Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Expression of Mammaglobins A and B in Nasal Polyps is Similar in Patients with and without Allergic Rhinitis

Background The causes of nasal polyposis remain unclear. Mammaglobins have been implicated in its pathogenesis. However, their association with the occurrence of nasal polyps in the presence of allergic rhinitis (AR) has not been explored. The aim of this study was to compare the expression levels of mammaglobins A and B with the nasal polyps of patients with and without AR. Methods Thirty-one patients with bilateral nasal polyposis underwent skin-prick tests to specific aeroallergens. Nasal polyp tissues were obtained from all patients and divided into two groups as nasal polyps with and without AR depending on clinical history and the skin-prick test results. All polyp tissues were analyzed for the levels of mammaglobin A and mammaglobin B by using real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction technique. Results Of the 16 samples from patients having nasal polyps with AR, only 1 sample expressed a detectable level of mammaglobin A (1/16). There was no detectable expression of mammaglobin A in tissues from the group of nasal polyps without AR (0/15). Expression of mammaglobin B was detected in all nasal polyp tissues from both groups. The expression of mammaglobin B was not significantly different between nasal polyps with AR (median, 25th-75th percentiles; 0.023, 0.013-0.046) and nasal polyps without AR (0.032, 0.007-0.16). Conclusion Expression levels of mammaglobins A and B in nasal polyps are not different between patients with and without AR. Our findings suggest that mammaglobins’ implication in the pathogenesis of nasal polyps is independent of an underlying AR.
Extended-Field Irradiation and Intracavitary Brachytherapy Combined With Cisplatin and Amifostine for Cervical Cancer With Positive Para-Aortic or High Common Iliac Lymph Nodes: Results of Arm II of Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) 0116

Objectives: Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) 0116 was designed to test the ability of amifostine (Ethyol; MedImmune LLC, Gaithersburg, MD), a cytoprotective agent, to reduce the acute toxicity of combined therapy with extended-field irradiation, brachytherapy, and cisplatin chemotherapy in patients with cervical cancer with para-aortic or high common iliac disease. This report presents the results of part 2. Materials and Methods: Radiation Therapy Oncology Group 0116 was a 2-part trial. Part 1 delivered extended-field irradiation, brachytherapy, and cisplatin; part 2 added amifostine and required 16 evaluable patients to assess an improved toxicity profile. Eligibility included evidence for high common iliac or para-aortic metastasis. Patients were treated for a total dose of 45 Gy in 25 fractions with intracavitary irradiation. Intensity-modulated radiation therapy was not allowed. The final point A dose was 85 Gy low-dose rate equivalent. High-dose rate techniques were allowed. The positive para-aortic and iliac nodes were to be boosted to 54 to 59.4 Gy. Amifostine at 500 mg was to be delivered with every fraction of radiotherapy. Results: The study opened on August 1, 2001, and closed March 3, 2007, after accruing 45 patients, 18 for the second part with amifostine. This analysis reports the primary end point for the patients entered on part 2 of the study. Three patients were excluded, one was ineligible, and 2 withdrew. The median follow-up was 22.9 months (range, 6.5-45.4 months). The median dose of amifostine delivered was 5000 mg (range, 500-13,500 mg). Thirteen patients (87%) experienced an acute grade 3/4 toxicity (excluding grade 3 leukopenia). This compared to an 81% rate in part 1 of the trial. The estimated median survival was 34.8 months with a 20% late grade 3/4 toxicity rate. Conclusions: Amifostine, as delivered in this study, did not reduce acute toxicity in this patient population.
Recognition of specific DNA sequences by mitomycin C for alkylation.

