Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of mulberry leaf polysaccharide on oxidative stress in pancreatic β-cells of type 2 diabetic rats.

OBJECTIVE To explore and discuss the effects and mechanisms of mulberry leaf polysaccharide (MLP) on oxidative stress in pancreatic β-cells of type 2 diabetic rats. MATERIALS AND METHODS The model of diabetic rats was established by inducing the Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats with high-sugar and high-fat diet for 6 weeks and then giving them streptozotocin (STZ) by single intraperitoneal injection. The mulberry leaf polysaccharide was administered via gavage daily for 8 weeks, and the tissue morphology was observed through electron microscopy. The levels of fasting blood glucose (FBG), free fatty acid (FFA), triglycerides (TG), low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α) were detected. The content of malondialdehyde (MDA) and the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) in the pancreas were tested. The activities of mitochondrial cytochrome C oxidase (CCO) and succinate dehydrogenase (SDH) in the pancreatic cell were examined. RESULTS Compared with the normal control group, the level of FBG increased (p < 0.01), the levels of FFA, TG, LDL-C, IL-6, and TNF-α were higher (p < 0.05), the content of MDA increased (p < 0.05) and the activity of SOD, CCO and SDH declined (p < 0.05) in the model group. In comparison with the model group, the level of FBG in the group intervened by mulberry leaf polysaccharide decreased [(23.9 ± 2.5) vs. (16.8 ± 2.1) mmol•L-1]; the levels of FFA, TG and LDL-C dropped from (1.18 ± 0.24), (2.95 ± 0.65) and (2.18 ± 0.46) mmol•L-1 to (0.65 ± 0.14), (2.20 ± 0.45) and (1.08 ± 0.42) mmol•L-1, respectively; the levels of IL-6 and TNF-α declined from (60.78 ± 5.02) ng•L-1 and (2.34 ± 0.42) μg•L-1 to (30.94 ± 3.02) ng•L-1 and (1.02 ± 0.12) μg•L-1, respectively; the content of MDA w as reduced from (1.38 ± 0.21) μmol•g-1 to (0.78 ± 0.12) μmol•g-1; the activities of SOD, CCO and SDH increased from (25.32 ± 3.58) KU•g-1, (15.00 ± 1.58) mmol•g-1 and (3.23 ± 0.32) KU•g-1 to (32.87 ± 2.62) KU•g-1, (18.30 ± 1.78) mmol•g-1 and (5.62 ± 0.38) KU•g-1, respectively; the electron microscopy results indicated that the intervention of mulberry leaf polysaccharide could improve the morphological structure of the pancreatic β-cells. CONCLUSIONS The mulberry leaf polysaccharide can lower down the levels of inflammatory mediators and free fatty acid in the diabetic rats, alleviate oxidative stress injury, improve the mitochondrial functions of islet cells and protect the pancreatic β-cells.
In Vitro Anti-Malarial Activity Of N6-Modified Purine Analogs

A library of N 6 -hydroxy-, methoxy-, or amino-adenosine analogs was prepared and screened for anti-malarial properties. We found three compounds that possess anti-plasmodial activity in the low micromolar range against the multi-drug resistant VS1 strain, namely N 6 -hydroxy-9H-purin-6-amine (IC 50 5.57 μ M), 2-amino-N 6 -amino-adenosine (IC 50 12.2 μ M), and 2-amino-N 6 -amino-N 6 -methyladenosine (IC 50 0.29 μ M). More importantly, the compounds were non-toxic, with 2-amino-N 6 -amino-N 6 -methyladenosine showing a selectivity index of 5008.
Interaction of Arylsulfatase A with UDP-N-Acetylglucosamine:Lysosomal Enzyme-N-Acetylglucosamine-1-phosphotransferase*

