Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Developmental Expression of Musashi-1 and Musashi-2 RNA-Binding Proteins During Spermatogenesis: Analysis of the Deleterious Effects of Dysregulated Expression1

ABSTRACT Spermatogenesis is a complex developmental process whereby diploid spermatogenic stem cells become haploid and undergo a series of morphological changes to produce physically mature spermatozoa. Crucial to this process are a number of RNA-binding proteins, responsible for the posttranscriptional control of essential mRNAs and particularly pertinent to the two periods of inactive transcription that occur in spermatogenesis. One such group of RNA-binding proteins is the Musashi family, specifically Musashi-1 (MSI1) and Musashi-2 (MSI2), which act as key translational regulators in various stem cell populations and have been linked with the induction of tumorigenesis. In the present study, we examined the differential expression of mammalian MSI1 and MSI2 during germ cell development in the mouse testis. MSI1 was found to be predominately localized in mitotic gonocytes and spermatogonia, whereas MSI2 was detected in meiotic spermatocytes and differentiating spermatids. Extensive examination of the function of Musashi in spermatogenesis was achieved through the use of two transgenic mouse models with germ cell-specific overexpression of full-length isoforms of Msi1 or Msi2. These models demonstrated that aberrant expression of either Msi1 or Msi2 has deleterious effects on normal spermatogenesis, with Msi2 overexpression resulting in male sterility. Studies undertaken on human testicular seminoma tumors provide further insights into the relevance of MSI1 and MSI2 overexpression as diagnostic markers to human stem cell cancers. Overall this study provides further evidence for the unique functions that RNA-binding protein isoforms occupy within spermatogenesis, and introduces the potential manipulation of the Musashi family proteins to elucidate the mechanisms of posttranscriptional gene expression during germ cell development.
Addition of rosiglitazone to metformin is most effective in obese, insulin‐resistant patients with type 2 diabetes

Aim: These analyses were undertaken to evaluate the efficacy of the insulin sensitizer rosiglitazone (RSG) when added to the therapy of obese type 2 diabetes mellitus patients (T2DM) taking near‐maximal doses (2.5 g/day) of metformin (MET). In obese, insulin‐resistant patients with T2DM who are inadequately controlled on MET, the addition of an agent that reduces insulin resistance may be a more rational and innovative approach than the addition of an insulin secretagogue.
Antiproliferative activity of Hungarian Asteraceae species against human cancer cell lines. Part I

Aqueous and organic extracts of 25 selected species from four tribes of Hungarian Asteraceae were screened in vitro for antiproliferative activity against HeLa (cervix epithelial adenocarcinoma), A431 (skin epidermoid carcinoma) and MCF7 (breast epithelial adenocarcinoma) cells, using the MTT assay. Twenty five of the 228 tested extracts from different parts of the species of Astereae (6), Inuleae (3), Heliantheae (5) and Anthemideae (11) demonstrated a substantial antiproliferative effect (at least 50% inhibition of cell proliferation) at 10 µg/mL against one or more of the cell lines. Complete dose‐response curves were generated and IC50 values were calculated for these active extracts, and their direct cytotoxic effects were determined. In summary, 11 of the tested 25 plants were found to be active and 4 of them (Anthemis ruthenica, Erigeron canadensis, Erigeron annuus and Inula ensifolia) had not been studied previously for either active compounds or anticancer properties. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
CHARACTERIZATION OF THE NEARBY L/T BINARY BROWN DWARF WISE J104915.57−531906.1 AT 2 pc FROM THE SUN

