Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The host cell transcription factor hypoxia‐inducible factor 1 is required for Toxoplasma gondii growth and survival at physiological oxygen levels

Toxoplasma gondii is an obligate intracellular protozoan pathogen. We previously found that genes mediating cellular responses to hypoxia were upregulated in Toxoplasma ‐infected cells but not in cells infected with another intracellular pathogen, Trypanosoma cruzi. The inducible expression of these genes is controlled by the hypoxia‐inducible factor 1 (HIF1) transcription factor, which is the master regulator of cells exposed to low oxygen. Because this response may be important for parasites to grow at physiological oxygen levels, we tested the hypothesis that HIF1 is important for Toxoplasma growth. Here, we demonstrate that Toxoplasma infection rapidly increased the abundance of the HIF1α subunit and activated HIF1 reporter gene expression. In addition, we found that Toxoplasma growth and survival was severely reduced in HIF1α knockout cells at 3% oxygen. While HIF1α was not required for parasite invasion, we determined that HIF1 was required for parasite cell division and organelle maintenance at 3% oxygen. These data indicate that Toxoplasma activates HIF1 and requires HIF1 for growth and survival at physiologically relevant oxygen levels.
In Vitro Anti‐Tumour Activities of Quinolizidine Alkaloids Derived from Sophora Flavescens Ait

Abstract: The dry root of Sophora flavescens Ait. (SF) has long been used in a variety of Chinese herbal formulations to treat patients with cancer. Alkaloids are commonly known to present in SF as main active constituents. Here, we report that among the six characterized SF‐derived quinolizidine alkaloids including sophoridine, aloperine, sophocarpine, matrine, oxymatrine and cytisine, aloperine exerted the most potent in vitro cytotoxic activity against the human cancer cell lines and oxymatrine exhibited selective anti‐cancer activity against hepatocellular carcinoma HepG2 cells. Analysis of DNA fragmentation and PARP cleavage revealed that aloperine treatment for 48 hr induced apoptosis in HL‐60 cells. In addition, autophagic formation of acidic vacuole was also observed in HL‐60 cells exposed to aloperine. These results suggest that aloperine may be a novel contributor to the anti‐cancer properties of SF.
Tumor Necrosis Factor Gene Polymorphism Is Associated with Enhanced Systemic Inflammatory Response and Increased Cardiopulmonary Morbidity After Cardiac Surgery

Cardiopulmonary bypass induces a systemic inflammatory response characterized by alterations in cardiopulmonary function. Mediators for this morbidity are the cytokines tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-&agr; and interleukins. A genomic polymorphism within the TNF locus is associated with increased TNF-&agr; levels and high mortality in severe trauma and sepsis. We assessed the relationship of biallelic polymorphisms of the TNF locus in patients undergoing elective cardiac surgery to release of proinflammatory cytokines and cardiopulmonary morbidity. TNF genotypes, plasma concentrations of TNF-&agr;, interleukin-6, and cardiopulmonary morbidity were studied in 95 unselected, consecutive patients undergoing routine cardiac surgery. TNF genotypes were determined by the solid-phase minisequencing method. Patients homozygous for the TNFB2 allele (n = 42) displayed larger peak concentrations of TNF-&agr; (11.3 ± 1.3 versus 7.8 ± 0.7 pg/mL; P = 0.013) and interleukin-6 (153 ± 27 versus 87 ± 7 pg/mL; P = 0.010) when compared with patients homozygous or heterozygous for TNFB1 (n = 53). The TNFB2 homozygotes had a higher incidence of left ventricular dysfunction (31% versus 9%; P = 0.029; odds ratio 3.84 [95% confidence interval, 1.40–24.3]), postoperative pulmonary dysfunction (24% versus 6%; P = 0.016; odds ratio 5.21 [95% confidence interval, 1.49–18.3]), and a lower pulmonary oxygenation index (29 ± 1.9 versus 36.1 ± 1.8; P = 0.013). Patients homozygous for the TNFB2 allele may develop an enhanced systemic inflammatory response with an increased risk of cardiopulmonary morbidity after cardiac surgery.
Primary adenocarcinoma of the fallopian tube. Review of the literature

