Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Annexin 1 Negatively Regulates IL-6 Expression via Effects on p38 MAPK and MAPK Phosphatase-11

Annexin 1 (Anx-1) is a mediator of the anti-inflammatory actions of glucocorticoids, but the mechanism of its anti-inflammatory effects is not known. We investigated the role of Anx-1 in the regulation of the proinflammatory cytokine, IL-6. Lung fibroblast cell lines derived from Anx-1−/− and wild-type (WT) mice were treated with dexamethasone and/or IL-1. IL-6 mRNA and protein were measured using real-time PCR and ELISA, and MAPK pathway activation was studied. Compared with WT cells, unstimulated Anx-1−/− cells exhibited dramatically increased basal IL-6 mRNA and protein expression. In concert with this result, Anx-1 deficiency was associated with increased basal phosphorylated p38, JNK, and ERK1/2 MAPKs. IL-1-inducible phosphorylated p38 was also increased in Anx-1−/− cells. The increase in IL-6 release in Anx-1−/− cells was inhibited by inhibition of p38 MAPK. Anx-1−/− cells were less sensitive to dexamethasone inhibition of IL-6 mRNA expression than WT cells, although inhibition by dexamethasone of IL-6 protein was similar. MAPK phosphatase-1 (MKP-1), a glucocorticoid-induced negative regulator of MAPK activation, was up-regulated by dexamethasone in WT cells, but this effect of dexamethasone was significantly impaired in Anx-1−/− cells. Treatment of Anx-1−/− cells with Anx-1 N-terminal peptide restored MKP-1 expression and inhibited p38 MAPK activity. These data demonstrate that Anx-1 is an endogenous inhibitory regulator of MAPK activation and IL-6 expression, and that Anx-1 is required for glucocorticoid up-regulation of MKP-1. Therapeutic manipulation of Anx-1 could provide glucocorticoid-mimicking effects in inflammatory disease.
Role of Clathrin-mediated Endocytosis in Agonist-induced Down-regulation of the β2-Adrenergic Receptor*

Previous studies have demonstrated that non-visual arrestins function as adaptors in clathrin-mediated endocytosis to promote agonist-induced internalization of the β2-adrenergic receptor (β2AR). Here, we characterized the effects of arrestins and other modulators of clathrin-mediated endocytosis on down-regulation of the β2AR. In COS-1 and HeLa cells, non-visual arrestins promote agonist-induced internalization and down-regulation of the β2AR, whereas dynamin-K44A, a dominant-negative mutant of dynamin that inhibits clathrin-mediated endocytosis, attenuates β2AR internalization and down-regulation. In HEK293 cells, dynamin-K44A profoundly inhibits agonist-induced internalization and down-regulation of the β2AR, suggesting that receptor internalization is critical for down-regulation in these cells. Moreover, a dominant-negative mutant of β-arrestin, β-arrestin-(319–418), also inhibits both agonist-induced receptor internalization and down-regulation. Immunofluorescence microscopy analysis reveals that the β2AR is trafficked to lysosomes in HEK293 cells, where presumably degradation of the receptor occurs. These studies demonstrate that down-regulation of the β2AR is in part due to trafficking of the β2AR via the clathrin-coated pit endosomal pathway to lysosomes.
Radiofrequency Ablation of Probable Atrioventricular Nodal Reentrant Tachycardia in Children with Documented Supraventricular Tachycardia Without Inducible Tachycardia