The critical step in lysosomal targeting of soluble lysosomal enzymes is the recognition by an UDP-N-acetylglucosamine:lysosomal enzyme-N-acetylglucosamine-1-phosphotransferase. The structure of the determinant common to all lysosomal enzymes for proper recognition by the phosphotransferase is not completely understood. Our current knowledge is largely based on the introduction of targeted amino acid substitutions into lysosomal enzymes and analysis of their effects on phosphotransferase recognition. We have investigated the effect of eight anti-arylsulfatase A monoclonal antibodies on the interaction of arylsulfatase A with the lysosomal enzyme phosphotransferase in vitro. We also show that a lysine-rich surface area of arylsulfatases A and B is essential for proper recognition by the phosphotransferase. Monoclonal antibodies bind to at least six different epitopes at different locations on the surface of arylsulfatase A. All antibodies bind outside the lysine-rich recognition area, but nevertheless Fab fragments of these antibodies prevent interaction of arylsulfatase A with the phosphotransferase. Our data support a model in which binding of arylsulfatase A to the phosphotransferase is not restricted to a limited surface area but involves the simultaneous recognition of large parts of arylsulfatase A.
Epithelium derived interleukin 15 regulates intraepithelial lymphocyte Th1 cytokine production, cytotoxicity, and survival in coeliac disease

Background and aims: Epithelium derived interleukin (IL)-15 signalling via IL-15Rα is critical for the development, activation, and survival of intraepithelial lymphocytes (IEL). We aimed to better understand the IL-15 driven effects on IEL underlying mucosal damage and lymphomagenesis in coeliac disease (CD). Methods: Enterocytes, IEL, and lamina propria mononuclear cells (LPMC) were isolated from 46 patients with uncomplicated CD (25 untreated and 21 treated) and 22 controls. IL-15 and IL-15Rα expression were determined by immunoblotting. Secretion of IL-15, interferon γ (IFN-γ), tumour necrosis factor α (TNF-α), and granzyme B into cell culture supernatants was assessed by ELISA. The ability of IL-15 to regulate IEL proliferation, perforin/granzyme dependent cytotoxicity, and apoptosis was tested by adding different combinations of IL-15, IL-15 blocking antibody, or chloroquine to IEL cultured alone or with Caco-2 cells as target. IL-15 mucosal levels were also determined by ELISA in five patients with complicated CD (two ulcerative jejunoileites, one refractory sprue, and two enteropathy associated T cell lymphomas) tested for T cell receptor γ chain clonality. Results: IL-15 was overexpressed in untreated CD enterocytes and LPMC, and in the mucosa of complicated CD patients and uncomplicated untreated CD patients, where its levels correlated with the degree of mucosal damage. Enterocytes from untreated, but not treated, CD patients and controls secreted IL-15. Untreated CD IEL, characterised by higher IL-15Rα expression, showed increased proliferation, production of IFN-γ and TNF-α, and perforin/granzyme dependent cytotoxicity, and a decreased propensity to apoptosis in response to IL-15. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that IL-15 plays a crucial role in the generation of epithelial damage in active CD. Its promotion of IEL survival in CD may predispose to the emergence of T cell clonal proliferations. Blocking IL-15, by suppressing uncontrolled IEL activation and survival, has the potential to provide new therapeutic tools to prevent tissue damage and lymphomagenesis in CD.
Good work ability despite multisite musculoskeletal pain? A study among occupationally active Finns

Aim: Although multisite pain (MSP) often threatens work ability (WA), some of those with MSP retain good WA. Our aim was to identify factors associated with good WA among subjects with MSP. Methods: A nationally representative sample (the Health 2000-Study, response rate 87%) comprising 3884 occupationally active Finns aged 30–64 years. Data on WA, musculoskeletal pain, physical and psychosocial working conditions, chronic diseases, lifestyle and domestic situation were gathered by questionnaire, interview and clinical examination. Good current WA compared with the lifetime best was defined as ⩾9 on a 0–10 scale. Musculoskeletal pain in 18 body locations was combined into four sites, and thereafter pain in two or more sites was defined as MSP (N=1351). Poisson regression analysis was used to obtain prevalence rate ratios (PRR). Results: Good WA was reported by 48% of the women and 37% of the men with MSP. In a multivariable model good WA was associated with younger age, female gender, physically non-strenuous work (PRR 1.3, 95% CI 1.1–1.5), low job strain (1.2, 1.0–1.4), high supervisor support (1.2, 1.0–1.4), and not having musculoskeletal diseases (1.3, 1.1–1.5), mental disorders (1.4, 1.1–1.9), daytime tiredness (1.4, 1.2–1.7) or economic troubles (1.5, 1.1–1.9). Age-stratified analyses revealed also associations with high coworker support (1.2, 1.0–1.4) and strenuous leisure-time physical exercise (1.2, 1.0–1.4) in those aged 30–44 and low alcohol consumption (1.8, 1.2–2.6) in the age-group 45–64. Conclusions: Several potentially modifiable factors related to health, work, and lifestyle were associated with good WA among occupationally active subjects with MSP.
Reduction in Very Low Birth Weight Deliveries and Perinatal Mortality in a Specialized, Multidisciplinary Twin Clinic

