Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Substance P Stimulates Production of Inflammatory Cytokines in Human Disc Cells

Study Design. Laboratory study. Objective. The aims of this study were as follows: (1) to confirm that Substance P (SP) is expressed by nucleus pulposus (NP) and annulus fibrosus (AF) cells; (2) to determine the effect of SP on expression of inflammatory mediators in human disc cells and the effect of inflammatory mediators on the expression of SP; and (3) to characterize the relative expression of SP receptor isoforms in disc tissue and describe whether exposure to SP changes receptor expression. Summary of Background Data. SP, classically described as a neurotransmitter, acts as an inflammatory regulator in other tissue types, but its role within the intervertebral disc has not been characterized. Methods. Human AF and NP cells from 7 individuals were expanded in monolayer and maintained in alginate bead culture. Cells were treated with SP or interleukin (IL)-1&bgr;/tumor necrosis factor-&agr; (TNF-&agr;). After treatment, the cells were recovered and then RNA was isolated and transcribed into cDNA. Quantitative reverse-transcriptase polymerase chain reaction was performed to evaluate expression of inflammatory mediators and SP and its receptors. Results. Disc cells treated with SP demonstrated significant upregulation of IL-1&bgr;, IL-6, and IL-8 in NP and AF cells whereas significant upregulation of RANTES and TNF occurred only in the AF cells. AF and NP cells expressed SP at low levels; expression did not change significantly with SP treatment but was significantly upregulated after treatment with IL-1&bgr;/TNF-&agr;. Both SP receptor isoforms were expressed by NP and AF cells. Conclusion. SP upregulates inflammatory mediators in disc cells. SP and its receptors were expressed in both NP and AF cells, and expression did not change after treatment with SP but increased after treatment with IL-1&bgr;/TNF-&agr;. SP likely acts in an autocrine or paracrine manner in intervertebral disc cells and may be involved in “crosstalk” between disc cells and neurons, providing a potential mechanism for transmission of painful discogenic stimuli.
Long-term follow-up evaluation of magnetic resonance imaging in the prognosis of permanent GH deficiency.

OBJECTIVE In patients with GH deficiency (GHD), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has revealed morphological abnormalities such as pituitary hypoplasia, pituitary stalk agenesis (PSA) and ectopia of the posterior pituitary (PPE). The MRI anomalies have been more frequently reported in patients with multiple pituitary hormone deficiency (MPHD) than in subjects with isolated GH deficiency (IGHD). The aim of this work was to define which MRI anatomical abnormalities of the hypothalamo-pituitary area can be considered as a prognostic marker of permanent GHD. DESIGN To investigate the relationship between the neuroradiological images and endocrine findings, we clinically re-evaluated 93 out of the 121 GHD patients with IGHD and MPHD previously studied. RESULTS No additional hormone deficiencies were observed in 55 out of 60 patients initially classified as having IGHD with a normal (15 cases) or reduced (40 cases) pituitary gland size, without other MRI abnormalities. The remaining five children, who had initially shown an apparently IGHD in spite of PSA and PPE, developed a MPHD over time. In 33 MPHD patients with (25 cases) or without (8 cases) MRI abnormalities, the associated hormone deficiencies were confirmed during follow-up. CONCLUSIONS The IGHD patients showing PSA and PPE inevitably develop additional hormone deficiencies, while IGHD subjects having no MRI abnormalities maintain IGHD. Moreover, the anatomical abnormalities of the hypothalamo-pituitary area can be considered as a prognostic marker of permanent GHD.
Environmental Factors Affecting Early Carcass Attendance by Four Species of Blow Flies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) in Texas

