Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Transforming growth factor‐β receptors in self‐limited vs. chronic progressive nephritis in rats

Increases in transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) expression and extracellular matrix accumulation are transient in acute self‐limited mesangial proliferative glomerulonephritis induced by a single injection of anti‐thymocyte serum (ATS), while these increases persist following repeated injections that produce chronic progressive sclerosing glomerulonephritis with tubulointerstitial lesions. However, little is known about the expression of TGF‐β receptors (TβRs) in cells involved in the proliferative and sclerosing renal lesions. A study of protein and mRNA expression for type I (TβRI), type II (TβRII), and type III (TβRIII) TβR in both forms of nephritis was therefore carried out by immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization. Inhibition of cell proliferation and stimulation of matrix production by TGF‐β1 were assessed in isolated glomeruli using [3H]thymidine incorporation and [3H]proline metabolic labelling, respectively. In acute self‐limited nephritis, expression of TβRI, TβRII, and TβRIII increased in the glomerular and Bowman's capsular epithelial cells comprising the glomerular tuft adhesions to Bowman's capsules. However, TβRII expression was not prominent in proliferating mesangial cells. Glomeruli isolated from rats with acute self‐limited nephritis at day 7, when mesangial cell proliferation was maximal, were partially resistant to the mitoinhibitory effects of TGF‐β1. In contrast, expression of all three TβRs was elevated in glomerular and tubulointerstitial lesions in chronic progressive nephritis, and glomeruli isolated from rats with chronic progressive nephritis 7 days after the second ATS injection were sensitive to TGF‐β1. These data suggest that distinct cellular responses to TGF‐β1 resulting from differential expression of TβR underlie the difference between acute self‐limited mesangial proliferative and chronic progressive sclerosing ATS nephritis in the development of proliferative and sclerotic renal lesions. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
INTERSESSION RELIABILITY OF UPPER EXTREMITY ISOKINETIC PUSH-PULL TESTING.

BACKGROUND Based on the frequency pushing and pulling patterns are used in functional activities, there is a need to establish an objective method of quantifying the muscle performance characteristics associated with these motions, particularly during the later stages of rehabilitation as criteria for discharge. While isokinetic assessment offers an approach to quantifying muscle performance, little is known about closed kinetic chain (CKC) isokinetic testing of the upper extremity (UE). PURPOSE To determine the intersession reliability of isokinetic upper extremity measurement of pushing and pulling peak force and average power at slow (0.24 m/s), medium (0.43 m/s) and fast (0.61 m/s) velocities in healthy young adults. The secondary purpose was to compare pushing and pulling peak force (PF) and average power (AP) between the upper extremity limbs (dominant, non-dominant) across the three velocities. METHODS Twenty-four physically active men and women completed a test-retest (>96 hours) protocol in order to establish isokinetic UE CKC reliability of PF and AP during five maximal push and pull repetitions at three velocities. Both limb and speed orders were randomized between subjects. RESULTS High test-retest relative reliability using intraclass correlation coefficients (ICC2, 1) were revealed for PF (.91-.97) and AP (.85-.95) across velocities, limbs and directions. PF typical error (% coefficient of variation) ranged from 6.1% to 11.3% while AP ranged from 9.9% to 26.7%. PF decreased significantly (p < .05) as velocity increased whereas AP increased as velocity increased. PF and AP during pushing were significantly greater than pulling at all velocities, however the push-pull differences in PF became less as velocity increased. There were no significant differences identified between the dominant and nondominant limbs. CONCLUSION Isokinetically derived UE CKC push-pull PF and AP are reliable measures. The lack of limb differences in healthy normal participants suggests that clinicians can consider bilateral comparisons when interpreting test performance. The increase in pushing PF and AP compared to pulling can be attributed to the muscles involved and the frequency that pushing patterns are used during functional activities. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE 3.
The role of the superior temporal sulcus and the mirror neuron system in imitation

