Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Borrelia burgdorferi bba66 Gene Inactivation Results in Attenuated Mouse Infection by Tick Transmission

ABSTRACT The impact of the Borrelia burgdorferi surface-localized immunogenic lipoprotein BBA66 on vector and host infection was evaluated by inactivating the encoding gene, bba66, and characterizing the mutant phenotype throughout the natural mouse-tick-mouse cycle. The BBA66-deficient mutant isolate, BbΔA66, remained infectious in mice by needle inoculation of cultured organisms, but differences in spirochete burden and pathology in the tibiotarsal joint were observed relative to the parental wild-type (WT) strain. Ixodes scapularis larvae successfully acquired BbΔA66 following feeding on infected mice, and the organisms persisted in these ticks through the molt to nymphs. A series of tick transmission experiments (n = 7) demonstrated that the ability of BbΔA66-infected nymphs to infect laboratory mice was significantly impaired compared to that of mice fed upon by WT-infected ticks. trans-complementation of BbΔA66 with an intact copy of bba66 restored the WT infectious phenotype in mice via tick transmission. These results suggest a role for BBA66 in facilitating B. burgdorferi dissemination and transmission from the tick vector to the mammalian host as part of the disease process for Lyme borreliosis.
Translation Eukaryotic Initiation Factor 4G Recognizes a Specific Structural Element within the Internal Ribosome Entry Site of Encephalomyocarditis Virus RNA*

A complex of eukaryotic initiation factors (eIFs) 4A, 4E, and 4G (collectively termed eIF4F) plays a key role in recruiting mRNAs to ribosomes during translation initiation. The site of ribosomal entry onto most mRNAs is determined by interaction of the 5′-terminal cap with eIF4E; eIFs 4A and 4G may facilitate ribosomal entry by modifying mRNA structure near the cap and by interacting with ribosome-associated factors. eIF4G recruits uncapped encephalomyocarditis virus (EMCV) mRNA to ribosomes without the involvement of eIF4E by binding directly to the ∼450-nucleotide long EMCV internal ribosome entry site (IRES). We have used chemical and enzymatic probing to map the eIF4G binding site to a structural element within the J-K domain of the EMCV IRES that consists of an oligo(A) loop at the junction of three helices. The oligo(A) loop itself is not sufficient to form stable complexes with eIF4G since alteration of its structural context abolished its interaction with eIF4G. Addition of wild type ortrans-dominant mutant forms of eIF4A to binary IRES·eIF4G complexes did not further alter the pattern of chemical/enzymatic modification of the IRES.
Theorizing institutional scandal and the regulatory state

One by one, UK public institutions are being scandalized for corruption, immorality or incompetence and subjected to trial by media and criminal prosecution. The state’s historic response to public sector scandal—denial and neutralization—has been replaced with acknowledgement and regulation in the form of the re-vamped public inquiry. Public institutions are being cut adrift and left to account in isolation for their scandalous failures. Yet the state’s attempts to distance itself from its scandalized institutions, while extending its regulatory control over them, are risky. Both the regulatory state and its public inquiries risk being consumed by the scandals they are trying to manage.
High resolution analysis of non‐small cell lung cancer cell lines by whole genome tiling path array CGH

Chromosomal regions harboring tumor suppressors and oncogenes are often deleted or amplified. Array comparative genomic hybridization detects segmental DNA copy number alterations in tumor DNA relative to a normal control. The recent development of a bacterial artificial chromosome array, which spans the human genome in a tiling path manner with >32,000 clones, has facilitated whole genome profiling at an unprecedented resolution. Using this technology, we comprehensively describe and compare the genomes of 28 commonly used non‐small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) cell models, derived from 18 adenocarcinomas (AC), 9 squamous cell carcinomas and 1 large cell carcinoma. Analysis at such resolution not only provided a detailed genomic alteration template for each of these model cell lines, but revealed novel regions of frequent duplication and deletion. Significantly, a detailed analysis of chromosome 7 identified 6 distinct regions of alterations across this chromosome, implicating the presence of multiple novel oncogene loci on this chromosome. As well, a comparison between the squamous and AC cells revealed alterations common to both subtypes, such as the loss of 3p and gain of 5p, in addition to multiple hotspots more frequently associated with only 1 subtype. Interestingly, chromosome 3q, which is known to be amplified in both subtypes, showed 2 distinct regions of alteration, 1 frequently altered in squamous and 1 more frequently altered in AC. In summary, our data demonstrate the unique information generated by high resolution analysis of NSCLC genomes and uncover the presence of genetic alterations prevalent in the different NSCLC subtypes. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A Comparison of Clinicopathological Differences in Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma in Patients Below and Above 40 Years of Age.

