Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Transforming growth factor beta 1 and interleukin 4 induced alpha smooth muscle actin expression and myofibroblast-like differentiation in human synovial fibroblasts in vitro: modulation by basic fibroblast growth factor.

OBJECTIVE To discover if alpha smooth muscle actin expression and myofibroblastic differentiation are induced in synovial fibroblasts by cytokines found in the inflamed RA joint. METHODS Immunofluorescent microscopy and western blotting were used to examine different cultures of human synovial fibroblasts for expression of alpha actin in the presence of the cytokines transforming growth factor beta (TGF beta 1), interleukin 1 alpha (IL1 alpha), IL4, IL6, tumour necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha), and basic fibroblast growth factor (FGF). RESULTS A small but significant population of cells (14.4 +/- 12.9%) expressed alpha actin under standard culture conditions. Upon treatment with TGF beta 1 there was a pronounced increase in the number of cells expressing alpha actin (68.1 +/- 5.49%), accompanied by a change in morphology to a myofibroblast-like phenotype. Other cytokines found within the inflamed joint such as IL1, TNF alpha, IL6, and basic FGF failed to induce alpha actin expression. However, IL4, which is normally absent or only present at low concentrations in the RA joint had a similar effect to TGF beta 1. It was also found that basic FGF inhibited the induction of alpha actin expression by TGF beta 1 and IL4. CONCLUSION In the presence of TGF beta 1 or IL4, fibroblasts derived from synovial tissue or synovial fluid are induced to differentiate into myofibroblast-like cells containing the alpha smooth muscle form of actin. This differentiation is inhibited by basic FGF. It is suggested that the balance between these particular cytokines may be important in the modulation of fibroblast behaviour, which could have significant effects on joint repair mechanisms and the generation of fibrous tissue within the rheumatoid joint.
Loss of the Chloroplast Transit Peptide from an Ancestral C3 Carbonic Anhydrase Is Associated with C4 Evolution in the Grass Genus Neurachne1[OPEN]

In Neurachne, the loss of the sequence encoding a functional chloroplast transit peptide from an ancestral C3 carbonic anhydrase is associated with the evolution of C4 photosynthesis. Neurachne is the only known grass lineage containing closely related C3, C3-C4 intermediate, and C4 species, making it an ideal taxon with which to study the evolution of C4 photosynthesis in the grasses. To begin dissecting the molecular changes that led to the evolution of C4 photosynthesis in this group, the complementary DNAs encoding four distinct β-carbonic anhydrase (CA) isoforms were characterized from leaf tissue of Neurachne munroi (C4), Neurachne minor (C3-C4), and Neurachne alopecuroidea (C3). Two genes (CA1 and CA2) each encode two different isoforms: CA1a/CA1b and CA2a/CA2b. Transcript analyses found that CA1 messenger RNAs were significantly more abundant than transcripts from the CA2 gene in the leaves of each species examined, constituting ∼99% of all β-CA transcripts measured. Localization experiments using green fluorescent protein fusion constructs showed that, while CA1b is a cytosolic CA in all three species, the CA1a proteins are differentially localized. The N. alopecuroidea and N. minor CA1a isoforms were imported into chloroplasts of Nicotiana benthamiana leaf cells, whereas N. munroi CA1a localized to the cytosol. Sequence analysis indicated an 11-amino acid deletion in the amino terminus of N. munroi CA1a relative to the C3 and C3-C4 proteins, suggesting that chloroplast targeting of CA1a is the ancestral state and that loss of a functional chloroplast transit peptide in N. munroi CA1a is associated with the evolution of C4 photosynthesis in Neurachne spp. Remarkably, this mechanism is homoplastic with the evolution of the C4-associated CA in the dicotyledonous genus Flaveria, although the actual mutations in the two lineages differ.
Combination immunotherapy with rituximab and interleukin 2 in patients with relapsed or refractory follicular non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma

Summary. Rituximab has significant activity as a single agent in the treatment of follicular non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL). Interleukin 2 (IL‐2) is a lymphokine that increases effector cell number. In an effort to augment antibody‐dependent cell‐mediated cytotoxicity (ADCC) associated with rituximab therapy, low‐dose IL‐2 was added to a standard rituximab regimen and patients were evaluated for safety and efficacy. Twenty patients with relapsed or refractory follicular NHL were treated with IL‐2 (1·2 MIU/m2/d for 56 d subcutaneously) as outpatients. Rituximab (375 mg/m2) was given on d 15, 22, 29 and 36. The regimen was well tolerated and only three patients required dose adjustments in IL‐2. Infusional toxicity associated with rituximab was not exacerbated by IL‐2. Peripheral blood immunophenotyping demonstrated significant increases in circulating CD8+ and CD56+ lymphocytes in all evaluable patients (P = 0·0002). Increases in total eosinophil number were observed in all patients. Eleven patients responded to therapy, for an overall response rate of 55%. Four additional patients had stable disease. For these 15 patients, the median time to progression exceeded 13 months. We conclude concomitant cytokine therapy to enhance ADCC with monoclonal antibody therapy was well tolerated and did not exacerbate antibody‐related infusional toxicity. Further studies of this rational combination are warranted and ongoing.
High frequency jet ventilation: the influence of different methods of injection on respiratory parameters.

