Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cell shape and TGF‐β signaling define the choice of lineage during in vitro differentiation of mouse primary hepatic precursors

Cellular differentiation relies on both physical and chemical environmental cues. The bipotential mouse embryonic liver (BMEL) cells are early progenitors of liver epithelial cells with an apparently infinite proliferative potential. These cells, which remain undifferentiated in a monolayer culture, differentiate upon release from geometrical constraints imposed by growth on a stiff plastic plate. In a complex three dimensional environment of a Matrigel extracellular matrix, BMEL cells form two types of polarized organoids of distinct morphologies: cyst‐like structures suggesting cholangiocyte‐type organization or complex organoids, reminiscent of liver parenchyma and associated with acquisition of hepatocyte‐specific phenotypic markers. The choice of the in vitro differentiation lineage is governed by Transforming Growth Factor‐β (TGF‐β) signaling. Our results suggest that morphological cues initiate the differentiation of early hepatic precursors and confirm the inhibitory role of TGF‐β on hepatocytic lineage differentiation. J. Cell. Physiol. 225: 186–195, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Verbal Ability Predicts Abstinence from Drugs and Alcohol in a Residential Treatment Population

Measures of cognitive ability, depression, anxiety, antisocial personality, as well as length, type and severity of addiction were obtained from 122 substance abusers enrolled in residential treatment programs. Over a subsequent 6-mo. monitoring period, relapse to substance use was detected in 46 subjects. 17 subjects withdrew from treatment for other reasons and their relapse status was unknown. The remaining 59 maintained abstinence from alcohol or drug use throughout the monitoring period. The only variables to differentiate the groups significantly on outcome were IQ and the Verbal subtest from the Shipley Institute of Living Scale. Stepwise discriminant function analysis indicated that the Verbal component alone correctly identified 64.4% of patients who would successfully remain abstinent.
Interkingdom Responses to Bacterial Quorum Sensing Signals Regulate Frequency and Rate of Nodulation in Legume–Rhizobia Symbiosis

Density‐dependent phenotypic switching in bacteria, the phenomenon of quorum sensing (QS), is instrumental in many pathogenic and mutualistic behaviors. In many Gram‐negative bacteria, QS is regulated by N‐acylated‐l‐homoserine lactones (AHLs). Synthetic analogues of these AHLs hold significant promise for regulating QS at the host–symbiont interface. Regulation depends on refined temporal and spatial models of quorums under native conditions. Critical to this is an understanding of how the presence of these signals may affect a prospective host. We screened a library of AHL analogues for their ability to regulate the legume–rhizobia mutualistic symbiosis (nodulation) between Medicago truncatula and Sinorhizobium meliloti. Using an established QS‐reporter line of S. meliloti and nodulation assays with wild‐type bacteria, we identified compounds capable of increasing either the rate of nodule formation or total nodule number. Most importantly, we identified compounds with activity exclusive to either host or pathogen, underscoring the potential to generate QS modulators selective to bacteria with limited effects on a prospective host.
How is defensive medicine understood and experienced in a primary care setting? A qualitative focus group study among Danish general practitioners

Objectives Recent years have witnessed a progressive increase in defensive medicine (DM) in several Western welfare countries. In Danish primary and secondary care, documentation on the extent of DM is lacking. Before investigating the extent of DM, we wanted to explore how the phenomenon is understood and experienced in the context of general practice in Denmark. The objective of the study was to describe the phenomenon of DM as understood and experienced by Danish general practitioners (GPs). Design A qualitative methodology was employed and data were generated through six focus group interviews with three to eight GPs per group (n=28) recruited from the Region of Southern Denmark. Data were analysed using a thematic content analysis inspired by a hermeneutic-phenomenological focus on understanding and meaning. Results DM is understood as unnecessary and meaningless medical actions, carried out mainly because of external demands that run counter to the GP’s professionalism. Several sources of pressure to act defensively were identified by the GPs: the system’s pressure to meet external regulations, demands from consumerist patients and a culture among GPs and peers of infallibility and zero-risk tolerance. Conclusions GPs understand DM as unnecessary and meaningless actions driven by external demands instead of a focus on the patient’s problem. GPs consider defensive actions to be carried out as a result of succumbing to various sources of pressure deriving from the system, the patients, the GPs themselves and peers.
Molecular Identification of Adenylyl Cyclase 3 in Bovine Corpus Luteum and Its Regulation by Prostaglandin F2α-Induced Signaling Pathways1.

