Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Reduced gene expression of adiponectin in fat tissue from patients with end-stage renal disease.

BACKGROUND Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is the main cause of death in end-stage renal disease (ESRD) patients. It has been suggested that inflammation plays a key role in the development of both atherosclerosis and malnutrition (MIA), a combination of complications associated with poor outcome. Although plasma levels of adiponectin, a recently discovered anti-inflammatory and antiatherogenic adipocytokine, are markedly elevated in ESRD, gene expression of adiponectin (ApM1) has not been analyzed in ESRD patients. METHODS We analyzed the ApM1 gene expression in adipose tissue from 18 ESRD patients of whom 9 (7 males, 60 +/- 8 years, BMI 24 +/- 6 kg/m(2)) had a high prevalence of MIA complications, and 9 age- (55 +/- 9 years), gender- (7 males) and BMI- (24 +/- 2 kg/m(2)) matched ESRD patients had few MIA complications. The results were compared with age- (59 +/- 11 years), gender- (7 males), and BMI- (24 +/- 6 kg/m(2)) matched healthy control patients. Information on CVD was obtained at the recruitment based on a detailed medical history. Malnutrition was defined as a subjective global assessment (SGA) score >1. Inflammation was defined as CRP >/=10 mg/L. Gene expression analysis was performed using the in situ hybridization technique. RESULTS Gene expression of ApM1 was lower in ESRD patients compared with healthy control patients (P= 0.001). On the other hand, when comparing the gene expression between ESRD patients with and without MIA complications, respectively, no difference in the ApM1 gene expression was detected. CONCLUSION Adiponectin gene expression is significantly down-regulated in ESRD patients compared with healthy control patients. We propose that the decrease in expression may be the result of a negative feedback regulation, as a result of elevated levels of circulating adiponectin caused by renal failure.
Correlations of cranial morphology, ecology, and evolution in Australian suctorial tadpoles of the genera Litoria and Nyctimystes (Amphibia: Anura: Hylidae: Pelodryadinae)

Suctorial anuran larvae are highly specialized for living in fast‐flowing waters, using their oral disks as adhesive organs to attach to the substrate. The cranial musculoskeletal structure of suctorial larvae of Litoria nannotis, L. rheocola, and Nyctimystes dayi (Hylidae: Pelodryadinae) were compared with congenerics with pond‐type larvae (L. caerulea, L. genimaculata, L. xanthomera). Data from two other neobatrachian species with suctorial larvae (Boophis sp., Hyla armata) as well as published descriptions were taken into account. Suctorial tadpoles evolved several times independently in the Neobatrachia and share various features, irrespective of their phylogenetic position. These include the following. Cornua trabeculae are expanded anteriorly and sometimes fused. The lower jaws are robust. The greatest width of the skull is at the level of the jaw articulation. The upper jaw cartilages are partially or fully fused. The palatoquadrate is robust and connected to the skull by a wide commissura quadratocranialis anterior, processus oticus, processus basalis (in some species), and processus ascendens (vestigial or absent in some species). A processus ventralis quadrati provides an extended area of origin for the m. orbitohyoideus. The m. rectus abdominis inserts far anterior and acts on the cranium. The insertion of the epaxial musculature is shifted anteriorly to the anterior parts of the otic capsule. The mm. diaphragmatobranchialis and rectus cervicis cross at their origins. The origin of the m. levator mandibulae anterior has shifted posteriorly. The branchial basket is relatively small and the ceratohyal area is large. Multiple convergent evolution of these features suggests that they may be causally associated with the suctorial mode of larval life. Aside from these characters, however, the suctorial and pond‐type neobatrachian species are remarkably similar in their jaw musculature and hyobranchial musculoskeletal composition. In some features, Ascaphus truei differs significantly from the neobatrachian suctorial species, indicating the influence of the historically distant separation of the two taxa. A novel modification of the upper jaw abduction mechanism has evolved in L. nannotis, L. rheocola, and N. dayi. It involves an adrostral cartilage as a pushing‐rod element. This mechanism and unique structural similarities of the cartilago labialis superior gives support to the preliminary assumption that the nannotis species group is more closely related to the suctorial Nyctimystes dayi than it is to other Litoria species with pond‐type larvae. Suctorial larvae presumably were present in the most recent common ancestor of the Litoria nannotis group and Nyctimystes dayi. J. Morphol. 238:109–141, 1998. © 1998 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Loss of Osteocyte Integrity in Association with Microdamage and Bone Remodeling After Fatigue In Vivo

