Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Microanalysis of Gene Expression in Tissues Using T7‐SAGE: Serial Analysis of Gene Expression After High‐Fidelity T7‐Based RNA Amplification

In this unit, the authors describe a new technique, T7‐SAGE, in which a high‐fidelity T7 amplification step is combined with SAGE analysis. In order to avoid extra PCR or other forms of amplification, the authors incorporate only two cycles of T7‐based RNA amplification as the initial step. This T7‐based amplification step has high accuracy. In addition, T7 RNA polymerase has high processivity and functions effectively even when broad stretches of nucleotides are being amplified. Although no protocol that includes an amplification step can claim to permit determination of absolute transcript number, since slight changes in estimated transcript frequency are always possible, T7 procedures appear to be the safest to date. This new T7‐SAGE procedure should facilitate application of SAGE for gene‐expression profiling using minimal quantities of starting material, such as from embryonic tissues and microdissected cells from histological sections of tissues.
Memory CD4 T Cells Direct Protective Responses to Influenza Virus in the Lungs through Helper-Independent Mechanisms

ABSTRACT Memory CD4 T cells specific for influenza virus are generated from natural infection and vaccination, persist long-term, and recognize determinants in seasonal and pandemic influenza virus strains. However, the protective potential of these long-lived influenza virus-specific memory CD4 T cells is not clear, including whether CD4 T-cell helper or effector functions are important in secondary antiviral responses. Here we demonstrate that memory CD4 T cells specific for H1N1 influenza virus directed protective responses to influenza virus challenge through intrinsic effector mechanisms, resulting in enhanced viral clearance, recovery from sublethal infection, and full protection from lethal challenge. Mice with influenza virus hemagglutinin (HA)-specific memory CD4 T cells or polyclonal influenza virus-specific memory CD4 T cells exhibited protection from influenza virus challenge that occurred in the presence of CD8-depleting antibodies in B-cell-deficient mice and when CD4 T cells were transferred into lymphocyte-deficient RAG2−/− mice. Moreover, the presence of memory CD4 T cells mobilized enhanced T-cell recruitment and immune responses in the lung. Neutralization of gamma interferon (IFN-γ) production in vivo abrogated memory CD4 T-cell-mediated protection from influenza virus challenge by HA-specific memory T cells and heterosubtypic protection by polyclonal memory CD4 T cells. Our results indicate that memory CD4 T cells can direct enhanced protection from influenza virus infection through mobilization of immune effectors in the lung, independent of their helper functions. These findings have important implications for the generation of universal influenza vaccines by promoting long-lived protective CD4 T-cell responses.
Functional and morphological effects of diazepam and midazolam on tumor vasculature in the 9L gliosarcoma brain tumor model using dynamic susceptibility contrast MRI: a comparative study

Antiangiogenic therapy attenuates tumor growth by reducing vascularization. Diazepam (DZP) and midazolam (MZL) have antiangiogenic properties in human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Thus, we investigated the antiangiogenic activity of DZP and MZL in the rat 9L gliosarcoma brain tumor model. The effect on tumor vasculature was evaluated using dynamic susceptibility contrast magnetic resonance imaging with gradient-echo (GE) and spin-echo (SE) to assess perfusion parameters, including cerebral blood volume (CBV), cerebral blood flow (CBF), mean transit time (MTT), and mean vessel diameter. The GE-normalized CBF (nCBF) in the tumors of untreated controls was significantly lower than that in normal brain tissue, whereas the CBV and MTT were higher. DZP- and MZL-treated rats had higher CBF and lower CBV and MTT values than did untreated controls. The tumor size decreased significantly to 33.5% in DZP-treated rats (P<0.001) and 22.5% in MZL-treated rats (P<0.01) relative to controls. The SE-normalized CBV was lower in DZP-treated (32.9%) and MZL-treated (10.6%) rats compared with controls. The mean vessel diameter decreased significantly by 32.5% in DPZ-treated and by 24.9% in MZL-treated rats compared with controls (P<0.01). The GE and SE nCBF values were higher in DZP-treated (49.9% and 40.1%, respectively) and MZL-treated (41.2% and 32.1%, respectively) rats than in controls. The GE- and SE-normalized MTTs were lower in DZP-treated (48.2% and 59.8%, respectively) and MZL-treated (40.5% and 51.2%, respectively) rats than in controls. Both DZP and MZL had antiangiogenic effects on tumor perfusion and vasculature; however, the antiangiogenic activity of DZP is more promising than that of MZL.
Cytokine Gene Expression in Neoplastic B Cells from Human Mantle Cell , Follicular , and Marginal Zone Lymphomas and in Their Postulated Normal Counterparts 1

