Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
β Subunit Heterogeneity in Neuronal L-type Ca2+Channels*

Heterologous expression studies have shown that the activity of voltage-gated Ca2+ channels is regulated by their β subunits in a β subunit isoform-specific manner. In this study we therefore investigated if one or several β subunit isoforms associate with L-type Ca2+ channels in different regions of mammalian brain. All four β subunit isoforms (β1b, β2, β3, and β4) are expressed in cerebral cortex as shown in immunoblots. Immunoprecipitation of (+)-[3H]isradipine-labeled L-type channels revealed that the majority of β subunit-associated L-type channels was associated with β3 (42 ± 8%) and β4 (42 ± 7%) subunits, whereas β1b and β2 were present in a smaller fraction of channel complexes. β3 and β4 were also the major L-type channel β subunits in hippocampus. In cerebellum β1b, β2, and β3 but not β4 subunits were expressed at lower levels than in cortex. Accordingly, β4 was the most prominent β subunit in cerebellar L-type channels. This β subunit composition was very similar to the one determined for125I-ω-conotoxin-GVIA-labeled N-type and125I-ω-conotoxin-MVIIC-labeled P/Q-type channel complexes in cerebral cortex and cerebellum. Our data show that all four β subunit isoforms associate with L-type Ca2+ channels in mammalian brain. This β subunit heterogeneity may play an important role for the fine tuning of L-type channel function and modulation in neurons.
Mortality of Colorado potato beetle (Leptinotarsa decemlineata) after sublethal stress with the CryIIIA delta-endotoxin of Bacillus thuringiensis and subsequent exposure to Beauveria bassiana.

Acute or chronic sublethal exposure of Colorado potato beetle larvae to the CryIIIA delta-endotoxin of Bacillus thuringiensis Berliner did not significantly (P > 0.05) alter their subsequent susceptibility to Beauveria bassiana (Balsamo) Vuillemin. During the period of exposure to B. bassiana there was continued mortality from previous exposure to delta-endotoxin, and B. bassiana also caused significant mortality. Acute and chronic exposure to delta-endotoxin significantly prolonged larval development. The weights of prepupae and adults were significantly reduced by exposure to delta-endotoxin, with the greatest effect being from chronic exposure. Separation of the manifestations of stress in time (feeding vs soil stages) and space (toxin damage to the insect gut vs fungal penetration of the cuticle and activity in the hemocoel) may have precluded alteration of insect susceptibility to infection by B. bassiana. Endemic populations of B. bassiana are not expected to influence the development of resistance in the Colorado potato beetle to the delta-endotoxin of B. thuringiensis.
Isoproterenol‐Induced Myocardial Injury: A Systematic Comparison of Subcutaneous versus Intraperitoneal Delivery in a Rat Model

Introduction: Isoproterenol (ISO)‐induced myocardial injury is widely used as an experimental animal model; however, the optimal route of delivery, i.e., subcutaneous (SC) versus intraperitoneal (IP) has not been clarified. We systematically compared changes in cardiac function (echocardiography, Doppler and strain imaging) and exercise capacity induced by ISO via SC versus IP delivery. Methods: Twelve rats were used in this study and classified into three groups: Control (n = 2), SC‐ISO (n = 5), and IP‐ISO (n = 5), each receiving serial injections of ISO (100 mcg/kg) for 5 days (days 1–5). All rats underwent echocardiographic analysis of left ventricular function and functional capacity (FC) assessment on a treadmill protocol at baseline and post treatment. Hearts were excised and weighed at the end of the study. Results: Left ventricular (LV) systolic and diastolic dysfunctions were adequately induced by both SC and IP delivery: ≥13% reduction in fractional shortening, ≥12% increase in wall motion score index, and ≥35% increase in myocardial performance index; ≥49% increase in E/A ratio; ≥9% decline in anterior wall tissue velocity; ≥12% decline in circumferential and radial tissue strain and strain rates; ≥20% decline in FC; and ≥40% increase in echocardiographic LV mass and gross heart weight in both groups. Conclusion: Short‐duration ISO administration with serial injections via SC and IP routes induces significant myocardial dysfunction and impairs FC with few differences between both modalities. (Echocardiography 2010;27:716‐721)
Impact of ankylosing spondylitis on sexual function: A systematic review and meta-analysis

