Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
An in vivo model of human proliferative scar.

BACKGROUND Many aspects related to the biology and the effective therapy of proliferative scars have remained undefined, in part due to a lack of an accurate and reproducible animal model with which to systematically study them. This report describes a new model for investigating the pathophysiology and manipulation of human proliferative scars. MATERIALS AND METHODS Human proliferative scars (n = 86) were explanted into flaps based on isolated vascular pedicles in congenitally athymic rats. Serial analysis of the structural and functional integrity of the explanted scars was performed by microscopy and by measurement of human procollagen type III peptide (PIIIP) production, human factor VIII immunostaining, and in vitro cellular proliferation. RESULTS By these methods, both fibroblastic and epithelial components of explanted scar specimens retained the histologic characteristics of original human scar specimens, for up to 12 months. Over the same duration, scar explants continued to have high levels of human PIIIP, comparable to those found in original surgical specimens. The microvasculature of scar explants demonstrated a double basement membrane, with no staining of human factor VIII in the inner capillary endothelial layer, suggesting that host vessels were growing into ghost vessels of the human donor scar. Human factor VIII staining decreased over time. Fibroblasts cultured from explanted scar demonstrated less aggressive growth characteristics than those from original surgical specimens. CONCLUSIONS This new model is the first to allow such long-term maintenance and serial evaluation of human proliferative scar on an accessible, isolated vasculature. It may prove useful in further defining the biology and therapy of this widespread pathologic process.
Relationship between %HRmax, %HR reserve, %VO2max, and %VO2 reserve in elite cyclists.

PURPOSE To evaluate the relations between %HRmax, %HRR, %VO2max, and %VO2R in elite cyclists and to check whether the intensity scale recommended by ACSM in its 1998 position stand is also applicable to this specific population. METHODS Twenty-six male elite road cyclists (25.1 +/- 0.7 yr, 71.0 +/- 1.2 kg, 70.9 +/- 1.2 mL x kg(-1) x min(-1), 433.9 +/- 9.8 W) performed an incremental maximal exercise test (50 W x 3 min(-1)). Individual linear regressions based on HR and VO2 values measured at rest, end of each stage, and maximum, were used to calculate slopes and intercepts, and to predict %HRmax, %HRR, %VO2max, or %VO2R for a given exercise intensity. RESULTS Below 85% VO2max or VO2R, predicted %HRmax values were significantly higher (P < 0.001) than the ACSM intensity scale (58, 65, 73, and 87% vs 55, 62, 70, and 85% HRmax at 40, 50, 60, and 80% VO2max, and 48, 61, 74% vs 35, 55, and 70% HRmax at 20, 40, and 60% VO2R). The %HRR versus %VO2max regression mean slope (1.069 +/- 0.01) and intercept (-5.747 +/- 0.80) were significantly different (P < 0.0001) from 1 and 0, respectively. Conversely, the %HRR versus %VO2R regression was indistinguishable from the line of identity (mean slope = 1.003 +/- 0.01; mean intercept = 0.756 +/- 0.7). Predicted %VO2R values were equivalent to %HRR in the 35-95%HRR range. %VO2max was equivalent to %HRR at and above 75%HRR, and it was significantly higher at (P < 0.05) and below 65%HRR (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION The intensity scale recommended by ACSM underestimates exercise intensity in elite cyclists. Prediction of %HRR by %VO2R is better than by %VO2max. Thus, elite cyclists should use %HRR in relation to %VO2R rather than in relation to %VO2max.
Accumulation of a potent γδ T‐cell stimulator after deletion of the lytB gene in Escherichia coli

