Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of Bacitracin on Retroendocytosis and Degradation of Insulin in Cultured Kidney Epithelial Cell Line

In an earlier study, we described the presence of a retroendocytotic pathway for insulin in a cultured kidney epithelial cell line. Derived from the opossum kidney (OK), these cells possess many features of proximal tubule epithelium, which is the major site of kidney insulin metabolism. We studied the interaction between the retroendocytotic and the degradative pathways with bacitracin as a pharmacological probe. Monolayers of OK cells were loaded with 125I-labeled insulin over 30 min, acid washed to remove membrane-bound insulin, then incubated in fresh medium for 60 min while the release of intracellular radioactivity was monitored. In experiments carried out in the presence of bacitracin (2 mM), there was a twothirds increase in intracellular radioactivity at the end of the loading phase. Measurements made during the subsequent release phase showed that bacitracin reduced the release of degradation products. Thus, although controls released 72.1 ± 8.1% of the internalized radioactivity as trichloroacetic acid (TCA)-soluble products, bacitracin-treated cells released 59.2 ± 9.4% (P < 0.02). In contrast, release of TCAprecipitable insulin increased from 15.2 ± 4.6% in controls to 25.8 ± 3.7% in bacitracin-treated cells (P < 0.01). In separate experiments analyzed by gelexclusion chromatography, 6.4 ± 0.6% of radioactivity released from preloaded control cells into medium over 60 min was insulin sized compared to 29.7 ± 1.4% in bacitracin-treated cells. High-performance liquid chromotography revealed that 61.5 ± 3.5% of this insulin-sized material released from control cells preloaded with A14-insulin eluted as intact insulin and the remainder as unidentified intermediate degradation products. In the bacitracin group, 48.0 ± 2.1% of the radioactivity eluted with insulin, and 18.5 ± 0.6% eluted under a series of peaks representing intermediate products. Included in this material was a doublet, which has been identified in previous experiments with OK cells, other cell types, and liver endosomes. Previous characterization of this doublet indicates that it results from cleavage of insulin by insulin protease or a similar enzyme. We conclude that, by inhibiting the initial steps in the degradation of insulin, bacitracin diverts intact insulin and early degradation products from the degradative to the retroendocytotic pathway. These findings suggest that insulin degradation commences in an extralysosomal site, probably recycling endosomes.
Systematic review of the chronic care model in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease prevention and management.

BACKGROUND Implementation of the chronic care model (CCM) has been shown to be an effective preventative strategy to improve outcomes in diabetes mellitus, depression, and congestive heart failure, but data are lacking regarding the effectiveness of this model in preventing complications in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease. METHODS We searched the MEDLINE, CINAHL, and Cochrane databases from inception to August 2005 and included English-language articles that enrolled adults with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and (1) contained intervention(s) with CCM component(s), (2) included a comparison group or measures at 2 points (before/after), and (3) had relevant outcomes. Two reviewers independently extracted data. RESULTS Symptoms, quality of life, lung function, and functional status were not significantly different between the intervention and control groups. However, pooled relative risks (95% confidence intervals) for emergency/unscheduled visits and hospitalizations for the group that received at least 2 CCM components were 0.58 (0.42-0.79) and 0.78 (0.66-0.94), respectively. The weighted mean difference (95% confidence interval) for hospital stay was -2.51 (-3.40 to -1.61) days shorter for the group that received 2 or more components. There were no significant differences for those receiving only 1 CCM component. CONCLUSIONS Limited published data exist evaluating the efficacy of CCM components in chronic obstructive pulmonary disease management. However, pooled data demonstrated that patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease who received interventions with 2 or more CCM components had lower rates of hospitalizations and emergency/unscheduled visits and a shorter length of stay compared with control groups. The results of this review highlight the need for well-designed trials in this population.
Children's response to parental separation during operation desert storm.

