Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Transcriptional Dysregulation of Upstream Signaling of IFN Pathway in Chronic HCV Type 4 Induced Liver Fibrosis

IFN orchestrates the expression of various genes to halt hepatitis C virus (HCV) replication with the possibility of either reduced or increased liver fibrosis; due to controlled viral replication or overproduction of inflammatory mediators, repectively. In this study, we examined the transcriptional profiling of type I IFN related genes in HCV-chronically infected patients with varying degrees of liver fibrosis. PCR array was used to examine the expression of 84 type I IFN related genes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) RNA from 12 treatment-naïve chronic HCV patients (5 F0-F1 and 7 F2-F4) and 5 healthy subjects. We further validated our results by quantitative real time PCR (qRT-PCR) in 103 treatment-naïve chronic HCV patients (43 F0-F1 and 60 F2-F4) and 15 controls. PCR array data revealed dysregulation in TLR7 pathway. The expression of TLR7 was decreased by 4 folds and MyD88 was increased by 3 folds in PBMCs of F2-F4 patients when compared to the healthy volunteers (p = 0.03 and 0.002, respectively). In addition, IRF7 and TLR7 showed dramatic downregulation (6 and 8 folds, respectively) in F2-F4 patients when compared to F0-F1 ones. qRT-PCR confirmed the altered expression patterns of TLR7 and MyD88 in F2-F4 patients when compared to either controls or F0-F1 patients. However, by qRT-PCR, IRF7 and NF-κB1 (TLR7 pathway transcription factors) exhibited similar mRNA abundance among F2-F4 and F0-F1 patients. These results suggest that TLR7 and MyD88 are possible candidates as biomarkers for the progression of HCV-induced liver fibrosis and/ or targets for therapeutic intervention.
Endo tracheal intubation ( Airway Management ) in a patient with Tracheal stent

Tracheal stent is one of the newer modalities of airway management used to manage airway compromise due to tracheal lesion of a malignant or benign disease. Skilful airway management is critical in a patient with a tracheal stent in situ. Any failure in this technique can lead to many complications like displacement of stent, bleeding, perforation which can lead to increase in morbidity and mortality. We present a case of emergency airway management of a patient with a tracheal stent in situ for a malignant mass, which was managed with an awake fibreoptic intubation.
Alterations of the mitochondrial respiratory chain in human dilated cardiomyopathy.

The defects underlying the impairment of systolic pump function in human dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) are not known. We isolated mitochondrial particles from 10 hearts of transplant recipients with DCM and from nine normal hearts not used for transplantation. Yield was similar in both groups (2.77 vs 2.81 mg mitochondrial protein per gram heart). Cytochrome content (difference spectrophotometry) was found reduced in DCM mitochondria, e.g. cytochrome c was 0.295 +/- 0.06 in the DCM group and 0.371 +/- 0.04 mumol g-1 in the control group (P less than 0.05). Enzymatic activity of the cytochrome-containing complexes III (3.77 +/- 0.82 vs 4.95 +/- 1.15 mumol min-1.mg-1) and IV (2.63 +/- 0.96 vs 3.65 +/- 0.6 mumol min-1.mg-1) of the respiratory chain was reduced in the DCM group (P less than 0.05). Complex IV, the cytochrome c oxidase, in the DCM group showed impaired activity also in whole heart homogenates (0.173 +/- 0.04 vs 0.258 +/- 0.8 mumol min-1.mg-1). Subunit composition of the cytochrome c oxidase on sodium dodecyl sulphate-gel electrophoresis did not differ between DCM and normal hearts. Activity of complexes II and V of the respiratory chain, not containing cytochromes, was unchanged in DCM mitochondria compared with the control group. The present data show a decrease in cytochrome content and in cytochrome-dependent enzyme activity in human dilated cardiomyopathy. Further studies are necessary to clarify whether these findings are specific for dilated cardiomyopathy or whether they are epiphenomena of failing hearts.
Impact of QRS morphology on heart rate turbulence and heart rate variability after cardiac resynchronization therapy in patients with heart failure.

