Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Rat Brain S100b Protein: Purification, Characterization, and Ion Binding Properties. A Comparison with Bovine S100b Protein

We purified to homogeneity rat brain S100b protein, which constitutes about 90% of the soluble S100 protein fraction. Purified rat S100b protein comigrates with bovine S100b protein in nondenaturant system electrophoresis but differs in its amino acid composition and in its electrophoretic mobility in urea‐sodium dodecyl sulfate‐polyacrylamide gel with bovine S100b protein. The properties of the Ca2+ and Zn2+ binding sites on rat S100b protein were investigated by flow dialysis and by fluorometric titration, and the conformation of rat S100b in its metal‐free form as well as in the presence of Ca2+ or Zn2+ was studied. The results were compared with those obtained for the bovine S100b protein. In the absence of KCI, rat brain S100b protein is characterized by two high‐affinity Ca2+ binding sites with a KD of 2 + 10−5M and four lower affinity sites with KD about 10−4M. The calcium binding properties of rat S100b protein differ from bovine S100b only by the number of low‐affinity calcium binding sites whereas similar Ca2+ ‐induced conformational changes were observed for both proteins. In the presence of 120 mM KCI rat brain S100b protein bound two Zn2+‐ ions/mol of protein with a KD of 10 −7M and four other with lower affinity (KD+ 10−6M). The occupancy of the two high‐affinity Zn2+ binding sites was responsible for most of the Zn2+‐induced conformational changes in the rat S100b protein. No increase in the tyrosine fluorescence quantum yield after Zn2+ binding to rat S100b was observed. Such results significantly differ from that obtained with bovine S100b protein, which on binding of eight Zn2+ equivalents/mol undergoes maximal conformational changes associated with a sixfold increase of the tyrosine fluorescence quantum yield. Finally, we report in this work that zinc binding on rat S100b protein regulates calcium binding by increasing the calcium affinity of the protein and reducing the antagonistic effect of K+ on calcium binding.
PDLIM2 suppression efficiently reduces tumor growth and invasiveness of human castration‐resistant prostate cancer‐like cells

Although PDLIM2 gene may have a context‐dependent role in various human malignancies and can be a potential therapeutic target, only a limited number of in vitro studies addressed the molecular functions of PDLIM2 in prostate cancer. Here, we aimed to explore the role of PDLIM2 and the effect of the PDLIM2 gene suppression on oncogenic phenotypes of human castration‐resistant prostate cancer (CRPC)‐like cells.
3D Printing of Microwave and Millimeter-Wave Filters: Additive Manufacturing Technologies Applied in the Development of High-Performance Filters with Novel Topologies

Three-dimensional (3D) printing, additive manufacturing (AM), digital manufacturing, and free-form fabrication are some of the synonymous expressions commonly used to identify the new class of processes through which objects are built by selectively adding material, usually layer by layer, instead of subtracting material, as in conventional machining techniques like chemical etching, laser-cutting, milling, and electroerosion [1].
Heat Shock Protein 65-Reactive T Cells Are Involved in the Pathogenesis of Non-Antigenic Dimethyl Dioctadecyl Ammonium Bromide-Induced Arthritis1

Dimethyl dioctadecyl ammonium bromide (DDA) (C38H80NBr) is a nonantigenic lipoid material. DDA-induced arthritis (DIA) in the Lewis (LEW) (RT.1l) rat is a new experimental model for human rheumatoid arthritis (RA). DIA is a T cell-mediated autoimmune disease. However, the precise self/foreign Ags associated with the disease process in DIA are not yet known. We observed that LEW rats with DIA spontaneously raised a vigorous T cell response both to 65-kDa self (rat) heat shock protein (Rhsp65) and mycobacterial hsp65 (Bhsp65), but not to another arthritis-related Ag, bovine collagen type II. The T cell response to Rhsp65 was focused predominantly on determinant regions 120–134 and 213–227 of the self protein. Interestingly, pretreatment of adult LEW rats using either a mixture of peptides 120–134 and 213–227 of Rhsp65 or a low nonarthritogenic dose of DDA induced protection against subsequent DIA. Intriguingly, the protection induced by the latter was associated with spontaneous priming of T cells specific for peptide 213–227 of Rhsp65. Similarly, LEW rats neonatally tolerized against either Rhsp65 or Bhsp65 were significantly protected from subsequently induced DIA at adult stage, showing the disease-modulating attribute of the hsp65-specific T cells. Taken together, the above findings demonstrate that the hsp65-directed T cell repertoire is of significance in the pathogenesis of autoimmune arthritis induced by nonantigenic DDA. Like other animal models of RA involving hsp65, these first insights into the disease-associated Ags in the DIA model would pave the way for further understanding of the immunological aspects of induction and regulation of RA.
Patency of the Aditus Ad Antrum in Tubotympanic Chronic Suppurative Otitis Media

