Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Jellyfish collagen matrices conserve the chondrogenic phenotype in two‐ and three‐dimensional collagen matrices

Cartilage is a tissue with a very low capability of self‐repair and the search for suitable materials supporting the chondrogenic phenotype and thus avoiding fibrotic dedifferentiation for matrix‐associated chondrocyte transplantation (MACI) is ongoing. Jellyfish collagen was thought to be a suitable material mainly because of its good availability and easy handling. Collagen was extracted from jellyfish Rhopilema esculentum and the spreading of porcine chondrocytes on two (2D) and three dimensional (3D) collagen matrices examined in comparison with vertebrate collagens, placenta collagen and a commercially available matrix from porcine collagen type I (Optimaix®). In 2D, most chondrocytes kept their round shape on jellyfish collagen and vertebrate collagen type II compared with vertebrate collagen type I. This was also confirmed in 3D experiments, where chondrocytes preserved their phenotype on jellyfish collagen, as indicated by high collagen II/(II + I) ratios (≥54 % and ~92 % collagen type II in mRNA and protein, respectively) and no proliferation during 28 days of cultivation. These observations were discussed with a view to potential structural differences of jellyfish collagen, which might influence the integrin‐mediated adhesion mechanisms of vertebrate cells on jellyfish collagen. This probably results from a lack of integrin‐binding sites and the existence of an alternative binding mechanism such that cells kept their round shape on jellyfish collagen, preventing chondrocytes from dedifferentiation. Thus, collagen from R. esculentum is a very suitable and promising material for cartilage tissue engineering. Copyright © 2015 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Toll-like receptors, cytokines & nitric oxide synthase in patients with otitis media with effusion

Background & objectives: Microbial infections in the normally sterile environment of the middle ear cavity in patients with otitis media trigger expression of Toll-like receptors (TLRs), cytokines, and nitric oxide. We evaluated the expression levels of TLR-1, -2, -4, -5, -6, and -9, interleukin (IL)-6, -8, -10, and -12, interferon-γ (IFN-γ), tumour necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and nitric oxide (NO), in paediatric patients with otitis media with effusion (OME). Methods: The levels of TLR, cytokine, and nitric oxide synthase (NOS) mRNAs in middle ear effusion were assessed by real-time polymerase chain reaction in 96 children with OME, 24 prone and 72 not prone to otitis. The level of expression of each mRNA was compared in the otitis-prone and non-otitis-prone groups, in patients with and without bacteria, and by frequency of ventilation tube insertion. Results: The expression of TLR-1, -2, -4, -5, -6, and -9; IL-6, -8, -10, and -12; IFN-γ; TNF-α; and NOS mRNAs in the effusion fluid of both the otitis-prone and non-otitis-prone groups were measured. The expression levels of TLR-2, -4, -6, and -9 mRNA were significantly lower in the otitis-prone than in the non-otitis-prone group (P<0.05). Although higher levels of TLR, cytokine, and NOS mRNAs were generally observed in culture positive than in culture negative patients, none of these differences was statistically significant. No differences were observed in the expressions relative to the frequencies of ventilation tube insertion. Interpretation & conclusions: TLRs, cytokines, and NOS, which act cooperatively in the innate immune response, were closely associated with OME. Decreased expression of TLRs may be associated with increased susceptibility to OME.
Effectiveness of surface electromyographic biofeedback-triggered neuromuscular electrical stimulation on knee rehabilitation.

BACKGROUND Neuromuscular electrical stimulation initiated by a surface electromyographic biofeedback threshold (sEMG-triggered NMES) has been studied in populations of patients with neurological problems, but has not been applied to orthopedic populations. OBJECTIVES The purpose of this single-blinded, randomized clinical trial was to investigate sEMG-triggered NMES on knee extension active range of motion (AROM), function, and torque in patients with post-operative arthroscopic knee surgery. METHODS Twenty-five participants were randomly assigned to either: (1) sEMG-triggered NMES with exercise group, or (2) exercise-only comparison group. Participants received outpatient physical therapy treatment 2 to 3 times a week for 12 visits. Knee AROM and function determined by the lower extremity functional scale (LEFS) were collected at the first, sixth, and twelfth visits. Peak isometric extensor torque was assessed using an electromechanical dynamometer at 3 months post surgery. Two analysis of variance tests with repeated measures were used to analyze knee AROM and LEFS data. An independent samples t-test was used to analyze the peak torque index (%) of the involved extremity compared to the uninvolved. RESULTS A significant difference in AROM was found between groups. No significant difference was found between groups in the LEFS, nor in the peak isometric extensor torque. A 72.5% strength deficit was found compared to the uninvolved extremity. CONCLUSION Using sEMG-triggered NMES intervention improved extension AROM but did not improve function or torque.
Childhood Brain Lesions : 15 years Experience of King Abdulaziz University Hospital ( 1995-2010 )

