Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Specific Region of 37 Amino Acid Residues in the SPRY (B30.2) Domain of African Green Monkey TRIM5α Determines Species-Specific Restriction of Simian Immunodeficiency Virus SIVmac Infection

ABSTRACT Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) efficiently enters cells of Old World monkeys but encounters a block before reverse transcription. This restriction is mediated by a dominant repressive factor. Recently, a member of the tripartite motif (TRIM) family proteins, TRIM5α, was identified as a blocking factor in a rhesus macaque cDNA library. Among Old World monkey cell lines, the African green monkey kidney cell line CV1 is highly resistant to not only HIV-1 but also simian immunodeficiency virus SIVmac infection. We analyzed TRIM5α of CV1 cells and HSC-F cells, a T-cell line from a cynomolgus monkey, and found that both CV1- and HSC-F-TRIM5αs could inhibit CD4-dependent HIV-1 infection, as well as vesicular stomatitis virus glycoprotein-mediated infection. CV1-TRIM5α could also inhibit SIVmac infection, whereas HSC-F-TRIM5α could not. In the SPRY (B30.2) domain of CV1-TRIM5α, there was a 20-amino-acid duplication that was not present in HSC-F-TRIM5α. A chimeric TRIM5α containing 37 amino acid residues from CV1-TRIM5α, which spanned the 20-amino-acid duplication, in the background of HSC-F-TRIM5α fully gained the ability to inhibit SIVmac infection. Conversely, the mutant CV1-TRIM5α lacking the 20-amino-acid duplication completely lost the ability to restrict SIVmac infection. These findings clearly indicated that a specific region of 37 amino acid residues in the SPRY domain of CV1-TRIM5α contained a determinant of species-specific restriction of SIVmac.
Hypnotic susceptibility, hypnosis, and EMG biofeedback in the reduction of frontalis muscle tension.

Abstract Biofeedback and hypnosis have been used in the treatment of similar disorders. While each has been useful, it is unclear whether they involve similar or conflicting processes. Bowers and Kelly (1979) have hypothesized that high hypnotizable Ss are more likely to benefit from hypnosis and similar procedures, than moderate and low hypnotizable individuals. In contrast, Qualls and Sheehan (1979, 1981a, b, c) have argued that hypnosis and biofeedback involve antithetical abilities. In the present study, high, moderate, and low hypnotizable individuals (N = 60) were randomly assigned to either EMG biofeedback or hypnosis conditions and instructed to relax. It was found that the mean percent reduction in frontalis muscle tension over the last 5 trials was significantly greater for the high hypnotizable Ss during hypnosis than the moderate and low hypnotizable Ss. The moderate and low hypnotizable Ss demonstrated greater reductions in frontalis muscle tension during EMG biofeedback than during hypnosis.
Evaluation of an antibiotic-impregnated shunt system for the treatment of hydrocephalus.

OBJECT Staphylococcus species are the most common organisms responsible for infection following implantable cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) diversionary procedures. The role of an antibiotic-impregnated shunt (AIS) system in the prevention of shunt infection has remained unclear because no human clinical trial has been reported on thus far. In this study, the authors assess an AIS system with respect to its prevention of shunt infection. METHODS Patients were prospectively randomized into groups to evaluate the efficacy of an AIS system against an identical control shunt system. The data accrued were subjected to a detailed statistical analysis. Logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the independent association between outcome and predictor variables. Shunt function analysis was also performed to compare the average time to infection between the two groups. One hundred ten patients were recruited; 60 received control shunt systems and 50 received AIS systems. Thirteen shunt infections were recorded (10 in the control group and three in the AIS group). Nine (69%) of 13 infections occurred within 2 months after shunt implantation (eight of 10 in the control group and one of three in the AIS group). Apart from one patient in whom no organism was identified, a total of 14 organisms (12 patients) were cultured from either the CSF (nine) or the shunt apparatus (three). Staphylococcus species accounted for the majority of shunt infections (83%): all 10 control shunts were found to have a positive culture of staphylococci, whereas none of the AISs had any staphylococci (p = 0.038). CONCLUSIONS The AIS afforded antistaphylococcal protection, especially during the early postoperative period when most shunt infections are known to occur and throughout the follow-up period (median 9 months). The AIS system represents another important tool to enable the neurosurgeon to prevent shunt infections.
The prevalence of unplanned pregnancy ending in birth, associated factors, and health outcomes.

