Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Lactate response to uphill roller skiing: diagonal stride versus double pole techniques.

The purpose of this experiment was to investigate the lactate responses to roller skiing with double pole and diagonal stride techniques in eight collegiate or national level cross-country ski racers. Four-minute exercise stages were performed on a ski treadmill at 67, 94, 121, 148, and 174 m.min-1 on a 1.7% grade and at 67, 94, and 121 m.min-1 on a 7.1% grade. Whole blood lactate concentration, heart rate, oxygen consumption (VO2) and rating of perceived exertion (RPE) were determined at each exercise stage. Blood lactate concentrations were not significantly different between double poling and diagonal striding at the 1.7% grade. However, the blood lactate concentrations were higher during double poling at the 7.1% grade for all speeds. Blood lactate concentrations were also higher for double poling at the 7.1% grade when compared with diagonal striding at 70% of technique specific peak VO2, a heart rate of 145 and a RPE of 12. We conclude that blood lactate concentrations do not offer physiological justification for choosing one technique over the other when skiing on low grades, but low blood lactate concentrations may provide a physiological advantage for diagonal striding on steep grades.
Characterization of the New Photoaffinity Probe (Bz2‐K24)‐VIP

Abstract: Site‐directed mutagenesis and molecular modeling demonstrated that the N‐terminal ectodomain of the VPAC1 receptor is a major site of vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) binding. Previous studies with the [Bpa6]‐VIP and [Bpa22]‐VIP probes (substitution with the photoactivable Bpa for the residues 6 and 22 in VIP) showed spatial approximation between the amino acids 6 and 22 of VIP and the 104‐108 and 109‐119 sequences within the N‐terminal ectodomain of the receptor, respectively. Here, we characterize the new probe (Bz2‐K24)‐VIP (substitution with the photoreactive Bz2‐K for the residue 24 in VIP). After photolabeling and sequential digestions of the receptor, the 121‐133 sequence of the N‐terminal ectodomain was identified as the site of interaction. The N‐terminal ectodomain of the VPAC1 receptor is therefore an affinity trap for the central part of VIP, at least between residues 6 and 24.
Influencing adaptation processes on the Australian rangelands for social and ecological resilience

Resource users require the capacity to cope and adapt to climate changes affecting resource condition if they, and their industries, are to remain viable. Understanding individual-scale responses to a changing climate will be an important component of designing well-targeted, broad-scale strategies and policies. Because of the interdependencies between people and ecosystems, understanding and supporting resilience of resource-dependent people may be as important an aspect of effective resource management as managing the resilience of ecological components. We refer to the northern Australian rangelands as an example of a system that is particularly vulnerable to the impacts of climate change and look for ways to enhance the resilience of the system. Vulnerability of the social system comprises elements of adaptive capacity and sensitivity to change (resource dependency) as well as exposure, which is not examined here. We assessed the adaptive capacity of 240 cattle producers, using four established dimensions, and investigated the association between adaptive capacity and climate sensitivity (or resource dependency) as measured through 14 established dimensions. We found that occupational identity, employability, networks, strategic approach, environmental awareness, dynamic resource use, and use of technology were all positively correlated with at least one dimension of adaptive capacity and that place attachment was negatively correlated with adaptive capacity. These results suggest that adaptation processes could be influenced by focusing on adaptive capacity and these aspects of climate sensitivity. Managing the resilience of individuals is critical to processes of adaptation at higher levels and needs greater attention if adaptation processes are to be shaped and influenced.
Pioglitazone and thyroid cancer risk in Taiwanese patients with type 2 diabetes 台湾2型糖尿病患者使用吡格列酮与甲状腺癌风险

The incidence of thyroid cancer is increasing around the world, including Taiwan. This has been speculated to be related to the increasing prevalence of insulin resistance status, one of the pathophysiological etiologies of thyroid cancer. However, it is interesting that the risk of thyroid cancer is not significantly increased in patients with diabetes. One of the possible explanations is the protective effect of some anti-diabetic drugs targeting insulin resistance. In a previous population-based study, rosiglitazone use can be associated with a 30–50% lower risk of thyroid cancer. The purpose of the present study was to further evaluate whether pioglitazone might affect thyroid cancer risk, by using the National Health Insurance (NHI) reimbursement databases of Taiwan.
The lysophosphatidylserine receptor GPR 174 constrains regulatory T cell development and function

