Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The receptor tyrosine kinase MerTK regulates dendritic cell production of BAFF

The MerTK receptor tyrosine kinase is an important negative regulator of dendritic cell function and is required to prevent B cell autoimmunity in vivo. It is not currently known however, if any causal relationship exists between these two aspects of MerTK function. We sought to determine if dendritic cells (DC) from mice lacking MerTK (mertk− / − mice) have characteristics that may aid in the development of B cell autoimmunity. Specifically, we found that mertk− / − mice contain an elevated number of splenic DC, and this population contains an elevated proportion of cells secreting the critical B cell pro-survival factor, B cell activating factor (BAFF). Elevated numbers of BAFF-secreting cells were also detected among mertk− / − bone marrow-derived dendritic cell (BMDC) populations. This was observed in both resting BMDC, and BMDC stimulated with lipopolysaccharide (LPS) or treated with exogenous apoptotic cells. We also found that DC in general have a pro-survival effect on resting B cells in co-culture. However, despite containing more BAFF-secreting cells, mertk− / − BMDC were not superior to C57BL/6 or baff-deficient BMDC at promoting B cell survival. Furthermore, using decoy receptors, we show that DC may promote B cell survival and autoimmunity through a BAFF-and a proliferation-inducing ligand-independent mechanism.
Fibromyalgia in inflammatory bowel disease.

OBJECTIVE Studies of the rheumatological complications of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD; Crohn's disease and ulcerative colitis) have focused on peripheral arthritis and spondylitis, and less is known about soft tissue rheumatism, specifically the fibromyalgia syndrome (FM). Our aim was to estimate the prevalence of FM and assess pain thresholds in patients with Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC). METHODS Seventy-two patients with UC and 41 with CD attending consecutively at the Gastroenterology Outpatient Clinic were assessed for the presence of FM and tenderness thresholds. FM was diagnosed according to the American College of Rheumatology 1990 criteria. Tenderness was measured by manual palpation and with a dolorimeter. One hundred twenty healthy subjects served as controls. RESULTS FM was documented in 30 of 113 patients with IBD (30%), specifically in 49% of patients with CD and 19% with UC (p = 0.001); in controls the rate was 0%. Subjects with CD exhibited more tenderness and reported more frequent and more severe FM associated symptoms than subjects with UC. Patients with CD had a higher tender point count, 11.3 (+/- 6.5), than those with UC, 6.4 (+/- 5.7) (p = 0.001); in healthy controls, the count was 0.1 (+/- 0.5). Tenderness thresholds (kg) were lower in CD 2.9 (+/- 1.7) than UC 3.9 (+/- 2.0) (p = 0.005) and controls 5.8 (+/- 0.9). CONCLUSION FM is common in IBD, particularly Crohn's disease. The lower pain threshold in Crohn's disease may suggest a disease-specific effect. Recognizing FM in patients with IBD will prevent misdiagnosis and ensure correct treatment.
Components involved in assembly and dislocation of iron–sulfur clusters on the scaffold protein Isu1p

The mitochondrial proteins Isu1p and Isu2p play an essential role in the maturation of cellular iron–sulfur (Fe/S) proteins in eukaryotes. By radiolabelling of yeast cells with 55Fe we demonstrate that Isu1p binds an oxygen‐resistant non‐chelatable Fe/S cluster providing in vivo evidence for a scaffolding function of Isu1p during Fe/S cluster assembly. Depletion of the cysteine desulfurase Nfs1p, the ferredoxin Yah1p or the yeast frataxin homologue Yfh1p by regulated gene expression causes a strong decrease in the de novo synthesis of Fe/S clusters on Isu1p. In contrast, depletion of the Hsp70 chaperone Ssq1p, its co‐chaperone Jac1p or the glutaredoxin Grx5p markedly increased the amount of Fe/S clusters bound to Isu1p, even though these mitochondrial proteins are crucial for maturation of Fe/S proteins. Hence Ssq1p/Jac1p and Grx5p are required in a step after Fe/S cluster synthesis on Isu1p, for instance in dissociation of preassembled Fe/S clusters from Isu1p and/or their insertion into apoproteins. We propose a model that dissects Fe/S cluster biogenesis into two major steps and assigns its central components to one of these two steps.
Analysis of blood donor pre-donation deferral in Dubai: characteristics and reasons