Introduction Recent times have revealed an increase in incidence of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma (OSCC) in young adults including those who lack association with typical risk factors such as tobacco. There are reported variations in clinical behaviour of tumours in young and older individuals. Aim Present study evaluated differences in clinicopathological characteristics between two groups of OSCC, below and above 40 years of age. Materials and Methods An analytical study was performed on two groups of OSCC patients, below and above 40 years of age. Clinicopathological parameters of site distribution, type of habit, histological grade, nodal metastasis, margin status, mitotic index and Argyrophilic Nucleolar Organizing Regions (AgNOR) count were compared. Chi-square test and Students t- test were applied for statistical analysis. Results Present study revealed that mean AgNOR count was significantly higher in older group (6.38) than younger group (4.27). However, no significant differences were noted in site distribution, tobacco habit, histological grade, mitotic index, nodal metastasis and status of resected surgical margins between the two age groups. A trend for increased metastasis and poor histological differentiation was also observed in the older and younger age group respectively. Most common site was buccal mucosa followed by tongue in both groups. Conclusion Reasons for documented variability in tumour characteristics between young and older patients are currently unclear. Difference in AgNOR count found in present study is suggestive of variability in proliferative and ploidy characteristics between different age groups and supports the hypothesis of genetic and epigenetic influences in development of oral cancer.
1950 MHz IMT‐2000 field does not activate microglial cells in vitro

Given the widespread use of the cellular phone today, investigation of potential biological effects of radiofrequency (RF) fields has become increasingly important. In particular, much research has been conducted on RF effects on brain function. To examine any biological effects on the central nervous system (CNS) induced by 1950 MHz modulation signals, which are controlled by the International Mobile Telecommunication‐2000 (IMT‐2000) cellular system, we investigated the effect of RF fields on microglial cells in the brain. We assessed functional changes in microglial cells by examining changes in immune reaction‐related molecule expression and cytokine production after exposure to a 1950 MHz Wideband Code Division Multiple Access (W‐CDMA) RF field, at specific absorption rates (SARs) of 0.2, 0.8, and 2.0 W/kg. Primary microglial cell cultures prepared from neonatal rats were subjected to an RF or sham field for 2 h. Assay samples obtained 24 and 72 h after exposure were processed in a blind manner. Results showed that the percentage of cells positive for major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class II, which is the most common marker for activated microglial cells, was similar between cells exposed to W‐CDMA radiation and sham‐exposed controls. No statistically significant differences were observed between any of the RF field exposure groups and the sham‐exposed controls in percentage of MHC class II positive cells. Further, no remarkable differences in the production of tumor necrosis factor‐α (TNF‐α), interleukin‐1β (IL‐1β), and interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) were observed between the test groups exposed to W‐CDMA signal and the sham‐exposed negative controls. These findings suggest that exposure to RF fields up to 2 W/kg does not activate microglial cells in vitro. Bioelectromagnetics 31:104–112, 2010. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
An in situ assay with the microalga Phaeodactylum tricornutum for sediment‐overlying water toxicity evaluations in estuaries

