Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cartilage Intermediate Layer Protein Gene is Associated with Lumbar Disc Degeneration in Male, but Not Female, Collegiate Athletes

Background The authors previously identified a significant association between lumbar disc degeneration (LDDG) and cartilage intermediate layer protein (CILP) single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in collegiate male judokas. Hypothesis A significant association between LDDG and the CILP SNP is observed in Japanese collegiate athletes. Study Design Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods The participants were 601 trained collegiate athletes (male, 403; female, 198) from 7 different sports. Lumbar disc degeneration was evaluated using T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging. Genotyping of the CILP gene (1184T/C) was performed by using DNA sequencing. Results Among the 601 collegiate athletes, the odds ratio (OR) for the occurrence of LDDG with the CILP C allele was 1.4 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.05-1.86). By using logistic regression analysis concomitant with the interaction term and the Wald test, the authors found that weight (OR, 1.04; 95% CI, 1.02-1.06), CILP genotype (CT: OR, 2.0; 95% CI, 1.24-3.15; CC: OR, 2.9; 95% CI, 1.09-7.74), and gender (OR, 2.1; 95% CI, 1.21-3.67) were significant risk factors for LDDG. These analyses also indicated that there was no effect of the CILP genotype on LDDG in female athletes. Conclusion The CILP SNP 1184T/C is a risk factor for male collegiate athletes. Information regarding the CILP gene polymorphism may be important for preventing and managing lumbar disc diseases, especially in male athletes.
Insulin and glucagon secretion in lactating cows during heat exposure.

Heat stress affects endocrine systems in cows. This study investigated changes in insulin and glucagon secretion between thermoneutral (TN; 18 degrees C, relative humidity [RH] 60%) and hot (28 degrees C, RH 60%) environments in lactating cows. Glucose, arginine, and butyrate were administered i.v. to four cows (mean, at 83 d postpartum) in each environment. Blood was collected via a jugular catheter at regular intervals. Heat exposure resulted in a marked increase in respiration rate and rectal temperature. A decrease in milk yield was also observed during heat exposure. Basal insulin concentrations were elevated, and basal glucose concentrations tended to be lower in the hot environment. Peak values of insulin and glucagon following the arginine injection were significantly higher in the hot than in the TN environment. The insulin peak value in response to the butyrate infusion was also higher during the heat exposure. However, insulin and glucagon responses to the glucose load were not affected by heat stress. The increase in plasma glucose concentration following arginine injection was inhibited by the heat exposure. In conclusion, heat stress resulted in a higher insulin secretion in lactating cows. Glucagon secretion in response to the arginine injection was enhanced, but the rise in plasma glucose was inhibited by heat exposure. These changes would be related to a reduction in milk yield during heat stress.
Comments on the role of the cyst in the life cycle and survival of free-living protozoa.

CORLISS, J. O. & ESSER, S. C. 1974. Comments on the role of the cyst in the life cycle and survival of free-living protozoa. Trans. Amer. Micros. Soc. , 93: 578-593. In spite of a rather large number of reports, scattered throughout the older literature, on the existence of cysts (of several kinds) in many species of free-living protozoa, we have discouragingly little information on the precise role of this stage in the organism's life cycle or how it relates specifically to survival of the species. Significant questions such as the part they may have played in the "adaptive strategy" of the organism during its long evolutionary history and their place in the microbiocenoses of which they are now members remain unanswered, not to mention many others, inclulding exact information on the frustratingly elusive nature of the basic factors involved in inducement of both encystment and excystment. Nevertheless, many data of some pertinence have been accumulating over the decades, and these deserve at least brief consideration. The most recent previous review on cysts appeared 20 years ago and was highly limited in its coverage of the subject.
Very Low Profile and Dielectric Loaded Feeder Antenna

In this letter, very low profile planar horn antenna feeders are designed and measured. Using previous results of antennas consisting of a narrow slot on a metallic plane and flanked by two grooves, a further step is given here by reducing the thickness of the prototype. A key factor in the approach is the operation in the transversal slot resonance instead of the usual longitudinal slot resonance. Moreover, by inserting a dielectric material of relative permittivity epsivr > 1, the thickness can be further reduced, maintaining and even improving the radiation features of the prototype. Reducing the metallic plate thickness has important consequences in the weight and profile of the antennas, making them easy to handle and to fit into different structures. In addition, in ranges where the wavelength is of the order of centimeters, a thick metallic plate can be a serious drawback due to mechanical restrictions. In these cases the design following the rules given in this letter can alleviate this constraint.
Angiotensin System Blockade Combined With Calcium Channel Blockers Is Superior to Other Combinations in Cardiovascular Protection With Similar Blood Pressure Reduction: A Meta‐Analysis in 20,451 Hypertensive Patients

