Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Epithelial‐mesenchymal transition in renal fibrosis – evidence for and against

Epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a well established biological process in metazoan embryological development. Over the past 15 years, investigators have sought to establish whether EMT also occurs in renal epithelial cells, following kidney injury, and to show that the mesenchymal cells formed could give rise to myofibroblasts which populate the renal interstitium, causing fibrosis within it. There is no doubt that proximal tubular epithelial cells (PTECs) can undergo EMT in vitro in response to TGFβ‐1 and other inflammatory stimuli. Moreover, the results of experiments with animal models of renal fibrosis and examination of biopsies from patients with chronic kidney disease have lent support to the hypothesis that EMT occurs in vivo. This review discusses some of the key evidence underlying that idea and summarises recent advances in understanding the molecular mechanism underlying the process. Early experiments using mice which were genetically engineered to mark PTECs with the LacZ gene to trace their fate following kidney injury provided evidence supporting the occurrence of EMT. Recently, however, cell lineage tracking experiments using the red fluorescent protein (RFP) as a high‐resolution marker for cells of renal epithelial origin did not replicate this result; the interstitial space following kidney injury was devoid of RFP expressing cells, leading the investigators to reject the renal EMT hypothesis.
The Cystic Fibrosis Mutation G551D Alters the Non-Michaelis-Menten Behavior of the Cystic Fibrosis Transmembrane Conductance Regulator (CFTR) Channel and Abolishes the Inhibitory Genistein Binding Site*

Loss of cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator (CFTR) channel activity explains most of the manifestations of the cystic fibrosis (CF) disease. To understand the consequences of CF mutations on CFTR channel activity, we compared the pharmacological properties of wild-type (wt) and G551D-CFTR. Dose-dependent relationships of wt-CFTR activated by genistein follows a non-Michaelis-Menten behavior consistent with the presence of two binding sites. With phosphorylated CFTR, a high affinity site for genistein is the activator (K s ≈ 3 μm), whereas a second site of low affinity (K i ≈ 75 μm) is the inhibitor. With non-phosphorylated CFTR, K s was increased (K s ≈ 12 μm), butK i was not affected (K i ≈ 70 μm). In G551D-CFTR cells, channel activity was recovered by co-application of forskolin and genistein in a dose-dependent manner. A further stimulation of G551D-CFTR channel activity was measured at concentrations from 30 μm to 1 mm. The dose response is described by a classical Michaelis-Menten kinetics with only a single apparent site (K m ≈ 11 μm). Our results suggest glycine 551 in NBD1 as an important location within the low affinity inhibitory site for genistein and offers new evidence for pharmacological alteration caused by an NBD1 mutation of CFTR. This study also reveals how a mutation of an ion channel converts a non-Michaelis-Menten behavior (two binding sites) into a classical Michaelis-Menten model (one binding site).
Differential gene expression in the rat caudate putamen after “binge” cocaine administration: Advantage of triplicate microarray analysis

Rat genome U34A (Affymetrix®) oligonucleotide microarrays were used to analyze changes in gene expression in the caudate putamen (CPu) of Fischer rats induced by 1 and 3 days of “binge” cocaine (or saline) administration. A triplicate array assay of pooled RNA of each treatment group was used to evaluate the technical variability and sensitivity of microarrays. Cocaine‐regulated genes were identified using the Affymetrix MAS 5.0 and Data Mining Tool v. 3. Eighty‐nine upregulated and eight downregulated genes/ESTs were found after 1 day of “binge” cocaine. Following 3 days of cocaine treatment we identified 21 upregulated and 17 downregulated genes/ESTs. RNase protection assays of selected genes confirmed reliability of changes identified by the microarrays at the level of ≥1.40‐fold increase. Many genes upregulated in the CPu by cocaine were immediate early genes for transcription factors and for “effector” proteins (e.g., vesl/Homer1a, Arc, synaptotagmin IV). Acute “binge” cocaine also increased mRNA levels for glutamate receptor GluR2, dopamine receptor D1, and a number of phosphatases. Genes downregulated by cocaine include several genes associated with energy metabolism in mitochondria, as well as the phosphatydylinositol‐4 kinase and the regulator of G‐protein signaling protein 4 (RGS4). A differential expression of somatostatin receptor SSTR2, not known to be a cocaine‐responsive gene, as well as the clock gene Per2, were found by microarrays and confirmed by RNase protection assay. These results demonstrate the potential of microarrays in profiling gene expression with ≥40% increase or ≥14% decrease in mRNA levels for discovery of novel cocaine‐responsive genes. Synapse 48:157–169, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Optimal incision sites to reduce corneal aberration variations after small incision phacoemulsification cataract surgery.

