Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Stabilization of interferon messenger RNA activity by treatment of cells with metabolic inhibitors and lowering of the incubation temperature.

Interferon production was induced in a strain of human diploid foreskin cells with poly(I). poly(C). Cycloheximide was included in the culture medium at the time of addition of the inducer. Actinomycin D was added to the cultures 4 or 5 hr later, before the inhibition of protein synthesis was reversed at 6 hr. Thus, subsequent interferon synthesis had to be directed by messenger RNA synthesized before addition of actinomycin D. The amount of interferon produced after such treatment was about 50-fold greater than in cells induced with poly(I). poly(C) but not treated with inhibitors. Experiments using cordycepin suggested that in spite of the continued presence of the inducer the synthesis of the bulk of interferon messenger RNA was completed within the first 2 hr of exposure of cells to poly(I). poly(C) and cycloheximide. Transcription of interferon messenger RNA was apparently not affected when interferon synthesis was suppressed to various degrees by different inhibitors of protein synthesis, indicating the independence of transcription and translation. The high rate of interferon synthesis after the reversal of cycloheximide action was more sustained at 32 degrees than at 37 degrees . The rate of decrease of overall protein synthesis in cells treated with actinomycin D and then incubated either at 32 degrees or 37 degrees showed a similar dependence on incubation temperature, suggesting that the stability of messenger RNA (or of another actinomycin D-sensitive component required for protein synthesis) was greater at the lower temperature.
Immunohistochemical study of hepatic fibrosis induced in rats by multiple galactosamine injections

Multiple injections of D‐galactosamine induce liver fibrosis and cirrhosis in rats. The purpose of this immunopathological study was to correlate inflammation and hepatic extracellular matrix remodeling after repeated administration of galactosamine. Rats were given 10, 20, 30, 40, 60, 80, 100 and 140 intraperitoneal injections of D‐galactosamine (500 mg/kg body wt, three times weekly). Controls received injections of saline solution. Cryostat sections of liver tissue obtained on biopsy or autopsy were immunostained with a panel of monoclonal and polyclonal monospecific antibodies reactive with macrophages, T and B lymphocytes, desmin, the extracellular matrix components fibronectin; laminin; collagen types I, III and IV; and the fibronectin receptor α5ß1. Total RNA was extracted and Northern‐blot analysis was performed with a specific cDNA probe for rat collagen type III. Spotty liver cell necrosis and mild portal and parenchymal inflammation was seen after 10 injections of galactosamine. After 20 to 40 injections, expansion of portal tracts, prominent bile ductular proliferation and gradual formation of fibrous septa were encountered with the development of cirrhosis at later intervals. These progressive histological changes were paralleled by a gradual increase of desmin‐positive cells in developing septa with deposition of fibronectin; collagen types I, III and IV; and laminin. Northern‐blot analysis showed that this accumulation of extracellular matrix was not accompanied by increase of mRNA for collagen type III. In conclusion, repetitive administration of galactosamine causes progressive liver disease with prominent bile ductule proliferation and development of fibrous septa. These pathological alterations bear some resemblance to the morphological changes in chronic biliary disease in human beings. (Hepatology 1994;19:775–781).
Development and migration of avian sympathetic preganglionic neurons