Fourteen critically ill patients with ventilatory failure were ventilated with HFJV using a constant driving pressure of 3 atm and a constant I:E ratio of 0.43. In six (group I) HFJV, using a frequency of 100 b.p.m. , was delivered via a proximal injector cannula. Four injector cannulae (i.d. 1.8, 1.6, 1.4 and 1.2 mm, respectively) were used at random. In eight patients (group II), HFJV using three frequencies (100, 300 and 600 b.p.m.) was administered either via a 1.8-mm i.d. proximal injector cannula (proximal injection), for via a Hi-Lo jet tracheal tube (distal injection). The following indices were measured in vivo: mean airway pressure (Paw), mean pulmonary volume above apnoeic FRC (delta V), mean alveolar pressure (clamps method) and arterial blood-gas tensions. Injected volume (Vinj), entrainment (E) and tidal volume (VT) were measured in vitro using a water-sealed spirometer. Operating pressure (the pressure in the connecting tube) was measured directly using a high pressure calibrated transducer. In group I, Paw, delta V, PaO2, Vinj and VT significantly decreased whereas operating pressure and E significantly increased when the internal diameter of the injector cannula was reduced. In group II, Paw, delta V, E, VT and operating pressure significantly decreased, whereas Vinj increased and PaO2 and PaCO2 remained unchanged, when proximal injection was switched to distal injection. In both groups, a significant relationship was found between operating pressure and E. At a constant driving pressure, operating pressure increased with narrow injector cannulae and increased frequency, and decreased when proximal injection was switched for distal injection.
Cerebral circulation dysfunction and hemodynamic abnormalities in syncope during upright tilt test.

OBJECTIVE To assess the hemodynamic features, including monitoring of cerebral circulation, blood pressure and heart rate, in syncope patients during upright tilt test. DESIGN Nonrandomized sequential patients with history of syncope of uncertain etiology compared with healthy subjects. SETTING Noninvasive hemodynamic laboratory of a tertiary referral centre. PATIENTS Twenty patients with history of syncope and 10 controls without syncope. PROCEDURES Transcranial Doppler measurement or middle cerebral artery flow velocity, noninvasive and invasive blood pressure monitoring, electrocardiography and pulse oximetry monitoring during upright tilt testing. Measurements were taken in patients at the height of symptoms in supine and upright posture. MAIN RESULTS Ten patients, while still normotensive, had a drop of 53 +/- 10% (mean +/- SD) in cerebral bloodflow velocity (P = 0.0001) and an increase in heart rate by 58 +/- 35%. The remaining 10 patients had a 58 +/- 15% reduction in cerebral bloodflow velocity (P = 0.0001), a drop in blood pressure of 33 +/- 8% (P = 0.0001) and no change in heart rate. The controls showed no significant changes in cerebral bloodflow velocity and a 25 +/- 12% increase in heart rate (P = 0.0002). CONCLUSIONS Transcranial Doppler monitoring of cerebral bloodflow velocity during upright tilt testing may improve insight into the complex physiology of syncope.
Identity and interaction: a sociocultural linguistic approach

The article proposes a framework for the analysis of identity as produced in linguistic interaction, based on the following principles: (1) identity is the product rather than the source of linguistic and other semiotic practices and therefore is a social and cultural rather than primarily internal psychological phenomenon; (2) identities encompass macro-level demographic categories, temporary and interactionally specific stances and participant roles, and local, ethnographically emergent cultural positions; (3) identities may be linguistically indexed through labels, implicatures, stances, styles, or linguistic structures and systems; (4) identities are relationally constructed through several, often overlapping, aspects of the relationship between self and other, including similarity/difference, genuineness/artifice and authority/ delegitimacy; and (5) identity may be in part intentional, in part habitual and less than fully conscious, in part an outcome of interactional negotiation, in part a construct of others’ perceptions and representations, and in part an outcome of larger ideological processes and structures. The principles are illustrated through examination of a variety of linguistic interactions.
The thienotriazolodiazepine Ro 11‐1464 increases plasma apoA‐I and promotes reverse cholesterol transport in human apoA‐I transgenic mice

