Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sequence Analysis and Expression of the Attachment and Fusion Proteins of Canine Distemper Virus Wild-Type Strain A75/17

ABSTRACT The biological properties of wild-type A75/17 and cell culture-adapted Onderstepoort canine distemper virus differ markedly. To learn more about the molecular basis for these differences, we have isolated and sequenced the protein-coding regions of the attachment and fusion proteins of wild-type canine distemper virus strain A75/17. In the attachment protein, a total of 57 amino acid differences were observed between the Onderstepoort strain and strain A75/17, and these were distributed evenly over the entire protein. Interestingly, the attachment protein of strain A75/17 contained an extension of three amino acids at the C terminus. Expression studies showed that the attachment protein of strain A75/17 had a higher apparent molecular mass than the attachment protein of the Onderstepoort strain, in both the presence and absence of tunicamycin. In the fusion protein, 60 amino acid differences were observed between the two strains, of which 44 were clustered in the much smaller F2 portion of the molecule. Significantly, the AUG that has been proposed as a translation initiation codon in the Onderstepoort strain is an AUA codon in strain A75/17. Detailed mutation analyses showed that both the first and second AUGs of strain A75/17 are the major translation initiation sites of the fusion protein. Similar analyses demonstrated that, also in the Onderstepoort strain, the first two AUGs are the translation initiation codons which contribute most to the generation of precursor molecules yielding the mature form of the fusion protein.
A bronchoscopic scoring system for airway secretions—airway cellularity and microbiological validation

There is currently no validated scoring system for quantification of airway secretions in children. A user friendly, valid scoring system of airway secretions during flexible bronchoscopy (FB) would be useful for comparative purposes in clinical medicine and research. The objective of this study was to validate our bronchoscopic secretion (BS) scoring system by examining the relationship between the amount of secretions seen at bronchoscopy with airway cellularity and microbiology. In 106 children undergoing FB, the relationship of BS grades with bronchocalveolar lavage (BAL) cellularity and infective state (bacterial and viral infections) were examined using receptor operator curves (ROC). BAL was obtained according to European Respiratory Society guidelines; first lavage for microbiology and second lavage for cellularity. Area under the ROC was significant for total cell count (TCC) and neutrophil % but not for lymphocyte %. BS grade significantly related to infection positive state (χ trend2 = 5.85, P = 0.016). The area under the ROC for infection positive state versus BS grade was 0.645, 95% CI 0.527–0.763. The BS scoring system is a valid method for quantifying airway secretions in children undergoing bronchoscopy. The system related well to airway cellularity and neutrophilia, as well as to an airway infective state. However, the system is only complementary to cell counts and cultures and cannot replace these laboratory quantification techniques. Pediatr Pulmonol. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Amino Acid Utilization in Seeds of Loblolly Pine during Germination and Early Seedling Growth (I. Arginine and Arginase Activity)

The mobilization and utilization of the major storage proteins in loblolly pine (Pinus taeda L.) seeds following imbibition were investigated. Most of the seed protein reserves were contained within the megagametophyte. Breakdown of these proteins occurred primarily following radicle emergence and correlated with a substantial increase in the free amino acid pool in the seedling; the majority of this increase appeared to be the result of export from the megagametophyte. The megagametophyte was able to break down storage proteins and export free amino acids in the absence of the seedling. Arginine (Arg) was the most abundant amino acid among the principal storage proteins of the megagametophyte and was a major component of the free amino acid pools in both the seedling and the megagametophyte. The increase in free Arg coincided with a marked increase in arginase activity, mainly localized within the cotyledons and epicotyl of the seedling. Arginase activity was negligible in isolated seedlings. Experiments with phenylphosphorodiamidate, a urease inhibitor, supported the hypothesis that arginase participates in Arg metabolism in the seedling. The results of this study indicate that Arg could play an important role in the nutrition of loblolly pine during early seedling growth.
The kinetics of voltage-gated ion channels

When Hodgkin & Huxley (1952) first embarked on the analysis of their voltageclamp data on the ionic currents in the squid giant axon, they hoped to be able to deduce a mechanism from it, but it soon became clear that the electrical data would by themselves yield only very general information about the class of system likely to be involved.
Engagements , intentions et jeux de dialogue

This article aims to present the agent reasoning paradigm which is usually implicit beyond the new social approaches for agent communication. In order to propose a pragmatic of agent communication with those approaches, we provide a link between public/social aspects and private cognitions (resulting in intentions). Finally we indicate how those links could be use to automatize DIAGAL’s dialogue games use.
Freeze-Dried Sperm Fertilization Leads to Full-Term Development in Rabbits1