As a result of fatigue, bone sustains microdamage, which is then repaired by bone‐remodeling processes. How osteoclastic activity is targeted at the removal of microdamaged regions of bone matrix is unknown. In the current studies, we tested the hypothesis that changes in osteocyte integrity, through the initiation of regulated cell death (apoptosis), are associated with fatigue‐related microdamage and bone resorption. Ulnae of adult rats were fatigue‐loaded to produce a known degree of matrix damage. Osteocyte integrity was then assessed histomorphometrically from terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase–mediated deoxyuridine triphosphate–nick end labeling (TUNEL)–stained sections to detect cells undergoing DNA fragmentation associated with apoptosis; toluidine blue–stained sections were used for secondary morphological confirmation. Ten days after loading, large numbers of TUNEL‐positive osteocytes were found in bone surrounding microcracks and in bone surrounding intracortical resorption spaces (∼300% increases over controls, p < 0.005). TUNEL labeling in loaded ulnae at sites distant from microcracks or resorption foci did not differ from that in control bone. Osteocytes in toluidine blue–stained sections showed equivalent trends to TUNEL‐stained sections, with significant increases in pyknotic nuclei and empty lacunae associated with microcracks and intracortical resorption spaces. TUNEL‐positive osteocytes were observed around bone microdamage by 1 day after loading (p < 0.01 relative to baseline), and their number remained elevated throughout the entire experimental period. Increases in empty lacunae and decreases in normal osteocyte numbers were observed over time as well. These studies show that (1) osteocyte apoptosis is induced by bone fatigue, (2) this apoptosis is localized to regions of bone that contain microcracks, and (3) osteoclastic resorption after fatigue also coincides with regions of osteocyte apoptosis. The strong associations between microdamage, osteocyte apoptosis, and subsequent bone remodeling support the hypothesis that osteocyte apoptosis provides a key part of the activation or signaling mechanisms by which osteoclasts target bone for removal after fatigue‐induced matrix injury.
Characterization of molecular markers to assess cardiac cushions formation in Xenopus

The valves and septa of the mature heart are derived from the cardiac cushions, which develop from discrete swellings in two regions of developing heart tube: the atrioventricular (AV) canal and the ventricular outflow tract (OFT). In higher vertebrates, three distinct lineages contribute to the heart valves and septa, the endocardium, the myocardium, and the cardiac neural crest that will populate the cardiac jelly of the OFT. Very little is known about cardiac cushions development in amphibians. Here, we describe the expression of eight genes during key stages of cardiac cushion development in Xenopus. Among these genes, the Wnt antagonist Frzb1 and the transcription factors Xl‐Fli, Sox8, Sox9, and Sox10 are differentially expressed in the mesenchyme of the OFT and AV cushions. These genes can be used in combination with lineage‐tracing experiments to determine the embryonic origin of the cardiac cushions mesenchyme in Xenopus. Developmental Dynamics 238:3257–3265, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Novel polyethylenimine-derived nanoparticles for in vivo gene delivery

Introduction: Branched and linear polyethylenimines (PEIs) are cationic polymers that have been used to deliver nucleic acids both in vitro and in vivo. Owing to the high cationic charge, the branched polymers exhibit high transfection efficiency, and particularly PEI of molecular weight 25 kDa is considered as a gold standard in gene delivery. These polymers have been extensively studied and modified with different ligands so as to achieve the targeted delivery. Areas covered: The application of PEI in vivo promises to take the polymer-based vector to the next level wherein it can undergo clinical trials and subsequently could be used for delivery of therapeutics in humans. This review focuses on the various recent developments that have been made in the field of PEI-based delivery vectors for delivery of therapeutics in vivo. Expert opinion: The efficacy of PEI-based delivery vectors in vivo is significantly high and animal studies demonstrate that such systems have a potential in humans. However, we feel that though PEI is a promising vector, further studies involving PEI in animal models are needed so as to get a detailed toxicity profile of these vectors. Also, it is imperative that the vector reaches the specific organ causing little or no undesirable effects to other organs.
Exercise therapy in juvenile idiopathic arthritis: a Cochrane Review.

