gebhart/patrepeval huggingface dataset:
Pure Hemozoin Is Inflammatory In Vivo and Activates the NALP3 Inflammasome via Release of Uric Acid (2009)

The role of proinflammatory cytokine production in the pathogenesis of malaria is well established, but the identification of the parasite products that initiate inflammation is not complete. Hemozoin is a crystalline metabolite of hemoglobin digestion that is released during malaria infection. In the present study, we characterized the immunostimulatory activity of pure synthetic hemozoin (sHz) in vitro and in vivo. Stimulation of naive murine macrophages with sHz results in the MyD88-independent activation of NF-kappaB and ERK, as well as the release of the chemokine MCP-1; these responses are augmented by IFN-gamma. In macrophages prestimulated with IFN-gamma, sHz also results in a MyD88-dependent release of TNF-alpha. Endothelial cells, which encounter hemozoin after schizont rupture, respond to sHz by releasing IL-6 and the chemokines MCP-1 and IL-8. In vivo, the introduction of sHz into the peritoneal cavity produces an inflammatory response characterized by neutrophil recruitment and the production of MCP-1, KC, IL-6, IL-1alpha, and IL-1beta. MCP-1 and KC are produced independently of MyD88, TLR2/4 and TLR9, and components of the inflammasome; however, neutrophil recruitment, the localized production of IL-1beta, and the increase in circulating IL-6 require MyD88 signaling, the IL-1R pathway, and the inflammasome components ICE (IL-1beta-converting enzyme), ASC (apoptosis-associated, speck-like protein containing CARD), and NALP3. Of note, inflammasome activation by sHz is reduced by allopurinol, which is an inhibitor of uric acid synthesis. These data suggest that uric acid is released during malaria infection and may serve to augment the initial host response to hemozoin via activation of the NALP3 inflammasome.
A Preliminary Study on the Effect of High-Power Pain Threshold Ultrasound to Desensitize Latent Trigger Points: A Double-Blinded Randomized Study (2014)

Objectives: To determine the ideal number of applications of high-power pain threshold ultrasound [HPPTUS] for the desensitization of latent myofascial trigger points [LTrPs] in the elderly.Methods: Twenty-four elderly participants [65–73 years, four males, 20 females] with LTrPs identified in the upper trapezius muscle were included in the study. The participants were equally assigned to the HPPTUS-5, HPPTUS-9, and conventional US groups. The participants received five or nine times of HPPTUS or conventional US intervention to an upper trapezius myofascial TrP. Treatments were applied during three sessions for 1 week. The primary outcome variable was pressure pain threshold to evaluate the sensitivity of LTrP in the upper trapezius muscle. The secondary outcome variables were pressure pain tolerance and visual analog scale [VAS] for the subjective pressure pain intensity at 4.5 kg/cm2.Results: Between-group comparisons showed that the participants who received nine applications of HPPTUS showed a significantly greater increase in the pressure pain threshold and tolerance than the other groups at the end of the 1-week intervention. Within-group changes showed significantly decreased pain in all groups. No adverse effects were found.Conclusions: The results of this study indicate that nine applications of HPPTUS are more effective to reduce the pain sensitivity of LTrPs than conventional US techniques. Furthermore, this preliminary study showed no adverse effects of HPPTUS technique, even though strong stimulation was given to LTrPs.
H-Bonded Supramolecular Polymer for the Selective Dispersion and Subsequent Release of Large-Diameter Semiconducting Single-Walled Carbon Nanotubes (2015)

Semiconducting, single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNTs) are promising candidates for applications in thin-film transistors, solar cells, and biological imaging. To harness their full potential, however, it is necessary to separate the semiconducting from the metallic SWNTs present in the as-synthesized SWNT mixture. While various polymers are able to selectively disperse semiconducting SWNTs, the subsequent removal of the polymer is challenging. However, many applications require semiconducting SWNTs in their pure form. Toward this goal, we have designed a 2-ureido-6[1H]-pyrimidinone (UPy)-based H-bonded supramolecular polymer that can selectively disperse semiconducting SWNTs. The dispersion purity is inversely related to the dispersion yield. In contrast to conventional polymers, the polymer described herein was shown to disassemble into monomeric units upon addition of an H-bond-disrupting agent, enabling isolation of dispersant-free, semiconducting SWNTs.
Antiapoptotic effect of haem oxygenase-1 induced by nitric oxide in experimental solid tumour (2003)

