Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Rat aortic smooth muscle cells become pericytes during angiogenesis in vitro.

BACKGROUND We previously reported that the intimal endothelium of the rat aorta switches to a microvascular phenotype during angiogenesis in vitro. The microvessels formed by the rat aortic endothelium are coated with pericytes. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the relation of the pericytes to the angiogenic process and to identify the site of origin of these cells in the aortic wall. EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN Rings of rat aorta were cultured in collagen gel under serum-free conditions. The formation of a pericyte coating around aorta-derived microvessels was evaluated by counting pericytes and microvessels in the living cultures. Pericytes and endothelial cells were studied by immunohistochemistry, lectin labeling, electron microscopy, 3H-thymidine labeling followed by autoradiography, and time-lapse video microscopy. The capacity of aortic smooth muscle cells to differentiate into pericytes was studied by coculturing intimal- or medial-derived smooth muscle cells with endothelial cells in a collagen gel overlay assay that induced reorganization of endothelial cells into microvessels. RESULTS Microvessels during the early stages of angiogenesis were composed primarily of endothelial cells. As vascular proliferation decreased, the microvessels became coated with pericytes. The pericytes migrated from the root to the tip of the microvessels using the endothelium as a surface for attachment, proliferation, and contact guidance. The pericytes were continuous with the myointimal endothelial cells of the cultured aorta. Pericytes and myointimal cells were positive for alpha-smooth muscle actin and vimentin and were actively engaged in DNA synthesis. Treatment of the cultures with heparin caused a marked reduction in the number of pericytes. Smooth muscle cells isolated from the intimal aspect of the rat aorta migrated toward the endothelium and differentiated into pericytes when cocultured with microvessels formed by isolated endothelial cells in a collagen gel overlay assay. Conversely, smooth muscle cells isolated from the deep layers of the media had no significant endothelial tropism and failed to differentiate into pericytes. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates that the rat aorta contains a subpopulation of intimal/subintimal smooth muscle cells that differentiate into pericytes during angiogenesis in vitro. These cells have a distinct endothelial tropism and respond to endothelial cues by contributing to the differentiation and maturation of microvessels. Smooth muscle cells of rat aortic intimal/subintimal origin can be used as a source of pericytes for the in vitro assembly of histotypic microvessels.
Two pacemaker channels from human heart with profoundly different activation kinetics

Cardiac pacemaking is produced by the slow diastolic depolarization phase of the action potential. The hyperpolarization‐activated cation current (If) forms an important part of the pacemaker depolarization and consists of two kinetic components (fast and slow). Recently, three full‐length cDNAs encoding hyperpolarization‐activated and cyclic nucleotide‐gated cation channels (HCN1–3) have been cloned from mouse brain. To elucidate the molecular identity of cardiac pacemaker channels, we screened a human heart cDNA library using a highly conserved neuronal HCN channel segment and identified two cDNAs encoding HCN channels. The hHCN2 cDNA codes for a protein of 889 amino acids. The HCN2 gene is localized on human chromosome 19p13.3 and contains eight exons spanning ∼27 kb. The second cDNA, designated hHCN4, codes for a protein of 1203 amino acids. Northern blot and PCR analyses showed that both hHCN2 and hHCN4 are expressed in heart ventricle and atrium. When expressed in HEK 293 cells, either cDNA gives rise to hyperpolarization‐activated cation currents with the hallmark features of native If. hHCN2 and hHCN4 currents differ profoundly from each other in their activation kinetics, being fast and slow, respectively. We thus conclude that hHCN2 and hHCN4 may underlie the fast and slow component of cardiac If, respectively.
Pole-Tide Modulation of Slow Slip Events at Circum-Pacific Subduction Zones

