Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Isovitexin Exerts Anti-Inflammatory and Anti-Oxidant Activities on Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Acute Lung Injury by Inhibiting MAPK and NF-κB and Activating HO-1/Nrf2 Pathways

Oxidative damage and inflammation are closely associated with the pathogenesis of acute lung injury (ALI). Thus, we explored the protective effect of isovitexin (IV), a glycosylflavonoid, in the context of ALI. To accomplish this, we created in vitro and in vivo models by respectively exposing macrophages to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and using LPS to induce ALI in mice. In vitro, our results showed that IV treatment reduced LPS-induced pro-inflammatory cytokine secretion, iNOS and COX-2 expression and decreased the generation of ROS. Consistent findings were obtained in vivo. Additionally, IV inhibited H2O2-induced cytotoxicity and apoptosis. However, these effects were partially reversed following the use of an HO-1 inhibitor in vitro. Further studies revealed that IV significantly inhibited MAPK phosphorylation, reduced NF-κB nuclear translocation, and upregulated nuclear factor erythroid 2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) and heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1) expression in RAW 264.7 cells. In vivo, pretreatment with IV attenuated histopathological changes, infiltration of polymorphonuclear granulocytes and endothelial activation, decreased the expression of ICAM-1 and VCAM-1, reduced the levels of MPO and MDA, and increased the content of GSH and SOD in ALI. Furthermore, IV treatment effectively increased Nrf2 and HO-1 expression in lung tissues. Therefore, IV may offer a protective role against LPS-induced ALI by inhibiting MAPK and NF-κB and activating HO-1/Nrf2 pathways.
Differential sex effects of systolic blood pressure and low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol on type 2 diabetes: Life course data from the Bogalusa Heart Study

There may be sex‐specific cardiometabolic mechanisms early in life that affect the development of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) through mid‐adulthood. However, few studies have examined whether early life course interactions between cardiometabolic risk factors and sex are associated with incident T2DM.
Prolonged use of heat and moisture exchangers does not affect device efficiency or frequency rate of nosocomial pneumonia

Objective: To determine whether use of a single heat and moisture exchanger (HME) for ≤120 hrs affects efficiency, resistance, level of bacterial colonization, frequency rate of nosocomial pneumonia, and cost compared with changing the HME every 24 hrs. Design: Prospective, controlled, randomized, unblinded study. Setting: Surgical intensive care unit at a university teaching hospital. Patients: A total of 220 consecutive patients requiring mechanical ventilation for >48 hrs. Interventions: Patients were randomized to one of three groups: a) hygroscopic HME (Aqua+) changed every 24 hrs (HHME‐24); b) hydrophobic HME (Duration HME) changed every 120 hrs (HME‐120); and c) hygroscopic HME (Aqua+) changed every 120 hrs (HHME‐120). Devices in all groups could be changed at the discretion of the staff when signs of occlusion or increased resistance were identified. Measurements and Main Results: Daily measurements of inspired gas temperature, inspired relative humidity, and device resistance were made. Additionally, daily cultures of the patient side of the device were accomplished. The frequency rate of nosocomial pneumonia was made by using clinical criteria. Ventilatory support variables, airway care, device costs, and clinical indicators of humidification efficiency (sputum volume, sputum efficiency) were also recorded. Prolonged use of both hygroscopic and hydrophobic devices did not diminish efficiency or increase resistance. There was no difference in the number of colony‐forming units from device cultures over the 5‐day period and no difference between colony‐forming units in devices changed every 24 hrs compared with devices changed after 120 hrs. The average duration of use was 23 ± 4 hrs in the HHME‐24 group, 73 ± 13 hrs in the HME‐120 group, and 74 ± 9 hrs in the HHME‐120 group. Mean absolute humidity was greater for the hygroscopic devices (30.4 ± 1.1 mg of H2O/L) compared with the hydrophobic devices (27.8 ± 1.3 mg of H2O/L). The frequency rate of nosocomial pneumonia was 8% (8:100) in the HHME‐24 group, 8.3% (5:60) in the HME‐120 group, and 6.6% (4:60) in the HHME‐120 group. Pneumonia rates per 1000 ventilatory support days were 20:1000 in the HHME‐24 group, 20.8:1000 in the HME‐120 group, and 16.6:1000 in the HHME‐120 group. Costs per day were $3.24 for the HHME‐24 group, $2.98 for the HME‐120 group, and $1.65 for the HHME‐120 group. Conclusions: Changing the hydrophobic or hygroscopic HME after 3 days does not diminish efficiency, increase resistance, or alter bacterial colonization. The frequency rate of nosocomial pneumonia was also unchanged. Use of HMEs for >24 hrs, up to 72 hrs, is safe and cost effective.
Regulation of androgen receptor gene expression by steroids and retinoic acid in human breast‐cancer cells