Activation of human Vγ9/Vδ2 T cells by many pathogens depends on the presence of small phosphorylated non‐peptide compounds derived from the 2‐C‐methyl‐d‐erythritol 4‐phosphate (MEP) pathway of isoprenoid biosynthesis. We here demonstrate that in Escherichia coli mutants deficient in lytB, an essential gene of the MEP pathway, a potent Vγ9/Vδ2 T‐cell activator accumulates by a factor of approximately 150 compared to wild‐type E. coli. The compound responsible for the strong immunogenicity of this E. coli mutant was subsequently characterized and identified as a small pyrophosphorylated metabolite, with a molecular mass of 262 Da, derived from the MEP pathway. Stimulation of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) with extracts prepared from the lytB‐deficient E. coli mutant led to upregulation of T‐cell activation markers on the surface of Vγ9/Vδ2 T cells as well as proliferation and expansion of Vγ9/Vδ2 T cells. This response was dependent on costimulatory growth factors, such as interleukin (IL)‐2, IL‐15 and IL‐21. Significant levels of interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) and tumour necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α) were secreted in the presence of IL‐2 and IL‐15, but not in the presence of IL‐21, demonstrating that proliferating phosphoantigen‐reactive Vγ9/Vδ2 T cells do not necessarily produce proinflammatory cytokines.
Navigating large virtual spaces

As important as navigation is to human performance in virtual worlds, it is an often overlooked problem in the design process. This article reports an experiment intended to show that real‐world wayfinding and environmental design principles are effective in designing virtual worlds that support skilled wayfinding behavior. The study measures participant performance on a complex searching task in a number of virtual worlds with differing environmental cues. The worlds are augmented with either a radial grid, a map, or both a grid and a map. The control condition provided no additional navigational cues. The results showed that navigational performance was superior under both map treatments as compared to the control and grid conditions. The grid was, however, shown to provide superior directional information as compared to the other conditions. The control condition provided the worst performance, with participants often becoming disoriented and experiencing extreme difficulty completing the tasks.
Effects of Walking on Ventilatory and Cardiac Function in Intact and Cardiac‐Impaired Lobsters

Decapod crustaceans with normal heart function respond to the increased oxygen delivery requirements during walking with a step increase in heart and ventilation rate. In American lobsters, ventilation rate increased by the same amount during exercise at two walking speeds (2.4 and 8 m min−1); however, ventilation volume was significantly greater at the fastest walking speed (280 mL min−1) compared to animals at rest or walking at the slower speed (180 mL min−1). The heart responded in a similar manner to locomotion. Heart rate was elevated to the same level at the two different walking speeds, but cardiac stroke volume was greater, implying increased cardiac output, at the faster walking speed. The communication and compensation between the cardiac and ventilatory systems was revealed when the function of one was impaired. Ventilatory rate was significantly elevated when cardiac output was impaired by sectioning two of the alary ligaments and/or the regulatory nerves to the heart. When cardiac output was more severely impaired, ventilation rate was greater. Despite ventilatory compensation, anaerobic metabolism made a greater contribution to energy production with impaired heart function. Hemolymph lactate concentration was three to five times greater in impaired animals than controls. It is known that the ventilatory and cardiac systems of lobsters are coregulated. These data demonstrate that the performance of one system can respond to compensate for impaired function in the other.
Study on Socio-Demographic and Associated Risk Factors for Oesophageal Cancer in Karnataka Institute of Medical Sciences Hospital , Hubli , Karnataka

Over 20 million people living with cancer all over the world today. The number of new cases is expected to increase from 10 million in 2000 to 15 million in 2020. Cancer has now become the 3 leading cause of death in South East Asia region. Cancer of esophagus is common in India and has been reportedly increasing in the southern states like Karnataka, Kerala and Tamilnadu. An effort has been made in this regard to study the socio-demographic profile and associated risk factors amongst the patients admitted to the KIMS hospital, Hubli, karnataka. The objectives were to study the socio-demographic profile of patients, to study the various risk factors associated with esophageal cancer and to study the morbidity pattern of esophageal cancer. A cross-sectional study was done among 50 patients admitted in KIMS, Hubli, in the period between September 2011 and November 2011 by a pre-structured and pre-tested questionnaire and the data obtained was analysed. The study showed that, 80% of esophageal cancer was found among males and in the age group of 41-60yrs. 68% belonged to low socio-economic group and 60% were illiterates. Association of smoking, 56% cases, was found to be statistically significant. Others being tobacco chewing (52%) and alcohol (64%). The prevalence of esophageal cancer was found to be higher amongst males, who were illiterates and of low socio-economic strata. Lack of awareness of risk factors and screening modalities were clearly seen. Hence, a comprehensive effort is needed to generate awareness and screening options to cut down the prevalence.
Heavy metals and placental fetal-maternal barrier: a mini-review on the major concerns.

