Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Temporal and spatial distribution of interleukin-1 beta in balloon injured porcine coronary arteries.

OBJECTIVE Interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) is a proinflammatory cytokine with a wide range of biological activities. We determined the distribution of IL-1 beta following percutaneous transluminal coronary angioplasty (PTCA) of porcine arteries, and the presence of caspase-1 (required for the activation of IL-1 beta). METHODS Oversized balloon angioplasty was performed in Yorkshire White pigs and the vessels excised at selected intervals (1, 6, 18 h, 3, 7, and 14 days) post-PTCA. IL-1 beta and caspase-1 were then identified using reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), in situ RT-PCR, and immunohistochemistry. RESULTS IL-1 beta protein was detected in the inflammatory infiltrate up to 3 days after PTCA. Luminal endothelial cells contained IL-1 beta at 1 h, with peak expression at 3-7 days. Adventitial capillaries were IL-1 beta-positive at all timepoints. IL-1 beta was detected in adventitial cells at 3 days, with reduced levels at 7 and 14 days. At 7 days, neointimal cells were also IL-1 beta positive. No IL-1 beta was detected in non-PTCA control arteries. RT-PCR demonstrated IL-1 beta mRNA expression to be induced at 1 h, and absent at 3 days. In situ RT-PCR revealed this expression to be distributed throughout the arterial layers at 6 h, but localized to the adventitia at 18 h, with a baseline expression in the adventitial layer of non-PTCA controls. Caspase-1 was detected in luminal endothelial cells from 6 h, in adventitial cells from 3 days, and in neointimal cells from 7 days post-PTCA. This expression colocalized with IL-1 beta, indicating the potential for the IL-1 beta present to become activated. CONCLUSIONS We conclude that IL-1 beta is synthesised, in conjunction with caspase-1, by endothelial, inflammatory, and adventitial cells early (within 3 days) after PTCA, with decreased levels at later timepoints, suggesting that it has a key role to play in the early stages of healing following PTCA.
Technical aspects of the Staphylococcus aureus teichoic acid antibody assay: gel diffusion and counterimmunoelecrophoretic assays, antigen preparation, antigen selection, concentration effects, and cross-reactions with other organisms

Because variable results are being reported from laboratories performing the teichoic acid antibody assay in patients with serious infections due to Staphylococcus aureus, we have thoroughly reviewed all technical aspects of the test. This paper reports on the importance of agar and antigen preparation in standardizing results of the assay and reducing the prevalence of false-negative and -positive tests. Once standardized, the counterimmunoelectrophoretic method is as accurate as the gel diffusion method for both initial screening and generating titers; practically, however, unless numerous tests are to be performed, the gel diffusion technique will suffice for most purposes. The cell wall of the Lafferty strain of S. aureus was used as the standard antigen in assays for serum antibodies. We studied whether it is an appropriate antigen and found that antibody titers obtained with the Lafferty strain antigen were, in three patients with endocarditis, the same as those obtained with antigens from the individual blood stream isolates. We have also confirmed that pooled human gamma globulin can be used, by back titration against newly prepared lots of antigen, to select optimal antigen concentration and is as good as more specific, higher titer serum specimens for that purpose. Finally, cell wall antigens from Staphylococcus epidermidis and a variety of streptococci may react with normal human sera, but such antigens are distinct by immunoprecipitation from those from S. aureus.
The primary anomalies of coronary artery origin and course: A coronary angiographic analysis of 16,573 patients.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVES Coronary artery anomalies are present at birth, but relatively few are symptomatic. The majority are discovered incidentally. In the present study, coronary angiograms performed in the authors' centre (Ondokuz Mayis University Hospital, Samsun, Turkey) were analyzed to determine the prevalence and types of coronary artery origin and course anomalies. METHODS Coronary angiographic data of 16,573 patients were analyzed. Anomalous origins and courses of coronary arteries were assessed. RESULTS Anomalous coronary arteries were detected in 48 (0.29%) of 16,573 patients. The origin of the circumflex (Cx) artery from the right coronary artery (RCA) or right sinus of Valsalva was the most common anomaly (28 patients [58.3%]). An anomalous RCA originating from the left anterior descending artery (LAD) or Cx artery was observed in six patients (12.5%). The left coronary artery originated from the right sinus of Valsalva in five patients, and the LAD originated from the RCA or the right sinus of Valsalva in five patients. The RCA originated from the left sinus of Valsalva in three patients and from an ectopic ostium in the ascending aorta in one patient. CONCLUSIONS The most frequent anomaly observed in the present study was related to the Cx artery, which is consistent with previous reports. Although coronary artery anomalies are rare, they may cause difficulties during coronary interventions or cardiac surgery and may occasionally result in sudden cardiac death. Therefore, the recognition and diagnosis of these anomalies is important and requires specialization in coronary angiographic techniques and other imaging modalities.
Microstructure, magnetic, and low-field magnetotransport properties of self-assembled (La0.7Sr0.3MnO3)0.5:(CeO2)0.5 vertically aligned nanocomposite thin films

