Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Milk Caseins Decrease the Binding of the Major Bovine Seminal Plasma Proteins to Sperm and Prevent Lipid Loss from the Sperm Membrane During Sperm Storage1

Abstract Milk is used as a medium for sperm preservation. Caseins, the major proteins of milk, appear to be responsible for the protective effect of milk on sperm. Recently, we have shown that egg yolk, which is also widely used to preserve semen, protects sperm functions by preventing the binding to sperm of the major proteins of bull seminal plasma (BSP proteins), thereby preventing BSP protein-mediated stimulation of lipid loss from the sperm membrane. In the present study, we investigated whether milk caseins protect sperm in the same manner as egg yolk. Bovine ejaculates were diluted with skimmed milk permeate (skimmed milk devoid of caseins) or permeate that was supplemented with caseins and stored at 4°C for 4 h. In the semen diluted with permeate, sperm viability and motility decreased in a time-dependent manner. However, in semen diluted with milk or permeate supplemented with caseins, sperm functions were maintained. In addition, lower amounts of the BSP proteins were associated with sperm in semen diluted with milk or permeate supplemented with caseins, as compared to semen diluted with permeate. No milk proteins were detected in the sperm protein extracts. Furthermore, sperm diluted with milk or permeate supplemented with caseins showed 3-fold lower losses of cholesterol and choline phospholipids than sperm diluted with permeate during storage. Thus, milk caseins decreased the binding of BSP proteins to sperm and reduced sperm lipid loss, while maintaining sperm motility and viability during storage. These results support our view that milk caseins prevent the detrimental effects of BSP proteins on the sperm membrane during sperm preservation.
Impaired acquisition in the water maze and hippocampal long‐term potentiation after chronic prenatal ethanol exposure in the guinea‐pig

In the hippocampus, the CA1 region is selectively vulnerable to the effects of chronic prenatal ethanol exposure. In the guinea‐pig, the number of CA1 pyramidal cells is decreased after chronic prenatal ethanol exposure. We tested the hypotheses that chronic prenatal ethanol exposure (through maternal ethanol ingestion) results in impairments in spatial learning and short‐ and long‐term plasticity in the CA1 region of the postnatal guinea‐pig hippocampus. Timed, pregnant guinea‐pigs were treated with ethanol (4 g/kg maternal body weight/day), isocaloric sucrose/pair‐feeding, or water throughout gestation. Offspring were studied between postnatal days 40 and 80. In the Morris water maze, animals exposed to ethanol prenatally showed slower acquisition of an escape response to a hidden platform over 5 days of training. The amplitude of the field excitatory postsynaptic potential in the CA1 region in response to contralateral CA3 stimulation was decreased in offspring exposed to ethanol prenatally. Two forms of short‐term plasticity (paired‐pulse and frequency facilitation) were unaffected by chronic prenatal ethanol exposure. Long‐term potentiation (LTP) in response to high‐frequency CA3 stimulation was induced reliably and maintained over 60 min in isocaloric‐sucrose and water control animals. However, LTP failed to be induced in the CA1 area of the hippocampus in prenatal ethanol‐exposed offspring. These data show that chronic prenatal ethanol exposure, through maternal ethanol administration, impairs spatial performance and LTP in CA1 neurons. Hippocampal dysfunction could contribute importantly to the cognitive and behavioural deficits resulting from chronic prenatal ethanol exposure.
Capillary whole blood measurement of islet autoantibodies.

OBJECTIVE Islet cell antibody (ICA) measurements in serum are used for large-scale screening to identify subjects who are at high risk of developing type 1 diabetes. The aim of this study was to adapt measurements to capillary whole blood samples to facilitate and reduce screening costs. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS GAD65, IA-2, and combined GAD65/IA-2 antibody tests were performed on patients with type 1 diabetes, first-degree relatives of patients, and control subjects, and results from serum, plasma, whole venous blood, and capillary whole blood lysates were compared. Measurements obtained in serum and eluates from dried capillary blood spots from 36 ICA+ first-degree relatives were also compared. RESULTS GAD65, IA-2, and combined GAD65/IA-2 antibody levels were completely concordant with measurements obtained from serum, plasma, whole venous blood, and capillary whole blood lysates. Antibody levels obtained in eluates from dried capillary blood spots were lower than corresponding serum samples, and weak antibodies were not detected. CONCLUSIONS Initial screening for diabetes risk can be performed using one drop of capillary whole blood without further processing to separate serum. This method should be considered as a way to simplify and reduce costs of screening programs.
Estimation of Physiologic Ability and Surgical Stress Score Does Not Predict Immediate Outcome After Pancreatic Surgery