Although the androgen receptor (AR) has been detected by ligand‐binding assays, there is little known about the expression and regulation of the AR gene in human breast‐cancer cells. AR mRNA, measured by Northern analysis in 18 cell lines, was found to be expressed predominantly in oestrogen‐ and progesterone‐receptor‐positive (ER+, PR+) lines as a single species of approximately 10.5 kb but was also comparatively abundant in I ER‐ and PR‐negative cell line, MDA‐MB‐453. Dexamethasone (Dex), Organon 2058 (Org 2058), dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and all‐trans‐retinoic acid (RA) down‐regulated AR mRNA levels in T‐47D (ER+, PR+) cells 6 hr after treatment, whereas oestradiol (E2) had no effect. In MDA‐MB‐453 (ER−, PR−) cells, regulation of AR mRNA by RA differed from the other cell lines: RA increased the level of AR mRNA. DHT‐binding assays indicated a corresponding increase in AR protein. Transfection of the androgen‐responsive mouse mammary tumour virus long‐terminal repeat (MMTV LTR) linked to a chloramphenicol acetyltransferase (CAT) reporter gene was used to examine the effect of altered AR levels on androgen action. The increased level of AR following RA pre‐treatment in MDA‐MB‐453 cells resulted in enhanced induction of CAT activity by DHT and, conversely, a decrease in the level of AR following RA pretreatment in T‐47D cells resulted in reduced induction of CAT activity by DHT. These data demonstrate that AR is expressed predominantly in ER+ and PR+ cell lines and its expression is regulated by ligands also known to regulate ER or PR, including progestins and retinoids. Androgen responsiveness measured by a transfected reporter gene was altered according to the extent of up‐ or down‐regulation of AR expression, demonstrating that responsiveness is dependent on receptor concentration. © 1992 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Diagnostic performance of stereotactic large core needle biopsy for nonpalpable breast lesions in routine clinical practice

The COBRA (COre Biopsy after RAdiological localization) study showed that in a controlled study setting, stereotactic large core needle biopsy (LCNB) is as reliable for diagnosing nonpalpable breast lesions as open surgical biopsy. In the present study, we evaluated the diagnostic performance of stereotactic LCNB in routine clinical practice. Between February 2000 and June 2002, data on all patients (n = 955) with nonpalpable breast lesions referred for LCNB were collected. High risk underestimate rate, ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS) underestimate rate and sensitivity rate after 2 years were calculated. The usefulness of the COBRA guidelines in clinical practice was determined. Nine hundred five successful biopsies were performed in 874 patients. Of the high‐risk lesions, 27% were found to be carcinomas on open biopsy, which is comparable to the results of the COBRA study (23%). The DCIS underestimate rate (28%) was higher than found in the COBRA study (17%). No carcinomas were missed after a follow‐up period of 2 years. Ninety‐six percent of patients were treated according to the COBRA guidelines. The diagnostic performance of stereotactic LCNB in patients with nonpalpable breast lesions seems to be comparable in a controlled study setting and routine clinical practice. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Active calcium responses recorded optically from nerve terminals of the frog neurohypophysis

