Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Differential expression of MAG isoforms during development

The myelin‐associated glycoproteins (MAG) mediate the cell interactions of oligodendrocytes and Schwann cells with axons that are myelinated. MAG exists in two developmentally regulated isoforms: large MAG (L‐MAG) and small MAG (S‐MAG). In this paper, we have studied the tissue‐specific and developmentally regulated alternative splicing of these isoforms using monospecific antibodies that recognize epitopes common to both isoforms or that are present only on L‐MAG. In the central nervous system (CNS), L‐MAG is the major form synthesized early in development, and it persists as a significant proportion of the MAG present in the adult. In the peripheral nervous system (PNS), L‐MAG is expressed at modest levels during development; it is virtually absent in the adult. Thus, the expression of L‐MAG is not limited to the CNS, as was formerly believed, suggesting that it plays a common role during the early stages of myelin formation by both oligodendrocytes and Schwann cells. In both the CNS and PNS, S‐MAG is the predominant isoform in the adult. A higher‐molecular‐weight form of MAG is present in the PNS at low abundance, that is developmentally regulated, and appears to be a glycosylation variant. An analysis of the carbohydrate residues on MAG demonstrates that it contains both N‐linked and O‐linked sugars that could be modulated during development. These results suggest a possible mechanism for the regulation of MAG function during myelinogenesis via the expression of alternative isoforms and carbohydrate modifications.
Synergistic capture of Clostridium botulinum type A neurotoxin by scFv antibodies to novel epitopes

A non‐immune library of human single chain fragment variable (scFv) antibodies displayed on Saccharomyces cerevisiae was screened for binding to the Clostridium botulinum neurotoxin serotype A binding domain [BoNT/A (Hc)] with the goal of identifying scFv to novel epitopes. To do this, an antibody‐mediated labeling strategy was used in which antigen‐binding yeast clones were selected after labeling with previously characterized monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) specific to the Hc. Twenty unique scFv clones were isolated that bound Hc. Of these, 3 also bound to full‐length BoNT/A toxin complex with affinities ranging from 5 to 48 nM. Epitope binning showed that the three unique clones recognized at least two epitopes distinct from one another as well as from the detection MAbs. After production in E. coli, scFv were coupled to magnetic particles and tested for their ability to capture BoNT/A holotoxin using an Endopep‐MS assay. In this assay, toxin captured by scFv coated magnetic particles was detected by incubation of the complex with a peptide containing a BoNT/A‐specific cleavage sequence. Mass spectrometry was used to detect the ratio of intact peptide to cleavage products as evidence for toxin capture. When tested individually, each of the scFv showed a weak positive Endopep‐MS result. However, when the particles were coated with all three scFv simultaneously, they exhibited significantly higher Endopep‐MS activity, consistent with synergistic binding. These results demonstrate novel approaches toward the isolation and characterization of scFv antibodies specific to unlabeled antigens. They also provide evidence that distinct scFv antibodies can work synergistically to increase the efficiency of antigen capture onto a solid support. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2011;108: 2456–2467. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Multiwavelength self-seeded Fabry-Perot laser with subharmonic pulse-gating for two-dimensional fiber optic-CDMA

