Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Estrogen receptors in the neuroendocrine tissues of the ewe in relation to breed, season, and stage of the estrous cycle.

Estrogen receptors (ER) in the neuroendocrine tissues of female sheep have been studied with respect to breed, season, and stage of the estrous cycle. In the first study, cytoplasmic ER measured by Scatchard analysis in neuroendocrine tissues from seasonally breeding Merino X Border Leicester (Crossbred) ewes demonstrated no seasonal variation in the pineal, pituitary, and cerebral cortex; in contrast, total cytoplasmic ER levels in the hypothalamus were almost twofold higher (31.5 ± 2.7 fmoles/mg protein; mean ± SEM) in anestrous ewes than in cycling ewes (18.5 ± 2.7 fmoles/mg protein). In a second study, cytoplasmic and nuclear ER levels were measured in pituitary glands from Crossbred ewes in anestrus and Merino and Crossbred ewes during the luteal and follicular phases of the estrous cycle. Cytoplasmic ER levels during the luteal phase were significantly (P<0.005) higher in Crossbred ewes (9717 ± 952 fmoles/g wet wt; mean ± SEM) than in Merino ewes (5477 ± 858 fmoles/g wet wt). In both breeds, nuclear ER levels were significantly (P<0.001) higher during the follicular phase (Crossbred, 1052 ± 147� Merino, 841 ± 156) than during the luteal phase (Crossbred, 292 ± 31; Merino, 394 ± 47). In Crossbred ewes nuclear ER levels during anestrus (347 ± 55) were similar to luteal phase levels. These data indicate that hypothalamic control of the circannual breeding pattern in the sheep may be related to ER levels. In the short term, during the estrous cycle, pituitary nuclear ER levels reflect estrogen secretion. A breed difference in ER levels may have a fundamental genotypic basis that explains breed disparities in responsiveness to estrogen.
Effect of pressure on individual hydrogen bonds in proteins. Basic pancreatic trypsin inhibitor.

By performing two-dimensional 1H NMR measurements at 750 MHz at varying hydrostatic pressure (1-2000 bar) in an aqueous environment (90% 1H2O/10% 2H2O), we found that the signals of the peptide NH protons of basic pancreatic trypsin inhibitor (BPTI) in the folded state shift their positions linearly and reversibly with pressure. The strong tendency for low-field shifts of these protons indicates that most of the amide groups form hydrogen bonds either with carbonyls or with water and that these hydrogen bonds are shortened by pressure. The NH protons interacting favorably with solvent water tend to exhibit larger pressure-induced shifts than others, showing that the shift can be used as a diagnostic probe for the hydrogen bonding state of an NH group with water. Furthermore, we estimated shortening of individual H.O distances of the NH.O=C hydrogen bonds at 2000 bar on the basis of the empirical shift-distance correlation for BPTI. The estimated shortened distances varied considerably from site to site in the range of 0-0.11 A, larger in the turn but smaller in the interiors of secondary structures. These variations suggest that the volume fluctuation is heterogeneous within BPTI and that high-pressure NMR at high field can offer a unique opportunity for detecting microscopic structural fluctuation in proteins.
Determinants of persistence and demyelination of the DA strain of Theiler's virus are found only in the VP1 gene

The DA strain of Theiler's virus persists in the central nervous systems of mice and causes chronic inflammation and demyelination. The GDVII strain, on the other hand, causes an acute encephalitis that kills the host in a matter of days. We constructed a series of recombinants between two infectious cDNA clones of the genomes of DA and GDVII viruses. Analysis of the phenotypes of the recombinant viruses yielded the following results. (i) Determinants of persistence and demyelination are found only in the VP1 capsid protein of DA virus. (ii) Whereas the VP1 capsid protein of DA virus is able to fully attenuate the neurovirulence of GDVII virus and to allow the chimeric virus to persist and demyelinate, the VP1 capsid protein of GDVII virus is unable to render DA virus neurovirulent. (iii) The mere attenuation of the neurovirulence of GDVII virus does not allow it to persist and demyelinate.
Public actions for control of breast cancer in Brazil: integrative review.

