Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Deletion of the vaccinia virus B5R gene encoding a 42-kilodalton membrane glycoprotein inhibits extracellular virus envelope formation and dissemination

The structure, formation, and function of the virion membranes are among the least well understood aspects of vaccinia virus replication. In this study, we investigated the role of gp42, a glycoprotein component of the extracellular enveloped form of vaccinia virus (EEV) encoded by the B5R gene. The B5R gene was deleted by homologous recombination from vaccinia virus strains IHD-J and WR, which produce high and low levels of EEV, respectively. Isolation of recombinant viruses was facilitated by the insertion into the genome of a cassette containing the Escherichia coli gpt and lacZ genes flanked by the ends of the B5R gene to provide simultaneous antibiotic selection and color screening. Deletion mutant viruses of both strains formed tiny plaques, and those of the IHD-J mutant lacked the characteristic comet shape caused by release of EEV. Nevertheless, similar yields of intracellular infectious virus were obtained whether cells were infected with the B5R deletion mutants or their parental strains. In the case of IHD-J, however, this deletion severely reduced the amount of infectious extracellular virus. Metabolic labeling studies demonstrated that the low extracellular infectivity corresponded with a decrease in EEV particles in the medium. Electron microscopic examination revealed that mature intracellular naked virions (INV) were present in cells infected with mutant virus, but neither membrane-wrapped INV nor significant amounts of plasma membrane-associated virus were observed. Syncytium formation, which occurs in cells infected with wild-type WR and IHD-J virus after brief low-pH treatment, did not occur in cells infected with the B5R deletion mutants. By contrast, syncytium formation induced by antibody to the viral hemagglutinin occurred, suggesting that different mechanisms are involved. When assayed by intracranial injection into weanling mice, both IHD-J and WR mutant viruses were found to be significantly attenuated. These findings demonstrate that the 42-kDa glycoprotein of the EEV is required for efficient membrane enwrapment of INV, externalization of the virus, and transmission and that gp42 contributes to viral virulence in strains producing both low and high levels of EEV.
Comparison of Effects of Hemoglobin Levels Upon Tumor Response among Cervical Carcinoma Patients Undergoing Accelerated Hyperfractionated Radiotherapy versus Cisplatin Chemoradiotherapy.

PURPOSE Blood hemoglobin levels are known to influence response to radiotherapy. This retrospective analysis compared the effect of hemoglobin levels upon response to radiation among patients treated with radiation alone (by accelerated hyperfractionated radiotherapy) versus those treated with concurrent cisplatin chemoradiotherapy. MATERIALS AND METHODS Among patients treated for locally advanced carcinoma of the cervix (LACC) during 2009-10, a total of 60 fulfilled the eligibility criteria. In this time frame, external beam radiotherapy was delivered with either concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CRT, n=31) (45 Gy over 25 fractions, with weekly cisplatin at 40 mg/m2), or with accelerated hyperfractionated radiotherapy (AHRT, n=29) (20 Gy over 10 daily fractions over the first two weeks, followed by 30 Gy over 20 fractions over the next two weeks, with two fractions of 1.5 Gy per day, without the use of chemotherapy). Mean weekly hemoglobin (MWH) levels of all patients were calculated as the arithmetic means of weekly recorded blood hemoglobin levels. As per MWH, patients in both of the AHRT or the CRT groups were classified into two subgroups- those with MWH between 10-10.9 g/dL, or with MWH>11 g/dL. Complete response (CR) to external beam RT phase (prior to brachytherapy) was declared after clinical examinations and computed tomography. The CR rate was noted for both MWH sub-groups within each of the AHRT and CRT groups. RESULTS Within the AHRT group, patients with MWH>11 g/dL had a much better CR rate in comparison to those with MWH:10-10.9 g/dL (80% vs. 21.1%) which was statistically significant (p 0.0045). Within the CRT group, there was no significant difference in the outcomes within the MWH>11 g/dL and MWH:10-10.9 g/dL sub-groups ( CR rates of 80% vs. 61.9%, p=0.4285). CONCLUSIONS The importance of maintaining a minimum hemoglobin level of 11 g/dL during RT is much greater for patients treated with RT alone, than for patients treated with concurrent chemoradiotherapy. Enhanced haemoglobin levels during RT may to an extent negate the ill-effects that may otherwise arise due to non-use of concurrent chemotherapy.
Endometriosis and fertility: women's accounts of healthcare.

