Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
SaPI operon I is required for SaPI packaging and is controlled by LexA

Transfer of Staphylococcus aureus pathogenicity islands (SaPIs) is directly controlled by the cellular repressor LexA. We have found that transcription of the SaPIbov1 operon I is repressed by LexA and is therefore SOS‐induced. Two copies of the LexA binding site consensus (Cheo box) are present in the 5′ region of this operon, at the same location in all of 15 different SaPIs analysed. Both of these boxes bind LexA protein. Furthermore, replacement of the chromosomal lexA with a non‐cleavable mutant LexA (G94E) greatly diminished expression of SaPIbov1 operon I and differentially reduced the production of SaPI transducing particles in comparison with the production of plaque‐forming particles. In concordance with this finding, deletion of operon I blocked the formation of SaPI transducing particles but had no effect on replication of the island. Operon I contains a gene encoding a homologue of the phage terminase small subunit plus two other genes that direct the assembly of the small sized SaPIbov1 capsids. Interestingly, mutations affecting the latter two genes were not defective in SaPI transfer, but rather encapsidated the island in full‐sized phage heads, which would have to contain a multimeric SaPI genome.
Comparison of kangaroo and traditional methods of removing preterm infants from incubators.

OBJECTIVE To compare the kangaroo and traditional methods of removing an infant from an incubator in terms of four physiologic parameters, mother's satisfaction, and mother's preference. DESIGN Time-series design (quasi-experimental), with infant-mother dyads subjected to both methods. SETTING Intermediate neonatal care unit in a tertiary hospital in Canada. PARTICIPANTS A convenience sample of 71 infant-mother dyads. INTERVENTION AND MEASURES: The intervention was use of the kangaroo or traditional method of maintaining body temperature of preterm infants. The dependent variables were physiologic parameters (skin temperature, heart rate, respiratory rate, and oxygen saturation) measured five times with each method. Mother's satisfaction was measured at the end of each testing period and mother's preference at the end of the experiment. RESULTS The kangaroo method produced less variation in oxygen saturation and longer duration of testing, and it was preferred by most of the mothers. CONCLUSIONS The kangaroo method is safe for the preterm infant and allows for early contact between parents and infants.
Significance of TLR4/MyD88 expression in breast cancer.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the expression of TLR4/MyD88 in breast cancer, and explore the relationship between their expression and breast cancer tumor growth and invasion. METHODS We examined the protein expression of TLR4 and MyD88 in 60 cases of histologically confirmed breast cancer. The relationship of their protein expressions with clinical features including age at diagnosis, tumor size and stage, lymph node metastasis and distant metastasis were analyzed. RESULTS The IHC results showed that TLR4 and MyD88 were expressed in 63.3% (38/60) and 58.3% (35/60) of malignant breast tumors respectively. TLR4 expression in breast cancer were significantly higher than in fibroadenoma (n = 4, 20.0%) and adjacent normal tissues (n = 2, 10.0%) (P < 0.001). MyD88 expression in breast cancer were also significantly higher than in fibroadenoma (n = 4, 20.0%) and adjacent normal tissue (n = 3, 15.0%) (P < 0.001). The gene expressions of TLR4 and MyD88 were significantly higher in breast cancer than in fibroadenoma and adjacent normal tissues (P < 0.05). The protein expressions of TLR4 and MyD88 were also significantly associated with poor clinical features (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION TLR4 and MyD88 expression might be associated with breast cancer growth and regional and distant metastases.
Apparent nutrient digestibility of two raw diets in domestic kittens

