Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Human Acyl-CoA Dehydrogenase-9 Plays a Novel Role in the Mitochondrial β-Oxidation of Unsaturated Fatty Acids*

Unsaturated fatty acids play an important role in the prevention of human diseases such as diabetes, obesity, cancer, and neurodegeneration. However, their oxidation in vivo by acyl-CoA dehydrogenases (ACADs) that catalyze the first step of each cycle of mitochondrial fatty acid β-oxidation is not entirely understood. Recently, a novel ACAD (ACAD-9) of unknown function that is highly homologous to human very-long-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase was identified by large-scale random sequencing. To characterize its enzymatic role, we have expressed ACAD-9 in Escherichia coli, purified it, and determined its pattern of substrate utilization. The N terminus of the mature form of the enzyme was identified by in vitro mitochondrial import studies of precursor protein. A 37-amino acid leader peptide was cleaved sequentially by two mitochondrial peptidases to yield a predicted molecular mass of 65 kDa for the mature subunit. Submitochondrial fractionation studies found native ACAD-9 to be associated with the mitochondrial membrane. Gel filtration analysis indicated that, like very-long-chain acyl-CoA dehydrogenase, ACAD-9 is a dimer, in contrast to the other known ACADs, which are tetramers. Purified mature ACAD-9 had maximal activity with long-chain unsaturated acyl-CoAs as substrates (C16:1-, C18:1-, C18:2-, C22:6-CoA). These results suggest a previously unrecognized role for ACAD-9 in the mitochondrial β-oxidation of long-chain unsaturated fatty acids. Because of the substrate specificity and abundance of ACAD-9 in brain, we speculate that it may play a role in the turnover of lipid membrane unsaturated fatty acids that are essential for membrane integrity and structure.
Fibromyalgia Symptoms, Physical Function, and Comorbidity in Middle-Aged and Older Adults

Background:Multiple studies report on symptoms or physical function in people with fibromyalgia; however, limited studies have been focused on older adults with fibromyalgia. Objectives:The aims of this study were to describe the occurrence, frequency, severity, and distress of symptoms and to examine differences in symptoms and physical function between a middle-aged and an older group. Method:Questionnaires were mailed to a random sample of 533 adults with fibromyalgia over 50 years of age, using a large tertiary care database. These questionnaires included an investigator-developed 29-item symptom questionnaire that measured the frequency (1-4), severity (1-4), and distress (0-4) of FM symptoms. The participants also completed the Late Life Function and Disability Instrument and the Charlson Comorbidity Index. Results:Fifty-three percent of the sample reported at least 20 symptoms in the last 7 days. The most frequent and severe symptoms were pain, nonrefreshing sleep, fatigue, stiffness, difficulty staying asleep, difficulty falling asleep, and profuse sweating. The most distressing symptoms were fear of symptoms worsening, followed by difficulty staying asleep, fatigue, nonrefreshing sleep, and restless legs. Participants reported moderate functional limitations (M ± SD = 52.7 ± 9.0). Comorbidities were low (1.7 ± 1.5; range = 0-7). The middle-aged group experienced a greater number of total symptoms (21.4 ± 5.9 vs. 19.3 ± 5.2; p < .01). Discussion:Middle-aged adults with fibromyalgia were more symptomatic than older adults. Further study is needed to understand the relationship between fibromyalgia symptoms and age and physical function.
SPR Sensor Based on Exposed-Core Grapefruit Fiber With Bimetallic Structure

A liquid refractive index (RI) sensor based on an exposed-core grapefruit fiber with a bimetallic structure and a central air hole using surface plasmon resonance (SPR) is presented. The asymmetrically SPR region leading to strong birefringence with x-polarized peak provides much higher peak loss and sensitivity than y-polarized. To match with the plasmon and enhance the mode coupling, we introduce a central air hole to lower the effective RI of the core guided mode. We numerically investigate the effects of the central air hole size, silver layer and gold layer thicknesses on the sensor's performance using wavelength, and amplitude interrogations. A large analyte RI range from 1.33 to 1.42 is evaluated, and the results show that the sensor has a higher sensitivity for high analyte RI change than the low. The extremely high wavelength sensitivity 16 400 nm/RIU at 1.42 is obtained. This letter can provide a reference for developing a high sensitivity, real-time, and distributed SPR sensor.
Acute intermittent porphyria with peripheral neuropathy complicated by small‐fiber neuropathy