The involvement of cAMP in various aspects of ovarian steroidogenic cells functions has been extensively studied. However, the adenylyl cyclase (AC) types expressed in ovarian cells, of any species, are not yet determined. The present study was undertaken to identify AC types present in bovine luteal cells and their regulation by various stimuli. AC isoforms 2, 3, 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 were detected in the bovine brain by Northern blotting analysis, whereas the bovine corpus luteum (CL) only expressed AC3 and 6 mRNAs, with AC3 being more abundant than AC6. The use of AC3-specific primers in RT-PCR reaction verified the presence of AC3 mRNA in both bovine and rat CL tissue as well as in bovine steroidogenic luteal cells. Because these two AC isoforms, AC3 and 6, exhibit distinct regulatory patterns we have next examined the effects of various signaling pathways on AC activity in luteal cells. These studies have shown that: 1) prostaglandin (PG) F2α and phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate markedly elevated agonist-.
Original Article Multidrug Resistance Proteins in Renal Cell Carcinoma (renal cell carcinoma / immunohistochemistry / P-glycoprotein / multidrug resistance-associated protein / lung resistance-related protein)

A large number of renal cancer patients show poor or partial response to chemotherapy and the precise mechanism has not been understood yet. MDR is the principal mechanism by which many can- cers develop resistance to chemotherapeutic drugs and is associated with the elevated expression of MDR proteins. These are divided into two groups: ABC transporters and non-ABC transporters. The aim of our study was to determine the expression of MDR1/Pgp, MRP1 and LRP in 47 samples of renal cell carcinomas using immunohistochemical assay. Our results were analysed in relation to nuclear grade and other clinical and pathological parameters to see the possible correlation between the expression of MDR proteins and factors mentioned above. The ma- jority of renal carcinoma specimens showed positivity for MDR proteins. In this regard, 21 % of samples revealed positive results for MDR1, 62 % for MRP1 and 76.6 % for LRP protein. Furthermore, our study displayed significant differences between MDR1, LRP and nuclear grade. On the other hand, no association was found between MRP1 and nuclear grade, as well as between the expression of three MDR proteins and other clinically relevant parameters.
The outcome of teeth with periapical periodontitis treated with nonsurgical endodontic treatment: a computerized morphometric study.

OBJECTIVES This study investigated the prognosis for successful endodontic treatment and the correlation between the size of the periapical lesion, the quality of the root canal treatment, and the type of coronal restoration. METHOD AND MATERIALS Periapical radiographs of 319 teeth with periapical periodontitis were studied. The area of each lesion was measured before treatment and 1 to 12 years after completion of the endodontic treatment. The measurements were performed using computerized morphometry. RESULTS In 65.2% of the teeth, the size of the lesion decreased, while in 34.8% of teeth, there was an increase. Lesions larger than 10 mm2 had a greater tendency for healing. CONCLUSION No significant correlation was found between the quality of root canal treatment, the type of the coronal restoration, and the success rate of the endodontic treatment.
Temperament and Language Skills as Predictors of Teacher-Child Relationship Quality in Preschool