OBJECTIVE Impairment of heart rate turbulence (HRT) and heart rate variability (HRV) are associated with poor prognosis in chronic heart failure (CHF). Although previous studies have demonstrated that patients with a left bundle branch block (LBBB) have a better outcome with cardiac resynchronization therapy (CRT), the effect of QRS morphology on HRV and HRT is not known. We aimed to evaluate the effect of QRS morphology on HRV and HRT after CRT implantation in patients with CHF. PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients who had been implanted a CRT device with cardioversion-defibrillation feature were included to the study. Forty-three patients with LBBB (group 1) were compared with 21 patients without LBBB (group 2). HRV and HRT parameters were compared before and one month after CRT implantation. RESULTS We compared the echocardiographic and electrocardiographic changes in both groups after CRT. Cardiac output (CO) was found to be significantly much more increased in group 1 (1.1 ± 0.4 vs. 0.6 ± 0.4, p = 0.001). Similarly, except SDNN and LF, all HRT and HRV parameters were significantly changed in the patients with LBBB (TO 1.4 ± 0.3 vs. 1.2 ± 0.2, p = 0.001; TS -1.8 ± 0.7 vs. -0.9 ± 0.7, p = 0.001; RMSSD -15.7 ± 9.9 vs. -6.3 ± 6.2, p = 0.001; PNN50 -7.0 ± 4.6 vs. -1.7 ± 1.1, p = 0.001; HF -13.3 ± 6.7 vs. -4.3 ± 3.5, p = 0.001; LF/HF 1.9 ± 0.4 vs. 1.5 ± 0.2, p = 0.001) compared to those without LBBB. Lineer regression analysis showed that the CO (β = 0.2, t = 2.8, p = 0.007) and QRS configuration (β = 0.6, t = 0.5, p = 0.001) were independent parameters affecting TO. CONCLUSIONS HRV and HRT are improved after CRT but these improvements are more remarkable in patients with LBBB. CO, QRS configuration (but not duration) were two independent parameters affecting TO, LF and LF/HF ratio after CRT.
Concurrent Training in Prepubescent Children: The Effects of 8 Weeks of Strength and Aerobic Training on Explosive Strength and V[Combining Dot Above]O2max

Abstract Alves, AR, Marta, CC, Neiva, HP, Izquierdo, M, and Marques, MC. Concurrent training in prepubescent children: the effects of 8 weeks of strength and aerobic training on explosive strength and V[Combining Dot Above]O2max. J Strength Cond Res 30(7): 2019–2032, 2016—The purpose of this study was to compare the effects of 8-week training periods of strength training alone (GS), combined strength and aerobic training in the same session (GCOM1), or in 2 different sessions (GCOM2) on explosive strength and maximal oxygen uptake (V[Combining Dot Above]O2max) in prepubescent children. Of note, 168 healthy children, aged 10–11 years (10.9 ± 0.5), were randomly selected and assigned to 3 training groups to train twice a week for 8 weeks: GS (n = 41), GCOM1 (n = 45), GCOM2 (n = 38) groups, and a control group (GC) (n = 44; no training program). The GC maintained the baseline level, and trained-induced differences were found in the experimental groups. Differences were observed in the 1 and 3-kg medicine ball throws (GS: +5.8 and +8.1%, respectively; GCOM1: +5.7 and +8.7%, respectively; GCOM2: +6.2 and +8%, respectively, p < 0.001) and in the countermovement jump height and in the standing long jump length (GS: +5.1 and +5.2%, respectively; GCOM1: +4.2 and +7%, respectively; GCOM2: +10.2 and +6.4%, respectively, p < 0.001). In addition, the training period induced gains in the 20-m time (GS: +2.1%; GCOM1: +2.1%; GCOM2: +2.3%, p < 0.001). It was shown that the experimental groups (GCOM1, GCOM2, and GS) increased V[Combining Dot Above]O2max, muscular strength, and explosive strength from pretraining to posttraining. The higher gains were observed for concurrent training when it was performed in different sessions. These results suggest that concurrent training in 2 different sessions seems to be an effective and useful method for training-induced explosive strength and V[Combining Dot Above]O2max in prepubescent children. This could be considered as an alternative way to optimize explosive strength training and cardiorespiratory fitness in school-based programs.
Tamo selectively modulates nuclear import in Drosophila

Background: The NF‐κB/Rel pathway functions in the establishment of dorsal‐ventral polarity and in the innate humoral and cellular immune response in Drosophila. An important aspect of all NF‐κB/Rel pathways is the translocation of the Rel proteins from the cytoplasm to the nucleus, where they function as transcription factors.
Neuroprotective effects of the inhalational anesthetics isoflurane and xenon after cardiac arrest in pigs