Background To ensure an adequate and safe blood supply, it is crucial to select suitable donors according to stringent eligibility criteria. Understanding the reasons for donor deferral can help in planning more efficient recruitment strategies and evaluating donor selection criteria. This study aims to define donor pre-donation deferral rates, causes of deferral, and characteristics of deferred donors in Dubai. Materials and methods This retrospective study was conducted on all donors who presented for allogeneic blood donation between January 1, 2010, until June 30, 2013, in Dubai Blood Donation Centre, accredited by the American Association of Blood Banks. The donation and deferral data were analyzed to determine the demographic characteristics of accepted and deferred donors, and frequency analyses were also conducted. Results Among 142,431 individuals presenting during the study period, 114,827 (80.6%) were accepted for donation, and 27,604 (19.4%) were deferred. The overall proportion of deferrals was higher among individuals less than 21 years old (35%, P<0.000), females (44% were deferred compared to 15% of males, P<0.0001), and first-time donors (22% were deferred vs 14% of repeat donors, P<0.0001). The main causes for a temporary deferral were low hemoglobin and high blood pressure. Discussion The deferral rate among blood donors in Dubai is relatively high compared to the internationally reported rates. This rate was higher among first-time donors and females, with low hemoglobin as the major factor leading to a temporary deferral of donors. Strategies to mitigate deferral and improve blood donor retention are urged in Dubai to avoid additional stress on the blood supply.
An immune response manifested by the common occurrence of annexins I and II autoantibodies and high circulating levels of IL-6 in lung cancer

The identification of circulating tumor antigens or their related autoantibodies provides a means for early cancer diagnosis as well as leads for therapy. The purpose of this study was to identify proteins that commonly induce a humoral response in lung cancer by using a proteomic approach and to investigate biological processes that may be associated with the development of autoantibodies. Aliquots of solubilized proteins from a lung adenocarcinoma cell line (A549) and from lung tumors were subjected to two-dimensional PAGE, followed by Western blot analysis in which individual sera were tested for primary antibodies. Sera from 54 newly diagnosed patients with lung cancer and 60 patients with other cancers and from 61 noncancer controls were analyzed. Sera from 60% of patients with lung adenocarcinoma and 33% of patients with squamous cell lung carcinoma but none of the noncancer controls exhibited IgG-based reactivity against proteins identified as glycosylated annexins I and/or II. Immunohistochemical analysis showed that annexin I was expressed diffusely in neoplastic cells in lung tumor tissues, whereas annexin II was predominant at the cell surface. Interestingly, IL-6 levels were significantly higher in sera of antibody-positive lung cancer patients compared with antibody-negative patients and controls. We conclude that an immune response manifested by annexins I and II autoantibodies occurs commonly in lung cancer and is associated with high circulating levels of an inflammatory cytokine. The proteomic approach we have implemented has utility for the development of serum-based assays for cancer diagnosis as we report in this paper on the discovery of antiannexins I and/or II in sera from patients with lung cancer.
The impact of visitors’ experience intensity on in-situ destination image formation

Purpose This study aims to shed some light on destination image formation by exploring whether image is altered as a result of tourists’ experience intensity with a destination. Design/methodology/approach A visitor experience intensity index was developed based on the amount of events and attractions visitors have already attended/visited or were planning to attend/visit during their stay. The data were collected using self-administered questionnaires and the total sample consisted of 400 tourists in Linz, Austria. Principal component analysis, multivariate analysis of variance and discriminant analysis were applied to analyse the data. Findings The findings indicate that the higher the experience intensity score, the more favourable the cognitive and affective evaluations of destination image, indicating that tourists’ experiences are central in the formation of the in situ image. Research limitations/implications The “level of psychological involvement” with the destination should be considered by future studies, as this paper focussed on level of experience intensity. Practical implications This paper supports the effective and innovative solutions for place marketing and branding of tourist destinations such as promoting experiences that further enhance destination image. The study also assists places with bad reputation or negative image, like the selected case study (Linz, Austria), in repositioning themselves as attractive experience providers. Originality/value The paper’s originality lies in applying “mere exposure theory” in tourism and using an innovative way of measuring tourists’ experience through an intensity index. The study addresses a significant, but still neglected image determinant, that of experience intensity, contributing to a better understanding of the in situ destination image formation process.
Twin Booms: The Lead–Lag Relation Between Credit and Housing Booms

