Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
RUNX1 targeted therapy for AML expressing somatic or germline mutation in RUNX1.

RUNX1 transcription factor regulates normal and malignant hematopoiesis. Somatic or germline mutant (mt) RUNX1 is associated with poorer outcome in AML. Knockdown or inhibition of RUNX1 induced more apoptosis of AML expressing mutant versus wild-type (wt) RUNX1, and improved survival of mice engrafted with mtRUNX1-expressing AML. CRISPR/Cas9-mediated editing out of RUNX1 enhancer (eR1) within its intragenic super-enhancer, or BET protein BRD4 depletion by shRNA, repressed RUNX1, inhibited cell growth and induced cell lethality in AML cells expressing mtRUNX1. Moreover, treatment with BET protein inhibitor (BETi) or degrader (BET-PROTAC) repressed RUNX1 and its targets, inducing apoptosis, and improving survival of mice engrafted with AML expressing mtRUNX1. LINCS1000-CMap datasets queried with mRNA signature of RUNX1 knockdown identified novel expression-mimickers (EMs), which repressed RUNX1 and exerted in vitro and in vivo efficacy against AML cells expressing mtRUNX1. Additionally, the EMs cinobufagin, anisomycin and narciclasine induced more lethality in hematopoietic progenitor cells (HPCs) expressing germ-line mtRUNX1 from patients with AML as compared to HPCs from patients with Familial Platelet Disorder (FPD), or normal untransformed HPCs. These findings highlight novel therapeutic agents for AML expressing somatic or germline mtRUNX1.
Biocontrol of Ralstonia solanacearum by Treatment with Lytic Bacteriophages

ABSTRACT Ralstonia solanacearum is a Gram-negative bacterium and the causative agent of bacterial wilt in many important crops. We treated R. solanacearum with three lytic phages: φRSA1, φRSB1, and φRSL1. Infection with φRSA1 and φRSB1, either alone or in combination with the other phages, resulted in a rapid decrease in the host bacterial cell density. Cells that were resistant to infection by these phages became evident approximately 30 h after phage addition to the culture. On the other hand, cells infected solely with φRSL1 in a batch culture were maintained at a lower cell density (1/3 of control) over a long period. Pretreatment of tomato seedlings with φRSL1 drastically limited penetration, growth, and movement of root-inoculated bacterial cells. All φRSL1-treated tomato plants showed no symptoms of wilting during the experimental period, whereas all untreated plants had wilted by 18 days postinfection. φRSL1 was shown to be relatively stable in soil, especially at higher temperatures (37 to 50°C). Active φRSL1 particles were recovered from the roots of treated plants and from soil 4 months postinfection. Based on these observations, we propose an alternative biocontrol method using a unique phage, such as φRSL1, instead of a phage cocktail with highly virulent phages. Using this method, φRSL1 killed some but not all bacterial cells. The coexistence of bacterial cells and the phage resulted in effective prevention of wilting.
A global blended tropopause based on ERA data. Part II: Trends and tropical broadening

A new tropopause definition involving a flow‐dependent blending of the traditional thermal tropopause with one based on potential vorticity has been developed and applied to the European Centre for Medium‐Range Weather Forecasts (ECMWF) reanalyses (ERA), ERA‐40 and ERA‐Interim. Global and regional trends in tropopause characteristics for annual and solsticial seasonal means are presented here, with emphasis on significant results for the newer ERA‐Interim data for 1989–2007. The global‐mean tropopause is rising at a rate of 47 m per decade, with pressure falling at 1.0 hPa per decade and temperature falling at 0.18 K per decade. The Antarctic tropopause shows decreasing heights, warming and increasing westerly winds. The Arctic tropopause also shows a warming, but with decreasing westerly winds. In the Tropics the trends are small, but at the latitudes of the subtropical jets they are almost double the global values. It is found that these changes are mainly concentrated in the eastern hemisphere. Previous and new metrics for the rate of broadening of the Tropics, based on both height and wind, give trends in the range 0.9–2.2° per decade. For ERA‐40 the global height and pressure trends for the period 1979–2001 are similar: 39 m per decade and −0.8 hPa per decade. These values are smaller than those found from the thermal tropopause definition with this dataset, as was used in most previous studies. Copyright © 2011 Royal Meteorological Society
Comparison of Chromogenic Media to BD GeneOhm Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) PCR for Detection of MRSA in Nasal Swabs

