Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Two-dimensional analysis of magnetoelectric effects in multiferroic laminated plates

Two-dimensional equations for coupled extensional, flexural, and thickness-shear motions of laminated plates of piezoelectromagnetic layers are obtained from 3-dimensional equations. The equations are used to analyze magnetoelectric couplings in the extensional deformation of a laminated plate of piezoelectric and piezomagnetic layers. Magnetoelectric effects in 4 specific configurations of laminates are calculated and examined.
Adrenomedullin Increases the Short-Circuit Current in the Mouse Seminal Vesicle: Actions on Chloride Secretion1

ABSTRACT Adrenomedullin (ADM) may regulate seminal vesicle fluid secretion, and this may affect sperm quality. In this study, we investigated the effect of ADM on chloride secretion in the mouse seminal vesicle. The presence of ADM in mouse seminal vesicle was confirmed using immunostaining, and the molecular species was determined using gel filtration chromatography coupled with enzyme-linked assay for ADM. The effects of ADM on chloride secretion were studied by short-circuit current technique in a whole-mount preparation of mouse seminal vesicle in an Ussing chamber. The effects of specific ADM and calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) receptor antagonists were investigated. Whether the ADM effect depended on the cAMP- and/or calcium-activated chloride channel was also studied using specific chloride channel blockers. The results showed that ADM was present in seminal vesicle epithelial cells. The major molecular species was precursor in the mouse seminal vesicle. ADM increased short-circuit current through the calcium-activated chloride channel in mouse seminal vesicle, and CGRP receptor was involved. We conclude that ADM may regulate chloride and fluid secretion from the seminal vesicle, which may affect the composition of the seminal plasma bathing the sperm and, hence, fertility.
Attitudes to Mental Illness and Its Demographic Correlates among General Population in Singapore

Background Public attitudes to mental illness could influence how the public interact with, provide opportunities for, and help people with mental illness. Aims This study aims to explore the underlying factors of the Attitudes to Mental Illness questionnaire among the general population in Singapore and the socio-demographic correlates of each factor. Methods From March 2014 to April 2015, a nation-wide cross-sectional survey on mental health literacy with 3,006 participants was conducted in Singapore. Results Factor analysis revealed a 4-factor structure for the Attitudes to Mental Illness questionnaire among the Singapore general population, namely social distancing, tolerance/support for community care, social restrictiveness, and prejudice and misconception. Older age, male gender, lower education and socio-economic status were associated with more negative attitudes towards the mentally ill. Chinese showed more negative attitudes than Indians and Malays (except for prejudice and misconception). Conclusions There is a need for culture-specific interventions, and the associated factors identified in this study should be considered for future attitude campaigns.
Tube erosion following insertion of a glaucoma drainage device with a pericardial patch graft.

Glaucoma drainage devices are currently used to manage high-risk, complicated, adult and pediatric glaucoma when standard filtration surgery with an antimetabolite is unsuccessful. The drainage device consists of a plate and a tube. The tube is directly implanted either into the anterior chamber or through the pars plana in eyes undergoing vitrectomy. Tube coverage is imperative to prevent conjunctival erosion, which would lead to tube exposure and pose a risk for the development of endophthalmitis. Sclera, dura, fascia lata, and pericardium have been employed to cover the tube and fistula sites. Raviv et al recently published safety data in a study of 44 patients (44 eyes) who have had a pericardial patch graft placed to cover a glaucoma drainage device. In their retrospective study, they reported 5 cases of asymptomatic thinning of the pericardial patch graft without evidence of tube erosion. No cases of infection were reported. The mean ± SD follow-up was 10.2 ± 4.0 months. Herein, we report 2 cases of tube erosion through the conjunctiva following use of commercially prepared pericardial patch grafts occurring 7 and 8 months postoperatively.
Chromosomal deletion, promoter hypermethylation and downregulation of FYN in prostate cancer