STUDY QUESTION What do women with endometriosis recall being told about their fertility by their healthcare providers? SUMMARY ANSWER Women recalled being given varied information and advice, and gave examples of empathic and individualized care from doctors but also reported opportunities for enhancing clinical practice. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY There is evidence of an association between endometriosis and infertility. However, the strength of this association and the mechanisms that underlie it are not yet known nor are the implications for optimum healthcare. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION This study used in-depth cross-sectional qualitative research methods. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Women aged at least 18 years who lived in Victoria, Australia, and who had been surgically diagnosed with endometriosis were invited to participate in in-depth interviews about their experience of endometriosis. Twenty-six women of diverse backgrounds and experiences of endometriosis were interviewed from January to September 2014. Interviews were transcribed and analysed thematically using a data-driven approach. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE All women encountered medical professionals who were aware of the association between endometriosis and infertility, and who were proactive in ensuring fertility was addressed within endometriosis care. Women recalled being given varied, often conflicting, information about the consequences for their fertility of an endometriosis diagnosis. While some recounted positive experiences with the way their doctor communicated with them about endometriosis and fertility, all women reported adverse experiences such as receiving insufficient or inappropriate information or having their doctor prioritize their fertility over other aspects of their care, including quality of life and symptom relief, without first consulting them. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The perspectives of the women's doctors were not sought. The findings may not translate to settings that differ from a predominantly Anglo-Saxon country with both universal public and private healthcare systems. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS Women's fertility needs and priorities differ for many reasons; there can be no 'one size fits all' approach to care. Women may benefit most from endometriosis care in which they are first asked about their fertility needs and preferences and in which medical uncertainty is acknowledged. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS K.Y. receives a scholarship from the National Health and Medical Research Council and Australian Rotary Health. J.F. is supported by a Monash Professional Fellowship and the Jean Hailes Professional Fellowship which is funded by Perpetual Trustees Pty Ltd. The authors have no conflicts of interest to declare. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER Not applicable.
Uricaemia and ejection fraction in elderly heart failure outpatients

Preliminary data suggest that serum uric acid (SUA) could be involved in the prognosis of chronic heart failure (HF). The aim of our study was to test the relationship between SUA and left ventricular ejection fraction (EF%) in a cohort of elderly hypertensive outpatients with chronic HF.
5HT4 Receptors Couple Positively to Tetrodotoxin-Insensitive Sodium Channels in a Subpopulation of Capsaicin-Sensitive Rat Sensory Neurons

The distribution of tetrodotoxin (TTX)-sensitive and -insensitive Na+ currents and their modulation by serotonin (5HT) and prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) was studied in four different types of dorsal root ganglion (DRG) cell bodies (types 1, 2, 3, and 4), which were previously identified on the basis of differences in membrane properties (Cardenas et al., 1995). Types 1 and 2 DRG cells expressed TTX-insensitive Na+currents, whereas types 3 and 4 DRG cells exclusively expressed TTX-sensitive Na+ currents. Application of 5HT (1–10 μm) increased TTX-insensitive Na+ currents in type 2 DRG cells but did not affect Na+ currents in type 1, 3, or 4 DRG cells. The 5HT receptor involved resembled the 5HT4 subtype. It was activated by 5-methoxy-N,N-dimethyltryptamine (10 μm) but not by 5-carboxyamidotryptamine (1 μm), (+)-8-hydroxydipropylaminotetralin (10 μm), or 2-methyl-5HT (10 μm), and was blocked by ICS 205-930 with an EC50 of ∼2 μm but not by ketanserin (1 μm). PGE2 (4 or 10 μm) also increased Na+ currents in varying portions of cells in all four groups. The effect of 5HT and PGE2 on Na+currents was delayed for 20–30 sec after exposure to 5HT, suggesting the involvement of a cytosolic diffusible component in the signaling pathway. The agonist-mediated increase in Na+current, however, was not mimicked by 8-chlorophenylthio-cAMP (200 μm), suggesting the possibility that cAMP was not involved. The data suggest that the 5HT- and PGE2-mediated increase in Na+ current may be involved in hyperesthesia in different but overlapping subpopulations of nociceptors.
Activity in prefrontal cortex, not hippocampus, varies parametrically with the increasing remoteness of memories