Objective: To determine whether a specialized, multidisciplinary twin clinic could reduce rates of very low birth weight (VLBW) and perinatal mortality. Multifetal gestations account for only 1% of all pregnancies, yet are responsible for nearly 10% of all perinatal mortality. Very low birth weight (less than 1500 g) infants are the major contributors to this increased perinatal mortality rate. Methods: Eighty‐nine twin pairs followed in the Twin Clinic since 1988 were compared with 51 contemporary twin pairs who did not attend the Twin Clinic. Patients not attending the Twin Clinic were attended in the high‐risk clinic by the obstetric residents and faculty. All maternal transports were excluded. Aspects of prenatal care emphasized in the Twin Clinic that differed from the high‐risk clinic included consistent evaluation of maternal symptoms and cervical status by a single certified nurse‐midwife, intensive preterm birth prevention education, individualized modification of maternal activity, increased attention to nutrition, and tracking of clinic non‐attenders. Results: There were no differences between the groups in demographic characteristics, adequacy of prenatal care, or antepartum complications. However, Twin Clinic attenders had lower rates of VLBW infants, neonatal intensive care unit admission, and perinatal mortality. Conclusions: These improvements in perinatal outcome for twin gestations are attributed to intensive preterm birth prevention education, individualization of prenatal care, and frequent maternal assessment by a consistent care provider. This approach reduced the rate of very early preterm delivery and its neonatal sequelae.
When Discounts Raise Costs: The Effect of Copay Coupons on Generic Utilization

Branded pharmaceutical manufacturers frequently offer "copay coupons'" that insulate consumers from cost-sharing, thereby undermining insurers' ability to influence drug utilization. We study the impact of copay coupons on branded drugs first facing generic entry between 2007 and 2010. To overcome endogeneity concerns, we exploit cross-state and cross-consumer variation in coupon legality. We find that coupons increase branded sales by 60+ percent, entirely by reducing the sales of bioequivalent generics. During the five years following generic entry, we estimate that coupons increase total spending by $30 to $120 million per drug, or $700 million to $2.7 billion for our sample alone.
Modifications to synaptic transmission at group Ia synapses on cat spinal motoneurones by 4‐aminopyridine.

1. The average amplitude of e.p.s.p.s evoked in cat spinal motoneurones by impulses in single group Ia afferents usually increased following the intravenous injection of 4‐aminopyridine (4‐AP). Most of this increase occurred over the first 30 min following injection of 4‐AP. 2. The increase in the average amplitude following 4‐AP occurred by a reduction in the probability of occurrence of component e.p.s.p.s with smaller peak amplitudes, and an increase in the probability of occurrence of component e.p.s.p.s with larger peak amplitudes. There was no evidence that the discrete amplitudes of components after 4‐AP were a result of graded increases of the discrete amplitudes before 4‐AP. 3. The interpretation suggested for these results is that each component e.p.s.p. is generated by transmission at a different combination of boutons. At each of these boutons sufficient transmitter is released to saturate all available receptors. The effect of 4‐AP is to decrease the probability of failure to release transmitter at each bouton, including some boutons which, before 4‐AP, did not release transmitter.
Mothers’ attachment styles and their children’s self-reported security, as related to maternal socialization of children’s positive affect regulation

This study investigated how mothers’ attachment was related to their responses to their own and their children’s positive events and positive affect (PA). Ninety-seven mothers reported on their attachment and their responses to their own and their 7–12-year-old children’s positive events and emotions. Children reported on their mothers’ responses to the children’s positive events and their attachment security with their mothers. The results indicated that more avoidant mothers reported less intense PA in response to their own and their children’s positive events. More avoidant mothers also were less likely to encourage their children to savor positive events (through expressing PA, reflecting on PA or themselves, giving rewards, and affectionate responses). Mothers higher on anxiety reported greater likelihood of dampening (e.g., minimizing the event’s importance) their own positive events and reported being more likely to feel discomfort and to reprimand their children for expressing PA. Children’s security was predicted by mothers’ lower likelihood of encouraging children’s dampening and of reprimanding children for PA displays. This study advances the literature on how mothers’ attachment is related to the ways in which they regulate their own and their children’s PA, which may have implications for children’s attachment and developing PA regulation.
An Exploration of Maitland's Concept of Pain Irritability in Patients with Low Back Pain