Episodic slow slip (ESS) events have been detected at several circum- Pacific subduction zones, such as Cascadia, Japan, and Mexico. Notably, at least eight ESS events along the northern Cascadia subduction zone recurred with a period of 13-16 months. We study the relationship between pole-tide (associated with Chan- dler wobble with a period of 14 months)-induced stress and the occurrence of the ESS events. Our quantitative analysis shows that 14 of the 20 documented ESS events occurred during the ascension phase, prior to the maximum, of a pole-tide-induced Coulomb failure stress change, and three events occurred at the stress-change peak. The pole tides modulate the stress field at the downdip edge of the transition zone along the plate interface and may trigger ESS events when conditions are favorable. The phase advance of the triggered events with respect to the induced Coulomb failure stress change may reflect that the fault slip is dictated by a rate- and state- dependent friction law inferred from laboratory experiments.
Getting the most out of advanced manufacturing technology (AMT)-based systems. Part I: recognising and managing technology limitations

In Part 1 of this two-part paper, we examined several technological issues pertaining to automated AMT systems. We concluded that human presence in such systems is essential to compensate technological limitations, and the anthropocentric approach to designing AMT systems is the most appropriate manner in which we can obtain the most out of AMT systems in terms of productivity, reliability, economy and flexibility. In Part II, we focus on the limitations of the human component of an anthropocentric AMT system (human-centred manufacturing system). Specifically, we discuss the following issues that limit the effectiveness of human contributions to an automated AMT system: 1) stress management, 2) training issues, 3) sources and causes of errors, 4) information processing limitations, and 5) interface design issues.
Relative Decay of Bacteroidales Microbial Source Tracking Markers and Cultivated Escherichia coli in Freshwater Microcosms

ABSTRACT Fecal indicator bacteria (FIB), commonly used to regulate sanitary water quality, cannot discriminate among sources of contamination. The use of alternative quantitative PCR (qPCR) methods for monitoring fecal contamination or microbial source tracking requires an understanding of relationships with cultivated FIB, as contamination ages under various conditions in the environment. In this study, the decay rates of three Bacteroidales 16S rRNA gene markers (AllBac for general contamination and qHF183 and BacHum for human-associated contamination) were compared with the decay rate of cultivated Escherichia coli in river water microcosms spiked with human wastewater. The following five sets of microcosms were monitored over 11 days: control, artificial sunlight, sediment exposure, reduced temperature, and no autochthonous predation. Decay was characterized by estimation of the time needed to produce a 2-log reduction (t99). No treatment-associated differences in the decay of the 4 targets were evident except with reduced predation, where E. coli, qHF183, and BacHum markers had lower levels of decay by day 3. However, there were substantial target-associated differences. Decay curves for the AllBac marker indicated a larger persistent population than those of the other targets. Exposure to sunlight, sediment, and reduced predation resulted in more rapid decay of the human-associated markers relative to cultivable E. coli, but there were no differences in t99 values among the 4 targets under control conditions or at reduced temperatures. Further evaluation of epidemiological relationships will be needed in order to relate the markers directly to health risk. These findings suggest that the tested human-associated markers can complement E. coli as indicators of the human impact on sanitary water quality under the constrained conditions described in this paper.
Effects of an iron supplementation trial on the Fe status of Thai schoolchildren

A double-blind clinical trial was conducted among 9- to 11-year-old children in sixteen schools in the Chon Buri province of Thailand to assess the effects of an iron supplement combined with an anthelminthic agent (i.e. albendazole). In addition to the albendazole, Fe or placebo tablets were distributed to 2268 children enrolled in grades three to five without knowledge of the Fe status of the children. Criteria for case inclusion were: (a) absence of A E Bart's or haemoglobin (Hb) H disease, (b) absence of abnormal Hb EE, and (c) age, 108–144 months. The results showed a significant improvement in the Fe status of the children after 16 weeks of treatment. The increments were: Hb from 124 to 128 g/l, serum ferritin from 34.54 to 104.72 μg/l, transferrin saturation from 24.09 to 35.05%; free erythrocyte protoporphyrin decreased from 444.7 to 281.4 μg/l erythrocytes. These changes were significantly greater than in the control group that received only the anthelminthic agent. However, the administration of albendazole only also resulted in significant changes in the same Fe indicators.
Wo und wie wirkt Yoga? – Eine wissenschaftliche Bestandsaufnahme

