Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Barrier-to-Autointegration Factor influences specific histone modifications

Defects in the nuclear envelope or nuclear ‘lamina’ networks cause disease and can perturb histone posttranslational (epigenetic) regulation. Barrier-to-Autointegration Factor (BAF) is an essential but enigmatic lamina component that binds lamins, LEM-domain proteins, DNA and histone H3 directly. We report that BAF copurified with nuclease-digested mononucleosomes and associated with modified histones in vivo. BAF overexpression significantly reduced global histone H3 acetylation by 18%. In cells that stably overexpressed BAF 3-fold, silencing mark H3-K27-Me1/3 and active marks H4-K16-Ac and H4-Ac5 decreased significantly. Significant increases were also seen for silencing mark H3-K9-Me3, active marks H3-K4-Me2, H3-K9/K14-Ac and H4-K5-Ac and a mark (H3-K79-Me2) associated with both active and silent chromatin. Other increases (H3-S10-P, H3-S28-P and silencing mark H3-K9-Me2) did not reach statistical significance. BAF overexpression also significantly influenced cell cycle distribution. Moreover, BAF associated in vivo with SET/I2PP2A (protein phosphatase 2A inhibitor; blocks H3 dephosphorylation) and G9a (H3-K9 methyltransferase), but showed no detectable association with HDAC1 or HATs. These findings reveal BAF as a novel epigenetic regulator and are discussed in relation to BAF deficiency phenotypes, which include a hereditary progeria syndrome and loss of pluripotency in embryonic stem cells.
Magnesium Sulfate in Aneurysmal Subarachnoid Hemorrhage A Randomized Controlled Trial

Background and Purpose— Magnesium reverses cerebral vasospasm and reduces infarct volume after experimental subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) in rats. We aimed to assess whether magnesium reduces the frequency of delayed cerebral ischemia (DCI) in patients with aneurysmal SAH. Methods— Patients were randomized within 4 days after SAH. Magnesium sulfate therapy consisted of a continuous intravenous dose of 64 mmol/L per day, to be started within 4 days after SAH and continued until 14 days after occlusion of the aneurysm. The primary outcome DCI (defined as the occurrence of a new hypodense lesion on computed tomography compatible with clinical features of DCI) was analyzed according to the “on-treatment” principle. For the secondary outcome measures “poor outcome” (Rankin >3) and “excellent outcome” (Rankin 0), we used the “intention-to-treat” principle. Results— A total of 283 patients were randomized. Magnesium treatment reduced the risk of DCI by 34% (hazard ratio, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.38 to 1.14). After 3 mont.
Oral contraceptives intake may be inversely correlated with varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency

Summary Aim: Determination of lifestyle and sex related risk factors that contribute to higher prevalence of varicose veins (VV) and chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) in women and establishment of a possible link between reported exposure to oral contraceptives (OC) and prevalence of VV and CVI. Methods: The Warsaw Brodno Venous Population Survey was a cross-sectional study, conducted on a group of 2530 women. On the basis of a targeted questionnaire, medical records and clinical investigation, sex, and lifestyle related risk factors were identified. Results: In women the prevalence of VV was 15.9% and of CVI (C1-C6) 40.15%. Open ulceration and healed ulceration were diagnosed in 0.51% and 0.75%, respectively. Analysis of lifestyle and job related risk factors for VV showed OR = 0.52 for sitting and OR = 1.56 for vertical lifestyle, and for CVI for office workers OR = 0.53 versus physical workers OR = 1.88. Women taking ever oral contraceptives and those who took them for more than 5 years had a decreased risk of CVI: OR = 0.44 and OR = 0.36 respectively. For VV risk OC intake demonstrated OR = 0.30 and OR = 0.27, respectively. Conclusions: Oral contraception may be inversely correlated with the prevalence of varicose veins and chronic venous insufficiency, although the reasons for this finding require further elucidation. We have confirmed that vertical life style and physical work, pregnancy, family history of varicose veins increase the risk of VV and CVI.
A Comparative Study on the Level of Postpartum Womens Fatigue between Rooming-in and Non Rooming-in Groups