AIM To analyze the effect of steep meridian small incision phacoemulsification cataract surgery on anterior, posterior and total corneal wavefront aberration. METHODS Steep meridian small incision phacoemulsification cataract surgery was performed in age-related cataract patients which were divided into three groups according to the incision site: 12 o'clock, 9 o'clock and between 9 and 12 o'clock (BENT) incision groups. The preoperative and 3-month postoperative root mean square (RMS) values of anterior, posterior and total corneal wavefront aberration including coma, spherical aberration, and total higher-order aberrations (HOAs), were measured by Pentacam scheimpflug imaging. The mean preoperative and postoperative corneal wavefront aberrations were documented. RESULTS Total corneal aberration and total lower-order aberrations decreased significantly in three groups after operation. RMS value of total HOAs decreased significantly postoperatively in the 12 o'clock incision group (P<0.001). Corneal spherical aberration was statistically significantly lower after steep meridian small incision phacoemulsification cataract surgery in BENT incision group (P<0.05) and Pearson correlation analysis indicated that spherical aberration changes had no significant relationship with total astigmatism changes in all three corneal incision location. CONCLUSION Corneal incision of phacoemulsification cataract surgery can affect corneal wavefront aberration. The 12 o'clock corneal incision eliminated more HOAs and the spherical aberrations decreased in BENT incision group obviously when we selected steep meridian small incision. Cataract lens replacement using wavefront-corrected intraocular lens combined with optimized corneal incision site would improve ocular aberration results.
The complete chloroplast genome sequence of the CAM epiphyte Spanish moss (Tillandsia usneoides, Bromeliaceae) and its comparative analysis

Spanish moss (Tillandsia usneoides) is an epiphytic bromeliad widely distributed throughout tropical and warm temperate America. This plant is highly adapted to extreme environmental conditions. Striking features of this species include specialized trichomes (scales) covering the surface of its shoots aiding the absorption of water and nutrients directly from the atmosphere and a specific photosynthesis using crassulacean acid metabolism (CAM). Here we report the plastid genome of Spanish moss and present the comparison of genome organization and sequence evolution within Poales. The plastome of Spanish moss has a quadripartite structure consisting of a large single copy (LSC, 87,439 bp), two inverted regions (IRa and IRb, 26,803 bp) and short single copy (SSC, 18,612 bp) region. The plastid genome had 37.2% GC content and 134 genes with 88 being unique protein-coding genes and 20 of these are duplicated in the IR, similar to other reported bromeliads. Our study shows that early diverging lineages of Poales do not have high substitution rates as compared to grasses, and plastid genomes of bromeliads show structural features considered to be ancestral in graminids. These include the loss of the introns in the clpP and rpoC1 genes and the complete loss or partial degradation of accD and ycf genes in the Graminid clade. Further structural rearrangements appeared in the graminids lacking in Spanish moss, which include a 28-kb inversion between the trnG-UCC–rps14 region and 6-kb in the trnG-UCC–psbD, followed by a third <1kb inversion in the trnT sequence.
Sero-Reactivity to Microbial Components in Crohn's Disease Is Associated with Disease Severity and Progression, but not NOD2/CARD15 Genotype

BACKGROUND AND AIMS:Antibodies directed against the porin protein C of Escherichia coli (anti-OmpC) and Pseudomonas fluorescens (anti-I2) have recently been described in Crohn's disease (CD). Those directed against Saccharomyces cerevisiae (ASCA) and the perinuclear component of neutrophils (pANCA) have been more widely studied and may be of diagnostic importance. We aimed to assess the frequency of anti-OmpC, anti-I2, ASCA, and pANCA, in an independent Scottish CD cohort, establish phenotypic associations, and compare with a U.S. cohort.METHODS:One hundred and forty-two well-characterized CD patients (76 females, median age 39 yr (17–88)) were studied. CD was classified by the Vienna classification. Sera were assayed for anti-OmpC, anti-I2, ASCA, and pANCA. Allele specific primers were used for NOD2/CARD15 genotyping.RESULTS:Anti-OmpC, anti-I2, ASCA, and pANCA were present in sera from 37%, 52%, 39%, and 14% of CD patients, respectively. Multivariate analysis demonstrated independent associations of anti-OmpC to be progression of disease type (p= 0.005) and long disease duration (p= 0.002), and those of anti-I2 to be long disease duration (p= 0.002) and the need for surgery (p= 0.033). ASCA were associated with disease progression (p < 0.001). When the presence and magnitude of all antibody responses were considered, reactivity to microbial components was associated with long disease duration (p < 0.001), progression of disease type (p < 0.001), penetrating disease (p= 0.008), small bowel disease (p < 0.02), and the need for surgery (p < 0.001). There was no association of antibody status to NOD2/CARD15 genotype.CONCLUSION:Reactivity to microbial components is associated with severe CD characterized by small bowel involvement, frequent disease progression, longer disease duration, and greater need for intestinal surgery.
Headspace solid-phase micro-extraction gas chromatography method for the determination of methanol in aspartame sweeteners