Abstract In this study, we examine the causal relation between credit (proxied by credit-to-GDP ratio) and house markets (proxied by house price index) using data of using thirty-six countries for the period 1996–2012. We find a bidirectional causal relation between the two markets using the whole sample. Then, we find that during the non–twin boom period, the results are the same as those using the whole sample. During the twin boom periods, the two markets are not linked using the boom definition of deviation from the trend, and the housing market leads the credit market using the boom definition of the growth rate exceeding a certain 15 percent.
Computations of French Lifetables by Département

Debates concerning the territorial divide in France are deep. To bring a contribution to this issue, I compute the departmental lifetables since 1901, for both men and women. In this paper, I present the raw data collected to do so, namely yearly births and deaths by age as well as population by age at each census carried out during the 20th century. I add statistics according to military mortality and mortality in deportation to cover the periods of the Two World Wars. I also present the methods I use to compute these lifetables, which come mainly from the Human Mortality Database protocol. I revise this protocol to take into account the specificities of French departmental data, mainly the few changes in French departmental boundaries, the underestimation of infant mortality and the lack of raw data homogeneity. This new database complements a still limited supply of long-term mortality statistics computed at local level.
Industry Dynamics and the Minimum Wage: A Putty‐Clay Approach

We document three new findings about the industry-level response to minimum wage hikes. First, restaurant exit and entry both rise following a hike. Second, the rise in entry and exit is concentrated in chains. Third, there is no change in employment among continuing restaurants. We develop a model of industry dynamics based on putty-clay technology and show that it is consistent with these findings. In the model, continuing restaurants cannot change employment, and thus industry-level adjustment occurs through exit of labor-intensive restaurants and entry of capital-intensive ones. We show these three findings are inconsistent with other models of industry dynamics.
KATP channel formation by the sulphonylurea receptors SUR1 with Kir6.2 subunits in rat dorsal vagal neurons in situ

1 Functional and molecular properties of ATP‐sensitive K+ (KATP) channels were studied in dorsal vagal neurons (DVNs) of rat brainstem slices using patch‐clamp and single‐cell antisense RNA amplification‐polymerase chain reaction (PCR) techniques. 2 In the cell‐attached configuration, 1 mM cyanide resulted in block of spontaneous firing and concomitant opening of single channels with a mean single open time of 2‐3 ms and a burst duration of up to several hundred milliseconds. Inhibition of such single‐channel activity with 200 μM tolbutamide led to the reappearance of spontaneous discharge. 3 Whole‐cell recordings during anoxia revealed a hyperpolarization of the DVNs. Harvesting of cytoplasm, antisense RNA amplification and subsequent PCR showed coexpression for single DVNs of mRNA for the sulphonylurea receptor SUR1 isoform and for the inwardly rectifying K+ channel subunit Kir6.2, but not for the SUR2 or Kir6.1 isoforms of these channel/receptor subclasses. 4 Upon anoxia, a stable depolarization by less than 10 mV was observed in non‐excitable cells in the dorsal vagal nucleus. These cells, which expressed glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), showed a high level of mRNA for Kir6.2, a weak signal for SUR1, whereas SUR2 or Kir6.1 were not detected. 5 The results suggest that functional KATP channels in DVNs are constituted by the formation of Kir6.2 subunits with SUR1 receptors.
Perioperative Supplemental Oxygen Does Not Worsen Long-Term Mortality of Colorectal Surgery Patients