Induction of haem oxygenase-1 (HO-1) may provide an important protective effect for cells against oxidative stress. Here, we investigated the mechanism of cytoprotection of HO-1 in solid tumour with a focus on the antiapoptotic activity of HO-1. Treatment of rat hepatoma AH136B cells with the HO inhibitor zinc protoporphyrin IX (ZnPP IX) or tin protoporphyrin IX resulted in extensive apoptotic changes of tumour cells both in vivo and in vitro. Caspase-3 activity of the ZnPP IX-treated hepatoma cells increased significantly. Moreover, ZnPP IX-induced apoptosis was completely inhibited by simultaneous incubation with a specific caspase-3 inhibitor and was partially abrogated by bilirubin, a reaction product of HO. In vivo ZnPP IX treatment did not affect nitric oxide (NO) production and tumour blood flow. Western blot analyses showed that HO-1 expression in AH136B cells was strongly upregulated by NO donors, for example, S-nitroso-N-acetyl penicillamine and propylamine NONOate in vitro; conversely, it was remarkably reduced in vivo by pharmacological blockade of NOS. We conclude that HO-1 may function in antiapoptotic defense of the tumour, and thus it may have important protective and beneficial effects for tumour cells against oxidative stress induced by NO, which is produced in excess during solid tumour growth in vivo.
Novel tissue‐derived biomimetic scaffold for regenerating the human nucleus pulposus (2010)

Numerous scaffold formulations have been investigated to support the regeneration of nucleus pulposus (NP) tissue for use as an early-stage therapy for intervertebral disc degeneration. Particular attention has focused on recreating the biochemical and mechanical properties of the native NP via the incorporation of exogenous extracellular matrix (ECM) components or synthetic surrogates. In the present study, we describe a novel approach to develop a tissue engineering (TE) scaffold comprised acellular porcine NP ECM. Complete decellularization of porcine NP was successfully achieved using a combination of chemical detergents, ultrasonication, and treatment with nucleases. Resulting NP scaffolds were devoid of host-cell remnants and the porcine antigen alpha-Gal. Native NP ECM components including aggrecan/chondroitin-6-sulfate and collagens types II, IX, and XI were found in physiologically relevant ratios within the NP scaffold. NP scaffold swelling capacity and unconfined mechanical properties were not significantly different from porcine NP tissue. Furthermore, NP scaffolds were conducive to repopulation with human adipose-derived stem cells as cell viability and proliferative capacity were maintained. These results demonstrate the successful decellularization of porcine NP and the resultant formation of a biomimetic scaffold exhibiting potential utility for TE the human NP.
DNA-Targeted 2-Nitroimidazoles: Studies of the Influence of the Phenanthridine-Linked Nitroimidazoles, 2-NLP-3 and 2-NLP-4, on DNA Damage Induced by Ionizing Radiation (2002)

The nitroimidazole-linked phenanthridines 2-NLP-3 (5-[3-(2-nitro-1-imidazoyl)-propyl]-phenanthridinium bromide) and 2-NLP-4 (5-[3-(2-nitro-1-imidazoyl)-butyl]-phenanthridinium bromide) are composed of the radiosensitizer, 2-nitroimidazole, attached to the DNA intercalator phenanthridine by a 3- and 4-carbon linker, respectively. Previous in vitro assays showed both compounds to be 10-100 times more efficient as hypoxic cell radiosensitizers (based on external drug concentrations) than the untargeted 2-nitroimidazole radiosensitizer, misonidazole (Cowan et al., Radiat. Res. 127, 81-89, 1991). Here we have used a (32)P postlabeling assay and 5'-end-labeled oligonucleotide assay to compare the radiation-induced DNA damage generated in the presence of 2-NLP-3, 2-NLP-4, phenanthridine and misonidazole. After irradiation of the DNA under anoxic conditions, we observed a significantly greater level of 3'-phosphoglycolate DNA damage in the presence of 2-NLP-3 or 2-NLP-4 compared to irradiation of the DNA in the presence of misonidazole. This may account at least in part for the greater cellular radiosensitization shown by the nitroimidazole-linked phenanthridines over misonidazole. Of the two nitroimidazole-linked phenanthridines, the better in vitro radiosensitizer, 2-NLP-4, generated more 3'-phosphoglycolate in DNA than did 2-NLP-3. At all concentrations, phenanthridine had little effect on the levels of DNA damage, suggesting that the enhanced radiosensitization displayed by 2-NLP-3 and 2-NLP-4 is due to the localization of the 2-nitroimidazole to the DNA by the phenanthridine substituent and not to radiosensitization by the phenanthridine moiety itself.
Cloning, Expression, and Partial Purification of Rep78: An Adeno-Associated Virus Replication Protein (1994)

