Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mutagenesis and Functional Reconstitution of Chlamydial Major Outer Membrane Proteins: VS4 Domains Are Not Required for Pore Formation but Modify Channel Function

ABSTRACT Chlamidial organisms are obligate intracellular pathogens containing highly antigenic porin-like major outer membrane proteins (MOMPs). MOMP epitopes are of substantial medical interest, and they cluster within four relatively short variable (VS) domains. If MOMPs adopt a β-barrel fold, like bacterial porins, the VS domains may form extramembranous loops and the conserved regions of the protein may correspond to predicted membrane-located β-strands. However, molecular studies on native MOMPs have been hampered by the need to culture chlamydiae in eukaryotic host cells and purification and reconstitution remain problematic. In addition, the organisms are difficult to manipulate genetically, and it has also been difficult to functionally reconstitute recombinant MOMPs. To help overcome these problems and improve our understanding of MOMP structure and function, we cloned and expressed C. trachomatis and C. psittaci MOMPs and functionally reconstituted them at the single-channel level. We measured significant functional differences between the two proteins, and by removing and exchanging VS4, we tested the hypothesis that the largest variable domain forms an extramembranous loop that contributes to these differences. Proteins in which VS4 was deleted continued to form functional ion channels, consistent with the idea that the domain forms an extramembranous protein loop and incompatible with models in which it contributes to predicted membrane-located β-strands. Additionally, the properties of the chimeric proteins strongly suggested that the VS4 domain interacts closely with other regions of the protein to form the channel entrance or vestibule. Our approach can be used to probe structure-function relationships in chlamydial MOMPs and may have implications for the generation of effective antichlamydial vaccines.
The microRNA-23b/27b/24-1 cluster is a disease progression marker and tumor suppressor in prostate cancer

Our recent study of microRNA (miRNA) expression signatures in prostate cancer (PCa) has revealed that all members of the miR-23b/27b/24-1 cluster are significantly downregulated in PCa tissues. The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of these clustered miRNAs as a disease progression marker and to determine the functional significance of these clustered miRNAs in PCa. Expression of the miR-23b/27b/24-1 cluster was significantly reduced in PCa tissues. Kaplan-Meier survival curves showed that low expression of miR-27b predicted a short duration of progression to castration-resistant PCa. Gain-of-function studies using mature miR-23b, miR-27b, and miR-24-1 significantly inhibited cell proliferation, migration and invasion in PCa cells (PC3 and DU145). To identify the molecular targets of these miRNAs, we carried out gene expression and in silico database analyses. GOLM1 was directly regulated by miR-27b in PCa cells. Elucidation of the molecular targets and pathways regulated by the tumor-suppressive microRNAs should shed light on the oncogenic and metastatic processes in PCa.
Predicting three-month and 12-month post-fitting real-world hearing-aid outcome using pre-fitting acceptable noise level (ANL)

Abstract Objective: Determine the extent to which pre-fitting acceptable noise level (ANL), with or without other predictors such as hearing-aid experience, can predict real-world hearing-aid outcomes at three and 12 months post-fitting. Design: ANLs were measured before hearing-aid fitting. Post-fitting outcome was assessed using the international outcome inventory for hearing aids (IOI-HA) and a hearing-aid use questionnaire. Models that predicted outcomes (successful vs. unsuccessful) were built using logistic regression and several machine learning algorithms, and were evaluated using the cross-validation technique. Study sample: A total of 132 adults with hearing impairment. Results: The prediction accuracy of the models ranged from 61% to 68% (IOI-HA) and from 55% to 61% (hearing-aid use questionnaire). The models performed more poorly in predicting 12-month than three-month outcomes. The ANL cutoff between successful and unsuccessful users was higher for experienced (∼18 dB) than first-time hearing-aid users (∼10 dB), indicating that most experienced users will be predicted as successful users regardless of their ANLs. Conclusions: Pre-fitting ANL is more useful in predicting short-term (three months) hearing-aid outcomes for first-time users, as measured by the IOI-HA. The prediction accuracy was lower than the accuracy reported by some previous research that used a cross-sectional design.
Long duration audiovisual content: Impact of content type and impairment appearance on user quality expectations over time