An extensive review of the currently available literature on primary fallopian tube carcinoma is presented. The role of vaginal ultrasonography and the importance of an aggressive evaluation of every tubal deformity is stressed. A staging system which takes into account recent data on the biology of this malignancy is proposed. We emphasize the largely underestimated importance of early lymphatic spread of this disease, necessitating a thorough staging laparotomy with pelvic and para-aortic lymph node sampling in the apparent early stages. The need for adjuvant treatment is obvious, but until now no firm data exist as to what the optimal strategy should be. We recommend that until more representative studies are available, ovarian carcinoma protocols should be used in clinical practice.
Receptor-Like Protein Tyrosine Phosphatase α Homodimerizes on the Cell Surface

ABSTRACT We reported previously that the N-terminal D1 catalytic domain of receptor protein-tyrosine phosphatase α (RPTPα) forms a symmetrical, inhibited dimer in a crystal structure, in which a helix-turn-helix wedge element from one monomer is inserted into the catalytic cleft of the other monomer. Previous functional studies also suggested that dimerization inhibits the biological activity of a CD45 chimeric RPTP and the catalytic activity of an isolated RPTPς D1 catalytic domain. Most recently, we have also shown that enforced dimerization inhibits the biological activity of full-length RPTPα in a wedge-dependent manner. The physiological significance of such inhibition is unknown, due to a lack of understanding of how RPTPα dimerization is regulated in vivo. In this study, we show that transiently expressed cell surface RPTPα exists predominantly as homodimers, suggesting that dimerization-mediated inhibition of RPTPα biological activity is likely to be physiologically relevant. Consistent with our published and unpublished crystallographic data, we show that mutations in the wedge region of D1 catalytic domain and deletion of the entire D2 catalytic domain independently reduced but did not abolish RPTPα homodimerization, suggesting that both domains are critically involved but that neither is essential for homodimerization. Finally, we also provide evidence that both the RPTPα extracellular domain and the transmembrane domain were independently able to homodimerize. These results lead us to propose a zipper model in which inactive RPTPα dimers are stabilized by multiple, relatively weak dimerization interfaces. Dimerization in this manner would provide a potential mechanism for negative regulation of RPTPα. Such RPTPα dimers could be activated by extracellular ligands or intracellular binding proteins that induce monomerization or by intracellular signaling events that induce an open conformation of the dimer.
Time Resolved Optical Spectroscopy System for Cerebral Oxygenation Imaging

Optical methods from the near infrared range, in particular the time resolved near infrared spectroscopy offer a new non-invasive, real-time technique for monitoring of the blood perfusion and oxygenation in living tissue. The principle and instrumentation of the time resolved optical spectroscopy system for cerebral oxygenation imaging have been described. The system consists of two semiconductor diode lasers and four detection channels which allow for recording of distributions of times of flight of photons at four detection points on the surface of the tissue examined. In the presented configuration it allows recording with 16 source-detector pairs forming a 4times4 grid. Some preliminary results of the laboratory tests and experimental trials curried out with various tissue phantoms are presented
L'univers du temps libre et des valeurs chez les jeunes

Cet ouvrage decrit les grands univers du temps libre des jeunes, tout particulierement la pratique de l'activite physique, la frequentation des equipements culturels, les « sorties », les habitudes de lecture et les usages de l'Internet a travers les parcours de 1 847 jeunes âges de 11 a 15 ans. Il montre comment ces univers sont fortement correles au systeme de valeurs des jeunes, a leurs rapports au temps et a la construction de leur identite. Il fait aussi etat de l'influence profonde du milieu familial, du milieu scolaire et de la sociabilite juvenile dans les preferences des jeunes.
Use of Clinical Judgment Analysis to Explain Regional Variations in Physicians' Accuracies in Diagnosing Pneumonia

