Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Msh homeobox 1 (Msx1)- and Msx2-overexpressing bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells resemble blastema cells and enhance regeneration in mice

Amputation of the proximal region in mammals is not followed by regeneration because blastema cells (BCs) and expression of regenerative genes, such as Msh homeobox (Msx) genes, are absent in this animal group. The lack of BCs and positional information in other cells is therefore the main obstacle to therapeutic approaches for limb regeneration. Hence, this study aimed to create blastema-like cells (BlCs) by overexpressing Msx1 and Msx2 genes in mouse bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (mBMSCs) to regenerate a proximally amputated digit tip. We transduced mBMSCs with Msx1 and Msx2 genes and compared osteogenic activity and expression levels of several Msx-regulated genes (Bmp4, Fgf8, and keratin 14 (K14)) in BlC groups, including MSX1, MSX2, and MSX1/2 (in a 1:1 ratio) with those in mBMSCs and BCs in vitro and in vivo following injection into the amputation site. We found that Msx gene overexpression increased expression of specific blastemal markers and enhanced the proliferation rate and osteogenesis of BlCs compared with mBMSCs and BCs via activation of Fgf8 and Bmp4. Histological analyses indicated full regrowth of digit tips in the Msx-overexpressing groups, particularly in MSX1/2, through endochondral ossification 6 weeks post-injection. In contrast, mBMSCs and BCs formed abnormal bone and nail. Full digit tip was regenerated only in the MSX1/2 group and was related to boosted Bmp4, Fgf8, and K14 gene expression and to limb-patterning properties resulting from Msx1 and Msx2 overexpression. We propose that Msx-transduced cells that can regenerate epithelial and mesenchymal tissues may potentially be utilized in limb regeneration.
Structural characterization of a methionine‐rich, emulsifying protein from sunflower seed

The 2 S seed storage protein, sunflower albumin 8, contains an unusually high proportion of hydrophobic residues including 16 methionines in a mature protein of 103 amino acids. A structural model, based on the known structure of a related protein, has been constructed as a four‐helix bundle cross‐linked by four disulphide bonds. This model structure is consistent with data from circular dichroism and nuclear magnetic resonance experiments. Analysis of the model's surface shows the presence of a large hydrophobic face that may be responsible for the highly stable emulsions this protein is known to form with oil/water mixtures. Proteins 2000;38:341–349. © 2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
CETP and atherosclerosis.

Ever since cholesteryl ester transfer protein (CETP) was first identified, there have been conflicting opinions regarding its role (if any) in the development of atherosclerosis. According to 1 view, CETP is antiatherogenic by virtue of its ability to increase the rate of reverse cholesterol transport (RCT), the pathway in which cholesterol in peripheral tissues is transported to the liver for elimination in bile. This pathway involves an initial uptake of cell cholesterol by HDL, where it is esterified before being transferred by CETP to LDL and VLDL. The cholesteryl esters in the VLDL/LDL pool are subsequently delivered to the liver and ultimately eliminated from the body as a component of bile. Thus, to the extent that CETP enhances the rate of RCT, it may be an antiatherogenic factor. However, the fact that CETP redistributes cholesteryl esters from the nonatherogenic HDL to the potentially atherogenic VLDL/LDL implies that it may also be proatherogenic. The situation is even further complicated by mounting evidence that concentration-dependent, anti-inflammatory functions of HDL may also contribute to its antiatherogenicity.1 Because CETP decreases the concentration of HDL,2 it may decrease the anti-inflammatory impact of this lipoprotein fraction in a process that is ultimately proatherogenic. Thus, on theoretical grounds, CETP may be either proatherogenic or antiatherogenic, depending on which of the HDL functions is dominant. As outlined below, the situation has not been clarified by more direct studies in vivo in animals in which evidence supporting both a proatherogenic3 4 5 and an antiatherogenic6 7 role of CETP has been reported. CETP is a hydrophobic glycoprotein that is secreted from the liver and that circulates in plasma, bound mainly to HDL.8 It promotes the redistribution of cholesteryl esters, triglyceride, and, to a lessor extent, phospholipids between plasma lipoproteins. CETP picks up lipids from …
Prenatal diagnosis with ultrasound of anomalous course of the umbilical vein and its relationship to fetal outcome