BACKGROUND:A follow-up analysis from a large trial of oxygen and surgical-site infections reported increased long-term mortality among patients receiving supplemental oxygen, especially those having cancer surgery. Although concerning, there is no obvious mechanism linking oxygen to long-term mortality. We thus tested the hypothesis that supplemental oxygen does not increase long-term mortality in patients undergoing colorectal surgery. Secondarily, we evaluated whether the effect of supplemental oxygen on mortality depended on cancer status. METHODS:Mortality data were obtained for 927 patients who participated in 2 randomized trials evaluating the effect of supplemental oxygen on wound infection. We assessed the effect of 80% vs 30% oxygen on long-term mortality across 4 clinical sites in the 2 trials using a Cox proportional hazards regression model stratified by study and site. Kaplan-Meier survival estimates were calculated for each trial. Finally, we report site-stratified hazard ratios for patients with and without cancer at baseline. RESULTS:There was no effect of 80% vs 30% oxygen on mortality, with an overall site-stratified hazard ratio of 0.93 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.72–1.20; P = 0.57). The treatment effect was consistent across the 2 original studies (interaction P = 0.88) and across the 4 sites (P = 0.84). There was no difference between patients with (n = 451) and without (n = 450) cancer (interaction P = 0.51), with hazard ratio of 0.85 (95% CI, 0.64–1.1) for cancer patients and 0.97 (0.53–1.8) for noncancer patients. CONCLUSIONS:In contrast to the only previous publication, we found that supplemental oxygen had no influence on long-term mortality in the overall surgical population or in patients having cancer surgery.
Anti-TNF-&agr; Agent Infliximab and Splenectomy Are Protective Against Renal Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury

Background Renal ischemia-reperfusion (I/R) injury is associated with delayed graft function and results in poor long-term graft survival. We previously showed that splenectomy (SPLN) protects the kidney from I/R injury and reduces serum TNF-&agr; levels. Herein, we further investigated the effects of SPLN on inflammatory responses and tissue injury in renal I/R by examining the expression of major inflammatory cytokines and heat shock protein 70 (HSP70). Because it was shown previously that the anti–TNF-&agr; agent infliximab (IFX) attenuated renal I/R injury, we also investigated whether IFX administration mimics the effects of SPLN. Methods The left renal pedicles of adult male Wistar rats were clamped for 45 minutes and then reperfused for 24 hours; right nephrectomy and SPLN were performed immediately. A separate cohort was administered IFX 1 hour before surgery in lieu of SPLN. Results Serum creatinine and blood urea nitrogen levels were markedly elevated by I/R injury; these increases were significantly reversed by IFX. Furthermore, IFX inhibited the induction of inflammatory cytokines and HSP70 during renal I/R injury. Time-dependent profiles revealed that the expression of inflammatory cytokines was elevated immediately after I/R, whereas levels of HSP70, serum creatinine, and blood urea nitrogen began to rise 3 hours postreperfusion. Macrophages/monocytes were significantly increased in I/R-injured kidneys, but not in those administered IFX. The outcomes of SPLN mirrored those of IFX administration. Conclusions Splenectomy and TNF-&agr; inhibition both protect the kidney from I/R injury by reducing the accumulation of renal macrophages/monocytes and induction of major inflammatory cytokines.
Transcriptional induction of purple membrane and gas vesicle synthesis in the archaebacterium Halobacterium halobium is blocked by a DNA gyrase inhibitor

We have investigated the expression of the bacteriorhodopsin gene (bop) and the gas vesicle protein gene (gvpA) in the extremely halophilic archaebacterium Halobacterium halobium, using primer-directed reverse transcription of RNA to quantify message levels. The level of gvpA gene transcript was found to increase about 5-fold from early to mid-logarithmic growth phase, while the level of bop gene transcript increased about 20-fold from mid-logarithmic to stationary phase. Transcriptional induction of both the gvpA and bop genes was significantly reduced by aeration and almost completely blocked by the DNA gyrase inhibitor novobiocin.
Nutrition and body weights of Canadian children watching television and eating while watching television