The authors aimed to investigate the superiority of angiotensin system blockade (angiotensin‐converting enzyme [ACE] inhibitor/angiotensin receptor blocker [ARB]) plus a calcium channel blocker (CCB) (A+C) over other combination therapies in antihypertensive treatment. A meta‐analysis in 20,451 hypertensive patients from eight randomized controlled trials was conducted to compare the A+C treatment with other combination therapies in terms of blood pressure (BP) reduction, clinical outcomes, and adverse events. The results showed that BP reduction did not differ significantly among the A+C therapy and other combination therapies in systolic and diastolic BP (P=.87 and P=.56, respectively). However, A+C therapy, compared with other combination therapies, achieved a significantly lower incidence of cardiovascular composite endpoints, including cardiovascular mortality, nonfatal myocardial infarction, and nonfatal stroke (risk ratio [RR], 0.80; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.70–0.91; P<.001), but similar all‐cause mortality (RR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.77–1.04; P=.15) and stroke rates (RR, 0.90; 95% CI, 0.77–1.04; P=.09). Moreover, A+C therapy yielded a 4.21 mL/min/1.73 m2 lower estimated glomerular filtration rate reduction than other combinations (P<.001). Finally, A+C therapy showed a similar incidence of adverse events as other combination therapies (P=.34) but presented a significantly lower incidence of serious adverse events (RR, 0.85; 95% CI, 0.73–0.98; P=.03). In conclusion, A+C therapy is superior to other combinations of antihypertensive treatment as it shows a lower incidence of cardiovascular events and adverse events, while it has similar effects in lowering BP and preserving renal function.
[Bacterial vaginosis: efficacy of a local treatment with a gel containing a fraction derived from propinibacterium acnes].

BACKGROUND Bacterial vaginosis (BV) is favored by a decreased activity of vaginal immune system. The fraction derived from Propionibacterium acnes is known to activate the immune system and is used parenterally to treat respiratory and urinary infections. The employ of a fraction derived from Propionibacterium acnes locally, in the context of the vaginal immune system, is made possible by a vaginal gel in which this fraction is associated with hyaluronic acid, well-known for its moisturizing activity, and polycarbophil, capable of miming the function of cervical mucus. The aim of the study was to evaluate whether this preparation is efficacy in the treatment of vulvovaginal symptoms associated to BV. METHODS After the diagnosis of BV and the evaluation of a Visual Analogic Score >6 for vulvovaginal itch and burning, 33 women participated in this study on a voluntary basis. They were treated with a vaginal gel (Immunovag®, Depofarma, Italy) for 5 days, with one vulvovaginal application a day. RESULTS The day following the last application, the subjects reported a significant reduction of vulvovaginal symptoms and a significant reduction of vulvovaginal erythema and leucorrhea. In the vaginal swab performed before the treatment, anaerobic microorganisms were positive in 82% and negative in 18% of cases; when tested the day following the end of treatment, it was positive in 25% and negative in 75% of subjects. Symptom reduction rates did not differ between the groups with positive or negative vaginal swab. The results obtained in the subjects treated with Immunovag® were similar to those obtained in a group of women with BV treated with clindamycin cream (one daily vulvovaginal application of 100 mg, for 5 days). CONCLUSIONS The activation of the vaginal immune system induced by Immunovag® can antagonize the symptoms of BV and counteract the growth of vaginal anaerobic microorganisms.
Acetazolamide for the Management of Chronic Metabolic Alkalosis in Neonates and Infants