Diagnosis of three types of anomalous course of the umbilical vein (UV) was made in 10 cases using antenatal ultrasound (US). Pulsed wave (PW) Doppler ultrasound was used to evaluate the UV in all cases. In one case, the UV was directly joining the superior vena cava (SVC) without forming subcutaneous collaterals, an abnormal course of UV not yet reported previously. Of these ten fetuses, six had various associated anomalies, including three fetuses with central nervous system (CNS) abnormalities. © 1996 John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
August 1972 solar-terrestrial events - Observations of interplanetary shocks at 2.2 AU

Pioneer 10 magnetic field measurements, supplemented by previously published plasma data, have been used to identify shocks at 2.2 AU associated with the large solar flares of early August 1972. The first three flares, which gave rise to three forward shocks at Pioneer 9 and at earth, led to only a single forward shock at Pioneer 10. The plasma driver accompanying the shock has been tentatively identified. A local shock velocity at Pioneer 10 of 717 km/s has been estimated by assuming that the shock was propagating radially across the interplanetary magnetic field. This velocity and the rise time of ≃2 s imply a shock thickness of ∼1400 km, which appears to be large in comparison with the characteristic plasma lengths customarily used to account for the thickness of the earth's bow shock. This Pioneer 10 shock is identified with the second forward shock observed at Pioneer 9, which was then at 0.8 AU and radially aligned with Pioneer 10, since it was apparently the only Pioneer 9 shock that was also driven. The local velocity of the Pioneer 9 shock of 670 km/s, previously inferred by other authors, compares reasonably well with the local velocity at Pioneer 10, but both values are significantly smaller than the average value computed from the time interval required for the shock to propagate from the sun to Pioneer 9 (2220 km/s). The velocity implied by the time required to propagate from Pioneer 9 to Pioneer 10 (770 km/s) is in reasonable agreement with the local velocities. The fourth solar flare also gave rise to a forward shock at Pioneer 10 as well as at Pioneer 9. The local velocity at Pioneer 10, estimated on the basis of quasi-perpendicularity, is 660 km/s, a value which again agrees well with previously derived velocities for the Pioneer 9 shock of 670 km/s. The local velocities for this shock and the velocity between Pioneer 9 and Pioneer 10 (635 km/s) are also significantly less than the average velocity of propagation from the sun to Pioneer 9 (830 km/s). The general finding that the local velocities of both shocks are approximately equal at 0.8 and 2.2 AU but significantly slower than the average speeds nearer the sun is interpreted as evidence of a major deceleration of the shocks as they propagate outward from the sun that is essentially completed when the shocks reach 0.8 AU, there being little, if any, subsequent deceleration. This conclusion is qualitatively inconsistent with previous inferences of a deceleration of the shocks as they propagate from 0.8 to 2.2 AU. A third, reverse shock is also identified in the Pioneer 10 data which was not seen either at Pioneer 9 or at earth. The estimated speed of this shock is 530 km/s, and its estimated thickness is ≲500 km, which compares well with an anticipated proton inertial length of 500 km.
The Ca2+‐antagonist and binding properties of the phenylalkylamine, anipamil

1 Isolated, Langendorff‐perfused rat hearts, isolated membranes, and pharmacological and receptor binding techniques were used to study the properties of the newly developed verapamil derivative, anipamil. 2 When added acutely to isolated, spontaneously beating or electrically paced hearts, anipamil (0.01‐0.15 μm) exerted a dose‐dependent negative inotropic effect which developed slowly and persisted after 60 min washout. 3 When added acutely (0.05‐0.1 μm) to isolated hearts, or when given intravenously (2 mg kg−1 body weight 1 h before the animals were killed), anipamil displaced the dose‐response curves for the positive inotropic effect of (0.10‐3.mm) Ca2+ and (10–50 nm) Bay K 8644 to the right. 4 When added to freshly isolated cardiac membranes, 0.1 μm anipamil increased the dissociation constant (KD) of the phenylalkylamine (—)‐[3H]‐desmethoxyverapamil ((—)‐[3H]‐D888) from 1.22 ± 0.2 to 2.91 ± 0.46 nm, without any significant change in density (Bmax; control: 163 ± 17; anipamil: 117 ± 20fmol mg−1 protein). Bound (—)‐[3H]‐D888 was displaceable by (—)‐D888 (Ki, 1.7 ± 0.4 nm) > (—)‐D600 (Ki 12 ± 0.5 nm) > verapamil (Ki 55 ± 11 nm) > (+)‐D600 (Ki 108 ± 12.2) > anipamil (Ki 471 ± 52 nm). 5 In cardiac membranes isolated from rats pretreated with anipamil (2 mg kg−1 i.v.) 1 h before they were killed, the KD of (—)‐[3H]‐D888 binding was increased (P < 0.05) from 1.59 ± 0.18 to 3.28 ± 0.65 nm with no significant change in density, compared to the placebo‐treated (control) rats. 6 These results establish that anipamil interacts in a competitive manner with the phenylalkylamine binding sites in cardiac membranes, and that it resembles other Ca2+ antagonists in displacing the dose‐reponse curve for the positive inotropic effect of Ca2+ to the right. The results also show that although anipamil binds tightly to the cardiac membranes, it binds to the (—)‐[3H]‐D888 recognition sites less potently than (—)‐D888, (—)‐D600 or verapamil.
New Approaches to Study Biodiversity and Evolution of Freshwater Sponges in Ancient Lakes.