The authors sought to explain regional differences in physicians' accuracies in diagnosing pneumonia by prospectively studying emergency department patients at three sites and analyzing differences in physicians' diagnostic strategies and patient characteristics. They enrolled 1,119 Illinois patients, 150 Nebraska patients, and 142 Virginia patients presenting with fever or respiratory symptoms for whom physicians ordered a chest radiograph because of suspicion of pneumonia. Emergency department physicians recorded patients' clinical findings and estimated the probability that a chest radiograph would show pneumonia. A measure of accuracy, the correlation between physicians' probability estimates and actual outcomes, was 0.41 (95% Cl 0.36-0.46) at Illinois, 0.66 (95% Cl 0.54-0.75) at Nebraska, and 0.55 (95% Cl 0.42-0.65) at Virginia. Physicians' strategies at the three sites differed markedly in their weightings of asthma, signs of consolidation, cough, tachypnea, age, and gender. These differences in weighting paralleled differences in the optimal clinical strategies derived from patient data at the three sites. Differences in diagnostic accuracy were best explained by differences in the difficulties of diagnosing pneumonia in the populations. Phy sicians at each site used clinical findings in a way that was close to optimal for their location. This type of analysis provides a new tool for understanding the sources of regional variations in clinical practice. Key words: judgment analysis; variation research; pneumonia. (Med Decis Making 1991 ;11 :189-197)
The genetic relationships between Echinostoma caproni, E. paraensei, and E. trivolvis as determined by electrophoresis

Abstract Adults of Echinostoma caproni, F. paraensei, and E. trivolvis were processed for starchgel electrophoresis. Ten enzyme systems representing 12 structural loci were examined using three different buffer systems. E. paraensei and E. caproni were found to be genetically inbred as indicated by the lack of heterozygosity in individual worms. All three taxa showed fixed differences indicating they are distinct species. Fixed differences were found between E. paraensei and E. caproni in six enzyme systems, between E. paraensei and E. trivolvis in five enzyme systems, and betweenE. trivolvis and E. caproni in five enzyme systems. Phenic relationships among the three species showed E. caproni was genetically more similar to E. trivolvis than to E. paraensei.
Sap1p Binds to Ter1 at the Ribosomal DNA of Schizosaccharomyces pombe and Causes Polar Replication Fork Arrest*

Eukaryotic DNA replication forks stall at natural replication fork barriers or Ter sites located within the ribosomal DNA (rDNA) intergenic spacer regions during unperturbed DNA replication. The rDNA intergenic spacer of the fission yeast Schizosaccharomyces pombe contains four polar or orientation-specific fork barriers, Ter1–3 and RFP4. Whereas the transcription terminator Reb1p binds Ter2 and Ter3 to arrest replication, the factor(s) responsible for fork arrest at Ter1 and RFP4 remain unknown. Using linker scanning mutagenesis, we have narrowed down minimal Ter1 to 21 bp. Sequence analysis revealed the presence of a consensus binding motif for the essential switch-activating and genome-stabilizing protein Sap1p within this region. Recombinant Sap1p bound Ter1 with high specificity, and endogenous Ter1 binding activity contained Sap1p and comigrated with the Sap1p-Ter1 complex. Circular permutation analysis suggested that Sap1p bends Ter1 and SAS1 upon binding. Targeted mutational analysis revealed that Ter1 mutations, which prevent Sap1p binding in vitro, are defective for replication fork arrest in vivo, whereas mutations that do not affect Sap1p binding remain competent to arrest replication. The results confirm the hypothesis that the chromatin organizer Sap1p binds site-specifically to genomic regions other than SAS1 and support the notion that Sap1p binds the rDNA fork barrier Ter1 to cause polar replication fork arrest at this site but not at SAS1.
Isolation of Candida parapsilosis: report of two cases.

Infection caused by Candida parapsilosis as a complication of other diseases occurs most frequently in patients who are debilitated. Other predisposing factors include treatment with antibiotics, immunosuppressive agents, or corticosteroids, and intravenous feeding. The cases of two patients with infections produced by C. parapsilosis as complications of other diseases are presented.
Analyzing data citation practices using the data citation index

We present an analysis of data citation practices based on the Data Citation Index (DCI) (Thomson Reuters). This database launched in 2012 links data sets and data studies with citations received from the other citation indexes. The DCI harvests citations to research data from papers indexed in the Web of Science. It relies on the information provided by the data repository. The findings of this study show that data citation practices are far from common in most research fields. Some differences have been reported on the way researchers cite data: Although in the areas of science and engineering & technology data sets were the most cited, in the social sciences and arts & humanities data studies play a greater role. A total of 88.1% of the records have received no citation, but some repositories show very low uncitedness rates. Although data citation practices are rare in most fields, they have expanded in disciplines such as crystallography and genomics. We conclude by emphasizing the role that the DCI could play in encouraging the consistent, standardized citation of research data—a role that would enhance their value as a means of following the research process from data collection to publication.
Oxidative stress in small-for-gestational age (SGA) term newborns and their mothers