In this study, we evaluated the efficacy and safety of acetazolamide in the management of chronic metabolic alkalosis in neonates and infants with chronic respiratory insufficiency. A retrospective chart review of 90 patients treated with acetazolamide between 2006 and 2007 admitted to the neonatal intensive care unit was performed. Blood gases and electrolytes obtained at baseline and by 24 hours after acetazolamide administration were compared. Compared with baseline and after 24 hours of acetazolamide, mean measured serum bicarbonate (29.5 ± 3.7 vs. 26.9 ± 3.8 mEq/L, P < 0.001) and base excess (10.0 ± 3.4 vs. 4.8 ± 4.0 mEq/L, P < 0.001) were significantly lower. No significant differences in other electrolytes, blood urea nitrogen, and urine output were noted, except for an increased serum chloride and creatinine. Uncompensated respiratory acidosis developed in 4 (3.1%) treatment courses. Acetazolamide may be effective in decreasing serum bicarbonate in carefully selected patients. Its use and safety as an adjunctive therapy for chronic metabolic alkalosis in neonates and infants with chronic respiratory insufficiency needs further study.
Changes in cellular motility and cytoskeletal actin in fibroblasts from patients with chronic venous insufficiency and in neonatal fibroblasts in the presence of chronic wound fluid.

PURPOSE Fibroblasts (fb) play an important role in wound healing involving motility, contraction, fibrosis, and expression of the cytoskeletal protein alpha-smooth muscle actin (alpha-sma). Patients with chronic venous insufficiency (CVI) are known to have dermal changes and impaired venous ulcer healing. To investigate whether these dermal-fb have an altered ability to migrate and whether chronic wound fluid from venous ulcers alters neonatal fb motility, we examined cell migration and alpha-sma. METHODS Fibroblasts were cultured from the margin of venous ulcers (du-fb, n = 4, CEAP 6), from patients with venous reflux without ulcer (dr-fb, n = 5, CEAP 2), and from the ipsilateral thigh of the same patients with (pu-fb) and without (pr-fb) ulcer, respectively. The abbreviations used are p and d, which represent proximal and distal, respectively; u and r represent ulcer and reflux, respectively. Neonatal foreskin fibroblasts (nf-fb) were exposed to chronic venous ulcer wound fluid (CVUWF, 300 microg protein/mL, n = 3) or bovine serum albumin (BSA, control). Fibroblast motility was determined by means of time-lapse photo-images, and the rate (micrometer per hour) was calculated. Immunohistochemistry for alpha-sma was analyzed with confocal laser microscopy. RESULTS The rate of motility (micrometer per hour +/- SEM) was decreased for both du-fb (11.4 +/- 0.7) and dr-fb (13.8 +/- 0.6), when compared with pu-fb (21.9 +/- 0.9) and pr-fb (24.7 +/- 1.1), respectively. The motility rate for nf-fb was lower in CVUWF (24.7 +/- 2.0) than in BSA (37.1 +/- 6.7). An elevated level of microfilament bundles of alpha-sma for both du-fb and dr-fb, compared with those of pu-fb and pr-fb, and also in nf-fb treated with CVUWF was demonstrated by means of immunohistochemistry. CONCLUSION These data demonstrate a reduced motility in the dermal fb of patients with CVI. Patients with reflux disease without ulcer are predisposed to these changes. Furthermore, it appears that CVUWF causes changes in motility and alpha-sma expression in nf-fb as demonstrated in du-fb. These findings suggest that reduced motility and CVUWF, representing the microenvironment of venous ulcers, play a significant role in impaired wound healing.
Activation of GATA-4 by Serotonin in Pulmonary Artery Smooth Muscle Cells*

Serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT)) is a mitogen of pulmonary artery smooth muscle cells (PASMC) and plays an important role in the development of pulmonary hypertension. Signal transduction initiated by 5-HT involves serotonin transporter-dependent generation of reactive oxygen species and activation of the MEK-ERK pathway. However, the downstream transcriptional regulatory components have not been identified. In systemic smooth muscle cells, GATA-6 has been shown to regulate mitogenesis by driving cells into a quiescent state, and the down-regulation of GATA-6 induces mitogenesis. Thus, the present study tested the hypothesis that 5-HT induces mitogenesis of PASMC by down-regulating GATA-6. Quiescent bovine PASMC were treated with 5-HT, and the binding activity of nuclear extracts toward GATA DNA sequence was monitored. Surprisingly, PASMC express GATA-4, and 5-HT up-regulates the GATA DNA binding activity. Pretreatment of cells with inhibitors of serotonin transporter, reactive oxygen species, and MEK blocks GATA-4 activation by 5-HT. GATA-4 is not activated when the ERK phosphorylation site is mutated, indicating that 5-HT phosphorylates GATA-4 via the MEK/ERK pathway. GATA up-regulation is also induced by other mitogens of PASMC such as endothelin-1 and platelet-derived growth factor. Dominant negative mutants of GATA-4 suppress cyclin D2 expression and cell growth, indicating that GATA-4 activation regulates PASMC proliferation. Thus, GATA-4 mediates 5-HT-induced growth of PASMC and may be an important therapeutic target for the prevention of pulmonary hypertension.
UNITARY TRANSFORMATIONS AND THE ACTION PRINCIPLE.