ABSTRACT As the most common primary colonizer of carrion, adult blow flies (Diptera: Calliphoridae) play an important role in initiating arthropod-mediated breakdown of soft tissue; however, their timing is highly variable. This variability complicates the estimation of precolonization intervals or periods of insect activity by forensic entomologists. In this study, the size of the adult blow fly on swine carcasses was compared with various environmental conditions including time of day, temperature, wind speed, and light levels. Four trials were conducted: two in August and September 2008, one in January 2009, and one in February-March 2010. Of the measured variables, time of day was the only consistent factor explaining the population size of blow fly on a carcass, although precipitation and high winds affected winter-active Calliphora vicina Robineau-Desvoidy. Male flies were also collected, suggesting that carcasses may play additional roles in adult blow fly ecology beyond that of a simple oviposition site. For both sexes of flies, a strong diel pattern of behavior emerged, which could be useful in estimating precolonization intervals by considering the environmental conditions at a scene, and thus forensic entomologists may be better able to estimate the likelihood of adult activity at a carcass.
Retinoblastoma Tumor Suppressor Protein Signals through Inhibition of Cyclin-Dependent Kinase 2 Activity To Disrupt PCNA Function in S Phase

ABSTRACT The retinoblastoma tumor suppressor protein (RB) is a negative regulator of the cell cycle that inhibits both G1 and S-phase progression. While RB-mediated G1 inhibition has been extensively studied, the mechanism utilized for S-phase inhibition is unknown. To delineate the mechanism through which RB inhibits DNA replication, we generated cells which inducibly express a constitutively active allele of RB (PSM-RB). We show that RB-mediated S-phase inhibition does not inhibit the chromatin binding function of MCM2 or RPA, suggesting that RB does not regulate the prereplication complex or disrupt early initiation events. However, activation of RB in S-phase cells disrupts the chromatin tethering of PCNA, a requisite component of the DNA replication machinery. The action of RB was S phase specific and did not inhibit the DNA damage-mediated association of PCNA with chromatin. We also show that RB-mediated PCNA inhibition was dependent on downregulation of CDK2 activity, which was achieved through the downregulation of cyclin A. Importantly, restoration of cyclin-dependent kinase 2 (CDK2)–cyclin A and thus PCNA activity partially restored S-phase progression in the presence of active RB. Therefore, the data presented identify RB-mediated regulation of PCNA activity via CDK2 attenuation as a mechanism through which RB regulates S-phase progression. Together, these findings identify a novel pathway of RB-mediated replication inhibition.
The central nervous system of ascidian larvae

Ascidians are marine invertebrate chordates. Their tadpole larvae contain a dorsal tubular nervous system, resulting from the rolling up of a neural plate. Along the anterior–posterior (A‐P) axis, the central nervous system (CNS) is organized into a sensory vesicle, neck, trunk ganglion, and tail nerve cord and consists of approximately only 330 cells, of which around 100 are thought to be neurons. The organization of distinct neuronal cell types and neurotransmitter gene expression within the CNS has been described. The unique developmental mode of ascidians, with a small number of cells and a fixed cell division pattern, allows individual cells to be traced throughout development. This feature has led to the complete documentation of the cell lineages of certain cell types in the CNS. Thus, a step‐by‐step understanding of nervous system development from the initial stages of neural induction to the neurogenesis of individual neurons is a feasible goal. The genetic control of neural fate induction and early neural plate patterning are now well understood. The molecular mechanisms specifying the cholinergic neurons of the trunk ganglion as well as the pigment cells of the sensory organs are also well elucidated. In addition, studies have begun on the morphogenetic processes of neurulation. Remaining challenges include building an embryonic atlas integrating gene expression patterns, cell lineage, and neuronal cell types as well as developing the gene regulatory networks of cell fate specification and integrating them with the genetic control of morphogenesis. WIREs Dev Biol 2016, 5:538–561. doi: 10.1002/wdev.239
The Dividend Premium in the CEE Stock Market

We investigate cross-sectional patterns related to dividends in the CEE stock market. We investigate a broad sample of 1153 companies from 11 countries in years 2002-2014. We use sorting and tests based on cross-sectional regression, and apply tests of monotonic relation. The principal findings are as follows. The high dividend stocks perform markedly better on a risk-adjusted basis, even after applying the classical three- and four factor models. This observation is supplemented with the evidence of monotonic relation: the higher dividend yields, the higher mean returns. However, the abnormal returns related to dividend yields are characteristic largely only for big- and midcaps. We find very weak evidence for the dividend premium across the micro stocks.
Determination and characterization of nitric oxide generation in mice by in vivo l‐band EPR spectroscopy

