Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Three apoptotic genes are upregulated in a patient with Alzheimer's disease and well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma

We report the case of a 74-year-old man with Alzheimer's disease (AD) and an extensive ulcerative lesion on the right ear. AD is a neurodegenerative disease with progressive loss of memory and cognitive deterioration. It has been suggested that apoptotic cell injury and eventually cell death is a major contributor to the AD neurodegenerative process. The ulcerative lesion was surgically excised and the histological analysis reported a well-differentiated squamous cell carcinoma. Caspase-3 (CASP3) plays an important role in neuronal death during nervous system development and under certain pathological conditions. Furthermore, in vitro and in vivo studies reported elevated expression and activation of CASP3 in models of AD. Molecular epidemiological studies suggest that CASP3 may contribute to head and neck squamous cell carcinoma susceptibility and disease progression and that increased CASP3 expression is associated with tumors of the head. Also poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP1) and the leucine zipper downregulated in cancer 1 (LDOC1) genes play a proapoptotic role. We therefore evaluated the differential expression of LDOC1, PARP1, and CASP3 mRNA in peripheral blood leukocytes of our patient. We found increased expression of all these genes compared with the expression in control subjects.
Point mutations in the 3' minor domain of 16S rRNA of E.coli.

Point mutations were produced near the 3' end of E. coli 16S rRNA by bisulfite mutagenesis in a 121 base loop-out (1385 to 1505) in a heteroduplex of wild type (pKK3535) and deletion mutant plasmids. Two highly conserved, single stranded regions flank an irregular helix (1409-1491) in the area studied. Only a single mutation was isolated in the flanking regions, a transition at C1402, (normally methylated on the base and ribose in rRNA). Mutations occurred throughout the irregular helix. All mutant rRNAs were processed and assembled into 30S subunits capable of interacting with 50S subunits. Growth rates ranged from faster to significantly slower than cells with the wild type transcript. In particular, mutations at C1467 or C1469 cause slow growth. These two transitions (in a bulge region within the helix) reduced the bulge by additional base pairing.
Cell Cycle Progression following Naive T Cell Activation Is Independent of Jak3/Common γ-Chain Cytokine Signals1

T cell proliferation following activation is an essential aspect of the adaptive immune response. Multiple factors, such as TCR signaling, costimulation, and signals from cytokines, each contribute to determine the magnitude of T cell expansion. In this report, we examine in detail the role of Jak3/common γ-chain-dependent cytokines in promoting cell cycle progression and proliferation of naive T cells. Using naive CD4+ T cells from Jak3-deficient mice and wild-type CD4+ T cells treated with a small molecule inhibitor of Jak3, we find that these cytokine signals are not required for proliferation; instead, they are important for the survival of activated T cells. In addition, we show that the percentage of cells entering the cell cycle and the percentage of cells in each round of cell division are comparable between Jak3-deficent and wild-type T cells. Furthermore, cell cycle progression and the regulated expression of key cell cycle proteins are independent of Jak3/common γ-chain cytokine signals. These findings hold true over a wide range of TCR signal strengths. However, when CD28 costimulatory signals, but not TCR signals, are limiting, Jak3-dependent cytokine signals become necessary for the proliferation of naive T cells. Because CD28 signaling has been found to be dispensable for autoreactive T cell responses, these data suggest the potential for interfering with autoimmune T cell responses by inhibition of Jak3 signaling.
Development of Risk Perception and Substance Use of Tobacco, Alcohol and Cannabis Among Adolescents and Emerging Adults: Evidence of Directional Influences

Background: While several studies have investigated the relationship between risk perception and substance use, surprisingly little is known about mutual influences between both variables over time. Objectives: The present study aimed to explore two different hypotheses separately for tobacco, alcohol and cannabis: influences from risk perception on behavior (motivational hypothesis) and influences from behavior on risk perception (risk reappraisal hypothesis). Methods: A prospective and longitudinal cross-lagged panel design was used with substance use and risk perception measured five times over the course of 10 years. Participants were 318 German youths aged 14–15 at the beginning of the study. Risk perception and substance use frequency were measured using self-reports. Results: Structural equation modeling indicated significant influences of risk perception on substance use behavior for all substances, which supports the motivational hypothesis. Changes in risk perception predict changes in future substance use of tobacco, alcohol and cannabis. Specifically for cannabis, influences of substance use on risk perception can also be shown, thus, supporting the risk reappraisal hypothesis. Conclusions: While there is support for the rationale behind adequate risk perception as a goal of preventive interventions, the possibility of risk reappraisal should not be neglected, especially regarding illicit substances.
Development of the rectal dosage form with silver-coated glass beads for local-action applications in lower sections of the gastrointestinal tract

