Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
HOSTS ARE AHEAD IN A MARINE HOST–PARASITE COEVOLUTIONARY ARMS RACE: INNATE IMMUNE SYSTEM ADAPTATION IN PIPEFISH SYNGNATHUS TYPHLE AGAINST VIBRIO PHYLOTYPES

Microparasites have a higher evolutionary potential than their hosts due to an increased mutation rate and a shorter generation time that usually results in parasites being locally adapted to their sympatric hosts. This pattern may not apply to generalist pathogens as adaptation to sympatric host genotypes is disadvantageous due to a narrowing of the host range, in particular under strong gene flow among host populations. Under this scenario, we predict that the immune defense of hosts reveals adaptation to locally common pathogen phylotypes. This was tested in four host populations of the pipefish Syngnathus typhle and associated bacteria of the genus Vibrio. We investigated the population divergence among host and bacteria populations and verified that gene flow is higher among host populations than among parasite populations. Next, we experimentally assessed the strength of innate immune defense of pipefish hosts using in vitro assays that measured antimicrobial activity of blood plasma against sympatric and allopatric Vibrio phylotypes. Pipefish plasma displays stronger antimicrobial activity against sympatric Vibrio phylotypes compared to allopatric ones. This suggests that host defense is genetically adapted against local bacteria with a broad and unspecialized host spectrum, a situation that is typical for marine systems with weak host population structure.
Phorbol myristate acetate and dioctanoylglycerol inhibit transport in rabbit proximal convoluted tubule.

The present in vitro microperfusion study examined the effect of protein kinase C activation on transport in the rabbit proximal convoluted tubule (PCT). PCT were perfused with an ultrafiltrate-like solution and were bathed in a serumlike albumin solution. Addition of 5 x 10(-8) and 5 x 10(-7) M bath phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate, an activator of protein kinase C, inhibited volume absorption from 1.06 +/- 0.10 to 0.77 +/- 0.07 nl.mm-1.min-1 (P less than 0.05) and 0.76 +/- 0.14 to 0.48 +/- 0.08 nl.mm-1.min-1 (P less than 0.01), respectively. Bath phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (5 x 10(-9) M) had no effect on volume absorption (Jv, 0.82 +/- 0.13 to 0.81 +/- 0.12 nl.mm-1.min-1). In contrast, 5 x 10(-8) M bath 4 alpha-phorbol, an inactive phorbol that does not activate protein kinase C, had no effect on Jv (0.95 +/- 0.14 to 0.94 +/- 0.11 nl.mm-1.min-1). Bath L-alpha-dioctanoylglycerol (10(-4) M), another known activator of protein kinase C, inhibited volume absorption from 0.96 +/- 0.08 to 0.71 +/- 0.08 nl.mm-1.min-1 (P less than 0.001). A 10-fold lower concentration of L-alpha-dioctanoylglycerol (10(-5) M) had no effect on Jv (0.81 +/- 0.18 to 0.78 +/- 0.17 nl.mm-1.min-1). Both 5 x 10(-8) M phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate and 10(-4) M L-alpha-dioctanoylglycerol inhibited glucose, bicarbonate, and chloride transport in the PCT. These data are consistent with protein kinase C activation playing a role in the modulation of proximal tubular transport.
Effect of adhesive systems and bevel on enamel margin integrity in primary and permanent teeth.

PURPOSE This study compared the effectiveness of self-etch and total-etch adhesive systems in bonding to the beveled and nonbeveled margins of primary and permanent teeth. METHODS This in vitro, factorial-designed study allowed evaluation of 3 factors: (1) tooth type; (2) presence of a bevel; and (3) adhesive type. Two preparations, each including a beveled and nonbeveled margin, were completed on buccal surfaces of 60 extracted molars (30 primary and 30 permanent). Preparations were randomly assigned to self-etch or a total-etch adhesive system and restored with resin composite. After thermocycling, teeth were stained with silver nitrate, sectioned, and measured for microleakage. Statistical analysis used a repeated measures analysis of variance. RESULTS Beveled margins had less microleakage than nonbeveled margins for primary and permanent teeth (P < .001). Total-etch had less microleakage than self-etch adhesives on primary (53% less, P < .001) and on permanent teeth (22% less, P = .01). Self-etch had considerably more microleakage when enamel margins were not beveled. Comparably less microleakage, however, was found for total-etch and self-etch in restorations with beveled margins. CONCLUSIONS Total-etch adhesive and beveled margins resulted in the least microleakage. Margin beveling has a greater effect in minimizing microleakage than the type of adhesive used.
ZYMOSAN-INDUCED GENERALIZED INFLAMMATION: EXPERIMENTAL STUDIES INTO MECHANISMS LEADING TO MULTIPLE ORGAN DYSFUNCTION SYNDROME

