Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
CD133+ cells as a therapeutic target for kidney diseases

Introduction: The availability of antibodies recognizing the glycosylation-dependent expression of AC133 epitope of CD133 allowed the identification of stem cells in different human tissues. In the kidney, CD133 has been identified as a marker of progenitor cells within the nephron, both in the cortex and in the inner medulla, showing features of non-differentiated mesenchymal progenitors. In addition, CD133 may be considered a marker of renal repair, as the hypoxic microenvironment occurring after injury may favor the acquirement of CD133 progenitor properties by cells of the nephron. Areas covered: Areas covered in this review include CD133 expression that, in renal pathology, has been related to excessive proliferation and/or reduced differentiation of renal progenitors, which occurs in polycystic kidney disease and glomerular diseases. Also included are data from literature, which by contrast, indicate CD133 cannot be considered a promising marker for renal cancer stem cells. Expert opinion: CD133 could be of interest as a possible therapeutic target for nonmalignant renal pathology. Selective targeting of CD133 may allow pharmacological approaches to control proliferation or induce differentiation of CD133+ cells. In the light of a possible role of CD133 in the regulation of the anaerobic glycolytic metabolism, CD133 modulation could be of therapeutic interest in renal regeneration or diseases. Successful exploitation of CD133 will nevertheless require a better understanding of its molecular function.
Molecular nature of the complement lesion.

The principle molecular event leading to membrane perturbation by complement is the assembly of the terminal five serum complement components (C5b-C9) into a macromolecular C5b-9 complex on the target membrane [Müller-Eberhard, H. -J. (1975) Ann. Rev. Biochem. 44, 697--723]. The present communication reports on the ability of purified C5b-9 complexes isolated from target membranes to become reincorporated into artificial lipid vesicles. The data indicate that the complex is a vertically oriented, hollow, cylindrical macromolecule possessing lipid-binding regions that enable one terminus to penetrate into the lipid bilayer. A transmembrane pore appears to be created at the attachment site of the C5b-9 complex.
Computer‐Based or Human Patient Simulation‐Based Case Analysis: Which Works Better for Teaching Diagnostic Reasoning Skills?

AIM The purpose of this study was to determine whether a difference exists in learner performance and the type and frequency of diagnostic reasoning skills used, based on the method of case presentation. BACKGROUND Faculty can select from a variety of methods for presenting cases when teaching diagnostic reasoning, but little evidence exists with regard to how students use these skills while interacting with the cases. METHOD A total of 54 nursing students participated in two case analyses using human patient and computer‐based simulations. Participant performance and diagnostic reasoning skills were analyzed. RESULTS Performance was significantly better with the human patient simulation case. All diagnostic reasoning skills were used during both methods of case presentation, with greater performance variation in the computer‐based simulation. CONCLUSION Both human patient and computer‐based simulations are beneficial for practicing diagnostic reasoning skills; however, these findings support the use of human patient simulations for improving student performance in case synthesis.
Einfluss der Fluorchinolons Moxifloxacin auf parodontopathogene Mikroorganismen und die Freisetzung von Zytokinen im Zusammenhang mit KB-Zellen

Das Vorhandensein der pathogenen Mikroorganismen A. actinomycetemcomitans und P. gingivalis spielt eine entscheidende Rolle bei der Manifestation und Progression parodontaler Erkrankungen. Beide Spezies sind in der Lage, an Epithelzellen zu adharieren und in diese zu penetrieren. P. gingivalis verfugt zudem uber die Fahigkeit der intrazellularen Persistenz. Die Anwesenheit von A. actinomycetemcomitans scheint eine vermehrte Freisetzung proinflammatorischer Interleukine aus den Epithelzellen zu induzieren. P. gingivalis hingegen ist dafur bekannt, die vom Wirtsorganismus sezernierten Zytokine abbauen zu konnen. Sowohl A. actinomycetemcomitans als auch P. gingivalis modulieren somit die Immunantwort und haben eine Schlusselfunktion beim Fortbestehen einer Parodontitis. In der Therapie dieser Erkrankung stellt die adjuvante Applikation eines Antibiotikums heute einen etablierten Bestandteil dar. Ziel dieser Studie war die Untersuchung des Einflusses des Fluorchinolons Moxifloxacin auf die Adharenz und Invasion der Stamme A. actinomycetemcomitans Y4 und P. gingivalis ATCC 33277. Zudem sollte die Freisetzung der Zytokine IL-1s, IL-6, IL-8, TNF-alpha und TGF-s1 aus den mit parodontopathogenen Mikroorganismen und Moxifloxacin inkubierten Epithelzellen mittels ELISA-Test detektiert werden.
Fusions-acquisitions et salariés. Les leçons de l'OPA de Schneider sur Télémécanique en 1988

