Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Increased levels of the cytoplasmic domain of Crumbs repolarise developing Drosophila photoreceptors

Photoreceptor morphogenesis in Drosophila requires remodelling of apico-basal polarity and adherens junctions (AJs), and includes cell shape changes, as well as differentiation and expansion of the apical membrane. The evolutionarily conserved transmembrane protein Crumbs (Crb) organises an apical membrane-associated protein complex that controls photoreceptor morphogenesis. Expression of the small cytoplasmic domain of Crb in crb mutant photoreceptor cells (PRCs) rescues the crb mutant phenotype to the same extent as the full-length protein. Here, we show that overexpression of the membrane-tethered cytoplasmic domain of Crb in otherwise wild-type photoreceptor cells has major effects on polarity and morphogenesis. Whereas early expression causes severe abnormalities in apico-basal polarity and ommatidial integrity, expression at later stages affects the shape and positioning of AJs. This result supports the importance of Crb for junctional remodelling during morphogenetic changes. The most pronounced phenotype observed upon early expression is the formation of ectopic apical membrane domains, which often develop into a complete second apical pole, including ectopic AJs. Induction of this phenotype requires members of the Par protein network. These data point to a close integration of the Crb complex and Par proteins during photoreceptor morphogenesis and underscore the role of Crb as an apical determinant.
Levels of interleukin-16 in peripheral blood of 52 patients with multiple myeloma and its clinical significance.

PURPOSE To explore the role of serum interleukin-16 (IL-16) in the occurrence of multiple myeloma (MM) and after the success chemotherapy and its clinical significance. METHODS 52 cases of MM patients, 30 cases of AML patients and 30 healthy volunteers from Jan. 2011 to Jan. 2015 were collected in this study. There was 39 MM patients received chemotherapy. Among those, 24 patients received VAD regimen chemotherapy and 15 patients received BD regimen chemotherapy. Serum IL-16, cystatin C (Cys-C), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) and levels of β2-microglobulin (β2-MG) were detected before and after the therapy of MM patients. And those results were compared to that of patients with acute myelogenous leukemia (AML) and normal people respectively. RESULTS The levels of serum IL-16, Cys-C, LDH and β2-MG in MM group were remarkably higher than that of normal control. It was of statistical significance of this difference (P<0.05). Levels of serum IL-16, Cys-C and LDH of MM patients who received therapy were all lower than that of patients before therapy. The serum IL-16 and β2-MG of 52 patients by preliminary diagnosis were analyzed through Pearson correlation analysis before they received therapy. The results showed that there was positive correlation between levels of IL-16 and β2-MG (r=0.782, P<0.01). CONCLUSIONS A high serum IL-16 level detected in newly diagnosed MM patients and its correlation with known factors of disease activity as well as the decrease of IL-16 after chemotherapy suggest that IL-16 may be implicated and a potential therapeutic target for MM.
Upper functional gastrointestinal disorders in young adults.

BACKGROUND Functional Gastrointestinal disorders (FGID) are common disorders in gastroenterology which are common in young adults. The aim of this study is evaluating the prevalence of upper FGID in iranian young adults. METHODS AND MATERIAL This was a cross-sectional study which was on 995 persons who were going to marry. A ROME III based questionnaire was used to determine the frequency of upper GI Syndromes among the sample population. RESULTS Our results determined 74 subjects had functional dyspepsia (36 subjects diagnosed as postprandial distress syndrome patient and Epigastric pain syndrome was seen in 38 subjects). Functional heartburn was diagnosed in 52 participants. Globus was seen in 35 subjects and 41 had unspecified excessive belching. DISCUSSION Many epidemiologic studies were done all around the world but there are different reports about prevalence and incidence of FGIDs. Our results were agreed with reported prevalence of FGIDs in Iran in adults. And our findings were agreed with some other Asian studies.
Three-Dimensional Geometric Statistical Model Based on Locating Feature Points of Gaussian Curvature Flow and Vector Inner Product