This is a cross-sectional descriptive study which compares the level of postpartum women's physical, phychological, neurosensory fatigue between rooming-in and non rooming-in groups. The data were collected by using self-report questionnaire from April 1 to May 31, 2001. Subjects were 68 mothers who opted the rooming-in choice and 98 mothers who did not choose the rooming-in at one hospital in Seoul, Korea. They all had NSVD. The research questionnaire consisted of 36 items on general chracteristics and 30 items on postpartum fatigue developed by Pugh (1993). The data were analyzed by using the SPSS 10.0 window program. The results of this study were as follow: 1. There was significant statistical difference in general characteristics between rooming-in and non rooming-in groups in prenatal class attendance (=3.935, p=0.047), maternal fetal attachment score (t=2.130, p=0.035), husband attendance during the labor and delivery (=9.147, p=0.002), breast feeding (=12.503, p=0.000), and self feeding time including bottle feeding (t=4.588, p=0.000). 2. There was no significant statistical difference in the level of total fatigue score between two groups (t=0.282, p=0.780). 3. The physical and neurosensory fatigue scores were slightly higher in rooming-in group (, ) than those (, ) of non rooming-in group. And the phychological fatigue score was slightly higher in non rooming-in group () than that () of rooming-in group. However, there was no significant statistical difference in the level of three sub-dimension fatigue between two groups (t=1.068, p=0.287; t=-0.827, p=0.410; t=0.368, p=0.714). 4. Even after controlling characteristics showed significant differences between two groups, there was no significant statistical difference in the level of fatigue between two groups (F=0.135, p=0.714). According to this study, there was no significant statistical difference in the level of postpartum fatigue whether they were rooming-in or not. Based on this result, the common notion of rooming-in mothers will be more fatigue than non rooming-in mothers is proved to be false. However, it is necessary to develop appropriate nursing interventions to meet the need of mothers who decide to rooming-in.
Cellular therapy in bone-tendon interface regeneration

The intrasynovial bone-tendon interface is a gradual transition from soft tissue to bone, with two intervening zones of uncalcified and calcified fibrocartilage. Following injury, the native anatomy is not restored, resulting in inferior mechanical properties and an increased risk of re-injury. Recent in vivo studies provide evidence of improved healing when surgical repair of the bone-tendon interface is augmented with cells capable of undergoing chondrogenesis. In particular, cellular therapy in bone-tendon healing can promote fibrocartilage formation and associated improvements in mechanical properties. Despite these promising results in animal models, cellular therapy in human patients remains largely unexplored. This review highlights the development and structure-function relationship of normal bone-tendon insertions. The natural healing response to injury is discussed, with subsequent review of recent research on cellular approaches for improved healing. Finally, opportunities for translating in vivo findings into clinical practice are identified.
Social Alliances: Company/Nonprofit Collaboration

During the past four years, Avon's 450,000 U.S. sales representatives have raised $22 million to provide access to breast cancer screening and education. The representatives often incorporate breast cancer awareness into their conversations with clients and provide related literature. The National Alliance of Breast Cancer Organizations and the YWCA. are Avon's partners in this effort. American Express and Share Our Strength, an anti-hunger organization, have joined forces on multiple endeavors since 1991. Among them are Taste of the Nation, an annual nationwide series of fundraising events, now in its seventh year, supported by thousands of volunteer restaurateurs and chefs and Charge Against: Hunger, a national cause-related marketing campaign that ran for three years.
A comprehensive study of iRGD-modified liposomes with improved chemotherapeutic efficacy on B16 melanoma

