Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Class B Scavenger Receptors SR-BI and CD36 Are Receptors for Anionic Phospholipids (*)

The specific recognition of anionic phospholipids in the outer leaflets of cell membranes and lipoproteins by cell surface receptors may play an important role in a variety of physiologic and pathophysiologic processes (e.g. recognition of damaged or senescent cells by the reticuloendothelial system or lipoprotein homeostasis). Several investigators have described anionic phospholipid binding to cells, and phosphatidylserine (PS) binding to a partially purified 95-kDa membrane protein has recently been reported (Sambrano, G. R., and Steinberg, D.(1995) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. U. S. A. 92, 1396-1400). Using both direct binding and ligand competition assays in transfected cells, we have found that two class B scavenger receptors, SR-BI and CD36, can tightly bind PS and phosphatidylinositol (PI)-containing liposomes (K for PS liposome binding to SR-BI is 15 μg phospholipid/ml or 0.18 nM (mol PS liposomes/l)), but not phosphatidylcholine, phosphatidylethanolamine, or sphingomyelin liposomes. PS and PI liposomes, but not the others, could effectively compete with PS liposomes and modified or native lipoproteins for binding to these receptors. Phosphatidic acid, another anionic phospholipid, could also compete, but was not as effective as PS or PI. Class B scavenger receptors are the first molecularly well-defined, specific cell surface receptors for anionic phospholipids to be described.
Cholinergic control of inflammation

Cytokine production is necessary to protect against pathogens and promote tissue repair, but excessive cytokine release can lead to systemic inflammation, organ failure and death. Inflammatory responses are finely regulated to effectively guard from noxious stimuli. The central nervous system interacts dynamically with the immune system to modulate inflammation through humoral and neural pathways. The effect of glucocorticoids and other humoral mediators on inflammatory responses has been studied extensively in the past decades. In contrast, neural control of inflammation has only been recently described. We summarize autonomic regulation of local and systemic inflammation through the ‘cholinergic anti‐inflammatory pathway’, a mechanism consisting of the vagus nerve and its major neurotransmitter, acetylcholine, a process dependent on the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor α7 subunit. We recapitulate additional sources of acetylcholine and their contribution to the inflammatory response, as well as acetylcholine regulation by acetylcholinesterase as a means to attenuate inflammation. We discuss potential therapeutic applications to treat diseases characterized by acute or chronic inflammation, including autoimmune diseases, and propose future research directions.
Tobramycin resistance of Pseudomonas aeruginosa cells growing as a biofilm on urinary catheter material

When disks of urinary catheter material were exposed to the flow of artificial urine containing cells of Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a thick adherent biofilm, composed of these bacteria and of their exopolysaccharide products, developed on the latex surface within 8 h. After this colonization, sterile artificial urine containing 1,000 micrograms of tobramycin per ml was flowed past this established biofilm, and a significant proportion of the bacterial cells within the biofilm were found to be still viable after 12 h of exposure to this very high concentration of aminoglycoside antibiotic. Planktonic (floating) cells taken from the test system just before the exposure of the biofilm to the antibiotic were completely killed by 50 micrograms of tobramycin per ml. The MIC of tobramycin for cells taken from the seeding cultures before colonization of the catheter material, and for surviving cells recovered directly from the tobramycin-treated biofilm, was found to be 0.4 micrograms/ml when dispersed cells were assayed by standard methods. These data indicate that growth within thick adherent biofilms confers a measure of tobramycin resistance on cells of P. aeruginosa.
Service Outsourcing and Rise of China's New Strategic Economic Forces

There has been in China's export-oriented economy a transformation from less profitable manufacturing outsourcing to more profitable modern manufacturing and services outsourcing.Outsourcing activity is becoming intangible rather than physical.Service outsourcing becomes a major act in a new round of international industrial transfer.It has immeasurable effect on the rise of China's new economic forces in the long run:it offers a grand opportunity for China to adjust its industrial structure and the mode of economic growth,and to integrate its economy more profoundly into global market.To develop service outsourcing is thus a national strategic must.Our policy makers should take advantage of the fact that the developed countries worry much about the risks service outsourcing may bring forth,so as to find a way to improve and to facilitate our service outsourcing.In the paper,suggestions have been offered for government's reference.
Lymphotoxin and LIGHT signaling pathways and target genes

