Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Secreted Oral Epithelial Cell Membrane Vesicles Induce Epstein-Barr Virus Reactivation in Latently Infected B Cells

ABSTRACT In the oral epithelium, peripheral stores of Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) are transmitted from infiltrating B cells to epithelial cells. Once the virus is transmitted to epithelial cells, the highly permissive nature of this cell type for lytic replication allows virus amplification and exchange to other hosts. Since the initial transfer of EBV from B cells to epithelial cells requires transitioning of the B-cell to a state that induces virus reactivation, we hypothesized that there might be epithelium-specific signals that allow the infiltrating B cells to sense the appropriate environment to initiate reactivation and begin this exchange process. We previously found that the epithelium-specific miR-200 family of microRNAs promotes EBV lytic replication. Here we show that there are high levels of miR-200 family members in oral and tonsillar epithelia and in saliva. Analysis of cultured oral epithelial cells (OKF6) showed that they actively secrete membrane vesicles (exosomes) that are enriched with miR-200 family members. Coculturing of EBV-positive B cells with OKF6 cells induced viral reactivation. Further, treatment of EBV-positive B cells with OKF6 cell-derived membrane vesicles promoted reactivation. Using a cell system that does not naturally express miR-200 family members, we found that enforced expression of a miR-200 family member produced membrane vesicles that were able to induce the lytic cascade in EBV-positive B cells. We propose that membrane vesicles secreted by oral and tonsillar epithelial cells may serve as a tissue-specific environmental cue that initiates reactivation in B cells, promoting the transfer of virus from peripheral B-cell stores to the oral epithelium to facilitate virus amplification and exchange to other hosts. IMPORTANCE Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) is an important human pathogen that is causally associated with several lymphomas and carcinomas. The switch from latency to the lytic cycle is critical for successful host infection and for EBV pathogenesis. Although the EBV lytic cycle can be triggered by certain agents in vitro, the mechanisms that signal reactivation in vivo are poorly understood. We previously reported that endogenously expressed miR-200 family members likely play a role in facilitating the lytic tendencies of EBV in epithelial cells. Here we show that membrane vesicles secreted from oral epithelial cells contain miR-200 family members and that they can be transmitted to proximal EBV-positive B cells, where they trigger reactivation. We propose that this intercellular communication pathway may serve as a sensor mechanism for infiltrating B cells to recognize an appropriate environment to initiate reactivation, thereby allowing the exchange of virus to the oral epithelium.
Transformation Potential of Ras Isoforms Correlates with Activation of Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase but Not ERK*

The Ras oncoproteins activate the Raf-MEK-ERK kinase pathway, which plays an important role in cellular transformation. We observed that H-RasV12 exhibited a higher transforming potential than either K-RasV12 or N-RasV12 in both NIH3T3 fibroblasts and RIE-1 rat epithelial cell cultures. Surprisingly N-Ras and K-Ras were more potent than H-Ras in activation of mitogen-activated protein (MAP) kinase activity and ternary complex factor-dependent transcription. In contrast, H-Ras was more effective in activation of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase (PI3K) and AKT. Co-expression of constitutively active AKT, a downstream target of PI3K, cooperated with H-RasV12, K-RasV12, or N-RasV12 in transformation. Furthermore co-expression of the constitutively active MEK and AKT resulted in focus formation, while neither active MEK1 nor active AKT alone transformed NIH3T3 cells. Our data demonstrated that the transforming potential of Ras was not directly correlated with the ability of Ras to activate the MAP kinase cascade. In contrast, the ability to activate PI3K and AKT correlated with the ability of Ras to induce cellular transformation, suggesting an important role of PI3K-AKT in cellular transformation. Our data also demonstrated that, under these assay conditions, activation of the MAP kinase cascade was not sufficient to induce NIH3T3 cell transformation.
Stability of high order distributed power control

There are several proposed algorithms for distributed power control of wireless networks. In this article an extended algorithm including high order dynamics is discussed and sufficient conditions for stability are derived. The stability analysis is first made using analysis in linear scale and then with logarithmized variables in a control theoretic approach, using both input-output and Lyapunov theory.
Universal Hyperbolic Geometry III: First Steps in Projective Triangle Geometry

We initiate a triangle geometry in the projective metrical setting, based on the purely algebraic approach of universal geometry, and yielding in particular a new form of hyperbolic triangle geometry. There are three main strands: the Orthocenter, Incenter and Circumcenter hierarchies, with the last two dual. Formulas using ortholinear coordinates are a main objective. Prominent are five particular points, the b, z, x, h and s points, all lying on the Orthoaxis A. A rich kaleidoscopic aspect colours the subject.
Differentiation between malignant and benign nodules in the liver: use of contrast C3-MODE technology.

