Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Isozyme-specific Interaction of Protein Kinase Cδ with Mitochondria Dissected Using Live Cell Fluorescence Imaging*

Background: PKCδ signaling to mitochondria affects cellular apoptosis and metabolism. Results: A structure-function study using FRET-based imaging reveals that PKCδ binds to and is active at mitochondria via multiple isozyme-specific determinants. Conclusion: Determinants unique to PKCδ drive an interaction with mitochondria distinct from canonical PKC translocation to membranes. Significance: Isozyme-specific interaction of PKCδ with mitochondria constitutes a novel recruitment mechanism and increases mitochondrial respiration. PKCδ signaling to mitochondria has been implicated in both mitochondrial apoptosis and metabolism. However, the mechanism by which PKCδ interacts with mitochondria is not well understood. Using FRET-based imaging, we show that PKCδ interacts with mitochondria by a novel and isozyme-specific mechanism distinct from its canonical recruitment to other membranes such as the plasma membrane or Golgi. Specifically, we show that PKCδ interacts with mitochondria following stimulation with phorbol esters or, in L6 myocytes, with insulin via a mechanism that requires two steps. In the first step, PKCδ translocates acutely to mitochondria by a mechanism that requires its C1A and C1B domains and a Leu-Asn sequence in its turn motif. In the second step, PKCδ is retained at mitochondria by a mechanism that depends on its C2 domain, a unique Glu residue in its activation loop, intrinsic catalytic activity, and the mitochondrial membrane potential. In contrast, of these determinants, only the C1B domain is required for the phorbol ester-stimulated translocation of PKCδ to other membranes. PKCδ also basally localizes to mitochondria and increases mitochondrial respiration via many of the same determinants that promote its agonist-evoked interaction. PKCδ localized to mitochondria has robust activity, as revealed by a FRET reporter of PKCδ-specific activity (δCKAR). These data support a model in which multiple determinants unique to PKCδ drive a specific interaction with mitochondria that promotes mitochondrial respiration.
Massive MIMO at night: On the operation of massive MIMO in low traffic scenarios

For both maximum ratio transmission (MRT) and zero forcing (ZF) precoding schemes and given any specific rate requirement the optimal transmit power, number of antennas to be used, number of users to be served and number of pilots spent on channel training are found with the objective to minimize the total consumed power at the base station. The optimization problem is solved by finding closed form expressions of the optimal transmit power and then search over the remaining discrete variables. The analysis consists of two parts, the first part investigates the situation when only power consumed in the RF amplifiers is considered. The second part includes both the power consumed in the RF amplifiers and in other transceiver circuits. In the former case having all antennas active while reducing the transmit power is optimal. Adaptive scheme to switch off some of the antennas at the base stations is found to be optimal in the latter case.
EFFECT OF HYDROPRIMING AND SOIL MOISTURE REGIMES ON YIELD AND YIELD COMPONENTS OF MAIZE ( Zea mays L . )

The experiment was conducted at the research field of Regional Agricultural Research Station, Jessore during two consecutive rabi seasons of 2008-2009 and 2009-2010 to find out the effect of hydropriming on the performance of maize seeds under variable soil moisture regimes. The treatments of the experiment were two priming methods viz., i) Hydropriming, ii) Non-priming and four moisture regimes viz., i) Wet condition, ii) Field capacity, iii) 75% of field capacity, and iv) 50% of field capacity. Results showed that yield and yield contributing characters (plant population/m 2 , number of cobs/m 2 , length of cob, diameter of cob, 100-grain weight) were influenced significantly by hydropriming. Yield and yield contributing characters were highest when hydroprimed seeds were sown at field capacity whereas it was the lowest at 75% of field capacity from nonprimed seeds. Days to tasseling, days to silking, and days to maturity were reduced when hydroprimed seeds were sown at field capacity. At 50% of field capacity, no germination was occurred.
Dexmedetomidine: An Updated Review