The reproducible induction of supraventricular tachycardia (SVT) during electrophysiological study is critical for the diagnosis of atrioventricular nodal reentry tachycardia (AVNRT), and for determining a therapeutic endpoint for catheter ablation. In the sedated state, there are patients with reentry SVT due to AVNRT who are not inducible at electrophysiological study. This article reports on the empiric slow pathway modification for AVNRT in six pediatric patients (age 6–17, mean 13.3 years) with documented, recurrent, paroxysmal SVT in the setting of a structurally normal heart who were not inducible at electrophysiological study. Atrial and ventricular burst and extrastimulus pacing at multiple drive cycle lengths were performed in the baseline state, during an isuprel infusion, and during isuprel elimination. Single AV nodal (AVN) echo beats were present in all patients, while classic dual AVN physiology was present in three of six patients. Radiofrequency energy was administered in the right posteroseptal AV groove resulting in accelerated junctional rhythm in five of six patients. Postablation testing demonstrated the elimination of echo beats in four patients, while dual AVN physiology and echo beats persisted in two patients. At follow‐up (22–49 months, mean 29.5 months), all patients are asymptomatic without recurrence of SVT and are not taking any antiarrhythmic medication. In selected patients, empiric slow pathway modification may be offered as a potential cure in children with recurrent paroxysmal SVT who are not inducible at electrophysiological study. Elimination of slow pathway conduction may serve as a surrogate endpoint, though is not necessary for long‐term success. (PACE 2003; 26:1679–1683)
An Evaluation of the Epidural Catheter Position by Epidural Nerve Stimulation in Conjunction with Continuous Epidural Analgesia in Adult Surgical Patients

BACKGROUND: The epidural stimulation test to confirm epidural catheter position has been described as being simple, fast, and reliable. We evaluated the feasibility of the epidural stimulation test and its potential in contributing to effective postoperative continuous epidural analgesia. METHODS: Thirty adult patients (ASA I–III) undergoing major abdominal surgery or thoracotomy were to receive continuous epidural analgesia at a thoracic level postoperatively. The epidural stimulation test was performed after catheter placement, after local anesthetic boluses, and during epidural analgesia, up to six times in each patient. Catheter positions were verified by epidurography (before start of epidural analgesia and again on the second postoperative day). RESULTS: Several technical issues (e.g., need to flush catheter with saline in order to maintain adequate stimulation during >25% of all measurements) and interpretation problems (e.g., interference of respiratory activity [n = 6]) made the implementation of the epidural stimulation test rather time consuming, both at the time of catheter placement and during epidural analgesia. Immediately after catheter placement (before test dose) the epidural stimulation test did not identify four of four catheters positioned outside the spinal canal. In addition, the initial epidural stimulation test indicated a possible intrathecal or paravertebral placement in 3 of 25 catheters correctly positioned in the epidural space. During 107 of 122 (88%) measurements with the catheter tip situated epidurally and with preceding or simultaneous administration of epidural local anesthetic, the epidural stimulation test elicited a motor response. Continuous epidural analgesia provided adequate pain relief in all 25 patients having positive epidurography. CONCLUSIONS: The epidural stimulation test was often associated with technical difficulties and interpretation problems. The role of the repeated use of the epidural stimulation test for quality assurance in patients undergoing postoperative continuous epidural analgesia remains undetermined.
Political Uncertainty and Household Stock Market Participation

Using micro-level panel data and a difference-in-differences identification strategy, we study the effect of political uncertainty on household stock market participation. We find that households significantly reduce their participation and reallocate funds to safer assets during periods of increased political uncertainty. The decline in participation is related to households’ response to elevated asset risk and their incentive to hedge increased labor income risk. In situations where uncertainty remains high after elections, pre-election reduction in participation is only partially reversed, reflecting a prolonged distortion in household stock investments, which can have implications for households, firms, and the economy in general.
Cultural Centre, Destination Cultural Offer and Visitor Satisfaction

This paper aims to establish the link between tourists’ perceptions on cultural offers and their overall satisfaction, and explore the implication of this link for sustainable tourist destination management. Assessing online customers’ reviews, this study identifies a positive correlation between visitors’ perspectives and experiences at the on-site cultural centre and visitors’ destination satisfaction. It suggests that the on-site cultural centre plays a critical role in building up visitors’ perception on cultural attributes of the destination, and its impact on visitor satisfaction is a double-edged sword. Visitors’ positive perspectives on the cultural centre enhance visitors’ experiences and contribute to their destination satisfaction; however, not only does a negative perspective on their cultural and spiritual experience compromise visitors’ satisfaction, but also subsequent negative online reviews damage the destination image and discourage visitor return/visit. The findings help destination management organisations to better understand visitors’ preference for cultural centres and therefore to improve visitors’ cultural experience. This paper appeals for further study of on-site cultural centres’ role in forming destination cultural attributes, and of social media’s potential in enriching cultural experience.
Mesostigmatic mites (Acari: Mesostigmata) in nests of the Eurasian griffon vulture (Gyps fulvus) in Croatia