AIM To investigate the value of contrast-enhanced C3-MODE technology in differentiating malignant nodules of liver from the benign ones. METHODS Forty-six nodules in 36 patients (29 men and 7 women) were studied by contrast-enhanced C3-MODE technology and contrast-enhanced CT in 1 wk before the biopsy or operation. A low MI monitor and a high MI flash imaging were intermittently performed. After the injection of contrast agent, the period from 10 to 30 s and the time later than 100 s were respectively defined as early arterial phase and the late phase. The vascularities of the liver nodules in the two phases were combined for differential diagnosis. Corresponding to the pathological diagnosis, the accuracy, sensitivity and specificity of contrast-enhanced C3-MODE technology were compared to those of contrast-enhanced CT. RESULTS By C3-MODE technology, 33 of the 46 liver nodules were demonstrated as defected area in the late phase and were diagnosed as malignant tumors. Of them, 28 with hypervascularity in the early arterial phase were assessed as hepatocellular carcinoma, the other five nodules with rim-like enhancement in the early arterial phase were diagnosed as metastatic tumors. Thirteen nodules were shown as iso or hypervascularity in the late phase as well as centripetal filling in the early arterial phase and we made a diagnosis of hemangioma. Corresponding to the pathological results, the sensitivity, specificity and accuracy of contrast-enhanced C3-MODE technology in differentiating malignant and benign nodules in the liver were 97.0%, 92.3% and 95.7%, respectively. With comparison to those of contrast CT (sensitivity, 94.1%; specificity, 91.7%; accuracy, 93.5%), the difference was not significant. CONCLUSION Contrast-enhanced C3-MODE technology can effectively differentiate malignant liver tumors from the benign nodules. It highly agrees diagnostically with the pathology. We suggest that it provides a new approach for differential diagnosis of liver nodules in addition to contrast-enhanced CT.
Pathology Consultation on Viscoelastic Studies of Coagulopathic Obstetrical Patients.

OBJECTIVES In obstetrics, the decision to transfuse blood components has historically been driven by traditional laboratory testing in combination with direct observation of bleeding. The adjunctive use of viscoelastic testing, including thromboelastometry and thromboelastography, has gained increasing acceptance in the clinical domain. METHODS We performed a review of the published medical literature by searching the PUBMED database for keywords "viscoelastic" and "obstetric," as well as "viscoelastic" and "postpartum hemorrhage. " Additionally, case reports and expert opinion publications that referenced viscoelastic studies in obstetrical patients were evaluated. RESULTS There is very little high-quality evidence currently published in the medical literature to support the notion that viscoelastic testing obviates the need for traditional coagulation testing or improves mortality resulting from major obstetrical hemorrhage. CONCLUSIONS Additional research is needed to further focus the optimum role of viscoelastic tests in major obstetrical hemorrhage.
Significant Causes and Effects of Variation Orders in Construction Projects

Variation Order (VO) is a common phenomenon in construction projects. It involves an amendment of the original scope of work as in the contract. VO is caused from various factors. Variations often cause disputes and dissatisfactions among the parties involved in construction projects. Thus, it is very important to control VOs in a construction project. For this, the first step is to uncover and understand the causes and effects of VO. Hence, the aim of this study is to determine the significant causes and effects of VO in construction projects. Data collection involved the survey with a structured questionnaire consisting of 18 causes and 9 effects of variation orders identified through comprehensive literature review. Survey was carried out among client representatives, consultants and contractors involved in handling projects of Malaysian Public Works Department (PWD) known as Jabatan Kerja Raya Malaysia (JKR). A total of 101 completed questionnaire sets were collected against 200 questionnaires distributed among the practitioners. Collected questionnaires were analyzed with statistical software package SPSS and Average Index formula. The results of the study showed that in Malaysia’s JKR projects often variation orders are occurred; these VO’s are majorly caused because of unavailability of equipment, poor workmanship and design complexity. While most significant effects of VO on the projects are increased project cost, delay in completion and logistic delays. Early participation of professionals may be beneficial in reducing the occurrence of variations. Also, improved design and avoiding frequent design changes will be very effective in controlling the problem of variations.
Nrf2 Induces Interleukin-6 (IL-6) Expression via an Antioxidant Response Element within the IL-6 Promoter*

