Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Growth factors and proliferation of cultured rat gingival cells in response to cyclosporin A.

OBJECTIVE The prominent side-effect of cyclosporin A, an immunosuppressive drug, in oral tissues is gingival outgrowth, although the exact mechanism underlying this side-effect is unclear. The main purposes of the present study were to determine whether cyclosporin A induced the gingival outgrowth by promoting proliferation of gingival cells and whether growth factors such as transforming growth factor-betas (TGF-betas), fibroblast growth factor-2 (FGF-2), platelet-derived growth factors (PDGFs), and insulin-like growth factors (IGFs) are involved in the possible changes in the proliferation of gingival cells induced by cyclosporin A. METHODS Cells isolated from rat gingival tissues were cultured with cyclosporin A or IGF-I for 3 days. The effects of cyclosporin A or IGF-I on the proliferation of cultured rat gingival cells were analyzed with a CellTiter 96 proliferation assay kit. The mRNA expression levels for TGF-betas, FGF-2, PDGFs, IGFs, insulin-like growth factor receptors (IGFRs), and insulin-like growth factor binding proteins (IGFBPs) in the rat gingival cells treated with cyclosporin A were measured using competitive reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). RESULTS Cyclosporin A induced 23-25% (p < 0.001) increases in the proliferation of rat gingival cells and approximately 130% (p < 0.05) and 60% (p < 0.05) elevations in the mRNA expression levels for TGF-beta1 and FGF-2, respectively. On the other hand, exogenous IGF-I induced 8-11% (p < 0.05) increases in the proliferation, but cyclosporin A induced 30-80% (p < 0.05-0.01) reductions in the mRNA expression levels for endogenous IGF-I, IGFR1, IGFBP2, IGFBP3, IGFBP5, and IGFBP6. CONCLUSIONS Cyclosporin A stimulates the proliferation of rat gingival cells. TGF-beta1 and FGF-2 could be involved, but IGFs, IGFRs and IGFBPs could not be directly involved in this cyclosporin A induced-stimulation of the gingival cell proliferation.
Survival on renal replacement therapy: data from the EDTA Registry.

Extensive survival data are presented from the EDTA Registry's files for patients who started renal replacement therapy in 1970-1974 compared to 1980-1984. The contribution of the different treatment modalities (haemodialysis, continuous peritoneal dialysis, and transplantation) to the survival of patients according to geographical region is also shown. Survival on renal replacement therapy, irrespective of treatment modality and of primary renal disease, was best in the 10-14-year-old patients, with 58% at 10 years and 52% at 15 years, and decreased with rising age to 28% at 10 years and 16% at 15 years in patients aged 45-54 when they commenced therapy in 1970-1974. When comparing the 0-4-year-old with the 10-14-year-old cohort of the paediatric patients, 5-year survival rates for patients starting renal replacement therapy in the early eighties declined from 85% to 70% with decreasing age. Treatment policy, as reflected by the proportion of patients on different modes of therapy, varied markedly between European regions but affected survival to a small extent only. The large population with diabetic nephropathy incurred annual mortality rates 2-3 times greater than those observed in patients with 'standard' primary renal diseases. Haemodialysis and continuous peritoneal dialysis, although not comparable because of important differences in selection policy, yielded similar survival rates. Patients and graft survival rates have improved markedly when comparing patients starting renal replacement therapy in the early seventies with the eighties; particularly for cadaveric transplantation. Patient survival after second grafting was similar to that after first grafting, with 83% at 5 years after second cadaveric grafting in the 15-44-year-old cohort, vs 85% after first cadaver transplantation in 1980-1984. Second cadaveric graft survival was superior to average first-graft survival for those recipients whose first graft had been functioning for more than 1 year. However, second-graft survival in rapid rejectors of a first graft as well as third cadaveric graft survival were curtailed by the large number of early losses, with only 52% of third grafts functioning at 1 year. For living related donor transplantation, parents were mostly used in children whilst identical siblings predominated in adults older than 45. In the early eighties, patient survival was 92% at 5 years for recipients younger than 15, 87% for the 15-45 year old cohort and 72% for those aged 45 or older. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Complement-dependent cytotoxicity and Luminex technology for human leucocyte antigen antibody detection in kidney transplant candidates exposed to different sensitizing events

