gebhart/patrepeval huggingface dataset:
Development of a non-settling gel formulation of 0.5% loteprednol etabonate for anti-inflammatory use as an ophthalmic drop (2013)

The eye has protective barriers (ie, the conjunctival and corneal membranes) and defense mechanisms (ie, reflex tearing, blinking, lacrimal drainage) which present challenges to topical drug delivery. Topical ocular corticosteroids are commonly used in the treatment of anterior segment diseases and inflammation associated with ocular surgery, and manufacturers continually strive to improve their characteristics. We describe the development of a novel ophthalmic gel formulation of loteprednol etabonate (LE), a C-20 ester-based corticosteroid with an established safety profile, in the treatment of ocular inflammatory conditions. The new LE gel formulation is non-settling, eliminating the need to shake the product to resuspend the drug, has a pH close to that of tears, and a low preservative concentration. The rheological characteristics of LE gel are such that the formulation is instilled as a drop and transitions to a fluid upon instillation in the eye, yet retains sufficient viscosity to prolong ocular surface retention. The new formulation provides consistent, uniform dosing as evidenced by dose extrusion studies, while pharmacokinetic studies in rabbits demonstrated rapid and sustained exposure to LE in ocular tissues following instillation of LE gel. Finally, results from two clinical studies of LE gel in the treatment of postoperative inflammation and pain following cataract surgery indicate that it was safe and effective. Most patients reported no unpleasant drop sensation upon instillation, and reports of blurred vision were rare.
Cytokine-induced survival of activated T cellsin vitroandin vivo (1998)

Many antigen-specific T cells die after exposure to antigen in animals. These cells also die if they are isolated from animals shortly after activation and cultured. Various cytokines were tested for their ability to interfere with this in vitro death. Surprisingly, tumor necrosis factor alpha and other inflammatory cytokines did not prevent the in vitro death of activated T cells, even though these cytokines do prevent activated T cell death in animals. Therefore, the inflammatory cytokines probably act on T cells in vivo via an intermediary factor. Four cytokines, interleukin (IL)-2, IL-4, IL-7, and IL-15, did prevent activated T cell death in vitro, with IL-4 and IL-15 more effective than IL-2 or IL-7. These cytokines share a component of their receptors, the common gamma chain, gammac. Therefore, their collective ability to protect activated T cells from death may be mediated by signals involving gammac. To assess their activity in vivo, two of the cytokines, IL-2 and IL-4, were expressed in animals at local sites of superantigen responses. Both cytokines increased the numbers of T cells found at the local sites 14 days later. Interleukin 4 was more effective than IL-2, even though IL-2 stimulates T cell proliferation better than IL-4. This result suggested that IL-4 and related cytokines can promote T cell survival in vivo as well as in vitro. The ability of these cytokines to prevent the death of activated T cells may be important at certain stages of immune responses in animals.
The structure of the mammalian centromere (1991)

The mammalian centromere is a multifunctional chromosomal domain with a complexity that is reflected in its higher order structure, DNA sequence organization and protein composition. The centromere plays a major role during cell division where it functions as the site for the integration of the chromosome with the mitotic spindle, the site of the mechanochemical motor responsible for the movement of chromosomes and the major and last point of interaction between sister chromatids. Recent studies have focused on characterizing the components of the centromere and establishing their relationship to its function. The following brief review summarizes some selected aspects of this recent work.
N-Linked Oligosaccharides on the Meprin A Metalloprotease Are Important for Secretion and Enzymatic Activity, but Not for Apical Targeting (2000)