IL-6 gene expression is controlled by a promoter region containing multiple regulatory elements such as NF-κB, NF-IL6, CRE, GRE, and TRE. In this study, we demonstrated that TRE, found within the IL-6 promoter, is embedded in a functional antioxidant response element (ARE) matching an entire ARE consensus sequence. Further, point mutations of the ARE consensus sequence in the IL-6 promoter construct selectively eliminate ARE but not TRE activity. Nrf2 is a redox-sensitive transcription factor which provides cytoprotection against electrophilic and oxidative stress and is the most potent activator of ARE-dependent transcription. Using Nrf2 knock-out mice we demonstrate that Nrf2 is a potent activator of IL-6 gene transcription in vivo. Moreover, we show evidence that Nrf2 is the transcription factor that activates IL6 expression in a cholestatic hepatitis mouse model. Our findings suggest a possible role of IL-6 in oxidative stress defense and also give indication about an important function for Nrf2 in the regulation of hematopoietic and inflammatory processes.
Effect of gender and body composition on dynamic lung function tests in young Gujarati Indian population

fitness and environmental factors. Body composition plays a main role for the proper functioning of lungs in healthy individuals. [2,3] Body composition parameters such as body mass index (BMI), fat mass index (FMI), and fat-free mass index (FFMI) and their association with pulmonary functions were documented by many researchers, since the previous years, with different results in both genders. Yet, the association of body composition with lung functions are not fully understood. Body composition parameters such as fat mass (FM) and fat-free mass (FFM) are different in Indians with normal range of BMI. [2,4] Nowadays, lean individuals with high FM are reported. Underweight individuals with high FM and overweight and obese individuals with low FFM are also documented by many authors. The strength and bulk of respirator muscle and lung functions were associated with body weight Background: Fat-free mass (FFM) and fat mass (FM) are not necessarily similar in individuals within normal range of body mass index. Fat-free mass index (FFMI) and fat mass index (FMI) affect the dynamic lung functions in young Indians.
Cocreating Understanding and Value in Distributed Work: How Members of Onsite and Offshore Vendor Teams Give, Make, Demand, and Break Sense

Achieving shared, common, or mutual understandings among geographically dispersed workers is a central concern in the distributed work literature. Nonetheless, little is known yet about the socio-cognitive acts and communication processes involved with synchronizing and cocreating understandings in such settings. Building on a case study of a geographically distributed information systems development project at one of India's largest offshore vendors, we postulate that knowledge and experience asymmetries, and requirements and task characteristics (such as complexity, instability, ambiguity, and novelty) prompt onsite and offshore team members to engage in acts of sensegiving, sensedemanding, and sensebreaking. This allows them to make sense of their tasks and their environment, and it increases the likelihood that congruent and actionable understandings emerge. Furthermore, it assists them in cocreating novel understandings, especially when acts of sensegiving and sensedemanding are complemented with instances of sensebreaking. Our results contribute to the literature by explaining how distributed team members mitigate problems of understanding, transfer preexisting understandings, and cocreate novel understandings. Acts of sensegiving, sensedemanding, and sensebreaking allow distributed team members to jointly explore and generate value, thereby amplifying the performance of distributed workers.
Periodontal practice and referral profile of general dentists in Nova Scotia, Canada.

