Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of Diabetes mellitus on the Contractile Activity of Carbachol and Galanin in Isolated Gastric Fundus Strips of Rats

The role of the cholinergic and peptidergic pathways in the impairment of gastric motility associated with diabetic gastroparesis was assessed at the postsynaptic level using isolated fundus smooth muscle strips. Maximal contractile responses to carbachol and galanin were significantly decreased in fundus strips isolated from rats rendered diabetic by a single intraperitoneal injection of streptozotocin (STZ, 70 mg/kg) 1, 4 and 8 weeks before experiments. We also observed notable decrements in the slopes and Hill’s coefficients without conspicuous changes in the EC50 of the respective galanin concentration-response curves measured in strips obtained from STZ animals after 4 and 8 weeks. L-NAME reversed the above-mentioned alterations in an L-arginine-sensitive manner in STZ rats after 4 weeks but not in STZ rats after 8 weeks. The blood plasma nitrite/nitrate levels in STZ animals after 4 and 8 weeks were increased by 44.6 and 61.9%, respectively. Ca2+-independent nitric oxide synthase activity in gastric fundus strips and stomach corpus mucosa from STZ rats after 4 weeks was markedly enhanced by 37.4 and 31.9%, respectively, suggesting an enhanced nitric oxide production. In vivo insulin treatment prevented diabetes-induced alterations in smooth muscle contractility. We conclude that the smooth muscle dysfunction evoked by experimental diabetes causing diminished contractions of fundus strips to carbachol and galanin is at least partly due to the increased nitric oxide synthesis.
Quantitative Profile of the Uropathogenic Escherichia coli Outer Membrane Proteome during Growth in Human Urine

ABSTRACT Outer membrane proteins (OMPs) of microbial pathogens are critical components that mediate direct interactions between microbes and their surrounding environment. Consequently, the study of OMPs is integral to furthering the understanding of host-pathogen interactions and to identifying key targets for development of improved antimicrobial agents and vaccines. In this study, we used two-dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2D-PAGE) and tandem mass spectrometry to characterize the uropathogenic Escherichia coli (UPEC) outer membrane subproteome; 30 individual OMPs present on the bacterial surface during growth in human urine were identified. Fluorescence difference gel electrophoresis was used to identify quantitative changes in levels of UPEC strain CFT073 OMPs during growth in urine; six known receptors for iron compounds were induced in this environment, i.e., ChuA, IutA, FhuA, IroN, IreA, and Iha. A seventh putative iron compound receptor, encoded by CFT073 open reading frame (ORF) c2482, was also identified and found to be induced in urine. Further, the induction of these seven iron receptors in human urine and during defined iron limitation was verified by using quantitative real-time PCR (qPCR). An eighth iron receptor, fepA, displayed similar induction levels under these conditions as measured by qPCR but was not identified by 2D-PAGE. Addition of 10 μM FeCl2 to human urine repressed the transcription of all eight iron receptor genes. A number of fecal-commensal, intestinal pathogenic, and uropathogenic E. coli strains all displayed similar growth rates in human urine, showing that the ability to grow in urine per se is not a urovirulence trait. Thus, human urine is an iron-limiting environment and UPEC enriches its outer membrane with iron receptors to contend with this iron limitation.
Small Brains, Smart Machines: From Fly Vision to Robot Vision and Back Again