Pediatric age brain lesions can be of neoplastic and non-neoplastic nature, the latter include: congenital malformations, inflammatory processes, vascular and cystic lesions. One of most concerning brain pathology in childhood age is CNS tumors. Malignant brain tumors are the second most common type of pediatric cancer after leukemia. Cancer of the brain and central nervous system comprised 17% of malignancies in children younger than 20 years of age . In Saudi Arabia childhood CNS cancer accounted 11.3% of all childhood cancers. The current study presented the experience of King Abdulaziz University Hospital regarding Childhood Brain Lesions diagnosed over 15 years period (1995 to 2010) considering frequency, morphological pattern and the demographic data (age distribution and gender) of these lesions and further compared the findings with the national and international experience. A retrospective study conducted using a computerized search of the archives of Pathology Department at King Abdulaziz University Hospital in Jeddah; from 1995 tell 2010 to retrieve all the brain cases inclusive of all brain regions. In 15 years period 71 cases (25.1%) out of total brain lesions (283 cases) were childhood brain lesions. Non-neoplastic lesions were 40.8% and neoplastic lesions were 59.2%. Congenital malformations (23.9%) were the commonest nonneoplastic brain lesions, while neuroepithelial tumors ranked first among neoplastic lesions and accounted for 25.4% of childhood brain lesions (CBL) in the study. The astrocytic tumors comprised the majority of the glial tumors (94.4%) with mean age of 8.3 years and M: F ratio 1.4:1. The pilocytic astrocytoma represented 64.7% of all astrocytic tumors. The second malignant tumor was embryonal tumors (medulloblastoma) and accounted for 18.3 % of CBL with male predominance. In conclusion, a single institute experience was reported revealing that primary CNS tumors were the commonest brain lesions in the pediatric age. Furthermore, in concurrence with the national and international experience, astrocytic tumors ranked as first primary CNS tumor of childhood age, followed by medulloblastoma. [Hessa M. AlJhdali and Awatif A. Jamal. Childhood Brain Lesions: 15 years Experience of King Abdulaziz University Hospital (1995-2010). Life Sci J 2012;9(2):617-623]. (ISSN:1097-8135). http://www.lifesciencesite. com. 94
Comparative Histochemical Study of Mucin in Colonic Goblet Cells of Albino Rat , Goat & Dog

Introduction: Goblet cells secrete high molecular weight glycoprotein known as mucin which forms a protective mucus blanket throughout the G.I. T. The present work characterizes histochemically different types of mucin in colonic goblet cells & makes a comparative study in animal species of different food habit. Methods:After ethical clearance tissues were taken from the proximal part of colon of albino rat, goat and dog, processed and stained with Alcian blue pH-1 ,Alcian blue pH-2.5, Aldehyde Fuschin ,Periodic acid Schiff ,combination stains of Aldehyde FuschinAlcian blue pH2.5 and Periodic acid SchiffAlcian blue pH 2.5. Result: Neutral mucin is present in small amount in colonic goblet cells of Albino rat and dog whereas traces in goat. Weakly sulphated acid mucin and sialomucin is present in substantial amount in Albino rat and moderate amount in goat and dog . Highly sulphated acid mucin is present in substantial amount in Albino rat and goat but moderate amount in dog. Acid mucin is predominantly found in colonic goblet cells of all these three animals. Discussion: A comparative study indicated that there is similarity in the type of mucin secreted by colonic goblet cells of goat which is a herbivore, dog a carnivore and albino rat an omnivore. Both types of mucins i.e acid and neutral are present with predominance of acid mucin in their colonic goblet cells. Hence, food habit seems to have negligible impact on the type of mucins secreted by colonic goblet cells. Conclusion :-Food habits seem to have negligible impact on the type of mucin secreted by colonic goblet cells in animals.
Backstepping-based stabilization of the pool-boiling system: An application of the circle criterion

We deal with the problem of the stabilization of the nonlinear PDE system that represents a pool boiling under a feedback loop. Toward this end, first we study well-posedness by discussing the choice of the appropriate space of functions, where the problem is cast. Second, we focus on various examples of backstepping feedback laws that can ensure stability and analyze them by using Popov-like theorems based on the circle criterion. Third, simulation results are reported to illustrate the findings of the theoretical investigation.
Evidence for infanticide in bottlenose dolphins: an explanation for violent interactions with harbour porpoises?