BACKGROUND Heavy metals (HMs) are environmental contaminants with toxic properties for wildlife and humans. The placenta is a privileged organ that, along with the fetal membranes and amniotic fluid, enables growth and development of the fetus during the physiological pregnancy. It also acts as a filter reducing the passage of harmful substances, protecting the embryo and then the fetus from exposure to pollutants. The placental barrier is not completely impermeable to the passage of harmful substances; indeed, HMs were detected not only in placental tissues, but also in amniotic fluid and umbilical cord blood. The amniotic fluid can be considered as a valuable marker of prenatal exposure to exogenous factors, and as an indicator of the integrity of placental barrier. The effect of an intrauterine exposure to heavy metals has been amply evaluated during the last decades. Several studies investigated the exposure to HMs in order to evaluate the mechanism of placental transfer and the impact on fetuses and later children's health. In particular, the early exposure to Pb, Hg, and Cd was correlated to infant health effects, such as neurological, developmental, and endocrine disorders. The aim of this mini-review is to summarise the current state of knowledge about the interaction between HMs and placental barrier, considering possible implications on fetal health.
Estrogen Receptor Expression in Posterior Tibial Tendon Dysfunction: A Pilot Study

Background: The pathophysiology of posterior tibial tendon dysfunction (PTTD) is poorly understood. It has been theorized that changes in hormone physiology may be a factor influencing tendon health. Estrogen's influence on the fibroblast has been studied in other musculoskeletal tissues. Gender differences in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injuries have been studied and it has been discovered that the Estrogen receptor (ER) as well as Progesterone receptor (PR) are expressed in the ACL. Material and Methods: Eight patients with PTTD requiring surgery were enrolled in our pilot study. The mean patient age was 52.4 (range, 18 to 73) years. There were five female and three male patients. Tendon samples were harvested from diseased PTT. Tendon samples harvested from healthy PTT and healthy flexor digitorum longus (FDL) tendon were used as controls. Tendon samples were processed using specific protocols for total RNA isolation from hypocellular, dense connective tissues. ERα and ERβ transcripts were quantified using real time RT-PCR. Quantitative values were obtained from the threshold cycle (Ct) number at which the increase in fluorescent signal associated with an exponential increase of PCR products can be detected. Results: Transcripts of both ERα and ERβ were reproducibly detected in RNA samples isolated from our tendon samples. There was no difference in receptor expression between diseased and control tendon samples. There was no difference in receptor expression between male and female patients. Conclusion: We found that the tenocyte of the PTT and FDL tendons express ERα and ERβ. Normal and diseased tendons of both male and female patients expressed both estrogen receptors. Clinical Relevance: Identifying ERα and ERβ gene expression in the fibroblast was an initial step in discovering whether tenocytes are targets for estrogen function. Estrogen receptors were identified indirectly by measuring receptor gene expression but we were unable to show a significant difference between diseased and control tendons.
Competencias profesionales y empleo en el futuro periodista: el caso de los estudiantes de periodismo de la Universidad San Pablo CEU