Objective: To review recent literature on the safety and efficacy of dexmedetomidine. Data Sources: Articles were identified through searches of MEDLINE (1966–January 2007). Key words included dexmedetomidine, medetomidine, α2-agonist, and sedation. References from selected articles were reviewed for additional references. Study Selection and Data Extraction: Experimental and observational studies that focused on the safety and efficacy of dexmedetomidine in humans were selected. Data Synthesis: Dexmedetomidine is an α2-agonist for short-term sedation in critically ill patients. In postoperative patients, dexmedetomidine produced similar levels of sedation and times to extubation, with less opioid requirements compared with propofol. Dexmedetomidine has also been studied for sedation in critically ill medical and pediatric patients, as adjunct to anesthesia, and for procedural sedation. Hypotension, hypertension, and bradycardia are common adverse effects. Although dexmedetomidine is labeled only for sedation less than 24 hours, it has been administered for longer than 24 hours without apparent development of rebound hypertension and tachycardia. Conclusions: Dexmedetomidine is a safe and effective agent for sedation in critically ill patients. Further, well designed studies are needed to define its role as a sedative for critically ill medical, neurosurgical, and pediatric patients, as an adjunct to anesthesia, and as a sedative during procedures.
Use of MALDI-TOF Mass Spectrometry for the Fast Identification of Gram-Positive Fish Pathogens

Gram-positive cocci, such as Streptococcus agalactiae, Lactococcus garvieae, Streptococcus iniae, and Streptococcus dysgalactiae subsp. dysgalactiae, are found throughout the world, particularly in outbreaks in farmed fish, and are thus associated with high economic losses, especially in the cultivation of Nile Tilapia. The aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization (MALDI)-time of flight (TOF) mass spectrometry (MS) as an alternative for the diagnosis of these pathogens. One hundred and thirty-one isolates from Brazilian outbreaks assisted by the national authority were identified using a MALDI Biotyper from Bruker Daltonics. The results showed an agreement with respect to identification (Kappa = 1) between this technique and 16S ribosomal RNA gene sequencing for S. agalactiae and L. garvieae. However, for S. iniae and S. dysgalactiae subsp. dysgalactiae, perfect agreement was only achieved after the creation of a custom main spectra profile, as well as further comparisons with 16S ribosomal RNA and multilocus sequence analysis. MALDI-TOF MS was shown to be an efficient technology for the identification of these Gram-positive pathogens, yielding a quick and precise diagnosis.
Refractive Error and Ocular Parameters: Comparison of Two SD-OCT Systems

Purpose Spectral domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) was used to examine the influence of refractive error (RE) on foveal retinal and choroidal thicknesses and scleral canal width (SCW). The performance of the Cirrus and Bioptigen spectral domain OCT instruments was compared in the same eyes. Methods Both eyes of 40 healthy human subjects, aged 22 to 38 years, were dilated and imaged, with the Cirrus OCT, using 6-mm five-line rasters collapsed into one line, one centered on the fovea and one bisecting the optic nerve head. Seventy-two of the same eyes were imaged with the Bioptigen OCT, using 6- by 6-mm scans, one centered on the fovea and one on the optic nerve head. Subfoveal retinal and choroidal thicknesses and SCW were measured. Axial lengths (ALs) and REs were obtained using an IOLMaster and a Grand Seiko autorefractor, respectively. Results Only right eyes were included in analyses. Spherical equivalent REs ranged from −12.18 to +8.12 diopters (mean [±SD], −3.44 [±4.06] diopters), and ALs ranged from 20.56 to 29.17 mm (mean [±SD], 24.86 [±1.91] mm). Myopia was associated with relatively thin choroids at the fovea (p < 0.05) but normal retinal thickness. Scleral canal width was significantly correlated with AL as measured with the Bioptigen OCT (p < 0.05). Retinal and choroidal thicknesses recorded with the Bioptigen OCT tended to be smaller than values obtained with the Cirrus OCT (mean difference, 5.63 and 24.76 &mgr;m, respectively), whereas the converse was true for the SCW (mean difference, 25.45 &mgr;m). Conclusions The finding that high myopes tend to have a thinner subfoveal choroid is consistent with previous studies. That high myopia was linked to enlarged scleral canals may help to explain the increased risk of glaucoma in myopia. Observed differences obtained with the Cirrus and Bioptigen instruments urge caution in comparing results collected with different instruments.
Effect of plasma rich in growth factors on alveolar osteitis