BACKGROUND In contrast to an expected increase in demand for periodontal services with aging of the population, it appears that referrals to periodontists are declining. OBJECTIVE To determine the extent to which general dentists in Nova Scotia, Canada, provide periodontal and surgical implant therapies and to determine the factors influencing a dentist's decision to provide treatment or refer patients to a specialist. METHODS A cross-sectional survey study was performed. The survey questionnaire was mailed to all 443 general dentists practising in Nova Scotia in summer 2009. The questionnaire presented several clinical scenarios and asked respondents whether they would treat the patient in the office or refer to a specialist. The data were analyzed by logistic regression. RESULTS Of the 279 (63.0%) dentists responding to the survey, 272 (61.4% of the total) were eligible for inclusion in the analysis. The majority of dentists reported rendering nonsurgical periodontal therapy, including scaling (98.5%; 262/266), periodontal maintenance (95.9%; 255/266), and treatment for bruxism (95.1%; 252/265). The most common surgical procedures performed by dentists were frenectomy (29.4%; 78/265), gingivectomy (29.3%; 77/263) and crown-lengthening procedures (17.0%; 46/271). Eleven factors significantly influenced dentists' decisions to treat or refer patients. The most common criteria used in selecting a periodontist were satisfaction of previous patients, previous success with the treatment, and the personality of and good communications with the periodontist. CONCLUSIONS In this study, dentists reported rendering nonsurgical periodontal therapy on a wide scale, whereas their involvement in oral or periodontal and implant surgical therapies was limited.
Improvement in glucose tolerance and insulin resistance in obese subjects treated with troglitazone.

BACKGROUND Troglitazone decreases insulin resistance and hyperglycemia in patients with non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), but its effects on subjects without diabetes are not known. METHODS We performed oral and intravenous glucose-tolerance tests, studies with the euglycemic-hyperinsulinemic clamp, meal-tolerance tests, and 24-hour blood-pressure measurements at base line and after the administration of troglitazone, 200 mg orally twice daily, or placebo for 12 weeks in 18 nondiabetic obese subjects, 9 of whom had impaired glucose tolerance. RESULTS The mean (+/- SD) rates of glucose disposal increased from 4.7 +/- 1.7 to 6.0 +/- 1.7 mg per kilogram of body weight per minute (P = 0.004) and from 9.0 +/- 1.8 to 9.9 +/- 1.3 mg per kilogram per minute (P = 0.02) during insulin infusions of 40 and 300 mU per square meter of body-surface area per minute, respectively, in the troglitazone group. The insulin-sensitivity index, calculated from the results of intravenous glucose-tolerance tests, increased from 0.7 +/- 0.6 x 10(-4) to 1.6 +/- 0.9 x 10(-4) in subjects given troglitazone, and their glycemic response to oral glucose and to mixed meals decreased. The mean fasting plasma insulin concentration decreased by 48 percent (P = 0.002), and the plasma insulin response to oral glucose and mixed meals decreased by 40 and 41 percent, respectively. The changes were similar in the subjects with normal glucose tolerance and those with impaired glucose tolerance. Systolic and diastolic blood pressure decreased by 5 +/- 2 mm Hg (P = 0.05) and 4 +/- 2 mm Hg (P = 0.04), respectively, after treatment with troglitazone. There were virtually no changes in the placebo group. CONCLUSIONS Troglitazone decreases insulin resistance and improves glucose tolerance in obese subjects with either impaired or normal glucose tolerance. The ability of troglitazone to reduce insulin resistance could be useful in preventing NIDDM:
Coordinate Regulation of Choline Acetyltransferase, Tyrosine Hydroxylase, and Neuropeptide mRNAs by Ciliary Neurotrophic Factor and Leukemia Inhibitory Factor in Cultured Sympathetic Neurons

Abstract: The neurotransmitter phenotype switch that occurs in cultures of rat superior cervical ganglion neurons after treatment with leukemia inhibitory factor or ciliary neurotrophic factor is a useful model permitting investigation of the mechanisms of cytokine‐mediated differentiation. Recently the actions of leukemia inhibitory factor and ciliary neurotrophic factor have been linked through their interactions with related receptor complexes. Here we compare the effects of these two cytokines on gene expression in sympathetic neuronal cultures and begin to investigate their mechanisms. We report that, as has been shown for leukemia inhibitory factor, ciliary neurotrophic factor regulates peptides and classical transmitters in these cultures at the mRNA level. In addition, we find that the induction of substance P mRNA by these cytokines is rapid, dependent on protein synthesis, and occurs in 40–50% of superior cervical ganglion neurons in dissociated culture.
The Thyroid in End‐Stage Renal Disease