The authors have shown direct, real‐time, in vivo measurement of nitric oxide (NO) in mice by using the water soluble metal chelator complex, N‐methyl‐D‐glucamine dithiocarbamate (MGD), and Fe(II) as monitored by EPR at L‐band. The three‐line EPR spectrum from the product [(MGD)2‐Fe(II)‐NO] was observed noninvasively in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)‐treated mice. The spectrum was markedly suppressed by the administration, before LPS injection, of phenyl N‐tert‐butyl nitrone (PBN), an inhibitor of the expression of induced nitric oxide synthase (iNOS). When 15N‐arginine was administered to LPS‐treated mice, a diagnostic EPR spectrum was observed, consisting of both three‐ and two‐line EPR signals, due to (MGD)2‐Fe(II)‐14NO and (MGD)2‐Fe(II)‐16NO, respectively. The results strongly suggested that the NO detected in these experiments was synthesized by iNOS. In vivo EPR measurements of [(MGD)2‐Fe(II)‐NO] at several regions in the body (from the head to the tail) indicated that the NO was generated mostly in the upper abdomen near the liver. These observations were confirmed by ex vivo EPR measurements on isolated organs where higher NO levels were detected in vivo in the liver and kidney. The spectroscopic results, combined with the pharmacokinetic data, support the model that NO detected in LPS‐treated mice was produced mainly in the liver, and that it did not reflect NO‐adduct complex accumulated in the liver via the blood circulation.
A Human DNA Helicase Homologous to the DNA Cross-link Sensitivity Protein Mus308*

Repair of DNA interstrand cross-links is a challenging problem for cells. Many human gene products influence sensitivity to DNA cross-linking agents, but the mechanisms of cross-link repair are unknown. In Drosophila melanogaster, the mus308 mutation leads to marked sensitivity to DNA cross-linking agents. The C-terminal portion of the Mus308 polypeptide encodes a DNA polymerase, whereas a putative DNA helicase is encoded by the N-terminal portion. As a step toward isolating proteins involved in DNA cross-link repair, we searched for mammalian genes similar to the DNA helicase portion of Mus308. Human and mouse homologs were isolated from cDNA expression libraries and designated HEL308. Human HEL308 is on chromosome 4q21 and encodes a polypeptide of 1101 amino acids. The protein was expressed in insect cells and purified. HEL308 is a single-stranded DNA-dependent ATPase and DNA helicase. Mutation of a highly conserved lysine to methionine in helicase domain I eliminated both activities. The protein readily displaces 20- to 40-mer duplex oligonucleotides. Displacement of longer substrates was less efficient but was stimulated by the single-stranded DNA-binding protein RPA. Activity was supported by ATP or dATP but not other nucleotide triphosphates. The enzyme translocates on DNA with 3′ to 5′ polarity and behaves as a multimer upon gel filtration.
Hormonally Active Vitamin D3 (1α,25-Dihydroxycholecalciferol) Triggers Autophagy in Human Macrophages That Inhibits HIV-1 Infection*

Autophagy is a self-digestion pathway essential for maintaining cellular homeostasis and cell survival and for degrading intracellular pathogens. Human immunodeficiency virus-1 (HIV-1) may utilize autophagy for replication as the autophagy-related protein-7 (ATG-7), microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3, ATG-12, and ATG-16L2 are required for productive HIV-1 infection; however, the effects of autophagy induction on HIV-1 infection are unknown. HIV-1-infected individuals have lower levels of 1α,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol, the hormonally active form of vitamin D, than uninfected individuals. with the lowest concentrations found in persons with AIDS. Using human macrophages and RNA interference for ATG-5 and Beclin-1 and chemical inhibition of phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase, we have found that physiologically relevant concentrations of 1α,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol induce autophagy in human macrophages through a phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-, ATG-5-, and Beclin-1-dependent mechanism that significantly inhibits HIV-1 replication in a dose-dependent manner. We also show that the inhibition of basal autophagy inhibits HIV-1 replication. Furthermore, although 1α,25-dihydroxycholecalciferol induces the secretion of human cathelicidin, at the concentrations produced in vitro, cathelicidin does not trigger autophagy. Our findings support an important role for autophagy during HIV-1 infection and provide new insights into novel approaches to prevent and treat HIV-1 infection and related opportunistic infections.
The mandibular dental arch: part III. Buccal expansion.

