Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Optical characterization of lipid-based tissue phantoms

The application of optical techniques in medical diagnosis provides relevant advantages in terms of resolution, contrast, or the possibility of performing functional imaging. During the measurement processes that are involved in the design and verification of biomedical optical models, techniques and prototypes, it is convenient to make use of materials that mimic the optical properties shown by biological tissues. These media are called tissue phantoms. The choice of materials for obtaining such tissue phantoms is crucial. Therefore, it is necessary to analyze the properties of biological tissues and of the available materials, and to perform a comparative study between them. Once the appropriate materials are chosen, the experimental determination of their optical characteristics must be performed in a precise way before they are used in the measurements. In this work, the optical properties of lipid-based tissue phantoms are analyzed and measured, with the final aim to use them for the experimental simulation of biological tissues.
Expression and modulation of FcepsilonRIalpha and FcepsilonRIbeta in human blood basophils.

BACKGROUND The IgE receptor (FcepsilonRI) may exist as a tetramer (alphabetagamma2) or a trimer (alphagamma2) because FcepsilonRIbeta is dispensable for membrane expression of FcepsilonRIalpha. FcepsilonRIbeta amplifies signaling of FcepsilonRI so that regulation of FcepsilonRIalpha:beta stoichiometry would affect cellular responsiveness. OBJECTIVE We examined basophils from a variety of donors for differences in their expression of FcepsilonRIalpha and FcepsilonRIbeta protein. METHODS Enriched blood basophils were assessed at baseline and after IL-3 culture for FcepsilonRIalpha and FcepsilonRIbeta protein by Western blotting, surface FcepsilonRIalpha by flow cytometry, and FcepsilonRIbeta mRNA by real-time PCR. Basophil functional response was measured by allergen-triggered histamine release. RESULTS For the FcepsilonRIalpha subunit, 2 protein bands with molecular weights of 50 kd and 60 kd were identified by Western blots. The 60-kd band correlated to surface-expressed FcepsilonRIalpha detected by flow cytometry (Spearman R = 0.78, P <.01). Surface FcepsilonRIalpha also correlated with FcepsilonRIbeta protein (Spearman R = 0.92, P <.01). FcepsilonRIbeta protein levels increased disproportionately with higher surface FcepsilonRIalpha expression. The ratio of FcepsilonRIbeta to FcepsilonRIalpha varied 10-fold among donors and correlated with surface FcepsilonRIalpha. Basophil 50-kd alpha protein levels were similar despite a 10-fold range in surface FcepsilonRIalpha expression, implying stores of this protein such as those found in eosinophils. Unlike eosinophils, the basophil 50-kd protein was lost with culture and was absent from supernatants. Levels of beta protein and mRNA were enhanced by IL-3 culture, whereas FcepsilonRIalpha expression (by flow cytometry and 60 kd) was not. CONCLUSION These findings demonstrate variable stoichiometry of FcepsilonRIalpha:beta in whole cells and that this stoichiometry can be altered by IL-3 culture. With the assumption that all detected beta protein is surface expressed, these findings suggest a variable stoichiometry for FcepsilonRIalpha:beta that is also related to FcepsilonRIalpha surface expression.
Neuronal correlates of real and illusory contour perception: functional anatomy with PET

