Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Elafin, an Elastase-specific Inhibitor, Is Cleaved by Its Cognate Enzyme Neutrophil Elastase in Sputum from Individuals with Cystic Fibrosis*

Elafin is a neutrophil serine protease inhibitor expressed in lung and displaying anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial properties. Previous studies demonstrated that some innate host defense molecules of the cystic fibrosis (CF) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease airways are impaired due to increased proteolytic degradation observed during lung inflammation. In light of these findings, we thus focused on the status of elafin in CF lung. We showed in the present study that elafin is cleaved in sputum from individuals with CF. Pseudomonas aeruginosa-positive CF sputum, which was found to contain lower elafin levels and higher neutrophil elastase (NE) activity compared with P. aeruginosa-negative samples, was particularly effective in cleaving recombinant elafin. NE plays a pivotal role in the process as only NE inhibitors are able to inhibit elafin degradation. Further in vitro studies demonstrated that incubation of recombinant elafin with excess of NE leads to the rapid cleavage of the inhibitor. Two cleavage sites were identified at the N-terminal extremity of elafin (Val-5—Lys-6 and Val-9—Ser-10). Interestingly, purified fragments of the inhibitor (Lys-6—Gln-57 and Ser-10—Gln-57) were shown to still be active for inhibiting NE. However, NE in excess was shown to strongly diminish the ability of elafin to bind lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and its capacity to be immobilized by transglutamination. In conclusion, this study provides evidence that elafin is cleaved by its cognate enzyme NE present at excessive concentration in CF sputum and that P. aeruginosa infection promotes this effect. Such cleavage may have repercussions on the innate immune function of elafin.
Sustainably Managing Montane Forests in Arid Mountain Regions: The Oytag Valley of West Kunlun

Abstract The Oytag valley, about 100 km west of Kashi (Kashgar), is one of the few valleys with forests in the Kunlun Mountains. It underwent severe forest destruction in the late 1950s, and about only one fourth of the natural forest remains. Since the early 1980s, forest conservation and artificial regeneration have been carried out in the valley.
Oxygen administration at birth in preterm infants: a retrospective analysis

Abstract Objective: The aim of the study was to retrospectively investigate the association between initial oxygen concentration in delivery room and short-term outcomes in preterm infants. Methods: Data from infants needing neonatal resuscitation, born at our department between January 2008 and December 2011, were analyzed. Patients were divided into three groups based on gestational age: between 32 and 36 weeks, between 31 and 28 weeks, and below 28 weeks. Results: The administration of each additional unit of oxygen up to 50% showed an association with a 5% increased need for mechanical ventilation (MV) in the neonatal intensive care unit in infants between 32 and 36 weeks [adjusted odds ratio 1.1, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.04–1.1] and infants between 28 and 31 weeks (adjusted odds ratio 1.12, 95% CI 1.08–1.44). On the contrary, in infants below 28 weeks, increasing initial concentration of supplementary oxygen did not show any association with MV. Conclusions: Initial oxygen concentration seems to be associated with increased MV in the NICU. Our observations further stress the need for randomized controlled studies in order to obtain definitive recommendations for the optimal initial oxygen concentration during neonatal resuscitation of preterm infants.
Effect of sampling on variability and plateau in oxygen uptake.

To evaluate the effect of the gas exchange sampling interval on variability and plateau in O2 uptake (VO2), 10 subjects underwent steady-state treadmill exercise at 50% maximal VO2 and 6 subjects underwent maximal testing using a ramp protocol. During steady-state exercise, gas exchange data were acquired by using 10 different sampling intervals. The variability in VO2 was greater as the sampling interval shortened (SD = 4.5 ml.kg-1.min-1 for breath-by-breath vs. 0.8 ml.kg-1.min-1 for 60-s samples). The breath-by-breath data suggested a Gaussian distribution, and most of the variability was attributable to tidal volume (51%). During ramp testing, the slope of the change in VO2 (for each sample) was regressed with time. Considerable variability in the slopes was observed throughout exercise, and in each subject the slopes varied about zero, demonstrating both positive and negative values throughout submaximal effort. These observations were made despite the use of large sampling intervals. Shortening the sample resulted in even greater variability. We conclude that 1) the sampling interval can have a major impact on gas exchange data during exercise and 2) considerable variability exists in the slope of the change in VO2 with a consistent change in external work regardless of the sample used, suggesting that a plateau (defined as the slope of a VO2 sample at peak exercise that does not differ significantly from a slope of zero) in VO2 is not a reliable physiological marker for maximal effort.
Origin and recovery of colony-forming units in locally curetted bone marrow of mice.