La Universidad espanola ha sufrido una gran transformacion desde su adaptacion al EEES. El Plan Bolonia propone un replanteamiento de la mision que debe cumplir la Universidad acercando dicha institucion a los intereses y necesidades de la empresa y de la sociedad. Uno de los pilares basicos de estos cambios es el que hace referencia a la formacion del alumno por competencias. Presentamos un trabajo de investigacion cientifica enfocado en dos aspectos: la adquisicion de competencias profesionales en los alumnos de la licenciatura de Periodismo de la Universidad San Pablo CEU y la importancia que otorgan a diferentes aspectos de un empleo. Este ultimo aspecto, partiendo del Informe Reflex de ANECA “El profesional flexible en la Sociedad del Conocimiento” establecemos una comparativa entre los resultados alli obtenidos y el caso particular de los alumnos de Periodismo de la San Pablo CEU. Para descubrir estos aspectos presentamos un trabajo empirico para conocer en que medida los alumnos de ultimo curso de la licenciatura (que no de grado) de la Universidad San Pablo CEU han adquirido las competencias profesionales que se reflejan en el Libro Blanco de ANECA de los titulos de grado en Comunicacion. Este estudio que presentamos nace con vocacion de continuidad en un doble sentido: ser un indicador de la calidad de las ensenanzas que reciben los alumnos de Periodismo de la San Pablo CEU y conocer en un futuro proximo (cuando salga la primera promocion de graduados) si existe una diferencia significativa entre los alumnos que cursaron la licenciatura y los nuevos graduados fruto de la reforma universitaria. De este modo, podremos conocer hasta que punto y que grado se ha acometido en la Universidad San Pablo CEU esa transformacion que conlleva el Plan Bolonia en su sentido mas profundo de la reforma.
Early onset preeclampsia and cerebral palsy: a double hit model?

BACKGROUND Cerebral palsy (CP) is a late sequel of pregnancy, and the role of preeclampsia is debatable. OBJECTIVE The aims of this study were to determine the association between preeclampsia and cerebral palsy and to determine the risk factors for the development of cerebral palsy in these patients. STUDY DESIGN A retrospective population-based cohort study was designed that included 229,192 singleton pregnancies. The study population was divided into 2 groups: (1) patients with preeclampsia (n = 9749) and (2) normotensive gestations (n = 219,443). Generalized Estimating Equation multiple logistic regression models were performed to study the associations among preeclampsia, small for gestational age, gestational age at delivery, and the risk factors for the development of cerebral palsy in neonates of women with preeclampsia. RESULTS The rate of cerebral palsy was double in patients with preeclampsia than in the normotensive group (0.2% vs 0.1%; P = .015); early onset preeclampsia and small for gestational age were independent risk factors for the subsequent development of cerebral palsy (odds ratio, 8.639 [95% confidence interval, 4.269-17.480]; odds ratio, 2.737 [95% confidence interval, 1.937-3.868], respectively). A second model was conducted to determine the risk factors for the development of cerebral palsy in women with preeclampsia. Birth asphyxia, complications of prematurity, and neonatal infectious morbidity, but not small for gestational age or gestational age at delivery, were independent risk factors for the development of cerebral palsy. CONCLUSION In a comparison with normal pregnant women, the rate of cerebral palsy is double among patients with preeclampsia, especially those with early-onset disease. Early-onset preeclampsia is an independent risk factor for cerebral palsy. Among women with preeclampsia, the presence of neonatal infectious morbidity, birth asphyxia, and complications of prematurity are independent risk factors for the development of cerebral palsy, which further supports the role of a multi-hit model in the pathogenesis of this syndrome.
A 3–5GHz UWB CMOS receiver with digital control technique

This article presents a CMOS receiver that works for 3–5GHz low band SC-UWB. The receiver contains PLL, Mixer, and VGA. Double down conversion is adopted in the receiver to overcome the orthogonal clock design difficulty; digital assisted RF control method is used to increase the stability. This receiver was fabricated in SMIC01.8mmRF process with chip area of 1×1mm2; according to measurement, this receiver has bandwidth of 500MHz; VGA control range is 30dB; IIP3 is −10dBm;IF port output is 250mVp-p; the power consumption is 36mW with supplying voltage 1.8V.
IS6110-based restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv and H37Ra.

IS6110-based restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis of Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv and its avirulent mutant H37Ra was performed by a number of restriction enzymes, including Nru I, EcoN I, Pst I, and Pvu II. No differences were found in the IS 6110-fingerprints of the study strains by Nru I. One differential IS6110-positive restriction fragment was detected by EcoN I in strain H37Ra, while analysis by Pst I revealed that two fragments of the strain H37Rv were replaced by four novel IS6110-positive fragments in the strain H37Ra. By using Pvu II, a restriction enzyme that cleaves IS 6110 once, and by probing for an IS6110 specific target sequence located to the right of the Pvu II site, we found that the strains H37Rv and H37Ra share 13 IS6110-positive restriction fragments and that one IS6110-positive restriction fragment of H37Rv is replaced by four novel fragments in H37Ra; by probing for an IS6110-specific target sequence to the left of the Pvu II site, 13 shared restriction fragments and 2 differential bands in strain H37Ra were detected. These findings demonstrate that novel insertions of the IS6110 element exist in the avirulent strain H37Ra and raise the question of the role, if any, of IS6110-insertional mutagenesis in the establishment of the avirulent M. tuberculosis H37Ra phenotype.
Rhizobium meliloti insertion element ISRm2 and its use for identification of the fixX gene