Current educational policy emphasizes "school readiness" of young children with a premium placed on preschool interventions that facilitate academic and social readiness for children who have had limited learning experiences prior to kindergarten (Rouse, Brooks-Gunn, & McLanahan, 2005). The teacher–child relationship is viewed as a critical mechanism for the effectiveness of interventions (Girolametto, Weitzman, & Greenberg, 2003; National Institute of Child Health and Human Development Early Child Care Research Network, 2003). The purpose of this study was to determine how children's temperament and language skills predict teacher–child relationship quality. The sample consisted of 99 at-risk preschool students. Three findings emerged: (a) bolder children with lower language complexity were more likely to have higher levels of conflict in their relationships with teachers, (b) shyer children with greater language complexity were more likely to have dependent relationships with their teachers, and (c) teacher effects accounted for more of the variance in conflictual and dependent teacher-child relationships compared to children's behavioral inhibition and language complexity. This study shows that teacher-child relationships are multirelational. Individual differences in temperament and language skills affect teacher-child interactions, and ultimately, contribute to the effectiveness of classroom interventions. Such information helps to unpack the complexities of classroom quality by increasing awareness among practitioners of factors contributing to positive teacher–child relationships.
Alpha-Defensin HD5 Inhibits Furin Cleavage of Human Papillomavirus 16 L2 To Block Infection

ABSTRACT Human papillomavirus (HPV) is a significant oncogenic virus, but the innate immune response to HPV is poorly understood. Human α-defensin 5 (HD5) is an innate immune effector peptide secreted by epithelial cells in the genitourinary tract. HD5 is broadly antimicrobial, exhibiting potent antiviral activity against HPV at physiologic concentrations; however, the specific mechanism of HD5-mediated inhibition against HPV is unknown. During infection, the HPV capsid undergoes several critical cell-mediated viral protein processing steps, including unfolding and cleavage of the minor capsid protein L2 by host cyclophilin B and furin. Using HPV16 pseudovirus, we show that HD5 interacts directly with the virus and inhibits the furin-mediated cleavage of L2 at the cell surface during infection at a step downstream of the cyclophilin B-mediated unfolding of L2. Importantly, HD5 does not affect the enzymatic activity of furin directly. Thus, our data support a model in which HD5 prevents furin from accessing L2 by occluding the furin cleavage site via direct binding to the viral capsid. IMPORTANCE Our study elucidates a new antiviral action for α-defensins against nonenveloped viruses in which HD5 directly interferes with a critical host-mediated viral processing step, furin cleavage of L2, at the cell surface. Blocking this key event has deleterious effects on the intracellular steps of virus infection. Thus, in addition to informing the antiviral mechanisms of α-defensins, our studies highlight the critical role of furin cleavage in HPV entry. Innate immune control, mediated in part by α-defensins expressed in the genital mucosa, may influence susceptibility to HPV infections that lead to cervical cancer. Moreover, understanding the mechanism of these natural antivirals may inform the design of therapeutics to limit HPV infection.
Partial replacement of pork back-fat by vegetable oils in burger patties: effect on oxidative stability and texture and color changes during cooking and chilled storage.

UNLABELLED The present study was aimed to examine the impact of partial back-fat replacement (50%) by avocado (A), sunflower (S), and olive (O) oil on the chemical composition, oxidative stability, color, and texture of porcine burger patties (10% fat) subjected to oven cooking (170 °C/18 min) and chilling (+ 4 °C/15 d). The addition of vegetable oils caused a significant reduction of saturated fatty acids and a concomitant enrichment in unsaturated fatty acids. The incorporation of vegetable oils to porcine patties caused a significant reduction of TBARS formed as a result of cooking and the subsequent chilling. The usage of vegetable oils as back-fat replacers had no impact on the formation of protein carbonyls. Porcine patties with A- and O-patties displayed a more favorable ratio between volatiles contributing to rancidity and those contributing pleasant odor notes. Treated and control patties underwent similar discoloration during processing. The usage of vegetable oils and particularly, avocado and olive oils, as back-fat replacers, could be an interesting strategy to improve the nutritional and technological properties of porcine patties. PRACTICAL APPLICATION The present study highlights the potential nutritional and technological benefits of replacing animal fat by vegetable oils in porcine patties subjected to cooking and chilling. The industrial application of vegetable oils in processed meat products would meet the current consumers' interest towards healthier food products. In addition, the usage of avocado oil would contribute to boost the avocado industry by providing an additional value to a by-product of great biological significance.
Augmentation therapy in alpha-1 antitrypsin deficiency: advances and controversies