Given the urgent need for ecologically relevant toxicity tools specific to estuarine systems, the main goal of the present study was to develop and evaluate the potential of an in situ algal assay for estuarine sediment‐overlying water toxicity evaluations using the microalga Phaeodactylum tricornutum immobilized in alginate beads. With its simple and cost‐effective design, the assay apparatus, coupled with the use of microalgae immobilized in alginate beads, allowed rapid and easy deployment as well as retrieval of assay chambers. The effectiveness of the proposed in situ assay was investigated by deploying it at two reference and six contaminated Portuguese estuaries. By deploying open chambers both with and without an artificial nutrient source and closed chambers with an artificial seawater medium, it was possible to discriminate toxic effects from those caused by differences in temperature, light, and nutrient conditions across sites. A reduction in algal growth was found at contaminated sites relative to reference sites. The strontium alginate beads used for microalgae immobilization were found to be appropriate to perform in situ assays, showing no signs of disruption or dissolution after up to 8 d of exposure in estuarine sediment‐overlying waters. The proposed in situ assay was shown to be a useful tool for estuarine sediment‐overlying water toxicity testing to provide relevant data concerning primary production to estuarine ecological risk assessment studies.
Using Anonymized Reflection To Teach Ethics: a Pilot Study

Anonymized reflection was employed as an innovative way of teaching ethics in order to enhance students' ability in ethical decision making during a `Care of the Dying Patient and Family' module. Both qualitative and quantitative data were collected from the first two student cohorts who experienced anonymized reflection ( n = 24). The themes identified were the richness and relevance of scenarios, small-group work and a team approach to teaching. Students indicated that they preferred this style of teaching. This finding was verified by a postal questionnaire conducted four months later. The conclusions drawn from this study suggest that using anonymized reflection is an effective method for teaching ethics to nurses and indicates that learning about ethical issues in this way reduces uncertainties.
A neuropathological study of two autopsy cases of syndromic hemimegalencephaly

Hemimegalencephaly (HMEG) is a malformation of cortical development characterized by unilateral enlargement of the cerebral hemisphere, severe architectural and cellular abnormalities and association with intractable epilepsy. HMEG may represent an isolated lesion of the central nervous system, but may also be associated with several neurocutaneous syndromes. In the present study we discuss the neuropathological findings of two autopsy cases of HMEG associated with linear naevus sebaceous syndrome. Both cases showed the presence of linear naevus sebaceous on extensive areas of the face. The neurochemical profile of the glial and neuronal components in the affected hemisphere was determined using immunocytochemical markers and was compared with the unaffected contralateral hemisphere and normal control tissue. The observed cytomegalic neurones expressed receptors for distinct neurotransmitters, neuropeptides and growth factors. Analysis of components of the phosphoinositide 3‐kinase pathway revealed expression of phospho‐S6 ribosomal protein in cytomegalic neurones. Autopsy findings confirm the complexity of the histologic phenotypic manifestations in HMEG and proved useful in determining the spectrum of cytoarchitectural and neurochemical abnormalities, underlying the molecular pathogenesis and epileptogenesis of this brain malformation.
Cardiac neural crest of the mouse embryo: axial level of origin, migratory pathway and cell autonomy of the splotch (Sp2H) mutant effect

A sub-population of the neural crest is known to play a crucial role in development of the cardiac outflow tract. Studies in avians have mapped the complete migratory pathways taken by `cardiac' neural crest cells en route from the neural tube to the developing heart. A cardiac neural crest lineage is also known to exist in mammals, although detailed information on its axial level of origin and migratory pattern are lacking. We used focal cell labelling and orthotopic grafting, followed by whole embryo culture, to determine the spatio-temporal migratory pattern of cardiac neural crest in mouse embryos. Axial levels between the post-otic hindbrain and somite 4 contributed neural crest cells to the heart, with the neural tube opposite somite 2 being the most prolific source. Emigration of cardiac neural crest from the neural tube began at the 7-somite stage, with cells migrating in pathways dorsolateral to the somite, medial to the somite, and between somites. Subsequently, cardiac neural crest cells migrated through the peri-aortic mesenchyme, lateral to the pharynx, through pharyngeal arches 3, 4 and 6, and into the aortic sac. Colonisation of the outflow tract mesenchyme was detected at the 32-somite stage. Embryos homozygous for the Sp2H mutation show delayed onset of cardiac neural crest emigration, although the pathways of subsequent migration resembled wild type. The number of neural crest cells along the cardiac migratory pathway was significantly reduced in Sp2H/Sp2H embryos. To resolve current controversy over the cell autonomy of the splotch cardiac neural crest defect, we performed reciprocal grafts of premigratory neural crest between wild type and splotch embryos. Sp2H/Sp2H cells migrated normally in the +/+ environment, and +/+ cells migrated normally in the Sp2H/Sp2H environment. In contrast, retarded migration along the cardiac route occurred when either Sp2H/+ or Sp2H/Sp2H neural crest cells were grafted into the Sp2H/Sp2H environment. We conclude that the retardation of cardiac neural crest migration in splotch mutant embryos requires the genetic defect in both neural crest cells and their migratory environment.
Functional Cardiac Lipolysis in Mice Critically Depends on Comparative Gene Identification-58*