(1960); and 46, 570 (1960). 2 The group can be obtained directly as the limit of the finite order group associated with each v. That group, of order 0, is generated by U, V, and the vth root of unity given by VUV-'U-1. Some aspects of the latter group are worthy of note. There are 2 + v - 1 classes, the commutator subgroup is of order vi, and the order of the corresponding quotient group, 02, is the number of inequivalent one-dimensional representations. The remaining v' - 1 matrix representations must be of dimensionality v, v3 = V2 + (V - 1 )v2, and differ only in the choice of the generating vth root of unity. That choice is already made in the statement of operator properties for U and V and there can be only one irreducible matrix representation of these operators, to within the freedom of unitary transformation. 3 In earlier work of the author, for example Phys. Rev., 91, 713 (1953), the quantum action principle has been postulated rather than derived.
The Occasional Role of Low-risk Human Papillomaviruses 6, 11, 42, 44, and 70 in Anogenital Carcinoma Defined by Laser Capture Microdissection/PCR Methodology: Results From a Global Study

Low-risk human papillomaviruses (LR-HPVs) have been associated occasionally with clinically and pathologically unusual anogenital malignancies. The relation between clinicopathologic features and any pathogenetic role of LR-HPV remains unclear. From a global study of 13,328 anogenital carcinomas, we identified 57 cases in which whole-tissue polymerase chain reaction using SPF10-LiPA25 showed single LR-HPV infection. In 43/46 (93.5%) available carcinomas, multiple polymerase chain reaction assays confirmed single detection of HPV6, 11, 42, 44, or 70 DNA. In 75% (n=32) of these, LR-HPV DNA was confirmed in tumor cells by laser capture microdissection. In 2 cases, including 1 adenocarcinoma, viral DNA was only found outside the tumor. All anogenital tumors with confirmed HPV6/11 showed a distinctive range of papillary, warty or warty-basaloid, squamous, or transitional histology with patchy or negative p16INK4a expression. HPV6-associated cervical tumors occurred at a low median age. HPV42/70 was associated with typical squamous cell carcinoma showing diffuse p16INK4a staining like high-risk HPV–related malignancies. HPV44 was found in malignant cells in 1 case. Viral taxonomy and theoretical analysis show that HPV6/11 belong to a different genus from HPV42/70 with E6/E7 gene products that would not bind pRb or p53, whereas HPV42/70 could bind pRb. Our data support the causal involvement of LR-HPVs in the carcinogenesis of <2% of anogenital malignancies of 2 distinct clinicopathologic patterns related to the genetic structure of the HPV types 6/11 and 70/42. HPV42/70 was associated with typical squamous carcinomas. Importantly all carcinomas associated with HPV6/11 globally showed verruco-papillary, well-differentiated, squamous, or transitional histology without p16INK4a expression.
Competency to consent to medical treatment in cognitively impaired patients with Parkinson’s disease

Objectives: To investigate capacity to consent to medical treatment (competency) in cognitively impaired patients with PD. Background: Although competency has been studied empirically in patients with cortical dementia (AD), no empirical studies have examined competency in patients with PD or other subcortical neurodegenerative disorders. Methods: Patients with PD with cognitive impairment (n = 20) and older controls (n = 20) were compared using a standardized competency measure (Capacity to Consent to Treatment Instrument [CCTI]) and neuropsychological test measures. The CCTI tests competency performance and assigns outcomes (capable, marginally capable, incapable) under four different legal standards (LS). Results: Patients with PD performed below controls on the four LS: capacity to evidence a treatment choice (LS1) (p < 0.03), capacity to appreciate consequences of a treatment choice (LS3) (p < 0.03), capacity to provide rational reasons for a treatment choice (LS4) (p < 0.0001), and capacity to understand the treatment situation and choices (LS5) (p < 0.0001). With respect to competency outcomes, patients with PD demonstrated increasing compromise (marginally capable or incapable outcomes) across the four standards: LS1 (25%), LS3 (45%), LS4 (55%), and LS5 (80%). In the PD group, simple measures of executive function (the Executive Interview) and to a lesser extent memory/orientation (Dementia Rating Scale, Memory subscale) were key predictors of competency performance and outcome on the LS. Conclusions: Cognitively impaired patients with PD are likely to have impaired consent capacity, and are at risk of losing competency over the course of their neurodegenerative illness. Patients with PD have parti-cular difficulty meeting more stringent, clinically relevant competency standards that tap reasoning skills and comprehension of treatment information. Executive dysfunction appears to be a primary neurocognitive mechanism for competency loss in PD.
Subunit Interactions in the Clathrin-coated Vesicle Vacuolar (H+)-ATPase Complex*