Neurobiological and neuroethological findings on insects can be used to design and construct small robots controlling their navigation on the basis of bio-inspired visual strategies and circuits. Animals' visual guidance is partly mediated by motion-sensitive neurons, which are responsible for gauging the optic flow. Although neurons of this kind were discovered in vertebrates' and invertebrates' visual systems more than 50 years ago, the principles and neural mechanisms involved have not yet been completely elucidated. Here, first, I propose to outline some of the findings we made during the last few decades by performing electrophysiological recordings on identified neurons in the housefly's eye while applying optical stimulation to identified photoreceptors. Whereas these findings shed light on the inner processing structure of an elementary motion detector (EMD), recent studies in which the latest genetic and neuroanatomical methods were applied to the fruitfly's visual system have identified some of the neurons in the visual chain which are possibly involved in the neural circuitry underlying a given EMD. Then, I will describe some of the proof-of-concept robots that we have developed on the basis of our biological findings. The 100-g robot OCTAVE, for example, is able to avoid the ground, react to wind, and land autonomously on a flat terrain without ever having to measure any state variables such as distances or speeds. The 100-g robots OSCAR 1 and OSCAR 2 inspired by the microscanner we discovered in the housefly's eye are able to stabilize their body using mainly visual means and track a moving edge with hyperacuity. These robots react to the optic flow, which is sensed by miniature optic flow sensors inspired by the housefly's EMDs. Constructing a “biorobot” gives us a unique opportunity of checking the soundness and robustness of a principle that is initially thought to be understood by bringing it face to face with the real physical world. Bio-inspired robotics not only help neurobiologists and neuroethologists to identify and investigate worthwhile problems in animals' sensory-motor systems, but they also provide engineers with ideas for developing novel devices and machines with promising future applications, in the field of smart autonomous vehicles and microvehicles, for example.
The systematic identification of content and delivery style of an exercise intervention

Objective: This study explored the utility of using behaviour change taxonomies and checklists to systematically assess the content and delivery of behavioural support for physical activity delivered through an established exercise-referral scheme. Design: An observation study was conducted whereby 22% of initial consultations were observed and audio-recorded, using quota sampling stratified by exercise-referral advisor. Main outcome measures: Content was independently coded by two researchers, to assess; (i) completeness in delivering the programme protocol, (ii) behaviour change techniques delivered (defined using the CALO-RE taxonomy) and (iii) delivery style according to the Behaviour Change Counselling Index (BECCI). Results: Protocol completeness was 63.6% (range 35.6–74.6%). The behaviour change techniques delivered most consistently were ‘providing information about where and when to perform the behavior’ (86%) and ‘setting outcome goals’ (82%). Other evidence-based techniques such as self-monitoring were infrequently observed. Variation in BECCI scores indicated that advisors could, but did not consistently, provide a client-centred service. Conclusion: This study highlights how theoretically informed taxonomies can be useful in evaluating service delivery within applied practice, providing a meaningful way of assessing the completeness of protocol delivery relative to evidence. The provision of feedback to practitioners based on such objective criteria also facilitated positive academic-practitioner communication.
Male decisions or female accessibility? Spatiotemporal patterns of extra pair paternity in a songbird

Extra pair paternity is widespread in birds, but its high variability across years, populations, and species is to a great extent unresolved. Here we explored, during 2 breeding seasons, population and individual accessibility to fertile females at different spatiotemporal scales in a population of pied flycatchers (Ficedula hypoleuca) to understand whether individual patterns of extra pair paternity were due to adaptive individual behavior or ecological constraints. Our aim was to comprehend variation in extra pair paternity population patterns through the understanding of individual behavior. At the population level, extra pair paternity probability decayed with distance between nests. At the individual level, however, males engaged in extra pair paternity with distant (up to 390 m) females despite the fact that there were often fertile females in closer territories. Extra pair paternity cases occurred mostly during egg laying and the incubation of the extra pair male’s social female despite that other neighboring females were fertile before and after these periods. Results suggest a male strategy to maximize reproductive output by guarding their social females during their peak of fertility, seeking extra pair paternity afterwards and investing in parental duties once their social nestlings hatch. This may explain why extra pair paternity rate was higher in the year with lower breeding synchrony, because this allowed early-breeding males to have more extra pair paternity opportunities after their social mate laying onset. This study highlights the necessity of considering the social contexts of individuals at the spatiotemporal scales at which extra pair paternity takes place to understand variation in extra pair paternity patterns at the individual and population levels.
A comparative study of twin and triplet pregnancy.

