Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Differential regulation of interleukin‐12 and tumour necrosis factor‐α by phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase and ERK 1/2 pathways during Mycobacterium tuberculosis infection

Interleukin (IL)‐12 and tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α are both thought to be critical factors in the defence against mycobacteria but are known to play different roles. In this study, we investigated the regulatory pathways for IL‐12 and TNF‐α expression in human monocyte‐derived macrophages (MDMs) after treatment with Mycobacterium tuberculosis H37Rv or the Triton X‐100 solubilized proteins (TSP) purified from M. tuberculosis. We found a rapid phosphorylation of Akt and extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK), albeit with differential activation kinetics, in human MDMs treated with M. tuberculosis or TSP. Studies using inhibitors selective for phosphatidylinositol 3‐kinase (PI 3‐K) and ERK 1/2 show that both pathway plays an essential role in the induction of TNF‐α at both the transcriptional and translational levels in human MDMs. In contrast, blockade of the PI 3‐K/Akt or ERK 1/2 pathways significantly increased M. tuberculosis‐ or TSP‐induced IL‐12 p40 and p35 mRNA and bioactive p70 protein. The enhancement of IL‐12 levels by inhibition of PI 3‐K and ERK 1/2 was not reversed by neutralization of TNF‐α or addition of rhTNF‐α, suggesting that the negative regulation of IL‐12 is not mediated by concomitant TNF‐α suppression. Further, PI 3‐K activity is required for the M. tuberculosis‐ or TSP‐induced phosphorylation of ERK 1/2 activation. TSP from M. tuberculosis shows a similar dependency on the PI 3‐K and ERK 1/2 pathways to those by M. tuberculosis. Collectively, these data suggest that the Th1‐driving cytokine IL‐12 and proinflammatory cytokine TNF‐α are differentially regulated by PI 3‐K and ERK 1/2 pathways in human MDMs during mycobacterial infection. These results may provide therapeutic targets for precise and specific fine‐tuning of cytokine responses.
Predictor Variables for A 100-km Race Time in Male Ultra-Marathoners

In 169 male 100-km ultra-marathoners, the variables of anthropometry, training, and prerace experience, in order to predict race time, were investigated. In the bivariate analysis, age (r = .24), body mass (r = .20), Body Mass Index (r = .29), circumference of upper arm (r = .26), percent body fat (r = .45), mean weekly running hours (r = –.21), mean weekly running kilometers (r = –.43), mean speed in training (r = –.56), personal best time in a marathon (r = .65), the number of finished 100-km ultra-runs (r = .24), and the personal best time in a 100-km ultra-run (r = .72) were associated with race time. Stepwise multiple regression showed that training speed (p < .0001), mean weekly running kilometers (p < .0001), and age (p < .0001) were the best correlations for a 100-km race time. Performance may be predicted (n = 169, r2 = .43) by the following equation: 100-km race time (min) = 1, 085.60 – 36.26 × (training speed, km/hr.) −1.43 × (training volume, km/wk.) + 2.50 × (age, yr.). Overall, intensity of training might be more important for a successful outcome in a 100-km race than anthropometric attributes. Motivation to train intensely for such an ultra-endurance run should be explored as this might be the key for a successful finish.
Impairment and recovery of left motor function in patients with right hemiplegia.

OBJECTIVE: To assess the motor function of the left, supposedly unaffected, limbs of patients with an acute right vascular hemiplegia. METHODS: Fifteen patients with an acute vascular right hemiplegia and 16 matched healthy controls were studied. Motor function of the left limbs of each patient was evaluated on days 20 and 90 after their stroke using four validated tools (hand dynamometer, isokinetic dynamometer, finger tapping, and nine hole peg test). RESULTS: There was a significant impairment of motor function of the left limbs of patients at day 20 compared with controls. The impairment had recovered almost completely at day 90 after the stroke. CONCLUSION: These results show the bilateral cerebral representation of the human motor system and suggest the participation of ipsilateral motor pathways in recovery after a stroke.
Mechanism for pH-dependent gene regulation by amino-terminus-mediated homooligomerization of Bacillus subtilis anti-trp RNA-binding attenuation protein