Cytokines may promote tumor growth by paracrine and/or autocrine pathways. Little information is available because malignant cells differ from their normal counterparts for the cytokine repertoire they express. Here we have investigated by reverse transcription-PCR the expression of 22 cytokine genes in neoplastic B lymphocytes from six patients with mantle cell lymphoma, 10 with follicular lymphoma, and 5 with marginal zone lymphoma and in their normal counterparts, i.e., naive, germinal center, and memory B cells, purified from tonsils. The overall profiles of cytokine gene expression in neoplastic B cells and in the corresponding normal B-cell subsets were similar, but some “holes” in the repertoire of malignant versusnormal B lymphocytes were detected. Different “hole” combinations were identified consistently in mantle cell lymphoma, follicular lymphoma, and marginal zone lymphoma, thus representing molecular fingerprints of each individual lymphoma entity.
Identification and characterization of novel spliced variants of PRMT2 in breast carcinoma

Protein N‐arginine methyltransferases (PRMTs) participate in a number of cellular processes, including cell growth, nuclear/cytoplasmic protein shuttling, differentiation, RNA splicing and post‐transcriptional regulation. PRMT2 (also known as HRMT1L1) is clearly involved in lung function, the inflammatory response, apoptosis promotion, Wnt signaling and leptin signaling regulation through different mechanisms. In this study, we report the molecular and cell biological characterization of three novel PRMT2 splice variants isolated from breast cancer cells and referred to as PRMT2α, PRMT2β and PRMT2γ. Compared with the wild‐type PRMT2, these variants lack different motifs and therefore generate distinct C‐terminal domains. Confocal microscopy scanning revealed a distinct intracellular localization of PRMT2 variants, suggesting that the alternatively spliced C‐terminus of PRMT2 can directly influence its subcellular localization. Our findings reveal that these variants are capable of binding to estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) both in vitro and in vivo, and the N‐terminal regions of these variants contribute to ERα–PRMT2 interactions. Furthermore, these variants were proved to be able to enhance ERα‐mediated transactivation activity. Luciferase reporter assays showed that PRMT2s could modulate promoter activities of the ERα‐targeted genes of Snail and E‐cadherin. In addition, PRMT2 silencing could enhance 17β‐estradiol‐induced proliferation by regulating E2F1 expression and E2F1‐responsive genes in ERα‐positive breast cancer cells. Real‐time PCR and immunohistochemistry showed that overall PRMT2 expression was upregulated in breast cancer tissues and significantly associated with ERα positivity status both in breast cancer cell lines and breast cancer tissues. We speculate that PRMT2 and its splice variants may directly modulate ERα signaling and play a role in the progression of breast cancer.
Ferric sulfates on Mars: A combined mission data analysis of salty soils at Gusev crater and laboratory experimental investigations

