Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Expression profiling of MMA‐1a and splice variant MMA‐1b: New cancer/testis antigens identified in human melanoma

Using high‐density oligonucleotide array analysis, we have recently compared the gene expression profiles of 2 human melanoma cell lines with marked difference in metastatic behavior after subcutaneous inoculation into nude mice (de Wit et al., Melanoma Res, in press). We identified an expressed sequence tag (EST), which we called malignant melanoma‐associated 1 (MMA‐1a), showing evident differential expression between the 2 cell lines. The MMA‐1a gene is localized on chromosome 21q22.2 and its mRNA exists of 4 exons. Homology search displayed a splice variant of MMA‐1a that lacks exon 3 and that was called MMA‐1b. Expression profiles of MMA‐1a and MMA‐1b are determined by reverse transciptase polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) analysis. Among 30 different normal tissue samples, expression of MMA‐1a and MMA‐1b was exclusively found in the testis after a first PCR of 30 cycles. Even more sensitive screening achieved by performing multiple semi‐nested RT‐PCR showed no or very low expression in the other normal tissues tested. During melanocytic tumor progression, MMA‐1a and/or MMA‐1b exhibited an emergence of expression in primary melanoma (20%) and melanoma metastasis samples (30%) after only 1 round of PCR. Expression of MMA‐1a and/or MMA‐1b was also identified in other tumor cell lines and fresh tumor samples of variable origin, e.g., lung, liver, bladder and soft tissues (sarcomas). We conclude that MMA‐1a and MMA‐1b are new members of the family of cancer/testis antigens. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Synthesis and characterization of stable organosols of silver nanoparticles by electrochemical dissolution of silver in DMSO.

Stable organosols of silver nanoparticles (AgNPs) without any capping agents have been synthesized by an electrochemical dissolution of a sacrificing silver electrode in dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO). The peak at 425 +/- 5 nm observed in the UV-vis spectra was attributed to the surface plasmon resonance for silver. The formation of nanoparticles of silver was confirmed by X-ray diffraction analysis (XRD). In TEM, three ranges of particle size were observed, namely, 3.75 +/- 0.8, 6.25 +/- 0.5, and 9.25 +/- 0.3 nm. The correlation among these sizes was explained by a new model based on a droplet coalition. Based on that, sizes correlation fits very well in the empirical formula 5d(1)(3)n' + (3 - n')d(2)(3) = d(3)(3) where d(1), d(2), and d(3) are three sizes of particles and n' is an integer having values 0, 1, 2, 3, . The sols prepared in DMSO were stable against flocculation for months. An unusual solution stability without any capping agents was attributed to the formation of Ag(I)DMSO complex on particle surface, which was confirmed by FTIR, fluorescence spectroscopy, and thermal analysis.
Nicotinic Cholinergic System in the Hypothalamus Modulates the Activity of the Hypothalamic Neuropeptides during the Stress Response

Background The hypothalamus harbors high levels of cholinergic neurons and axon terminals. Nicotinic acetylcholine receptors, which play an important role in cholinergic neurotransmission, are expressed abundantly in the hypothalamus. Accumulating evidence reveals a regulatory role for nicotine in the regulation of the stress responses. The present review will discuss the hypothalamic neuropeptides and their interaction with the nicotinic cholinergic system. The anatomical distribution of the cholinergic neurons, axon terminals and nicotinic receptors in discrete hypothalamic nuclei will be described. The effect of nicotinic cholinergic neurotransmission and nicotine exposure on hypothalamic-pituitaryadrenal (HPA) axis regulation at the hypothalamic level will be analyzed in view of the different neuropeptides involved. Methods Published research related to nicotinic cholinergic regulation of the HPA axis activity at the hypothalamic level is reviewed. Results The nicotinic cholinergic system is one of the major modulators of the HPA axis activity. There is substantial evidence supporting the regulation of hypothalamic neuropeptides by nicotinic acetylcholine receptors. However, most of the studies showing the nicotinic regulation of hypothalamic neuropeptides have employed systemic administration of nicotine. Additionally, we know little about the nicotinic receptor distribution on neuropeptide-synthesizing neurons in the hypothalamus and the physiological responses they trigger in these neurons. Conclusion Disturbed functioning of the HPA axis and hypothalamic neuropeptides results in pathologies such as depression, anxiety disorders and obesity, which are common and significant health problems. A better understanding of the nicotinic regulation of hypothalamic neuropeptides will aid in drug development and provide means to cope with these diseases. Considering that nicotine is also an abused substance, a better understanding of the role of the nicotinic cholinergic system on the HPA axis will aid in developing improved therapeutic strategies for smoking cessation.
Advances and trends for the development of ambient‐assisted living platforms

