Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Systematic Characterization of Aquaporin-9 Expression in Human Normal and Pathological Tissues

AQP9 is known to facilitate hepatocyte glycerol uptake. Murine AQP9 protein expression has been verified in liver, skin, epididymis, epidermis and neuronal cells using knockout mice. Further expression sites have been reported in humans. We aimed to verify AQP9 expression in a large set of human normal organs, different cancer types, rheumatoid arthritis synovial biopsies as well as in cell lines and primary cells. Combining standardized immunohistochemistry with high-throughput mRNA sequencing, we found that AQP9 expression in normal tissues was limited, with high membranous expression only in hepatocytes. In cancer tissues, AQP9 expression was mainly found in hepatocellular carcinomas, suggesting no general contribution of AQP9 to carcinogenesis. AQP9 expression in a subset of rheumatoid arthritis synovial tissue samples was affected by Humira, thereby supporting a suggested role of TNFα in AQP9 regulation in this disease. Among cell lines and primary cells, LP-1 myeloma cells expressed high levels of AQP9, whereas low expression was observed in a few other lymphoid cell lines. AQP9 mRNA and protein expression was absent in HepG2 hepatocellular carcinoma cells. Overall, AQP9 expression in human tissues appears to be more selective than in mice.
Cancer Secretome May Influence BSP and DSP Expression in Human Salivary Gland Cells

One of the biggest challenges in managing head and neck cancers, especially salivary gland cancers, is the identification of secreted biomarkers of the disease that can be evaluated noninvasively. A relevant source of enriched tumor markers could potentially be found in the tumor secretome. Although numerous studies have evaluated secretomes from various cancers, the influence of the cancer secretome derived from salivary gland cancers on the behavior of normal cells has not yet been elucidated. Our data indicate that secretome derived from salivary gland cancer cells can influence the expression of two potential biomarkers of oral cancer—namely, bone sialoprotein (BSP) and dentin sialoprotein (DSP)—in normal salivary gland cells. Using routine immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and immunoblotting techniques, we demonstrate an enrichment of BSP and DSP in human salivary gland (HSG) cancer tissue, unique localizations of BSP and DSP in HSG cancer cells, and enriched expression of BSP and DSP in normal salivary gland cells exposed to a cancer secretome. The secretome domain of the cancer microenvironment could alter signaling cascades responsible for normal cell proliferation, migration, and invasion, thus enhancing cancer cell survival and the potential for cancer progression. The cancer secretome may be critical in maintaining and stimulating “cancer-ness,” thus potentially promoting specific hallmarks of metastasis.
CORRELATION BETWEEN SERUM LEVEL OF HEART TYPE FATTY ACID BINDING PROTEIN (H-FABP) AND N-TERMINAL PRO-BRAIN NATRIURETIC PEPTIDE (NT-PROBNP) ON ACUTE CORONARY SYNDROME PATIENT

Heart-type fatty acid-binding protein (H-FABP) is an early marker of cardiac necrosis and shows good correlation with infarct size.N-Terminal Pro-Brain Natriuretic Peptide (NT-proBNP) is released as a response of wall stress and myocyte stretch. This study aimsto analyze correlation between serum level of H-FABP and NT-proBNP on acute coronary syndrome (ACS) patients (n=34) inEmergency Department and Coronary Care Unit of Dr. Soetomo General Hospital, Surabaya. H-FABP and NT-proBNPconcentration were measured using RELIA TM Immunoassay Diagnostic Instrument (SSJ-2) Kit with ELISA method on 1 and 6hours after admission. Mean of H-FABP concentration at 1 and 6 hours after admission consecutively were 35.202882 +45.0928572 ng/mL H(1) and 35.907147 + 44.6597609 ng/mL(H6). Mean of NT-proBNP concentration at 1 and 6 hours afteradmission consecutively were 2040.3062 + 4169.89471 pg/mL (N1) and 2683.3376 + 4190.6605 pg/mL (N6). No significantdifferences between H1 and N1; H6 and N6. H1, N1, H6, N6 were significantly higher on myocardial infarct than unstable/stableangina patients. There were positive correlation of H1 and N1 (p=0.014, r=0.419), H6 and N6 (p=0.001; r=0.527). There was apositive correlation between peak H1 and N1 (p=0.000; r=0.570) and between peak H6 and N6 (p=0.027; r=0.378). There wasstrong positive correlation between levels of H-FABP and NT-proBNP on ACS patients. (FMI 2014;50 73-80)
Transaction costs of germplasm exchange under bilateral agreements