Two-phase (La0.7Sr0.3MnO3)0.5:(CeO2)0.5 (LSMO:CeO2) heteroepitaxial nanocomposite films were grown on SrTiO3 (STO) (001) by pulsed laser deposition (PLD). X-ray diffraction (XRD) and transmission electron microscopy (TEM) results show that LSMO:CeO2 films epitaxially grow on STO as self-assembled vertically aligned nanocomposite (VAN). Magnetic and magnetotransport measurements demonstrate that the LSMO phase in the VAN structure behaves differently from its epitaxial single-phase counterpart, e.g. greatly enhanced coercivity (HC) and low-field magnetoresistance (LFMR). The enhanced properties in the VAN system are attributed to the interaction between the perovskite and the secondary phase or phase boundary. The results suggest that the growth of functional oxide in another oxide matrix with vertical heteroepitaxial form is a promising approach to achieve new functionality that may not be easily realized in the single epitaxial phase.
Design of a web-based thesaurus for Systems of Systems Engineering

Design of a web-based thesaurus for Systems of Systems Engineering (SoSE) discipline is presented in this article. Due to lack of linguistic clarity within this emerging discipline, there is a strong need to represent and interpret SoS concepts and terms to align heterogeneous models, and tools and techniques developed for SoS operations, management and its governance. A Blackboard-based systems approach is therefore used to devise a model, providing a mechanism for high level organisation and sharing of knowledge and information within the SoSE thesaurus system. To illustrate its applicability, a scenario derived from realistic use cases is provided. The potential benefits of this research are identified and a brief description of intended further work is given.
Self-reported history of manic/hypomanic switch associated with antidepressant use: data from the Systematic Treatment Enhancement Program for Bipolar Disorder (STEP-BD).

OBJECTIVE Antidepressant safety and efficacy remain controversial for the treatment of bipolar depression. The present study utilized data from the National Institute of Mental Health Systematic Treatment Enhancement Program for Bipolar Disorder (STEP-BD) to examine the prevalence and clinical correlates of self-reported switch into mania/hypomania during antidepressant treatment. METHOD Antidepressant treatment histories were examined from intake assessments for the first 500 subjects enrolled into the STEP-BD between November 1999 and November 2000. Affective switch was defined as a report of mania, hypomania, or mixed episodes within the first 12 weeks of having started an antidepressant. Demographic and clinical characteristics were compared for subjects with or without a history of acute switch during antidepressant treatment. RESULTS Among the 338 subjects with prior antidepressant treatment and complete data on switch event outcomes, 44% reported at least 1 such occurrence. Patients with a shorter duration of illness (odds ratio [OR] = 1.02, 95% CI = 1.01 to 1.04) and a history of multiple antidepressant trials (OR = 1.73, 95% CI = 1.38 to 2.16) were more likely to report a history of switch than other patients. A significantly increased risk for affective polarity switch was identified in patients who had ever switched to mania/hypomania while taking tricyclic antidepressants (OR = 7.80, 95% CI = 1.56 to 28.9), serotonin reuptake inhibitors (OR = 3.73, 95% CI = 1.98 to 7.05), or bupropion (OR = 4.28, 95% CI = 1.72 to 10.6). Switch was less common during treatment with electroconvulsive therapy or monoamine oxidase inhibitors than other antidepressants. CONCLUSIONS Antidepressants are associated with the potential risk for treatment-emergent mania or hypomania, particularly in bipolar patients with short illness duration, multiple past antidepressant trials, and past experience of switch with at least one antidepressant.
Protection Against Pneumococcal Infection by a Ribosomal Preparation

