Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
C-terminal Hydrophobic Region in Human Bone Marrow Stromal Cell Antigen 2 (BST-2)/Tetherin Protein Functions as Second Transmembrane Motif*

Background: BST-2/tetherin inhibits virus release by tethering virions to the cell surface. Results: The putative GPI anchor signal of BST can function as a TM region and can be replaced by heterologous TM segments. Conclusion: BST-2 contains a second TM region instead of a GPI anchor. Significance: Understanding the molecular structure of BST-2 is crucial to understanding how the protein inhibits detachment of many enveloped viruses. BST-2/CD317/HM1.24/tetherin is a host factor that inhibits the release of HIV-1 and other enveloped viruses. Structurally, tetherin consists of an N-terminal transmembrane (TM) region, a central coiled coil motif, and a putative C-terminal glycosylphosphatidylinositol (GPI) anchor motif. A current working model proposes that BST-2 inhibits virus release by physically tethering viral particles to the cell surface via its TM motif and GPI anchor. Here we analyzed the functional importance of the C-terminal GPI anchor motif in BST-2. We replaced the GPI anchor motif in BST-2 with the TM regions of several surface markers and found that the TM motifs of CD40 and transferrin receptor, but not that of CD45, could functionally substitute for a GPI anchor in BST-2. Conversely, replacing the TM region of CD4 by the putative GPI anchor signal of human BST-2 resulted in proper membrane targeting and surface expression of the chimeric protein, indicating that the BST-2 GPI anchor signal can function as a bona fide TM region. In fact, attempts to demonstrate GPI anchor modification of human BST-2 by biochemical methods failed. Our results demonstrate that the putative C-terminal GPI anchor motif in human BST-2 fulfills the requirements of a bona fide TM motif, leading us to propose that human BST-2 may in fact contain a second TM segment rather than a GPI anchor.
Carcinogenicity study of GSM and DCS wireless communication signals in B6C3F1 mice

The purpose of this study using a total of 1170 B6C3F1 mice was to detect and evaluate possible carcinogenic effects in mice exposed to radio‐frequency‐radiation (RFR) from Global System for Mobile Communication (GSM) and Digital Personal Communications System (DCS) handsets as emitted by handsets operating in the center of the communication band, that is, at 902 MHz (GSM) and 1747 MHz (DCS). Restrained mice were exposed for 2 h per day, 5 days per week over a period of 2 years to three different whole‐body averaged specific absorption rate (SAR) levels of 0.4, 1.3, 4.0 mW/g bw (SAR), or were sham exposed. Regarding the organ‐related tumor incidence, pairwise Fisher's test did not show any significant increase in the incidence of any particular tumor type in the RF exposed groups as compared to the sham exposed group. Interestingly, while the incidences of hepatocellular carcinomas were similar in EMF and sham exposed groups, in both studies the incidences of liver adenomas in males decreased with increasing dose levels; the incidences in the high dose groups were statistically significantly different from those in the sham exposed groups. Comparison to published tumor rates in untreated mice revealed that the observed tumor rates were within the range of historical control data. In conclusion, the present study produced no evidence that the exposure of male and female B6C3F1 mice to wireless GSM and DCS radio frequency signals at a whole body absorption rate of up to 4.0 W/kg resulted in any adverse health effect or had any cumulative influence on the incidence or severity of neoplastic and non‐neoplastic background lesions, and thus the study did not provide any evidence of RF possessing a carcinogenic potential. Bioelectromagnetics 28:173–187, 2007. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
TGF-β receptor type II costameric localization in cardiomyocytes and host cell TGF-β response is disrupted by Trypanosoma cruzi infection