Objectives The aim of the study was to evaluate overall dry matter, organic matter, crude protein, crude fat and gross energy digestibility of a feline commercial raw diet and a homemade raw diet compared with a canned, heat-processed diet. Methods Six domestic shorthair kittens (20–28 weeks old) were fed three different diets in a Latin square crossover design. Diet A was a commercially available, canned, heat-processed diet. Diet B was a complete commercial, prefrozen, raw diet (commercial raw), and diet C was a raw diet supplement mixed with ground raw meat obtained locally (homemade raw). Both diets A and B were formulated to meet nutritional profile levels for cats at all life stages. Kittens were given specific diet amounts to maintain a 2–4% weight increase per week. Food was measured before and after feedings to determine the amount eaten, and all feces were collected, weighed and frozen prior to submission. Composite food samples and all feces were submitted to a national laboratory for proximate analysis of crude protein, crude fiber, ash, crude fat, moisture and caloric density. Results Significantly higher digestibility of dry matter (P <0.001), organic matter (P <0.001), crude protein (P <0.001) and gross energy (P <0.001) was seen in the raw diets compared with the heat-processed diets. This difference resulted in significantly less fecal matter (P <0.001) despite similar levels of intake and kcal ingested, and evidence of no difference in fecal scores. Conclusions and relevance Higher dry matter, organic matter and protein digestibility was seen in two commercial raw diets compared with a heat-processed diet. Digestibility differences could have been due to variance in dietary protein, fat and carbohydrate concentrations between the diets, variance in dietary ingredients or quality, alterations in protein structure secondary to heat processing, as well as alterations in gastrointestinal flora. Future research examining digestibility in diets with the same macronutrient proportions and ingredients, and mechanisms for any differences, is warranted.
Benign marrow progenitors are enriched in the CD34+/HLA-DRlo population but not in the CD34+/CD38lo population in chronic myeloid leukemia: an analysis using interphase fluorescence in situ hybridization.

Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was used to discriminate between benign and malignant cells in sorted populations of chronic myelogenous leukemia (CML) marrow. FISH has the advantage of allowing for a cell by cell analysis of the breakpoint cluster region (BCR) gene rearrangement immediately after flow sorting in nondividing G0/G1 cells that are potentially transcriptionally inactive. We initially selected CD34+ cells with very low expression of the activation antigen CD38 as a candidate phenotype for an immature and hypothetically more benign cell population, but found no enrichment for Ph negativity in that subtype. In five CML samples, 55% +/- 3.3% (mean +/- SE) of CD34+/CD38hi cells had the BCR gene rearrangement, similar to 57% +/- 3.7% seen in the CD34+/CD38lo population. In contrast, subsequent experiments (n = 4) determined that the CD34+/HLA-DRlo population in CML marrow does contain an increased proportion of benign cells: 15% +/- 1% of the CD34+/DRlo cells were BCR rearranged, compared with 52% +/- 5.8% of the CD34+/DRhi cells (P = .001). Our results indicate that benign progenitors in CML are enriched within the CD34+ cells with low DR antigen expression, but not low CD38 expression. One possible interpretation of these observations is that low CD38 antigen expression is not as useful as low HLA-DR expression for isolating immature cells.
Defect-driven synthesis of self-assembled single crystal titanium nanowires via electrochemistry

One-dimensional single crystal nanostructures have garnered much attention, from their low-dimensional physics to their technological uses, due to their unique properties and potential applications, from sensors to interconnects. There is an increasing interest in metallic titanium nanowires, yet their single crystal form has not been actualized. Vapor–liquid–solid (VLS) and template-assisted top-down methods are common means for nanowire synthesis; however, each has limitations with respect to nanowire composition and crystallinity. Here we show a simple electrochemical method to generate single crystal titanium nanowires on monocrystalline NiTi substrates. This work is a significant advance in addressing the challenge of growing single crystal titanium nanowires, which had been precluded by titanium’s reactivity. Nanowires grew non-parallel to the surface and in a periodic arrangement along specific substrate directions; this behavior is attributed to a defect-driven mechanism. This synthesis technique ushers in new and rapid routes for single crystal metallic nanostructures, which have considerable implications for nanoscale electronics.
Polymerase Chain Reaction-Restriction Fragment Length Polymorphism Method to Distinguish Three Mealybug Groups Within the Planococcus citri-P. minor Species Complex (Hemiptera: Coccoidea: Pseudococcidae)

