gebhart/patrepeval huggingface dataset:
Reactivity of ovine lymphocytes to phytohaemagglutinin and pokeweed mitogen during pregnancy and in the immediate post-parturient period. (1978)

Lymphocytes from sheep in late pregnancy and at parturition showed markedly impaired proliferative responses to phytohaemagglutinin (PHA) in vitro when cultures were supplemented with foetal bovine serum (FBS), as compared to the responses of lymphocytes from non-pregnant sheep, sheep at 40 days of gestation and sheep at 80 days of gestation. Similar responses to PHA were observed when the medium was supplemented with autologous plasma (AP), although the responses were of a lower order. In both cases elevated responses to PHA were apparent at 10 days post-parturition. The response with FBS was more marked than with AP. Progressive reduction of lymphocyte responses to pokeweed mitogen (PWM) in the presence of FBS and AP were less obvious, although it was still apparent that responses to PWM were depressed at 120 days of gestation and at parturition, when compared with lymphocyte responses during early pregnancy (at 40 days and 80 days of gestation). The difference was much more apparent with AP than with FBS and responses during early pregnancy were markedly higher than those with FBS. An increase in lymphocyte responsiveness to PWM 10 days post-parturition was evident whether FBS or AP was incorporated in the cultures. The response with FBS was again more marked than with AP.
Biological properties of N4- and N1,N8-spermidine derivatives in cultured L1210 leukemia cells. (1985)

Eleven novel spermidine (SPD) derivatives were synthesized as potential anticancer agents and evaluated for their ability to compete with [3H]SPD for cellular uptake, to inhibit cell growth, to affect polyamine biosynthesis, to suppress enzyme activity, and to substitute for SPD in supporting growth of cultured L1210 leukemia cells. The compounds included a series of N4-SPD derivatives (N4-methyl-SPD, N4-ethyl-SPD, N4-acetyl-SPD, N4-hexyl-SPD, N4-hexanoyl-SPD, N4-benzyl-SPD, and N4-benzoyl-SPD) and a series of N1,N8-SPD derivatives [N1,N8-bis(ethyl)-SPD, N1,N8-bis(acetyl)-SPD, N1,N8-bis(propyl)-SPD, and N1,N8-bis(propionyl)-SPD]. Uptake studies revealed N4-alkyl derivatives to be the most effective competitive inhibitors of [3H]SPD uptake (Ki, 26 to 43 microM) followed by N1,N8-alkyl derivatives (Ki, 71 to 115 microM), then N4-acyl derivatives (Ki, 115 to greater than 500 microM), and N1,N8-acyl derivatives (Ki, greater than 500 microM). The data indicate the relative importance of the terminal amines and of charge as determinants of cellular uptake. Of the 11 derivatives, only N4-hexyl-SPD, N1,N8-bis(ethyl)-SPD, and N1,N8-bis(propyl)-SPD demonstrated antiproliferative activity at 0.1 mM with 50%-inhibitory concentration values at 48 h of 30, 40, and 50 microM, respectively. In the case of the N1,N8-SPD derivatives, recovery from growth inhibition was enhanced considerably by exogenous SPD, suggesting involvement of polyamine depletion. At 10 to 30 microM, both N1,N8-bis(ethyl)-SPD and N1,N8-bis(propyl)-SPD (but not N4-hexyl-SPD) inhibited polyamine biosynthesis as indicated by significant reductions in polyamine pools and in biosynthetic enzyme activities. The more effective of the two, N1,N8-bis(ethyl)-SPD, depleted intracellular putrescine and SPD and reduced spermine by approximately 50% at 96 h and decreased ornithine and S-adenosylmethionine decarboxylase activities by 98 and 62%, respectively. Since neither derivative (at 5 mM) directly inhibited these enzymes from untreated cell extracts by significantly more than SPD itself, it is suspected that they act by regulating enzyme levels. As a measure of regulatory potential of the derivatives, ornithine decarboxylase was assayed in cells treated for 24 h and compared to the effects of 10 microM SPD which reduced the enzyme activity by 80%. None of the N4-SPD derivatives affected ornithine decarboxylase activity, while N1,N8-bis(ethyl)- and (propyl)-SPD were nearly as effective as SPD. Apparently, the central amine of the molecule is critical for regulatory function.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Ligand-dependent conformational changes in the progesterone receptor are necessary for events that follow DNA binding. (1992)