Objective:Neurologic outcome after cardiopulmonary resuscitation from cardiac arrest carries a poor prognosis and treatment options to ameliorate brain damage are limited. Design:Report of two protocols investigating the effects of xenon (Xe) and isoflurane (Iso) in a porcine model of prolonged cardiac arrest and subsequent cardiopulmonary resuscitation on functional neurologic outcomes. Setting:Prospective, randomized, laboratory animal study. Subjects:Male domestic pigs (Sus scrofa). Interventions:After successful resuscitation from 8 mins of cardiac arrest and 5 mins of cardiopulmonary resuscitation, pigs were randomized to receive either Xe for 1 or 5 hrs in comparison with untreated controls 1 hr after cardiopulmonary resuscitation (protocol 1) or to receive Iso or Xe in comparison with untreated controls 10 mins after cardiopulmonary resuscitation (protocol 2). Measurements and Main Results:Animals were exposed to an established cognitive function test and gross neurologic performance was assessed using a neurologic deficit score. In protocol 1, Xe administration resulted in improved early cognitive and overall neurologic function, whereas in protocol 2 there was no significant effect on functional performance. Conclusions:Although Xe conferred functional neurologic improvement even when treatment was delayed for 1 hr, the early treatment with either Xe or Iso translated to only marginal functional improvement.
Een profiel van Vlaamse en Belgische ondernemingen binnen strategische allianties

In dit artikel worden allianties die aangekondigd werden in de financiele pers over de periode 1986-1996, geanalyseerd en wordt meer specifiek nagegaan in welke mate allianties waar minimaal een Vlaamse of Belgische partner in actief was, verschillen van de totale steekproef. In het algemeen suggereert het belang van de productie- en distributie-allianties het belang van markttoegang als motief voor het aangaan van allianties. Niettemin werden over de beschouwde periode een belangrijk aantal O&O-allianties geidentificeerd, wat het toenemend belang van allianties in de innovatie-strategieen van ondernemingen in het algemeen aangeeft, en in het bijzonder het belang van het verkrijgen van toegang tot technologische kennis als motief voor alliantievorming. Specifiek voor Vlaanderen werd vastgesteld dat Vlaamse ondernemingen beduidend minder actief zijn in 0&0- allianties. Relatief blijken meer allianties afgesloten worden in sectoren waar Vlaanderen een belangrijke technologische specialisatie in vertoont.
Complex Formation between Tap and p15 Affects Binding to FG-repeat Nucleoporins and Nucleocytoplasmic Shuttling*

Mammalian Tap-p15 and yeast Mex67p-Mtr2p are conserved and essential mRNA export factor complexes that transport mRNPs through the nuclear pore. Here, we report that the small subunit p15 affects the binding of the large subunit Tap to repeat nucleoporins. BIAcore measurements revealed that recombinant Tap binds with high affinity (K d in the nmrange) to repeat nucleoporins and dissociates from them very slowly. In contrast, when recombinant Tap was bound to p15, the derived heterodimeric complex exhibited a significant lower affinity to FG-repeat nucleoporins (K d in the μmrange). Furthermore, when recombinant Tap lacking the N-terminal nuclear localization sequences (TapΔNLS) was microinjected in mammalian cells, it did not shuttle; however, TapΔNLS with bound p15 efficiently shuttles between nucleus and cytoplasm. We conclude that heterodimerization of Tap and p15 is required for shuttling of the functional Tap-p15 mRNA exporter complex.
Pharmacogenetics and ethnoracial differences in smoking.

For example, more than 50% of Japanese men smoke, yet Japanese smokers have among the lowest risks of lung cancer (corrected for smoke exposure) of all ethnoracial groups. 1 African Americans, who, compared with Caucasian Americans, smoke fewer cigarettes but inhale more deeply and are more likely to choose mentholated brands, achieve higher net indexes of smoke exposure and have the potential for greater physical dependence and exposure to more smoke toxins. 2,3 African Americans also have a higher incidence of and mortality from lung cancer and a lower incidence of and mortality from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) than Caucasian Americans. 4 While sociocultural factors can account for some of these differences, equally important are underlying basic biologic differences among ethnoracial groups in how nicotine and other substances in tobacco smoke are metabolized. See also pp 135 and 152.
Efficient methano[70]fullerene/MDMO-PPV bulk heterojunction photovoltaic cells.

