Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Bird Circadian Clock: Insights from a Computational Model

The circadian timekeeping system appears more complex in birds than in mammals. In mammals, the main pacemaker is centralized in the suprachiasmatic nuclei, whereas in birds, the pacemaker involves the interplay between the pineal and hypothalamic oscillators. In order to investigate the consequence of this complex mechanism, we propose here a mathematical model for the bird circadian clock. The model is based on the internal resonance between the pineal and hypothalamic oscillators, each described by Goodwin-like equations. We show that, consistently with experimental observations, self-sustained oscillations can be generated by mutual inhibitory coupling of the 2 clocks, even if individual oscillators present damped oscillations. We study the effect of constant and periodic administrations of melatonin, which, in intact birds, acts as the coupling variable between the pineal and the hypothalamus, and compare the prediction of the model with the experiments performed in pinealectomized birds. We also assess the entrainment properties when the system is subject to light-dark cycles. Analyses of the entrainment range, resynchronization time after jet lag, and entrainment phase with respect to the photoperiod lead us to formulate hypotheses about the physiological advantage of the particular architecture of the avian circadian clock. Although minimal, our model opens promising perspectives in modeling and understanding the bird circadian clock.
A Porphyromonas gingivalis Mutant Defective in a Putative Glycosyltransferase Exhibits Defective Biosynthesis of the Polysaccharide Portions of Lipopolysaccharide, Decreased Gingipain Activities, Strong Autoaggregation, and Increased Biofilm Formation

ABSTRACT The Gram-negative anaerobic bacterium Porphyromonas gingivalis is a major pathogen in periodontal disease, one of the biofilm-caused infectious diseases. The bacterium possesses potential virulence factors, including fimbriae, proteinases, hemagglutinin, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), and outer membrane vesicles, and some of these factors are associated with biofilm formation; however, the precise mechanism of biofilm formation is still unknown. Colonial pigmentation of the bacterium on blood agar plates is related to its virulence. In this study, we isolated a nonpigmented mutant that had an insertion mutation within the new gene PGN_1251 (gtfB) by screening a transposon insertion library. The gene shares homology with genes encoding glycosyltransferase 1 of several bacteria. The gtfB mutant was defective in biosynthesis of both LPSs containing O side chain polysaccharide (O-LPS) and anionic polysaccharide (A-LPS). The defect in the gene resulted in a complete loss of surface-associated gingipain proteinases, strong autoaggregation, and a marked increase in biofilm formation, suggesting that polysaccharide portions of LPSs influence attachment of gingipain proteinases to the cell surface, autoaggregation, and biofilm formation of P. gingivalis.
Effects of protamine, heparinase, and hyaluronidase on endothelial permeability and surface charge.

We undertook studies in the isolated perfused rat lung to determine 1) the effects of endothelial charge neutralization with the polycation protamine sulfate on microvascular permeability, lung water, and anionic ferritin binding to the endothelium and 2) the role of heparan sulfate and hyaluronate, negatively charged cell surface glycosaminoglycans, on permeability. Capillary permeability was determined by tissue 125I-albumin accumulation in isolated perfused rat lungs. In control lungs the 5-min albumin uptake was 0.50 +/- 0.05 cm3.s-1.g dry tissue-1 X 10(-3). It was increased by 132 +/- 7.8% (P less than 0.001) by protamine (0.08 mg/ml) and 65 +/- 12% (P less than 0.01) by heparinase (5 U/ml), whereas hyaluronidase (25 NFU/ml) was without effect. In control lungs total water was 4.83 +/- 0.15 ml g/dry tissue. Protamine increased lung water 12 +/- 2% (P less than 0.05). Heparinase caused a 9 +/- 3% increase (P less than 0.05), and hyaluronidase had no effect. Electron microscopy demonstrated that protamine increased anionic ferritin binding to the surface of endothelial cells. We conclude that protamine sulfate neutralization of negative charge in the pulmonary microcirculation leads to increased microvascular permeability. Heparin sulfate may be responsible for this charge effect.
Cancer risk after renal transplantation in the nordic countries, 1964–1986