Objectives To evaluate the patency of the aditus ad antrum in cases of tubotympanic chronic suppurative otitis media (CSOM) and to measure its dimensions. Also, to examine its mucosa histologically for the presence of granulation tissue or occult cholesteatoma. Study Design Prospective case series. Setting Main Alexandria University Hospital (tertiary referral center). Subjects and Methods Fifty adult patients with tubotympanic CSOM without evidence of cholesteatoma, after adequate medical control of otorrhea, presented with mild or moderate conductive hearing loss. In all patients, tympanoplasty with cortical mastoidectomy was performed. The patency and dimensions of the aditus ad antrum were assessed using a 30° endoscope. Biopsies were obtained from unhealthy mucosa to detect the presence of granulation tissue or occult cholesteatoma. Results Ten cases (20%) had a blocked aditus ad antrum by unhealthy and edematous mucosa. Biopsies revealed granulation tissue in all cases. No occult cholesteatoma was detected. The results were further analyzed in relation to multiple variables to detect any clinical clues of a blocked aditus. Conclusion Of the studied cases, 20% had a blocked aditus. The prevalence of an obstructed aditus was higher among older patients with a long history (>1 year) of ear discharge. Marginal and subtotal central perforations and the presence of myringosclerosis increase the probability of an obstructed aditus ad antrum.
Intermittent exotropia surgery in children: long term outcome regarding changes in binocular alignment. A study of 666 cases.

PURPOSE To review and determine the long term outcome of surgery for intermittent exotropia in children. CASES A total of 666 cases were reviewed. They were 15 years old or younger and underwent surgery for intermittent exotropia during the preceding 22 years. Bilateral recession of the lateral rectus muscles was performed in 349 cases. Unilateral recession of the lateral rectus and resection of the medial rectus muscles was performed in 298 cases. One and four muscle procedures were performed in 19 cases. The outcome was evaluated at 1 month and 4 years after surgery. RESULTS Orthotropia or mini-microtropia was achieved in 401 patients (60.2%) one month after surgery. Bilateral recession of the lateral rectus muscles was more effective than unilateral recession- resection. Out of these 401 patients, half, 199 patients (49.6%) showed orthotropia or mini-microtropia 4 years after surgery while the other half, 202 (50.4%), became exotropic. Bilateral recession of the lateral rectus muscles was also more effective in producing orthotropia or mini-microtropia on a long term basis than unilateral recession-resection. The rate of orthotropia or mini- microtropia was higher when the patients were operated before 3 years and after 11 years of age. CONCLUSIONS There was a strong tendency for intermittent exotropia to recurr and drift into permanent exotropia during 4 or more years following surgery. It is advocated to aim at orthotropia during the immediate post- surgical period and to avoid overcorrection. Early surgery is not necessary when the patient is over 4 years of age. Bilateral lateral rectus recession is the preferred surgical procedure.
ERCC1 genotype and phenotype in epithelial ovarian cancer identify patients likely to benefit from paclitaxel treatment in addition to platinum-based therapy.