Alpha-1 antitrypsin (AAT) deficiency is a hereditary condition characterized by low levels of AAT in plasma and hence diffusion into tissues. One of the most relevant characteristics of the disease is the development of panacinar emphysema due to an imbalance between proteases and antiproteases in the presence of environmental triggers. Left untreated, severe obstructive lung disease may develop. Avoidance of environmental triggers such as cigarette smoking constitutes a critical component of AAT deficiency treatment. Intravenous augmentation therapy is the only specific therapy for the condition that has been approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA). While this therapy likely slows the rate of progression of emphysema and may improve survival in selected individuals with severe AAT deficiency, the gold standard for proof of efficacy is lacking. Areas where controversy exists regarding the use of AAT augmentation therapy include: (1) indications for treatment, (2) selection of specific AAT augmentation therapy, (3) appropriate dose and interval of administration, (4) cost effectiveness, (5) frequency and mode of follow up of treated patients, (6) use of augmentation therapy after lung transplantation, (7) use of recombinant AAT supplementation, (8) alternative delivery routes, and (9) genetic therapy. In this review we describe the advances in treatment and try to address some of the current controversies in AAT deficiency management.
Reduced complexity maximum likelihood sequence estimator for high-speed fiber optic communication systems

In this paper we present a new reduced complexity maximum likelihood sequence detector for intensity modulation / direct detection (IM/DD) fiber optic systems. The proposed detector takes into account the presence of thermal and amplified spontaneous emission (ASE) noise. The results presented here show a negligible performance degradation from the optimum receiver, while implementation complexity is significantly reduced. The mathematical models derived in this paper are attractive for the design and analysis of very high speed optical receivers. Keywords— Fiber optics, maximum likelihood estimation, optical amplifiers, ASE noise, statistical model.
Characterization of resistance phenotype and cephalosporin activity in oxacillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus

Forty isolates of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus were tested versus oxacillin at 30 and 35 degrees C with and without 2% NaCl supplementation of Mueller-Hinton broth and classified as having resistance that was low (MIC, less than or equal to 16 micrograms/ml) or high (MIC, greater than or equal to 32 micrograms/ml) and temperature or NaCl dependent. Only three isolates had low-grade resistance at both 30 and 35 degrees C; for two isolates the MICs at 35 degrees C were greater than or equal to 4 X the MICs at 30 degrees C. NaCl usually increased the MICs two- to fourfold. Efficiency of plating studies were performed on strains selected for their level of oxacillin resistance and according to temperature-related difference in MICs. Most strains appeared to represent the heterogeneous resistance phenotype. Cefamandole MICs were little affected by temperature but increased with NaCl. With three exceptions, cefamandole MCBs were less than or equal to 4 X MICs. For only six isolates were cefuroxime MICs less than or equal to 16 micrograms/ml. Four strains that were susceptible to both cefuroxime and cefamandole were selected for time-killing curve studies at inocula of 10(7) CFU/ml. At 8 X MIC, cefuroxime failed to reduce the concentration of any strain by greater than or equal to 3 X log10 CFU/ml. Killing of greater than or equal to 3 X log10 CFU/ml was achieved by cefamandole at 4X and 8 X MIC in one strain, at 8 X MIC only in two strains, and by neither 4 X nor 8 X MIC in one strain. Within therapeutically attainable blood levels, cefuroxime is essentially inactive and cefamandole is variably bactericidal against oxacillin-resistant s. aureus.
Inguinal Paravascular (Lumbar Plexus) Neurolytic Block—Description of a Catheter Technique: Case Report