Voltage-sensitive dyes were used to record by optical means membrane potential changes from nerve terminals in the isolated frog neurohypophysis. Following the block of voltage-sensitive Na+ channels by tetrodotoxin (TTX) and K+ channels by tetraethylammonium (TEA), direct electric field stimulation of the nerve terminals still evoked large active responses. These responses were reversibly blocked by the addition of 0.5 mM CdCl2. At both normal and low [Na+]o, the regenerative response appeared to increase with increasing [Ca++]o (0.1- 10 mM). There was a marked decrease in the size of the response, as well as in its rate of rise, at low [Ca++]o (0.2 mM) when [Na+]o was reduced from 120 to 8 mM (replaced by sucrose), but little if any effect of this reduction of [Na+]o at normal [Ca++]o. In normal [Ca++]o, these local responses most probably arise from an inward Ca++ current associated with hormone release from these nerve terminals. At low [Ca++]o, Na+ appears to contribute to the TTX-insensitive inward current.
Identification and Risk Assessment for Worldwide Invasion and Spread of Tuta absoluta with a Focus on Sub-Saharan Africa: Implications for Phytosanitary Measures and Management

To support management decisions, molecular characterization of data and geo-reference of incidence records of Tuta absoluta (Meyrick) (Lepidoptera: Gelechiidae) were combined with data on the biology and ecology of the pest to estimate its climatic suitability and potential spread at regional and global scale. A CLIMEX model was developed and used for the global prediction of current and future climate-induced changes in the distributional shifts of T. absoluta. Results revealed that temperature and moisture characterized T. absoluta population growth while the pest ability to survive the cold, hot, wet and dry stress conditions are the primary characteristics defining its range frontiers. Simulated irrigation also played an important role in the model optimization. Model predictions suggest that T. absoluta represents an important threat to Africa, Asia, Australia, Northern Europe, New Zealand, Russian Federation and the United States of America (USA). Under climate change context, future predictions on distribution of T. absoluta indicated that the invasive nature of this pest will result in significant crop losses in certain locations whereas some parts of Africa may witness diminution in ranges. The following scenarios may occur: 1) T. absoluta damage potential may upsurge moderately in areas of Africa where the pest currently exists; 2) a range diminution in temperate to Sahel region with moderate upsurge in damage potential; 3) a range expansion in tropical Africa with reasonable upsurge of damage potential. These possible outcomes could be explained by the fact that the continent is already warm, with the average temperature in majority of localities near the threshold temperatures for optimal development and survival of T. absoluta. Outputs from this study should be useful in helping decision-makers in their assessment of site-specific risks of invasion and spread of T. absoluta with a view to developing appropriate surveillance, phytosanitary measures and management strategies.
Engineering the Periodontal Ligament in Hyaluronan – Gelatin – Type I Collagen Constructs : Upregulation of Apoptosis and Alterations in Gene Expression by Cyclic Compressive Strain

To engineer constructs of the periodontal ligament (PDL), human PDL cells were incorporated into a matrix of hyaluronan, gelatin, and type I collagen (COLI) in sample holders (13 · 1 mm) of six-well Biopress culture plates. The loading dynamics of the PDL were mimicked by applying a cyclic compressive strain of 33.4 kPa (340.6 gm/cm) to the constructs for 1.0 s every 60 s, for 6, 12, and 24 h in a Flexercell FX-4000C Strain Unit. Compression significantly increased the number of nonviable cells and increased the expression of several apoptosis-related genes, including initiator and executioner caspases. Of the 15 extracellular matrix genes screened, most were upregulated at some point after 6–12 h deformation, but all were downregulated at 24 h, except for MMPs1–3 and CTGF. In culture supernatants, matrix metalloproteinase-1 (MMP-1) and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases-1 (TIMP-1) protein levels were upregulated at 24 h; receptor activator of nuclear kappa factor B (RANKL), osteoprotegerin (OPG) and fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2) were unchanged; and connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) not detected. The low modulus of elasticity of the constructs was a disadvantage—future mechanobiology studies and tissue engineering applications will require constructs with much higher stiffness. Since the major structural protein of the PDL is COLI, a more rational approach would be to permeabilize preformed COLI scaffolds with PDL-populated matrices.
Iron deficiency in barley plants: phytosiderophore release, iron translocation, and DNA methylation