A headspace solid-phase micro-extraction (HS-SPME) method for the extraction and determination of residual methanol in artificial sweeteners by capillary gas chromatography with flame ionization detection (GC-FID) is described. A manual SPME holder with an 85-µm polyacrylate fibre was used. The optimized conditions for methanol extraction by SPME were: sample agitation, absorption temperature of 30°C, absorption time of 10 min, desorption time of 2 min and sample volume in the vial of 400.0 µl. Under these conditions the calibration graphs were linear in the range 2.50–31.60 mg l−1, and the precision was good (relative standard deviation 4.9%). The detection limit was 0.40 mg l−1; the quantification limit was 2.06 mg l−1.
Opportunity recognition in sustainable entrepreneurship: an exploratory study

Purpose The recognition of opportunities for sustainable development is considered to be an essential part of sustainable entrepreneurship, but studies that address this phenomenon are scarce. A conceptual model which aims to explain the factors that lead to the recognition of sustainable opportunities was proposed by Patzelt and Shepherd (2011), but published research that tests this model empirically is limited. The purpose of this paper is to contribute to the sustainable entrepreneurship literature by empirically exploring Patzelt and Shepherd’s conceptual model in order to shed light on how sustainable entrepreneurs recognize opportunities for sustainable businesses in practice. Design/methodology/approach This paper adopts a qualitative research approach to address the aims of the study. In-depth semi-structured interviews were carried out with eight sustainable entrepreneurs based in Berlin. The data were analyzed by means of thematic analysis. Findings The findings indicate that sustainable entrepreneurs are influenced in their identification of sustainable opportunities by their knowledge of natural and communal environments, by their motivation to develop gains for themselves and others, and by entrepreneurial knowledge. These findings largely support the model proposed by Patzelt and Shepherd (2011). Furthermore, they extend this model by shedding light on some of the factors that comprise its components, as this study found that spending time abroad and socialization enhance entrepreneurs’ knowledge of natural and communal environments; a desire to be self-employed, aspects of one’s personality and one’s personal circumstances are sources of motivation, while prior jobs and prior projects create entrepreneurial knowledge. Originality/value Only two other studies have empirically tested Patzelt and Shepherd’s (2011) model, and these have led to disparate results. The first was conducted by Choongo et al. (2016), who did not find any evidence to support this model. The second was carried out by Munoz and Dimov (2017), who addressed the model partially. This paper therefore makes four major contributions. First, it is the first to offer preliminary empirical support for each component of Patzelt and Shepherd’s (2011) conceptual model. Second, it extends their model by identifying some of the factors comprising its components. Third, it reflects on possible reasons why extant research has led to disparate findings. Fourth, it proposes avenues of research to resolve the unanswered questions arising from these studies. This paper therefore makes a contribution to the literature on sustainable entrepreneurship and serves as a stepping stone for further theory development and empirical research on sustainable opportunity recognition.
Exploring the Finance-Growth Volatility Nexus: Evidence from Developed, Developing and Transition Countries

Utilizing Arellano and Bond (1991) panel-GMM estimator model, this paper investigates dynamic interactions between financial system, through bank/stock market development, and economic growth volatility in overall/specific country group levels for 47 developed/developing/transition countries during 1989-2012 periods. Empirical results for the full sample of countries suggest that all variables, except stock market turnover ratio, have a statistically significant and negative impact on economic growth volatility, whereas domestic credit to GDP has a statistically significant but positive impact. This result may imply that it is the development of the stock market rather than the development of the banking sector that dampens the growth volatility.
Obstetric patients who select and those who refuse medical students' participation in their care

PURPOSE. To assess attitudes and expectations of obstetric patients toward the involvement of medical students in their care. METHOD. At the Medical Center Hospital of Vermont in 1991, questionnaire responses were collected from 222 obstetric patients who had been assisted by clerkship students from the University of Vermont College of Medicine and 78 patients who had refused the participation of students. The responses were analyzed for differences in demographic backgrounds, prior hospital experiences, and general expectations of student involvement, using chi-square, two-tailed t-tests and analysis of variance. RESULTS. Both groups of respondents consisted primarily of young, well-educated, married women, who appear to have made their decisions about student participation by balancing their personal needs and their sense of altruism. For example, 61% of those who had refused the participation of students ranked the desire for privacy as their primary reason, whereas 73% of those who had accepted student participation ranked as their primary reason the desire to contribute to a student's education. Although both groups of patients expected the students to perform few clinical procedures, the patients who had refused student participation expected the students to be more involved in patient care than did the patients who had allowed participation. Of the 25% of the patients who had had students involved in prior pregnancy care, those who had currently refused student participation had less positive views of prior student care. CONCLUSION. Patients' needs for privacy, past experiences with student care, and expectations of student performance should be considered to ensure the respectful incorporation of student involvement in obstetric care.
Technical Advance: Live‐imaging analysis of human dendritic cell migrating behavior under the influence of immune‐stimulating reagents in an organotypic model of lung

