gebhart/patrepeval huggingface dataset:
Blood pressure response to percutaneous transluminal angioplasty for renovascular hypertension: an overview of published series. (1990)

The evidence for the value of angioplasty in treating renovascular hypertension has serious limitations. Angioplasty for fibromuscular disease seems to be worth while, but for atherosclerotic lesions the benefit appears to be small and its efficacy needs to be compared with medical therapy in randomised trials. These findings emphasise the importance of early formal evaluation of new therapeutic techniques.
Self-assembly of synthetic collagen triple helices (2006)

Collagen is the most abundant protein in animals and the major component of connective tissues. Although collagen isolated from natural sources has long served as the basis for some biomaterials, natural collagen is difficult to modify and can engender pathogenic and immunological side effects. Collagen comprises a helix of three strands. Triple helices derived from synthetic peptides are much shorter (<10 nm) than natural collagen (approximately 300 nm), limiting their utility. Here, we describe the synthesis of short collagen fragments in which the three strands are held in a staggered array by disulfide bonds. Data from CD spectroscopy, dynamic light scattering, analytical ultracentrifugation, atomic force microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy indicate that these "sticky-ended" fragments self-assemble via intermolecular triple-helix formation. The resulting fibrils resemble natural collagen, and some are longer (>400 nm) than any known collagen. We anticipate that our self-assembly strategy can provide synthetic collagen-mimetic materials for a variety of applications.
Galectin-1, a β-Galactoside-binding Lectin in Chinese Hamster Ovary Cells (1995)

We report our studies on the characterization of an approximately 14-kDa lectin, termed galectin-1 that we have found to be expressed by Chinese hamster ovary (CHO) cells. cDNA for galectin-1 from CHO cells was prepared and sequenced, and a recombinant form (rGal-1) was expressed in Escherichia coli. A mutated form of the protein that fully retained activity was also constructed (termed C2SrGal-1) in which Cys-2 was changed to Ser-2. rGal-1 was stable in the presence of reducing agent, but it quickly lost all activity in the absence of reducing agent. In contrast, glycoprotein ligands, such as basement membrane laminin, stabilized the activity of rGal-1 in the absence of reducing agent (t1/2 = 2 weeks). C2SrGal-1 was stable in the presence or absence of either ligand or reducing agent. Unexpectedly, galectin-1 was found to exist in a reversible and active monomer-dimer equilibrium with a Kd approximately 7 microM and an equilibration time of t1/2 approximately 10 h. Addition of haptenic sugars did not affect this equilibrium. Galectin-1 isolated from the cytosol of CHO cells was found to exist as monomers and dimers. These studies demonstrate that galectin-1 binding to a biological ligand stabilizes its activity and that the monomer/dimer state of the protein is regulated by lectin concentration.
Affinity precipitation of proteins by polyligands (1993)

A novel technique for affinity precipitation has been developed in which multimeric target proteins are precipitated as a result of network formation by polymer-conjugated ligands (polyligands). A polyligand precipitant for avidin was synthesized by conjugation of biotin to a polyacrylamide-based backbone. The effects of mixing conditions, ligand substitution frequency, and molecular weight on affinity precipitation were examined using the biotin-PAAm precipitant. Biotin was replaced by iminobiotin to study the effect of the ligand-protein dissociation constant o affinity precipitation. The iminobiotin-PAAm precipitant was also used to examine the reversibility of the precipitation and recovery of the target protein after precipitation.
Concise Review: Application of In Vitro Transcribed Messenger RNA for Cellular Engineering and Reprogramming: Progress and Challenges (2016)

