tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
MicroRNA-10A* and MicroRNA-21 Modulate Endothelial Progenitor Cell Senescence Via Suppressing High-Mobility Group A2
Authors: Shoukang Zhu, Shanming Deng, Qi Ma, Taifang Zhang, Chunling Jia, Degen Zhuo, Falin Yang, Jianqin Wei, Liyong Wang, Derek M. Dykxhoorn, Joshua M. Hare, Pascal J. Goldschmidt-Clermont, Chunming Dong
Journal: Circulation Research (2012)

Rationale: Endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) contribute to the regeneration of endothelium. Aging-associated senescence results in reduced number and function of EPCs, potentially contributing to increased cardiac risk, reduced angiogenic capacity, and impaired cardiac repair effectiveness. The mechanisms underlying EPC senescence are unknown. Increasing evidence supports the role of microRNAs in regulating cellular senescence. Objective: We aimed to determine whether microRNAs regulated EPC senescence and, if so, what the underlying mechanisms are. Methods and Results: To map the microRNA/gene expression signatures of EPC senescence, we performed microRNA profiling and microarray analysis in lineage-negative bone marrow cells from young and aged wild-type and apolipoprotein E–deficient mice. We identified 2 microRNAs, microRNA-10A* (miR-10A*), and miR-21, and their common target gene Hmga2 as critical regulators for EPC senescence. Overexpression of miR-10A* and miR-21 in young EPCs suppressed Hmga2 expression, caused EPC senescence, as evidenced by senescence-associated β–galactosidase upregulation, decreased self-renewal potential, increased p16 Ink4a /p19 Arf expression, and resulted in impaired EPC angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo, resembling EPCs derived from aged mice. In contrast, suppression of miR-10A* and miR-21 in aged EPCs increased Hmga2 expression, rejuvenated EPCs, resulting in decreased senescence-associated β–galactosidase expression, increased self-renewal potential, decreased p16 Ink4a /p19 Arf expression, and improved EPC angiogenesis in vitro and in vivo. Importantly, these phenotypic changes were rescued by miRNA-resistant Hmga2 cDNA overexpression. Conclusions: miR-10A* and miR-21 regulate EPC senescence via suppressing Hmga2 expression and modulation of microRNAs may represent a potential therapeutic intervention in improving EPC-mediated angiogenesis and vascular repair.
Handgrip dynamometry, Cybex measurements and lean mass as markers of the ageing of muscle function.
Authors: R J Shephard, W Montelpare, M Plyley, D McCracken, R C Goode
Journal: British Journal of Sports Medicine (1991)

Isometric handgrip force, isokinetic knee flexion and extension torque, and anthropometric data were obtained on 67 older men and women (ranging in age from 45 to 75 years, mean 59.7 years). Hydrostatic and skinfold estimates of lean body mass were quite closely correlated with each other in this sample (r = 0.93). Handgrip force, isokinetic knee flexion and extension torque, and lean mass all decreased by 6-8% per decade over the age span examined, although in the men the loss was most marked in terms of handgrip and lean mass, whereas in the women the loss of torque in the knee muscles was dominant. Because of these differences, the handgrip data were only weakly correlated with the isokinetic strength measurements (r = 0.22), and the isokinetic data were more strongly related to lean body mass and body mass. The optimum equation for a field prediction of isokinetic strength in this age group (a combination of age, sex, age-sex interaction and lean body mass) has an error approaching 25%, with a multiple r2 of 0.37, and a standard error of the estimate (s.e.e.) of 24.5%. It is concluded that handgrip data and slow isokinetic torque measurements evaluate relatively independent aspects of the ageing of muscular function.
TRPM4, a Ca2+-activated nonselective cation channel in mouse sino-atrial node cells
Authors: M DEMION, P BOIS, P LAUNAY, R GUINAMARD
Journal: Cardiovascular Research (2006)

Objective: A calcium-activated nonselective cation channel (NSCCa) has been recently described in several cardiac preparations. This channel is over-expressed in models of ventricular hypertrophy showing electrophysiological perturbations of heart activity, including occurrence of spontaneous activity. While these perturbations are currently attributed to a modification of the pacemaker If current activity, arguments are also in favor of participation of an NSCCa. Similarly, the NSCCa may be expressed in specialized pacemaker cells, i.e. sino-atrial node (SAN) cells. The aim of the present study was to detect such current in mouse pacemaker cells.
An <i>In Vivo</i> Evaluation of the Effect of Repeated Administration and Clearance of Targeted Contrast Agents on Molecular Imaging Signal Enhancement
Authors: Jason E. Streeter, Paul A. Dayton
Journal: Theranostics (2013)