ABSTRACT The mealybug species Planococcus citri (Risso) and Planococcus minor (Maskell) (Hemiptera: Coccoidea: Pseudococcidae) have special significance to U.S. quarantine and U.S. agriculture. Commonly intercepted at U.S. ports-of-entry, they are difficult to identify based on morphological characters. This study presents a molecular method for distinguishing P. citri, P. minor, and a genetically distinct group that is morphologically identical to P. citri, from Hawaii. This method uses polymerase chain reaction (PCR) followed by restriction fragment polymorphism analysis (RFLP) using the restriction enzymes BspHl, BsmHl, and HpHl. The resulting band patterns can be visualized in a 2% agarose gel and are sufficient to differentiate between the three entities mentioned above. PCR-RFLP diagnostics can be used for all life stages and is cheaper and faster than DNA sequencing.
Estudo ecológico sobre suicídio e homicídio no estado de Minas Gerais, Brasil

Com a transicao epidemiologica no Brasil, as doencas cronicas passaram a ser responsaveis pelo maior numero de obitos entre homens e mulheres. Entre os componentes que definem o estado de saude humana, alguns do contexto geografico, como clima local e fatores socioeconomicos, parecem influenciar na mortalidade por doencas do aparelho circulatorio, tais como no acidente vascular cerebral (AVC). Os fatores socioeconomicos da populacao estao fortemente associados com a mortalidade. O objetivo principal deste estudo e verificar a influencia dos fatores socioeconomicos na mortalidade por doencas do aparelho circulatorio (AVC) no municipio de Sao Paulo, no periodo de 2006 a 2009. Foram calculados os riscos relativos (RR) e agrupamentos espaciais no programa SatScan e mapeados no ArcGis. A correlacao linear entre o RR e as variaveis socioeconomicas foi calculada para verificar a associacao entre as variaveis. A renda per capita obteve o maior valor de correlacao (0,63); o valor positivo da correlacao indica que quanto mais pessoas ganhando pouco maior o risco relativo da mortalidade por AVC. Espacialmente e estatisticamente foi possivel observar uma relacao entre a mortalidade por AVC e algumas variaveis socioeconomicas no municipio de Sao Paulo.
Glucose or Insulin, but not Zinc Ions, Inhibit Glucagon Secretion From Mouse Pancreatic α-Cells

The mechanisms by which hypoglycemia stimulates glucagon release are still poorly understood. In particular, the relative importance of direct metabolic coupling versus paracrine regulation by beta-cell secretory products is unresolved. Here, we compare the responses to glucose of 1) alpha-cells within the intact mouse islet, 2) dissociated alpha-cells, and 3) clonal alphaTC1-9 cells. Free cytosolic concentrations of ATP ([ATP](c)) or Ca(2+) ([Ca(2+)](c)) were imaged using alpha-cell-targeted firefly luciferase or a green fluorescent protein-based Ca(2+) probe ("pericam"), respectively. Consistent with a direct effect of glucose on alpha-cell oxidative metabolism, an increase in glucose concentration (from 0 or 3 mmol/l to 20 mmol/l) increased [ATP](c) by 7-9% in alpha-cells within the intact islet and by approximately 4% in alphaTC1-9 cells. Moreover, glucose also dose-dependently decreased the frequency of [Ca(2+)](c) oscillations in both dissociated alpha-cells and alphaTC1-9 cells. Although the effects of glucose were mimicked by exogenous insulin, they were preserved when insulin signaling was blocked with wortmannin. Addition of ZnCl(2) slightly increased the frequency of [Ca(2+)](c) oscillations but failed to affect glucagon release from either islets or alphaTC1-9 cells under most conditions. We conclude that glucose and insulin, but not Zn(2+) ions, independently suppress glucagon secretion in the mouse.
Co-ordinating Non-mutual Realities: The Asymmetric Impact of Delay on Video-Mediated Music Lessons

During a music lesson, participants need to co-ordinate both their turns at talk and their turns at playing. Verbal and musical contributions are shaped by their organisation within the turntaking system. When lessons are conducted remotely by video conference, these mechanisms are disrupted by the asymmetric effects of delay on the interaction; in effect a “non-mutual reality” comprised of two different conversations at each end of the link. Here we compare detailed case studies of a copresent and a remote music lesson, in order to show how this effect arises, and how it impacts conduct during the lesson
[Expression of SOX2 protein and its clinical significance in laryngeal carcinoma].