Most harbour porpoises found dead on the north–east coast of Scotland show signs of attack by sympatric bottlenose dolphins, but the reason(s) for these violent interactions remains unclear. Post–mortem examinations of stranded bottlenose dolphins indicate that five out of eight young calves from this same area were also killed by bottlenose dolphins. These data, together with direct observations of an aggressive interaction between an adult bottlenose dolphin and a dead bottlenose dolphin calf, provide strong evidence for infanticide in this population. The similarity in the size range of harbour porpoises and dolphin calves that showed signs of attack by bottlenose dolphins suggests that previously reported interspecific interactions could be related to this infanticidal behaviour. These findings appear to provide the first evidence of infanticide in cetaceans (whales, dolphins and porpoises). We suggest that infanticide must be considered as a factor shaping sociality in this and other species of cetaceans, and may have serious consequences for the viability of small populations.
Receptor Activation Alters Inner Surface Potential During Phagocytosis

The surface potential of biological membranes varies according to their lipid composition. We devised genetically encoded probes to assess surface potential in intact cells. These probes revealed marked, localized alterations in the charge of the inner surface of the plasma membrane of macrophages during the course of phagocytosis. Hydrolysis of phosphoinositides and displacement of phosphatidylserine accounted for the change in surface potential at the phagosomal cup. Signaling molecules such as K-Ras, Rac1, and c-Src that are targeted to the membrane by electrostatic interactions were rapidly released from membrane subdomains where the surface charge was altered by lipid remodeling during phagocytosis.
Automated blood component collection with the MCS 3p cell separator: evaluation of three protocols for buffy coat‐poor and white cell‐ reduced packed red cells and plasma

BACKGROUND: Automated collection of blood components with a cell separator (MCS 3p, Haemonetics), was performed according to three protocols. STUDY DESIGN AND METHODS: The first protocol provided 2 units of fresh‐frozen plasma (FFP); and one buffy coat‐poor red cell (RBC) concentrate in additive solution. The second protocol included an additional in‐line filtration of the RBC in a closed system after storage at 4 degrees C for 24 hours. In the third protocol, an additional platelet concentrate (PC) was recovered from the buffy coat. Cell counts and biochemical characterization of the RBCs (n=20 each) were determined on Days 0, 1, 14, 28, and 49. RESULTS: The RBC volume was 336 +/− 9 mL (first protocol), 337 +/− 7 mL (second protocol) and 293 +/− 12 mL (third protocol) with a hematocrit of 59 +/− 2, 53 +/− 3, and 61 +/− 5, percent respectively. On Day 49, hemolysis was 0.24 +/− 0.1 percent (first protocol), 0.33 +/− 0.32 percent (second protocol), and 0.38 +/− 0.1 percent (third protocol). The filtered RBC concentrate met the international standards for white cell‐reduced RBCs. Filtration resulted in a clinically irrelevant increase of hemolysis. The in vitro RBC values (lactate dehydrogenase, 2‐hydroxybutyrate dehydrogenase, hemolysis, potassium, 2,3 DPG, ATP) were at least equal to those in RBCs collected by conventional whole‐blood donation. There is a trend toward extended preservation of 2,3 DPG in RBCs collected by apheresis. Two units of FFP could be collected with each donation (first protocol: 420 +/− 55 mL, 5.4 +/− 7 WBCs/microL, 6.5 +/− 5 × 10(3) platelets/microL; second protocol: 440 +/− 33 mL, 3 +/− 5.2 WBCs/microL, 32 +/− 12 × 10(3) platelets/microL; third protocol: 398 +/− 32 mL, 5 +/− 12 WBCs/microL; 3.4 +/− 3.5 × 10(3) platelets/microL). PCs prepared from the buffy coat collected by the third protocol contained 90 +/− 30 × 10(9) platelets in 88 +/− 14 mL of plasma. In vitro test results in these PCs were superior to those in PCs collected by conventional whole‐blood donation. The procedure was well tolerated by all donors. No adverse reactions appeared. CONCLUSION: Erythroplasmapheresis with the MCS 3p cell separator is a useful alternative to conventional whole‐blood donation and separation.
Nodular Subtype of Bullous Pemphigoid

