymidine incorporation in nonmalignant human nevus cells and normal rat kidney fibroblast cells but not in human fibroblasts. There was only limited competition with 125I-epidermal growth factor in binding assays. Hs0294 CM extracts stimulate anchorage-independent growth in normal rat kidney fibroblast cells in soft agar but not in Hs0294 cells, nevus cells, or human fibroblasts. This second activity elutes from the Bio-Gel P-30 column in two positions with apparent molecular weights of 27,000 and 11,000.
Cerebrospinal fluid biomarkers of neurodegeneration in chronic neurological diseases (2008)

Chronic neurological diseases (CND) like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS), dementia or multiple sclerosis (MS) share a chronic progressive course of disease that frequently leads to the common pathological pathway of neurodegeneration, including neuroaxonal damage, apoptosis and gliosis. There is an ongoing search for biomarkers that could support early diagnosis of CND and help to identify responders to interventions in therapeutic treatment trials. Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) is a promising source of biomarkers in CND, since the CSF compartment is in close anatomical contact with the brain interstitial fluid, where biochemical changes related to CND are reflected. We review recent advances in CSF biomarkers research in CND and thereby focus on markers associated with neurodegeneration.
Air Embolism in the Operating Room (1985)

If left undetected and untreated in the operating room, air embolism can be a potentially lethal event. It is important to be aware of the specific positions and surgical procedures that put a patient at risk for air emboli. This article will define air embolism, discuss its occurrence and effects on the body, review specific monitoring techniques used to detect intravascular air, and present techniques used for prevention and treatment by the operating room staff.
A prior knowledge model for multidimensional striping noise compensation in hyperspectral imaging devices (2012)

In this paper, a prior knowledge model is proposed in order to increase the effectiveness of a multidimensional striping noise compensation (SNC) algorithm. This is accomplished by considering an optoelectronic approach, thereby generating a more accurate mathematical representation of the hyperspectral acquisition process. The proposed model includes knowledge on the system spectral response, which can be obtained by means of an input with known spectral radiation. Further, the model also considers the dependence of the noise structure on the analog-digital conversion process, that is, schemes such as active-pixel sensor (APS) and passive-pixel sensor (PPS) have been considered. Finally, the model takes advantage of the degree of crosstalk between consecutive bands in order to determinate how much of this spectral information is contributing to the read out data obtained in a particular band. All prior knowledge is obtained by a series of experimental analysis, and then integrated into the model. After estimating the required parameters, the applicability of the multidimensional SNC is illustrated by compensating for stripping noise in hyperspectral images acquired using an experimental setup. A laboratory prototype, based on both a Photonfocus Hurricane hyperspectral camera and a Xeva Xenics NIR hyperspectral camera, has been implemented to acquire data in the range of 400-1000 [nm] and 900-1700 [nm], respectively. Also, a mobile platform has been used to simulate and synchronize the scanning procedure of the cameras and an uniform tungsten lamp has been installed to ensure an equal spectral radiance between the different bands for calibration purpose.
Evaluation using multilayer perception neural networks: a case study of undulatory median fin swimming in the knifefish Xenomystus nigri (2007)

In this study, artificial intelligence, namely multilayer perception neural networks (MLP‐NN), was employed to predict the hydrodynamic performance of undulatory median fin propulsion in Xenomystus nigri . Good agreement was found between MLP‐NN predictions and actual mean thrust and power values calculated from elongated‐body theory. MLP‐NN has the ability to be a predictive tool for autonomous underwater vehicle design and hydrodynamic performance.
Seeking information superiority: Strategies for business in the commercial application of information operations (2005)

Information superiority is a condition that many businesses attempt to attain without truly understanding what it&#13;\nis, or how to get there. This paper presents an overview to help businesspeople recognize the road to information&#13;\nsuperiority, and some of the essential strategies to implement along the way. Information operations is a concept&#13;\ndescribed to enable information superiority, when used with a network form of organization (as opposed to&#13;\nsimply being networked). This paper describes information operations across their fundamental structure of&#13;\nintelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR); and suggests a separation between industrial espionage&#13;\nand legitimate business information gathering. A model for establishing information superiority is presented,&#13;\noutlining the importance of ‘cradle-to-grave’ implementation throughout the business lifecycle. This brings&#13;\ntogether key doctrinal points from the information security, information operations and information warfare&#13;\nfields. Supplementary material is drawn from sociology, risk analysis, and business management theory to&#13;\ncomplete the applicability of the text to business readers&#13;\n
Elimination of N-linked glycosylation sites from the human IgA1 constant region: effects on structure and function (1997)