The alpha and beta subunits of meprins, mammalian zinc metalloendopeptidases, are extensively glycosylated; approximately 25% of the total molecular mass of the subunits is carbohydrate. The aim of this study was to investigate the roles of the N-linked oligosaccharides on the secreted form of mouse meprin A. Recombinant meprin alpha and mutants in which one of the 10 potential Asn glycosylation sites was mutated to Gln were all secreted and sorted exclusively into the apical medium of polarized Madin-Darby canine kidney cells, indicating that no specific N-linked oligosaccharide acts as a determinant for apical targeting of meprin alpha. Several of the mutant proteins had decreased enzymatic activity using a bradykinin analog as substrate, and deglycosylation of the wild-type protein resulted in loss of 75-100% activity. Some of the mutants were also more sensitive to heat inactivation. In studies with agents that inhibit glycosylation processes in vivo, tunicamycin markedly decreased secretion of meprin, whereas castanospermine and swainsonine had little effect on secretion, sorting, or enzymatic properties of meprin. When all the potential glycosylation sites on a truncated form of meprin alpha (alpha-(1-445)) were mutated, the protein was not secreted into the medium, but was retained within the cells even after 10 h. These results indicate that there is no one specific glycosylation site or type of oligosaccharide (high mannose- or complex-type) that determines apical sorting, but that core N-linked carbohydrates are required for optimal enzymatic activity and for secretion of meprin alpha.
Coinfection by Porcine Circoviruses and Porcine Parvovirus in Pigs with Naturally Acquired Postweaning Multisystemic Wasting Syndrome (2000)

Postweaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS) is an emerging disease in swine. Recently, the disease has been reproduced with inocula containing a newly described porcine circovirus (PCV), designated PCV 2, and porcine parvovirus (PPV). In order to determine if these viruses interact in naturally acquired PMWS, affected tissues from field cases were examined by immunohistochemistry (IHC) and polymerase chain reaction (PCR) for PCV 2 and PPV, as well as by PCR for the other recognized porcine circovirus, PCV 1. Porcine circovirus 2 was detected by PCR or IHC in affected fixed or frozen tissues from 69 of 69 cases of PMWS collected over 3 years from 25 farms. Porcine parvovirus was detected in 12 of the same cases, and PCV 1 was detected in 9 of 69; however, an apparent decrease was found in the sensitivity of the PCRs used to detect the latter 2 viruses when fixed tissue from the same cases were compared with the use of frozen tissues. Porcine circovirus 2 was not detected by PCR in affected tissues from 16 age-matched pigs that had Streptococcus suis-associated disease. Electron microscopic examination of plasma pooled from 15 pigs with PMWS revealed the presence of PCV and PPV, whereas these viruses were not observed in pooled plasma from 5 age-matched clinically normal pigs. These results confirm and extend previous findings documenting a consistent association of PCV 2 with PMWS. As well, infection by PPV or PCV 1 or both may be an important cofactor in the pathogenesis of some, but apparently not all, cases of PMWS.
Hydrophobic Surfactant Proteins and Their Analogues (2007)

Lung surfactant is a complex mixture of phospholipids and four surfactant-associated proteins (SP-A, SP-B, SP-C and SP-D). Its major function in the lung alveolus is to reduce surface tension at the air-water interface in the terminal airways by the formation of a surface-active film enriched in surfactant lipids, hence preventing cellular collapse during respiration. Surfactant therapy using bovine or porcine lung surfactant extracts, which contain only polar lipids and native SP-B and SP-C, has dramatically improved the therapeutic outcomes of preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). One important goal of surfactant researchers is to replace animal-derived therapies with fully synthetic preparations based on SP-B and SP-C, produced by recombinant technology or peptide synthesis, and reconstituted with selected synthetic lipids. Here, we review recent research developments with peptide analogues of SP-B and SP-C, designed using either the known primary sequence and three-dimensional (3D) structure of the native proteins or, alternatively, the known 3D structures of closely homologous proteins. Such SP-B and SP-C mimics offer the possibility of studying the mechanisms of action of the respective native proteins, and may allow the design of optimized surfactant formulations for specific pulmonary diseases (e.g., acute lung injury (ALI) or acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS)). These synthetic surfactant preparations may also be a cost-saving therapeutic approach, with better quality control than may be obtained with animal-based treatments.
Theory of High Temperature Superconductivity: A Status Report (2003)

This talk briefly reviews the current experimental and theoretical developments in high Tcsuperconductivity, focusing on the pseudogap regime of the underdoped region of the phase diagram. We argue that the appearance of superconductivity cannot be explained based on the traditional approach of quasiparticles exchanging some bosons, and that something fundamentally different is called for.
High efficient and low color-temperature white light-emitting diodes with Tb3Al5O12:Ce3+ phosphor (2007)

