Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Relaxin Depresses Small Bowel Motility Through a Nitric Oxide-Mediated Mechanism. Studies in Mice1

Abstract Gastrointestinal motility is reduced and the incidence of functional gastrointestinal disorders is increased in pregnancy, possibly due to hormonal influences. This study aims to clarify whether the hormone relaxin, which attains high circulating levels during pregnancy and has a nitric oxide-mediated relaxant action on vascular and uterine smooth muscle, also reduces bowel motility and, if it does, whether nitric oxide is involved. Female mice in proestrous or estrous were treated for 18 h with relaxin (1 μg s.c.) or vehicle (controls). Isolated ileal preparations from both groups were used to record contractile activity, either basal or after acute administration of relaxin (5 × 10−8 M). Drugs inhibiting nitric oxide biosynthesis or neurotransmission were used in combination with relaxin. Expression of nitric oxide synthase isoforms by the ileum was assessed by immunocytochemistry and Western blot analysis. Relaxin caused a clear-cut decay of muscle tension and a reduction in amplitude of spontaneous contractions upon either chronic administration to mice or acute addition to isolated ileal preparations. These effects were significantly blunted by NG-nitro-l-arginine, but not by the neural blockers we used. Moreover, relaxin increased the expression of nitric oxide synthases II and III, but not synthase I. Relaxin markedly inhibits ileal motility in mice by exerting a direct action on smooth muscle through the activation of intrinsic nitric oxide biosynthesis.
Suppression of Cell Division by pKi-67 Antisense-RNA and Recombinant Protein

The human antigen defined by the monoclonal antibody Ki-67 (pKi-67) is a human nuclear protein strongly associated with cell proliferation and found in all tissues studied. It is widely used as a marker of proliferating cells, yet its function is unknown. To investigate its function we suppressed pKi-67 expression by antisense RNA and overexpressed a partial structure of pKi-67 in HeLa cells. A BrdU-incorporation assay showed a significant decrease in DNA synthesis after antisense inhibition. Cell cycle analysis indicated a higher proportion of cells in G1 phase and a lower proportion of cells in S phase while the number of G2/M phase cells remained constant. Overexpression of a recombinant protein encoding three of the repetitive elements from exon 13 of pKi-67 had a similar effect to that obtained by antisense inhibition.The similarity of the effect of expressing ''Ki-67 repeats'' and pKi-67 antisense RNA could be explained by a negative effect on the folding of the endogenous protein in the endoplasmatic reticulum. Furthermore excessive self-association of pKi-67 via the repeat structure could inhibit its nuclear transport, preventing it from getting to its presumptive site of action. We conclude that the Ki-67 protein has an important role in the regulation of the cell cycle, which is mediated in part by its repetitive elements.
Distribution of Major Genotypes among Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Clones in Asian Countries

ABSTRACT To investigate the evolutionary pattern and genotypic characteristics of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) strains in the Asian region, 74 MRSA strains isolated from 12 Asian countries were analyzed by multilocus sequence typing (MLST) and SCCmec typing. Overall, a total of 16 genotypes based on sequence type and SCCmec types were identified among MRSA strains from Asian countries. Data revealed two major genotypes of MRSA strains in Asia, with unique geographic distributions. By MLST analysis, all strains from Korea and Japan except one belonged to clonal complex 5 (CC5) while most MRSA isolates from other Asian countries belonged to CC239. SCCmec typing showed that most isolates from Korea and Japan were SSmec type II whereas SCCmec type III (or IIIA) was the most common type in strains from other Asian countries. Our data documented a unique geographic distribution and evolutionary pattern of MRSA clones in Asia.
Eye-Hand Coordination during Visuomotor Adaptation with Different Rotation Angles