Abstract Maitland's construct of musculoskeletal pain irritability is widely used by physical therapists for making decisions about the vigor of examination and treatment, but this construct has not been defined to the extent that its measurement properties can be tested. The purposes of this study were to 1) determine if physical therapists utilize low back pain (LBP) irritability judgments to make treatment decisions, 2) identify LBP characteristics appropriate for an LBP irritability construct, and 3) develop a measurement construct of LBP irritability. Physical therapists evaluated and treated 183 subjects with LBP. The therapists judged the subjects' LBP as irritable or non-irritable, and recorded treatments provided at the initial visit. A principal-components analysis (PCA) was performed on 14 patient-reported LBP characteristics to identify potential components of a measurement construct of LBP irritability. The therapists' irritability judgments were found to be associated with the types of treatments prescribed. Five dimensions of LBP irritability were identified by the PCA from the 14 LBP characteristics considered. Four of these dimensions were associated with the therapists' LBP irritability judgments. The Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire, presence of distal symptoms, and forward bending tolerance were found to have a stronger association with the irritability judgments than the dimensions of irritability identified in this study. Validated measures of LBP characteristics in current clinical use may adequately capture Maitland's concept of irritability.
Imaging after percutaneous radiofrequency ablation of hepatic tumors: Part 2, Abnormal findings.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this article is to review the spectrum of early and delayed abnormal cross-sectional imaging findings after radiofrequency ablation (RFA) of hepatic tumors. CONCLUSION Recognition of abnormal post-RFA imaging findings and differentiation of abnormal findings from normal postprocedural changes are important for diagnostic and interventional radiologists. Early identification of residual or recurrent disease and complications can facilitate timely retreatment, management, and follow-up care.
Increased Expression of Golli Myelin Basic Proteins Enhances Calcium Influx into Oligodendroglial Cells

The myelin basic protein (MBP) gene encodes two families of proteins: the classic MBP constituents of myelin and the golli-MBPs, the function of which is less well understood. Previous work suggests that golli proteins may play a role in Ca2+ homeostasis in oligodendrocytes (OLs) and in T-cells. Overexpression of golli in OL cell lines induces elaboration of sheets and processes. Live imaging of these cells revealed a rapid retraction of the processes and sheets after depolarization with high K+. This phenomenon was associated with a significant increase in [Ca2+]int without changes in cell viability. The results indicated that golli produced its effect through Ca2+ influx, rather than Ca2+ release from intracellular stores. Furthermore, a specific [Ca2+]int chelator (BAPTA) or Cd2+, a specific blocker of voltage-operated Ca2+ channels, abolished the ability of golli to promote process extension in a dose-dependent manner. Analysis of the golli protein identified a myristoylation site at the C terminus of the golli domain, which was essential for the action of golli on Ca2+ influx, suggesting that binding of golli to the plasma membrane is important for modulating Ca2+ homeostasis. High-resolution spatiotemporal analysis along N19 processes revealed higher-amplitude local Ca2+ influx in regions with elevated levels of golli. These findings suggest a key role for golli proteins in regulating voltage-gated Ca2+ channels in OLs during process remodeling. Our observations are consistent with the hypothesis that golli proteins, as a part of a protein complex, modulate Ca2+ influx at the plasma membrane and along OL processes.
Leveraging stakeholder knowledge in the innovation decision making process

Organisations must make decisions regarding how to best bridge existing societal challenges or market gaps with innovative technologies and business practices. However, many organisations turn to ad hoc decision-making. Within the contemporary environment of accelerating technological change, this is particularly problematic due to the inability of stakeholders to consider the full breadth of information that must be taken into account during the innovation process, and fosters the potential for inefficient outcomes. We propose an integrated mental modelling and multi-criteria decision analysis framework to provide a structured approach to innovation decision-making. Using formal and transparent decision rules to systematically extract the relevant knowledge from experts, one can efficiently map emergent challenges and assess value tradeoffs associated with competing objectives and investments. This process can assist in the identification of emerging societal, technical, and economic risks, and point to how different types of innovations may resolve such concerns.
Evaluation of leukocyte esterase and nitrite strip tests to detect spontaneous bacterial peritonitis in cirrhotic patients.