Anti-TRAP (AT) is a small zinc-binding protein that regulates tryptophan biosynthesis in Bacillus subtilis by binding to tryptophan-bound trp RNA-binding attenuation protein (TRAP), thereby preventing it from binding RNA, and allowing transcription and translation of the trpEDCFBA operon. Crystallographic and sedimentation studies have shown that AT can homooligomerize to form a dodecamer, AT12, composed of a tetramer of trimers, AT3. Structural and biochemical studies suggest that only trimeric AT is active for binding to TRAP. Our chromatographic and spectroscopic data revealed that a large fraction of recombinantly overexpressed AT retains the N-formyl group (fAT), presumably due to incomplete N-formyl-methionine processing by peptide deformylase. Hydrodynamic parameters from NMR relaxation and diffusion measurements showed that fAT is exclusively trimeric (AT3), while (deformylated) AT exhibits slow exchange between both trimeric and dodecameric forms. We examined this equilibrium using NMR spectroscopy and found that oligomerization of active AT3 to form inactive AT12 is linked to protonation of the amino terminus. Global analysis of the pH dependence of the trimer-dodecamer equilibrium revealed a near physiological pKa for the N-terminal amine of AT and yielded a pH-dependent oligomerization equilibrium constant. Estimates of excluded volume effects due to molecular crowding suggest the oligomerization equilibrium may be physiologically important. Because deprotonation favors “active” trimeric AT and protonation favors “inactive” dodecameric AT, our findings illuminate a possible mechanism for sensing and responding to changes in cellular pH.
Malignant neoplasms of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses: A series of 256 patients in Mexico City and Monterrey. Is air pollution the missing link?

Air pollution is a serious health problem in major cities in Mexico. The concentrations of monitored criteria pollutants have been above the US National Ambient Air Quality Standards for the last decade. To determine whether the number of primary malignant nasal and paranasal neoplasms has increased, we surveyed 256 such cases admitted to a major adult oncology hospital located in metropolitan Mexico City (MMC) for the period from 1976–1997 and to a tertiary hospital in Monterrey, an industrial city, for the period from 1993–1998. The clinical histories and histopathologic material were reviewed, and a brief clinical summary was written for each case. In the MMC hospital the number of newly diagnosed nasal and paranasal neoplasms per year for the period from 1976–1986 averaged 5.1, whereas for the next 11 years it increased to 12.5. The maximal increase was observed in 1995–1997, with an average of 20.3 new cases per year (P = 0.0006). The predominant neoplasms in these series were non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma, adenocarcinoma, Schneiderian carcinoma, and nasopharyngeal carcinoma. In the Monterrey hospital a 2-fold increase in the numbers of newly diagnosed nasal and paranasal neoplasms was recorded between 1993 and 1998. The predominant MMC neoplasm in this series, namely nasal T-cell/natural killer cell non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, is potentially Epstein-Barr virus related. Nasal and paranasal malignant neoplasms are generally rare. Environmental causative factors include exposure in industries such as nickel refining, leather, and wood furniture manufacturing. Although epidemiologic studies have not addressed the relationship between outdoor air pollution and sinonasal malignant neoplasms, there is strong evidence for the nasal and paranasal carcinogenic effect of occupational aerosol complex chemical mixtures. General practitioners and ear, nose, and throat physicians working in highly polluted cities should be aware of the clinical presentations of these patients. Identification of this apparent increase in sinonasal malignant neoplasms in two urban Mexican polluted cities warrants further mechanistic and epidemiologic studies.
Exploring factors affecting Chinese consumers' usage of short message service for personal communication

Abstract. Short message service (SMS) is very popular in China. While many reports indicate that the SMS market has great potential, little is known about why people adopt SMS. This study uses the technology acceptance model and network externalities to examine the factors influencing the adoption of SMS for personal communication in China. Using data collected from 262 mobile phone users, we find that perceived usefulness, perceived enjoyment and perceived service cost affect SMS use. Perceived network externalities also contribute to higher perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use and affect SMS adoption. The results provide insight to SMS marketing strategies.
The effects of eccentric training on electromyographic activity and performance in soccer players

The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of eccentric training using a multi-joint dynamometer, on the electromyographic activity of rectus femoris, biceps femoris and medial gastrocnemius during counter movement jumps, drop jumps as well as during maximal eccentric actions. Sixteen amateur soccer players was divided into equal sized groups, the control group who participated in their regular training and the training group who performed 16 sessions (in 8 weeks) of eccentric exercise using a multi joint isokinetic dynamometer. The performance of counter movement and drop jumps were evaluated on a force plate. Additionally, maximal isometric, concentric and eccentric force were assessed on the isokinetic dynamometer. After the eccentric training, the electromyographic activity during the concentric phase of counter movement jumps was found to be increased in rectus femoris (p<0.05) and reduced in biceps femoris (p<0.05). During drop jumps, electromyographic activity of the experimental group found to be increased in the pre-activation phase of gastrocnemius (p<0.05). Additionally, during the takeoff phase of the drop jumps smaller angles for hip and ankle joints were observed (p<0.05). Finally, the electromyographic activity during eccentric strength evaluation were found to be elevated in rectus femoris (p<0.05) and decreased in gastrocnemius (p<0.05). The eccentric training which can cause neural adaptations, faster recruitment of motor units as well as changes in the architecture in muscle tendon system may also cause the alterations in electromyographic activity of leg muscles as observed in the present investigation.
Prevention of muscle wasting and osteoporosis: the value of examining novel animal models