Abstract Background The aim of this study was to determine the frequency of exposure to different sensitizing events (SEs) and to assess their effects on human leucocyte antigen (HLA) alloimmunization in transplant candidates using two different HLA antibody screening techniques: complement-dependent cytotoxicity (CDC) and Luminex. Methods This retrospective study included HLA antibody screening results for 163 patients on the kidney transplant waiting list (WL) tested from March 2012 until the end of December 2015 at the Tissue Typing Laboratory, Rijeka, Croatia. All sera samples were tested using the CDC and Luminex techniques in parallel. Results Two-thirds of the patients [114 (70%)] on the WL were exposed to transfusions, pregnancies and/or kidney transplant. The pre-transplant sera of 104 (63.80%) patients were negative for antibodies. In the sera of 23 (14.11%) patients, HLA antibodies were detected by CDC and Luminex and in the sera of 36 (22.09%) patients by Luminex only. Conclusion In patients on kidney WL, previous organ transplantation represents the strongest immunogenic stimulus, followed by blood transfusions (the most frequent SE) and pregnancies. Although Luminex is more sensitive than CDC in HLA antibody detection, the decision on unacceptable HLA antigens in WL patients has to be based on the results of both assays and the patient’s immunization history.
β‐Microseminoprotein‐related molecules may participate in formation of the mesoderm in the chick embryo

It has previously been shown that human β‐microseminoprotein enhances development of mesodermal structures in the chick embryo. The present study was carried out to elucidate the mechanism of action of human β‐microseminoprotein in the chick embryo. β‐Microseminoprotein brought about significant modulation of expression of Brachyury in gastrulating embryos. In approximately 50% of the treated embryos, Brachyury expression was enhanced around the Hensen's node. These cells not only expressed higher levels of Brachyury, but also appeared to switch off Brachyury expression prematurely, postinvagination. The spatial modulation of Brachyury is not clearly reflected in the northern blots, indicating that β‐microseminoprotein treatment results in redistribution of available transcripts or that the upregulation is compensated for by early switching off of Brachyury postinvagination. Because higher levels of Brachyury during gastrulation are believed to result in early exit of cells from the primitive streak, β‐microseminoprotein treatment appeared to have stimulated morphogenetic movements by upregulating Brachyury around the Hensen's node. This deduction was confirmed by scanning electron microscopic analysis that showed that altered morphogenetic movements accompany modulation of Brachyury. The specific responses elicited by β‐microseminoprotein indicate presence of a structurally related molecule in the chick. By western blotting, similar molecules were indeed detected in the chicken seminal plasma and in chick embryos. These data strongly suggest that β‐microseminoprotein‐related molecule(s) participates in mesoderm formation in the chick embryo.
Do diverse groups cheat less than homogenous groups

This thesis provides empirical evidence to test the hypothesis that diverse groups cheat less than homogenous groups. The thesis explores both whether or not diversity provides more than just varied perspectives and the benefit of equal opportunity. The research is carried out in an academic setting and is based on an experiment with 688 Second and Third year Auditing students. It uses an experimental task designed to identify instances of dishonesty by individuals in different groups through the completion of a short mathematical assessment. Social psychological theories which are relevant for understanding group composition, social norms, conformity and self-awareness are considered as possible explanations for the manner in which diversity might affect the ethicality of an individual’s decisions within a group. Using a two-way ANOVA the results show that variations in the composition of a group (in terms of diversity or homogeneity) have a significant effect on the frequency of dishonest behaviour by individuals within the respective group. In particular, when students were observed those who were members of diverse groups had test scores which were not significantly different from students writing in homogenous groups. Conversely, unobserved students in homogenous groups had test scores which were significantly higher than in unobserved diverse groups. These results should be relevant for accounting practitioners and corporate governance policymakers given the emphasis placed on diversity of management groups in terms of codes of best practice as well as for academics interested in better understanding the dynamics of student groups.
Vascular responses to stimulation of carotid, aortic and coronary artery baroreceptors with pulsatile and non‐pulsatile pressures in anaesthetized dogs