Patients suffering from multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS) comprise a heterogeneous population, which complicates research in its pathogenesis. Elucidation of the mechanisms involved in the development of MODS will ultimately necessitate the collection of tissue samples and the performance of invasive procedures. These requirements greatly reduce the possibilities for research in human subjects. Therefore, an animal model for MODS is a necessary and valuable tool. In the mid 1980s, the zymosan-induced generalized inflammation (ZIGI) model was introduced. Intraperitoneal injection of zymosan in mice or rats leads, in the course of 1 to 2 weeks, to increasing organ damage and dysfunction. The ZIGI model has been recognized as the one that best resembles human MODS and it has been used widely to study systemic inflammation in relation to organ failure. This review describes the ZIGI model and gives an overview of the results obtained.
Changes in ascertainment of Hib and its influence on the estimation of disease incidence in the United Kingdom

SUMMARY Enhanced surveillance for Hib infection, initially covering Wales and five English regions, began in 1990 and in 1995 was extended to the whole of England and Wales. To determine whether changes in the ascertainment of Haemophilus influenzae may have affected estimates of Hib disease incidence, data from January 1990 to December 2003 were analysed. A total of 8887 and 4020 (45%) cases of H. influenzae and Hib respectively were reported. The proportion of isolates that were serotyped increased over time, and therefore reported incidence may have underestimated the true incidence in the early years of the study. Adjusting for this under-ascertainment, the incidence in children aged <5 years declined from a peak of 28·3/100 000 in 1991 to 0·97/100 000 in 1998 and increased to 3·8/100 000 in 2003. Following the implementation of universal vaccination a dramatic decline in the true incidence of invasive Hib disease occurred. The observation of the subsequent resurgence was real but the highest incidence reached was 85% below the corrected incidence in the pre-vaccine era. Continued high-quality surveillance is needed in order to accurately monitor and detect changes in disease incidence.
Subregions within the Supplementary Motor Area Activated at Different Stages of Movement Preparation and Execution

Previous studies have provided evidence that the primary motor area (M1) is involved in actual execution of a motor program, while the premotor area (PreMA) and the supplementary motor area (SMA) play a role in its preparation. We have used the high temporospatial resolution of functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) to study the relationship between stages of a motor program and activation of these motor-related cortical areas. Seven normal volunteers performed a delayed-motor task in which the preparation of finger movements was dissociated in time from movement execution, while event-related fMRI was obtained. The M1 and PreMA showed expected activation associated with execution and preparation stages, respectively. Within SMA, subregions with different temporal profiles of activation were identified: The anterior part became activated early in the preparation period, whereas the posterior part only with movement execution. This supports the notion that the classic SMA consists of the pre-SMA and SMA proper each with different functions.
A chromatin-associated protein from pea seeds preferentially binds histones H3 and H4.

Pisum sativum p16 is a protein present in the chromatin of ungerminated embryonic axes. The purification of p16 and the isolation of a cDNA clone of psp54, the gene encoding its precursor have been recently reported [Castillo, J., Rodrigo, M. I. , Márquez, J. A. , Zúñiga, A and Franco, L. (2000) Eur. J. Biochem.267, 2156-2165]. In the present paper, we present data showing that p16 is a nuclear protein. First, after subcellular fractionation, p16 was clearly found in nuclei, although the protein is also present in other organelles. Immunocytochemical methods also confirm the above results. p16 seems to be firmly anchored to chromatin, as only extensive DNase I digestion of nuclei allows its release. Far Western and pull-down experiments demonstrate a strong in vitro interaction between p16 and histones, especially H3 and H4, suggesting that p16 is tethered to chromatin through histones. Because the psp54 gene is specifically expressed during the late development of seed, the role of p16 might be related to the changes that occur in chromatin during the processes of seed maturation and germination.
Changing gender profile of medical schools in South Africa.