OBJECTIVE Commonly held attitudes concerning the effects of parental wartime deployment on children have usually been guided by stereotype, rather than scientific data. To determine the effects of Operation Desert Storm on military children and their parents, the authors compared children and families with and without a deployed soldier-parent prior to and during Operation Desert Storm. METHOD Three hundred eighty-three children and the remaining caretaking parent completed self- and parent-report instruments concerning child and family functioning and life stressors. Children of deployed and nondeployed personnel were compared cross-sectionally, as well as longitudinally, using data collected prior to any knowledge of Operation Desert Storm. RESULTS Children of deployed personnel experienced elevated self-reported symptom levels of depression, as did their parents. Likewise, families of deployed personnel reported significantly more intervening stressors, compared with children and families of nondeployed personnel. However, deployment per se rarely provoked pathological levels of symptoms in otherwise healthy children. CONCLUSIONS Generally, the factors shaping differential outcomes among children of deployed personnel do not differ from the variables affecting outcomes of children of nondeployed parents. However, boys and younger children appear to be especially vulnerable to deployment effects, and increased monitoring of these children is warranted. Adequate treatment of children requires treatment of the effects of the deployment on other family members. For children showing more persistent or pervasive psychopathology, factors other than simple deployment should be considered.
The significance of eosinophils in predicting the severity of acute ischemic stroke

Background Previous studies have shown that tumor-associated tissue eosinophilia have a role in various types of solid tumors. However, the relationship between eosinophil and acute ischemic stroke (AIS) is unclear. We aimed to investigate the diagnostic significance of eosinophil in AIS patients. Methods This study included 300 AIS patients without hypereosinophilic syndrome (HES). The hematologic indices were collected from each patient, including white blood count, eosinophil count, eosinophil percentage, neutrophil count, red blood count, and platelet. The severity of AIS was estimated by national institute of health stroke scale (NIHSS). Logistic regression analyses were performed to confirm the biomarkers for NIHSS and in-hospital non-death among the cases. Moreover, receiver-operating characteristics (ROC) analyses were used to investigate the clinical performances of eosinophils and NIHSS in prediction of non-death. Results The admission NIHSS (P<0.001) and BMI (P<0.001) were predictors to the non-death of the patients. There was a significant correlation between eosinophil counts or eosinophil percentage and NIHSS score (r= -0.451, P < 0.001; r= -0.617, P<0.001, Spearson Correlation). ROC analysis showed that eosinophil counts and eosinophil percentage could predict non-death of the patients in-hospital, with the areas under the curves (AUC) of 0.791 and 0.867, respectively. Conclusions Our study revealed a relationship between eosinophil and NIHSS score in the patients with AIS. Eosinophils might have certain value for predicting the severity of AIS.
Functional Movement Screen Scores and Physical Performance among Youth Elite Soccer Players

This study had two main objectives: (1) to determine if differences in Functional Movement Screen (FMS) scores exist between two levels of competition; and (2) to analyze the association between FMS individual and overall scores and physical performance variables of lower-limb power (jumps), repeated sprint ability and shot speed. Twenty-two Under 16 (U16) and twenty-six Under 19 (U19) national competitive soccer players participated in this study. All participants were evaluated according to anthropometrics, FMS, jump performance, instep kick speed and anaerobic performance. There were no significant differences in the individual FMS scores between competitive levels. There were significant negative correlations between hurdle step (right) and Running-based Anaerobic Sprint Test (RAST) power average (ρ = −0.293; p = 0.043) and RAST fatigue index (RAST FatIndex) (ρ = −0.340; p = 0.018). The hurdle step (left) had a significant negative correlation to squat jump (SJ) (ρ = −0.369; p = 0.012). Rotary stability had a significant negative correlation to RAST fatigue index (Right: ρ = −0.311; p = 0.032. Left: ρ = −0.400; p = 0.005). The results suggest that individual FMS scores may be better discriminants of performance than FMS total score and established minimal association between FMS scores and physical variables. Based on that, FMS may be suitable for the purposes of determining physical function but not for discriminating physical performance.
Complete suppression of insulitis and diabetes in NOD mice lacking interferon regulatory factor-1.