Objective: The Estimation of Physiologic Ability and Surgical Stress score was designed to predict postoperative morbidity and mortality in general surgery. Our study aims to evaluate its use and accuracy in estimating postoperative outcome after elective pancreatic surgery. Methods: Between 2002 and 2007, approximately 304 patients requiring pancreatic resection at our institution were recorded prospectively and evaluated retrospectively. The patients' preoperative risk score, surgical stress score (SSS), and comprehensive risk score (CRS) were calculated and compared with the severity of postoperative morbidity, where mortality was regarded as the most severe postoperative complication. Results: Observed and predicted mortality rates were 2.9% and 2.0%, respectively. Mean CRS was higher in patients who died than in patients that survived, but this difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.20). Preoperative risk score, SSS, and CRS did not differ between patients with and without complications (preoperative risk score: P = 0.32; SSS: P = 0.22; CRS: P = 0.13). Estimation of Physiologic Ability and Surgical Stress particularly underpredicted morbidity in patients with a CRS between 0.0 and less than 0.5. Conclusions: The Estimation of Physiologic Ability and Surgical Stress scoring system is an ineffective predictor of complications after pancreatic resection. Further refinements to the score calculation are warranted to provide accurate prediction of immediate surgical outcome after pancreatic surgery.
Behavioral and emotional problems in Chinese children of divorced parents.

OBJECTIVE This study examined the behavioral problems in Chinese children of divorced parents. METHOD A total of 58 children of divorce and 116 gender-, age-, and school class-matched controls were ascertained from a general population sample of children aged 6 through 15 years. Parents completed the Child Behavior Checklist (CBCL), and teachers completed the Teacher's Report Form (TRF) and Conners Hyperkinesis Index. RESULTS Parent-reported problem scores on the CBCL total scale and each subscale, and prevalence of all CBCL syndromes except for Somatic Complaints, were significantly higher in children of divorce than in controls. Teacher-reported problem scores on the TRF total scale and Social and Attention Problems and prevalence of Attention Problems were significantly different for the 2 groups of children. Social competence was rated significantly lower in children of divorce than in controls. Discriminant function analysis showed that behavioral problems in children of divorce were characterized by aggressive behavior, withdrawal, and social problems. CONCLUSIONS The findings emanating from China provide the first evidence of the link between parental divorce and children's psychopathology and clarify the psychopathological dimensions in Chinese children of divorced parents.
Reconstruction of the atrophic edentulous maxilla with free iliac crest grafts and implants: a 3-year report of a prospective clinical study.

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to perform a longitudinal follow-up study of implant stability in grafted maxillae with the aid of clinical, radiological, and resonance frequency analysis (RFA) parameters. MATERIALS AND METHODS The atrophic edentulous maxillae in 29 patients were reconstructed with free iliac crest grafts using onlay/inlay or interpositional grafting techniques. The endpoint of the resorption pattern in the maxilla determined the grafting technique used. Endosteal implants were placed after 6 months of bone-graft healing. Implant stability was measured four times using RFA: when the implants were placed, after 6 to 8 months of healing, after 6 months and 3 years of bridge loading. Individual checkups were performed at the two later RFA registrations after removal of the supraconstructions (Procera Implant Bridge, Nobel Biocare AB, Göteborg, Sweden). Radiological follow up of marginal bone level was performed annually. RESULTS Twenty-five patients remained for the follow-up period. A total of 192 implants were placed and with a survival rate of 90% at the 3-year follow up. Women and an implant position with a class 6 resorption prior to reconstruction were factors with significant increased risk for implant failure (multivariate logistic regression). Twelve of the 20 failed implants were lost before loading (early failures). The change in the marginal bone level was 0.3 +/- 0.3 mm between baseline (bridge delivery) and the 3-year follow up. The implant stability quotient (ISQ) value for all implants differed significantly between abutment connection (60.2 +/- 7.3) and after 6 months of bridge loading (62.5 +/- 5.5) (Wilcoxon signed ranks test for paired data, p=.05) but were nonsignificant between 6 months of bridge loading and 3 years of bridge loading (61.8 +/- 5.5). There was a significant difference between successful and failed implants when the ISQ values were compared for individual implants at placement (Mann-Whitney U test, p=.004). All 25 patients were provided with fixed implant bridges at the time of the 3-year follow up. CONCLUSION This clinical follow up using radiological examinations and RFA measurements indicates a predictable and stable long-term result for patients with atrophic edentulous maxillae reconstructed with autogenous bone and with delayed placement of endosteal implants. The ISQ value at the time of placement can probably serve as an indicator of level of risk for implant failure.
Thermal recovery of colour centres induced in cubic yttria-stabilized zirconia by charged particle irradiations

