Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Proteomic analysis of human plasma: Failure of centrifugal ultrafiltration to remove albumin and other high molecular weight proteins

Determination of specific low abundance proteins, usually by radiolabelled or enzyme‐linked immunoassays in serum or plasma is widely used in diagnostic medicine. Substitution of these assays by a proteomic approach has been suggested, but this methodology has far from realised its potential as a diagnostic tool. The main protein fractions of plasma represent more than 80% of total protein, making the hundreds or even thousands of other proteins difficult to detect by two‐dimensional electrophoresis (2‐DE). Thus, loading sufficient sample to detect trace proteins invariably means excessive loading of albumin and other high abundance proteins. The aim of this study was to determine whether centrifugal ultrafiltration of whole plasma could be used to eliminate proteins exceeding a desired molecular weight cut‐off. Cellulose filters with a 30 kDa molecular weight cut‐off were used with whole plasma, and total protein was determined before and after ultrafiltration. Samples were processed by routine methods for 2‐DE using 18 cm, pH 3–10 isoelectric focusing strips for the first dimension and 7–15% gradient gels for the second dimension followed by silver staining. Gel analysis of the retentate fraction (30 kDa) revealed a typical 2‐DE plasma profile with most of the major landmark proteins in place and as expected, the gels lacked many of the smaller ( 30 kDa) proteins. Comparison with gels of the filtrate fraction ( 30 kDa) revealed very little difference. Not only were many of the higher molecular weight proteins still present, but some of the smaller 30 kDa landmark proteins were absent. Overall, gels of both the retentate and filtrate fractions were less informative than gels of whole plasma.
The quality of platelet concentrates produced by COBE Spectra and Trima Accel cell separators during storage for 7 days as assessed by in vitro methods

BACKGROUND: The quality of platelet (PLT) concentrates (PCs) can be evaluated with various in vitro methods. A new technique, free oscillation rheometry (FOR), can be used to monitor coagulation properties of PCs and gives information on clotting time and coagulum elasticity. This study compared the quality of apheresis PCs produced by the COBE Spectra and Trima Accel cell separators (both Gambro BCT) during storage for 7 days with in vitro tests including FOR.
The impact of a standardized patient program on student learning of communication skills.

OBJECTIVE Determine the quantitative and qualitative value of a lecture-laboratory course with standardized patients on student communication skills. METHODS A blinded retrospective analysis was conducted on the counseling tapes of 127 students who took a lecture-laboratory course with standardized patients. A Communication Skills Assessment Form (CSAF) was used to evaluate baseline, midpoint and final tapes. Descriptive statistics and repeated measures analysis of variance were used to compare tapes. Students and standardized patients completed written survey instruments evaluating the laboratory at the end of the semester. RESULTS Students had significant and progressively higher scores on the assessment across baseline, midpoint and final time points (p < or = 0.001). Students had significantly higher final assessment scores across all subsections than at baseline (p < or = 0.01). Students and standardized patients were favorable towards the laboratories and made useful recommendations. CONCLUSIONS A lecture-laboratory course with standardized patients had a significant impact on student communication skills across time and was well received by students and standardized patients.
Roles of Substance P Receptors in Human Colon Circular Muscle: Alterations in Diverticular Disease