We describe a 60‐year‐old male patient with acute intermittent porphyria (AIP) who presented with initial abdominal pain and subsequent quadriplegia and respiratory failure. Small fiber neuropathy was demonstrated by measuring intra‐epidermal nerve fiber density (IENFD) using protein gene product 9.5 (PGP 9.5) immunostaining on three consecutive skin punch biopsies of the distal lower limb. The biopsy findings demonstrated some correlation with progression of the patient’s clinical condition. Neuropathy in AIP can have a small‐fiber component rather than being solely a large‐fiber neuropathy.
A CD19-Dependent Signaling Pathway Regulates Autoimmunity in Lyn-Deficient Mice1

CD19 and the Src family protein tyrosine kinases (PTKs) are important regulators of intrinsic signaling thresholds in B cells. Regulation is achieved by cross-talk between Src family PTKs and CD19; Lyn is essential for CD19 phosphorylation, while CD19 establishes an Src family PTK activation loop that amplifies kinase activity. However, CD19-deficient (CD19−/−) B cells are hyporesponsive to transmembrane signals, while Lyn-deficient (Lyn−/−) B cells exhibit a hyper-responsive phenotype resulting in autoimmunity. To identify the outcome of interactions between CD19 and Src family PTKs in vivo, B cell function was examined in mice deficient for CD19 and Lyn (CD19/Lyn−/−). Remarkably, CD19 deficiency suppressed the hyper-responsive phenotype of Lyn−/− B cells and autoimmunity characterized by serum autoantibodies and immune complex-mediated glomerulonephritis in Lyn−/− mice. Consistent with Lyn and CD19 each regulating conventional B cell development, B1 cell development was markedly reduced by Lyn deficiency, with further reductions in the absence of CD19 expression. Tyrosine phosphorylation of Fyn and other cellular proteins induced following B cell Ag receptor ligation was dramatically reduced in CD19/Lyn−/− B cells relative to Lyn−/− B cells, while Syk phosphorylation was normal. In addition, the enhanced intracellular Ca2+ responses following B cell Ag receptor ligation that typify Lyn deficiency were delayed by the loss of CD19 expression. BCR-induced proliferation and humoral immune responses were also markedly inhibited by CD19/Lyn deficiency. These findings demonstrate that while the CD19/Lyn amplification loop is a major regulator of signal transduction thresholds in B lymphocytes, CD19 regulation of other Src family PTKs also influences B cell function and the development of autoimmunity.
Structure and function of the components of the human DNA mismatch repair system

DNA mismatch repair (MMR) is one of the several enzyme systems involved in DNA homeostasis. DNA MMR is involved in the repair of specific types of errors that occur during new DNA synthesis; loss of this system leads to an accelerated accumulation of potential mutations, and predisposes to certain types of cancers. Germline mutations in some of the DNA MMR genes cause the hereditary cancer predisposition, Lynch syndrome. This review addresses advances in the biochemistry of DNA MMR and its relationship to carcinogenesis. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The impact of witnessing athletic injury: A qualitative examination of vicarious trauma in artistic gymnastics

Abstract We explored how athletes respond and cope after witnessing athletic injury in others participating in the same sport. Participants were eight competitive female artistic gymnasts aged 21–25 years. In the previous 3 years, participants had witnessed a serious athletic injury of another gymnast that had required hospital treatment. Participants took part in semi-structured interviews in which they were asked to discuss their experiences of witnessing injury, including descriptions of the injury's occurrence. Data were analysed using hierarchical content analysis. Following acute reactions to witnessing injury, participants reported experiencing intrusive cognitions and engaged in avoidance coping strategies. Participants reported gradually engaging in more approach coping strategies which served to lower their perceptions of vulnerability to injury. Despite the complex nature of trauma, suggestions may be made to assist applied sport psychologists working with athletes who have witnessed athletic injury.
VARIANT ANATOMY OF THE EXTERNAL JUGULAR VEIN