Introduction: The high prevalence of dry socket or alveolar osteitis (AO) is of concern in surgical removal of third molars. The aim of the present study was to assess the preventive effect of plasma rich in growth factors (PRGF) on AO and also its effect on pain management and healing acceleration in third molar extraction sockets of high-risk patients. Materials and Methods: This split-mouth, double-blind clinical trial included 40 bilateral third molar extractions (80 sockets) with at least one identified risk factor for AO. PRGF was obtained from patient's own blood, based on manufacturer's instruction, and blindly placed in one of the two bilateral sockets (PRGF group; n = 20) of each patient. The contralateral socket was treated with a placebo (control group; n = 20). Samples were evaluated for AO and pain incidence on days 2, 3 and 4 and healing and infection on days 3 and 7. Data were analyzed in SPSS v16 using Wilcoxon test. Results: There was a significant difference in dry socket and pain incidence and healing rate between the two groups. Intensity of pain and occurrence of dry socket in the study group was lower than the controls. Also the healing rate was higher (P < 0.05) for the PRGF group. No sign of infection was seen in either group. Conclusion: The application of PRGF may significantly reduce the incidence of AO or its associated pain and may accelerate healing. The prophylactic use of PRGF following third molar extraction may be suggested especially in the patients at risk of AO.
Seasonal Variation in Asthma-Related Hospital and Intensive Care Unit Admissions

Seasonal trends in asthma-related hospitalizations are widely recognized; however, little is known about trends in asthma-related intensive care unit (ICU) admissions or intubations. The objective of this study is to examine monthly rates of asthma-related ICU admissions and/or intubations as a percent of total asthma-related admissions and to identify seasonality. This analysis was performed in a database of 285 hospitals representing > 3 million annual inpatient visits. Asthma-related hospital admissions for patients aged 5 and older were identified with a primary diagnosis of asthma (493.xx) during calendar years 2001–2002. The percents of the total admissions per month were compared. Monthly means were calculated and data were presented as moving averages. A total of 76,916 hospital admissions were identified with a primary diagnosis of asthma. Just over 10% (n = 7,803) were admitted to the ICU and/or intubated, with the majority among patients > 35 years of age (> 70%). A peak in asthma-related hospitalizations occurred in the winter months (10.3%) and a nadir in the summer months (5.9%; p < 0.004) with similar trends for ICU admissions. Despite this finding, ICU admissions and intubations remained relatively constant as a percent of total asthma-related hospitalizations, ranging from 9.2 to 10.9% and did not dip during the summer months when the overall asthma-related hospitalization rates were lowest. Significant differences in seasonal variation were also noted by age group and by region, but not by gender. These findings suggest a need for year-round vigilance and improved compliance with asthma therapy, especially during the summer when asthma attacks are perceived to be infrequent.
Differential Temporal and Spatial Regulation of Somatostatin Receptor Phosphorylation and Dephosphorylation*

The Gi-coupled somatostatin 2A receptor (sst2A) mediates many of the neuromodulatory and neuroendocrine actions of somatostatin (SS) and is targeted by the SS analogs used to treat neuroendocrine tumors. As for other G protein-coupled receptors, agonists stimulate sst2A receptor phosphorylation on multiple residues, and phosphorylation at different sites has distinct effects on receptor internalization and uncoupling. To elucidate the spatial and temporal regulation of sst2A receptor phosphorylation, we examined agonist-stimulated phosphorylation of multiple receptor GPCR kinase sites using phospho-site-specific antibodies. SS increased receptor phosphorylation sequentially, first on Ser-341/343 and then on Thr-353/354, followed by receptor internalization. Reversal of receptor phosphorylation was determined by the duration of prior agonist exposure. In acutely stimulated cells, in which most receptors remained on the cell surface, dephosphorylation occurred only on Thr-353/354. In contrast, both Ser-341/343 and Thr-353/354 were rapidly dephosphorylated when cells were stimulated long enough to allow receptor internalization before agonist removal. Consistent with these observations, dephosphorylation of Thr-353/354 was not affected by either hypertonic sucrose or dynasore, which prevent receptor internalization, whereas dephosphorylation of Ser-341/343 was completely blocked. An okadaic acid- and fostriecin-sensitive phosphatase catalyzed the dephosphorylation of Thr-353/354 both intracellularly and at the cell surface. In contrast, dephosphorylation of Ser-341/343 was insensitive to these inhibitors. Our results show that the phosphorylation and dephosphorylation of neighboring GPCR kinase sites in the sst2A receptor are subject to differential spatial and temporal regulation. Thus, the pattern of receptor phosphorylation is determined by the duration of agonist stimulation and compartment-specific enzymatic activity.
Hyperphosphaturia and Hypermagnesuria in Children With IDDM

