Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Differential expression of proteins with heparin affinity in patients with rheumatoid and psoriatic arthritis: a preliminary study.

OBJECTIVES Using proteomic approach in this study, we sought to identify proteins with heparin affinity associated with rheumatoid arthritis (RA), psoriatic arthritis (PsA) and non-inflammatory arthritis (NIA). METHODS Plasma samples from adult RA, PsA and NIA patients, 20 of each, were collected. After enrichment of proteins with heparin affinity, SDS-PAGE and in-gel digestion with trypsin were performed. Peptides were concentrated, micro-purified, separated and measured by nano-scale HPLC system coupled to a mass spectrometer. Peak lists were generated from raw spectra and searched against human complete proteome set by MaxQuant software. Statistical analysis of protein relative expression levels was done in IPython interactive Python shell using NumPy and Matplotlib libraries. Individual protein impact on the whole dataset correlation was done by excluding one protein at a time and calculating the correlation coefficient of remaining data points. RESULTS Three hundred and eighty-four different proteins were identified keeping false discovery rate to 1%, from which 163 were identified in all three conditions. The plasma proteome showed a good correlation between rheumatoid (RA) and psoriatic arthritis (PsA). Out of 10 proteins whose impact on the correlation coefficient fell outside of two standard deviations from the mean, four were up-regulated (complement factor I, complement component C8 beta, glyceraldehyde-3-phosphate dehydrogenase and inter-alpha-trypsin inhibitor heavy chain H1), and two were down-regulated (immunoglobulin heavy chain V-III region BRO, and immunoglobulin J chain), both in PsA and RA by a similar ratio when compared to NIA. The remaining four proteins (Serpin A11, complement factor H-related protein 5, cartilage acidic protein 1 and coagulation factor IX) were down-regulated in PsA and up-regulated in RA when compared to NIA. CONCLUSIONS We found differently expressed proteins in patients with inflammatory and non-inflammatory rheumatic conditions. Out of 384 proteins with heparin affinity four proteins should be further validated as potential diagnostic biomarkers in patients with RA and PsA.
On the Development of the Hypobranchial and Laryngeal Muscles in Amphibia.

THE adult anatomy of the laryngeal muscles, nerves, and cartilages, in Amphibia is now well-established, and especially by the work of Henle, Fischer, Wilder, Gegenbaur, Gdppert, and Druner. An explanation of the facts observed was sought for, and in 1892 the theory was put forward that the laryngeal muscles are bronchial in origin, their nerves bronchial nerves, and their cartilages modified bronchial bars. A short history of the rise of this theory and of its modifications forms a preface to this paper. In papers published in 1916 and 1919 I showed that in Mammalia and Sauropsida the laryngeal muscles, other than the Crico-thyroid of Mammalia, are developed from the Constrictor oesophagi. In this paper evidence is adduced that in Amphibia, similarly, the laryngeal muscles are developed from the Constrictor oesophagi and are not derivatives of any branchial-arch musculature. The larynx in Amphibia comes into relation with certain hypobranchial muscles, and a description of their development and morphology precedes that of the laryngeal structures. Many names have been employed by writers. A uniform nomenclature has been used in the following paper, both in the historical account and in the record of observations; and the following tabular statement shows its relation to the names employed by previous writers.
Functional analysis of Pcipg2 from the straminopilous plant pathogen Phytophthora capsici

Phytophthora capsici causes serious diseases in numerous crop plants. Polygalacturonases (PGs) are cell wall‐degrading enzymes that play an important role in pathogenesis in straminopilous pathogens. To understand PGs as they relate to the virulence of P. capsici, Pcipg2 was identified from a genomic library of a highly virulent P. capsici strain. Pcipg2 was strongly expressed during symptom development after the inoculation of pepper leaves with P. capsici. The wild protein (PCIPGII) was obtained from the expression of pcipg2 and found that increasing activity of PGs in PCIPGII‐treated pepper leaves was consistent with increasing symptom development. Asp residues in active sites within pcipg2 affected PCIPGII activity or its virulence on pepper leaves. Results show that pcipg2 is an important gene among pcipg genes, and illustrate the benefit of analyzing mechanisms of pathogenicity during the period of host/parasite interaction. genesis 47:535–544, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Biochemical Changes in Tuber-bearing Solanum Species in Relation to Frost Hardiness during Cold Acclimation.

