Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Chronic Airway Fibrosis in Orthotopic Mouse Lung Transplantation Models—An Experimental Reappraisal

Background Several mouse lung transplantation (Tx) models have been proposed for the study of chronic airway fibrosis (CAF), the most prevalent complication seen in human lung transplant recipients, termed chronic lung allograft dysfunction. Alternatively, it has been called for to establish an experimental animal model for restrictive allograft syndrome, another phenotype of chronic lung allograft dysfunction. However, these mouse transplant models exhibit significant heterogeneity in consistency and reproducibility. We therefore aimed at reevaluating current available models. Methods Four different Tx combinations were used that manifest CAF: 2 minor antigen-mismatched Tx combinations (MINOR, donor: C57BL/10, recipient: C57BL/6J); or MINOR-N using recipient C57BL/6N, major histocompatibility antigen-mismatched immunosuppressed Tx (MAJOR, donor: BALB/c, recipient: C57BL/6J), and syngeneic Tx (donor and recipient: C57BL/6J) as control. The recipients were harvested and analyzed at week 8. Oxygenation, histology, reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction, and magnetic resonance imaging were performed to analyze outcome of those models. Results The most prominent manifestation of CAF, thickest subepithelial fibrotic changes, worst oxygenation, and the most severe acute rejection were detected in the MAJOR group compared with all other (P < 0.05). Gene expressions of TNF-&agr; and TGF-&bgr;1 were higher, and IL-10 was lower in the MAJOR group. Immunohistochemistry found pleuroparenchymal fibrotic change in both the MAJOR and MINOR-J groups. Conclusions We propose the major mismatch model under mild immunosuppression as the most suitable model for studying posttransplant CAF, and both the major and minor mismatch models for the restrictive phenotype.
A framework for knowledge integration and diffusion

Purpose – This paper aims to introduce a general framework for the analysis of knowledge integration and diffusion using bibliometric data.Design/methodology/approach – The authors propose that in order to characterise knowledge integration and diffusion of a given issue (the source, for example articles on a topic or by an organisation, etc.), one has to choose a set of elements from the source (the intermediary set, for example references, keywords, etc.). This set can then be classified into categories (cats), thus making it possible to investigate its diversity. The set can also be characterised according to the coherence of a network associated to it.Findings – This framework allows a methodology to be developed to assess knowledge integration and diffusion. Such methodologies can be useful for a number of science policy issues, including the assessment of interdisciplinarity in research and dynamics of research networks.Originality/value – The main contribution of this article is to provide a simple.
A new bivariate distribution with Gompertz marginals

In this paper, we propose a new bivariate distribution with the Gompertz marginals. Some properties of this new bivariate distribution have been investigated. Several properties of this distribution have been discussed. Parameters estimation using moments and maximum likelihood methods are obtained. A numerical illustration experiments have been performed to see the behavior of the MLEs. One data set has been analyzed for illustrative purpose.
Cutting Edge: T Cell Development Requires the Combined Activities of the p110γ and p110δ Catalytic Isoforms of Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase1

The role of PI3K activity in T lymphocyte development is obscure because mice deficient in single PI3K catalytic subunits either die before birth (p110α−/− and p110β−/−) or lack a significant T cell developmental phenotype (p110γ−/− and p110δ−/−). We have generated mice deficient in both p110γ and p110δ and show that p110γ/δ−/− mice have a profound block in T cell development that occurs at the β-selection checkpoint. We show that pre-TCR-induced signaling is significantly reduced in p110γ/δ−/− thymocytes and that this results in a concomitant lack of proliferative expansion and increased apoptosis. The survival defect in p110γ/δ−/− thymocytes is associated with increased levels of the pro-apoptotic molecule Bcl2 interacting mediator of cell death. This work demonstrates that PI3K activity is critical for T cell development and depends on the combined function of p110γ and p110δ.
The drug treatment of status epilepticus in Europe : Consensus document from a workshop at the first London Colloquium on Status Epilepticus

