Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Identification and Characterization of CKIP-1, a Novel Pleckstrin Homology Domain-containing Protein That Interacts with Protein Kinase CK2*

The catalytic subunits of protein kinase CK2, CK2α and CK2α′, are closely related to each other but exhibit functional specialization. To test the hypothesis that specific functions of CK2α and CK2α′ are mediated by specific interaction partners, we used the yeast two-hybrid system to identify CK2α- or CK2α′-binding proteins. We report the identification and characterization of a novel CK2-interacting protein, designated CKIP-1, that interacts with CK2α, but not CK2α′, in the yeast two-hybrid system. CKIP-1 also interacts with CK2α in vitro and is co-immunoprecipitated from cell extracts with epitope-tagged CK2α and an enhanced green fluorescent protein fusion protein encoding CKIP-1 (i.e. EGFP-CKIP-1) when they are co-expressed. CK2 activity is detected in anti-CKIP-1 immunoprecipitates performed with extracts from non-transfected cells indicating that CKIP-1 and CK2 interact under physiological conditions. The CKIP-1 cDNA is broadly expressed and encodes a protein with a predicted molecular weight of 46,000. EGFP-CKIP-1 is localized within the nucleus and at the plasma membrane. The plasma membrane localization is dependent on the presence of an amino-terminal pleckstrin homology domain. We postulate that CKIP-1 is a non-enzymatic regulator of one isoform of CK2 (i.e. CK2α) with a potential role in targeting CK2α to a particular cellular location.
An analysis of predictors of morbidity after stab wounds of the pancreas in 78 consecutive injuries.

INTRODUCTION Penetrating injuries of the pancreas may result in serious complications. This study assessed the factors influencing morbidity after stab wounds of the pancreas. METHODS A retrospective univariate cohort analysis was carried out of 78 patients (74 men) with a median age of 26 years (range: 16-62 years) with stab wounds of the pancreas between 1982 and 2011. RESULTS The median revised trauma score (RTS) was 7.8 (range: 2.0-7.8). Injuries involved the body (n=36), tail (n=24), head/uncinate process (n=16) and neck (n=2) of the pancreas. All 78 patients underwent a laparotomy. Sixty-five patients had AAST (American Association for the Surgery of Trauma) grade I or II pancreatic injuries and thirteen had grade III, IV or V injuries. Eight patients (10.3%) had an initial damage control operation. Sixty-nine patients (84.6%) had drainage of the pancreas only, six had a distal pancreatectomy and one had a pancreaticoduodenectomy. Most pancreas related complications occurred in patients with AAST grade III injuries; eight patients (10.2%) developed a pancreatic fistula. Four patients (5.1%) died. Grade of pancreatic injury (AAST grade I-II vs grade III-V injuries, p<0.001), RTS (odds ratio [OR]: 5.01, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.46-17.19, p<0.007), presence of shock on admission (OR: 3.31, 95% CI: 1.16-9.42, p=0.022), need for a blood transfusion (OR: 6.46, 95% CI: 2.40-17.40, p<0.001) and repeat laparotomy (p<0.001) had a significant influence on the development of general complications. CONCLUSIONS Although mortality was low after a pancreatic stab wound, morbidity was high. Increasing AAST grade of injury, high RTS, shock on admission to hospital, need for blood transfusion and repeat laparotomy were significant factors related to morbidity.
Landscape Change in the Steppe of Algeria South-West Using Remote Sensing