We have used electron paramagnetic resonance to study the thermal annealing of colour centres induced in cubic yttria-stabilized zirconia by swift electron and heavy ion irradiations. Single crystals were irradiated with 1 or 2 MeV electrons, and 200 MeV 127I or 200 MeV 197Au ions. Electron and ion beams produce the same colour centres, namely (i) an F+-like centre, (ii) the so-called T-centre (Zr3+ in a trigonal oxygen local environment), and (iii) a hole centre. Isochronal annealing was performed up to 973 K. Isothermal annealing was performed at various temperatures on samples irradiated with 2 MeV electrons. The stability of paramagnetic centres increases with fluence and with a treatment at 1373 K under vacuum prior to the irradiations. Two distinct recovery processes are observed depending on fluence and/or thermal treatment. The single-stage type I process occurs for F+-like centres at low fluences in as-received samples, and is probably linked to electron–hole recombination. T-centres are also annealed according to a single-stage process regardless of fluence. The annealing curves allow one to obtain activation energies for recovery. The two-stage type II process is observed only for the F+-like centres in as-received samples, at higher fluences, or in reduced samples. These centres are first annealed in a first stage below 550 K, as in type I, then transform into new paramagnetic centres in a second stage above 550 K. A simple kinetics model is proposed for this process. Complete colour centre bleaching is achieved at about 1000 K.
Effect of Ethanol and Linoleic Acid on Changes in Biliary Excretion of Iodothyronines Possibly Related to Thyroxine Deiodination in Rat Liver

Groups of male rats weighing about 350 g were inserted polyethylene tubings into bile duct and femoral vein under pentobarbital anesthesia. Several iodothyronines (i.e. T4, T3, rT3, 3,5-T2, 3,3'-T2 and 3',5'-T2) were estimated in 2-hr portions of bile with the aid of specific radioimmunoassay. After the infusion of ethanol (0.3 ml/hr/rat for 4 hr) an increase of biliary excretion of rT3 and a decrease of 3,5-T2 was found as compared to controls. When 5 mg linoleic acid was added to 1.2 ml ethanol, the increase of rT3 was significantly higher than that after ethanol only and, in addition, significant increase of 3',5'-T2 excretion was found. It was concluded that both ethanol and unsaturated fatty acids may inhibit 5'-monodeiodination in the liver and that unsaturated nonesterified fatty acids may exert such effect even when administered intravenously without underlying metabolic disorders.
The use of flow cytometry for the prognosis of stage II adjuvant treated breast cancer patients