Abstract iRGD is a tumor tissue penetrating peptide due to its targeted binding of integrin and neuropilin-1 receptors. Whether iRGD carries the liposomes in a similar way as it penetrates the cancer drugs or conjugated drugs into tumor tissues and cells has not been fully defined. Here, iRGD-modified and doxorubicin-loaded sterically stabilized liposomes (iRGD-SSL-DOX) and passive liposomes (SSL-DOX) were prepared. A series of experiments were performed to evaluate the tissue penetration, cell penetration, tumor blood vessel damage and anti-tumor effect. The results of flow cytometry and confocal microscopy studies showed that iRGD-SSL-DOX with 5% DSPE-PEG2000-iRGD achieved higher cellular uptake level than that of SSL-DOX on B16 melanoma cells. iRGD-SSL-DOX also exhibited stronger cell growth inhibition in cytotoxicity experiments. The tumor penetrating effect of iRGD was further confirmed by imaging and cellular uptake studies in vivo, in which higher distribution of iRGD-modified liposomes in tumor tissue and tumor cells was observed. Moreover, iRGD-SSL-DOX displayed improved tumor growth inhibition and anti-angiogenesis with less systemic toxicity in an armpit B16 melanoma model. In conclusion, iRGD reserved its tumor-penetrating properties well when modified on the surface of liposomes at optimal density and iRGD-SSL-DOX would be a promising drug delivery system for active targeting tumor therapy.
Temperature influences the interaction of ruminant PrPTSE with soil

Ovine scrapie and cervid chronic wasting disease can be transmitted in the absence of animal-to-animal contact, and environmental reservoirs of infectivity have been implicated in their spread and persistence. Investigating environmental factors that influence the interaction of disease-associated PrP with soils is imperative to understanding what is likely to be the complex role of soil in disease transmission. Here, we describe the effects of soil temperature on the binding/desorption and persistence of both ovine scrapie- and bovine BSE-PrPTSE. Binding of PrPTSE to a sandy loam soil at temperatures of 4°C, 8–12°C and 25–30°C demonstrated that an increase in temperature resulted in (1) a decrease in the amount of PrPTSE recovered after 24 h of interaction with soil, (2) an increase in the amount of N-terminal cleavage of the prion protein over 11 d and (3) a decrease in the persistence of PrPTSE on soil over an 18 mo period.
Single-molecule approaches to prion protein misfolding

The structural conversion of the prion protein PrP into a transmissible, misfolded form is the central element of prion disease, yet there is little consensus as to how it occurs. Key aspects of conversion into the diseased state remain unsettled, from details about the earliest stages of misfolding such as the involvement of partially- or fully-unfolded intermediates to the structure of the infectious state. Part of the difficulty in understanding the structural conversion arises from the complexity of the underlying energy landscapes. Single molecule methods provide a powerful tool for probing complex folding pathways as in prion misfolding, because they allow rare and transient events to be observed directly. We discuss recent work applying single-molecule probes to study misfolding in prion proteins, and what it has revealed about the folding dynamics of PrP that may underlie its unique behavior. We also discuss single-molecule studies probing the interactions that stabilize non-native structures within aggregates, pointing the way to future work that may help identify the microscopic events triggering pathogenic conversion. Although single-molecule approaches to misfolding are relatively young, they have a promising future in prion science.
Antibody-drug conjugates: a mini-review. The synopsis of two approved medicines

Abstract Targeted drug delivery is a method of delivering bioactive compounds to a patient in a manner that increases the therapeutic index. The main goal of a targeted drug delivery system is to prolong, localize, target and have a protected drug interaction with the diseased tissue. Antibody-drug conjugates (ADC) represent an innovative therapeutic application that combines the unique properties of monoclonal antibodies with the potent cell killing activity of cytotoxic bioactive compounds. ADCs are complex molecules composed of an antibody linked, via a stable, chemical, linker with labile bonds, to a biological active cytotoxic (anticancer) payload or drug. The key components of ADC include a monoclonal antibody, a stable linker and a cytotoxic agent to target a variety of cancers. The present mini-review deals with the examination of clinical use and pharmacological properties, as well as the safety of antibody-drug conjugates that are marketed. Ado-trastuzumab emtasine and brenduximab vedotin were examined regarding their mechanism of action, pharmacology, clinical use and safety. These ADCs selectively deliver cargoes to tumor cells and provide clinical benefit by minimizing systemic toxicity.
Patient–Provider Rapport in the Health Care of People Who Inject Drugs