A subcellular extract prepared from nonencapsulated Diplococcus pneumoniae type 3 protected mice against a subsequent challenge with virulent D. pneumoniae types 1, 2, 3, and 7. Potency ratios ranged from 25 (type 3) to >1,175 (type 1). The immunity induced in mice by this preparation was best obtained by intraperitoneal inoculation followed by intravenous challenge. Mice immunized in this manner were protected up to 12 weeks and could withstand a challenge of several hundred LD50. The protection was destroyed by treatment of the preparation with ribonuclease and was decreased by treatment with protease. The preparation consisted of 60.5% ribonucleic acid, 29.1% protein, 6.3% deoxyribonucleic acid, and 4.0% hexose. Ultracentrifugation studies indicated that this extract had five constituents which are compatible with ribosomal material.
Toward Integration in the Mainstream

Caged I am so lonely, so very lonely. Nobody really listens to me, no one seems to care. I am like an animal in a cage, Kicking and scratching. Longing to be free of the iron bars Which lock me in. People smile as they go by, Admiring my tricks and saying how smart I am For an animal. They look in through the bars of my cage And I turn and look at them. But no one opens the door. They are afraid to let me out. They don't want to get hurt. There are those who let me out. I have grown to love them very much. The rest of them just turn their head and go their separate ways. If some of them would only get to know me. They would see what I can do. Please unlock my cage! (Reprinted from Martin & Hoben. 1977, p. 61.)
The BRCT regions of tumor suppressor BRCA1 and of XRCC1 show DNA end binding activity with a multimerizing feature.

The BRCT regions are two repeating structures in BRCA1 at the carboxyl-terminus and are ubiquitous in some proteins involved in cell cycle checkpoint and in DNA repair. Here, using electron microscopy, we show direct evidence that the BRCT regions of BRCA1 bound double-strand breaks of DNA. The BRCT regions could multimerize thus forming large protein particles. Smeared patterns of DNA fragments were consistently shown in the gel retardation assay. A single BRCT was sufficient for DNA binding. The smeared patterns were also observed in BRCTs of TopBP1, suggesting that multimerization may be an important feature of BRCTs. The recombinant second BRCT of XRCC1 (X-ray repair cross-complementing group 1), whose folding was determined by X-ray crystallography, also showed similar DNA end binding images. It is possible that some BRCTs are fundamental structures that detect DNA damages.
Quantitation of GD2 synthase mRNA by real‐time reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction

Antigen ganglioside GD2 is expressed abundantly on neuroblastoma (NB) cells. Anti‐GD2 monoclonal antibody (MoAb) 3F8 kills NB cells by complement‐dependent cytotoxicity and antibody‐dependent cellular cytotoxicity. Its utility in bone marrow (BM) purging is evaluated by a real‐time reverse transcription‐polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) assay to quantify the mRNA of GD2 synthase, the key enzyme in GD2 synthesis.
Normal nonmetastatic human trophoblast cells share in vitro invasive properties of malignant cells

First‐trimester normal human trophoblast cells show some phenotypic similarities to malignant cells, e.g., rapid proliferation and ability to invade neighboring tissue, including basement membrane in situ, but do not have the ability for unlimited growth or metastasis. The present study examined whether the invasive ability of normal trophoblast cells is an intrinsic property of these cells, independent of the microenvironment provided by the pregnant uterus, and if so, whether they share some of the molecular mechanisms of invasion exercized by metastatic malignant cells. The ability of in vitro grown human trophoblast lines to invade an epithelium‐free human amniotic membrane was measured from the temporal kinetics of retention of radioactivity within this membrane resulting from a penetration by 125I‐iododeoxyuridine‐labeled trophoblast cells. The magnitude of this invasion was compared to that of the highly metastatic human JAR‐choriocarcinoma cell line and murine B16F10 melanoma line. Trophoblasts were found to share some of the same molecular mechanisms of invasion with the metastatic cell lines. Inhibitors of collagenase, plasmin, plasminogen, and plasminogen activators completely prevented invasion of the amnion by the trophoblast lines as well as by the metastatic JAR and B16F10 lines. Mersalyl, a compound known to activate collagenase, stimulated invasion by all cell lines tested, including under conditions in which plasmin activity was inhibited. In addition, trophoblasts produced significant levels of type IV collagenase and laminin, both of which appear to be important products of metastatic tumor cells required for basement membrane invasion. It may be concluded from these findings that the invasive property of first trimester human trophoblasts is genetically determined; that the magnitude of amnion invasion cannot differentiate between metastatic cell lines and invasive but nonmetastatic cell lines; and that invasiveness is not a sufficient prerequisite for metastatic ability.
Nyquist-Stability-Criterion-Based SSR Explanation for Type-3 Wind Generators

