Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A comparative study of mRNA and protein expression of the autoimmune regulator gene (Aire) in embryonic and adult murine tissues

Autoimmune polyendocrine syndrome type 1 (APS1) is a rare autosomal recessive human disorder caused by mutations in the autoimmune regulator gene (AIRE) and characterized by multiple autoimmune diseases. As reports of the tissue expression pattern of the murine Aire gene are discordant, a comprehensive survey of Aire expression was undertaken in adult and embryonic tissues at the mRNA and protein levels using real‐time RT‐PCR, in situ hybridization, and immunohistochemistry. In the adult, the highest Aire mRNA expression was in the thymus. All the other tissues investigated expressed Aire mRNA at low levels, but it was barely detectable in the adrenal gland. Aire protein expression was observed in the thymus, spleen, and lymph nodes. A common pattern was observed in other tissues, with staining in epithelial cells. An exception to this was the gut, where staining was seen in the mucin spaces. In embryonic tissue, Aire mRNA and protein expression was detected from E14.5 in the thymus. In the fetal liver, unlike the adult, staining was observed at E14.5 and decreased towards term. Thus, Aire is expressed in immunologically relevant tissues and in a restricted number of extra‐immunological tissues in the adult. Furthermore, the presence of Aire protein is reported in extra‐thymic tissues of the embryo. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Production of tissue-engineered three-dimensional human bronchial models

SummaryWe have reported morphological and functional features of cells isolated from human bronchial biopsies. Both epithelial and fibroblastic cells were isolated from the same biopsies using collagenase. A few models have been established to study normal bronchial response to various agents and to understand the mechanisms responsible for some disorders, such as asthma. We produced three-dimensional bronchial equivalents in culture, using human epithelial and fibroblastic cells. We previously showed that peripheral anchorage can prevent the dramatic collagen contraction in gels seeded with fibroblasts when properly adapted to the size and type of cultured tissues. Our bilayered bronchial constructs were anchored and cultured under submerged conditions and at the air-liquid interface. Three culture media were compared. Serium-free medium supplemented with retinoic acid (5×10−8M) was found to be the best for maintenance of bronchial cell properties in the reconstructed bronchial tissue. Immunohistological and ultrastructural analyses showed that these equivalents present good structural organization, allowing ciliogenesis to occur in culture. Moreover, human bronchial goblet cells could differentiate and secrete mucus with culture time. Laminin, a major constituent of the basement membrane and basal cells, was also detected at the mesenchymoepithelial interface. Such models with be useful for studying human bronchial properites in vitro.
Supporting the Learning Curve for Contemporary Nursing Practice

Contemporary patient care demands expert nurses with advanced clinical judgment and reasoning abilities. Expertise develops for an extended experiential learning process of 5 years or more and cannot be accomplished through educational preparation alone. Current approaches to orientations, residencies, and care delivery do not support the learning curve to expert practice. The authors outline strategies for change in the practice setting to facilitate expertise development and safeguard patients while learning occurs.
Purification and characterization of NADH oxidase from the archaea Sulfolobus acidocaldarius and Sulfolobus solfataricus

The enzyme NADH oxidase (EC 1.6.99.3) has been isolated from the two thermoacidophilic archaea Sulfolobus acidocaldarius and Sulfolobus solfataricus and characterized. In both organisms the enzyme oxidizes specifically beta‐NADH in the presence of molecular oxygen and requires the presence of a flavin cofactor, showing a high specificity for FAD. A stoicheiometric amount of hydrogen peroxide to NADH is formed as the end product of the reaction, indicating that both enzymes are two‐electron donors. The purified enzymes exhibit quite different molecular properties. S. acidocaldarius NADH oxidase is a monomeric protein with an estimated molecular mass of about 27 kDa, whereas S. solfataricus NADH oxidase is a dimeric protein with a molecular mass of 35 kDa per subunit; S. solfataricus NADH oxidase is purified as an FAD‐containing protein, whereas S. acidocaldarius NADH oxidase does not contain a flavin molecule. Furthermore, a comparison of the N‐terminal amino acid sequence shows no similarities either between the two proteins or to any other NADH oxidases. Both enzymes are essentially thermophilic. In the temperature range 20‐80 degrees C, the energy of activation is almost the same for both activities, suggesting that similar energetic parameters are required. Also both oxidases display a great stability to heat. The half‐life of heat inactivation is about 180 min at 90 degrees C for S. acidocaldarius NADH oxidase and 77 min at 98 degrees C for the S. solfataricus enzyme. The activity of the two enzymes is inhibited by urea and guanidine and are regulated very differently by several organic solvents.
Indoor Location Fingerprinting Using FM Radio Signals