ABSTRACT To select a method for detecting methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) in nasal swabs, we compared BD GeneOhm MRSA PCR and various culture media (mannitol salt agar with cefoxitin, MRSASelect, CHROMagar MRSA, and Spectra MRSA). While PCR detection of MRSA was more rapid, MRSASelect and Spectra MRSA demonstrated performance equivalent to that of PCR with maximal detection at 24 h.
Plasmonics-based detection of H2 and CO: discrimination between reducing gases facilitated by material control

Monitoring emissions in high-temperature-combustion applications is very important for regulating the discharge of gases such as NO2 and CO as well as unburnt fuel into the environment. This work reports the detection of H2 and CO gases by employing a metal–metal oxide nanocomposite (gold–yttria stabilized zirconia (Au–YSZ)) film fabricated through layer-by-layer physical vapor deposition (PVD). The change in the peak position of the localized surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) was monitored as a function of time and gas concentration. The responses of the films were preferential towards H2, as observed from the results of exposing the films to the gases at temperatures of 500 °C in a background of dry air. Characterization of the samples by XRD and SEM enabled the correlation of material properties with the differences in the CO- and H2-induced LSPR peak shifts, including the relative desensitization towards NO2. Sensing characteristics of films with varying support thicknesses and metal-particle diameters have been studied, and the results are presented. A comparison has been made to films fabricated through co-sputtered PVD, and the calibration curves of the sensing response show a preferential response towards H2. The distinction between H2 and CO responses is also seen through the use of principal-component analysis (PCA). Such material arrangements, which can be tuned for their selectivity by changing certain parameters such as particle size, support thickness, etc., have direct applications within optical chemical sensors for turbine engines, solid-oxide fuel cells, and other high-temperature applications.
Nutritional Determinants of Bone Health

ABSTRACT Osteoporosis is a major public health problem. The aging population will require vigilant prevention, education, and treatment to maintain bone density and reduce the risk of fractures and falls. Nutritional requirements of elderly persons can have a profound effect on bone health. Calcium, vitamin D, and protein are vital nutrients for optimal bone health. Adequate calcium is essential for bone maintenance. Vitamin D research shows a link between reduced falls and fractures. Related macro- and micronutrients play an important role in bone mass integrity and quality. Adequate nutrition for older adults needs to be encouraged to promote and maintain bone health.
Cilostazol Inhibits Oxidative Stress–Induced Premature Senescence Via Upregulation of Sirt1 in Human Endothelial Cells

Objective—Cilostazol, a selective inhibitor of PDE3, has a protective effect on endothelium after ischemic vascular damage, through production of nitric oxide (NO). The purpose of the present study was to clarify the molecular mechanisms underlying the preventive effect of treatment with cilostazol on oxidative stress–induced premature senescence in human endothelial cells. Methods and Results—Prematurely senescent human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs) were induced by treatment with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) as judged by senescence-associated &bgr;-galactosidase assay (SA-&bgr;gal), cell morphological appearance, and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 (PAI-1) expression. Treatment with H2O2 caused 93% of the cells to be SA-&bgr;gal positive, whereas 46% of cilostazol (100 &mgr;mol/L)-treated cells were positive. HUVECs treated with other cAMP-elevating agents and DETA-NO showed a reduction of SA-&bgr;gal–positive cells as well. Cilostazol increased phosphorylation of Akt at Ser473 and of endothelial nitric oxide synthase (eNOS) at Ser1177, with a dose-dependent increase in Sirt1 expression. Moreover, the effect of cilostazol on premature senescence was abrogated through inhibition of Sirt1. Conclusions—Our results indicated that cilostazol exerted protective effects against endothelial senescence and dysfunction, and enhancement of NO production is a key mediator in upregulation of Sirt1.
Rapid Diagnosis of Bacteremic Pneumococcal Infections in Adults by Using the Binax NOW Streptococcus pneumoniae Urinary Antigen Test: a Prospective, Controlled Clinical Evaluation