Abstract As a traditional health care system, yoga combines physical activity, breathing techniques and meditation. It is increasingly used as a preventive or therapeutic means. Yoga has been researched in hundreds of randomized controlled trials. Positive effects are especially found for chronic pain conditions, hypertension, depression and in supportive cancer care. While there are case reports of serious adverse events associated with yoga, the risk seems to be extremely low and comparable to other forms of physical activity. Yoga can thus be considered as a safe and effective adjunct therapy for a number of conditions.
NMDA Receptor‐Mediated Neurotoxicity: A Paradoxical Requirement for Extracellular Mg2+ in Na+/Ca2+‐Free Solutions in Rat Cortical Neurons In Vitro

Abstract: Accumulation of intracellular Ca2+ is known to be critically important for the expression of NMDA receptor‐mediated glutamate neurotoxicity. We have observed, however, that glutamate can also increase the neuronal intracellular Mg2+ concentration on activation of NMDA receptors. Here, we used conditions that elevate intracellular Mg2+ content independently of Ca2+ to investigate the potential role of Mg2+ in excitotoxicity in rat cortical neurons in vitro. In Ca2+‐free solutions in which the Na+ was replaced by N‐methyl‐d‐glucamine or Tris (but not choline), which also contained 9 mM Mg2+, exposure to 100 µM glutamate or 200 µM NMDA for 20 min produced delayed neuronal cell death. Neurotoxicity was correlated to the extracellular Mg2+ concentration and could be blocked by addition of NMDA receptor antagonists during, but not immediately following, agonist exposure. Finally, we observed that rat cortical neurons grown under different serum conditions develop an altered sensitivity to Mg2+‐dependent NMDA receptor‐mediated toxicity. Thus, the increase in intracellular Mg2+ concentration following NMDA receptor stimulation may be an underestimated component critical for the expression of certain forms of excitotoxic injury.
Signaling and regulation of the platelet glycoprotein Ib–IX–V complex

Purpose of reviewThe platelet adhesion receptor, the glycoprotein Ib–IX–V complex, not only mediates platelet adhesion but also transmits signals leading to platelet activation, aggregation and secretion. Significant progress has been made recently on the signaling pathways and regulatory mechanisms involving glycoprotein Ib–IX–V function. Recent findingsThe interaction of glycoprotein Ib–IX–V with its ligand, von Willebrand factor, is dually controlled by von Willebrand factor conformation and intracellular signal-mediated regulation of glycoprotein Ib–IX–V receptor function that requires the ζ isoform of the 14-3-3 protein family (14-3-3ζ). Glycoprotein Ib–IX–V signaling is mediated by the Src family of protein kinases, phospholipase C, calcium elevation, phosphoinositol 3-kinase, and multiple amplification mechanisms including the nitric oxide–cGMP pathway, the mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway, the immunoreceptor tyrosine-based activation motif pathway, and ADP and thromboxane A2 pathways. SummaryProgress in understanding the mechanism(s) regulating glycoprotein Ib–IX–V should help develop inhibitors and modifiers that interfere or augment its von Willebrand factor binding function and thus be useful for treating thrombosis and bleeding disorders. Characterization of intracellular molecules and pathways in glycoprotein Ib–IX–V signaling has implications in the development of new agents and for the use of existing drugs that affect glycoprotein Ib–IX–V signaling.
Associations between end-of-life discussion characteristics and care received near death: a prospective cohort study.