High efficient Tb3Al5O12:Ce3+ (TAG:Ce3+) phosphors were prepared in a solid-state reaction method with various fluxes. The results show that addition of proper flux can decrease the phase-forming temperature of the TAG crystals and improve the morphology as well as enhance the photoluminescence of the phosphors greatly. High efficient and low color-temperature white light-emitting diodes (WLEDs) were fabricated with the TAG:Ce3+ phosphor. Good performances of the WLEDs indicate that a mixture of H3BO3 and LiF is an excellent flux for synthesis of TAG:0.04Ce3+ phosphor and is beneficial to the fabrication of high efficient WLEDs.
Ischemic Preconditioning Decreases Apoptosis in Rat Hearts In Vivo (1997)

This study suggests that ischemic preconditioning reduces irreversible ischemic injury in part by decreasing apoptosis after prolonged ischemia and reperfusion.
The hemopoietic regulators – an embarrassment of riches (1992)

A large, and growing, group of glycoprotein regulators is now recognized to control the proliferation, maturation and functional activity of the eight major families of blood cells. Each hemopoietic regulator is the product of multiple cell types and there is a puzzling redundancy of regulators able to stimulate each subfamily of hemopoietic cells. Each regulator is polyfunctional but it remains unclear how a single type of activated receptor is able to initiate the diverse cellular responses induced.
Genomic sequence analysis identifies Jembrana disease virus as a new bovine lentivirus (1995)

Jembrana disease virus, the cause of an acute, severe disease in Bali (Bos javanicus) cattle in Indonesia was recently identified as a retrovirus, and possibly a lentivirus. We have produced sequence data representing 598 bp of the pol gene, amplified by PCR from viral cDNA using broadly reactive universal primers for retroviruses and more specific genus-reactive primers for lentiviruses. When the sequence data were compared with that of known lentiviruses and other bovine retroviruses, the closest alignment was with bovine immunodeficiency-like lentivirus (BIV), showing 74% nucleotide sequence identity. This confirmed that JDV is a lentivirus and that it is distinguishable from BIV. The pathogenesis of Jembrana disease is most unusual for a lentivirus infection and differs markedly from that reported for BIV infection.
Localization and Characterization of Two Novel Genes Encoding Stereospecific Dioxygenases Catalyzing 2(2,4-Dichlorophenoxy)propionate Cleavage in Delftia acidovorans MC1 (2004)

ABSTRACT Two novel genes, rdpA and sdpA , encoding the enantiospecific α-ketoglutarate dependent dioxygenases catalyzing R , S -dichlorprop cleavage in Delftia acidovorans MC1 were identified. Significant similarities to other known genes were not detected, but their deduced amino acid sequences were similar to those of other α-ketoglutarate dioxygenases. RdpA showed 35% identity with TauD of Pseudomonas aeruginosa , and SdpA showed 37% identity with TfdA of Ralstonia eutropha JMP134. The functionally important amino acid sequence motif HX(D/E)X 23-26 (T/S)X 114-183 HX 10-13 R/K, which is highly conserved in group II α-ketoglutarate-dependent dioxygenases, was present in both dichlorprop-cleaving enzymes. Transposon mutagenesis of rdpA inactivated R -dichlorprop cleavage, indicating that it was a single-copy gene. Both rdpA and sdpA were located on the plasmid pMC1 that also carries the lower pathway genes. Sequencing of a 25.8-kb fragment showed that the dioxygenase genes were separated by a 13.6-kb region mainly comprising a Tn 501 -like transposon. Furthermore, two copies of a sequence similar to IS 91 -like elements were identified. Hybridization studies comparing the wild-type plasmid and that of the mutant unable to cleave dichlorprop showed that rdpA and sdpA were deleted, whereas the lower pathway genes were unaffected, and that deletion may be caused by genetic rearrangements of the IS 91 -like elements. Two other dichlorprop-degrading bacterial strains, Rhodoferax sp. strain P230 and Sphingobium herbicidovorans MH, were shown to carry rdpA genes of high similarity to rdpA from strain MC1, but sdpA was not detected. This suggested that rdpA gene products are involved in the degradation of R -dichlorprop in these strains.
Augmentation of the Antimicrobial Efficacy of Antibiotics by Filamentous Phage (2006)