Les OPA, surtout lorsqu�elles sont hostiles, sont generalement mal accueillies par les salaries des firmes cibles, qui se retrouvent alors du cote de leurs dirigeants pour refuser l�offre. Le cas de l�OPA de Schneider sur la societe Telemecanique en 1988 illustre ces propos et montre des salaries se comportant en « proprietaires » et n�hesitant pas a faire du lobbying. La demarche historique utilisee dans cet article permet de montrer que � bien que l�OPA de Schneider correspondait a un veritable projet industriel a long terme � les salaries, et dans une certaine mesure les pouvoirs publics, n�ont pas compris les enjeux de cette operation. Alors que les emplois n�etaient pas menaces par cette prise de controle, les salaries-actionnaires se sont fortement mobilises pour « defendre leur entreprise » et son modele social. La strategie de Schneider de se recentrer sur les metiers de l�electricite a permis a l�entreprise de devenir leader mondial dans la gestion de l�energie.
Specificity for Activase Is Changed by a Pro-89 to Arg Substitution in the Large Subunit of Ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate Carboxylase/Oxygenase*

Tobacco activase does not markedly facilitate the activation of ribulose-1,5-bisphosphate carboxylase/oxygenase (Rubisco, EC 4.1.1.39) from non-Solanaceae species, including the green algaChlamydomonas reinhardtii. To examine the basis of this specificity, we focused on two exposed residues in the large subunit of Rubisco that are unique to the Solanaceae proteins. By employingin vitro mutagenesis and chloroplast transformation, P89R and K356Q substitutions were separately made in theChlamydomonas enzyme to change these residues to those present in tobacco. Both mutants were indistinguishable from the wild type when grown with minimal medium in the light and contained wild-type levels of holoenzyme. Purified Rubisco was assessed for facilitated activation by spinach and tobacco activase. Both wild-type and K356Q Rubisco were similar in that spinach activase was much more effective than tobacco activase. In contrast, P89R Rubisco was not activated by spinach activase but was well activated by tobacco activase. Thus, the relative specificities of the spinach and tobacco activases for Chlamydomonas Rubisco were switched by changing a single residue at position 89. This result provides evidence for a site on the Rubisco holoenzyme that interacts directly with Rubisco activase.
What Are the Challenges Faced by Psychiatrists in the Management of Alzheimer's Disease?

Abstract Alzheimer's disease (AD) is a debilitating condition affecting millions of elderly citizens. The quality of life for AD patients significantly deteriorates in the face of worsening cognitive deficits and disabling functional declines, both contributing to manifestations of difficult behaviors. Of the estimated 4 million individuals with AD, only 60% of probable AD cases are diagnosed, with little more than half of those receiving treatment. One of the possible reasons for this problem is the large role primary care physicians (PCPs) have in diagnosing and treating AD. The barriers that PCPs confront to adequately manage these patients will be discussed. Finally, the specific challenges that geriatric psychiatrists will face in addressing these issues in an environment where there is only a limited number of trained geriatric psychiatrists will be discussed, as well as the possible role that new technology could have in finding the solution to this difficult problem.
Intimate relationship quality, self-concept and illness acceptance in those with multiple sclerosis