PURPOSE To investigate the effect of excision repair cross-complementation group 1 (ERCC1) on treatment response and survival of patients treated with platinum chemotherapy with or without paclitaxel. PATIENTS AND METHODS Tumor samples from epithelial ovarian cancer patients were evaluated for ERCC1 mRNA expression and a single nucleotide polymorphism at codon 118 (C>T). Of 178 patients treated with postoperative platinum-based chemotherapy, 75 were also given paclitaxel. For all of these patients, ERCC1 expression and genotype were analyzed for associations with treatment response and survival. RESULTS Among the 103 patients treated with platinum without paclitaxel, the C/C genotype, compared with C/T and T/T, was associated with greater risk of disease progression and death (hazard ratio [HR], 1.95, P = .051; HR, 2.01, P = .033, respectively); high levels of ERCC1 mRNA, compared with low levels, were associated with greater risk of disease progression (HR, 2.41; P = .014). Similarly, when the ERCC1 data were combined, patients with the C/C genotype and high ERCC1 expression had greater risk for disease progression (HR, 3.73; P = .003) compared with those with low expression and non-C/C genotype. However, for the 75 patients treated with platinum plus paclitaxel, the C/C genotype and high ERCC1 expression were not associated with poor prognosis, suggesting that paclitaxel may help to alleviate ERCC1-related platinum resistance. CONCLUSION Ovarian cancer patients with high ERCC1 expression or the C/C genotype at codon 118 may benefit from the combination of platinum and paclitaxel, while those with low ERCC1 expression or the C/T or T/T genotype may respond well to platinum without paclitaxel.
Accelerometry Based Classification of Walking Patterns Using Time-frequency Analysis

In this work, 33 dimensional time-frequency domain features were developed and evaluated to detect five different human walking patterns from data acquired using a triaxial accelerometer attached at the waist above the iliac spine. 52 subjects were asked to walk on a flat surface along a corridor, walk up and down a flight of a stairway and walk up and down a constant gradient slope, in an unsupervised manner. Time-frequency domain features of acceleration data in anterior-posterior (AP), medio-lateral (ML) and vertical (VT) direction were developed. The acceleration signal in each direction was decomposed to six detailed signals at different wavelet scales by using the wavelet packet transform. The rms values and standard deviations of the decomposed signals at scales 5 to 2 corresponding to the 0.78-18.75 Hz frequency band were calculated. The energies in the 0.39-18.75 Hz frequency band of acceleration signal in AP, ML and VT directions were also computed. The back-end of the system was a multi-layer perceptron (MLP) Neural Networks (NNs) classifier. Overall classification accuracies of 88.54% and 92.05% were achieved by using a round robin (RR) and random frame selecting (RFS) train-test method respectively for the five walking patterns.
Association studies of −3081(A/T) polymorphism of norepinephrine transporter gene with attention deficit/hyperactivity disorder in Korean population

Recent studies showing the improvement of ADHD symptoms obtained with the highly selective noradrenergic reuptake inhibitor, atomoxetine, demonstrate that the noradrenergic system plays the role of pathophysiology in this disorder. It is revealed that the norepinephrine transporter gene (SLC6A2) is a possible candidate gene directly related to ADHD. To determine possible roles of the SLC6A2 as a susceptibility gene for ADHD, we performed the genetic association study for a functional −3081(A/T) polymorphism, located in the promoter region of SLC6A2. For the present study of association between ADHD and the SLC6A2, 103 male patients with ADHD and 103 normal male controls were randomly gathered. Significant differences were found in the allele frequencies (χ2 = 5.60, P = 0.02) and the odds ratio for the allele T between the ADHD and normal subjects was 1.59 (95% CI: 1.08–2.34) suggesting that T allele is critical to make the group difference. Significant group difference was also found in AA, AT, TT genotypes (χ2 = 7.1, P = 0.02). The odds ratio for TT and AT genotypes was 4.57 (95% CI: 2.56–8.15) and 1.96 (95% CI: 0.96–3.78), respectively. Findings in the present study provided further evidence of association between ADHD and −3081(A/T) polymorphism of SLC6A2. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Quantitative BOLD: Mapping of human cerebral deoxygenated blood volume and oxygen extraction fraction: Default state