A number of studies have reported the association of sexual problems with ankylosing spondylitis (AS); however, the results have been conflicting. The present study aimed to investigate the impact of AS on sexual function. To develop a more comprehensive understanding of sexual function in patients with AS, a systematic review and meta-analysis of the literature up to 2013 was conducted. Studies that assessed the impact of AS on sexual function by adopting the International Index of Erectile Function or the Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) scoring system were included. Statistical analysis was performed using Review Manager statistical software (version 5.2). The weighted mean differences were calculated by employing a fixed or random effects model. A total of 484 cases from five studies were identified as being well-documented and included in the meta-analysis. Compared with healthy controls, male patients with AS have a significant reduction in sexual function scores of erectile function (−3.07), orgasmic function (−1.17), sexual drive (−0.72) and intercourse satisfaction (−1.89). Female patients with AS have a lower FSFI score in domains of desire (−0.34) and arousal (−0.87). In conclusion, AS has a certain impact on the sexual function of male patients. AS appears to have a greater influence on the sexual function of males compared with that of females. However, the mechanism by which AS affects sexual function requires further evaluation by further studies of a larger population of patients.
Attitudes and Practices Regarding the Formation of Romantic Relationships on the Internet

We conducted two studies to examine young adults' attitudes and practices about using the Internet to facilitate the formation of intimate relationships. In the first study, we surveyed 235 undergraduates and 76 Ph.D. students about their attitudes toward and use of the Internet in forming relationships. In the second study, a sample of 40 undergraduates explored real exemplars of matchmaking sites and then answered surveys about their impressions of the sites, while a control group of 51 undergraduates answered the same questions without exploring actual sites. In study one, more graduate students than undergraduates reported meeting someone in person whom they had first met on the Internet, p < 0.05, and had both thought about and taken steps to meet a friend or mate on the Internet, p < 0.01. Graduate students also expressed more positive views of using the Internet to form relationships, p < 0.001. In study two, the exposure group rated the sites less negatively than the control group, p < 0.001, indicating that viewing the sites did mediate opinions. Both groups expressed significant concerns about people lying on matchmaking sites and trying to meet people without using visual cues. Results are discussed in the context of mediation by life stage needs.
Limitations of A1c Interpretation

Abstract Hemoglobin A1c is the measurement of glycated hemoglobin and can aid in both the diagnosis and continued management of diabetes mellitus. Accurate glycosylated hemoglobin A1c (A1c) measurements are an essential part of decision making in the diagnosis and treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Although national standards exist to eliminate technical error with A1c testing, multiple patient conditions can falsely decrease or elevate the A1c. In this review, we discuss the methods to measure A1c and the corresponding conditions that can affect the clinical utility of the test. Conditions that affect the A1c can be either those that impair erythrocyte production or alter the normal process of glycation. Some variation also has been associated with patient ethnicity and even with normal aging. We describe alternatives to A1c testing for the above clinical scenarios in an effort to make the practicing clinician aware of alternatives for glucose evaluation.
Incidence of Postdischarge Symptomatic Paroxysmal Atrial Fibrillation in Patients Who Underwent Coronary Artery Bypass Graft:

The aim of this retrospective study was to determine the incidence of symptomatic AF of patients who had undergone coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) during long‐term follow‐up. The study population included 305 post‐CABG patients who were regularly followed in the outpatient clinic. Paroxysmal AF (PAF) was defined as an episode of symptomatic AF when symptoms were prolonged enough for the patient to request medical care. Perioperative AF occurred in 88 (28.9%) patients. Postdischarge symptomatic PAF occurred in 25 (8.2%) patients with an annual incidence of 2% during a mean follow‐up of 48 ± 30 months. Eighteen (20.4%) patients also experienced perioperative AF with an annual incidence of 5.1%, while only 7 (3.2%) of 217 patients, without perioperative AF, had postdischarge AF (P < 0.0003). During long‐term follow‐up, postdischarge AF has a low incidence and prophylactic antiarrhythmic therapy is not recommended. The method of follow‐up and retrospective analysis may understate PAF and even miss some symptomatic episodes. Perioperative AF is a predictor of symptomatic late PAF recurrences, particularly in patients with reduced left ventricular function. (PACE 2004; 27:365–367)
Connexin Gene Expression in Seminiferous Tubules of the Sprague-Dawley Rat1