∗ This paper is part of the background papers that have been prepared at the request of the GFAR Secretariat, in order to provide a technical background to GFAR stakeholders in their deliberations on the policy issues that are being analyzed in the "Initiative on Genetic Resources for Food and Agriculture". The paper is solely the responsibility of the authors, and does not necessarily represent the views of GFAR, nor of any of its stakeholders.
A preliminary study to evaluate the impact of problem-based learning (PBL) to a postgraduate clinical pharmacy programme in the UK

Background: The expanding volume of information on drugs and their application requires pharmacy educators to undertake a paradigm shift from teaching knowledge to teaching problem-solving skills. Aim: This study compares the use of problem-based learning (PBL) to traditional tutorial sessions in an MSc in Clinical Pharmacy Programme. Evaluation considers both assessment of knowledge and understanding and student perception to the learning experience. Method: Seventeen students were recruited to a randomised crossover trial conducted in two therapeutic modules. Results: No significant difference was found for assessment scores. In relation to attitude, students favoured PBL. Non-attendance was an issue, as students, engaged in full time employment and additional on-call commitments, were not mandated to attend. The authors conclude that the adoption of PBL does not harm traditional educational outcomes and is preferred by students. This work provides a baseline for further studies and will assist in the introduction of PBL to the postgraduate pharmacy curriculum.
Distribution of Obestatin and Ghrelin in Human Tissues

Obestatin and ghrelin are two peptides derived from the same prohormone. It is well established that ghrelin is produced by endocrine cells in the gastric mucosa. However, the distribution of human obestatin immunoreactive cells is not thoroughly characterized. A polyclonal antibody that specifically recognizes human obestatin was produced. Using this antibody and a commercial antibody vs ghrelin, the distribution of obestatin and ghrelin immunoreactive cells was determined in a panel of human tissues using immunohistochemistry. The two peptides were detected in the mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract, from cardia to ileum, and in the pancreatic islets. Interestingly, epithelial cells in the ducts of mammary glands showed distinct immunoreactivity for both ghrelin and obestatin. By double immunofluorescence microscopy, it was shown that all detected cells were immuno-reactive for both peptides. Furthermore, the subcellular localization of obestatin and ghrelin was essentially identical, indicating that obestatin and ghrelin are stored in the same secretory vesicles.
A study of relationship between skin color and tooth shade value in Population of Udaipur, Rajasthan

Background and Objective: The importance of esthetics in dentistry has shown marked increase owing to new interest and public awareness. Selection of color of teeth for patients when all records of form, color and size have been lost requires knowledge and understanding of a number of physical and biological factors directly related to the patient. This study was aimed at determining the possible relationship between skin color and tooth shade in population of Udaipur, Rajasthan. Methodology: A total of 240 individuals aged above 19 years participated in this study. A Vitapan classical shade guide was used to examine either the maxillary right or left central incisor in natural day light. Tooth shades were divided into 4 categories according to value and skin tones were divided into 3 categories (fair, medium and dark) using of Revlon makeup shades as a guide. Categorical modeling with chi-square analysis was used to analyze the data. Results: Significant tooth shade differences was discovered among the subjects with skin colors (P<0.001). Persons with medium-to-dark skin tones were more likely to have teeth with higher values (lighter), whereas individuals with lighter skin tones tended to have teeth with lower values (darker). Conclusion: Within the limitation of study, tooth shade value and skin colour were inversely related.
Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase Interacting Protein 51 (PTPIP51) mRNA Expression and Localization and Its In Vitro Interacting Partner Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) in Human Placenta of the First, Second, and Third Trimester