Modern neuronanatomical techniques were used to investigate the development of the avian sympathetic preganglionic cell column in the spinal cord of the chick embryo. [3H]thymidine autoradiography indicated that the majority of these preganglionic, or “Terni column” neurons are generated between stages 18 and 24 (days 2–4). This coincides with the genesis of the somatic motoneurons in the thoracic levels of the cord, and therefore differences in the time of origin cannot explain the divergent fates of these two neuronal populations. Data obtained from short‐survival autoradiographic experiments indicated that many early born cells remain close to the ventral region of the ventricular epithelium until day 5 of incubation. Ventral root injections used to label retrogradely neurons projecting an axon into the ventral root (Terni cells and somatic motoneurons) have labeled neurons next to the ventricular epithelium at the same early stages. Thus, it seems likely that some Terni cells, if not all, maintain medial positions and do not migrate laterally to join a common motor column before initiating a dorsal migration. Analysis of a closely staged series of embryos, whose Terni column neurons were retrogradely labeled with wheat germ agglutinin‐horseradish peroxidase (WGA‐HRP), revealed that between days 5 and 8 of incubation, Terni column neurons migrated dorsally to attain their adult position adjacent to the central canal. These changes in position were reflected in the changing morphology of the Terni column neurons, visualized by the Golgi‐like HRP labeling. The positions of the migrating Terni cells differed from those of commissural cells, indicating that these fibers are not the substrate for the dorsal migration. The dorsal migration of Terni column cells was not disrupted by the surgical removal of the sympathetic ganglia, the synaptic targets of these neurons, nor by disruption of spinal afferents. Taken together, these results suggest that the migratory behavior of Terni cells is distinctive when compared to that of somatic motoneurons, and that local and/or intrinsic cues within the spinal cord guide the dorsal migration of Terni column cells.
Positional cloning and characterization of mouse mei8, a disrupted allele of the meiotic cohesin Rec8

A novel mutation, mei8, was isolated in a forward genetic screen for infertility mutations induced by chemical mutagenesis of ES cells. Homozygous mutant mice are sterile. Mutant females exhibit ovarian dysgenesis and lack ovarian follicles at reproductive maturity. Affected males have small testes due to arrest of spermatogenesis during meiotic prophase I. Genetic mapping and positional cloning of mei8 led to the identification of a mutation in Rec8, a homolog of the yeast meiosis‐specific cohesin gene REC8. Analysis of meiosis in Rec8mei8/Rec8mei8 spermatocytes showed that, while initiation of recombination and synapsis occurs, REC8 is required for the completion and/or maintenance of synapsis, cohesion of sister chromatids, and the formation of chiasmata, as it is in other organisms. However, unlike yeast and Caenorhabditis elegans, localization of REC8 on meiotic chromosomes is not required for the assembly of axial elements. genesis 40:184–194, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
An adhesion protein of Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi is required for pathogenesis and potential target for vaccine development

More than half of all Salmonella enterica serovar Typhi genes still remain unannotated. Although pathogenesis of S. Typhi is incompletely understood, treatment of typhoid fever is complicated by the emergence of drug resistance. Effectiveness of the currently available vaccines is also limited. In search of novel virulence proteins, we have identified several putative adhesins of S. Typhi through computational approaches. Our experiment shows that a 27-kDa outer membrane protein (T2544) plays a major role in bacterial adhesion to the host through high-affinity binding to laminin. Its role in bacterial pathogenesis is underscored by reduced systemic invasion and a 10-fold higher LD50 of the mutant bacteria in mice. T2544 is strongly immunogenic as revealed by the detection of sustained high titers of serum IgG and intestinal secretory IgA in the immunized mice. In vitro, T2544 antiserum enhanced uptake and clearance of Salmonella by macrophages and augmented complement-mediated lysis, indicating a contribution of T2544-specific antibodies to the killing process. This correlates well with the observed protection of mice immunized with recombinant T2544 or passively immunized with T2544 antiserum against subsequent bacterial challenge, suggesting that T2544-specific antibodies are involved in protection. The present study describes an adhesion protein of S. Typhi that contributes to bacterial pathogenesis. Protective antibodies in mice, rapid seroconversion of naturally infected individuals with increasing titers of anti-T2544 IgG from acute to convalescent sera suggesting antibody response in humans, and wide distribution and conservation of the cell-surface adhesin in the clinical isolates of different Salmonella serovars make T2544 a potential vaccine candidate.
Infracommunity level aggregation in the monogenean communities of crucian carp (Carassius carassius)