This study examined adaptive changes of eye-hand coordination during a visuomotor rotation task. Young adults made aiming movements to targets on a horizontal plane, while looking at the rotated feedback (cursor) of hand movements on a monitor. To vary the task difficulty, three rotation angles (30°, 75°, and 150°) were tested in three groups. All groups shortened hand movement time and trajectory length with practice. However, control strategies used were different among groups. The 30° group used proportionately more implicit adjustments of hand movements than other groups. The 75° group used more on-line feedback control, whereas the 150° group used explicit strategic adjustments. Regarding eye-hand coordination, timing of gaze shift to the target was gradually changed with practice from the late to early phase of hand movements in all groups, indicating an emerging gaze-anchoring behavior. Gaze locations prior to the gaze anchoring were also modified with practice from the cursor vicinity to an area between the starting position and the target. Reflecting various task difficulties, these changes occurred fastest in the 30° group, followed by the 75° group. The 150° group persisted in gazing at the cursor vicinity. These results suggest that the function of gaze control during visuomotor adaptation changes from a reactive control for exploring the relation between cursor and hand movements to a predictive control for guiding the hand to the task goal. That gaze-anchoring behavior emerged in all groups despite various control strategies indicates a generality of this adaptive pattern for eye-hand coordination in goal-directed actions.
The Therapeutic Potential of the Humoral Pattern Recognition Molecule PTX3 in Chronic Lung Infection Caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa

Chronic lung infections by Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains are a major cause of morbidity and mortality in cystic fibrosis (CF) patients. Although there is no clear evidence for a primary defect in the immune system of CF patients, the host is generally unable to clear P. aeruginosa from the airways. PTX3 is a soluble pattern recognition receptor that plays nonredundant roles in the innate immune response to fungi, bacteria, and viruses. In particular, PTX3 deficiency is associated with increased susceptibility to P. aeruginosa lung infection. To address the potential therapeutic effect of PTX3 in P. aeruginosa lung infection, we established persistent and progressive infections in mice with the RP73 clinical strain RP73 isolated from a CF patient and treated them with recombinant human PTX3. The results indicated that PTX3 has a potential therapeutic effect in P. aeruginosa chronic lung infection by reducing lung colonization, proinflammatory cytokine levels (CXCL1, CXCL2, CCL2, and IL-1β), and leukocyte recruitment in the airways. In models of acute infections and in in vitro assays, the prophagocytic effect of PTX3 was maintained in C1q-deficient mice and was lost in C3- and Fc common γ-chain–deficient mice, suggesting that facilitated recognition and phagocytosis of pathogens through the interplay between complement and FcγRs are involved in the therapeutic effect mediated by PTX3. These data suggested that PTX3 is a potential therapeutic tool in chronic P. aeruginosa lung infections, such as those seen in CF patients.
Statistical Model for the Forecast of Hydropower Production in Ecuador

The main sources of electricity generation are hydroelectric and thermo-fossil type in Ecuador. Gross hydroelectric production have sometimes exceeded 50% of national production. However, this type of hydroelectric is often threatened by droughts and their effect on the water reservoirs which our country has experienced on some occasions, such as in 2009. On the other hand, the National Plan for Good Living 2013-2017, in conjunction with the National Master Plan for Electrification 2013-2022, has planned new hydroelectric generation projects, which are expected to exceed 90% of the national balance. The objective of this article is to model the monthly production of hydroelectric energy for prediction purposes, by implementing five stochastic process models on a historical series of monthly hydroelectric energy production in Ecuador, during the period 2000-2015. The results show that the model that best fit the data of this time series is the ARIMA model (1, 1, 1)x(0, 0, 1) 12 with seasonality. This model shows that the energy monthly production can be forecasted to one and twelve months. The range used was from 2000 to 2014 and it was validated with data from January to December of 2015. With this model, the forecast is made for the year 2020, proving an increase of monthly production. The real values are in the confidence interval of the predicted values of the ARIMA model with annual seasonality. This model will help to describe and predict hydroelectric energy generation of Ecuador. In other words, it could be used in future planning studies of the electric sector.
The Effects of Myostatin on Adipogenic Differentiation of Human Bone Marrow-derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Are Mediated through Cross-communication between Smad3 and Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathways*

