Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Genotype differences in 13C discrimination between atmosphere and leaf matter match differences in transpiration efficiency at leaf and whole-plant levels in hybrid Populus deltoides x nigra.

(13) C discrimination between atmosphere and bulk leaf matter (Δ(13) C(lb) ) is frequently used as a proxy for transpiration efficiency (TE). Nevertheless, its relevance is challenged due to: (1) potential deviations from the theoretical discrimination model, and (2) complex time integration and upscaling from leaf to whole plant. Six hybrid genotypes of Populus deltoides×nigra genotypes were grown in climate chambers and tested for whole-plant TE (i.e. accumulated biomass/water transpired). Net CO(2) assimilation rates (A) and stomatal conductance (g(s) ) were recorded in parallel to: (1) (13) C in leaf bulk material (δ(13) C(lb) ) and in soluble sugars (δ(13) C(ss) ) and (2) (18) O in leaf water and bulk leaf material. Genotypic means of δ(13) C(lb) and δ(13) C(ss) were tightly correlated. Discrimination between atmosphere and soluble sugars was correlated with daily intrinsic TE at leaf level (daily mean A/g(s) ), and with whole-plant TE. Finally, g(s) was positively correlated to (18) O enrichment of bulk matter or water of leaves at individual level, but not at genotype level. We conclude that Δ(13) C(lb) captures efficiently the genetic variability of whole-plant TE in poplar. Nevertheless, scaling from leaf level to whole-plant TE requires to take into account water losses and respiration independent of photosynthesis, which remain poorly documented.
Parental Influence on Adolescent Sexual Initiation Practices in Ibadan, Nigeria

This community-based study was carried out to determine parental role on adolescents' sexual initiation practice in Ibadan, Nigeria. A random sample of 274 adolescents was selected from the community. Information on socio-demographic characteristics and sexual behaviors were collected using a structured close-ended self-administered questionnaire. A total of 40.5% of the adolescents in the sample were sexually experienced. Early exposure to sex education by mothers was found to encourage early sexual initiation (p < 0.001). Significantly more adolescents (43.2%) who sought sexual information from their peers were sexually experienced compared with 25.2%, 14.4%, and 17.1% of those who sought information from parents, teachers, and other sources such as media, religious centers, etc., respectively (p = 0.004). Mothers were more involved in sexuality communication with these adolescents than fathers (40.9% vs. 16.8%). The higher the level of education of the parents, the less likely the adolescents were sexually initiated (p = 0.004). Furthermore, polygamous family background and loss of one or more parents were found to be associated with early sexual initiation practice (p = 0.008 and 0.009, respectively). The study shows an increased sexual initiation with parental illiteracy, polygamy, and parental deaths among adolescents in Ibadan, Nigeria.
Zona Pellucida Glycoproteins*

All mammalian eggs are surrounded by a relatively thick extracellular coat, the zona pellucida, that plays vital roles during oogenesis, fertilization, and preimplantation development. The mouse zona pellucida consists of three glycoproteins that are synthesized solely by growing oocytes and assemble into long fibrils that constitute a matrix. Zona pellucida glycoproteins are responsible for species-restricted binding of sperm to unfertilized eggs, inducing sperm to undergo acrosomal exocytosis, and preventing sperm from binding to fertilized eggs. Many features of mammalian and non-mammalian egg coat polypeptides have been conserved during several hundred million years of evolution.
Plasma Surfactant Protein D Levels and the Relation to Body Mass Index in a Chinese Population