The construction of 3D geometric finite element model of spine is to provide the basic support for simulating the force of the spine in the real human body. In this paper, a 3D statistical model of spine based on Gaussian curvature and vector inner product feature points is established by using Active Shape Model (ASM), and a finite element model is built on the basis of statistical model. Firstly, the 3D spine model is established by using CT image data. The feature points of the spine model are located based on the Gaussian curvature and vector inner product, and the shape matrix of each sample model is obtained. Then, the shape matrix is aligned and registered by ICP algorithm. The PCA method is used to train the registered sample model to construct the statistical model of the spine geometry. Finally, the statistical model is divided into the finite element model of the mesh by using the reverse engineering software.
Suppression of hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α and its downstream genes reduces acute hyperglycemia‐enhanced hemorrhagic transformation in a rat model of cerebral ischemia

We evaluated a role of hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α (HIF‐1α) and its downstream genes in acute hyperglycemia‐induced hemorrhagic transformation in a rat model of focal cerebral ischemia. Male Sprague‐Dawley rats weighing 280–300 g (n = 105) were divided into sham, 90 min middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO), MCAO plus HIF‐1α inhibitors, 2‐methoxyestradiol (2ME2) or 3‐(5′‐hydroxymethyl‐2′‐furyl)‐1‐benzylindazole (YC‐1), groups. Rats received an injection of 50% dextrose (6 ml/kg intraperitoneally) at 15 min before MCAO. HIF‐1α inhibitors were administered at the onset of reperfusion. The animals were examined for neurological deficits and sacrificed at 6, 12, 24, and 72 hr following MCAO. The cerebral tissues were collected for histology, zymography, and Western blot analysis. The expression of HIF‐1α was increased in ischemic brain tissues after MCAO and reduced by HIF‐1α inhibitors. In addition, 2ME2 reduced the expression of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and the elevation of active matrix metalloproteinase‐2 and −9 (MMP‐2/MMP‐9) in the ipsilateral hemisphere. Both 2ME2 and YC‐1 reduced infarct volume and ameliorated neurological deficits. However, only 2ME2 attenuated hemorrhagic transformation in the ischemic territory. In conclusion, the inhibition of HIF‐1α and its downstream genes attenuates hemorrhagic conversion of cerebral infarction and ameliorates neurological deficits after focal cerebral ischemia. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Collaborative Adaptive Management: Challenges and Opportunities

Collaborative adaptive management merges three essential features of twenty-first century conservation and resource management—science, collaboration, and a focus on results. These features intersect in conservation and resource management contexts characterized by: (1) high degrees of uncertainty; (2) complexity resulting from multiple variables and non-linear interactions; (3) interconnectedness—among issues, across landscapes, and between people and place; and (4) persistent, possibly dramatic, change. In this context, many resource management decisions present communication challenges, information challenges, coordination challenges, and action challenges. Collaboration and adaptive management, in part, are responses to these challenges. Many resource management questions are technical and complex. But policies and project decisions have distributional effects and often involve trade-offs. These effects raise issues about the respective roles of scientists, technical experts, and the public; underscore the relevance of adaptive decision frameworks, and heighten the importance of collaborate decision making. This essay examines collaborative adaptive management in this context from the perspective of a decisionmaker.
Daily exposure to dialysis fluid results in changes in peritoneal transport.

OBJECTIVE To study the effects of daily infusion of peritoneal dialysis fluids on peritoneal transport characteristics. DESIGN Twenty-four rats were randomly divided into three groups: group A, daily infusions of 20 mL 3.86% glucose dialysis function for 10 days (8 rats); group B, daily infusions of 1.36% glucose dialysis solution for 10 days (8 rats); group C, no daily infusion, the control group (8 rats). Twenty-four hours after the last infusion, a 4-hour dwell study using 25 mL 3.86% glucose dialysis solution with frequency dialysate and blood samples was performed in each rat. Radio-labeled human albumin (RISA) was added to the solution as an intraperitoneal volume marker. EXPERIMENTAL ANIMALS Twenty-four male Sprague-Dawley rats (300 g) were used. MAIN OUTCOME Fluid and small solute (glucose, urea, sodium, potassium, phosphate, and urate) transport characteristics were evaluated. RESULTS After 10 days of exposure to dialysis fluid, the fluid absorption rate increased in the 3.86% dialysate group compared to the other groups (p < 0.05). The clearance of RISA to plasma (an estimation of lymphatic absorption), and the absorption of glucose were significantly increased in the two experimental groups compared to the control group but there was no difference between the two experimental groups. The dialysate/plasma ratio for urea, potassium and urate, and the sieving coefficient for phosphate and urate were significantly higher in the 3.86% dialysate group compared to the other two groups, but there was no significant difference between the 1.36% dialysate group and the control group. The clearances of sodium and potassium were significantly lower in the 3.86% dialysate group compared to the control group. CONCLUSION Our results suggest that (1) daily infusion of dialysis fluid into the peritoneal cavity may increase peritoneal lymphatic absorption: (2) daily infusion of 3.86% glucose dialysate may increase peritoneal transport for small solutes.
Disintegration of the scrophulariaceae.