The time-scale of hippocampal and neocortical involvement in memory retrieval is keenly debated. Using event-related fMRI we examined whether recollecting autobiographical and public event memories, ranging from the recent to the very remote, was associated with parametric changes in brain activity. A ventrolateral prefrontal region was sensitive to memory age, showing increased activation during retrieval of recent autobiographical events and subsequent parametric decrease with remoteness. While we observed modulation of hippocampal activity in relation to memory type (autobiographical events in particular), there was no evidence for sensitivity of this region to memory age. These findings are concordant with a view of hippocampal involvement in autobiographical memory retrieval throughout the lifetime.
LIFE CYCLE OF HEPATOZOON CANIS (APICOMPLEXA: ADELEORINA: HEPATOZOIDAE) IN THE TICK RHIPICEPHALUS SANGUINEUS AND DOMESTIC DOG (CANIS FAMILIARIS)

The life cycle of the apicomplexan protozoon Hepatozoon canis in its natural hosts Rhipicephalus sanguineus (tick) and Canis familiaris (domestic dog) was studied in an experimental infection. Tick nymphs were fed on a naturally infected dog, or they were infected by percutaneous injection of blood. Dogs were inoculated by ingestion of adult ticks containing mature oocysts. Gamonts were in syzygy 24 hr after percutaneous injection of ticks. Early oocysts were detected 96 hr after nymph repletion, and mature oocysts in adult ticks were infective to dogs 40 days postmolt. Merogony was detected in dog bone marrow from 13 days postinoculation (PI) and included meronts containing 20–30 micromerozoites, and a second type with 2–4 macromerozoites. Monozoic cysts were observed in the spleen in conjunction with merogony. Gamontogony with infection of leukocytes by micromerozoites occurred from 26 days PI, and gamont parasitemia, which completed the life cycle, was detected 28 days PI. The length of the life cycle from nymphal attachment to parasitemia in dogs was 81 days. Increased body temperatures were evident from 16 to 27 days PI and paralleled the time of intensive bone marrow merogony. Skeletal pain and recumbency were manifested in 2 dogs. This study further elucidates the life cycle of H. canis and provides a sequential morphologic description of H. canis merogony, gamontogony, and sporogony.
Effects of Antiepileptic Drugs on Sperm Motility of Normal Controls and Epileptic Patients with Long‐Term Therapy

Summary: The in vitro effects of four antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) on human sperm motility were studied with a transmembrane migration method. Sperm motility of epileptic patients receiving chronic AED therapy was also investigated. Sperm motility was measured immediately after semen had been mixed with AED and after a 2‐h preincubation at 37°C. Both in vitro and in vivo studies demonstrated that AEDs inhibited sperm motility. When the drug effect was evaluated after the semen‐AED mixture had been preincubated for 2 h, sperm motility was inhibited to 50% of control at concentrations of 1.59,4.23, and 5.00 mM for phenytoin, carbamazepine, and valproate, respectively. Both with and without preincubation, phenobarbital, even up to 12.92 mM, did not inhibit the motility to <50% of the control. In the in vivo study, poor sperm motility was noted in epileptic patients with long‐term AED therapy despite serum levels within the therapeutic range. Shorter duration of activity of spermatozoa was also observated in these patients. Interference with sperm membrane function by AEDs may be the underlying mechanism.
Excretion and ultrastructure of the antennal gland of the fiddler crab Uca mordax