ABSTRACT Bone mass and skeletal muscle mass are controlled by factors such as genetics, diet and nutrition, growth factors and mechanical stimuli. Whereas increased mechanical loading of the musculoskeletal system stimulates an increase in the mass and strength of skeletal muscle and bone, reduced mechanical loading and disuse rapidly promote a decrease in musculoskeletal mass, strength and ultimately performance (i.e. muscle atrophy and osteoporosis). In stark contrast to artificially immobilised laboratory mammals, animals that experience natural, prolonged bouts of disuse and reduced mechanical loading, such as hibernating mammals and aestivating frogs, consistently exhibit limited or no change in musculoskeletal performance. What factors modulate skeletal muscle and bone mass, and what physiological and molecular mechanisms protect against losses of muscle and bone during dormancy and following arousal? Understanding the events that occur in different organisms that undergo natural periods of prolonged disuse and suffer negligible musculoskeletal deterioration could not only reveal novel regulatory factors but also might lead to new therapeutic options. Here, we review recent work from a diverse array of species that has revealed novel information regarding physiological and molecular mechanisms that dormant animals may use to conserve musculoskeletal mass despite prolonged inactivity. By highlighting some of the differences and similarities in musculoskeletal biology between vertebrates that experience disparate modes of dormancy, it is hoped that this Review will stimulate new insights and ideas for future studies regarding the regulation of atrophy and osteoporosis in both natural and clinical models of muscle and bone disuse. Summary: Understanding the biology of animals that experience natural periods of disuse but suffer little musculoskeletal atrophy may reveal novel regulatory factors and lead to new therapeutics.
Influence of grain size, shape and compaction on georadar waves: examples of aeolian dunes

SUMMARY Many ground penetrating radar (GPR) profiles acquired in dry aeolian environment have shown good reflectivity inside present-day dunes. We show that the origin of this reflectivity is related to changes in grain size distribution, packing and/or grain shape in a sandy material. We integrate these three parameters into analytical models for bulk permittivity in order to predict the reflections and the velocity of GPR waves. We consider two GPR cross-sections acquired over aeolian dunes in the Chadian desert. The 2D migration of GPR data suggests that dunes contain different kinds of bounding surfaces. We discuss and model three kinds of reflections using reasonable geological hypothesis about aeolian sedimentation processes. The propagation and the reflection of radar waves are calculated using the 1D wavelet modelling method in spectral domain. The results of the forward modelling are in good accordance with real observed data.
Facial transplantation: historical developments and future directions

Abstract Objective: To present the clinical outcomes obtained by the first facial transplant teams worldwide, reviewing current practice and addressing controversies. Methods: A bibliographic search of Medline and Embase databases was performed, and a comparative analysis of all articles published from 1980 to the present was conducted. Two independent investigators screened the manuscripts in accordance with pre-defined criteria. Results: A total of 12 partial and 5 full facial transplants were recorded in the literature. Procedures included partial and near-total facial myocutaneous flaps, and complex osteomyocutaneous grafts. Fifteen patients had fully vascularised grafts, and two patients died of transplant-related and infectious complications. Conclusion: Facial transplantation can restore quality of life and enable the social re-integration of recipients. Results published by the first facial transplant teams are promising. However, long-term reports of aesthetic and functional outcomes are needed to more precisely define outcomes. In addition, significant technical, medical and ethical issues remain to be solved.
The Intelligibility and Comprehensibility of World Englishes to Non-Native Speakers

The aim of this study is to investigate which pronunciations of English are difficult or different from one’s first language, as well as to explore which factors are crucial for communication with people from other cultures when English is used as one of the World Englishes. Ninety-one undergraduate students (85 females and 6 males) from two different Korean universities participated in this study. A survey was conducted to determine their background information and to find out their attitudes toward World Englishes. This study was based on two concepts: 'intelligibility' (focusing on words) and 'comprehensibility' (focusing on meaning) when communicating with people from different countries'. For attaining intelligibility, one must overcome such factors as pronunciation, stress, intonation, and the vowel and consonant sounds of English. On the other hand, for achieving comprehensibility, there are other factors predominate such as grammatical, cultural, socio-linguistic and pragmatic aspects. Thus, in order to avoid intelligibility and comprehensibility problems, EFL/ESL students should learn all the common varieties of English used between native speakers and non-native speakers (NSs-NNSs) and between two non-native speakers (NNSs-NNSs). Additionally, students should consider and respect different situations and different cultural backgrounds to establish successful intelligibility and comprehensibility.
Contraception among Medical and Paramedical Students in Cotonou, Benin in 2016: Knowledge and Practices