This research was designed to compare coronary, carotid and aortic arch baroreceptors in terms of the ranges of pressures required to elicit reflex vascular responses and the possible differences between the responses to pulsatile and non‐pulsatile stimuli. Dogs were anaesthetized with alpha‐chloralose, artificially ventilated and the chests opened wide. A perfusion circuit allowed independent control of pressures distending the three baroreceptor regions. A cardiopulmonary bypass and ventricular fibrillation prevented cardiac pulsations from influencing coronary baroreceptor pressure. The caudal region of the animal was perfused at constant flow and vascular resistance responses were assessed from changes in perfusion pressure. Only tests in which the overall response exceeded 3 kPa (22.5 mmHg) were analyzed. Reflex responses were obtained to significantly lower coronary pressures than were required to induce responses from other regions. The inflexion points of the stimulus‐response curves for pulsatile coronary, carotid and aortic pressures were 10.5 +/− 0.6, 15.5 +/− 1.8 and 16.4 +/− 1.7 kPa (79 +/− 5, 116 +/− 14 and 123 +/− 13 mmHg, respectively; values are means +/− S.E.M.). When the responses to pulsatile stimuli were compared with those to non‐pulsatile stimuli, it was noted that for the carotid receptors, lower pressures were required to induce responses (inflexion pressure less) and the slope of the stimulus‐response curve was less. Pulsatile aortic pressures induced a parallel (downward) displacement of the curve but no change in inflexion point or slope. The coronary baroreceptor stimulus‐response relationship was unaffected by pulsatility. These results show differences between the characteristics of the three baroreceptors with coronary receptors being unaffected by pressure pulsatility but likely to be of importance in hypotensive situations.
The role of botulinum toxin type a‐induced motor endplates after peripheral nerve repair

Introduction: The aim of this study was to test the hypothesis that the increased number of new motor endplates induced by botulinum toxin type A (BTX‐A) injection before nerve injury would be reinnervated after nerve repair, resulting in greater force generation. Methods: Thirty male Wistar rats were divided randomly into 3 groups: (1) controls; (2) a group with saline solution injection; and (3) a group with BTX‐A injection into gastrocnemius muscle (BTX group). Thirty‐six days after the injections the left sciatic nerve was divided and coapted in all groups. Eight weeks later, muscle forces were measured, and histological samples were collected. Results: No differences in the number of innervated endplates were found between the groups, but the number of denervated endplates was higher in the BTX group, as was the muscle tissue degeneration score. The BTX group showed distal muscle force measurements of up to 25.8% less compared with the control group. Conclusion: Although BTX‐A injection increases the number of motor endplates, they are not functional. Muscle Nerve 52:412–418, 2015
Leadership for Instructional Improvement: An Examination of How Principals Share Leadership.

Beginning in the latter part of the 20th century, and especially since the adve nt of No Child Left Behind, the roles and responsibilities of the elementary school princi pal have undergone significant expansion. While the primary function of the principal at one ti me may have been to serve as the manager of the physical plant of the school and as the supervisor of the instructional staff in a manner reminiscent of the factory boss , today’s principals are now more often expected to serve as the leader of leaders an d to focus their efforts on instruction and its improvement. These expanded expectations may well be beyond the capabilities of any one individual or office. This multi-site case s tudy examines how instructional leadership happens in three urban ring elementary schools, how teacher leaders contribute to this work, and how the principals of these schools support the facilitation of distributing instructional leadership. The primary question that guides this study is: How does instructional leadership happen in these three schools? This is examined and reported on from both the principal’s and the teacher’s perspectives.
Localization of FtsL to the Escherichia coli septal ring