The characteristics of [125I]Bolton-Hunter[Sar9,Met(O2)11]substance P ([125I]BH-SarSP) binding were investigated in membranes of human ascending, transverse, distal, and sigmoid colon circular muscle. Binding of [125I]BH-SarSP was of high affinity (K D = 68 nM) and low capacity (B max = 0.31 fmol/mg of wet weight tissue), and showed no regional differences. [125I]BH-SarSP binding was inhibited by SP ≈ [Pro9]SP ≥ (2S,3S)-3-(2-methoxybenzylamino)-2-phenylpiperidine (CP99994) ≫ neurokinin (NK) A ≥ neuropeptide γ > [Lys5,MeLeu9,Nle10]-NKA(4–10) ≈ (S)-N-methyl-N[4-acetylamino-4-phenylpiperidino)-2-(3,4-dichlorophenyl) butyl]benzamide (SR48968) ≫ senktide, suggesting binding to NK-1 sites. Most agonists seemed to bind to two sites. In autoradiographic studies, dense binding for [125I]BH-SarSP was associated with submucosal and longitudinal muscle blood vessels, and the submucosal margin of circular muscle (corresponding to interstitial cells of Cajal), with moderate binding over most of the circular muscle. In normal colon circular muscle strips, [Pro9]SP was almost ineffective, and SP caused contractions with pD2 values of 5.3 to 5.7. No regional differences were observed in potency or efficacy. Responses to SP were inhibited by the NK-2 receptor antagonist SR48968, but not by NK-1 antagonist CP99994, indicating the involvement of NK-2 rather than NK-1 receptors. Atropine significantly inhibited contractions induced by SP, indicating a minor cholinergic component. Contractile responses to SP were considerably reduced in preparations from patients with diverticular disease, and marginally reduced in ulcerative colitis compared with control. This study clearly demonstrates an NK-1 binding site on human colon circular muscle, but its role in this tissue remains unclear and may not involve contractile mechanisms. The attenuated contractility in specimens with diverticular disease may reflect disease-related alterations of the tachykinin receptor system.
Nanofiller reinforcement effects on the thermal, dynamic mechanical, and morphological behavior of HDPE/rice husk flour composites

Polymer nanocomposites reinforced with lower volume fractions of nanofiller have recently attracted steadily growing interest due to their peculiar and fascinating properties as well as their unique applications in commercial sectors. In this study, composites based on high density polyethylene and rice husk flour with different loading of nanoclay were fabricated in an internal mixer. The influence of nanofiller at four levels (0, 2, 4, and 6 per hundred compounds (phc)) on the thermal and rheological behavior was studied. The morphology of nanoclay was determined by X-ray diffraction (XRD), and the effect of morphology on the thermal and dynamic mechanical properties were considered. Results indicated that the crystallization temperature, crystallization enthalpy, and crystallinity level increased with increase of nanoclay up to 2 phc and then decreased. Also, the dynamic mechanical behavior of composites was improved by the addition of nanofiller. X-ray diffraction patterns (XRD) revealed that the nanocomposites formed were intercalated. Morphological findings showed that samples containing 2 phc of nanoclay had higher order of intercalation and better dispersion. It seems that the thermal and dynamic mechanical properties of the HDPE/rice husk flour composites were improved by increasing addition of coupling agent.
Functional Electrical Stimulation (FES) May Modify the Poor Prognosis of Stroke Survivors with Severe Motor Loss of the Upper Extremity: A Preliminary Study

Alon G, Levitt AF, McCarthy PA: Functional electrical stimulation (FES) may modify the poor prognosis of stroke survivors with severe motor loss of the upper extremity: a preliminary study. Am J Phys Med Rehabil 2008;87:627–636. Objectives:This nonblinded, block-randomized clinical trial tested the hypothesis that task-oriented functional electrical stimulation (FES) can enhance the recovery of upper-extremity volitional motor control and functional ability in patients with poor prognosis. Design:Ischemic stroke survivors (FES + exercise group, n = 13, 17.4 ± 7.6 days after stroke, and exercise-only group n = 13, 23.8 ± 10.9 days after stroke) trained with task-specific exercises, 30 min, twice each day. The FES group practiced the exercises combined with FES that enabled opening and closing of the paretic hand and continued with FES without exercises for up to 90 mins of additional time twice a day. Both groups trained for 12 wks. Volitional motor control (modified Fugl–Meyer [mF-M]), hand function (Box & Blocks [B&B], and Jebsen–Taylor light object lift [J-T]) were video recorded for both upper extremities at baseline and at 4, 8, and 12 wks. Results:Mean mF-M score of the FES group (24 ± 13.7) was significantly better (P = 0.05) at 12 wks compared with the control group that scored 14.2 ± 10.6 points. The B&B mean score did not reach statistical significance (P = 0.058) in favor of the FES group (10.5 ± 2.4 blocks) over the control group (2.5 ± 4.9 blocks). The J-T task time did not differ between groups. Eight (FES) compared with three (control) patients regained the ability to transfer five or more blocks (P = 0.051), and six (FES) compared with two (control) completed the J-T task in 30 secs or less after 12 wks of training (P = 0.09). Conclusions:FES + exercise as used in this preliminary study is likely to minimize motor loss, but it may not significantly enhance the ability to use the upper extremity after ischemic stroke. Anecdotally, more patients may regain some functional ability after training with FES compared with training without FES. Patients with severe motor loss may require prolonged task-specific FES training.
Beyond the digital divide: Towards a situated approach to open data