Regulatory T cells (T reg cells) that express the transcription factor Foxp3 are tasked with the job of controlling aberrant immune responses. Accordingly, T reg cell abundance and activity are precisely calibrated, and even subtle changes in T reg cell homeostasis can potentiate or ameliorate immunopathology (Josefowicz et al., 2012). Many molecular signals that drive the development and maintenance of these cells have been deciphered, including TCR engagement, co-stimulation, and -chain cytokine signaling, most importantly by IL-2 (Josefowicz et al., 2012). Recently, retinoic acid, short-chain fatty acids, and sphingosine-1-phosphate, all small molecules that can be recognized by G protein–coupled receptors (GPCRs) or nuclear receptors, have been shown to modulate T reg cell development and activity (Liu et al., 2009; Hall et al., 2011; Smith et al., 2013). Thus, a paradigm is emerging whereby T reg cell populations are “tuned” by small molecules, such as metabolites, hormones, and bioactive lipids (Thorburn et al., 2014). The receptors for these molecules represent attractive therapeutic targets for modulating immunopathologies and immune responses. GPR174 is one of four GPCRs known to be activated by the bioactive lipid lysophosphatidylserine (LysoPS; Inoue et al., 2012). Phospholipase A1 and A2 enzymes can catalyze the generation of LysoPS by hydrolyzing phosphatidylserine (PS) at the sn-1 or sn-2 position, respectively, resulting in the removal of an acyl chain (Grzelczyk and Gendaszewska-Darmach, 2013). The enzyme ABHD16a also exhibits PS lipase activity, and Abhd16a deficiency results in reduced LysoPS levels in vivo (Kamat et al., 2015). LysoPS species vary by acyl chain length and saturation, among which the 16:0, 18:0, and 18:1 isoforms are the most abundant in brain, heart, kidney, and lung tissues (Blankman et al., 2013). PS-PLA1, ABHD6, and ABHD12 can catalyze the degradation of LysoPS, and genetic deficiencies in the latter two enzymes have been linked to metabolic syndrome and inflammatory neurodegenerative disease, respectively (Sato et al., 1997; Blankman et al., 2013; CORRESPONDENCE Jason G. Cyster: Jason.Cyster@ucsf.edu
Paracoccus mangrovi sp. nov., isolated from a mangrove.

A bacterial strain, designated gyp-1T, was isolated from a mangrove in Taiwan and characterized using the polyphasic taxonomic approach. Cells of gyp-1T were Gram-staining-negative, aerobic, poly-β-hydroxybutyrate-accumulating, non-motile, coccoid or short-rod-shaped and formed cream-coloured colonies. Growth occurred at 15-37 °C (optimum, 25-30 °C), at pH 5.5-7.0 (optimum, pH 6.0) and with 0-4 % NaCl (optimum, 1-2 %). Phylogenetic analyses based on 16S rRNA gene sequences indicated that gyp-1T represented a member of the genus Paracoccus and showed the highest levels of sequence similarity with respect to Paracoccus lutimaris HDM-25T (97.8 %) and Paracoccus aminovorans DM-82T (97.7 %). The major fatty acids (>10 %) of gyp-1T were C18 : 1ω7c and C16 : 0. The polar lipid profile consisted of phosphatidylglycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylcholine, diphosphatidylglycerol, an unidentified glycolipid and two unidentified phospholipids. The major isoprenoid quinone was Q-10. The DNA G+C content was 64.6 mol%. The DNA-DNA hybridization value for gyp-1T with P. lutimaris HDM-25T and P. aminovorans DM-82T was less than 50 %. Differential phenotypic properties, together with the phylogenetic inference, demonstrate that gyp-1T should be classified as representing a novel species of the genus Paracoccus, for which the name Paracoccus mangrovi sp. nov. is presented. The type strain is gyp-1T (=BCRC 80920T=LMG 29172T=KCTC 42899T).
Comparison of postoperative bleeding between submucosal uvulopalatopharyngoplasty and tonsillectomy