Freshwater sponges (Porifera; Spongillina) include 6 families. Some of them are endemic of ancient lakes Baikal, Tanganyika, Ohrid and Malawi. Others families are cosmopolitan and inhabit inland waters worldwide. Freshwater sponges are important for cleaning of water due their filter activity and are often main part of benthos in the lakes. The taxonomy of freshwater sponges is difficult that complicates an estimation of their biodiversity. Evolution and phylogenetic relationships of these animals also are not well known. Freshwater sponges from lakes Baikal (family Lubomirskiidae), Biwa (family Spongillidae) and Tanganyika (family Potamolepidae) were collected during several Japan-Russian joint expeditions and analyzed by morphology and molecular methods. Several gene regions (18SrRNA gene, COXI gene and internal transcribed spacers of rRNA) were sequenced and analyzed. The obtained results allowed to develop a molecular marker for species identification in Porifera and to study the phylogenetic relationships between endemic and cosmopolitan freshwater sponges. Our results indicated that the endemic family Lubomirskiidae is monophyletic, showing the highest bootstrap support. The genetic distances between Lubomirskiidae species are much lower than those between Spongillidae species. The lower genetic distances between species of Baikalian sponges is indicative of their relatively recent radiation from a common ancestor. The evolutionary age of the family Lubomirskiidae does not exceed the geological age of Lake Baikal, which indicates an autochthonous evolution of sponges in Lake Baikal. The cosmopolitan family Spongillidae is paraphyletic in relation to other freshwater sponges. The genera Radiospongilla and Eunapius are probably monophyletic and the genus Ephydatia is paraphyletic and forms basal branches. The family Potamolepidae is more closely related to common ancestor of all freshwater sponges. The developed molecular method can be useful for identification of species of freshwater sponges. Study of species diversity of this important group of organisms will allow performing an ecological monitoring of lake ecosystems.
Experimental Infection with Toxocara cati in BALB/c Mice, Migratory Behaviour and Pathological Changes

Experimental inoculations of 1000 Toxocara cati larval eggs were carried out in 18 BALB/c mice. The T. cati eggs used for inoculation were collected from the faeces of naturally infected cats. Euthanasia was performed on two mice on days 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 14, 21 and 28 post‐inoculation (p.i.). Tissue samples were taken for digestion and histopathology. Larvae were recovered from all infected mice and the average of all larvae recovered was 28.3% (95%; CI: 14.1–42.4). Maximum number was obtained from liver on days 1 and 2 p.i. ; from the lung on day 2 p.i. and from the brain on day 28 p.i. In muscle, the recovery was high as from day 3 p.i. , with the maximum obtained on day 28 p.i. Superficial foci of congestion and haemorrhage were macroscopically observed in the lungs between days 2 and 5 p.i. and in the brain between days 3 and 6 p.i. Microscopic lesions were observed in the liver between days 2 and 14 p.i. , with periportal and subcapsule inflammatory infiltrates. In the lungs, haemorrhages and inflammatory infiltrates can be observed in the alveolar parenchyma, close to bronchioles and large blood vessels. In the brain, congestive areas without inflammatory reactions were seen. In muscle, the presence of inflammatory infiltrates and degenerated muscle can be observed surrounding a parasite larva. These same lesions were observed in myocardium and pericardium. The kidneys were congested with inflammatory infiltrates. The inflammatory cells present in all the tissues studied were lymphocytes, neutrophils and a few eosinophils. Formation of granulomas or signs of larva encapsulation were not observed. The migratory pattern of T. cati larvae in BALB/c mice and its tendency to become concentrated in the muscle reinforce the importance of the mouse as a paratenic host for the parasite’s cycle in the environment.
Acute urodynamic effects of percutaneous posterior tibial nerve stimulation on neurogenic detrusor overactivity in patients with Parkinson's disease