This study used malondialdehyde (MDA) determination by HPLC and enzymatic assays for total serum peroxides and antioxidant capacity to evaluate oxidative stress in 47 healthy full-term small-for-gestational age (SGA) newborns vs 67 appropriate-for-gestational age (AGA) newborns. Blood samples were collected at delivery from umbilical cord artery and vein and from peripheral blood of the babies on the third day after birth. Blood samples of mothers were also collected and compared with blood of 29 normal non-pregnant women (NPW). Serum peroxide values were significantly higher in both groups of mothers than in NPW, decreasing towards the third day in AGA mothers, while persisting in SGA mothers. Antioxidant capacity of sera of both groups of mothers was lower than NPW. Both SGA mothers and babies had increased MDA at delivery, unlike AGA counterparts. MDA levels in umbilical vein were higher than in umbilical arteries, while immunohistochemistry revealed abundant presence of 4-hydroxynonenal (HNE)-protein adducts only in stroma of the SGA placenta. These results show that both mothers and babies are exposed to oxidative stress during and after delivery, which is more pronounced and persistent in the perinatal period of the SGA group, while lipid peroxidation in placenta could play a role in SGA pathophysiology.
Clinical responses to ingested fungal α‐amylase and hemicellulase in persons sensitized to Aspergillus fumigatus?

α‐Amylase and hemicellulase, derived from culture of Aspergillus species, are commonly added to flour as improvers during baking. Two cases of women occupationally sensitized to α‐amylase who developed allergic symptoms after eating baked bread have been reported. With a randomized, controlled study design, we have investigated whether similar responses occur in those sensitized to Aspergillus species. Seventeen subjects with positive skin prick tests to Aspergillus fumigatus were studied. Symptomatic and physiologic responses after ingestion of bread baked with α‐amylase and hemicellulase were compared, in a crossover fashion, with those after ingestion of bread baked without enzymes. No increase in respiratory or other symptoms, lung function, or nonspecific bronchial hyperreactivity was reported after ingestion of the enzyme‐containing bread. We conclude that important clinical reactions to α‐amylase and hemicellulase in baked bread do not frequently occur in those sensitized to Aspergillus species.
The Italian Version of the 25-Item National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire: Translation, Validity, and Reliability

ObjectiveTo test the Italian adaptation of the 25-item National Eye Institute Visual Function Questionnaire (NEI-VFQ 25) and to investigate its validity and reliability. MethodsThis prospective observational study enrolled nonhospitalized patients with 1 of 5 chronic eye diseases, and a reference sample of subjects without eye diseases. Eligible participants had to be cognitively able to respond to a health status interview and be affected by 1 of the following eye conditions: senile cataract, age-related macular degeneration, glaucoma, diabetic retinopathy, and cytomegalovirus retinitis or low vision. A control group was composed of subjects with no evidence of underlying eye diseases. The Italian self-administered versions of Medical Outcomes Study Short Form and of the NEI-VFQ 25 were administered to all participants. Reliability and validity of the Italian translation of the NEI-VFQ 25 were tested using statistical methods. ResultsStatistical analysis points out that the Italian version of the NEI-VFQ 25 has good validity, discriminatory power, internal consistency, and reliability. ConclusionsThis Italian version of the NEI-VFQ 25 shows psychometric properties comparable to those of the American version, and thus can be used in clinical research as a specific measure of quality of life in patients with chronic eye diseases.
Is Complete Androgen Insensitivity Syndrome Associated with Alterations in the Meibomian Gland and Ocular Surface?