Background and Objectives We provided care for a 47-year-old female with a history of lung carcinoma and bony metastases who sustained a pathologic fracture of the right acetabulum causing severe and uncontrolled pain in the right groin. Her pain was rated as 8-10 on a 10-point visual analog scale (VAS). Her terminal disease and poor surgical risk precluded therapeutic operative intervention. Consequently, a neurolytic block of the lumbar plexus was performed as a palliative measure. Methods A modified inguinal paravascular (lumbar plexus) block technique was used. A 17-gauge Tuohy needle was inserted in the groin area just lateral to femoral artery and 1 cm below the inguinal ligament. A guide wire was threaded through the needle and subsequently an angiogram catheter was introduced over the wire into the psoas muscle. Radiographic confirmation of the position was obtained, and the catheter was secured in place. A prognostic block using an infusion of 0.25% bupivacaine at 5 mL/h was initiated for the first 2 days. On the third day a neurolytic block with 6% phenol was performed. Results Marked pain relief was experienced by the patient (VAS: 0-1). Sensory block in the femoral, lateral femoral cutaneous, and obturator nerve distributions was elicited. Motor weakness in the femoral nerve was demonstrated. Narcotic use was markedly reduced, and the patient was discharged to home in a pain-free state. Conclusions This case report supports the feasibility of placing a catheter via a modified anterior inguinal paravascular block technique and its subsequent use for both local anesthetic infusion and neurolytic block of the lumbar plexus.
Rhizobia Indigenous to the Okavango Region in Sub-Saharan Africa: Diversity, Adaptations, and Host Specificity

ABSTRACT The rhizobial community indigenous to the Okavango region has not yet been characterized. The isolation of indigenous rhizobia can provide a basis for the formulation of a rhizobial inoculant. Moreover, their identification and characterization contribute to the general understanding of species distribution and ecology. Isolates were obtained from nodules of local varieties of the pulses cowpea, Bambara groundnut, peanut, hyacinth bean, and common bean. Ninety-one of them were identified by BOX repetitive element PCR (BOX-PCR) and sequence analyses of the 16S-23S rRNA internally transcribed spacer (ITS) and the recA, glnII, rpoB, and nifH genes. A striking geographical distribution was observed. Bradyrhizobium pachyrhizi dominated at sampling sites in Angola which were characterized by acid soils and a semihumid climate. Isolates from the semiarid sampling sites in Namibia were more diverse, with most of them being related to Bradyrhizobium yuanmingense and Bradyrhizobium daqingense. Host plant specificity was observed only for hyacinth bean, which was nodulated by rhizobia presumably representing yet-undescribed species. Furthermore, the isolates were characterized with respect to their adaptation to high temperatures, drought, and local host plants. The adaptation experiments revealed that the Namibian isolates shared an exceptionally high temperature tolerance, but none of the isolates showed considerable adaptation to drought. Moreover, the isolates' performance on different local hosts showed variable results, with most Namibian isolates inducing better nodulation on peanut and hyacinth bean than the Angolan strains. The local predominance of distinct genotypes implies that indigenous strains may exhibit a better performance in inoculant formulations.
Bienzyme Carbon Paste Electrodes for L-Glutamate Determination

Amperometric bienzyme electrodes were constructed for the direct assay of L-glutamate in a flow injection system () working at a potential of -50 mV vs. Ag/AgCl. Electrode characteristics were obtained and compared for carbon paste electrodes based on different peroxidases [horseradish peroxidase (HRP) or fungal peroxidase (ARP)], co-immobilized with L-glutamate oxidase (GlOx) using different immobilization techniques. Addition of polyethylenimine (PEI) into the sensing chemistry was found beneficial, enhancing the glutamate sensitivity of the sensor by 40%. The G1Ox-HRP-PEI bienzyme electrodes displayed superior biosensor characteristics than those based on ARP. Linear calibration curves between 8 and 800 µM, both for L-glutamate and hydrogen peroxide, were registered with a sensitivity for glutamate of 6 µA/mM and a detection limit of 5 µM (calculated as twice signal-to-noise ratio). The optimized glutamate biosensor was further used as a detection unit in a column liquid chromatographic system for the analysis of some blood plasma and urine samples.