The cellular localization of protein tyrosine phosphatase 51 (PTPIP51) and its in vitro interacting partner protein tyrosine phosphatase 1B (PTP1B) was studied in human placentae of different gestational stages. The expression of PTPIP51 protein and mRNA was observed in the syncytiotrophoblast and cytotrophoblast layer of placentae from the first, second, and third trimesters. In contrast, PTP1B expression was restricted to the syncytiotrophoblast during all gestational stages. Cells of the cytotrophoblasts and parts of the syncytiotrophoblasts expressing high amounts of PTPIP51 were found to execute apoptosis as shown by TdT-mediated dUTP-biotin nick end labeling assay, cytokeratin 18f, and caspase 3 expression. PTPIP51 could also be traced in the endothelium and smooth muscle cells of placental arterial and venous vessels, identified by double immunostainings with antibodies directed against van Willebrand factor and α-smooth muscle actin. Some of these cells showing a high PTPIP51 reactivity were Ki67 positive, indicating proliferation. Additionally, a small population of placental CD14-positive macrophages and mesenchymal cells within the villous stroma were detected as PTPIP51 positive. Our data suggest that both proteins, PTPIP51 and PTP1B, play a role in differentiation and apoptosis of the cytotrophoblast and syncytiotrophoblast, respectively. Moreover, PTPIP51 may also serve as a cellular signaling partner in angiogenesis and vascular remodeling.
Expression, Localization, and Binding Activity of the Ezrin/Radixin/Moesin Proteins in the Mouse Testis

The ezrin, radixin, and moesin (ERM) proteins represent a family of adaptor proteins linking transmembrane proteins to the cytoskeleton. The seminiferous epithelium undergoes extensive changes in cellular composition, location, and shape, implicating roles of the membrane–cytoskeleton interaction. It remains unknown, however, whether the ERM proteins are expressed and play significant roles in the testis. In the present study, we examined the spatiotemporal expression of ERM proteins in the mouse testis by Western blotting and immunohistochemistry. Ezrin immunoreactivity was demonstrated in the cytoplasm of steps 15 and 16 spermatids from 5 weeks postpartum through adulthood, whereas radixin immunoreactivity was in the apical cytoplasm of Sertoli cells from 1 week through 2 weeks postpartum. No immunoreactivity for moesin was detected at any age. Immuno-precipitation demonstrated that ezrin was bound to the cytoskeletal component actin, whereas radixin was bound to both actin and tubulin. Of the transmembrane proteins known to interact with ERM proteins, only cystic fibrosis transmembrane conductance regulator, a chloride transporter, was bound to ezrin in elongated spermatids. These results suggest that ezrin is involved in spermiogenesis whereas radixin is involved in the maturation of Sertoli cells, through interaction with different sets of membrane proteins and cyto-skeletal components.
Serum gastrin in duodenal ulcer

Following truncal vagotomy and anterior pylorectomy for duodenal ulcer, fasting serum gastrin levels were higher at 84 ± 7·9 pg per ml than in unoperated patients with duodenal ulcer (16 ± 1·5 pg per ml). In response to a standard protein meal, the peak serum gastrin achieved in the vagotomized group was 259 ± 37·8 pg per ml at 75 minutes after ingestion, a much higher response than that obtained with a standard meal plus prior atropinization in the unoperated duodenal ulcer patients. These results suggest that truncal vagotomy allows release of gastrin which was previously inhibited with the vagi intact and the temporal characteristics of the response indicate that some of this gastrin is derived from an extragastric source. The results also exemplify the dependence of gastrin estimations as measured by this immunoassay on the acidity of the contents bathing the gastric antrum.
Influence of dietary habits on blood pressure in preadolescent boys of Coastal Karnataka.