OBJECTIVE to analyze the scientific production on "breast cancer" in the period from 2002 to 2013 and determine the public policies for screening and early diagnosis of breast cancer. METHOD this is an integrative literature review conducted in the databases MEDLINE, LILACS, SciELO and Google Scholar. INCLUSION CRITERIA year and period of publication; availability of the full article; publication in Brazil; and the cross-check of the keywords Breast Cancer, Primary Health Care, Screening Programs, and Early Detection of Cancer. RESULTS after analysis, four thematic categories were obtained: breast self-examination, clinical examination of breast, mammography, and factors that hinder the adherence to the screening. CONCLUSION health professionals have deficits of knowledge on the area, indicating the need for other studies on the subject addressed and greater investment in continuing education of professionals.
Reply to TMS Wolever.

1. Meng H, Matthan NR, Ausman LM, Lichtenstein AH. Effect of macronutrients and fiber on postprandial glycemic responses and meal glycemic index and glycemic load value determinations. Am J Clin Nutr 2017;105:842–53. 2. Wolever TMS, Brand-Miller JC, Abernethy J, Astrup A, Atkinson F, Axelsen M, Björck I, Brighenti F, Brown R, Brynes A, et al. Measuring the glycemic index of foods: interlaboratory study. Am J Clin Nutr 2008; 87(Suppl):247S–57S. 3. Wolever TMS. The glycaemic index: a physiological classification of dietary carbohydrate. Wallingford (United Kingdom): CABI Publishing; 2006. 4. Lan-Pidhainy X, Wolever TMS. The hypoglycemic effect of fat and protein is not attenuated by insulin resistance. Am J Clin Nutr 2010; 91:98–105. 5. Gunnerud UJ, Ostman EM, Bjorck IM. Effects of whey proteins on glycaemia and insulinaemia to an oral glucose load in healthy adults: a dose-response study. Eur J Clin Nutr 2013;67:749–53. 6. Owen B, Wolever TMS. Effect of fat on glycaemic responses in normal subjects: a dose-response study. Nutr Res 2003;23:1341–7. 7. Wolever TMS, Bhaskaran K. Use of glycemic index to estimate mixedmeal glycemic response. Am J Clin Nutr 2012;95:256–7. 8. Hätönen KA, Virtamo J, Eriksson JG, Sinkko HK, Sundvall JE, Valsta LM. Protein and fat modify the glycaemic and insulinaemic responses to a mashed potato-based meal. Br J Nutr 2011;106:248–53. 9. Jenkins DJA, Wolever TMS, Leeds AR, Gassull MA, Dilawari JB, Goff DV, Metz GL, Alberti KGMM. Dietary fibres, fibre analogues and glucose tolerance: importance of viscosity. BMJ 1978;1:1392–4. 10. Dworatzek PDN, Hegele RA, Wolever TMS. Postprandial lipemia in subjects with the T54 variant of fatty acid-binding protein 2 (FABP2) gene is dependent on the type of fat ingested. Am J Clin Nutr 2004;79:1110–7.
Change in Periodontitis during Pregnancy and Risk of Preterm Birth and Low Birthweight

Aim— Determine if periodontitis progression during pregnancy is associated with adverse birth outcomes. Materials and Methods— We used clinical data and birth outcomes from the OPT Study, which randomized women to receive periodontal treatment before 21 weeks gestation (N=413) or after delivery (410). Birth outcomes were available for 812 women and follow-up periodontal data for 722, including 75 whose pregnancies ended <37 weeks. Periodontitis progression was defined as ≥ 3mm loss of clinical attachment. Birth outcomes were compared between non-progressing and progressing groups using the log rank and t tests, separately in all women and in untreated controls. Results— The distribution of gestational age at the end of pregnancy (P > 0.1) and mean birthweight (3295 versus 3184 grams, P = 0.11) did not differ significantly between women with and without disease Clinical Implication: While it is important to treat dental diseases, including periodontitis, during pregnancy, women whose periodontal condition worsens during pregnancy are not at elevated risk for adverse pregnancy outcomes.
Passage Effect on Aging of Human Umbilical Cord Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cell