AIM To investigate the diagnostic efficacy of leukocyte esterase and nitrite reagent strips for bedside diagnosis of spontaneous bacterial peritonitis (SBP). METHODS A total of 63 consecutive patients with cirrhotic ascites (38 male, 25 female) tested between April 2005 and July 2006 were included in the study. Bedside reagent strip testing was performed on ascitic fluid and the results compared to manual cell counting and ascitic fluid culture. SBP was defined as having a polymorphonuclear ascites count of >or= 250/mm(3). RESULTS Fifteen samples showed SBP. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values of the leukocyte esterase reagent strips were; 93%, 100%, 100%, and 98%, respectively. The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value of the nitrite reagent strips were 13%, 93%, 40%, and 77%, respectively. The combination of leukocyte esterase and nitrite reagents strips did not yield statistically significant effects on diagnostic accuracy. CONCLUSION Leukocyte esterase reagent strips may provide a rapid, bedside diagnostic test for SBP.
Affine-invariant description of keypoint bundles for detecting partial near-duplicates in random images

A method for partial near-duplicate retrieval in random images is proposed and evaluated. Unlike the majority of existing methods, it is based on matching individual keypoints only (i.e. no analysis/verification of configuration constraints). The proposed description of keypoints incorporates affine-invariant representation of keypoint bundles (photometric and geometric properties of neighboring keypoints). The representation is flexible enough to accept a wide range of distortions. It is shown, using a small dataset of diversified images, that the method provides reasonably high performances at very low computational costs. The method can also be used as a highly-selective scheme of keypoint matching; its outputs often better reflect the “human-centric” concept of keypoints than typical approaches to keypoint matching.
Noise immunity enhancement by using a genetic-like coding algorithm for metric source without introduction of additional redundancy

The problem of increasing noise immunity for sending messages usually solved by introducing the additional redundancy or by re-transmission of distorted fragment of the message. At the same time, the resulting delay is not always acceptable. An original concept for irredundant code efficiency rising is discussed. It is shown that some genetic-like algorithm applying to the class of permutative equivalent codes can suggest some code that will be too much stable in respect of disturbance appearance. Source space topology, concordant metrization procedure, miscellaneous error structure can be properly taking into account in technical feasibility of this algorithm. Examples of 2D Euclidean source spaces and their coding are presented. Reduction achieved for average displacement of decoding is at least 32% better than that for average values or at least five standard deviations.
Interactions between mural cells and endothelial cells stabilize the developing zebrafish dorsal aorta

Mural cells (vascular smooth muscle cells and pericytes) play an essential role in the development of the vasculature, promoting vascular quiescence and long-term vessel stabilization through their interactions with endothelial cells. However, the mechanistic details of how mural cells stabilize vessels are not fully understood. We have examined the emergence and functional role of mural cells investing the dorsal aorta during early development using the zebrafish. Consistent with previous literature, our data suggest that cells ensheathing the dorsal aorta emerge from a sub-population of cells in the adjacent sclerotome. Inhibition of mural cell recruitment to the dorsal aorta through disruption of pdgfr signaling leads to a reduced vascular basement membrane, which in turn results in enhanced dorsal aorta vessel elasticity and failure to restrict aortic diameter. Our results provide direct in vivo evidence for a functional role for mural cells in patterning and stabilization of the early vasculature through production and maintenance of the vascular basement membrane to prevent abnormal aortic expansion and elasticity. Summary: Vascular smooth muscle cells are required to help maintain the vascular basement membrane and promote vessel stabilization during development.
Comparative quantitative study of the hippocampal region of two closely related species of wild mice: Interspecific and intraspecific variations in volumes of hippocampal components

To investigate the structural changes in the hippocampal region (subiculum, Ammon's horn, and area dentata) associated with speciation, the volumes of homologous components of this region of the forebrain were compared in the two closely related murine rodent species, Apodemus flavicollis (yellow‐necked wood mice) and A. sylvaticus (long‐tailed field mice), and in two geographically separated groups of A. sylvaticus.