Abstract Landscape dynamics is the result of interactions between social systems and the environment, these systems evolving significantly over time. climatic conditions and biophysical phenomena are the main factors of landscape dynamics. Also, currently man is responsible for most changes affecting natural ecosystems. The objective of this work is to study the dynamics of a typical landscape of western Algeria in time and space, and to map the distribution of vegetation groups constitute the vegetation cover of this ecosystem. as well as using a method of monitoring the state of a fragile ecosystem by remote sensing to understand the processes of changes in this area. The steppe constitutes a large arid area, with little relief, covered with low and sparse vegetation. it lies between the annual isohyets of 100 to 400 mm, subjected to a very old human exploitation with an activity of extensive breeding of sheep, goats, and camels. Landsat satellite data were used to mapping vegetation groups in the Mecheria Steppe at a scale of 1: 300,000. Then, a comparison was made between the two maps obtained by a classification of Landsat-8 sensor Operational Land Imager (OLI) acquired on March 18, 2014, and Landsat-5 sensor Thematic Mapper (TM) acquired on April 25, 1987. The results obtained show the main changes affecting the natural distribution of steppe species, a strong change in land occupied by the Stipa tenacissima steppe with 65% of change, this steppe is replaced by Thymelaea microphylla, Salsola vermiculata, lygeum spartum and Peganum harmala steppe. an absence from the steppe Artemisia herba-alba that has also been replaced by the same previous steppes species. The groups with Quercus ilex and Juniperus phoenicea are characterized by a strong regression that was lost 60% of its global surface and transformed by steppe to stipa tenacissima and bare soil.
Use of Human Immunodeficiency Virus-1 Protease Inhibitors Is Associated With Atherogenic Lipoprotein Changes and Endothelial Dysfunction

Background—Human immunodeficiency virus protease inhibitors (HIV PIs) are associated with hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia, and obesity; however, it is not known whether they increase risk of atherosclerotic vascular disease. The purposes of this study were to characterize the lipoprotein abnormalities associated with use of HIV PIs in individuals with HIV infection and to determine the pathophysiological significance of these changes by assessing their effect on endothelial dysfunction. Methods and Results—This was a cross-sectional study of 37 adults with HIV-1 infection who were receiving antiretroviral therapy. Twenty-two were taking HIV PIs (group 1); 15 were not (group 2). Lipids and lipoproteins were measured by enzymatic techniques and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopic analysis. Flow-mediated vasodilation (FMD) of the brachial artery was measured by high-resolution ultrasound. Subjects in both groups were similar in regard to age, time since diagnosis of HIV infection, and CD4 cell count. Group 1 subjects had higher total cholesterol (5.68 versus 4.42 mmol/L, P =0.007) and triglyceride (4.43 versus 1.98 mmol/L, P =0.009) levels, characterized by elevated levels of IDL and VLDL. Subjects in group 1 had impaired FMD (2.6±4.6%), indicative of significant endothelial dysfunction. Group 2 subjects had normal FMD (8.1±6.7%, P =0.005). In group 1, chylomicron, VLDL, IDL, and HDL cholesterol levels predicted FMD. Conclusions—Use of HIV PIs is associated with atherogenic lipoprotein changes and endothelial dysfunction. Because these metabolic and vascular changes predispose to atherosclerosis, monitoring and treatment of dyslipidemia in patients taking these medications is warranted.
Using Category Structures to Test Iterated Learning as a Method for Identifying Inductive Biases

Many of the problems studied in cognitive science are inductive problems, requiring people to evaluate hypotheses in the light of data. The key to solving these problems successfully is having the right inductive biases-assumptions about the world that make it possible to choose between hypotheses that are equally consistent with the observed data. This article explores a novel experimental method for identifying the biases that guide human inductive inferences. The idea behind this method is simple: This article uses the responses produced by a participant on one trial to generate the stimuli that either they or another participant will see on the next. A formal analysis of this "iterated learning" procedure, based on the assumption that the learners are Bayesian agents, predicts that it should reveal the inductive biases of these learners, as expressed in a prior probability distribution over hypotheses. This article presents a series of experiments using stimuli based on a well-studied set of category structures, demonstrating that iterated learning can be used to reveal the inductive biases of human learners.
Community Analysis and Recovery of Phenol-degrading Bacteria from Drinking Water Biofilters