Synthetic oligodeoxyribonucleotides were reacted with mitomycin C (MC) under conditions which restricted MC to monofunctional alkylating activity. The yields of monofunctional alkylation of oligonucleotides with variable sequence were determined by enzymatic digestion of the reaction mixture to unreacted nucleosides and the product of alkylation, a MC-deoxyguanosine adduct (2), followed by quantitative analysis by HPLC. The relative yields of 2 reflected relative monoalkylation reactivities. They were compared in a series of oligonucleotides having the sequence 5'-NGN' in which the 5'-base was varied while the 3'-base was kept constant as T. Under Na2S2O4 activation conditions a striking enhancement of the yield was observed at the 5'-CG sequence: 36%, compared to 2% at 5'-AG and 4.1% at 5'-TG. The 5'-GG sequence also showed enhanced reactivity although to a lesser extent (14.7%). The enhancements were specific to the duplex state of the oligonucleotides. Using NADPH:cytochrome c reductase as the reducing agent gave similar results. MC activated by acidic pH also displayed 5'-CG alkylation specificity. 10-Decarbamoyl-MC activated by Na2S2O4 showed the same 5'-CG specificity as MC. Replacement of deoxyguanosine by deoxyinosine in the opposite strand at a 5'-CG site abolished the enhancement of alkylation. Such replacement at a 5'-GG site had a similar effect. It was found that the base 3' to the guanine had only a relatively modest modulating effect on the enhanced reactivity of the G at the 5'-CG sequence. This 3'-base effect appeared to be independent of the 5'-base of the 5'-NGN' triplet. The order of reactivity is 3'-(C greater than T greater than A). (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Keratoconus Associated With Corneal Stromal Amyloid Deposition Containing TGFBIp

Purpose: To report the identification and characterization of stromal amyloid deposits in patients with keratoconus. Methods: The excised corneal buttons from 2 patients diagnosed clinically with keratoconus underwent histochemical analysis with Masson trichrome, Congo red, Alcian blue, and periodic acid-Schiff stains, and immunohistochemical analysis for the transforming growth factor beta-induced gene (TGFBI) protein product (TGFBIp), prealbumin, lysozyme, and kappa and lambda light chain expression. After the collection of DNA from both patients, exons 4, 11, 12, 13 and 14 of TGFBI were amplified and sequenced to search for mutations previously associated with dystrophic corneal stromal amyloid deposition. Results: Light microscopic examination of the corneal buttons revealed stromal thinning, epithelial basement membrane abnormalities, and focal disruption of Bowman layer. Multiple stromal deposits were identified that stained red with Masson trichrome, pink with periodic acid-Schiff, and red with Congo red; the Congo red-stained deposits demonstrated birefringence and dichroism with crossed polarizing lenses. Immunohistochemical staining demonstrated reactivity of the stromal deposits with antibodies to TGFBIp but no reactivity with antibodies against prealbumin, lysozyme, or kappa and lambda light chains. Screening of TGFBI exons 4, 11, 12, 13, and 14 revealed 2 previously identified single nucleotide polymorphisms present in the heterozygous state in both individuals but no other coding region variants. Conclusions: Two cases of keratoconus with clinically unsuspected, presumed secondary stromal amyloid deposition are described. Although TGFBIp is identified in the stromal deposits, no previously reported amyloidogenic mutations are identified in TGFBI in either affected individual, indicating a previously undescribed mechanism of stromal amyloid deposition.
Cloning of a Novel Gene for Quinolone Resistance from a Transferable Plasmid in Shigella flexneri 2b

ABSTRACT A novel gene for quinolone resistance was cloned from a transferable plasmid carried by a clinical isolate of Shigella flexneri 2b that was resistant to fluoroquinolones. The plasmid conferred low-level resistance to quinolones on Escherichia coli HB101. The protein encoded by the gene showed 59% amino acid identity with Qnr.
The effects of local selection versus dispersal on insecticide resistance patterns: longitudinal evidence from diamondback moth (Plutella xylostella (Lepidoptera: Plutellidae)) in Australia evolving resistance to pyrethroids