Illusory contours provide a striking example of the visual system's ability to extract a meaningful representation of the surroundings from fragmented visual stimuli. Psychophysical and neurophysiological data suggest that illusory contours are processed in early visual cortical areas, and neuroimaging studies in humans have shown that Kanizsa‐type illusory contours activate early retinotopic visual areas that are also activated by real contours. It is not known whether other types of illusory contours are processed by the same mechanisms, nor is it clear to what extent attentional effects may have influenced these results, as no attempt was made to match the salience of real and illusory stimuli in previous imaging studies. It therefore remains an open question whether there are any brain regions specifically involved in the perception of illusory contours. To address these questions, we have used 15O‐butanol positron emission tomography (PET) and a novel kind of illusory contour stimulus that is induced only by aligned line ends. By employing a form discrimination task that was matched for attention and stimulus salience across conditions we were able to directly contrast perception of real and illusory contours. We found that the regions activated by illusory contour perception were the same as those activated by real contours. Only one region, located in the right fusiform gyrus, was significantly more strongly activated by perception of illusory contours than by real contours. In addition, a principal component analysis suggested that illusory contour perception is associated with a change in the correlation between V1 and V2. We conclude that different kinds of illusory contours are processed by the same cortical regions and that these regions overlap extensively with those involved in processing of real contours. At the regional level, perception of illusory contours thus appears to differ from perception of real contours by the degree of involvement of higher visual areas as well as by the nature of interaction between early visual areas.
Development of new microsatellite loci and multiplex reactions for muskellunge (Esox masquinongy)

The muskellunge (Esox masquinongy) is a valued fisheries species throughout its native range. Numerous studies have documented performance and phenotypic differences among muskellunge populations, but genetic markers for assessment have been lacking. We characterized 14 microsatellite loci and developed five multiplex polymerase chain reactions. Successful amplification of northern pike (Esox lucius) was observed for seven loci. These microsatellites will be useful for analysing population structure, performance characteristics of propagated strains, and helping to develop and monitor hatchery management guidelines for muskellunge.
Analysis of molecular changes after autologous cell therapy in swine myocardial infarction tissue can reveal novel targets for future therapy

Although several studies have demonstrated a functional recovery of infarcted myocardial tissue after cell therapy, little is known about the molecular mechanisms behind it. The aim of this study was to characterize the effect of cell therapy at the molecular level to screen for novel target candidates for future therapy of infarcted myocardial tissue. We used a swine acute myocardial infarction model evoked by transient occlusion of the circumflex coronary artery. Autologous bone marrow‐derived mononuclear cells (BMMCs) or saline were injected intramyocardially or into the circumflex coronary artery. Samples for protein and RNA analysis were collected from the infarction area and healthy myocardium after a 3 week recovery period and analysed by two‐dimensional gel electrophoresis (2DE) and quantitative reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction (qRT–PCR). Proteomic screening detected 13 protein spots which were altered after infarction but had been restored by BMMC treatment. The identification of seven proteins by mass spectrometry revealed that five proteins with decreased expression after infarction corresponded to mitochondrial proteins involved in energy metabolism. Their restored levels after BMMC treatment indicate their involvement in the recovery of heart function. In contrast, the elevated levels of α‐crystallin B chain and cathepsin D after infarction suggest an involvement in the pathological mechanisms causing a decreased heart function. This study reveals that cell therapy with BMMCs after myocardial infarction causes restoration of several altered protein levels after 3 weeks and identifies potential marker proteins involved in the pathology of infarction. Copyright © 2012 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
ECONOMETRICS ANALYSIS OF IMPACT OF CAPITAL MARKET ON ECONOMIC GROWTH IN NIGERIA (1971-2010)

The stock market is a common feature of a modern economy and it is reputed to perform some necessary functions, which promote the growth and development of the economy. This study examines whether or not stock market promotes economic growth in Nigeria. To achieve this objective, ordinary least square regression (OLS) was employed using the data from 1971-2010. The result indicated that there is a positive relationship between economic growth and all the stock market development variables used. With 97% R-squared and 95% adjusted R-squared, the result showed that economic growth in Nigeria is adequately explained by the model for the period between 1971 and 2010.By implication 95% of the variation in the growth of economic activities is explained by the independent variables. The result of the study, which established positive links between the stock market and economic growth, suggests the pursuit of policies geared towards rapid development of the stock market. Also, all sectors of the economy should act in a collaborative manner such that the optimum benefits of linkages between the stock market and economic growth can be realized in Nigeria.
Staphylococcal susceptibility to penicillin G. The changing pattern among community strains.