WISE J104915.57−531906.1 is a L/T brown dwarf binary located 2 pc from the Sun. The pair contains the closest known brown dwarfs and is the third closest known system, stellar or sub-stellar. We report comprehensive follow-up observations of this newly uncovered system. We have determined the spectral types of both components (L8 ± 1, for the primary, agreeing with the discovery paper; T1.5 ± 2 for the secondary, which was lacking spectroscopic type determination in the discovery paper) and, for the first time, their radial velocities (Vrad ∼ 23.1, 19.5 km s−1) using optical spectra obtained at the Southern African Large Telescope and other facilities located at the South African Astronomical Observatory (SAAO). The relative radial velocity of the two components is smaller than the range of orbital velocities for theoretically predicted masses, implying that they form a gravitationally bound system. We report resolved near-infrared JHKS photometry from the Infrared Survey Facility telescope at the SAAO which yields colors consistent with the spectroscopically derived spectral types. The available kinematic and photometric information excludes the possibility that the object belongs to any of the known nearby young moving groups or associations. Simultaneous optical polarimetry observations taken at the SAAO 1.9 m give a non-detection with an upper limit of 0.07%. For the given spectral types and absolute magnitudes, 1 Gyr theoretical models predict masses of 0.04–0.05 M☉ for the primary, and 0.03–0.05 M☉ for the secondary.
Genetic algorithm based approach to bi-level linear programming

Cet article traite de l'utilisation d'une technique a base d'algorithme genetique (GABBA) pour la resolution de problemes de Programmation Lineaire a Double-Niveau (PLDN). GABBA est utilise pour generer le vecteur de decision du leader, et la reaction du suiveur est obtenue grâce a la resolution du programme lineaire. GABBA est different des algorithmes genetiques habituels car il n'utilise que des mutations, des alleles de nombres en base 10, et une strategie de survie adaptee au PLDN. Les resultats montrent que, bien qu'il demande plus de temps CPU, GABBA s'approche davantage de l'optimum global que la technique d'optimisation par maillage de Bard [1983] pour des problemes de complexite variable
Effects of dietary glutamine and gamma-aminobutyric acid on meat colour, pH, composition, and water-holding characteristic in broilers under cyclic heat stress

1. An experiment was conducted to evaluate the effects of dietary glutamine (Gln, 0 and 5 g/kg) and gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA, 0 and 100 mg/kg) on raw breast meat colour, pH, composition and water-holding characteristic of broilers under cyclic heat stress (HS). 2. A total of 360 21-d-old Arbor Acres male chicks were randomly assigned to 5 treatment groups (6 replicates of 12 birds per cage). The positive control (PC) broilers were kept in a thermoneutral chamber (22–24°C) and fed on the basal diet. The other 4 groups were kept in a cyclic HS chamber (30–34°C) for 9 h (from 09:00 to 18:00). 3. A significant increase was observed in breast meat lightness at 28, 35 and 42 d; and pH values at 28, 35 and 42 d; while a significant decrease was observed in breast meat cooking loss (CL) and contents of moisture, crude protein (CP), crude fat (CF) and crude ash (CA) due to HS. 4. The supplementation with 0·5 g Gln/kg decreased lightness at 28, 35 and 42 d; while increasing redness at 28 d, yellowness at 35 d, contents of CP, CF and CA, thawing loss (TL) and drip loss (DL). The addition of 100 mg GABA/kg decreased lightness at 28 and 35 d, pH value at 28, 35 and 42 d, and TL; while increasing redness at 28 d, 35 and 42 d, contents of moisture, CP and CF. 5. The lightness, redness, and pH value; contents of moisture, CP, CF and CA; and TL, DL and CL of breast meat of broilers fed with the mixture of Gln and GABA under cyclic HS were similar to those of the broilers in the PC group. 6. Significant interactions were found between Gln and GABA for yellowness at 28 and 35 d; pH at 28, 35 and 42 d; moisture content, CP content, water-holding capacity and TL. 7. These results demonstrated that dietary Gln and GABA offer a potential nutritional strategy to prevent cyclic HS-related depression in broiler meat chemical composition and quality.
Update on the Diagnosis and Management of Popliteal Aneurysm and Literature Review

Popliteal artery aneurysms (PAAs) are the most frequent peripheral aneurysm with a significant morbidity if left untreated. Open surgical technique is still considered the gold standard; however the revolution in endovascular repair has proven to be a valid alternative option in selected patients. The role of endovascular treatment in PAA is still considered in its infancy. In addition, the indications for use of endovascular stents as compared to standard open surgery have not yet been fully defined and more studies are warranted to characterize the durability of this technique. This article describes the general principles of the natural history, clinical presentation, and long-term limb salvage and survival outcomes for patients with such aneurysms. It also details the features and results for the devices in current use and highlights the current consensus in the management of PAA.
Co-infection with two Chlamydophila species in a case of fulminant myocarditis*