The effects of myostatin on adipogenic differentiation are poorly understood, and the underlying mechanisms are unknown. We determined the effects of human recombinant myostatin protein on adipogenesis of bone marrow-derived human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) and adipose tissue-derived preadipocytes. For both progenitor cell types, differentiation in the presence of myostatin caused a dose-dependent reduction of lipid accumulation and diminished incorporation of exogenous fatty acid into cellular lipids. Myostatin significantly down-regulated the expression of adipocyte markers PPARγ, C/EBPα, leptin, and aP2, but not C/EBPβ. Overexpression of PPARγ, but not C/EBPβ, blocked the inhibitory effects of myostatin on adipogenesis. Myostatin induced phosphorylation of Smad3 in hMSCs; knockdown of Smad3 by RNAi or inhibition of its upstream kinase by an Alk5 inhibitor blocked the inhibitory effect of myostatin on adipogenesis in hMSCs, implying an important role of Smad3 activation in this event. Furthermore, myostatin enhanced nuclear translocation of β-catenin and formation of the Smad3-β-catenin-TCF4 complex, together with the altered expression of a number of Wnt/β-catenin pathway genes in hMSCs. The inhibitory effects of myostatin on adipogenesis were blocked by RNAi silencing of β-catenin and diminished by overexpression of dominant-negative TCF4. The conclusion is that myostatin inhibited adipogenesis in human bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells and preadipocytes. These effects were mediated, in part, by activation of Smad3 and cross-communication of the TGFβ/Smad signal to Wnt/β-catenin/TCF4 pathway, leading to down-regulation of PPARγ.
Root surface strain during canal shaping and its influence on apical microcrack development: a preliminary investigation.

AIM To determine the root surface strain (RSS) generated during root canal shaping and its effects on apical microcrack development. METHODOLOGY Twenty-five extracted human mandibular premolars were selected and decoronated. The teeth were instrumented with either the ProTaper (PT) or WaveOne (WO) (Dentsply Maillefer) NiTi rotary systems (n = 10 per group) or used as controls (n = 5). Instrumented root canals were enlarged to ProTaper F4 (size 40, 0.06 taper) or using WaveOne LARGE (size 40, 0.08 taper) instruments according to the manufacturer's instructions. An electrical strain gage (KFG02-120-C1-16, Kyowa Dengyo, Tokyo, Japan) was fixed on the proximal root surface and connected to a strain amplifier via a bridge box in order to measure RSS. During canal shaping, the strain output of the amplifier was recorded. The instantaneous RSS induced by each instrument and the maximum RSSs were determined. All teeth were then stained with contrast media and imaged with micro-computed tomography (micro-CT) at an isotropic resolution of 10 μm to detect microcracks. The mean maximum RSS values (microstrain) and mean number of microcracks recorded for both groups were tested for statistical significance using Mann-Whitney U-test. Presence/absence of microcracks in both groups was compared by chi-square tests. RESULTS Increased baseline RSS from strain accumulation during canal shaping was observed, with similar maximum RSS (mean ± SD) for PT (416.6 ± 185.1 μstrain) and WO (398.2 ± 163.8 μstrain) (P = 0.94). The interevaluator reliability for microcrack detection using micro-CT had a kappa value of 0.998. Compared to the PT group, there was a trend for fewer samples with microcracks in the WO group (P = 0.051). On the micro-CT images, apical microcracks were detected in 20 PT and 11 WO samples (P = 0.10). The microcracks were observed in the buccolingual direction in all WO and 81% of PT samples. No vertical root fractures were found. The maximum RSS obtained during canal shaping was poorly correlated with the number of microcracks found (R(2) = 0.093). CONCLUSIONS Based on these preliminary data, canal shaping appears to cause apical microcracks regardless of the type of rotary instrument motion. Contrast-enhanced micro-CT was able to identify microcracks in roots.
Glyceraldehyde 3-phosphate dehydrogenase is required for band 3 (anion exchanger 1) membrane residency in the mammalian kidney

