Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparative Immunohistochemical Analysis of Granulosa and Sertoli Components in Ovarian Sex Cord-Stromal Tumors with Mixed Differentiation: Potential Implications for Derivation of Sertoli Differentiation in Ovarian Tumors

Summary:Granulosa cell tumors of the ovary occasionally show admixed Sertoli components, just as tumors that are predominantly Sertoli or Sertoli-Leydig cell tumors can contain minor granulosa elements. Although the immunoprofiles of pure granulosa cell tumors and pure Sertoli cell tumors have been characterized, little is known regarding what immunophenotypic relationships exist between the granulosa and Sertoli components in ovarian sex cord-stromal tumors that contain both elements. Furthermore, it is not completely understood why sex cord-stromal tumors of the ovary with female-type (granulosa) differentiation can produce male-type (Sertoli) differentiation. To better understand why simultaneous differentiation into female-type and male-type components occurs, eight tumors with mixed differentiation were stained with a panel of antibodies to androgen receptor (AR), calretinin, CD10, CD99, estrogen receptor, inhibin, Ki-67, low molecular weight cytokeratin, pancytokeratin, progesterone receptor, p53, and vimentin. Immunohistochemical composite scores were determined separately for the matched pairs of granulosa and Sertoli components in each case. Differences between both components were statistically analyzed using the Wilcoxon signed rank test. AR and vimentin expression showed a difference at the 10% statistical significance level (p < 0.1), demonstrating higher levels of expression in the granulosa components. The differences between the granulosa and Sertoli components in expression of CD99, inhibin, or pancytokeratin were not statistically significant (p > 0.1, each). Statistical calculations could not be made for calretinin, CD10, estrogen receptor, Ki-67, low molecular weight cytokeratin, progesterone receptor, or p53, although the overall mean levels of expression of CD10 and low molecular weight cytokeratin were substantially higher in the Sertoli components. Not surprisingly, the granulosa and Sertoli components of ovarian sex cord-stromal tumors with mixed differentiation show overlapping immunophenotypic profiles consistent with derivation from a common lineage rather than reflecting a composite tumor. However, because components of a sex cord-stromal tumor simultaneously differentiate along granulosa or Sertoli lines, they seem to show preferential expression of certain antigens. CD10 and low molecular weight cytokeratin are more often associated with Sertoli cell differentiation, whereas AR and vimentin expression seem to reflect granulosa differentiation.
[Experimental study on effect of the water extract of dogwood fruits on the liver and testis in rats model of kidney-yang deficiency].

OBJECTIVE To explore the effect of Dogwood fruits on tonifying kidney-yang. METHOD The effect of the water extract of Dogwood fruits on rats model of kidney-yang deficiency with the hydrocortisone was observed. RESULT The water extract of Dogwood fruits could make normal the liver weight, and mitigate hepatocyte pathologic changes, increase the heptocellular levels of RNA and hepatin, and decrease the malondialdehyde (MDA) in rats model of kidney-yang deficiency. It could also make the viscera quotiety return to normal way and increase the levels of RNA in the interstitial cells of testicle in rats model of kidney-yang deficiency. CONCLUSION Water extract of Dogwood fruits can protect and improve the functions of the liver and testicle in rats model of kidney-yang deficiency.
Hemodialysis Vascular Access Dysfunction: Molecular Mechanisms and Treatment

Hemodialysis vascular access complications are one of the main causes associated with an increase in morbidity and hospitalization in hemodialysis (HD) patients. The most common cause of vascular access dysfunction is venous stenosis as a result of venous neointimal hyperplasia within the peri‐anastomotic region (arteriovenous [AV] fistula) or at the graft‐vein anastomosis. There have been few studies regarding effective therapeutic interventions for HD vascular dysfunction at the present time, despite the magnitude of the clinical problem. This review will focus initially on the pathology and pathogenesis of HD vascular access dysfunction in the setting of both native AV fistula and polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE) graft, then experimental and clinical therapies that could potentially be used in the setting of HD vascular access dysfunction.
Effects of Sub‐Inhibitory Concentrations of Antifungal Agents on Adherence of Candida spp. to Buccal Epithelial Cells in Vitro: Die Wirkung subinhibitorischer Antimyzetika‐Konzentrationen auf die Adharenz von Candida‐Arten an Epithelzellen der Mundschleimhaut