Abstract Context: Recent findings indicating the anti-inflammatory action of silver preparations through modulation of the gut microbiota and apoptosis of inflammatory cells predestine silver use in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Objective: The aim of our study was to validate the possibility of effective silver release from silver-coated glass beads for anti-inflammatory local application in the lower sections of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. Materials and methods: Silver-coated glass beads were prepared using magnetron method. Release of silver from the silver-coated glass bead surface was carried out in BIO-DIS reciprocating cylinder apparatus. Erosion of silver coating and indirect estimation of the silver release dynamics was assessed using scanning electron microscope. Rectal suppositories containing silver-coated glass beads were prepared using five different methods (M1–M5) and X-ray scanned for their composition. Results and discussion: The XR microanalysis and the chemical composition analysis evidenced for a rapid (within 30 min) release of nearly 50% of silver from the coating of the glass beads, which remained stable up to 24 h of incubation. The most homogeneous distribution of beads in the entire volume of the suppository was obtained for formulation M5, where the molten base was poured into mold placed in an ice bath, and the beads were added after 10 s. Conclusions: Our study is the first to present the concept of enclosing silver-coated glass beads in the lipophilic suppository base to attenuate inflammation in the lower GI tract and promises efficient treatment with reduced side effects.
Superresolution Imaging with Standard Fluorescent Probes

For more than 100 years, the ultimate resolution of a light microscope (∼200 nm) has been constrained by the fundamental physical phenomenon of diffraction, as described by Ernst Abbe in 1873. While this limitation is just as applicable to today's light microscopes, it is the combination of high‐end optics, clever methods of sample illumination, and computational techniques that has enabled researchers to access information at an order of magnitude greater resolution than once thought possible. This combination, broadly termed superresolution microscopy, has been increasingly practical for many labs to implement from both a hardware and software standpoint, but, as with many cutting‐edge techniques, it also comes with limitations. One of the current drawbacks to superresolution microscopy is the limited number of probes and conditions that have been suitable for imaging. Here, a technique termed bleaching/blinking‐assisted localization microscopy (BaLM) makes use of the inherent blinking and bleaching properties of almost all fluorophores as a means to generate superresolution images. Curr. Protoc. Cell Biol. 60:21.8. 1‐21.8. 17. © 2013 by John Wiley & Sons, Inc.
HIGH‐CHOLESTEROL DIET AUGMENTS ENDOTHELIAL DYSFUNCTION VIA ELEVATED OXIDATIVE STRESS AND REDUCED TETRAHYDROBIOPTERIN IN INS2AKITA MICE, AN AUTOSOMAL DOMINANT MUTANT TYPE 1 DIABETIC MODEL

1 Oxidative stress contributes to endothelial dysfunction and atherogenesis in diabetes. The present study tested the hypothesis that a high‐cholesterol diet accelerates endothelial dysfunction in Ins2Akita mice, a Type 1 diabetic model with a spontaneous autosomal preproinsulin gene (Ins2 gene) mutation, through further increase of superoxide production. 2 The Ins2Akita diabetic mice were fed a high‐cholesterol diet (1.25% cholesterol) for 4 months. Some Ins2Akita mice were also treated for 4 months with the selective NADPH oxidase inhibitor apocynin (4 mg/kg per day in drinking water). Oxidative stress markers, tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) levels, GTP cyclohydrolase I activity and endothelial function were determined in serum or arteries afterwards. 3 Serum lipid peroxidation and arterial superoxide levels were increased, whereas arterial BH4 levels and GTP cyclohydrolase I activity were decreased, in Ins2Akita mice on a high‐cholesterol diet, resulting in impaired endothelium‐dependent nitric oxide‐mediated relaxation in response to acetylcholine. 4 In vivo treatment with apocynin not only blunted serum lipid peroxidation and arterial superoxide levels, but also increased BH4 levels and GTP cyclohydrolase I activity, resulting in improved endothelium‐dependent relaxation. 5 These results suggest that NADPH oxidase may play a potential role in oxidative stress‐induced arterial BH4 and GTP cyclohydrolase I deficiency, resulting in endothelial dysfunction in Ins2Akita Type 1 diabetic mice fed a high‐cholesterol diet.
The Myeloid-specific Sialic Acid-binding Receptor, CD33, Associates with the Protein-tyrosine Phosphatases, SHP-1 and SHP-2*