It has been suggested that in humans the mirror neuron system provides a neural substrate for imitation behaviour, but the relative contributions of different brain regions to the imitation of manual actions is still a matter of debate. To investigate the role of the mirror neuron system in imitation we used fMRI to examine patterns of neural activity under four different conditions: passive observation of a pantomimed action (e.g., hammering a nail); (2) imitation of an observed action; (3) execution of an action in response to a word cue; and (4) self‐selected execution of an action. A network of cortical areas, including the left supramarginal gyrus, left superior parietal lobule, left dorsal premotor area and bilateral superior temporal sulcus (STS), was significantly active across all four conditions. Crucially, within this network the STS bilaterally was the only region in which activity was significantly greater for action imitation than for the passive observation and execution conditions. We suggest that the role of the STS in imitation is not merely to passively register observed biological motion, but rather to actively represent visuomotor correspondences between one's own actions and the actions of others. Hum Brain Mapp, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
COX-2 dependent regulation of mechanotransduction in human breast cancer cells

The ability of living cells to exert physical forces upon their surrounding is a necessary prerequisite for diverse biological processes, such as local cellular migrations in wound healing to metastatic-invasion of cancer. How forces are coopted in metastasis has remained unclear, however, because the mechanical interplay between cancer cells and the various stromal components has not been experimentally accessible. Current dogma implicates inflammation in these mechanical processes. Using Fourier transform traction microscopy, we measured the force-generating capacity of human breast cancer cells occupying a spectrum of invasiveness as well as basal and inducible COX-2 expression (MCF-7<SUM-149<MDA-MB-231). Compared with non-invasive MCF-7 and moderately-invasive SUM-149, poorly-differentiated MDA-MB-231 cells showed increased cellular dispersion on collagen matrix that was accompanied by emergent distribution of contractile stresses at the interface between the adherent cell and its substrate, defined herein as the traction field. In metastatic MDA-MB-231 cells, the local tractions were precisely tuned to the surrounding matrix rigidity in a physiologic range with the concomitant expression of mechanosensitive integrin β1. These discrete responses at the single-cell resolution were correlated with PGE2 secretion and were ablated by shRNA-mediated knockdown of COX-2. Both COX-2-silenced and COX-2-expressing cells expressed EP2 and EP4 receptors, but not EP1 and EP3. Exogenous addition of PGE2 increased cell tractions and stiffened the underlying cytoskeletal network. To our knowledge this is the first report linking the expression of COX-2 with mechanotransduction of human breast cancer cells, and the regulation of COX-2-PGE2-EP signaling with physical properties of the tumor microenvironment. Drug treatments aimed at reducing this mechanical interplay may have therapeutic potential in the treatment of breast cancer.
Cardiomyopathy-associated mutation in the ADP/ATP carrier reveals translation-dependent regulation of cytochrome c oxidase activity

How the absence of the major mitochondrial ADP/ATP carrier in yeast, Aac2p, results in a specific defect in cytochrome c oxidase (COX; complex IV) activity is a long-standing mystery. Aac2p physically associates with respiratory supercomplexes, which include complex IV, raising the possibility that its activity is dependent on its association with Aac2p. Here, we have leveraged a transport-dead pathogenic AAC2 point mutant to determine the basis for the reduced COX activity in the absence of Aac2p. The steady-state levels of complex IV subunits encoded by the mitochondrial genome are significantly reduced in the absence of Aac2p function, whether its association with respiratory supercomplexes is preserved or not. This diminution in COX amounts is not caused by a reduction in the mitochondrial genome copy number or the steady-state level of its transcripts, and does not reflect a defect in complex IV assembly. Instead, the absence of Aac2p activity, genetically or pharmacologically, results in an aberrant pattern of mitochondrial translation. Interestingly, compared with the complete absence of Aac2p, the complex IV–related defects are greater in mitochondria expressing the transport-inactive Aac2p mutant. Our results highlight a critical role for Aac2p transport in mitochondrial translation whose disturbance uniquely impacts cytochrome c oxidase.
The acceptability of the female condom: Perspectives of family planning providers in New York City, South Africa, and Nigeria

