Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Rapid induction of the intrinsic apoptotic pathway by L‐glutamine starvation

While the amino acid L‐glutamine is known to play a role in the survival of several cell types, the underlying molecular mechanisms are still poorly defined. We show in this report that L‐glutamine starvation rapidly triggered apoptosis in Sp2/0‐Ag14 hybridoma cells. This process involved the activation of both caspases‐9 and ‐3, suggesting that L‐glutamine deprivation initiated an intrinsic apoptotic pathway in Sp2/0‐Ag14 cells. Supporting this idea, the cytosolic release of the mitochondrial proteins SMAC/DIABLO and cytochrome c (Cyt c) was observed, with an initial limited leakage occurring during the first 30 min of L‐glutamine deprivation, followed by a greater release after 60 min. The latter occurred simultaneously with the translocation of the pro‐apoptotic protein Bax to the mitochondria. Finally, a decline in XIAP levels and the activation of caspases‐3 and ‐9 were observed. Thus, L‐glutamine deprivation of Sp2/0‐Ag14 cells rapidly triggers intracellular events, which target the mitochondria, leading to the cytosolic release of apoptogenic factors, the activation of caspases‐9 and ‐3, and the commitment to the death program. This work introduces the Sp2/0Ag14 hybridoma as a unique model for the study of the molecular events underlying the pro‐survival function of L‐glutamine. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Evaluation of formocresol, calcium hydroxide, ferric sulfate, and MTA primary molar pulpotomies

Objective: The aim of this study is to evaluate four different pulpotomy medicaments in primary molars. Materials and Methods: A total of 147 primary molars with deep caries were treated with four different pulpotomy medicaments (FC: formocresol, FS: ferric sulfate, CH: calcium hydroxide, and MTA: mineral trioxide aggregate) in this study. The criteria for tooth selection for inclusion were no clinical and radiographic evidence of pulp pathology. During 30 months of follow-up at 6-month intervals, clinical and radiographic success and failures were recorded. The differences between the groups were statistically analyzed using the Chi-square test and Kaplan-Meier analysis. Results: At 30 months, clinical success rates were 100%, 95.2%, 96.4%, and 85% in the FC, FS, MTA, and CH groups, respectively. In radiographic analysis, the MTA group had the highest (96.4%), and the CH group had the lowest success rate (85%). There were no clinical and radiographic differences between materials (P > 0.05). Conclusions: Although there were no differences between materials, only in the CH group did three teeth require extraction due to further clinical symptoms of radiographic failures during the 30-month follow-up period. None of the failed teeth in the other groups required extraction during the 30-month follow-up period.
A first course in computing with applications to biology

We believe that undergraduate biology students must acquire a foundational background in computing including how to formulate a computational problem; develop an algorithmic solution; implement their solution in software and then test, document and use their code to explore biological phenomena. Moreover, by learning these skills in the first year, students acquire a powerful tool set that they can use and build on throughout their studies. To address this need, we have developed a first-year undergraduate course that teaches students the foundations of computational thinking and programming in the context of problems in biology. This article describes the structure and content of the course and summarizes assessment data on both affective and learning outcomes.
Cervical muscle strength measurement in two groups of elite Greco-Roman and free style wrestlers and a group of non-athletic subjects