Urinary excretion of calcium, inorganic phosphorus, magnesium, glucose, and creatinine was measured in first-void spot urine samples collected 4 days apart in 220 insulin-dependent diabetic (IDDM) children (mean age 11.9 yr) attending a summer camp. A single control urine sample was obtained from 33 healthy nondiabetic siblings (mean age 11.2 yr). Mean ± SD urinary calciumcreatinine ratios (UCa/cr) did not significantly differ between IDDM and control subjects (0.14 ± 0.09 vs. 0.12 ± 0.09, respectively, P = 0.156). Mean urinary magnesium-creatinine ratios (UMg/Cr) were elevated in IDDM compared with control subjects (0.15 ± 0.06 vs. 0.08 ± 0.03, respectively, P = 0.0001). Similarly, mean urinary phosphorus-creatinine ratios (UP/cr) were significantly increased over those in control subjects (1.12 ± 0.33 vs. 0.40 ± 0.22, respectively, P = 0.0001). Uca/cr′ UMg/Cr′, and Up/Cr were correlated with increasing mean urine glucose content (P = 0.0001). No correlations were found when Uca/cr′ UMg/Cr′, or Up/Cr were compared with patient age, duration of diabetes, glycosylated hemoglobin, or insulin dosage. Urine losses of phosphorus and magnesium were present even when glycemic control was considered good by several methods (glycosylated hemoglobin, short-term glycemic index, or urinary glucose content). Glomerular hyperfiltration was unable to account for increased urinary mineral content. In conclusion, the data indicate that urinary excretion of phosphorus and magnesium is elevated in children with IDDM, regardless of glycemic control. In the presence of glucosuria, this loss is further enhanced. Urinary calcium excretion is significantly higher only during periods of glucosuria. The data suggest that children with IDDM could be at risk for mineral deficiencies in the absence of intensive insulin management.
Conservative En Bloc Surgery for Aggressive Angiomyxoma Achieves Good Local Control: Analysis of 14 Patients From a Single Institution

Background The purpose of this study was to assess the value of conservative surgery in aggressive angiomyxoma (AA) in our institutional series. Method This was a retrospective review of patients with AA treated at our institution between 1999 and 2010. Results Fourteen consecutive patients were analyzed: 8 primary tumors and 6 recurrences. Female/male ratio was 13:1; median female age was 36 years. Median size of primary lesions was 12 cm (range, 7–17 cm). Median size of recurrences was 20.5 cm (range, 3–44 cm). Twelve patients were operated on. Two asymptomatic patients whose surgery would have been mutilating were placed under wait and see. Four patients had concomitant visceral resections because of massive infiltration. No tumor rupture was recorded on pathological examination. Margins were R0 (n = 2), R1 (n = 10), and R2 (n = 0). Seven patients (50%) received radiotherapy. Median postoperative follow-up was 69 months, and no patient was lost at follow-up. All patients operated on (primaries and recurrences) had no evidence of recurrence. Conclusion Conservative and planned en bloc surgery achieves good local control with low morbidity. Radiotherapy could enhance local control in advanced disease. Wait and see is an exploratory option for asymptomatic, stable, and nonprogressing AA in which surgery would be mutilating.
Isolation and characterization of a plasmid from phase I Coxiella burnetii

The DNA from the Nine Mile phase I strain of Coxiella burnetti, the etiological agent of Q fever, has been isolated and purified by cesium chloride-ethidium bromide density gradient centrifugation. A fraction of this DNA has a density characteristic of plasmid DNA. The plasmid DNA was cut with 20 different restriction endonucleases and shown to be a discrete entity. The plasmid, designated QpH1, is approximately 36 kilobases in size and has a molecular mass of 2.4 x 10(7) daltons. A partial restriction map of QpH1 has been constructed by using the restriction endonucleases SalI, KpnI, PstI, and XbaI. QpH1 DNA radioactively labeled by nick translation was used to show that sequences similar to the plasmid are also present in the phase II antigenic variant of C. burnetii.
The perspectives of patients, family members and healthcare professionals on readmissions: preventable or inevitable?