Background: The role of CGI-58 in muscle triacylglycerol catabolism is unknown. The presence of CGI-58 increases the lipolytic activity of adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL). Results: Muscle-specific CGI-58 deficiency causes muscle steatosis and cardiac dysfunction despite elevated ATGL protein expression. Conclusion: Muscle lipolysis critically depends on both CGI-58 and ATGL. Significance: Muscle CGI-58 deficiency provokes severe cardiac steatosis and dysfunction. Efficient catabolism of cellular triacylglycerol (TG) stores requires the TG hydrolytic activity of adipose triglyceride lipase (ATGL). The presence of comparative gene identification-58 (CGI-58) strongly increased ATGL-mediated TG catabolism in cell culture experiments. Mutations in the genes coding for ATGL or CGI-58 in humans cause neutral lipid storage disease characterized by TG accumulation in multiple tissues. ATGL gene mutations cause a severe phenotype especially in cardiac muscle leading to cardiomyopathy that can be lethal. In contrast, CGI-58 gene mutations provoke severe ichthyosis and hepatosteatosis in humans and mice, whereas the role of CGI-58 in muscle energy metabolism is less understood. Here we show that mice lacking CGI-58 exclusively in muscle (CGI-58KOM) developed severe cardiac steatosis and cardiomyopathy linked to impaired TG catabolism and mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation. The marked increase in ATGL protein levels in cardiac muscle of CGI-58KOM mice was unable to compensate the lack of CGI-58. The addition of recombinant CGI-58 to cardiac lysates of CGI-58KOM mice completely reconstituted TG hydrolytic activities. In skeletal muscle, the lack of CGI-58 similarly provoked TG accumulation. The addition of recombinant CGI-58 increased TG hydrolytic activities in control and CGI-58KOM tissue lysates, elucidating the limiting role of CGI-58 in skeletal muscle TG catabolism. Finally, muscle CGI-58 deficiency affected whole body energy homeostasis, which is caused by impaired muscle TG catabolism and increased cardiac glucose uptake. In summary, this study demonstrates that functional muscle lipolysis depends on both CGI-58 and ATGL.
Complications of termination of pregnancy: a retrospective study of admissions to Christchurch Women's Hospital 1989 and 1990.

AIMS To review the admissions to Christchurch Women's Hospital with complications of termination of pregnancy. To estimate complication rates from Christchurch institutions and compare this with the international literature. METHODS Relevant admissions were recorded by admitting staff. The hospital notes were retrospectively analysed. The complication rates were estimated from Christchurch termination rates in the study period. RESULTS In 1989 and 1990 there were 2879 terminations of pregnancy performed in Christchurch. There were 167 admissions with complications. There was an admission rate of 5.8% and a curettage rate of 4.8%, 2.9% were confirmed to have retained products of conception. 0.47% required laparoscopy or laparotomy, 0.1% required blood transfusion. There was an increased rate of complications after 14 weeks. CONCLUSION Admission rates in Christchurch are similar to those in some studies, others suggest that with improved technique and ideal follow up assessment readmissions could be reduced.
The influence of demographics and working conditions on self-reported injuries among Latino day laborers