Poor provision of information and communication technologies in low/middle-income countries represents a concern for promoting open data. This is often framed as a ‘digital divide’ and addressed through initiatives that increase the availability of information and communication technologies to researchers based in low-resourced environments, as well as the amount of resources freely accessible online. Using qualitative empirical data from a study of lab-based research in Africa we highlight the limitations of this framing and emphasize the range of additional factors necessary to effectively utilize data available online. We adapt Sen’s ‘capabilities approach’ to highlight the distinction between simply making resources available, and fostering researchers’ ability to use them. This provides an alternative orientation that highlights the persistence of deep inequalities within the seemingly egalitarian-inspired open data landscape. We propose that the extent and manner of future data sharing will hinge on the ability to respond to the heterogeneity of research environments.
Comparison of PFGE, ribotyping and phage-typing in the epidemiological analysis of Campylobacter jejuni serotype HS2 infections

Summary In this study we have evaluated the ability of three typing methods, pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), phage-typing and ribotyping, to discriminate not only between strains of differing serotypes but also between strains within a single serotype, heat stable serotype 2 (HS2). Forty-five isolates derived from cases of campylobacter enteritis occurring in the Cardiff area were examined. These included 18, mostly HS2, strains associated with an outbreak. The typing results for these and a further 39 epidemiologically unrelated strains of serotype HS2 were compared. This is the first report documenting the use of PFGE in an epidemiological investigation of Campylobacter jejuni in the UK. The results presented suggest that this technique is the most discriminatory of the three subtvping methods examined.
NSs Protein of Rift Valley Fever Virus Blocks Interferon Production by Inhibiting Host Gene Transcription

ABSTRACT Rift Valley fever virus (RVFV) is an important cause of epizootics and epidemics in Africa and a potential agent of bioterrorism. A better understanding of the factors that govern RVFV virulence and pathogenicity is required, given the urgent need for antiviral therapies and safe vaccines. We have previously shown that RVFV strains with mutations in the NSs gene are excellent inducers of α/β interferon (IFN-α/β) and are highly attenuated in mice. Here, we demonstrate that NSs is sufficient to block IFN-β gene expression at the transcriptional level. In cells transiently expressing NSs, IFN-β transcripts were not inducible by viral infection or by transfection of poly(I:C). NSs with anti-IFN activity accumulated in the nucleus. In contrast, mutant forms of NSs that had lost their IFN-inhibiting activity remained in the cytoplasm, indicating that nuclear localization plays a role. IFN synthesis is regulated by specific transcription factors, including interferon regulatory factor (IRF-3), NF-κB, and AP-1. In the presence of NSs, IRF-3 was still activated and moved to the nucleus. Likewise, NF-κB and AP-1 were activated normally, as shown in electrophoretic mobility shift assays. Moreover, NSs was found to inhibit transcriptional activity of a constitutive promoter, in agreement with recent findings showing that NSs targets the basal cellular transcription factor TFIIH. The present results suggest that NSs, unlike other viral IFN antagonists, does not inhibit IFN-specific transcription factors but blocks IFN gene expression at a subsequent step.
Homotransplantation immunity and tolerance in the bullfrog.

The bullfrog, Rana catesbeiana, is capable of giving a vigorous isoimmune response to skin homografts, both as a larva and as an adult. First-set skin homografts showed the same median survival times (11.8 ± 0.6 to 13.6 ± 1.0 days) at 25°C on animals ranging in age from 2 months to 2 years. There was likewise no significant difference in MST's of grafts to larvae at progressive stages of development from stage 25 to maturity. Thus the isoimmune response capacity once developed remains essentially unchanged whatever the age or stage of development, despite the fact that profound physiologic changes occur during metamorphosis. Second-set homografts among these larvae evoked an anamnestic reaction evidenced by an MST of only 5.1 ± 0.3 days at 25°C. Homografts survived about three times as long at 15°C, revealing the temperature dependence of the homograft reaction in this poikilothermic species. Many newly-hatched larvae at stage 24 and up to 36 days of age were sufficiently immature to become partially or completely tolerant toward homografts. A 68 days-old group of larvae at stage 25 showed a diminished homograft reaction, possibly associated with a transition from the tolerance to immune type of response. Beyond this age and stage complete immunologic maturity was manifest. Immunologic specificity in rejection and tolerance was determined by the responses to homografts from different second donors. The finding that nine skin homografts showed prolonged survival as a result of a previous tailbud homograft from a different donor is evidence that the current concept of strict individual specificity in tolerance may be erroneous.
Liver transplantation in Japan