A new scheme using self-seeding in a gain-switched Fabry-Perot (F-P) laser with subharmonic pulse gating in an external cavity consisting of a string of fiber Bragg gratings (FBG) for incoherent two-dimensional fiber-optic code division multiple access applications is proposed and demonstrated experimentally. Three-wavelength optical pulses are generated sequentially with pulsewidths of 78 ps at a repetition rate of 250 MHz, and side-mode suppression ratio better than 20 dB. The FBG position deviation has been confirmed not to affect the laser operation if the resulting pulse position deviation is within the gating pulsewidth. The generated optical pulses are much more stable and intense than those obtained directly from the gain-switched F-P laser.
Iron-induced susceptibility effect at the globus pallidus causes underestimation of flow and volume on dynamic susceptibility contrast-enhanced MR perfusion images.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Age-related iron accumulation in extrapyramidal nuclei causes T2 shortening, which may result in decreased signal intensity in these areas on MR images. Because the dynamic susceptibility contrast-enhanced technique uses heavily T2*- or T2-weighted images, the iron-induced susceptibility may have direct impact on perfusion imaging. The purpose of this study was to assess the effect of iron-induced susceptibility on the calculated perfusion parameters. The difference of this effect between gradient-echo and spin-echo sequences was also assessed. METHODS Dynamic susceptibility contrast-enhanced MR perfusion imaging data of 12 patients were used for this study. Perfusion images were obtained using a single shot spin-echo echo-planar imaging sequence in seven patients and a gradient-echo echo-planar imaging sequence in five patients. Region of interest measurements of relative cerebral blood flow, relative cerebral blood volume, and mean transit time were obtained at various parts of the gray matter, including the globus pallidus, putamen, caudate nucleus, thalamus, and cerebral cortex of temporal, frontal, and occipital lobes. The baseline signal intensity on the source images and the magnitude of signal change (DeltaR2* or DeltaR2) were also assessed. RESULTS The globus pallidus had statistically significantly lower values of relative cerebral blood flow, relative cerebral blood volume, baseline signal intensity, and magnitude of signal change compared with other parts of the gray matter for both gradient-echo and spin-echo sequences (P <.05). Underestimations of these values were more prominent for the gradient-echo than for the spin-echo sequence. Little variance in the measured mean transit time was noted. CONCLUSION Iron-induced susceptibility effect may lead to underestimation of relative cerebral blood flow and relative cerebral blood volume in the basal ganglia.
Cloning, Sequencing, and High Level Expression of the Genes Encoding Adenosylcobalamin-dependent Glycerol Dehydrase of Klebsiella pneumoniae*

The gld genes encoding adenosylcobalamin-dependent glycerol dehydrase of Klebsiella pneumoniae were cloned by cross-hybridization with a DNA fragment of Klebsiella oxytoca diol dehydrase genes. Since the Escherichia coli clones isolated did not show appreciable enzyme activity, plasmids for high level expression of cloned genes were constructed. The enzyme expressed in E. coli was indistinguishable from the wild-type glycerol dehydrase of K. pneumoniae by the criteria of polyacrylamide gel electrophoretic, immunochemical, and catalytic properties. It was also shown that the recombinant functional enzyme consists of Mr 61,000, 22,000, and 16,000 subunits. Sequence analysis of the genes revealed four open reading frames separated by 2-12 bases. The sequential three open reading frames from the first to the third (gldA, gldB, and gldC genes) encoded polypeptides of 555, 194, and 141 amino acid residues with predicted molecular weights of 60,659(α), 21,355(β), and 16,104(γ), respectively. High level expression of these three genes in E. coli produced more than 14-fold higher level of fully active apoenzyme than that in K. pneumoniae. It was thus concluded that these are the genes encoding the subunits of glycerol dehydrase. The deduced amino acid sequences of the three subunits were 71, 58, and 54% identical with those of the α, β, and γ subunits of diol dehydrase, respectively, but failed to show any apparent homology with other proteins.
Bipolar Fresh Osteochondral Allograft for the Treatment of Hallux Rigidus

The term hallux rigidus is used to describe a condition characterized by pain and reduction of motion, especially in dorsiflexion, at the first metatarsophalangeal (1MTP) joint due to arthritis occurrence. The indication for surgery is pain combined with degenerative changes of the 1MTP joint. The surgical strategy has to be planned according to the degree of arthritis and is aimed to relieve pain, improve function, reduce the progression of arthritis, and correct any associated deformity. Although different surgical strategies have been proposed in order to spare the 1MTP joint, in the presence of end-stage arthritis, the most reliable solutions remain arthrodesis, interpositional arthroplasty, and prosthetic replacement. Arthrodesis provides satisfactory results for both patients and surgeons; nevertheless, it is not always well accepted by the patient. A possible alternative is a resorbable implant that during reabsorption forms fibrous tissue that maintains the stability and length of the toe. Prosthetic replacement of the 1MTP joint may represent an option but, despite a large number of different designs proposed over time, is prone to failure in the midterm and has a high rate of complications. Bipolar fresh osteochondral allograft (BFOA) was first used for the treatment of end-stage arthritis in the ankle joint and represents a fascinating option for biological joint reconstruction. The aim of this study was to describe 6 cases of total BFOA used for the treatment of hallux rigidus with endstage arthritis and to report the clinical and radiographic results obtained at a mean of 6 years of follow-up.
Human 75-kDa DNA-pairing Protein Is Identical to the Pro-oncoprotein TLS/FUS and Is Able to Promote D-loop Formation*