To be used in regenerative medicine, cells should be checked for various conditions, including cell aging. This study aimed to learn senescent profile and its relation to cell viability, proliferation and cell size in various passages, which were done in α-MEM-10% PRP medium, until senescence-associated β-galactosidase (SA-β-Gal) positive cells were found. Stem cells were isolated from umbilical cord tissue by multiple harvest explant method, cultured in α-MEM-10% PRP until P-17 and stained using SA-β-Gal staining. Viability, Population Doubling Time (PDT), percentage SA-β-Gal (+) and cell size at 30% confluent and at senescent staining were analyzed. Passages with SA-β-Gal (+) and (-) were compared in term of viability, PDT and cell size at 30% confluent. Further, cell size at senescent staining between SA-β-Gal (+) and (-) groups were compared. Viability and PDT showed no significant difference between SA-β-Gal (+) and (-) groups, while cell size at 30% confluence showed significant increase in SA-β-Gal (+) compared to (-) groups. Further, cell size in senescent staining showed significantly smaller cell size in SA-β-Gal (-) compared to SA-β-Gal (+) cells. Moreover, this study showed that even in SA-β-Gal (+) group, viability was greater than 91%, PDT was less than 2.1 days and cell size was less than 2602 µm2. In conclusion, umbilical cord derived MSCs that were cultured in α-MEM-10% PRP began to undergo aging at P-10. Morphological criteria of UC-MSC aging were cell size greater than 2602 µm2 with a change in morphology toward a rounded shape.
Mucin model for group B type III streptococcal infection in mice

An experimental murine infection was established by the intraperitoneal injection of a log-phase culture of a laboratory reference strain of Streptococcus agalactiae, Lancefield group B, type III (strain SS620), suspended in sterile hog gastric mucin. The enhancement of streptococcal virulence was measured by a significantly increased mortality in outbred ICR Swiss mice. An inbred C57BL6 strain of mice was resistant to the mucin-bacterial combination. Mucin, treated with Desferal to chelate the iron, did not lose the capacity to enhance the virulence of group B, type III streptococci in ICR Swiss mice. Iron-dextran was not a suitable substitute for mucin and failed to enhance the virulence of group B, type III streptococci. The results of these studies indicate that iron is not the resistance-lowering factor in this group B, type III streptococci-mucin model.
The role of stoichiometric flexibility in modelling forest ecosystem responses to nitrogen fertilization.

The response of the forest carbon (C) balance to changes in nitrogen (N) deposition is uncertain, partly owing to diverging representations of N cycle processes in dynamic global vegetation models (DGVMs). Here, we examined how different assumptions about the degree of flexibility of the ecosystem's C : N ratios contribute to this uncertainty, and which of these assumptions best correspond to the available data. We applied these assumptions within the framework of a DGVM and compared the results to responses in net primary productivity (NPP), leaf N concentration, and ecosystem N partitioning, observed at 22 forest N fertilization experiments. Employing flexible ecosystem pool C : N ratios generally resulted in the most convincing model-data agreement with respect to production and foliar N responses. An intermediate degree of stoichiometric flexibility in vegetation, where wood C : N ratio changes were decoupled from leaf and root C : N ratio changes, led to consistent simulation of production and N cycle responses to N addition. Assuming fixed C : N ratios or scaling leaf N concentration changes to other tissues, commonly assumed by DGVMs, was not supported by reported data. Between the tested assumptions, the simulated changes in ecosystem C storage relative to changes in C assimilation varied by up to 20%.
Antimitotic and antibacterial effects of the Primula veris L. flower extracts

Abstract Primula is a plant genus which comprises about 400 species. It has been found in a number of pharmacological studies that primrose extracts are rich in saponins. Phenolic glycosides and saponins are characteristic compounds for the genus Primula. In this study several flower extracts from Primula veris L. has been tested for antibacterial activity and decoction from the flowers has been tested for antimitotic activity. Antibacterial activity was determined by the well diffusion method and Allium cepa L. has been used for evaluating cytotoxicity. Decoction of flowers was toxic on root number and root length in A. cepa L. and reduced the mitotic index significantly. All of the tested P. veris L. extracts showed inhibitory effect against both Gram positive and Gram negative microorganisms at varying degrees. The most effective fraction was found to be the ethanolic.
Co-Existence of Relapsing Remitting Multiple Sclerosis and HLA B27 PositiveAnkylosing Spondylitis in a Malay Male: A Rare Occurrence

Ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and multiple sclerosis (MS) are two different chronic inflammatory autoimmune conditions with unclear etiopathogenesis. One is a rheumatological disorder while the other is a neurological one. Current literature on an association between these two conditions is limited. Furthermore, early recognition of potential cases with both conditions co-existing is important as there have been very rare reports on the occurrence of demyelinating diseases or unmasking of latent MS in patients with ankylosing spondylitis treated with anti-TNFα. This has important therapeutic implications for patients at such risk.
DNA methylation profiles in primary cutaneous melanomas are associated with clinically significant pathologic features

DNA methylation studies have elucidated a methylation signature distinguishing primary melanomas from benign nevi and provided new insights about genes that may be important in melanoma development. However, it is unclear whether methylation differences among primary melanomas are related to tumor pathologic features with known clinical significance. We utilized the Illumina GoldenGate Cancer Panel array to investigate the methylation profiles of 47 primary cutaneous melanomas. Arraywide methylation patterns revealed a positive association of methylation with Breslow thickness and mutated BRAF, a negative association with mitotic rate, and a weak association with ulceration. Hierarchical clustering on CpG sites exhibiting the most variable methylation (n = 235) divided the melanoma samples into three clusters, including a highly methylated cluster that was positively associated with Breslow thickness and an intermediately methylated cluster associated with Breslow thickness and mitotic rate. Our findings provide support for the existence of methylation‐defined subsets in melanomas with increased methylation associated with Breslow thickness.
The sarcomeric actin CArG-binding factor is indistinguishable from the c-fos serum response factor

The c-fos serum response element (SRE) and a sarcomeric actin promoter element (CArG box) are similar in sequence and are recognized, respectively, by the serum response factor (SRF) and the CArG-binding factor (CBF). Although the transcriptional controls for the c-fos and sarcomeric actin genes are rather different, SRF and CBF have been found to be indistinguishable by all criteria tested. They exhibited similar chromatographic properties, sedimentation rates, and temperature stabilities. In mobility shift assays, the SRE competed more strongly than the actin CArG box for formation of either the SRF-SRE or the CBF-CArG complex. The symmetric inverted repeat of the left side of the Xenopus cytoskeletal actin SRE also competed, even more strongly, for each complex. The site-specific binding of each protein was inhibited both by orthophenanthroline, whose effects were reversed by zinc addition, and by treatment with potato acid phosphatase. Furthermore, immune serum raised against the c-fos SRF also recognized the actin CBF. We discuss how transcriptional control of these diverse genes might be obtained with a single similar factor.
The Putative Alpha Helix 2 of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 Vpr Contains a Determinant Which Is Responsible for the Nuclear Translocation of Proviral DNA in Growth-Arrested Cells

ABSTRACT Several viral determinants were shown to play a role in the ability of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) to infect nondividing cells. In particular, Vpr and Gag matrix (MA) were recognized to be involved in the nuclear transport of the viral preintegration complex. The goal of the present study was to evaluate the ability of isogenic HIV-1 viruses harboring different vpr and gaggenes to infect nondividing cells. Surprisingly, our results reveal that the introduction of mutations in the MA nuclear localization signal marginally affected the ability of proviruses to establish infection in growth-arrested HeLa or MT4 cells. In contrast, we show that in our experimental system, the absence of Vpr expression leads to a reduction in viral infectivity and production which correlates with a decrease in the synthesis and nuclear transport of proviral DNA as determined by PCR analysis. Moreover, our data demonstrate that this reduction of viral replication is also observed with proviruses containing different mutated Vpr alleles. In particular, the Vpr Q65E mutant, which contains a substitution in the second predicted amphipathic alpha-helical structure located in the central region of the protein, is associated with an impairment of the protein nuclear localization and a concomitant reduction of the nuclear transport of proviral DNA. The results of this study provide evidence that a putative amphipathic alpha-helical structure in the central region of Vpr contains a determinant involved in the nuclear translocation of the preintegration complex in nondividing cells.
Crocodile Attack in Australia: An Analysis of Its Incidence and Review of the Pathology and Management of Crocodilian Attacks in General