STUDY QUESTION What are associated factors of unplanned pregnancies ending in birth? SUMMARY ANSWER Pregnancies that were less planned were associated with women of lower socio-economic status (SES), an unhealthier lifestyle before and during the pregnancy, more stress, and less social support. WHAT IS KNOWN ALREADY In Europe, the prevalence of unplanned pregnancy leading to birth varies. Unplanned pregnancy is more common among socially disadvantaged women, and associated with adverse pregnancy outcomes. STUDY DESIGN, SIZE, DURATION In a cross-sectional study, 517 women were recruited from May through September 2015. PARTICIPANTS/MATERIALS, SETTING, METHODS Women were recruited from six hospitals in Flanders, Belgium. Data from self-report and medical records were collected during the first 5 days postpartum. The validated London Measure of Unplanned Pregnancy was used to collect data regarding pregnancy planning. Data were analysed with Mann-Whitney U tests, Kruskal-Wallis tests, and multiple linear regression analysis. MAIN RESULTS AND THE ROLE OF CHANCE The majority of the pregnancies (83%) ending in birth were planned, 15% were ambivalent, and 2% unplanned. Women who are multigravida (95% CI -0.30 to -0.02), less well educated (95% CI 0.07-0.85), single or having a non-cohabiting relationship (95% CI 0.01-2.53), having history of drug abuse (95% CI -2.07 to -0.35), and experiencing intimate partner violence (95% CI -3.82 to -1.59) tended to have a significantly higher risk of a less planned pregnancy. Less planned pregnancies were significantly associated with initially unwanted pregnancies (P < 0.001), no folic acid or vitamin use before pregnancy (P < 0.001), lower number of prenatal visits (P = 0.03), smoking during pregnancy (P < 0.001), more stress (P = 0.002), lower relationship satisfaction (P = 0.001), and less social support (P < 0.001). Less planned pregnancies were also significantly associated with hyperemesis (P < 0.001) and shorter duration of delivery (P = 0.03). No differences were found in neonatal outcomes. LIMITATIONS, REASONS FOR CAUTION The prevalence of unplanned pregnancies is probably underestimated due to overrepresentation of women with higher SES in this study. Women's emotions may have influenced the answer to certain questions. Owing to the cross-sectional design, no causal relationships could be established. WIDER IMPLICATIONS OF THE FINDINGS This study emphasizes the importance of targeting socially disadvantaged women in the prevention of unplanned pregnancies. STUDY FUNDING/COMPETING INTERESTS This study was funded by the Research Foundation - Flanders (FWO). The authors have no conflict of interests. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER Not applicable.
Regulation of Fto/Ftm gene expression in mice and humans.

Two recent, large whole-genome association studies (GWAS) in European populations have associated a approximately 47-kb region that contains part of the FTO gene with high body mass index (BMI). The functions of FTO and adjacent FTM in human biology are not clear. We examined expression of these genes in organs of mice segregating for monogenic obesity mutations, exposed to underfeeding/overfeeding, and to 4 degrees C. Fto/Ftm expression was reduced in mesenteric adipose tissue of mice segregating for the Ay, Lep ob, Lepr db, Cpe fat, or tub mutations, and there was a similar trend in other tissues. These effects were not due to adiposity per se. Hypothalamic Fto and Ftm expression were decreased by fasting in lean and obese animals and by cold exposure in lean mice. The fact that responses of Fto and Ftm expression to these manipulations were almost indistinguishable suggested that the genes might be coregulated. The putative overlapping regulatory region contains at least two canonical CUTL1 binding sites. One of these nominal CUTL1 sites includes rs8050136, a SNP associated with high body mass. The A allele of rs8050136 preferentially bound CUTL1[corrected] in human fibroblast DNA. 70% knockdown of CUTL1 expression in human fibroblasts decreased FTO and FTM expression by 90 and 65%, respectively. Animals and humans with various genetic interruptions of FTO or FTM have phenotypes reminiscent of aspects of the Bardet-Biedl obesity syndrome, a confirmed "ciliopathy. " FTM has recently been shown to be a ciliary basal body protein.
Spinal Cord Transmission of Impulses during High Spinal Anesthesia as Measured by Cortical Evoked Potentials