Aggregation is one of the distinctive features in parasite-host relationships, which has generally been studied at the level of host communities. Parasite aggregation at the infracommunity level may nevertheless be important for intraspecific interactions such as parasite mating success and opportunities for cross-fertilization. In the present paper, we studied the infracommunity aggregation of 3 highly abundant Dactylogyrus (Monogenea) species occurring on the gills of crucian carp (Carassius carassius). In line with the previous work on monogenean communities, we observed no competition between the species. At the species level, parasites were distributed unevenly on the gills showing aggregation in the majority of infracommunities. However, aggregation decreased with increasing parasite abundance, which supports the hypothesis that less aggregation may be needed to ensure successful mating when the distance to a potential mate decreases with increasing number of conspecifics. Lack of interspecific interactions, species specific site selection and the importance of study scale for aggregation patterns in dactylogyrids are discussed.
A comparison of 35-S methionine incorporation by the blastocysts of normal and delayed implanting mice.

By means of radioautography, 35S methionine was used as an index of protein synthesis in cleaving mouse ova. Limited amounts of 35S methionine were incorporated in early cleavage stages. However, the normal blastocyst showed intense reactivity shortly before implantation (Day 5 of pregnancy). When a suckling stimulus was used to delay nidation, the delayed implanting blastocysts did not incorporate 35S methionine for at least as late as Day 9 of concurrent pregnancy and lactation. However, when the young were removed on Day 8 of lactation, the blastocysts incorporated 35S methionine 24 hr later to the same extent as normal Day 5 blastocysts. This indicates that the prolonged uterine sojourn of the delayed implanting blastocyst is accompanied by modifications in metabolic activity so that the egg more closely resembles the pattern of development during the first 4 days of pregnancy than the normal blastocyst.
Pelvic Pheochromocytoma Mimicking as Urinary Bladder Pheochromocytoma: Looking Beyond the Obvious

Pheochromocytomas located outside the adrenal glands are called paragangliomas. A pelvic location is rare, the most common location for a paraganglioma being the retroperitoneal space. Paragangliomas arise from neural crest cells. Pelvic pheochromocytomas may mimic urinary bladder pheochromocytomas on imaging studies. Patients may present with hypertensive crisis during micturition. We present a 26-year-old female who presented to us with accelerated hypertension with episodes of severe headache and palpitation during micturition. Based on imaging studies, she was diagnosed to have a urinary bladder pheochromocytoma. However, on exploration, the patient was found to have an extravesical pheochromocytoma arising from the left posterolateral pelvic wall, which was excised while preserving the bladder. We present this case report as pelvic pheochromocytomas can mimic bladder pheochromocytomas and are difficult to differentiate on radiological imaging and can lead to inadvertent cystectomy.
A novel Werner Syndrome mutation: pharmacological treatment by read-through of nonsense mutations and epigenetic therapies

Werner Syndrome (WS) is a rare inherited disease characterized by premature aging and increased propensity for cancer. Mutations in the WRN gene can be of several types, including nonsense mutations, leading to a truncated protein form. WRN is a RecQ family member with both helicase and exonuclease activities, and it participates in several cell metabolic pathways, including DNA replication, DNA repair, and telomere maintenance. Here, we reported a novel homozygous WS mutation (c.3767 C > G) in 2 Argentinian brothers, which resulted in a stop codon and a truncated protein (p.S1256X). We also observed increased WRN promoter methylation in the cells of patients and decreased messenger WRN RNA (WRN mRNA) expression. Finally, we showed that the read-through of nonsense mutation pharmacologic treatment with both aminoglycosides (AGs) and ataluren (PTC-124) in these cells restores full-length protein expression and WRN functionality.
Urinary Tract Injuries during Obstetrics and Gynaecological Surgical Procedures at the Aga Khan University Hospital Karachi, Pakistan: A 20-Year Review