Several diseases are caused by missing or defective synthesis of proteins due to genetic or acquired disorders. In recent years, in vitro transcribed (IVT) messenger RNA (mRNA)-based therapy for de novo protein expression in cells has increased in importance. Thereby, desired proteins can be produced in cells by exogenous delivery of IVT mRNA, which does not integrate into the host genome and results in transient production of target proteins. Due to the lack of genomic integration, the risk of mutation and tumor development is minimized. Different approaches using IVT mRNA have been applied to alter the expression profiles of cells by the production of proteins. IVT mRNAs encoding transcription factors have led to the highly efficient induction of pluripotency in somatic cells and generated induced pluripotent stem cells that are free of viral vector components. Furthermore, specific IVT mRNA cocktails containing more than one specific IVT mRNA can be used to directly induce the differentiation into a desired cell type. In theory, every desired mRNA can be produced in vitro and used to enable extrinsic biosynthesis of target proteins in each cell type. Cells can be engineered by IVT mRNA to express antigens on dendritic cells for vaccination and tumor treatment, surface receptors on stem cells for increased homing to distinct areas, and to produce industrial grade human growth factors. In this review, we focus on the progress and challenges in mRNA-based cell engineering approaches. Stem Cells 2017;35:68-79.
Identical peptides recognized by MHC class I- and II-restricted T cells. (1989)

Previous data from many groups show that both class I and class II-restricted T cells recognize short synthetic peptides in the context of their respective MHC molecules (9-18), all of the peptides described to date are restricted to only a single class of MHC molecules; however, structural homology between the class I and II MHC molecules and the use of similar TCRs by class I and II-restricted T cells suggest that antigen recognition mechanisms are similar in both systems. To directly compare antigen recognition in the two systems, we analyzed peptides for the ability to function in both a class I and II-restricted system and found that seven of seven individual peptides tested stimulate both class I and II-restricted T cell responses. In addition, two of the peptides can function in different species stimulating both human class I and murine class II T cell responses. Thus, the process of T cell recognition of antigen in the context of MHC molecules was highly conserved in evolution not only between the class I and class II MHC systems, but also between the murine and human species.
Transport of glutathione diethyl ester into human cells. (1993)

Glutathione monoesters in which the carboxyl group of the glycine residue is esterified were previously found, in contrast to glutathione itself, to be effectively transported into various types of cells and to be converted intracellularly into glutathione. Glutathione monoesters are thus useful for prevention of oxidative stress, certain toxicities, and for treatment of glutathione deficiency. Glutathione diethyl ester is rapidly split to the glutathione monoethyl ester by mouse plasma glutathione diester alpha-esterase activity. Thus, as expected, glutathione mono- and diesters have similar effects on cellular glutathione levels in mice. However, human plasma lacks glutathione diester alpha-esterase; thus, it became of interest to compare the transport properties of glutathione mono- and diesters in human cells. We found that human cells (erythrocytes, peripheral blood mononuclear cells, fibroblasts, ovarian tumor cells, and purified T cells) transport glutathione diethyl ester much more effectively than the corresponding monoethyl (glycyl) ester. Human cells rapidly convert glutathione diethyl ester to the monoester, whose intracellular levels rise to levels that are significantly higher than levels found after application of the monoester to the cells. High levels of the monoester provide the cells with a means of producing glutathione over a period of time. We conclude that glutathione diethyl ester is highly effective as a delivery agent for glutathione monoester, and thus for glutathione, in human cells and therefore could serve to decrease oxidative stress and toxicity. Hamster (and certain other animals) also lack plasma glutathione diester alpha-esterase and therefore would be suitable animal models. Previously reported toxicity of certain glutathione ester preparations appears to reflect the presence of impurities rather than effects of the esters.
Cancer Chemopreventive Potential of Apples, Apple Juice, and Apple Components (2008)

Apples ( MALUS sp., Rosaceae) are a rich source of nutrient as well as non-nutrient components and contain high levels of polyphenols and other phytochemicals. Main structural classes of apple constituents include hydroxycinnamic acids, dihydrochalcones, flavonols (quercetin glycosides), catechins and oligomeric procyanidins, as well as triterpenoids in apple peel and anthocyanins in red apples. Several lines of evidence suggest that apples and apple products possess a wide range of biological activities which may contribute to health beneficial effects against cardiovascular disease, asthma and pulmonary dysfunction, diabetes, obesity, and cancer (reviewed by Boyer and Liu, Nutr J 2004). The present review will summarize the current knowledge on potential cancer preventive effects of apples, apple juice and apple extracts (jointly designated as apple products). In brief, apple extracts and components, especially oligomeric procyanidins, have been shown to influence multiple mechanisms relevant for cancer prevention in IN VITRO studies. These include antimutagenic activity, modulation of carcinogen metabolism, antioxidant activity, anti-inflammatory mechanisms, modulation of signal transduction pathways, antiproliferative and apoptosis-inducing activity, as well as novel mechanisms on epigenetic events and innate immunity. Apple products have been shown to prevent skin, mammary and colon carcinogenesis in animal models. Epidemiological observations indicate that regular consumption of one or more apples a day may reduce the risk for lung and colon cancer.
Belimumab reduces autoantibodies, normalizes low complement levels, and reduces select B cell populations in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (2012)