The authors report on a bulk heterojunction photovoltaic cell in which an isomeric mixt. of C70 derivs. is used as an electron acceptor in combination with poly[2-methoxy-5-(3',7'-dimethyloctyloxy)-p-phenylenevinylene] (MDMO-PPV). [70]PCBM, in this case a mixt. of isomeric [6,6]-phenyl- C71- butyric acid Me esters, is the higher fullerene analog of [60]PCBM, and displays improved light absorption in the visible region. Consequently, when this material is used in a photovoltaic cell instead of [60]PCBM, 50 % higher current densities are obtained. The synthesis of [70]PCBM was performed and the monoadduct fraction was isolated from the higher adducts and unreacted C70 by column chromatog. 1H and 13C NMR were performed on the [70]PCBM, as was UV/VIS absorption in toluene soln. Spin-coated composite films were made with MDMO-PPV, and photoinduced absorption measurements give direct spectral evidence for photoinduced charge sepn. , not only upon excitation of the polymer, but also after selective excitation of [70]PCBM at 630 nm. Time-resolved photoluminescence measurements ater excitation at 488 mn, obsd. at 570 nm indicate near quant. charge generation upon polymer excitation, but at 720 nm this quenching depends on the processing solvent, chlorobenzene, o-dichlorobenzene, vs. o-xylene. At. force microscopy reveals a difference in film roughness dependent upon spinning solvent. Photovoltaic cells were made by sandwiching the photoactive mixt. , consisting of [70]PCBM and MDMO-PPV in a 4.6:1 (wt./wt.) ratio, between charge-selective electrodes of ITO/PEDOT:PSS (ITO: indium tin oxide; PEDOT: poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene); PSS: poly(styrenesulfonate)) and LiF/Al. The external quantum efficiency (EQE) from a 12V, 50 W halogen lamp varied from a max. of 0.2 for chlorobenzene- processed films, to 0.68 for the o-dichlorobenzene- processed films, compared to 0.5 for equiv. films made with [60]PCBM. Photovoltage-photocurrent behavior were also measured. Overall power conversion efficiency was about 3.0%. [on SciFinder (R)]
Dominant role of local dipoles in stabilizing uncompensated charges on a sulfate sequestered in a periplasmic active transport protein

Electrostatic interactions are among the key factors determining the structure and function of proteins. Here we report experimental results that illuminate the functional importance of local dipoles to these interactions. The refined 1.7‐Å X‐ray structure of the liganded form of the sulfate‐binding protein, a primary sulfate active transport receptor of Salmonella typhimurium, shows that the sulfate dianion is completely buried and bound by hydrogen bonds (mostly main‐chain peptide NH groups) and van der Waals forces. The sulfate is also closely linked, via one of these peptide units, to a His residue. It is also adjacent to the N‐termini of three α‐helices, of which the two shortest have their C‐termini “capped” by Arg residues. Site‐directed mutagenesis of the recombinant Escherichia coli sulfate receptor had no effect on sulfate‐binding activity when an Asn residue was substituted for the positively charged His and the two Arg (changed singly and together) residues. These results, combined with other observations, further solidify the idea that stabilization of uncompensated charges in a protein is a highly localized process that involves a collection of local dipoles, including those of peptide units confined to the first turns of helices. The contribution of helix macrodipoles appears insignificant.
Computerized Provider Order Entry: Strategies for Successful Implementation

An estimated 522,000 serious medication errors can be eliminated in the United States each year through the use of computerized provider order entry. However, the implementation of computerized provider order entry is being slowed down by resistance from clinicians, particularly physicians. Nurses understand the work of physicians and are in a unique position to help overcome their resistance and smoothen the transition to computerized provider order entry. The authors outline the strategies for nurses to increase organizational acceptance during the process of computerized provider order entry implementation.
Obese Mice Fed a Diet Supplemented with Enzyme-Treated Wheat Bran Display Marked Shifts in the Liver Metabolome Concurrent with Altered Gut Bacteria.

