Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP‐2 and ‐9) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMP‐1 and ‐2) in acute myelogenous leukaemia blasts: comparison with normal bone marrow cells

We compared the expression of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP‐2 and MMP‐9) and tissue inhibitors of metalloproteinases (TIMP‐1 and TIMP‐2) in bone marrow acute myelogenous leukaemia (AML) blasts and leukaemic cell lines (HEL, HL‐60, K‐562 and KG‐1) with their expression in normal bone marrow cells. All AML samples and leukaemic cell lines tested expressed MMP‐9 and/or MMP‐2 mRNA and, accordingly, these gelatinases were secreted into media. Moreover, TIMP‐1 and TIMP‐2 mRNA and secreted proteins were demonstrated in all the AML samples. Although all the leukaemic cell lines expressed TIMP‐1, the HL‐60 cells also expressed TIMP‐2. In contrast, normal steady‐state bone marrow immature progenitor cells (CD34+ cells) did not express or secrete either MMP‐2 or MMP‐9, but more mature mononuclear cells from normal bone marrow expressed and secreted MMP‐9. Also, normal bone marrow CD34+ cells and mononuclear cells expressed TIMP‐1 and TIMP‐2 mRNA, but these proteins were not detectable by reverse zymography. Furthermore, whereas bone marrow fibroblasts and endothelial cells secreted only latent MMP‐2, the activated form of this enzyme was found in media conditioned by cells obtained from long‐term cultures of normal and AML bone marrow adherent layers. Our finding of up‐regulated production of gelatinases, TIMP‐1 and TIMP‐2 by leukaemic cells suggests that these proteins may be implicated in the invasive phenotype of AML.
Myeloid differentiation architecture of leukocyte transcriptome dynamics in perceived social isolation

Significance Perceived social isolation (PSI) (loneliness) is linked to increased risk of chronic disease and mortality, and previous research has implicated up-regulated inflammation and down-regulated antiviral gene expression (the conserved transcriptional response to adversity; CTRA) as a potential mechanism for such effects. The present studies used integrative analyses of transcriptome regulation in high-PSI humans and rhesus macaques to define the basis for such effects in neuroendocrine-related alterations in myeloid immune cell population dynamics. CTRA up-regulation also preceded increases in PSI, suggesting a reciprocal mechanism by which CTRA gene expression may both propagate PSI and contribute to its related disease risks. To define the cellular mechanisms of up-regulated inflammatory gene expression and down-regulated antiviral response in people experiencing perceived social isolation (loneliness), we conducted integrative analyses of leukocyte gene regulation in humans and rhesus macaques. Five longitudinal leukocyte transcriptome surveys in 141 older adults showed up-regulation of the sympathetic nervous system (SNS), monocyte population expansion, and up-regulation of the leukocyte conserved transcriptional response to adversity (CTRA). Mechanistic analyses in a macaque model of perceived social isolation confirmed CTRA activation and identified selective up-regulation of the CD14++/CD16− classical monocyte transcriptome, functional glucocorticoid desensitization, down-regulation of Type I and II interferons, and impaired response to infection by simian immunodeficiency virus (SIV). These analyses identify neuroendocrine-related alterations in myeloid cell population dynamics as a key mediator of CTRA transcriptome skewing, which may both propagate perceived social isolation and contribute to its associated health risks.
SHORT COMMUNICATION An inverse relationship between plasma n-3 fatty acids and C-reactive protein in healthy individuals

High sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) is a marker of low-grade sustained inflammation. Omega-3 (n-3) fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties and are associated with reduced cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk. The aim of this study was to investigate whether plasma n-3 fatty acid concentration is related to hs-CRP concentration. A total of 124 free-living adults, were divided into tertiles of plasma hs-CRP (o1.0, 1.0–3.0 and 43.0mg/l). Body composition and anthropometric measurements were recorded. Hs-CRP was analysed using immunoassays and fatty acids were measured by gas chromatography. Plasma hs-CRP concentration was negatively correlated with total n-3 fatty acids (P ¼0.05), eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA; P ¼0.002) and docosapentaenoic acid (DPA; P ¼0.01). The highest hs-CRP tertile (43.0mg/l) had significantly lower concentrations of total n-3 fatty acids, EPA and DPA, when compared with the other tertiles (Po0.05). This study provides evidence that in healthy individuals, plasma n-3 fatty acid concentration is inversely related to hs-CRP concentration, a surrogate marker of CVD risk. European Journal of Clinical Nutrition (2009) 63, 1154–1156; doi:10.1038/ejcn.2009. 20; published online 8 April 2009
Impact of an urban effluent on the bacterial community structure in the Arga River (Spain), with special reference to culturable gram-negative rods.