Abstract When strong directional selection acts on a trait, the spatial distribution of phenotypes may reflect effects of selection, as well as the spread of favoured genotypes by gene flow. Here we investigate the relative impact of these factors by assessing resistance to synthetic pyrethroids in a 12-year study of diamondback moth, Plutella xylostella, from southern Australia. We estimated resistance levels in populations from brassicaceous weeds, canola, forage crops and vegetables. Differences in resistance among local populations sampled repeatedly were stable over several years. Levels were lowest in samples from weeds and highest in vegetables. Resistance in canola samples increased over time as insecticide use increased. There was no evidence that selection in one area influenced resistance in adjacent areas. Microsatellite variation from 13 populations showed a low level of genetic variation among populations, with an AMOVA indicating that population only accounted for 0.25% of the molecular variation. This compared to an estimate of 13.8% of variation accounted for by the resistance trait. Results suggest that local selection rather than gene flow of resistance alleles dictated variation in resistance across populations. Therefore, regional resistance management strategies may not limit resistance evolution.
Affinity binding of cells to cryogel adsorbents with immobilized specific ligands: effect of ligand coupling and matrix architecture

The capture of human acute myeloid leukemia KG‐1 cells expressing the CD34 surface antigen and the fractionation of human blood lymphocytes were evaluated on polyvinyl alcohol (PVA)–cryogel beads and dimethyl acrylamide (DMAAm) monolithic cryogel with immobilized protein A. The affinity ligand (protein A) was chemically coupled to the reactive PVA–cryogel beads and epoxy‐derivatized monolithic cryogels through different immobilization techniques and the binding efficiency of the cell surface receptors specific antibody‐labeled cells to the gels/beads was determined. The binding of cells to monolithic cryogel was higher (90–95%) compared with cryogel beads (76%). B‐lymphocytes, which bound to the protein A–cryogel beads, were separated from T‐lymphocytes with yields for the two cell types 74 and 85%, respectively. About 91% of the bound B‐cells could be recovered without significantly impairing their viability. Our results show differences in the percentage of cell‐binding to the immunosorbents caused by ligand density, flow shear forces and bond strength between the cells and the affinity surface once distinct chemical coupling of protein A, size of beads, sequence of antibody binding to protein A adsorbents, morphology and geometry of surface matrices were compared. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Evidence for Eviction and Rapid Deposition of Histones upon Transcriptional Elongation by RNA Polymerase II

ABSTRACT Biochemical experiments indicate that transcriptional elongation by RNA polymerase II (Pol II) is inhibited by nucleosomes and hence requires chromatin-modifying activities. Here, we examine the fate of histones upon passage of elongating Pol II in vivo. Histone density throughout the entire Saccharomyces cerevisiae GAL10 coding region is inversely correlated with Pol II association and transcriptional activity, suggesting that the elongating Pol II machinery efficiently evicts core histones from the DNA. Furthermore, new histones appear to be deposited onto DNA less than 1 min after passage of Pol II. Transcription-dependent deposition of histones requires the FACT complex that travels with elongating Pol II. Our results suggest that Pol II transcription generates a highly dynamic equilibrium of histone eviction and histone deposition and that there is significant histone exchange throughout most of the yeast genome within a single cell cycle.
The Role of Stress in the Clinical Expression of Thyroid Autoimmunity