Homologous recombination plays a fundamental role in DNA double-strand break repair. Previously, we detected two mammalian nuclear proteins of 100 and 75 kDa (POMp100 and POMp75, respectively) that are able to promote homologous DNA pairing, a key step in homologous recombination. Here we describe the identification of human (h) POMp75 as the pro-oncoprotein TLS/FUS. hPOMp75/TLS binds both single- and double-stranded DNAs and mediates annealing of complementary DNA strands. More important, it promotes the uptake of a single-stranded oligonucleotide into a homologous superhelical DNA to form a D-loop. The formation of a D-loop is an essential step in DNA double-strand break repair through recombination. DNA annealing and D-loop formation catalyzed by hPOMp75/TLS require Mg2+ and are ATP-independent. Interestingly, the oncogenic fusion form TLS-CHOP is not able to promote DNA pairing. These data suggest a possible role for hPOMp75/TLS in maintenance of genomic integrity.
Glial Phosphorylated p38 MAP Kinase Mediates Pain in a Rat Model of Lumbar Disc Herniation and Induces Motor Dysfunction in a Rat Model of Lumbar Spinal Canal Stenosis

Study Design. Immunohistochemical and behavioral study using rat models of lumbar disc herniation and cauda equina syndrome. Objective. To investigate the expression of activated p38 mitogen-activated protein kinases (p38 MAP kinase; p38) in the spinal cord and to determine the effect of intrathecal administration of a specific p38 inhibitor on pain in a lumbar disc herniation model and on motor function and hypoalgesia in a spinal canal stenosis (SCS) model. Summary of Background Data. In pathologic lumbar disc herniation-induced neuropathic pain and compression of cauda equina-induced motor dysfunction and hypoalgesia caused by SCS, glia are activated and produce certain cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-&agr;) and interleukins, which play a crucial role in the pathogenesis of nerve degeneration. p38 is phosphorylated by these cytokines, suggesting that it may play an important role in pain transmission and nerve degeneration. Here we have examined the role of p38 in rat models of lumbar disc herniation and SCS. Methods. Six-week-old male Sprague-Dawley rats were used. For the disc herniation model, autologous nucleus pulposus was applied to L5 nerve roots, which were then crushed. For the SCS model, a piece of silicon was placed under the lamina of the fourth lumbar vertebra. We assessed mechanical allodynia, hypoalgesia, and motor function using von Frey hairs, treadmill tests, and immunohistochemical localization of phosphorylated p38 (P-p38) in the cauda equina, dorsal root ganglion (DRG), and spinal cord, which were also double-stained with NeuN (neuronal marker), GFAP (astrocyte/Schwann cell marker), or isolectin B4 (IB4; microglia marker). We also examined the effects of intrathecal administration of a specific p38 inhibitor, FR167653, on nucleus pulposus-induced pain, hypoalgesia, and motor dysfunction following SCS. Results. We demonstrated that activated P-p38-immunoreactive cells in the spinal cord and cauda equina were not observed before nerve injury but appeared in the cauda equina, DRG, and spinal dorsal horn in the disc herniation and SCS models. Double-labeling revealed that most P-p38-immunoreactive cells were isolectin B4-labeled microglia and GFAP-immunoreactive Schwann cells. Intrathecal administration of the p38 inhibitor FR167653 decreased mechanical allodynia in the disc herniation model and improved hypoalgesia and intermittent motor dysfunction in the SCS model. Conclusions. Our findings suggest that activated p38 may play an important role in the involvement of microglia in the pathophysiology of pain following lumbar disc herniation and mechanical hypoalgesia, and motor nerve dysfunction of cauda equina following SCS.
Prospective Evaluation of Efficacy and Toxicity of 5‐FU and Folinic Acid (Mayo Clinic Regimen) in Patients With Advanced Cancer of the Gallbladder