A significant increase in sensitivity to several antibiotics was observed in vitro after infection of the two Pseudomonas aeruginosa strains O1 and K with the filamentous phage Pf3 and Pf1, respectively. Moreover, upon infection with phage Pf1 a P. aeruginosa K strain harboring a plasmid-borne gentamicin resistance gene could be resensitized to the antibiotic. We further show that BALB/c mice were rescued from lethal infections with P. aeruginosa K by concomitant treatment with phage Pf1 and low concentrations of gentamicin, neither of which was able to cure the infection when administered alone.
Correlation of Relative Permeability and Relative Cerebral Blood Volume in High-Grade Cerebral Neoplasms (2006)

We found a high correlation between degree of contrast enhancement on dynamic contrast-enhanced images and rCBV values in whole tumors and in regions having the highest degree of contrast enhancement in this small study. Our findings, which suggest that relative permeability and rCBV values may be correlated in high-grade glial neoplasms, deserve further study in a larger patient population.
Reversine increases the plasticity of lineage-committed mammalian cells (2007)

Previously, a small molecule, reversine, was identified that reverses lineage-committed murine myoblasts to a more primitive multipotent state. Here, we show that reversine can increase the plasticity of C2C12 myoblasts at the single-cell level and that reversine-treated cells gain the ability to differentiate into osteoblasts and adipocytes under lineage-specific inducing conditions. Moreover, reversine is active in multiple cell types, including 3T3E1 osteoblasts and human primary skeletal myoblasts. Biochemical and cellular experiments suggest that reversine functions as a dual inhibitor of nonmuscle myosin II heavy chain and MEK1, and that both activities are required for reversine's effect. Inhibition of MEK1 and nonmuscle myosin II heavy chain results in altered cell cycle and changes in histone acetylation status, but other factors also may contribute to the activity of reversine, including activation of the PI3K signaling pathway.
One‐Step Modification of Superhydrophobic Surfaces by a Mussel‐Inspired Polymer Coating (2010)

Science MIMIC-king nature: Hydrophilic conversion of superhydrophobic surfaces can be easily achieved through a bioinspired approach to produce an alternating superhydrophobic–hydrophilic surface by using established soft-lithographic techniques, such as micromolding in capillaries (MIMIC). The resulting patterned surface showed high water adhesion properties as well as superhydrophobic properties. Detailed facts of importance to specialist readers are published as ”Supporting Information”. Such documents are peer-reviewed, but not copy-edited or typeset. They are made available as submitted by the authors. Please note: The publisher is not responsible for the content or functionality of any supporting information supplied by the authors. Any queries (other than missing content) should be directed to the corresponding author for the article.
Filtration Characteristics of the Dual‐Mode (Johnson and Johnson) Micropore Blood Transfusion Filter (1978)

Stored human whole blood and red blood cells of varying age were passed through dual mode microscope blood transfusion filters. Passage through the filters resulted in markedly decreased screen filtration pressure (SFP) of the blood and increased filter weights. Numerous microaggregates were removed and SFP returned to normal. Filtration resulted in reduced platelet and white cell counts but other blood components were not adversely affected. On the basis of this research, we conclude that this micropore blood transfusion filter is effective in removing microaggregates from stored whole blood and red blood cells. It has a high capacity and rapid flow rate and is reliable during pressure transfusion.
Spatial and temporal patterns of lin-12 expression during C. elegans hermaphrodite development. (1995)

The lin-12 gene encodes a receptor that mediates certain cell-cell interactions during Caenorhabditis elegans development. We have examined the expression of a lin-12::lacZ reporter gene in individual cells during the development of C. elegans hermaphrodites. lin-12::lacZ is expressed in a discrete spatial and temporal pattern during development and teh lin-12::lacZ reporter gene will provide a useful marker for other studies, particularly of somatic gonadal and vulval development. In general, the cells that express lin-12:: lacZ correspond to cells whose fates are known to be altered in lin-12 mutants implying that restriction of lin-12 expression may be an important regulatory mechanism; the exceptions to this statement may reveal the cellular defects that underlie aspects of the lin-12 phenotype that have not been previously explained. For decisions that are not naturally variable, lin-12::lacZ expression does not appear to change before or upon commitment to a cell fate implying that in these cases postranscriptional regulation of lin-12 activity may control cell fate specification.
Biomimetic Micro Underwater Vehicle with Oscillating Fin Propulsion: System Design and Force Measurement (2006)