In this paper, two questions related to long duration audiovisual content are addressed: firstly, we investigate whether users' quality expectations/requirements develop differently over extended periods of time for different types of content. We have found indicators suggesting that high spatial and temporal activity indices decrease quality requirements over time. Secondly, we show that for long duration content, viewers' quality requirements are independent of magnitude and appearance (gradual increase vs. spontaneous leap) of quality impairments introduced.
Outcomes of Lymphedema Microsurgery for Breast Cancer-related Lymphedema With or Without Microvascular Breast Reconstruction

Objective: This study investigated the outcome of lymphedema microsurgery with or without microsurgical breast reconstruction for breast cancer-related lymphedema (BCRL). Background: Complete decongestive therapy, lymphovenous anastomosis, and vascularized lymph node flap transfer are the 3 major treatment modalities for BCRL. Releasing axillary contracture and transferring a free flap may potentially improve the BCRL. Methods: Between 2004 and 2015, 124 patients with BCRL who underwent 3 treatment modalities without or with microsurgical breast reconstruction were included in this study as groups I and II, respectively. Patients were offered the lymphedema microsurgery depending on the availability of patent lymphatic ducts on indocyanine green lymphography if they failed to complete decongestive therapy. The circumferential difference, reduction rate, and episodes of cellulitis were used to evaluate the outcome of treatments. Results: Improvements in the circumferential difference (12.8 ± 4.2% vs 11.5 ± 5.3%), the reduction rate (20.4 ± 5.1% vs 14.7 ± 6%), and episodes of cellulitis (1.7 ± 1.1 vs 2.1 ± 2.4 times/yr) did not significantly differ between groups I and II (P = 0.06, 0.07, and 0.06, respectively). In both groups, vascularized lymph node flap transfer was significantly superior to lymphovenous anastomosis or complete decongestive therapy in terms of improvements in the circumferential difference, reduction rate and episodes of cellulitis (P = 0.04, 0.04, and 0.06, respectively). Conclusions: Microsurgical breast reconstruction did not improve the outcome of BCRL. Improvements in BCRL were better for lymphatic microsurgery than complete decongestive therapy. Moreover, vascularized lymph node flap transfer provided greater improvements in the BCRL than lymphovenous anastomosis.
Persistent hot flushes in older postmenopausal women.

OBJECTIVE To examine the prevalence, natural history, and predictors of hot flushes in older postmenopausal women. METHODS Prevalence, severity, and 3-year change in severity of hot flushes were assessed by questionnaire in 3167 older postmenopausal women with osteoporosis. Logistic regression was used to identify characteristics associated with symptoms at baseline and after 3 years of follow-up. RESULTS At baseline, 375 women (11.8%) reported bothersome hot flushes. Women were more likely to have baseline symptoms if they were less educated (odds ratio [OR], 1.28; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.06-1.53 per 4-year decrease), more recently menopausal (OR, 1.44; 95% CI, 1.34-1.56 per 5-year decrease), had previously used estrogen (OR, 1.57; 95% CI, 1.23-2.00), or had undergone hysterectomy (OR, 1.51; 95% CI, 1.14-1.99). Hot flushes were also associated with higher body mass index (OR, 1.22; 95% CI, 1.08-1.38 per 1 SD), higher follicle-stimulating hormone levels (OR, 1.34; 95% CI, 1.20-1.51 per 1 SD), lower high-density lipoprotein levels (OR, 1.17; 95% CI, 1.03-1.34 per 1 SD decrease), vaginal dryness (OR, 1.52; 95% CI, 1.19-1.93), and trouble sleeping (OR, 2.48; 95% CI, 1.94-3.16), but not estradiol levels. Of the 375 women with baseline symptoms, 278 contributed 3-year data, and 157 (56.5%) of these women reported persistent symptoms after 3 years. Fewer years since menopause (OR, 1.15; 95% CI, 1.01-1.32 per 5-year decrease) and trouble sleeping (OR, 1.97; 95% CI, 1.19-3.26) were associated with symptom persistence. CONCLUSIONS For a substantial minority of women, hot flushes are a persistent source of discomfort into the late postmenopausal years. Identification of risk factors for hot flushes may help guide evaluation and treatment in this population.
Non-arbitrage valuation of equities