&NA; We evaluated the efficacy and toxicity of 5‐fluorouracil (5‐FU) and folinic acid (Mayo Clinic regimen) in previously untreated patients with advanced gallbladder cancer. Thirty patients with histologically confirmed adenocarcinoma of gallbladder were enrolled on this trial. All were symptomatic and had stage IV disease. Patients received 5‐FU 425 mg/m2 daily for 5 consecutive days preceded by folinic acid 20 mg/m2/d. Treatment cycles were repeated every 28 days. Only two patients (7%) achieved an objective response to therapy. Another 10 (33%) had stable disease. Median time to progression was 4.7 months, and median overall survival was 14.8 months. Toxicity was moderate, and one treatment‐related death occurred. In conclusion, 5‐FU and folinic acid (Mayo Clinic regimen) is ineffective in the management of patients with advanced gallbladder cancer, and further trials with this regimen are not recommended.
Altered pain behavior and regeneration after nerve injury in TNF receptor deficient mice

Abstract The pro‐inflammatory cytokine tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐alpha is an important mediator in hyperalgesia, nerve injury, and regeneration. Here, we used mice deficient of TNF receptor (TNFR) 1 or 2 to investigate the role of TNF signaling via receptor in each pain behavior and nerve de‐ and regeneration after chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve. We found an absence of thermal hyperalgesia in mice deficient of TNFR1 and a reduction in mechanical and cold allodynia in mice deficient of TNFR1 or TNFR2 compared with wild‐type mice. Nerve conduction studies and nerve pathology did not reveal major differences between genotypes in the temporal course of de‐ and regeneration of the nerve. We propose that the functional effects of the TNFRs on pain symptoms are independent of effects on nerve regeneration. Furthermore, the differential action of TNF via each of its receptors should be taken into account when considering clinical trials with TNF inhibitors for pain.
Forefoot Loading during 3 Athletic Tasks

Background Due to the popularity of soccer and the high incidence of injury among soccer players, it is valuable to know the effects of tasks like side cuts, crossover cuts, and forward acceleration on the foot. Purpose To determine the differences in forefoot loading during three different athletic tasks. Study Design Descriptive laboratory study. Methods Thirty-six subjects (17 women and 19 men) were tested. Subjects ran a slalom-style agility course 5 times while plantar pressure data was collected at 100 Hz. Plantar pressure was recorded under both feet; however, a right-foot contact was used in the analysis of the side-cut task, a left-foot plant was used in the analysis of the crossover cut, and an average of the 3 steps of acceleration were used in the analysis. The peak pressure, contact area, and contact time for the entire foot were compared between the 3 tasks. The force and the force-time integral were obtained during 5 trials for each of the 3 tasks. The foot was divided into 8 masked regions, which were used to determine the loading patterns specifically in the forefoot. Each variable was analyzed using a 1 × 3 analysis of variance to determine differences between the three movement tasks in the forefoot region (a = .05). Results Significant differences in peak pressure, contact area, and contact time existed between the movement tasks when examining the entire foot. In addition, significant differences in the force-time integral and peak pressure in the forefoot existed between the movement tasks. The force-time integral was highest during the side cut in the medial forefoot, hallux, and the lesser toes, while the force-time integral was highest during the crossover cut in the middle forefoot and the lateral forefoot. Similarly, the peak pressure was highest during the side cut in the medial forefoot, hallux, and the lesser toes, while peak pressure was highest in the middle forefoot during the acceleration task and highest in the lateral forefoot during the crossover-cutting task. Conclusions The results of this study demonstrated that the crossover cut places an increased load on the lateral portion of the forefoot, while the side-cut task places an increased load on the medial portion of the forefoot and the acceleration task places increased load on the middle forefoot. Clinical Relevance The differences in loading patterns based on athletic task are important for understanding potential injury mechanisms. In addition, this information could be important for defining a return to play protocol for athletes who have had specific injuries.
Patient-centered group diabetes care: A practice innovation