Hormones and antihormones induce related, but distinct, conformational changes in the progesterone receptor [Allan, G. F., Leng, X., Tsai, S. Y., Weigel, N. L., Edwards, D. P., Tsai, M.-J. & O'Malley, B. W. (1992) J. Biol. Chem. 267, 19513-19520]. In both cases the conformational change precedes the dissociation of heat shock proteins and binding to DNA. We have now investigated the steps in hormone action which are dependent upon this conformational change. We show that in the absence of ligand, monoclonal antibodies directed against different regions of the progesterone receptor can induce high-affinity binding to its response element in vitro. This antibody-induced DNA binding is presumably facilitated by enhanced dimerization of receptor monomers. However, antibodies do not induce the hormone-specific conformational change in the progesterone receptor and do not induce in vitro transcription by the receptor. In contrast, the antiprogestin ZK98299, which inhibits receptor binding to DNA, fully induces the antihormone-specific conformational change. Thus, our data imply that steroids induce a conformational change in their receptors which is necessary for events subsequent to DNA binding, most likely for transactivation.
Composition dependence of the optical phonon energies in hexagonal AlxGa1−xN (2001)

We report optical studies on AlxGa1−xN alloy layers across the full composition range. The series of alloy layers was grown on (111)-oriented silicon substrates using gas-source molecular beam epitaxy. From reflectance measurements, we determine the composition dependence of the energy gap to be Eg=3.42+1.18x+1.56x2, in good agreement with previous work. By combining Fourier transform infrared and Raman spectroscopy studies, we determine the composition dependence of phonons having A1(TO), E1(TO), E22, A1(LO), and E1(LO) symmetry. The longitudinal optic phonons exhibit one-mode alloy behavior. Two-mode alloy behavior is observed for all transverse optic and the E22 phonons (i.e., each mode has AlN-like and GaN-like branches). All phonons are seen to blueshift with increasing x. The influence of stress on the phonon energies is discussed.
Development and benefits of rhizosphere competent fungi for biological control of plant pathogens (1992)

(1992). Development and benefits of rhizosphere competent fungi for biological control of plant pathogens. Journal of Plant Nutrition: Vol. 15, Root Distribution, and Chemistry and Biology of the Root-Soil Interface, pp. 835-843.
High Lipid Induction in Microalgae for Biodiesel Production (2012)

Oil-accumulating microalgae have the potential to enable large-scale biodiesel production without competing for arable land or biodiverse natural landscapes. High lipid productivity of dominant, fast-growing algae is a major prerequisite for commercial production of microalgal oil-derived biodiesel. However, under optimal growth conditions, large amounts of algal biomass are produced, but with relatively low lipid contents, while species with high lipid contents are typically slow growing. Major advances in this area can be made through the induction of lipid biosynthesis, e.g., by environmental stresses. Lipids, in the form of triacylglycerides typically provide a storage function in the cell that enables microalgae to endure adverse environmental conditions. Essentially algal biomass and triacylglycerides compete for photosynthetic assimilate and a reprogramming of physiological pathways is required to stimulate lipid biosynthesis. There has been a wide range of studies carried out to identify and develop efficient lipid induction techniques in microalgae such as nutrients stress (e.g., nitrogen and/or phosphorus starvation), osmotic stress, radiation, pH, temperature, heavy metals and other chemicals. In addition, several genetic strategies for increased triacylglycerides production and inducibility are currently being developed. In this review, we discuss the potential of lipid induction techniques in microalgae and also their application at commercial scale for the production of biodiesel.
Xylitol chewing gum and dental caries. (1995)

There is an extensive peer-reviewed literature on xylitol chewing gum as it pertains to effects on tooth decay in human subjects, on human dental plaque reduction, on inhibition of dental plaque acid production, on inhibition of the growth and metabolism of the mutans group of streptococci which are the prime causative agents of tooth decay, on reduction of tooth decay in experimental animals, and on xylitol's reported contribution to the remineralisation of teeth. The literature not only supports the conclusion that xylitol is non-cariogenic but it is now strongly suggestive that xylitol is caries inhibitory, that is, anti-cariogenic in human subjects, and it supplies reasonable mechanistic explanation(s).
A regenerable potassium and phosphate sorbent system to enhance dialysis efficacy and device portability: an in vitro study (2013)