[1] A temporal visible near-infrared (VIS-NIR) spectral variation was observed from Tyrone yellowish salty soils based on seven periodic Pancam 13 filter observations made by the Spirit rover. The major change was the reduction of spectral slope from 434 nm to 753 nm. Based on the results from a set of systematic laboratory experiments on the stability field and phase transition pathway of typical ferric sulfates, we suggest that the strong dehydration processes of ferricopiapite, either through amorphization or chemical alteration, could be the reasons for the spectral changes of Tyrone yellowish salty soils, excavated from a deep trench. The change of soil property suggests that they were originally not in equilibrium with the surface atmospheric conditions, that there is a relative humidity (RH) gradient existing in the upper few tens of centimeters depth below the surface. A layer of salt-rich regolith beneath the surface will change the underground temperature profile, especially to keep a low-temperature zone with a small temperature oscillation (than diurnal cycle at surface) in a salt-enriched regolith layer. This temperature profile will provide a relatively high RH and small RH variation and thus will facilitate the preservation of hydrous sulfates with high degree of hydration during the moderate obliquity period on Mars. Additionally, the sulfates with high degrees of hydration are excellent RH buffers in a local environment. The subsurface hydrous sulfates can be the sources for high level of water-equivalent hydrogen found at two large equatorial regions on Mars by Neutron Spectrometer on Mars Odyssey Orbiter.
Oral budesonide in the treatment of patients with primary biliary cirrhosis with a suboptimal response to ursodeoxycholic acid

Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) is a safe and effective medical therapy for most patients with primary biliary cirrhosis (PBC). However, some patients show an incomplete response to UDCA therapy. Treatment with corticosteroids may be of benefit although at the expense of systemic side effects. Budesonide, a corticosteroid with an extensive first‐pass hepatic metabolism appeared promising for the treatment of PBC. The aim of this study was to evaluate the safety and estimate the efficacy of budesonide in patients with PBC, who have shown a suboptimal response to UDCA. Twenty‐two patients with PBC, 16 women, median age of 50 who had been on UDCA (13‐15 mg/kg/d) for a mean of 46 months (range 6‐108 months) and had shown a persistent elevation of alkaline phosphatase activity at least 2 times the upper limit of normal were enrolled. Oral budesonide, 9 mg daily was administered for 1 year and patients continued on the same dosage of UDCA. There was a significant, but transitory improvement in serum levels of total bilirubin (P = .001) and a significant, but marginal improvement in serum alkaline phsophatase (P = .001) with combination therapy. The Mayo risk score increased significantly (P = .02) and there was a significant loss of bone mass (P < .001) of the lumbar spine. Budesonide‐induced hyperglycemia and cosmetic adverse effects were noted in 2 patients. In conclusion, oral budesonide appears to add minimal, if any, additional benefit to UDCA, and it is associated with a significant worsening of osteoporosis in patients with PBC.
Shame, Guilt, and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in Adult Survivors of Childhood Sexual Abuse at Risk for Human Immunodeficiency Virus: Outcomes of a Randomized Clinical Trial of Group Psychotherapy Treatment

This study evaluated the effectiveness of group psychotherapy in reducing levels of shame and guilt in adult survivors of childhood sexual abuse at risk for HIV, and whether such reductions would mediate the effects of treatment on posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms. One hundred sixty-six women were randomized into 3 conditions: a trauma-focused group, a present-focused group, and a waitlist group. Women received 6 months of treatment and were assessed at pretreatment (T1), immediately posttreatment (T2), and 6 months posttreatment (T3). Both treatment conditions resulted in reduced shame and guilt. The treatment effect on PTSD symptoms was mediated by changes in shame, but it was not associated with changes in guilt. These findings suggest that, when treating childhood sexual abuse survivors’ PTSD, it is important to address the negative self-appraisals, such as shame, that commonly accompany such symptoms.
Mechanism of apparent gain observed in focused beam measurements of a planar FSS

