Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Balance of WNT and FGF Signaling Influences Mesenchymal Stem Cell Fate During Skeletal Development

Imbalance of WNT and FGF signaling promotes premature closure of skull bones by inducing bone formation through chondrogenesis. A Delicate Balance in Skull Development When skull bones initially form, they are separated by sites called sutures, and, in humans, the skull bones fuse after birth. Skull bone growth occurs through a process called intramembranous ossification, in which mesenchymal cells differentiate directly into bone-forming osteoblasts that deposit the bone matrix. Maruyama et al. found that, in mice, one layer of the posterior frontal suture closed through a process called endochondral ossification in which skeletal precursors differentiate into cartilage cells called chondrocytes before bone matrix deposition. Furthermore, they found that, when β-catenin signaling was increased and fibroblast growth factor signaling was simultaneously reduced, aberrant closure of another suture occurred through a process involving chondrogenesis. Their data suggest that, in addition to excessive osteoblastogenesis, aberrant chondrogenesis may be a mechanism by which premature closure of the skull bones, causing the disorder craniosynostosis, can occur. Craniosynostosis, a developmental disorder resulting from premature closure of the gaps (sutures) between skull bones, can be caused by excessive intramembranous ossification, a type of bone formation that does not involve formation of a cartilage template (chondrogenesis). Here, we show that endochondral ossification, a type of bone formation that proceeds through a cartilage intermediate, caused by switching the fate of mesenchymal stem cells to chondrocytes, can also result in craniosynostosis. Simultaneous knockout of Axin2, a negative regulator of the WNT–β-catenin pathway, and decreased activity of fibroblast growth factor (FGF) receptor 1 (FGFR1) in mice induced ectopic chondrogenesis, leading to abnormal suture morphogenesis and fusion. Genetic analyses revealed that activation of β-catenin cooperated with FGFR1 to alter the lineage commitment of mesenchymal stem cells to differentiate into chondrocytes, from which cartilage is formed. We showed that the WNT–β-catenin pathway directly controlled the stem cell population by regulating its renewal and proliferation, and indirectly modulated lineage specification by setting the balance of the FGF and bone morphogenetic protein pathways. This study identifies endochondral ossification as a mechanism of suture closure during development and implicates this process in craniosynostosis.
Corporate Governance Determinants of FII in Indian IT Firms

Abstract The objective of this study is to investigate the impact of corporate governance characteristics on foreign ownership in the Indian information technology industry. The ownership pattern of a firm and board characteristics are analysed to understand their impact on inflow of foreign institutional investors to the firms. Panel data for 9 years from 113 Indian IT firms, which are publicly listed, have been used. The results show that firms with more concentrated promoter holdings have lesser foreign investments. Apart from the total number of board members, measures of corporate governance including the number of independent members on board and an independent board chairman have been found to be insignificant. The outcomes point to the need of a strong performance before relying on international investments for fundraising.
Preventing depression: a randomized trial of interpersonal psychotherapy‐adolescent skills training

Background: The study evaluated the efficacy of an indicated prevention program for adolescent depression. Methods: Fifty‐seven adolescents with elevated depression symptoms were randomized to receive Interpersonal Psychotherapy‐Adolescent Skills Training (IPT‐AST) or school counseling (SC). Hierarchical linear modeling examined differences in rates of change in depression symptoms and overall functioning and analysis of covariance examined mean differences between groups. Rates of depression diagnoses in the 18‐month follow‐up period were compared. Results: Adolescents in IPT‐AST reported significantly greater rates of change in depression symptoms and overall functioning than SC adolescents from baseline to post‐intervention. At post‐intervention, IPT‐AST adolescents reported significantly fewer depression symptoms and better overall functioning. During the follow‐up phase, rates of change slowed for the IPT‐AST adolescents, whereas the SC adolescents continued to show improvements. By 12‐month follow‐up, there were no significant mean differences in depression symptoms or overall functioning between the two groups. IPT‐AST adolescents reported significantly fewer depression diagnoses in the first 6 months following the intervention but by 12‐month follow‐up the difference in rates of diagnoses was no longer significant. Conclusions: IPT‐AST leads to an immediate reduction in depression symptoms and improvement in overall functioning. However, the benefits of IPT‐AST are not consistent beyond the 6‐month follow‐up, suggesting that the preventive effects of the program in its current format are limited. Future studies are needed to examine whether booster sessions lengthen the long‐term effects of IPT‐AST. Depression and Anxiety, 2010. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Respiratory Sensations in Asthma: Physiological and Clinical Implications