Variant anatomy of the external jugular vein is important when performing invasive procedures in the neck. Although there are a number of case reports on some of these variations, there are few descriptive cross-sectional regarding the same. This study therefore aimed at describing the variant anatomy of the external jugular vein as seen in a sample Kenyan population. One hundred and six (106) sides of the neck from 53 cadaveric specimens (70 males and 36 females) in the Department of Human Anatomy, University of Nairobi, Kenya, were used. Pattern and level of formation, course, communications and termination were studied by dissection. The vein was absent in 14.2% of cases, all males. It was formed within the substance of the parotid gland in 44%, and did not receive posterior auricular vein in 6.6%. Variant communications noted included facial vein, internal jugular, and a presence of a large anastomotic vein connecting it to the anterior jugular. It was duplicated in 2.2% cases and terminated into internal jugular vein in 7.7% of cases. The most common variations were in origin, course, communications and termination. These may limit its clinical utilization, and their awareness is important when considering the vein for any invasive procedure. This may avoid unnecessary time wastage and complications of device malposition. Key Words : External Jugular Vein; Variations; Communications; Absence; Termination
Complementary Assays Reveal a Low Level of CA Associated with Viral Complexes in the Nuclei of HIV-1-Infected Cells

ABSTRACT During uncoating, the conical capsid of HIV disassembles by dissociation of the p24 capsid protein (CA). Uncoating is known to be required for HIV replication, but the mechanism is poorly defined. Here, we examined the timing and effect of two capsid binding drugs (PF74 and BI2) on infectivity and capsid integrity in HIV-1-infected cells. The virus remained susceptible to the action of PF74 and BI2 for hours after uncoating as defined in parallel drug addition and cyclosporine (CsA) washout assays to detect the kinetics of drug susceptibility and uncoating, respectively. Resistance mutations in CA decreased the potency of these compounds, demonstrating that CA is the target of drug action. However, neither drug altered capsid integrity in a fluorescence microscopy-based assay. These data suggest that PF74 and BI2 do not alter HIV-1 uncoating but rather affect a later step in viral replication. Because both drugs bind CA, we hypothesized that a residual amount of CA associates with the viral complex after the loss of the conical capsid to serve as a target for these drugs. Superresolution structured illumination microscopy (SIM) revealed that CA localized to viral complexes in the nuclei of infected cells. Using image quantification, we determined that viral complexes localized in the nucleus displayed a smaller amount of CA than complexes at the nuclear membrane, in the cytoplasm, or in controls. Collectively, these data suggest that a subset of CA remains associated with the viral complex after uncoating and that this residual CA is the target of PF74 and BI2. IMPORTANCE The HIV-1 capsid is a target of interest for new antiviral therapies. This conical capsid is composed of monomers of the viral CA protein. During HIV-1 replication, the capsid must disassemble by a poorly defined process called uncoating. CA has also been implicated in later steps of replication, including nuclear import and integration. In this study, we used cell-based assays to examine the effect of two CA binding drugs (PF74 and BI2) on viral replication in infected cells. HIV-1 was susceptible to both drugs for hours after uncoating, suggesting that these drugs affect later steps of viral replication. High-resolution structured illumination microscopy (SIM) revealed that a subset of CA localized to viral complexes in the nuclei of cells. Collectively, these data suggest that a subset of CA remains associated with the viral complex after uncoating, which may facilitate later steps of viral replication and serve as a drug target.
Testing for cannabis in the work-place: a review of the evidence.

BACKGROUND Urinalysis testing in the work-place has been adopted widely by employers in the United States to deter employee drug use and promote 'drug-free' work-places. In other countries, such as Canada, testing is focused more narrowly on identifying employees whose drug use puts the safety of others at risk. AIMS We review 20 years of published literature on questions relevant to the objectives of work-place drug testing (WPDT), with a special emphasis on cannabis, the most commonly detected drug. RESULTS We conclude (i) that the acute effects of smoking cannabis impair performance for a period of about 4 hours; (ii) long-term heavy use of cannabis can impair cognitive ability, but it is not clear that heavy cannabis users represent a meaningful job safety risk unless using before work or on the job; (iii) urine tests have poor validity and low sensitivity to detect employees who represent a safety risk; (iv) drug testing is related to reductions in the prevalence of cannabis positive tests among employees, but this might not translate into fewer cannabis users; and (v) urinalysis has not been shown to have a meaningful impact on job injury/accident rates. CONCLUSIONS Urinalysis testing is not recommended as a diagnostic tool to identify employees who represent a job safety risk from cannabis use. Blood testing for active tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) can be considered by employers who wish to identify employees whose performance may be impaired by their cannabis use.
Aggressive Attitudes in Middle Schools