Summary: Lymphotoxins (LTα and LTβ), LIGHT [homologous to LT, inducible expression, competes with herpes simplex virus (HSV) glycoprotein D for HSV entry mediator (HVEM), a receptor expressed on T lymphocytes], tumor necrosis factor (TNF), and their specific receptors LTβR, HVEM, and TNF receptor 1 (TNFR1) and TNFR2, form the immediate family of the larger TNF superfamily. These cytokines establish a critical communication system required for the development of secondary lymphoid tissues; however, knowledge of the target genes activated by these signaling pathways is limited. Target genes regulated by the LTαβ‐LTβR pathway include the tissue‐organizing chemokines, CXCL13, CCL19, and CCL21, which establish cytokine circuits that regulate LT expression on lymphocytes, leading to organized lymphoid tissue. Infectious disease models have revealed that LTαβ pathways are also important for innate and adaptive immune responses involved in host defense. Here, regulation of interferon‐β by LTβR and TNFR signaling may play a crucial role in certain viral infections. Regulation of autoimmune regulator in the thymus via LTβR implicates LT/LIGHT involvement in central tolerance. Dysregulated expression of LIGHT overrides peripheral tolerance leading to T‐cell‐driven autoimmune disease. Blockade of TNF/LT/LIGHT pathways as an intervention in controlling autoimmune diseases is attractive, but such therapy may have risks. Thus, identifying and understanding the target genes may offer an opportunity to fine‐tune inhibitory interventions.
Rice Today, Roti Tomorrow: Diets and Diabetes in Urban Indian Households

In India, where diabetes is a growing concern and approximately 69 million are affected, we investigate the factors that influence diet management, a critical component of living with the disease. Taking the middle-income diabetes-affected household as our unit of analysis, we use a combination of semi-structured interviews and a design probe to understand if and how diets are monitored, tailored, and balanced. We research the various information-seeking behaviors of our participants and their culturally situated approaches to food and eating. Our findings illuminate how contextual nuances shape individuals' beliefs around dealing with diabetes and the ways in which family, friends, and broader social networks influence dietary decisions. We conclude by offering a framework of Learning-Being-Doing to inform the holistic design of technologies for managing diets and diabetes.
Effects of Hypoxia on Monocyte Inflammatory Mediator Production

Blood-derived monocytes are found at sites of inflammation as well as in solid tumors and atherosclerotic arteries. They are an abundant source of inflammatory eicosanoids such as prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and thromboxane A2, which are formed via arachidonic acid (AA) metabolism by cyclooxygenase-1/2 (COX-1/2). In vitro studies of inflammatory mediator production are conducted invariably in room air, which does not reflect the oxygen tensions found in monocyte-containing lesions, which are frequently hypoxic. In this work we examined the effects of hypoxia at levels reported in these lesions, on monocyte COX-2 expression, the related events that lead to eicosanoid synthesis, and relationships with tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α synthesis. In fresh human monocytes exposed to hypoxia (1% O2), there was an increase in COX-2 protein compared with cells in normoxia, and this was attributable to increased transcription and mRNA stability. However, the synthesis of PGE2 and thromboxane A2 was reduced in hypoxia and did not reflect the increased level of COX-2. Monocytes prelabeled with [3H]AA followed by lipopolysaccharide stimulation in the presence of hypoxia showed a reduced release of AA compared with cells in normoxia. In addition, hypoxia resulted in decreased phosphorylation of the p44/42 mitogen-activated protein kinase and of cytosolic phospholipase A2. Hypoxia also increased TNF-α synthesis, which appeared to play a role in COX-2 expression, and the observed increase TNF-α synthesis appeared to result from reduced PGE2 synthesis. Overall, the results suggest the existence of an autocrine loop of regulation between monocyte eicosanoid and TNF-α production, which is dysregulated in hypoxia and establishes hypoxia as being an important environmental determinant of inflammatory mediator production.
Metformin Improves Glucose, Lipid Metabolism, and Reduces Blood Pressure in Hypertensive, Obese Women