The Arga River is an interesting system in which to study the impact of urban effluent pollution because it receives a single effluent in the form of wastewater discharge from the city of Pamplona. To analyze the extent of this discharge, total bacteria, culturable heterotrophic bacteria, and Gram-negative heterotrophic bacteria were enumerated and 409 isolates of the latter were identified. One sampling station was located upstream from the inflow, while five were located up to 30 km downstream. Bacterial counts increased drastically downstream from the wastewater inflow. Total bacterial numbers decreased along the 30 km downstream, the last station attaining similar values to those recorded upstream from the discharge. However, culturable heterotrophic and Gram-negative heterotrophic bacteria levels generally remained significantly higher within the 30 km zone investigated. Among the 409 isolates identified, Aeromonas spp. were the most frequent both upstream and downstream from the discharge. In contrast, although strains belonging to different genera of Enterobacteriaceae were found in all stations, their occurrence was significantly higher just downstream from the polluted discharge. Acinetobacter spp. , which were never found upstream, were detected in all stations below the discharge. Our results clearly show that the bacterial community structure changes definitively downstream from the discharge and that Aeromonas were common throughout the sampling zone. Thus they cannot be considered good indicators of pollution in this setting compared to some genera of Enterobacteriaceae or some species of Acinetobacter, the distribution of which correlated better with the distance from the wastewater discharge.
A Study of Cardiovascular Abnormalities in HIV Positive Patients in a Tertiary Care Hospital in Northern India.

Introduction Cardiovascular illness is common in patients with HIV infection, particularly in the later course of disease. Cardiovascular abnormalities in people living with HIV disease (PLHIV) often go unrecognized or untreated resulting in increased cardiovascular related morbidity and mortality and reduced quality of life. The prevalence of cardiac involvement in PLHIV has been reported to range between 28 to 73%. However, the incidence of symptomatic heart failure in HIV positive patients is 8-10%. Aims and Objectives The present study had been undertaken to study the prevalence of cardiovascular manifestation in HIV positive patients in north Indian population and its association with HAART, CD4 count and WHO stages of the disease. Material and Methods This study was conducted in the department of Medicine, KGMU, Lucknow. A total of 75 HIV positive patients of age >15 years, admitted to the hospital were enrolled, out of which 32 were on ART. The cardiovascular evaluation in the form of chest x-ray, ECG, 2D echocardiography and NT-ProBNP was done and their correlations with CD4 count was studied. Two rheumatic heart disease patients were excluded during analysis. Results Cardiovascular manifestations were found in around 52.1% of HIV positive patients. Chest x-ray showed cardiomegaly in 8 out of 73 patients. ECG abnormalities were found in 49.3% while 2 D echocardiography was abnormal in 52.1% of the patients. Though NT-Pro BNP was abnormal in 26.7% of the patients, no statistical correlation was found with CD4 counts. Conclusion The prevalence of cardiovascular abnormalities in our study population was 52.1%. Our study did not show any statistical correlation with CD4 counts but showed correlation with the WHO clinical staging of the disease. We suggest a study with larger sample size to see the exact prevalence of cardiovascular disease in HIV positive patients.
Using multifrequency HF radar to estimate ocean wind fields