Background: Free style and Greco-Roman are two types of wrestling. Objectives: The aim of this study was to examine the maximal isometric strength of cervical extension (ISCE) and the maximal isometric strength of cervical flexion (ISCF) in two groups of elite wrestlers and a group of non-athletic subjects. Methods: Fourteen elite Greco-Roman wrestlers (aged 19–25 years), 16 elite free style wrestlers (aged 18–25 years), and 16 non-athletic subjects (aged 18–25 years) participated in this study. All wrestlers competed at international level with the Iranian national team. Maximum voluntary contractions (MVC) of cervical extensor and flexor muscles were measured using a custom made device. The ratios of ISCE to weight (ISCE/weight), ISCF to weight (ISCF/weight), and ISCF to ISCE (ISCF/ISCE) were calculated for group comparisons. Pearson product moment test was used to estimate correlation between maximal isometric strength measurements and anthropometric variables. A one way analysis of variance was computed to compare ISCE/weight, ISCF/weight, and ISCF/ISCE among groups. Results: There was significant correlation between maximum cervical extension and flexion strengths and weight in all groups (p<0.05, n = 46). The ratios of cervical muscle strengths to weight were significantly higher in wrestlers than in non-athletic subjects (p<0.00). Greco-Roman wrestlers appeared to be stronger than free style wrestlers following comparison of all ratios. Conclusions: Neck muscle force measurements may be a useful test for athletes in combat sports like wrestling. They can be applied to identify the weakness of a group of muscles in the neck area and to devise a proper training program.
Myocardial infarction redefined: the new ACC/ESC definition, based on cardiac troponin, increases the apparent incidence of infarction

Objectives: To investigate the impact of the redefinition of the diagnostic criteria for myocardial infarction on its apparent incidence in a non-selected and representative series of patients admitted with acute chest pain. Design: Single centre prospective study. Setting: Medical assessment unit and cardiology wards of an inner city university hospital. Patients: 80 consecutive patients aged over 25 years admitted with suspected ischaemic acute chest pain (excluding those where the ECG indicated definite myocardial infarction). Interventions: Measurement of concentrations of conventional cardiac biomarkers (creatine kinase and its MB isoenzyme, CK-MB) and concentrations of the highly specific diagnostic indicator of myocardial damage, cardiac troponin I (cTnI) 12–24 hours after the onset of acute chest pain. Main outcome measures: Frequency of myocardial infarction as assessed by conventional diagnostic criteria (creatine kinase and CK-MB) plus clinical symptoms of infarction, versus frequency of infarction based on high sensitivity troponin assays. Results: Among patients with acute coronary syndromes but non-diagnostic ECG changes, 40% (32/80) fulfilled the new criteria for myocardial infarction using high sensitivity cTnI measurement, compared with 29% (23/80) using the conventional diagnostic criteria for myocardial infarction. Conclusions: The implications of the redefinition of myocardial infarction on patients, their care, and the use of health care resources are substantial.
Expression of insulin-like growth factor 2 receptor in corneal keratocytes during differentiation and in response to wound healing.

PURPOSE Insulin-like growth factor 2 receptor (IGF2R) associates with ligands that influence wound healing outcomes. However, the expression pattern of IGF2R and its role in the cornea is unknown. METHODS Human keratocytes were isolated from donor corneas. Fibroblasts (fibroblast growth factor 2 [FGF2]-treated) or myofibroblasts (TGF-β1-treated) were analyzed for IGF2R and α-smooth muscle actin (α-SMA) expression by Western blotting and immunolocalization. Mouse corneas were wounded in vivo and porcine corneas ex vivo. The IGF2R and α-SMA protein expression were visualized and quantified by immunohistochemistry. The IGF2R gene expression in human corneal fibroblasts was knocked-down with targeted lentiviral shRNA. RESULTS The IGF2R is expressed in epithelial and stromal cells of normal human, mouse, and porcine corneas. The IGF2R increases (11.2 ± 0.4-fold) in the epithelial and (11.7 ± 0.9-fold) stromal layers of in vivo wounded mouse corneas. Double-staining with α-SMA- and IGF2R-specific antibodies reveals that IGF2R protein expression is increased in stromal myofibroblasts in the wounded cornea relative to keratocytes in the normal cornea (11.2 ± 0.8-fold). Human primary stromal keratocytes incubated with FGF2 or TGF-β1 in vitro demonstrate increased expression (2.0 ± 0.4-fold) of IGF2R in myofibroblasts relative to fibroblasts. Conversion of IGF2R shRNA-lentiviral particle transduced corneal fibroblasts to myofibroblasts reveals a dependence on IGF2R expression, as only 40% ± 10% of cells transduced converted to myofibroblasts compared to 86% ± 3% in control cells. CONCLUSIONS The IGF2R protein expression is increased during corneal wound healing and IGF2R regulates human corneal fibroblast to myofibroblast differentiation.
Behaviour of Non-Donor Specific Antibodies during Rapid Re-Synthesis of Donor Specific HLA Antibodies after Antibody Incompatible Renal Transplantation