Surfactant protein D (SP‐D) is a member of the collectin family and is an important component of the pulmonary innate host defence. The protein has a widespread distribution in the human body and is present in multiple epithelia, in endothelium and in blood. Various studies have looked at the relationship between serum SP‐D levels and pulmonary inflammatory diseases. The SP‐D distribution has been most thoroughly described in European populations and appears with a broad range of serum values highly influenced by genetic factors. In the present study, we investigated the plasma SP‐D distribution in a Chinese population from the Tai An region comprising 268 individuals. We found that (i) plasma SP‐D in the Chinese population was distributed with a median value of 380.2 ng/ml (324.9; 418.7) and a range from 79.4 to 3965.3 ng/ml, (ii) significantly higher plasma SP‐D in men than in women, and no significant effect of age, and (iii) a significant inverse association between serum SP‐D and body mass index (BMI) (P = 0.012). The data indicate that racial differences in SP‐D expression exist as the median plasma SP‐D in the Chinese population was approximately two times lower than the median serum SP‐D previously measured in a Danish population using the same immuno‐assay. The inverse association between serum SP‐D and BMI found in the Chinese population indicates that serum SP‐D is related to obesity in similar ways in Chinese and Danes.
Structural and Functional Studies of Archaeal Viruses*

Viruses populate virtually every ecosystem on the planet, including the extreme acidic, thermal, and saline environments where archaeal organisms can dominate. For example, recent studies have identified crenarchaeal viruses in the hot springs of Yellowstone National Park and other high temperature environments worldwide. These viruses are often morphologically and genetically unique, with genomes that show little similarity to genes of known function, complicating efforts to understand their viral life cycles. Here, we review progress in understanding these fascinating viruses at the molecular level and the evolutionary insights coming from these studies.
Toll‐like Receptor Cross‐hyporesponsiveness is Functional in Interleukin‐1‐receptor‐associated Kinase‐1 (IRAK‐1)‐deficient Macrophages: Differential Role Played by IRAK‐1 in Regulation of Tumour Necrosis Factor and Interleukin‐10 Production

Signalling downstream Toll‐like receptors (TLR) is regulated at several levels in order to activate the immune response and prevent excessive inflammation. Altered intracellular signalling may be one reason that repeated stimulation of various TLRs results in hyporesponsiveness and cross‐tolerance. We report that TLR cross‐tolerance is inducible in the absence of interleukin‐1 receptor‐associated kinase‐1 (IRAK‐1) in peritoneal macrophages. Similar to wild‐type macrophages, IRAK‐1‐deficient macrophages respond with decreased tumour necrosis factor (TNF) production to a secondary TLR stimulation, but in opposite to IRAK‐1+/+, IRAK‐1−/− macrophages display increased interleukin (IL)‐10 production at TLR restimulation. IRAK‐1‐deficient peritoneal macrophages have a defective TNF and IL‐10 production in response to lipoteichoic acid stimulation as well as a defective IL‐10‐but a normal TNF production in response to high concentration of lipopolysaccharide. Our results demonstrate that IRAK‐1 is not necessary for induction of TLR cross‐tolerance as judged by TNF production.
Multiple Variations of the Branches of the Brachial Plexus with Bilateral Connections between Ulnar and Radial Nerves

Fueron observadas durante una diseccion de rutina de los miembros superiores de un cadaver caucasico masculino, multiples variaciones de los ramos del plexo braquial. En el lado izquierdo, el nervio musculocutaneo estaba ausente y los musculos del compartimento anterior del brazo estaban inervados por el nervio mediano. El nervio mediano se encontraba formado de tres raices dos provenientes del fasciculo lateral y uno del fasciculo medial del plexo braquial. En el lado derecho, en la mitad distal del brazo, el nervio musculocutaneo genero un largo ramo comunicante con el nervio mediano. Ademas, en el brazo, en ambos miembros superiores existian ramos comunicantes entre los nervios ulnar y radial. La coexistencia de estas variaciones aparece ser unica y no ha sido relatada en la literatura consultada. Son discutidas la significancia anatomica y clinica de estas variaciones.
Rapid Communication Hospital and Outpatient Health Services Utilization Among HIV‐Infected Patients in Care in 1999