Abstract: During stress, activation of the hypothalamic‐pituitary‐adrenal axis and the sympathoadrenal system leads to increased secretion of glucocorticoids and catecholamines, respectively, in order to maintain homeostasis. Recent evidence suggests that stress hormones, acting on antigen‐presenting immune cells, may influence the differentiation of bipotential T helper (Th) cells away from Th1 and toward a Th2 phenotype. This results in suppression of cellular immunity and potentiation of humoral immunity. Thyroid autoimmunity is clinically expressed as Hashimoto's thyroiditis (HT) and its variants (sporadic or postpartum thyroiditis) or as Grave's disease (GD). The different phenotypic expression of thyroid autoimmunity is largely dependent on the balance of Th1 versus Th2 immune response. A predominantly Th1‐mediated immune activity may promote apoptotic pathways on thyroid follicular cells leading to thyroid cell destruction and HT. Conversely, predominance of Th2‐mediated immune response may induce antigen‐specific B lymphocytes to produce anti‐TSH receptor (TSHr) antibodies causing GD. The weight of evidence from epidemiological and case–control studies supports an association between stress and GD. On the other hand, there is little information available on the effect of stress on HT, but there is evidence for an increase in postpartum thyroiditis, following the cellular immune suppressive effect of pregnancy. Whether stress has a causative effect on GD remains elusive. Circumstantial evidence supports the hypothesis that stress may influence the clinical expression of thyroid autoimmunity in susceptible individuals favoring the development of GD by shifting the Th1–Th2 balance away for Th1 and toward Th2. Conversely, recovery from stress or the immune suppressive effect of pregnancy may induce a Th2 to Th1 “return shift” leading to autoimmune (sporadic) or postpartum thyroiditis, respectively.
Using Cramer-Rao theory combined with Monte Carlo simulations for the optimization of monolithic scintillator PET detectors

We are investigating the possibility of using monolithic scintillator blocks as detectors for small animal positron emission tomography (PET). These detectors consist of several cm/sup 3/ of scintillating material, read out by one or more avalanche photo-diode (APD) arrays. The entry point of an incoming gamma photon is estimated from the distribution of the scintillation light over the APD pixels. To optimize the detector design, the influence of different design parameters is investigated using Geant4 simulations. To make it possible to study the influence of individual design parameters on the intrinsic spatial resolution of the detector, the use of a performance measure is proposed that is independent of the algorithm used to estimate the entry point, namely the Cramer-Rao lower bound on the estimation of the coordinates of a point source of light inside the crystal. To illustrate the use of this method, the influence of optical transport inside the detector is investigated for different detector designs, surface finishes and APD pixel sizes. A comparison with resolutions obtained from simulations involving beams of 511 keV annihilation photons indicates that this approach gives valid results.
Stress urinary incontinence due to a low‐pressure urethra: A socially invalidizing disease

To compare the quality of life and clinical findings of patients with low‐pressure urethra (LPU; ≤ 20 cm H2O) with those of stress urinary incontinent (SUI) patients without LPU, and to compare the quality of urethral sphincter (US) muscle innervation parameters in LPU patients with those in control continent patients. Historical, clinical, urodynamic, and US muscle innervation parameters were compared in 38 LPU (group 1), 241 SUI (group 2), and 7 control patients (group 3). In comparison with group 2, the incidence of previous surgery and daily incontinence episodes, SUI severity, and pad test values were significantly higher in group 1, whereas the incidence of previous traumatic deliveries was the same in both groups. The mobility of the bladder neck assessed by the Q‐Tip test was significantly reduced in group 1. In comparison with group 3, US motor unit potential (MUP) duration and pudendal motor latencies to the urethral sphincter (PMLUS) were increased in LPU group 1 patients, whereas there was no difference in these parameters between LPU patients with or without previous incontinence surgery. Fifty‐three percent of our LPU patients had normal PMLUS, but showed signs of abnormal reinnervation on quantitative electromyography. Three nullipara LPU patients had normal MUP durations and PMLUS values, but a decreased area in response to pudendal nerve stimulation. Apart from a rare form of LPU in nullipara patients, probably due to a dysgenesis of their US muscle, LPU patients suffer from neuro‐muscular damage responsible for a severe urinary invalidity. Previous incontinence surgery, as well as previous vaginal deliveries, may be responsible for such US damage. © 1996 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Emerging Targets for Therapeutic Development in Diabetes and Its Complications: The RAGE Signaling Pathway