Function and ultrastructure of the excretory organs (antennal glands) of the shore crab Uca mordax were investigated. The crabs were maintained at three different salinities: 50%, 100% and 200% seawater. In spite of previous reports to the contrary, the investigation showed that the powerful osmoregulatory ability found in Uca mordax is not due to participation of the antennal glands. Freezing point depression of urine under all conditions was found to be slightly less than that of the hemolymph, indicating a slightly hypoosmotic urine. It was further found that the antennal gland is extremely effective in resorbing sodium from the filtrate. The higher the salinity to which the crabs were acclimated the lower the sodium concentration in the urine. No water was resorbed from the filtrate as shown by the fact that the inulin U/P ratio remained unity regardless of the salinity to which the crabs were adapted. Electronmicroscopy of the antennal glands revealed that the coelomosac cells are similar to the podocytes described in the crayfish by Kümmel ('64), and the coelomosac appears to be a typical filtration organ. The cells of the labyrinth showed brush border and very elaborate basal infoldings with numerous mitochondria. The deep cytoplasmic infoldings which represent interdigitations with neighboring cells may be correlated with the effective sodium reabsorption in the labyrinth, but apparently not with water movement.
The anxiolytic effect of Sho‐ju‐sen, a Japanese herbal medicine, assessed by an elevated ­plus‐maze test in mice

Sho‐ju‐sen (SK), a Japanese herbal medicine with a nourishing tonic action, is composed of a water extract of Kumazasa leaves (Sasa kurinensis Makino et Sibata) (SS), and ethanol extracts of Japanese red pine needles (Pinus densiflora Sieb. et Zucc) (PN) and Ginseng roots (Panax ginseng C. A. Meyer) (PX) in the ratio 8:1:1. In this study, an elevated plus‐maze test in mice was carried out to assess whether SK had an anxiolytic effect. No significant change was observed in either the plus‐maze or activity test following a single administration of SK (10 and 20 mL/kg p.o.). However, mice allowed a free intake of SK (10% solution) for 5 days and longer showed a significant prolongation of the time spent in the open arms (an anxiolytic effect), as long as that caused by the benzodiazepine anxiolytic diazepam (1 mg/kg p.o.). SK (1%, 3% and 30% solutions for 7 days) tended to develop the anxiolytic effect. Of the constituents of SK, SS (8% solution), but not PN (1% solution) or PX (1% solution), resulted in the anxiolytic effect. Except for a slight acceleration in the motor activity by PN (1% solution), no significant change in the motor activity was produced by any treatment with SK, SS or PX. The combined treatment of SK (10% solution) or SS (8% solution) with 1 mg/kg diazepam enhanced the anxiolytic effect. Flumazenil (0.1 mg/kg s.c.), a benzodiazepine receptor antagonist, alone did not change the time spent in the open arms. However, it completely reversed the anxiolytic effect of SK, SS and diazepam. The present results suggest that: (1) long‐term treatment with SK develops an anxiolytic effect, (2) SS is the main constituent for the anxiolytic effect of SK, and (3) benzodiazepine receptors are involved in the anxiolytic effect of SK and SS. Copyright © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Indicators of transition success for youth living with HIV: perspectives of pediatric and adult infectious disease care providers

Abstract Rates of HIV infection among adolescents in the US continues to rise, resulting in more individuals who must eventually transition from pediatric to adult care. It is critical that this process go smoothly to ensure continuity of care and to maximize patient outcomes. While research has examined youths’ experiences with the transition process, disease-specific indicators of successful transition from pediatric to adult care remain undefined. Identifying indicators will facilitate the evaluation of transition processes, and, ultimately, the empirical determination of best practices. Interviews were conducted with 19 professionals who provide care for children and adults with HIV in southeastern state in the US. Approximately half of the providers self-identified as pediatric care providers. Nine of those interviewed were nurses and physicians and 10 were social workers. Providers had been working in the field of HIV for an average of 11.2 years. Interviews were taped, transcribed, and coded for emergent themes. Providers who care for HIV-infected youth identified both behavior and seriologic indicators of succesful transitions. Behavioral indicators identified were keeping appointments, medication adherence, and demonstrating ownership of medical care. Providers also identified serological markers of a succesful transition, specifically,viral load and CD4 count. Findings provided valuable insight into the perspectives of infectious disease care providers on indicators of successful transition from pediatric to adult care for adolescents with HIV. This is an important first step in developing empirical evaluation measures for transition practices and models. Similar research should be conducted with other groups of providers to assess the generalizability of these findings. Additionally, future research should seek to operationalize the identified behavioral indicators and determine appropriate values to indicate success for all indicators.
Involvement of vascular endothelium in the potentiation of vasoconstrictor responses by neuropeptide Y