Dyspnea is a cardinal symptom of asthma and may arise from several pathophysiological mechanisms, including pulmonary hyperinflation, stimulation of vagal receptors, and, rarely, chemoreceptor stimulation. The language that patients use to describe their breathlessness may provide important clues about the physiology underlying symptoms in a particular patient. Several physiological derangements may contribute to dyspnea in a given individual. The variability in the severity of breathlessness for any given degree of airflow obstruction may relate to differences in the relative importance of these physiological changes and/or to a range of perceptual abilities in asthmatic patients. One hypothesis that is under current investigation is that defective perception of asthma symptoms may lead to undertreatment and the potential for greater morbidity and mortality from asthma.
Sixty hertz pallidal deep brain stimulation for primary torsion dystonia

Objective: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of 60 Hz deep brain stimulation (DBS) of the globus pallidus internus (GPi) in 15 consecutive patients with primary dystonia. Methods: We conducted a retrospective analysis of clinic charts relative to 15 consecutive patients with medically refractory primary dystonia who underwent stereotactic implantation of DBS leads within the GPi. Twelve had the DYT1 gene mutation. Frame-based MRI and intraoperative microelectrode recording were employed for targeting. All patients were treated exclusively with stimulation at 60 Hz from therapy outset. The Burke-Fahn-Marsden Dystonia Rating Scale (BFMDRS) served as the primary measure of symptom severity at baseline and 1, 3, 6, and 12 months after treatment. Results: All patients tolerated DBS treatment well and showed a progressive median improvement of their BFMDRS motor subscores from 38% at 1 month to 89% at 1 year (p < 0.001, Wilcoxon rank sum test). The disability subscores were similarly improved. The clinical response to DBS allowed seven patients to completely discontinue their medications; six additional patients had reduced their medications by at least 50%. Surgical complications were limited to two superficial infections, which were treated successfully. Conclusions: Stimulation of the internal globus pallidus at 60 Hz is safe and effective for treating medically refractory primary dystonia.
St Louis encephalitis virus establishes a productive , cytopathic and persistent infection of Sf 9 cells

The Sf9 cell line, commonly used for gene expression by recombinant baculovirus, has been productively infected by St Louis encephalitis (SLE) virus, a flavivirus. SLE viral infection produced a c.p.e, in the SO cells characterized by giant cells and the presence of 10-fold fewer cells in the infected cultures after the first week of infection compared with uninoculated control cultures. Infected Sf9 cells expressed SLE viral antigens, and intracellular virus particles were observed by electron microscopy. Titres of cell-associated SLE virus rose slightly over an 8 week period, whereas titres of cell-free virus remained stable, suggesting that SLE virus establishes a productive and persistent infection of Sf9 cells. The SLE virus produced by the Sf9 cells could be neutralized by SLE virus-immune mouse ascitic fluid, and no evidence of escape mutants was detected. Sf9 cells persistently infected with SLE virus could be superinfected with a recombinant baculovirus and expressed recombinant antigen. The successful infection of SD cells by SLE virus represents the first report of production of c.p.e, by SLE virus in insect cells under routine cell culture conditions and of the infection of Sf9 cells by a human pathogen.
Iranian medical education research studies : a systematic review