ABSTRACT The diagnosis of severe pneumococcal infections is inadequate, relying heavily on culture of Streptococcus pneumoniae from blood or other normally sterile fluids, and is severely limited by prior administration of antibiotics. We evaluated prospectively the Binax NOW S. pneumoniae urinary antigen test, a rapid immunochromatographic assay, for the diagnosis of bacteremic pneumococcal infections in hospitalized adult patients. Antigen was detected in 88 of 107 cases overall, resulting in a test sensitivity of 82% (95% confidence interval [95% CI], 74 to 89%). Antigen detection was greater in those with pneumonia (67 of 77 [87%]) than in those without pneumonia (21 of 30 [70%]) (P = 0.04). Urinary antigen was also detected in 3 of 106 adult patients with community-acquired septicemic infections caused by other organisms, giving a test specificity of 97% (95% CI, 92 to 99%). For 45 pneumococcal bacteremia patients with a positive test on treatment day 1, urinary antigen excretion was monitored for the first week of antibiotic treatment. Antigen was still detectable in 83% (29 of 35 tested; 95% CI, 66 to 93%) on treatment day 3. Detection of urinary antigen is a valuable, sensitive, and rapid test for the early diagnosis of bacteremic pneumococcal infections in adult patients, even after antibiotic treatment has commenced.
Recognition of the ‘early’ Sambagawa metamorphism and a schematic cross-section of the Late-Cretaceous Sambagawa subduction zone

Recent petrological studies on the Sambagawa metamorphic belt in Shikoku have recognized that the coarse-grained eclogite-bearing lithologies (so-called ‘tectonic blocks’ in earlier studies) in the Besshi area exclusively preserve evidence for the ‘early’ Sambagawa metamorphism, which can be related to onset of the Sambagawa subduction system during Early Cretaceous (c.116Ma). Geological mapping and associated multidisciplinary studies on the regional (spatially widespread) Sambagawa metamorphism (both the eclogite-facies and main metamorphisms) have revealed the tectonic framework of the Late-Cretaceous Sambagawa subduction zone as follows: (i) a spreading ridge was approaching close to the trench; (ii) the subducting slab was coupled with the convective mantle at depth of >65 km; (iii) thickness of the hanging-wall continental crust was 30-35 km; and (iv) the forearc mantle wedge (30-65 km depth) was largely serpentinized. These features allow us to draw a semi-quantitative cross-section of the Sambagawa subduction zone at around 89-85Ma, implying that boundary conditions for thermo-mechanical modeling aiming to simulate exhumation of high-P/T metamorphic rocks are now well constrained. It has also become clear that ultramafic blocks dispersed in the higher-grade part of the Sambagawa belt were derived from the mantle wedge, i.e. the corresponding part of the belt has been re-evaluated as a ‘fossil subduction boundary’ of a relatively warm subduction zone. Field-based petrological studies in the Sambagawa belt can, therefore, have potential to provide invaluable information on material behaviors at the slab-mantle wedge interface including domains of episodic tremor and slip (ETS) in presentday warm subduction zones.
Quantum Dot Probes for Monitoring Dynamic Cellular Response: Reporters of T Cell Activation

Antibody-conjugated quantum dots (QDs) have been used to map the expression dynamics of the cytokine receptor interleukin-2 receptor-alpha (IL-2Ralpha) following Jurkat T cell activation. Maximal receptor expression was observed 48 h after activation, followed by a sharp decrease consistent with IL-2R internalization subsequent to IL-2 engagement. Verification of T cell activation and specificity of QD labeling were demonstrated using fluorescence microscopy, ELISA, and FACS analyses. These antibody conjugates provide a versatile means to rapidly determine cell state and interrogate membrane associated proteins involved in cell signaling pathways. Ultimately, incorporation with a microfluidic platform capable of simultaneously monitoring several cell signaling pathways will aid in toxin detection and discrimination
PR92 antigen in human prostate fluid: Elevated levels in prostate cancer