OBJECTIVE To investigate the expression of SOX2 in laryngeal carcinoma and analyze the relation of SOX2 and clinical factors. METHOD We measured the expression of SOX2 protein in 45 laryngeal carcinoma fresh samples and 45 paracarcinoma tissues (cutting margin > 0.5 cm) with flow cytometer (Epics-XL II), 20 normal laryngeal mucosa samples were also studied as controls. RESULT The quantitative and qualitative expression of SOX2 protein in laryngeal carcinoma tissues was obviously higher than those in paracarcinoma and in normal laryngeal mucosa tissues respectively (P < 0 05). There was no significant difference between the expression of paracarcinoma and normal laryngeal mucosa tissues. In laryngeal carcinoma, the expression of SOX2 protein wasn't significantly related to patients' clinical classification, tumor size, smoking history, patients' age and sex but related to metastasis, pathological grade and clinical stage. CONCLUSION The high expression of SOX2 may contribute to the carcinogenesis and development of laryngeal carcinoma. It is an important index of judging metastasis and staging and prognosis of laryngeal carcinoma to measure the expression of SOX2 protein.
Urate Transporter Gene SLC22A12 Polymorphisms Associated with Obesity and Metabolic Syndrome in Caucasians with Hypertension

Background/Aims: Hyperuricemia is associated with obesity and the metabolic syndrome. URAT1 is a urate transporter, and we tested the association of URAT1 transporter gene (SLC22A12) polymorphisms with obesity and the metabolic syndrome in hypertensive subjects. Methods: Patients with essential hypertension (n = 414) from a randomized controlled study were genotyped for SLC22A12 SNPs rs11602903, rs505802 and rs11231825. Results: In Caucasians, SLC22A12 SNPs were associated with the body mass index (BMI). rs11602903 was associated with BMI (p < 0.0001), waist circumference (p = 0.003), HDL cholesterol (p = 0.018) and the metabolic syndrome (p = 0.033), and accounted for 7% of the variation of BMI in Caucasians. In African Americans, SLC22A12 SNP rs11602903 was not associated with BMI, waist circumference, HDL cholesterol or triglycerides. Conclusion: The URAT1 gene SLC22A12 polymorphism may play a role in obesity and the metabolic syndrome in Caucasian hypertensive subjects.
The evolution of vertebrate eye size across an environmental gradient: phenotype does not predict genotype in a Trinidadian killifish

Vertebrates exhibit substantial variation in eye size. Eye size correlates positively with visual capacity and behaviors that enhance fitness, such as predator avoidance. This foreshadows a connection between predation and eye size evolution. Yet, the conditions that favor evolutionary shifts in eye size, besides the well‐known role for light availability, are unclear. We tested the influence of predation on the evolution of eye size in Trinidadian killifish, Rivulus hartii. Rivulus are located across a series of communities where they coexist with visually oriented piscivores ("high predation" sites), and no predators (“Rivulus‐only” sites). Wild‐caught Rivulus from high predation sites generally exhibited a smaller relative eye size than communities that lack predators. Yet, such differences were inconsistent across rivers. Second‐generation common garden reared fish revealed repeatable decreases in eye size in Rivulus from high predation sites. We performed additional experiments that tested the importance of light and resources on eye size evolution. Sites that differ in light or resource availability did not differ in eye size. Our results argue that differences in predator‐induced mortality underlie genetically‐based shifts in vertebrate eye size. We discuss the drivers of eye size evolution in light of the nonparallel trends between the phenotypic and common garden results.
Influence of Various Factors on Disappearance of GSH from Serum

Glutathione disappears as a soluble, nonprotein component after it has been added to serum, either in the reduced (GSH) or oxidized (GSSG) form. When GSH is added to serum it is rapidly oxidized to GSSG by some dialyzable component of serum. Glutathione is lost because of interaction of serum proteins with the GSSG formed in this manner or added directly. A similarly rapid loss of glutathione occurs in the presence of hemoglobin only if acetylphenyihydrazine is also present. This loss of glutathione in the presence of a redox drug is the result of a direct interaction between GSH and hemoglobin, in contrast to the reaction occurring in serum. The implications of these findings for hematologic disease are discussed.
Systems analysis-based assessment of post-treatment adverse events in lymphatic filariasis