As of December 31, 2014, 7937 liver transplants (7673 living donor transplants and 264 deceased donor liver transplantations [DDLTs; 261 from heart‐beating donors and 3 from non–heart‐beating donors]) have been performed in 67 institutions in Japan. The revised Organ Transplant Law in Japan came into effect in July 2010, which allows organ procurement from brain‐dead individuals, including children, with family consent if the patient had not previously refused organ donation. However, the number of deceased donor organ donations has not increased as anticipated. The rate of deceased organ donations per million population (pmp) has remained at less than 1. To maximize the viability of the limited numbers of donated organs, a system has been adopted that includes the partnership of well‐trained transplant consultant doctors and local doctors. For compensating for the decreased opportunity of on‐site training, an educational system regarding quality organ procurement for transplant surgeons has also been established. Furthermore, experts in the field of liver transplantation are currently discussing adoption of the Model for End‐Stage Liver Disease score for allocation, promoting split‐liver transplantation, arranging in‐house coordinators, and improving the frequency of proposing the option to donate organs to the families. To overcome the shortage of donors during efforts to promote organ donation, living donor liver transplantation (LDLT) has been developed in Japan. Continuous efforts to increase DDLT in addition to the successful experience of LDLT will increase the benefits of liver transplantation for more patients. Liver Transplantation 22 1401–1407 2016 AASLD.
Ultrasound-Guided Genicular Nerve Block for Knee Osteoarthritis: A Double-Blind, Randomized Controlled Trial of Local Anesthetic Alone or in Combination with Corticosteroid.

BACKGROUND Recently, several studies suggested that radiofrequency (RF) ablation of the genicular nerves is a safe and effective therapeutic procedure for intractable pain associated with chronic knee osteoarthritis (OA). Diagnostic genicular nerve block (GNB) with local anesthetic has been generally conducted before making decisions regarding RF ablation. Although GNB has been recently performed together with corticosteroid, the analgesic effects of corticosteroids for treating chronic pain remain controversial. OBJECTIVES The current study aims to assess the effects of combining corticosteroids and local anesthesia during ultrasound-guided GNB in patients with chronic knee OA. STUDY DESIGN A randomized, double-blinded institutional study. SETTING This study took place at Asan Medical Center in Seoul, Korea. METHODS Forty-eight patients with chronic knee OA were randomly assigned to either the lidocaine alone group (n = 24) or lidocaine plus triamcinolone (TA) group (n = 24) before ultrasound-guided GNB. Visual analog scale (VAS), Oxford Knee Score (OKS), and global perceived effects (7-point scale) were assessed at baseline and at 1, 2, 4, and 8 weeks after the procedure. RESULTS The VAS scores were significantly lower in the lidocaine plus TA group than in the lidocaine alone group at both 2 (P < 0.001) and 4 (P < 0.001) weeks after GNB. The alleviation of intense pain in the lidocaine plus TA group was sustained up to 2 weeks after the procedure, in accordance with the definition of a minimal clinically important improvement. Although a similar intergroup difference in OKSs was observed at 4 weeks (P < 0.001), the clinical improvement in functional capacity lasted for only one week after the reassessment of OKSs, in accordance with a minimal important change. No patient reported any postprocedural adverse events during the follow-up period. LIMITATIONS The emotional state of the patients, which might affect the perception of knee pain, was not evaluated. The follow-up period was 2 months; this period might be insufficient to validate the short-term effects of GNB. CONCLUSIONS Ultrasound-guided GNB, when combined with a local anesthetic and corticosteroid, can provide short-term pain relief. However, the clinical benefit of corticosteroid administration was not clear in comparison with local anesthesia alone. Given the potential adverse effects, corticosteroids might not be appropriate as adjuvants during a GNB for chronic knee OA.The study protocol was approved by our institutional review board (2012-0210), and written informed consent was obtained from all patients. The trial was registered with the Clinical Research Information Service (KCT 0001139). KEY WORDS Chronic pain, knee osteoarthritis, genicular nerve block, ultrasound, corticosteroid, local anesthetic, visual analog scale, Oxford Knee Score.
Retinal Nerve Fiber Layer Thickness Measurement by Fourier-domain Optical Coherence Tomography: A Comparison Between Cirrus-HD OCT and RTVue in Healthy Eyes