Lower urinary tract dysfunction is often occurs in patients with Parkinson's disease (PD), that is primarily induced by neurogenic detrusor overactivity (NDO) and negatively effect the quality of the patient's life. The aim of this study is to evaluate the acute effects of posterior tibial nerve stimulation (PTNS) on the urodynamic findings in the PD patients with NDO.
EULAR evidence based recommendations for gout. Part I: Diagnosis. Report of a task force of the standing committee for international clinical studies including therapeutics (ESCISIT)

Objective: To develop evidence based recommendations for the diagnosis of gout. Methods: The multidisciplinary guideline development group comprised 19 rheumatologists and one evidence based medicine expert, representing 13 European countries. Ten key propositions regarding diagnosis were generated using a Delphi consensus approach. Research evidence was searched systematically for each proposition. Wherever possible the sensitivity, specificity, likelihood ratio (LR), and incremental cost-effectiveness ratio were calculated for diagnostic tests. Relative risk and odds ratios were estimated for risk factors and co-morbidities associated with gout. The quality of evidence was categorised according to the evidence hierarchy. The strength of recommendation (SOR) was assessed using the EULAR visual analogue and ordinal scales. Results: 10 key propositions were generated though three Delphi rounds including diagnostic topics in clinical manifestations, urate crystal identification, biochemical tests, radiographs, and risk factors/co-morbidities. Urate crystal identification varies according to symptoms and observer skill but is very likely to be positive in symptomatic gout (LR = 567 (95% confidence interval (CI), 35.5 to 9053)). Classic podagra and presence of tophi have the highest clinical diagnostic value for gout (LR = 30.64 (95% CI, 20.51 to 45.77), and LR = 39.95 (21.06 to 75.79), respectively). Hyperuricaemia is a major risk factor for gout and may be a useful diagnostic marker when defined by the normal range of the local population (LR = 9.74 (7.45 to 12.72)), although some gouty patients may have normal serum uric acid concentrations at the time of investigation. Radiographs have little role in diagnosis, though in late or severe gout radiographic changes of asymmetrical swelling (LR = 4.13 (2.97 to 5.74)) and subcortical cysts without erosion (LR = 6.39 (3.00 to 13.57)) may be useful to differentiate chronic gout from other joint conditions. In addition, risk factors (sex, diuretics, purine-rich foods, alcohol, lead) and co-morbidities (cardiovascular diseases, hypertension, diabetes, obesity, and chronic renal failure) are associated with gout. SOR for each proposition varied according to both the research evidence and expert opinion. Conclusions: 10 key recommendations for diagnosis of gout were developed using a combination of research based evidence and expert consensus. The evidence for diagnostic tests, risk factors, and co-morbidities was evaluated and the strength of recommendation was provided.
İlköğretim Öğrencilerinin Matematik Dersine Karşı Tutumlarının Başarı Düzeylerini Yordama Gücü ile Cinsiyet Arasındaki İlişki

Bu calismanin temel amaci ilkogretim ikinci kademede okuyan ogrencilerin matematik dersine karsi tutumlari, matematik basari duzeyleri ve cinsiyetleri arasindaki iliskileri tespit etmektir. Nicel arastirma paradigmasi icerisinde yer alan iliskisel tarama modeli kullanilarak calismanin deseni olusturulmustur. Arastirmanin orneklemi Egirdir ilcesinde bulunan bir ilkogretim okulunun 6, 7 ve 8. siniflarinda okuyan 37’si kiz 47’si erkek toplam 84 ogrenciden olusmaktadir. Verilerin toplanmasinda demografik bilgileri sorgulayan ve matematik tutum olcegi iceren bir anket kullanilmistir. Ogrencilerin matematik basarilari bir onceki akademik yilin karne notlari ile belirlenmistir. Verilerin cozumlenmesinde betimsel istatistiklerin yaninda t-testi, korelasyon ve regresyon analizi gibi cikarimsal testler kullanilmistir. Arastirmanin sonuclarina gore ogrencilerin cinsiyet farkliliklari olmaksizin olumlu tutuma ve orta duzeyde basariya sahip olduklari gorulmustur. Ayrica, tutumun basari uzerindeki yordama gucunun %16 oldugu ve bu yordamanin kiz ve erkek ogrenciler icin ayni oldugu bulunmustur. Regresyon modeline gore, tutum puanlarindaki bir birimlik artisin matematik notunda (5’lik not sitemi) . 07 puanlik artisi ongordugu tespit edilmistir
Prevalence and Comorbidity of Insomnia and Effect on Functioning in Elderly Populations