BACKGROUND Since 1994, higher education policy has been committed to equity of access for all, irrespective of race and gender. OBJECTIVES We investigated progress towards these goals in the education of medical doctors, with an emphasis on gender. METHODS Databases from the Department of Education (DoE), Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA) and University of Cape Town (UCT) Faculty of Health Sciences were used to explore undergraduate (MB ChB) trends at all eight medical schools and postgraduate (MMed) trends at UTC. RESULTS Nationally women have outnumbered men in MBChB enrollments since 2000, figures ranging between 52% and 63% at seven of the eight medical schools in 2005. However, the rate of change in the medical profession lags behind and it will take more than two decades for female doctors to outnumber male doctors. A study of UCT postgraduate enrollments shows that females had increased to 42% of MMed enrollments in 2005. However, female postgraduate students were concentrated in disciplines such as paediatrics and psychiatry and comprised no more than 11% of enrollments in the surgical disciplines between 1999 and 2005. CONCLUSIONS The study provides a basic quantitative overview of the changing profile of medical enrollments and raises questions about the career choices of women after they graduate and the social factors influencing these choices.
Culture-Independent Characterization of the Digestive-Tract Microbiota of the Medicinal Leech Reveals a Tripartite Symbiosis

ABSTRACT Culture-based studies of the microbial community within the gut of the medicinal leech have typically been focused on various Aeromonas species, which were believed to be the sole symbiont of the leech digestive tract. In this study, analysis of 16S rRNA gene clone libraries confirmed the presence of Aeromonas veronii and revealed a second symbiont, clone PW3, a novel member of the Rikenellaceae, within the crop, a large compartment where ingested blood is stored prior to digestion. The diversity of the bacterial community in the leech intestinum was determined, and additional symbionts were detected, including members of the α-, γ-, and δ-Proteobacteria, Fusobacteria, Firmicutes, and Bacteroidetes. The relative abundances of the clones suggested that A. veronii and the novel clone, PW3, also dominate the intestinum community, while other clones, representing transient organisms, were typically present in low numbers. The identities of these transients varied greatly between individual leeches. Neither time after feeding nor feeding on defibrinated blood caused a change in identity of the dominant members of the microbial communities. Terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis was used to verify that the results from the clone libraries were representative of a larger data set. The presence of a two-member bacterial community in the crop provides a unique opportunity to investigate both symbiont-symbiont and symbiont-host interactions in a natural model of digestive-tract associations.
Hypothalamic Resistin Immunoreactivity Is Reduced b y Obesity in the Mouse: Co-Localization with α-Melanostimulating Hormone

Resistin is a new adipokine expressed in mouse, rat and human adipose tissue. Resistin may be an important link between obesity and insulin resistance, though this controversial view is complicated by the discovery of multiple sites of resistin expression, including human macrophages, placenta and pancreas. In previous studies we demonstrated that the mouse hypothalamo-pituitary system was also a site of resistin production. Pituitary resistin is developmentally regulated, reduced in the ob/ob mouse and severely down-regulated by food deprivation (24 h). An unexpected finding was that hypothalamic resistin mRNA remained unaffected by fasting. The present experiments examined the localization and possible regulation of hypothalamic resistin protein. Using immunohistochemistry we observed a complex network of resistin+ fibres extending rostrally from the arcuate nucleus of the hypothalamus (ARC) to the preoptic area. Labelled cell bodies occurred only in the ARC and in a periventricular region of the dorsal hypothalamus. Hypothalamic resistin immunoreactivity (ir) was unaffected by fasting (48 h) or by a high fat diet, but the periventricular staining was greatly increased in the lactating mouse. Marked reductions in resistin+ fibres were seen in brain tissue from: (a) ob/ob mice, (b) young mice made underweight for their age by raising them in large litters (20 pups per litter) and (c) mice with hypothalamic lesions induced by monosodium glutamate (MSG) or gold thioglucose (GTG). We speculate that the resistin-ir deficit in genetically obese mice, and in severely underweight mice, could be due to low or absent leptin. In contrast, though MSG- and GTG-treated mice have high levels of circulating leptin, in the presence of excessive visceral fat deposits, we hypothesize that damage to the ARC destroys the resistin+ cell bodies. This latter supposition led us to an additional hypothesis, that resistin-ir would be contained in neurons expressing the proopiomelanocortin (POMC) gene. This proved to be correct. Double label immunofluorescence histochemistry revealed that α-MSH-ir, a marker for POMC neurons, was co-localized with resistin-ir. In conclusion, our data reveal a second example of an adipocytokine co-localized with a hypothalamic neuropeptide. We reported previously that leptin was co-localized with oxytocin and vasopressin. RT-PCR analysis confirmed that resistin mRNA is readily detectable in ARC, but further work is required to determine whether the resistin gene is expressed in POMC neurons or if resistin is specifically accumulated by these cells. Nonetheless, our data suggest that the hypothalamus is a target tissue for resistin.
Endurance training increases aerobic capacity but does not affect isokinetic leg muscle strength in chronic heart failure

