Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
RELN signaling modulates glioblastoma growth and substrate‐dependent migration

Glioblastoma (GBM) represents the most common and most malignant type of primary brain tumor and significantly contributes to cancer morbidity and mortality. Invasion into the healthy brain parenchyma is a major feature of glioblastoma aggressiveness. Reelin (RELN) is a large secreted extracellular matrix glycoprotein that regulates neuronal migration and positioning in the developing brain and sustains functionality in the adult brain. We here show that both RELN and its main downstream effector DAB1 are silenced in glioblastoma as compared to non‐neoplastic tissue and mRNA expression is inversely correlated with malignancy grade. Furthermore, RELN expression is positively correlated with patient survival in two large, independent clinically annotated datasets. RELN silencing occurs via promoter hypermethylation as shown by both database mining and bisulfite sequencing of the RELN promoter. Consequently, treatment with 5′‐Azacytidine and trichostatin A induced RELN expression in vitro. On the functional level, we found RELN to regulate glioblastoma cell migration both in a DAB1 (tyrosine phosphorylation)‐dependent and ‐independent fashion, depending on the substrate provided. Moreover, stimulation of RELN signaling strongly reduced proliferation in glioblastoma cells. This phenotype depends on DAB1 stimulation by RELN, as a mutant that lacks all RELN induced tyrosine phosphorylation sites (DAB1‐5F) failed to induce a growth arrest. Proteomic analyzes revealed that these effects are mediated by a reduction in E2F targets and dephosphorylation of ERK1/2. Taken together, our data establish a relevance of RELN signaling in glioblastoma pathology and thereby might unearth novel, yet unrecognized treatment options.
Structure and expression of the human slow twitch skeletal muscle troponin I gene.

The contractile protein troponin I is encoded by a multigene family whose members are expressed differentially in various classes of muscle fibers. In vertebrates, the "slow" isoform of troponin I is expressed during early heart and skeletal muscle development but is restricted to slow twitch skeletal muscle in the adult. This diverse expression pattern offers an opportunity to study the regulation of a single gene within different developmental contexts. To initiate such studies, we have cloned the gene encoding the human slow twitch skeletal muscle isoform of troponin I and have identified 5'-flanking sequences required for its expression in skeletal muscle cells. The slow troponin I gene spans 12.5 kilobases and is divided into nine exons. In contrast to many muscle-specific genes, the troponin I promoter does not contain consensus CCAAT or TATA elements. Moreover, the sequence from -9 to +11 resembles an "initiator element" previously shown to direct transcription of some tissue-specific genes lacking TATA boxes (Smale, S. T., and Baltimore, D. (1989) Cell 57, 103-113; Brand, N. J., Petkovich, M. , and Chambon, P. (1990) Nucleic Acids Res. 18, 6799-6806; Weis, L. , and Reinberg, D. (1992) FASEB J. 6, 3300-3309). A transcriptional fusion construct, comprising 4.2 kilobases of troponin I 5'-flanking DNA linked to the bacterial chloramphenicol acetyl-transferase gene, exhibited cell type-specific and developmentally regulated expression. A muscle-specific enhancer regulated slow troponin I promoter activity.
Meloxicam Modulates Oxidative Stress Status, Inhibits Prostaglandin E2, and Abrogates Apoptosis in Carbon Tetrachloride–Induced Rat Hepatic Injury

The current study aimed at investigating the potential hepatoprotective property and mechanism of meloxicam (MEL) against carbon tetrachloride (CCl4)-induced hepatocellular damage in rats. Subcutaneous administration of CCl4 (2 mL/kg, twice/week for 8 weeks) induced hepatocellular damage substantiated by hematoxylin and eosin staining and significant elevation in serum aspartate transaminase, alanine transaminase, and total bilirubin. In addition, CCL4 treatment led to elevation in liver contents of lipid peroxidation marker (malondialdehyde), prostaglandin E2, active caspase 3, and Terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase dUTP nick end labeling–positive cells and reduction in the activities of superoxide dismutase, catalase, glutathione-S-transferase, and reduced glutathione in the liver tissue. Prior oral treatment with MEL (5 mg/kg, twice/week) retained the normal liver histology and significantly restored all of these parameters close to normal values. These results demonstrated the hepatoprotective utility of MEL against the CCl4-induced liver injury which might ascribe to its antioxidant, free radical scavenging, antiapoptotic and anti-inflammatory effects.
Low sperm counts in genitourinary medicine clinic attendees: results from a case–control study