SUMMARY Transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) cytokine is involved in Chagas disease establishment and progression. Since Trypanosoma cruzi can modulate host cell receptors, we analysed the TGF-β receptor type II (TβRII) expression and distribution during T. cruzi – cardiomyocyte interaction. TβRII immunofluorescent staining revealed a striated organization in cardiomyocytes, which was co-localized with vinculin costameres and enhanced (38%) after TGF-β treatment. Cytochalasin D induced a decrease of 45·3% in the ratio of cardiomyocytes presenting TβRII striations, demonstrating an association of TβRII with the cytoskeleton. Western blot analysis showed that cytochalasin D significantly inhibited Smad 2 phosphorylation and fibronectin stimulation after TGF-β treatment in cardiomyocytes. Trypanosoma cruzi infection elicited a decrease of 79·8% in the frequency of cardiomyocytes presenting TβRII striations, but did not interfere significantly in its expression. In addition, T. cruzi-infected cardiomyocytes present a lower response to exogenous TGF-β, showing no enhancement of TβRII striations and a reduction of phosphorylated Smad 2, with no significant difference in TβRII expression when compared to uninfected cells. Together, these results suggest that the co-localization of TβRII with costameres is important in activating the TGF-β signalling cascade, and that T. cruzi-derived cytoskeleton disorganization could result in altered or low TGF-β response in infected cardiomyocytes.
Diagnostic value of 3D fluid attenuated inversion recovery sequence in multiple sclerosis

Background Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is an indispensable tool in the diagnostic work-up of multiple sclerosis (MS). To date, guidelines suggest MRI protocols containing axial dual-echo, unenhanced and post-contrast T1-weighted sequences. Especially the usage of dual-echo sequences has markedly improved the ability of MRI to detect cortical and infratentorial lesions. Newer 3D FLAIR sequences are supposed to provide even more positive imaging features such as improved detection of white matter lesions and a better resolution due to smaller slice thickness. Purpose To evaluate the diagnostic impact of 3D FLAIR sequences in comparison to conventional T2 and PD sequences. Material and Methods Examinations of 20 MS patients (10 women, 10 men) were reviewed retrospectively. All patients received MRI standard protocol containing PD and T2 sequences and a mid-sagittal T2 sequence. Additionally an isotropic 3D FLAIR sequence was performed. Whole-brain lesion load and number of lesions in juxtacortical, infratentorial, and midcallosal localizations were assessed by two observers independently and compared. Results Whole lesion load and the count of detectable lesions at the 3D FLAIR sequence were significantly higher in the juxtacortical and infratentorial regions compared to the PD/T2 sequence. Detection rate of midcallosal lesions did not differ significantly in sagittal T2 and 3D FLAIR sequence. Conclusion 3D FLAIR sequences can improve the detection of brain lesions in patients with MS and are even more sensitive in depicting lesions in cortical and infratentorial locations than current dual-echo sequences. The sequence can replace both PD/T2 sequences and mid-sagittal T2 sequences of the corpus callosum.
Respiratory Impairment and Mortality in Older Persons

Background The Lambda-Mu-Sigma (LMS) method calculates the lower limit of normal for spirometric measures of pulmonary function as the fifth percentile of the distribution of z scores, suitably accounting for age-related changes in pulmonary function. Extending prior work, and to assess whether the LMS method is clinically valid when evaluating respiratory impairment in the elderly, our current objective was to evaluate the association of LMS-defined respiratory impairment (airflow limitation and restrictive pattern) with all-cause mortality and respiratory symptoms (chronic bronchitis, dyspnea, or wheezing) in older persons. Methods Spirometric data and outcome data on white participants aged 65 to 80 years were obtained from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES-III, n = 1497) and the Cardiovascular Health Study (CHS, n = 3583). Multivariable analyses determined the corresponding associations, adjusting for important covariates. Results In the NHANES-III and CHS populations, respectively, LMS-defined airflow limitation had adjusted hazard ratios (95% confidence interval) of 1.64 (1.28-2.11) and 1.69 (1.48-1.92) for mortality; adjusted odds ratios for respiratory symptoms were 2.71 (1.92-3.83) and 2.63 (2.11-3.27). The LMS-defined restrictive pattern was also significantly associated with mortality (adjusted hazard ratios of 1.98 [1.54-2.53] and 1.68 [1.44-1.95]), as well as with respiratory symptoms (adjusted odds ratios of 1.55 [1.03-2.34] and 1.37 [1.07-1.75]) in NHANES-III and CHS, respectively. Conclusions The LMS-defined airflow limitation and restrictive pattern confers a significantly increased risk of death and likelihood of having respiratory symptoms. These results support the use of LMS-derived spirometric z scores as a basis for evaluating respiratory impairment in older persons.
Consistent mapping of orientation preference across irregular functional domains in ferret visual cortex