BACKGROUND Exercise therapy is considered an important component of the treatment of arthritis. The efficacy of exercise therapy has been reviewed in adults with rheumatoid arthritis but not in children with juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA). OBJECTIVES To assess the effects of exercise therapy on functional ability, quality of life and aerobic capacity in children with JIA. METHODS Several electronic databases were searched up to October 2007 and references were tracked. The selection criteria were randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of exercise treatment in JIA. As for data collection and analysis, potentially relevant references were evaluated and all data were extracted by two review authors working independently. RESULTS Three out of 16 identified studies met the inclusion criteria, with a total of 212 participants. All the included studies fulfilled at least seven of 10 methodological criteria. The outcome data of the following measures were homogenous and were pooled in a meta-analysis: functional ability (N=198; weighted mean difference [WMD] -0.07, 95% CI -0.22 to 0.08), quality of life (CHQ-PhS: N=115; WMD -3.96, 95% CI -8.91 to 1.00) and aerobic capacity (N=124; WMD 0.04, 95% CI -0.11 to 0.19). The results suggest that the outcome measures all favoured the exercise therapy but none were statistically significant. None of the studies reported negative effects of the exercise therapy. CONCLUSIONS Overall, based on ''silver-level'' evidence there was no clinically important or statistically significant evidence that exercise therapy can improve functional ability, quality of life, aerobic capacity or pain. The included and excluded studies were all consistent about the adverse effects of exercise therapy; no short-term detrimental effects of exercise therapy were found in any study. Both included and excluded studies showed that exercise does not exacerbate arthritis. Although the short-term effects look promising, the long-term effect of exercise therapy remains unclear.
A Single-Phase Single-Stage Three-Level AC/DC Resonant Converter Operating with a Wide Output Voltage Range

In this paper, a single-phase single-stage three-level AC/DC converter with a wide output voltage control range is presented. It integrates a PFC converter and a three level DC/DC converter. The proposed converter operates with a fixed frequency and provides a wide controllable output voltage (200VDC~430VDC) with high efficiencies over a wide load range. The input boost inductors operate in a discontinuous mode to improve the converter’s power factor. In addition, all the switching devices operate with ZVS, and the converter’s THD is small at full load. The feasibility of the proposed converter is verified with experimental results of a 1.5kW prototype.
THE CATIONIC COMPOSITION OF INCUBATED CEREBRAL CORTEX SLICES

Abstract— 1. A new type of cutting table is described. It makes use of the elastic properties of a nylon thread, 0·08 mm thick, in which longitudinal vibrations greatly increase its ability to cut through soft tissue. Two slices of cerebral cortex may thus be obtained within 3–4 min after the death of an animal.
PIV and WPIV: Performance Index For Heterogeneous Systems Evaluation

This article presents two new performance indices (PIV - performance index vector and WPIV - weighted performance index vector), to evaluate heterogeneous computing systems, based on a Euclidian metric. Aiming to maximize the use of the machines, the proposed indices are a combination of several usual indices and the results of their evaluation through a simulator show an appropriate behavior for different kinds of applications
Modelling above Ground Biomass in Tanzanian Miombo Woodlands Using TanDEM-X WorldDEM and Field Data