Ambient Assisted Living (AAL) and Ambient Intelligence (AmI) try to achieve a future where technology surrounds the users and helps them in their daily lives. In this sense, the urgent need of solutions to cover the rapid increase of the elderly population with chronic diseases led to the increase of projects related with AAL and AmI. During the latest years, several projects have been proposed to tackle different medical problems, some building devices and others services. This paper presents iGenda and its evolution, the UserAccess, with the main objective of developing an AAL platform. It features an analysis of the latest developments and points future directions for the work. These projects display the importance of the interoperability of the platforms, demonstrating a case study for AAL development.
Analysis of the ZAR1 Immune Complex Reveals Determinants for Immunity and Molecular Interactions1[OPEN]

Deciphering the molecular interactions within the ZAR1-ZED1 immune complex that lead to the induction of plant immunity. Plants depend on innate immunity to prevent disease. Plant pathogenic bacteria, like Pseudomonas syringae and Xanthomonas campestris, use the type III secretion system as a molecular syringe to inject type III secreted effector (T3SE) proteins in plants. The primary function of most T3SEs is to suppress immunity; however, the plant can evolve nucleotide-binding domain-leucine-rich repeat domain-containing proteins to recognize specific T3SEs. The AtZAR1 NLR induces strong defense responses against P. syringae and X. campestris. The P. syringae T3SE HopZ1a is an acetyltransferase that acetylates the pseudokinase AtZED1 and triggers recognition by AtZAR1. However, little is known about the molecular mechanisms that lead to AtZAR1-induced immunity in response to HopZ1a. We established a transient expression system in Nicotiana benthamiana to study detailed interactions among HopZ1a, AtZED1, and AtZAR1. We show that the AtZAR1 immune pathway is conserved in N. benthamiana and identify AtZAR1 domains, and residues in AtZAR1 and AtZED1, that are important for immunity and protein-protein interactions in planta and in yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae). We show that the coiled-coil domain of AtZAR1 oligomerizes, and this domain acts as a signal to induce immunity. This detailed analysis of the AtZAR1-AtZED1 protein complex provides a better understanding of the immune signaling hub controlled by AtZAR1.
Identifying Y‐chromosomal diversity by long‐template PCR

Comparing Y‐chromosomal and mitochondrial haplotype variation is a promising approach to independently investigate paternal and maternal evolutionary histories in wild mammal populations. However, the difficulty of developing male‐specific genetic markers, because of its distinctive genetic architecture and the general low level of polymorphisms observed on the Y chromosome, hampers usually an effective application of this approach. Here, we present a further method of the established Y chromosome conserved anchored tagged sequences strategy to develop Y‐chromosomal markers by screening introns of male‐specific region (MSY) genes for sequence polymorphisms. By applying long‐template PCR using target species‐specific primers, adequate sequence information of several kb in size can be obtained. We applied this method in the snow vole (Chionomys nivalis) and obtained 12.4 kb of male‐specific sequence data for nine males representing four populations in the Swiss Alps. A total of 28 single nucleotide polymorphisms, four indels (>1 bp) and one polymorphic microsatellite were identified in introns of the SMCY and DBY genes. Based on this information, we developed a Y‐chromosomal genotyping assay and identified four different paternal lineages within one local snow vole population. The method we present is straightforward and as such will probably be suitable to detect adequate Y‐chromosomal diversity in a wide range of mammalian species.
Performance simulations of a 2.4 GHz indoor angle of arrival system for multipath components

Multipath propagation is generally considered as an inconvenience in indoor radio frequency positioning systems, causing a degradation of localization accuracy. However, it is possible to exploit spatial information of reflected signals in a multipath assisted indoor positioning system, based on angle of arrival estimation. In order to assess the accuracy of the estimated angles and optimize system parameters, a simulation tool was developed. The tool simulates indoor line-of-sight signals and specular reflections of a 2.4 GHz signal, impinging on an antenna array. With this simulator, the performance of the MVDR, Beamscan, root MUSIC and ESPRIT algorithms for angle of arrival estimation is compared. Other investigated parameters include the position of the array in a square or rectangular room, the number of antennas, the number of signal decorrelation operations and the number of angles of arrival to be estimated. For each configuration, the spatial distribution of angular errors was evaluated, facilitating the design and dimensioning of an accurate indoor angle of arrival system.
Wound healing with honey--a randomised controlled trial.