All living organisms require iron (Fe) to carry out many crucial metabolic pathways. Despite its high concentrations in the geosphere, Fe bio-availability to plant roots can be very scarce. To cope with Fe shortage, plants can activate different strategies. For these reasons, we investigated Fe deficient Hordeum vulgare L. plants by monitoring growth, phytosiderophores (PS) release, iron content, and translocation, and DNA methylation, with respect to Fe sufficient ones. Reductions of plant growth, roots to shoots Fe translocation, and increases in PS release were found. Experiments on DNA methylation highlighted significant differences between fully and hemy-methylated sequences in Fe deficient plants, with respect to Fe sufficient plants. Eleven DNA bands differently methylated were found in starved plants. Of these, five sequences showed significant alignment to barley genes encoding for a glucosyltransferase, a putative acyl carrier protein, a peroxidase, a β-glucosidase and a transcription factor containing a Homeodomin. A resupply experiment was carried out on starved barley re-fed at 13 days after sowing (DAS), and it showed that plants did not recover after Fe addition. In fact, Fe absorption and root to shoot translocation capacities were impaired. In addition, resupplied barley showed DNA methylation/demethylation patterns very similar to that of barley grown in Fe deprivation. This last finding is very encouraging because it indicates as these variations/modifications could be transmitted to progenies.
Exploiting temporal consistency to reduce false positives in host-based, collaborative detection of worms

The speed of today's worms demands automated detection, but the risk of false positives poses a difficult problem. In prior work, we proposed a host-based intrusion-detection system for worms that leveraged collaboration among peers to lower its risk of false positives, and we simulated this approach for a system with two peers. In this paper, we build upon that work and evaluate our ideas ``in the wild. '' We implement Wormboy 2.0, a prototype of our vision that allows us to quantify and compare worms' and non-worms' temporal consistency, similarity over time in worms' and non-worms' invocations of system calls. We deploy our prototype to a network of 30 hosts running Windows XP with Service Pack 2 to monitor and analyze 10,776 processes, inclusive of 511 unique non-worms (873 if we consider unique versions to be unique non-worms). We identify properties with which we can distinguish non-worms from worms 99% of the time. We find that our collaborative architecture, using patterns of system calls and simple heuristics, can detect worms running on multiple peers. And we find that collaboration among peers significantly reduces our probability of false positives because of the unlikely appearance on many peers simultaneously of non-worm processes with worm-like properties.
Insights into Lithuanian students’ choice of university and study program in management and economics

The purpose of this study is to determine factors i nfluencing the choice of university and study program in management and econ omics for first-year students in public and private universities in Lith uania. The quantitative research method – Internet survey – was used to survey first -year management and economics students studying at Lithuanian universit i s. The survey questionnaire consists of questions relating to the factors of st udy program selection, university selection, and general questions on respondent and his/her demographic data. A total of 224 properly filled questionnaires were ob tained, making the sample representative, with a 6.5 percent sample error and 95 percent confidence level. The review of the scientific literature revealed th at students behave as consumers when choosing a university and a study program. The empirical research revealed that when choosing a study program student’s person al characteristics as well as study related factors, e.g. career possibilities, s tudy prestige, etc., had the biggest influence. When choosing a university, university r eputation and city the university is in were ranked highest. University and city infr astructure and social life were ranked lowest. Regarding the stakeholders having an impact on the decision, parents and current students were ranked highest. H owever, the influence in
Complications after subpectoral biceps tenodesis using a dual suture anchor technique

Purpose: A variety of fixation techniques for subpectoral biceps tenodeses have been described including interference screw and suture anchor fixation. Biomechanical data suggests that dual suture anchor fixation has equivalent strength compared to interference screw fixation. The purpose of the study is to determine the early complication rate after subpectoral biceps tenodesis utilizing a dual suture anchor technique. Materials and Methods: A total of 103 open subpectoral biceps tenodeses were performed over a 3-year period using a dual suture anchor technique. There were 72 male and 31 female shoulders. The average age at the time of tenodesis was 45.5 years. 41 patients had a minimum of 6 months clinical follow-up (range, 6 to 45 months). The tenodesis was performed for biceps tendonitis, superior labral tears, biceps tendon subluxation, biceps tendon partial tears, and revisions of prior tenodeses. Results: There were a total of 7 complications (7%) in the entire group. There were 4 superficial wound infections (4%). There were 2 temporary nerve palsies (2%) resulting from the interscalene block. One patient had persistent numbness of the ear and a second patient had a temporary phrenic nerve palsy resulting in respiratory dysfunction and hospital admission. One patient developed a pulmonary embolism requiring hospital admission and anticoagulation. There were no hematomas, wound dehiscences, peripheral nerve injuries, or ruptures. In the sub-group of patients with a minimum of 6 months clinical follow-up, the only complication was a single wound infection treated with oral antibiotics. Conclusions: Subpectoral biceps tenodesis utilizing a dual suture anchor technique has a low early complication rate with no ruptures or deep infections. The complication rate is comparable to those previously reported for interference screw subpectoral tenodesis and should be considered as a reasonable alternative to interference screw fixation. Level of Evidence: Level IV-Retrospective Case Series
TGFβ alters growth and differentiation related gene expression in proliferating osteoblasts in vitro, preventing development of the mature bone phenotype