Objectives To conduct a case–control study of abnormalities in the semen of genitourinary (GU) medicine clinic attendees compared with general practice (GP) controls and in patients with asymptomatic and symptomatic non-specific urethritis (NSU) before and after the urethritis resolves. Methods Rates of semen abnormalities were compared between the different groups (19 with symptomatic and 27 with asymptomatic NSU, seven with symptomatic non-NSU and 64 clinic controls) and between clinic attendees and 417 patients attending GP for the first investigation of possible infertility. Those with symptomatic or asymptomatic NSU gave repeat semen samples on resolution of the NSU. Results The study included 117 clinic volunteers. They were shown to have statistically significantly worse total sperm counts (p=0.002), volume of semen (p<0.001) and percentage of abnormal forms (p<0.04) compared with 417 GP controls. Compared with the rest of the clinic volunteers, asymptomatic NSU patients had statistically significantly lower total sperm counts (p<0.02). Asymptomatic NSU patients had statistically significantly lower total sperm counts compared with symptomatic NSU patients (p<0.02). Compared with GP controls, clinic controls had statistically significantly inferior total sperm counts (p=0.009) and semen volume (p<0.001). Conclusions GU clinic attendees are more likely to have abnormalities of semen than patients attending GP for the first check for possible infertility. A high rate of abnormal semen findings are found in patients with and without NSU but the highest rate occurred in those with asymptomatic NSU. Is asymptomatic NSU therefore pathogenic and does it require treatment like symptomatic NSU?
Metabolic syndrome and subclinical atherosclerosis in patients infected with HIV.

BACKGROUND The present study examines the association between carotid and coronary atherosclerosis and metabolic syndrome in human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)-infected adults. METHODS We measured the common and internal carotid intima-media thickness (c-IMT) using B-mode ultrasonography, and we measured coronary artery calcium (CAC) using high-resolution, electrocardiographic, synchronized, computed tomography, for 314 HIV-infected men and women. Metabolic syndrome was defined by National Cholesterol Education Program/Adult Treatment Panel III criteria. We compared the c-IMT measurements and CAC scores of patients with metabolic syndrome with the scores of those without metabolic syndrome using a Wilcoxon test for continuous variables and a chi2 test for categorical variables. To examine the association between surrogate markers and metabolic syndrome, we used logistic regression analysis. RESULTS Participants with metabolic syndrome were more likely to have a common c-IMT measurement >0.8 mm than were those without metabolic syndrome (17% vs.7%; P=.009), but both groups were equally likely to have an internal c-IMT measurement >1.0 mm (20% vs. 13%; P=.15). Any positive CAC score was more likely to occur for participants with metabolic syndrome (80.3% vs. 46.7%; P<.0001). In a multivariate model adjusted for sex, age, ethnicity, and smoking status, participants with metabolic syndrome were more likely than those without metabolic syndrome to have an abnormal common c-IMT measurement (odds ratio [OR], 2.9; P=.020) and detectable CAC scores (OR, 4.9; P<.0001) but not a higher internal c-IMT measurement (OR, 1.6; P=.255). CONCLUSION Our study demonstrates that HIV-infected individuals with metabolic syndrome may be at increased risk for subclinical atherosclerosis and supports screening for metabolic syndrome among HIV-infected patients at risk for cardiovascular disease.
Adaptive Optics for Astronomy

Adaptive Optics is a prime example of how progress in observational astronomy can be driven by technological developments. At many observatories it is now considered to be part of a standard instrumentation suite, enabling ground-based telescopes to reach the diffraction limit and thus providing spatial resolution superior to that achievable from space with current or planned satellites. In this review we consider adaptive optics from the astrophysical perspective. We show that adaptive optics has led to important advances in our understanding of a multitude of astrophysical processes, and describe how the requirements from science applications are now driving the development of the next generation of novel adaptive optics techniques.
Bioacoustic Characteristic Click Sound and Behaviour of Male DolphinsBottle Nose (Tursiops aduncus)