Abstract Background: The majority of day laborers in the USA are Latinos. They are engaged in high-risk occupations and suffer high occupational injury rates. Objectives: To describe on-the-job injuries reported by Latino day laborers, explore the extent that demographic and occupational factors predict injuries, and whether summative measures for total job types, job conditions, and personal protective equipment (PPE) predict injuries. Methods: A community survey was conducted with 327 participants at 15 corners in Houston, Texas. Hierarchical and multiple logistic regressions explored predictors of occupational injury odds in the last year. Results: Thirty-four percent of respondents reported an occupational injury in the previous year. Education, exposure to loud noises, cold temperatures, vibrating machinery, use of hard hats, total number of job conditions, and total PPE significantly predicted injury odds. Conclusion: Risk for injury among day laborers is not only the product of a specific hazard, but also the result of their exposure to multiple occupational hazards.
Sequence of the Long Terminal Repeat and Adjacent Segments of the Endogenous Avian Virus Rous-Associated Virus 0

Rous-associated virus 0 (RAV-0), an endogenous chicken virus, does not cause disease when inoculated into susceptible domestic chickens. An infectious unintegrated circular RAV-0 DNA was molecularly cloned, and the sequence of the long terminal repeat (LTR) and adjacent segments was determined. The sequence of the LTR was found to be very similar to that of replication-defective endogenous virus EV-1. Like the EV-1 LTR, the RAV-0 LTR is smaller (278 base pairs instead of 330) than the LTRs of the oncogenic members of the avian sarcoma virus-avian leukosis virus group. There is, however, significant homology. The most striking differences are in the U3 region of the LTR, and in this region there are a series of small segments present in the oncogenic viruses which are absent in RAV-0. These differences in the U3 region of the LTR could account for the differences in the oncogenic potential of RAV-0 and the avian leukosis viruses. I also compared the regions adjacent to the RAV-0 LTR with the available avian sarcoma virus sequences. A segment of approximately 200 bases to the right of the LTR (toward gag) is almost identical in RAV-0 and the Prague C strain of Rous sarcoma virus. The segment of RAV-0 which lies between the end of the env gene and U3 is approximately 190 bases in length. Essentially this entire segment is present between env and src in the Schmidt-Ruppin A strain of Rous sarcoma virus. Most of this segment is also present between env and src in Prague C; however, in Prague C there is an apparent deletion of 40 bases in the region adjacent to env. In Schmidt-Ruppin A, but not in Prague C, about half of this segment is also present between src and the LTR. This arrangement has implications for the mechanism by which src was acquired. The region which encoded the gp37 portion of env appears to be very similar in RAV-0 and the Rous sarcoma viruses. However, differences at the very end of env imply that the carboxy termini of RAV-0, Schmidt-Ruppin A, and Prague C gp37s are significantly different. The implications of these observations are considered.
Tuberculosis knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs among North Carolinians at increased risk of infection.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to capture and describe knowledge, attitudes, and beliefs about tuberculosis (TB) among persons at high risk for TB infection. METHODS We conducted 11 focus groups in 3 different populations at high risk for TB infection: Spanish-speaking immigrants, homeless shelter residents, and persons attending a drug/alcohol rehabilitation center. A standardized list of open-ended questions was used to guide discussion. Using grounded theory, transcripts of the focus group sessions were reviewed by 4 independent reviewers to identify emergent themes. FINDINGS Participants (N = 52) generally understood that TB is an infectious disease that frequently affects the lungs and can be fatal if untreated. They also knew that a skin test can be used to diagnose TB. However, participants frequently had incorrect beliefs regarding the cause, transmission, and treatment of TB. Many participants thought that TB is transmitted in the same fashion as other infectious diseases such as human immunodeficiency virus or aquired immune deficiency syndrome (HIV/AIDS). A general sentiment of fear and aversion toward persons ill with TB was expressed. LIMITATIONS Focus groups were a convenience sample and subjects were not necessarily representative of the underlying populations. CONCLUSIONS Tuberculosis knowledge among high-risk populations is suboptimal, and false beliefs regarding transmission and treatment were common in this study. Knowledge regarding transmission of other infectious diseases such as HIV/AIDS was frequently translated into incorrect knowledge regarding TB. Stigma continues to be a barrier to TB diagnosis and treatment.