Background: The relationship between dysregulation of cardiovascular autonomic functions and development of the hypertension has been well established in adults. Apart from the genes and environmental factors, obesity, sedentary lifestyle and dietary habits are the important contributors of increasing prevalence of hypertension even in youngsters. Studies on adults revealed that the vegetarian diet appears to be low in factors positively related to blood pressure when compared with non vegetarian diet. Aims & Objective: This study was designed to find the impact of vegetarian and non – vegetarian diet on blood pressure regulation in early part of the life, like preadolescent boys. Materials and Methods: The study was conducted on 100 vegetarian and 87 Non-vegetarian pre-adolescent boys from Mangalore aged between 9-13 years. The parameters studied were BMI and Blood Pressure (Basal Supine, and hand dynamometer stress test). Values obtained were analyzed by paired and unpaired ‘t’ test and P value
Species-Specific Nest Site Selection by Birds in Ant-Acacia Trees1

We examined nest site differences among four bird species nesting in acacia (Acacia collinsi) trees with ants that may deter nest predators at Palo Verde, Costa Rica. Rufous-naped Wrens (Campylorhynchus rufinucha) showed a non-random preference for nesting in trees with unusually active ant colonies. They nested most commonly in trees with the most active ant species (Pseudomyrmex spinicola and P. nigrocinctus); and, when they nested in trees with a less active species of ant (P. flavicornis), these trees usually contained colonies that were more active than the average for their species. Other bird species (Streak-backed Oriole, Icterus sclateri; Yellow-olive Flycatcher, Tolmomyias sulphurescens; Great Kiskadee, Pitangus sulphuratus) used trees for nests at random with respect to ant species and consequently these ants were much less active than ants on Rufous-naped Wren nest trees. We found no differences among bird species in tree size, local acacia density, or degree of nest isolation. Nest predation on eggs in artificial nests was higher in acacia than non-acacias due to pecking by Rufous-naped Wrens, suggesting that wrens may be inhibiting other bird species from nesting in the most protected nest sites.
Evidence for Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition in Adult Human Pancreatic Exocrine Cells

It has been shown that adult pancreatic ductal cells can dedifferentiate and act as pancreatic progenitors. Dedifferentiation of epithelial cells is often associated with the epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). In this study, we investigated the occurrence of EMT in adult human exocrine pancreatic cells both in vitro and in vivo. Cells of exocrine fraction isolated from the pancreas of brain-dead donors were first cultured in suspension for eight days. This led to the formation of spheroids, composed of a principal population of cells with duct-like phenotype. When cultivated in tissue culture-treated flasks, spheroid cells exhibited a proliferative capacity and coexpressed epithelial (cytokeratin7 and cytokeratin19) and mesenchymal (vimentin and α-smooth muscle actin) markers as well as marker of progenitor pancreatic cells (pancreatic duodenal homeobox factor-1) and surface markers of mesenchymal stem cells. The switch from E-cadherin to N-cadherin associated with Snail1 expression suggested that these cells underwent EMT. In addition, we showed co-expression of epithelial and mesenchymal markers in ductal cells of one normal adult pancreas and three type 2 diabetic pancreases. Some of the vimentin-positive cells were found to coexpress glucagon or amylase. These results point to the occurrence of EMT, which may take place on dedifferentiation of ductal cells during the regeneration or renewal of human pancreatic tissues.
Biochemical Evidence for Rapid Changes in Heterozygosity in a Population of Periodical Cicadas (Magicicada tredecassini)

-We used analytical techniques to determine whether the observed changes in the relative number of homozygous and heterozygous individuals between emerging periodical cicadas (Magicicada tredecassini) and those sampled 3 wk postemergence could be attributed to natural selection. Although a sign test suggested that there was no difference in allele frequency distribution between population samples, changes in relative number of homozygous and heterozygous individuals were detected for two esterase loci, Gl-3-pdh, and Gpi by chi square maximum likelihood ratio analysis. Thus, periodical cicadas may be an ideal system for the study of natural selection at the genotypic level.
Comparison of Fixation Methods for Preservation of Morphology, RNAs, and Proteins From Paraffin-Embedded Human Cancer Cell-Implanted Mouse Models