PURPOSE National guidelines recommend that discussions about end-of-life (EOL) care planning happen early for patients with incurable cancer. We do not know whether earlier EOL discussions lead to less aggressive care near death. We sought to evaluate the extent to which EOL discussion characteristics, such as timing, involved providers, and location, are associated with the aggressiveness of care received near death. PATIENTS AND METHODS We studied 1,231 patients with stage IV lung or colorectal cancer in the Cancer Care Outcomes Research and Surveillance Consortium, a population- and health system-based prospective cohort study, who died during the 15-month study period but survived at least 1 month. Our main outcome measure was the aggressiveness of EOL care received. RESULTS Nearly half of patients received at least one marker of aggressive EOL care, including chemotherapy in the last 14 days of life (16%), intensive care unit care in the last 30 days of life (9%), and acute hospital-based care in the last 30 days of life (40%). Patients who had EOL discussions with their physicians before the last 30 days of life were less likely to receive aggressive measures at EOL, including chemotherapy (P = .003), acute care (P < .001), or any aggressive care (P < .001). Such patients were also more likely to receive hospice care (P < .001) and to have hospice initiated earlier (P < .001). CONCLUSION Early EOL discussions are prospectively associated with less aggressive care and greater use of hospice at EOL.
Reduction of Voltage-Dependent Mg2+ Blockade of NMDA Current in Mechanically Injured Neurons

Activation of the N-methyl-D-aspartate (NMDA) subtype of glutamate receptors is implicated in the pathophysiology of traumatic brain injury. Here, the effects of mechanical injury on the voltage-dependent magnesium (Mg2+) block of NMDA currents in cultured rat cortical neurons were examined. Stretch-induced injury was found to reduce the Mg2+ blockade, resulting in significantly larger ionic currents and increases in intracellular free calcium (Ca2+) concentration after NMDA stimulation of injured neurons. The Mg2+ blockade was partially restored by increased extracellular Mg2+ concentration or by pretreatment with the protein kinase C inhibitor calphostin C. These findings could account for the secondary pathological changes associated with traumatic brain injury.
Patients' expectations of consultations

Patient pressure may be stronger in the doctor's mind than in the patient's Although patients' expectations of general practice consultations influence outcomes, they are not as influential as doctors' assessments. This may sound obvious except for the fact that doctors' assessments of patients' preferences have more influence than those preferences themselves. In this issue Little et al are publishing two studies.1 2 Their observational study generalises the finding from an earlierstudy3 that doctors' perceptions are a stronger predictor of their actions—from prescribing to other consultation activities—than are patients' expectations. The same factors (including doctors' perceptions) affecting prescribing decisions also affect other clinical decisions. This makes it all the more important that doctors' perceptions are accurate. Inappropriate assessments of patients' expectations can result in actions deemed unnecessary by the doctor and unwanted by the patient. In their interventional study Little et al used leaflets and found that most of the increased investigations resulting from the intervention were …
Treatment Engagement: Female Survivors of Intimate Partner Violence in Treatment for PTSD and Alcohol Use Disorder

Objective: Treatment engagement rates are low for individuals with comorbid posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol use disorders across available interventions and treatment modalities. A better understanding of who does and does not engage in treatment can help improve retention, completion, and subsequent treatment outcomes. Methods: Forty female survivors of intimate partner violence with PTSD and alcohol use disorder participated in a randomized controlled trial comparing twenty-five 90-minute sessions of either modified Seeking Safety or Facilitated Twelve-Step in a community-based outpatient clinic. This study examined differences in demographics and pre-treatment PTSD symptoms and alcohol use between participants who engaged in treatment (attended ≥ 6 sessions, n = 18) and those who dropped out (n = 22). Results: There were no significant differences in PTSD or alcohol use disorder symptoms between treatment conditions. Women who engaged in therapy versus those who did not were significantly older (M = 46.2, SD = 9.14 vs. M = 38.95, SD = 10.49, respectively; p =.027), and had fewer dependents (M =.17, SD =.38, range = 0–1 vs. M =.95, SD = 1.66, range = 1–7, respectively; p =.046). Greater avoidance/numbing PTSD symptoms (OR = 1.13, p =.028, 95% CI [1.02–1.25]) and more years of heavy drinking (OR = 1.04, p =.03, 95% CI [1.00–1.07]) were also significantly associated with treatment engagement. Conclusions: This study replicates previous findings suggesting a need for additional retention strategies for younger women with dependents in comorbid PTSD and alcohol use disorder treatment. This is an analysis of data collected as part of a clinical trial registered as NCT00607412, at www.clinicaltrials. gov.
Cisplatin impairs antioxidant system and causes oxidation in rat kidney tissues: possible protective roles of natural antioxidant foods