In Escherichia coli, nine gene products are known to be essential for assembly of the division septum. One of these, FtsL, is a bitopic membrane protein whose precise function is not understood. Here we use fluorescence microscopy to study the subcellular localization of FtsL, both in a wild‐type strain and in a merodiploid strain that expresses a GFP–FtsL fusion protein. We show that FtsL localizes to the cell septum where it forms a ring analogous to the cytoplasmic FtsZ ring. FtsL localization is dependent upon the function of FtsZ, FtsA and FtsQ, but not FtsI. In a reverse approach, we use fusions of green fluorescent protein (GFP) to FtsZ, FtsA and ZipA to show that these proteins localize to the division site in an FtsL‐independent fashion. We propose that FtsL is a relatively late recruit to the ring structure that mediates septation.
Efektivitas Program Beras Sejahtera dalam Meningkatkan Kesejahteraan masyarakat Pra Sejahtera di Kecamatan Ranoyapo Kabupaten Minahasa Selatan

ABSTRACT: Rice is a prosperous food subsidy in the form of rice earmarked for low-income households as the efforts of the government to improve food security and provide social protection to targeted households. The success of Rice Program prosperity is measured by the level of achievement 6T indicators, namely: the right target, the right amount, the right price, right time, right quality and right administration. The program aims to reduce the burden of Target Households spending through the partial fulfillment of staple food needs in the form of rice and prevent a decrease in consumption of energy and protein. The purpose of this study is to identify the effectiveness of Rice Welfare Program in improving public welfare in the District Ranoyapo Preprosperous South Minahasa regency. Data collection techniques in this research is through: Observation namely direct observation to the study site, conduct interviews and documentation. Results of the evaluation showed that the program in the District Ranoyapo prosperous rice was not effective because there are still some things that are not appropriate as the data receiver has not updated the program, the government is less involved mislead the public so that people do not know clearly the price and the actual amount of rice. Likewise, there is a supplementary budget that is charged to the public for reasons of money transport vehicles rice and supervision of the district governments are still lacking. Keywords: Program Effectiveness Rice Welfare, Welfare Pre prosperous society.
Hepatitis C: Knowledge and awareness of private dental practitioners of a tricity in India

BACKGROUND: Dental health-care personnel are at an increased risk toward infections caused by various microorganisms including hepatitis B and hepatitis C viruses (HCV). A dentist can play an important role in the prevention of HCV by considering every patient as a potential carrier for hepatitis. Therefore, the present study was conducted to assess the knowledge and awareness of dental health-care professionals regarding various aspects of HCV. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 247 private dental practitioners of tricity. A close-ended self-structured questionnaire was administered which contained 12 questions on knowledge and awareness regarding HCV infection keeping in view the time constraints. Categorization of knowledge scores was done at three levels - poor, moderate, and good. Statistical analysis was done using ANOVA and Student's t-test. RESULTS: Nearly 96% (102) of postgraduates and 84% (117) of graduates had heard about HCV. 45.5% (112) had poor knowledge scores, 33.6% (83) had moderate knowledge scores, and only 21% (52) of participants had good knowledge scores. On the opinion of treating an HCV-infected patient by a dentist, only 61% (65) of postgraduates and 46% (64) of graduates agreed. There was statistically significant association of mean knowledge scores with gender, education level, and experience (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Majority of the dental professionals lacked knowledge regarding HCV infection and were not fully aware regarding certain aspects. Therefore, there is an urgent need for modification of the existing dental curriculum so that knowledge regarding these diseases can be imparted during graduation.
CAIPIRINHA-Dixon-TWIST (CDT)–Volume-Interpolated Breath-Hold Examination (VIBE): A New Technique for Fast Time-Resolved Dynamic 3-Dimensional Imaging of the Abdomen With High Spatial Resolution