This article seeks to fill the gap in female condom acceptability research by examining family planning (FP) providers' attitudes and experiences regarding the female condom in three countries (South Africa, the US, and Nigeria) to highlight providers' potential integral role in the introduction of the female condom. The case studies used data drawn from three independent projects, each of which was designed to study or to change FP providers' attitudes and practices in relation to the female condom. The case study for New York City used data from semistructured interviews with providers in one FP consortium in which no special female condom training had been undertaken. The data from South Africa were drawn from transcripts and observations of a female condom training program and from interviews conducted in preparation for the training. The Nigerian study used observations of client visits before and after providers were trained concerning the female condom. In New York City, providers were skeptical about the contraceptive efficacy of the female condom, with only 8 of 22 providers (36%) reporting they would recommend it as a primary contraceptive. In South Africa, providers who had practiced insertion of the female condom as part of their training expressed concern about its physical appearance and effects on sexual pleasure. However, they also saw the female condom as a tool to empower clients to increase their capacity for self-protection. Structured observations of providers' counseling interactions with clients following training indicated that Nigerian providers discussed the female condom with clients in 80% of the visits observed. Despite the lack of a uniform methodology, the three case studies illuminate various dimensions of FP providers' perceptions of the acceptability of the female condom. FP providers must be viewed as a critical factor in female condom acceptability, uptake, and continued use. Designing training programs and other interventions that address sources of provider resistance and enhance providers' skills in teaching female condom negotiation strategies may help to increase clients' use of the female condom.
Suture-Free and Mesh Reinforced Small Intestinal Anstomoses: A Feasibility Study in Rabbits

ABSTRACT Introduction: Anastomotic leakage still remains a major complication in general surgery. Beside general risk factors, the ideal method of anastomotic technique has not been found until now. The aim of the present study was to analyze wound healing in suture-free small intestine anastomoses using fibrin glue with and without mesh-reinforcement. Methods: Laparotomy and four different types of small bowel anastomoses were performed in 32 chinchilla rabbits. Standard hand-sewn anastomoses (CG), suture-free glued anastomoses (FG) with and without mesh reinforcement using two different types of meshes [Vicryl-mesh (VM) and Surgisis (SM)]. Animals were sacrificed after 5 and 21 days. Bursting pressure, collagen type I/III ratio, and matrix-metalloproteinase 2, 9, and 13 were analyzed. Results: None of the animals died due to an anastomotic leakage. All animals in the long term group with Surgisis mesh died due to a mechanical bowel obstruction based on a distinctive stenosis of the anastomosis. The bursting pressures did significantly differed in animals with fibrin glue alone compared to animals with Vicryl-mesh reinforcement (p < 0.05). Histological examination revealed statistically significant differences (p < 0.05) in the values for MMP-2 (VM < SM), MMP-9 (VM < CG), and MMP-13 (CG < SM, VM < FG, and VM < SM). However, collagen type I/III ratios were not significantly different between groups. Conclusions: Our results suggest that a mesh reinforced glued anastomosis is technically feasible. Furthermore, mesh-reinforcement using VM increased the integrity and simplified the technique of suture-free anastomoses.
Inhibition of Spliceosome Assembly by the Cell Cycle-regulated Protein Kinase MELK and Involvement of Splicing Factor NIPP1*

NIPP1 is a ubiquitous nuclear protein that is required for spliceosome assembly. We report here that the phosphothreonine-binding Forkhead-associated domain of NIPP1 interacts with the cell cycle-regulated protein Ser/Thr kinase MELK (maternal embryonic leucine zipper kinase). The NIPP1-MELK interaction was critically dependent on the phosphorylaton of Thr-478 of MELK and was increased in lysates from mitotically arrested cells. Recombinant MELK was a potent inhibitor of an early step of spliceosome assembly in nuclear extracts. This splicing defect was also seen with a kinase-dead mutant but was absent after mutation (T478A) of the NIPP1 binding site of MELK, indicating a mediatory role for NIPP1. Our data suggest that MELK has a role in the cell cycle-regulated control of pre-mRNA splicing.
Epidemiological pattern of myocardial infarction and modelling risk factors relevant to in-hospital mortality: the first results from the Iranian Myocardial Infarction Registry.