Abstract Objective To examine whether eating while watching television poses a risk for poor nutrition and excess body weight over and above that of time spent watching television. Design We analysed data of grade 5 students participating in a comprehensive population-based survey in the Canadian province of Nova Scotia. This survey included the Harvard’s Youth Food Frequency Questionnaire, students’ height and weight measurements, and a parent survey. We applied multivariable linear and logistic random effects models to quantify the associations of watching television and eating while watching television with diet quality and body weight. Setting The province of Nova Scotia, Canada. Subjects Grade 5 students (n 4966). Results Eating supper while watching television negatively affected the consumption of fruits and vegetables and overall diet quality. More frequent supper while watching television was associated with more soft drink consumption, a higher percentage energy intake from sugar out of total energy from carbohydrate, a higher percentage energy intake from fat, and a higher percentage energy intake from snack food. These associations appeared independent of time children spent watching television. Both watching television and eating while watching television were positively and independently associated with overweight. Conclusions Our observations suggest that both sedentary behaviours from time spent watching television as well as poor nutrition as a result of eating while watching television contribute to overweight in children. They justify current health promotion targeting time spent watching television and call for promotion of family meals as a means to avoid eating in front of the television.
Potential of calcitonin as a novel cotreatment for arthritis

After its discovery in the middle of the last century, calcitonin was quickly recognized as an extremely powerful inhibitor of osteoclast activity. Such a potent action prompted its use in Paget's disease, and determined its status as an elective anti-osteoporotic therapeutic. Over the years, however, its use has steadily declined, often because of costs and tachyphylaxis in calcitonin-induced responses, paralleled by the emergence of (cheaper) biphosphonates that now have wide diffusion and application. Modern technologies enable cheaper production costs for calcitonin; in addition, prednisolone and other glucocorticoids might impede the instauration of tachyphylaxis, such that calcitonin would retain its therapeutic efficacy. Therefore, prompted by recent experimental data generated with a model of rheumatoid arthritis, where calcitonin displayed synergistic effect when given as a cotreatment with prednisolone, as well as by clinical data showing efficacy of this hormone in osteoarthritis, we here propo.
Preeclampsia and maternal risk of breast cancer: a meta-analysis of cohort studies

Abstract Background: Pregnancy-related hypertensive disorders, including preeclampsia (PE) and pregnancy-induced hypertension (PIH), may influence the maternal risk of breast cancer. However, results of the cohort studies were inconsistent. Methods: An updated meta-analysis of cohort studies was performed to evaluate the association between PE, PIH and maternal breast cancer incidence. Relevant studies were identified via searching of PubMed and Embase databases. A random effect model was applied to synthesize the results. Stratified analyses were performed to evaluate the potential influence of parity, gender of offspring, and study design on the association between PE and maternal breast cancer incidence. Results: Ten cohort studies with 2,417,899 pregnant women were included. Maternal risk of breast cancer was not significantly affected by PE (risk ration [RR] = 0.93, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.82–1.06, p = .27), or PIH (RR = 0.95, 95% CI: 0.81–1.12, p = .54). Interestingly, PE was associated with significantly lowered maternal incidence of breast cancer in women who give birth to male offspring (RR = 0.79, p < .01), and in those of prospective cohort studies (RR = 0.87, p < .01). However, no significant association between PE and maternal breast cancer was detected in primiparous women, those who gave birth to female offspring, or those of retrospective cohorts. Conclusions: Current evidence did not support a conclusive association between PE, PIH and the maternal risk of breast cancer. Gender of the offspring may influence the association between PE and maternal breast cancer incidence.
Two new species of Euptychia Hübner, 1818 from the upper Amazon basin (Lepidoptera, Nymphalidae, Satyrinae)

Abstract Two new species of Euptychia Hübner, 1818 are described from the upper Amazon basin: Euptychia attenboroughi Neild, Nakahara, Fratello & Le Crom, sp. n. (type locality: Amazonas, Venezuela), and Euptychia sophiae Zacca, Nakahara, Dolibaina & Dias, sp. n. (type locality: Acre, Brazil). Their unusual facies prompted molecular and phylogenetic analyses of one of the species resulting in support for their classification in monophyletic Euptychia. Diagnostic characters for the two species are presented based on wing morphology, wing pattern, presence of androconial patches on the hindwing, and genitalia. Our results indicate that the projection of the tegumen above the uncus, previously considered a synapomorphy for Euptychia, is not shared by all species in the genus. The adults and their genitalia are documented, and distribution data and a map are provided.