Types 1 and 2 diabetes are on the rise worldwide. Although the treatment of hyperglycemia has benefited from recent advances, aggressive efforts to maintain euglycemia may be fraught with risk, especially in older subjects or in subjects vulnerable to hypoglycemic unawareness. Hence, strategies to prevent and treat the complications of hyperglycemia are essential. In this review we summarize recent updates on the biology of the receptor for advanced glycation endproducts (RAGE) in the pathogenesis of both micro‐ and macrovascular complications of diabetes, insights from the study of mouse models of obesity and diabetic complications, and from associative studies in human subjects. The study of the mechanisms and consequences of the interaction of the RAGE cytoplasmic domain with the formin, mDia1, in RAGE signal transduction, will be discussed. Lastly, we review the "state‐of‐the‐art" on RAGE‐directed therapeutics. Tackling RAGE/mDia1 may identify a novel class of therapeutics preventing diabetes and its complications.
Pendular motion in the brachiation of captive Lagothrix and Ateles

Pendular motion during brachiation of captive Lagothrix lagothricha lugens and Ateles fusciceps robustus was analyzed to demonstrate similarities, and differences, between these two closely related large bodied atelines. This is the first captive study of the kinematics of brachiation in Lagothrix. Videorecordings of one adult male of each species were made in a specially designed cage constructed at the DuMond Conservancy/Monkey Jungle, Miami, FL. Java software (Jandel Scientific Inc., San Rafael, CA) was used for frame‐by‐frame kinematic analysis of individual strides/steps. Results demonstrate that the sequence of hand and tail contacts differ significantly between the two species with Lagothrix using a new tail hold with every hand hold, while Ateles generally utilizes a new tail hold with only every other hand hold. Stride length and stride frequency, even after adjusting for limb length, also differ significantly between the two species. Lagothrix brachiation utilizes short, choppy strides with quick hand holds, while Ateles uses long, fluid strides with longer hand holds. During brachiation not only is Lagothrix's body significantly less horizontal than that of Ateles but also, within Ateles, there are significant differences between steps depending on tail use. Because of the unique nature of tail use in Ateles, many aspects of body positioning in Lagothrix more closely resemble Ateles steps without a simultaneous tail hold rather than those with one. Overall pendulum length in Lagothrix is shorter than in Ateles. Tail use in Ateles has a significant effect on maximum pendulum length during a step. Although neither species achieves the extreme pendulum effect and long period of free‐flight of hylobatids in fast ricochetal brachiation, in captivity both consistently demonstrate effective brachiation with brief periods of free‐flight and pendular motion. Morphological similarities between ateline brachiators and hylobatids are fewer and less pronounced in Lagothrix than in Ateles. This study demonstrates that Lagothrix brachiation is also less hylobatid‐like than that of Ateles. Am. J. Primatol. 48:263–281, 1999. © 1999 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Approximating Weighted Tree Augmentation via Chvátal-Gomory Cuts

The weighted tree augmentation problem (WTAP) is a fundamental network design problem. We are given an undirected tree G = (V, E) with n = |V| nodes, an additional set of edges L called links and a cost vector [EQUATION]. The goal is to choose a minimum cost subset S ⊆ L such that G = (V, E ∪ S) is 2-edge-connected. In the unweighted case, that is, when we have ce = 1 for all e ∈ L, the problem is called the tree augmentation problem (TAP). Both problems are known to be APX-hard, and the best known approximation factors are 2 for WTAP by (Frederickson and JaJa, '81) and [EQUATION] for TAP due to (Kortsarz and Nutov, TALG '16). Adjashvili (SODA '17) recently presented an ≈ 1.96418 + ϵ-approximation algorithm for WTAP for the case where all link costs are bounded by a constant. This is the first approximation with a better guarantee than 2 that does not require restrictions on the structure of the tree or the links. In this paper, we improve Adjiashvili's approximation to a [EQUATION]-approximation for WTAP under the bounded cost assumption. We achieve this by introducing a strong LP that combines [EQUATION]-Chvatal-Gomory cuts for the standard LP for the problem with bundle constraints from Adjiashvili. We show that our LP can be solved efficiently and that it is exact for some instances that arise at the core of Adjiashvili's approach. This results in the improved performance guarantee of [EQUATION], which is asymptotically on par with the result by Kortsarz and Nutov. Our result also is the best-known LP-relative approximation algorithm for TAP.