This study aims to elucidate the molecular mechanism(s) of cisplatin nephrotoxicity and the possible protective effects of antioxidant food supplementation on this toxicity. Twenty eight rats were used throughout the study. Cisplatin was administered intraperitoneally (i.p.) in a single dose (10 mg kg−1). Antioxidant food supplementation was started 3 days before cisplatin treatment. In each group (control, cisplatin, cisplatin plus dried black grape and cisplatin plus tomato juice), there were seven animals. Rats were killed 72 h after treatment. The kidneys were removed and prepared for biochemical and histopathological investigations. Oxidant (sensitivity to oxidation, xanthine oxidase enzyme and malondialdehyde level) and antioxidant (superoxide dismutase, glutathione peroxidase and catalase enzymes, and antioxidant potential value) parameters were measured in kidney tissues of the groups. Histopathological examination was also performed. Significant decreases were measured in the renal activities of catalase and glutathione peroxidase enzymes. There was, however, a significant increase in the activity of xanthine oxidase enzyme in the cisplatin‐treated animals compared with the control group. The kidney tissue malondialdehyde levels were found to be increased, but sensitivity to oxidation and antioxidant potential values to be decreased in the cisplatin group. In the food supplemented groups, it has been observed that black grape eliminated oxidant stress by increasing antioxidant potential, but tomato did not. Histopathological examination results also revealed significant damage in the kidney tissues from the cisplatin‐treated rats. In the black grape group, significant improvements were observed compared with the cisplatin group. In the tomato group, there were also some improvements but to a lesser degree compared with the black grape group. The results suggest that cisplatin treatment causes significant oxidant load to the kidneys through both xanthine oxidase activation and impaired antioxidant defense system, which resulted in accelerated oxidation reactions in the kidney tissue. It is proposed that supplementation of some foods such as black grape which has resveratrol as an antioxidant can provide significant protection against cisplatin nephrotoxicity. Copyright © 2005 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Simulation model of public street lighting provided by a photovoltaic converter and battery storage

This paper describes a model of an autonomous public solar street lighting system powered by photovoltaic panels with energy storage battery and the lighting emission diodes consumer. The MATLAB simulating model was built for the system parameters study (voltages, currents and battery state of charge) under alternating solar intensity, photovoltaic converter efficiency and the system lighting load power. The study was focused on testing of the model under different load power conditions at the same solar power and battery charge capacity. The presented model is also used for studying the charge/discharge processes of different battery types for power plants containing solar and wind renewable sources.
THE ANALYSIS OF IMPEDANCE MISMATCH ON THE CONDUCTED EMI EMISSION

This paper proposes the process to predict and analyze the conducted electromagnetic interference (EMI) emission using the impedance mismatch approach. Five steps of this process are introduced and analyzed. The impedance mismatch criterion is proposed based on current and voltage waveforms in time domain. The impedance mismatch fixtures and EMI measured results show how the relationship of impedance ratio and conducted EMI emission are occurred. This work is done using a class E zero-voltage switching (ZVS) resonant inverter at various loaded conditions: unity, lagging and leading power factors. The experimental results show some good agreements with the simulated results, which are accomplished by MATLAB program.