We Dicsuss the problem of bioacoustics research, Bioacoustic is the science that combines biology and acoustics which refers on the production of sound, dispersion and reseption animals and humans. This study using acoustic and behavioral observations of dolphins by using passive acoustic science (bioacoustic) to see the difference pattern of sound, and treatment given in this study is a before and after eating at Safari Park Indonesia, Cisarua Bogor. Sound dolphins have the lowest intensity value of 28.03 dB and highest is 32.01 dB. Parameter salinity 30 ppm and temperature of 23°C with a pool depth of 4.4 meters. Range frequency the highest is 14.000-16.000 Hz and intensity the highest 23 dB at the first day after meal a click sound. Differences in sound intensity values before and after eating is the highest value of a click on the second day with the highest intensity was 32.01 dB and lowest before eating.
Selective absorption of immunoglobulin IgM in the newborn calf.

The efficiency of absorption of colostral immunoglobulin classes was determined by the ratio of the quantity of immunoglobulins in the calf serum after absorption was complete to the quantity in the colostrum fed the calves. The experiment with 58 pooled colostrums assayed for absorbability of immunoglobulins had three to eight calves per assay. Colostrums with similar concentrations of immunoglobulins varied from 10 to 46% in absorption of IgG and 5 to 50% in IgA. The percent of immunoglobulin IgM absorbed increased as the amount ingested decreased. The absorption efficiencies of immunoglobulins IgA and IgG did not change as intake varied. Correlations of colostral immunoglobulins ingested with percent absorption in summaries of two experiments were -. 76 and -. 90 for IgM, 0 and -. 33 for IgG, and -. 05 and -. 02 for IgA. The selective transport of IgM is important for its role as the primary immunoglobulin giving the calf immune protection during the first few days of life. The variation in absorption of IgM in different colostrums of similar immunoglobulin content was not different from that among calves receiving the same colostrum.
Transcription Factors Dial 14-3-3 for Nuclear Shuttle

14-3-3 proteins are a highly conserved family of phosphoserine binding proteins found in all eukaryotes. The name “14-3-3” comes from the specific ion exchange chromatography elution profiles and starch gel electrophoresis migration patterns of a group of proteins originally isolated from
Expression of somatostatin and neuropeptide Y in the embryonic, postnatal, and adult mouse amygdalar complex

Recent developmental studies indicate that distinct neuronal subpopulations in the amygdala, including somatostatin (SOM)‐containing neurons, originate from progenitor domains in the anterior entopeduncular area, thus suggesting a different origin from subpallial territories for amygdalar versus cortical SOM‐expressing interneurons, the latter derived from the dorsal part of the medial ganglionic eminence. In this context, we carried out an immunohistochemical study analyzing spatiotemporal expression patterns for SOM‐ and neuropeptide Y (NPY)‐containing neurons in the embryonic, postnatal, and adult mouse amygdala. Our results indicate that SOM‐ and NPY‐immunoreactive cells are present in the amygdalar complex from embryonic day (E)12.5, and that these peptidergic cells seem to arise from the anterior entopeduncular area progenitor domain. From E12.5 on there was a notable increase in the number and immunoreactivity of cells containing these peptides in distinct territories of the amygdalar complex, reaching a peak around birth. The distribution pattern for NPY neurons was very similar to that of SOM neurons in most nuclei of the amygdala, although the number of NPY neurons was always lower than that of SOM. At postnatal ages a reduction in the number of immunoreactive cells is observed in most amygdalar nuclei, remaining then similar from P14 to the adult. We interpret this reduction of the number of immunoreactive neurons in relation to the increased immunoreactivity for axons that occurs postnatally. We also suggest that the anterior entopeduncular area‐derived SOM‐ and NPY‐containing neurons in pallial and subpallial amygdaloid nuclei become local interneurons and projection neurons, respectively. J. Comp. Neurol. 513:335–348, 2009. © 2009 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Renal amino acid metabolism during endotoxemia in the rat.