HF radar has become an important tool for mapping surface currents in the coastal ocean and has been used to determine wind direction. Here the author investigate further the ability of multifrequency HF radar to measure the vector wind field and the impact that such measurements have on the measurement of coastal wind fields over both the land and sea. In this study the author use data collected over Monterey Bay, California from Jan. to Aug. 2001. Their multifrequency coastal radars (MCR's) operated at 4.8, 6.8, 13.4 and 21.8 MHz, measuring currents at effective depths of about 2.5, 1.8, 0.9 and 0.6 m respectively. Here, the author move beyond their preliminary reports by examining the durability of their HF wind vector measurements over a seven-month data set. The results over this longer time span indicate standard errors of prediction (SEP's) of 1.2 and 1.1 m/s for the U and V wind speed components respectively with biases less than 0.15 m/s. The author also investigate a Kalman filtering modification to their partial least squares algorithm. Further, the author demonstrate the beneficial impact of multifrequency HF radar, wind field measurements, on estimation of the coastal wind field over both land and sea.
The Clinical Outcomes of Immediate Versus Delayed Restoration Procedures on Immediate Implants: A Comparative Cohort Study for Single-Tooth Replacement.

BACKGROUND Immediate implant placement into fresh extraction sockets is generally considered a reliable procedure that offers several clinical advantages. PURPOSE The primary aim of this study was to evaluate and compare the overall clinical outcomes of immediate and delayed restoration procedures for implants placed in fresh extraction sockets by means of a flapless technique and resorbable membrane stabilizing a xenograft. Total costs and operating times were also compared. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this prospective cohort study, changes of marginal bone level, facial soft tissue (ΔFST), and width of keratinized gingiva (ΔWKG), in addition to the papilla index, underwent a pairwise comparison; correlations with pristine buccal bone thickness were also investigated. RESULTS Although similar results were recorded for the two procedures, with a bone loss of -1.0 ± 0.5 mm and -0.9 ± 0.7 mm, respectively, for immediate and delayed restoration, negative remodeling in the delayed restoration procedure was seen to occur from 4 to 12 months after implant placement. No significant differences were recorded between the two procedures in terms of ΔFST and ΔWKG. A loss of the papillary soft tissues before restoration, followed by a reestablishment after restoration, seemed to be verified for the delayed group, for which the papilla index went from the minimum of 0 at 4 months to a value of 2 at 24 months. Moreover, the immediate restoration procedure seemed to be more promising in terms of healing times and costs. CONCLUSION Immediate restoration of implants installed in fresh extraction sockets was at least as effective and safe as delayed restoration.
Surgically relevant structure on the ascending aorta

We have examined the transverse vascularized ridge observed on the anterior surface of the intra‐pericardial aorta during cardiac surgery. The ridge was a consistent feature of 20 consecutive cardiac patients and 11 cadavers no more than 2 days post‐mortem. The aortic ridge was absent, however, in four of five embalmed cadavers additionally examined, probably due to the embalming process. Histological examination showed the ridge to be well vascularized, well innervated and composed of adipose tissue. This structure has surgical relevance as a possible source of post‐operative hemorrhage, sometimes necessitating re‐sternotomy. Clin. Anat. 16:253–255, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Is circulating osteocalcin related to adipokines and overweight/obesity in children and adolescents?

Osteocalcin (OC) has recently been described to be involved in the regulation of glucose and energy metabolism. We aimed to evaluate whether or not OC serum levels were related to parameters of overweight and serum adipokine levels of healthy children and adolescents in dependence on gender and pubertal stage.In a cross sectional study (Leipzig Schoolchildren Project) 497 healthy, caucasian children and adolescents of all pubertal stages were included. We measured anthropometric data height, weight, fat mass, waist-to-hip ratio, pubertal development and performed biochemical analyses of osteocalcin, leptin, adiponectin and resistin serum levels by immunoassay.OC serum levels were associated with pubertal development achieving peak values at Tanner stage 3. There was no significant association of OC serum levels with overweight and obesity as measured by BMI and WHR. In addition, OC demonstrated no significant association with serum levels of leptin and adiponectin but a negative association with resistin in both genders independent of pubertal stages (r= - 0.329, p<0.0001). We conclude that there is no major relationship between OC and metabolism, but we can not exclude minor relations between OC and metabolism. The negative relationship with serum resistin levels might rather point to a link between OC and inflammatory states.
Upfront high-dose sequential therapy (HDS) versus VACOP-B with or without HDS in aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma: long-term results by the NHLCSG.