Student attitudes toward aggression have been linked to individual aggressive behavior, but the relationship between school-wide normative beliefs about aggression and aggressive behavior poses some important measurement challenges that have not been adequately examined. The current study investigated the factor structure, measurement invariance, and criterion-related validity of a six-item Aggressive Attitudes scale using a large sample of seventh- and eighth-grade students (n = 39,364) from 423 schools. Analytic procedures accounted for the frequently ignored modeling problems of clustered and ordinal data to provide more reliable and accurate model estimates and standard errors. The resulting second-order factor structure of the Aggressive Attitudes scale demonstrated measurement invariance across gender, grade, and race/ethnicity groups. Criterion-related validity was supported with eight student- and school-level indices of aggressive behavior.
A new indole-alkaloid and a new phenolic-glycoside with cytotoxic activity from Strychnos fendleri

A new indole alkaloid strychnosinol (1) and a new phenolic-glycoside (2) were isolated from the bark and leaves of Strychnos fendleri Sprague & Sandwith, together with six known compounds reported for the first time in this species. The structures of these compounds were determined on the basis of spectroscopic data; mainly those obtained by using 1H and 13C NMR (1D and 2D) and mass spectrometry. Strychnosinol (1) and the phenolic glycoside (2) together with compounds 3–8 were evaluated for cytotoxicity against a panel of five tumour cell lines; IC50 values between 0.090 and 0.227 μM for the human tumour cell lines were observed for compound 2.
Increased Free Fat‐Graft Survival with the Long‐Term, Local Delivery of Insulin, InsulinLike Growth Factor‐I, and Basic Fibroblast Growth Factor by PLGA/PEG Microspheres

&NA; The present investigation evaluates the effects of longterm, local delivery of insulin, insulin‐like growth factor‐1 (IGF‐1), and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) on fatgraft survival using a poly (lactic‐co‐glycolic‐acid)‐polyethylene glycol (PLGA/PEG) microsphere delivery system. Twelve‐micrometer PLGA/PEG microspheres incorporated separately with insulin, IGF‐1, and bFGF were manufactured using a double‐emulsion solvent‐extraction technique. Inguinal fat from Sprague Dawley rats was harvested, diced, washed, and mixed with (1) insulin microspheres, (2) insulin‐like growth factor‐1 microspheres, (3) basic fibroblast growth factor microspheres, (4) a combination of the insulin and IGF‐1 microspheres, and (5) a combination of insulin, IGF‐1, and bFGF microspheres. The treated fat grafts were implanted autologously into subdermal pockets in six animals for each group. Animals receiving untreated fat grafts and fat grafts treated with blank microspheres constituted two external control groups (six animals per external control group). At 12 weeks, all fat‐graft groups were compared on the basis of weight maintenance and a histomorphometric analysis of adipocyte area percentage, indices of volume retention and cell composition, respectively. Weight maintenance was defined as the final graft weight as a percent of the implanted graft weight. All growth factor treatments significantly increased fat‐graft weight maintenance objectively, and volume maintenance grossly, in comparison with the untreated and blank microsphere‐treated controls. Treatment with insulin and IGF‐1, alone or in combination, was found to increase the adipocyte area percentage in comparison with fat grafts treated with bFGF alone or in combination with other growth factors. In conclusion, the findings of this study indicate that long‐term, local delivery of growth factors with PLGA/PEG microspheres has the potential to increase fat‐graft survival rates. Further, the type of growth factor delivered may influence the cellular/stromal composition of the grafted tissue. (Plast. Reconstr. Surg. 105: 1712, 2000.)
Analyses of genetic relationships between linear type traits, fat-to-protein ratio, milk production traits, and somatic cell count in first-parity Czech Holstein cows.