Abstract Sertoli and spermatogenic cells establish germ cell- and epithelial stage-dependent networks of cell-cell communication thought to be important for the initiation and maintenance of spermatogenesis. Since gap junctions assemble between Sertoli cells and between Sertoli and spermatogenic cells, it was hypothesized that multiple, unique routes of cell-cell communication may be established, in part, by the assembly of structurally diverse gap junctions from the connexin (Cx) multigene family. Differences in channel structure may support differences in ion or second messenger permeability between cell types. Reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) analyses showed that 11 Cx mRNAs were present in total RNA from seminiferous tubules and that 10 of the Cx mRNAs were present in polysomes and presumably translated. RT-PCR analyses also showed that the Cx mRNA population varied between different seminiferous tubule cell types. There were 9 Cx mRNAs in germ cells, 8 in Sertoli cells, and 5 in peritubular cells. One of the Cx mRNAs, Cx-50, was detected only in pachytene spermatocytes and round spermatids. Comparisons of the Cx mRNAs present in tubules at different postnatal ages showed that at least 2 Cxs (Cx-33 and Cx-50) accumulated when leptotene-zygotene stages developed. The multiple Cx genes and proteins produced in spermatogenesis may support the assembly of structurally diverse gap junctions.
Population based study of noncardiac chest pain in southern Chinese: prevalence, psychosocial factors and health care utilization.

AIM Population-based assessment of noncardiac chest pain (NCCP) is lacking. The aim of this study was to evaluate the prevalence, psychosocial factors and health seeking behaviour of NCCP in southern Chinese. METHODS A total of 2 209 ethnic Hong Kong Chinese households were recruited to participate in a telephone survey to study the epidemiology of NCCP using the Rose angina questionnaire, a validated gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) questionnaire and the hospital anxiety-depression scale. NCCP was defined as non-exertional chest pain according to the Rose angina questionnaire and had not been diagnosed as ischaemic heart diseases by a physician. RESULTS Chest pain over the past year was present in 454 subjects (20.6%, 95% CI 19-22), while NCCP was present in 307 subjects (13.9%, 95% CI 13-15). GERD was present in 51% of subjects with NCCP and 34% had consulted a physician for chest pain. Subjects with NCCP had a significantly higher anxiety (P<0.001) and depression score (P=0.007), and required more days off (P=0.021) than subjects with no chest pain. By multiple logistic regression analysis, female gender (OR 1.9, 95% CI 1.1-3.2), presence of GERD (OR 2.8, 95% CI 1.6-4.8), and social life being affected by NCCP (OR 6.9, 95% CI 3.3-15.9) were independent factors associated with health seeking behaviour in southern Chinese with NCCP. CONCLUSION NCCP is a common problem in southern Chinese and associated with anxiety and depression. Female gender, GERD and social life affected by chest pain were associated with health care utilization in subjects with NCCP.
Assessment of cathepsin D and L-like proteinases of poultry red mite, Dermanyssus gallinae (De Geer), as potential vaccine antigens

SUMMARY Vaccination is a feasible strategy for controlling the haematophagous poultry red mite Dermanyssus gallinae. A cDNA library enriched for genes upregulated after feeding was created to identify potential vaccine antigens. From this library, a gene (Dg-CatD-1) encoding a 383 amino acid protein (Dg-CatD-1) with homology to cathepsin D lysosomal aspartyl proteinases was identified as a potential vaccine candidate. A second gene (Dg-CatL-1) encoding a 341 amino acid protein (Dg-CatL-1) with homology to cathepsin L cysteine proteinases was also selected for further study. IgY obtained from naturally infested hens failed to detect Dg-CatD-1 suggesting that it is a concealed antigen. Conversely, Dg-CatL-1 was detected by IgY derived from natural-infestation, indicating that infested hens are exposed to Dg-CatL-1. Mortality rates 120 h after mites had been fed anti-Dg-CatD-1 were significantly higher than those fed control IgY (PF<0·01). In a survival analysis, fitting a proportional hazards model to the time of death of mites, anti-Dg-CatD-1 and anti-Dg-CatL-1 IgY had 4·42 and 2·13 times higher risks of dying compared with controls (PF<0·05). Dg-CatD-1 and L-1 both have potential as vaccine antigens as part of a multi-component vaccine and have the potential to be improved as vaccine antigens using alternative expression systems.
The Negative Cone Mosaic: A New Manifestation of the Optical Stiles-Crawford Effect in Normal Eyes.