The mammalian visual cortex harbors a number of functional maps that represent distinct attributes of stimuli in the visual environment. How different functional maps are accommodated within the same cortical space, especially in species that show marked irregularities in one or more functional maps, remains poorly understood. We used optical imaging of intrinsic signals and electrophysiological techniques to investigate the organization of the maps of orientation preference, ocular dominance, and visual space in ferret. This species shows striking nonuniformity in the arrangement of ocular dominance domains and disruption of the mapping of visual space along the V1/V2 border. We asked whether these irregularities would be reflected in the organization of the map of orientation preference. The results show that orientation preference is mapped consistently within both V1 and V2, and across the interareal boundary, with no reflection of the irregularities in the other maps. These observations demonstrate the accommodation of multiple functional maps within the same cortical space without systematic geometrical relationships that necessarily constrain the organization of each representation. Furthermore, they imply that the structure of the map of orientation preference reflects the architecture and activity patterns of cortical circuits that are independent of other columnar systems established in layer 4.
PERFIL DE SENSIBILIDADE DE BACTÉRIAS FRENTE A ÓLEOS ESSENCIAIS DE ALGUMAS PLANTAS DO NORDESTE DO BRASIL

Em muitas comunidades e grupos etnicos, o conhecimento sobre plantas medicinais simboliza geralmente o unico recurso terapeutico. O uso de plantas no tratamento e na cura de enfermidades e tao antigo, quanto a especie humana. Nos dias atuais, nas regioes mais pobres do Pais e ate mesmo nas grandes cidades brasileiras, plantas medicinais sao comercializadas em feiras livres, mercados populares e encontradas em quintais residenciais. As observacoes populares sobre o uso e a eficacia de plantas medicinais contribuem, de forma relevante, para adivulgacao das virtudes terapeuticas dos vegetais, prescritos comfrequencia, pelos efeitos medicinais que produzem, apesar de nao terem seus constituintes quimicos conhecidos. Dessa forma, usuarios de plantas medicinais de todo o mundo, mantem em voga a pratica de consumo de fitoterapicos, tornando validas informacoes terapeuticas que foram sendo acumuladas durante seculos.
Knee arthroscopy in England and Ontario: patterns of use, changes over time, and relationship to total knee replacement.

BACKGROUND The role of knee arthroscopy in the management of osteoarthritis is unclear. The purpose of this study was to examine patterns of use of knee arthroscopy, overall and by diagnostic and sociodemographic subgroups, in countries with comparable health-care systems. METHODS Administrative databases were used to construct cohorts of adults, twenty years of age or older, who had undergone their first knee arthroscopy in 1993, 1997, 2002, or 2004 either in Ontario, Canada, or in England. For each year, age and sex-standardized rates of knee arthroscopy per 100,000 population were determined overall and by diagnosis, sex, age, and income quintile. Regression analysis, with control for confounders, was used to examine predictors of readmission for primary total knee replacement up to five years after an index knee arthroscopy performed in 1993 or 1997. We also analyzed the records of patients who had undergone primary knee replacement in 2002 to determine the rates of knee arthroscopy in the two years prior to that replacement. RESULTS In both countries, the proportion of arthroscopic procedures performed to treat internal derangement or dislocation of the knee increased over time; the rates were highest in the highest income quintiles. The study revealed that 4.8% of the patients in England and 8.5% of those in Ontario who had an arthroscopy to treat osteoarthritis in 1997 received a knee replacement within one year after that procedure. The risk of readmission for knee replacement was greater in association with a diagnosis of osteoarthritis, female sex, and an older age at the time of the arthroscopy. Of the patients who had a primary knee replacement in 2002, 2.7% in England and 5.7% in Ontario had undergone a knee arthroscopy in the previous year; the likelihood of the patient having had a prior arthroscopy increased with higher income and increasing age. CONCLUSIONS Variations in knee arthroscopy rates according to age, sex, income, and diagnosis were identified in both countries. Research to determine if these differences are consistent with need is warranted.
Crossing the peninsula: The role of Noh Bec, Yucatán, in ancient Maya Classic Period population dynamics from an analysis of dental morphology and Sr isotopes

This article aims to infer population dynamics in the Noh Bec region (Yucatán Peninsula, México) during the Maya Classic period (AD 350–800), based on a combined analysis of dental morphology and 87Sr/86Sr isotopes, and on a comparison of the dental evidence together with archaeological signs of trade and relationships with other regions in the Maya world.
Changes in steroid concentration in blood of female Tilapia aurea (teleostei, cichlidae) during initiation of spawning.