Background: Research in medical education has been paid more attention than before; however the quality of research reporting has not been comprehensively appraised. To evaluate the methodological and reporting quality of Iranian published medical education articles. Methods: Articles describing medical students, residents, fellows or program evaluation were included. Articles related to continuing medical education or faculty development, review articles and reports, and studies considering both medical and nonmedical students were excluded. We searched MEDLINE through PubMed in addition to major Iranian medical education search engines and databases including Scientific Information Database (SID) from March 2003 to March 2008. The Medical Education Research Quality Index (MERSQI) scale and the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT 2001) were used for experimental studies and the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) was utilized for observational studies. Results: Ninety five articles were found to be related to the medical education research in Iran including 16 (16.8%) experimental studies. Total MERSQI scores ranged between 3.82 and 13.09 with the mean of 8.39 points. Mean domain scores were highest for data analysis (1.85) and lowest for validity (0.61). The most frequently reported item was background (96%) and the least reported was the study limitations (16%). Conclusion: The quality of published medical education research in Iran seems to be suboptimal.
Safety and quality assessment of street vended roasted plantain (bole) in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria

The microbiological quality, heavy metal and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH) of roasted plantain sold in selected locations in Port Harcourt metropolis were investigated. Roasted plantain samples were purchased from seven different locations in Port Harcourt metropolis namely; Rivers State University (RSU) campus, University of Port Harcourt (Uniport) Choba, Waterline Junction, Rumukoro Junction, Elekahia Station and Borokiri Station. Samples were analyzed for microbiological, heavy metal, and Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH) quality and laboratory roasted plantain used as control. Total Aerobic Count (TAC), Total Staphylococcal Count (TSC), Total Coliform Count (TCC), Total Escherichia Coli (TEC) and total mold count of samples were assessed by inoculating into different selective media such as Eosin Methylene Blue (EMB), MacConkey Agar (MCA), Mannitol Salt Agar (MSA), Nutrient Agar (NA) and Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA) respectively and incubated at the desired temperature. Staphylococcus aureus, E. coli, Asperillis sp. and Penicillium sp. were identified from the samples (Bole). TAC in roasted plantain samples ranged from 5.2 × 106 to 1.3 × 107 CFU/g, TSC ranged from 4.0 × 105 to 5.0 × 106 CFU/g, TCC ranged from 2.0 × 105 to 4.1 × 106 CFU/g, TEC ranged from 9.0 × 105 to 1.7 × 106 CFU/g and Total mould count ranged from 2.0 × 105 to 1.5 × 106 CFU/g. Result showed that street vended roasted plantain (Bole) sold along roadsides were not safe for human consumption, when compared with the set standards by International Commission on Microbiological Specification for Food (ICMSF, 1996) and therefore the need for improved sanitary practices. The result of heavy metals were less than <0.001 (mg/kg) in all the samples examined. Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAH) (mg/kg) ranged from 0.003 to 0.015 kg/mg with sample from Rumuokoro Junction as the lowest and sample from Waterline Junction as the highest which were below the recommended limit of 5.0kg/mg. The study recommended the need for improvement and sustainability of food safety practices of food vendors for improved health of consumers.
Biogeosciences How will organic carbon stocks in mineral soils evolve under future climate ? Global projections using RothC for a range of climate change scenarios

We use a soil carbon (C) model (RothC), driven by a range of climate models for a range of climate scenarios to examine the impacts of future climate on global soil organic carbon (SOC) stocks. The results suggest an overall global increase in SOC stocks by 2100 under all scenarios, but with a different extent of increase among the climate model and emissions scenarios. The impacts of projected land use changes are also simulated, but have relatively minor impacts at the global scale. Whether soils gain or lose SOC depends upon the balance between C inputs and decomposition. Changes in net primary production (NPP) change C inputs to the soil, whilst decomposition usually increases under warmer temperatures, but can also be slowed by decreased soil moisture. Underlying the global trend of increasing SOC under future climate is a complex pattern of regional SOC change. SOC losses are projected to occur in northern latitudes where higher SOC decomposition rates due to higher temperatures are not balanced by increased NPP, whereas in tropical regions, NPP increases override losses due to higher SOC decomposition. The spatial heterogeneity in the response of SOC to changing climate shows how delicately balanced the competing gain and loss processes are, with subtle changes in temperature, moisture, soil type and land use, interacting to determine whether SOC increases or decreases in the future. Our results suggest that we should stop looking for a single answer regarding whether SOC stocks will increase or decrease under future climate, since there is no single answer. Instead, we should focus on improving our prediction of the factors that determine the size and direction of change, and the land management practices that can be implemented to protect and enhance SOC stocks.
Studies with B‐Cell Allo‐ and Hetero‐Antisera: Parallel Reactivity and Special Properties