This paper develops a framework for the valuation of equities under non-arbitrage conditions. The original contribution is that, in contrast with the traditional models (equilibrium models), the presented approach is derived using non-arbitrage arguments, commonly used for derivatives pricing. The method consists in analysing the non-arbitrage value of the equity of a company, that is assumed to be the sum of the non-arbitrage value of dividends, individually considered as (path-dependent European type) financial derivatives. A relevant characteristic of the presented approach is that the setting of subjective assumptions would be significantly reduced.
Tumor‐specific CD4+ T cells from a patient with renal cell carcinoma recognize diverse shared antigens

Murine models for immune‐mediated tumor regression have defined an essential role for CD4+ T helper (Th) cells, but the contribution of these cells to antitumoral immune responses in humans remains poorly defined. Here, we investigated the Th cell response against the autologous tumor in a patient with metastasized renal cell carcinoma (RCC) exhibiting objective clinical response to immunotherapy. Peripheral blood T cells of the patient were repeatedly stimulated in vitro using either autologous IFNγ‐treated whole tumor cells or Epstein‐Barr virus‐immortalized B cells (EBV‐B) pulsed with tumor cell lysate. CD4+ T‐cell clones recognizing autologous tumor cells but not EBV‐B cells were efficiently reactivated and expanded with both types of stimulator cells, establishing the latter as potentially useful for isolating CD4+ T cells reactive against MHC class II‐negative tumors. Two T‐cell clones from both stimulation protocol were further characterized. The restricting MHC class II molecules were defined by using allogeneic EBV‐B cells pulsed with tumor lysate, and the expression pattern of the antigens was examined by analyzing lysates from normal kidney cells, allogeneic RCCs as well as tumors of different histologic origin. Furthermore, the subcellular localization of the antigens recognized by the T‐cell clones was examined by fractionating the tumor lysate, and the Th phenotype was determined by assessing the cytokines released after T cell activation. These experiments show that a dual Th1/Th2, MHC class II‐restricted T‐helper‐cell response against diverse shared tumor antigens has been elicited in this patient. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
First-line efavirenz versus lopinavir–ritonavir-based highly active antiretroviral therapy for naïve patients

Ninety-seven consecutive patients started anti-HIV therapy based on efavirenz (46) or lopinavir-ritonavir (51) in an observational study. Despite the significantly more compromised immunological-clinical baseline conditions of patients starting lopinavir-ritonavir, a mean clinical-laboratory follow-up of 17 months showed a comparable laboratory response and therapy interruption or change rate, although the toxicity profile of the two compounds proved significantly different. Randomized studies comparing these two recommended first-line treatments are warranted, particularly from a pharmacoeconomic viewpoint.
Characteristics of particulate constituents and gas precursors during the episode and non-episode periods

Size-segregated distribution of ambient particulate matter (PM) was determined using a micro-orifice uniform deposition impactor (MOUDI) and a nano-MOUDI in southern Taiwan. Eleven water-soluble ionic species including six anions (NO3 −, SO4 2−, Cl−, F−, NO2 −, Br−) and five cations (NH4 +, Na+, K+, Ca2+, Mg2+) for particulate inorganic ions and five gaseous pollutants (i.e., HNO2, HNO3, HCl, SO2, NH3) were analyzed during episode and non-episode periods. The particulate mass concentration was about 30 μg/m3 higher at night than during the day, and it reached 162 μg/m3 during the episode periods. The difference was mainly attributable to the particle size of 0.1–2.5 μm. Nitrate, sulfate, ammonium, and chloride ions were the dominant inorganic ions in PM. HONO and NH3 concentrations were high at night; in contrast, HNO3, HCl, and SO2 were high during the day. The equivalent ratio of {[NO3 −] + 2[SO4 2−]}/[NH4 +] was about 0.98 and revealed a high correlation between {[NO3 −] + 2[SO4 2−]} and [NH4 +] that clearly pointed to ammonium neutralization or condensation of ammonium nitrate and ammonium sulfate in PM0.32. The precursor gases and ionic species in different particle sizes did not reveal a strong correlation, which could be attributed to the complex of source emissions, atmospheric reactions and meteorological parameters in the area. Implications: Size-segregated distribution and chemical compositions of atmospheric aerosols play important roles in their visibility reduction, health effects, and toxicity in urban areas. Inorganic ionic species are major constituents in particulate matter, except carbonaceous chemicals. In this work, the compositions of water-soluble ions in particulate matter and acid/base gaseous pollutants (such as HNO2, HNO3, HCl, SO2, NH3) were determined during the day and at night during episode and non-episode periods from 2006 to 2007 in southern Taiwan.
Effects of mild head injury on postural stability as measured through clinical balance testing.