RES-A and FeOOH are suitable, regenerizable sorbents for potassium and phosphate removal in dialysate regeneration. Use of zirconium carbonate and ZIR-hydr may further increase phosphate adsorption, but may compromise sorbent regenerability. Use of polymeric amines for phosphate adsorption may enhance sorbent regenerability. Calcium and magnesium preloading considerably reduced net adsorption of these ions.
Activation of oncogenic pathways in degenerating neurons in Alzheimer disease (2000)

A number of recent findings have highlighted the similarities between neurogenesis during development and neurodegeneration during Alzheimer disease. In fact, neuronal populations that are known to degenerate in Alzheimer disease exhibit phenotypic changes characteristic of cells re-entering the cell division cycle. In this study, we extended these findings by investigating components of the cell cycle, known to trigger progression through G1 through activation of signal transduction cascades. Specifically, we found that proteins implicated in G1 transition, namely Cdc42/Rac, are upregulated in select neuronal populations in cases of Alzheimer disease in comparison to age-matched controls. Importantly, Cdc42/Rac shows considerable overlap with early cytoskeletal abnormalities suggesting that these changes are an extremely proximal event in the pathogenesis of the disease. Given the functional role of Cdc42/Rac in various cellular processes known to be perturbed in Alzheimer disease, namely cytoskeletal organization, oxidative balance, and oncogenic signaling, it is likely that increased neuronal Cdc42/Rac is highly significant in relation to the pathogenic process and contributes to neuronal degeneration. In fact, these findings suggest that Alzheimer disease is an oncogenic process.
The synaptic pathology of α-synuclein aggregation in dementia with Lewy bodies, Parkinson’s disease and Parkinson’s disease dementia (2010)

Parkinson's disease (PD) and dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB) are usually associated with loss of dopaminergic neurons. Loss of substantia nigra neurons and presence of Lewy body inclusions in some of the remaining neurons are the hallmark pathology seen in the final stages of the disease. Attempts to correlate Lewy body pathology to either cell death or severity of clinical symptoms, however, have not been successful. While the pathophysiology of the neurodegenerative process can hardly be explained by Lewy bodies, the clinical symptoms do indicate a degenerative process located at the presynapse resulting in a neurotransmitter deficiency. Recently it was shown that 90% or even more of alpha-synuclein aggregates in DLB cases were located at the presynapses in the form of very small deposits. In parallel, dendritic spines are retracted, whereas the presynapses are relatively preserved, suggesting a neurotransmitter deprivation. The same alpha-synuclein pathology can be demonstrated for PD. These findings give rise to the notion that not cell death but rather alpha-synuclein aggregate-related synaptic dysfunction causes the neurodegeneration. This opens new perspectives for understanding PD and DLB. If presynaptic alpha-synuclein aggregation, not neuronal loss, is the key issue of the neurodegenerative process, then PD and DLB may eventually be treatable in the future. The disease may progress via trans-synaptical spread, suggesting that stem cell transplants are of limited use. Future therapies may focus on the regeneration of synapses.
Activation of Jun kinase is an early event in hepatic regeneration. (1995)

Compensatory hepatic regeneration after partial hepatectomy (PH) is dependent upon the extent of resection. This study analyzes the regulation of the AP-1 transcription factor c-Jun during hepatic regeneration. There is a progressive increase in c-jun mRNA levels after sham operation, one-third PH, and two-thirds PH. A concomitant increase in AP-1 binding activity is also observed. The c-Jun protein is a major constituent of the AP-1 complex in quiescent and early regenerating liver. The activity of c-Jun nuclear kinase (JNK), which phosphorylates the activation domain of the c-Jun protein, is markedly stimulated after one-third PH. JNK1 or an immunologically related kinase is a constituent of this stimulated JNK activity after PH. When primary cultures of adult rat hepatocytes are incubated with epidermal growth factor or transforming growth factor-alpha, AP-1 transcriptional activity is increased and the activation domain of the c-Jun protein is further potentiated. Phosphopeptide mapping of the endogenous c-Jun protein in proliferating cultured hepatocytes demonstrates phosphorylation of the c-Jun activation domain. Combining the results of these in vivo and culture studies, we conclude that the minimal stimulation of one-third PH activates JNK, which phosphorylates the c-Jun activation domain in hepatocytes, resulting in enhanced transcription of AP-1-dependent genes.
Daratumumab plus lenalidomide and dexamethasone versus lenalidomide and dexamethasone in relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma: updated analysis of POLLUX (2018)