Biochemical changes in potato leaves during cold acclimation have been examined and compared between a frost-tolerant S. acaule and a frost-susceptible S. tuberosum species. Changes were also examined in S. tuberosum, S. acaule, and S. commersonii species when they were hardened at different temperatures to varying hardiness levels.During three weeks of stepwise cold acclimation, S. acaule increased frost hardiness from -6.0 C (killing temperature) to -9.0 C, whereas frost hardiness of S. tuberosum remained unchanged at -3.0 C. Decreases in DNA content on a dry weight basis in both species suggest that matured leaf cells accumulated more dry matter during acclimation. The advantage of using DNA as a reference for comparing metabolite changes during cold acclimation is discussed.Under the stepwise acclimating conditions, both species showed the same trends for increasing total sugar and starch with an insignificant decrease in leaf water content. High levels of total RNA, rRNA, and total and soluble protein were observed in treated S. acaule plants as compared with controls, but not in S. tuberosum. Levels of total lipid and phospholipid also were high in treated S. acaule plants as compared with controls but decreased in S. tuberosum during acclimation.When S. tuberosum, S. acaule, and S. commersonii potatoes were cold-treated at constant day/night temperatures of 10, 5, and 2 C with 14-hour daylength, each species responds differently in terms of frost hardiness increase upon subjecting plants to a low temperature. For instance, after 20 days at 2 C, a net frost hardiness of 3 and 7 C was observed in S. acaule and S. commersonii, respectively, whereas the frost hardiness in S. tuberosum remained unchanged. Also, various levels of frost hardiness can be achieved in a species by subjecting plants to different low temperature treatments. Under a warm regime of 20/15 C day/night temperatures (14-hour light), both S. acaule and S. commersonii can survive at -4.5 C or colder, whereas S. tuberosum can survive only at -2.5 C.Biochemical changes in the leaf tissue of these species were investigated at 5-day intervals during low temperature treatments. Increases in total sugar and starch were found in all three species during hardening, although S. tuberosum failed to harden. Soluble protein contents were increased in both S. acaule and S. commersonii but decreased in S. tuberosum. RNA contents change in a pattern similar to the soluble protein. Net increases of the soluble proteins were positively and significantly correlated with net increases of frost hardiness in S. acaule and S. commersonii.
Haemophilus influenzae forms biofilms on airway epithelia: implications in cystic fibrosis.

RATIONALE Nontypeable Haemophilus influenzae (NTHi) commonly infects patients with cystic fibrosis (CF), especially early in childhood. Bacteria biofilms are increasingly recognized as contributing to bacterial persistence and disease pathogenesis in CF. OBJECTIVES This study investigated ability of NTHi to form biofilms and its impact on airway epithelia using in vivo and in vitro analyses. METHODS We evaluated bronchoalveolar lavage fluid from young patients with CF for evidence of NTHi biofilms. To further investigate the pathogenesis of NTHi in respiratory infections, we developed a novel in vitro coculture model of NTHi biofilm formation on polarized human airway epithelial cells grown at the air-liquid interface. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS In bronchoalveolar lavage fluid samples from young, asymptomatic patients with CF, we found morphologic evidence suggestive of NTHi biofilm formation. In addition, 10 clinical NTHi isolates from patients with CF formed biofilms on plastic surfaces. NTHi formed biofilms on the apical surface of cultured airway epithelia. These biofilms exhibited decreased susceptibility to antibiotics and were adherent to epithelial surfaces. Airway epithelial cells remained viable throughout 4 d of coculture, and responded to NTHi with nuclear factor-kappaB signaling, and increased chemokine and cytokine secretion. CONCLUSIONS NTHi formed adherent biofilms on the apical surface airway epithelia with decreased susceptibility to antibiotics, and respiratory cells exhibited inflammatory and host defense responses-evidence of a dynamic host-pathogen interaction. The data presented here have implications both for understanding early CF lung disease pathogenesis and for the treatment of early, asymptomatic colonization of patients with CF with H. influenzae.
The I 148 M Variant of PNPLA 3 Reduces the Response to Docosahexaenoic Acid in Children with Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