Since Ogawa et al. (Proc Natl Acad Sci USA 1990;87:9868–9872) made the fundamental discovery of blood oxygenation level‐dependent (BOLD) contrast in MRI, most efforts have been directed toward the study of dynamic BOLD (i.e., temporal changes in the MRI signal during changes in brain activity). However, very little progress has been made in elucidating the nature of BOLD contrast during the resting or baseline state of the brain, which is important for understanding normal human performance because it accounts for most of the enormous energy budget of the brain. It is also crucial for deciphering the consequences of baseline‐state impairment by cerebral vascular diseases. The objective of this study was to develop a BOLD MR‐based method that allows quantitative evaluation of tissue hemodynamic parameters, such as the blood volume, deoxyhemoglobin concentration, and oxygen extraction fraction (OEF). The proposed method, which we have termed quantitative BOLD (qBOLD), is based on an MR signal model that incorporates prior knowledge about brain tissue composition and considers signals from gray matter (GM), white matter (WM), cerebrospinal fluid (CSF), and blood. A 2D gradient‐echo sampling of spin‐echo (GESSE) pulse sequence is used for the acquisition of the MRI signal. The method is applied to estimate the hemodynamic parameters of the normal human brain in the baseline state. Magn Reson Med 57:115–126, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Latent process genes for cell differentiation are common decoders of neurite extension length

A latent process involving signal transduction and gene expression is needed as a preparation step for cellular function. We previously found that nerve growth factor (NGF)-induced cell differentiation has a latent process, which is dependent on ERK activity and gene expression and required for subsequent neurite extension. A latent process can be considered as a preparation step that decodes extracellular stimulus information into cellular functions; however, molecular mechanisms of this process remain unknown. We identified Metrnl, Dclk1 and Serpinb1a as genes that are induced during the latent process (LP) with distinct temporal expression profiles and are required for subsequent neurite extension in PC12 cells. The LP genes showed distinct dependency on the duration of ERK activity, and they were also induced during the latent process of PACAP- and forskolin-induced cell differentiation. Regardless of neurotrophic factors, expression levels of the LP genes during the latent process (0–12 hours), but not phosphorylation levels of ERK, always correlated with subsequent neurite extension length (12–24 hours). Overexpression of all LP genes together, but not of each gene separately, enhanced NGF-induced neurite extension. The LP gene products showed distinct spatial localization. Thus, the LP genes appear to be the common decoders for neurite extension length regardless of neurotrophic factors, and they might function in distinct temporal and spatial manners during the latent process. Our findings provide molecular insight into the physiological meaning of the latent process as the preparation step for decoding information for future phenotypic change.
Trends in the use of intracytoplasmic sperm injection in the United States.

BACKGROUND Intracytoplasmic sperm injection (ICSI) was initially developed as part of in vitro fertilization (IVF) to treat male-factor infertility. However, despite the added cost, uncertain efficacy, and potential risks of ICSI, its use has been extended to include some patients without documented male-factor infertility. METHODS We analyzed national data on assisted reproductive technology reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, to determine temporal trends in the use of ICSI and IVF in the United States, and we examined differences in the use of ICSI between states with and those without mandated insurance coverage. RESULTS From 1995 to 2004, the number of fertility clinics and fresh-embryo cycles and the rates of IVF-related pregnancies and live births increased. The percentage of IVF cycles with the use of ICSI also increased dramatically (from 11.0% to 57.5%), while the percentage of diagnoses of infertility attributed to male-factor conditions remained stable. The ratio of ICSI procedures to diagnoses of male-factor infertility steadily increased each year, suggesting an increasing use of ICSI for conditions other than male-factor infertility. From 1999 to 2004, there was an increasing use of ICSI relative to the percentage of patients with male-factor infertility in states with and those without mandated insurance coverage. For any given year, however, states with insurance coverage had a higher ratio of ICSI use to diagnoses of male-factor infertility than did states without insurance coverage (P<0.001). CONCLUSIONS Since 1995, the use of ICSI in the United States has increased dramatically, while the proportion of patients receiving treatment for male-factor infertility has remained stable. State-mandated health insurance coverage for IVF services is associated with greater use of ICSI for infertility that is not attributed to male-factor conditions.
Construct validity of the Modified Gait Efficacy Scale in older females