Background: The aim of this study was to compare the incidence of postoperative secondary hemorrhage for tonsillectomy and submucosal uvulopalatopharyngoplasty (smUPPP). Materials and Methods: In this retrospective case series, the medical records of 404 patients who underwent tonsillectomy with unipolar electrocautery and smUPPP at our institution between January 2001 and December 2010 were reviewed. The patients were divided into two groups: Group 1 (198 patients) underwent tonsillectomy; Group 2 (206 patients) underwent smUPPP. Main outcome measures were incidence of bleeding or complications after tonsillectomy and smUPPP and the need for revision surgery. Results: The mean age of Group 1 patients was 38.1 (±2.58) years and that of Group 2 was 37.7 (±2.25) years. Males were 51.3% of Group 1 and 46.7% of Group 2. No statistically significant difference in age or gender distribution was found between Groups 1 and 2. The incidence of secondary, delayed hemorrhage was 5.05% (10 patients) in Group 1 and 1.45% (three patients) in Group 2 (P = 0.05). The incidence of delayed hemorrhage requiring surgical treatment was 4.54% (nine patients) in Group 1 and 0.97% (two patients) in Group 2. Conclusion: In adults, smUPPP, which includes tonsillectomy, has a lower incidence of postoperative delayed hemorrhage than does tonsillectomy with unipolar cautery.
Contributing to an important debate or increasing the news/death ratio?

Maybe we should have solicited more manuscript on the influenza pandemic; research papers as well as viewpoints and editorials. We have received quite a few submissions, but some have been reports from local surveys or analyses of vaccination coverage on national or local level; thus, of limited interest to the international readership. Also, while it is important for a scientific public health journal to follow and contribute to a debate—scientific as well as policy oriented—of considerable public health interest, we must not contribute to increase the ‘news/death ratio’ highlighted by Hans Rosling last year in a thoughtful and amusing video on youtube.1 He pointed out that during the period 24 April to 6 May 2009, there were 31 deaths from the ‘swine flu’ (influenza H1N1), while there were 63 066 deaths from tuberculosis. However, the number of news reports was 253 442 on swine flu and 6501 on tuberculosis during the same time. He calculated … Correspondence: Peter Allebeck, Department of Public Health Sciences, Karolinska Institute, Stockholm, Sweden. e-mail: peter.allebeck{at}ki.se
Hemorrhagic transformation of ischemic stroke

The better understanding of the diverse mechanisms leading to the hemorrhagic transformation of an ischemic stroke is the crucial point in the prevention of this altogether common phenomenon. The different individual risk factors include the anatomical variability of collateral blood supply, age, genetics, body weight, etiology of the occlusion, side of the occluded vessel, renal status, stroke severity, history of high serum glucose or hypertension and hypertension or hyperglycemia at the onset of the stroke, ferritin level, INR, antiplatelet usage or the platelet count etc. All these might contribute to the process of hemorrhagic transformation. These risk factors have been identified by retrospective epidemiological studies and are useful to identify patients who are at high risk for hemorrhagic conversion and help the decision between conservative, thrombolytic or more advanced treatments such as thrombectomy. The modulations of potential molecular targets participating in the process seem to be promising in animal models, but human trials are lacking the breakthrough success so far, both in extending the time frame of the thrombolysis and in replacing the recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rtPA) as thrombolytic agent. So far, the careful preselection of patients eligible for thrombolytic therapy is the best way to prevent hemorrhagic transformation. The intensive research in the field revealing small but important molecular details are continuously contributing to the better understanding of hemorrhagic transformation with the intention of finding new agents that co-administrated to the rtPA or completely replacing that could decrease the risk of secondary bleeding. The aim of this review is to give comprehensive insight into the process of hemorrhagic transformation of ischemic stroke, starting with basic overview of the penumbra concept and the collateral supply followed by discussion of the recanalisation-reperfusion-hemorrhagic transformation process after vessel occlusion also highlighting the importance of timing and ratio of recanalisation spontaneously and in case of thrombolytic agent administration. We overview the risk factors of hemorrhagic transformation, which may be helpful to physicians to identify high risk patients before rtPA administration. The last part of the work is dealing with future therapeutic possibilities based on the so far revealed molecular mechanisms of hemorrhagic transformation. PH-1, PH-2) 61,5% oligomeric matrix protein, TXNIP: thioredoxin-interacting protein, SMTP: Stachybotrys microspora triprenyl phenol, GLUT-1: Glucose
Motion-compensated television coding: Part I