Apparent gain in focused beam measurements (tenths of a dB above 0 dB for calibrated VNA transmission) has been observed on many occasions for low loss resonant structures that include photonic/electromagnetic band-gap (PBG/EBG) structures [1] or frequency selective surface (FSS) stacks [2]. The authors are unaware of any previously published explanations perhaps due to the small magnitude of deviation. However, for a device with tight specifications, tenths of a dB deviation without explanation may be unacceptable, and transmission coefficient data greater than 0 dB can create controversy. This paper will demonstrate that the apparent gain seen in focused beam measurements occur due to radiation via mutual coupling from FSS elements not directly illuminated. Radiation from these elements increases the directivity of the stack resulting in an effective gain as measured by a VNA.
Stroke and Heart Disease Prevention Education via Telenovela: A Focus Group's Evaluation

Purpose: To evaluate a telenovela, “La Familia Nutritiva y Balanceada,” for cultural context and its efficacy as an educational tool to promote positive health behaviors in Latino families. Method: Ethnography was employed to interpret cultural health behaviors of 12 Latinas through a focus group after viewing the telenovela, a culturally accepted form of entertainment education. Results: Analysis of the transcribed interview revealed three recurrent themes: Not all fat is bad; add fruits and vegetables daily to diet; and children need to be involved. The group purported that the inclusion of children in the marketing and preparation of the food would translate into better food habits. Discussion: Participants demonstrated basic knowledge between food and health, and acknowledged that they gained an appreciation for good fat in the diet. The group related the telenovela would be a good tool for clinics, health fairs, and schools. Conclusion: Latinos are at high risk for cardiovascular disease and stroke. Health education messages need to incorporate cultural norms into an intervention that supports a behavior change, such as improved nutrition. Studies support that Latinos connect to media, such as telenovela and interpersonal communication, which make these appropriate choices for health education tools.
Pharmacokinetics and dosimetry in intraperitoneal radioimmunotherapy with 211At

The prognosis for patients diagnosed with disseminated cancer is often poor. Radioimmunotherapy (RIT) is a new approach to treat disseminated disease. The aim is to target tumor cells with monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) labeled with radionuclides which release cytotoxic particle radiation upon decay. The radionuclide At, with half-life 7.21h, is an interesting candidate for RIT. It emits an α-particle which leaves a short, dense ionization track along its path. The range of the α-particle (<100 μm) corresponds to a few cell diameters. Thus, with At in combination with a tumor-specific mAb, a high level of irradiation may be achieved in very small tumors, while, at the same time, the surrounding tissue is spared. In this thesis, the pharmacokinetics of intraperitoneal (IP) At-MX35 F(ab’)2 for ovarian cancer was investigated in 12 patients partaking in a phase I study. The in vivo distribution was monitored by sampling of bodily fluids and gamma camera imaging. Absorbed doses to normal organs and tissues were estimated. The peritoneum was subjected to the highest absorbed dose of all investigated tissues after the amendment of a thyroid blocking agent. The radiation tolerance of the peritoneum was unknown and was therefore studied in an animal model. The absorbed doses associated with therapeutic activity levels were found to be well tolerated in a short term perspective. Exposure to α-particles is however associated with a high risk for cancer induction. The ICRP recommends a radiation weighting factor 20 for αparticles. The effective dose provides a tool for estimating the risk associated with a procedure involving irradiation. It was estimated to < 2 Sv for a general patient undergoing IP At-RIT with 300 MBq in 1.5 L icodextrin.
Developing Cultural Intelligence for Global Leadership Through Mindfulness

Understanding how businesses function in relation to cultural and societal influences is critical for today’s business leader who wants to interact competently across borders. However, developing and evaluating such competence is a challenge. One concept that provides a holistic conceptualization of intercultural competence is the notion of “mindfulness” or the ability to use reflection as a connection between knowledge and action. To facilitate the intercultural learning of a group of MBA students studying global leadership during a cross-cultural immersion experience in China, a model of cultural competence was introduced during their predeparture sessions. In order to demonstrate their understanding of intercultural competence, student papers were analyzed using a coding scheme for reflection. Data show that, overall, students increased their level of “mindfulness” and became more reflective, and in our hopes, more culturally sensitive as a result of this cross-cultural immersion program. Implications of this study can be used for teaching international business and improving study abroad assignments through reflection.
Engineering of source appearance via transformation optics concept