Objective:The aim of this study is to describe a case of fulminant myocarditis caused by co-infection with Chlamydophila pneumoniae and Chlamydophila psittaci in order to facilitate diagnosis and clinical management of patients suffering from this rare but life-threatening condition. Design:Case report. Setting:Intensive care unit of Innsbruck Medical University. Patient:A 24-yr-old patient admitted with septicemia and cardiac failure. Interventions:Cardiopulmonary resuscitation, extracorporal membrane oxygenation, implantation of an extracorporal cardiac assist device, and antibiotic treatment with erythromycin. Measurements and Main Results:Cp. pneumoniae and Cp. psittaci were identified by means of polymerase chain reaction and electron microscopy in the patient’s myocytes. Successful weaning off the ventricular assist device was performed within 2 wks after commencement of antibiotic therapy. Conclusions:This case report demonstrates co-infection with Cp. pneumoniae and Cp. psittaci to be a hitherto unknown cause of fulminant myocarditis. There is a particular risk of misdiagnosis of viral myocarditis, which must be avoided. Patients should be transferred to a center where extracorporal membrane oxygenation therapy and molecular diagnosis of all members of the family Chlamydiaceae are available.
INCORPORATING VISUAL ATTENTION MODELS INTO IMAGE QUALITY METRICS

A recent development in the area of image quality consists of trying to incorporate aspects of visual attention in the metric design. This is generally achieved by combining distortion maps and saliency maps. Although a good number of saliency-inspired image quality metrics have been proposed, results are not yet conclusive. Some researchers have reported that the incorporation of visual attention increases the performance of quality metrics, while others have reported no or very little improvement. In this work, we investigate the beneﬁt of incorporating saliency maps obtained with computational visual attention models into three image quality metrics (SSIM, PSNR, and MSE). More speciﬁcally, we compare the performance of quality metrics using saliency maps obtained with computational visual attention models versus quality metrics using subjective saliency maps. Results show that performance is linked to not only the “precision” of the saliency map, but also to the type of distortion.
APOL1 nephropathy risk variants are associated with altered high-density lipoprotein profiles in African Americans.

BACKGROUND Two independent coding variants in the apolipoprotein L1 gene (APOL1), G1 and G2, strongly associate with nephropathy in African Americans; associations with cardiovascular disease are more controversial. Although APOL1 binds plasma high-density lipoproteins (HDLs), data on APOL1 risk variant associations with HDL subfractions are sparse. METHODS Two APOL1 G1 single nucleotide polymorphisms and the G2 insertion/deletion polymorphism were genotyped in 2010 Reasons for Geographic and Racial Differences in Stroke (REGARDS) Study participants with nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy-based lipoprotein subfraction measurements. Linear regression was used to model associations between numbers of APOL1 G1/G2 risk variants and HDL subfractions, adjusting for demographic, clinical and ancestral covariates. RESULTS Female sex and higher percentage of African ancestry were positively associated with the number of APOL1 G1/G2 risk alleles. In the unadjusted analysis, mean (standard error) small HDL concentrations (μmol/L) for participants with zero, one and two G1/G2 risk alleles were 19.0 (0.2), 19.7 (0.2) and 19.9 (0.4), respectively (P = 0.02). Adjustment for age, sex, diabetes and African ancestry did not change the results but strengthened the statistical significance (P = 0.004). No significant differences in large or medium HDL, very low-density lipoprotein or low-density lipoprotein particle concentrations were observed by APOL1 genotype. CONCLUSIONS Greater numbers of APOL1 G1/G2 risk alleles were associated with higher small HDL particle concentrations in African Americans. These results may suggest novel areas of investigation to uncover reasons for the association between APOL1 risk variants with adverse outcomes in African Americans.
Thymic Selection Determines γδ T Cell Effector Fate: Antigen- Thymic Selection Determines T Cell Effector Fate: Antigen-Naive Cells Make Interleukin-17 and Antigen-Experienced Cells Naive Cells Make Interleukin-17 and Antigen-Experienced Cells Make Interferon γ Make Interferon