This paper presents the design, fabrication, and force measurement of a centimeter scale micro underwater vehicle mimicking a boxfish. The principles of locomotion of real boxfish have been investigated thoroughly from a biological point of view, but attempts to replicate such a device within the research community of Micro Underwater Vehicles (MUV) have been quite limited. The authors have developed a electromechanical device with rigid body propelled by a oscillating tail fin and steered by a pair of independent side fins. The oscilating motions of the fins are independently controlled by PZT bimorph actuators driving four-bar mechanisms for motion amplification. The goal is to build a centimeter-length microrobotic fish capable of sustained autonomous swimming, which can then be used in marine micro-organism sensing, underwater ship wreck explorations, in-pipe inspections, and in forming underwater sensor networks. In this paper, we present the system concept design, fabrication and preliminary experimental measurements.
The role of glutathione in radiation and drug induced cytotoxicity. (1987)

The cellular response to radiation and various chemotherapy drugs, whose mechanism in part includes production of free radicals or DNA damage, may be altered by modification of cellular thiols. The recent introduction of agents which either inhibit glutathione (GSH) biosynthesis (buthionine sulfoximine, BSO) or stimulate GSH synthesis (oxothiazolidine-4-carboxylate, OTZ) has enabled detailed studies assessing the role of GSH in the radiation and chemotherapy response. GSH depletion by BSO has resulted in radiosensitization of both aerobic and hypoxic cells, with some discrepancy among laboratories as to the extent of sensitization of hypoxic cells. GSH elevation (by approximately 200% of control) has resulted in modest protection of aerobic and hypoxic cells. GSH has been shown to play an important role in the radiosensitization of hypoxic cells using nitroimidazoles. The extent of nitroimidazole hypoxic radiosensitization has recently been shown to depend on intracellular GSH levels. Recent findings that some human tumour cell lines, as opposed to rodent cell lines, are high in cellular GSH have prompted a need to evaluate in vivo, GSH levels in human tumours. Possible roles of GSH in the chemotherapy response include: (1) detoxification of H2O2 and/or organoperoxides through GSH peroxidase, (2) non-catalyzed nucleophilic reaction of GSH and drug, (3) binding of the drug with GSH catalyzed by GSH transferase, and (4) activation of certain drugs to toxic species by GSH. The role of GSH as it relates to the various topics mentioned above is discussed with emphasis on direction for future studies.
Staphylococcus aureusGrowth Boundaries: Moving towards Mechanistic Predictive Models Based on Solute-Specific Effects (2002)

The formulation of shelf-stable intermediate-moisture products is a critical food safety issue. Therefore, knowing the precise boundary for the growth-no-growth interface of Staphylococcus aureus is necessary for food safety risk assessment. This study was designed to examine the effects of various humectants and to produce growth boundary models as tools for risk assessment. The molecular mobility and the effects of various physical properties of humectants, such as their glass transition temperatures, their membrane permeability, and their ionic and nonionic properties, on S. aureus growth were investigated. The effects of relative humidity (RH; 84 to 95%, adjusted by sucrose plus fructose, glycerol, or NaCl), initial pH (4.5 to 7.0, adjusted by HCl), and potassium sorbate concentration (0 or 1,000 ppm) on the growth of S. aureus were determined. Growth was monitored by turbidity over a 24-week period. Toxin production was determined by enterotoxin assay. The 1,792 data points generated were analyzed by LIFEREG procedures (SAS Institute, Inc., Cary, N.C.), which showed that all parameters studied significantly affected the growth responses of S. aureus. Differences were observed in the growth-no-growth boundary when different humectants were used to achieve the desired RH values in both the absence and the presence of potassium sorbate. Sucrose plus fructose was most inhibitory at neutral pH values, while NaCl was most inhibitory at low pH values. The addition of potassium sorbate greatly increased the no-growth regions, particularly when pH was <6.0. Published kinetic growth and survival models were compared with boundary models developed in this work. The effects of solutes and differences in modeling approaches are discussed.