Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Molecular and functional characterization of bile acid transport in human hepatoblastoma HepG2 cells

Bile acids are taken up into human liver by Na+‐dependent and Na+‐independent transport mechanisms. In hepatocarcinogenesis, numerous liver‐specific functions are lost and the uptake of organic anions is markedly reduced. We have investigated the molecular and functional derangements of bile acid transport in the human hepatoblastoma cell line HepG2. Uptake of [3H]‐taurocholic acid was saturable and entirely Na+ independent, with the kinetic characteristics of the human liver organic anion transporting polypeptide (OATP). OATP, but not the Na+‐dependent bile acid transporter (Na+‐taurocholate‐cotransporting polypeptide [NTCP]), was detectable by reverse‐transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) analysis of HepG2 RNA. The level of OATP expression in HepG2 cells was determined by Northern blot analysis and was found to be 40% in comparison with normal liver. Transfection of an OATP‐derived phosphorothioate (PTO)‐antisense oligonucleotide into HepG2 cells resulted in 77% inhibition of temperature‐dependent bile acid uptake. Injection of HepG2 messenger RNA (mRNA) into Xenopus laevis oocytes significantly stimulated Na+‐independent taurocholate uptake, indicating the expression of a bile acid transport protein. We conclude that bile acid uptake into human hepatoblastoma HepG2 cells is mediated by the multi‐specific organic anion transporting polypeptide OATP. Therapeutic strategies employing bile acid‐derived cytostatic agents for the treatment of hepatocellular carcinomas may therefore depend upon the expression of the Na+‐independent bile acid transporter OATP in hepatic malignancies.
[Treatment of cardiac arrhythmia with radiofrequency in pediatrics].

OBJECTIVE The use of radiofrequency ablation of cardiac arrhythmias in pediatrics requires demonstration that the technique is effective and devoid of significant complications. In this study we present our experience in the ablation of cardiac arrhythmias in children and adolescents. PATIENTS AND METHODS Between January 1992 and January 1997 we performed a total of 1,543 radiofrequency ablation procedures. Of these, 130 were performed in 117 patients younger than 18 years of age (58 were younger than 14 years old). Indication for ablation was the presence of drug refractory recurrent paroxysmal supraventricular tachycardia in 112 patients and permanent ventricular preexcitation in 5 asymptomatic patients. Final diagnosis in the 112 symptomatic patients was: 4 atrial tachycardias, 21 atrio-ventricular nodal reentrant tachycardias, 53 Wolff-Parkinson-White (WPW) syndromes, 33 orthodromic tachycardias using a concealed accessory pathway and 1 idiopathic left ventricular tachycardia. RESULTS The initial ablation procedure was effective in 109/117 patients (93%) with a total duration of 90 +/- 31 minutes, using 16 +/- 11 minutes of radioscopy and a median of 4 radiofrequency applications. During follow-up, recurrence occurred in 9 patients (8%). In 7 of them and in 6 of those with an unsuccessful initial procedure, a second effective procedure was performed in 11/13 patients. Finally, radiofrequency ablation was effective in 111/117 patients (95%). We observed a single complication in a 15 year old girl who presented a thrombosis of the right femoral artery requiring balloon recanalization. Comparison of these results with those in the adult population showed no difference in terms of effectiveness, recurrences or complications. CONCLUSIONS Radiofrequency ablation of cardiac arrhythmias in pediatric and young patients can be safely and effectively done. Results are similar to those obtained in adults suggesting that indications for ablation can also be similar.
Effects of Sleep Deprivation and Morningness-Eveningness Traits on Risk-Taking