Summary: The adherence of three Candida spp. to human buccal epithelial cells following treatment of the yeast with subinhibitory concentrations of amphotericin B, ny‐statin, miconazole nitrate and 5–fluorocyto‐sine was investigated in vitro. Preincubation of C. albicans, C. tropicalis or C. kefry with these antifungals inhibited their adherence to varying degrees (reduction between 17 % and 78 % of the control value). Pretreatment of yeast for a short period (1h) had less effect on adhesion than pretreatment for a long period (24h). Furthermore, treating C. albicans with a combination of amphotericin B plus 5–fluorocytosine, both at 1/8 MIC level, led to stronger adherence inhibition than that obtained for yeast pre‐treated with either one alone at 1/4 MIC levels. Exposure of C. albicans to antifungals affected the outer cell envelope, as observed by scanning electron microscopy, it also suppressed germination significantly, again to a different extent depending on the antifungal used. Compared with the control grown yeasts, an increase in the excretion of extracellular polymer into the supernatant of yeast cultured with various antifungals was observed. Chemical composition of this material showed that it is mannoprotein in nature containing hexoses (85–90%) and protein (7–9%). Mannose was the major sugar making about 87 % of the total carbohydrates. Our results suggest that antifungals, at sub‐inhibitory concentrations, have multiple effects on Candida and point to the possibility of using these drugs in the prophylaxis against candidosis.
A discution of a SRR parasitic antenna for an RFID TAG antenna by using Lumped elements

In This paper, a novel approach to design a parasitic Split Ring Resonator antenna for an RFID reader is proposed. This approach is based on using a parasite square patch near to the SRR element. The RFID frequency chosen is the 2.45GHz. The SRR Antenna is simulated by using HFSS and the proposed parasitic antenna is developed by using Lumped elements. This antenna is integrated in an RFID TAG by using the electrical model of both antenna and IC. The size of antenna is 12mm*12mm*27mm.
Economics of salt-induced land degradation and restoration

Food security concerns and the scarcity of new productive land have put productivity enhancement of degraded lands back on the political agenda. In such a context, salt‐affected lands are a valuable resource that cannot be neglected nor easily abandoned even with their lower crop yields, especially in areas where significant investments have already been made in irrigation and drainage infrastructure. A review of previous studies shows a very limited number of highly variable estimates of the costs of salt‐induced land degradation combined with methodological and contextual differences. Simple extrapolation suggests that the global annual cost of salt‐induced land degradation in irrigated areas could be US$ 27.3 billion because of lost crop production. We present selected case studies that highlight the potential for economic and environmental benefits of taking action to remediate salt‐affected lands. The findings indicate that it can be cost‐effective to invest in sustainable land management in countries confronting salt‐induced land degradation. Such investments in effective remediation of salt‐affected lands should form part of a broader strategy for food security and be defined in national action plans. This broader strategy is required to ensure the identification and effective removal of barriers to the adoption of sustainable land management, such as perverse subsidies. Whereas reversing salt‐induced land degradation would require several years, interim salinity management strategies could provide a pathway for effective remediation and further showcase the importance of reversing land degradation and the rewards of investing in sustainable land management.
Augmentation of Antigen-Presenting and Th1-Promoting Functions of Dendritic Cells by WSX-1(IL-27R) Deficiency1

WSX-1 is the α subunit of the IL-27R complex expressed by T, B, NK/NKT cells, as well as macrophages and dendritic cells (DCs). Although it has been shown that IL-27 has both stimulatory and inhibitory effects on T cells, little is known on the role of IL-27/WSX-1 on DCs. LPS stimulation of splenic DCs in vivo resulted in prolonged CD80/CD86 expression on WSX-1-deficient DCs over wild-type DCs. Upon LPS stimulation in vitro, WSX-1-deficient DCs expressed Th1-promoting molecules higher than wild-type DCs. In an allogeneic MLR assay, WSX-1-deficient DCs were more potent than wild-type DCs in the induction of proliferation of and IFN-γ production by responder cell proliferation. When cocultured with purified NK cells, WSX-1-deficient DCs induced higher IFN-γ production and killing activity of NK cells than wild-type DCs. As such, Ag-pulsed WSX-1-deficient DCs induced Th1-biased strong immune responses over wild-type DCs when transferred in vivo. WSX-1-deficient DCs were hyperreactive to LPS stimulation as compared with wild-type DCs by cytokine production. IL-27 suppressed LPS-induced CD80/86 expression and cytokine production by DCs in vitro. Thus, our study demonstrated that IL-27/WSX-1 signaling potently down-regulates APC function and Th1-promoting function of DCs to modulate overall immune responses.
Changes in postural control with aging and Parkinson's disease.