The expression of B‐cell antigens on various cell populations was studied through the use of human alloantisera and with heteroantisera raised to preparations of the alloantigen bearing molecules isolated from B‐cell lines. The allo‐ and heteroantisera competed with each other in blocking experiments and gave closely parallel results, reacting with normal and leukemic B lymphocytes, monocytes, K‐rosette‐negative acute lymphatic leukemias, all acute and certain chronic myclogenous leukemias, and a minor population of cells in fetal spleen and liver. These highly immunogenic surface components appeared to comprise the dominant B‐cell‐specific plasma membrane determinants. Neither type of antiserum reacted with any but a minor population of normal or pokeweed‐mitogen‐transformed T cells, fetal thymic lymphocytes, E‐rosette‐positive acute lymphatic leukemias, or Sezary‐cell leukemia. Through the use of these antisera evidence was obtained that Fc‐receptor‐bearing Ig‐negative lymphocytes were divisible into two groups according to the presence or absence of the B‐cell antigens. Both hetero‐ and allo‐antisera blocked binding of immune complexes or antibody‐coated ox erythrocytes to Fc receptors on B cells. F(ab')2, fragments of the hetero‐antibodies strongly inhibited antibody‐dependent cell‐mediated killing.
Interaction between Gonadtropin Hormones and Estradiol Secretion in Menopausal Women of Ijaw Ethnic Group , Niger Delta Region of Nigeria

The principal Gonadotropin hormones in humans are the Luteinizing hormone (LH) and the Follicle Stimulating hormone (FSH). They are crucial in regulating the function of the ovaries in women. Estradiol (E2), the primary female sex hormone is responsible for the development and regulation of the female reproductive system. In menopausal women, there is loss of ovarian function, leading to an increased secretion of FSH and LH and decreased secretion of E2 with aging. This study was designed to determine the relationship between the secretions of these hormones (FSH/LH/E2) in the Ijaw ethnic group menopausal women of Niger Delta Region of Nigeria with respect to age. A total of six hundred and ninety subjects, divided into four groups of 40-49 (pre menopause), 50-59 (menopause), 60-69 and 70 and above (post menopause) years were used for this study. The enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) method was used in the measurement of the hormones. Statistical analysis of the results obtained from the study has shown that the secretion of plasma gonadotropic hormones increases significantly with declining estradiol level with increasing age. The result showed an FSH/LH ratio of 1.2 at menopause, with the ratio increasing with aging. The analysis of the gonadotropin/estradiol secretion showed a negative correlation. Conclusion: The study concluded that with the loss of ovarian function, the menopausal women of Ijaw ethnic group in Niger Delta Region of Nigeria have increased secretion of gonadotropin hormone (FSH/LH) and decreased estradiol hormone (E2) secretion with high FSH/LH ratio that increases with increasing age.
GEOCHEMICAL EVALUATION OF THE MIDDLE MAGDALENA BASIN, COLOMBIA