Individuals differ along a continuum of preference for diurnal activity level, known as Morningness-Eveningness. Individuals low in Morningness traits, i.e., preferring later awakening and bed times, have been shown to score higher on personality traits of impulsiveness and novelty-seeking. No studies have yet examined the association between Morningness-Eveningness and the related construct of risk-taking. Therefore, the present study examined (1) whether Morningness was correlated with self-reported and behavioral measures of risk-taking, and (2) whether one night of sleep deprivation would produce changes in risk-taking and sensation-seeking. 54 healthy adults were administered the Morningness-Eveningness Questionnaire at intake, and administered the Brief Sensation Seeking Scale, Evaluation of Risks Scale, and Balloon Analog Risk Task at rested baseline, again following 23 hr. of sleep deprivation, and finally after a 12-hr. period of recovery sleep. Lower Morningness scores were associated with higher self-reported total risk-taking propensity when rested (p< .05) and sleep deprived (p<.005), but correlations were not significant for sensation seeking or actual risk-taking behavior. Relative to baseline and postrecovery periods, sleep deprivation significantly reduced risk-taking propensity, including self-report indices of self-control, danger-seeking, energy level, and sensation-seeking, and behaviorally measured risk-taking. Chronotype did not interact with sleep condition for any of the dependent variables, although Evening Types scored higher on several indices of risk-propensity. Findings suggest that Morningness traits are inversely related to greater risk-taking propensity, while sleep deprivation significantly reduces self-reported and behaviorally demonstrated willingness to engage in high-risk and sensational activities under conditions of uncertainty, regardless of chronotype.
Five cases of Kaposi's sarcoma in kidney graft recipients: possible influence of the immunosuppressive therapy.

BACKGROUND Kaposi's sarcoma (KS) is an human herpesvirus 8-associated tumor, occurring in immunocompromised patients. We report here an increased incidence of KS among kidney graft recipients (KGRs) during the last 2 years, concomitant to the introduction of the immunosuppressant mycophenolate mofetil (MMF). METHODS A total of 1835 KGRs, receiving organs between 1987 and 1997, were surveyed for the development of KS. A total of 371 patients received therapy including MMF (group A), whereas 1464 patients were treated with an MMF-free protocol (group B). RESULTS 3/371 patients (0.8%) of group A versus 2/1464 patients (0.1%) of group B developed KS. In group A, KS became evident 7+/-2 months after initiation of MMF therapy. CONCLUSIONS At our center, during the last 2 years, the incidence of KS has increased in KGRs, and it is not clear whether the introduction of MMF contributes to the phenomenon.
On Difficult Questions and Evident Answers: Dispositional Inference from Role-Constrained Behavior

The present research investigated the underlying processes of how perceivers draw correspondent dispositional inferences about two interacting targets in the presence of situationally induced role constraints. Specifically, it is argued that a sufficient under-standing of role-dependent attributional biases (e.g., the fundamental attribution error) requires a separate consideration of the respective dispositional inference processes about each of the tar-gets involved, particularly with respect to deliberate attributional inferences. Employing the quiz-role paradigm results from four experiments generally support this assumption. Moreover, the present findings suggest that perceivers are much more sensitive to situationally induced role constraints than previous results may suggest. Implications for the fundamental attribution error and theories of dispositional inference are discussed.
Market Anticipation of Fed Policy Changes and the Term Structure of Interest Rates ∗

The Federal Reserve adjusts the federal funds target rate discretely, causing discontinuity in short-term interest rates. Unlike Poisson jumps, these adjustments are well anticipated by the market. We propose a term structure model that incorporates an anticipated jump component with known arrival times but random jump size. We find that doing so improves the model performance in capturing the term structure behavior. The mean jump sizes extracted from the term structure match the realized target rate changes well. Specification analysis indicates that the jump sizes show strong serial dependence and dependence on the interest-rate factors. JEL Classification: E43, G12, G13, C51
Concerns over interspecies transcriptional comparisons in mice and humans after trauma

We have read with interest the study by Seok et al. (1) describing transcriptional responses of the immune systems of humans and mice. The authors perform Affymetrix GeneChip-based microarray assays on blood samples collected from blunt trauma, burn, and endotoxemia patients and mouse models of these pathologies. They report little correlation between human and murine genomic responses. Furthermore, the authors assert that mouse models of human disease are of questionable value due to the low biological similarity they observed.
High Photosynthetic Capacity of a Winter Annual in Death Valley

Camissonia claviformis, a winter annual of Death Valley, California, that fixes carbon dioxide by the C3 mechanism, has an in situ photosynthetic rate at midday in spring of nearly 6 nanomoles of carbon dioxide per square centimeter per second—an exceptionally high rate. Camissonia fixes absorbed noon sunlight in the 400- to 700-nanometer region into chemical energy with an efficiency of 8.5 percent, which is 80 percent of that theoretically possible for intact leaves. This performance is primarily due to an unusual capacity to utilize high irradiances. Factors associated with this include a high stomatal conductance to carbon dioxide and high levels of soluble protein and ribulose-1,5-diphosphate carboxylase.
Immunization with purified natural and recombinant allergens induces mouse IgG1 antibodies that recognize similar epitopes as human IgE and inhibit the human IgE-allergen interaction and allergen-induced basophil degranulation.