The tendency toward relapse in intercuspid width has been examined with those cases having final intercuspid width less than 27 mm showing significantly less relapse than those cases with final intercuspid width of 28 mm or more. The point of contact between the cuspid and first premolar has been introduced as a key point on the arch, determining arch width. An individualized norm has been derived for this measurement as a function of the patient's tooth size, facial pattern, and other variables based upon stable normal occlusions in treated cases. Those cases expanded to a dimension exceeding the norm by more than 1 mm showed a greater propensity toward relapse. The group following the norm was significantly more stable than the over- and underexpansion groups at the . 025 significance level. An individual norm for intermolar width based upon the patient's facial pattern (using frontal and lateral X-rays) has been established. Cases showing relapse showed considerably less space between the lower molar and the JAG plane, and greater lower face height than stable cases. The results show that the space available for the permanent dentition can be estimated in advance of treatment based on the patient's own skeletal measurements, thus minimizing unnecessary extractions, relapse, and extended treatment time due to errors in diagnosis.
Effect of Replacement of Fishmeal With Lima Bean Meal on the Zootechnical Performances of African Catfish (Clarias Gariepinus) in the Batié Sub-Division, West Region of Cameroun

This study was conducted to evaluate the effect of the substitution of fishmeal by Lima bean flouron the growth performance, survival rate and feed cost of Clariasgariepinusbetween March and May 2018 within the AIO ICG of the Batié District. It also aimed to contribute to the development of alternative sources of animal protein on a global scale. For this purpose, 300 fry of Clariasgariepinuswith an average weight of 3 ± 1.41g were divided into five batches and fed three times a day with rations corresponding to 5% of their ichthyobiomass. The rations R0, R25 R50, R75 and R100 respectively corresponded to the substitution rates of 0, 25, 50, 75 and 100% of fish meal by that of Lima bean. The physic-chemical characteristics of the water (pH, temperature, dissolved oxygen, nitrites and nitrates) were measured daily. The following results were obtained: The highest weight gains were obtained with the rations R25 (20.56 ± 0.40 g), R50 (20.64 ± 0.32 g), R75 (20.98 ± 0.46 g) and the lowest with the rations of R100 (16.21 ± 0.28 g). The highest average daily gain were 0.36 ± 0.02 g; 0.37 ± 0.01 g ; 0.38 ± 0.01 g respectively for the R0, R50 and R75 rations and the lowest with R100 (0.29 ± 0.01 g). The highest value of the specific growth rate (2.47 ± 0.07%) was obtained with the ration R0 and the lowest (1.61%) with the ration R100. The consumption index reached its highest and lowest values with the rations R100 (4.74 ± 0.42) and R50 (3.57 ± 0.43) respectively, compared to the value of the ration R0 (3.31 ± 0.37) for this parameter. Concerning the condition factor K, the highest value was recorded with the R50 diet (1.11 ± 0.49) while the lowest value was obtained with the R75 diet (0.95 ± 0.45). The cost of producing one kilogram of food was higher with the R25 ration (504.59 FCFA) and lower with the R100 ration (443.20 FCFA). Our results revealed that incorporating 75% Lima bean flour into the feed increases the growth performance of Clariasgariepinus fry and reduces the cost of food production.
Detailed analysis of adverse events and surgical interventions in a large prospective trial of sacral neuromodulation therapy for overactive bladder patients

The InSite trial is a prospective, multicenter study of sacral neuromodulation (SNM) therapy with the InterStim® System in subjects with overactive bladder (OAB). One of the primary aims of the study is to report on long‐term safety of the tined lead. This analysis provides detailed descriptions of device‐related adverse events (AEs) and surgical interventions to 12 months.
East Asia and Optimum Currency Area: Shocking Aspects Before and After Crises (1997)