Type-3 wind generators in series-compensated networks could lead to subsynchronous resonance (SSR) oscillations- a phenomenon observed recently. In this letter, impedance-based Nyquist stability criterion is applied to explain the phenomenon. The resonance is not due to the shaft's torsional characteristics, but rather due to its slip related impedance, which can give rise to equivalent negative resistance. The explanation corroborates the authors' previous explanation of self-excitation using net negative resistance concept. Nyquist map is also able to demonstrate the impact of wind speed on SSR.
The Kaolin Clotting Time of Platelet‐Rich Plasma: A Test of Platelet Factor‐3 Availability

ALTHOUGH platelets are the chief source of phospholipid for the intrinsic blood coagulation process, there is evidence that the phospholipid of circulating platelets is not normally available for this purpose, but only becomes so when the platelets are altered, or ‘activated’, by some appropriate stimulus, whether in vitro or iii vivo. Thus the Stypven time of ‘intact, platelet-rich plasma differs little from that of platelet-poor plasma, although this test is very sensitive to the presence of available phospholipid. Disruption of the platelets, however, by freezing and thawing (Fantl and Ward, 1958) or by mechanical fragmentation (O’Brien, 1958)~ renders their phospholipid available, and greatly shortens the Stypven time. Lesser degrees of trauma in vitro, such as may be produced by rapid centrifugation and washmg, are also apt to cause some enhancement of platelet phospholipid activity. Such gross mechanical disruption probably liberates most of the lipid content of the platelets, and may well bear little relation to the physiological mechanism by whch platelet lipid (platelet factor-3, PF3) is made available for coagulation. The results of tests of platelet clotting function involving the use of washed platelets-such, for example, as modifications of the thromboplastin generation test (Hardisty and Wolff, 1955 ; Weiss and Eichelberger, 1962)may thus have little physiological significance. In order to avoid possible artefacts due to in-vitro damage to platelets, we have devised a simple test of platelet factor-3 availability (PF3a) based on the k a o h clotting time of plateletrich plasma, in which the platelets are subjected to the minimum of handling before testing, and then tested under standard conditions of activation. Ths test has already been briefly described, and has revealed a defect of PF3a in the platelets of thrombasthenic patients, which is not observed when washed or disrupted platelets are tested (Hardisty, Dormandy and Hutton, 1964). We give here a more comprehensive description of the test, and discuss the nature and possible significance of the reaction of platelets with kaolin.
REEDUCAÇÃO PROPRIOCEPTIVA NO EQUILÍBRIO DE IDOSOS

Introducao: O crescimento do numero de idosos vem acompanhado de diversas alteracoesfisiologicas que podem prejudicar a qualidade de vida, como exemplo, o deficit de equilibrio. Objetivo: Avaliar o efeito de um programa de reeducacao proprioceptiva sobre o equilibrio deidosas. Metodo: Estudo quase experimental, com 11 mulheres com idade acima de 60 anos.Para desenvolvimento dessa pesquisa, foi aplicado um questionario para coleta de informacoespessoais e historia de morbidades. Apos pre-selecao, individuos que preencheram os criteriosde inclusao foram submetidos ao teste de equilibrio de Berg. As participantes foram submetidasas sessoes aplicadas 3 vezes na semana em grupo, durante 50 minutos, totalizando 20 sessoes.Ao final da 20a sessao foi reaplicado o teste de equilibrio de Berg e entao realizada a analisede dados, por meio do teste t pareado (p <0,05), para comparar os resultados. Resultados: 36,3% das participantes consideravam o equilibrio antes do periodo de intervencao bom, 9%moderado e 54,5% o consideravam ruim. Apesar do deficit de equilibrio antes do periodo deintervencao, nenhuma das participantes relatou quedas nos ultimos 6 meses. O escore medio noteste de equilibrio foi de 47,5 ± 5,2 antes da intervencao e 53,02 ± 2,7 ao final da intervencao,revelando um aumento significativo do equilibrio das idosas. Conclusao: Conclui-se que otreinamento de reeducacao proprioceptiva promove diminuicao no tempo de realizacao deatividades de vida diaria e melhora no equilibrio dinâmico e estatico em idosas. Palavras - Chave: Propriocepcao; Reeducacao; Idoso.
Costs and Outcomes Among Hemodialysis-Dependent Patients With Methicillin-Resistant or Methicillin-Susceptible Staphylococcus aureus Bacteremia