In this issue of Epilepsia, we present the next in our series of review, opinion, and commentary (pp. 1277–1288). Other such series, published in Gray Matters over the past couple of years, include discussions about: ethical dimensions of epilepsy genetics [2006, 47(10):1747–1756]; internet research [2007, 48(7):1415–1424]; drug resistance [2007, 48(12):2369–2374]; SCN1A mutation and sudden unexplained death in epilepsy (SUDEP) [2008, 49(2)360– 369]; and Wada testing [2008-49(4):715–727]. One reader has pointed out that we have not explained the format or purpose of these series, and so we have now added a section heading to clarify our intent. In these series, we publish a lead paper followed by commentaries that have been invited by the editors specifically to put forward different views. In commissioning such commentary, we hope to encourage discussion and debate that will lead to further research and elucidation of these still controversial issues. We hope this initiative is of interest to readers, and we invite readers to suggest new topic areas for debate within the pages of Epilepsia.
Predicting Protein-Protein Binding Affinity by In silico Docking

Protein-protein interactions, which result in either transient or long-lived complexes, play a central role in the processes happening in the cells. Perturbations in those interaction networks can lead to disease. Understanding the mechanisms of proteinprotein binding is inherently difficult due to the range of potential interactions, the molecular rearrangement associated with binding, and the time and length scales involved. In silico protein docking is a valuable tool in determination of the structures of protein–protein complexes that complements experimental methods with a level of details that are unattainable in experiment. Although the precise prediction of the structure of protein-protein complex is sufficient to describe the interaction in atomic details, it is the knowledge of affinity of the components for each other is necessary for the prediction of the existence of this assembly and whether it is transient or permanent. Recently, a structure-based binding affinity benchmark Version 1.0, which includes a non redundant set of 144 protein–protein complexes that have highresolution structures available for both the complexes and their unbound components, and for which dissociation constants have been measured by biophysical methods, and the updated version, which contains 179 entries, have been presented. Because for all protein complexes in this benchmark the unbound structures of component proteins are available, these benchmarks allow for the assessment of conformational changes upon protein-protein binding. We use this assessment together with experimental data to explain failures and successes in prediction structures and affinity by in silico docking using the combination of rigid docking and RosettaDock refinements.
Factors Influencing the Choice of Commercial Banks by University Students in South Africa

University students represent an attractive segment of customers for retail banks in many countries including South Africa. The objective of this study was to investigate the determinants of the choice of commercial banks by university students. University of Fort Hare (Alice campus) was the study area. Data was collected through self-administered questionnaire. Convenience sampling method was used. For data collection, forty questions were identified through a review of the literature. Principal component analysis reduced the forty questions to six factors namely, service, proximity, attractiveness, recommendations, marketing and price. Data was analysed using descriptive statistics, T-test and ANOVA. The Cronbach’s alpha was used to test the reliability of the scales. The results showed that the six factors are important factors are important determinants of the choice of commercial banks. Recommendations included marketing strategies by commercial bank management focused on different market segments including university students.
Cutting Edge: IL-7 Regulates the Peripheral Pool of Adult RORγ+ Lymphoid Tissue Inducer Cells1

During fetal life, CD4+CD3− lymphoid tissue inducer (LTi) cells are required for lymph node and Peyer’s patch development in mice. In adult animals, CD4+CD3− cells are found in low numbers in lymphoid organs. Whether adult CD4+CD3− cells are LTi cells and are generated and maintained through cytokine signals has not been directly addressed. In this study we show that adult CD4+CD3− cells adoptively transferred into neonatal CXCR5−/− mice induced the formation of intestinal lymphoid tissues, demonstrating for the first time their bona fide LTi function. Increasing IL-7 availability in wild-type mice either by IL-7 transgene expression or treatment with IL-7/anti-IL-7 complexes increased adult LTi cell numbers through de novo generation from bone marrow cells and increased the survival and proliferation of LTi cells. Our observations demonstrate that adult CD4+lineage− cells are LTi cells and that the availability of IL-7 determines the size of the adult LTi cell pool.
An index for estimating the probability of lymph node metastasis in rectal cancers. Lymph node metastasis and the histopathology of actively invasive regions of cancer