Heretofore, penicillin has been considered adequate therapy for most soft-tissue infections due to Staphylococcus aureus occurring outside the hospital. One hundred thirty-three S aureus isolates obtained from children seen in the outpatient department and private practice were tested for resistance to penicillin G. The overall resistance to penicillin G by the Kirby-Bauer method was 84% for community strains compared to 95% for hospital strains. A survey of 309 healthy school children under 10 years of age showed that 47% harbored S aureus in their nares, of which approximately 68% were resistant to penicillin G. These findings suggest a trend of increasing penicillin G resistance of community (street) strains of S aureus similar to that already observed among hospital strains. ( JAMA 229:1075-1077, 1974)
Comparative drought responses of Quercus ilex L. and Pinus sylvestris L. in a montane forest undergoing a vegetation shift

Different functional and structural strategies to cope with water shortage exist both within and across plant communities. The current trend towards increasing drought in many regions could drive some species to their physiological limits of drought tolerance, potentially leading to mortality episodes and vegetation shifts. In this paper, we study the drought responses of Quercus ilex and Pinus sylvestris in a montane Mediterranean forest where the former species is replacing the latter in association with recent episodes of drought-induced mortality. Our aim was to compare the physiological responses to variations in soil water content (SWC) and vapor pressure deficit (VPD) of the two species when living together in a mixed stand or separately in pure stands, where the canopies of both species are completely exposed to high radiation and VPD. P. sylvestris showed typical isohydric behavior, with greater losses of stomatal conductance with declining SWC and greater reductions of stored non-structural carbohydrates during drought, consistent with carbon starvation being an important factor in the mortality of this species. On the other hand, Q. ilex trees showed a more anisohydric behavior, experiencing more negative water potentials and higher levels of xylem embolism under extreme drought, presumably putting them at higher risk of hydraulic failure. In addition, our results show relatively small changes in the physiological responses of Q. ilex in mixed vs. pure stands, suggesting that the current replacement of P. sylvestris by Q. ilex will continue.
Some aspects of IL‐8 pathophysiology III: chemokine interaction with endothelial cells

Chemolrines have been convincingly implicated in driving leukocyte emigration in different inflammatory reactions. However, the cellular and molecular mechanisms of chemokine involvement in leukocyte emigration are not yet clear. We and others suggested that leukocyte adhesion to the endothelium and transmigration are induced by chemokines immobilised on the endothelial cell surface. This would require the presence of specific chemokine binding sites in this microanatomical location. Using an in situ binding assay we demonstrated the presence of binding sites for interleukin‐8 (IL‐8) and RANTES, but not monocyte inflammatory protein‐1α on the endothelium of postcapillary venules and small veins in human skin. In contrast, venules and veins in various anatomical locations showed dramatically differing IL‐8 binding patterns. The subcellular distribution of IL‐8 in the venular endothelial cells following its in vivo and ex vivo injections was studied by use of electron microscopy. Our results suggest that IL‐8 was internalized by the endothelial cells, transported transcellularly via plasmalemmal vesicles, and released onto the luminal surface where it appeared located preferentially on tips of membrane protrusions. We were unable to study the endothelial IL‐8 binding or transport in vitro because all the in vitro propagated endothelial cell lines and primary endothelial cells tested lacked IL‐8 binding sites. This includes human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVECs), which also did not bind IL‐8 in situ. However, HUVECs provided a satisfactory in vitro system to study the secretion of IL‐8 by the endothelial cells. Two possible alternative pathways were described: secretion directly from the Golgi apparatus or following storage in Weibel‐Palade bodies.
Protective mechanisms of resveratrol against methotrexate‐induced renal damage may involve BCRP/ABCG2