Background: The evolving epidemiology and therapeutic management of HIV disease has important implications for health care resource utilization in HIV‐infected patients, and health care resource use data are also needed to support policy and financial decision making. Methods: Demographic, clinical, and resource utilization data were collected from 9 U.S. HIV primary and specialty care sites in calendar year 1999. Rates of resource use were calculated for hospital admission, length of hospital stay, and outpatient clinic/office visits. Results: The sample included 5255 patients from HIV primary care sites in 3 eastern, 3 midwestern, and 3 western areas of the United States. Hospital admissions accounted for an annual mean of 297 days per 100 persons/y in 1999. Hospital days ranged from a low of 165 per 100 persons/mo for a CD4 > 500 cells/mm3 to 840 per 100 persons/mo for a CD4 < 50 cells/mm3 (p < .01). Mean annual outpatient clinic/office visits were 10.7 per person in 1999. A declining CD4 level and an increasing HIV‐1 RNA level were both associated with higher hospital and outpatient utilization. HAART use was associated with fewer hospital days, and a higher outpatient visit rate. Injecting drug use risk was associated with an increase in hospital days. African American race was associated with a higher number of hospital days, but a lower outpatient visit rate. Female gender was associated with higher outpatient utilization. Mean monthly inpatient and outpatient expenditures in 1999 were $423 and $168. respectively. Conclusion: As HIV care continues to evolve, data from our network of HIV providers will be useful in quantifying changes in HIV health services utilization to guide policy makers, as well as HIV care payers and providers.
Differential Activation of Dendritic Cells by Toll‐like Receptor Agonists Isolated from the Gram‐positive Vaccine Vector Streptococcus gordonii

The oral commensal bacterium Streptococcus gordonii has been gathering interest as a candidate live mucosal vaccine delivery vector. S. gordonii has been shown to be capable of activating antigen presenting immune cells in a manner which leads to their activation and maturation, yet the mechanism used by S. gordonii to do so is poorly understood. The aim of this work was to investigate the immunostimulatory components of S. gordonii in inducing murine dendritic cell (DC) activation and maturation. Lipoteichoic acid (LTA), lipoprotein (LP), peptidoglycan (PGN), and DNA were isolated from S. gordonii, and used to stimulate murine DC. Cytokine production and DC surface marker upregulation in response to the bacterial components was quantified by enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and flow cytometry respectively. The results were contrasted against data obtained from DC derived from MyD88, TRIF [TIR(Toll/Interleukin‐1 Receptor)‐domain‐containing adapter‐inducing interferon‐beta] or toll‐like receptor‐2 (TLR‐2) knockout mice. The four S. gordonii bacterial components were found to differentially induce cytokine production and surface marker upregulation by murine DC. Activation of DC by both whole S. gordonii cells and the four bacterial components was abrogated in the absence of MyD88, but not in the absence of TRIF. LTA, LP and PGN, but not DNA and whole S. gordonii, required TLR‐2 to induce a DC response. The results collectively indicate that S. gordonii activates DC predominantly through a MyD88‐dependent and TRIF‐independent pathway. This activation can be attributed to multiple immunostimulatory components present within S. gordonii bacterial cells.
Annexin A 2 autoantibodies in thrombosis and autoimmune diseases

a INSERM ESPRI, ERI29/EA2216 Immunology, Pathology and Immunotherapy, Labex IGO, SFR ScinBios, Réseau canaux ioniques et Réseau épigénétique du Cancéropôle Grand Ouest, European University of Brittany, Brest, France b Center for Autoimmune Diseases Research (CREA) School of Medicine and Health Sciences Universidad del Rosario, Bogotá, Colombia c Laboratory of Immunology and Immunotherapy, Brest University Medical School Hospital, Morvan, Brest, France d Department of Internal Medicine, Brest University Medical School Hospital, Cavale Blanche, Brest, France
Ovalbumin self-assembles into amyloid nanosheets that elicit immune responses and facilitate sustained drug release