BACKGROUND Myocardial infarction (MI) care and treatment contribute greatly to the patients' fatality and mortality. Assessing and monitoring mortalities and the effective factors are necessary in MI care and treatment programs. No comprehensive and population-based study has yet been conducted in Iran to determine the epidemiological pattern of MI, and particularly in-hospital mortality rate and the effective factors. AIM To determine the epidemiological pattern of MI based on person-, time-, place-, and mortality-associated risk factors. METHODS This was a prospective, population-based cohort study, which analysed the data of 20,750 MI patients in Iran in 2012. MI was diagnosed based on ICD-10: codes I21 and I22. The cohort of the patients was defined in terms of the date at diagnosis, hospitalisation, and the date at discharge (recovery or death due to MI). The in-hospital mortality rate was calculated by Cox regression. Univariate analysis and multiple logistic regression were used to determine the effective factors on the patients' mortality. The odds ratio (95% confidence interval [CI]) was reported using Stata software. RESULTS The relative frequency of in-hospital mortality was 12.1%. The in-hospital mortality rate was higher in women than in men, and 6.74 (95% CI 6.4-7.0) per 100 person-years were at risk of death. The highest relative mortality (13.2%) was obtained in January (11 Dey to 11 Bahman in the Persian calendar) and the lowest (5.9%) in May (11 Ordibehest to 10 Khordad in the Persian calendar). Age of over 84 years, female gender, educational level, smoking, lack of thrombolytic therapy, type 2 diabetes, chest pain prior to arriving in hospital, right bundle branch block, ventricular tachycardia, percutaneous coronary intervention, lateral MIs, and ST segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI) were determinants of in-hospital mortality in the patients. The relative frequency of mortality was higher from STEMI (83.7% of deaths in registry) vs. non-STEMI (16.3% of deaths in registry). CONCLUSIONS STEMI, lack of thrombolytic therapy, age of over 84 years, and ventricular tachycardia have the greatest effect on in-hospital mortality in MI patients. The results of this study are helpful in planning for monitoring and promotion of healthcare of the patients.
Cardiovascular training vs. resistance training for improving quality of life and physical function in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus: a randomized controlled trial

Objectives: To compare the efficacy of cardiovascular training (CT) with resistance training (RT) in improving the health-related quality of life (HRQoL) and physical function of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Method: A randomized controlled trial was conducted with participants randomly allocated to either a CT (n = 21), RT (n = 21), or control group (n = 21). The outcomes assessed were: HRQoL using the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), severity of depression using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), disease activity using the SLE Disease Activity Index (SLEDAI), and aerobic capacity using a 12-minute walk test (T12). Results: Sixty-three patients (61 women and two men), aged 42.9 ± 14.4 years, with a mean body mass index (BMI) of 28.7 ± 10.6 kg/m2, disease duration of 3.8 ± 3.3 years, and not physically active participated in the study. HRQoL improved for both exercise groups but was superior in the RT group. There was no significant difference in physical function between the intervention groups, except for aerobic capacity. Neither training programme was associated with a change in disease activity. Conclusions: Exercise intervention proved to be better than not exercising. CT was better than RT in improving HRQoL.
Advances in Capacitive, Eddy Current, and Magnetic Displacement Sensors and Corresponding Interfaces

This paper presents a review of the latest advances in the field of capacitive, inductive (eddy current), and magnetic sensors, for measurement of absolute displacement. The need for accurate displacement and position measurement in the micrometer, nanometer, and subnanometer scales has increased significantly over the last few years. Application examples can be found in high-tech industries, metrology, and space equipment. Besides measuring displacement as a primary quantity, absolute displacement sensors are also used when physical quantities such as pressure, acceleration, vibration, inertia, etc., have to be measured. A better understanding of the commonalities between capacitive, inductive, and magnetic displacement sensors, as well as the main performance differences and limitations, will help one make the best choice for a specific application. This review is based on both theoretical analysis and experimental results. The main performance criteria used are: sensitivity, resolution, compactness, long-term stability, thermal drift, and power efficiency.
Magnetoresistance and Magnetic Anisotropy Properties of Strain-Induced Co/Ag Multilayer Films