Resveratrol (RES) is a well‐known polyphenol antioxidant. We have previously shown that testicular protective effect of RES against the anticancer drug methotrexate (MTX)‐induced toxicity involves transporter‐mediated mechanisms. Here, we investigated the effect of RES on MTX‐induced nephrotoxicity. Rats were administered RES (10 mg/kg/day) for 8 days, with or without a single MTX dose (20 mg/kg i.p.) at day 4 of the experiment. MTX induced nephrotoxicity, as evidenced by a significant increase in serum blood urea nitrogen and creatinine compared to the control, as well as distortion of kidney microscopic structure. MTX also significantly increased renal nitric oxide level along with inducible nitric oxide synthase, fas ligand, and caspase 3 expressions. Administering RES prior to MTX significantly improved kidney function and microscopic picture and also significantly decreased nitrosative and apoptotic markers compared to MTX alone. RES, but not MTX, caused a significant increase in expression of breast cancer resistance protein (BCRP), an apical efflux renal transporter that participates in urinary elimination of both MTX and RES. Interestingly, concomitant MTX and RES caused further upregulation of renal BCRP compared to RES alone. Using Human BCRP ATPase assay, both RES and MTX exhibited a dose‐dependent increase in ATPase activity, with Km values of 0.52 ± 0.03 and 30.9 ± 4.2 μm, respectively. Furthermore, combined RES and MTX caused ATPase activity which was significantly less than maximum ATPase activity attained by the positive control, sulfasalazine (12.5 μm). In conclusion, RES exerted nephroprotection against MTX‐induced toxicity through antinitrosative and anti‐apoptotic effects, as well as via upregulation of renal BCRP.
Prevalence of hepatitis delta virus (HDV) infection in chronic hepatitis B patients in eastern Turkey: still a serious problem to consider

Summary. Hepatitis delta virus (HDV) is a serious cause of liver‐related morbidity and mortality. Coexistent infection with HDV tends to aggravate the course of hepatitis B virus (HBV)‐associated liver disease. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence of HDV infection among patients chronically infected with HBV in the Elazig region, which is in eastern Turkey. A group of 282 patients infected with chronic HBV were investigated for the study. Anti‐HDV seropositivity was evaluated in all patients. The anti‐HDV‐positive patients were further tested for HDV RNA. Severity of liver disease was assessed by liver biopsy. Regression analysis was used to determine the relationship between independent variables and HDV positivity. Of 282 chronic HBV patients, 192 were men (68.1%) and 90 were women (31.9%). The mean age was 43.8 ± 12.7 (between 18 and 73 years). Anti‐HDV was positive in 45.5% of the patients (128/282). Among the 128 anti‐HDV‐positive patients, 116 were checked for HDV RNA and 56.9% were found positive (66/116). Chronic HDV infection rate was therefore present in at least 23.4% of the whole study group (66/282). There were 83 patients with cirrhosis (29.4%) in the study group. Anti‐HDV seroprevalence and HDV RNA presence were higher in those with cirrhosis (61.4% and 42.2%, respectively). No significant relationship was found between anti‐HDV seropositivity and demographic factors such as age, sex and operation or transfusion history except family history. HDV‐RNA‐positive patients had significantly higher ALT and lower albumin levels when compared to HDV‐RNA‐negative patients. HDV‐RNA‐positive patients also had a significantly higher fibrosis stage. In conclusion, these findings demonstrated that HDV infection is endemic and still a serious problem in the Elazig region of eastern Turkey. HDV infection is significantly related to the family exposure and increases the risk of severe liver fibrosis in this region.
A cross-sectional investigation of depressive, anxiety, and stress symptoms and health-behavior participation in Australian university students.

Transitioning to university involves a major life change that can have implications for physical and mental health. This study had three objectives: first, assess the mental health and health-behavior participation of Australian university students; second, evaluate clustering of health behaviors; and third, examine how mental health relates to health behaviors. University students (n = 751) enrolled at an Australian regional university completed an online survey containing the Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scales and a health-behavior questionnaire. Over one-third of students reported mild or higher mental illness symptoms and most reported engaging in multiple unhealthy behaviors. Furthermore, mental health was associated with unhealthy behaviors. For males, depressive symptoms were associated with skipping breakfast and poor sleep quality. For females, depressive symptoms were associated with skipping breakfast, inadequate vigorous physical activity, and short or long sleep hours. Stress symptoms in females were associated with healthy sleep hours, but poor sleep quality. Future research may consider whether an intervention targeting one or two key health behaviors has utility in improving participation in other health behaviors and mental health.
Which New Small and Medium Enterprises in South Africa Have Access to Bank Credit