Deterioration of the neural mechanisms that govern postural stability and other mechanisms can disrupt the balance system. This article briefly outlines the research on postural control in elderly adults and patients with Parkinson's disease (PD). Parkinson's disease may be considered a form of accelerated aging, and as such, many of the abnormal postural control characteristics found in the elderly are observed and magnified in PD patients. The symptoms contributing to impaired postural control include the amplitude of body sway, delayed sensory and response processing, as well as prolonged, reduced, and inflexible responses to perturbations. In general, the research suggests that although aging and PD contribute to changes in postural control, some symptoms are not inherent to age or disease but can be modified through the health and physical fitness of the person.
Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor C/Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptor 3 Signaling Regulates Chemokine Gradients and Lymphocyte Migration From Tissues to Lymphatics

Background Circulation of leukocytes via blood, tissue and lymph is integral to adaptive immunity. Afferent lymphatics form CCL21 gradients to guide dendritic cells and T cells to lymphatics and then to draining lymph nodes (dLN). Vascular endothelial growth factor C and vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 3 (VEGFR-3) are the major lymphatic growth factor and receptor. We hypothesized these molecules also regulate chemokine gradients and lymphatic migration. Methods CD4+ T cells were injected into the foot pad or ear pinnae, and migration to afferent lymphatics and dLN quantified by flow cytometry or whole mount immunohistochemistry. Vascular endothelial growth factor receptor 3 or its signaling or downstream actions were modified with blocking monoclonal antibodies (mAbs) or other reagents. Results Anti–VEGFR-3 prevented migration of CD4+ T cells into lymphatic lumen and significantly decreased the number that migrated to dLN. Anti–VEGFR-3 abolished CCL21 gradients around lymphatics, although CCL21 production was not inhibited. Heparan sulfate (HS), critical to establish CCL21 gradients, was down-regulated around lymphatics by anti–VEGFR-3 and this was dependent on heparanase-mediated degradation. Moreover, a Phosphoinositide 3-kinase (PI3K)&agr; inhibitor disrupted HS and CCL21 gradients, whereas a PI3K activator prevented the effects of anti–VEGFR-3. During contact hypersensitivity, VEGFR-3, CCL21, and HS expression were all attenuated, and anti-heparanase or PI3K activator reversed these effects. Conclusions Vascular endothelial growth factor C/VEGFR-3 signaling through PI3K&agr; regulates the activity of heparanase, which modifies HS and CCL21 gradients around lymphatics. The functional and physical linkages of these molecules regulate lymphatic migration from tissues to dLN. These represent new therapeutic targets to influence immunity and inflammation.
Interleukin 1 receptor type 2 gene polymorphism is associated with reduced risk of preterm birth