Molecular characterization of allergens by recombinant DNA technology has made rapid progress in the recent few years. In the present study we immunized mice with aluminum hydroxide-adsorbed purified recombinant major timothy grass pollen allergens (rPhl p 1, rPhl p 2, rPhl p 5), dog albumin, a major animal dander allergen, and proteins with low (beta-lactoglobulin) or no (ribulose diphosphate carboxylase) allergenic potential in humans. Allergens that bind high levels of IgE in humans (Phl p 1, Phl p 5, dog albumin) induced high IgE and IgG1 levels in mice, whereas proteins with little or no allergenic activity in humans failed to induce significant IgE and IgG1 levels in mice. Continuous immunization for a period of 27 wk resulted in the production of mouse IgG1 Abs that recognized recombinant allergen fragments/epitopes defined by IgE Abs of allergic patients. As a consequence, allergen-specific mouse Abs strongly inhibited human IgE binding to the allergens and suppressed the allergen-induced histamine release from human basophils. In summary, our data indicate that 1) the allergenic potency of a protein may be related to its overall immunogenicity and 2) prolonged immunization with single purified recombinant allergens induces protective IgG Abs. The presented experimental in vivo/in vitro system allows the evaluation of Ag preparations (e.g., recombinant allergens) to be used for immunotherapy in humans.
Self-referred whole-body CT imaging: current implications for health care consumers.

PURPOSE To conduct an empirical analysis of self-referred whole-body computed tomography (CT) and develop a profile of the geographic and demographic distribution of centers, types of services and modalities, costs, and procedures for reporting results. MATERIALS AND METHODS An analysis was conducted of Web sites for imaging centers accepting self-referred patients identified by two widely used Internet search engines with large indexes. These Web sites were analyzed for geographic location, type of screening center, services, costs, and procedures for managing imaging results. Demographic data were extrapolated for analysis on the basis of center location. Descriptive statistics, such as frequencies, means, SDs, ranges, and CIs, were generated to describe the characteristics of the samples. Data were compared with national norms by using a distribution-free method for calculating a 95% CI (P <.05) for the median. RESULTS Eighty-eight centers identified with the search methods were widely distributed across the United States, with a concentration on both coasts. Demographic analysis further situated them in areas of the country characterized by a population that consisted largely of European Americans (P <.05) and individuals of higher education (P <.05) and socioeconomic status (P <.05). Forty-seven centers offered whole-body screening; heart and lung examinations were most frequently offered. Procedures for reporting results were highly variable. CONCLUSION The geographic distribution of the centers suggests target populations of educated health-conscious consumers who can assume high out-of-pocket costs. Guidelines developed from within the profession and further research are needed to ensure that benefits of these services outweigh risks to individuals and the health care system.
Type 4 pili are dispensable for biofilm development in the cyanobacterium Synechococcus elongatus

The hair-like cell appendages denoted as type IV pili are crucial for biofilm formation in diverse eubacteria. The protein complex responsible for type IV pilus assembly is homologous with the type II protein secretion complex. In the cyanobacterium Synechococcus elongatus PCC 7942, the gene Synpcc7942_2071 encodes an ATPase homologue of type II/type IV systems. Here, we report that inactivation of Synpcc7942_2071 strongly affected the suite of proteins present in the extracellular milieu (exo-proteome) and eliminated pili observable by electron microscopy. These results support a role for this gene product in protein secretion as well as in pili formation. As we previously reported, inactivation of Synpcc7942_2071 enables biofilm formation and suppresses the planktonic growth of S. elongatus. Thus, pili are dispensable for biofilm development in this cyanobacterium, in contrast to their biofilm-promoting function in type IV pili-producing heterotrophic bacteria. Nevertheless, pili removal is not required for biofilm formation as evident by a piliated mutant of S. elongatus that develops biofilms. We show that adhesion and timing of biofilm development differ between the piliated and non-piliated strains. The study demonstrates key differences in the process of biofilm formation between cyanobacteria and well-studied type IV pili-producing heterotrophic bacteria.
Karyomorphology of Biebersteinia Stephan (Geraniaceae) and its systematic and taxonomic significance