Abstract Crocodilians represent one of the oldest constant animal lineages on the planet, in no small part due to their formidable array of predatory adaptations. As both human and crocodilian populations expand, they increasingly encroach on each others' territories, bringing morbidity and mortality to both populations. In this article, the medical and herpetologic literature pertaining to injuries caused by crocodilians is reviewed, and the patterns of saltwater crocodile attacks in Australia from 1971 to 2004 are analyzed. In this review, we examine the features of crocodilians that contribute to explaining their evolutionary success, as well as the potential hazard they pose to humans. Only by understanding their capabilities is it possible to mitigate the potential threat to life and limb.
Cell surface proteins of Candida albicans: Preparation of extracts and improved detection of proteins

We have reexamined the detection of the components in a β‐mercaptoethanol and ammonium carbonate buffer extract of surface proteins of Candida albicans and the effects of postextraction manipulation of the extract on recovery of extract components. Following sodium dodecyl sulfate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE), preferential staining of some moieties was observed when bands detected by a commercial silver staining method or a Coomassie Brilliant Blue (CBB) staining method were compared. Additional protein bands that were either not detected or poorly detected by a single method alone were readily observed by a combined silver‐CBB staining method. This method also detected alterations in the profile of extracted proteins from organisms grown in the presence of galactose or hemoglobin rather than glucose. Two‐dimensional electrophoresis (2‐DE) gel analysis by double stain showed better detection of several acidic and basic protein spots. Less than 10% of the extract as determined by a dye‐binding assay was lost following either or both lyophilization and dialysis. These manipulations of the extract did not change the protein profile following SDS‐PAGE as determined by the combined staining or Western blot analysis of a 70 kDa protein. These observations suggest that soluble cell wall proteins are not unusually sensitive to procedures routinely used in protein purification. In addition, these studies suggest that a modified staining method that combines both silver stain and CBB stain provides improved detection of cell wall proteins compared to either method alone.
Use of a pediatric cohort to examine gender and sex hormone influences on outcome after trauma.

BACKGROUND Animal studies suggest that female gender imparts a protective effect on outcome after trauma, and implicate sex hormones as the cause. Human studies have yielded mixed results. These results are confounded by postmenopausal hormone replacement and the difficulty of controlling for pretrauma comorbidities. The pediatric population is a better model to determine the impact of gender and sex hormones on outcome after trauma. METHODS The National Trauma Data Bank was queried for all patients from birth to 20 years of age. Age, gender, Injury Severity Score (ISS), mechanism of injury, mortality, intensive care unit days, and ventilator days were examined. To control for the effect of sex hormones, patients were divided into three groups by age: prepubertal (birth to 8 years), peripubertal (8.1-14.5 years), and postpubertal (14.6-20 years). We calculated survival rates for age group ISS subsets overall and by mechanism of injury. RESULTS The prepubertal and peripubertal age groups had equivalent survival rates between genders across all severities of injury. The sex hormone-containing postpubertal cohort had a significantly improved survival rate for women across all ISS subgroups, and the effect was more pronounced with increasing ISS. This effect was despite a higher mean ISS for women at these greater magnitudes of injury. The cause of this effect could not be explained by mechanism of injury, ventilator days, or intensive care unit days. CONCLUSION Female gender was associated with improved survival rates for patients demonstrating sex hormone production (i.e. postpubescent patients) in a manner that was directly proportional to their severity of injury. No protective effect of gender was seen in the prepubescent or peripubertal age groups.
How do Proxies’ Perceptions of Patients’ Pain, Anxiety, and Depression Change during the Bereavement Period?

The retrospective approach in palliative care research provides valuable insight into death and dying, and the effectiveness of palliative care. The method involves collecting information from proxies (usually significant others) after the patient's death. This exploratory study investigates whether proxies’ accounts differ during bereavement, and provides possible explanations for why discrepancies might occur. Thirteen bereaved family members were interviewed, at three to five months and seven to nine months after the patient's death, about the patient's pain, anxiety, and depression, using semi-structured interviews and the symptom rating scale from the Views of Informal Carers–Evaluation of Services (VOICES) interview. Analysis of VOICES ratings over time indicated consistency for anxiety, while pain and depression ratings were variable and, in many cases, less severe and less frequent with the passage of time. Qualitative analysis of proxies’ interview transcripts revealed a number of categories and themes that could be explained within the psychological and palliative care literature. The findings suggest that timing is an important consideration when gathering information from proxies retrospectively.