The mammalian kidney isoform of the essential chloride-bicarbonate exchanger AE1 differs from its erythrocyte counterpart, being shorter at its N terminus. It has previously been reported that the glycolytic enzyme GAPDH interacts only with erythrocyte AE1, by binding to the portion not found in the kidney isoform. (Chu H, Low PS. Biochem J 400:143–151, 2006). We have identified GAPDH as a candidate binding partner for the C terminus of both AE1 and AE2. We show that full-length AE1 and GAPDH coimmunoprecipitated from both human and rat kidney as well as from Madin-Darby canine kidney (MDCK) cells stably expressing kidney AE1, while in human liver, AE2 coprecipitated with GAPDH. ELISA and glutathione S-transferase (GST) pull-down assays using GST-tagged C-terminal AE1 fusion protein confirmed that the interaction is direct; fluorescence titration revealed saturable binding kinetics with Kd 2.3 ± 0.2 μM. Further GST precipitation assays demonstrated that the D902EY residues in the D902EYDE motif located within the C terminus of AE1 are important for GAPDH binding. In vitro GAPDH activity was unaffected by C-terminal AE1 binding, unlike in erythrocytes. Also, differently from red cell N-terminal binding, GAPDH-AE1 C-terminal binding was not disrupted by phosphorylation of AE1 in kidney AE1-expressing MDCK cells. Importantly, small interfering RNA knockdown of GAPDH in these cells resulted in significant intracellular retention of AE1, with a concomitant reduction in AE1 at the cell membrane. These results indicate differences between kidney and erythrocyte AE1/GAPDH behavior and show that in the kidney, GAPDH is required for kidney AE1 to achieve stable basolateral residency.
Firms' Expectations of New Orders, Employment, Costs and Prices: Evidence from Micro Data

Firms' expectations play a central role in forward-looking macroeconomic models, but little is known empirically about how these are formed or whether they matter. Using a novel panel data set of firms' expectations about new orders, employment, unit costs, prices and wage rates for the United Kingdom, we document a range of stylized facts about the properties of firms' expectations and their relationship with recent pricing decisions. Expected future price and wage growth are influenced by firm-specific and aggregate factors. Price expectations are more correlated with cost and inflation indicators, wage expectations are more correlated with activity indicators. Expectations of new orders are influenced by aggregate conditions, while expected employment and unit costs seem to be influenced more by firm-specific factors. We also provide micro evidence to support the idea that actual price movements are influenced by expected future price movements, although firms' expectations do not seem to be fully rational.
Driving Policy of Higher Education in Nigeria Towards Relevance

The educational system of a country remains the main source of human resources that when combinedin the right quantity and quality would bring about the development of a nation (Nelson, 2002; Saint,2002; Tettey, 2002; Nunn, 2005; Mouton, Boshoff, Kulati & Teng-Zeng, 2007). The implication of this isthat the level of national development depends upon the quantity and quality of its human resourceswhich in turn depend on the type of the educational system in operation.
Effect of infliximab on the glycosylation of IgG of patients with rheumatoid arthritis

In patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA) a decrease in the terminal galactose content of N‐linked glycans of the Fc region of agalactosyl immunoglobulin G (IgG) (G0) occurs. The aim of this study was to evaluate, for the first time, the effect of infliximab, a new monoclonal antibody for the treatment of RA, on this phenomenon. A total of 19 patients with active RA were treated with intravenous infliximab (3 mg/kg) in combination with methotrexate (MTX) (10–20 mg). IgG was purified from their serum by caprylic acid. Analysis of IgG glycosylation was performed by lectin blotting/immunoblotting and enzyme linked lectin assay (ELLA)/enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) using the Griffonia (bandeiraea) simplicifolia lectin II and protein‐A/alkaline phosphatase. The purity of IgG samples obtained was higher than 90%. The sensitivity of the lectin/immunoblotting method was of about 0.25 µg of IgG. The inter‐ and intraassay coefficients of variation (CV) were 1.3% and 9.0% for lectin blotting, and 4.6% and 8.3% for immunoblotting, respectively. The sensitivity of the ELLA/ELISA approach was 0.025 µg/µL and the inter‐ and intraassay CV were 6.2% and 7.7% for ELLA, and 5.1% and 14.1% for ELISA, respectively. A good linear correlation (r2=0.18, P<0.05) was obtained between the two different experimental approaches. A decrease of G0 was observed in patients who clinically improved (according to the American College of Rheumatology criteria) following the pharmacological treatment. Our data indicate that infliximab can reduce the concentration of G0 in patients with active RA. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 21:303–314, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Grid Security Through Delegation of Roles

Grid delegation is the process by which a user endows a grid-enabled program with the authority to the requisition and use of computational resources on behalf of the user. The large and geographically distributed, dynamic, heterogeneous and scalable grid environment poses unique delegation requirements. Presently the standard mechanisms to guide grid delegation are inadequate in their support for delegation. Since Globus tool kit-supported credential delegation is inadequate in a dynamic grid environment, a new conceptual model is required to effectively formulate grid delegation requirements. Viewing grid delegation as an authorization issue, we present a flexible framework called role-based grid delegation model (RB-GDM) for delegating access rights through roles in grids. It supports inter-domain and intra-domain role-based delegation in grids
ALK-immunoreactive neoplasms.