Abstract Lower levels of Intimate Relationship Quality (IRQ) have been found in those with Multiple Sclerosis (MS) compared to the general population. This study examined an MS sample to see whether IRQ was positively associated with self-concept, whether IRQ was positively associated with MS illness acceptance and whether IRQ was predicted by self-concept and illness acceptance. In this cross-sectional study, 115 participants with MS who were in an intimate relationship completed an online survey advertised on MS related websites. The survey assessed demographic variables, MS illness variables and levels of IRQ, self-concept and illness acceptance. Results revealed that IRQ was significantly positively associated with self-concept and with illness acceptance. Multiple hierarchical linear regression analysis revealed that, after controlling for illness duration and level of disability, self-concept significantly predicted IRQ but illness acceptance did not significantly predict IRQ. This study addressed several gaps and methodological flaws in the literature and was the first known to assess predictors of IRQ in those with MS. The results suggest that self-concept could be a potential target for individual and couple psychological interventions to improve IRQ and contribute to improved outcomes for those with MS.
Transverse bow-tie slotted substrate integrated waveguide leaky-wave antenna

A novel bow-tie slotted substrate integrated waveguide (SIW), leaky wave antenna is proposed and investigated. This antenna works in the TE10 mode. Proposed antenna leads to more intense electric field and better coupling of E-field in adjacent slots, which results in more uniform spectral behavior in comparison with transverse slot leaky wave antenna. In addition to this proposed antenna gives improved broad side behavior and can scan larger angular range with in lesser frequency change.
Support Vector Machine Based Monitoring of Cardio-Cerebrovascular Reserve during Simulated Hemorrhage

Introduction: In the initial phase of hypovolemic shock, mean blood pressure (BP) is maintained by sympathetically mediated vasoconstriction rendering BP monitoring insensitive to detect blood loss early. Late detection can result in reduced tissue oxygenation and eventually cellular death. We hypothesized that a machine learning algorithm that interprets currently used and new hemodynamic parameters could facilitate in the detection of impending hypovolemic shock. Method: In 42 (27 female) young [mean (sd): 24 (4) years], healthy subjects central blood volume (CBV) was progressively reduced by application of −50 mmHg lower body negative pressure until the onset of pre-syncope. A support vector machine was trained to classify samples into normovolemia (class 0), initial phase of CBV reduction (class 1) or advanced CBV reduction (class 2). Nine models making use of different features were computed to compare sensitivity and specificity of different non-invasive hemodynamic derived signals. Model features included: volumetric hemodynamic parameters (stroke volume and cardiac output), BP curve dynamics, near-infrared spectroscopy determined cortical brain oxygenation, end-tidal carbon dioxide pressure, thoracic bio-impedance, and middle cerebral artery transcranial Doppler (TCD) blood flow velocity. Model performance was tested by quantifying the predictions with three methods: sensitivity and specificity, absolute error, and quantification of the log odds ratio of class 2 vs. class 0 probability estimates. Results: The combination with maximal sensitivity and specificity for classes 1 and 2 was found for the model comprising volumetric features (class 1: 0.73–0.98 and class 2: 0.56–0.96). Overall lowest model error was found for the models comprising TCD curve hemodynamics. Using probability estimates the best combination of sensitivity for class 1 (0.67) and specificity (0.87) was found for the model that contained the TCD cerebral blood flow velocity derived pulse height. The highest combination for class 2 was found for the model with the volumetric features (0.72 and 0.91). Conclusion: The most sensitive models for the detection of advanced CBV reduction comprised data that describe features from volumetric parameters and from cerebral blood flow velocity hemodynamics. In a validated model of hemorrhage in humans these parameters provide the best indication of the progression of central hypovolemia.
Distributed charging of PHEVs in a smart grid

This paper proposes a novel charging method for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs) in a smart grid. It is based on a distributed and autonomous framework where users or PHEVs can adapt their charging rates according to their preferences. In particular, we borrow the concept of congestion pricing in Internet traffic control and show that pricing information is very useful to regulate user demand and hence balance network load. User preference is modeled as a willingness to pay parameter which will impact the price and charging rate. Simulation results are presented to demonstrate the dynamic behavior of the algorithm and impact of different parameters on system performance.
Neuropathological Correlates of Behavioural Disturbance in Confirmed Alzheimer's Disease