ABSTRACT There are few well-validated tools that focus on the assessment of walking confidence in older adults. The main objective of this study was to assess construct validity of the 10-item Modified Gait Efficacy Scale (mGES) as a measure of walking confidence in older adults. Twenty-four older females completed the mGES, the 16-item Activities-specific Balance Confidence (ABC-16) scale, and the Senior Fitness Test (SFT). Construct validity of the mGES was evaluated by quantifying relationships between the mGES and the ABC-16 and the SFT, and by examining the ability of the mGES to discriminate between known groups (no/lower fear of falling versus higher fear of falling). There was a strong correlation between mGES and the ABC-16 scale (rs = 0.85; p < 0.001). The mGES was significantly associated with SFT components that required lower extremity strength, stepping aerobic endurance, and walking agility and dynamic balance (rs = 0.45 to 0.61; p < 0.05). Relationships between the mGES and number of arm curls in 30 s, chair sit and reach test, and back scratch test were weak (rs = 0.13–0.25; p > 0.05). Mean mGES score was 91.5% in a no/lower fear of falling group, while it was 81.4% in a higher fear group (p = 0.22). There was a trend toward a significant difference in the unstandardized residuals derived from regression of ranked mGES scores on ranked covariate (age and 8 foot up and go) scores, between the no/lower versus higher fear of falling group (p = 0.095). These results support construct validity of the mGES as a measure of gait self-efficacy in community-dwelling older females.
Changes in Red Blood Cell Size and Red Cell Fragmentation during Hemodialysis

Introduction Intradialytic hypotension remains the commonest complication for outpatient hemodialysis. The majority of relative blood volume (RBV) monitoring techniques monitor changes in hematocrit. As hematocrit can potentially be affected by changes in red cell size and hemolysis we studied the change in red blood cell size (MCV) during dialysis and hemolysis. Methods MCV was prospectively measured in 176 stable regular adult hemodialysis outpatients (56% male, 27.8% diabetic, mean age 59.5 ±16.2 years) dialyzing against a range of dialysate sodiums (136–145 mmol/L), with cooled dialysate (35–36°C), containing 1 g/L glucose, with constant ultrafiltration profiles. Red cell fragmentation was studied in 41 of the cohort. Results Logistical regression analysis showed that the absolute change in MCV was related to the change in hematocrit (F=4.92, β=0.111, p=0.031), and inversely with red cell shrinkage associated with predialysis osmolality (F=5.06, β=0.83, p=0.029), and dialysate sodium (F=4.7, β=0.34, p=0.035). There was no significant increase in red cell fragments during the dialysis sessions. Conclusions Indirect assessment of RBV based upon the relative change in hematocrit, depends not only upon the change in plasma water and red blood cell numbers, but also upon MCV. Changes in MCV may theoretically lead to potential effects on RBV measurements.
H-2 expression by lymphoid cells of different mouse strains: quantitative interaction of H-2 with monoclonal antibodies and their Fab fragments.

Monoclonal antibodies (H100-30/3 and 11-4.1) to H-2k were used to study H-2 antigen expression and characteristics of the H-2 antigen-antibody interaction at the cell surface. Studies with radiolabelled F(ab')2 and Fab' fragments of 11-4.1 antibody confirmed that monoclonal IgG binding to cells is directly proportional to the number of H-2 sites and shows a high proportion of monovalent binding over a wide range of concentrations. Scatchard plots showed no difference in the binding affinity constant (Ka) of a given monoclonal antibody on lymphoblasts from various H-2k F1 and congenic strains, but only in the number of antigenic sites per cell. F1 (k x d) lymphoblasts show 1 x 10(5) H-2k sites/cell, about 50% of the expression in homozygotes. Dk expression in C3H.OH is 1.4 x 10(4) sites/cell. While normal cells appear to have a constant amount of H-2 (2-3 x 10(5) sites/cell), BW thymoma cells show unstable H-2 expression, having an average of five times fewer H-2 sites per cell when grown in vitro as compared to in vivo growth. Another BW cell surface marker, Thy-1.1, does not fluctuate in parallel with H-2. The 30/3 and 11-4.1 antibodies bind to topologically distinct sites on H-2Kk. The binding of these antibodies can be perturbed differentially: paraformaldehyde fixation of cells abolishes binding of 11-4.1 antibody but not of 30/3 antibody; increasing temperature increases the Ka of 30/3 antibody binding but decreases the Ka of 11-4.1 antibody binding to cells.