We examined the species composition and community structure of mites of the order Mesostigmata (Acari) in nests of the Eurasian griffon vulture (Gyps fulvus Hablizl, 1783) in Croatia. Material collected from 18 nests included 565 mites belonging to seven species. The most abundant species were Leiodinychus orbicularis (C.L. Koch, 1839) (Trematuridae) and Androlaelaps casalis (Berlese, 1887) (Laelapidae). The results were compared with the community structure and frequency of dominant species of Mesostigmata in nests of 32 other bird species. Leiodinychus orbicularis occurred in the nests of 13 species of birds. It is a typical nidicolous species which occurs most frequently in the perennial nests of birds of prey. In contrast, A. casalis rarely occurs in the nests of birds of prey.
Deconstructing Race and Ethnicity: Implications for Measurement of Health Outcomes

A crucial issue for health researchers is how to measure health and health-related behaviors across racial/ethnic groups. This commentary outlines an approach that involves the deconstruction of race/ethnicity, which clarifies the independent influences of acculturation, quality of education, socioeconomic class, and racial socialization on outcomes of interest. Research on the influence of these variables on health outcomes in general, and cognitive test performance specifically, is presented. This research indicates that when variables such as quality of education, wealth, and perceived racism are taken into account, the effect of race/ethnicity on health outcomes is greatly reduced. In other words, race/ethnicity serves as a proxy for these more meaningful variables, and explicit measurement of these constructs will improve research of health within majority and minority ethnic groups.
Cyanovirin-N, a Potent Human Immunodeficiency Virus-Inactivating Protein, Blocks both CD4-Dependent and CD4-Independent Binding of Soluble gp120 (sgp120) to Target Cells, Inhibits sCD4-Induced Binding of sgp120 to Cell-Associated CXCR4, and Dissociates Bound sgp120 from Target Cells

ABSTRACT Cyanovirin-N (CV-N), an 11-kDa protein originally isolated from the cyanobacterium Nostoc ellipsosporum, potently inactivates diverse strains of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1), HIV-2, simian immunodeficiency virus, and feline immunodeficiency virus. It has been well established that the HIV surface envelope glycoprotein gp120 is a molecular target of CV-N. We recently reported that CV-N impaired the binding of virion-associated gp120 to cell-associated CD4 and that CV-N preferentially inhibited binding of the glycosylation-dependent neutralizing monoclonal antibody 2G12 to gp120. However, CV-N did not interfere with the interactions of soluble CD4 (sCD4) with either soluble gp120 (sgp120) or virion-associated gp120. In the present study, we have evaluated the effects of CV-N on the binding of sgp120 to cell-associated CD4 to clarify the experimental basis of the previous binding results, and we further address the detailed mechanism of action of CV-N. Here we present evidence that (i) CV-N impairs both CD4-dependent and CD4-independent binding of sgp120 to the target cells, (ii) CV-N blocks the sCD4-induced binding of sgp120 with cell-associated coreceptor CXCR4, and (iii) CV-N dissociates bound sgp120 from target cells. The results illustrate that the measured effects of CV-N on gp120-CD4 binding interactions depend upon the type of CD4 (soluble or cell associated), but not upon the type of gp120 (soluble or virion associated), employed in the experimental protocol. In addition, this study reinforces that CV-N acts uniquely to prevent essential interactions between the envelope glycoprotein and target cell receptors and further supports the potential broad utility of CV-N as a microbicide to prevent the transmission of HIV and AIDS.
Measuring the impact of plant breeding on sub-Saharan African staple crops