Steroids were quantitatively determined in blood of females of a bony fish, Tilapia aurea, before and after initiation of spawning. The steroids were determined by acetylatihg them with labeled acetic anhydride, collecting the acetates from a gas-liquid chromatographic column and by achieving constant specific activity of 3 derivatives prepared from the steroid acetates. By initiation of spawning the following changes in concentrations of these steroids were noted: testosterone increased 8-fold; 11-ketotestosterone increased 2.6-fold; 11²-hydroxytestosterone was detected only after initiation of spawning, and the concentration of deoxycorticosterone, a steroid postulated to be of importance in triggering ovulation, was found to increase 38-fold. No estradiol-17² was detected, although thoroughly looked for. These changes in steroid concentration in blood following initiation of reproductive activity point to the possible importance of steroids as hormones of reproduction in teleosts. (Endocrinology 95: 96.
Properties of Rose Hip Marmalades

Summary Rose hip, also known as wild rose, is a summer fruit. The aim of this research is to present physical, chemical, rheological, sensory and antioxidant properties of rose hip marmalades. Rose hips cultivated in Turkey are processed into pulp and then marmalade is made by using vacuum evaporator or classical method. For the purposes of this investigation, marmalades produced on a factory scale using two methods were compared to commercial marmalades purchased on market. The marmalades exhibited high levels of antioxidant activity as well as total phenolic content. The consistency indices for the marmalades were determined to be between 64.2 and 321 Pa·s n . Colour parameters, namely L, a, b, were measured and correlations between the examined parameters were calculated.
Collective Efficiency and Increasing Returns

Recent research on industrial clusters in developing countries has unearthed some notable success stories of small local enterprises growing fast and competing in export markets. This paper focuses on some conceptual and theoretical points which help to explain them. The discussion is conducted with a view to building a bridge to current mainstream economics. Copyright 1999 by Oxford University Press.
Mentoring Relationship Closures in Big Brothers Big Sisters Community Mentoring Programs: Patterns and Associated Risk Factors.

Previous research suggests that early mentoring relationship (MR) closures may have harmful consequences for the health and well-being of youth participating in community-based mentoring programs. However, knowledge of the factors that lead some MRs to close early has been slow to emerge. This study examined patterns and correlates of early versus on-time MR closures among 569 youth participating in Big Brothers Big Sisters community mentoring programs. Thirty-four percent of youth experienced an early MR closure prior to the end of the program's 12 month period of commitment. The probability of closure was highest at 12 months into the MR. Early closures were positively associated with youth gender (girls), behavioral difficulties, and match determination difficulties. Early and on-time closures were associated with youth extrinsic motives for joining the program. Early MR closures were negatively associated with youth perceptions of parent emotional support, parent social support, high quality MR, weekly contact in MR, and parent support of the MR. Implications for programming are discussed.
Application of scoring systems with point-of-care ultrasonography for bedside diagnosis of appendicitis.