Cortical evoked potentials (CEPs) resulting from posterior tibial nerve stimulation could be recorded before, but not during, diagnostic high spinal anesthesia to T2–3 in six patients with chronic pain. In contrast, spinal cord stimulation at T8–9 during high spinal anesthesia resulted in CEPs with reduced peak amplitudes and increased P1 and N2 latencies. Amplitudes of the CEPs evoked by spinal cord stimulation increased with increases in stimulus intensity before and during high spinal anesthesia (N = 3). During spinal anesthesia, higher stimulus intensities were required to evoke CEPs of similar amplitudes as before. Because CEPs evoked by stimulation of the posterior tibial nerve disappeared, but those evoked by spinal cord stimulation did not, it is concluded that spinal anesthesia is a result of blockade of nerue roots, not blockade of neural transmission within the cord. Therefore, diagnostic high spinal anesthesia cannot exclude an origin of pain within the spinal cord.
Prevalence of Diabetic Retinopathy in a Population of Diabetics From the Middle East With Microvascular Ocular Motor Palsies

Background: Vascular risk factors are increasing rapidly in the Middle East. Growing inactivity and obesity have contributed to an epidemic of Type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) in the Arab population. Microvascular palsies of the third, fourth, and sixth cranial nerves, which occur in an isolated manner, are relatively common in patients with DM, hypertension, or other vascular risk factors. Methods: In this retrospective analysis, patients with diabetes with microvascular palsies were assessed for the prevalence of diabetic retinopathy (DR). We compared these data with the prevalence of DR in the general population of diabetics in Saudi Arabia and to a similar published study done in an American population. Results: In total, 126 patients with diabetes were included in the study. The sixth nerve was most frequently involved in 67 patients (53%). Seventy-seven patients (61%) had DR, compared with 49 (39%) without DR. The prevalence of DR in the general population of Saudi patients with diabetes ranged from 30% to 36.1%. Conclusions: Our study demonstrated a higher prevalence of DR in patients with microvascular palsies compared with the general population of patients with diabetes in the Arab population. This is in contrast to a previous study in an American population. Our results might be secondary to differences between the 2 populations, in particular, the continued increase in the prevalence of vascular risk factors (mainly diabetes) and poor control of these risk factors in the Middle East.
Lumbar plexus block with perineural catheter and sciatic nerve block for total hip arthroplasty.

This case series describes the use of continuous lumbar plexus block with sciatic nerve block as an alternative anesthetic for total hip arthroplasty (THA). A retrospective chart review was performed on 10 consecutive patients who underwent THA at Walter Reed Army Medical Center using continuous lumbar plexus block and sciatic nerve block for anesthesia. Continuous lumbar plexus block with sciatic nerve block without concurrent general anesthesia has not been described previously for THA. Peripheral nerve block may provide superior intraoperative outcomes, as suggested by lower operative blood loss and potentially lower transfusion exposure. Lumbar plexus block with perineural catheter and sciatic nerve block with perioperative sedation is an effective alternative to general anesthesia for THA.
Treatment Options for Juvenile Idiopathic Arthritis (JIA) Associated Uveitis

ABSTRACT Purpose: To summarize the available published data regarding the treatment of JIA-associated chronic uveitis. Methods: Available peer-reviewed publications regarding the treatments of JIA-associated uveitis were read by multiple authors (RMA, EM, JET, and DH) and the data from these reports were synthesized for this review. Results: Juvenile idiopathic arthritis (JIA)-associated chronic uveitis is a significant cause of ocular morbidity and visual impairment in children, often resulting in more frequent complications and worse visual outcomes than other types of pediatric uveitis. Since not all patients respond to the first medication introduced, it is useful to have a wide range of available treatment modalities to address recalcitrant disease. Treatment options for JIA-associated uveitis have increased substantially over the past decade, particularly with the availability of newer biological agents in addition to established medication classes such as anti-inflammatories (including topical and systemic corticosteroids) and antimetabolites. Conclusions: Although data are increasing regarding biologic agents, definitive randomized prospective clinical trials would be helpful to determine their optimal dose, frequency, treatment duration, and long-term safety in children.
Use of adverse conditions to stimulate a cellular stress response by equine articular chondrocytes.