Using the vaccinia virus/T7-RNA polymerase transient protein expression system, the AAV Rep78 protein was expressed in mammalian cells. Rep78 protein was found localized primarily to the nucleus of cells. Maximal steady-state protein levels were reached as early as 12 hr postinfection, with no discernable increase at later time points. The Rep78 protein has been partially purified from nuclear extracts of the expression system. We have successfully used the cloned, purified Rep78 protein to complement an uninfected HeLa cell extract in an in vitro AAV DNA replication assay. Rep78-containing fractions are sufficient to make an uninfected HeLa cell extract competent for AAV DNA replication.
Functional role of the zipper motif region of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 transmembrane protein gp41 (1994)

To study the functional role of the zipper motif region, located in the N-terminal region of the envelope transmembrane protein of human immunodeficiency virus type 1, a series of vaccinia virus-expressed mutant proteins containing a proline substitution in this region were characterized. All of the mutant proteins showed partial or no inhibition in gp160 cleavage, demonstrated impaired ability of gp120 to associate with gp41, and were unable to mediate syncytium formation with CD4+ cells. Moreover, mutants 580 and 587 secreted excessive gp120 into the medium compared with the wild type. Mutations in this region affected the conformation of the local or proximal sequence but did not alter the conformation conferred by a distal site. These studies reveal the crucial role of the C-terminal segment of the zipper motif region in envelope heterodimeric association and suggest that this sequence forms a gp120 contact site.
Micro-manipulation using rotational fluid flows induced by remote magnetic micro-manipulators (2012)

We present a non-contact manipulation method for micron scale objects using locally induced rotational fluid flows created by groups of untethered magnetic micro-manipulators. The magnetic micro-manipulators are rotated in a viscous fluid by an externally generated magnetic field to create rotational flows, which act to move micro-objects in the flow region. One single spherical micro-manipulator is used to manipulate one object at a time, while an array of micro-manipulators spin in synchrony on a surface patterned with magnetic micro-docks to create reconfigurable fluidic channels for simultaneous transportation of multiple objects. The induced rotational flow field and the resulting hydrodynamic forces on the micro-objects are studied using both finite element solutions and analytical models from previous studies. These results are compared with experiment to determine manipulation characteristics for the complex flows. Due to its untethered and non-contact operation, this micro-manipulation method could be used to quickly move fragile or non-fragile micro-objects in inaccessible or enclosed spaces such as in lab-on-a-chip devices.
Ongoing mumps outbreak in a student population with high vaccination coverage, Netherlands, 2010 (2010)

Since December 2009, mumps incidence has increased in the Netherlands. As of 20 April 2010, 172 cases have been notified on the basis of laboratory confirmation or linkage to a laboratory-confirmed case. Of these, 112 were students, the majority of whom had been vaccinated (81%). Although outbreaks in vaccinated populations have been described before, risk factors for exposure and susceptibility, and dose-dependent vaccine effectiveness in a student population of this nature are relatively unknown.
Data-driven hallucination of different times of day from a single outdoor photo (2013)