Abstract γδ T cells contribute uniquely to host immune competence, but how they do so remain unclear. Here, by analyzing T10/T22-specific γδ T cells in mice with different T10/T22 expression patterns, we find that encountering antigen in the thymus is neither required nor inhibitory for the development of these cells. Instead, ligand recognition determines which of two distinct functional subsets γδ T cells will become. When triggered through the TCR, lymphoid- γδ T cells that encounter ligand during development produce IFN γ , while those that develop in the absence of ligand make IL-17, a major inducer of granulopoiesis during inflammation. Indeed, we find large fractions of IL-17+ γδ T cells from the draining lymph nodes immediately after peptide/CFA immunization and days before the appearance of antigen specific IL-17+ αβ T cells. This suggests a critical role for γδ T cells as ‘initial providers’ of IL-17 in an inflammatory response to novel antigens. γδ T cells contribute uniquely to host immune competence, but how they do so remain unclear. Here, by analyzing T10/T22-specific γδ T cells in mice with different T10/T22 expression patterns, we find that encountering antigen in the thymus is neither required nor inhibitory for the development of these cells. Instead, ligand recognition determines which of two distinct functional subsets γδ T cells will become. When triggered through the TCR, lymphoid- γδ T cells that encounter ligand during development produce IFN γ , while those that develop in the absence of ligand make IL-17, a major inducer of granulopoiesis during inflammation. Indeed, we find large fractions of IL-17 + γδ T cells from the draining lymph nodes immediately after peptide/CFA immunization and days before the appearance of antigen specific IL-17 + αβ T cells. This suggests a critical role for γδ T cells as ‘initial providers’ of IL-17 in an inflammatory response to novel antigens.
Understanding the Development of Problematic Use of Massively Multiplayer Online Game

Online gaming has become one of the most popular forms of online leisure activity today. Massively multiplayer online game (MMOG), being highly persistent and immersive, is however often presented as being potentially dangerous of leading to problematic use. Despite a rising concern over this emerging societal challenge, the theoretical understanding of problematic use of MMOG is lacking in the information systems literature. Therefore, the objective of this study is to propose and empirically test a theory-guided model that explains the development of problematic use of MMOG. We built our research model on the hedonic management model of addictions, and explained the role of mood modification and deficient self-regulation in the development of problematic use of MMOG. We will validate the research model using longitudinal survey design and structural equation modeling approach. We believe that the current work presents significant implications to both research and practice.
FACT Facilitates Transcription-Dependent Nucleosome Alteration

The FACT (facilitates chromatin transcription) complex is required for transcript elongation through nucleosomes by RNA polymerase II (Pol II) in vitro. Here, we show that FACT facilitates Pol II–driven transcription by destabilizing nucleosomal structure so that one histone H2A-H2B dimer is removed during enzyme passage. We also demonstrate that FACT possesses intrinsic histone chaperone activity and can deposit core histones onto DNA. Importantly, FACT activity requires both of its constituent subunits and is dependent on the highly acidic C terminus of its larger subunit, Spt16. These findings define the mechanism by which Pol II can transcribe through chromatin without disrupting its epigenetic status.
The Effects of Aerobic Exercise on Estrogen Metabolism in Healthy Premenopausal Women

Background: It is well accepted that exercise can decrease breast cancer risk. Limited clinical evidence suggests that this risk could be mediated through changes in estrogen metabolism in premenopausal women. Our objective was to investigate the effects of exercise on premenopausal estrogen metabolism pertinent to breast cancer risk. Methods: Sedentary, healthy, young eumenorrheic women were randomized into an intervention of 30 minutes of moderate-to-vigorous aerobic exercise five times a week for approximately 16 weeks (n = 212), or into a usual-lifestyle sedentary control group (n = 179). Urinary levels of estrogens [estrone [E1], estradiol, and estriol] and nine estrogen metabolites were measured at baseline and at study end by liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry. The ratios of 2-hydroxyestrone to 16α-hydroxyestrone (2-OHE1/16α-OHE1) and 2-OHE1 to 4-hydroxyestrone (2- OHE1/4-OHE1) were also calculated. Results: The exercise intervention resulted in significant increases in aerobic fitness and lean body mass and a significant decrease in percent body fat. For exercisers who completed the study (n = 165), 2-OHE1/16α-OHE1 increased significantly (P = 0.043), whereas E1 decreased significantly (P = 0.030) in control participants (n = 153). The change from baseline in 2-OHE1/16α-OHE1 was significantly different between groups (P = 0.045), even after adjustment for baseline values. Conclusions: The exercise intervention resulted in a significant increase in the 2-OHE1/16α-OHE1 ratio but no differences in other estrogen metabolites or ratios. Impact: Our results suggest that changes in premenopausal estrogen metabolism may be a mechanism by which increased physical activity lowers breast cancer risk. Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev; 22(5); 756–64. ©2013 AACR.
PAX 2 is expressed in multiple spinal cord interneurons , including a population of EN 1 + interneurons that require PAX 6 for their development