Abstract Objective: Comorbid conditions have complicated previous analyses of the consequences of methicillin resistance for costs and outcomes of Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia. We compared costs and outcomes of methicillin resistance in patients with S. aureus bacteremia and a single chronic condition. Design, Setting, and Patients: We conducted a prospective cohort study of hemodialysis-dependent patients with end-stage renal disease and S. aureus bacteremia hospitalized between July 1996 and August 2001. We used propensity scores to reduce bias when comparing patients with methicillin-resistant (MRSA) and methicillin-susceptible (MSSA) S. aureus bacteremia. Outcome measures were resource use, direct medical costs, and clinical outcomes at 12 weeks after initial hospitalization. Results: Fifty-four patients (37.8%) had MRSA and 89 patients (62.2%) had MSSA. Compared with patients with MSSA bacteremia, patients with MRSA bacteremia were more likely to have acquired the infection while hospitalized for another condition (27.8% vs 12.4%; P = .02). To attribute all inpatient costs to S. aureus bacteremia, we limited the analysis to 105 patients admitted for suspected S. aureus bacteremia from a community setting. Adjusted costs were higher for MRSA bacteremia for the initial hospitalization ($21,251 vs $13,978; P = .012) and after 12 weeks ($25,518 vs $17,354; P = .015). At 12 weeks, patients with MRSA bacteremia were more likely to die (adjusted odds ratio, 5.4; 95% confidence interval, 1.5 to 18.7) than were patients with MSSA bacteremia. Conclusions: Community-dwelling, hemodialysis-dependent patients hospitalized with MRSA bacteremia face a higher mortality risk, longer hospital stays, and higher inpatient costs than do patients with MSSA bacteremia.
Palynological variation in Balsaminoid Ericales. II. Balsaminaceae, Tetrameristaceae, Pellicieraceae and general conclusions.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS The objective of this study is to examine the palynological diversity of Balsaminaceae (two genera/+/-1000 species), Tetrameristaceae (two genera/two species) and Pellicieraceae (one genus/one species). The diversity found will be used to infer the systematic value of pollen features within the balsaminoid clade. METHODS Pollen morphology and ultrastructure of 29 species, representing all families of the balsaminoid clade except Marcgraviaceae, are investigated by means of light microscopy, scanning electron microscopy and transmission electron microscopy. KEY RESULTS Balsaminaceae pollen is small to medium sized with three to four apertures, which can be either colpate or porate, and a sexine sculpturing varying from coarsely reticulate to almost microreticulate. Tetrameristaceae pollen is small sized, 3-colporate, with a heterobrochate reticulate sculpturing and granules present in the lumina. Pellicieraceae pollen is large sized, 3-colporate with long ectocolpi and a perforate sexine sculpturing with large verrucae. Furthermore, Pelliciera is characterized by the occurrence of aggregated orbicules, while orbicules are completely absent in both Balsaminaceae and Tetrameristaceae. Balsaminaceae pollen differs from the other balsaminoid families due to the occurrence of colpate or porate grains with an oblate to peroblate shape, a very thin foot layer and a lamellated endexine. CONCLUSIONS From a pollen morphological point of view, Balsaminaceae are completely different from the other balsaminoid families. Therefore, no pollen morphological synapomorphies could be defined for the balsaminoid clade. However, various pollen features were observed that could indicate a possible relationship between Tetrameristaceae, Pellicieraceae and Marcgraviaceae. Despite the palynological similarities in the latter three families, it remains unclear to what extent they are related to each other.