Phenol is a ubiquitous organic contaminant in drinking water. Biodegradation plays an important role in the elimination of phenol pollution in the environment, but the information about phenol removal by drinking water biofilters is still lacking. Herein, we study an acclimated bacterial community that can degrade over 80% of 300 mg/L phenol within 3 days. PCR detection of genotypes involved in bacterial phenol degradation revealed that the degradation pathways contained the initial oxidative attack by phenol hydroxylase, and subsequent ring fission by catechol 1,2-dioxygenase. Based on the PCR denatured gradient gel electrophoresis (PCR-DGGE) profiles of bacteria from biological activated carbon (BAC), the predominant bacteria in drinking water biofilters including Delftia sp. , Achromobacter sp. , and Agrobacterium sp. , which together comprised up to 50% of the total microorganisms. In addition, a shift in bacterial community structure was observed during phenol biodegradation. Furthermore, the most effective phenol-degrading strain DW-1 that correspond to the main band in denaturing gradient gel electrophoresis (DGGE) profile was isolated and identified as Acinetobacter sp. , according to phylogenetic analyses of the 16S ribosomal ribonucleic acid (rRNA) gene sequences. The strain DW-1 also produced the most important enzyme, phenol hydroxylase, and it also exhibited a good ability to degrade phenol when immobilized on granular active carbon (GAC). This study indicates that the enrichment culture has great potential application for treatment of phenol-polluted drinking water sources, and the indigenous phenol-degrading microorganism could recover from drinking water biofilters as an efficient resource for phenol removal. Therefore, the aim of this study is to draw attention to recover native phenol-degrading bacteria from drinking water biofilters, and use these native microorganisms as phenolic water remediation in drinking water sources.
Interferon Regulatory Factor 7 Protects Against Vascular Smooth Muscle Cell Proliferation and Neointima Formation

Background Interferon regulatory factor 7 (IRF7), a member of the interferon regulatory factor family, plays important roles in innate immunity and immune cell differentiation. However, the role of IRF7 in neointima formation is currently unknown. Methods and Results Significant decreases in IRF7 expression were observed in vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) following carotid artery injury in vivo and platelet‐derived growth factor‐BB (PDGF‐BB) stimulation in vitro. Compared with non‐transgenic (NTG) controls, SMC‐specific IRF7 transgenic (IRF7‐TG) mice displayed reduced neointima formation and VSMC proliferation in response to carotid injury, whereas a global knockout of IRF7 (IRF7‐KO) resulted in the opposite effect. Notably, a novel IRF7‐KO rat strain was successfully generated and used to further confirm the effects of IRF7 deletion on the acceleration of intimal hyperplasia based on a balloon injury‐induced vascular lesion model. Mechanistically, IRF7's inhibition of carotid thickening and the expression of VSMC proliferation markers was dependent on the interaction of IRF7 with activating transcription factor 3 (ATF3) and its downstream target, proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA). The evidence that IRF7/ATF3‐double‐TG (DTG) and IRF7/ATF3‐double‐KO (DKO) mice abolished the regulatory effects exhibited by the IRF7‐TG and IRF7‐KO mice, respectively, validated the underlying molecular events of IRF7‐ATF3 interaction. Conclusions These findings demonstrated that IRF7 modulated VSMC proliferation and neointima formation by interacting with ATF3, thereby inhibiting the ATF3‐mediated induction of PCNA transcription. The results of this study indicate that IRF7 is a novel modulator of neointima formation and VSMC proliferation and may represent a promising target for vascular disease therapy.
Minimal Disease Activity and Remission in Psoriatic Arthritis Patients Treated with Anti-TNF-α Drugs

Objective. A state of remission is the target of therapy in chronic arthritis. The aim of the present study was to assess the rate of minimal disease activity (MDA) and remission in patients with psoriatic arthritis (PsA) treated with tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) blockers. Disease characteristics and predictors of MDA were also evaluated. Methods. Patients fulfilling the ClASsification for Psoriatic ARthritis (CASPAR) criteria and treated with TNF-α blockers adalimumab, etanercept, or golimumab were enrolled and prospectively followed every 4 months for 1 year in a clinical practice setting. Patients were considered in MDA when they met at least 5/7 of the criteria previously defined. Other remission criteria evaluated were 28-joint Disease Activity Score-C-reactive protein (DAS28-CRP) < 2.6 and Disease Activity in Psoriatic Arthritis (DAPSA) score ≤ 3.3. Patients achieving MDA were compared to non-MDA to identify outcome predictor factors. Results. Of the 75 patients treated with TNF-α blockers, at baseline no patients were in MDA or had a DAPSA score ≤ 3.3, while 25 (21.3%) had a DAS28-CRP score < 2.6. Five patients (6%) discontinued treatment because of side effects or inefficacy during followup. After 12 months, MDA was achieved in 46 patients (61.3%). No difference was found among the 3 anti-TNF-α drugs. Predictors for MDA were found to be male sex, high CRP, high erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and low Health Assessment Questionnaire. Conclusion. In our prospective observational study, based on a clinical practice setting, MDA was achieved in 61.3% of patients treated with TNF-α blockers, identifying this as an achievable target for patients with PsA. Predictors of remission were also identified.
Impact of splenic hilar lymph node metastasis on prognosis in patients with advanced gastric cancer.