Belimumab appears to promote normalization of serologic activity and reduce BLyS-dependent B cell subsets in serologically and clinically active SLE. Greater serologic activity may predict a better treatment response to belimumab.
Anti-microbial properties of histone H2A from skin secretions of rainbow trout, Oncorhynchus mykiss (2002)

Skin exudates of rainbow trout contain a potent 13.6 kDa anti-microbial protein which, from partial internal amino acid sequencing, peptide mass fingerprinting, matrix-associated laser desorption/ionization MS and amino acid analysis, seems to be histone H2A, acetylated at the N-terminus. The protein, purified to homogeneity by ion-exchange and reversed-phase chromatography, exhibits powerful anti-bacterial activity against Gram-positive bacteria, with minimal inhibitory concentrations in the submicromolar range. Kinetic analysis revealed that at a concentration of 0.3 microM all test bacteria lose viability after 30 min incubation. Weaker activity is also displayed against the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. The protein is salt-sensitive and has no haemolytic activity towards trout erythrocytes at concentrations below 0.3 microM. Reconstitution of the protein in a planar lipid bilayer strongly disturbs the membrane but does not form stable ion channels, indicating that its anti-bacterial activity is probably not due to pore-forming properties. This is the first report to show that, in addition to its classical function in the cell, histone H2A has extremely strong anti-microbial properties and could therefore help contribute to protection against bacterial invasion.
Clustering nodes with attributes via graph alignment (2016)

We propose a two-stage clustering method based on a graph Alignment technique, and a spectral clustering approach with Multiple Kernel Learning, namely AMKL. Our method is capable of performing clustering in attributed graphs, that is, graphs with multiple attributes per node. As attributes have different meanings, we propose a graph alignment technique for each attribute, aiming at computing an aligned matrix with the rest of the attributes. In the second step, we use an unsupervised multiple kernel learning technique, to automatically weigh the importance of edges, and the aligned matrices of the first stage, to generate the final clusters based on a spectral approach. In our experiments with five real-world attributed graphs, we evaluate each stage of AMKL, separately, and we demonstrate that the combination of the two-stages in the proposed AMKL method significantly boosts the clustering accuracy. In addition, we show that AMKL outperforms state-of-the-art methods.
Indigocarmine as a Quantitative Indicator of Urothelial Integrity (1991)

There is increasing evidence that the urothelium of the bladder mucosa prevents the penetration of solutes from the urine into the bladder wall. In the current study, in vivo treatments of rabbit urinary bladder with DMSO, acetone and overdistension resulted in damage to the physical integrity of the bladder mucosa as quantitated by the penetration of the dye indigocarmine (1% in saline) into submucosal tissues. Penetration of the dye can be quantitated, because the dye can be extracted from the tissue and measured spectrophotometrically. Indigocarmine does not penetrate normal, control, bladder mucosae. Bladders treated with gentle 20, 30 and 50% acetone washes for one minute permit dye penetration which is proportional to the acetone concentration utilized. Intravesical 50% DMSO ("RIMSO 50") administration permits modest dye penetration. Distension by slow filling with saline to volumes 90% of capacity and greater causes a marked increase in dye penetration which is proportional to the magnitude of overdistension. Although pretreatment of the bladder with heparin did not reduce the dye penetration following acetone administration, it completely abolished penetration of the dye following overdistension. Indigocarmine is potentially useful as both a quantitative and qualitative indicator of bladder mucosal integrity.
Temperature variation and heat transfer in triangular grooves with an evaporating film (1996)