Xenograft transplantation of human tumor cells into immunodeficient mice is an important method to clarify the roles of specific molecules or chemicals in vivo. Recently, this method has been reported as a definitive examination to identify tumor stem cells. In this study, the authors compared the morphology and the quality and quantity of ribonucleic acid (RNA) and protein in paraffin-embedded tissues of nude mice implanted with human uterine cervical cancer cells, followed by fixation with commonly used fixatives, including 4% paraformaldehyde (PFA), 10% neutral buffered formalin (NBF), 20% NBF, and 99% ethanol (EtOH). The quality of the isolated RNA from PFA- and NBF-fixed paraffin-embedded tissues was high, while EtOH-fixed tissues showed degradation of RNA. NBF-fixed tissues showed excellent quality of morphology, but EtOH-fixed tissues showed contraction of cells. Immunohistochemical results showed differences depending on fixations. The 99% EtOH-fixed samples showed decreases of Ki-67 and VEGF-A immunoreactivities, but improved cytokeratin immunoreactivity. This study indicated that formalin fixation is better than alcohol fixation for RNA preservation in paraffin-embedded cancer cell implantation models. Immunohistochemical results differed markedly depending on fixation materials and antibodies; therefore, suitable fixations are needed to quantify and compare the results of immunohistochemical staining on cancer cell implanted nude mice tissues.
Waist-hip index versus waist circumference for diagnosis of metabolic syndrome in first degree-children and adolescents relatives of persons with type 1 diabetes

Objective: to compare the measurements of waist circumference and waist-hip circumference to determine the frequency of metabolic syndrome in first degree relatives of persons with type 1diabetes, using different pediatric definitions. Methods: two hundred twenty four first degree relatives of persons with type 1 diabetes were studied in ages from 4 to 10 years. Weight, height, waist-hip circumference, blood pressure, glycemia, triglycerides and HDL-cholesterol were determined. The definitions of metabolic syndrome according to Cook, Ford, International Federation of Diabetes and the Cuban consensus were applied. A variant of Cuban consensus was performed using: body mass index and waist-hip index according the Cuban tables, values of glucose ≥ 5,6 mmol/L and blood pressure ≥ 90 percentile (Cuban tables). In an independent way, criteria of HDL-cholesterol and triglycerides were taken into account. The waist-hip index of Cuban tables, the waist circumference suggested by the Latin-American and European Association of Diabetes for study definitions were applied. For comparison of frequencies of metabolic syndrome the Fisher exact test was used. Results: the frequency of metabolic syndrome with application of Cuban consensus variant was of 9,37 % (21/224). Comparing the above variant with the definitions of Cook, Ford and of the International Federation of Diabetes (using the waist circumference of the Latin-American Association of Diabetes, there was a significant difference between Cook and the International Federation of Diabetes (4,01 %, p= 0,0360; 1,33 %, p= 0,0002, respectively). Comparing the presence of metabolic syndrome of the Cuban consensus variant with Cook (8,48 %; 19/224) and Ford (8,93 %; 20/224) taking into account the waist-hip index of the Cuban tables, it is possible to detect similar frequencies of first degree relatives of persons with type 1 Revista Cubana de Endocrinologia. 2011;22(3):182-195 http://scielo.sld. cu 184 diabetes with metabolic syndrome. On the other hand, we found significant differences comparing the frequencies of metabolic syndrome of the Cuban consensus variant (p= 0,0019), of Cook (p= 0,0053) and of Ford (p= 0,0032) with the definition suggested by the International Federation of Diabetes (2,23 %; 5/224) using the waist-hip index. Conclusions: our data demonstrate that for the diagnosis of metabolic syndrome we must to use the waist-hip index and not the circumference suggested by the LatinAmerican Association of Diabetes, still without to present own data of waist-hip circumference of the Cuban population.
Why Should I Share? Examining Social Capital and Knowledge Contribution in Electronic Networks of Practice

Electronic networks of practice are computer-mediated discussion forums focused on problems of practice that enable individuals to exchange advice and ideas with others based on common interests. However, why individuals help strangers in these electronic networks is not well understood: there is no immediate benefit to the contributor, and free-riders are able to acquire the same knowledge as everyone else. To understand this paradox, we apply theories of collective action to examine how individual motivations and social capital influence knowledge contribution in electronic networks. This study reports on the activities of one electronic network supporting a professional legal association. Using archival, network, survey, and content analysis data, we empirically test a model of knowledge contribution. We find that people contribute their knowledge when they perceive that it enhances their professional reputations, when they have the experience to share, and when they are structurally embedded in the network. Surprisingly, contributions occur without regard to expectations of reciprocity from others or high levels of commitment to the network.