OBJECTIVE To determine the response of equine articular cartilage cells to heat and calcium stresses. DESIGN Analysis of newly synthesized, [35S]methionine-labeled proteins after treatment of isolated primary equine chondrocytes. PROCEDURE Primary cultures of equine articular chondrocytes were incubated at temperatures ranging from 37 to 42 C for heat stress experiments or incubated in the presence or absence of the intracellular calcium pump inhibitor, thapsigargin, for calcium stress experiments. Patterns of new protein synthesis were determined by incubating with [35S]methionine followed by separation of proteins by use of one- or two-dimensional gel electrophoresis and visualization of labeled proteins by use of fluorography. RESULTS Equine chondrocytes cultured at temperature of 42 C had increased synthesis of specific proteins, compared with the profile of protein synthesis in control chondrocytes cultured at 37 C. These changes were characteristic of the heat shock stress response described in a number of other mammalian cell-types. Equine chondrocytes cultured in the presence of thapsigargin also had increased synthesis of specific proteins. Two-dimensional gel electrophoresis of these newly synthesized proteins revealed the changes to be consistent with the induction of the glucose-regulated protein family of stress proteins. CONCLUSIONS Changes in the pattern of new protein synthesis can be induced in differentiated equine articular chondrocytes by heat shock or calcium stress. These responses are characteristic of a widely described mammalian stress response that has been postulated to be involved in cellular protective mechanisms. The ability of equine chondrocytes to mount a robust stress response may be important in the processes of tissue damage and recovery in articular joints of horses.
Prostaglandin J(2) inhibition of mesangial cell iNOS expression.

Mesangial cells from MRL/lpr mice, a model of lupus, overproduce nitric oxide (NO) compared to controls. J series prostaglandins (PG) and thiazolidinediones block LPS stimulation of NO production via the activation of peroxisome proliferator-activator receptor-gamma (PPAR-gamma) in macrophages but utilize an alternative mechanism in microglial cells. We investigated the mechanism by which PGJ(2) inhibits NO production in LPS/IFN-gamma-stimulated MRL/lpr mesangial cells. Our results demonstrated that LPS/IFN-gamma addition to MRL/lpr mesangial cells stimulated iNOS activation, expression of p-38 kinase and p44/42 MAPK, and NF-kappaB translocation to the nucleus. Both pioglitazone, a specific PPAR-gamma agonist, and PGJ(2) blocked NO production, iNOS protein expression, and iNOS mRNA transcription. PGJ(2) failed to inhibit nuclear NF-kappaB translocation or p44/42 MAPK or p-38 kinase induction in stimulated mesangial cells. These data suggest that PGJ(2) blocks iNOS expression and subsequent NO production in mesangial cells via a PPAR-gamma-mediated mechanism either by interfering with NF-kappaB transcriptional activity or by an NF-kappaB-independent mechanism.
A perceptual subspace method for sinusoidal speech and audio modeling

The problem of modeling a signal segment as a sum of exponentially damped sinusoidal components is of interest in a wide range of fields, including speech and audio processing. Often, model parameters are estimated using subspace based techniques that exploit the so-called shift-invariance property. A drawback of these estimation techniques in relation to speech and audio processing is that the perceptual relevance of the model components is not taken into account. In this paper we show how to combine well-known subspace based estimation techniques with a recently developed perceptual distortion measure, to obtain an algorithm for extracting perceptually relevant model components. In analysis-synthesis experiments with wideband audio signals, objective and subjective evaluations show that the proposed algorithm improves perceived signal quality considerably over traditional subspace based analysis methods.
In-depth study of homogeneity in DBS using two different techniques: results from the EBF DBS-microsampling consortium.