We examined resected specimens from 40 cases of advanced rectal cancer to determine the extent of microtubular cancer nests and undifferentiated cancer cells (budding). We investigated the relationship between this budding and lymphatic invasion (ly), venous invasion (v), and lymph node metastasis (n), respectively. Moreover, we examined the relationship between ly, budding, and n in the preoperative biopsy specimens of 112 patients, including those of the 40 cases mentioned above. The degree of budding, which was abundant in the actively in asive region, showed a strong correlation with the degree of ly and the existence of n in the resected specimens. Also, budding was recognized in a relatively large portion of the biopsy specimens (52 of 112 [46.4%]) and lymph node metastasis was found in 41 of 52 specimens (78.8%). In 57 specimens, neither ly nor budding was found, and 16 of these specimens (28.1%) had positive lymph nodes. These results implied that the degree of budding in the actively invasive region can be a great help in predicting the presence of n. The presence or absence of budding in preoperative biopsy specimens also can be an important factor (along with the degree of differentiation and ly) in estimating the probability of n.
RETROSPECTIVE STUDY OF MORBIDITY AND MORTALITY OF RAPTORS ADMITTED TO COLORADO STATE UNIVERSITY VETERINARY TEACHING HOSPITAL DURING 1995 TO 1998

A retrospective study was conducted to identify causes of morbidity and mortality of free-living raptors in northeast Colorado and the surrounding areas of Nebraska and Wyoming. The study included 409 raptors, representing 23 species, admitted to the Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital, Fort Collins, Colorado, USA, from 1995 to 1998. Causes of morbidity and mortality were identified as trauma (66.3%), orphaned young (15.6%), unknown (9.0%), infectious disease (4.4%), metabolic and nutritional disease (2.2%), toxicosis (2.0%), and degenerative disease (0.5%). Trauma was the most frequent cause of morbidity and mortality for all species and during all seasons.
STa peptide analogs for probing guanylyl cyclase C

Guanylyl cyclase C (GC‐C), universally overexpressed on primary and metastatic colorectal carcinoma cells, is activated by endogenous ligands, guanylin, and uroguanylin, and by exogenous 18‐residue heat‐stable enterotoxins (STa) produced by diarrheagenic bacteria. Two 12‐residue STa analogs with alternate combinations of two interlocked disulfide bonds, peptides 3 and 6, were synthesized by orthogonal solid phase synthesis routes. Peptides 3 and 6 bound GC‐C with a rank order potency of STa > peptide 3 > peptide 6. Peptides 3 and 6 behaved as agonists in stimulating cGMP production. The results reveal that the toxic domain of STa can be reduced to 12 amino acids. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Biopolymers (Pept Sci) 90: 713–723, 2008.
An integrated population‐averaged approach to the design, analysis and sample size determination of cluster‐unit trials

While the mixed model approach to cluster randomization trials is relatively well developed, there has been less attention given to the design and analysis of population‐averaged models for randomized and non‐randomized cluster trials. We provide novel implementations of familiar methods to meet these needs. A design strategy that selects matching control communities based upon propensity scores, a statistical analysis plan for dichotomous outcomes based upon generalized estimating equations (GEE) with a design‐based working correlation matrix, and new sample size formulae are applied to a large non‐randomized study to reduce underage drinking. The statistical power calculations, based upon Wald tests for summary statistics, are special cases of a general power method for GEE. Copyright © 2003 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Antioxidative properties of ginsenoside Ro against UV-B-induced oxidative stress in human dermal fibroblasts

Ginsenoside Ro (Ro), an oleanolic acid-type ginsenoside, exhibited suppressive activities on reactive oxygen species (ROS) and matrix metalloproteinase-2 (MMP-2) elevation in UV-B-irradiated fibroblasts. Ro could overcome the reduction of the total glutathione (GSH) contents in UV-B-irradiated fibroblasts. Ro could not interfere with cell viabilities in UV-B-irradiated fibroblasts. Collectively, Ro possesses a potential skin anti-photoaging property against UV-B radiation in fibroblasts.
Detection for Cleavage Product of Restriction Enzyme Using Molecular-Beacon-Ligation System