The myeloid restricted membrane glycoprotein, CD33, is a member of the recently characterized “sialic acid-binding immunoglobulin-related lectin” family. Although CD33 can mediate sialic acid-dependent cell interactions as a recombinant protein, its function in myeloid cells has yet to be determined. Since CD33 contains two potential immunoreceptor tyrosine-based inhibition motifs in its cytoplasmic tail, we investigated whether it might act as a signaling receptor in myeloid cells. Tyrosine phosphorylation of CD33 in myeloid cell lines was stimulated by cell surface cross-linking or by pervanadate, and inhibited by PP2, a specific inhibitor of Src family tyrosine kinases. Phosphorylated CD33 recruited both the protein-tyrosine phosphatases, SHP-1 and SHP-2. CD33 was dephosphorylated in vitro by the co-immunoprecipitated tyrosine phosphatases, suggesting that it might also be an in vivo substrate. The first CD33 phosphotyrosine motif is dominant in CD33-SHP-1/SHP-2 interactions, since mutating tyrosine 340 in a CD33-cytoplasmic tail fusion protein significantly reduced binding to SHP-1 and SHP-2 in THP-1 lysates, while mutation of tyrosine 358 had no effect. Furthermore, the NH2-terminal Src homology 2 domain of SHP-1 and SHP-2, believed to be essential for phosphatase activation, selectively bound a CD33 phosphopeptide containing tyrosine 340 but not one containing tyrosine 358. Finally, mutation of tyrosine 340 increased red blood cell binding by CD33 expressed in COS cells. Hence, CD33 signaling through selective recruitment of SHP-1/SHP-2 may modulate its ligand(s) binding activity.
Using iron oxide nanoparticles to diagnose CNS inflammatory diseases and PCNSL

Objective: The study goal was to assess the benefits and potential limitations in the use of ultrasmall superparamagnetic iron oxide (USPIO) nanoparticles in the MRI diagnosis of CNS inflammatory diseases and primary CNS lymphoma. Methods: Twenty patients with presumptive or known CNS lesions underwent MRI study. Eighteen patients received both gadolinium-based contrast agents (GBCAs) and 1 of 2 USPIO contrast agents (ferumoxytol and ferumoxtran-10) 24 hours apart, which allowed direct comparative analysis. The remaining 2 patients had only USPIO-enhanced MRI because of a renal contraindication to GBCA. Conventional T1- and T2-weighted MRI were acquired before and after contrast administration in all patients, and perfusion MRI for relative cerebral blood volume (rCBV) assessment was obtained in all 9 patients receiving ferumoxytol. Results: USPIO-enhanced MRI showed an equal number of enhancing brain lesions in 9 of 18 patients (50%), more enhancing lesions in 2 of 18 patients (11%), and fewer enhancing lesions in 3 of 18 patients (17%) compared with GBCA-enhanced MRI. Four of 18 patients (22%) showed no MRI enhancement. Dynamic susceptibility-weighted contrast-enhanced perfusion MRI using ferumoxytol showed low rCBV (ratio <1.0) in 3 cases of demyelination or inflammation, modestly elevated rCBV in 5 cases of CNS lymphoma or lymphoproliferative disorder (range: 1.3–4.1), and no measurable disease in one case. Conclusions: This study showed that USPIO-enhanced brain MRI can be useful in the diagnosis of CNS inflammatory disorders and lymphoma, and is also useful for patients with renal compromise at risk of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis who are unable to receive GBCA.
The Role of External Audits in Enhancing Transparency and Accountability for the Sustainable Development Goals