PurposeTo compare retinal nerve fiber layer (RNFL) thickness measurements by 2 Fourier-domain optical coherence tomography (OCT) instruments: Cirrus-HD OCT and RTVue. Materials and MethodsTwenty-three eyes of 23 healthy participants underwent RNFL thickness measurement using both devices on the same day. The NMH4 and Optic Disk Cube 200×200 protocols were used, respectively, for scan acquisition with RTVue and Cirrus-HD OCT. Measurements were compared by means of a paired t test. ResultsRTVue gave higher mean RNFL thickness values than Cirrus-HD OCT in the superior (128.44±22.48 vs. 119.73±18.22 μ, P=0.0002), inferior (137.15±21.99 vs. 124.94±22.51 μ, P<0.0001), nasal (77.58±15.61 vs. 70.21±11.53 μ, P=0.0009), and temporal (78.09±10.05 vs. 67.08±9.60 μ, P<0.0001) quadrants, as well as a higher 360 degrees average measurement (105.88±14.59 vs. 95.21±12.45 μ, P<0.0001). The average difference between the 2 instruments showed a standard deviation too high to calculate a reliable correcting factor for comparing a pair of individual scans taken with the 2 instruments (superior quadrant 8.70±9.19 μ; inferior quadrant 13.11±5.4 μ; nasal quadrant 7.37±9.18 μ; temporal quadrant 11.01±8.50 μ; average measurement: 10.67±4.88 μ). ConclusionsIn healthy eyes RNFL measurements taken with RTVue and Cirrus-HD OCT show significant differences that make the measurements themselves noninterchangeable.
Mammal survival at the Cretaceous–Palaeogene boundary: metabolic homeostasis in prolonged tropical hibernation in tenrecs

Free-ranging common tenrecs, Tenrec ecaudatus, from sub-tropical Madagascar, displayed long-term (nine months) hibernation which lacked any evidence of periodic interbout arousals (IBAs). IBAs are the dominant feature of the mammalian hibernation phenotype and are thought to periodically restore long-term ischaemia damage and/or metabolic imbalances (depletions and accumulations). However, the lack of IBAs in tenrecs suggests no such pathology at hibernation Tbs > 22°C. The long period of tropical hibernation that we report might explain how the ancestral placental mammal survived the global devastation that drove the dinosaurs and many other vertebrates to extinction at the Cretaceous–Palaeogene boundary following a meteorite impact. The genetics and biochemistry of IBAs are of immense interest to biomedical researchers and space exploration scientists, in the latter case, those envisioning a hibernating state in astronauts for deep space travel. Unravelling the physiological thresholds and temperature dependence of IBAs will provide new impetus to these research quests.
Contrasting biogeography of endemic and alien terrestrial species in the Canary Islands

Endemics and alien organisms can be considered two faces of the same coin, since management of both groups of taxa have strongly interrelated conservation implications. Islands are rich in endemic species and are also very vulnerable to biological invasions. We analysed the biogeography and taxonomy of endemic and alien terrestrial species in the Canary Islands including fungi, lichens, bryophytes, vascular plants, arthropods, molluscs, annelids and vertebrates. By using the plant dataset we also tested the hypothesis that there is less taxonomic similarity between aliens and natives than between endemics and nonendemic natives. Although in the Canary Islands species richness of endemic species (28% of terrestrial flora and fauna) was higher than for alien species (3%), this trend was very much dependent on taxa and island. For example, more than half the annelids present in the islands are alien, and the flora of Fuerteventura has almost as many endemics as alien species. As hypothesized, for plants, there were more exclusively alien families (34) than families with only endemic species (5). Moreover, neither alien nor endemic plant species represented a random assemblage of taxa: most families with aliens were over-represented compared to the taxonomy patterns of the native flora, while for endemics almost the same proportion of families was over- and sub-represented compared to proportions of non-endemic natives.