BACKGROUND The kidney has an important function in the exchange of nitrogenous metabolites. Glutamine is the most important substrate for renal ammoniagenesis and thus plays a crucial role in acid-base homeostasis. Furthermore, the kidney is the main endogenous source for de novo arginine production from citrulline, which in turn is derived from intestinal glutamine metabolism. Sepsis is a condition in which glutamine availability is reduced, whereas the need for arginine biosynthesis may be increased. Limited bioavailability of glutamine may affect arginine synthesis, which may have consequences for nitric oxide (NO) synthesis. Therefore, we studied renal glutamine and arginine metabolism in a rat model of endotoxemia and related this to NO metabolism. MATERIALS AND METHODS Rats were subject to double hit endotoxemia, and control rats received 0.9% NaCl. Renal blood flow was measured using para-aminohippuric acid. Concentrations of plasma amino acids and nitrate were measured in the aorta and renal vein to calculate net renal uptake or release of amino acids and address NO production. RESULTS The arterial concentrations of glutamine and ammonia were not changed in endotoxemic rats. Although renal glutamine uptake was reduced, total renal ammonia production was not changed during endotoxemia. The arterial concentration of citrulline and renal citrulline uptake was not altered in endotoxin-treated rats, but renal arginine production was increased. However, no effect was observed on nitric oxide production. CONCLUSIONS Although the kidney has very important functions in the excretion of waste products and in interorgan metabolism, this study suggests that the kidney has a limited role in glutamine, arginine, and NO metabolism during late endotoxemia in rats.
A prospective comparison of radical retropubic and robot‐assisted prostatectomy: experience in one institution

The authors from the Vattikuti Institute in the USA report a prospective comparison of radical prostatectomy and robot‐assisted prostatectomy. They found that the robot‐assisted procedure was safer, and yielded favourable oncological and functional results. They also present work in association with the Department of Urology in Mansoura into robot‐assisted radical cystoprostatectomy and urinary diversion, and point out the advantages and disadvantages associated with performing the most complex types of urinary diversion.
Effects of intramammary antibiotic therapy during the dry period on the performance of Lacaune dairy sheep under intensive management

Often the only way to ensure profitability of Lacaune dairy sheep is intensive management, which requires appropriate dry-period treatment to ensure animal productivity and health. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of intramammary antibiotic dry therapy on the performance and health of Lacaune sheep under intensive management. We recorded data for 5981 complete lactation periods that followed a dry period. A total of 2402 lactation periods were preceded by a dry period involving intramammary administration of 300 mg of cephapirin benzathine (antibiotic group) and 3579 lactation periods were preceded by dry periods with no treatment (control group). The following on-farm yield data were collected for individual lactation periods: length of the subsequent lactation period; total milk yield per lactation period; daily milk yield and length of the subsequent dry period. Data on confounding factors that might affect productivity were also recorded, including the individual ewe, number of lactation periods and length of the previous dry period. Milk quality was assessed using data on somatic cell count (SCC) and content of protein and fat taken from the Spanish National Official Milk Yield Recording System. Antibiotic dry therapy significantly improved total yield per lactation period, which was 429±151·1 l in the antibiotic group and 412±165·5 l in the control group, as well as the daily milk yield, which was 1986±497·0 and 1851±543·2 ml/d, respectively (both P<0·0001). The initial dry period was significantly longer in the antibiotic group than in the control group, and dry period length correlated inversely with yield variables such us total yield per lactation period (r=−0·055; P<0·0001) and yield per day in milk (r=−0·039; P<0·0001). As a result, milk yield records systematically underestimated the positive effects of antibiotic dry therapy. Antibiotic dry therapy also significantly improved milk quality. Milk from the antibiotic group showed 50% lower SCC (573±1326 vs. 1022±2126 cells/ml; P<0·0001) and slightly higher content in fat (7·33±0·91 vs. 7·15±0·87%) and protein (5·63±0·44 vs. 5·44±0·4%). The results of this study suggest that cephalosporin dry therapy of Lacaune dairy sheep increases milk production and improves milk quality during subsequent lactation periods.
Synaptic plasticity in the hippocampus of awake C57BL/6 and DBA/2 mice: Interstrain differences and parallels with behavior