BACKGROUND There is not univocal concordance for using high-dose sequential therapy (HDS) as first-line treatment for aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). We designed this study to evaluate the usefulness of HDS followed by high-dose therapy (HDT) with autologous stem cell transplantation as front-line treatment in different subsets of aggressive NHL. PATIENTS AND METHODS Among 223 patients aged 15-60 years with aggressive, advanced stage NHL, 106 patients were randomized to VACOP-B (etoposide, doxorubicin, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, prednisone, bleomycin) for 12 weeks (plus HDS/HDT in case of persistent disease) (arm A), and 117 patients to VACOP-B for 8 weeks plus upfront HDS/HDT (arm B). RESULTS According to the intention-to-treat analysis, the complete response rate was 75% for arm A and 72.6% for arm B. With a median follow-up of 62 months there was no difference in 7-year probability of survival (60% and 57.8%; P = 0.5), disease-free survival (DFS) (62% and 71%; P = 0.2) and progression-free survival (PFS) (44.9% and 40.9%; P = 0.7) between the two arms. Subgroup analyses confirmed that the best results in terms of survival, DFS and PFS were achieved by patients with large B-cell NHL without bone marrow (BM) involvement, independently of the treatment arm. Results were poorer in other categories of patients and poorest in patients with BM involvement. CONCLUSIONS Aggressive NHL patients do not benefit from upfront HDS/HDT.
The influence of teacher beliefs on flexible learning innovation in traditional university settings

This chapter highlights the potential impact of teacher beliefs on the promotion or inhibition of educational policy and practice in university settings - noting that perceptions can have a strong influence on what teachers believe is possible in respect to the uptake of technology. Suggestions are made as to how the negative beliefs (fears) can be minimized and the positive perceptions can be optimized within academic development aimed at fostering educational technology.
Evolutionary history of the European whitefish Coregonus lavaretus (L.) species complex as inferred from mtDNA phylogeography and gill‐raker numbers

We compared mitochondrial DNA and gill‐raker number variation in populations of the European whitefish Coregonus lavaretus (L.) species complex to illuminate their evolutionary history, and discuss mechanisms behind diversification. Using single‐strand conformation polymorphism (SSCP) and sequencing 528 bp of combined parts of the cytochrome oxidase b (cyt b) and NADH dehydrogenase subunit 3 (ND3) mithochondrial DNA (mtDNA) regions, we documented phylogeographic relationships among populations and phylogeny of mtDNA haplotypes. Demographic events behind geographical distribution of haplotypes were inferred using nested clade analysis (NCA) and mismatch distribution. Concordance between operational taxonomical groups, based on gill‐raker numbers, and mtDNA patterns was tested. Three major mtDNA clades were resolved in Europe: a North European clade from northwest Russia to Denmark, a Siberian clade from the Arctic Sea to southwest Norway, and a South European clade from Denmark to the European Alps, reflecting occupation in different glacial refugia. Demographic events inferred from NCA were isolation by distance, range expansion, and fragmentation. Mismatch analysis suggested that clades which colonized Fennoscandia and the Alps expanded in population size 24 500–5800 years before present, with minute female effective population sizes, implying small founder populations during colonization. Gill‐raker counts did not commensurate with hierarchical mtDNA clades, and poorly with haplotypes, suggesting recent origin of gill‐raker variation. Whitefish designations based on gill‐raker numbers were not associated with ancient clades. Lack of congruence in morphology and evolutionary lineages implies that the taxonomy of this species complex should be reconsidered.
Reproducibility and Inter-rater Reliability of 2 Paediatric Nutritional Screening Tools