The aim of this secondary analysis of a randomized controlled trial was to test whether the I148M variant of Patatin-like phospholipase domain-containing protein-3 (PNPLA3) is associated with the response to docosahexaenoic acid (DHA) in children with non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). Sixty children with NAFLD were randomized in equal numbers to DHA 250 mg/day, DHA 500 mg/day or placebo. Coherently with the primary analysis, the probability of more severe steatosis after 24 months of DHA supplementation was 50% lower [95% confidence interval (CI) 59% to 42%)] in the combined DHA 250 and 500 mg/day groups versus placebo. The present secondary analysis revealed an independent effect of PNPLA3 status on the response to DHA. In fact, the probability of more severe steatosis was higher (37%, 95% CI 26– 48%) for the PNPLA3 M/M versus I/M genotype and lower (12%, 95% CI 21% to 3%) for the I/I versus I/M genotype (Somers’ D for repeated measures). We conclude that the 148M allele of PNPLA3 is associated with lower response, and the 148I allele with greater response, to DHA supplementation in children with NAFLD.
Letter: Liver-cell mass and nuclear-cytoplasmic ratio in human liver.

Ingram, G. I. C. , Knights, S. F. , Arocha-Pinango, C. L. , Shepperd, J. P., and P6rez-Requejo, J. L. (1975). Simple screening tests for the diagnosis of isolated clotting factor defects. J. clin. Path. , 28, 524-530. Waaler, B. A. (1959). Contact activation in the intrinsic blood clotting system. Scand. J. clin. Lab. Invest. , 11, Suppl. 37, pp. 53-57. Wilson, W. J., Ingram, G. I. C. , and Hills, M. (1971). The use of kaolin or contact product in the one-stage assay of factor VIII. Coagulation, 4, 113-117.
Adaptive Detectors for MIMO DS/CDMA Communication Systems

In multiple-input-multiple-output (MIMO) communication systems, multiple antennas are employed at the transmitter and the receiver. Compared with conventional systems, it has been recognized that MIMO is an important technology in obtaining higher data rate and increasing the system capacity. This paper proposes two new linear multiuser detectors and their adaptive implementations for the synchronous multiuser direct- sequence code division multiple-access systems in a MIMO multipath fading environment. First, we employ the total least squares (TLS) method and the estimation of signal parameters via rotational invariance techniques (ESPRIT) to construct the multiuser detector structures. Second, we use the least mean square algorithm in the TLS-based and ESPRIT-based multiuser detectors to develop four adaptive receivers. We also analyze the probability of bit error of the proposed receivers. Simulation results show the performance comparisons of the proposed receivers.
Literature-based followup recommendations Part 5: Common hematologic problems in oncology patients

Hematology problems involving anemia, bleeding or thrombosis are exceptionally common in cancer patients. Many smaller Canadian cancer centres are without staff hematologists to manage such common hematology problems and there may not be other hematology expertise available locally. In these instances, general hematology services are often provided by regional cancer pro
Protective role of melatonin given either before ischemia or prior to reperfusion on intestinal ischemia‐reperfusion damage

Abstract: Tissue injury resulting from ischemia‐reperfusion is of fundamental importance. Experimental evidence suggests that the generation of reactive oxygen species is significantly responsible for this type of injury. In the present study, besides investigating the protective role of melatonin on tissue damage caused by intestinal ischemia‐reperfusion, the protective activity of this compound was also analyzed in both pre‐ and post ischemia melatonin‐treated rats. The activities of the main antioxidative enzymes, catalase, superoxide dismutase and glutathione peroxidase in the intestine showed significant (P < 0.05) increases in melatonin‐treated animals that were subjected to ischemia/reperfusion compared with those subjected only to ischemia/reperfusion. Also, results clearly indicate that the level of malondialdeyhde, an index of lipid peroxidation, decreased significantly (P < 0.05) when rats subjected to intestinal/reperfusion were given melatonin either before ischemia or before reperfusion.
Emerging Disease Syndromic Surveillance for Hurricane Katrina Evacuees Seeking Shelter in Houston's Astrodome and Reliant Park Complex