Interferon regulatory factor-1 (IRF-1), a transcriptional factor, regulates type I interferon and interferon-induced genes. It was reported that IRF-1 regulates important molecules required for inflammation and immune reactions. To investigate the role of IRF-1 in the development of autoimmune diabetes, we established IRF-1 deficient (IRF-1(-/-)) non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice. IRF-1-deficient C57BL/6J mice were out-crossed to NOD mice, and F1 were backcrossed to NOD mice. At the N8 generation, the heterozygote for IRF-1 mutation was intercrossed and N8F1 was obtained. Out of three NOD genotypes, IRF-1(+/+) and IRF-1(+/-) developed spontaneous diabetes with an incidence of 47% (9/19) and 50% (10/20) by 30 weeks of age, respectively; whereas IRF-1(-/-) did not develop diabetes (0/18, P< 0.01 vs. (+/+) and (+/-)). Histologically, IRF-1(+/+) and IRF-1(+/-) had various degrees of insulitis, but IRF-1(-/-) had no insulitis. In comparison with IRF-1(+/+), the percentage of CD4(+) and Mac-1(+) splenic cells significantly increased, whereas CD3(+), CD8(+) and B220(+) cells decreased in IRF-1(-/-). Furthermore, spleen cell proliferation in response to Con A or murine GAD65 peptide, a major autoantigen of the pancreatic beta-cell, significantly increased, and the IFN-gamma/IL-10 ratio in the culture supernatant significantly decreased in IRF-1(-/-), suggesting Th2 deviation in cytokine balance. These results indicate that IRF-1 plays a key role in developing insulitis and diabetes in NOD mice.
Personality characteristics of ski instructors and predicting teacher effectiveness using the PRF.

Normative data for the Personality Research Form (PRF) were collected from 118 ski instructors (40 female, 78 male). Subjects differed significantly from PRF norms on 17 scales (.0001 < or = p < or = .05), thus reiterating the need for caution when applying college-normed summary statistics to non-college populations. The efficacy of PRF scales as predictors of teaching effectiveness was also investigated. Three PRF scales (Abasement, Succorance and Sentience) were negatively correlated with increasing levels of teaching effectiveness. Univariate regressions yielded Abasement and Sentience scores as significant predictors of effective ski instruction.
Init ial Management of Rheumatoid Arthrit is

The prognosis for the patient with newly diagnosed rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has dramatically changed over the last two decades. If a patient is diagnosed and treated early by a rheumatologist with the goal of remission or low disease activity, half of patients can expect to achieve remissionwhile taking their disease-modifying antirheumatic drugs (DMARDs). Strong evidence exists that early diagnosis and aggressive treatment alter the natural history of RA. Clearly, prevention of permanent structural damage to joints, including both erosions and joint-space narrowing as measured on radiographs, but also the prevention of deformities that can occur without erosions, is a strong rationale for early RA treatment. Structural damage, when it reaches a critical level, is associated with functional impairment. Although there is evidence in some cases that erosions may heal (at least radiographically), joint-space narrowing and subluxations are permanent. Ameta-analysis of 12 studies demonstrated significant reduction of radiographic progression in subjects treatedearlywhencomparedwith the subjects treated later. An average delay of 9 months in starting DMARDs significantly
Simulation system for a space robot using six-axis servos

As space robots are used in a zero gravity environment, there are some technical problems to be considered, such as a control scheme for the manipulator which considers the reaction movement caused by the manipulator motion, a recognition scheme for 6 DOF (degrees of freedom) motion of the target, and so on. To solve these problems, we have constructed a ground simulation system combining numerical simulation and servo mechanisms. In this system, the dynamics of the space robot and the target are solved based on the momentum conservation law, and the relative motion between them is simulated. Using this simulation system, we can efficiently develop space robots. In this paper, we describe the configuration of this system, the simulation algorithm, and the result of evaluation tests.
Image compressive sensing cryptographic analysis