Histologic study of locally curetted bone marrow showed a sequence of blood clot formation, displacement of the clot by a primitive reticular tissue, and hematopoietic regeneration. Histologic regeneration of sinusoidal vessels, and recovery was incomplete 12 wk later with increased fat, residual trabecular bone, and cystic areas. Recovery of colony-forming units (CFU) paralleled hematopoietic cellular recovery and did not exceed levels of 70% of normal by 12 wk postcurettage. Transplantation of cureted and irradiated mice with T 6 T 6 marker chromosomes demonstrated that cells with marker chromosomes migrated readily into irradiated marrow but were excluded from the curetted marrow for 2 wk after curettage. Three weeks after, curettage marker cells gained ready access to curetted marrow. The early exclusion but later appearance of transplanted marker cells was correlated with the early absence and later regeneration of sinusoidal vessels. The histologic and cytogenetic studies support the concept of a dependence of hematopoiesis upon a sinusoidal system with an appropriate marrow microenvironment. These studies support the concept of a local origin of marrow regeneration within curetted cavities but do not indicate whether the hematopoietic tissue originates from small numbers of residual CFU surviving curettage or from multipotential reticular cells. There was no evidence of a stimulatory effect upon uncuretted marrow by the action of curettage.
Effects of Blood Pressure–Lowering Treatment in Different Subtypes of Acute Ischemic Stroke

Background and Purpose— The Scandinavian Candesartan Acute Stroke Trial (SCAST) found no benefits of blood pressure–lowering treatment with candesartan in acute stroke. We have investigated whether the effect of treatment is different in different subtypes of ischemic stroke. Methods— SCAST was a randomized- and placebo-controlled trial of candesartan in 2029 patients presenting within 30 hours of ischemic or hemorrhagic stroke and systolic blood pressure ≥140 mm Hg. Ischemic stroke subtype was categorized by the Oxfordshire Community Stroke Project classification. There were 2 primary effect variables: the composite vascular end point of vascular death, myocardial infarction, or stroke during the first 6 months and functional outcome at 6 months. Results— A total of 1733 patients with ischemic stroke were included: total anterior circulation infarcts in 129, partial anterior in 850, posterior in 236, and lacunar in 510 patients. For functional outcome there was a significant trend toward a better effect of candesartan in patients with larger infarcts (total anterior circulation or partial anterior circulation) than in patients with smaller infarcts (lacunar infarction; P=0.02). For the composite vascular end point, there were no differences in treatment effect. Conclusions— The results suggest that the effect of blood pressure–lowering treatment with candesartan may differ according to different types of acute ischemic stroke, but this needs to be confirmed in future trials. Clinical Trial Registration— URL: http://www.clinicaltrials. gov. Unique identifier: NCT00120003.
The role of tissue Doppler study in the assessment of left ventricular dysfunction in obesity

Purpose — The purpose of this study was to investigate the potential utility of tissue Doppler echocardiography in the assessment of left ventricular systolic and diastolic function in the obese population. Method — 96 obese (48 male, 48 female) patients and 50 normoweight (25 male, 25 female) control subjects were enrolled. Obese patients were subgrouped into mild (25-29.9 kg/m2), moderate (30-34.9 kg/m2) and significant (≥ 35 kg/m2) according to their body mass index (BMI). Left ventricular systolic and diastolic functions were evaluated by tissue Doppler imaging with conventional transthoracic echocardiography. Peak systolic velocity (Sm) of the lateral mitral annulus, the duration from electrocardiographic Q wave to Sm and early and late diastolic velocities (Em, Am) were recorded with tissue Doppler imaging. Results — The ejection fraction and fractional shortening values were found to be increased in the mildly and moderately obese subjects. Left ventricular diameters were increased in all of the patients in the obesity group; however, relative wall thicknesses were similar to control subjects. The peak systolic velocities of the mitral lateral annular area (Sm) were lower in moderately and significantly obese subjects compared to the control subjects. None of the study patients had systolic dysfunction by conventional echocardiographic assessment while prevalence of diastolic dysfunction was significantly higher in the obese group of which the prevalence proportionally increased with BMI. Diastolic dysfunction was also more prevalent in the subjects with abdominal obesity which was determined by waist circumference (WC). Conclusion — The ejection phase indices were increased in mildly and moderately obese subjects. However, in significantly obese subjects they were similar to control subjects by conventional echocardiographic methods. Sm values of the moderately and significantly obese patients were significantly lower when measured by tissue Doppler imaging. Diastolic function was also shown to be impaired in the moderately and significantly obese subjects when measured by tissue Doppler imaging.
Study on the Prevalence of Severe Anemia among Non-Pregnant Women of Reproductive Age in Rural China: A Large Population-Based Cross-Sectional Study