IgA1 Abs possess conserved N-linked glycosylation sites in the second C region and secreted tailpiece domains. To understand the role of these carbohydrates in the structure and function of human IgA1, site-directed mutants that produce human IgA1 lacking either one or both of the N-linked carbohydrate sites have been produced. When the mutant heavy chains are expressed in myeloma lines producing the relevant kappa-light chain, efficient secretion of the monomer and dimer forms of IgA1 is seen. In addition, higher polymer forms of the IgA molecules lacking the third domain carbohydrate, either singly or in the double mutant, are present. Functional analysis of the IgA1 proteins has shown significant differences between the various mutants and wild-type IgA. The carbohydrate mutants show a reduced affinity for their target Ag, dansyl. All of the IgA1 molecules retained the ability to bind to the polymeric Ig receptor. C3 binding was observed for all of the IgA molecules, with the IgA mutants lacking the third domain carbohydrate showing a reduced ability to bind C3; however, IgA did not effectively activate the alternative pathway, as determined by factor B cleavage and terminal complex binding. These studies demonstrate that N-linked glycosylation in the constant domain of human IgA1 plays an important role in the biologic properties of IgA1.
Monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 in obesity and insulin resistance (2003)

This study identifies monocyte chemoattractant protein 1 (MCP-1) as an insulin-responsive gene. It also shows that insulin induces substantial expression and secretion of MCP-1 both in vitro in insulin-resistant (IR) 3T3-L1 adipocytes and in vivo in IR obese mice (ob/ob). Thus, MCP-1 resembles other previously described genes (e.g., PAI-1 and SREBP-1c) that remain sensitive to insulin in IR states. The hyperinsulinemia that frequently accompanies obesity and insulin resistance may therefore contribute to the altered expression of these and other genes in insulin target tissues. In vivo studies also demonstrate that MCP-1 is overexpressed in obese mice compared with their lean controls, and that white adipose tissue is a major source of MCP-1. The elevated MCP-1 may alter adipocyte function because addition of MCP-1 to differentiated adipocytes in vitro decreases insulin-stimulated glucose uptake and the expression of several adipogenic genes (LpL, adipsin, GLUT-4, aP2, beta3-adrenergic receptor, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor gamma). These results suggest that elevated MCP-1 may induce adipocyte dedifferentiation and contribute to pathologies associated with hyperinsulinemia and obesity, including type II diabetes.
[Treatment of landfill leachate using sequential anaerobic/aerobic moving-bed biofilm reactor]. (2006)

A sequential anaerobic-aerobic moving-bed biofilm reactor (MBBR) was employed to treat landfill leachate produced from disposal of municipal solid waste. The affecting operation conditions were investigated, and the affecting mechanism was also analyzed. The results showed that the HRT and organic loading rate (OLR) could greatly influence the treat efficiency. When the influent OLR was in the range of 4.01 - 7.87 kg/(m3 x d), the average total COD removal efficiency was 94.2%, and the contribution of anaerobic stage to total COD removal efficiency was 87.95% - 92.76%; while the influent OLR was in the range of 10.23-16.14 kg/(m3 x d), the average total COD removal efficiency was still 92.64%, and the contribution of anaerobic stage to total COD removal efficiency was 79.05% - 86.56%. As long as HRT of aerobic MBBR was longer than 1.25 d, the total HN4+ -N removal efficiency was persistently more than 97%; while the HRT was 0.75 d, the total HN4+ -N removal efficiency was only about 20%. The sequential anaerobic-aerobic MBBR can endure strong loading impact, even though the OLR was sharply increased 4 times and lasted for 24 h; the system could recover the normal treat efficiency in 3 d.
Vaccine instability in the cold chain: Mechanisms, analysis and formulation strategies (2014)