Previous studies of patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) indicate that the prevalence of goiter varies from 0 to 58% while that of hypothyroidism ranges from 0 to 9.5%. In addition, altered serum thyroid hormone levels are present in euthyroid patients with ESRD and may be related to nonthyroidal disorders including malnutrition. To examine these issues further, 306 patients with ESRD were compared to 139 hospitalized patients without renal disease (control population). Goiter was present in 43% with ESRD compared to 6.7% of controls (P less than 0.001). Goiter frequency was greater (49.6%, P = 0.047) and serum parathyroid hormone levels higher (mean: 238.6 microlitersEq/ml, P less than 0.001; normal: less than 15 microlitersEq/ml) in 115 patients dialyzed for longer than 1 year than in 191 dialyzed for less than 1 year or not at all (38.7%, and 61.5 microlitersEq/ml, respectively). In addition, goiter was more common in females (50.0%) than in males (35.1%, P = 0.008) with ESRD. No significant relationships were observed between goiter frequency and age, race, diabetes mellitus, or elevated antimicrosomal antibody titers. The prevalence of primary hypothyroidism was higher in ESRD (2.6%) than in 2122 in- and out-patients (1.1%) (P = 0.024). Compared to the total group of ESRD patients, the hypothyroid patients were predominantly female (88% vs. 50%) and had a higher frequency of positive antimicrosomal antibody titers (50% vs. 6.7%, P = 0.029). The frequency of hyperthyroidism was not significantly different, being 1.0% in ESRD compared to 0.3% in the general population (P = 0.057). There was a higher frequency of reduced free T4 index values in the 287 euthyroid patients with ESRD (12.9%) than in controls (3.6%) (P = 0.002). Similarly, free T3 index values were reduced below 100 in 65.5% with ESRD compared to 33.8% of controls (P less than 0.001). In addition, serum albumin levels were lower in euthyroid patients with ESRD (3.5 g/dl, P less than 0.001) than in controls (3.8 g/dl). Serum T3 levels correlated directly with both serum albumin (r = 0.57, P less than 0.001) and transferrin (r = 0.54, P less than 0.001) levels in ESRD as well as in controls (r = 0.74, P less than 0.001, and r = 0.69, P less than 0.001, respectively). (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Study of Oviposition Pattern and Clutch Traits in a White Leghorn (WL) Layer Population

Various layer traits were recorded on 1082 pullets at 29 th generation of selection to evaluate the variability for egg production. Oviposition time of each egg was recorded at hourly and half an hour intervals under 16L: 8D cycle, up to 40 weeks of age and for 15 days period respectively, to study the distribution pattern of oviposition time. Early (06-11h) and late (11-17 h) pattern of oviposition, with 90 % of ovipositions occurring before 13 h of the day was observed. Mean oviposition time (MOT) and mean oviposition interval (MOI) of the flock were 10.99 h and 24.34 h at hourly intervals, whereas, 10.70 h and 24.43 h at half an hour intervals of recording, respectively. Mean values of clutch length, clutch number, maximum clutch length, total pause days and interval between clutches were found to be 11.10 days, 12.69, 38.15 days, 23.67 days and 2.20 days respectively. Recorded data revealed variable degree of skewness and kurtosis for different traits. Clutch traits revealed more variation than MOT and MOI. The distribution of MOT and MOI showed narrow range and low percentage coefficient of variation than other traits.
Dyskeratosis Congenita Associated with Elevated Fetal Hemoglobin, X‐Linked Ocular Albinism, and Juvenile‐Onset Diabetes Mellitus

An 11‐year‐old boy had dyskeratosis congenita, elevated fetal hemoglobin level, X‐linked ocular albinism, and juvenile‐onset diabetes mellitus. A review of the international literature revealed that elevated fetal hemoglobin has been noted in 15 reported cases of dyskeratosis congenita. It is a previously unrecognized, commonly associated finding in dyskeratosis congenita that may provide insight into the location and function of the gene for dyskeratosis congenita.