Globally, severe anemia impacts millions of non-pregnant women. However, studies on the prevalence of severe anemia through large epidemiologic surveys among non-pregnant women have been scarce in China. In this study, we aimed to study the prevalence of severe anemia and its determinants among non-pregnant women living in rural areas of China. Data were gathered for 712,101 non-pregnant women aged between 21 and 49 years who attended the 2012 National Free Preconception Health Examination Project. Severe anemia in non-pregnant women was defined as a hemoglobin (Hb) concentration lower than 80 g/L. Associated factors were analyzed using univariate and multivariate logistic regression methods. Out of the 712,101 non-pregnant women living in the rural areas of China, 1728 suffered from severe anemia, with a prevalence of 0.24% (95% confidence interval (CI): 0.23–0.25%). Results from the multivariable logistic regression showed that elderly (adjusted odds ratio (aOR) = 3.08), living in the northwest region (aOR = 2.88), having a history of anemia (aOR = 5.76), with heavy menstrual blood loss (aOR = 1.84), and with a history of using an intra-uterine device (aOR = 1.47) etc., were independent determinants for women with severe anemia in rural China. The prevalence of severe anemia among Chinese non-pregnant women living in the rural areas was lower than the reported global prevalence. Prevention and intervention programs for severe anemia are required among non-pregnant women of reproductive age in the rural areas of China.
Evidence for insulin suppression of baseline luteinizing hormone in women with polycystic ovarian syndrome and normal women.

CONTEXT In women with polycystic ovarian syndrome (PCOS), the relationship of insulin to LH secretion and responses to GnRH remains unresolved. A rigorous analytical examination of this relationship has not been performed. OBJECTIVE Our objective was to determine the relationship of basal LH secretion and responses to GnRH, insulin, and other endocrine variables in normal and PCOS women. DESIGN In PCOS and normal women, mean composite 12-h LH secretion was analyzed for correlating factors. LH responses to varying doses of GnRH during a fixed rate of insulin infusion and LH responses to a fixed dose of GnRH during varying doses of insulin infusion were analyzed for contributing factors. PATIENTS AND SETTING Eighteen PCOS and 21 normal women underwent studies of frequent blood sampling and GnRH stimulation before and during insulin infusion at the General Clinical Research Center, University of California, San Diego. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Group mean composite 12-h LH levels were assessed with respect to other endocrine variables. In addition, LH responses to GnRH with or without insulin infusion were assessed. RESULTS In normal women, insulin negatively predicted mean LH. In PCOS, the combined effect of body mass index (negative) and testosterone (positive) predicted LH. The best predictor of LH was body mass index and insulin combined. Basal LH and LH responses to GnRH were unaltered by insulin infusion in normal women. These measures were reduced during insulin infusion in PCOS women. CONCLUSIONS In PCOS, insulin infusion suppresses pituitary response to GnRH. In normal women, insulin negatively correlates with mean LH and suppresses GnRH response at a high infusion rate.
Competition in Treasury Auctions

We investigate the role of competition on the outcome of Austrian Treasury auctions. Austria’s EU accession led to an increase in the number of banks participating in treasury auctions. We use structural estimates of bidders’ private values to examine the effect of increased competition on auction performance. We find robust evidence that bidders’ surplus dropped sharply after EU accession, but less than reduced form estimates would suggest. The difference can be explained by reduced form estimates not taking into account the increase in valuations upon EU accession. (JEL D44, E63, G21, H63)
Behaviour of Listeria monocytogenes and autochthonous flora on meat stored under aerobic, vacuum and modified atmosphere packaging conditions with or without the presence of oregano essential oil at 5 °C

The effect of aerobic, modified atmosphere packaging (MAP; 40% CO2/30% O2/30% N2) and vacuum packaging (VP) on the growth/survival of Listeria monocytogenes on sterile and naturally contaminated beef meat fillets was studied in relation to film permeability and oregano essential oil. The dominant micro‐organism(s) and the effect of the endogenous flora on the growth/survival of L. monocytogenes were dependent on the type of packaging film. The fact that L. monocytogenes increased whenever pseudomonads dominated, i.e. aerobic storage and MAP/VP in high‐permeability film, and even earlier than on sterile tissue, suggests that this spoilage group enhanced growth of the pathogen. Brochothrix thermosphacta constituted the major proportion of the total microflora in MAP/VP within the low‐permeability film, where no growth of L. monocytogenes was detected either on naturally contaminated or sterile meat fillets. The addition of 0·8% (v/w) oregano essential oil resulted in: (i) an initial reduction of 2–3 log10 of the majority of the bacterial population, with lactic acid bacteria and L. monocytogenes indicating the most apparent decrease in all gaseous environments, and (ii) limited growth aerobically and survival/death of L. monocytogenes in MAP/VP, regardless of film permeability.
Course of exfoliation and simplex glaucoma after primary trabeculectomy