C57BL/6 mice consistently outperform DBA/2 mice in a range of hippocampal‐dependent spatial learning behaviors. We recorded evoked responses from the dentate gyrus of awake, freely‐moving mice and measured synaptic plasticity (LTP) and performance in a hippocampal‐dependent task in individual animals from these two inbred strains. Spatial alternation tasks confirmed the behavioral divergence between the two strains, with C57BL/6 mice demonstrating more robust alternation than DBA/2 mice. Recording changes in field potentials in the dentate gyrus following three different high‐frequency stimulation paradigms in the same groups of animals revealed differences in neural plasticity: both strains were able to support long‐term potentiation (LTP) at perforant path synapses, but brief high‐frequency stimulation induced larger and longer potentiation of the population spike in C57BL/6 than in DBA/2 mice. This greater propensity for population‐spike potentiation in the strain that performed better in a hippocampal‐dependent task is in accord with the different neurochemical profiles of C57BL/6 and DBA/2 mice. Hippocampus 2001;11:391–396. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Direct comparison of projections from the central amygdaloid region and nucleus accumbens shell

Certain neurochemical and connectional characteristics common to extended amygdala and the nucleus accumbens shell suggest that the two represent a single functional–anatomical continuum. If this is so, it follows that the outputs of the two structures should be substantially similar. To address this, projections from the caudomedial shell and central nucleus of the amygdala, a key extended amygdala structure, were demonstrated in Sprague–Dawley rats with different anterograde axonal tracers processed separately to exhibit distinguishable brown and blue–black precipitates. The caudomedial shell projection is strong in the ventral pallidum and along the medial forebrain bundle through the lateral preopticohypothalamic continuum into the ventral tegmental area, distal to which it thins abruptly. The central nucleus projects strongly to the bed nucleus of the stria terminalis and the sublenticular extended amygdala, but substantially to the lateral hypothalamus only at levels behind the rostral part of the entopeduncular nucleus. Innervation of the ventral tegmental area by the central amygdala is minimal, but the lateral one‐third of the substantia nigra, pars compacta and an adjacent lateral part of the retrorubral field receive substantial central amygdala input. Central amygdaloid projections are robust in caudal brainstem sites, such as the reticular formation, parabrachial nucleus, nucleus of the solitary tract and dorsal vagal complex, all of which receive little input from the accumbens. The substantial differences in the output systems of the caudomedial shell of accumbens and central amygdala suggest that the two represent distinct functional–anatomical systems.
Analysis of Corneal Surface Evolution After Moderate Alkaline Burns by Using Impression Cytology

Purpose: To compare corneal surface evolution after moderate alkaline burns by impression cytology in patients treated with medical therapy or with amniotic membrane transplantation (AMT). Methods: A prospective study of 24 eyes from 18 patients (13 men and 5 women) with moderate alkaline burns was performed. All patients were divided according to the clinical ocular severity and the therapy used. Twelve eyes were treated surgically with AMT and the other 12 eyes received only medical therapy. Corneal cytology was obtained immediately after the burns, and 1, 2, 5, and 9 months later. We differentiated between samples obtained from affected areas and areas not affected by the burns. Cellular size, nuclear size, and nuclear-cytoplasmic (N:C) ratio were examined in corneal epithelial cells, as was the presence of goblet cells in corneal epithelium. Results: Nuclear size, cellular size, and N:C ratio in non-burn-affected corneal areas had no significant alterations in comparison with normal eyes. In contrast, in burn-affected corneal areas, these parameters were significantly worse, and the presence of goblet cells in corneal epithelium was frequent 1 month after severe burns. Cellular size, nuclear size, N:C ratio, and corneal conjunctivalization improved during the study in all patients, but corneal reepithelialization occurred earlier in patients treated with AMT than in patients with only medical therapy. Conclusion: Morphologic and morphometric analysis of corneal cells by impression cytology after ocular burns permits the establishment of cellular reepithelialization patterns in relation with limbal deficiency level and with clinical ocular severity. AMT improves corneal reepithelialization earlier than medical therapy in moderate alkaline burns.