This report examines the feasibility of Optimum Currency Area for East Asian countries with reference to economic conditions before and after financial crises 1997. Theoretical perspective of the OCA theory is given to find the logics of Currency Area in this region. The empirical part of the report is supported by econometric findings from data using Output and Inflation. A vector Auto regression approach using the methodology defined by Blanchard and Quah has been applied. The report provides statistical reasoning for the existence of synchronized economic behavior for two groups of countries in the region. The report argues that these two groups can form a form monetary union until certain integration has been achieved to gain full monetary unification in the region.
Trade, Environment and Democracy: Cross-Country Time Series Evidence for 1970-2006

In this research, the relationships of trade, democracy and environment have been explored. The theoretical debate on the subject is inconclusive and cannot be solved without empirical evidence. However, the existing evidence may suffer from econometric problems. This document searches to provide newer and consistent evidence that may contribute to the debate. The first main contribution is to consistently estimate the local average treatment effect of trade openness on these environmental quality variables. The use of the GMM-SYS estimator with an extension that allows for spatial autocorrelation in the dependent variable allows improving the estimates efficiency with respect to traditional instrumental variables techniques. The second main contribution is to consistently estimate interacted effects of trade openness and democracy. The join impact of trade openness and income is also studied because of the importance of this effect to a large portion of the empirical literature (EKC literature). The third main contribution is to provide, in the best knowledge of the author, the first empirical impact evaluation of trade openness and democracy on environment in a dynamical and spatial framework on domestic extraction.
Growth and Institutions: A Potential Medicine for the Poor in Sub‐Saharan Africa

type="main" xml:lang="en"> The conventional wisdom is that growth is a precondition for poverty reduction. Paying particular attention to the level of growth, poverty and institutions in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), this paper investigates the effect of GDP per capita growth and sectoral growth on poverty and explores whether the growth-poverty link can be strengthened by institutions. Using the panel dataset of 41 SSA countries over the period 1981–2010 and dynamic two-step system generalized method of moment (GMM) estimator; it is found that GDP per capita growth is an important instrument for poverty reduction. Also, the growth of agriculture and the service sectors have direct poverty-reducing effects. The paper further reveals that good and accountable government, bureaucratic quality and sound policies and regulations are important ingredients in sustaining the growth-poverty link in SSA.
Randomized, Blinded, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial of N-Acetylcysteine in Dogs With Spinal Cord Trauma From Acute Intervertebral Disc Disease

Study Design. The effect of N-acetylcysteine administration intravenously before hemilaminectomy surgery on neurologic outcome and 15F2t isoprostane excretion in dogs was examined in a blinded, placebo-controlled trial. Objective. To determine the effect of N-acetylcysteine administration on urinary 15F2t isoprostane excretion and neurologic outcome following hemilaminectomy for intervertebral disc disease. Summary of Background Data. Oxidative stress is a mediator of secondary injury to the spinal cord following trauma. Acute intervertebral disc disease is associated with increased oxidative damage in dogs. N-acetylcysteine has preserved neurologic function following experimental spinal cord injury. Methods. Seventy dogs with naturally occurring acute intervertebral disc disease were administered either with saline placebo or N-acetylcysteine intravenously before hemilaminectomy surgery. Serial neurologic examinations were performed before and 1, 2, 7, 14, and 42 days following treatment. Urinary excretion of 15F2t isoprostane excretion was determined before treatment and 1 hour after surgery. Results. Analysis of subjective data did not reveal any significant effect of N-acetylcysteine on neurologic outcome or rate of improvement of neurologic score in the 42 days following treatment. Urinary 15F2t isoprostane excretion was not significantly different between treatment groups (P > 0.05). Conclusion. N-acetylcysteine intravenously before hemilaminectomy has no effect on urinary 15F2t isoprostane excretion or neurologic outcome. Treatment of dogs with the antioxidant N-acetylcysteine before hemilaminectomy, while not detrimental, does not affect neurologic outcome in the 42 days following surgery.