Amyloids are associated with many neurodegenerative diseases, motivating investigations into their structure and function. Although not linked to a specific disease, albumins have been reported to form many structural aggregates. We were interested in investigating host immune responses to amyloid fibrils assembled from the model protein ovalbumin. Surprisingly, upon subjecting ovalbumin to standard denaturing conditions, we encountered giant protein nanosheets harboring amyloid-like features and hypothesized that these nanosheets might have potential in clinical or therapeutic applications. We found that the nanosheets, without the administration of any additional adjuvant, evoked a strong antibody response in mice that was higher than that observed for native ovalbumin. This suggests that amyloid nanosheets have a self-adjuvanting property. The nanosheet-induced immune response was helper T cell 2 (Th2) biased and negligibly inflammatory. While testing whether the nanosheets might form depots for the sustained release of precursor proteins, we did observe release of ovalbumin that mimicked the conformation of native protein. Moreover, the nanosheets could load the anticancer drug doxorubicin and release it in a slow and sustained manner. Taken together, our results suggest that amyloid nanosheets should be further investigated as either an antigen delivery vehicle or a multifunctional antigen and drug co-delivery system, with potential applications in simultaneous immunotherapy and chemotherapy.
The Role of Granulocyte Macrophage‐Colony Stimulating Factor in Gastrointestinal Immunity to Salmonellosis

Human Salmonella infection, in particular, typhoid fever is a highly infectious disease that remains a major public health problem causing significant morbidity and mortality. The outcome of these infections depends on the host’s immune response, particularly the actions of granulocytes and macrophages. Using a mouse model of human typhoid fever, with Salmonella typhimurium infection of wild type and granulocyte macrophage‐colony stimulating factor (GM‐CSF) knock out mice we show a delay in the onset of immune‐mediated tissue damage in the spleens and livers of GM‐CSF−/− mice. Furthermore, GM‐CSF−/− mice have a prolonged sequestration of S. typhimurium in affected tissues despite an increased production of F4/80+ effector cells. Moreover in the absence of GM‐CSF, a decrease in pro‐inflammatory cytokine expression of tumor necrosis factor‐α, interleukin‐12 (IL‐12) and IL‐18 was found, which may alter the host’s immune response to infection. GM‐CSF appears to play an important role in the pathogenesis of Salmonellosis, and may contribute significantly to the development of protective gastrointestinal mucosal immune responses against oral pathogens.
Targeting the type 1 insulin-like growth factor receptor as a treatment for cancer

Background: The type 1 insulin-like growth factor receptor (IGF1R) plays a critical role in transformation, invasion and apoptosis protection, and is an attractive cancer treatment target. Objective: To review IGF1R antibodies and kinase inhibitors that are in preclinical and clinical development, and to discuss questions that will influence the success of this approach in clinical practice. Methods: This review is drawn from published literature, meeting abstracts and online resources. Results/conclusion: IGF1R blockade is generally well tolerated although it can induce hyperglycaemia. Single-agent activity has been documented in Ewing's sarcoma but not thus far in common solid tumours. Key issues include identification of factors that influence sensitivity to IGF1R blockade, and how most effectively to combine IGF1R inhibitors with other treatments.
Oxidation of cysteine 117 stimulates constitutive activation of the type Iα cGMP-dependent protein kinase

The type I cGMP-dependent protein kinase (PKG I) is an essential regulator of vascular tone. It has been demonstrated that the type Iα isoform can be constitutively activated by oxidizing conditions. However, the amino acid residues implicated in this phenomenon are not fully elucidated. To investigate the molecular basis for this mechanism, we studied the effects of oxidation using recombinant WT, truncated, and mutant constructs of PKG I. Using an in vitro assay, we observed that oxidation with hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) resulted in constitutive, cGMP-independent activation of PKG Iα. PKG Iα C42S and a truncation construct that does not contain Cys-42 (Δ53) were both constitutively activated by H2O2. In contrast, oxidation of PKG Iα C117S maintained its cGMP-dependent activation characteristics, although oxidized PKG Iα C195S did not. To corroborate these results, we also tested the effects of our constructs on the PKG Iα–specific substrate, the large conductance potassium channel (KCa 1.1). Application of WT PKG Iα activated by either cGMP or H2O2 increased the open probabilities of the channel. Neither cGMP nor H2O2 activation of PKG Iα C42S significantly increased channel open probabilities. Moreover, cGMP-stimulated PKG Iα C117S increased KCa 1.1 activity, but this effect was not observed under oxidizing conditions. Finally, we observed that PKG Iα C42S caused channel flickers, indicating dramatically altered KCa 1.1 channel characteristics compared with channels exposed to WT PKG Iα. Cumulatively, these results indicate that constitutive activation of PKG Iα proceeds through oxidation of Cys-117 and further suggest that the formation of a sulfur acid is necessary for this phenotype.
Dietary changes of pregnant women: Compulsions and modifications