Genetic and phenotypic correlations between production traits, selected linear type traits, and somatic cell score were estimated. The results could be useful for breeding programs involving Czech Holstein dairy cows or other populations. A series of bivariate analyses was applied whereby (co)variance components were estimated using average information (AI-REML) implemented via the DMU statistical package. Chosen phenotypic data included average somatic cell score per a 305-day standard first lactation as well as the pro - duction traits milk yield, fat yield, protein yield, fat percentage, and protein percentage per the standard first lactation. Fifteen classified linear type traits were added, as they were measured at first lactation in the Czech Holstein population. All phenotypic data were collected within the progeny testing program of the Czech- Moravian Breeders Corporation from 2005 to 2009. The number of animals for each linear type trait was 59 454, except for locomotion, for which 53 424 animals were recorded. The numbers of animals with records of milk production data were 43 992 for milk yield, fat percentage, protein percentage, and fat-to-protein percentage ratio and 43 978 for fat yield and protein yield. In total, 27 098 somatic cell score records were available. The strongest positive genetic correlation between production traits and linear type traits was esti - mated between udder width and fat yield (0.51 ± 0.04), while the strongest negative correlation estimated was between body condition score and fat yield (−0.45 0.03). Other estimated correlations were between those two extremes but generally they were close to zero or positive. The strongest negative phenotypic correlations were estimated between udder depth and milk yield and protein yield (both −0.17), while the strongest positive phenotypic correlations were estimated between milk yield, protein yield, and udder width (both 0.32).
Tangential Network Transmission Theory of Reflective Metasurface With Obliquely Incident Plane Waves

In this paper, a tangential network transmission theory is established for the reflective metasurface composed of periodic subwavelength metallic elements and a perfect electrical conductor (PEC)-backed substrate. The theory is divided into two parts. The first part shows that the oblique incidence can be handled the same way as a normal incidence for a PEC-backed substrate in terms of tangential components of electric fields and a normal wave vector. Therefore, the network transmission theory is extended from the PEC-backed substrate to the reflective metasurface, whose total tangential reflection matrix depends on the induction matrix of the metallic elements in the air–substrate interface. The second part deals with the conversion of the induction matrices of different metallic elements into equivalent circuits, whose electrical parameters can be theoretically calculated or extracted from numerical simulations. Based on the obtained electrical parameters, the theory can be used to analyze or design reflective metasurfaces. Finally, the theory is verified by a metasurface, which is composed of periodic double-L shaped elements. The analytical results agree with the simulated ones for arbitrary substrate and incidence angle. The measured results further validate the proposed theory.
Comparison of propofol–hydromorphone and propofol–dexmedetomidine in patients with intubation after maxillofacial plastic surgery

Objective To compare the sedation and analgesic effects between propofol–hydromorphone and propofol–dexmedetomidine in patients with postoperative intubation after maxillofacial plastic surgery. Methods Forty-two patients undertaking maxillofacial plastic surgery with intubation were randomly assigned into propofol plus hydromorphone (P–H) group or propofol plus dexmedetomidine (P–D) group, receiving intravenous infusion of P–H or P–D, respectively. Cerebral state index, Ramsay sedation score, arterial blood gas analysis, and physiology indices were recorded before admission (T0), 30 minutes (T1), 1 hour (T2), 2 hours (T3), 6 hours (T4), and 12 hours after admission (T5) to intensive care unit, and 10 minutes after extubation (T6). Blood interleukin-6 was measured with enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Results There was no significant difference in arterial blood gas analysis, oxygen saturation, mean arterial pressure, and respiratory rate between two groups at all time-points (P>0.05). The changes of heart rate (at T4, T5, and T6), cerebral state index (T1, T2, T3, T4, and T5), and Ramsay score (at T3) in P–H group were significantly different from that in P–D group (P<0.05). The plasma interleukin-6 at T4 in P–H group was significantly lower than that in P–D group (P<0.05). Conclusion The P–H approach takes advantages over P–D approach in relieving the pain and discomfort, reducing the overstimulation of sympathetic nerve and the stress level, and enhancing the tolerance of postoperative intubation after maxillofacial plastic surgery.