Indoor positioning has become highly important because of the difficulties global positioning system experiences operating in such areas. Many wireless local area network indoor localization studies use the fingerprinting technique. In this study, a new positioning system is proposed based on frequency modulation (FM) broadcast as a signal of opportunity, with significant benefits for indoor positioning. This localization system uses FM signal strength fingerprinting. The deterministic and probabilistic approaches of fingerprinting are considered. A new method which is the combination of deterministic and probabilistic techniques is also proposed to improve the accuracy. Several algorithms are compared from four perspectives: mean distance error (MDE), data acquisition time, sensed channel number, and number of reference points. The results demonstrate that the combined method is the best, with a minimum MDE of less than 2.5 m. The comparison between using fingerprinting for FM and Wi-Fi is also discussed.
Comparative evaluation of some new tranexamic acid derivatives and their copper (II) complexes for antitumor, analgesic, bactericidal and fungicidal activities.

The objective of this series of investigation was the synthesis and comparative evaluation of biological and pharmacological activities of some substitutive derivatives of Tranexamic Acid (T.A) and their copper (II) complexes. N-Phthaloyltranexamic Acid (A-1), N-Acetyltranexamic Acid (A-2), Di-Tranexamate Diaquo Copper (II) (C-1) Di-N-Phthaloyltranexamate Diaquo Copper (II) (C-2) and Di-N-Acetyltranexamate Diaquo Copper (II) (C-3) were synthesized, using novel and reproducible procedures. These compounds were characterized by exploiting techniques such as FTIR, Mass Spectroscopy and FT 1H NMR. Bioactivities of the compounds were carried out and it was found that these compounds exhibited excellent anti-tumor, significant analgesic and antifungal activities.
Prolyl hydroxylase-3 is down-regulated in colorectal cancer cells and inhibits IKKbeta independent of hydroxylase activity.

BACKGROUND & AIMS Prolyl hydroxylase (PHD) hydroxylates hypoxia inducible factor (HIF) alpha, leading to HIFalpha degradation. The PHD family comprises PHD1, PHD2, and PHD3. The enzymatic activity of PHDs is O(2)-dependent, so PHDs are believed to be oxygen sensors as well as tumor suppressors. However, the expression pattern of PHDs in colorectal cancer and the correlation between their expression level and tumorigenesis is unclear. METHODS We determined the expression of PHDs in 60 human primary colorectal carcinoma tissues, paired with normal colorectal tissues. PHD3 expression levels were knocked down using small interfering RNA (siRNA); cells were analyzed by immunoblotting, immunoprecipitation, and histochemical analyses. In vivo tumor growth was analyzed in nu/nu mice. RESULTS Expression of PHD3 is decreased in colorectal cancer tissues. Decreased expression of PHD3 is associated with higher tumor grade and metastasis. PHD3 inhibits phosphorylation of inhibitor of kappaB (IkappaB) kinase (IKK) beta and activation of (NF) kappaB, independent of its hydroxylase activity. PHD3 associates with IKKbeta but does not target it for destruction; instead, PHD3 blocks the interaction between IKKbeta and Hsp90 that is required for phosphorylation of IKKbeta. Knockdown of PHD3 increased resistance of colorectal cancer cells to the effects of tumor necrosis factor-alpha and tumorigenesis. CONCLUSIONS PHD3 appears to be a tumor suppressor in colorectal cancer cells that inhibits IKKbeta/NF-kappaB signaling, independent of its hydroxylase activity. Activation of NF-kappaB has been observed in colon cancer. Determination of PHD3 status could aid targeted therapy selection for patients with colorectal tumors that have increased NF-kappaB activity.
Implanting Common Cavity Malformations Using Intraoperative Fluoroscopy