Instability of vaccines often emerges as a key challenge during clinical development (lab to clinic) as well as commercial distribution (factory to patient). To yield stable, efficacious vaccine dosage forms for human use, successful formulation strategies must address a combination of interrelated topics including stabilization of antigens, selection of appropriate adjuvants, and development of stability-indicating analytical methods. This review covers key concepts in understanding the causes and mechanisms of vaccine instability including (1) the complex and delicate nature of antigen structures (e.g., viruses, proteins, carbohydrates, protein-carbohydrate conjugates, etc.), (2) use of adjuvants to further enhance immune responses, (3) development of physicochemical and biological assays to assess vaccine integrity and potency, and (4) stabilization strategies to protect vaccine antigens and adjuvants (and their interactions) during storage. Despite these challenges, vaccines can usually be sufficiently stabilized for use as medicines through a combination of formulation approaches combined with maintenance of an efficient cold chain (manufacturing, distribution, storage and administration). Several illustrative case studies are described regarding mechanisms of vaccine instability along with formulation approaches for stabilization within the vaccine cold chain. These include live, attenuated (measles, polio) and inactivated (influenza, polio) viral vaccines as well as recombinant protein (hepatitis B) vaccines.
Pharmacogenomic Analysis of Cytogenetic Response in Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Patients Treated with Imatinib (2004)

Interestingly, many of the genes identified appear to be strongly related to reported mechanisms of BCR-ABL transformation and warrant additional research as potential drug targets. The validity and clinical implications of these results should be explored in future studies.
Prognostic significance of tumor/stromal caveolin‐1 expression in breast cancer patients (2011)

Caveolin-1 (Cav-1) has been extensively characterized in cancer biological research. However, the role of Cav-1 in the interaction between tumor and stromal cells remains unclear. In the present study, we examined Cav-1 expression in tumor cells and stromal cells in breast cancer tissue by immunohistochemical analysis and evaluated its prognostic value in a training cohort. Immunohistochemical analysis of Cav-1 expression was scored as (++), (+) or (-) according to the proportion of positively stained tumor cells (T) and stromal cells (S). Correlation analysis between tumor/stromal Cav-1 expression and clinicopathological parameters revealed that only T(++) Cav-1 status was positively associated with tumor size and histological nodal status (P = 0.019 and 0.021, respectively). Univariate analysis revealed that combined T(++)/S(-) status was significantly correlated with unfavorable prognostic outcomes (P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis demonstrated that this combined status is an independent prognostic factor for primary breast cancer (P = 0.002). Clinical outcomes in different subgroups of breast cancer patients were also strictly dependent on this combined status (P < 0.05). The prognostic value of T(++)/S(-) Cav-1 status was also validated in the testing cohort. Collectively, our data indicate that high Cav-1 expression in tumor cells and lack of this expression in stromal cells could help identify a particular subgroup of breast cancer patients with potentially poor survival. Further studies are required to understand the regulatory mechanism of Cav-1 in the tumor microenvironment.
Aldose Reductase Inhibition Prevents Endotoxin-Induced Uveitis in Rats (2007)

The results indicate that AR inhibition suppresses the inflammation in EIU by blocking the expression and release of inflammatory markers in ocular tissues, along with the attenuation of NF-kappaB activation. This finding suggests that AR inhibition could be a novel therapeutic target for the treatment of uveitis and associated ocular inflammation.
Unique Properties of Polyphenol Stilbenes in the Brain: More than Direct Antioxidant Actions; Gene/Protein Regulatory Activity (2005)

The 'French Paradox' has been typically associated with moderate consumption of wine, especially red wine. A polyphenol 3,4',5-trihydroxy-trans-stilbene (a member of the non-flavonoids family), better known as resveratrol, has been purported to have many health benefits. A number of these valuable properties have been attributed to its intrinsic antioxidant capabilities, although the potential level of resveratrol in the circulation is likely not enough to neutralize free radical scavenging. The brain and the heart are uniquely vulnerable to hypoxic conditions and oxidative stress injuries. Recently, evidence suggests that resveratrol could act as a signaling molecule within tissues and cells to modulate the expression of genes and proteins. Stimulation of such proteins and enzymes could explain some the intracellular antioxidative properties. The modulation of genes could suffice as an explanation of some of resveratrol's cytoprotective actions, as well as its influence on blood flow, cell death, and inflammatory cascades. Resveratrol stimulation of the expression of heme oxygenase is one example. Increased heme oxygenase activity has led to significant protection against models of in vitro and in vivo oxidative stress injury. Resveratrol could provide cellular resistance against insults; although more work is necessary before it is prescribed as a potential prophylactic in models of either acute or chronic conditions, such as stroke, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, Parkinson, Alzheimer, and a variety of age-related vascular disorders.
Prevention of Pneumococcal Disease: Recommendations of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) (1997)