Background HLA directed antibodies play an important role in acute and chronic allograft rejection. During viral infection of a patient with HLA antibodies, the HLA antibody levels may rise even though there is no new immunization with antigen. However it is not known whether the converse occurs, and whether changes on non-donor specific antibodies are associated with any outcomes following HLA antibody incompatible renal transplantation. Methods 55 patients, 31 women and 24 men, who underwent HLAi renal transplant in our center from September 2005 to September 2010 were included in the studies. We analysed the data using two different approaches, based on; i) DSA levels and ii) rejection episode post transplant. HLA antibody levels were measured during the early post transplant period and corresponding CMV, VZV and Anti-HBs IgG antibody levels and blood group IgG, IgM and IgA antibodies were quantified. Results Despite a significant DSA antibody rise no significant non-donor specific HLA antibody, viral or blood group antibody rise was found. In rejection episode analyses, multiple logistic regression modelling showed that change in the DSA was significantly associated with rejection (p = 0.002), even when adjusted for other antibody levels. No other antibody levels were predictive of rejection. Increase in DSA from pre treatment to a post transplant peak of 1000 was equivalent to an increased chance of rejection with an odds ratio of 1.47 (1.08, 2.00). Conclusion In spite of increases or decreases in the DSA levels, there were no changes in the viral or the blood group antibodies in these patients. Thus the DSA rise is specific in contrast to the viral, blood group or third party antibodies post transplantation. Increases in the DSA post transplant in comparison to pre-treatment are strongly associated with occurrence of rejection.
Sclerosing Epithelioid Fibrosarcoma – A Rare Sacral Lesion and Literature Review

Sclerosing epithelioid fibrosarcoma (SEF) is a singular entity, recognized as malignant fibroblastic sarcoma variant, which deviates from classic type due to the indolent progression and late metastasis. Typically occurring in middle aged adults, it presents a predilection for deep soft tissues, particularly skeletal muscle. It often involves the fascia or periosteum, and less frequently it may invade or arise from bone. Diagnosis and recognition are critical, as the generally bland appearance or when intraosseous similarity with an osteoid lesion, can lead to misdiagnosis. We herein present a case showing an unusual location and challenging radiological morphological and surgical features.
Influence of cold rolling on the corrosion resistance of austenitic steel