Lately, there has been a huge interest in compressive sensing (CS) as a technology to perform measurements at a lower sample rate than that of the Nyquist frequency. This is very useful in wireless sensor networks applications where data transmission should be reduced at a minimum in order to save power resources. At the same time the privacy and secrecy of the information transmitted through a wireless channel is a problem that needs attention. This security issue is more relevant in applications where sensitive information is being transmitted, as for example in medical and multimedia devices. In this paper image compressive sensing is analyzed in order to evaluate at what level it can be considered also as an encryption mechanism. This evaluation consists in performing some security analyses and comparing results with those obtained with more traditional encryption algorithms as AES and Camellia. Results show that confidentiality of the information is achieved but at a reduced level compared to their traditional encryption counterparts.
Assessing the self efficacy and spatial ability of engineering students from multiple disciplines

Spatial ability, such as the ability to correctly visualize three dimensional objects when they are represented in two dimensions (such as in computer-aided design (CAD) software or in a detailed part drawing), is an essential skill for engineers. Research has shown that spatial ability is positively correlated with retention and performance of students within other disciplines which rely on spatial ability, (e.g. chemistry). However, whether spatial ability affects the retention of students in engineering has been disputed in the literature. Furthermore, research has not yet been conducted which assesses the relationship between self efficacy, that is the student's confidence, with respect to spatial skills and retention. In this paper, results of both spatial ability, using a subset of the Purdue spatial visualization test: rotations (PSVT:R), and self efficacy, using a developed test for this research, was presented for over 200 students from five different engineering disciplines. Statistically significant differences were found for gender, type of CAD training, class standing and whether or not the student is declared or undeclared in engineering with respect to self efficacy and/or spatial ability
Nodular Hyperplasia, Adenoma, and Adenomyoma of Bartholin's Gland

SummaryInflammatory lesions and cysts are by far the most common causes of swelling or enlargement of Bartholin's glands, and carcinomas, though rare, are the most frequent solid lesions that arise at this site. There have been very few reports of benign solid lesions of Bartholin's gland, and, among these lesions, the distinction between adenoma (AD) and hyperplasia has not been well defined. All cases diagnosed as either Bartholin's gland adenoma or hyperplasia in the Armed Forces Institute of Pathology files were reviewed. Using specific criteria, 17 qualified as nodular hyperplasia (NH), 1 as AD, and 1 as adenomyoma (AM). Five NHs, the AD, and the AM were studied with immunohistochemical stains for estrogen receptor (ER), progesterone receptor (PR), MIB-1, and p53. The average age of the patients with NH was 35 years (range, 19 to 56). These lesions were solid or solid and cystic, had a mean maximal dimension of 2.3 cm, and were frequently thought to be Bartholin's cysts on clinical examination. Microscopically, the NHs had an irregular or lobulated contour and were composed of a proliferation of cytologically bland mucinous acini with maintenance of the normal duct-to-acinar relationship. Varying degrees of inflammation and squamous metaplasia of the ducts were common in NH. The patient with the AD was 45 years old and the patient with AM was 65. Both were well-circumscribed, solid lesions, 2.2 and 2.5 cm in maximal dimension, respectively, and composed of a haphazard proliferation of acini and tubules. A small adenoid cystic carcinoma (ACC) arose from the periphery of the AD. p53 positivity was evident in up to 40% of the ACC cells; the cells in the adjacent AD were negative for p53. Only occasional cells were MIB-1 positive (<5%) in some cases, and ER and PR were absent in the epithelial elements in all 7 cases tested but were focally present in the stromal cells of 3 of the 5 NHs and the fibromuscular stroma of the AM. The patient with the AM and the one with the AD are alive without evidence of recurrent or metastatic disease after 4 months and 19.8 years, respectively. NH, AD, and AM of the Bartholin's gland, as defined in this study, are extremely rare lesions. NH occurs in younger patients and is often associated with inflammation or obstruction of Bartholin's duct.
Helicobacter pylori seroprevalence in Crohn's disease: lack of influence by pharmacological treatment.