We report on the magnetoresistance (MR) properties of [Co(tCo)/Ag 1.5 nm]20 multilayer and alloy films grown with the pulse electrochemical deposition on a polyamide substrate (1 cm2). The induced uniaxial magnetic anisotropy was observed due to the effect of strain in all the multilayer films. The multilayer [Co 1.5 nm/Ag 1.5 nm]20 showed a minimum hysteresis loss. The maximum MR ratio for Co/Ag was 9.2% at 1 kOe. A remarkable difference of magnetic field dependence of the magnetoresistance ratio was observed, corresponding to the orientation of magnetization curves.
The influence of plant polyphenols on lipolysis and biohydrogenation in dried forages at different phenological stages: in vitro study.

BACKGROUND It is known that forage legumes show a higher transfer efficiency of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) to ruminant dairy products in comparison with grasses. Legumes are usually characterised by moderate levels of plant secondary metabolites, which can have an effect on lipolysis and biohydrogenation in the rumen. An in vitro study was carried out to compare two species with different plant phenol compositions, Vicia sativa (VS, common vetch, cv. Jose) and Trifolium incarnatum (TI, crimson clover, cv. Viterbo) cut at the vegetative (Veg) and reproductive (Rep) stages, on lipolysis and PUFA biohydrogenation in the rumen. RESULTS The study showed that forage species and phenological stage affected the levels of bound phenols (BP) and tannic polyphenols (TP). VS was characterised by a higher level of TP than TI at both Veg and Rep stages, whereas BP levels were low in both forages. BP and TP had a negative effect on lipolysis and biohydrogenation, but TP showed a greater negative correlation than BP for both forages. CONCLUSION These results showed that lipolysis and biohydrogenation of PUFA could be affected by plant phenols, particularly TP.
Cost‐Utility Analysis of High Molecular Weight Hyaluronic Acid for Knee Osteoarthritis in Everyday Clinical Care in Patients at a Working Age: An Economic Evaluation of a Randomized Clinical Trial

Knee osteoarthritis (OA) is associated with high medical costs and especially with high productivity costs, in particular in patients in their working years. High molecular weight (HMW) hyaluronic acid (HA) is an alternative treatment for nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, which are known for their serious side‐effects. The cost‐utility of intraarticular HMW‐HA treatment in these patients is unknown, however, and was assessed in this study.
Abdominoplasty: A Comparison of Outpatient and Inpatient Procedures Shows That It Is a Safe and Effective Procedure for Outpatients in an Office-Based Surgery Clinic

Background: Abdominoplasty is one of the most commonly performed aesthetic procedures. In our practice, it has recently shifted toward outpatient care as the standard. In this study, the authors investigated the difference in short-term complications in outpatient and inpatient procedures in an office-based surgery clinic. Methods: A total of 69 consecutive abdominoplasty patients from a plastic surgeon's office-based surgery clinic were reviewed retrospectively. Of these, there were 37 inpatients (mean age at time of operation, 41.2 years; range, 26 to 54 years) and 32 outpatients (mean age at time of operation, 37.5 years; range, 21 to 58 years). Each patient was reviewed for short-term complications, which included wound infection, wound dehiscence, seroma, and/or hematoma. Complications were correlated to inpatient and outpatient groups. Results: Four inpatients (10.8 percent) and one outpatient (3.1 percent) had wound infections, whereas two inpatients (5.4 percent) and two outpatients (6.2 percent) had wound dehiscence/marginal necrosis (a small area of surgical wound opening). The most common perioperative complication was seroma formation, which was seen in seven inpatients (18.9 percent) and eight outpatients (25.0 percent). The overall complication rate in this study was 30.4 percent (29.7 percent in inpatients and 31.2 percent in outpatients). There was no correlation between short-term complications and inpatient/outpatient status. Conclusion: These results demonstrate that abdominoplasties can be safely and effectively performed in an outpatient surgery clinic.