The systematic and taxonomic position of Biebersteinia Stephan has long been in dispute. The present paper describes for the first time the karyomorphology of two species in Biebersreinia Stephan. Both species commonly showed the interphase nuclei of the simple chromocenter type and the mitotic prophase chromosomes of the interstitial type. The karyotype formulae of both B. heterostemon and B. odora were 2n=10=2m(2sec)+8sm(2sec), belonging to the 3A type of Stebbins＇ classification. The karyotype of this genus is recorded for the first time. The basic chromosome numbers of four of the five known species of Biebersteinia have been recorded as x=5. The combination of resting nuclei of the simple chromocenter type, mitotic prophase chromosomes of the interstitial type, two pairs of chromosomes with four obvious secondary constrictions at the mitotic prophase and metaphase stages, and the peculiar 3A karyotype in Biebersteinia can be regarded as the karymorphological marker of this genus. The karyomorphological data presented here do not support the traditional grouping of this genus in Geraniaceae. The unique karyomorphology of Biebersteinia justifies its familiar or ordinal status, which is congruent with embryological, anatomical, chemical and molecular data. The systematic position of Biebersteinia needs further study.
HypercholesterolemiaRecruitment during the Onset of Activation To Initiate Foamy Monocyte CD11c/CD18 Signals Very Late Antigen-4

Recruitment of foamy monocytes to inﬂamed endothelium expressing VCAM-1 contributes to the development of plaque during atherogenesis. Foamy CD11c + monocytes arise in the circulation during the onset of hypercholesterolemia and recruit to nascent plaque, but the mechanism of CD11c/CD18 and very late Ag-4 (VLA-4) activation and cooperation in shear-resistant cell arrest on VCAM-1 are ill deﬁned. Within 1 wk of the onset of a Western high-fat diet (WD) in apolipoprotein E–deﬁcient mice, an inﬂammatory subset of foamy monocytes emerged that made up one fourth of the circulating population. These cells expressed ∼ 3-fold more CD11c/CD18 and 50% higher chemokine receptors than nonfoamy monocytes. Recruitment from blood to a VCAM-1 substrate under shear stress was assessed ex vivo using a unique artery-on-a-chip microﬂuidic assay. It revealed that foamy monocytes from mice on a WD increased their adhesiveness over 5 wk, rising to twice that of mice on a normal diet or CD11c 2 / 2 mice fed a WD. Shear-resistant capture of foamy human or mouse monocytes was initiated by high-afﬁnity CD11c, which directly activated VLA-4 adhesion via phosphorylated spleen tyrosine kinase and paxillin within focal adhesion complexes. Lipid uptake and activation of CD11c are early and critical events in signaling VLA-4 adhesive function on foamy monocytes competent to recruit to VCAM-1 on inﬂamed arterial endothelium. The Journal of Immunology , 2015, 195: 5380–5392.
Results of ofloxacin therapy in andrologic patients suffering from therapy‐requiring asymptomatic infections

Summary. In 1990, microbiological ejaculate analyses were carried out on a routine basis on 125 andrological patients, in addition to the determination of the concentration, motility and morphology of the spermatozoa. Fourteen patients (11.2%) with therapy‐requiring asymptomatic infections (TAI)>104 CFU (colony‐forming units) ml−1 were effectively treated with Ofloxacin (TarividR) at 2 times 200 mg d−1 for a period of 20 d. Concentration, motility and morphology of the spermatozoa were determined before the Ofloxacin treatment and controlled 1, 3, and 6 months later and correlated to the values obtained before the treatment. Over the entire period of observation, the morphology did not change significantly, whilst initially 1 month after the treatment the concentration and the motility decreased significantly (P<0.05). Three months later they again reached the starting values. After 6 months, a significant improvement occurred with regard to the motility, as compared to the starting values (P<0.01), whilst the concentration remained at the level of the starting values.
A conserved ER targeting motif in three families of lipid binding proteins and in Opi1p binds VAP