The theory that cancer may arise under conditions of reduced immune capacity is supported by observations of humans with immune deficiencies such as occur following organ transplants. However, no study on humans has been done in which the reference population was the same as that in which the cancer cases arose and in which there was a sufficiently long period of follow‐up. Information on 5,692 Nordic recipients of renal transplants in 1964–1982 was linked with the national cancer registries (1964‐1986) and population registries. Person‐years at risk were calculated from the date of first transplantation until death or the end of the study period and were multiplied by the appropriate age‐ and calender‐specific incidence rates to obtain the expected numbers of cancers. Standardized incidence ratios (SIR) were calculated after stratification by a number of recorded variables. Altogether, 32,392 person‐years were accrued, and 471 cancers occurred, yielding overall SIR of 4.6 (95% CI, 4.0 to 5.2) for males and 4.5 (95% CI, 4.0 to 5.2) for females. Significant overall 2‐ to 5‐fold excess risks in both sexes were seen for cancers of the colon, larynx, lung and bladder, and in men also for cancers of the prostate and testis. Notably high risks, 10‐fold to 30‐fold above expectation, were associated with cancers of the lip, skin (non‐melanoma), kidney and endocrine glands, also with non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma, and in women also with cancers of the cervix and vulva‐vagina. Among a number of donor and recipient variables studied, including tissue types and compatibility (ABO, HLA, DR), age below 45 years at the time of transplantation was the most important determinant for increased risk at most sites. Kidney transplantation increases the risk of cancer in the short and in the long term, consistent with the theory that an impaired immune system allows carcinogenic factors to act. The tumor risk is small in comparison with the benefits of transplants, but patients should be followed up for signs of cancer. © 1995 Wiley‐Liss. Inc.
Influences on Body Image and Disordered Eating among Secondary School Students

Abstract This study examined whether behavioral differences (exercise, dieting, changing eating habits, taking pills, or vomiting/taking laxatives to lose weight) exist when identifying the major influencing factors (media, family, friends, teacher/coach, and doctor/nurse) among Black and White men's and women's self-perceptions of body weight. Respondents (N=3,957) to the 1999 South Carolina Youth Risk Behavior Survey were examined on six questions pertaining to body image influences and behavioral activities to manipulate body weight and/or body image. Chisquare and logistic regression analyses were used to show associations among the chosen variables. Body mass index scores for participants were generated and compared with concerns about weight. More than 40% of participants were concerned about their weight and participated in deleterious behaviors to manipulate their weight and self-perception of body. Mass media and family were the most influential factors in participant's self-perception of body. Exercise and dieting were the most prevalent ways to manipulate body weight. Significant differences were determined for each race and gender group with regard to types of activities intended to manipulate their body weight. Policy changes to media advertisements and innovative interventions should be developed that can influence adolescents to choose a healthy body size and to be comfortable with the varieties of body shapes.
An ecological study of the effectiveness of mammography in reducing breast cancer mortality.

OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to determine the relation of screening mammography to breast cancer incidence and case fatality. METHODS In a sample of White female Medicare beneficiaries hospitalized in 1990-1991, age-adjusted breast cancer incidence and 2-year case fatality rates were estimated and compared with the frequency of mammographic screening from a population-based survey. RESULTS The average rates for incidence, case fatality, and mammography within 5 years in 29 states were 414/100,000, 18.8%, and 59.2%, respectively. There was a positive state-level correlation between mammography rates and incidence and an inverse correlation between mammography and case fatality. CONCLUSIONS High screening mammography rates in some states are associated with reduced breast cancer case fatality rates, presumably as a result of diagnosis of earlier stage cancers.
Inhibition of PirB Activity by TAT-PEP Improves Mouse Motor Ability and Cognitive Behavior

Paired immunoglobulin-like receptor B (PirB), a functional receptor for myelin-associated inhibitory proteins, plays an important role in axon regeneration in injured brains. However, its role in normal brain function with age has not been previously investigated. Therefore in this study, we examined the expression level of PirB in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus and cerebellum of mice at 1 month, 3 months and 18 months of age. The results showed that the expression of PirB increased with age. We further demonstrated that overexpression of PirB inhibited neurite outgrowth in PC12 cells, and this inhibitory activity of PirB could be reversed by TAT-PEP, which is a recombinant soluble PirB ectodomain fused with TAT domain for blood-brain barrier penetration. In vivo study, intraperitoneal administration of TAT-PEP was capable of enhancing motor capacity and spatial learning and memory in mice, which appeared to be mediated through regulation of brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) secretion. Our study suggests that PirB is associated with aging and TAT-PEP may be a promising therapeutic agent for modulation of age-related motor and cognitive dysfunctions.
On the threshold of statelessness: Palestinian narratives of loss and erasure

ABSTRACT This article examines how Palestinians in Europe negotiate, mobilise, and/or resist, and ultimately problematise, notions of statelessness as a concept and as a marker of identity. Centralising Palestinians’ conceptualisations in this manner – including accounts which directly challenge academics’ and policy-makers’ definitions of the problem of, and solution to, statelessness – is particularly important given that statelessness emerges as both a condition and a label that erase the ability to speak, and be heard. The article starts by examining perceptions of statelessness as a marker of rightlessess, home(land)lessness and voicelessness. It then explores statelessness through the paradigm of the ‘threshold’, reflecting both on interviewees’ ambiguity towards this label, status, and condition, and the extent to which even Palestinians who hold citizenship remain ‘on the threshold of statelessness’. It concludes by reflecting on interviewees’ rejection of a label that is imposed upon them ‘from a distance’ via bureaucratic processes in Europe.
Outcome and follow-up study of an adolescent psychiatric day treatment school program.