This study examines the mechanism by which TGF‐β1, an important mediator of cell growth and differentiation, blocks the differentiation of normal rat diploid fetal osteoblasts in vitro. We have established that the inability for pre‐osteoblasts to differentiate is associated with changes in the expression of cell growth, matrix forming, and bone related genes. These include histone, jun B, c‐fos, collagen, fibronectin, osteocalcin, alkaline phosphatase, and osteopontin. Morphologically, the TGF‐β1‐treated osteoblasts exhibit an elongated, spread shape as opposed to the characteristic cuboidal appearance during the early stages of growth. This is followed by a decrease in the number of bone nodules formed and the amount of calcium deposition. These effects on differentiation can occur without dramatic changes in cell growth if TGF‐β1 is given for a short time early in the proliferative phase. However, continuous exposure to TGF‐β1 leads to a bifunctional growth response from a negative effect during the proliferative phase to a positive growth effect during the later matrix maturation and mineralization phases of the osteoblast developmental sequence. Extracellular matrix genes, fibronectin, osteopontin and α1(I) collagen, are altered in their expression pattern which may provide an aberrant matrix environment for mineralization and osteoblast maturation and potentiate the TGF‐β1 response throughout the course of osteoblast differentiation. The initiation of a TGF‐β1 effect on cell growth and differentiation is restricted to the proliferative phase of the culture before the cells express the mature osteoblastic phenotype. Second passage cells that are accelerated to differentiate by the addition of dexamethasone or by seeding cultures at a high density are refractory to TGF‐β1. These in vitro results indicate that TGF‐β1 exerts irreversible effects at a specific stage of osteoblast phenotype development resulting in a potent inhibition of osteoblast differentiation at concentrations from 0.1 ng/ml. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Zoledronate Sensitizes Endothelial Cells to Tumor Necrosis Factor-induced Programmed Cell Death

Bisphosphonates are potent inhibitors of osteoclast function widely used to treat conditions of excessive bone resorption, including tumor bone metastases. Recent evidence indicates that bisphosphonates have direct cytotoxic activity on tumor cells and suppress angiogenesis, but the associated molecular events have not been fully characterized. In this study we investigated the effects of zoledronate, a nitrogen-containing bisphosphonate, and clodronate, a non-nitrogen-containing bisphosphonate, on human umbilical vein endothelial cell (HUVEC) adhesion, migration, and survival, three events essential for angiogenesis. Zoledronate inhibited HUVEC adhesion mediated by integrin αVβ3, but not α5β1, blocked migration and disrupted established focal adhesions and actin stress fibers without modifying cell surface integrin expression level or affinity. Zoledronate treatment slightly decreased HUVEC viability and strongly enhanced tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-induced cell death. HUVEC treated with zoledronate and TNF died without evidence of enhanced annexin-V binding, chromatin condensation, or nuclear fragmentation and caspase dependence. Zoledronate inhibited sustained phosphorylation of focal adhesion kinase (FAK) and in combination with TNF, with and without interferon (IFN) γ, of protein kinase B (PKB/Akt). Constitutive active PKB/Akt protected HUVEC from death induced by zoledronate and TNF/IFNγ. Phosphorylation of c-Src and activation of NF-κB were not affected by zoledronate. Clodronate had no effect on HUVEC adhesion, migration, and survival nor did it enhanced TNF cytotoxicity. Taken together these data demonstrate that zoledronate sensitizes endothelial cells to TNF-induced, caspase-independent programmed cell death and point to the FAK-PKB/Akt pathway as a novel zoledronate target. These results have potential implications to the clinical use of zoledronate as an anti-angiogenic or anti-cancer agent.