A molecular systematic study of Scrophulariaceae sensu lato using DNA sequences of three plastid genes (rbcL, ndhF, and rps2) revealed at least five distinct monophyletic groups. Thirty-nine genera representing 24 tribes of the Scrophulariaceae s.l. (sensu lato) were analyzed along with representatives of 15 other families of Lamiales. The Scrophulariaceae s.s. (sensu stricto) include part or all of tribes Aptosimeae, Hemimerideae, Leucophylleae, Manuleae, Selagineae, and Verbasceae (= Scrophularieae) and the conventional families Buddlejaceae and Myoporaceae. Veronicaceae includes all or part of tribes Angelonieae, Antirrhineae, Cheloneae, Digitaleae, and Gratioleae and the conventional families Callitrichaceae, Globulariaceae, Hippuridaceae, and Plantaginaceae. The Orobanchaceae include tribes Buchnereae, Rhinantheae, and the conventional Orobanchaceae. All sampled members of Orobanchaceae are parasitic, except Lindenbergia, which is sister to the rest of the family. Family Calceolariaceae Olmstead is newly erected herein to recognize the phylogenetic distinctiveness of tribe Calceolarieae. The Calceolariaceae are close to the base of the Lamiales. The Stilbaceae are expanded by the inclusion of Halleria. Mimulus does not belong in any of these five groups.
Recruitment of a Basal Polyadenylation Factor by the Upstream Sequence Element of the Human Lamin B2 Polyadenylation Signal

ABSTRACT We have investigated how the upstream sequence element (USE) of the lamin B2 poly(A) signal mediates efficient 3′-end formation. In vitro analysis demonstrates that this USE increases both the efficiency of 3′-end cleavage and the processivity of poly(A) addition. Cross-linking using selectively labeled synthetic RNAs confirms that cleavage stimulation factor interacts with the sequences downstream of the cleavage site, while electrophoresis mobility shift assays demonstrate that the USE directly stabilizes the binding of the cleavage and polyadenylation specificity factor to the poly(A) signal. Thus in common with other poly(A) signals, the lamin B2 USE directly enhances the binding of basal poly(A) factors. In addition, a novel 55-kDa protein binds to the USE and the core poly(A) signal and appears to inhibit cleavage. The binding activity of this factor appears to change during the cell cycle, being greatest in S phase, when the lamin B2 gene is transcribed.
Photoreceptors repair by autologous transplantation of retinal pigment epithelium and partial-thickness choroid graft in rabbits.

PURPOSE To investigate whether autologous retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) and a partial-thickness graft can repair degenerated photoreceptors overlying a mechanically damaged Bruch's membrane. METHODS Twenty-one pigmented rabbits were used in the study. Abrasive debridement of the RPE was performed with a metal cannula after superior retinal bleb detachment in 20 rabbits. The graft was prepared beneath the inferior retina and was transplanted to the debridement area 14 days later. Debridement-only sites served as the control. Tissue sections were evaluated by light microscopy and transmission electron microscopy at 7 days, 1 month, and 3 months after transplantation, corresponding to 21 days, 45 days, and 3 months after debridement, respectively. RESULTS When analyzed at 7 days after transplantation, short buds of inner segment with regularly organized outer nuclear layer were observed. The outer segments (OS) were of insufficient length to be observed, but by 1 and 3 months, a significant elongation of the OS was detected. In control retinas from 21 days (corresponding to 7 days after transplantation) to 3 months after RPE debridement, the outer nuclear layer cells were disorganized and diminished. CONCLUSIONS This study showed that autologous RPE and partial-thickness choroid graft have the capacity not only to support photoreceptor cell survival, but also to initiate early repair mechanisms, as exhibited by outer segment regeneration.
23-GAUGE TRANSCONJUNCTIVAL SUTURELESS VITRECTOMY FOR RETAINED LENS FRAGMENTS AFTER COMPLICATED CATARACT SURGERY