Purpose: The paper analyzes the effects of plastic deformation in cold working process on the corrosion resistance, micro-hardness and mechanical properties of austenitic stainless steel X5CrNi18-10. Design/methodology/approach: Corrosion resistance of X5CrNi18-10 steel was examined using weight and potentiodynamic methods. In the weight method, the specimens were immersed in the prepared solution for 87 days. The evaluation of the corrosion behaviour of investigated steel in the potentiodynamic method was realized by registering of anodic polarization curves. The VoltaLab® PGP 201 system for electrochemical tests was applied. The tests were carried out at room temperature in electrolyte simulating artificial sea water (3.5% NaCl). Registering of anodic polarization curves was conducted at the potential rate equal to 1 mV/s. As the reference electrode the saturated calomel electrode (SCE) was applied, the auxiliary electrode was platinum electrode. Mechanical properties were evaluated on the basis of the static tensile and Vickers micro-hardness test. The observations of the surface morphology after corrosive tests were carried out using Scanning Electron Microscope SUPRATM25. Findings: According to the results of potentiodynamic analyses it was found that plastic deformation in a cold working of austenitic steel grade X5CrNi18-10 affected to lower its corrosion resistance in 3.5% NaCl solution, what has an essential meaning in industrial applications of this group of materials. Research limitations/implications: The microscope observations of the surface samples subjected to corrosion resistance test in 3.5% NaCl solution permitted to evaluate types and the rate of corrosion damages. Practical implications: The obtained results can be used for searching the appropriate way of improving the corrosion resistance of a special group of steels. Originality/value: The corrosion behaviour in chloride solution of a Cr-Ni austenitic stainless steel was
CT-guided tube pericardiostomy: a safe and effective technique in the management of postsurgical pericardial effusion.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to analyze the efficacy and examine the competitive cost of CT-guided tube pericardiostomy in the management of symptomatic postsurgical pericardial effusion. MATERIALS AND METHODS Over a 4-year period, 36 patients with symptomatic pericardial effusion were treated with CT-guided percutaneous placement of an indwelling pericardial catheter, for a total of 39 CT-guided tube pericardiostomy procedures. Thirty-three patients (92%) had undergone major cardiothoracic surgery, and three patients (8%) had undergone minimally invasive procedures. The medical records were retrospectively reviewed for clinical presentation, surgical history, imaging studies performed, procedural details, fluid characterization, and outcome. Charge comparison was performed with the American Medical Association Current Procedural Terminology codes and information acquired from the billing department at our facility. RESULTS All 39 CT-guided tube pericardiostomy procedures were performed successfully without clinically significant complications. After 33 of the 39 procedures (85%), symptoms did not recur after the catheter was removed. Three of 36 patients (8%) had a recurrence of pericardial effusion. Comparison of procedure charges showed an 89% saving over intraoperative pericardial window procedures and no significant difference compared with ultrasound-guided tube pericardiostomy. Eight patients (21% of procedures) needed pleural drainage procedures, all of which were performed in the CT suite immediately after the tube pericardiostomy procedure. CONCLUSION CT-guided tube pericardiostomy is a safe and effective alternative to surgical drainage in the care of patients with clinically significant pericardial effusion after cardiothoracic surgery and has the additional benefit of substantial cost savings.
Alveolar ridge preservation with guided bone regeneration and a synthetic bone substitute or a bovine-derived xenograft: a randomized, controlled clinical trial.

OBJECTIVES The aim of this randomized, controlled clinical trial was to compare the potential of a synthetic bone substitute or a bovine-derived xenograft combined with a collagen membrane to preserve the alveolar ridge dimensions following tooth extraction. METHODS Twenty-seven patients were randomized into two treatment groups following single tooth extraction in the incisor, canine and premolar area. In the test group, the alveolar socket was grafted with Straumann Bone Ceramic (SBC), while in the control group, Bio-Oss deproteinized bovine bone mineral (DBBM) was applied. In both groups, a collagen barrier was used to cover the grafting material. Complete soft tissue coverage of the barriers was not achieved. After 8 months, during re-entry procedures and before implant placement, the horizontal and vertical dimensions of the residual ridge were re-evaluated and trephine biopsies were performed for histological analysis in all patients. RESULTS Twenty-six patients completed the study. The bucco-lingual dimension of the alveolar ridge decreased by 1.1+/-1 mm in the SBC group and by 2.1+/-1 in the DBBM group (P<0.05). Both materials preserved the mesio-distal bone height of the ridge. No differences in the width of buccal and palatal bone plate were observed between the two groups. The histological analysis showed new bone formation in the apical part of the biopsies, which, in some instances, was in direct contact with both SBC and DBBM particles. The coronal part of the biopsies was occupied by a dense fibrous connective tissue surrounding the SBC and DBBM particles. CONCLUSION Both biomaterials partially preserved the width and the interproximal bone height of the alveolar ridge.
High-Resolution Spectroscopy of [Ne II] Emission from TW Hydrae

We present high-resolution echelle spectra of [Ne II] 12.81 μm emission from the classical T Tauri star (CTTS) TW Hya, obtained with MICHELLE on Gemini North. The line is centered at the stellar radial velocity and has an intrinsic FWHM of 21 ± 4 km s-1. The line width is broader than other narrow emission lines typically associated with the disk around TW Hya. If formed in a disk, the line broadening could result from turbulence in a warm disk atmosphere, Keplerian rotation at an average distance of 0.1 AU from the star, or a photoevaporative flow from the optically thin region of the disk. We place upper limits on the [Ne II] emission flux from the CTTSs DP Tau and BP Tau.
Long term health complaints following the Amsterdam Air Disaster in police officers and fire-fighters