Many countries in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA) are facing huge challenges regarding food insecurity, low agricultural output, and agriculturally incurred environmental degradation. A sustainable and increased crop productivity and diversity is essential to achieve food security in a socially, economically, and environmentally sustainable way. Plant breeding is an important factor contributing to the increased crop productivity and diversity, giving farmers access to genetically improved cultivars that yield more, have better resistance to biotic and abiotic stresses, and meet consumer expectations. To motivate and encourage further investments, it is important to measure the actual impact of breeding. This review considers available research on the impact of breeding through yield gain and of food security, focusing on 10 important staple crops in SSA. The overall impression is that breeding produces a very high return on investment. Such investments remain centerpieces for meeting the challenges in this region. The discussion focuses on the most important future breeding priorities for each crop, the actors involved, and the importance of mechanisms for dissemination and farmer adoption, and concludes with some policy recommendations.
Incidence and risk of heart failure in systemic lupus erythematosus

Background Although case series suggest a higher burden of cardiovascular risk factors in patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) compared with the general population, the association between SLE and heart failure (HF) remains undefined. We sought to investigate the incidence and risk of HF in patients with SLE. Methods In April 2016, we performed a retrospective cohort analysis using the Explorys platform, which provides aggregated electronic medical record data from 26 major integrated healthcare systems across the USA from 1999 to present. Demographic and regression analyses were performed to assess the impact of SLE on HF incidence. Results Among 45 284 540 individuals in the database, we identified 95 400 (0.21%) with SLE and 98 900 (0.22%) with a new diagnosis of HF between May 2015 and April 2016. HF incidence was markedly higher in the SLE group compared with controls (0.97% vs 0.22%, relative risk (RR): 4.6 (95% CI 4.3 to 4.9)), as were other cardiovascular risk factors. In regression analysis, SLE was an independent predictor of HF (adjusted OR: 3.17 (2.63 to 3.83), p<0.0001). RR of HF was highest in young males with SLE (65.2 (35.3 to 120.5) for age 20–24), with an overall trend of increasing absolute risk but decreasing RR with advancing age in both sexes. Renal involvement in SLE correlated with earlier and higher incidence of HF. Conclusions The findings of this study suggest that patients with SLE have significantly higher risk of developing HF and a worse cardiovascular risk profile compared with the general population. These results need to be confirmed by prospective studies.
Prevalence of white spot lesion formation during orthodontic treatment.

PURPOSE To quantify the prevalence of white spot lesions (WSLs) on the anterior teeth and, secondarily, to evaluate risk factors and predictors. MATERIALS AND METHODS Digital photographs and records of 885 randomly chosen patients were evaluated before and after treatment. Chart information included gender, age, as well as banding and debanding dates. Fluorosis and oral hygiene before and after treatment were also evaluated. Preexisting and posttreatment WSLs were recorded and compared for all 12 anterior teeth. Risk ratios (RR) and absolute risk (AR) were calculated to determine the likelihood and risk of WSL formation. RESULTS Overall, 23.4% of the patients developed at least one WSL during their course of treatment. Maxillary anterior teeth were affected more than mandibular teeth. The maxillary laterals and canines and the mandibular canines were the most susceptible. There was no significant difference in WSLs between genders. Fluorosis, treatment time in excess of 36 months, poor pretreatment hygiene, hygiene changes during treatment, and preexisting WSLs were all significantly (P < .05) related to the development of WSLs. The highest risk of developing WSLs was associated with preexisting WSLs (RR = 3.40), followed by declines in oral hygiene during treatment (RR = 3.12) and poor pretreatment oral hygiene (RR = 2.83). CONCLUSIONS Nearly 25% of the patients developed WSLs while in treatment, depending on fluorosis, treatment time, preexisting WSLs, and oral hygiene. Orthodontists need to be mindful of these risk factors when making treatment decisions.
Approaches to Cope with Stress and Depression in Individuals with Urinary Incontinence