In the POLLUX study, daratumumab plus lenalidomide/dexamethasone significantly reduced risk of progression/death <i>versus</i> lenalidomide/dexamethasone alone in relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma. We provide one additional year of follow up and include the effect on minimal residual disease and in clinically relevant subgroups. After 25.4 months of follow up, daratumumab plus lenalidomide/dexamethasone prolonged progression-free survival <i>versus</i> lenalidomide/dexamethasone alone (median not reached <i>vs</i> 17.5 months; hazard ratio, 0.41; 95% confidence interval, 0.31-0.53; <i>P</i><0.0001). The overall response rate was 92.9% <i>versus</i> 76.4%, and 51.2% <i>versus</i> 21.0% achieved a complete response or better, respectively (both <i>P</i><0.0001). At the 10<sup>-5</sup> sensitivity threshold, 26.2% <i>versus</i> 6.4% were minimal residual disease-negative, respectively (<i>P</i><0.0001). <i>Post hoc</i> analyses of clinically relevant patient subgroups demonstrated that progression-free survival was significantly prolonged for daratumumab plus lenalidomide/dexamethasone <i>versus</i> lenalidomide/dexamethasone regardless of number of prior lines of therapy. Patients previously treated with lenalidomide or thalidomide and those refractory to bortezomib received similar benefits (all <i>P</i><0.01). Treatment benefit with daratumumab plus lenalidomide/dexamethasone was maintained in high-risk patients (median progression-free survival 22.6 <i>vs</i> 10.2 months; hazard ratio, 0.53; 95% confidence interval, 0.25-1.13; <i>P</i>=0.0921) and patients with treatment-free intervals of >12 and ≤12 months and >6 and ≤6 months. No new safety signals were observed. In relapsed/refractory multiple myeloma patients, daratumumab plus lenalidomide/dexamethasone continued to improve progression-free survival and deepen responses <i>versus</i> lenalidomide/dexamethasone. Trial Registration: <i>clinicaltrials.gov identifier: 02076009</i>.
DNA Vaccines Expressing a Fusion Product of Outer Surface Proteins A and C fromBorrelia burgdorferiInduce Protective Antibodies Suitable for Prophylaxis but Not for Resolution of Lyme Disease (2001)

ABSTRACT DNA vaccines encoding the outer surface protein A (OspA) of Borrelia burgdorferi have been shown to induce protective humoral responses capable of preventing but not curing infection in mice. Subsequent studies showed that an established infection or disease could be resolved by passive transfer of antibodies to OspC. In the present study, DNA vaccines encoding either the OspC antigen alone or fused to OspA and under the transcriptional control of the human elongation factor 1α promoter were evaluated for their protective and/or curative potential. In contrast to ospA -containing plasmids, none of the six constructs with ospC alone were immunogenic in vivo, independent of whether they contained promoter or leader sequences from ospA and/or ospC , or alternatively, the signal sequence of the human tissue plasminogen activator. Solely, a DNA vaccine encoding an OspA-OspC fusion product led to expression of the respective polypeptide chain in transfected cells in vitro and to the induction of OspA- and OspC-specific antibodies in vivo. Immune sera raised against the OspA-OspC fusion product conveyed full protection against subsequent infection, most probably via OspA-specific antibodies, but were unable to resolve infection.
Quasi-solid-state dye-sensitized solar cells using room temperature molten salts and a low molecular weight gelator (2002)

A dye-sensitized solar cell fabricated using the room temperature molten salt, 1-hexyl-3-methylimidazolium iodide, iodine and a low molecular weight gelator as a quasisolid-state electrolyte showed a 5.0% light-to-electricity conversion efficiency under AM 1.5 irradiation, and high-temperature stability.
Sensory modalities conveyed in the hindlimb somatic afferent input to nucleus tractus solitarius (2000)