The use of Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (InSAR) data has great potential for monitoring large scale forest above ground biomass (AGB) in the tropics due to the increased ability to retrieve 3D information even under cloud cover. To date; results in tropical forests have been inconsistent and further knowledge on the accuracy of models linking AGB and InSAR height data is crucial for the development of large scale forest monitoring programs. This study provides an example of the use of TanDEM-X WorldDEM data to model AGB in Tanzanian woodlands. The primary objective was to assess the accuracy of a model linking AGB with InSAR height from WorldDEM after the subtraction of ground heights. The secondary objective was to assess the possibility of obtaining InSAR height for field plots when the terrain heights were derived from global navigation satellite systems (GNSS); i.e., as an alternative to using airborne laser scanning (ALS). The results revealed that the AGB model using InSAR height had a predictive accuracy of R M S E = 24.1 t·ha−1; or 38.8% of the mean AGB when terrain heights were derived from ALS. The results were similar when using terrain heights from GNSS. The accuracy of the predicted AGB was improved when compared to a previous study using TanDEM-X for a sub-area of the area of interest and was of similar magnitude to what was achieved in the same sub-area using ALS data. Overall; this study sheds new light on the opportunities that arise from the use of InSAR data for large scale AGB modelling in tropical woodlands.
Involvement of Retinoic Acid Regulates Wnt Signaling Pathway in Cancer Metastasis

Cancer is a generic term for a large group of diseases that can affect any part of the body. Metastasis is the spread of cancer to other locations in the body. Almost all cancers can metastasize resulting in the major cause of human death. Retinoic acid (RA) is essential for normal regulation of various biological processes including development, differentiation, proliferation, and apoptosis, and also defined as a potent suppressor of the proliferation of cancer cells and has been discovered inhibit various signaling pathways in tumors. Some reports have been found that lack of RA to relate with tumor development and cellular migration Lots of cellular pathways, including Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, are related to cancer metastasis. Many reports have suggested that exaggerated Wnt signaling can lead to cancer initiation and progression in a wide range of human tissues. Dysregulated Wnt/β-catenin signaling in cancers appear to more invasive to develop to mesenchymal cells and will undergo metastasis at last. The development of new therapeutic compounds targeting the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway promises new hope to eliminate cancers, especially metastasis cancers by natural and synthetic RA. In this review, we provide a highlighting various RA in regulates the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. The mechanism of its anti-tumor effect can be considered as a therapeutic option.
IIGP1, an Interferon-γ-inducible 47-kDa GTPase of the Mouse, Showing Cooperative Enzymatic Activity and GTP-dependent Multimerization*

IIGP1 belongs to a well defined family of 47-kDa GTPases whose members are present at low resting levels in mouse cells but are strongly induced transcriptionally by interferons and are implicated in cell-autonomous resistance to intracellular pathogens. Recombinant IIGP1 was expressed in Escherichia coli and purified to homogeneity. Here we present a detailed biochemical characterization of IIGP1 using various biochemical and biophysical methods. IIGP1 binds to GTP and GDP with dissociation constants in the micromolar range with at least 10 times higher affinity for GDP than for GTP. IIGP1 hydrolyzes GTP to GDP, and the GTPase activity is concentration-dependent with a GTP turnover rate of 2 min–1 under saturating protein concentrations. Functional interaction between IIGP1 molecules is shown by nucleotide-dependent oligomerization in vitro. Both cooperative hydrolysis of GTP and GTP-dependent oligomerization are blocked in a mutant form of IIGP1 modified at the C terminus. IIGP1 shares micromolar nucleotide affinities and oligomerization-dependent hydrolytic activity with the 67-kDa GTPase hGBP1 (induced by type I and type II interferons), with the antiviral Mx proteins (interferon type I-induced) and with the paradigm of the self-activating large GTPases, the dynamins, with which Mx proteins show homology. The higher relative affinity for GDP and the relatively low GTPase activity distinguish IIGP1, but this study clearly adds IIGP1 and thus the p47 GTPases to the small group of cooperative GTPase families that appear to characterize the development of intracellular resistance during the interferon response to infection. The present analysis provides essential parameters to understand the molecular mechanism by which IIGP1 participates in this complex resistance program.
Topology Models for 37 Saccharomyces cerevisiaeMembrane Proteins Based on C-terminal Reporter Fusions and Predictions*

We provide experimentally based topology models for 37 integral membrane proteins from Saccharomyces cerevisiae. A C-terminal fusion to a dual Suc2/His4C topology reporter has been used to determine the location of the C terminus of each protein relative to the endoplasmic reticulum membrane, and this information is used in conjunction with theoretical topology prediction methods to arrive at a final topology model. We propose that this approach may be used to produce reliable topology models on a proteome-wide scale.
When to close a patent foramen ovale