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of 23-gauge (23-G) transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy in patients with retained lens fragments after complicated cataract surgery. Methods: In this retrospective consecutive case series, 17 eyes of 17 patients with retained lens fragments after complicated cataract surgery and managed by using 23-G transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy were evaluated between January 2007 and March 2009 at our institution. Results: Mean follow-up time was 8.5 ± 3.00 months. Nine patients (53%) were pseudophakic, and 8 (47%) were aphakic. A foldable acrylic intraocular lens was implanted in eight eyes with aphakia. In 2 eyes (11.8%), one of 23-G sclerotomy port was enlarged and intravitreal phacoemulsification was performed with 20-gauge phacofragmatome to remove hard nucleus. Visual acuity improved in 100% of eyes and was 20/40 or better in 70.6% of eyes. Postoperative complications were transient elevation of intraocular pressure (29.4%), decentralization of the intraocular lens (5.9%), fibrin reaction (5.9%), mild vitreous hemorrhage (5.9%), and macular retinal pigment epithelial changes (5.9%). Conclusion: Twenty-three–gauge transconjunctival sutureless vitrectomy was observed to be effective and safe in patients with retained lens fragments after complicated cataract surgery. In cases with hard nucleus, 23-G vitrectomy probe may not be adequate to remove the lens fragments.
Recommendations for Structure and Content for a School-Based Adolescent Immunization Curriculum

Despite high utilization of childhood vaccinations, adolescent immunization coverage rates lag behind recommended coverage levels. The four vaccines recommended for adolescents ages 11 to 18 years are tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis vaccine; human papillomavirus vaccine; meningococcal conjugate vaccine; and an annual influenza vaccine. The Healthy People 2020 goal is 80% coverage for each recommended immunization, but coverage rates in Georgia among adolescents fall below those goals for all but the tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis vaccine. We developed a multicomponent intervention that included a school-based, teacher-delivered educational curriculum to increase adolescent vaccination coverage rates in Richmond County, Georgia. We facilitated focus group discussions with middle- and high school science teachers who delivered the immunization curriculum in two consecutive school years. The objective of the focus group was to understand teachers’ perspectives about the curriculum impact and to synthesize recommendations for optimal dissemination of the curriculum content, structure, and packaging. Teachers provided recommendations for curriculum fit within existing classes, timing of delivery, and dosage of delivery and recommended creating a flexible tool kit, such as a downloadable online package. Teachers also recommended increasing emphasis on disease transmission and symptoms to keep students engaged. These findings can be applied to the development of an online, cost-effective tool kit geared toward teaching adolescents about the immune system and adolescent vaccinations.
Comportamiento del consumidor ante los precios promocionales: una experiencia empírica

The main objective of this paper is to analyze the characteristics of consumers who are atracted to price promotions. Specifically, two issues related to purchase behavior are addressed, namely the importance of price in the decision process and consumers' level of price knowledge. In addition, a number of sociocultural and demographic characteristics have been analyzed, namely gender, age, education level, and income level. To this end, this paper presents the results of an empirical study based on a sample of 600 consumers who were interviewed at various stores. Results indicate that it is possible to draw a common profile for consumers who are attracted to price promotions sales. In addition, the present investigation presents some implications for business management and indicates various lines for future research
Pentoxifylline for the Treatment of HIV Infection and Its Complications