Background: In patients with CHF, physical reconditioning improves exercise tolerance and endurance capacity. However, there is no evidence that endurance training programs affect skeletal muscle strength in such patients. Design: The present study investigates the effects of endurance training on isokinetic skeletal muscle strength and on aerobic capacity in chronic heart failure (CHF) patients. Methods: Eleven stable CHF patients (8 men, mean aged 54.3 yr and women, mean aged 49.3 yr) participated in a classical controlled inhospital 8-week endurance training program. Progressive incremental exercise tests with gas exchange analysis and isokinetic strength measurements of knee flexors and extensors were conducted in all subjects before and after training at different angular velocities (60, 180, 240 ◦ /s ). Results: After training, peak ˙ V O2 improved significantly (from 16.3 ± 3.3 to 20.7 ± 4.0 ml/kg/min; p< 0.002) as did New York Heart Association (NYHA) functional class (2.2 ± 0.4 to 1.5 ± 0.5; p< 0.001). Conversely, isokinetic strength at all angular velocities studied was unchanged after the training program. Conclusion: Isokinetic muscle strength was not improved in CHF patients participating in a endurance training program. A combined endurance and resistance protocol might be helpful for these patients whose frequently altered muscle strength undoubtedly contributes to their poor quality of life for everyday activities.
Resveratrol Induces a Mitochondrial Complex I-dependent Increase in NADH Oxidation Responsible for Sirtuin Activation in Liver Cells*

Background: The mechanism of action of resveratrol on sirtuin and mitochondrial metabolism remains elusive. Results: Resveratrol increases the mitochondrial NAD+ level by direct stimulation of complex I, leading to a SIRT3-dependent increase in substrate supplies. Conclusion: Our results link the direct stimulation by resveratrol of NADH oxidation to the SIRT3 activation. Significance: Mitochondrial NAD+/NADH ratio is a critical parameter mediating resveratrol effect on mitochondrial function. Resveratrol (RSV) has been shown to be involved in the regulation of energetic metabolism, generating increasing interest in therapeutic use. SIRT1 has been described as the main target of RSV. However, recent reports have challenged the hypothesis of its direct activation by RSV, and the signaling pathways remain elusive. Here, the effects of RSV on mitochondrial metabolism are detailed both in vivo and in vitro using murine and cellular models and isolated enzymes. We demonstrate that low RSV doses (1–5 μm) directly stimulate NADH dehydrogenases and, more specifically, mitochondrial complex I activity (EC50 ∼1 μm). In HepG2 cells, this complex I activation increases the mitochondrial NAD+/NADH ratio. This higher NAD+ level initiates a SIRT3-dependent increase in the mitochondrial substrate supply pathways (i.e. the tricarboxylic acid cycle and fatty acid oxidation). This effect is also seen in liver mitochondria of RSV-fed animals (50 mg/kg/day). We conclude that the increase in NADH oxidation by complex I is a crucial event for SIRT3 activation by RSV. Our results open up new perspectives in the understanding of the RSV signaling pathway and highlight the critical importance of RSV doses used for future clinical trials.
2[125I]Iodomelatonin binding sites in guinea pig platelets