Sixty pregnant women attending county‐sponsored, prenatal clinics in Maryland were interviewed about their modifications of customary diets for pregnancy (increases and decreases in usual food intake and avoidances of some foods), appetite compulsions (cravings, aversions and pica) and beliefs regarding causes of appetite compulsions. Nearly all (97 percent) reported modifying their customary diets for pregnancy. Eighty‐five percent reported cravings, aversions or both which were unique to pregnancy. Seven women practiced pica; all were pagophagic. Respondents most frequently attributed cravings to psychological/symbolic causes, and aversions to sensory/physiological causes or to unknown causes. The investigators postulate that appetite compulsions may have evolved from physiological reactions to foods under the stress of pregnancy, which later became manifested in ideas or feelings (connotative meanings) now associated with specific foods.
Characterization of HIV-1 subtypes and viral antiretroviral drug resistance in men who have sex with men in Beijing, China

Objectives:To characterize the HIV subtypes prevalent among men who have sex with men (MSM) in Beijing and to perform baseline genotypic analysis of anti-HIV drug resistance in this population. Design:In 2005, half of new HIV-1 infections occurred through unprotected sex in China. MSM have become the second most vulnerable group to HIV infection. HIV-1-prevalent subtypes among this population as well as their genetic and biological characteristics have not been well defined. Methods:A cohort consisting of 54 HIV-seropositive MSM were recruited with written informed consent. Samples of plasma and whole blood were collected to characterize prevalent HIV-1 subtypes with overlapped polymerase chain reaction followed by sequencing and phylogenic analysis. The genotypes of anti-HIV drug resistance were analysed. Results:Among the amplified gag sequences, HIV-1 subtype B accounted for 71.1% (32/45), followed by CRF01_AE for 24.4% (11/45) and CRF07_BC for 4.4% (2/45). A similar trend was observed among the amplified env sequences. Six antiretroviral therapy (ART)-naive participants (15%) carried drug-resistant mutations, with intermediate to high-level resistance both to drugs used in China including zidovudine, didanosine, nevirapine, stavudine, and lamivudine, and drugs not used in China such as delavirdine, efavirenz, tenofovir, emtricitabine and abacavir. We also have concerns over nelfinavir and atazanavir regarding their future use in China because low-level resistance was also seen against those drugs. Conclusion:The HIV-1 strains prevalent among Beijing MSM include complex subtypes derived from recombination. High rates of HIV drug-resistant mutations in ART-naive patients represent a serious challenge for HIV prevention and treatment programmes in China.
Production of Cytokines During Interaction of Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells with Autologous Ovarian Cancer Cells or Benign Ovarian Tumour Cells

Cytokines produced by tumour and immune cells may play a significant role in a modulation of immune cells response against tumour. We investigated an ability of peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) of patients with early and advanced stages of ovarian cancer and from non‐cancer patients to produce various cytokines in the presence or absence of autologous ovarian cancer (OC) cells or benign ovarian tumour (BOT) cells. Activated PBMC of patients with advanced stage of cancer produced slight amount of interferon γ (IFN‐γ) and what’s more, the production of IFN‐γ was decreased in the presence of OC cells. PBMC of patients with ovarian cancer or benign ovarian tumour generated comparable amounts of interleukin 6 and 10 (IL‐6, IL‐10), and transforming growth factor β1 (TGF‐β1). PBMC of the patients with cancer produced higher amount of tumour necrosis factor α (TNF‐α) than PBMC of non‐cancer patients. We demonstrated here that the reciprocal contact of OC cells from advanced cancer with autologous PBMC altered the direction of produced cytokines and leads to the down‐regulation of IFN‐γ and TNF‐α as well as to up‐regulation of immunosuppressive (IL‐10, TGF‐β1) and pro‐inflammatory (IL‐6) cytokines production.