Objectives: The aim of the present study was to assess reproducibility and inter-rater reliability of 2 nutritional screening tools (NST): Screening Tool for Risk on Nutritional Status and Growth (STRONGkids) and Screening Tool for the Assessment of Malnutrition in Paediatrics (STAMP). Methods: Prospective observational multicentre study. Patients ages 1 month or older admitted to paediatric or surgical wards were tested within 24 hours of admission by 2 independent observers: experts specialized in paediatric nutrition (physicians or dieticians) and clinical staff nonexpert in nutrition. Diagnosis on admission, underlying diseases, and length of stay were registered. Statistical analysis: Kappa index (&kgr;) to evaluate agreement between observers. Results: A total of 223 patients were included (53.4% boys), with mean age of 5.59 (95% confidence interval 4.94–6.22) years. Experts classified 9.9% of patients at high risk with STRONGkids and 19.7% using STAMP, whereas nonexpert staff assigned 6.7% of patients to the high-risk category with STRONGkids and 21.9% with STAMP. Agreement between expert and nonexpert staff was good: 94.78% for STRONGkids (&kgr; 0.72 [P < 0.001]); 92.55% for STAMP (&kgr; 0.74 [P < 0.001]). The rate of malnutrition was significantly higher among high-risk patients with both NST, independent of examiner experience. After adjusting for age, both STRONGkids and STAMP high-risk scores predicted longer length of stay, whether assessed by experts or nonexperts, although differences were higher with STRONGkids. Conclusions: Agreement between experts and nonexpert staff in nutrition was good, producing a similar high-risk patient profile. Our results demonstrate that these NSTs are appropriate for nutritional screening in settings in which users have no previous experience in the field.
Detection of Functional Platelet-Activating Factor Receptors on Leukemic B Cells of Chronic Lymphocytic Leukemic Patients

Although platelet-activating factor receptors (PAF-R) are reported on normal B cells, few results are available concerning leukemic ones. We demonstrated functional PAF-R on cell and nuclear surfaces of leukemic B cells of chronic lymphocytic leukemic (CLL) patients. Analysis of 102 patients revealed dramatic differences for their membrane PAF-R expression, a result that might be related to their plasma IL-4 levels. In the light of the potent immunoregulatory role of PAF on B cell physiology, it is suggested that the presence or absence of PAF-R on leukemic B cells may profoundly affect their in vivo behavior.
The perception of two-tone Mooney faces in chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes)

Neurological experiments have revealed a complex network of areas in the human brain that respond more to faces than to other categories of objects and thus have been implemented in face categorization. The aim of this study was to investigate whether chimpanzees (n = 5), our closest living relatives, detect and categorize faces on the basis of first-order information, and whether this sensitivity is specific to faces or generalizes to other objects. In service to this aim, we created multiple categories of two-tone ‘Mooney’ objects (chimpanzee faces, shoes, human hands), because, by maximizing contrast, the Mooney transformation selectively degrades second-order information (the basis for individual discrimination in humans), leaving only first-order information intact. Two experiments used a 2AFC MTS procedure. The first experiment provided strong evidence that, like humans, chimpanzees categorize Mooney faces as faces. However, without second-order information, the chimpanzees could not match Mooney faces at the individual level. In Experiment 2, four of the five chimpanzees found it easier to categorize Mooney faces than Mooney shoes. Neurological evidence strongly indicates a dedicated neural mechanism for face categorization in the human brain, and our data suggest that chimpanzees share this level of specialization.
Early detection of thymidylate synthase resistance in non-small cell lung cancer with FLT-PET imaging

Introduction Inhibition of thymidylate synthase (TS) results in a transient compensatory “flare” in thymidine salvage pathway activity measureable with 18F-thymidine (FLT)- positron emission tomography (PET) at 2hrs. of therapy which may predict non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) sensitivity to TS inhibition. Materials and Methods Resistance to TS inhibition by pemetrexed was induced in NSCLC cell lines H460 and H1299 through TS overexpression. TS overexpression was confirmed with RT-PCR and Western blotting and pemetrexed resistance confirmed with IC50 assays. The presence of a pemetrexed-induced thymidine salvage pathway “flare” was then measured using 3H-thymidine in both pemetrexed sensitive (H460 and H1299) and resistant (H460R, H1299R, CALU-6, H522, H650, H661, H820, H1838) lines in vitro, and validated with FLT-PET in vivo using H460 and H460R xenografts. Results Overexpression of TS induced pemetrexed resistance with IC50 for H460, H1299, H460R and H1299R measured as 0.141 μM, 0.656 μM, 22.842 μM, 213.120 μM, respectively. Thymidine salvage pathway 3H-thymidine “flare” was observed following pemetrexed in H460 and H1299 but not H460R, H1299R, CALU-6, H522, H650, H661, H820 or H1838 in vitro. Similarly, a FLT “flare” was observed in vivo following pemetrexed therapy in H460 but not H460R tumor-bearing xenografts. Conclusions Imaging of TS inhibition is predictive of NSCLC sensitivity to pemetrexed.