OBJECTIVES To compare honey and IntraSite Gel as woundhealing agents, to record side-effects, gauge patient satisfaction and calculate the cost-effectiveness of the honey used. DESIGN AND SETTING A prospective, randomised, double-blind controlled trial was carried out among goldmine workers. OUTCOME MEASURES Outcome measures were healing times of shallow wounds and abrasions; side-effects; patient satisfaction with treatment; and amount of honey and IntraSite Gel used. RESULTS The mean healing times of shallow wounds treated with honey or with IntraSite Gel did not differ significantly (p = 0.75, 95% confidence interval (CI): -5.41; 7.49 days). When adjusted for wound size, the 2.8-day difference in favour of honey was not significant (p = 0.21, 95% CI: -2.41; 8.09). In the case of abrasions there was also no significant difference (p = 0.83, 95% CI: -4.98; 6.19 days). When adjusted for wound size, the difference of 0.22 days in favour of IntraSite Gel was not significant (p = 0.94, 95% CI: -5.72; 6.15.4). Of patients treated with honey, 27% and 10% respectively experienced itching and pain, and 2 experienced burning for a short time after application. Of patients treated with IntraSite Gel, 31% experienced itching. All patients in both treatment groups were either satisfied or extremely satisfied with treatment. The average cost of treatment per patient was R0.49 with honey and R12.03 with with IntraSite Gel. CONCLUSIONS A distinction should be made between shallow wounds and abrasions when wound healing is being measured. There was no evidence of a real difference between honey and IntraSite Gel as healing agents. Honey is a safe, satisfying and effective healing agent. Natural honey is extremely costeffective.
Kurtların (Canis lupus) Batı Karadeniz Bölgesi’ndekihabitat tercihleri ve habitatlarının yönetilmesi için öneriler

Kurtlar Turkiye’nin butun bolgelerinde dagilim gostermektedir. Bununla birlikte ulkemizde kurtlara dair yapilmis calisma sayisi oldukca sinirlidir. Bu calisma, insan etkisinin ve orman varliginin yogun oldugu Bolu Orman Bolge Mudurlugu alani icerisinde Duzce ve Bolu illerinde, kurtlarin habitat kullanimlarini ve tercihlerini tespit etmek icin yapilmistir. Elde edilen veriler isiginda da kurtlarin yonetimi icin bazi oneriler getirilmistir. Arazi calismalarinda kurtlarin varligi, rastgele secilen ornekleme alanlarinda diski tespiti ve fotokapan calismasina dayanarak tespit edilmistir. Veriler analiz edilmeden once oto korelasyonu onlemek icin benzer verilerin bir kismi veri grubundan cikarilmistir. Toplam olarak 48 adet kurt varligi tespit edilmistir. Ayrica habitat varliginin tespiti icin rastgele 48 nokta secilmis ve bu alanlara ait habitat bilgileri de kurtlarin habitat kullanimi ve tercih analizlerinde kullanilmistir. ArcGIS programi kullanilarak her iki 48 noktanin etrafinda 2,5 km tampon bolge olusturulmus ve bolge icinde kalan mescere tiplerinin alanlari hesaplanmistir. Bunlar daha sonra bes habitat sinifina indirgenmis ve alanlarin kurtlar tarafindan kullanilip kullanilmadigi ve secim orani ( w ) hesaplanmistir. Ayrica her iki ornekleme alanina ait veri seti birbirleriyle egim, baki, yukseklik, yola ve yerlesim yerlerine uzaklik acisindan degerlendirilerek t-testiyle test edilmis, p<0,05 icin birbirlerinden anlamli bir farki olup olmadigi hesaplanmistir. Calismamizda kurtlar genellikle 1100 m uzerinde, ibreli ormanlari ve 50 dereceden daha yuksek egimli kuzey bakilari ve ozellikle insan etkisinden uzak alanlarda bulunmayi tercih etmektedir. Kurtlarin yogun insan faaliyetlerinin oldugu alanlardan ornegin ormancilik faaliyetleri ve otoyollardaki trafikli bolgelerden cekindikleri tespit edilmistir. Ek olarak, kurtlarin habitatlarinin daha detayli analiz edilebilmesi icin modern radyo telemetri yontemleriyle izlenmesi ve diyetinin tespit edilmesinin faydali olacagi dusunulmektedir.
Efecto de la dexametasona sobre el mecanismo inflamatorio que subyace en el asma