The use of transformation optics concept for the design of miniaturized radiating devices is investigated. By choosing transformations that compress space, and then match it to the surrounding radiation environment, we are able to alter the physical size of the embedded source. We show that a small aperture antenna can then behave as one with a large aperture. A study of the transformation of the space metric and the material parameter calculation is presented. Simulations are performed to validate the proposed approach at microwave frequencies. This study paves the way to interesting applications in telecommunications and aeronautical domain.
Pathogenesis of type 2 turkey astroviruses with variant capsid genes in 2-day-old specific pathogen free poults

The pathogenicity of three different type 2 turkey astroviruses (TAstV-2) was studied in specific pathogen free turkeys. These viruses differ based on sequence analysis of the capsid gene. Poults were inoculated at 2 days of age and examined during 14 days for clinical signs and virus shedding. All inoculated poults presented signs of enteric disease including diarrhoea and growth depression. Virus presence and shedding was detected by real-time reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction from intestinal contents and cloacal swabs collected at 3, 7 and 14 days post-inoculation. Viraemia was also confirmed by this method. Common lesions observed at necropsy were dehydration; distended intestines filled with watery contents and undigested feed, and dilated caeca with foamy contents. Microscopic lesions present in the intestines consisted of mild crypt hyperplasia, villous atrophy and lymphocytic infiltration, and were most common in the jejunum. Presence of the viruses was demonstrated by immunohistochemistry and by in situ hybridization in both villi and crypt enterocytes in the jejunum and, less frequently, the duodenum, ileum and caeca. Mild lesions consisting mainly of lymphocytic infiltration were also observed in other organs including the pancreas, liver, spleen and kidneys. Mild to moderate bursal atrophy occurred in all TAstV-2-infected poults examined; however, no specific viral staining was observed in this organ or any other tissues examined apart from the intestines. In conclusion, TAstV-2 viruses with variant capsids produce a similar enteric disease in young turkeys and may also affect the immune system of the birds by causing bursal lymphoid depletion.
A Systematic Review of the Methodological Rigor of Studies Evaluating Cultural Competence Training of Health Professionals

Purpose To systematically examine the methodological rigor of studies using cultural competence training as a strategy to improve minority health care quality. To the authors’ knowledge, no prior studies of this type have been conducted. Method As part of a systematic review, the authors appraised the methodological rigor of studies published in English from 1980 to 2003 that evaluate cultural competence training, and determined whether selected study characteristics were associated with better study quality as defined by five domains (representativeness, intervention description, bias and confounding, outcome assessment, and analytic approach). Results Among 64 eligible articles, most studies (no. = 59) were published recently (1990–2003) in education (no. = 26) and nursing (no. = 14) journals. Targeted learners were mostly nurses (no. = 32) and physicians (no. = 19). Study designs included randomized or concurrent controlled trials (no. = 10), pretest/posttest (no. = 22), posttest only (no. = 27), and qualitative evaluation (no. = 5). Curricular content, teaching strategies, and evaluation methods varied. Most studies reported provider outcomes. Twenty-one articles adequately described provider representativeness, 21 completely described curricular interventions, eight had adequate comparison groups, 27 used objective evaluations, three blinded outcome assessors, 14 reported the number or reason for noninclusion of data, and 15 reported magnitude differences and variability indexes. Studies targeted at physicians more often described providers and interventions. Most trials completely described targeted providers, had adequate comparison groups, and reported objective evaluations. Study quality did not differ over time, by journal type, or by the presence or absence of reported funding. Conclusions Lack of methodological rigor limits the evidence for the impact of cultural competence training on minority health care quality. More attention should be paid to the proper design, evaluation, and reporting of these training programs.