To determine the somatic sensory modalities conveyed by hindlimb somatic afferent inputs, the discharge of neurons in the nucleus tractus solitarius was recorded in anesthetized rats after electrical stimulation of either the contralateral sciatic nerve or L(6) spinal nerve, which innervates the hindlimb. The discharge of seven of eight cells was increased (P < 0.05) by capsaicin injected into the arterial supply of the hindlimb. Discharge was unaltered in 19 neurons tested for sensitivity to nonnoxious (40 degrees C) and noxious (47 degrees C) heating of the hindlimb skin. In contrast, lightly stroking the skin elicited discharge in 2 of 14 cells, whereas noxious pinching increased activity in 4 other cells. Rhythmic (1- to 3-s) muscle contraction (MC) increased (P < 0.05) discharge in >60% of neurons tested (11 of 18). Static (10- to 30-s) MC significantly (P < 0.05) increased discharge in four cells, two of which were also responsive to rhythmic MC. Rhythmic and sustained muscle stretch increased discharge (P < 0.05) in three of eight neurons tested. These data indicate that nucleus tractus solitarius neurons receive input from low- and high-threshold cutaneous mechanoreceptors, respond to capsaicin delivered into the hindlimb arterial supply, lack thermal sensitivity, and respond to activation of mechanosensitive as well as metabosensitive endings in skeletal muscle.
Singlet oxygen quenching ability of naturally occurring carotenoids (1994)

The singlet oxygen quenching ability of various naturally occurring carotenoids was examined by measuring toluidine blue-sensitized photooxidation of linoleic aci. To assess quenching, the oxidation of linoleic acid was followed by measuring oxygen consumption and ultraviolet absorbance at 235 nm. We found that oxygen quenching increased as the number of conjugated double bonds in the carotenoids increased, but quenching varied with chain structure and functional groups. Acyclic carotenoids enhanced quenching more than did cyclic carotenoids. Conjugated keto groups and the presence of a cyclopentane ring stimulated quenching, while hydroxy, epoxy and methoxy groups showed lesser effects. The photosynthetic bacterial carotenoids, spirilloxanthin and rhodopin, were found to be most effective as quenchers, followed by the cayenne carotenoid, capsorbin.
Obesity and Oral Contraceptive Failure: Findings from the 2002 National Survey of Family Growth (2007)

Oral contraceptives are the most popular reversible method of contraception in the United States. Although most women using oral contraceptives are reliably protected against pregnancy, nearly half of the 3 million unintended pregnancies in the United States annually occur among the 90% of women who use contraception. Recent findings suggest that obesity may reduce the biologic effectiveness of oral contraceptives. The purpose of this study was to further investigate the potential obesity-oral contraceptive failure association using 2002 National Survey of Family Growth data. In this retrospective cohort of 1,491 women, body mass index (kg/m2) was derived from self-reported values, and oral contraceptive failure was defined as conceptions that occurred while women used oral contraceptives. Hazard ratios and 95% confidence intervals were obtained from Cox proportional hazards models. Obese women (body mass index > or = 30 vs. 18.5-24.9) had an increased risk of oral contraceptive failure (hazard ratio = 1.59, 95% confidence interval: 0.94, 2.68). Results were largely attenuated after adjustment for age, race/ethnicity, and parity. This population-based study found no association between obesity and oral contraceptive failure. While it is possible that misclassification or uncontrolled confounding obscured a true relation, it may be that there is no association. Large, prospective studies are needed to assess whether obesity plays a biologically relevant role in oral contraceptive effectiveness.
Replication errors in benign and malignant tumors from hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer patients. (1994)

A replication error (RER) phenotype has been documented both in sporadic colorectal tumors and in tumors from patients with hereditary nonpolyposis colorectal cancer (HNPCC). In the current study 8 of 49 (16%) sporadic colorectal cancers (CRCs) and 25 of 29 (86%) CRCs from HNPCC patients were found to be RER+. All 9 (100%) CRCs from HNPCC patients with germline mutations of the mismatch repair gene MSH2 were found to be RER+, while 16 of 20 CRCs from HNPCC kindreds unlinked or not studied for linkage to MSH2 were RER+. Corresponding analysis in colorectal adenomas revealed that only 1 of 33 (3%) sporadic tumors but 8 of 14 (57%) HNPCC tumors were RER+. Moreover, RER was found in all 6 extracolonic cancers (endometrium, 2; kidney, 1; stomach, 1; duodenum, 1; and ovary, 1) derived from members of HNPCC families. These data suggest the involvement of mismatch repair deficiency in the premalignant stage of tumorigenesis in HNPCC cases, and suggest that mismatch repair genes (MSH2 or others) are defective in the germline of nearly all these patients.