BACKGROUND At the start of their work, the European Bioanalysis Forum dried blood spots microsampling consortium did not form a dedicated team to investigate the spot homogeneity. However, two teams performed experiments that produced results relating to sample homogeneity. RESULTS The data, which were produced via two different approaches (a radiolabeled and a nonradiolabeled approach), are highly complementary and demonstrate clear effects on sample inhomogeneity due to the substrate type, compound and hematocrit levels. CONCLUSION The results demonstrate that sample inhomogeneity is a significant hurdle to the use of dried blood spots for regulated bioanalysis that should be investigated further in the method establishment phase if the whole spot is not sampled.
Martin Mayman's Early Memories Technique: Bridging the Gap Between Personality Assessment and Psychotherapy

In this article, we describe Martin Mayman's approach to early childhood memories as a projective technique, beginning with his scientific interest in learning theory, coupled with his interest in ego psychology and object relations theory. We describe Mayman's contributions to the use of the early memories technique to inform the psychotherapy process, tying assessment closely to psychotherapy and making assessment more useful in treatment. In this article, we describe a representative sample of research studies that demonstrate the reliability and validity of early memories, followed by case examples in which the early memories informed the therapy process, including issues of transference and countertransference.
Liver transplant outcomes using ideal donation after circulatory death livers are superior to using older donation after brain death donor livers

Multiple reports have demonstrated that liver transplantation following donation after circulatory death (DCD) is associated with poorer outcomes when compared with liver transplantation from donation after brain death (DBD) donors. We hypothesized that carefully selected, underutilized DCD livers recovered from younger donors have excellent outcomes. We performed a retrospective study of the United Network for Organ Sharing database to determine graft survivals for patients who received liver transplants from DBD donors of age ≥ 60 years, DBD donors < 60 years, and DCD donors < 50 years of age. Between January 2002 and December 2014, 52,271 liver transplants were performed in the United States. Of these, 41,181 (78.8%) underwent transplantation with livers from DBD donors of age < 60 years, 8905 (17.0%) from DBD donors ≥ 60 years old, and 2195 (4.2%) livers from DCD donors < 50 years of age. DCD livers of age < 50 years with < 6 hours of cold ischemia time (CIT) had superior graft survival when compared with DBD livers ≥ age 60 years (P < 0.001). In 2014, there were 133 discarded DCD livers; of these, 111 (83.4%) were from donors < age 50 years old. Young DCD donor livers (age < 50 years old) with short CITs yield results better than that seen with DBD livers > 60 years old. Careful donor organ and recipient selection can lead to excellent results, despite previous reports suggesting otherwise. Increased acceptance of these DCD livers would lead to shorter wait list times and increased national liver transplant rates. Liver Transplantation 22 1197–1204 2016 AASLD
Extracellular protein disulfide isomerase regulates feedback activation of platelet thrombin generation via modulation of coagulation factor binding

Summary. Background: Protein disulfide isomerase (PDI) controls platelet integrin function, tissue‐factor (TF) activation, and concentrates at fibrin and thrombus formation sites of vascular injury. Objective: To investigate the involvement of surface thiol isomerases and especially PDI, in thrombin‐mediated thrombin amplification on human platelets. Methods/results: Using a newly developed thrombin‐dependent platelet thrombin generation assay, we observed that the feedback activation of thrombin generation on the platelet surface does not depend on TF, as anti‐TF antibodies inhibiting TF‐induced thrombin formation in platelet‐depleted plasma had no effect compared with vehicle‐treated controls. Feedback activation of thrombin generation in the presence of platelets was significantly diminished by membrane impermeant thiol blockers or by the thiol isomerase‐inhibitors bacitracin and anti‐PDI antibody RL90, respectively. Platelet thrombin formation depends on binding of coagulation factors to the platelet surface. Therefore, involvement of thiol isomerases in this binding was investigated. As shown by confocal microscopy and flow cytometry, thrombin‐stimulated platelets exhibited increased surface‐associated PDI as well as extracellular disulfide reductase activity compared with unstimulated platelets. Flow cytometric analysis revealed that membrane impermeant thiol blockers or PDI inhibitors, which had been added after platelet stimulation and after phosphatidylserine exposure to exclude their influence on primary platelet activation, significantly inhibited binding of all coagulation factors to thrombin‐stimulated platelets. Conclusions: Thus, surface‐associated PDI is an important regulator of coagulation factor ligation to thrombin‐stimulated platelets and of subsequent feedback activation of platelet thrombin generation. Cell surface thiol isomerases might be therefore powerful targets to control hemostasis and thrombosis.