Competitive inhibition diminishes ligand adhesion as receptor sites become occupied with competing ligands. It is unknown if this effect occurs in ultrasound molecular imaging studies where endothelial binding sites become occupied with adherent bubbles or bubble fragments. The goal of this pilot study was to assess the effect that repeated administration and clearance of targeted agents has on successive adhesion. Two groups of animals were imaged with 3-D ultrasonic molecular imaging. Injections and imaging were performed on Group 1 at time 0 and 60 minutes. Group 2 received injections of microbubbles at 0, 15, 30, 45 and 60 minutes with imaging at 0 and 60 minutes. At 60 minutes, Group 1 targeting relative to baseline was not significantly different from Group 2 (1.06 ± 0.27 vs. 1.08 ± 0.34, p = 0.93). Data suggest that multiple injections of targeted microbubbles do not block sufficient binding sites to bias molecular imaging data in serial studies.
Moxifloxacin<i>versus</i>amoxicillin/clavulanic acid in outpatient acute exacerbations of COPD: MAESTRAL results
Authors: Robert Wilson, Antonio Anzueto, Marc Miravitlles, Pierre Arvis, Jeff Alder, Daniel Haverstock, Mila Trajanovic, Sanjay Sethi
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2011)

Bacterial infections causing acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) frequently require antibacterial treatment. More evidence is needed to guide antibiotic choice. The Moxifloxacin in Acute Exacerbations of Chronic Bronchitis TriaL (MAESTRAL) was a multiregional, randomised, double-blind non-inferiority outpatient study. Patients were aged ≥60 yrs, with an Anthonisen type I exacerbation, a forced expiratory volume in 1 s &lt;60% predicted and two or more exacerbations in the last year. Following stratification by steroid use patients received moxifloxacin 400 mg p.o. q.d. (5 days) or amoxicillin/clavulanic acid 875/125 mg p.o. b.i.d. (7 days). The primary end-point was clinical failure 8 weeks post-therapy in the per protocol population. Moxifloxacin was noninferior to amoxicillin/clavulanic acid at the primary end-point (111 (20.6%) out of 538, versus 114 (22.0%) out of 518, respectively; 95% CI -5.89–3.83%). In patients with confirmed bacterial AECOPD, moxifloxacin led to significantly lower clinical failure rates than amoxicillin/clavulanic acid (in the intent-to-treat with pathogens, 62 (19.0%) out of 327 versus 85 (25.4%) out of 335, respectively; p = 0.016). Confirmed bacterial eradication at end of therapy was associated with higher clinical cure rates at 8 weeks post-therapy overall (p = 0.0014) and for moxifloxacin (p = 0.003). Patients treated with oral corticosteroids had more severe disease and higher failure rates. The MAESTRAL study showed that moxifloxacin was as effective as amoxicillin/clavulanic acid in the treatment of outpatients with AECOPD. Both therapies were well tolerated.
Regulation of hematopoiesis in vitro and in vivo by invariant NKT cells
Authors: Ioannis Kotsianidis, Jonathan D. Silk, Emmanouil Spanoudakis, Scott Patterson, Antonio Almeida, Richard R. Schmidt, Costas Tsatalas, George Bourikas, Vincenzo Cerundolo, Irene A. G. Roberts, Anastasios Karadimitris
Journal: Blood (2005)
The Mammalian Ovary from Genesis to Revelation
Authors: Mark A. Edson, Ankur K. Nagaraja, Martin M. Matzuk
Journal: Endocrine Reviews (2009)

Abstract Two major functions of the mammalian ovary are the production of germ cells (oocytes), which allow continuation of the species, and the generation of bioactive molecules, primarily steroids (mainly estrogens and progestins) and peptide growth factors, which are critical for ovarian function, regulation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, and development of secondary sex characteristics. The female germline is created during embryogenesis when the precursors of primordial germ cells differentiate from somatic lineages of the embryo and take a unique route to reach the urogenital ridge. This undifferentiated gonad will differentiate along a female pathway, and the newly formed oocytes will proliferate and subsequently enter meiosis. At this point, the oocyte has two alternative fates: die, a common destiny of millions of oocytes, or be fertilized, a fate of at most approximately 100 oocytes, depending on the species. At every step from germline development and ovary formation to oogenesis and ovarian development and differentiation, there are coordinated interactions of hundreds of proteins and small RNAs. These studies have helped reproductive biologists to understand not only the normal functioning of the ovary but also the pathophysiology and genetics of diseases such as infertility and ovarian cancer. Over the last two decades, parallel progress has been made in the assisted reproductive technology clinic including better hormonal preparations, prenatal genetic testing, and optimal oocyte and embryo analysis and cryopreservation. Clearly, we have learned much about the mammalian ovary and manipulating its most important cargo, the oocyte, since the birth of Louise Brown over 30 yr ago.
PTU-016 Wireless Capsule Endoscope Localisation Based On Visual Odometry
Authors: A Koulaouzidis, DK Iakovidis, E Spyrou
Journal: Gut (2014)