Introduction: Contraception is a mean of preventing unwanted pregnancies and thus prevents induced abortions and its complications. Objective: To assess the knowledge and practices of future health workers on contraception. Methods: This was a survey carried out in Cotonou (Benin) by the students of the Medical Training and Research Unit at the Faculty of Health Sciences (FSS) and the Institut Medico-Sanitary (INMeS). Results: The survey involved 525 students, including 259 males and 266 females. The average age of students was 21 ± 2 years (15-31 years). Almost all students (9/10) had at least one contraceptive method. The rate of contraceptive use was 86.5%. The contraceptive method used by males students was the male condom, unlike females students who used natural methods and emergency contraception. The age, religion and marital status of the students had no influence on the use of contraception. The reasons for non-use of contraceptive methods were mainly the lack of knowledge about contraception (62.5%) and fear of side effects (20.0%). Conclusion: Knowledge and practice of contraception are appreciable in medical and paramedical training in Cotonou.
Randomised sham-controlled double-blind multicentre clinical trial to ascertain the effect of percutaneous radiofrequency treatment for lumbar facet joint pain.

AIMS The aim of this study was to compare the effect of a percutaneous radiofrequency heat lesion at the medial branch of the primary dorsal ramus with a sham procedure, for the treatment of lumbar facet joint pain. PATIENTS AND METHODS A randomised sham-controlled double blind multicentre trial was carried out at the multidisciplinary pain centres of two hospitals. A total of 60 patients aged > 18 years with a history and physical examination suggestive of facet joint pain and a decrease of ≥ 2 on a numerical rating scale (NRS 0 to 10) after a diagnostic facet joint test block were included. In the treatment group, a percutaneous radiofrequency heat lesion (80oC during 60 seconds per level) was applied to the medial branch of the primary dorsal ramus. In the sham group, the same procedure was undertaken without for the radiofrequency lesion. Both groups also received a graded activity physiotherapy programme. The primary outcome measure was decrease in pain. A secondary outcome measure was the Global Perceived Effect scale (GPE). RESULTS There was a statistically significant effect on the level of pain in the factor Period (T0-T1). However, there was no statistically significant difference with the passage of time between the groups (Group × Period) or in the factor Group. In the crossover group, 11 of 19 patients had a decrease in NRS of ≥ 2 at one month crossover (p = 0.65). There was no statistically significant difference in satisfaction with the passage of time between the groups (Group × Period). The independent factors Group and Period also showed no statistically significant difference. There was no statistically significant Group × Period effect for recovery, neither an effect of Group or of Period. CONCLUSION The null hypothesis of no difference in the decrease in pain and in GPE between the treatment and sham groups cannot be rejected. Post hoc analysis revealed that the age of the patients and the severity of the initial pain significantly predicted a positive outcome. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2016;98-B:1526-33.
Bayesian semiparametric analysis of structural equation models with mixed continuous and unordered categorical variables

Recently, structural equation models (SEMs) have been applied for analyzing interrelationships among observed and latent variables in biological and medical research. Latent variables in these models are typically assumed to have a normal distribution. This article considers a Bayesian semparametric SEM with covariates, and mixed continuous and unordered categorical variables, in which the explanatory latent variables in the structural equation are modeled via an appropriate truncated Dirichlet process with a stick‐breaking procedure. Results obtained from a simulation study and an analysis of a real medical data set are presented to illustrate the methodology. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Zonisamide: Pharmacology and Clinical Efficacy in Epilepsy.

The discovery of zonisamide (ZNS) did not result from a search for new antiepileptic drug (AED). A continuous random screening for anticonvulsant activity had been in progress for many years at the research laboratories of Dainippon Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. ZNS was discovered by serendipity in 1974 during routine testing of 1,2-benzisoxazole derivatives which were synthesized for the management of psychiatric diseases (49,101). Among the derivatives tested, some compounds including ZNS, were found to have a potent anticonvulsant activity in experimental animals. ZNS has a benzisoxazole structure that distinctly differs from any existing AED. The chemical structure of ZNS is shown in Fig. 1. After comprehensive preclinical studies, clinical development of ZNS in Japan started in September 1979. ZNS was approved for the control of partial seizures and generalized seizures in March and launched in June, 1989, in Japan. ZNS was introduced to the Korean market in 1992. In the United States, a New Drug Application (NDA) was submitted in March 1997. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) issued an approvable letter to the company in March, 1998, for use as adjunctive therapy in the treatment of partial seizures in adults with epilepsy (80). This review will focus mainly on the pharmacodynamic properties of ZNS and its clinical efficacy in epilepsy.