A mathematical model for the evaporating heat transfer coefe cient and temperature variation along the axial direction of a grooved plate has been developed. The model includes the effects of the capillaryinduced e ow in the grooves caused by the surface tension, the two-dimensional heat conduction occurring in the wall and liquid e lm, and the e ow and evaporation of the thin e lm caused by the disjoining pressure and surface tension in the thin e lm region. The results obtained from this model indicate that if a constant heat e ux boundary condition is applied, the heat transfer coefe cient will decrease and the wall temperature will increase along the axial direction. In addition, the apparent contact angle increases with increasing superheat, and hence, the heat transfer rate through the micro region also increases along the axial direction. Finally, it has been demonstrated that the contribution of the surface tension variation caused by temperature increases in the micro region can be neglected. This work will lead to a better understanding of the axial heat transfer coefe cient and temperature distribution on grooved surfaces, and how these parameters affect the e lm thickness.
Characterization of polymer dispersed liquid-crystal shutters by ultraviolet/visible and infrared absorption spectroscopy (1991)

Incorporation of dichroic dyes substantially improves the contrast of polymer dispersed liquid-crystal (PDLC) shutters. The efficiency of dichroic dyes in a PDLC shutter depends on the scattering efficiency of the film, the dichroic ratio of the dye, the order parameter of the dye in the liquid crystal, and the fraction of dye dissolved in the droplets. Ultraviolet/visible spectroscopy can be effectively used to determine the scattering efficiency of PDLC films, and the distribution of dichroic dye dissolved in the liquid-crystal droplets. To achieve high contrast the dichroic dye must be segregated in the droplet. We show that the segregation of dye in the PDLC droplets is dependent on the type of dye used and ranges from 19% to 100%. The scattering efficiency of the PDLC shutter provides insight into the effect of the dichroic dye on the contrast of the film. Production of a black PDLC shutter requires a mixture of several dichroic dyes. By careful consideration of the relative amounts of the components of the dye mixture, a black PDLC shutter can be constructed with a uniform contrast over the entire visible region. The dichroic absorption in the infrared of the liquid crystal used to make a PDLC can be analyzed in a manner analagous to the dichroic dye to determine the fraction of liquid-crystal phase separated in droplets and dissolved in the polymer binder.
Non-invasive monitoring of hematopoietic reconstitution and immune cell function through Positron Emission Tomography (2014)

Multiple diseases including blood disorders, autoimmunity, infections, and cancer result from defects in proper hematopoiesis or immune cell function. Hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) transplants or genetic modification of these cells can be used as a therapy to correct the observed deficiencies. Engineering antigen specific T cell receptors (TCR) in T cells, or in HSCs, has provided new targeted therapies against cancer by arming the host's immune system to specifically recognize the cancer of interest. The standard method to monitor immune cells is peripheral blood samples that cannot provide whole-body measurements of cell locations. Positron emission tomography (PET) allows non-invasive and repetitive in vivo visualization of positron-emitting probes. Here we use two PET imaging techniques to monitor the immune system. PET reporter genes are applied to detect only the specific, engineered immune cell populations, and immunoPET is used for the detection of total endogenous CD8 cells by radiolabeling an antibody fragment. We demonstrated that HSC transplants expressing PET reporter genes could be tracked for total cell engraftment, location, expansion, and elimination. The dual PET reporter/suicide gene sr39TK was expressed in a humanized mouse model of HSC transplant. Cells were detected through PET reporter imaging and then selectively eliminated through sr39TK suicide gene function validating its use for cell tracking and, if needed, ablation. We then developed a new PET reporter with human deoxycytidine kinase containing three point mutations within the active site (hdCK3mut) in combination with the PET probe [18F]-L-FMAU (1-(2-deoxy-2-18fluoro-&amp;#946;-L-arabinofuranosyl)-5-methyluracil). Comparison of hdCK3mut and sr39TK established that hdCK3mut was approximately two fold more sensitive for in vivo detection. hdCK3mut was capable of tracking HSC engraftment, expansion, and the intratumor trafficking of engineered T cells. Expression of hdCK3mut was inert with no effect on cell longevity or function. For detection of endogenous CD8 cells, a minibody (2.43 Mb) was engineered and radiolabeled with 64Cu. 2.43 Mb retained the ability to detect CD8 cells within the spleen and lymph nodes but did not cause antibody dependent cell depletion.PET is a powerful imaging modality that can be adapted to track lymphoid cells in vivo. Our work demonstrates three applications of how PET imaging can be applied for whole-body, selective detection of hematopoietic cells.
Effects of gene disruptions in the nisin gene cluster of Lactococcus lactis on nisin production and producer immunity (1999)