Transmission of infectious diseases became an immediate public health concern when approximately 27,000 New Orleans-area residents evacuated to Houston's Astrodome and Reliant Park Complex following Hurricane Katrina. This article presents a surveillance system that was rapidly developed and implemented for daily tracking of various symptoms in the evacuee population in the Astrodome “megashelter. ” This system successfully confirmed an outbreak of acute gastroenteritis and became a critical tool in monitoring the course of this outbreak.
Methods of Cell Immobilization and Its Applications

Immobilization is the method of entrapping/attaching the microbial or plant cells in a suitable matrix. Different methods such as encapsulation, gel entrapment, covalent bonding, cross linking and adsorption is carried out to prepare immobilized cells. When compared to enzyme immobilization, cell immobilization is regarded as a convenient method because of its low cost and improved stability. The cost of isolation and purification is very high in enzyme immobilization. These immobilized cells are mainly used in the areas of biotechnology and industrial production. This paper reviews the various methods of immobilization and application of immobilized cells in waste treatment and biodiesel production.
Dissection of the oncogenic MYCN transcriptional network reveals a large set of clinically relevant cell cycle genes as drivers of neuroblastoma tumorigenesis

Amplification of the oncogenic transcription factor MYCN plays a major role in the pathogenesis of several pediatric cancers, including neuroblastoma, medulloblastoma, and rhabodomyosarcoma. For neuroblastoma, MYCN amplification is the most powerful genetic predictor of poor patient survival, yet the mechanism by which MYCN drives tumorigenesis is only partially understood. To gain an insight into the distribution of MYCN binding and to identify clinically relevant MYCN target genes, we performed an integrated analysis of MYCN ChIP‐chip and mRNA expression using the MYCN repressible SHEP‐21N neuroblastoma cell line. We hypothesized that genes exclusively MYCN bound in SHEP‐21N cells over‐expressing MYCN would be enriched for direct targets which contribute to the process of disease progression. Integrated analysis revealed that MYCN drives tumorigenesis predominantly as a positive regulator of target gene transcription. A high proportion of genes (24%) that are MYCN bound and up‐regulated in the SHEP‐21N model are significantly associated with poor overall patient survival (OS) in a set of 88 tumors. In contrast, the proportion of genes down‐regulated when bound by MYCN in the SHEP‐21N model and which are significantly associated with poor overall patient survival when under‐expressed in primary tumors was significantly lower (5%). Gene ontology analysis determined a highly statistically significant enrichment for cell cycle related genes within the over‐expressed MYCN target group which were also associated with poor OS. We conclude that the over‐expression of MYCN leads to aberrant binding and over‐expression of genes associated with cell cycle regulation which are significantly correlated with poor OS and MYCN amplification. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
High Susceptibility of Human Dendritic Cells to Avian Influenza H5N1 Virus Infection and Protection by IFN-α and TLR Ligands1

There is worldwide concern that the avian influenza H5N1 virus, with a mortality rate of >50%, might cause the next influenza pandemic. Unlike most other influenza infections, H5N1 infection causes a systemic disease. The underlying mechanisms for this effect are still unclear. In this study, we investigate the interplay between avian influenza H5N1 and human dendritic cells (DC). We showed that H5N1 virus can infect and replicate in monocyte-derived and blood myeloid DC, leading to cell death. These results suggest that H5N1 escapes viral-specific immunity, and could disseminate via DC. In contrast, blood pDC were resistant to infection and produced high amounts of IFN-α. Addition of this cytokine to monocyte-derived DC or pretreatment with TLR ligands protected against infection and the cytopathic effects of H5N1 virus.
A geometric extension design for second-order nonlinear agents formation surrounding a sphere

This article deals with the problem of driving a family of second-order nonlinear agents to land on a sphere and formation tracking a set of given orbits on the sphere. A novel geometric extension called the concentric compression method is proposed to give a solution to spheral landing and then combines with the control of spherical meridian and parallel to achieve formation motion along given orbits on the sphere. The asymptotic stability of system is proved by Lyapunov-based method when the communication topology is bidirectional. The effectiveness of the analytical result is verified by a numerical simulation.
Non-Inducibility and Late Potential Abolition : A Novel Combined Prognostic Procedural Endpoint for Catheter Ablation of Post-infarction Ventricular Tachycardia