This manuscript describes technical advances allowing manipulation and quantitative analyses of human DC migratory behavior in lung epithelial tissue. DCs are hematopoietic cells essential for the maintenance of tissue homeostasis and the induction of tissue‐specific immune responses. Important functions include cytokine production and migration in response to infection for the induction of proper immune responses. To design appropriate strategies to exploit human DC functional properties in lung tissue for the purpose of clinical evaluation, e.g., candidate vaccination and immunotherapy strategies, we have developed a live‐imaging assay based on our previously described organotypic model of the human lung. This assay allows provocations and subsequent quantitative investigations of DC functional properties under conditions mimicking morphological and functional features of the in vivo parental tissue. We present protocols to set up and prepare tissue models for 4D (x, y, z, time) fluorescence‐imaging analysis that allow spatial and temporal studies of human DCs in live epithelial tissue, followed by flow cytometry analysis of DCs retrieved from digested tissue models. This model system can be useful for elucidating incompletely defined pathways controlling DC functional responses to infection and inflammation in lung epithelial tissue, as well as the efficacy of locally administered candidate interventions.
The Constitutional Structures of the Federalism in the Middle East

In this study the federal system as a governance system in the Middle East has been discussed through the comparative constitutional basis. The majority of the Middle East countries have adopted the central regime in power management, but some other countries, such as the Republic of Iraq according to its constitution of 2005 and the United Arab Emirates under its amended constitution of 1971 followed the federal system because of their privacies compared to other countries in the region, and the federal systems in the world. Furthermore, it also has been compared to the constitutional peculiarities of the Kurdistan region as the only federal region in Iraq with the Emirates members in the United Arab Emirates in terms of construction, distribution of powers, organization of external relations and management of natural resources. The transition from the system of Centralization of power to the political decentralization power (federalism) in both countries was not easy, most areas of the constitutional, legal, administrative and internal and external relationships between federated entities and the federal government led to a lot of problems and constraints, especially in the areas of commitment to the constitutional distribution of authorities, re-distributing of the interior, national and natural resources revenues. These problems are still exists in Iraq due to the non-application of constitutional provisions. In both Republic of Iraq and United Arab Emirates there is federated units, who have constitutional authorities and powers outside the federal authorities to self-governing however the only way for the survival and perpetuation of these countries as united States in the Middle East is the implementation of the Federal Constitution and respect the specificities of the units, especially in Iraq. Federated governments also have impact for the success of federalism by placing appropriate and internal mechanisms to address the political and legal disputes. Therefore, only the existence of constitutional and legal provisions is not sufficient for the success of federalism, the existence of federal culture and respect of the Constitution and accepting others with their differences and distinguishing features is very significant to ensure the success of the federal systems, otherwise it will lead to the dissociation of those countries. After studying and analyzing all comparative constitutional aspects of federalism in both Republic of Iraq and United Arab Emirates, it seems that the federal system is a contemporary and appropriate system of governance in the Middle East, and it is clear that this system is not only suitable for countries who have, multi-nationalities, multi religions, multi-cultures and languages, but it also appropriate for countries who do not have nationality and religious pluralism as the case is with the United Arab Emirates.
The long‐run effect of childhood poverty and the mediating role of education

The paper examines the role of education as a causal channel through which growing up poor affects the economic outcomes in adulthood in the European Union. We apply a potential outcomes approach to quantify those effects and we provide a sensitivity analysis on possible unobserved confounders, such as child ability. Our estimates indicate that being poor in childhood significantly decreases the level of income in adulthood and increases the average probability of being poor. Moreover, our results reveal a significant role of education in this intergenerational transmission. These results are particularly relevant for Mediterranean and central and eastern European countries.
Pension profile preferences: the influence of trust and expected expenses

ABSTRACT This paper studies the influence of people’s expectations about expenses during retirement and trust in pension funds on preferences for different pension arrangements. Although most workers prefer a flat-rate annuity, many workers want to deviate from it. The most popular option is a high/low, annuity-based profile, followed by a partial lump sum payment. Workers who expect declining expenses during retirement are more likely to opt for a high/low annuity-based pension and/or a lump sum payment at retirement. Furthermore, workers and pensioners who do not trust their pension fund are more likely to prefer a lump sum over annuity-based arrangements.