PurposeThe purpose of this study was to assess the feasibility and image quality of a novel, highly accelerated T1-weighted sequence for time-resolved imaging of the abdomen during the first pass of contrast media transit using controlled aliasing in parallel imaging results in higher acceleration (CAIPIRINHA) under sampling, view-sharing techniques, and Dixon water-fat separation (CAIPRINHA–Dixon–time-resolved imaging with interleaved stochastic trajectories–volumetric interpolated breath-hold examination [CDT-VIBE]). Materials and MethodsIn this retrospective, institutional review board–approved study, 47 patients (median age, 62 years; 25 men, 22 women) scanned on a 3.0-T magnetic resonance system (Skyra; Siemens) were included. The CDT-VIBE (repetition time/echo time1/echo time2, 4.1/1.33/2.56 milliseconds; acquisition time, 29 seconds) was used in place of the standard arterial phase acquisition and started 15 seconds after the injection of 0.1 mmol/kg Gd-DOTA (Dotarem, Guerbet). Within 29 seconds, 14 high spatial resolution (1.2 × 1.2 × 3 mm3) 3-dimensional data sets were acquired and reconstructed using view sharing (temporal resolution, 2.1 seconds). The CDT-VIBE images were evaluated independently by 2 blinded, experienced radiologists with regard to image quality and the number of hepatic arterial–dominant phases present on an ordinal 5-point scale (5, excellent; 1, nondiagnostic). Added diagnostic information with CDT-VIBE relative to portal venous phase VIBE was assessed. ResultsIn all patients, CDT-VIBE measurements were successfully acquired. The image quality was diagnostic in 46 of the 47 patients. Both readers assessed the highest image quality present in the data sets with a median score of 4 (range, 3–5 for both readers; &kgr;, 0.789) and the worst image quality with a median score of 3 (range, 1–4 for both readers; &kgr;, 0.689). With a range between 1 and 8 (median, 5), hepatic arterial–dominant data sets (of the 14 acquired) were obtained in each case. There was an added diagnostic value with CDT-VIBE in 10 of the 47 patients (21%). ConclusionsThe CDT-VIBE is a robust approach allowing, for the first time, dynamic imaging of the upper abdomen with high temporal resolution and preservation of high spatial resolution.
Aldosterone/salt induces renal inflammation and fibrosis in hypertensive rats.

BACKGROUND We evaluated the role of aldosterone as a mediator of renal inflammation and fibrosis in a rat model of aldosterone/salt hypertension using the selective aldosterone blocker, eplerenone. METHODS Unnephrectomized, Sprague-Dawley rats were given 1% NaCl (salt) to drink and randomized to receive treatment for 28 days: vehicle infusion (control); 0.75 microg/hour aldosterone subcutaneous infusion; or aldosterone infusion + 100 mg/kg/day oral dose of eplerenone. Blood pressure and urinary albumin were measured and kidneys were evaluated histologically. Renal injury, inflammation, and fibrosis were assessed by immunohistochemistry, in situ hybridization, and reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). RESULTS Aldosterone/salt induced severe hypertension compared to controls (220 +/- 4 mm Hg vs. 131 +/- 4 mm Hg, P < 0.05), which was partially attenuated by eplerenone (179 +/- 4 mm Hg, P < 0.05). In aldosterone/salt treated rats, renal histopathologic evaluation revealed severe vascular and glomerular sclerosis, fibrinoid necrosis and thrombosis, interstitial leukocyte infiltration, and tubular damage and regeneration. Aldosterone/salt increased circulating osteopontin (925.0 +/- 80.2 ng/mL vs. 53.6 +/- 6.3 ng/mL) and albuminuria (75.8 +/- 10.9 mg/24 hours vs. 13.2 +/- 3.0 mg/24 hours) compared to controls and increased expression of proinflammatory molecules. Treatment with eplerenone reduced systemic osteopontin (58.3 +/- 4.2 ng/mL), albuminuria (41.5 +/- 7.2 mg/24 hours), and proinflammatory gene expression: osteopontin (OPN), monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta). CONCLUSION These findings indicate that aldosterone/salt-induced renal injury and fibrosis has inflammatory components involving macrophage infiltration and cytokine up-regulation. Attenuation of renal damage and inflammation by eplerenone supports the protective effects of aldosterone blockade in hypertensive renal disease.