OBJECTIVE To determine the effects of metformin on blood pressure, left ventricular mass, and some metabolic and endocrine parameters in nondiabetic, obese, hypertensive women. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS Twelve obese, nondiabetic, hypertensive women received 850 mg metformin 2 times/day for 12 wk and placebo for another 12 wk, according to a double-blind, cross-over, randomized design. All patients were hospitalized 4 times, i.e., before randomization and after each treatment (metformin or placebo), to conduct metabolic and cardiovascular investigations (oral glucose tolerance test, euglycemic clamp associated with indirect calorimetry, and echocardiography). RESULTS Fasting glucose, HbA1c, fasting and glucose-stimulated insulin, blood pressure and left ventricular mass, cholesterol, triglycerides, and fibrinogen decreased significantly after metformin treatment, whereas high-density lipoprotein cholesterol increased. The improvement in glucose metabolism resulted from increased sensitivity to insulin. CONCLUSIONS These findings suggest that metformin treatment in obese, nondiabetic, hypertensive women produces a more favorable cardiovascular risk profile.
Medicare prescription drug cards: effectiveness for patients with glaucoma.

OBJECTIVE To assess the level of discounts on glaucoma medications provided by the Medicare prescription drug card program. METHODS We compared the cost of a 1-month supply of 10 brand-name drugs and 1 commonly prescribed combination of drugs purchased at retail cash price, Medicare card-discounted price, and online price. Retail cash prices were collected through a telephone survey of 36 chain pharmacies in 4 states. Card-discounted prices were obtained from an online database updated weekly by Medicare for each drug, drug card, and state in our survey. Prices for drugs purchased online were collected from a leading online drugstore not affiliated with any retail stores that were included in the telephone survey. RESULTS Card-discounted prices for each drug ranged between 13% and 25% lower on average than retail prices. However, drugs purchased online were cheaper on average than drugs purchased with cards for 7 of the 10 medications surveyed. CONCLUSIONS Drug cards provide significant discounts over retail prices. However, cards may be a secondary option to online purchasing, which may be cheaper and may offer seniors more flexibility to switch between glaucoma therapies. Ophthalmologists can take simple steps to guide seniors to the optimal purchasing option for a given drug in their region.
Protein elemental sparing and codon usage bias are correlated among bacteria

Highly expressed proteins can exhibit relatively small material costs, in terms of the quantities of carbon (C), nitrogen (N) or sulphur (S) atoms they contain. This ‘elemental sparing’ probably reflects selection to reduce the quantities of potentially growth‐limiting elements in abundant proteins, but the evolutionary mechanisms for adaptive elemental sparing are still poorly understood. Here, we predict that the extent of ‘elemental sparing’ in highly expressed proteins will vary among organisms, according to the effectiveness of selection in determining the fate of mutations. We test this hypothesis in bacteria by asking whether ‘elemental sparing’ is correlated with codon usage bias. Bacteria exhibit extraordinary variation in their life histories and demography and consequently in the effectiveness of selection in determining whether preferred codons are used in highly expressed genes. We find that C sparing and S sparing, but not N sparing, are significantly correlated with adaptive codon usage bias among 148 genera of bacteria, suggesting that selection for elemental sparing and codon bias are promoted by similar bacterial traits. Our study helps identify principles that determine how nutrient scarcity can shape the elemental composition of proteins.
Clinicopathological and prognostic significance of survivin expression in renal cancer patients: a meta-analysis

Background Survivin has been reported to play a role in the diagnosis and prognosis of renal cell carcinoma (RCC); however, published data on this subject are conflicting. Aim To conduct a meta-analysis to evaluate the impact of survivin as a prognostic marker and its association with clinicopathological variables in patients with RCC. Method Comprehensive searches of electronic databases (PubMed, ISI Web of Knowledge Embase, Google Scholar Web and the Cochrane Library) were updated to June 2016 to retrieve eligible studies. The association strength was measured with relative risks (RRs) and pooled HRs with 95% CIs, which were extracted and pooled to determine the association between survivin expression and patient survival and clinicopathological features. Results Ten studies with 1063 cases of RCC were included. Positive survivin expression in RCC was associated with the TNM stage (pooled RR 1.49; 95% CI 1.07 to 2.07) or Fuhrman grade (pooled RR 1.63; 95% CI 1.15 to 2.32) in patients. The correlation between survivin expression and gender was not significant (pooled RR 0.97; 95% CI 0.83 to 1.15). In addition, a considerable association was found between survivin expression and overall survival for patients with RCC (pooled HR 1.94; 95% CI 1.24 to 3.05 (multivariate model) and 5.41; 95% CI 4.08 to 7.17 (univariate model)). Conclusions Our results indicate that survivin is of prognostic signiﬁcance in patients with RCC.
International multicentre prospective study on microwave ablation of liver tumours: preliminary results.