To describe a safe and effective technique for the implantation of common cavity cochleae. Study Design: Retrospective case review. Setting: Tertiary referral center. Patients: Fifteen cochleae in 9 adults and children with common cavity deformities implanted with and without the use of intraoperative fluoroscopy. Intervention(s): Fluoroscopically assisted cochlear implantation. Main Outcome Measure(s): Rates of extracochlear placement, bending, kinking, intrameatal placement, and complications were analyzed. Numbers of electrodes inserted, number of active electrodes, and speech performance were compared between the 2 groups. Results: Half of the nonfluoroscopy group had suboptimal placement of their electrode arrays. This group also had a higher rate of complications, lower numbers of electrodes implanted, and lower number of active electrodes at follow-up. Results of speech perception testing suggest that fluoroscopically assisted implantation of the common cavity results in improved performance. Conclusion: Intraoperative fluoroscopy is an easy, safe, and effective technique that results in improved outcomes for cochlear implant patients with common cavity deformities.
Predicting the probability of falls in community dwelling persons with brain injury: A pilot study

Primary objectives: To determine the usefulness of select balance and functional mobility measures in predicting fall risk in community dwelling persons with brain injury (BI) and to develop a model to quantify fall risk. Research design: An exploratory pilot study to predict fall risk in persons with BI. Non-manipulated independent variable was fall status with two levels, non-faller and faller. Dependent variables were scores on the Berg Balance Scale (BBS), the Dynamic Gait Index (DGI) and the Falls Efficacy Scale (FES); age, gender, supervision required and assistive device use. Methods and procedures: Twenty-six participants recruited from support groups and community re-entry programmes were divided into two groups, fallers and non-fallers. The FES, BBS and DGI were administered. Main outcomes and results: T-tests and chi-square tests revealed between group differences for age, FES, BBS, DGI and assistive device use. Spearman's rho statistic showed moderate relationships among the variables, FES, BBS, DGI and assistive device use. Logistic regression determined the DGI to best predict fall risk. Conclusions: This study developed a predictive model that could be used by therapists to determine an individual's fall risk in the home or outpatient settings. Assessing risk allows therapists to identify individuals who would benefit from intervention designed to improve balance and gait ability, possibly preventing future falls and a second head injury.
Dose and efficiency of renal replacement therapy: Continuous renal replacement therapy versus intermittent hemodialysis versus slow extended daily dialysis

Acute kidney injury represents an independent risk of death in the intensive care unit and significantly contributes to in-hospital mortality. The only accepted treatment of severe acute kidney injury so far is renal replacement therapy, which is not a causative therapy but rather a life-support treatment. Renal replacement therapy can be performed by several different techniques: intermittent hemodialysis, slow extended daily dialysis, peritoneal dialysis, or continuous renal replacement therapy. There is controversy about which technique should be used, which dosage should be selected for each therapy, and whether the technique and/or the dose of renal replacement therapy may impact survival in critically ill patients. After a careful review of the recent literature, definitive conclusions cannot be drawn: Trials are in most cases underpowered and conducted over many years, in which significant changes in the practice of acute dialytic techniques have taken place. Other studies have described therapeutic modalities requiring a high level of specific expertise in the field and generally not easily reproducible in the routine practice. While practitioners are waiting for the ultimate trial to be published, we think it is worth reporting some broad concepts and few suggestions for renal replacement therapy prescription derived from current evidence and from the available experience.
A Novel Method to Improve Image Quality for 2-D Small Animal PET Reconstruction by Correcting a Monte Carlo-Simulated System Matrix Using an Artificial Neural Network