A new approach for detection cleavage product of restriction enzyme was reported based on molecular-beacon- ligation system. The molecular beacon, designed in such a way that one-half of its loop is complementary to cleavage product, is used to monitor ligation process of nucleic acids complex and to convert directly cleavage product information into fluorescence signal. The method is fast, simple and ultrasensitive for detection cleavage product. Detection limit of the assay is 0.05 nmol/L. moreover; the method need not label restriction enzyme and substrate. The cleavage product of Bst1107 restriction enzyme has been detected based on this assay.
WO 3 mesocrystal-assisted photoelectrochemical activity of BiVO 4

Self-assembled nanocomposites have gained much attention over the past decade due to their intriguing properties and functionalities. In this work, we developed a self-assembled nanocomposite photoanode composed of an epitaxial BiVO4 matrix embedded with WO3 mesocrystals for photoelectrochemical (PEC) applications in the visible-light regime. The orientation of the crystal facet and interface provides a superior template to understand the intimate contact between the two constituent phases. We demonstrate that the interfacial coupling of the mesocrystal and matrix improves the separation of photoexcited carriers and the properties of charge transfer, resulting in a greatly enhanced PEC performance compared with their parent compounds. The current study demonstrates that the utilization of the interface-to-volume ratio to optimize charge interactions in the nanocomposite is essential for the advanced design of novel mesocrystal-embedded nanocomposite photoelectrodes. NPG Asia Materials (2017) 9, e357; doi:10.1038/am.2017. 15; published online 10 March 2017
The effect of long-term exercise on glucose metabolism and peripheral insulin sensitivity in standardbred horses.

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY To study the possible long-term effect of improved glucose tolerance in horses after long-term training, as the impact of exercise training on glucose metabolism is still unclear in the equine species. It is not known whether there is a direct long-term effect of training or if the measurable effect on glucose metabolism is the residual effect of the last exercise session. OBJECTIVES To determine the chronic effect on glucose metabolism and peripheral insulin sensitivity of long-term training in horses by use of the euglycaemic hyperinsulinaemic clamp technique. METHODS Eleven Standardbred horses were acclimatised to running on the high-speed treadmill for 4 weeks (Phase 1) followed by training for 18 weeks with an alternating endurance (approximately 60% HRmax) high intensity training programme (approximately 80% HRmax) (Phase 2). Training frequency was 4 days/week. At the end of Phase 1, a euglycaemic hyperinsulinaemic clamp was performed 72 h after the last bout of exercise in all horses. At the end of Phase 2, the horses were clamped 24 h or 72 h after the last bout of exercise. RESULTS Glucose metabolism rate did not change significantly after 18 weeks of training, measured 72 h after the last exercise bout (0.018 +/- 0.009 and 0.022 +/- 0.006 mmol/kg bwt/min, respectively). Peripheral insulin sensitivity also did not change significantly following training (7.6 +/- 5.7 x 10(-6) and 8.0 +/- 3.1 x 10(-6), respectively). The same measurements 24 h after the last bout of exercise showed no significant differences. CONCLUSIONS Results indicated that long-term training in Standardbreds neither changed glucose metabolism or insulin sensitivity 72 h after the last bout of exercise. POTENTIAL RELEVANCE The fact that the beneficial effect of increased insulin sensitivity after acute exercise diminishes quickly in horses and no long-term effects on insulin sensitivity after chronic exercise have as yet been found in horses, implies that exercise should be performed on a regular basis in horses to retain the beneficial effect of improved insulin sensitivity.
Corneal Melt after Boston Keratoprosthesis: Clinical Presentation, Management, Outcomes and Risk Factor Analysis