This paper examines the involvement of supreme audit institutions (SAIs) in auditing the preparedness of governments for implementing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) since 2015. These audits have covered institutional arrangements put in place to implement the SDGs, the mobilization of resources, and monitoring and evaluation frameworks. SDG preparedness audits have produced valuable information that is not necessarily available from other national processes linked with SDG follow-up and review. As such, audit recommendations can be a powerful tool to help governments improve SDG implementation. The paper reflects on the impact that SDG audits have made, and on the challenges and opportunities for SAIs that have engaged in this exercise. While many of these challenges are generic to the work of SAIs, SDG audits also present specific political, institutional and technical problems. Finally, the paper explores questions that this new area of engagement poses for SAIs, including the long-term prospects for institutionalization of SDG audits and the relationship with other accountability mechanisms for the SDGs at the national level.
Compact 4-Element beam steerable printed adaptive array antenna for 5G application

This article presents a design procedure of phase controlled linear adaptive array antenna operating at 38GHz for 5G application. The Wilkinson equal power divider/combiner feeding network is loaded with the antenna elements for equal power distribution. The Obtained gain of the antenna is 12dBi at the operating frequency of 38GHz. −15dB of isolation is observed between the array antenna elements at the operating frequency. The proposed antenna is simulated by using finite element method based on Ansoft HFSS software platform. The computed results are compared with experimental results revealing excellent agreement for wide range of frequencies. To avoid the substrate loss, low permittivity loss less RT/duroid substrate is used to design the proposed antenna.
FIGLA, a Basic Helix-Loop-Helix Transcription Factor, Balances Sexually Dimorphic Gene Expression in Postnatal Oocytes

ABSTRACT Maintenance of sex-specific germ cells requires balanced activation and repression of genetic hierarchies to ensure gender-appropriate development in mammals. Figla (factor in the germ line, alpha) encodes a germ cell-specific basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor first identified as an activator of oocyte genes. In comparing the ovarian proteome of normal and Figla null newborn mice, 18 testis-specific or -enhanced proteins were identified that were more abundant in Figla null ovaries than in normal ovaries. Transgenic mice, ectopically expressing Figla in male germ cells, downregulated a subset of these genes and demonstrated age-related sterility associated with impaired meiosis and germ cell apoptosis. Testis-associated genes, including Tdrd1, Tdrd6, and Tdrd7, were suppressed in the transgenic males with a corresponding disruption of the sperm chromatoid body and mislocalization of MVH and MILI proteins, previously implicated in posttranscriptional processing of RNA. These data demonstrate that physiological expression of Figla plays a critical dual role in activation of oocyte-associated genes and repression of sperm-associated genes during normal postnatal oogenesis.
Pedicle screw placement accuracy impact and comparison between grading systems

Background: Pedicle screw instrumentation is widely used for spinal stabilization. However, the accuracy for free-hand screw placement ranges from 69% to 94%. This study assesses the value of the existing classification systems, and investigates their impact on the ability to assess the accuracy of free-hand screw placement. Methods: Data were collected retrospectively from the medical records of 34 patients who received 224 pedicle screws placed utilizing a free-hand technique. Screw placement was evaluated employing the 2-mm increment and Zdichavsky et al. classification systems. Kappa coefficient and Landis and Koch interpretations were employed for statistical analysis. Results: The 2-mm increment classification system resulted in a total of 18 (8.03%) misplaced screws. Lateral screw misplacement was observed in 13 (5.8%) instances, with medial pedicle wall penetration being noted in 5 (2.23%). Of the 18 misplaced screws, 4 (22.22%) were classified as minor (≤2 mm), 12 (66.67%) as moderate (2–4 mm), and 2 (11.11%) as severe (>4 mm) (K = 0.882). The Zdichavsky et al. grading system categorized 208 (92.84%) pedicle screws as Ia, 10 (4.46%) as Ib, 1 (0.45%) as IIa, 2 (0.90%) as IIb, 2 (0.90%) as IIIa, and 1 (0.45%) as IIIb grade; this resulted in a total of 16 (7.14%) misplaced screws (K = 0.980). One patient exhibited a new postoperative radiculopathy attributed to poor screw placement. There were no additional early or late postsurgical complications attributed to screw misplacement. Conclusion: The free-hand pedicle screw placement technique is both safe and effective. Postoperative computed tomography studies; however, are useful to confirm the accuracy of screw placement. Although, the available grading systems proved reliable, easy to use, and clearly reflected the individual surgeon's skills, they do not clearly document whether screws are safely placed.
Optimal control of a regional power microgrid network driven by wind and solar energy