BACKGROUND/AIMS Helicobacter pylori infection has a low prevalence in Crohn's disease, possibly because of sulphasalazine therapy. We investigated Helicobacter pylori seroprevalence in patients with Crohn's disease never treated with sulphasalazine in order to assess the possible role of antibiotic treatment. METHODOLOGY Two groups of patients with Crohn's disease (group I: subjects treated with ciprofloxacin, metronidazole or both during the last six months; Group II: subjects who were not given antibiotics during the last six months) and a control group of 30 patients with irritable bowel syndrome were considered. IgG anti-H. pylori levels were measured in all patients. RESULTS Serology was positive respectively in 16.6%, 13.3% and 36.6% of cases in the three groups. CONCLUSIONS Our findings confirm the Helicobacter pylori infection is infrequent in Crohn's disease. Neither sulphasalazine nor antibiotics appear to play a role.
How Neighbourhood Social Mix Shapes Access to Resources from Social Networks and from Services

Social mix policies have become controversial. Claims about the harms caused by neighbourhood effects have been challenged while counter-claims have been made about the potential benefits for low-income households from living in poor communities. This paper examines two aspects of this debate: whether deprived communities provide greater access to social networks and hence resources in the form of gifts, and whether they provide worse access to resources in the form of services. Data come from the largest survey of poverty ever conducted in the UK—the Poverty and Social Exclusion UK Survey 2012. Results do not support either position in the debate. They do not suggest that access to services is worse in deprived neighbourhoods for all services, but only for a minority. While people in deprived neighbourhoods report marginally greater contact with family and slightly higher levels of social support, there is no evidence of greater levels of exchange of gifts or reciprocity through social networks.
Safety, pharmacokinetics, and efficacy of AMG 706, an oral multikinase inhibitor, in patients with advanced solid tumors.

PURPOSE AMG 706 is an investigational, orally bioavailable inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor receptors 1, 2, and 3, platelet-derived growth factor receptor, and stem-cell factor receptor. This phase I, dose-finding study evaluated the safety, pharmacokinetics, and pharmacodynamics of AMG 706 in patients with refractory advanced solid tumors. PATIENTS AND METHODS AMG 706 was administered at escalating doses of 50 to 175 mg once daily or 25 mg bid for the first 21 days of a 28-day cycle. The 125-mg once-daily dose was also administered continuously. The maximum-tolerated dose (MTD), safety, pharmacokinetics, tumor response, and serum levels of proangiogenic markers were determined. RESULTS Seventy-one patients received AMG 706. The MTD was 125 mg once daily administered continuously. The most frequent adverse events were fatigue (55%), diarrhea (51%), nausea (44%), and hypertension (42%). Plasma AMG 706 concentrations increased in a dose-proportional manner with no accumulation after multiple doses. Five patients (7%) had a partial response, 35 patients (49%) had stable disease (at least through day 50), and 31 patients (44%) had progressive disease. Changes in tumor size correlated significantly with an increase in placental growth factor (P = .003) and a decrease in soluble kinase domain receptor (P = .001). CONCLUSION In this study of patients with advanced refractory solid tumors, AMG 706 was well tolerated and displayed favorable pharmacokinetics and evidence of antitumor activity. Additional studies of AMG 706 as monotherapy and in combination with various agents are ongoing.
Adult attachment: what are the underlying dimensions?

Using a community sample of 115 young adults, this study applied a range of statistical techniques to five measures of adult attachment to gain a better understanding of what they assess. First, we determined comparability of measures, using both categorical and dimensional approaches to model the association. Agreement among classifications was modest. Next, we examined the relation of attachment classifications and attachment measure subscale scores to criterion variables (i.e. dyadic adjustment, interpersonal sensitivity and severity of psychiatric symptoms). Classification predicted severity of psychological symptoms better than it predicted other measures of adjustment. Finally, using a principal components analysis, we mapped the relationship among underlying constructs, the subscales of the five measures and three criterion measures of psychological adjustment. We discuss our findings from the perspective of underlying constructs of attachment insecurity and strategy for coping with insecurity in relationships, noting implications for further research.