BACKGROUND Impact of splenic hilar LN dissection during total gastrectomy for proximal advanced gastric cancer is controversial. The objective of this study was to assess the impact on prognosis of splenic hilar lymph node(LN) metastasis compared to that of metastasis to other regional LN groups. STUDY DESIGN Patients who underwent total gastrectomy with D2 LN dissection from 2000 to 2010 were reviewed retrospectively. The clinicopathologic characteristics and long-term results of patients with splenic hilar LN metastasis were compared to those of patients with only metastasis to other extraperigastric LNs (stations #8a, #9, #11, or #12a). To investigate the survival benefit of performing splenic hilar LN dissection, the estimated therapeutic index for the procedure was calculated by multiplying the incidence of metastases in the hilar region by the survival rates for individuals with nodal involvement in that region. RESULTS Of 602 patients, 87(14.5%) had hilar LN metastasis. The 5-year overall and relapse-free survival rates for patients with hilar LN metastasis were 24.1% and 12.1%, respectively. These rates were similar to those for patients with metastasis to other extraperigastric LNs (P > 0.05), with similar recurrence patterns. Overall survival in the hilar LN metastasis group was better than that for patients with distant metastasis(P < 0.05). The estimated therapeutic index of splenic hilar LN dissection was 3.5, which was similar to index values for LN dissection at other extraperigastric LNs. CONCLUSIONS Dissection of splenic hilar LNs during total gastrectomy for advanced gastric cancer allows for a prognosis similar to that achieved with dissection of extraperigastric LNs.
Humeral Fixation by Press-Fitting of a Tapered Metaphyseal Stem: A Prospective Radiographic Study

Background: The technique of shoulder arthroplasty requires a method for securely and durably fixing the humeral component in the medullary canal of the proximal part of the humerus. As an alternative to fixation by cementing or tissue ingrowth, we explored the effectiveness of using a prosthesis with a metaphyseal taper from the anatomic neck to the diaphysis. This component is designed to obtain press-fit fixation in the cancellous bone of the metaphysis rather than in the cortical bone of the diaphysis. We tested the hypothesis that this press-fit humeral stem, designed to respect the taper of the proximal part of the humeral canal, would be associated with a low rate of loosening in patients managed with primary shoulder arthroplasty for osteoarthritis.Methods: A prospective study was conducted to evaluate the prevalence of radiolucent lines around press-fit humeral prostheses. One hundred and thirty-one patients with glenohumeral osteoarthritis were followed for a minimum of two years. A zonal method of evaluating radiolucent lines was established. Shift in position and subsidence were judged qualitatively.Results: No component showed subsidence or a shift in position. Fifty shoulders (39%) had no radiolucency. Two shoulders had radiolucency around the proximal part of the prosthesis, and seventy-five had radiolucency at the distal tip. Eleven radiolucencies were ≥1 mm in width. A neutral stem orientation was significantly less likely to be associated with radiolucency (p = 0.026). The prevalence of radiolucent lines did not differ between patients managed with hemiarthroplasty and those managed with total shoulder arthroplasty, and it did not increase with longer periods of follow-up.Conclusions: In patients managed with shoulder arthroplasty, the fixation of a press-fit humeral component that has a tapered metaphyseal segment is comparable with that reported for cemented components and superior to that reported for press-fit cylindrical components.Clinical Relevance: This type of fixation may provide an alternative to cementing of the humeral stem in individuals with glenohumeral osteoarthritis.Level of Evidence: Therapeutic study, Level IV (case series [no, or historical, control group]). See Instructions to Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
The Prophylactic Use of a Ureteral Stent in Laparoscopic Colorectal Surgery