BACKGROUND Microwave ablation (MWA) is increasingly utilized in the treatment of hepatic tumours. Promising single-centre reports have demonstrated its safety and efficacy, but this modality has not been studied in a prospective, multicentre study. METHODS Eighteen international centres recorded operative and perioperative data for patients undergoing MWA for tumours of any origin in a voluntary Internet-based database. All patients underwent operative MWA using a 2.45-GHz generator with a 5-mm antenna. RESULTS Of the 140 patients, 114 (81.4%) were treated with MWA alone and 26 (18.6%) were treated with MWA combined with resection. Multiple tumours were treated with MWA in 40.0% of patients. A total of 299 tumours were treated in these 140 patients. The median size of ablated lesions was 2.5 cm (range: 0.5-9.5 cm). Tumours were treated with a median of one application (range: 1-6 applications) for a median of 4 min (range: 0.5-30.0 min). A power setting of 100 W was used in 78.9% of cases. Major morbidity was 8.3% and in-hospital mortality was 1.9%. CONCLUSIONS These multi-institution data demonstrate rapid ablation time and low morbidity and mortality rates in patients undergoing operative MWA with a high rate of multiple ablations and concomitant hepatic resection. Longterm follow-up will be required to determine the efficacy of MWA relative to other forms of ablative therapy.
Studies on High-Voltage GaN-on-Si MIS-HEMTs Using LPCVD Si3N4 as Gate Dielectric and Passivation Layer

This paper investigates the performance of AlGaN/gallium nitride (GaN) MIS high electron mobility transistors (MIS-HEMTs). The gate dielectric layer and the surface passivation layer are formed by the low-pressure chemical vapor deposition (LPCVD) Si<sub>3</sub>N<sub>4</sub>. The LPCVD-Si<sub>3</sub>N<sub>4</sub> MIS-HEMTs exhibit a high breakdown voltage (BV) of 1162 V at I<sub>DS</sub> = 1 μA/mm, a low OFF-state leakage of 7.7 × 10<sup>-12</sup> A/mm, and an excellent ON/OFF-current ratio of ~10<sup>11</sup>. Compared with the static ON-resistance of 2.88 mΩ · cm<sup>2</sup>, the dynamic ON-resistance after high OFF-state drain bias stress at 600 V only increases to 4.89 mΩ · cm<sup>2</sup>. The power device figure of merit = BV<sup>2</sup>/R<sub>ON.sp</sub> is calculated to be 469 MW · cm<sup>-2</sup>. The LPCVD-Si<sub>3</sub>N<sub>4</sub>/GaN interface state density is in the range of (1.4-5.3) × 10<sup>13</sup> eV<sup>-1</sup> cm<sup>-2</sup> extracted by the conventional conductance method. Finally, the gate insulator degradation of GaN-based MIS-HEMTs is analyzed by time-dependent dielectric breakdown test. The lifetime is extrapolated to 0.01% of failures after ten years at 300 K by fitting the data with a power law to a gate voltage of 10.1 V.
Race, Default Risk and Mortgage Lending: A Study of the FHA and Conventional Loan Markets

Allegations of widespread racial discrimination in mortgage lending by commercial banks and thrift institutions have recently regained national prominence. ' Although certainly not unheard during the past decade, expressions of concern about redlining (differential treatment of loan applicants by lenders based on the location of the property) and racial prejudice in mortgage lending have recently received more congressional and media attention than at any time since the mid1970s, when such allegations prompted passage of the Home Mortgage Disclosure Act (HMDA) and the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA). 2 The current allegations of discrimination in mortgage lending have been based primarily on
Agarose Gel as Biomaterial or Scaffold for Implantation Surgery: Characterization, Histological and Histomorphometric Study on Soft Tissue Response