<h3>Introduction</h3> The localisation of a wireless capsule endoscope (WCE) within the small-bowel is typically performed by wearable radiofrequency sensors triangulation. The accuracy of this approach is low.<sup>1</sup> Only a few approaches have been proposed for WCE localisation based on visual features. These include methods addressing the estimation of the rotation angle of the capsule<sup>2,3</sup> and temporal video segmentation methods.<sup>4</sup> We present a WCE localisation method, based only on visual information extracted from conventional WCE recording. <h3>Methods</h3> Automatic detection of points of interest (POI) in WCE video frames, matching of the detected POI between consecutive frames, and determination of actual correspondences between subsets of these POI based on the random sample consensus (RANSAC) algorithm was performed. Maximally stable extremal regions (MSER) algorithm, instead of the speeded up feature extraction (SURF) algorithm, was used. Based on the scaling and the rotation of the content of the consecutive WCE frames, it is possible to estimate the displacement and the rotation of the capsule within the GI tract. For the ex-vivo experiment; a standard simulated intestinal environment was created. Markers were sewn (at set, pre-recorded distances) onto the luminal surface of porcine small-bowel through which a capsule (MiroCam®, IntroMedic Co Ltd, Seoul, Korea) was propelled. <h3>Results</h3> Comparative experiments using both SURF and MSER features, which indicated the superiority of the former over the latter, we conducted. We worked on a corpus of 1070 WCE frames (634 indicating forward motion, 436 indicating backward motion). The accuracy using SURF features was 81.5% (87.2% on forward motion, 73.2% on backward motion), while using MSER was 67.2% (79.8% on forward motion, and 48.9% backward motion). Noteworthy, the proposed algorithm often fails when using MSER (6.7% of frames while &lt;0.1% when using SURF) and a transform is not estimated due to the lack of adequate correspondences between interest points. <h3>Conclusion</h3> Visual odometry is a promising technique and – potentially – a feasible alternative to other localisation approaches in WCE. <h3>References</h3> Than TD, <i>et al</i>. A review of localization systems for robotic endoscopic capsules. <i>IEEE Transactions on Biomedical Engineering</i> 2012;59:2387–99 Spyrou E, Iakovidis D. Homography-based orientation estimation for capsule endoscope tracking. in <i>2012 IEEE Int. Conf. on Imaging Systems and Techniques (IST)</i>, IEEE, 2012:101–105, Mackiewicz M, <i>et al</i>. Wireless capsule endoscopy color video segmentation. <i>IEEE Transactions on Medical Imaging </i>2008;27:1769–81 Spyrou E, Iakovidis DK. Video-based measurements for wireless capsule endoscope tracking. <i>Measurement Science and Technology,</i><i>Measurement Science and Technology</i>, IOP Publishing, 2014;25:015002 (14pp) <h3>Disclosure of Interest</h3> None Declared.
Age-based preventive targeting of food assistance and behaviour change and communication for reduction of childhood undernutrition in Haiti: a cluster randomised trial
Authors: Marie T Ruel, Purnima Menon, Jean-Pierre Habicht, Cornelia Loechl, Gilles Bergeron, Gretel Pelto, Mary Arimond, John Maluccio, Lesly Michaud, Bekele Hankebo
Journal: The Lancet (2008)
Ammonium persulfate can initiate an asthmatic response in mice
Authors: V. De Vooght, M.-J. Cruz, S. Haenen, K. Wijnhoven, X. Munoz, P. H. Hoet, F. Morell, B. Nemery, J. A. Vanoirbeek
Journal: Thorax (2010)