This report updates the last recommendations by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) concerning pneumococcal polysaccharide vaccine (MMWR 1989;38:64-8, 73-6). ACIP recommends that the vaccine be used more extensively and administered to all persons in the following groups: a) persons aged > or = 65 years, b) immunocompetent persons aged > or = to 2 years who are at increased risk for illness and death associated with pneumococcal disease because of chronic illness, c) persons aged > or = 2 years with functional or anatomic asplenia, d) persons aged > or = 2 years living in environments in which the risk for disease is high, and e) immunocompromised persons aged > or = 2 years who are at high risk for infection. This report contains updated information regarding a) antimicrobial resistance among pneumococci, b) vaccine effectiveness and cost-effectiveness, c) indications for vaccination, d) guidelines for revaccination, e) strategies for improving delivery of vaccine, and f) development of pneumococcal conjugate vaccine.
Noninvasive pulse oximetry utilizing skin reflectance photoplethysmography (1988)

The major concern in developing a sensor for reflectance pulse oximetry is the ability to measure large and stable photoplethysmograms from light which is backscattered from the skin. Utilizing a prototype optical reflectance sensor, locally heating the skin is shown to increase the pulsatile component of the reflected photoplethysmograms. Additional improvements to signal-to-noise ratio were achieved by increasing the active area of the photodetector and optimizing the separation distance between the light source and photodetector. The results from a series of in vivo studies to evaluate a prototype skin-reflectance pulse oximeter in humans are presented.< <ETX xmlns:mml="http://www.w3.org/1998/Math/MathML" xmlns:xlink="http://www.w3.org/1999/xlink">&gt;</ETX>
An analytical-numerical method for determining the mechanical response of a condenser microphone (2011)

The paper is based on determining the reaction pressure on the diaphragm of a condenser microphone by integrating numerically the frequency domain Stokes system describing the velocity and the pressure in the air domain beneath the diaphragm. Afterwards, the membrane displacement can be obtained analytically or numerically. The method is general and can be applied to any geometry of the backplate holes, slits, and backchamber. As examples, the method is applied to the Bruel & Kjaer (B&K) 4134 1/2-inch microphone determining the mechanical sensitivity and the mechano-thermal noise for a domain of frequencies and also the displacement field of the membrane for two specified frequencies. These elements compare well with the measured values published in the literature. Also a new design, completely micromachined (including the backvolume) of the B&K micro-electro-mechanical systems (MEM) 1/4-inch measurement microphone is proposed. It is shown that its mechanical performances are very similar to those of the B&K MEMS measurement microphone.
Milestones in Parkinson's disease therapeutics (2011)

In the mid-1980s, the treatment of Parkinson's disease was quite exclusively centered on dopatherapy and was focusing on dopamine systems and motor symptoms. A few dopamine agonists and a monoamine oxidase B inhibitor (selegiline) were used as adjuncts in advanced Parkinson's disease. In the early 2010s, levodopa remains the gold standard. New insights into the organization of the basal ganglia paved the way for deep brain stimulation, especially of the subthalamic nucleus, providing spectacular improvement of drug-refractory levodopa-induced motor complications. Novel dopamine agonists (pramipexole, ropinirole, rotigotine), catecholmethyltransferase inhibitors (entacapone), and monoamine oxidase B inhibitors (rasagiline) have also been developed to provide more continuous oral delivery of dopaminergic stimulation in order to improve motor outcomes. Using dopamine agonists early, before levodopa, proved to delay the onset of dyskinesia, although this is achieved at the price of potentially disabling daytime somnolence or impulse control disorders. The demonstration of an antidyskinetic effect of the glutamate antagonist amantadine opened the door for novel nondopaminergic approaches of Parkinson's disease therapy. More recently, nonmotor symptoms (depression, dementia, and psychosis) have been the focus of the first randomized controlled trials in this field. Despite therapeutic advances, Parkinson's disease continues to be a relentlessly progressive disorder leading to severe disability. Neuroprotective interventions able to modify the progression of Parkinson's disease have stood out as a failed therapeutic goal over the last 2 decades, despite potentially encouraging results with compounds like rasagiline. Newer molecular targets, new animal models, novel clinical trial designs, and biomarkers to assess disease modification have created hope for future therapeutic interventions.