Although neuropeptide Y is not a potent vasoconstrictor in many vascular beds, nanomolar concentrations of this peptide can potentiate the response of isolated blood vessels to sympathetic stimulation or exogenous vasoconstrictors. Potentiation of the response to field stimulation was observed in superfused ring segments of rabbit ear artery or canine saphenous vein, provided that the endothelium was not mechanically damaged. The ability of neuropeptide Y to potentiate the constrictor response to noradrenaline in the ear artery was also dependent on the presence of an intact endothelium. The release of an endothelial-derived vasoconstrictor substance, as yet unidentified, by neuropeptide Y may explain its ability to potentiate the responses to both nerve stimulation and a variety of exogenous vasoconstrictors.
Making and Mobilizing Moderates: Rhetorical Strategy, Political Networks, and Counterterrorism

Studies of counterterrorism have argued for the importance of bolstering, or “mobilizing,” moderates in the confrontation with violent extremists. Yet the literature has not elucidated when states seek to mobilize moderates and marginalize extremists, how they do so, or when they prove successful. The received wisdom is that states should cultivate and strengthen moderate allies by reaching out to them. This approach, however, fails to grasp the political challenges confronting potential moderates, whose priority is to build and retain legitimacy within their political community. Inspired by network approaches, we maintain that moderates can more easily emerge when their political interactions with the authorities are relatively sparse. We further argue that the state's strategies, including crucially its rhetorical moves, can bolster the moderates' local legitimacy. At times, this will entail not reaching out to moderates but isolating them. Before moderates can be mobilized, they must be made, and the state's criticism, more than its love, may do much to help moderate political forces emerge. This article explains why mobilizing moderates is critical, when it is difficult, and how authorities can nevertheless play a productive role in moderates' emergence. We establish our theoretical framework's plausibility by examining two cases—India's ultimately triumphant campaign against Sikh extremists and Spain's gradual marginalization of Basque extremists. We then suggest what lessons these campaigns against ethnonational terrorism hold for the so-called War on Terror.
Dynamic behavior of rippled shock waves and subsequently induced areal-density-perturbation growth in laser-irradiated foils.

Polystyrene foils with surface ripples of 60 or 100 p, m wavelength were irradiated by 0.53 p, m laser light at an intensity of 4 X 10" W/cm . Phase inversion of the rippled shock front was observed at a shock-propagation distance equal to the ripple wavelength. It has been found that the growth of the areal-density perturbation prior to shock breakout is due predominantly to the rippled-shock propagation.
Efficient and Specific Removal of Albumin from Human Serum Samples*

Patient serum or plasma is frequently monitored for biochemical markers of disease or physiological status. Many of the rapidly evolving technologies of proteome analysis are being used to find additional clinically informative protein markers. The unusually high abundance of albumin in serum can interfere with the resolution and sensitivity of many proteome profiling techniques. We have used monoclonal antibodies against human serum albumin (HSA) to develop an immunoaffinity resin that is effective in the removal of both full-length HSA and many of the HSA fragments present in serum. This resin shows markedly better performance than dye-based resins in terms of both the efficiency and specificity of albumin removal. Immunoglobulins are another class of highly abundant serum protein. When protein G resin is used together with our immunoaffinity resin, Ig proteins and HSA can be removed in a single step. This strategy could be extended to the removal of any protein for which specific antibodies or affinity reagents are available.