Characterization of breast cancer cells by histology, flow cytometry, and steroid receptors was performed on 197 Stage II breast node positive cancer patients given adjuvant chemotherapy, plus tamoxifen for patients with positive hormone receptors. Histologic and steroid receptor assays were performed using standard techniques; flow cytometric analysis was performed from paraffin‐embedded blocks obtained from the primary tumor. Quality control studies on reproducibility, tissue heterogeneity, and analysis procedures have been included. Of the 197 patients studied, aneuploidy was found in 102 (52%); the median %S value was 8% with a range of 0.4% to 38%. Our results demonstrated that number of positive nodes, receptor status, and grade were of prognostic value. Cell cycle kinetic data were not of independent prognostic value in this series. However, ploidy could differentiate in prognosis in the receptor‐negative subgroup. Patients with receptor‐negative tumors had a significantly better overall survival if the tumor was diploid in nature. Cell kinetics was not significantly prognostic for either receptor subgroup, although patients with higher %S tended to have better relapse‐free and overall survival. This is in disagreement with other studies and may demonstrate that treatment has confounded our results and diminished the ability of flow cytometry data to help predict outcome.
Interaction Between a Putative Mechanosensory Membrane Channel and a Collagen

The degenerin family of proteins in Caenorhabditis elegans is homologous to subunits of the mammalian amiloride-sensitive epithelial sodium channels. Mutations in nematode degenerins cause cell death, probably because of defects in channel function. Genetic evidence was obtained that the unc-105 gene product represents a degenerin homolog affecting C. elegans muscles and that this putative channel interacts with type IV collagen in the extracellular matrix underlying the muscle cell. This interaction may serve as a mechanism of stretch-activated muscle contraction, and this system could provide a molecular model for the activation of mechanosensitive ion channels.
Immunotherapy of hypersensitivity to hymenoptera venom

Insect sting allergy is a common condition with a risk of life-threatening anaphylaxis. After a severe reaction, the fear of being restung can significantly reduce quality of life. Venom immunotherapy (VIT) is a highly effective treatment of the underlying type I-sensitisation. This review addresses the mechanisms of immune modulation by VIT and outlines current clinical application. Although highly effective in the majority of patients, VIT fails in a few individuals. It can also cause systemic allergic side effects, restricting its application to physicians trained in the treatment of anaphylaxis. This review discusses several new strategies to overcome these problems, which are presently a promising focus of research. These include the use of new adjuvants, of recombinant and genetically engineered venom allergens, as well as vaccination with peptides.
Localization of Symbiotic Cyanobacteria in the Colonial Ascidian Trididemnum miniatum (Didemnidae, Ascidiacea)

Abstract Trididemnum miniatum is a colonial ascidian harboring the photosymbiotic prokaryote Prochloron sp. These bacterial cells are located in the tunic of the host animal. The present study revealed, by ultrastructural analysis, that the Prochloron cells were exclusively distributed and proliferated in the tunic. They were shown to be embedded in the tunic matrix and to have no direct contact with ascidian cells. Some tunic cells of the ascidians, however, did phagocytize and digest the symbiont. Round cell masses were sometimes found in the tunic and appeared to consist of disintegrating cyanobacterial cells. The thoracic epidermis of ascidian zooids was often digitated, and the epidermal cells extended microvilli into the tunic. Since there were no Prochloron cells in the alimentary tract of the ascidian zooids, the photosymbionts would not be considered part of the typical diet of the host ascidians. Thin layer chromatography showed that the symbionts possessed both chlorophyll a and b, while a 16S rRNA gene phylogeny supported the identification of the photosymbiont of T. miniatum as Prochloron sp.
Comparison of Oral Health Status and Saliva CRP Levels in Autistic and Non-autistic Individuals

Autism is a neurodevelopment disorder characterized by impaired social interaction and behaviour which can have adverse influence on dental care and oral health in the affected individuals. C - Reactive Protein (CRP) is a biomarker of inflammation with clinical utility in inflammation assessment and disease management. The present study was undertaken to assess and compare the oral health status and saliva CRP levels in autistic individuals and non-autistic individuals. 20 autistic and 20 healthy non-autistic individuals were examined for oral health status, oral hygiene index and their saliva CRP concentrations were estimated using ELISA method. Oral health status of autistic group was found to be similar to that of non-autistic group. However, saliva CRP levels were found to be significantly elevated in autistic individuals compared to non-autistic individuals (p=0.014). Elevated saliva CRP levels in autistic individuals demonstrated in the present study indicates the presence of underlying systemic inflammatory process and has important implication for elaborating the role of immune system dysfunction in autism. It may be concluded that increased saliva CRP level has the potential to serve as a marker for the diagnosis of autism.
Impact of induced joy on literacy in children: does the nature of the task make a difference?