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to describe a previously unreported manifestation of the optical Stiles-Crawford effect (oSCE) in normal eyes. METHODS In a cohort of 50 normal subjects, the directional reflectance of cones in the retinal periphery was explored by flood-illuminated adaptive optics (FIAO) and optical coherence tomography (OCT). RESULTS In 32 eyes (64%), off-axis FIAO images of the retinal periphery (∼15-20° from the fovea) showed variably sized patches of hyporeflective dots (called here negative mosaic) coexisting with hyperreflective (positive) cones. In nine cases, shifting the entry pupil toward the optical axis restored the positive cone mosaic, with a point-by-point correspondence between positive and negative mosaics. Rods remained hyperreflective around negative and positive cones. These changes were paralleled by changes of the OCT reflectance of the cone outer segment tips and, to a lesser extent, of the inner/outer segment limit. CONCLUSIONS By en face FIAO imaging of the retina, the contrast of cones over rods may be strongly dependent on the entry pupil to such an extent that their reflectance is lower than that of rods. We hypothesized that the negative cone mosaic aspect results from the differential Stiles-Crawford effect of cones and rods. Cone reflectance by en face FIAO parallels the reflectance from the cone outer segment tip line and to a lesser extent of the inner/outer segment limit by OCT. Taking this into account, the oSCE is of importance for the interpretation of high-resolution images of photoreceptors. (ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT01546181.)
Fine Structure and Location of the Mycoplasma-like Gray Lung and Rat Pneumonia Agents In Infected Mouse Lung

The mycoplasma-like gray lung and rat pneumonia agents were indistinguishable in fine structure and location in infected mouse lung. Both agents resembled mycoplasmas in fine structure, being bounded by a 110 A unit membrane which enclosed an internal region of 20 to 30 A branching fibrils and groups of 120 A ribosomes. They differed from mycoplasmas in having an 80 to 90 A electron-lucent space separating the unit membrane from the internal material, and the internal region was bounded by a 30 to 40 A unbranched fibril. In division, the organisms appeared to form a transverse trilayered “division plate. ” In overall shape, the organisms seemed to be thick circular or oval plates, and they tended to lie in palisade arrangement on cell surfaces. Both agents were free in large numbers in the alveoli and respiratory bronchioles, and on the surface of intro-alveolar mononuclear cells, but were not seemingly associated with lung cells as such. Intracellular organisms were within membrane-bounded inclusions.
NK cells inhibit humoral immunity by reducing the abundance of CD4+ T follicular helper cells during a chronic virus infection

There is a need to understand better how to improve B cell responses and immunity to persisting virus infections, which often cause debilitating illness or death. People with chronic virus infection show evidence of improved virus control when there is a strong neutralizing antibody response, and conversely, B cell dysfunction is associated with higher viral loads. We showed previously that NK cells inhibit CD4+ and CD8+ T cell responses to disseminating LCMV infection and that depletion of NK cells attenuates chronic infection. Here, we examined the effect of NK cell depletion on B cell responses to LCMV infection in mice. Whereas mice infected acutely generated a peak level of antibody soon after the infection was resolved, mice infected chronically showed a continued increase in antibody levels that exceeded those after acute infection. We found that early NK cell depletion rapidly increased virus‐specific antibody levels to chronic infection, and this effect depended on CD4+ T cells and was associated with elevated numbers of CXCR5+CD4+ TFH cells. However, the NK cell‐depleted mice controlled the infection and by 1 mo pi, had lower TFH cell numbers and antibody levels compared with mice with sustained infection. Finally, we show that NK cell depletion improved antiviral CD8+ T cell responses only when B cells and virus‐specific antibody were present. Our data indicate that NK cells diminish immunity to chronic infection, in part, by suppressing TFH cell and antibody responses.
Epidemiology of basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas in a Department of Dermatology: a 5 year review.