Objective: To determine the prevalence of urinary tract injuries, identification of risk factors and methods employed for repair and their outcomes. Study Design: Cross-sectional study of patients who had urinary tract injuries during major obstetric and gynaecological surgeries at the Aga Khan University Hospital (AKUH) from 1985 to 2004. Material and Methods: Computer-generated discharge summaries of patients who underwent major obstetric and gynaecological procedures during the 20 years of study period were retrieved. Information was collected on data collection form, and entered in SPSS version 13 and analysed. Results: During the study period 12,567 obstetrics and 5,966 gynaecological procedures were performed. There were 3,910 abdominal hysterectomies, 984 myomectomies, 591 ovarian/ adenexal surgeries and 481 vaginal hysterectomies. Out of these 110 urinary tract injuries were identified, 71 (64.5%) were of the urinary bladder and 39 (35.5%) were ureteric in origin, 31 (43.6%) bladder injuries were sustained during caesarean sections while 40 (56.3%) were during gynaecological procedures. In obstetric cases there were two ureteric injuries, the other ureteric injuries were sustained during surgeries for benign gynaecological conditions. The prevalence of bladder and ureteric injuries in obstetric surgeries was 0.25 and 0.02%, respectively, whereas in gynaecological surgeries the prevalence was 0.7 and 0.6% for urinary bladder and ureteric injuries. These figures compare well with other published series. Conclusion: Urinary tract injuries are an uncommon occurrence but when they occur they have serious implications in terms of morbidity and litigation. The prevalence of urinary bladder and ureteric injuries observed in our review is comparable to previous reported international series. Of concern is the fact that most of the ureteric injuries were diagnosed post operatively which means that further vigilance and preventive strategies need to be designed.
Interleukin‐6 regulation of prostate cancer cell growth

Interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) is involved in regulation of immune reaction and cell growth and differentiation. It causes multifunctional responses ranging from inhibition of proliferation to promotion of cell survival. IL‐6 effects may depend on experimental conditions such as passage numbers and serum composition. IL‐6 signals in target tissues through the receptor that is composed of the ligand‐binding and signal‐transducing subunits. IL‐6 is expressed in benign and malignant prostate tissue and the levels of the cytokine and its receptor increase during prostate carcinogenesis. IL‐6 is considered a positive growth factor for most prostate cells. The only exemption seems to be the LNCaP cell line, in which IL‐6 causes growth arrest and induces differentiation function. In contrast, IL‐6 acts as an autocrine growth factor in the subline LNCaP‐IL‐6+ established after chronic treatment with IL‐6. IL‐6 is a candidate for targeted therapy in prostate cancer because of its association with morbidity. Activation of signaling pathways of Janus kinase/signal transducers and activators of transcription factors, mitogen‐activated protein kinase (MAPK), and phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase has been reported in various prostate cancer cell lines. IL‐6 and the related cytokine oncostatin M induce activation of the androgen receptor (AR) in the absence of androgen. IL‐6 is also involved in regulation of vascular endothelial growth factor expression as well as neuroendocrine differentiation in prostate. Anti‐IL‐6 antibodies showed an inhibitory effect on the PC‐3 xenograft. However, the development of this therapy in prostate cancer is in early stages. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Comparison of an Intraoperative Application of a Haemostatic Agent (PerClot ® ) with Conventional Haemostatic Procedure after Thyroid Resection

Background: Postoperative hemorrhage remains an uncommon but potentially life-threatening complication of thyroid surgery. The aim of this case-controlled study was to compare the effectiveness of PerClot® hemostatic agent with hemostasis by conventional technique (HCT) in thyroid surgery. Methods: The thyroid resection was performed from November 2009 to February 2010. Exclusion criteria were applied. There were 30 patients in the HCT group and 30 patients in the PerClot® group. The outcome parameters were postoperative bleeding, the drainage volume 24 hours postoperatively and adverse events according to PerClot®. Results: There was no post-operative hemorrhage in both groups. We found no significant difference between the control andPerClot® group with regard to total drainage volume after 24 h (51 ml ± 36.9 control group/53 ml ± 39.5 PerClot® group (p = 0.79)). There were no adverse events in the PerClot® group. Conclusions: Routine use of PerClot® hemostatic agent has no advantage over conventional hemostasis technique (HCT) in thyroid surgery. In addition, PerClot® is safe and well tolerated.
LYMPHOMA IN CARDIAC ALLOTRANSPLANT RECIPIENTS: Clinical and Histological Features and Immunological Phenotype