In this preliminary study, we report that an enzyme‐linked immunofluorescence assay (EFLA) was developed for the determination of PR92 antigen in prostatic fluid, utilizing anti‐PR92 monoclonal antibody. Fluid samples from 64 patients were assayed. PR92 antigen was expressed as unit per microgram (U/μg) of prostatic fluid proteins. One hundred percent of men (7 out of 7) less than 50 years of age demonstrated concentrations less than 25 U/μg; 91% of men (10 out of 11) with documented carcinoma, and only 9.5% of men (2 out of 21) with benign prostatic hyperplasia, demonstrated concentrations above 230 U/μg. The mean concentration of PR92 antigen in prostatic fluid of a group of patients suspected of having prostate cancer (high‐risk group; 227 ± 42 U/μg) was significantly greater than that of those with benign prostatic hyperplasia (87 ± 23 U/μg; P = 0.05). Further evaluation of this potential marker and of other antigens within the prostatic fluid is warranted. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A review of the effectiveness of psychological interventions used for anxiety and depression in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

Background Anxiety and depression are recognised co-morbidities associated with COPD and have been related to poor health outcomes. Therapies to relieve anxiety and depression are currently not detailed in clinical guidelines. Methods A systematic review of psychological interventions for anxiety and depression in adults with COPD was conducted. Meta-analysis utilising the random effects model was undertaken for 4 studies that employed the same psychological intervention type, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT). Results Seven studies met the inclusion criteria. Four studies used CBT. Included studies utilised psychotherapy, uncertainty management and minimal psychological therapy. 70% of participants were male. Many studies had poor methodological quality. The meta-analysis showed a small decrease in symptoms for both anxiety (SMD −0.49, 95% CI −1.04, 0.06, P=0.08, n=193) and depression (SMD −0.37, 95% CI −0.86, 0.11, P=0.13, n=193). No change occurred when sensitivity analyses were conducted. Conclusion Anxiety and depression in COPD patients are known to impact on health outcomes. Effective psychological interventions such as CBT may assist people with COPD in reducing psychological burden. There remains a need for well-designed studies to provide substantive evidence for the use of psychological interventions in this patient population.
Pathogen biology Dispersing hemipteran vectors have reduced arbovirus prevalence

A challenge in managing vector-borne zoonotic diseases in human and wildlife populations is predicting where epidemics or epizootics are likely to occur, and this requires knowing in part the likelihood of infected insect vectors dispersing pathogens from existing infection foci to novel areas. We measured prevalence of an arbovirus, Buggy Creek virus, in dispersing and resident individuals of its exclusive vector, the ectoparasitic swallow bug (Oeciacus vicarius), that occupies cliff swallow (Petrochelidon pyrrhonota) colonies inwestern Nebraska. Bugs colonizing new colony sites and immigrating into established colonies by clinging to the swallows’ legs and feet had significantly lower virus prevalence than bugs in established colonies and those that were clustering in established colonies before dispersing. The reduced likelihood of infected bugs dispersing to new colony sites indicates that even heavily infected sites may not always export virus to nearby foci at a high rate. Infected arthropods should not be assumed to exhibit the same dispersal or movement behaviour as uninfected individuals, and these differences in dispersal should perhaps be considered in the epidemiologyof vectorborne pathogens such as arboviruses.
New insights into epididymal biology and function.

BACKGROUND The epididymis performs an important role in the maturation of spermatozoa including their acquisition of progressive motility and fertilizing ability. However, the molecular mechanisms that govern these maturational events are still poorly defined. This review focuses on recent progress in our understanding of epididymal function including its development, role of the luminal microenvironment in sperm maturation, regulation and novel mechanisms the epididymis utilizes to carry out some of its functions. METHODS A systematic search of Pubmed was carried out using the search term 'epididymis'. Articles that were published in the English language until the end of August 2008 and that focused on the specific topics described above were included. Additional papers cited in the primary reference were also included. RESULTS While the majority of these findings were the result of studies in animal models, recent studies in the human epididymis are also presented including gene profiling studies to examine regionalized expression in normal epididymides as well as in those from vasectomized patients. CONCLUSIONS Significant progress has been made in our understanding of epididymal function providing new insights that ultimately could improve human health. The data also indicate that the human epididymis plays an important role in sperm maturation but has unique properties compared with animal models.
Cosmological Evolution of the Hard X-Ray Active Galactic Nucleus Luminosity Function and the Origin of the Hard X-Ray Background