The increased levels of tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) seen in patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) may contribute to the AIDS-related wasting syndrome. TNF also induces expression of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) through activation of the transcription factor NF-KB, which binds to the viral long terminal repeat (LTR). Because TNF can decrease the antiretroviral activity of zidovudine (AZT) in vitro, pentoxifylline (PTX) may increase the efficacy of AZT. PTX decreases HIV replication in acutely infected cells and inhibits gene expression controlled by the HIV-1 LTR. The antiretroviral activity of PTX is associated with decreased binding of NF-KB to its recognition sequences. Therefore, PTX may inhibit HIV expression indirectly by diminishing TNF production and directly, by decreasing activity of NF-KB. PTX, and an inhibitor of the viral transactivator TAT, Ro24–7429, may inhibit HIV gene expression in a cooperative fashion. The first clinical study of PTX in AIDS patients was conducted by us through the AIDS Clinical Trial Group of the National Institutes of Health. AIDS patients on antiretroviral therapy received PTX 400 or 800 mg three times daily for 8 weeks. TNF assays included TNF mRNA levels in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) and inducible TNF protein levels in the supernatant of PBMCs cultured in the presence of 0.1 μg/ml lipopolysaccharide (LPS). The median change in TNF mRNA was a 30% decrease. There was a median and significant 40% decrease in the production of inducible TNF protein. HIV load decreased in 10 patients and increased in four patients, but did not change in the group as a whole. Others have extended our initial observations in HIV-infected patients. In a placebo-controlled trial, TNF production by unstimulated PBMCs decreased by 52% in the PTX arm and increased by 7.2% in the placebo arm. In a study comparing AZT, PTX, or a combination of the two, viral load after treatment was nine-fold above baseline in the AZT or PTX alone arm, compared to only twofold in the combination arm. In a quality of life trial, PTX was associated with improvement in depression, anger, and social and cognitive function; a placebo effect, however, was not ruled out. PTX 400 mg three times daily is safe and well tolerated. PTX decreases PBMC TNF expression in HIV-infected patients, measured as protein in culture supernatant or as mRNA, and may decrease viral replication. Further studies of HIV-infected persons are needed to ascertain the benefit of PTX as an adjunct either to inhibitors of reverse transcriptase (e.g., AZT) or of transcription (e.g., TAT inhibitor).
Threshold and interaction effects in the trade, growth, and inequality relationship

This paper examines the relationship between trade (exports), growth, and inequality, using a panel of 100 countries over 30 years (1980 to 2010). As there is no clear theoretical relationship between trade (exports) and inequality, and as inequality can be considered a proxy for 'governance quality', the paper also tests for a threshold in inequality for the effect of trade (exports) on growth. The findings are that in general trade openness advances growth while inequality reduces growth. However, when we identify an inequality threshold, we find that inequality is positively associated with growth if below the threshold (low inequality) but negative above the threshold, whereas trade has a positive impact once the threshold is allowed for. Thus, trade generally promotes growth and relatively high inequality retards growth.
Effects of angiotensin on renal cortical and papillary blood flows measured by laser-Doppler flowmetry.

The effects of angiotensin II (ANG II) or angiotensin III (ANG III) on renal cortical blood flow (CBF) or papillary blood flow (PBF) were investigated in Inactin-anesthetized young rats with the use of laser-Doppler flowmetry. Infusion of equimolar pressor doses of ANG II (300 ng.kg-1.min-1 iv) or ANG III (267 ng.kg-1.min-1) decreased CBF by 31 +/- 2.6% (P less than 0.001) and 20.3 +/- 3.2% (P less than 0.01), respectively but increased PBF by 19 +/- 6.1% (P less than 0.05) and 14.6 +/- 4.4% (P less than 0.05). The ANG II-induced increase in PBF was not prevented by aortic clamping to maintain constant renal perfusion pressure or pretreatment with the prostaglandin synthase inhibitor, indomethacin. The nonpeptide ANG II receptor antagonist, DuP 753 completely abolished the systemic and intrarenal effects of ANG II. After pretreatment with a kallikrein inhibitor, aprotinin, ANG II infusion increased mean arterial pressure but did not affect PBF, suggesting that kinins, but not prostaglandins, modulate the action of systemic ANG II on PBF. We conclude that circulating ANG II induces vasoconstriction in the cortex and also promotes the intrarenal production of kinins, which act to enhance papillary blood flow.
Mentale Ermüdung im Leistungssport – ein Ansatz zur Belastungssteuerung

Wer müde ist, ist unaufmerksam. Wer unaufmerksam ist, macht mehr Fehler. Beim Sport hat das zur Folge, dass die Leistung nachlässt und das Verletzungsrisiko steigt. Eine Möglichkeit, diesen Teufelskreis zu durchbrechen, bieten Computerspiele. Viele Sportlerinnen und Sportler werden sich darüber freuen.