Background: On 4 October 1992, a cargo aircraft crashed into apartment buildings in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. Fire-fighters and police officers assisted with the rescue work. Objectives: To examine the long term health complaints in rescue workers exposed to a disaster. Methods: A historical cohort study was performed among police officers (n = 834) and fire-fighters (n = 334) who performed at least one disaster related task and reference groups of their non-exposed colleagues (n = 634 and n = 194, respectively). The main outcome measures included digestive, cardiovascular, musculoskeletal, nervous system, airway, skin, post-traumatic stress, fatigue, and general mental health complaints; haematological and biochemical laboratory values; and urinalysis outcomes. Results: Police officers and fire-fighters who were professionally exposed to a disaster reported more physical and mental health complaints, compared to the reference groups. No clinically relevant statistically significant differences in laboratory outcomes were found. Conclusions: This study is the first to examine long term health complaints in a large sample of rescue workers exposed to a disaster in comparison to reference groups of non-exposed colleagues. Findings show that even in the long term, and in the absence of laboratory abnormalities, rescue workers report more health complaints.
Improvements in Insulin Sensitivity and Muscle Blood Flow in Aerobic‐Trained Overweight‐Obese Hypertensive Patients Are Not Associated With Ambulatory Blood Pressure

To verify whether there are relationships between vascular and hormonal responses to aerobic training in hypertensive persons, sedentary hypertensive patients were randomized to an aerobic training or a callisthenic exercise group. The patients’ 24‐hour blood pressure, arterial compliance, forearm blood flow, and hormonal profile were evaluated at baseline and after 3‐month training protocols. Mean maximal oxygen consumption (VO2max) increased by 8% in the aerobic group (P<.001), while no change was observed in the control group. There was a decrease in insulin resistance (homeostatic model assessment of insulin resistance, P=.039) and plasma cortisol (P=.006) in the aerobic group only, that also demonstrated an increase in forearm blood flow (P<.001) after training. No relationship was observed between change in blood pressure or change in body mass and other parameters. Aerobic training can promote a decrease in cardiovascular risk in hypertensive adults by improving vascular function and insulin resistance, despite no changes in ambulatory blood pressure after a 3‐month intervention. J Clin Hypertens (Greenwich). 2011;13:89–96. © 2010 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Effect of Embedded Electric Sensor on the Structural Strength of Filament Wound Hybrid Composite

Filament wound composites (FWC) consist of multiple layers of carbon/glass fibres within an epoxy matrix at different angles of orientation to achieve required mechanical properties. The type of hybrid composite and method of fabrication may be tailored to develop a smart pipe with embedded sensors for use in mineral exploration drill pipe applications. Experimental work and numerical simulations were performed in order to understand the effect of the filament angle-ply and how embedded sensors altered the overall mechanical structure strength of the angle-ply composite. Numerical analysis was performed using Hypersizer, to understand the stress distribution on each of the laminated layers, their angles, and the presence of a sensor on the strength of the composite’s structure. The experimental work was carried out to validate the numerical analysis results.Experiments on two specimens are reported in this study, being with and without an embedded sensor. Eight plies were fabricated with the characteristic angle-ply of filament, wound in a rhomboid pattern. Due to the electrical conductivity of carbon fibre, the sensors’ performance was anticipated to deteriorate. Consequently a hybrid structure was designed. Glass fibre was wrapped around the sensors for isolation and the glass fibre, along with the sensors were then embedded in the carbon fibre filament wound structure. The fabricated hybrid specimens were then subjected to simple tensile tests in the lab. The mechanical strength of both specimens, with and without sensors, was compared to determine the effect of embedding the sensor within this hybrid composite.Copyright © 2014 by ASME