Clinico-pathological correlations were examined in 54 patients with neuropathologically verified Alzheimer's disease (AD) who were part of a prospective study. Behavioural disturbance was documented using an expanded version of the Stockton Geriatric Rating Scale (SGRS). The subscores for physical disability (P), apathy (A) and communication failure (C) (summation score PAC) were closely correlated and were high in most patients during the late stages of illness. High PAC scores correlated with an earlier onset and longer duration of illness, lower brain weight, more severe tangle pathology in the parahippocampal gyrus and the frontal and parietal neocortex, and lower neuron counts in the hippocampus and basal nucleus of Meynert. Features of the Klüver-Bucy syndrome (range behaviour and hypermetamorphosis) were significantly associated with lower counts of large neurons in the parahippocampal gyrus and parietal neocortex, but not with more severe plaque or tangle formation or with neuronal loss in the subcortical nuclei. No correction was made for multiple comparisons. These findings may signify decreased cortical inhibition in patients with relatively well preserved subcortical structures who show features suggestive of the Klüver-Bucy syndrome. High PAC scores on the SGRS could reflect more advanced and widespread cerebral pathology in the end stages of AD.
Testosterone Regulation of Sex Differences in Fetal Lung Development

Abstract Fetal lung development, in particular surfactant synthesis, exhibits a sexual dimorphism. Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) has been shown to delay fetal pulmonary surfactant production, but the potential role for testosterone is unknown. Both testosterone and DHT are potent masculinizing hormones, yet in some instances, an end organ specificity for DHT is present. We hypothesized that the delay in fetal lung surfactant production is dependent upon DHT such that inhibition of the synthesis of DHT from the precursor hormone testosterone would eliminate the sex difference by allowing the male fetus to produce surfactant at the female level. We tested this hypothesis using 17β-N,N-diethylcarbamoyl-4-aza-4-methyl-5α-androstane-3-one (4-MA), a potent inhibitor of the enzyme 5α-reductase, which converts testosterone into DHT. First, studies were performed In vivo. 4-MA (20 mg/kg/day) or an equivalent volume of vehicle was injected into pregnant rabbits from Day 12 through Day 26 of gestation. On Day 26, the fetuses were delivered, the lungs were lavaged, and fetal sex was noted. Treatment with 4-MA resulted in a lack of any male-female difference in the anogenital distance and no DHT was detected in the serum of any treated fetus. Phosphatidylcholine (PC), saturated phosphatidylcholine (SPC), and sphingomyelin (S) were measured in the lung lavage, and were expressed as the ratios of PC to sphingomyelin (PC:S) and SPC to sphingomyelin (SPC:S). Sex differences in the PC to sphingomyelin ratio of 4-MA-treated fetuses (female PC:S ratio, 1.43 ± 0.14; male PC:S ratio, 1.00 ± 0.13 [mean ± SE]; P = 0.04) and in the SPC:S ratio of the 4-MA-treated group (female SPC:S ratio, 0.68 ± 0.10; male SPC:S ratio, 0.35 ± 0.10; P = 0.03) were present after treatment with 4-MA. The effect of testosterone and of 4-MA on fibroblast pneumonocyte factor (FPF) production was studied in vitro.
Pentoxifylline Inhibits Superantigen-Induced Toxic Shock and Cytokine Release

ABSTRACT Tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) is a critical cytokine that mediates the toxic effects of bacterial superantigens like staphylococcal enterotoxin B (SEB) and toxic shock syndrome toxin 1 (TSST-1). Pentoxifylline, an anti-inflammatory agent that inhibits endotoxemia and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced release of TNF-α, was tested for its ability to inhibit SEB- and TSST-1-induced activation of human peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) in vitro and toxin-mediated shock in mice. Stimulation of PBMCs by SEB or TSST-1 was effectively blocked by pentoxifylline (10 mM), as evidenced by the inhibition of TNF-α, interleukin 1β (IL-1β), gamma interferon (IFN-γ), and T-cell proliferation. The levels of TNF-α, IL-1α, and IFN-γ in serum after an SEB or TSST-1 injection were significantly lower in mice given pentoxifylline (5.5 mg/animal) versus control mice. Additionally, pentoxifylline diminished the lethal effects and temperature fluctuations elicited by SEB and TSST-1. Thus, in addition to treating endotoxemias, the cumulative in vitro and in vivo data suggest that pentoxifylline may also be useful in abrogating the ill effects of staphylococcal enterotoxins and TSST-1.
Long-term outcomes of video-assisted thoracoscopic versus open lobectomy for non-small-cell lung cancer with propensity score matching