La prostaglandina D2 es el principal metabolito del acido araquidonico, producido por los mastocitos activados durante una reaccion alergica. Dicho metabolito ejerce su respuesta biologica mediante la interaccion con 2 tipos de receptores transmembrana: PTGDR y CRTH2. Desde hace mas de un siglo se conoce que la alergia respiratoria tiene un importante componente genetico. Entre los factores geneticos asociados a la enfermedad destaca el gen del Receptor de la Prostaglandina D2 (PTGDR), en el que se han caracterizado variantes polimorficas en la region promotora significativamente asociadas a la respuesta inflamatoria que subyace en la alergia, y a la existencia de distintas caracteristicas fenotipicas en los pacientes asmaticos. Ademas, los resultados obtenidos en modelos animales han demostrado su papel crucial en la respuesta inflamatoria de vias aereas mediada por alergenos. La administracion de glucocorticoides constituye la base del tratamiento del asma. Ejercen su efecto a traves de unos sitios especificos GRE (Elementos de Respuesta a Glucocorticoides) localizados en la region promotora de genes implicados en el proceso inflamatorio, mediante la activacion o represion de la expresion de los genes efectores que acabaria influyendo en el desencadenamiento de la respuesta alergica. El objetivo de este trabajo es el estudio del efecto de los glucocorticoides como posibles moduladores de la expresion de PTGDR y, por lo tanto, de la respuesta alergica, en relacion con la presencia de diferentes variantes haplotipicas en la region promotora de este gen. El abordaje experimental engloba tres aproximaciones metodologicas: un modelo celular, un modelo murido, y un analisis in silico de la region promotora de PTGDR. Los resultados obtenidos en el modelo celular evidencian que la presencia de distintos polimorfismos en el promotor de PTGDR modifica su actividad promotora y sus niveles de expresion basales, asi como la capacidad de respuesta al tratamiento con dexametasona. Ademas, modifican el patron de union de factores de transcripcion en esta region y provocan cambios en el patron de expresion de citocinas en un cultivo celular A549. Por otro lado, a traves de un modelo de asma cronica en raton, se ha comprobado la implicacion del gen PTGDR en el desarrollo del asma alergico, y en la respuesta al tratamiento corticoideo.
Enhancing Interoperability Through Standard Procedures for Recording and Communicating Information on V&V Planning, Implementation and Results

Abstract : Decision makers need confidence that the models and simulations they use are fit to support their decision making process, such that their decisions are useful to their specific project or program. It is entirely possible and even quite likely, that individual models and simulations or those expressly for federate use are already available somewhere in the world. Users of these models, simulations or federates need to appreciate the Validation and Verification (V&V) effort already applied to the product, and to understand the level of impact originally anticipated for the product use. This effort can be difficult to represent and understand when use and re-use are required, and as such, time and further effort can be wasted in duplicating and discussing the recorded information about a product of interest. In mitigation to this, a standard approach to recording and documenting V&V information is introduced. The impact level of the original use is also a useful data item in understanding the V&V effort likely to have been exercised on the product. This information is usually lost or not even recorded and can leave subsequent users with some uncertainty about the suitability of the product for their purpose.
Fertility in Schizophrenia in Comparison with Other Psychiatric Disorders

ThAs study has been done in psychiatrk Inpatient Unit lo Zagazig University Huspltal wlth the alm of comparing the fartllity rate between schlwphrenk paiients and non scbhphreriic p r t i e n b A total rvniple of 520 psychiatrk paiknts having diagnoh of schirophrenla (n=lW), Mood disorders ( ~ 1 1 0 ) and neurotic illness (n=230) according to ICD -10 diagnufef were selected. The fertility index WILE estimatwl and the DisabiliUrP Assessment schedule was applied. The patient data were subdividcd by dlagnnasir, gender, and family history of mental illness. The results revealed that the proportion of those e v e r ma rried was markedly reduced in the schizophrenic group (Fl) relative to thwii h m u d disorders (F2) or neurotic iilncss (F3). Men with schizophrenia bad a particularly low rate of nirrriupe. The overall group (Fl), only married men, particularly those with f~ni i ly history of mental disorder, p r d u c e d more children than married women. So, there is evidence for increased fertility In scliizopbrenic men despite of d e c r e d marital rate.
L'abord de la sexualité par les sages-femmes en cours de préparation à la naissance et à la parentalité