Two of the three plasmids of the wild-type Rhizobium meliloti 41 (pRme41a and pRme41c) carry a copy of ISRm2, a 2.7-kilobase-long transposable element. ISRm2 is terminated by 22-base-pair (bp) inverted repeat sequences, exhibiting some homology to the inverted repeats of elements generating 9-bp target sequence duplication. Transposition of ISRm2 results in a duplication of 8 bp in length, rather rare among transposable elements. DNA sequences homologous to an internal fragment of ISRm2 were found in several Rhizobium species. Transposition of ISRm2 into fixation and nodulation genes located on the symbiotic plasmid pRme41b was detected at a high frequency. Exact locations of two copies of ISRm2 which transposed into the nod-nif region on the megaplasmid were determined. In one case, integration into the protein-coding region of the hsnD gene that determines a host specificity function of nodulation occurred. In the other mutant, ISRm2 was localized upstream of nifA, where a short open reading frame coding for a new fix gene (fixX) was identified. The product of fixX is a ferredoxin carrying a characteristic cluster of cysteine residues. On the basis of the observation that the arrangement of the ISRm2 copies is identical in the free-living wild-type cells and in nitrogen-fixing nodules, we concluded that the involvement of ISRm2 transposition in the development of nitrogen-fixing symbiosis is unlikely.
Comment on "Investment Timing Under Incomplete Information"

In a recent contribution to this journal, Decamps et al. Decamps, J.-P., T. Mariotti, S. Villeneuve. 2005. Investment timing under incomplete information. Math. Oper. Res.30(2) 472--500] analyze the decision of when to invest in a project whose value is perfectly observable but driven by a parameter that is unknown to the decision maker ex ante. Using filtering and martingale techniques, they find that (i) the decision maker always benefits from an uncertain drift relative to an average drift situation, and (ii) drift uncertainty unambiguously delays investment. Using the principle of smooth fit, I derive an analytical solution to the problem and give a numerical example that shows that both claims do not hold true in general. My analysis shows that the impact of drift uncertainty on the value of the option to invest and the optimal timing of investment is governed by two separate effects: the impact of uncertainty per se and the impact of learning. In particular, the results of Decamps et al. only hold true if the latter outweighs the former.
Hemodynamic effects of vasopressin antagonism and angiotensin I converting enzyme inhibition during halothane anesthesia in sheep

The hemodynamic effects of separate and combined intravenous administration of the vasopressin (AVP) V1‐receptor antagonist SK&F 100273 (10 μg/kg) and the angiotensin I converting enzyme inhibitor captopril (20 mg+ 1 mg/h) were studied in 12 sheep during stable halothane anesthesia (1.5% end‐tidal conc.). The separate blockade of either V1‐receptors or angiotensin II (ANG II) synthesis induced a small (7–10%), but significant, fall in mean systemic arterial pressure (MSAP), whereas the combined treatment caused a 30% reduction in blood pressure. The changes in systemic vascular resistance paralleled those of the MSAP. Consequently, the cardiac output was largely unaffected by the interference with AVP effects and/or ANG II synthesis. The halothane anesthesia effectively increased the plasma levels of AVP and ANG II, and plasma renin activity without any relation to changes in MSAP. When either the AVP effects or ANG II synthesis were blocked separately, there was a slight tendency for a compensatory increase of the unimpeded hormonal system. It is concluded that halothane anesthesia increases the plasma levels of AVP and ANG II in sheep, and that the maintenance of the arterial pressure is dependent on the concurrent vasopressor effects of the two hormones in this situation.