We introduce "time hallucination": synthesizing a plausible image at a different time of day from an input image. This challenging task often requires dramatically altering the color appearance of the picture. In this paper, we introduce the first data-driven approach to automatically creating a plausible-looking photo that appears as though it were taken at a different time of day. The time of day is specified by a semantic time label, such as "night". Our approach relies on a database of time-lapse videos of various scenes. These videos provide rich information about the variations in color appearance of a scene throughout the day. Our method transfers the color appearance from videos with a similar scene as the input photo. We propose a locally affine model learned from the video for the transfer, allowing our model to synthesize new color data while retaining image details. We show that this model can hallucinate a wide range of different times of day. The model generates a large sparse linear system, which can be solved by off-the-shelf solvers. We validate our methods by synthesizing transforming photos of various outdoor scenes to four times of interest: daytime, the golden hour, the blue hour, and nighttime.
Digital libraries meet electronic commerce: on-screen intellectual property (2002)

Publishers wishing to distribute text online fear that customers will download their product and redistribute it illegally. Although constraining the users to access the data only through proprietary software that does not allow downloading helps, it still leaves the possibility that users could take screen dumps of the material to capture it. The technique described in the paper relies on the perceptual properties of the human eye, using two unreadable images interleaved quickly to create a readable image, which cannot be screen-dumped since the readability depends on averaging in the human eye. Our program flickers two images of the text each with an admixture of grey noise. Your eye sorts out the letters and reads them, not paying close attention to the grey background; but any screen dump captures the item at one instant including the noise. The text is also scrolled up and down slowly, which again your eye can track, but which would frustrate a program trying to average out the flickering.
Tissue Distribution of 125I‐Labelled Bovine Superoxide Dismutase (SOD) in the Rat (1988)

Bovine copper/zinc superoxide dismutase (SOD) was labelled with 125I using the chloramine-T method. The tissue distribution of 125I-SOD (dose of SOD 5 mg/kg) was studied with whole-body and microautoradiography at various times after an intravenous injection. The distribution of 125I-SOD showed a remarkable organ specificity in that the localization of the enzyme to the kidneys and the urinary tract completely dominated the autoradiograms. The time pattern of localization of 125I-SOD also gives a clear picture of the renal handling of the enzyme in that, as a consequence of the renal elimination, the enzyme rapidly disappears from the circulation with an elimination half time of about 6 min. Up to 20 min. after the injection, there were high concentrations of 125I-SOD in the renal pelvis, ureter and urinary bladder showing that in addition to renal uptake there was an initial substantial urinary excretion of the enzyme. From the microautoradiography it is clear that the grains were exclusively localized over proximal tubular cells and tended to be concentrated at the luminal rather than the peritubular side of tubule. This would be compatible with renal uptake secondary to glomerular filtration of 125I-SOD, which is what one would expect from the renal handling of a protein with a molecular weight around 31,000 and an isoelectric point around pH 5.4. Pretreatment with a large dose of SOD (88 mg/kg) tended to competitively decrease the renal uptake of labelled SOD after 5 min. and apparently further increase its renal excretion. However, a noticeable renal uptake of 125I-SOD was still apparent.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
The Notch and Wnt pathways regulate stemness and differentiation in human fallopian tube organoids (2015)

The epithelial lining of the fallopian tube is of critical importance for human reproduction and has been implicated as a site of origin of high-grade serous ovarian cancer. Here we report on the establishment of long-term, stable 3D organoid cultures from human fallopian tubes, indicative of the presence of adult stem cells. We show that single epithelial stem cells in vitro can give rise to differentiated organoids containing ciliated and secretory cells. Continuous growth and differentiation of organoids depend on both Wnt and Notch paracrine signalling. Microarray analysis reveals that inhibition of Notch signalling causes downregulation of stem cell-associated genes in parallel with decreased proliferation and increased numbers of ciliated cells and that organoids also respond to oestradiol and progesterone treatment in a physiological manner. Thus, our organoid model provides a much-needed basis for future investigations of signalling routes involved in health and disease of the fallopian tube.
Colloidal chemical synthesis and characterization of InAs nanocrystal quantum dots (1996)