The aim of this study was to improve image quality of statistical reconstruction by using the 2-D system matrix (SM) trained with an artificial neural network (ANN). For training the ANN SM (SMANN), the inputs of ANN, the digital images, were generated by scanning the mini-deluxe cold spot phantom at ten different orientations using an optical scanner (resolution: 0.01 mm/pixel). The desired outputs were generated by acquiring the projection data with the corresponding angles using the micro positron emission tomography (microPET) R4. In the ANN method, the ADALINE network with a bias vector and a momentum term were used. Moreover, a multiline-source phantom and a four-segment phantom were scanned to obtain the spatial resolutions and the quantitative accuracy for comparison, respectively. A rat FDG microPET image was acquired to compare the difference between the results reconstructed by the microPET's built-in 2-D-ordered subsets expectation maximization algorithm (OSEM), OSEMmicroPET, OSEM by Monte Carlo simulated SM, OSEMSMd, and OSEM by the SMANN, OSEMANN. In the multiline-source experiment, the resolutions of OSEMmicroPET measured at center, 10, and 20 mm from the center were 1.61, 1.78, and 2.30 mm, respectively. The resolutions of OSEMSMd and OSEMANN were 1.24, 1.68, and 1.87, and 1.28, 1.62, and 1.72 mm, respectively. In the results of the four-segment phantom, the sum of absolute error of the truth versus the values reconstructed by OSEMmicroPET, OSEMSMd, and OSEMANN were 1085.53, 913.48, and 435.02, respectively. By interpreting the results of the evaluation, the image quality reconstructed by the SMANN is better than that reconstructed by the original SM. The results indicated that SM can be updated toward ideal SM using ANN for statistical reconstruction.
Reduced models and control of distillation columns with sharp temperature profiles

The dynamic behaviour of distillation columns with sharp temperature profiles is investigated by simulation using a full set of balance equations, The simulation results lead to considerably simplified dynamic models which are applied in the design of the control systems. Two examples are presented: A state observer and an optimal control have been employed in the control of a large-scale extractive distillation column. The control algorithm was programmed into a µ-processor and was implemented in a large-scale plant at HOECHST-AG (Frankfurt). The system has proved its high reliability and efficiency in extensive field tests and in two years of continuous operation. A state observer and a KALMAN-filter is used to estimate the state variables and unknown feed disturbance of a distillation column with a vapour side stream. These estimated values are fed to an optimal state feedback with disturbance variable compensation. Simulation results show that this control system ensures the product specifications, even if large disturbances occur.
Association of clinicopathologic parameters with the expression of inducible nitric oxide synthase and vascular endothelial growth factor in mucoepidermoid carcinoma.

BACKGROUND The roles that inducible nitric oxide synthase (iNOS) and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) play in tumorigenesis have been given special attention. In many tumors, their expression is upregulated. In addition, iNOS can stimulate the expression of VEGF. This study was carried out to investigate the expression of iNOS and VEGF as well as their relationship with angiogenesis and the clinicopathological characteristics of mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC). METHOD The expression of iNOS and VEGF was detected by Streptavidin-peroxidase immunohistochemistry, and microvessel density (MVD) was determined by anti-CD34 antibody staining in 70 MEC cases and 40 normal salivary gland tissues (NSG). Follow-up was performed on the 70 patients with MEC. Non-parametric tests were performed for the comparison of iNOS and VEGF expression. RESULTS The positive expression rates of iNOS and VEGF were successively enhanced in NSG, well-differentiated and poorly differentiated MEC (P < 0.05). MVD counts were positively correlated with the expression levels of iNOS and VEGF in MEC (P < 0.05). The expression of iNOS was positively correlated with the expression of VEGF (P < 0.05). iNOS and VEGF expression were significantly associated with tumor differentiation, size metastasis, and relapse (P < 0.05) but were not correlated lymph node metastasis and metastasis. CONCLUSION Inducible nitric oxide synthase can stimulate the expression of VEGF, and their expression status may help assess tumor malignancy and patient prognosis.
Has the inbreeding load for a condition‐dependent sexual signalling trait been purged in insular lizard populations?

Sexually selected traits are often condition‐dependent and are expected to be affected by genome‐wide distributed deleterious mutations and inbreeding. However, sexual selection is a powerful selective force that can counteract inbreeding through purging of deleterious mutations. Inbreeding and purging of the inbreeding load for sexually selected traits has rarely been studied across natural populations with different degrees of inbreeding. Here we investigate inbreeding effects (measured as marker‐based heterozygosity) on condition‐dependent sexually selected signalling trait and other morphological traits across islet‐ and mainland populations (n = 15) of an endemic lizard species (Podarcis gaigeae). Our data suggest inbreeding depression on a condition‐dependent sexually selected signalling character among mainland subpopulations with low or intermediate levels of inbreeding, but no sign of inbreeding depression among small and isolated islet populations despite their higher overall inbreeding levels. In contrast, there was no such pattern among ten other morphological traits which are primarily naturally selected and presumably not involved in sexual signalling. These results are in line with purging of recessive deleterious alleles, or purging in combination with stochastic fixation of alleles by genetic drift, for a sexual signalling character in the islet environment, which is characterized by low population sizes and strong sexual selection. Higher clutch sizes in islet populations also raise interesting questions regarding the possibility of antagonistic pleiotropy. Purging and other non‐exclusive explanations of our results are discussed.
Prospective analysis of HLA immunogenicity of cryopreserved valved allografts used in pediatric heart surgery.