BACKGROUND Appendicitis is a common disease requiring surgery. Bedside ultrasound (BUS) is a core technique for emergency medicine (EM). The Alvarado score is a well-studied diagnostic tool for appendicitis. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between patients' symptoms, Alvarado score and ultrasound (US) findings, as performed by emergency physicians (EPs) and radiologists, of patients with suspected appendicitis. METHODS Three EM specialists underwent the BUS course and core course for appendicitis assessment. Patients suspected of having appendicitis were selected and their Alvarado and modified (m) Alvarado scores calculated. The specialists performed the BUS. Then, patients were given a formal US and surgery consultation if necessary. Preliminary diagnoses, admission or discharge from the emergency department (ED) and final diagnosis were documented. The patients were also followed up after discharge from the hospital. RESULTS The determined cut-off value was 2 for Alvarado and 3 for mAlvarado scores. The sensitivities of the two scores were 100%. Each score was used to rule out appendicitis. The results of EP-performed BUS were as follows: accuracy 70%, sensitivity 0.733, specificity 0.673, + LR 2.24, and - LR 0.40 (95%CI). Radiologists were better than EPs at diagnosing appendicitis and radiologists and EPs were equally strong at ruling out appendicitis by US. When US was combined with Alvarado and mAlvarado scores, EP US+Alvarado/mAlvarado scores <3 and radiology US+Alvarado/mAlvarado scores <4 perfectly ruled out appendicitis. CONCLUSION BUS performed by EPs is moderately useful in detecting appendicitis. Combined with scoring systems, BUS may be a perfect tool for ruling out decisions in EDs.
Survey of U.S. Human Research Protection Organizations: Workload and Membership

In a national survey of institutions with federally assured human research protection programs, we obtained workload and other relevant data on their Institutional Review Boards (IRBs) and management organizations. The number of IRBs increased substantially from 1995 to 2005/06 (491 to 2,728 IRBs) with a further increase in 2008 to 3,853 IRBs. Nationally, IRBs reviewed over a quarter million research applications in the year prior to our survey, of which 35% were new applications requiring full committee review. Compared to estimates from 1995, current IRBs review more new and full committee review applications, but the relative percentage of new and full committee applications remained about the same. High volume research institutions have IRBs with a substantially larger per person workload, relative to smaller volume IRBs (i.e., members spent nearly seven times more hours reviewing new applications outside formal committee meetings). Virtually all IRBs included community representatives as members (92%); however, a small number may not be compliant with federal regulations. The present findings suggest the need for research to (a) examine workload and its effects on review quality, research costs, and faculty morale, (b) develop methods for determining optimal fit between IRB workload demands and institutional labor and financing requirements, (c) construct benchmarks for judging reasonable workload for individual IRB members, and (d) examine if the need to recruit IRB scientific expertise from outside the institution, particularly true for smaller research institutions, causes delays in IRB review, and if a more effective way of locating and recruiting experts would improve quality and time to completion.
Cancer Therapy : Preclinical Combined Targeting of STAT 3 / NFk B / COX-2 / EP 4 for Effective Management of Pancreatic Cancer

Purpose:Near equal rates of incidence and mortality emphasize the need for novel targeted approaches for better management of patients with pancreatic cancer. Inflammatory molecules NF-kB and STAT3 are overexpressed in pancreatic tumors. Inhibition of one protein allows cancer cells to survive using the other. The goal of this study is to determine whether targeting STAT3/NF-kB crosstalk with a natural product Nexrutine can inhibit inflammatory signaling in pancreatic cancer. ExperimentalDesign:HPNE,HPNE-Ras, BxPC3, Capan-2,MIAPaCa-2, andAsPC-1 cells were tested for growth, apoptosis, cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2), NF-kB, and STAT3 level in response to Nexrutine treatment. Transient expression, gel shift, chromatin immunoprecipitation assay was used to examine transcriptional regulation of COX-2. STAT3 knockdownwas used to decipher STAT3/NF-kB crosstalk. Histopathologic and immunoblotting evaluation was performed on BK5–COX-2 transgenic mice treated with Nexrutine. In vivo expression of prostaglandin receptor E-prostanoid 4 (EP4) was analyzed in a retrospective cohort of pancreatic tumors using a tissue microarray. Results:Nexrutine treatment inhibited growth of pancreatic cancer cells through induction of apoptosis. Reduced levels and activity of STAT3,NF-kB, and their crosstalk led to transcriptional suppression of COX-2 and subsequent decreased levels of prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) and PGF2. STAT3 knockdown studies suggest STAT3 as negative regulator ofNF-kB activation. Nexrutine intervention reduced the levels ofNF-kB, STAT3, and fibrosis in vivo. Expression of prostaglandin receptor EP4 that is known to play a role in fibrosis was significantly elevated in human pancreatic tumors. Conclusions: Dual inhibition of STAT3–NF-kB by Nexrutine may overcome problems associated with inhibition of either pathway. Clin Cancer Res; 20(5); 1259–73. 2014 AACR.