Purpose. This study's purpose was to determine whether complete androgen insensitivity syndrome (CAIS) is associated with alterations in the meibomian gland and ocular surface. Methods. Individuals with CAIS, as well as age-matched female and male controls, completed questionnaires which assessed dry eye symptoms and underwent slit lamp evaluations of the tear film, tear meniscus, lids and lid margins and conjunctiva. The quality of meibomian gland secretions was also analyzed. Results. Our results demonstrate that CAIS is associated with meibomian gland alterations and a significant increase in dry eye signs and symptoms. Clinical assessment revealed that CAIS women, as compared to controls, had a significant increase in telangiectasia, keratinization, lid erythema and orifice metaplasia of the meibomian glands, and a significant decrease in the tear meniscus and quality of meibomian gland secretions. Questionnaire results showed that dry eye symptoms were increased over twofold in CAIS individuals, as compared to controls, including a significant increase in the sensations of dryness, pain and light sensitivity. Conclusion. Our results suggest that androgen insensitivity may promote meibomian gland dysfunction and an increase in the signs and symptoms of dry eye.
Bounds to Parapatric Speciation: A Dobzhansky-Muller incompatibility model involving autosomes, X chromosomes and mitochondria

We investigate the conditions for the origin and maintenance of postzygotic isolation barriers, so called (Bateson-)Dobzhansky-Muller incompatibilities or DMIs, among populations that are connected by gene flow. Specifically, we compare the relative stability of pairwise DMIs among autosomes, X chromosomes, and mitochondrial genes. In an analytical approach based on a continent-island framework, we determine how the maximum permissible migration rates depend on the genomic architecture of the DMI, on sex bias in migration rates, and on sex-dependence of allelic and epistatic effects, such as dosage compensation. Our results show that X-linkage of DMIs can enlarge the migration bounds relative to autosomal DMIs or autosome-mitochondrial DMIs, in particular in the presence of dosage compensation. The effect is further strengthened with male-biased migration. This mechanism might contribute to a higher density of DMIs on the X chromosome (large X-effect) that has been observed in several species clades. Furthermore, our results agree with empirical findings of higher introgression rates of autosomal compared to X-linked loci.
Follow-Up of Local Energy and Climate Strategies - A Study of Six Small Swedish Municipalities

Local authorities are important actors in the transition of energy systems towards renewable energy resources and efficient energy use. One mean to manage and develop local energy systems is using energy and climate strategies. Sweden has a long history of energy-planning, which effectiveness has been debated. However, in the light of climate change, many Swedish local authorities have adopted energy and/or climate strategies in recent years. These strategies are intended to clarify, prioritize and suggest measures for achieving energy and climate related goals. To be able to assess the strategies' effectiveness it is important to identify progress and goal achievement. There is little knowledge whether and how local authorities do this kind of follow-up. The aim of this paper is to explore approaches to energy strategy follow-up in six small and medium-sized local authorities in Sweden. Based on interviews with representatives from six Swedish municipalities, this paper discusses prerequisites for energy and climate strategy follow-up. Challenges for the follow-up, such as methodological descriptions, organization and lack of high quality data are identified and discussed. A conceptual model for a systematic approach to follow-up is presented. Conclusions on how a systematic approach to follow-up could facilitate organizational learning and a more strategic approach to energy issues are drawn. It is also discussed how a developed practice could be beneficial in terms of common methodologies and possibilities to request better statistical data from the national level.
Importance of Fatty Acid in Myocardial Metabolism

The important contribution of albuminbound nonesterified fatty acids (NEFA) and triglyceride fatty acids to respiration of cardiac muscle is now well established. Studies with C14-labeled fatty acids in the isolated rat heart demonstrate that the pattern of utilization of fatty acids by the myocardium changes according to the quantity and type of fatty acid available in the circulation, the respiratory activity of the heart, and the nutritional state of the animal. Fatty acids supplied from the circulation in excess of the needs of the heart for aerobic metabolism are converted to tissue triglyceride, which can subsequently be mobilized as a fuel for respiration. Starvation and diabetes expand the intracellular pool of NEFA in cardiac muscle, increase incorporation of exogenous fatty acid into triglyceride, and accelerate hydrolysis of preformed tissue lipid. Respiration of fatty acid derived from the circulation and from endogenous myocardial triglyceride exerts a regulatory influence on utilization of carbohydrate substrates by inhibition of the phosphofructokinase and pyruvate decarboxylation reactions.