OBJECTIVE Although force-platform measures of postural stability provide objective information concerning mild head injury (MHI) resolution, their application has remained limited due to the high costs and impracticality for sideline use. Therefore, we investigated the efficacy of a clinical balance testing procedure for the detection of acute postural stability disruptions after MHI. DESIGN AND SETTING We used a posttest control group design with repeated measures. Postural stability was tested at 3 postinjury time intervals (days 1, 3, and 5) using 2 procedures in a sports medicine laboratory: 1) a clinical balance battery consisting of 3 stances (double leg, single leg, and tandem) on 2 surfaces (firm and foam), and 2) the Sensory Organization Test using a sophisticated force-platform system. SUBJECTS Sixteen MHI and 16 matched control subjects participated in this study. MEASUREMENTS We measured performance with the Balance Error Scoring System for each of the clinical balance tests and the NeuroCom Smart Balance Master for Sensory Organization Testing. RESULTS We found significantly higher postural instability in the MHI subjects revealed through the clinical test battery, with the 3 stances on the foam surface eliciting significant differences through day 3 postinjury. Results of the Sensory Organization Test revealed significant group differences on day 1 postinjury. CONCLUSIONS Our results revealed that the Balance Error Scoring System may be a useful clinical procedure to assist clinicians in making return-to-play decisions in athletes with MHI in the absence of force-platform equipment.
Self-efficacy and physical activity in adolescents with trivial, mild, or moderate congenital cardiac malformations

Abstract Our purpose was to examine the cognitive processes that influence involvement in physical activity among 100 adolescents, 55 boys and 45 girls, ranging in age from 12 to 18 years, with trivial, mild, or moderate forms of congenital cardiac disease. We hypothesized, first, that the severity of the congenital cardiac malformation itself has an indirect effect on self-efficacy regarding physical activity, and that the relationship between the two is mediated by the recommendations of the cardiologist and the attitude of the mother. Second, we argued that self-efficacy serves as a mediating variable between the recommendations of the cardiologist and the attitude of the mother, on the one hand, and involvement in physical activity, on the other. The results confirmed both hypotheses. In a population of adolescents with trivial to moderate congenital cardiac malformations, beliefs in self-efficacy, rather than severity of the disease, were the most influential factors in determining whether or not adolescents will engage in sports or other physical activities. We also demonstrated the importance of the role played by the recommendations of the cardiologist in determining both the attitudes of the mother and the belief in self-efficacy of the adolescents.
Allelic Isoforms and Decrease in Serotonin Transporter mRNA in Lymphocytes of Patients with Major Depression

Serotonin transporter, measured by the specific binding of [3H]paroxetine, has been reported to be reduced in circulating lymphocytes of patients with major depression. Due to this observation, the objective of the present report was to determine the levels of serotonin transporter mRNA in lymphocytes obtained from 29 major depression patients (4 men, age 33.10 ± 1.63 years) and from 30 subjects included as a control group (4 men, age 37.54 ± 2.18 years) using RT-PCR. The patients were diagnosed according to the criteria of the American Psychiatric Association, and had a severity of depression of 32.68 ± 1.55 determined by the Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression. The DNA was submitted to polymerase chain reaction with primers for the 5′ regulatory region of human serotonin transporter, which could show the long and the short allelic forms of the transporter gene for the 5HTTLPR polymorphism. Semiquantitative analysis was performed using β-actin as internal and external standard. Control subjects presented the two allelic forms in 9.09% and depressed patients in 8.69%. The long variant was present in 73% of controls and in 60% of patients, without significant differences. There was a significant reduction in mRNA in depressed patients expressing the long allele. The number of immunofluorescent lymphocytes, labeled with a specific antibody against serotonin transporter, was reduced in the patients, as well as CD3+ lymphocytes. Serotonin and 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid in platelet-poor plasma or lymphocytes did not differ between depressed patients and controls. The reduction in lymphocyte serotonin transporter described in major depression might be due to a decrease in the level of its mRNA and in the number of cells expressing it. These observations might implicate that functional modifications are associated with nervous-immune interactions in depression.
Men who pay for sex in Spain and condom use: prevalence and correlates in a representative sample of the general population