Abstract To date, the laboratory mouse is the only mammal in which freeze-dried spermatozoa have been shown to support full-term development after microinjection into oocytes. Because spermatozoa in mice, unlike in most other mammals, do not contribute centrosomes to zygotes, it is still unknown whether freeze-dried spermatozoa in other mammals are fertile. Rabbit sperm was selected as a model because of its similarity to human sperm (considering the centrosome inheritance pattern). Freeze- drying induces rabbit spermatozoa to undergo dramatic changes, such as immobilization, membrane breaking, and tail fragmentation. Even when considered to be “dead” in the conventional sense, rabbit spermatozoa freeze-dried and stored at ambient temperature for more than 2 yr still have capability comparable to that of fresh spermatozoa to support preimplantation development after injection into oocytes followed by activation. A rabbit kit derived from a freeze-dried spermatozoon was born after transferring 230 sperm-injected oocytes into eight recipients. The results suggest that freeze-drying could be applied to preserve the spermatozoa from most other species, including human. The present study also raises the question of whether rabbit sperm centrosomes survive freeze-drying or are not essential for embryonic development.
Metabolic alterations produced by cigarette smoke in rat lung and liver, and their modulation by oral N-acetylcysteine.

Male Sprague-Dawley rats were exposed whole-body to the mainstream smoke produced by a commercial filter cigarette for 8 consecutive days, accounting for a cumulative exposure to the smoke of 75 cigarettes. Liver and lung S12 fractions were used in the Salmonella mutagenicity test in order to assess either the decrease of potency of a direct-acting mutagen (sodium dichromate) or the metabolic activation of promutagens, including cigarette smoke itself and its condensate, benzo[a]pyrene and its 7,8-diol, the aromatic amine 2-aminofluorene, and the heterocyclic amine 3-amino-1-methyl-5H-pyrido(4,3)indole. Moreover, individual biochemical parameters were measured in the liver and lung of the same rats and, in the case of cytochrome P-450-dependent monooxygenases, also in the heart of untreated or Aroclor-treated rats. The monitored biochemical parameters included aryl hydrocarbon (benzo[a]pyrene) hydroxylase and ethoxyresorufin deethylase in microsomal fractions, epoxide (benzo[a]pyrene-4,5-oxide) hydrolase in both microsomal and cytosolic fractions, glutathione (GSH) and GSH S-transferase in the cytosol. Exposure to cigarette smoke resulted in a number of significant metabolic changes, as compared to sham-exposed rats. The most pronounced alterations consisted in a 2.6-fold induction of aryl hydrocarbon hydroxylase in the lung and 8-fold induction of ethoxyresorufin deethylase in the liver, and in a marked stimulation of the liver metabolic activation of all promutagens. The last effect was inhibited by the oral administration of the chemopreventive agent N-acetylcysteine. On the whole, there was a poor correlation between the monitored biochemical and mutagenicity endpoints. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Histological examination of the thyroid after experimental administration of Metizol.

The investigations were carried out on thyroids of white Wistar rats which were given Metizol for 3 days, 3 and 6 weeks at the dose of 1 mg/kg of b.m. for 24 hrs. The samples were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and by the PAS method. The following changes were observed: 1. Three-day administration of Metizol resulted in the decrease in the quantity of colloid; the secretory epithelium became uniform--i.e. cubic; the quantity of the interfollicular tissue increased. 2. Three-week administration of Metizol resulted in appearing of colloid stained differently than in the control group; secretory epithelium cells were of different height (cubic and cylindrical), a considerate congestion of the gland was visible, the quantity of the interfollicular tissue increased. 3. After 6 weeks of Metizol administration the morphological picture of the thyroid became similar to that of the control group.
Income Distribution and Demand-Induced Innovations

We introduce non-homothetic preferences into an innovation-based growth model and study how income and wealth inequality affect economic growth. We identify a (positive) price effect-where increasing inequality allows innovators to charge higher prices and (negative) market-size effects-with higher inequality implying smaller markets for new goods and/or a slower transition of new goods into mass markets. It turns out that price effects dominate market-size effects. We also show that a redistribution from the poor to the rich may be Pareto improving for low levels of inequality. Copyright 2006, Wiley-Blackwell.
Polymorphism of transient axonal glycoprotein‐1 in chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy

Chronic inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy (CIDP) is characterized by immune‐mediated peripheral demyelination. Although corticosteroid, intravenous immunoglobulin (IVIg), and plasma exchange have been established as the most effective therapeutics, sub‐populations of patients show little or no response to either of these therapies. We identified the clinical, electrophysiological, and genetic features related to IVIg responsiveness in CIDP by conducting a multi‐center study. Muscle atrophy and decreased compound muscle action potential (CMAP) were pronounced in IVIg non‐responders, that is, features suggesting axonal dysfunction in peripheral nerves indicated IVIg unresponsiveness in CIDP. We then performed an association analysis using single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and haplotype studies between the IVIg responders and non‐responders. We assessed SNPs of candidate genes that are particularly related to the function of Ranvier's node, paranode, or juxtaparanode. Two separate SNPs, corresponding to transient axonal glycoprotein‐1 (TAG‐1) and C‐type lectin domain family 10, member A (CLEC10A), showed significant differences between responders and non‐responders. Haplotype analysis of a series of expanded SNPs, from TAG‐1 or CLEC10A, showed that only TAG‐1 included a significant haplotype within one linkage disequilibrium block that accommodates IVIg responsiveness. Diplotype analysis of TAG‐1 also supported this observation. In conclusion, SNPs in TAG‐1, which is a key molecule for axon–Schwann cell interactions and is distributed at the juxtaparanode, are related to the IVIg responsiveness of CIDP patients.
Prostate Cancer Postprostatectomy Incontinence : All About Diagnosis and Management

Context: The ever-increasing number of radical prostatectomies entails an increasing number of patients suffering from postprostatectomy stress incontinence despite improved surgical techniques. We provide an overview of the current diagnosis and treatment of postprostatectomy stress incontinence. Objective: To review previous and recent literature on this subject and to assess the current standards of diagnosis and management of postprostatectomy incontinence. Evidence acquisition: The PubMed database was searched, and all articles published since 2000 were evaluated. Evidence synthesis: This review presents the current recommended diagnostic tools and available noninvasive and invasive treatment options. Conclusions: The European Association of Urology (EAU) recommends a two-stage assessment for diagnosis of postprostatectomy incontinence. Noninvasive therapy, pelvic floor-muscle training and biofeedback, is recommended in early postoperative and mild incontinence. Pharmacological treatment with duloxetine is especially effective in combination with physiotherapy, where it synergistically improves the continence rate. For surgical treatment, the insertion of an artificial urinary sphincter, AS-800, is still the gold standard. In recent years, several minimal invasive treatment options have been introduced with different rates of success, but they have not yet surpassed the results of the artificial sphincter. # 2008 European Association of Urology. Published by Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Regulation and inhibition of phospholipase A2.

In recent years, there has been great interest in the study of phospholipid metabolism in intact cell systems. Such an interest arises mainly from the discovery that cellular membrane phospholipids serve not only in structural roles, but are also reservoirs of preformed second messenger molecules with key roles in cellular signaling. These second messenger molecules are generated by agonist-induced activation and secretion of intracellular and extracellular phospholipases, respectively, i.e. enzymes that cleave ester bonds within phospholipids. Prominent members of the large collection of signal-activated phospholipases are the phospholipase A2s. These enzymes hydrolyze the sn-2 ester bond of phospholipids, releasing a free fatty acid and a lysophospholipid, both of which may alter cell function. In addition to its role in cellular signaling, phospholipase A2 has recently been recognized to be involved in a wide number of pathophysiological situations, ranging from systemic and acute inflammatory conditions to cancer. A growing number of pharmacologic inhibitors will help define the role of particular phospholipase A2s in signaling cascades.
Breast Cancer Risk Assessed by Anthropometry in the NHANES I EpidemiolÃ 3 gica ! Follow-up Study

We examined the relation of anthropomÃ©trievariables and breast cancer risk in the EpidemiolÃ3gica! Follow-up Study of the first National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, a cohort study based on a sample of the United States population. A total of 7149 women, 25 to 74 years of age, who were examined during the period 1971 through 1975 were included in the analysis. Stature, sitting height, elbow width, weight, and subscapular and triceps skinfold measurements were collected during the baseline interview and examination. Breast cancer cases (N = 121) were identified through hospital records or death certificates. The median follow-up period for this cohort was 10 years. Women who developed breast cancer were taller and had greater frame size (elbow width) than women who remained free of breast cancer during the follow-up period. After controlling for the effect of potential confounders, the relative risk of breast cancer was 1.9 (95% confidence interval, 1.1 to 3.1) and 2.2 (95% confidence interval, 1.3 to 3.8) among women in the fourth quartiles of stature and elbow width, respectively. Body size defined by weight, relative weight, or skinfold measurements was not associated with in creased risk of breast cancer. The positive association of stature and frame size to risk of breast cancer suggests a potential role of early nutrition in cancer etiology.
The effects of the chloride:sodium ratio on acid-base statusand mortality in septic patients.