OBJECTIVES To evaluate outcome and follow-up of 55 subjects who attended a classroom-based, adolescent psychiatric day treatment unit school program (ADTU) situated in a community high school by examining pre-post changes in emotional, behavioral, family, and academic functioning and to identify preadmission and family variables associated with outcome. METHOD Student-patients were assessed on clinical/academic variables at admission, discharge, and follow-up, using standardized assessment measures. Patient satisfaction was also evaluated. RESULTS Significant improvements in emotional-behavioral and academic functioning were found at discharge and follow-up. Hierarchical regression analysis revealed that parent and clinician ratings at admission, total number of separations from family greater than 3 months, parental history of mental illness, and patient history of treatment for emotional problems were significantly associated with outcome. Satisfaction questionnaires revealed a high degree of satisfaction with the program. CONCLUSIONS The ADTU is a successful treatment program for adolescents with chronic, severe emotional and behavioral disorders, despite limitations of the study.
The association of depression and anxiety with dental caries and periodontal disease among Finnish adults.

OBJECTIVE To explore the association of depression and anxiety with two oral health outcomes, dental caries and periodontal disease and assess possible mediators for any of the associations. METHODS Secondary analysis of the Finnish Health 2000 Survey. Depression was assessed with Beck's Depression Inventory and anxiety with Composite International Diagnostic Interview. Number of decayed teeth included carious lesions reaching dentine; periodontal disease was number of teeth with periodontal pockets of 4 mm or deeper. Third molars were excluded. The association of mental disorders and oral health was tested in regression models adjusted for confounders and potential mediators. RESULTS Depression was associated with number of decayed teeth only among 35- to 54-year-olds. The association between anxiety and the number of decayed teeth was not statistically significant. Depression and periodontal pocketing were not significantly associated. CONCLUSION Depression was significantly associated with number of decayed teeth only among participants aged 35-54 old and not with other age groups. Neither depression nor anxiety was significantly related to periodontal disease.
Impact of Duration of Diabetes on Schirmer ’ s Test and Tear Film Break up Time

Dry eye is very commonly seen in diabetic patients and it needs to be detected and treated early. The purpose of this study is to measure tear film parameters in diabetic patients using tests like Schirmer’s test and Tear film Break Up Time (T-BUT) and to correlate them with duration of diabetes mellitus. This is a cross sectional study which included 200 eyes of 100 adult patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus. The duration of diabetes was noted. All patients underwent measurement of T-BUT in both eyes. After 30 minutes, Schirmer’s test was performed with anesthesia with eyes closed. The values of Schirmer’s test and T-BUT test were correlated with duration of diabetes using Pearson’s coefficient of correlation. There is strong negative correlation between duration of diabetes and T-BUT value. There is moderate negative correlation between duration and Schirmer’s value which is found to be statistically significant (p<0.001). Diabetes adversely affects the tear film parameters. As duration of diabetes increases, there is fall in both Schirmer’s value and TBUT value. T-BUT is more strongly affected.
Application of Attachment Theory for Psychological Support in Palliative Medicine during the Terminal Phase

Background and Purpose: The situation leading to the death of a close relative is a unique and irrevocable experience of separation which evokes a state of emotional strain for the patient and the family. This situation therefore is an especially effective trigger of the so-called ‘attachment system’. Attachment research in recent decades has shown that already in early infancy every person develops special attachment strategies activated in cases whenever a person cannot cope on its own with dangers. Only four such patterns of attachment have been specified, namely ‘secure’, ‘insecure-avoidant’, ‘insecure-ambivalent/enmeshed’ and ‘disoriented/disorganized’. Since the dying are usually brought to the hospital by members of the family, the doctor responsible for treatment can perceive with unusual clarity the patterns of attachment within the family system, and can integrate such observation into her treatment strategy. This article suggests an attachment-informed therapy in the field of palliative medicine. It seems apparent that such approaches provided by the attachment theory for relief during the terminal phase are not only relevant in a palliative context but also applicable within the overall field of medicine and care-giving relating to terminal patients and their families. Methods: To the doctor familiar with the attachment patterns and the conditions of their formation, clinical observation easily reveals which pattern is active among the dying and the accompanying members of the family. Here, cases are used to show how these insights can be realized in the psychotherapeutic care of patients and their families on a palliative ward. For example, in a case of ‘avoidant’ attachment, denied emotions can be addressed carefully and still existent hopes for protection and support can be reinforced; in a case of so-called ‘ambivalent-enmeshed’ attachment, overly intense relationships can be disentangled, and in a case of ‘disorganized’ attachment, emotion regulation can be supported and clarity in the relationships can be promoted. Results: The clinical results show that psychotherapeutic intervention based on insights imparted by the attachment theory are of special benefit in relieving the psychological strain for the dying and their families.
A 10-year Study of the Academic Progress of Students Identified as Low Performers after Their First Semester of Pharmacy School