We investigate the cosmological evolution of the hard X-ray luminosity function (HXLF) of active galactic nuclei (AGNs) in the 2-10 keV luminosity range of 1041.5-1046.5 ergs s-1 as a function of redshift up to 3. From a combination of surveys conducted at photon energies above 2 keV with HEAO 1, ASCA, and Chandra, we construct a highly complete (>96%) sample consisting of 247 AGNs over the wide flux range of 10-10 to 3.8 × 10-15 ergs cm-2 s-1 (2-10 keV). For our purpose, we develop an extensive method of calculating the intrinsic (before absorption) HXLF and the absorption (NH) function. This utilizes the maximum likelihood method, fully correcting for observational biases with consideration of the X-ray spectrum of each source. We find that (1) the fraction of X-ray absorbed AGNs decreases with the intrinsic luminosity and (2) the evolution of the HXLF of all AGNs (including both type I and type II AGNs) is best described with a luminosity-dependent density evolution (LDDE) where the cutoff redshift increases with the luminosity. Our results directly constrain the evolution of AGNs that produce a major part of the hard X-ray background, thus solving its origin quantitatively. A combination of the HXLF and the NH function enables us to construct a purely "observation-based" population synthesis model. We present basic consequences of this model and discuss the contribution of Compton-thick AGNs to the rest of the hard X-ray background.
Laparoscopic adrenalectomy: a single-center experience of 43 cases.

PURPOSE To evaluate the surgical feasibility of laparoscopic adrenalectomy and what laparoscopy offers for the surgeon and the patient. PATIENTS AND METHODS From March 1996 to June 2004, 43 transperitoneal laparoscopic adrenalectomies were performed for various pathological states. Functioning adrenal masses and solid masses>5 cm were the most common indications. The mean size of the masses on abdominal CT was 6.8 cm in the largest diameter. All patients were assessed regarding the operative time, blood loss, complications, and conversion to open surgery. The postoperative course was reported with special attention to the complications and hospital stay. RESULTS The mean operative time was 125 minutes with a mean blood loss of 60 mL. Intraoperative complications occurred in 3 cases (6.9%), necessitating conversion to open surgery in 2 to control bleeding from the avulsed right adrenal vein. A third case of conversion was elective because of difficult dissection of a large left pheochromocytoma from the renal hilum, so there was a 6.9% rate of conversion to open surgery. All patients showed early ambulation, early start of eating, and a short hospital stay (mean 2.6 days). CONCLUSION Laparoscopic adrenalectomy is surgically feasible and can be applied for different adrenal pathologies. The procedure can be performed with a reasonable operative time, minimal blood loss, and an acceptable rate of complications. Laparoscopic adrenalectomy provides excellent postoperative recovery and convalescence with a short hospital stay.
Characterization of Solid Waste Incinerator Bottom Ash and the Potential for its Use

This paper evaluates the properties of incinerator bottom ash from Kano Municipal solid waste to see what uses the material could be put to after incineration. The properties of the material make it suitable for use as fills, low cost road subgrades and sub-bases. The incinerator bottom ash was found to have specific gravity values ranging from 1.86 to 2.37, moderate alkalinity (P H 9.90 – 10.45), organic content values between 5.07 to 10.0 and contained silicon, calcium and heavy metals such as zinc, lead, copper and manganese. It can possibly be classified as a well graded material using unified soil classification system, a nonplastic material close to A – 3 soils in AASTHO. Bottom ash exhibits similar characteristics to dense sand when compacted to maximum dry density, values obtained lies in range of 1.57 to 1.75g/m 3 . It is a free draining material with coefficient of permeability up to 6.33 x 10 -4 m/s which is quite comparable to that of sand. It is a fairly stable and durable material with shear strength parameters (Angle of internal friction 17 0 to 25 0 , cohesion 2.55 – 10.30KN/m 2 ). Its C. B. R values up to 70% makes it a possible substitute aggregate in paving application and in modification of other soils to improve their qualities. It is suggested that MSWI bottom ash could be used as an alternative material for low cost road construction such as fills, sub grades and sub-bases