Abstract Objective: Interleukin 1 receptor type 2 (IL1R2) regulates the inflammatory pathway that results in preterm delivery. We aim to investigate the impact of IL1R2 gene polymorphisms on the risk of preterm delivery. Method: A total of 664 women with spontaneous preterm and term deliveries were genotyped for IL1R2 gene polymorphisms (rs2072476A/G, rs2071008G/T, rs2072474C/T) using Sequenom MassARRAY platform. Results: Ethnic-specific analysis revealed a significant association between the G allele of IL1R2 rs2072476 polymorphism and reduced risk of PTB in the Indian ethnic subgroup (OR: 3.7, 95% CI: 1.3–11.3, p = 0.017). The odds of G allele occurring among Indian women with term delivery (>37 weeks) was three times higher than those with preterm delivery (<37 weeks). Genotype analysis showed a significant association between the GG genotype of IL1R2 rs2072476 polymorphism and term delivery in the Indian women. Conclusion: This study shows disparity in the occurrence of preterm birth due to the differences in the genotype of the women. Particularly, Indian women with the minor allele of IL1R2 rs2072476 polymorphisms were more likely to deliver at term (>37 weeks). These findings suggest the possible influence of maternal IL1R2 gene polymorphism on the risk of preterm delivery.
ACE2 is required for daughter cell-specific G1 delay in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Saccharomyces cerevisiae cells reproduce by budding to yield a mother cell and a smaller daughter cell. Although both mother and daughter begin G1 simultaneously, the mother cell progresses through G1 more rapidly. Daughter cell G1 delay has long been thought to be due to a requirement for attaining a certain critical cell size before passing the commitment point in the cell cycle known as START. We present an alternative model in which the daughter cell-specific Ace2 transcription factor delays G1 in daughter cells. Deletion of ACE2 produces daughter cells that proceed through G1 at the same rate as mother cells, whereas a mutant Ace2 protein that is not restricted to daughter cells delays G1 equally in both mothers and daughters. The differential in G1 length between mothers and daughters requires the Cln3 G1 cyclin, and CLN3-GFP reporter expression is reduced in daughters in an ACE2-dependent manner. Specific daughter delay elements in the CLN3 promoter are required for normal daughter G1 delay, and these elements bind to an unidentified 127-kDa protein. This DNA-binding activity is enhanced by deletion of ACE2. These results support a model in which daughter cell G1 delay is determined not by cell size but by an intrinsic property of the daughter cell generated by asymmetric cell division.
The Arabidopsis BAP 1 and BAP 2 Genes Are General Inhibitors of Programmed Cell Death 1 [ OA ]

Here we identify the BAP1 and BAP2 genes of Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) as general inhibitors of programmed cell death (PCD) across the kingdoms. These two homologous genes encode small proteins containing a calcium-dependent phospholipid-binding C2 domain. BAP1 and its functional partner BON1 have been shown to negatively regulate defense responses and a disease resistance gene SNC1. Genetic studies here reveal an overlapping function of the BAP1 and BAP2 genes in cell death control. The loss of BAP2 function induces accelerated hypersensitive responses but does not compromise plant growth or confer enhanced resistance to virulent bacterial or oomycete pathogens. The loss of both BAP1 and BAP2 confers seedling lethality mediated by PAD4 and EDS1, two regulators of cell death and defense responses. Overexpression of BAP1 or BAP2 with their partner BON1 inhibits PCD induced by pathogens, the proapototic gene BAX, and superoxide-generating paraquat in Arabidopsis or Nicotiana benthamiana. Moreover, expressing BAP1 or BAP2 in yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) alleviates cell death induced by hydrogen peroxide. Thus, the BAP genes function as general negative regulators of PCD induced by biotic and abiotic stimuli including reactive oxygen species. The dual roles of BAP and BON genes in repressing defense responses mediated by disease resistance genes and in inhibiting general PCD has implications in understanding the evolution of plant innate immunity.
Design for soft-error robustness to rescue deep submicron scaling

Error detecting and correcting code based memory design, self-checking design, VLSI-level retry architectures, perturbation hardened design, tools for evaluation of soft error rates, and other on-line testing techniques are becoming mandatory in order to achieve increasingly levels of soft-error robustness and push aggressively the limits of technological scaling. In the next few years, considerable efforts have to be concentrated on the development of such techniques and the related CAD tools.
Novel fork-tip needles versus standard needles for EUS-guided tissue acquisition from solid masses of the upper GI tract: a matched cohort study