New SMEs are very important to the economy of South Africa. Their failure rate at about 75% is one the highestin the world. Lack of finance is one of the primary reasons for the failure of new SMEs in South Africa. About75% of all applications for bank credit by new SMEs are rejected. This objective of the paper was to investigatethe determinants of credit approval for new SMEs. The survey method and self-administered questionnaires wereused for data collection. 445 respondents took part in the survey. Data was analysed by logistic regression. Theresults indicate that managerial competencies, business information, networking, location, crime, business sizeand incorporation are significant determinants of credit approval.
Crystal Structure of Argonaute and Its Implications for RISC Slicer Activity

Argonaute proteins and small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) are the known signature components of the RNA interference effector complex RNA-induced silencing complex (RISC). However, the identity of “Slicer,” the enzyme that cleaves the messenger RNA (mRNA) as directed by the siRNA, has not been resolved. Here, we report the crystal structure of the Argonaute protein from Pyrococcus furiosus at 2.25 angstrom resolution. The structure reveals a crescent-shaped base made up of the amino-terminal, middle, and PIWI domains. The Piwi Argonaute Zwille (PAZ) domain is held above the base by a “stalk”-like region. The PIWI domain (named for the protein piwi) is similar to ribonuclease H, with a conserved active site aspartate-aspartate-glutamate motif, strongly implicating Argonaute as “Slicer. ” The architecture of the molecule and the placement of the PAZ and PIWI domains define a groove for substrate binding and suggest a mechanism for siRNA-guided mRNA cleavage.
Capillary electrophoretic analysis of proteins and peptides of biomedical and pharmacological interest

Capillary electrophoresis (CE) is an automated approach to electrokinetic separations that has had a deep impact in all fields of life sciences, including biomedical and biotechnological research and clinical and forensic practice. The present review highlights aspects of peptides and proteins separations, with particular emphasis on macromolecular analytes of biomedical interest. Among the various CE techniques available, a novel methodology is here illustrated consisting in separations in acidic, isoelectric buffers, which have the advantage of protonating the silica wall, thus minimizing interactions of proteinaceous material with the siliceous surface, while allowing delivery of high voltage gradients, due to their low conductivities. The review ends with applications of CE to the analysis of folding/unfolding/refolding/misfolding of proteins, a field which has deep implications in the biomedical arena, since it is connected to a host of disorders, such as prion protein diseases. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Expression of Glucocorticoid Receptors and Cyclooxygenase-2 in Nasal Polyps from Nonallergic Patients

Glucocorticoid treatment has been widely used to suppress inflammatory and immune responses. However, from a clinical point of view, its efficacy in the treatment of nasal polyposis seems to vary individually from patient to patient. In the present study, we examined the presence of glucocorticoid receptors (GRs) and cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) in the nasal polyps of nonallergic patients as compared with normal controls. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction analyses revealed the presence of both GR messenger RNA and COX-2 messenger RNA expression in nasal polyps from nonallergic patients, as well as in normal nasal mucosa from controls. Consistent with this finding, immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated that GRs and COX-2 were labeled in both tissues. In nasal polyps, GR labeling was associated with the cytoplasm and nucleus of surface mucosa, submucosal glands, endothelial cells, and inflammatory cells. Importantly, COX-2 labeling was seen in the cytoplasm of surface mucosa, submucosal glands, and the vascular wall in nasal polyps. In contrast, in normal nasal tissues, COX-2 labeling was only found in the vascular wall, and the expression was weaker — a finding demonstrating that COX-2 is upregulated in nasal polyps. Therefore, 1) the presence of GRs and COX-2 in nasal polyps from nonallergic patients, as well as upregulation of COX-2 expression, suggests that inflammation may play an important role in the pathophysiology of nasal polyps; and 2) glucocorticoid could be a potential treatment method for suppressing inflammatory processes.