We present methods of estimating displacements of moving objects from one frame to the next in a television scene and using such displacements for frame-to-frame prediction. Displacement is estimated by a recursive algorithm which seeks to minimize a functional of the prediction error. Several simplifications of the algorithm are presented which make it attractive for hardware implementation. Performance of the algorithm is evaluated by computer simulations on two sequences of moving images containing various amounts and types of motion. In both cases, the use of displacement-based (or motion-compensated) prediction results in bit rates that are 22 to 50 percent lower than those obtained by simple “frame-difference” prediction, which is used commonly in the interframe coders.
Involvement of cyclin‐dependent kinases in axotomy‐induced retinal ganglion cell death

We have tested the role of cyclin‐dependent kinases (CDKs) in the type 3B death of axotomized retinal ganglion cells, by injecting intraocularly olomoucine, roscovitine, or butyrolactone I. Each of these inhibits CDK1, CDK2, and CDK5; CDK1 and CDK2 are involved in cell proliferation, whereas CDK5 is involved in neuronal differentiation. The inhibitors partially protected ganglion cells against the effects of axotomy. These agents may affect the ganglion cells directly, because CDK1, its regulatory subunit cyclin B1, and CDK5 were identified immunohistochemically in the perikarya of ganglion cells, and this was confirmed for CDK1 and CDK5 in Western blots of the ganglion cell layer. These blots showed an axotomy‐induced phosphorylation of CDK5 occurring remarkably quickly (within 6 hours of axotomy) but little if any change in the phosphorylation state of CDK1. In addition, we studied the expression of proliferation markers, including proliferating cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) and the synthesis of DNA, by immunohistochemical and autoradiographic methods. Normal or axotomized ganglion cells did not express PCNA and did not synthesize DNA. Although we cannot exclude the possibility that axotomized ganglion cells may leave their quiescent state, our data show that they did not progress beyond the G1 phase of the cell cycle. Finally, in contrast to inhibitors of CDKs, cell cycle blockers with different targets than CDKs did not protect ganglion cells. Globally, our results suggest that axotomy‐induced death of ganglion cells involves the activation of CDK1, CDK2, or CDK5 (most probably CDK5) but not the full cell cycle machinery. J. Comp. Neurol. 447:72–81, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A Short Manual of Venereal Diseases and Treponematosis

A YEAR which sees new editions of Samson Wright and B. D. S. (and also of Best and Taylor, which has not been submitted for review) is a vintage year indeed. Samson Wright is a verv old friend, having been published first in 1926, and many of us have leaned heavily on him for the second M. The book now has a completely new look, with pages measuring 11 x 81 inches printed in double columns, and an attractive bright red cover. It is only 14-inches thick and is much easier to handle than the stocky 1952 edition. The new authors have revised the text extensively for the tenth edition and have brought most of it (but not the account of digestion) up to date. They have made good a defect of previous editions by providing an account of the special senses. The book remains what it has always been-a concise account of human physiology, based on the experimental evidence (much of it shown in diagrammatic form) and related to clinical problems. The presentation is clear, orderly, and rather dogmatic. It will undoubtedly retain its popularity as a text for undergraduate and postgraduate students and as a work of reference for those in practice. B. D. S. is a comparative newcomer, but has reached its fifth edition after only eleven years. It covers much the same ground as Samson Wright, but deals with biochemistry in much greater detail and employs a more continuous form of writing. The combination of a physiologist, a biochemist, and a clinician provides a superbly integrated account of physiology and biochemistry and of their clinical implications. The text is a pleasure to read and is profusely illustrated with clear and helpful diagrams, X-rays, and photographs. I was interested to see two of my own colour photographs in Fig. 10, 14. B. D. S. can be recommended warmly to students and practitioners at all stages of their careers. It will be appreciated particularly by those who like to be taught, and to have their minds stimulated by, good prose. THIS publication is intended for nurses, medical students, and general practitioners. It gives concise and adequate descriptions of the venereal diseases and treponematosis. Routine diagnostic procedures are outlined in detail. One chapter is devoted to serological tests and another to ethical and sociological considerations. The production, paper, and type are excellent and the illustrations-although one appears upside down-are …
Unpreserved Carboxymethylcellulose Artificial Tears Evaluated in Patients with Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca

In order to evaluate the therapeutic value of an unpreserved carboxymethylcellulose-based artificial tear in treatment of keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), 56 patients with severe keratoconjunctivitis sicca were enrolled, at a single study center, in a randomized, double-masked, 8-week comparison with a preserved hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (HMC)-based artificial tear. Patients treated with the carboxymethylcellulose (CMC)-based tear showed significant improvement in fluorescein staining, symptoms, and impression cytology grades. Patients treated with HMC-based tears showed minimal improvement in a few variables. Impression cytology specimens were analyzed by a modified technique that maps the distribution of the various grades present on the specimen. With this technique, improvement in the cytology grades was noted in the group of patients using CMCbased tears. The improvement correlated with observed decreases in symptoms of discomfort and with scores for superficial punctate staining. This study supports the observed therapeutic value of unpreserved CMC-based artificial tears and suggests the possible reversal of squamous metaplasia in patients with KCS. Further studies are required to separate the benefit of the CMC formulation from the benefits of preservative elimination.
Prevalence of genetic prothrombotic risk factors: 1691G > A FV, 20210G > A PT and 677C > T MTHFR mutations in the Bosnian population

Abstract Background: Venous thrombosis (VT) affects 1–2 out of 103 individuals each year. Mutations of 1691G > A FV gene, 20210G > A PT gene and 677C > T gene MTHFR are common in Europe and increase the risk of venous thrombosis. To the authors’ knowledge, this is the first report on the prevalence of these mutations in the general population of Bosnia and Herzegovina. Aim: The aim of this study was to simultaneously analyse main VT associated polymorphisms and compare the results with those published for other European populations. Data sources: Electronic databases including Medline and Embase were searched from 1995 to December 2013. Subjects and methods: The subjects of the study consisted of 100 unrelated healthy people from Bosnia and Herzegovina (82 female and 18 male). The mean age of the cohort was 58.8 (±10.7) years. PCR-RFLP was used for measurement of allele frequencies. Results: All three SNPs were found to be polymorphic, with allele frequencies of 6.0%, 6.0% and 37.5% for 1691A FV, 20210A PT and 677T MTHFR, respectively. Conclusion: Further studies on larger cohorts with an adequate female-to-male ratio are necessary to confirm a high prevalence of hereditary thrombophilia in the Bosnian population.
The Dual Function Cytokine IL-33 Interacts with the Transcription Factor NF-κB To Dampen NF-κB–Stimulated Gene Transcription

Full-length IL-33 is a member of the IL-1 family of cytokines, which can act in an autocrine or paracrine manner by binding to the IL-33R on several different target cell types. In addition, IL-33 can act in an intracrine fashion by translocating to the nucleus, where it binds to the chromatin and modulates gene expression. In this article, we report that full-length IL-33, but not mature IL-33, interacts with the transcription factor NF-κB. This interaction occurs between the N-terminal part of IL-33 from aa 66–109 and the N-terminal Rel homology domain of NF-κB p65. Coimmunoprecipitation experiments in cells overexpressing IL-33 or endogenously expressing IL-33 revealed rhIL-1β–stimulated association between IL-33 and p65, whereas binding to the p50 subunit was constitutive. The biological consequence of IL-33/NF-κB complex formation was reduction in NF-κB p65 binding to its cognate DNA and impairment of p65-triggered transactivation. Overexpression of IL-33 resulted in a reduction and delay in the rhIL-1β–stimulated expression of endogenous NF-κB target genes such as IκBα, TNF-α, and C-REL. We suggest that nuclear IL-33 sequesters nuclear NF-κB and reduces NF-κB–triggered gene expression to dampen proinflammatory signaling.