In this paper, a model to support optimal decisions in a network of microgrids is formalized as an original discrete and centralized problem defined here as cooperative network of smart power grids problem. The control variables are the instantaneous flows of power in the network of microgrids, which can be obtained from the solution of a linear quadratic Gaussian (LQG) problem on a fixed time horizon. The state is represented by the energy stored in each microgrid. The goal is to minimize the variations of the energy stored in each storage device from a reference value, as well as to minimize the exchange of power between the microgrids. An application of the model is proposed taking into account wind and solar data in three sites in Liguria region (Castellari, Capo Vado and Savona). It is assumed that each microgrid is composed by a renewable hybrid energy system, a cluster of 100 households and a storage device.
Reappearance of circulating heparin in whole blood heparin concentration-based management does not correlate with postoperative bleeding after cardiac surgery.

OBJECTIVE The Hepcon Heparin Management System (HMS) facilitates administration of higher heparin and lower protamine doses, which may affect bleeding potential due to heparin rebound. The present study evaluated heparin rebound in patients for whom the Hepcon HMS was used to determine whether point-of-care tests detect residual heparin and residual heparin is associated with postoperative blood loss. DESIGN Prospective study. SETTING Tertiary care center affiliated with a university hospital. PARTICIPANTS Adults undergoing elective cardiac surgery requiring cardiopulmonary bypass. INTERVENTIONS In blood samples obtained at baseline, at 2 minutes, and at 1, 2, 4, 6, and 24 hours after heparin neutralization, heparin concentrations were measured using an automated chromogenic assay. Activated coagulation time (ACT), activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT), and thromboelastometry 2 hours after heparin neutralization also were examined in the last 22 study patients enrolled. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS All 31 patients had measurable heparin levels 2 hours after protamine administration; 22 patients exhibited a primary failure to reverse heparin after protamine administration, and 9 patients had measureable heparin levels 2 hours after complete heparin reversal (ie, heparin rebound). The thromboelastometric variable, INTEM-CT:HEPTEM-CT ratio, correlated with heparin concentration (r=0.72), but ACT (r=-0.12), APTT (r=0.36), and whole blood heparin concentration, determined using the Hepcon HMS, did not. Peak heparin concentration (0.18±0.07 U/mL) at 4 hours was not correlated with mediastinal blood loss. CONCLUSION Circulating heparin detected by the chromogenic assay was too low to be clinically significant based on postoperative bleeding, although all 31 patients had residual heparin or heparin rebound at 2 hours after protamine administration with use of the Hepcon HMS.
Effects of plant size and weather on the flowering phenology of the organ pipe cactus (Stenocereus thurberi).

BACKGROUND AND AIMS Flowering phenology is a critical life-history trait that influences reproductive success. It has been shown that genetic, climatic and other factors such as plant size affect the timing of flowering and its duration. The spatial and temporal variation in the reproductive phenology of the columnar cactus Stenocereus thurberi and its association with plant size and environmental cues was studied. METHODS Flowering was monitored during 3 years in three populations of S. thurberi along a latitudinal gradient. Plant size was related to phenological parameters. The actual and past weather were used for each site and year to investigate the environmental correlates of flowering. KEY RESULTS There was significant variation in the timing of flowering within and among populations. Flowering lasted 4 months in the southern population and only 2 months in the northern population. A single flowering peak was evident in each population, but ocurred at different times. Large plants produced more flowers, and bloomed earlier and for a longer period than small plants. Population synchrony increased as the mean duration of flowering per individual decreased. The onset of flowering is primarily related to the variance in winter minimum temperatures and the duration to the autumn-winter mean maximum temperature, whereas spring mean maximum temperature is best correlated with synchrony. CONCLUSIONS Plant size affects individual plant fecundity as well as flowering time. Thus the population structure strongly affects flowering phenology. Indications of clinal variation in the timing of flowering and reproductive effort suggest selection pressures related to the arrival of migrating pollinators, climate and resource economy in a desert environment. These pressures are likely to be relaxed in populations where individual plants can attain large sizes.