Little research has described determinants and consequences of patient–provider rapport among people who inject drugs (PWIDs). This mixed-method study (a) qualitatively described facilitators, barriers, and consequences to rapport development between PWIDs and their health care providers and (b) quantitatively tested the hypothesis that quality of rapport is associated with positive patterns of service use. Two exploratory focus groups with PWIDs and care providers were conducted. Subsequently, 89 PWIDs completed a survey interview; of those, eight completed a follow-up qualitative interview. Qualitative results indicated that rapport is influenced by drug-related behaviors, addiction severity, provider expertise, patient-centered care, and perceived discrimination and that rapport then influences patient compliance, timing of care, and criminal activity. Quantitative results indicated that rapport predicted PWID satisfaction with care as well as frequency and timing of emergency department presentations. Results suggest that PWID–provider rapport has several unique determinants and is associated with positive health care outcomes.
Exploring the link between auxin receptors, rapid cell elongation and organ tropisms

Auxin receptor F-box proteins of the TIR1/AFB family are known to regulate auxin-induced gene expression. We could demonstrate that rapid auxin-induced hypocotyl elongation, the most classical auxin response, is only mildly affected in Arabidopsis plants in which most of the receptor genes have been knocked out, while gene expression is almost completely abolished. Here we test the same receptor mutant plants for their gravitropic and phototropic responsiveness, generally considered to base on auxin gradients across the hypocotyl.
ELF3 recruitment to the PRR9 promoter requires other Evening Complex members in the Arabidopsis circadian clock

Biological timekeeping is essential for proper growth and development. Organisms such as the model plant Arabidopsis use the circadian clock to coordinate biological processes with the environment so that changes in conditions are anticipated and processes favorably phased. Despite the identification of numerous clock genes, knowledge of their molecular connectivity and influence on output programs remains limited. We recently showed LUX encodes a sequence-specific DNA-binding protein that directly regulates expression of the morning clock gene PRR9. We also showed that LUX interacts with the evening-phased proteins ELF3 and ELF4 to form a complex called the Evening Complex (EC). The EC binds the PIF4 and PIF5 promoters to control hypocotyl growth as a clock output. Here we provide evidence that LUX also recruits ELF3 to the PRR9 promoter. As with the PIF4 and PIF5 promoters, both LUX and its close homolog NOX are required for recruitment. Hence the entire EC likely functions together as part of the core clock oscillator to optimize plant fitness.
Homeless Shelter Residents: Who are they and what are their needs within a context of rapid economic growth?

People are homeless due to a complex series of factors. Evidence points to the association between homelessness and individual factors, including lack of education, mental illness, addictions, and poverty, and community factors such high unemployment. Yet within the current context of rapid economic growth and low unemployment in Calgary, Canada, homelessness is increasing. The purpose of this qualitative study was to better understand inner city homeless shelter residents and their needs within a context of rapid economic growth. This study is part of an ongoing research initiative formed through a partnership between The Salvation Army (TSA) and the University of Calgary to build a foundation for co-learning among the residents of TSA, inter-professional clinical teams, as well as university students and faculty to improve the health and well-being of the community. In-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with ten TSA residents. Three patterns of resident behaviors and needs emerged: Stepping Stone, Embedded in the System, and Teetering on the Brink. The service implications of these patterns are discussed.
A PRELIMINARY STUDY OF DIET, OVERWEIGHT, ELEVATED BLOOD BRESSURE, AND ACANTHOSIS NIGRICANS AMONG K-9TH GRADE NATIVE AMERICAN STUDENTS