Objective: To estimate the percentage of men who have paid for heterosexual sex in Spain and the percentage who used condoms. To identify the main factors associated with these behaviours and to describe opinions about condoms. Methods: Sexual behaviour probability sample survey in men aged 18–49 years resident in Spain in 2003 (n = 5153). Computer-assisted face to face and self interview was used. Bivariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed. Results: 25.4% (n = 1306) of the men had paid for heterosexual sex at some time in their lives; 13.3% (n = 687) in the last 5 years and 5.7% (n = 295) in the last 12 months. In the logistic analysis this behaviour was associated with older age, lower education, being unmarried, foreign birth, being a practicing member of a religious group, unsatisfactory communication with parents about sex, age under 16 years at first sexual intercourse and having been drunk in the last 30 days. Of the men who had paid for sex in the previous 5 years, 95% (n = 653) had used a condom in the most recent paid contact. In the multivariate analysis, not using a condom was associated with age over 30 years and first sexual intercourse before age 16 years. Men who did not use condoms in the last commercial intercourse had more negative opinions about condoms. Conclusions: The prevalence of paying for heterosexual sex among Spanish men is the highest ever described in developed countries. The many variables associated with paying for sex and condom use permit the characterisation of male clients of prostitution and should facilitate targeting HIV prevention policies.
Captivity causes taxonomic and functional convergence of gut microbial communities in bats

Background Diet plays a crucial role in sculpting microbial communities. Similar diets appear to drive convergence of gut microbial communities between host species. Captivity usually provides an identical diet and environment to different animal species that normally have similar diets. Whether different species’ microbial gut communities can be homogenized by a uniform diet in captivity remains unclear. Methods In this study, we compared gut microbial communities of three insectivorous bat species (Rhinolophus ferrumequinum, Vespertilio sinensis, and Hipposideros armiger) in captivity and in the wild using 16S rDNA sequencing. In captivity, R. ferrumequinum and V. sinensis were fed yellow mealworms, while H. armiger was fed giant mealworms to rule out the impact of an identical environment on the species’ gut microbial communities. Results We found that the microbial communities of the bat species we studied clustered by species in the wild, while the microbial communities of R. ferrumequinum and V. sinensis in captivity clustered together. All microbial functions found in captive V. sinensis were shared by R. ferrumequinum. Moreover, the relative abundances of all metabolism related KEGG pathways did not significantly differ between captive R. ferrumequinum and V. sinensis; however, the relative abundance of “Glycan Biosynthesis and Metabolism” differed significantly between wild R. ferrumequinum and V. sinensis. Conclusion Our results suggest that consuming identical diets while in captivity tends to homogenize the gut microbial communities among bat species. This study further highlights the importance of diet in shaping animal gut microbiotas.
Assessing stroke patients’ prospective memory using virtual reality

There is a dearth of empirical evidence about prospective memory (remembering to perform actions in the future) in stroke patients. A probable reason for this is that it is difficult to perform a realistic and controlled assessment of prospective memory ability in a rehabilitation setting. Virtual reality may provide a solution to this difficulty by allowing prospective memory to be tested in a simulation of a real-life situation whilst retaining a laboratory level of scientific control. This exploratory study assessed the performance of stroke patients and age-matched control participants on event-, time- and activity-based prospective memory retrieval tasks in a personal computer-based virtual environment. Stroke patients were severely impaired at the event- and activity-based tasks compared with age-matched controls, but only marginally impaired at the time-based task. The additional knowledge gained from this form of assessment could direct rehabilitation more effectively towards specific impairments of individual patients.