<h3>Background</h3> Persulfate salts are the main cause of occupational asthma (OA) in hairdressers. The aim of this study was to verify whether ammonium persulfate ((NH<sub>4</sub>)<sub>2</sub>S<sub>2</sub>O<sub>8</sub>, AP) is capable of triggering an asthma-like response in mice. <h3>Methods</h3> BALB/c mice were dermally treated on days 1 and 8, with dimethylsulfoxide (DMSO), 1% AP or 5% AP (20 μl/ear). On day 15, the auricular lymph nodes were removed and an in vitro lymphocyte proliferation test (LPT) was performed. AP was tested for its ability to elicit an asthmatic response using a locally developed mouse model of chemical-induced asthma. On days 1 and 8, BALB/c mice received 20 μl AP (5%) or DMSO on each ear. On day 15, they received an intranasal instillation of AP (1%) or saline. Afterwards, ventilatory, inflammatory and immunological parameters were assessed. <h3>Results</h3> The LPT showed that in vitro stimulation of lymphocytes with AP leads to specific proliferation of lymphocytes from AP-sensitised mice. In vivo, AP induced, in AP-sensitised mice only, an ‘early’ ventilatory response (increased Penh (enhanced pause)) immediately after challenge, and airway hyper-reactivity to methacholine 22 h later. Pulmonary inflammation was mainly characterised by neutrophils (10–15%). AP-sensitised mice showed an increase in total number of T helper (Th) and B lymphocytes together with an increased in vitro secretion of interleukin-4 (IL-4), IL-10 and IL-13 and an increase in total serum immunoglobulin E. <h3>Conclusions</h3> In a mouse model, it was confirmed that dermal sensitisation to AP can lead to asthma-like responses after a single administration via the airway.
Extranodal natural killer/T-cell lymphoma involving the gastrointestinal tract: analysis of clinical features and outcomes from the Asia Lymphoma study group
Authors: Seok Jin Kim, Hyun Ae Jung, Shih-Sung Chuang, Huangming Hong, Cheng-Cheng Guo, Junning Cao, Xiao-Nan Hong, Ritsuro Suzuki, Hye Jin Kang, Jong Ho Won, Wee-Joo Chng, Yok-Lam Kwong, Cheolwon Suh, Yu-Qin Song, Jun Zhu, Kevin Tay, Soon Thye Lim, Junji Suzumiya, Tong-Yu Lin, Won Seog Kim
Journal: Journal of Hematology & Oncology (2013)

The gastrointestinal (GI) tract is one of the most common extranasal sites in extranodal NK/T-cell lymphoma (ENKTL). However, data regarding ENKTL involving the GI tract are relatively scarce. Thus, we performed a multicenter, multinational retrospective study to analyze clinical features and treatment outcomes of ENKTL involving the GI tract.Patients with ENKTL involving the GI tract diagnosed in twelve participating centers between 1991 and 2012 were retrospectively analyzed from five Asian countries.The analysis of 81 patients with ENKTL involving the GI tract revealed that more than 60% of patients presented as advanced disease with B symptoms. 55 patients (68%) had GI manifestations including abdominal pain (n = 26, 32%), GI tract bleeding (n = 17, 21%) and bowel perforation (n = 12, 15%). The most common GI site was the small intestine, including the jejunum and ileum (n = 57, 70.3%). There were 34 patients (42%) who received systemic chemotherapy while 33 patients (41%) underwent surgery plus chemotherapy. However, 35 patients (43%) died due to disease progression, and treatment-related mortality including sepsis occurred in 17 patients (21%). Thus, the median overall survival was 7.8 months (95% Confidence interval: 3.9 - 11.7 months). Patients who could undergo surgery plus chemotherapy showed a trend of better survival than those treated with chemotherapy alone.Overall, the data indicated that ENKTL involving the GI tract has a dismal prognosis despite active treatment including chemotherapy and surgery. Thus, more effective treatment strategies are required for this disease entity.
A double blind, placebo controlled trial of intravenous methylprednisolone in systemic lupus erythematosus.
Authors: C G Mackworth-Young, J David, S H Morgan, G R Hughes
Journal: Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases (1988)

A double blind, placebo controlled trial was performed in 25 patients to study the use of intravenous methylprednisolone (IVMP) in the treatment of active systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). The trial examined the additive effect of IVMP on a background of conventional oral steroid treatment. Patients were followed up for six months. The results showed a trend towards more consistent overall improvement in the first two weeks after IVMP administration compared with placebo, but this difference was not maintained at one month or subsequently. They also suggested a quicker resolution of hypocomplementaemia in the treatment group. Other parameters of disease activity showed no difference. Side effects were generally mild and were similar in incidence between the two groups. Thus it is concluded that IVMP may improve initial suppression of active lupus in some patients when added to conventional oral steroid treatment, but that this additional benefit is not maintained; IVMP is, however, a relatively safe treatment when used in this way.
INTERFERENCE BETWEEN POLIOMYELITIS VIRUSES IN TISSUE CULTURE
Authors: Nada Ledinko, Joseph L. Melnick
Journal: The Journal of Experimental Medicine (1954)