Transcatheter closure of the patent foramen ovale was the most common interventional procedure performed in our adult congenital heart disease unit in 2006. Although the prevalence of patent foramen ovale is similar in children, closure is rarely performed in this group despite susceptibility to similar defect-related morbidity. In this review we question whether this should remain the case.
Control scheme design for isolated Swiss-rectifier based on phase-shifted full-bridge topology

Swiss-rectifier is a family of high efficient AC-DC topologies. It's a combination of an input voltage selector and two symmetric DC-DC converters. In order to obtain an isolated single-stage rectifier system, the forward converter is used to replace the DC-DC converter in the recently study. However, the hard switching operation of forward converter is unfavorable to increase the working frequency of the magnetic elements. By replacing the forward converter with the phase-shifted full-bridge, the intensive stress of switches is released and the ZVS condition of high-frequency switches can be achieved. Compared with the currently Swiss-forward rectifier, the soft switching modulation mode and duty cycle loss must be considered into the new control scheme of the Swiss phase-shift full-bridge rectifier (SPFR). As a result, the control scheme design is shown in this paper and its characteristics are verified by the experimental results of a prototype.
Topoisomerase I inhibitors for the treatment of brain tumors

Patients with primary malignant brain tumors have a poor prognosis. Standard treatment includes surgical resection, radiation therapy and chemotherapy. Topoisomerase I inhibitors such as topotecan and irinotecan (CPT-11) represent one class of chemotherapy drugs that have been used in this disease. Recent clinical trials have shown major antitumor activity in recurrent glioblastoma when adding the antiangiogenesis drug bevacizumab with CPT-11. The combination of targeted agents to topoisomerase I inhibitors represent a novel and promising approach. This review will summarize clinical trials with topoisomerase I inhibitors and discuss new treatment strategies for primary malignant brain tumors.
Caries de la infancia temprana, demanda de atención odontológica y percepción parental de salud bucal en pre-escolares de riesgo social del Gran Mendoza

AUTORES *FErNáNDEZ, ClAUDiA NéliDA. Profesora Adjunta de la Cátedra de Odontopediatría I; Coordinadora Académica de la carrera de Especialización en Odontología para Niños y Adolescentes; docente de la Cátedra Integrada II y III, Módulo Odontopediatría F.O. UNCuyo. CAMBríA rONDA, SAlvADOr. Docente de la Cátedra Odontopediatría I. F.O. UNCuyo. vUOTO, ElENA rOSA. Profesora titular de la Cátedra Odontopediatría I. F.O. UNCuyo. BOrJAS, MAríA iNéS. Profesora adjunta de la Cátedra Diagnóstico Clínico y Socioepidemiológico. F.O. UNCuyo. giAMPOrTONE, vEróNiCA. Docente ad honorem de la Cátedra Integrada II y III, módulo Odontopediatría. F. O. UNCuyo. CABrErA, DiEgO. Docente ad honorem de la Cátedra Integrada II y III, módulo Odontopediatría. F. O. UNCuyo. vUOTO, JUAN i. Docente ad honorem de la Cátedra Integrada II y III, módulo Odontopediatría. F. O. UNCuyo. AFrONTi, SONiA. Docente ad honorem de la Cátedra Integrada II y III, módulo Odontopediatría. F. O. UNCuyo. SQUASSi, AlDO FABiáN. Profesor titular de la Cátedra de Odontología Preventiva de la F. O. UBA.
Shape Constancy and Slant Perception at Birth

Two experiments are described the object of which was to investigate whether perception of shape at birth is determined solely by proximal (retinal) stimulation, or whether newborn babies have the ability to perceive objective, real shape across changes in slant. In experiment 1 looking at (ie preference for) one stimulus, a square, when paired with either of two trapeziums, was found to change in a consistent manner with changes in slant, indicating that these changes in stimulation are detected and can cause considerable changes in looking behaviour. In experiment 2 newborns were desensitized to changes in slant during familiarization trials, and subsequently strongly preferred a different shape to the familiarized shape in a new orientation. This suggests that the real shape had been perceived as invariant across the retinal changes caused by the changes in slant, and further suggests that shape constancy is an organizing feature of perception which is present at birth.