La sexualite est un element essentiel de l’identite de la femme, contribuant a son epanouissement et son bien-etre. Toutefois cette sexualite est souvent mise de cote durant la periode de la grossesse, et du post-partum chez certaines femmes. Avec la grossesse viennent de nombreuses variations, aussi bien physiques que psychiques, et ces modifications sont souvent accompagnees de fluctuations de la sexualite, suscitant de nombreuses interrogations de la part des femmes et des couples. Ces femmes ont ainsi un reel besoin d’information au sujet de la sexualite pendant la grossesse, mais ne remarquent pas necessairement de retour satisfaisant a ce sujet, de la part des professionnels. En effet, de nombreuses etudes demontrent un decalage entre le besoin d’information temoigne par les femmes enceintes, et le manque de communication fournie a ce sujet, par les professionnels de sante. La question ainsi est de savoir : qu’en est-il de la situation actuelle de l’information donnee par les professionnels de la sante, au sujet de la sexualite ? L’objectif de cette etude est de determiner de quelles manieres la sexualite est abordee pendant les cours de Preparation a la Naissance et a la Parentalite (PNP) par les sages-femmes. Pour y parvenir, une etude qualitative descriptive et comprehensive a ete realisee sur quatre mois, dans la zone d’Aix-Marseille. 15 entretiens comprehensifs semi-directifs de type Kaufman ont ete pratiques, a partir d’une grille d’entretien. L’etude a ete realisee avec des sages-femmes liberales, hospitalieres et de centre de Protection Materno-Infantile (PMI), pratiquant des cours de PNP. Une majorite des sages-femmes abordent systematiquement le sujet. Elles abordent surtout les variations apportees par la grossesse, la possibilite de continuer les rapports pendant la grossesse, et la reprise des rapports dans le post-partum. Les sages-femmes accordent une grande importance au sujet de la sexualite, et rapportent que ce sont les interrogations des patientes, au fur et a mesure des annees, qui les ont encourage a davantage developper ce sujet pendant leurs cours. Certains facteurs les mettant en difficulte ont toutefois ete soulignes, tels que la taille des groupes, le type de cours mene, ainsi que la presence ou non des conjoints. Pour la majorite, les sages-femmes n’estiment pas avoir de lacunes a ce sujet, mais la plupart avouent qu’elles ne se sentent jamais particulierement demunies, car ont en realite un manque de motivation a ce sujet, par rapport a d’autres sujets, pour lesquels elles ont plus de preferences. Des revues sur l’education sexuelle par les professionnels de la sante ont ete publiees, et ont exprime le besoin aigu de reformer les attitudes en cette matiere. Des techniques, telles que des grilles d’entretien particulieres, comprenant une question systematique a poser aux femmes sur l’etat de leur sexualite, ont ete preconisees.
Dynamics of the Acartia genus (Calanoida: Copepoda) in a temperate shallow estuary (the Mondego estuary) on the western coast of Portugal

The purpose of this work was to review the dynamics of the Acartia species in the Mondego estuary (a temperate North-Atlantic shallow estuary in Western Portugal) in a genus integrated perspective. The Acartia genus is represented in the system by the species Acartia clausi and Acartia tonsa; the samples were taken between July 1999 and June 2000, with 63 and 125 µm mesh size nets, and between January 2003 and January 2004, with a 335 µm mesh size net, in the downstream and upstream areas of the estuary. Significant differences in abundance were found between months and sampling stations for the two species (ANOVA, P < 0.05). A. clausi dominated in the downstream estuary, registering peaks in June (156 ind. m -3 ) and September (73 ind. m -3 ); in the upstream estuary this species showed a maximum of density in September (35 ind. m -3 ). A. tonsa dominated in the upstream estuary with peaks of abundance occurring in December (2372 ind. m -3 ) and October (1056 ind. m -3 ) in the downstream estuary this species exhibited higher abundance in August (52 ind. m -3 ). The two species of the genus coexist in time exhibiting a strong spatial segregation behavior in the estuary.