The inhibition of multiplication of one poliomyelitis virus by a poliomyelitis virus of another immunologic type has been established by using tissue cultures of monkey testes. The degree of interference varied from none, to partial, to complete, depending upon the time between inoculation of the interfering and the challenge viruses, and the amount of each virus inoculated. Reciprocal interference was demonstrated between Types 1, 2, and 3 poliomyelitis viruses. Under conditions which resulted in complete suppression of the growth of one poliomyelitis virus by another, interference by poliomyelitis virus with the multiplication of four antigenically distinct "orphan" viruses and of three antigenically related strains of Coxsackie virus could not be demonstrated. Poliomyelitis virus rendered non-infective by formalin or by irradiation with high energy electrons or with ultraviolet light, or treated so that only traces of residual active virus remained, failed to interfere with the propagation of active homologous virus.
Reward: Wanted – a better definition
Authors: Irving Kupfermann
Journal: Behavioral and Brain Sciences (2000)

Rolls's book depends significantly on a definition relating emotion to reward and learning. This definition confuses two separable concepts, and may result in the exclusion of notions of emotion and motivation from lower animals that may possess limited learning capacities. A more useful definition might revolve around the notion that emotions are states that function to optimize the performance of behavior.
Fluorescent Sensing of Fluoride in Cellular System
Authors: Yang Jiao, Baocun Zhu, Jihua Chen, Xiaohong Duan
Journal: Theranostics (2014)

Fluoride ions have the important roles in a lot of physiological activities related with biological and medical system, such as water fluoridation, caries treatment, and bone disease treatment. Great efforts have been made to develop new methods and strategies for F(-) detection in the past decades. Traditional methods for the detection of F(-) including ion chromatography, ion-selective electrodes, and spectroscopic techniques have the limitations in the biomedicine research. The fluorescent probes for F(-) are very promising that overcome some drawbacks of traditional fluoride detection methods. These probes exhibit high selectivity, high sensitivity as well as quick response to the detection of fluoride anions. The review commences with a brief description of photophysical mechanisms for fluorescent probes for fluoride, including photo induced electron transfer (PET), intramolecular charge transfer (ICT), fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET), and excited-state intramolecular proton transfer (ESIPT). Followed by a discussion about common dyes for fluorescent fluoride probes, such as anthracene, naphalimide, pyrene, BODIPY, fluorescein, rhodamine, resorufin, coumarin, cyanine, and near-infrared (NIR) dyes. We divide the fluorescent probes for fluoride in cellular application systems into nine groups, for example, type of hydrogen bonds, type of cleavage of Si-O bonds, type of Si-O bond cleavage and cylization reactions, etc. We also review the recent reported carriers in the delivery of fluorescent fluoride probes. Seventy-four typical fluorescent fluoride probes are listed and compared in detail, including quantum yield, reaction medium, excitation and emission wavelengths, linear detection range, selectivity for F(-), mechanism, and analytical applications. Finally, we discuss the future challenges of the application of fluorescent fluoride probes in cellular system and in vivo. We wish that more and more excellent fluorescent fluoride probes will be developed and applied in the biomedicine field in the future.
Mini symposium. The major histocompatibility complex in pregnancy: Part II. Placental HLA-G protein expression in vivo: where and what for?
Authors: P Le Bouteiller
Journal: Human Reproduction Update (1999)

In contrast to HLA-A and -B class Ia genes that are down-regulated in human trophoblast cells, HLA-G class Ib molecules are expressed in the placenta throughout gestation. In addition to extravillous cytotrophoblast that invade the decidua basalis essentially, HLA-G was also observed in endothelial cells of fetal vessels in the chorionic villi as well as in amnion cells and amniotic fluid. Both membrane-bound and soluble HLA-G isoforms have been detected. In view of the recently published functional data showing that HLA-G: (i) has the capability to bind and present peptides; (ii) is recognized by at least three different killing inhibitory receptors; and (iii) is a regulator of HLA-E expression, we can predict that such functions are likely to be exerted by extravillous cytotrophoblast. Of particular importance will be the anti-viral function of HLA-G at this materno-fetal interface, knowing that HLA-G was shown to be expressed by thymic medullary epithelial cells. In addition to these immunological functions, due to its presence on chorionic fetal endothelial cells, we hypothesize that HLA-G could also be a regulator of chorionic villous angiogenesis. Finally, soluble HLA-G isoforms may act as specific immunosuppressors during pregnancy.