A good night's sleep is often more elusive as we age, because the prevalence of insomnia in older people is high. Insufficient sleep can have important effects on daytime function by increasing the need to nap, reducing cognitive ability including attention and memory, slowing response time, adversely affecting relationships with friends and family, and contributing to a general sense of being unwell. However, rather than aging per se, circadian rhythm shifts, primary sleep disorders, comorbid medical/psychiatric illnesses, and medication use cause sleep difficulties in older people, which psychosocial factors may also affect. Clinicians should ask elderly patients about satisfaction with sleep. Any sleep complaints warrant careful evaluation of contributing factors and appropriate treatment.
The Intensive and Extensive Margins of Real Wage Adjustment

Using 35 years of data from the Current Population Survey we decompose fluctuations in real median weekly earnings growth into the part driven by movements in the intensive margin–wage growth of individuals continuously full-time employed–and movements in the extensive margin–wage differences of those moving into and out of full-time employment. The relative importance of these two margins varies significantly over the business cycle. When labor markets are tight, continuously full-time employed workers drive wage growth. During labor market downturns, the procyclicality of the intensive margin is largely offset by net exits out of full-time employment among workers with lower earnings. This leads aggregate real wages to be largely acyclical. Most of the extensive margin effect works through the part-time employment margin. Notably, the unemployment margin accounts for little of the variation or cyclicality of median weekly earnings growth. JEL classification codes: E24, J3, J6.
Simple Treatment Plan for Severe Atrophic Alveolar Ridges: 2 Case Reports

Periodontal diseases and wearing dentures for extended periods cause the atrophy of the alveolar ridges. Removable dentures are hard to manage for these kinds of patients. In order to construct fixed prostheses for these patients, complicated surgeries are necessary for implant placement. Hybrid prosthesis on tilted implants are simple solution for these kinds of patients. Two patients with severely atrophied alveolar ridges desired fixed dentures and were admitted to the prosthodontics clinic. Advanced surgical procedures were avoided, so they were rehabilitated with implant-retained hybrid dentures. The following case reports describe the treatment procedures for severe atrophic alveolar ridges (mandible and maxilla) with tilted implants via acrylic hybrid prosthesis. The distorted profiles of both patients were improved with these hybrid prosthesis. The implant-retained fixed hybrid prostheses is a conservative, feasible and reliable treatment alternative that does not require advanced surgery for the rehabilitation of edentulous atrophic jaws.
Colonization of Personal Digital Assistants Carried by Healthcare Professionals

Abstract This study evaluated personal digital assistant (PDA) microbial colonization before and after cleaning with alcohol. Samples from 75 PDAs were processed. Before cleaning, 96% of the samples were culture positive. After cleaning, 75% became culture negative. PDAs cleaned with an alcohol swab demonstrated significant reduction in colonization.
Baseball Salaries and Income Taxes

In this article, the authors examine the impact on the salaries of free agents in Major League Baseball (MLB) of differences in state and local individual income taxes between major league cities, in an attempt to see if income taxes affect player salaries. This basic specification suggests that each percentage point of an income tax raises free agent salaries by $21,000 to $24,000; other estimates indicate even larger impacts. These findings suggest that the existence of this additional salary demand means that low-tax cities (e.g., Florida, Texas, and Washington) have a “home field advantage” in the baseball free agent market.
Full Scale Validation of the Predicted Response of Tall Buildings : Preliminary Results of Chicago Monitoring Project

The wind-induced responses of three tall buildings in Chicago are being measured and compared to wind tunnel tests and finite element models. Preliminary results from only one of the buildings are presented herein, due to space limitations. These findings indicate amplitude dependent damping slightly lower than assumed in the design phase, but fundamental frequencies consistent with predicted values. Preliminary analysis of selected data gathered to date indicates that the measured full-scale accelerations are consistent with the wind tunnel predictions.
Prevalence of Leptospira spp. in various species of small mammals caught in an inner-city area in Switzerland

In order to establish the leptospira carrier rate of small animals in an urban environment, small rodents and shrews were captured in the city of Zurich, Switzerland. Kidney specimens of 190 animals were examined using a leptospira specific PCR assay. Leptospiral DNA was amplified in kidneys of 12·6% of the animals.