OBJECTIVE Multiple pregnancy now warrants special attention from the obstetrician. The incidence of multiple pregnancy had increased during the last 15 years. Multiple pregnancy is a high-risk pregnancy since it is associated with increased perinatal morbidity and mortality. In addition, almost every maternal and obstetrical problem occurs more frequently in multiple than in singleton pregnancies. In view of the above we designed our study. METHODS This was a comparative and descriptive retrospective study conducted during the period January 1985 to December 1999 at Wad Medani Teaching Hospital, Wad Medani, Sudan. The study included the follow up of 597 twin pregnancies and 30 triplet pregnancies. The variables used were the age, the parity, the incidence, the sex of neonates and their weights. The study also concentrated on the mode of delivery, and it highly considered the maternal and perinatal complications. RESULTS During the period of the study the total number of pregnancies received was 44605. Twin pregnancies accounted for 597/44605 (1.3%), while triplet gestation showed an incidence of 30/44605 (0.1%). In twin pregnancy ovulation occurred spontaneously in 43/597 (7.2%) and it was induced in 167/597 (28%). On the other hand, ovulation occurred spontaneously in triplets 19/30 (63.3%) and it was induced in 11/30 (36.7%). The common maternal complication was pre-term labor, which affected 35.5% in twins and 76.7% in triplets. The rate of cesarean section was 53.1% in twins while in triplet it was 83.3%. The mean birth weight in twin pregnancy was 1890 gm for males and 1780 gm for females. In triplet gestation, the mean birth weight was 1760 gm for males and 1720 gm for females. The maternal mortality rate was 35.8/100.000 live births in twin pregnancies while it was 99/100000 in triplet gestation. The perinatal mortality rate was 115/1000 for twin and 223/1000 for triplet pregnancy. CONCLUSION Multiple pregnancy is a high-risk pregnancy, and to decrease its maternal and fetal complications it must be diagnosed early. It should also receive almost antenatal care and care at delivery. Early hospitalization plays an important role of reducing these complications. It must be treated by one obstetrician.
Interdependence of JAK-STAT and MAPK signaling pathways during EGF-mediated HTR-8/SVneo cell invasion

Invasion of trophoblast cells is spatio-temporally regulated by various cytokines and growth factors. In pregnancy, complications like preeclampsia, shallow invasion of trophoblast cells and low amounts of epidermal growth factor (EGF) have been reported. In the present study, regulatory mechanisms associated with EGF-mediated invasion in HTR-8/SVneo trophoblastic cells have been delineated. Treatment of HTR-8/SVneo cells with EGF (10 ng/ml) led to eight fold increase (p < 0.05) in invasion. Increased invasion of HTR-8/SVneo cells by EGF was associated with an increase in phosphorylation of ERK½. In addition, significant phosphorylation of STAT1 (ser 727) and STAT3 (both tyr 705 and ser 727 residues) was also observed, accompanied by a decrease in total STAT1. Inhibition of ERK½ phosphorylation by U0126 (10 μM) led to a significant decrease in EGF-mediated invasion with simultaneous decrease in the phosphorylated forms of STAT3 and STAT1. Decrease in total STAT1 was also reversed on inhibition of ERK½. Interestingly, inhibition of STAT3 by siRNA led to a significant decrease in EGF-mediated invasion of HTR-8/SVneo cells and phosphorylation of STAT1, but it did not have any effect on the activation of ERK½. On the other hand, inhibition of STAT1 by siRNA, also led to a significant decrease in the EGF-mediated invasion of HTR-8/SVneo cells, showed concomitant decrease in ERK½ phosphorylation and STAT3 phosphorylation at ser 727 residue. These results suggest cross-communication between ERK½ and JAK-STAT pathways during EGF-mediated increase in invasion of trophoblast cells; phosphorylation at ser 727 residue of both STAT3 and STAT1 appears to be critical.
A Comprehensive Review of Patient-Reported Satisfaction with Botulinum Toxin Type A for Aesthetic Procedures