Using 2[125I]iodomelatonin as the radioligand, we characterized 2[125I]iodomelatonin binding sites in guinea pig platelet membrane preparations. Saturation radioreceptor studies indicated that these 2[125I]iodomelatonin binding sites were of picomolar affinity and femtomolar density. The dissociation constant (Kd) and maximum number of receptor sites (Bmax) were 42.5 ± 1.79 pM and 11.8 ± 0.8 fmol/mg protein (n=6), respectively. 2[125I]Iodomelatonin competition studies with indoles or drugs indicate the following rank order of potency: 2‐iodomelatonin >melatonin ≥ 6‐chloromelatonin > 6‐hydroxymelatonin > N‐acetylserotonin > 5‐methoxytryptophol, whereas serotonin and its analogs had less than 20% inhibition at 0.1 mM. Guanosine 5′‐O‐(3‐thiotriphosphate) significantly increased the Kd by twofold suggesting that these binding sites are coupled to the guanine nucleotide binding proteins. Immunoblotting studies using anti‐MT1 IgG demonstrated one peptide blockable band with an apparent molecular mass of 37 kDa. Melatonin had no effect on prostacyclin or forskolin‐stimulated intracellular 3′,5′‐cyclic adenosine monophosphate accumulation. A diurnal variation in binding density, which was abolished after the animals were adapted to constant light conditions, was observed. Age related studies demonstrated that Bmax increased as the animal matured. Physiological melatonin concentrations potentiated whereas those at pharmacological levels inhibited adenosine diphosphate‐ or arachidonic acid‐stimulated platelet aggregation. Our study demonstrated G‐protein coupled, saturable, reversible and highly specific picomolar affinity 2[125I]iodomelatonin binding sites in guinea pig platelets. Pharmocological and physiological data indicate that they may be different from the nanomolar [3H]melatonin binding sites in human platelets previously reported.
Female fertility after cytotoxic therapy – protection of ovarian function during chemotherapy of malignant and non‐malignant diseases

Abstract: Due to the dramatic improvements in cure and survival of young patients of reproductive age suffering from malignant or systemic disease, the preservation of fertility and ovarian function during cytostatic treatment has become of increased importance during the last decade. Pharmacological therapy with GnRH analogues and the cryopreservation of ovarian tissue are discussed in this context. The value of these treatment procedures and their potential clinical applications are critically reviewed in this article.
Distribution of Diurnal Primate Species in Togo and Bénin

The Dahomey Gap, a strip of forest-savanna mosaic that interrupts the lowland rainforests of West Africa, is supposed to have acted as a natural barrier to the distribution of forest-dwelling mammals. However, few thorough mammal surveys have been conducted in this region. This study intended to gather distributional data and help clarify the distribution limits of diurnal primates occurring within this ‘Gap’. Southern Togo and Bénin were surveyed between June and November 2003. The surveys consisted of interviews with hunters and guards from parks and reserves, and walking surveys of forests. As a result, seven diurnal primate species are listed for Togo and Bénin.
Helicobacter Species Colonizing Pig Stomach: Molecular Characterization and Determination of Prevalence

ABSTRACT The infection rate of 60 pigs (10 pigs from each of six farms) byHelicobacter species was studied by two techniques. Histological examination of the cardiac area of the stomach yielded a 58% positive result versus an 80% positive result by PCR with genus-specific primers. Eighty percent of the 16S rRNA gene was amplified, classified in four groups by PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism, and sequenced. Isolates from all farms except one (farm C) were identified as Helicobacter heilmannii type 1, while those from farm C were identified as H. heilmannii type 2. Attempts to culture this organism in vitro failed. Helicobacter pylori was not found in these animals.
Specific and pleiotropic patterns of mRNA regulation by ArcZ, a conserved, Hfq‐dependent small RNA

The small RNA, ArcZ (previously RyhA/SraH), was discovered in several genome‐wide screens in Escherichia coli and Salmonella. Its high degree of genomic conservation, its frequent recovery by shotgun sequencing, and its association with the RNA chaperone, Hfq, identified ArcZ as an abundant enterobacterial ‘core’ small RNA, yet its function remained unknown. Here, we report that ArcZ acts as a post‐transcriptional regulator in Salmonella, repressing the mRNAs of the widely distributed sdaCB (serine uptake) and tpx (oxidative stress) genes, and of STM3216, a horizontally acquired methyl‐accepting chemotaxis protein (MCP). Both sdaCB and STM3216 are regulated by sequestration of the ribosome binding site. In contrast, the tpx mRNA is targeted in the coding sequence (CDS), arguing that CDS targeting is more common than appreciated. Transcriptomic analysis of an arcZ deletion strain further argued for the existence of a distinct set of Salmonella loci specifically regulated by ArcZ. In contrast, increased expression of the sRNA altered the steady‐state levels of > 16% (> 750) of all Salmonella mRNAs, and rendered the bacteria non‐motile. Deep sequencing detected a dramatically changed profile of Hfq‐bound sRNAs and mRNAs, suggesting that the unprecedented pleiotropic effects by a single sRNA might in part be caused by altered post‐transcriptional regulation.