The lantibiotic nisin is produced by several strains of Lactococcus lactis subsp. lactis. The chromosomally located gene cluster nisABTCIPRKFEG is required for biosynthesis, development of immunity, and regulation of gene expression. Inframe deletions in the nisB and nisT genes, and disruption of nisC by plasmid integration, eliminated nisin production and resulted in a strongly reduced level of immunity of the strains. The transcription of two nisin operons was inactivated in these mutant strains, but could be restored by addition of small amounts of nisin to growing cultures. The immunity levels of the mutants were also raised by adding nisin to growing cultures, albeit not to wild-type level. A strain with an in-frame deletion in the nisI gene was still able to produce active nisin, but the production and immunity levels were markedly lower. By measuring immunity levels of the knock-out strains and determining mRNA levels, it is concluded that NisI has an important function for nisin immunity and must cooperate with nisFEG-encoded proteins to provide a high level of immunity. Maximal immunity could not be obtained in the mutant strains, probably because the wild-type transcription levels from nisA and nisF promoters are not reached when essential nis genes are disrupted. Using Southern hybridization with a consensus promoter probe, no other DNA sequences similar to the nisA and nisF promoters could be detected, indicating that these two elements are probably the only ones in the chromosome regulated by nisin and are thus the only ones involved in the regulation of producer immunity.
Steps Involved in Activation of the Pro-matrix Metalloproteinase 9 (Progelatinase B)-Tissue Inhibitor of Metalloproteinases-1 Complex by 4-Aminophenylmercuric Acetate and Proteinases (1995)

The precursor of matrix metalloproteinase 9 (pro-MMP-9, progelatinase B) noncovalently binds to tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases (TIMP)-1 through the C-terminal domain of each molecule. We have isolated the proMMP-9.TIMP-1 complex from the medium of human fibrosarcoma HT-1080 cells and investigated the activation processes of the complex by 4-aminophenylmercuric acetate, trypsin, and matrix metalloproteinase 3 (MMP-3, stromelysin 1). The treatment of the proMMP-9.TIMP-1 complex with 4-aminophenylmercuric acetate or trypsin converts proMMP-9 to lower molecular weight species corresponding to active forms, but no gelatinolytic activity is detected. The lack of enzymic activity results from binding of TIMP-1 to the activated MMP-9. The treatment of the proMMP-9.TIMP-1 complex with a possible physiological proMMP-9 activator, MMP-3, does not reveal any gelatinolytic activity unless the molar ratio of MMP-3 to the complex exceeds 1. This is due to the inhibition of MMP-3 by TIMP-1 forming a ternary proMMP-9.TIMP-1.MMP-3 complex. The formation of the ternary complex weakens the interaction between proMMP-9 and TIMP-1, resulting in partial dissociation of the complex into proMMP-9 and the TIMP-1.MMP-3 complex. When MMP-3 is in excess, the propeptide is completely processed, and the full activity of MMP-9 is detected. Similarly, the proMMP-9.TIMP-1 complex inhibits MMP-1 (interstitial collagenase) and in turn renders the proMMP-9 activable by a catalytic amount of MMP-3. These results suggest that formation of the proMMP-9.TIMP-1 complex regulates extracellular matrix breakdown in tissue by switching the predominant MMP activity from one type to another.
Preceding infections, immune factors, and outcome in Guillain–Barre syndrome (2001)

Subtypes of GBS defined by preceding infections were only approximately associated with different patterns of clinical, neurophysiologic, and immunologic features. A single infectious agent caused more than one type of pathology in GBS, implying interaction with additional host factors. Most patients had no identified infection.