John Silberbauer, MA, MD(Res), MRCP; Teresa Oloriz, MD; Giuseppe Maccabelli, MD; Dimitris Tsiachris, MD, PhD; Francesca Baratto, MD; Pasquale Vergara, MD, PhD; Hiroya Mizuno, MD, PhD; Caterina Bisceglia, MD, PhD; Alessandra Marzi, MD; Nicoleta Sora, MD; Fabrizio Guarracini, MD; Andrea Radinovic, MD; Manuela Cireddu, MD; Simone Sala, MD; Simone Gulletta, MD; Gabriele Paglino, MD; Patrizio Mazzone, MD; Nicola Trevisi, MD; Paolo Della Bella, MD
High-Efficiency DC–DC Converter With Fast Dynamic Response for Low-Voltage Photovoltaic Sources

This paper proposes a high-efficiency dc-dc converter with fast dynamic response for low-voltage photovoltaic (PV) sources. The voltage stress of power switches is reduced at low-voltage side. Zero-current turn-off of output diodes is achieved at high-voltage side. Power efficiency is improved by reducing switching power losses. A modified proportional and integral controller is also suggested to achieve fast output voltage control. The dynamic response of the proposed converter is improved. The performance of the proposed converter is verified based on an experimental prototype for a 200-W PV module.
Molecular evaluation of the human gut methanogenic archaeal microbiota reveals an age-associated increase of the diversity.

The methanogenic diversity of the human intestinal microbiota has long been viewed as composed of two Methanobacteriales: Methanobrevibacter smithii and Methanosphaera stadtmanae. Recently, Mx-01, a new phylotype hypothesized to belong to a putative sixth methanogenic order, was recovered from human faeces. Here we examined the diversity and the distribution of methanogens among healthy people of three age groups by analysing mcrA and 16S rDNA clones. The mcrA analysis of ∼1200 clones revealed that the usual Methanobacteriales were present without any significant difference among adults and elderly (respectively 60% and 80% of carriers, n = 40, P = 0.3). In addition, four new phylotypes that grouped with Mx-01 in the same monophyletic clade were recovered. These phylotypes were significantly more frequently detected in elderly people (40%, n = 20) than in adults (10%, n = 20, P = 0.065). In parallel, new 16S rDNA phylotypes affiliated near or within Thermoplasmatales were recovered. Altogether, these results indicate an age-related apparition of Mx-phylotypes, putatively methanogenic, which are formed of several species carrying a mcrA gene and that are not related to any of the five methanogenic orders. These species may be related to Thermoplasmatales or may cohabit with archaeal species related to Thermoplasmatales.
Epidural Hematoma Following Hemodialysis in a Methanol Poisoned Patient; a Case Report

Brain injury associated with methanol toxicity can be ischemic, necrotic or hemorrhagic in nature. It most commonly affects the putamen area bilaterally; however, it can be seen in other locations. This report describes a 22-year-old intoxicated patient who developed an epidural hematoma following hemodialysis. Heparinization during hemodialysis may contribute to cerebral hemorrhagic complications in methanol poisoning. In addition, a history of head trauma may raise the incidence of post-hemodialysis hemorrhagic brain insults. Heparin-free dialysis or peritoneal dialysis can be a good option in these cases.
Power Loss Analysis of Tomlinson-Harashima Precoder with Tilted Constellation in Flat Fading MIMO Channels

We analyze the power loss of Tomlinson-Harashima precoding with constellation tilting (THP-CT) method using M-QAM modulation in flat fading MIMO channels. To derive a new approximation of the power loss of THP-CT method, the effective channel components, the information symbols, the precoded symbols, and some of their combinations are analyzed stochastically. From the analysis of the signal components, the transmission power of the conventional THP is firstly approximated as the mean of the block average power for a fixed tilting angle. Then, the variance for a fixed angle and the dependence between the block average power terms with two tilting angles are approximated. Also, we modify the Clark's algorithm that approximates the expected minimum of dependent samples. By using the modified algorithm and also the mean, variance, and correlation factors, we provide a more accurate power loss approximation for THP-CT. Simulation results show that the proposed algorithm exploiting the analyzed dependence expression can reduce the approximation error up to about 60% and 70% for the case of 4-QAM and 16-QAM case, respectively.