BACKGROUND Non-melanoma skin cancer, a common designation for both basal cell carcinomas and squamous cell carcinomas, is the most frequent malignant skin neoplasm. OBJECTIVE Epidemiologic characterization of the population with Non-melanoma skin cancer. METHODS Retrospective analysis of all patients diagnosed with Non-melanoma skin cancer based on histopathologic analysis of all incisional or excisional skin biopsies performed between 2004 and 2008 in a Department of Dermatology. RESULTS A total of 3075 Non-melanoma skin cancers were identified, representing 88% of all malignant skin neoplasms (n=3493) diagnosed in the same period. Of those, 68,3% were basal cell carcinomas. Most Non-melanoma skin cancer patients were female and over 60 years old. Of all Non-melanoma skin cancer, 81,7% (n=1443) were located in sun-exposed skin, and represented 95,1% of malignant skin neoplasms in sun-exposed skin. Non-melanoma skin cancer was the most frequent malignant skin neoplasm in most topographic locations, except for abdomen and pelvis - over 95% of all malignant skin neoplasms in the face, neck and scalp were Non-melanoma skin cancer. Basal cell carcinomas were clearly predominant in all locations, except in upper and lower limbs, lower lip and genitals, where squamous cell carcinomas represented respectively 77,7%, 77,4%, 94,7% and 95,3% of the Non-melanoma skin cancers. CONCLUSION Being the most common skin cancer, Non-melanoma skin cancer should be under constant surveillance, in order to monitor its epidemiologic dynamics, the efficiency of preventive measures and the adaptation of the healthcare resources.
Gene expression profiles of periodontal ligament cells treated with enamel matrix proteins in vitro: analysis using cDNA arrays.

BACKGROUND A number of procedures have been used to achieve periodontal regeneration. Recently, enamel matrix derivative (EMD) has been the subject of significant basic and clinical investigations. The precise molecular events involved in EMD modulation of periodontal wound healing are not completely understood; however, cDNA microarray technology may enable rapid and accurate examination of EMD-mediated changes in gene expression in periodontal ligament (PDL) cells in vitro. The present study was undertaken to explore the selective effects of EMD on the activities of 268 cytokine, growth factor, and receptor genes in PDL. METHODS PDL cells were cultured in the absence and presence of EMD at a concentration of 100 microg/ml for 4 days. RNA was extracted and used to generate labeled cDNA probes. These were hybridized to cDNA arrays comprising 268 genes and exposed to x-ray films. Autoradiographs were digitized and analyzed. RESULTS Forty-six percent (125 of 268) of the tested genes were found to be expressed by the PDL cells. Of these 125 genes, 38 were differentially expressed by PDL cells which had been cultured in the presence of EMD. Among the 38, 12 were found to be downregulated, notably mostly inflammatory genes, whereas 26 genes demonstrated upregulation, many of these coding for growth factors and growth factor receptors. CONCLUSIONS The present study has shown that EMD down-regulates the expression of genes involved in the early inflammatory phases of wound healing while simultaneously upregulating genes encoding growth and repair-promoting molecules. This may partly explain the apparent efficacy of EMD application in periodontal regeneration.
Dependency between learning and profitability in different industry conditions: A system dynamic simulation

Technological change and especially radical changes are a major source of uncertainty for strategic management of technology. The traditional approach to this problem has been a race to be the first mover to the markets. We look at this situation through the lens of the Resource Based View, and study how the innovation and imitation strategies pay off under different industry conditions. The resource based view of the firm proposes that the competitiveness of industrial companies depends on their ability to manage portfolios of rare and valuable resources. Learning is an important mechanism in resource development and management. We develop a system dynamic model to understand the linkage between learning and profitability under different conditions set by resource appropriability and transferability. The research problem is to examine how profitable the innovator and imitator are in different industry conditions after the radical innovation is launched to the market. The setting informs the industrial manager whether it is economically feasible to open up the R&D to external influences in a situation of discontinuous change, given the industry parameters. The results show that expected profit varies strongly depending on ability to learn from different sources. Strategies based on external learning performed better in open and less protected market environment and internal learning became more interesting when resources could be efficiently protected.