ABSTRACT This research examined whether induced joy influences fifth graders’ performance in literacy tasks. Children were asked to recall a joyful experience, used as a joy induction, before completing either a grammar (Study 1) or textual comprehension task (Study 2). The grammar task involved understanding at the surface level and retrieval of appropriate declarative and procedural knowledge, but limited elaboration unlike the textual comprehension task, which tackled inference generation. By differentiating tasks based on depth of processing required for completion we aimed at testing the validity of two concurrent hypotheses: that of a facilitating effect and that of a detrimental effect of induced joy. Compared to controls, joy induced children showed better performance on the grammar task – specifically children with lower language ability. No differences across groups emerged as a function of joy induction on the text comprehension task. Results are discussed with respect to emotion effects on cognition.
Pedigree analysis in four Slovak endangered horse breeds.

The aim of this study was to perform an analysis of genetic diversity in four endangered horse populations bred in Slovakia, describing parameters on the probability of identity by descent and gene origin. The analysed populations consisted of (reference populations in brackets) 656 (158) Hucul horses, 2052 (162) Lipizzan horses, 1951 (171) Shagya Arabian horses, and 220 (42) Slovak Sport Ponies. The equivalent com- plete generations ranged from 4.93 for the Slovak Sport Pony to 10.25 for the Lipizzan horses. The average value of inbreeding ranged from 2.67% for the Slovak Sport Pony to 6.26% for the Hucul. The mean average relationship coefficients varied from 3.08% for the Shagya Arabian to 9.34% for the Hucul. Individual increases in inbreeding ranged from 0.43% for the Lipizzan to 1.06% for the Hucul, while the realized effective sizes were from 117.14 to 47.67 animals. The evaluated populations were derived from 80 to 499 founders. The effective number of founders ranged from 26 to 160, while the effective number of ancestors from 7 to 32.
The Client Satisfaction Questionnaire: Psychometric Properties in a Dutch Addict Population

Aims: The aim of this study is to investigate psychometric properties of the Client Satisfaction Questionnaire (CSQ-8) in a Dutch substance abuse population. Methods: The CSQ-8 and the Mental Health Thermometer (the standard Dutch satisfaction instrument) were sent to 927 patients of a Dutch substance abuse treatment centre. (response rate 28.3%; n = 262). Data were compared on several variables (i.e., age, gender, ethnicity, treatment type). For a subgroup of responders (n = 84), data were compared with pre-treatment problem severity and treatment need (the European Addiction Severity Index). Findings: Both internal consistency and concurrent validity were found to be high. Only treatment type had significant effects on CSQ-8 satisfaction scores. Scores were negatively skewed. Conclusion: The CSQ-8 is as suitable an instrument to be used in addict populations, as it is in other populations.
Epidemiology of musculoskeletal injuries among sedentary and physically active adults.

PURPOSE This study describes the types and frequencies of musculoskeletal injuries among a cohort of adults with above average activity levels who were enrolled in the Aerobics Center Longitudinal Study (Dallas, TX). METHODS Participants were adults aged 20-85 yr who completed a baseline clinical examination (1970-1982) and returned a mailed follow-up survey in 1986. Participants (5,028 men, 1,285 women) were measured for aerobic fitness, height, and body weight during the baseline examination. They reported detailed information about their physical activity levels and injury experiences on the follow-up survey (1986). An injury was defined as any self-reported soft tissue or bone injury that occurred within the previous 12 months. Activity-related injuries were those injuries participants attributed to participation in a formal exercise program. RESULTS A quarter of all participants reported a musculoskeletal injury. Of these, 83% were activity-related. More than 66% of activity-related injuries occurred in the lower extremity; the knee was listed as the joint most often affected. There were no significant sex differences in the prevalence of injury, regardless of cause. Sport participants had the highest proportion of all-cause and activity-related musculoskeletal injuries among both men and women. Self-perceived severe injuries had a significant negative impact on physical activity levels since almost 1/3 of subjects reported permanently stopping their exercise program after injury. CONCLUSION These results suggest the need for developing and implementing injury prevention programs targeted toward moderately active adults.