BACKGROUND/AIM Calculation of the chloride:sodium (Cl-:Na+) ratio is proposed to enable a quick evaluation of the effect of Cl- and Na+ on the acid-base balance in critically ill patients. In the present study, the relationship of the Cl-:Na+ ratio of septic patients with acid-base status and ICU mortality were investigated. MATERIALS AND METHODS In our two-center study, 434 patients who were diagnosed with sepsis were included. The patients were divided into three groups: low (<0.75), normal (≥0.75, <0.80), and high (≥0.80) Cl-:Na+ ratio groups. Patients' demographic data, blood gas values, length of ICU stay, and ICU mortality were recorded. RESULTS In the low and high groups, ICU mortality was significantly higher than in the normal group (29.3%, 37.1%) (P = 0.005). There was a negative correlation between the Cl:Na+ ratio and each of HCO3-, standard base excess, and PaCO2 (r2 = 0.21, r2 = 0.19, and r2 = 0.17) (P < 0.001 for each). In the multivariate analysis, the ICU mortality was increased 2.6-fold (1.2-5.8) by low Cl-:Na+ ratio (P = 0.019). CONCLUSION The Cl-:Na+ ratio is a useful parameter for showing the relationship between Cl- and Na+ and their impact on acid-base status. Low Cl-:Na+ ratio at ICU admission can be used as a prognostic indicator for increased ICU mortality in septic patients.
‘Late CVS’ international registry compilation of data from 24 centres

Data on 2058 late CVS cases, i.e., placental biopsies after 12 completed weeks of pregnancy, were collected from 24 centres. Two major groups of indications with or without ultrasound findings suspicious of fetal chromosomal abnormalities can be differentiated. In the first group, the rates of cytogenetic anomalies (21 per cent) and fetal losses (10 per cent) are high. The respective figures for the low‐risk group are 6 per cent for chromosome anomalies and 2 per cent for total fetal losses. To evaluate this rapidly spreading new method further, more data are required and will be collected by the CVS registry based in Philadelphia, U.S.A.
Adherence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Candida albicans to glycosphingolipid (Asialo-GM1) receptors is achieved by a conserved receptor-binding domain present on their adhesins

Pseudomonas aeruginosa, a gram-negative bacterium, and Candida albicans, a dimorphic yeast, are evolutionarily distant microorganisms which can utilize filamentous structures termed pili and fimbriae, respectively, to mediate adherence to glycosphingolipids (asialoganglioside-GM1) receptors. The mechanism of adherence to glycosphingolipid receptors was investigated in these studies. By using monoclonal antibodies (MAbs) against purified pili of P. aeruginosa PAK (PK99H) and monospecific anti-peptide antibodies against the PAK pilin peptides [anti-PAK(128-144) and anti-PAK(134-140)], we demonstrated that these antibodies agglutinated C. albicans whole cells and cross-reacted with C. albicans fimbriae in immunoblots. A control MAb, PKL1, and anti-PAK(75-84) peptide antibodies failed to agglutinate C. albicans whole cells or cross-react with the fimbrial proteins. Conversely, the anti-C. albicans fimbrial MAb Fm16, but not Fm34, agglutinated P. aeruginosa PAK whole cells and Western blots (immunoblots). The interactions between PK99H and Fm16 and their respective homologous antigens were competitively inhibited by heterologous antigens; this demonstrated that the interactions between the antibodies and the heterologous antigens, i.e., PK99H with C. albicans fimbriae and Fm16 with P. aeruginosa pili, were highly specific and suggested that both adhesins share a common antigenic determinant. The immunological cross-reactivity between Fm16 and P. aeruginosa PAK pilin is localized onto the PAK(134-140) region as shown by a competitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. The PAK(134-140) region of PAK pilin contains the epitope recognized by PK99H and also constitutes part of the receptor-binding domain of the pilus adhesin. Thus, the results from these studies suggest that common cell surface receptors are recognized by the P. aeruginosa and C. albicans adhesins because of a conserved receptor-binding domain on the adhesins.
Diversidad de aves en bosques de pino-encino del centro de Guerrero, México

RESUMEN Se estimo la riqueza y abundancia de aves en tres sitios con bosque de pino-encino condiferentes condiciones de desarrollo (bosque maduro, bosque en regeneracion y bosque con cafetal)en el centro del estado de Guerrero, Mexico. Entre los tres sitios se registro un total de 117 especiesy 1,276 individuos; sin embargo, analisis de curvas de acumulacion muestran que es posible registrarmas especies para complementar el listado. Se obtuvieron diferencias significativas en la diversidadde especies entre los tres sitios, la mayor diversidad se presento en el bosque en regeneracion, seguidodel bosque maduro y por ultimo el bosque con cafetal. La mayor similitud de especies se registroentre el bosque maduro y el bosque en regeneracion. No existen diferencias significativas entre losgremios alimentarios de los tres sitios. El estrato medio del bosque fue el mas utilizado por las avesen los tres sitios, existiendo diferencias significativas en el uso de los estratos de la vegetacion porlas aves del bosque en regeneracion en comparacion con el bosque maduro, asi como con el bosquecon cafetal.