InAs nanocrystal quantum dots have been prepared via colloidal chemical synthesis using the reaction of InCl3 and As[Si(CH3)3]3. Sizes ranging from 25 to 60 Å in diameter are produced and isolated with size distributions of ±10%–15% in diameter. The nanocrystals are crystalline and generally spherical with surfaces passivated by trioctylphosphine giving them solubility in common organic solvents. The dots have been structurally characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM) and powder x-ray diffraction (XRD) and the optical absorption and emission have been examined. Quantum confinement effects are evident with absorption onsets well to the blue of the bulk band gap and size dependent absorption and emission features. The emission is dominated by band edge luminescence. These quantum dots are particularly interesting as they provide an opportunity to make important comparisons with comparably sized InAs quantum dots synthesized by molecular beam epitaxy techniques.
Cellular Trafficking and Cytotoxicity of Anti-Cd19-Targeted Liposomal Doxorubicin in B Lymphoma Cells (1999)

We have previously demonstrated that liposomal doxorubicin (DXR), targeted against the CD 19 receptor of human B lymphoma (Namalwa) cells resulted in selective affinity of SIL[anti-CD19] for CD19+ Namalwa cells in vitro and significantly increased therapeutic efficacy in mice compared to non-targeted liposomal DXR or to free drug (1). In this study we have examined the cellular trafficking of DXR in Namalwa cells for free drug compared to non-targeted liposomal drug (DXR-SL) or immunoliposomal drug targeted via the monoclonal antibody anti-CD19 (DXR-SIL[anti-CD19]). Liposomes were sterically stabilized with lipid derivatives of polyethylene glycol (PEG) and anti-CD 19 was attached to the PEG terminus. Time-dependent studies using flow cytometry revealed that free DXR accumulated rapidly in cells. Drug from DXR-SIL[anti-CD19] accumulated less rapidly in Namalwa cells than free drug but the cellular levels of DXR were several-fold higher than for drug presented in non-targeted DXR-SL. Internalization of SIL[anti-CD 19] into a low pH compartment could be demonstrated using a pH-sensitive probe, HPTS, encapsulated in liposomes. The endocytosis and intracellular fate of DXR-loaded liposomes were also studied by confocal microscopy, subcellular fractionation, and HPLC. At early times (1 h), DXR from targeted preparations appeared mainly at the cell surface with some DXR sequestered within vesicular structures, likely endosomes, in cells. DXR from non-targeted preparations (I)XR-SL) was only found on the cell surface after a one hour incubation. After two hours, drug from the targeted DXR formulation was mostly found within vesicular structures, whereas drug from the non-targeted formulation was still present only at the surface of the cells. The intracellular levels of DXR from DXR-S1L[anti-CD 19) continued to increase with longer incubation periods, and this endocytotic event could be abolished by metabolic inhibitors. Namalwa cells incubated with DXR-SIL[anti-CD 19] for 48 hours appear to demonstrate nuclear accumulation of DXR. This suggests that lysosomal processing of targeted liposomes allows trafficking of DXR from the lysosomal apparatus to its nuclear site of action. The cytotoxicity of DXR-SIL[anti-CD19] was 5-fold higher than that observed for non-targeted controls. The use of the cationic exchange resin, Dowex, to absorb DXR released from liposomes outside the cells demonstrated that a substantial portion of the cytotoxicity of DXR-SL, but not DXR-SIL, was due to uptake of released drug into cells. The targeted formulations were shown to be selectively apoptotic to CD 19 ' cells compared to CD 19 cells.
Virus-Induced Alterations in Homeostasis: Alteration in Differentiated Functions of Infected Cells in Vivo (1982)

The noncytopathic lymphocytic choriomeningitis virus displays a tropism for the anterior lobe of the murine pituitary gland. Virus replicates in cells that make growth hormone. This results in a diminished synthesis of growth hormone with a concomitant clinical picture of retarded growth and hypoglycemia. However, there is no morphologic evidence of either cell necrosis or inflammation in the anterior lobe of the pituitary. Hence, during infection in vivo, a noncytopathic virus may turn off the "differentiation" or "luxury" function of a cell while not killing that cell (loss of vital function). This is turn can disrupt homeostasis and cause disease. This model illustrates a novel way whereby viruses may cause disease.