BACKGROUND The HLA immunogenicity of cryopreserved valved allografts used in the surgical repair of congenital heart defects is unknown. METHODS AND RESULTS To determine the immunogenicity of these allografts, we measured prospectively the frequency of panel-reactive HLA class I alloantibodies (PRA) before, 1 month after, and 3 months after allograft implantation in 9 children (age, 5.4 +/- 2.1 years) and after open-heart surgery without allograft implantation in 11 age-matched control children (age, 4.0 +/- 1.5 years). PRA was determined against an HLA-select frozen T-lymphocyte panel using the antiglobulin cytotoxicity technique. After allograft implantation, PRA increased from 3.2 +/- 2.7% before surgery to 63.3 +/- 12% at 25 +/- 2 days after surgery and 99.7 +/- 0.3% at 3.4 +/- 0.3 months after surgery. The use of dithiothreitol to remove IgM alloantibodies resulted in a modest decrease in PRA at 1 month (33.2 +/- 13%) but no change at 3 months (93.0 +/- 3.4%), suggesting the initial humoral response is an IgM alloantibody that switches almost exclusively to IgG by 3 months. Control patients showed no increase in PRA over time: 1.6 +/- 1% before surgery, 3.2 +/- 1% at 28 +/- 5 days after surgery, and 1.7 +/- 1% at 2.7 +/- 0.3 months after surgery. CONCLUSIONS Cryopreserved valved allografts in children induce a marked HLA alloantibody response that increases to broad panel reactivity within 3 months after surgery. This HLA sensitization has potential not only for causing deleterious effects on allograft function but also for limiting the future opportunity of heart transplantation in patients who receive cryopreserved valved allografts.
Ionic basis of the electrophysiological actions of adenosine on cardiomyocytes

The purpose of this review is to examine the role of the extracellular A1‐adenosine (Ado) receptor in modulating membrane potential and currents in cardiac cells. The cellular electrophysiological effects of adenosine are both cell type‐ and species‐dependent. In supraventricular tissues (SA, AV node, and atrium) of all species studied, the “direct” cAMP‐independent activation of the inwardly rectifying K+ current IKAdo seems to be the most important action of adenosine. This current is activated by both adenosine and acetylcholine and flows through K+ channels with unitary slope conductance of about 45 pS and an open time constant of 1.4 ms. The density of K+‐ACh,Ado channels is much less in ventricular than in atrial myocytes, and thus adenosine has little or no effect on the ventricular action potential. In atrial myocytes adenosine has a small inhibitory effect on basal L‐type calcium current (ICa,L), but no effect on T‐type calcium current (ICa,T). In ventricular myocytes, adenosine does not inhibit ICa,L (except ferret), ICa,T, or the sodium inward current INa. Adenosine has recently been shown to activate IKATP in ventricular membrane patches, but the relevance of this finding remains to be defined. Irrespective of cell type and species, adenosine inhibits membrane currents that are stimulated by β‐adrenergic agonists and other agents known to stimulate the activity of the enzyme adenylyl cyclase. This indirect cAMP‐dependent mechanism of action has been shown to be responsible for the inhibition by adenosine of isoproterenol‐stimulated ICa,L, delayed rectifier K+ current (IK), chloride current (ICl), the transient inward current ITi, and the pacemaker current IF. The importance of the actions of adenosine on membrane currents in modulation of atrial, ventricular, sinoatrial, and atrio‐ventricular nodal function are discussed. Likewise, the antiarrhythmic and proarrhythmic actions of adenosine are discussed and the clinical implications of these actions are noted. —Belardinelli, L. , Shryock, J. C. , Song, Y. , Wang, D. , Srinivas, M. Ionic basis of the electrophysiological actions of adenosine on cardiomyocites. FASEB J. 9, 359–365 (1995)