Background Lymphatic filariasis (LF) is a neglected tropical disease, and the Global Program to Eliminate LF delivers mass drug administration (MDA) to 500 million people every year. Adverse events (AEs) are common after LF treatment. Methodology/Principal findings To better understand the pathogenesis of AEs, we studied LF-patients from a treatment trial. Plasma levels of many filarial antigens increased post-treatment in individuals with AEs, and this is consistent with parasite death. Circulating immune complexes were not elevated in these participants, and the classical complement cascade was not activated. Multiple cytokines increased after treatment in persons with AEs. A transcriptomic analysis was performed for nine individuals with moderate systemic AEs and nine matched controls. Differential gene expression analysis identified a significant transcriptional signature associated with post-treatment AEs; 744 genes were upregulated. The transcriptional signature was enriched for TLR and NF-κB signaling. Increased expression of seven out of the top eight genes upregulated in persons with AEs were validated by qRT-PCR, including TLR2. Conclusions/Significance This is the first global study of changes in gene expression associated with AEs after treatment of lymphatic filariasis. Changes in cytokines were consistent with prior studies and with the RNAseq data. These results suggest that Wolbachia lipoprotein is involved in AE development, because it activates TLR2-TLR6 and downstream NF-κB. Additionally, LPS Binding Protein (LBP, which shuttles lipoproteins to TLR2) increased post-treatment in individuals with AEs. Improved understanding of the pathogenesis of AEs may lead to improved management, increased MDA compliance, and accelerated LF elimination.
Relative abundance and resource characteristics of penaeid prawn seed in Orissa coast

To study the relative abundance and resource characteristics of penaeid prawn seed (Penaeus monodon and P. indicus) along the Orissa coastal belt, ten seed collection centres in six estuarine areas were selected. Two peaks of abundance were noticed for P. mondon (April-June and November-December) and P. indicus (April-June and October-December), although their post larvae were available throughout the year. From the annual average CPUE (catch per unit effort) data of ten collection centres and chances of frequency for economic operation of nets, the total number of P. monodon and P. indicus, juveniles that may be available for collection annually, have been estimated for each centre, which ranged between 0.105-10.557 million and 0.06-22.95 million respectively. The CPUE during high tide phase was significantly higher (p<0.05) than that of low tide phase. Correlation of water salinity with post larval abundance was highly significant (p<0.001) and the most preferred salinity range was 27.30-32.25 ppt.
Trichorhinophalangeal syndrome type II due to a novel 8q23.3–q24.12 deletion associated with imperforate hymen and vaginal stenosis

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Defective GABAergic Neurotransmission and Pharmacological Rescue of Neuronal Hyperexcitability in the Amygdala in a Mouse Model of Fragile X Syndrome

Fragile X syndrome (FXS) is a neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by variable cognitive impairment and behavioral disturbances such as exaggerated fear, anxiety and gaze avoidance. Consistent with this, findings from human brain imaging studies suggest dysfunction of the amygdala. Underlying alterations in amygdala synaptic function in the Fmr1 knock-out (KO) mouse model of FXS, however, remain largely unexplored. Utilizing a combination of approaches, we uncover profound alterations in inhibitory neurotransmission in the amygdala of Fmr1 KO mice. We demonstrate a dramatic reduction in the frequency and amplitude of phasic IPSCs, tonic inhibitory currents, as well as in the number of inhibitory synapses in Fmr1 KO mice. Furthermore, we observe significant alterations in GABA availability, both intracellularly and at the synaptic cleft. Together, these findings identify abnormalities in basal and action potential-dependent inhibitory neurotransmission. Additionally, we reveal a significant neuronal hyperexcitability in principal neurons of the amygdala in Fmr1 KO mice, which is strikingly rescued by pharmacological augmentation of tonic inhibitory tone using the GABA agonist gaboxadol (THIP). Thus, our study reveals relevant inhibitory synaptic abnormalities in the amygdala in the Fmr1 KO brain and supports the notion that pharmacological approaches targeting the GABAergic system may be a viable therapeutic approach toward correcting amygdala-based symptoms in FXS.