Aim: The aim of study was to assess individuals with urinary incontinence (UI) with respect to depression and to determine coping mechanisms with stress. Methods: One hundred sixty female and 110 male participants that applied to Istanbul Faculty of Medicine, Urology and Urogynecology Department with UI complaints and accepted to participate in the study were included in the study. Depressive symptoms were assessed with Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). The mechanisms of coping with stress were evaluated using Ways of Coping with Stress Inventory (WCSI). Results: Females (57.5%) scored 16 points and more from the CES-D scale, while the rate was significantly higher in males (79.1%). The scores obtained in 5 subdimensions of the WCSI showed that females utilized a desperate approach (female 1.39 ± 0.63, male 1.11 ± 0.51, p < 0.000), self-confident approach (female 1.98 ± 0.60, male 1.70 ± 0.42, p < 0.000), and social support approach (female 1.90 ± 0.57, male 1.48 ± 0.44, p < 0.000) statistically and significantly more than males in coping with stress. Conclusion: Males experienced more depression symptoms when compared to females. Females were significantly more self-confident and utilized social support mechanisms and desperate approaches more than males in order to cope with stress.
Estimating the potential for industrial waste heat reutilization in urban district energy systems: method development and implementation in two Chinese provinces

Utilizing low-grade waste heat from industries to heat and cool homes and businesses through fourth generation district energy systems (DES) is a novel strategy to reduce energy use. This paper develops a generalizable methodology to estimate the energy saving potential for heating/cooling in 20 cities in two Chinese provinces, representing cold winter and hot summer regions respectively. We also conduct a life-cycle analysis of the new infrastructure required for energy exchange in DES. Results show that heating and cooling energy use reduction from this waste heat exchange strategy varies widely based on the mix of industrial, residential and commercial activities, and climate conditions in cities. Low-grade heat is found to be the dominant component of waste heat released by industries, which can be reused for both district heating and cooling in fourth generation DES, yielding energy use reductions from 12%–91% (average of 58%) for heating and 24%–100% (average of 73%) for cooling energy use in the different cities based on annual exchange potential. Incorporating seasonality and multiple energy exchange pathways resulted in energy savings reductions from 0%–87%. The life-cycle impact of added infrastructure was small (<3% for heating) and 1.9% ~ 6.5% (cooling) of the carbon emissions from fuel use in current heating or cooling systems, indicating net carbon savings. This generalizable approach to delineate waste heat potential can help determine suitable cities for the widespread application of industrial waste heat re-utilization.
Community systems and practices to prevent and respond to violence against children in Uganda : children’s perceptions and lived experiences

Violence Against Children (VAC) is a growing public health and social development problem recognized globally and specifically in Uganda. The general research objective of this study was to examine how the community formal and non-formal systems and practices are functioning to prevent and respond to Violence against Children in Uganda, based on the lived experiences and perceptions of children. The study adapted a Participatory Action Research (PAR) methodology of social inquiry that produced unique, in-depth, multifaceted investigation of the phenomena and allowed for knowledge integration and personal understanding of individuals and society. The study focused on a general epistemology of the lived experiences of children, most especially girls, that allowed us to learn more about the inward and outward consciousness of children based on memory, image and meaning in understanding children’s perceptions in preventing and responding to violence. The study was conducted in Nabukalu community, Bugiri District in Eastern Uganda. A total of 140 respondents who included children ages 12 to17 years of age and adults (protection committees, civil society agencies engaged in child protection work and local government authorities) participated in the study. Findings indicate that the forms of violence that were predominant in this community include: child marriages, child labour; sexual abuse, defilement, child neglect and child sacrifice/murder for ritual purposes. While girls were found to be at more risk of defilement and child marriages, boys were more at risk of child labour and corporal punishment. Children cited the lack of basic needs such as sanitary pads for girls, food, shoes, clothing, books and decent school uniform as a predisposing factor to sexual abuse, because such needs compelled the girls to accept gifts from potential abusers. Overall, the common impacts of violence against children cutting across different ages and sexes were: emotional distress, poor performance in school, dropping out of school, injury, unwanted teenage pregnancy and child marriages. The most common risk factors identified