Introduction: Itching nodules and papules are common findings. A rare but important differential diagnosis is the nodular subtype of bullous pemphigoid. Methods and Results: The investigators report a female patient presenting with strongly itching papules disseminated over her extremities and trunk. Physical examination revealed multiple erythematous, mostly excoriated papules and nodules on her back, abdomen, and extremities. Histology showed changes compatible with prurigo lesion, and immunofluorescence showed positive results for BP180 and BP230. Considering these clinical, histologic, and immunofluorescence findings, the diagnosis of a nodular subtype of bullous pemphigoid was made. The patient showed healing of lesions under a combination therapy with systemic psoralen and ultraviolet A, topical application of corticosteroids, and systemic therapy with azathioprine and prednisolone. Discussion: Pemphigoid nodularis represents the rare prurigo variant of bullous pemphigoid. Typically, lesions show the same immunopathologic and histologic features as in common bullous pemphigoid but mostly without the characteristic clinical finding of bullae.
Prosthetic Valve Dysfunction Presenting as Intermittent Acute Aortic Regurgitation

We describe the case of a 43 year old man with a history of aortic stenosis, for which he had undergone aortic valve replacement in 1991 with a 25‐mm Medtronic Hall prosthesis. He presented with several acute episodes of dyspnea and flash pulmonary edema. Transthoracic and transesophageal echocardiography performed to evaluate prosthetic valve function revealed evidence of “intermittent” episodes of AI, documented on color M‐mode flow mapping to have a variable duration of diastolic flow (early vs. pandiastolic) across the left ventricular outflow tract and the pulse wave Doppler in the descending thoracic aorta showed similar variability in the duration of diastolic flow reversal.
Review of Chromium (VI) Apoptosis, Cell-Cycle-Arrest, and Carcinogenesis

Hexavalent chromium combines with glutathione in chloride intracellular channel carrier to form tetravalent and pentavalent chromium in plasma and organelle membranes. It also combines with NADH/NADPH to form pentavalent chromium in mitochondria. Tetravalent- and pentavalent- chromium (directly and indirectly) mediated DNA double strand breaks activate DNA damage signaling sensors: DNA-dependent-protein-kinase signals p53-dependent intrinsic mitochondrial apoptosis, and ataxia-telangiectasia-mutated and ataxia-telangiectasia-Rad3-related signal cell-arrest for DNA repair. Tetravalent chromium may be the most potent species since it causes DNA breaks and somatic recombination, but not apoptosis. Upon further failure of apoptosis and senescence/DNA-repair, damaged cells may become immortal with loss-of-heterozygosity and genetic plasticity.
Chronic Common Carotid Occlusion

Twelve patients with chronic common carotid artery (CCA) occlusion were studied. There were 8 patients with TIAs (3 hemispheric and 5 vertebral-basilar), one with a completed stroke, and 3 were asymptomatic. The ipsilateral internal carotid artery (ICA) was confirmed patent in 6 patients at the time of operation, although angiograms had demonstrated patency in only two. The ipsilateral external carotid artery (ECA) was patent in all but one patient. Arterial reconstructions were done on 7 patients. The carotid bifurcation was revascularized by subclavian-to-carotid bypass grafts in 5 patients, 3 with vertebral-basilar (V-B) TIAs, one with hemispheric TIAs, and one with a completed stroke. Vertebral revascularization was done on 2 patients, one with V-B TIAs and one who was asymptomatic. All revascularized patients had satisfactory results. Symptomatic patients can be treated by cerebral revascularization through either the ICA, if patent, the ECA via the ophthalmic collaterals, or through the vertebrals when bypoperfused. The ICA is preferentially revascularized and exploration often reveals a patent ICA that was not visualized angiographically. Recently, directional Doppler studies have proved useful in determining ICA patency. Stroke, Vol 12, No 1, 1981
A randomized controlled trial of guided self-change with minority adolescents.