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Ro 11‐1464 is a thienotriazolodiazepine previously described to selectively stimulate apolipoprotein A‐I (apoA‐I) production and mRNA level in human liver cells. Here, we studied its effects upon oral administration to human apoA‐I transgenic (hapoA‐I) mice.
High gamma-power predicts performance in sensorimotor-rhythm brain–computer interfaces

Subjects operating a brain–computer interface (BCI) based on sensorimotor rhythms exhibit large variations in performance over the course of an experimental session. Here, we show that high-frequency γ-oscillations, originating in fronto-parietal networks, predict such variations on a trial-to-trial basis. We interpret this finding as empirical support for an influence of attentional networks on BCI performance via modulation of the sensorimotor rhythm.
Deterioration of patellofemoral articular surfaces after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction

One hundred eighty-seven patients who had undergone intraarticular anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction using either a fresh-frozen allogeneic tendon or central third autogenous patellar tendon 3 to 89 months pre viously were arthroscopically evaluated. The focus was on secondary changes of the patellofemoral joint at the time of second-look arthroscopy. Overall, 93 knees deteriorated, 74 knees remained unchanged, and 14 improved. The deteriorative changes were predomi nantly located around the central ridge of the patellae, although all but two knees remained free from anterior knee pain. Statistical multivariate analysis showed sur gical approach by conventional medial parapatellar in cision and use of the central one-third of the autoge nous patellar tendon graft as possible risk factors for the deterioration, although chi-square analysis failed to demonstrate statistical significance for the latter.
Where should the tip of the needle be located in ultrasound-guided peripheral nerve blocks?

Purpose of review Data now exist describing the appropriate positioning of the needle tip and pattern of local anaesthetic spread after injection. The recent literature has been analysed in search of studies on the optimal procedure for common approaches centred on block efficacy, performance time, and safety. Recent findings Large peripheral nerves are surrounded by a gliding layer, the adventitia or paraneurium. Ultrasonically, a circumneural spread corresponds to adventitial extraneural injection. Nerve expansion with fascicular separation matches intraneural injection. Deliberate intraneural injection remains controversial, and is not advisable at the present time. For popliteal sciatic nerve blocks, positioning the needle in the common nerve sheath between the tibial and peroneal components and obtaining a circumneural spread surrounding both divisions predict rapid surgical anaesthesia. Using axillary and infraclavicular approaches, ultrasound-guided perivascular injection aiming at circumferential spread around the artery appears a valuable alternative to individual targeted nerve injections. For single injection interscalene block, an injection into the fascial sheath but far from the plexus proved to be as effective as an injection adjacent to the nerve structures. Fascial plane approaches are appealing alternatives for thin nerves that run between muscles and cannot be regularly visualized with the current resolution of ultrasound systems. Summary The ultrasound appearance of nerves and target injections are better understood. The specific distributions of local anaesthetic spread that predict success are significantly different from one anatomical site to another. It seems advisable to avoid intraneural injection.
MANAGEMENT OF CORN STALK WASTE AS REINFORCEMENT FOR POLYPROPYLENE INJECTION MOULDED COMPOSITES

The main objective of this study was the management of corn stalk waste as reinforcement for polypropylene (PP) injection moulded composites as an alternative to wood flour and fibers. In the first step, corn stalk waste was subjected to various treatments, and four different corn stalk derivatives (flour and fibers) able to be used as reinforcement of composite materials were prepared and characterized. These derivatives are corn stalk flour, thermo-mechanical, semi-chemical, and chemical fibers. They were characterized in terms of their yield, lignin content, Kappa number, fiber length/diameter ratio, fines, coarseness, viscosity, and the length at the break of a standard sheet of paper. Results showed that the corn stalk derivatives have different physico-chemical properties. In the second step, the prepared flour and fibers were explored as a reinforcing element for PP composites. Coupled and non-coupled PP composites were prepared and tested for tensile properties. For overall trend, with the addition of a coupling agent, tensile properties of composites significantly improved, as compared with non-coupled samples. In addition, a morphological study revealed the positive effect of the coupling agent on the interfacial bonding. The composites prepared with semichemical fiber gave better results in comparison with the rest of the corn stalk derivatives due to its chemical characteristics.
Emerging drugs for diabetic foot ulcers