AbstractThe purpose of this project was to evaluate the efficacy of group diabetes care for an underserved population using a patient-centered approach with the inclusion of interactive diabetes self-management education. In place of the traditional office visit, patients attended three group visits. Improvements in diabetes knowledge and patient-perceived self-efficacy resulted.
Differential localization of protein kinase C isotypes in equine eosinophils and neutrophils

Phorbol esters, which activate protein kinase C (PKC), stimulate equine eosinophil superoxide production and adherence. After showing that superoxide production could be inhibited by the nonselective PKC inhibitors, staurosporine and bisindolymaleimide I, the PKC isotypes in equine eosinophils were characterized, because evidence suggests that individual isotypes may play distinct roles in regulating eosinophil function. Western blots demonstrated that equine eosinophils expressed PKC α, β, δ, ɛ, ι, and ζ. However, unlike the equine neutrophil, the majority of the PKC was detected in the particulate fraction of the cell. Despite this unusual location, the PKC in equine eosinophils was activatable, suggesting that it is functionally competent. The regulatory role of PKC in equine eosinophils may reflect the association of activity with the particulate fraction and the profile of isotype expression.
De la molécule à l'homme : recherche sur la quatrième dimension de la vie. : Energie, matière, information, sens

En associant la semiotique et la biologie, cette these veut donner un apercu exhaustif de l’efficience des signes dans la vie. L’approche se fonde sur les donnees biologiques qui sont directement utilisees pour etayer l’hypothese centrale de la presente recherche : la semiosis est produite a tous les niveaux de vie : les molecules, les cellules, les organes, les organismes et les especes. Un systeme biosemiotique necessite l’utilisation de signes et sert a l’auto-entretien de l’organisme. On l’interprete ici comme une composante modulaire d’un ensemble plus vaste doue de proprietes auto-organisatielles et auto-productives. Adoptant un point de vue developpemental sur la cognition, on soutient dans ce travail que les fonctions cognitives – appelees « controle semiotique » – co-existent avec la vie. Differencies selon leurs capacites cognitives, les organismes vivants creent des modeles de controle semiotique; les traits importants de la cognition humaine tels que les emotions et le langage caracterisent les formes complexes des manipulations de signes. Les sciences de la semiotique et de la biologie ne peuvent etre totalement comprises l’une sans l’autre. Dans cette these, en outre, un effort est fait pour relier diverses positions theoriques sur la biosemiotique afin de surmonter les limites des travaux specialises en leurs propres domaines. L’integration entre la semiotique et d’autres domaines scientifiques est encore a explorer.
Perceptions of athletic training services by collegiate student-athletes: a measurement of athlete satisfaction.

OBJECTIVE I evaluated the perceptions student-athletes had of their athletic trainers and of the medical coverage provided them by the athletic departments at their institutions. My intent was to assess differences between male and female athletes, between athletes of high-profile and low-profile sports, and between athletes who competed at the NCAA Division I and Division II levels. The research design was also directed at identifying any subgroup of student-athletes who demonstrated a significantly different perception toward their athletic trainer(s). DESIGN AND SETTING Questionnaires were sent to 32 athletic training programs at 28 NCAA Division I and II institutions. Eighteen of the 32 programs participated, yielding a 56% response. SUBJECTS A total of 343 student-athletes from 18 selected athletic programs at both the NCAA Division I and II levels participated. One questionnaire contained response errors and was not included in the analysis. MEASUREMENTS A questionnaire was developed and pilot tested at 3 collegiate settings apart from those participating in the study. Validity and reliability analyses were conducted and confirmed by additional professionals in the field of athletic training. Cumulative mean perception scores between groups were measured using independent t tests. Differences in scores between subgroups were measured using a 1-way analysis of variance. RESULTS I observed significant differences in mean cumulative perception scores between sex and sport-profile groups. Male athletes and athletes in high-profile sports demonstrated a higher mean perception score than did females and athletes in low-profile sports. There was no difference in scores when compared across athletic divisions. Subgroups of all the athletes participating were identified. Several subgroups demonstrated significant differences in mean cumulative perception scores. CONCLUSIONS Males and females in low-profile sports at Division II schools and females in high-profile sports at Division II schools had significantly lower mean perception scores than did other subgroups of athletes.