The aim of this study was to compare the long-term and short-term outcomes of video-assisted thoracoscopic lobectomy (VATS) with those of open lobectomy for non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) between well-matched patient groups. NSCLC patients underwent lobectomy with radical intent between January 2008 and January 2013, were divided into VATS and open groups. A one-to-one propensity case-matched analysis was used with covariates of baseline characteristics. Long-term and short-term outcomes were compared between the matched two groups. The two groups were well balanced by propensity score matching and 69 patients were matched. There were no significant differences in overall survival and disease-free survival between VATS and open groups. The median blood loss was significantly less with VATS, and the median postoperative hospital stay was significantly shorter for VATS. Complication rate was significantly less in VATS. VATS in selected patients with NSCLC showed similar long-term outcomes, associated with less blood loss, shorter hospital stay, and fewer postoperative complications.
An Ecological Approach to the Supervisory Control of UAV Swarms

Advances in miniaturized computer technology have made it possible for a single Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) to complete its mission autonomously. This also sparked interest in having swarms of UAVs that are cooperating as a team on a single mission. The level of automation involved in the control of UAV swarms will also change the role of the human operator. That is, instead of manually controlling the movements of the individual UAVs, the system operator will need to perform higher-level mission management tasks. However, most ground control stations are still tailored to the control of single UAVs by portraying raw flight status data on cockpit like instruments. In this paper, the ecological interface design paradigm is used to enhance the human-machine interface of a ground control station to support mission management for UAV swarms. As a case study, a generic ground-surveillance mission with four UAVs is envisioned. A preliminary evaluation study with 10 participants showed that the enhanced interface successfully enables operators to control a swarm of four UAVs and to resolve failures during mission execution. The results of the evaluation study showed that the interface enhancements promoted creative problem-solving activities to scenarios that could not have been solved by following a fixed procedure. However, the results also showed that the current interface still required control actions to be performed per single UAV, making it labor intensive to change mission parameters for swarms consisting of more than four UAVs.
Breath-holding time in normal subjects, snorers, and sleep apnea patients.

BACKGROUND The onset of irregular inspiratory muscle activity has been observed toward the breakpoint of the breath-holding maneuver. We wondered if this was similar to the increased respiratory effort with paradoxical breathing seen during the resolution of an apnea in obstructive sleep apnea syndrome (OSAS). STUDY OBJECTIVE To compare the breakpoint of breath holding in normal subjects, OSAS patients, and snorers. METHODS Thirty normal subjects, 30 patients with OSAS, and 16 snorers performed serial breath-holding maneuvers at functional residual capacity (FRC) under standardized pretest conditions using the rebreathing method of Read. RESULTS Intergroup comparisons were carried out by analysis of variance with post hoc Tukey's Highest Significant Difference tests. Basal end-tidal carbon dioxide (EtCO2) was significantly higher in OSAS than in normal subjects and snorers. Basal breath-holding time (BHT) was shorter in OSAS as compared with that in normal subjects and snorers (p < 0.05). The maximal EtCO2 level attained was higher in OSAS as compared with normal subjects (p < 0.05) and snorers (p = 0.052). The maximal BHT in OSAS was shorter than in normal subjects (p < 0.05) but not in snorers. The slope of BHT/EtCO2 differed significantly in OSAS compared with normal subjects and snorers (p < 0.05). No significant correlation was found between slope BHT/EtCO2 and age or body mass index using multiple regression analysis. The FRC of OSAS patients and snorers were similar (p = 0.792). CONCLUSION We conclude that BHT and slope of BHT/EtCO2 are different in OSAS subjects as opposed to those in normal subjects and snorers.