BACKGROUND Enzyme-treated wheat bran (ETWB) contains a fermentable dietary fiber previously shown to decrease liver triglycerides (TGs) and modify the gut microbiome in mice. It is not clear which mechanisms explain how ETWB feeding affects hepatic metabolism, but factors (i.e., xenometabolites) associated with specific microbes may be involved. OBJECTIVE The objective of this study was to characterize ETWB-driven shifts in the cecal microbiome and to identify correlates between microbial changes and diet-related differences in liver metabolism in diet-induced obese mice that typically display steatosis. METHODS Five-week-old male C57BL/6J mice fed a 45%-lard-based fat diet supplemented with ETWB (20% wt:wt) or rapidly digestible starch (control) (n = 15/group) for 10 wk were characterized by using a multi-omics approach. Multivariate statistical analysis was used to identify variables that were strong discriminators between the ETWB and control groups. RESULTS Body weight and liver TGs were decreased by ETWB feeding (by 10% and 25%, respectively; P < 0.001), and an index of liver reactive oxygen species was increased (by 29%; P < 0.01). The cecal microbiome showed an increase in Bacteroidetes (by 42%; P < 0.05) and a decrease in Firmicutes (by 16%; P < 0.05). Metabolites that were strong discriminators between the ETWB and control groups included decreased liver antioxidants (glutathione and α-tocopherol); decreased liver carbohydrate metabolites, including glucose; lower hepatic arachidonic acid; and increased liver and plasma β-hydroxybutyrate. Liver transcriptomics revealed key metabolic pathways affected by ETWB, especially those related to lipid metabolism and some fed- or fasting-regulated genes. CONCLUSIONS Together, these changes indicate that dietary fibers such as ETWB regulate hepatic metabolism concurrently with specific gut bacteria community shifts in C57BL/6J mice. It is proposed that these changes may elicit gut-derived signals that reach the liver via enterohepatic circulation, ultimately affecting host liver metabolism in a manner that mimics, in part, the fasting state.
Intestinal injuries following irradiation of pelvic viscera for malignancy.

The occurrence of irradiation lesions in the intestinal tract subsequent to the treatment of malignancies is well known. In a survey of intestinal obstruction at the University of Illinois Hospitals for the period between Jan. 1, 1947, and December, 1955, twelve cases of intestinal injury secondary to pelvic irradiation for malignant disease of the reproductive organs were encountered and are the subject of this report. All were females and all showed, among other manifestations, partial or complete obstruction of the bowel. There were four deaths, a mortality rate of 33%. Our purpose here is to review these cases, point out the diagnostic features of benign irradiation stricture, and discuss methods of treatment. Many reports have appeared in the literature regarding the destructive effects of pelvic
User Acceptance of Electronic Commerce: Contributions from the Bled eConference

User acceptance of electronic commerce continues to be a popular topic at the Bled eConference. The paper reviews the past contributions of the conference in this specific area. The review deals with those studies that have an empirical and quantitative component, and those studies where the emphasis has been on testing theories of user acceptance. The paper establishes three phases in which Bled delegates have gradually extended generic user acceptance models to deal with issues of electronic commerce. The first phase (20012003) is one of theory application. The second phase (2004-2007) is one of theory extension. In the third phase, (2008-2011), Bled delegates move beyond traditional models and adopt alternative theoretical approaches. The review ends with three promising avenues for further research in electronic commerce.
Trazendo Multimodalidade para o Design de Ambientes de Aprendizagem Aprimorados pela Tecnologia

Resumo As interacoes humanas sao multimodais por natureza. Das formas simples a complexas de transferencia de informacao, os seres humanos utili zam-se de uma multiplicidade de modos comunicativos, tais como expressao facial, gesto e fala para transmitir significado e dar sentido as experiencias diarias. Atraves do uso de difer entes modos de comunicacao, os individuos interagem e transmitem mensagens em varias camadas simultâneas, influenciados pela aparencia, configuracao espacial e dinâmica do context o social onde estao situados. O presente artigo apresenta uma estrutura ou framew ork metodologico para registrar a pratica da aprendizagem e comportamento dos aprendizes eexpressao multimodal, e traduzi-los de modo a informar o processo de design de Ambientes de Aprendizagem Aprimorados pela Tecnologia. A pesquisa examina estudantes de pos-graduacao, principalmente de Ciencia da Computacao e Design, dentro de ambientes formais e informais de aprendizagem fazendo uso variado de tecnologia. Os metodos de pe squisa incluem: a) observacao videoetnografica; b) entrevistas semi-estruturadas; e c) analise documentaria de material de arquivo.