Intracellular lipid traffic is mediated both by membrane vesicles and by a number of non‐vesicular pathways facilitated by cytoplasmic lipid binding proteins. For these proteins to act effectively they must be targeted accurately to specific membranes. Here we identify a novel short conserved determinant called the FFAT motif that is shared by several seemingly unrelated lipid binding proteins and is also found in Opi1p, a transcriptional regulator of phospholipid synthesis in yeast. FFAT motifs act as membrane‐ targeting determinants by their direct interaction with homologues of VAMP‐associated protein (VAP), a conserved endoplasmic reticulum (ER) protein. In budding yeast, all four proteins with FFAT motifs interact with Scs2p, a homologue of VAP, to target the ER to some extent. The precise intracellular distribution of each of these proteins depends on the integration of the FFAT–Scs2p interaction with other targeting determinants, and the interaction is functionally significant. We conclude that binding to a VAP homologue is a common mechanism by which proteins with FFAT motifs, most of which are involved in lipid metabolism, target ER membranes.
Contrast Sensitivity with Soft Contact Lenses Compensated for Spherical Aberration in High Ametropia

Background. In optical systems, it is usual to compensate for longitudinal spherical aberration. In order increase image quality, lens surfaces can be made aspheric to bring all object light rays into focus at the image plane. Theoretically, soft contact lenses with high power and spherical surfaces show significant amounts of spherical aberration. The use of spherical aberration-free soft contact lenses could therefore improve retinal image quality in the case of high ametropia. However, because of ocular aberration, accommodation effects, pupil dynamics, contact lens flexure, and positioning, the computation of the spherical aberration induced when a contact lens is placed on the eye is complicated. Methods. In this study, the spatial contrast sensitivity (CS) of 61 high ametropes wearing soft contact lenses with, and without, in-air spherical aberration compensation is measured. Results. A slightly better overall performance was found with the standard lenses. There was no significant influence by the type of ametropia, age, and gender. If individual results are considered, clinically significant differences between the two lens groups are observed in approximately 30% of the cases. Conclusions. It seems that correcting in-air soft contact lens spherical aberration systematically is of no clinical interest. However, selective manipulation of spherical aberration could, in high power soft contact lenses, significantly improve CS in individuals.
Localization of GABA, glycine, glutamate and tyrosine hydroxylase in the human retina

A light microscope study using postembedding immunocytochemistry techniques to demonstrate the common neurotransmitter candidates gamma‐aminobutyric acid (GABA), glycine, glutamate, and tyrosine hydroxylase for dopamine has been done on human retina. By using an antiserum to GABA, we found GABA‐immunoreactivity (GABA‐IR) to be primarily in amacrine cells lying in the inner nuclear layer (INL) or displaced to the ganglion cell layer (GCL). A few stained cells in the INL, which are probably interplexiform cells, were observed to project thin processes towards the outer plexiform layer (OPL). There were heavily stained bands of immunoreactivity in strata 1, 3 and 5 of the inner plexiform layer (IPL). An occasional ganglion cell was also GABA‐IR.
Automated measurement of diameter and contraction waves of cannulated lymphatic microvessels.

BACKGROUND Studies of lymphatic function often employ collecting lymphatic vessels that exhibit large-amplitude, spontaneous contractions. Data from such preparations have been analyzed using cardiac pump analogies that require accurate determination of vascular dimensions, including external (OD) and internal (ID) diameters. These measurements would be facilitated by an accurate automated measurement system. METHODS AND RESULTS A computer-based diameter tracking system was developed specifically for lymphatic vessels, with advantages over previous automated systems. The system also permits continuous diameter tracking at two axial locations, enabling the measurement and analysis of contraction wave conduction. The method was validated using spontaneously contracting segments of rat thoracic duct which sometimes exhibited conducted contraction waves. In such preparations, conduction wave velocity was modulated by the axial flow rate and could be easily measured by the tracking system. CONCLUSIONS The method offers improvement and increased convenience over manual diameter measurements in lymphatic vessels, with little or no sacrifice in accuracy. It should be a useful tool for general studies of collecting lymphatic function as well as for the analysis of contraction wave conduction and coordination.