* To whom correspondence should be sent he chemical composition of 25 crude oils from Tertiary reservoirs and 12 rock extracts from five organic-rich Cretaceous formations in the Middle Magdalena Basin, Colombia were studied in detail by geochemical methods in order to understand their genetic relationships. The oils have been geochemically classified into four main groups based on the sulfur content, pristane/phytane, dibenzothiophene /phenanthrene, concentrations of oleanane and terpane distributions. Each group occur in different geographic locations. Oils were mainly derived from calcareous, siliciclastic and mixture of these two facies of the Upper Cretaceous La Luna Formation. Source-oil correlation is supported by sterane and terpane distributions of and carbon isotope ratios. Some oils in the eastern margin contain relatively higher concentrations of higher plant indicators than the remaining oil samples. The molecular compositions of the oils observed in this study appear to be consistent with the inferred depositional sequence of anoxic marine/pelagic carbonate facies in the north/western sector of the Middle Magdalena, while the eastern sector received a higher proportion of clastic input. This documentation supports the interpretation that the Middle Magdalena oils have been generated locally, as opposed to have migrated from the region of the Eastern Cordillera. Biomarker maturity parameters indicate that the majority of oils were generated in the early thermal maturity oil window except the Colorado-38 oil which was generated in the middle thermal maturity oil window. Oil maturity data also supports the short migration distances of oils from the early-mature source rocks to the reservoir rocks. The composition of some oils (e.g., La Cira, Infantas, Conde and Bonanza) is unusual in that gas chromatographic data contains an n-alkane and isoprenoid distribution normally associated with moderately degraded oils, but they also contain a relatively high abundance of gasoline hydrocarbons. This particular gas chromatographic pattern may be explained by the addition of migrant gas/ condensate to the in situ biodegraded oils. Secondary condensates may also have charged the less biodegraded oils (e.g., Cantagallo-23 and Casabe-471), which could explain the V pattern of the n-alkane distribution. This phenomena is observed in productive basins in other parts of the world. The range of oil gravities measured in the Middle Magdalena Basin is attributed to organic facies variations, different levels of biodegradation and late charge of condensate rather than to thermal maturity and migration-related effects.
Purification and characterization of murine lipopolysaccharide-binding protein

The serum protein lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-binding protein (LBP) seems to play an important role in regulating host responses to LPS. Complexes of LPS and LBP form in serum and stimulate monocytes, macrophages, or polymorphonuclear leukocytes after binding to CD14. Previous reports have described the structure and properties of LBP from human and rabbit sera. Since mice are used in some experimental models of endotoxemia or gram-negative bacterial infections, information is needed about the properties of murine LBP. Murine LBP was purified by ion-exchange chromatography and high-pressure liquid chromatography; its NH2-terminal sequence (TNPGLVTRIT) was very similar to those of human and rabbit LBPs (80 to 90% amino acid identity). Murine LBP resembled LBPs from other species in that it promoted the binding of LPS to monocytes and enhanced the sensitivity of monocytes to LPS at least 100-fold. Mouse LBP, like rabbit and human LBPs, was found to be an acute-phase protein. Further in vivo studies with mice and anti-CD14 or anti-LBP reagents should help determine the role of LBP in response to LPS challenges.
Enhancing venous outflow in the lower limb with intermittent pneumatic compression. A comparative haemodynamic analysis on the effect of foot vs. calf vs. foot and calf compression.

OBJECTIVES intermittent pneumatic compression (IPC), an established method of deep-vein thrombosis prophylaxis, is also an effective means of leg inflow enhancement, improving the walking capacity and ankle pressure of claudicants, long-term. This study, using duplex ultrasonography, compares the haemodynamic effect of IPC of the (a) foot (at 120 mmHg [IPC(foot/120 mmHg)], and 180 mmHg [IPC(foot/180 mmHg)]), (b) calf (IPC(calf), 120 mmHg) and (c) both simultaneously (IPC(foot+calf), 120 mmHg), on the venous outflow of 20 legs of normals and 25 legs of claudicants. RESULTS the peak and mean velocities, volume flow and pulsatility index in the superficial femoral and popliteal veins of both groups increased significantly with all IPC modes (p<0.001). IPC(foot+calf)produced the highest enhancement followed by IPC(calf)(p<0.01), which was more effective (p<0.001) than either IPC(foot/180 mmHg)or IPC(foot/120 mmHg). The venous volume expelled with IPC(calf)and IPC(foot+calf)was 2-2.5 and 3-3.5 times that with IPC(foot/180 mmHg)respectively. Velocity enhancement with IPC was similar between groups and the superficial femoral and popliteal veins. IPC(foot/180 mmHg)produced higher (p<0. 01) flow velocities than IPC(foot/120 mmHg)in both groups and veins examined; however, differences were limited. CONCLUSIONS all IPC modes proved effective, IPC(foot+calf)generating the highest venous outflow enhancement. Higher venous volumes expelled with IPC(foot+calf)explain its reported superiority on leg inflow over the other modes. Increase of applied pressure from 120 to 180 mmHg with IPC(foot)offered only a small outflow improvement. Venous haemodynamics at rest and with IPC in claudicants do not differ significantly from those in healthy subjects.