The vacuolar (H+)-ATPases (or V-ATPases) are structurally related to the F1F0ATP synthases of mitochondria, chloroplasts and bacteria, being composed of a peripheral (V1) and an integral (V0) domain. To further investigate the arrangement of subunits in the V-ATPase complex, covalent cross-linking has been carried out on the V-ATPase from clathrin-coated vesicles using three different cross-linking reagents. Cross-linked products were identified by molecular weight and by Western blot analysis using polyclonal antibodies raised against individual V-ATPase subunits. In the intact V1V0 complex, evidence for cross-linking of subunits C and E, D and F, as well as E and G by disuccinimidyl glutarate was obtained, while in the free V1 domain, cross-linking of subunits H and E was also observed. Subunits C and E as well as D and E could be cross-linked by 1-ethyl-3-(dimethylaminopropyl)carbodiimide, while subunits a and E could be cross-linked by 4-(N-maleimido)benzophenone. It was further demonstrated that it is possible to treat the V-ATPase with potassium iodide and MgATP in such a way that while subunits A, B, and H are nearly quantitatively removed, significant amounts of subunits C, D, E, and F remain attached to the membrane, suggesting that one or more of these latter subunits are in contact with the V0domain. In addition, treatment of the V-ATPase with cystine, which modifies Cys-254 of the catalytic A subunit, results in dissociation of subunit H, suggesting communication between the catalytic nucleotide binding site and subunit H. Finally, the stoichiometry of subunits F, G, and H were determined by quantitative amino acid analysis. Based on these and previous observations, a new structural model of the V-ATPase from clathrin-coated vesicles is proposed.
Modic Changes in Endplates of Lumbar Vertebral Bodies: Prevalence and Association With Low Back and Sciatic Pain Among Middle-Aged Male Workers

Study Design. Cross-sectional comparison of self-reported low back pain (LBP) symptoms and Modic findings on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Objectives. To investigate associations of frequency and intensity of LBP and sciatic pain with Modic changes in a sample of middle-aged male workers with or without whole-body vibration exposure. Summary of Background Data. Vertebral endplate changes are bone marrow lesions visible on MRI and are assumed to be associated with degenerative intervertebral disc disease. Associations of these so-called Modic changes with clinical symptoms are controversial. Furthermore, most of these studies have been performed in selected series of patients. Methods. A total of 228 middle-aged male workers (159 train engineers and 69 sedentary controls) from northern Finland underwent sagittal T1 and T2-weighted MRI. Both endplates of 1140 lumbar interspaces were graded for type and extent of Modic changes. Logistic regression was used to analyze associations of pain variables with Modic changes. Results. Train engineers had on the average higher sciatic pain scores than the sedentary controls, but the prevalence of Modic changes was similar in both occupational groups. Altogether, 178 Modic changes in 128 subjects were recorded: 30% were type I, 66% type II, and 4% both types I and II. Eighty percent of changes occurred at L4–L5 or L5–S1. Modic changes at L5–S1 showed significant association with pain symptoms with increased frequency of LBP (odds ratio [OR] 2.28; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.44–3.15) and sciatica episodes (OR 1.44; 95% CI 1.01–1.89), and with higher LBP visual analog scores during the past week (OR 1.36; 95% CI 1.06–1.70). Type I lesions and extensive lesions in particular were closely associated with pain. Conclusions. Modic changes at L5–S1 and Modic type I lesions are more likely to be associated with pain symptoms than other types of Modic changes or changes located at other lumbar levels.