CONTEXT Since the first discovery of anaplastic lymphoma kinase (ALK) in anaplastic large cell lymphoma (ALCL) by Morris et al in 1994, the number of ALK-positive neoplasms, either in the form of translocation or gain-of-function mutations, have been dramatically expanded from ALCL of T- and NK-cell origin, to diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, inflammatory myofibroblastic tumor (IMT), neuroblastoma, non-small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC), undifferentiated anaplastic thyroid carcinoma, and rare type of sarcomas. OBJECTIVE This review covers the major aspects of ALK-immunoreactive neoplasms with emphasis on the pathogenesis of ALK-positive neoplasms. The new advances and rapid-evolving practices using ALK inhibitors for therapy are also discussed at the end of this review. DATA SOURCES ALK(+) articles published in English literature are retrieved and critically reviewed. CONCLUSION ALK(+) neoplasia is a rapidly growing field and the list of ALK(+) neoplasms is being expanded continuously. Accurate and correct diagnosis of ALK(+) neoplasms is of paramount importance in guiding the appropriate treatment in the era of personalized medicine using specific ALK inhibitor.
Evaluation of community health screening participants' knowledge of cardiovascular risk factors.

OBJECTIVES To assess knowledge of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors among a group of health screening participants and to compare knowledge between participants with high and low CVD risk. DESIGN Cross-sectional pilot study. SETTING Jonesboro, AR, during June 2007. PATIENTS 121 adult volunteers participating in a community health screening. INTERVENTION 34-item self-administered written questionnaire. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Ability to identify CVD risk factors and healthy values for CVD risk factors and the differences in these abilities between participants with high and low CVD risk. RESULTS Participants demonstrated good knowledge of traditional CVD risk factors such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol, lack of exercise, and overweight or obese status. Knowledge of other CVD risk factors and healthy values for major CVD risk factors was limited. Participants with high CVD risk were significantly more likely to correctly identify high triglycerides as a CVD risk factor and to identify healthy values for fasting blood glucose and total cholesterol compared with participants with low CVD risk. CONCLUSION Overall, participants lacked knowledge of the risk factor status and healthy values for many CVD risk factors. Participants with high CVD risk may have better knowledge of some CVD risk factors than participants with low CVD risk. These findings highlight the need for more education to improve knowledge in both risk groups.
Hepatic gene expression changes in pigs experimentally infected with the lung pathogen Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae as analysed with an innate immunity focused microarray

Knowledge on gene expression in the liver during respiratory infections is limited although it is well-established that this organ is an important site of synthesis of several systemic innate immune components as response to infections. In the present study, the early transcriptional hepatic response of genes associated with innate immune responses was studied in pigs 14—18 h after intranasal inoculation with Actinobacillus pleuropneumoniae, using innate immune focused microarrays and quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). The microarray analysis of liver tissue established that 51 genes were differentially expressed. A large group of these genes encoded proteins involved in the acute phase response, including serum amyloid A, C-reactive protein, fibrinogen, haptoglobin and tumor necrosis factor-α the expression of which were all found to be up-regulated and glutathione S-transferase, transthyretin, transferrin and albumin which were down-regulated. Additional genes associated with innate immune responses were investigated using qPCR; genes encoding interleukin-(IL-)1, IL-6, IL-8, lipopolysaccharide binding protein, lactotransferrin, and PigMAP were up-regulated and interferon 1α, α1-acid glycoprotein, mannan-binding lectin A, surfactant protein D, and surfactant protein A1 were down-regulated in the liver of infected animals. Down-regulation of α1-acid glycoprotein during infection has not been described previously in any species. These results confirm that the liver plays an important role in initiating and orchestrating the innate immune response to A. pleuropneumoniae infection.