OBJECTIVE Adolescent substance use and abuse is a pressing public health problem and is strongly related to interpersonal aggression. Such problems disproportionately impact minority youth, who have limited access to evidence-based interventions such as ecological family therapies, brief motivational interventions (BMIs), and cognitive behavioral therapies (CBTs). With a predominantly minority sample, our objective was to rigorously evaluate the efficacy of a school-based BMI/CBT, Guided Self-Change (GSC), for addressing substance use and aggressive behavior. METHOD We conducted a school-based randomized, controlled trial with 514 high school students (mean age 16.24 years, 41% female, 80% minority) reporting using substances and perpetrating aggression. We used structural equation modeling to compare participants randomly assigned to receive GSC or standard care (SC; education/assessment/referral-only) at posttreatment and at 3 and 6 months posttreatment on alcohol use, drug use, and interpersonal aggression outcomes as assessed by the Timeline Follow-Back. RESULTS Compared with SC participants, GSC participants showed significant reductions (p < .05) in total number of alcohol use days (Cohen's d = 0.45 at posttreatment and 0.20 at 3 months posttreatment), drug use days (Cohen's d = 0.22 at posttreatment and 0.20 at 3 months posttreatment), and aggressive behavior incidents (Cohen's d = 0.23 at posttreatment). Moreover, treatment effects did not vary by gender or ethnicity. CONCLUSIONS With minority youth experiencing mild to moderate problems with substance use and aggressive behavior, GSC holds promise as an early intervention approach that can be implemented with success in schools.
A Putative Bifunctional Histidine Kinase/Phosphatase of the HWE Family Exerts Positive and Negative Control on the Sinorhizobium meliloti General Stress Response

ABSTRACT The EcfG-type sigma factor RpoE2 is the regulator of the general stress response in Sinorhizobium meliloti. RpoE2 activity is negatively regulated by two NepR-type anti-sigma factors (RsiA1/A2), themselves under the control of two anti-anti-sigma factors (RsiB1/B2) belonging to the PhyR family of response regulators. The current model of RpoE2 activation suggests that in response to stress, RsiB1/B2 are activated by phosphorylation of an aspartate residue in their receiver domain. Once activated, RsiB1/B2 become able to interact with the anti-sigma factors and release RpoE2, which can then associate with the RNA polymerase to transcribe its target genes. The purpose of this work was to identify and characterize proteins involved in controlling the phosphorylation status of RsiB1/B2. Using in vivo approaches, we show that the putative histidine kinase encoded by the rsiC gene (SMc01507), located downstream from rpoE2, is able to both positively and negatively regulate the general stress response. In addition, our data suggest that the negative action of RsiC results from inhibition of RsiB1/B2 phosphorylation. From these observations, we propose that RsiC is a bifunctional histidine kinase/phosphatase responsible for RsiB1/B2 phosphorylation or dephosphorylation in the presence or absence of stress, respectively. Two proteins were previously proposed to control PhyR phosphorylation in Caulobacter crescentus and Sphingomonas sp. strain FR1. However, these proteins contain a Pfam:HisKA_2 domain of dimerization and histidine phosphotransfer, whereas S. meliloti RsiC harbors a Pfam:HWE_HK domain instead. Therefore, this is the first report of an HWE_HK-containing protein controlling the general stress response in Alphaproteobacteria.
Increased catalase expression improves muscle function in mdx mice

It has been well established that oxidative stress contributes to pathology associated with Duchenne muscular dystrophy (DMD). I hypothesized that overexpression of the antioxidant enzyme catalase would improve muscle function in the mdx mouse, the mouse model of DMD. To test this hypothesis, neonatal mdx mice were injected with a recombinant adeno‐associated virus driving the catalase transgene. Animals were killed 4 or 6 weeks or 6 months following injection. Muscle function was generally improved by catalase overexpression. Four weeks following injection, extensor digitorum longus specific tension was improved twofold, while soleus was similar between groups. Resistance to contraction‐induced injury was similar between groups; however, resistance to fatigue was increased 25% in catalase‐treated soleus compared with control muscle. Six weeks following injection, extensor digitorum longus specific tension was increased 15%, while soleus specific tension was similar between treated and untreated limbs. Catalase overexpression reduced contraction‐induced injury by 30–45% and fatigue by 20% compared with control limbs. Six months following injection, diaphragm specific tension was similar between groups, but resistance to contraction‐induced injury was improved by 35% and fatigue by 25%. Taken together, these data indicate that catalase can improve a subset of parameters of muscle function in dystrophin‐deficient skeletal muscle.