Abstract An understanding of what complex medical patients with chronic conditions, family members and healthcare professionals perceive to be the key reasons for the readmission is important to preventing their occurrence. In this context, we undertook a study to understand the perceptions of patients, family members and healthcare professionals regarding the reasons for, and preventability of, readmissions. An exploratory case design with semi-structured interviews was conducted with 49 participants, including patients, family members, nurses, case managers, physicians, discharge planners from a general internal medicine unit at a large and academic hospital. Data were analyzed using a directed content analysis approach that involved three investigators. Two contrasting themes emerged from the analysis of interview data set. The first theme was readmissions as preventable occurrences. Our analyses elucidated contributing factors to readmissions during the patients’ hospital stay and after the patients were discharged. The second theme was readmissions as inevitable, occurring due to the progression of disease. Our study findings indicate that some readmissions are perceived to be inevitable due to the burden of disease while others are perceived to be preventable and associated with factors both in hospital and post-discharge. Continued interprofessional efforts are required to identify patients at risk for readmission and to organize and deliver care to improve health outcomes after hospitalization.
Pulse dye densitometry and indocyanine green plasma disappearance: the issue of "normal" values.

We agree with Kopp et al. that the ALARA (as low as reasonably achievable) concept must be considered in pediatric fluoroscopic imaging. Of course, in our study we obtained consent from the parents of the children after explaining details of the study and radiation exposure. The genital area was protected from radiation by a lead plate during fluoroscopy using a new pulsed unit from Phillips (Eindhoven, The Netherlands). The study by Cohen described possible radiation exposure variations as much as 3486% and 4479% with the maximum magnification, greatest pulse rate, intensifier high, grid in, and greatest intensifier exposure rate. We believe that the exposure variations were not as great because we did not alter the basal magnification setting and used the lowest pulse rate, grid out, and lowest intensifier exposure rate. The exposure frequency to obtain 1 image (exposure rate) was 1 or 2, and overall duration of fluoroscopy was 30 seconds. However, because the average estimated entrance surface dose (ESD) and dose area product increases with age, the ESD also increases in children in comparison with adults; we investigated the ESD in 5 randomly selected children in our previous study. The ESD was 0.05 to 0.26 mSv, which was less than the results of a United Kingdom nationwide survey in 2005. Although our procedures did not diverge from the ALARA concept when we substituted the procedure to the flow diagram for managing patient dose by Strauss and Kaste, we believe that the radiation exposure should be strictly limited in children.
A 10-Year, Single Tertiary Care Center Experience on the Durability of Infliximab in Pediatric Inflammatory Bowel Disease

Background:Despite increasing use of infliximab (IFX) in children with Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC), long-term durability and safety of IFX beyond 1 year is limited in pediatric inflammatory bowel disease. Methods:We performed a 10-year single-center retrospective cohort study of 188 patients initiating IFX at <21 years of age with 1-year minimum follow-up. Data were retrieved from medical records. IFX outcomes were defined as sustained remission in the absence of dose modification (sustained durable remission), recaptured response, and treatment failure. Adverse events, anti-infliximab antibodies (ATI), and role of concomitant low-dose oral methotrexate (<10 mg/wk) on IFX durability were analyzed. Univariate associations and survival analysis were performed. Results:As of the last follow-up, 39% of patients with CD and 29% of patients with UC achieved sustained durable remission and another 60% recaptured and maintained response. For CD, 88% remained on IFX at 1 year, 80% at 2 years, and 82% at 5 years. In UC, 70% avoided colectomy at 1 year. Of IFX failures, 25% with CD and 11% with UC developed ATI. The most common adverse event causing cessation of therapy was infusion reactions. Treatment limiting recurrent infections occurred in <1%, and 1 patient developed lymphoproliferative disease. Low-dose methotrexate did not influence any IFX outcomes. Conclusions:IFX is safe and effective for long-term maintenance therapy in pediatric patients with inflammatory bowel disease. IFX dose intensification can optimize durability and overcome loss of response. Loss of response is likely affected by development of ATI. Higher doses of oral methotrexate may be needed to optimize IFX.