Objective. To examine whether pharmacy students characterized as low performers at the conclusion of their first semester remained low performers throughout their academic career. Methods. Bottom quartile performance on first semester grade point average (GPA) was compared to licensing examination success, cumulative grade point average at the end of the didactic education and whether the student graduated on time, using cross tabulation analysis. Relative risk ratios and confidence intervals were calculated. Results. Students in the bottom quartile for GPA at the end of their first semester in pharmacy school were approximately six times more likely not to graduate on time, not to pass the North American Pharmacist Licensure Exam on their first attempt and to remain in the bottom quartile for GPA at the end of their didactic education. Conclusion. This study suggests that pharmacy students who score in the bottom quartile for GPA at the end of their first semester are more likely to underperform academically unless they take corrective action.
Profiles of Reminiscence among Older Adults: Perceived Stress, Life Attitudes, and Personality Variables

The goal of the present study was to identify subgroups of older participants on the basis of unique configurations of variables among functions of reminiscence, personality traits, life attitudes, and perceived stress by means of cluster analysis. Ninety-three older adults (M = 66.7 years of age) completed the NEO-Five Factor Inventory, the Life Attitude Profile-Revised, the Reminiscence Functions Scale, and the Psychological State of Stress Measure. Cluster membership was determined on the basis of intra-personal functions of reminiscence (Boredom Reduction, Death Preparation, Identity, Bitterness Revival). These groups were subsequently compared on personality traits (Neuroticism, Extraversion, Openness to experience), life attitudes (Existential Vacuum, Goal Seeking), and perceived stress. Three distinct groupings emerged. A greater tendency to ruminate about negative memories and lower extraversion characterized the negative reminiscers. Higher frequency of reminiscence related to issues of identity, life meaning and death, together with a tendency toward openness to experience, typified the meaning seekers. Lower reminiscence frequency for each of the four functions, combined with lower perceived stress and neuroticism, characterized the infrequent reminiscers. These results are interpreted in terms of differential patterns of coping and adaptation.
Uterotonic Neuromedin U Receptor 2 and Its Ligands Are Upregulated by Inflammation in Mice and Humans, and Elicit Preterm Birth1

ABSTRACT Uterine labor requires the conversion of a quiescent (propregnancy) uterus into an activated (prolabor) uterus, with increased sensitivity to endogenous uterotonic molecules. This activation is induced by stressors, particularly inflammation in term and preterm labor. Neuromedin U (NmU) is a neuropeptide known for its uterocontractile effects in rodents. The objective of the study was to assess the expression and function of neuromedin U receptor 2 (NmU-R2) and its ligands NmU and the more potent neuromedin S (NmS) in gestational tissues, and the possible implication of inflammatory stressors in triggering this system. Our data show that NmU and NmS are uterotonic ex vivo in murine tissue, and they dose-dependently trigger labor by acting specifically via NmU-R2. Expression of NmU-R2, NmU, and NmS is detected in murine and human gestational tissues by immunoblot, and the expression of NmS in placenta and of NmU-R2 in uterus increases considerably with gestation age and labor, which is associated with amplified NmU-induced uterocontractile response in mice. NmU- and NmS-induced contraction is associated with increased NmU-R2-coupled Ca++ transients, and Akt and Erk activation in murine primary myometrial smooth muscle cells (mSMCs), which are potentiated with gestational age. NmU-R2 is upregulated in vitro in mSMCs and in vivo in uterus in response to proinflammatory interleukin 1beta (IL1beta), which is associated with increased NmU-induced uterocontractile response and Ca++ transients in murine and human mSMCs; additionally, placental NmS is markedly upregulated in vivo in response to IL1beta. In human placenta at term, immunohistological analysis revealed NmS expression primarily in cytotrophoblasts; furthermore, stimulation with lipopolysaccharide (LPS; Gram-negative endotoxin) markedly upregulates NmS expression in primary human cytotrophoblasts isolated from term placentas. Correspondingly, decidua of women with clinical signs of infection who delivered preterm display significantly higher expression of NmS compared with those without infection. Importantly, in vivo knockdown of NmU-R2 prevents LPS-triggered preterm birth in mice and the associated neonatal mortality. Altogether, our data suggest a critical role for NmU-R2 and its ligands NmU and NmS in preterm labor triggered by infection. We hereby identify NmU-R2 as a relevant target for preterm birth.