Background: The success of any medical procedure can be measured in many ways. Patient-reported outcomes, specifically those related to the patient's personal satisfaction, are among the most important measures of success in aesthetic treatments. This analysis assessed satisfaction with botulinum toxin type A treatment in aesthetic indications and identified approaches to help optimize clinical outcomes. Methods: For this comprehensive, evidence-based review, electronic databases were searched for clinical trials, meta-analyses, or randomized controlled trials examining patient satisfaction following botulinum toxin type A aesthetic treatments. Reference lists and meeting/conference abstracts were also inspected to ensure capture of relevant literature. Inclusion and exclusion criteria were established a priori. Twenty-three articles met all inclusion criteria and were analyzed in detail. Results: Studies were highly heterogeneous in the methods used to assess satisfaction. Most utilized Likert-type scales and included other patient-reported outcomes as well as satisfaction. The majority were done in the glabellar area. Nevertheless, patient satisfaction with botulinum toxin type A treatment was consistently and significantly high, typically ranging from more than 65 percent to more than 90 percent, depending on facial area treated, dose, assessment, and other treatment specifics. Treatment also significantly improved patient self-perceptions and reduced perceived age relative to current age by approximately 5 years. Preliminary data suggest that patient satisfaction may improve when botulinum toxin type A is combined with other treatment modalities and when multiple areas of the face, rather than a single area, are treated. Conclusions: Regardless of facial area studied or the specific assessment scale, patient satisfaction with botulinum toxin type A treatment is consistently high, and patient-reported outcomes indicate significant improvement.
A Delicate Balance: Risk Factors for Acquisition of Bacterial Vaginosis Include Sexual Activity, Absence of Hydrogen Peroxide-Producing Lactobacilli, Black Race, and Positive Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 Serology

Background: The etiology of bacterial vaginosis (BV) is poorly understood, but better definition of the risk factors associated with its acquisition should improve our understanding of this complex disease entity. Methods: A longitudinal cohort study of young sexually active women was conducted to identify variables associated with BV acquisition. Seven hundred seventy-three women without BV at enrollment were followed at 4-month intervals for 1 year. At each visit, demographic and behavioral interview data, a vaginal smear for the Gram stain diagnosis of BV, and a serum sample for detection of herpes simplex virus type 1 (HSV-1) and HSV-2 type-specific antibodies were collected. Results: The overall incidence of BV acquisition was 36 cases/100 woman-years (223 acquisitions of BV during 619 woman-years of follow-up). Acquisition of BV was independently associated with black race, cigarette smoking, vaginal intercourse, receptive anal sex before vaginal intercourse, sex with an uncircumcised male partner, lack of vaginal H2O2-producing lactobacilli, and the detection of HSV-2 serum antibodies at the visit before BV acquisition. Longitudinal analyses revealed that HSV-2 serum antibodies were independently associated with loss of H2O2-producing lactobacilli. Conclusions: Our findings suggest that multiple and diverse risk factors can contribute to BV acquisition. They also illustrate why a more complete understanding of BV pathogenesis and the formulation of effective BV prevention strategies have been elusive. Further work will be needed to determine the specific effects of HSV-2 infection on vaginal flora composition and the acquisition of BV.
Brain tumors in individuals with familial adenomatous polyposis

Most individuals with Familial Adenomatous Polyposis (FAP) harbor mutations in the APC gene on chromosome 5q21. They are at an increased risk of brain tumors, including cerebellar medulloblastoma, when compared with the general population (Brain Tumor Polyposis—BTP Type 2). Genotype‐phenotype correlations between APC gene mutations and central nervous system (CNS) tumors have, thus far not been successful. Herein the authors have pooled their registry experience in BTP type 2 with the published reports.
Retinoic acid down‐regulates Tbx1 expression in vivo and in vitro