Members of the PAX family of transcription factors are candidates for controlling cell identity in the spinal cord. We have morphologically analyzed cells that express one of these transcription factors, PAX2, demonstrating multiple interneuron cell types express PAX2. Two ventral populations of PAX2-expressing interneurons in the spinal cord are marked by coexpression of the transcription factors, EN1 and EVX1. Interestingly, the expression domains of PAX2, EN1 and EVX1 in postmitotic neurons correlate closely with those of Pax6and Pax7in the ventricular zone, implicating these patterning genes in the regulation of PAX2, EN1 and EVX1. We show that one of these patterning genes, Pax6, is required for the correct specification of ventral PAX2+ interneurons that coexpress EN1. These results demonstrate that the early activity of patterning genes in the ventricular zone determines interneuron identity in the spinal cord.
Lkb1 regulation of skeletal muscle development, metabolism and muscle progenitor cell homeostasis

Liver kinase B1 (Lkb1), also named as Serine/Threonine protein kinase 11 (STK11), is a serine/threonine kinase that plays crucial roles in various cellular processes including cell survival, cell division, cellular polarity, cell growth, cell differentiation, and cell metabolism. In metabolic tissues, Lkb1 regulates glucose homeostasis and energy metabolism through phosphorylating and activating the AMPK subfamily proteins. In skeletal muscle, Lkb1 affects muscle development and postnatal growth, lipid and fatty acid oxidation, glucose metabolism, and insulin sensitivity. Recently, the regulatory roles of Lkb1 in regulating division, self‐renew, proliferation, and differentiation of skeletal muscle progenitor cells have been reported. In this review, we discuss the roles of Lkb1 in regulating skeletal muscle progenitor cell homeostasis and skeletal muscle development and metabolism.
A major reduction in hospital-onset Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia in Australia-12 years of progress: an observational study.

BACKGROUND Staphylococcus aureus bacteremia (SAB) is a serious cause of morbidity and mortality. This longitudinal study describes significant reductions in hospital-onset SAB (HO-SAB) in Australian hospitals over the past 12 years. METHODS An observational cohort study design was used. Prospective surveillance of HO-SAB in 132 hospitals in Australia was undertaken. Aggregated data from all patients who acquired HO-SAB was collected (defined as 1 or more blood cultures positive for S. aureus taken from a patient who had been admitted to hospital for >48 hours). The primary outcome was the incidence of HO-SAB, including both methicillin-resistant (MRSA) and methicillin-susceptible (MSSA) S. aureus strains. RESULTS A total of 2733 HO-SAB cases were identified over the study period, giving an aggregate incidence of 0.90 per 10 000 patient-days (PDs) (95% confidence interval [CI], .86-.93). There was a 63% decrease in the annual incidence, from 1.72 per 10 000 PDs in 2002 (95% CI, 1.50-1.97) to 0.64 per 10 000 PDs (95% CI, .53-.76) in 2013. The mean reduction per year was 9.4% (95% CI, -8.1% to -10.7%). Significant reductions in both HO-MRSA (from 0.77 to 0.18 per 10 000 PDs) and HO-MSSA (from 1.71 to 0.64 per 10 000 PDs) bacteremia were observed. CONCLUSIONS There was a major and significant reduction in incidence of HO-SAB caused by both MRSA and MSSA in Australian hospitals since 2002. This reduction coincided with a range of infection prevention and control activities implemented during this time. It suggests that national and local efforts to reduce the burden of healthcare-associated infections have been very successful.