Background and Aims: The insertion of prophylactic ureteral stents in traditional colorectal surgery has been debated for a long time. The aim of this study is to investigate the results of ureteric stent insertion in elective laparoscopic colorectal surgery in terms of complications and costs. Material and Methods: From June 2009 to June 2011 one or two prophylactic ureteral stents were placed in all patients undergoing elective laparoscopic resection of their colon or rectum. Results: A total of 89 patients took part in this study, 61% had a benign disease and 39% malignant. The mean time for ureteral stent insertion was 16 min if one-sided and 21 min if bilateral. Incidental findings were found in the bladder in four (4.5%) patients. In all, 13 (26%) male patients had a benign prostatic adenoma, and 3 (6%) male patients had a significant stenosis of the urethral meatus and required bouginage. Complications due to ureteral stent insertion were transient hematuria in 11 (12.3%) cases, postoperative urinary tract infections in 2 (2.2%) cases, and hydronephrosis in 2 (2.2%) cases. One patient suffered an accidental damage of the right ureter despite the presence of a stent; this was recognized intraoperatively. The total cost for a one-sided ureteral stent insertion is calculated at around €360, and for a bilateral ureteral stent insertion, it is around €410. Conclusions: The prophylactic use of a ureteral stent in laparoscopic colorectal surgery leads to minor complications and may be cost-effective.
Neurotrophin Therapy of Neurodegenerative Disorders with Mitochondrial Dysfunction

Abstract : This research program will determine whether accelerated neuron death due to increased oxidative stress resulting from mitochondrial dysfunction can be compensated or corrected by neurotrophin stimulation. The experiments will be carried out in two models of mitochondrial dysfunction. 1)hippocampal neurons from the trisomy 16 mouse, which undergo increased apoptosis and have a mitochondrial defect, that has now been identified as a decrease in Complex I-mediated respiration and altered mitochondrial protein expression and 2)neurons chronically treated with the neurotoxin rotenone to induce a defect in mitochondrial function. 0.1-0.5 nM rotenone treatment has now been shown to leave hippocampal neurons vulnerable to a second oxidative stress. A unique aspect of this approach is that the neuronal responsiveness to brain derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) will be enhanced by breeding to a mouse line with altered BDNF receptor expression. Neurons with an enhanced response to endogenous BDNF may be more resistant to oxidative stress characteristic of Parkinson's disease and other neurodegenerative disorders.
Abandonment of timber harvesting favours European beech over silver fir: evidence from Val Tovanella Nature Reserve in the southern Dolomites (Northern Italy)

Historical data from forest management plans have the potential to shed light on changes driven by either the application or the abandonment of forestry practices. This information coupled with recent data allows temporal comparisons to be made between surveys at the same location. Here we present the temporal comparison of two forest compartments located in Val Tovanella (Oriented Nature Reserve [Riserva Naturale Orientata] and Site of Community Importance) in the south-eastern Italian Alps for which full callipering was available for two years (1957 and 2010), the first of which came from a management plan by the renowned forest ecologist Lucio Susmel (1914–2006). Both compartments currently host mixed silver fir, Norway spruce and beech stands, and have not been managed since 1948; but one was historically a high forest, whereas the other was an open wooded pasture. We aimed to reconstruct the changes in volume, number of stems and diameter classes for the two compartments by comparing species proportions and their changes over time. In both compartments, species composition changed. In general, a decrease in compositional importance of silver fir and an increase in beech were observed. Furthermore, in one compartment, Norway spruce showed a large increase. Volumetric changes confirmed such trends and highlighted a shift towards larger diameter classes. We conclude that the abandonment of traditional forest activities and, in particular, the avoidance of tending and coppicing activities are major factors favouring beech at the expense of silver fir in the study area. Traditional planning and inventory methods can help to understand long-term changes in forest structure and the effects of forestry in light of current scenarios of land-use and climate change in protected areas. Profile
Greetings and Closings in Workplace Email

This article reports on a study of the use and form of greetings and closings in the emails of two New Zealand workplaces: an educational organization and a manufacturing plant. Using discourse analytic techniques, 515 emails were analyzed and a number of differences were identified. In the educational organization, where restructuring has resulted in low staff morale and a mistrust of management, indirect and socially distant styles of communication prevailed and greetings and closings were not widely used. In the manufacturing plant, the more extensive use of greetings and closings reflected and constructed the open and positive relationships between staff and management and the direct, friendly, and familial workplace culture. The findings suggest that workplace culture is a more important factor accounting for the frequency and form of greetings and closings than are relative status, social distance, and gender.