Both Tbx1 and retinoic acid (RA) are key players in embryonic pharyngeal development; loss of Tbx1 produces DiGeorge syndrome‐like phenotypes in mouse models as does disruption of retinoic acid homeostasis. We have demonstrated that perturbation of retinoic acid levels in the avian embryo produces altered Tbx1 expression. In vitamin A‐deficient quails, which lack endogenous retinoic acid, Tbx1 expression patterns were disrupted early in development and expression was subsequently lost in all tissues. “Gain‐of‐function” experiments where RA‐soaked beads were grafted into the pharyngeal region produced localized down‐regulation of Tbx1 expression. In these embryos, analysis of Shh and Foxa2, upstream control factors for Tbx1, suggested that the effect of RA was independent of this regulatory pathway. Real‐time polymerase chain reaction analysis of retinoic acid‐treated P19 cells showed a dose‐dependent repression of Tbx1 by retinoic acid. Repression of Tbx1 transcript levels was first evident after 8–12 hr in culture in the presence of retinoic acid, and to achieve the highest levels of repression, de novo protein synthesis was required. Developmental Dynamics 232:928–938, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Haematopoietic cancer mortality among vehicle mechanics.

OBJECTIVE AND METHODS--This historical cohort study investigated causes of death among car and mobile equipment mechanics in the District of Columbia's Department of Public Works. Men who were employed for at least one year between 1977 and 1989 were eligible for inclusion in the cohort; follow up was up to the end of 1991. Three cases of leukaemia (index cases) had been reported among these workers before the inception of this study. This research was undertaken to estimate the relative risk of haematological cancer among mechanics working for the District of Columbia. RESULTS--Among the 335 male fleet maintenance workers, the all cause standardised mortality ratio (SMR) was 0.50 (33 observed deaths, 95% confidence interval (95% CI) 0.35-0.70), and the all cancer SMR was 0.55 (nine deaths, 95% CI 0.25-1.05). Three deaths from lymphatic and haematopoietic cancer were observed; the SMR was 3.63 (95% CI 0.75-10.63). In the subgroup with highest potential for exposure to fuels and solvents, the SMR for leukaemia and aleukaemia was 9.26 (two deaths, 95% CI 1.12-33.43), and the SMR for other lymphatic and haematopoietic neoplasms was 2.57 (one death from malignant lymphoma, 95% CI 0.06-14.27). All three lymphatic and haematopoietic cancer deaths were among car and mobile equipment mechanics (one was an index case). The two additional index cases were a fourth mechanic who died of leukaemia in 1992, after mortality follow up ended, and a fifth mechanic who was diagnosed with leukaemia in 1988 and is still alive. CONCLUSION--Many garage mechanics in this cohort regularly used petrol to clean parts and to wash their hands; some workers would occasionally siphon petrol by mouth. Benzene, a recognised cause of haematological cancer, is a component of petrol. Previous research indicates that garage mechanics may be at risk of leukaemia and other haematological cancers, presumably due to exposure to petrol; this study supports those findings.
Parental origin and cell stage of non‐disjunction of double trisomy in spontaneous abortion

ABSTRACT Using polymorphic analysis of microsatellites, we investigated the parental origin and mechanism of double trisomies seen in cases of spontaneous abortion. We obtained chorionic villi from spontaneous abortions, and peripheral blood from females who experienced abortion and their spouses. Chromosomal analysis of 170 cases revealed four cases with double trisomy. The karyotypes of these cases are 48,XX,+16,+22, 48,XXY,+18, 48,XX,+15,+21 and 48,XX,+2,+5. In the present study, the incidence of double trisomy was 2.4% of spontaneous abortions. Polymorphic analysis of microsatellites indicated that extra chromosomes were all of maternal origin in the four cases of double trisomy. The predominance of maternal origin in cases of double trisomy is similar to cases of single trisomy. The result also indicated that both extra chromosomes in two cases occurred by non‐disjunction at the first meiotic division, and extra chromosomes in the other two cases occurred by non‐disjunction at the first mitotic division. The mean maternal age in cases of double trisomy was significantly higher than that in cases of single trisomy. These findings suggest the possibility that abnormal separation of two or more chromosomes may occur simultaneously in oogonia, and that this phenomenon may increase in relation to the increase in age of women.