To characterize further lymphomas which arise in chronically immunosuppressed allotransplant patients, we studied the clinical and histological features of seven cases of nonHodgkin's lymphoma and determined the immunological phenotype in four cases, which developed in a series of 182 patients who underwent cardiac transplantation at Stanford University Hospital. Clinical features which were correlated with the development of lymphoma included patient age, pretransplant diagnosis, and the number of transplants. All cases of nonHodgkin's lymphoma presented as solitary or multiple localized extranodal lesions while none presented in lymph nodes. Extranodal sites of involvement included brain, lung, and soft tissues of the thigh at the site of antilymphocyte serum injections. Histologically, five of seven lymphomas were classified as high grade, large cell, immunoblastic and two of seven as intermediate grade, large noncleaved cell. The immunological phenotype of the neoplasm from four patients was determined by reaction with immunoglobulin light and heavy chain reagents and monoclonal antibodies to T cell and B cell antigens. All lymphomas from four patients which were tested stained for Ia antigen (HLA-DR) but did not stain for immunoglobulin or the T cell antigens detected in this study.
Can resonance frequency analysis detect narrow marginal bone defects around dental implants? An ex vivo animal pilot study

BACKGROUND Resonance frequency analysis (RFA) is applied to assess implant stability, as expressed by the implant stability quotient (ISQ). This study aimed to investigate the potential of RFA devices to identify narrow marginal bone defects around implants. METHODS Twenty-eight Straumann bone level (BL) implants and 28 bone level tapered (BLT) implants were placed ex vivo in porcine ribs. Implants in the control group (A) were fully submerged in the bone. In three experimental groups, implants were placed with a 0.9-mm circumferential marginal bone defect extending 2 mm (B), 4 mm (C) and 6 mm (D) apically. Two RFA devices were used to measure implant stability. RESULTS ISQ values decreased as the defects' depth increased, with the greatest reduction observed between full bone (A) and 2-mm defects (B) (P < 0.001). No significant differences were found in the ISQ values recorded from BL and BLT implants. CONCLUSIONS ISQ values can effectively detect narrow, intrabony marginal bone defects, in particular when involving the first coronal 2 mm. This finding could have implications for the early diagnosis of conditions affecting the marginal bone, such as peri-implantitis. Further research is required to investigate if such findings can be replicated after osseointegration is achieved.
How important is organic aerosol hygroscopicity to aerosol indirect forcing?

Organics are among the most abundant aerosol components in the atmosphere. However, there are still large uncertainties with emissions of primary organic aerosol (POA) and volatile organic compounds (VOCs) (precursor gases of secondary organic aerosol, SOA), formation of SOA, and chemical and physical properties (e.g., hygroscopicity) of POA and SOA. All these may have significant impacts on aerosol direct and indirect forcing estimated from global models. In this study a modal aerosol module (MAM) in the NCAR community atmospheric model (CAM) is used to examine sensitivities of aerosol indirect forcing to hygroscopicity (represented by a single parameter ‘κ’ ) of POA and SOA. Our model simulation indicates that in the present-day (PD) condition changing the ‘κ’ value of POA from 0 to 0.1 increases the number concentration of cloud condensational nuclei (CCN) at supersaturation S = 0.1% by 40–80% over the POA source regions, while changing the ‘κ’ value of SOA by ± 50% (from 0.14 to 0.07 and 0.21) changes the CCN concentration within 40%. There are disproportionally larger changes in CCN concentration in the pre-industrial (PI) condition. Due to the stronger impact of organics hygroscopicity on CCN and cloud droplet number concentration at PI condition, global annual mean anthropogenic aerosol indirect forcing (AIF) between PD and PI conditions reduces with the increase of the hygroscopicity of organics. Global annual mean AIF varies by 0.4 W m − 2 in the sensitivity runs with the control run of − 1.3 W m − 2, highlighting the need for improved understanding of organics hygroscopicity and its representation in global models.