Abstract Background: There are very few available data on the novel SharkCore™ needles for EUS-FNB. Aim: Comparison of the performance of the SharkCore™ needles with the standard EUS-FNA needles for the diagnosis of solid upper GI masses. Patients and methods: Single-center, retrospective cohort study in an academic tertiary referral hospital. Patients were matched 1:1 for the site of the lesion and the presence or absence of rapid on-site evaluation (ROSE). Results: A total of 102 patients were included. There was no statistically significant difference in the mean number of passes (3.3 ± 1.3 versus 3.4 ± 1.5; p = .89). Similar results were observed at the subgroup with ROSE (4.3 ± 1.3 versus 3.7 ± 1.5; p = .26). More histological specimens were obtained with the SharkCore™ needles compared to standard needles (59 versus 5%; p < .001). Diagnostic test characteristics were not significantly different (sensitivity: 91.5 versus 85.7; specificity: 100 versus 100%; accuracy: 92.2 versus 85.4% for SharkCore™ versus standard needles, p > .05 in all cases). At multivariable analysis, there was no statistically significant difference in the mean number of passes in all patients (p = .23) and in the ROSE subgroup (p = .66). However, the SharkCore™ needle obtained significantly more histological material than the standard needle (odds ratio 66; 95% confidence interval: 11.8, 375.8, p < .001). There was no significant difference in complication rates (p = .5). Limitations: Retrospective study, single-center. Conclusion: The SharkCore needles were similar to standard FNA needles in terms of the number of passes to reach diagnosis, but obtained significantly more histological specimen.
Determination of homovanillic acid and vanillylmandelic acid in urine of autistic children by gas chromatography/mass spectrometry.

BACKGROUND Studies suggest dopamine nervous systems are involved in the pathogenesis of autistic disorder. Quantification of urinary homovanillic acid (HVA) and vanillylmandelic acid (VMA) can be a very important tool in the study of disorders of dopamine metabolism in autistic children. MATERIAL/METHODS The urine specimens were collected from 20 autistic children and 36 neurologically normal children. Urinary HVA and VMA were simultaneously analyzed by gas chromatography-mass spectrometry. The method involves extraction of HVA and VMA from urinary samples and derivatization to N,O-bis(trimethylsilyl)trifluoroacetamide derivatives. RESULTS The detection limits are 0.15 microg/mL and 0.23 microg/mL for VMA and HVA, respectively. The levels of HVA and VMA were higher in the urine of autistic children (28.8+/-15.5 micromol/mmol creatinine and 22.2+/-13.0 micromol/mmol creatinine, respectively) compared with those of the generally healthy children (4.6+/-0.7 micromol/mmol creatinine for HVA and 3.8+/-0.6 micromol/mmol creatinine for VMA). CONCLUSIONS We proposed a simple, rapid method for a routine analysis of human urine to detect HVA and VMA related to an abnormal functional imbalance of the dopamine system, and showed our experience of application of this method to patients with a diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders. These results suggest significant differences in the levels of HVA and VMA between autistic and healthy children.
On the stability of normal states for a generalized Ginzburg-Landau model

We formulate a spectral problem related to the onset of superconductivity for a generalized Ginzburg-Landau model, where the order parameter and the magnetic potential are defined in the whole space. This model is devoted to the 'proximity effect' for a superconducting sample surrounded by a normal material. In the regime when the Ginzburg-Landau parameter (of the superconducting material) is large, we estimate the critical applied magnetic field for which the normal state will lose its stability, a result that has some roots in the physical literature. In some asymptotic situations, we recover results related to the 'standard' Ginzburg-Landau model, where we mention in particular the two-term expansion for the upper critical field obtained by Helffer-Pan.
Deriving the Dependence Structure of Portfolio Credit Derivatives Using Evolutionary Algorithms

The correct modeling of default dependence is essential for the valuation of portfolio credit derivatives. However, for the pricing of synthetic CDOs a one-factor Gaussian copula model with constant and equal pairwise correlations for all assets in the reference portfolio has become the standard market model. If this model were a reflection of market opinion there wouldn’t be the implied correlation smile that is observed in the market. The purpose of this paper is to derive a correlation structure from observed CDO tranche spreads. The correlation structure is chosen such that all tranche spreads of the traded CDO can be reproduced. This implied correlation structure can then be used to price off-market tranches with the same underlying as the traded CDO. Using this approach we can significantly reduce the risk to misprice off-market derivatives. Due to the complexity of the optimization problem we apply Evolutionary Algorithms.
Heparin, Polycations, and Atherosclerosis

Atherosclerosis is one of several forms of arterio sclerosis and is characterized by large intracellular lipid accumulations, endothelial cell (EC) damage, extensive vascular smooth muscle cell (SMC) proliferation 1-6 and changes in the glycosaminoglycan (GAG) composition of the affected vessel walls