Diabetic foot ulceration results from factors extrinsic to the foot such as repeated trauma, ischaemia and infection, as well as intrinsic factors that lead to impairment of wound healing. Intrinsic factors are less well understood, but include deficiency of growth factors, changes in extracellular matrix components with excess proteases, reduced fibroblast activity, cellular abnormalities, deficiencies of angiogenesis, nitric oxide abnormalities and hyperglycaemia. The scientific rationale of therapy is to correct both the external factors that cause diabetic foot ulcers and the internal factors that lead to impairment of wound healing. Current research is leading to new therapies that can be divided into the following classes: growth factors, skin substitutes, extracellular matrix proteins, stem cell therapy, gene therapy, protease inhibitors, angiogenesis stimulants, nitric oxide-releasing agents, adenosine agonists, immunostimulants, vasoactive compounds and granulating agents. These therapies should be considered when existing treatments to correct extrinsic factors have failed to heal ulceration in the diabetic foot.
Failure to Improve Cardiopulmonary Fitness in Cardiac Rehabilitation

PURPOSE A primary goal of cardiac rehabilitation (CR) exercise is to increase cardiopulmonary fitness. The aim of this study was to identify characteristics of CR participants who fail to improve peak oxygen uptake (peak&OV0312;O2). METHODS The study cohort included 385 consecutive patients with directly measured peak&OV0312;O2 prior to and upon completion of CR. Patients were classified as a “nonimprover” if exit peak&OV0312;O2 was less than or equal to entry peak&OV0312;O2. RESULTS Eighty-one (21%) patients failed to improve peak&OV0312;O2. Baseline characteristics predicting nonimprovement included the following: lower handgrip strength, lower peak exercise respiratory exchange ratio, a nonsurgical diagnosis, female status, and more medical comorbidities. The number of sessions attended and exercise duration were similar between groups. Nonimprovers, however, exercised at lower exercise intensity despite a similar rating of perceived exertion. By multivariate analysis, independent positive correlates of percentage change in peak&OV0312;O2 included exercise training intensity and baseline handgrip strength. Negative correlates included baseline peak&OV0312;O2, comorbidity score, self-reported physical function, and a diagnosis of diabetes (cumulative total r = 0.51, adjusted R2 = 0.26, P < .0001). CONCLUSIONS Twenty-one percent of CR participants failed to improve peak&OV0312;O2 primarily due to exercise training performed at lower relative intensity despite a similar rating of perceived exertion. For patients with baseline characteristics associated with nonimprovement, alternative training protocols should be considered.
Fragments of a Roman Mast from the Port of Genoa, Italy

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Expressão da proteína superóxido desmutase 2 como biomarcador de neoplasias do colo do útero

O papel da proteina SOD2 na carcinogenese e progressao tumoral, particularmente no carcinoma de celulas escamosas do colo uterino, continua a ser o objeto de incerteza e controversia. Assim, este estudo teve como objetivo avaliar a variabilidade na expressao da proteina SOD2 em cortes histologicos de epitelio cervical. Este estudo transversal incluiu 277 mulheres com indicacao de procedimento conizacao ou excisao da zona de transformacao devido a suspeita de NIC 2 ou lesao mais grave. A expressao SOD2 foi avaliada por ensaios de imunoistoquimicos realizados com base na porcentagem de celulas coradas em areas representativas do diagnostico histopatologico. A expressao positiva, independentemente da intensidade foi positivamente associada com o diagnostico de NIC2/ NIC3 (OR = 2,64; 1,57-4,60) e carcinoma (OR = 14,32; 4,08-50,26). Tomando expressao SOD2 como referencia para casos de NIC2/ NIC3, observou-se que a expressao positiva, independentemente da intensidade foi positivamente associada com um diagnostico de carcinoma (OR = 5,33; 1,56-18,25). Observou-se que a expressao intensa SOD2 foi positivamente associada com o diagnostico de NIC2/ NIC3 (OR = 7,31; 1,68-31,86) e carcinoma (OR = 36,63; 7,76-172,85). Quando a expressao de SOD2 foi tomada como referencia para casos NIC2/ NIC3, observou-se que a expressao intensa foi positivamente associada com um diagnostico de carcinoma (OR = 5,01; 2,24-11,20). Expressao SOD2 e observada com maior frequencia e mais intensa em NIC2/ NIC3 e carcinoma espinocelular do que em tecido normal / NIC 1 . Alem disso, a expressao SOD2 tambem e mais frequente e intensa em carcinomas do que em NIC2/ NIC3. Embora NIC2/ NIC3 e carcinomas invasivos iniciais sao lesoes contiguas na carcinogenese cervical, a expressao SOD2 pode diferencia-los. Abstract