ABSTRACT Purpose: To determine the presentation, risk factors, and outcomes of keratolysis after Boston type I keratoprosthesis (B-KPro). Methods: Retrospective chart review. Results: A total of 16 (14%) of the 110 eyes (96 patients) which underwent B-KPro implantation developed keratolysis at an average 20 ± 11 months. Retroprosthetic membrane (RPM), infectious keratitis, and corneal dellen were identified in 31%, 25%, and 13% of corneal melts, respectively. Five eyes had keratolysis without a readily identifiable cause. RPM (odds-ratio, OR = 4.4, p = 0.02) and infectious keratitis (OR = 17.6, p<0.0005) were confirmed as significant risk factors. Retinal detachment (p = 0.001) and choroidal detachment (p = 0.003) were more common in eyes with keratolysis. Management included B-KPro removal or exchange (n = 7), amniotic membrane transplantation (n = 1), tectonic corneal transplantation (n = 2), medical treatment (n = 4), and observation (n = 2). Conclusions: The risk of keratolysis following B-Kpro increases with the development of RPM and infectious keratitis. Patients with keratolysis had higher complication rates and should receive rigorous monitoring.
Gender difference in DNA adduct levels among nonsmoking lung cancer patients

Lung cancer is the leading cause of cancer mortality in Taiwanese women. Cigarette smoking cannot explain the high lung cancer mortality in this population because less than 10% of women in Taiwan are smokers. Therefore, environmental factors other than smoking may play an important role in lung cancer development in female nonsmokers. The purpose of this study was to elucidate the role of environmental carcinogen exposure in lung cancer development in Taiwanese female nonsmokers, based on DNA adduct formation. We collected nontumorous lung tissues resected from 62 nonsmoking lung cancer patients and 20 noncancer controls to investigate whether differences in susceptibility to DNA adduct formation exist between men and women. 32P‐postlabeling and ELISA (enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay) with polyclonal antibody against BPDE (7,8‐dihydroxy‐anti‐9,10‐epoxy‐7,8,9,10‐tetrahydrobenzo[a]pyrene)–DNA adduct were used to evaluate DNA adduct levels in lung tissues of study subjects. Our data showed that the DNA adduct levels of lung cancer patients determined by both assays were significantly higher than those of noncancer controls (P = 0.0001 for 32P‐postlabeling; P = 0.01 for ELISA). Moreover, DNA adduct levels in females were markedly greater than those in males (P = 0.014 for 32P‐postlabeling; P = 0.001 for ELISA). The difference in DNA adduct levels could not be explained by genetic polymorphisms of cytochrome P‐4501A1 (CYP1A1) or glutathione S‐transferase (GSTM1), as determined by polymerase chain reaction and restriction fragment length polymorphism. These results demonstrate that lung cancer patients have a higher susceptibility to DNA damage than that of noncancer controls. In addition, differences in susceptibility to DNA damage derived from environmental carcinogen exposure were observed between male and female nonsmokers. In conclusion, high susceptibility to DNA damage in females may partially explain the high mortality rate of lung cancer in nonsmoking Taiwanese women. Environ. Mol. Mutagen. 37:304–310, 2001 © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
El proceso inflamatorio

La inflamación es un proceso tisular constituido por una serie de fenómenos moleculares, celulares y vasculares de finalidad defensiva frente a agresiones físicas, químicas o biológicas. Los aspectos básicos que se destacan en el proceso inflamatorio son en primer lugar, la focalización de la respuesta, que tiende a circunscribir la zona de lucha contra el agente agresor. En segundo lugar, la respuesta inflamatoria es inmediata, de urgencia y por tanto, preponderantemente inespecífica, aunque puede favorecer el desarrollo posterior de una respuesta específica. En tercer lugar, el foco inflamatorio atrae a las células inmunes de los tejidos cercanos. Las alteraciones vasculares van a permitir, además, la llegada desde la sangre de moléculas inmunes (2, 7, 9). Clásicamente la inflamación se ha considerado integrada por los cuatros signos de Celso: Calor, Rubor, Tumor y Dolor. Como veremos posteriormente, el calor y rubor se deben a las alteraciones vasculares que determinan una acumulación sanguínea en el foco. El tumor se produce por el edema y acúmulo de células inmunes, mientras que el dolor es producido por la actuación de determinados mediadores sobre las terminaciones nerviosas del dolor.