Childhood overweight is associated with increased rates of hypertension (HTN) and acanthosis nigricans (AN), a known risk factor for diabetes. This cross-sectional study of predominantly Native American students examined relationships between diet and overweight, AN, and HTN among K-9th grade students. Eighty-six students completed a questionnaire regarding fruit and vegetable (F/V) consumption and physical activity (PA) behaviors. Anthropometric data, blood pressure (BP), and presence of AN were determined by trained screeners. Fifty-three percent of the Native American study participants were overweight or at-risk-for-overweight (BMI ≥85th percentile), while 35% of the non-Native American participants were overweight or at risk for overweight. At 60% vs. 35% respectively, the percentage of students either overweight or at risk for overweight was significantly higher (p=.02) among fourth through ninth graders compared with students in kindergarten through third grades. Fourteen percent were positive for AN, and 33% had either Pre-HTN or HTN (≥ 90th percentile) based on the first blood pressure reading. Analysis of variance results indicated that students with either pre-HTN or HTN had a significantly higher mean BMI (24.1 ± 8.0) vs. those with normal BP (20.4 ± 5.1; P=.012). BMI was positively correlated with AN (r=0.433, p=.01) such that all students positive for AN had a BMI ≥ 85th percentile (p=.001). Students who agreed with the Likert statement that they usually eat ≥5 F/V a day had a significantly lower mean systolic BP (107mmHg ± 17) vs. those who did not (123mmHg ± 17, P=.001). Regression results indicate that BMI and attitude toward the importance of fruit and vegetable consumption are independent predictors of systolic BP (p=.001). Results suggest that significant numbers of students in this sample are positive for AN, are overweight, and are at risk for hypertension and that more positive attitudes toward fruit and vegetable consumption are associated with lower blood pressure levels. Prevention programs to address these health problems are discussed.
Characteristics of peripheral nerve regeneration following a second nerve injury and repair

Abstract During the process of peripheral nerve regeneration, a single neuron can regenerate and maintain more than one collateral in a regenerative distal stump. Furthermore, some of the new shoots can mature gradually through remyelination and grow into the remote target organ to play a physiological function. Our study found that when neonatal nerve fibers are subjected to a second injury, the regenerative distal stump can regenerate and maintain more than one collateral in the second regenerative distal stump. The neonatal nerve contributed to the functional recovery of the nerve, but the restoration of nerve function was not complete.
Nutrition screening practices in Australian healthcare facilities: A decade later

Aim: Nutrition screening can identify patients at risk for malnutrition so that early nutrition intervention can be initiated. The aim of this descriptive study was to compare nutrition screening practices in Australian hospitals in 2008 with those in 1995. Methods: A survey on nutrition screening practices in Australian healthcare institutions was sent to members of the Dietitians Association of Australia in 1995 and a similar survey in 2008. Results: Sixty-eight hospitals responded to the 2008 survey and 124 hospitals to the 1995 survey. The number of hospitals reporting the conduct of nutrition screening has increased since 1995 (78% vs 23%). The number of patients being screened has also increased (all admissions 54% vs 35%) and the time taken to screen a patient has decreased (0–5 minutes 64% vs 13%). The Malnutrition Screening Tool was the most frequently reported screening tool used in 2008 (67%). The use of albumin as a nutrition screening parameter (which was the second most commonly used screening indicator after weight loss in 1995) has appropriately decreased (9% vs 65%). There is still some confusion among dietitians as to the definition of screening, with nutrition assessment tools such as Subjective Global Assessment and Mini-Nutritional Assessment being used during the nutrition screening process (16% in 2008). Insufficient time and staff are still the top two barriers to nutrition screening implementation. Staff training was the most frequently cited strategy to assist with successful implementation of nutrition screening. Conclusion: There has been a significant increase in malnutrition screening over the past decade despite ongoing barriers to implementation.
Needs and preferences of patients with diseases other than cancer: the UK experience

Abstract It is only in the last few years in the UK that serious attention has been paid by politicians and policy makers to the issue of palliative care needs beyond cancer. This review examines selected examples of research undertaken in the last 20 years. These have shown clearly that patients with other diseases, who tend to be aged over 65 years, experience disadvantage in terms of health and social care provision, particularly specialist palliative care, in spite of needs that are similar to those with advanced cancer. Findings from these studies have informed the debates in the UK about the wider provision of palliative care with policy guidance now emerging in the areas of long-term conditions and older age, which in turn has prompted new research. Gaps and priorities for future research are identified as the following: socially structured disadvantage and the relationship to palliative care need; cultural and social diversity; physical and mental co-morbidity; frailty; and prognostication and planning for care.
Independent roles of Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor and endogenous, but not exogenous glucocorticoids in regulating leukocyte trafficking

Objectives: Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) promotes leukocyte recruitment and antagonizes the anti‐inflammatory effects of glucocorticoids (GC). The aim of this study was to examine whether interaction between MIF and GC underlies the ability of MIF to promote leukocyte– endothelial cell (EC) interactions.