AIM To study the course of exfoliation and simplex glaucoma with respect to intraocular pressure (IOP) regulation and visual field survival after primary trabeculectomy. METHODS Postoperative IOP regulation and complications were analysed prospectively in 95 patients. Mean follow up was 46 months. Visual field survival was studied by high pass resolution perimetry (HRP) in a subsample of 28 patients. RESULTS Medical treatment was reinstated in 42% of exfoliation and in 36% of simplex glaucoma. In these patients, mean medicine free survival time, last untreated IOP, and mean IOP at the end of follow up were similar for both glaucoma types. Among patients with controlled postoperative IOP without added medication, mean IOP at the end of follow up was significantly lower in exfoliation glaucoma. Visual field deterioration and the pattern of complications were similar for both glaucoma types. CONCLUSION The effect of trabeculectomy on IOP regulation was good in both types of glaucoma, and somewhat better in exfoliation glaucoma. The magnitude of IOP lowering could not separate patients with continued visual field deterioration from those in whom visual fields remained stable. Visual field preservation was similar for both glaucoma types.
Inequality Perceptions, Distributional Norms, and Redistributive Preferences in East and West Germany

Abstract This paper analyzes differences in inequality perceptions, distributional norms, and redistributive preferences between East and West Germany. As expected, there are substantial differences with respect to all three of these measures. Surprisingly, however, differences in distributional norms are much smaller than differences with respect to inequality perceptions or redistributive preferences. Moreover, individuals from East Germany tend to be more supportive of state redistribution and progressive taxation and they are less likely to have a conservative political orientation. I finally show that a substantial part of these differences in political preferences can be explained by underlying differences in redistributive preferences.
Np95 Is a Histone-Binding Protein Endowed with Ubiquitin Ligase Activity

ABSTRACT Np95 is an important determinant in cell cycle progression. Its expression is tightly regulated and becomes detectable shortly before the entry of cells into S phase. Accordingly, Np95 is absolutely required for the G1/S transition. Its continued expression throughout the S/G2/M phases further suggests additional roles. Indeed, Np95 has been implicated in DNA damage response. Here, we show that Np95 is tightly bound to chromatin in vivo and that it binds to histones in vivo and in vitro. The binding to histones is direct and shows a remarkable preference for histone H3 and its N-terminal tail. A novel protein domain, the SRA-YDG domain, contained in Np95 is indispensable both for the interaction with histones and for chromatin binding in vivo. Np95 contains a RING finger. We show that this domain confers E3 ubiquitin ligase activity on Np95, which is specific for core histones, in vitro. Finally, Np95 shows specific E3 activity for histone H3 when the endogenous core octamer, coimmunoprecipitating with Np95, is used as a substrate. Histone ubiquitination is an important determinant in the regulation of chromatin structure and gene transcription. Thus, the demonstration that Np95 is a chromatin-associated ubiquitin ligase suggests possible molecular mechanisms for its action as a cell cycle regulator.
Vitamin D receptor distribution in intestines of domesticated sheep Ovis ammon f. aries

The biologically active form of vitamin D, i.e., 1,25‐dihydroxycholecalciferol or calcitriol, plays an important role in bone metabolism and calcium homeostasis, which is often disturbed at the onset of lactation in high milk‐yielding domestic ruminants. Gene transcription is modulated via vitamin D receptors, but nongenomic effects of vitamin D via membrane receptors have also been described. In the intestines, vitamin D promotes calcium absorption via vitamin D receptors. Vitamin D receptors are of clinical relevance, but have not been systematically assessed within all segments of the intestine in any species. Thus, we present for the first time an immunohistochemical study of the distribution patterns of the vitamin D receptor protein in sheep, which may be the basis for present and future investigations on mineral homeostasis in domestic ruminants. Tissue probes of the intestines were collected from five lambs and five nonlactating and nonpregnant dams, fixed in formalin, embedded in paraffin, and used for the assessment of vitamin D receptor protein. Nuclear vitamin D receptor immunoreaction was scored semiquantitatively and exhibited a segment‐specific distribution pattern. Goblet cells always were devoid of any vitamin D receptor immunoreaction. Surface epithelial cells and enterocytes of the crypt openings generally demonstrated only a weak immunoreaction. Basally and/or intermediately located crypt epithelial cells exhibited stronger immunoreactions in duodenum, jejunum, and colon descendens. This basal/intermediate to superficial gradient was most pronounced in the duodenum and less evident in jejunum and colon descendens and not observed in ileum and cecum. There were no age‐dependent variations in vitamin D receptor protein expression. Results demonstrate that intestinal vitamin D receptor distribution patterns are segment‐specific and strongest immunoreactions correlate with highest intestinal calcium absorptive activities, as reported in literature. Strong expression of vitamin D receptors within the lower half of crypts also suggests a role for calcitriol in epithelial differentiation and cellular homeostasis. J. Morphol. , 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.