Maxillofacial, orthopedic, oral, and plastic surgery require materials for tissue augmentation, guided regeneration, and tissue engineering approaches. In this study, the aim was to develop and characterize a new extrudable hydrogel, based on agarose gel (AG; 1.5% wt) and to evaluate the local effects after subcutaneous implantation in comparison with collagen and hyaluronic acid. AG chemical–physical properties were ascertained through Fourier transform infrared (FT-IR) spectroscopy and rheological analysis. In vivo subcutaneous implants were performed, and histological and histomorphometric evaluations were done at 1, 4, 12, and 16 weeks. FT-IR confirmed that spectroscopic properties were the same for the baseline agarose and rheological characterization established that AG is a weak hydrogel. Subcutaneous AG implants induced new vessels and fibrous tissue formation rich in neutrophils; the capsule thickness around AG increased until the 12th week but remained thinner than those around hyaluronic acid and collagen. At 16 weeks, the thickness of the capsule significantly decreased around all materials. This study confirmed that 1.5% wt AG possesses some of the most important features of the ideal biocompatible material: safety, effectiveness, costless, and easily obtained with specific chemical and geometrical characters; the AG can represent a finely controllable and biodegradable polymeric system for cells and drug delivery applications.
Does gender affect self-perceived pain in cancer patients? -A meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND Pain is reported in approximately 50-70% of cancer patients. Studies on gender differences in perceived pain generally report lower pain thresholds and increased pain prevalence in women, which may be attributed to gender-specific behaviors, stereotypes, and unknown etiological factors. There are sparse and inconclusive results on gender differences in self-perceived pain in the cancer setting. The aim of this article was to examine the effect of gender on baseline perceived pain intensity in cancer patients through a meta-analysis. METHODS A literature search was conducted using Ovid MEDLINE, Embase, and the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials [1947-2016] to identify observational studies and controlled trials that reported on gender-specific pain intensity in cancer patients. Using random-effects modeling, weighted mean differences and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were used to estimate the effect of gender on pain severity in cancer patients. A P value of less than 0.05 was considered statistically significant. RESULTS Of the 1,911 search results reviewed, 13 studies were included. The weighted mean difference (95% CI) in pain intensity was as follows: -0.26 (95% CI: -0.57 to 0.04, P=0.09) for the 0-10 Numerical Rating Scale (NRS) group (n=3,752, 9 studies). When restricted to only patients with advanced cancer, the weighted mean difference was -0.08 (95% CI: -0.36 to 0.20, P=0.58) (n=2,762, 4 studies). The weighted mean difference in the Brief Pain Inventory scores between males and females was 0.03 (95% CI: -1.23 to 1.29, P=0.96) (n=521, 4 studies). CONCLUSIONS Baseline perceived pain intensity in cancer patients did not significantly differ based on gender.
Ecology of Vibrio parahaemolyticus in Chesapeake Bay

A study of the ecology of Vibrio parahaemolyticus and related vibrios in the Rhode River area of Chesapeake Bay was carried out over the period December 1970 through August 1971. The incidence of V. parahaemolyticus and related vibrios was found to be correlated with water temperature. The vibrios could not be detected in the water column during the winter months, although they were present in sediment. From late spring to early summer, when water temperatures were 14 ± 1 C, vibrios over-wintering in sediment were released from the bottom communities and attached to zooplankton, proliferating as the temperature rose. The number of vibrios in and on plankton was reflected in the water column bacterial population densities at water temperatures of ca. 19 C. Thus, temperature of the water column in the range of 14 to 19 C was found to be critical in the annual cycle of the vibrios. Interaction between sediment, water, and zooplankton was found to be essential in the natural estuarine ecosystem. Bacterial counts of zooplankton were found to be temperature dependent. The bacterial population associated with zooplankton was found to be predominantly on external surfaces and was specific, differing from that of the sediment. Vibrio spp. and related organisms comprised the total bacterial population associated with zooplankton in summer months. The ecological role of Vibrio spp. , including V. parahaemolyticus, was found to be significant, with respect to their property of chitin digestion and in relation to the population dynamics of zooplankton in Chesapeake Bay.