Loss of heterozygosity (LOH) at 6q is a frequent chromosomal aberration in prostate adenocarcinoma; however, a possible target gene remains to be identified. Findings in this study indicate that the FYN tyrosine kinase gene at 6q21 is a new candidate tumor suppressor in prostate cancer. Initially, single nucleotide polymorphism microarray analysis of 40 microdissected prostate adenocarcinoma samples revealed 25% LOH at the FYN locus. Furthermore, Western blot analysis and real‐time reverse transcriptase PCR (RT‐PCR) showed significantly lower FYN expression in prostate cancer tissue than in benign prostate hyperplasia (BPH), as well as in 6 prostate adenocarcinoma cell lines compared with that in BPH‐1 cells. By immunohistochemistry, FYN protein was detected in nonmalignant prostate epithelium, but not in cancerous glands. Moreover, genomic bisulfite sequencing revealed frequent aberrant methylation of a large CpG island in the FYN promoter region in both adenocarcinoma cell lines (3 of 5 cell lines tested) and primary prostate cancer (12 of 18 tumors). Methylation was generally of moderate density, affecting preferentially the 3′ region of the CpG island. Dense hypermethylation of the entire CpG island, consistent with gene silencing, was detected in 2 of 18 tumors (11%). No methylation was found in BPH‐1 cells or nonmalignant prostate tissue samples (0 of 7). These results indicate that FYN is downregulated in prostate cancer by both chromosomal deletion and promoter hypermethylation, and therefore is a novel prostate tumor suppressor gene candidate. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
The effect of short-term treatments of a gonadotropin- releasing hormone analog (buserelin) on sciatic nerve regeneration

Summary Gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) has neuromodulatory roles in central and peripheral nervous systems. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the effect of GnRH analog (buserelin) on peripheral nerve regeneration. Forty adult male rats were divided into buserelin-treated, normal saline, sham surgery, and castrated + buserelin groups. The left sciatic nerve was crushed by a fine forceps and all animals were evaluated by sciatic functional index (SFI), electrophysiology, histology and immunohistochemistry testing. On post operation days 21 and 28, the difference between buserelin and normal saline groups was statistically significant (P 0.05). At the 28th day after operation, the diameters (µm) of the regenerated myelinated fibers of the buserelin group were significantly greater than those of the normal saline group (P<0.05). Although nerve conduction velocity (NCV) of the buserelin group was faster than the normal saline group, the difference was not statistically significant. The present study suggests that buserelin treatment might accelerate peripheral nerve regeneration.
Physical activity changes the regulation of mitochondrial respiration in human skeletal muscle

This study explores the importance of creatine kinase (CK) in the regulation of muscle mitochondrial respiration in human subjects depending on their level of physical activity. Volunteers were classified as sedentary, active or athletic according to the total activity index as determined by the Baecke questionnaire in combination with maximal oxygen uptake values (peak V̇O2, expressed in ml min−1 kg−1). All volunteers underwent a cyclo‐ergometric incremental exercise test to estimate their peak V̇O2 and V̇O2 at the ventilatory threshold (VT). Muscle biopsy samples were taken from the vastus lateralis and mitochondrial respiration was evaluated in an oxygraph cell on saponin permeabilised muscle fibres in the absence (V̇0) or in the presence (V̇max) of saturating [ADP]. While V̇0 was similar, V̇max differed among groups (sedentary, 3.7 ± 0.3, active, 5.9 ± 0.9 and athletic, 7.9 ± 0.5 μmol O2 min−1 (g dry weight)−1). V̇max was correlated with peak V̇O2 (P < 0.01, r= 0.63) and with V̇T (P < 0.01, r= 0.57). There was a significantly greater degree of coupling between oxidation and phosphorylation (V̇max/V̇0) in the athletic individuals. The mitochondrial Km for ADP was significantly higher in athletic subjects (P < 0.01). Mitochondrial CK (mi‐CK) activation by addition of creatine induced a marked decrease in Km in athletic individuals only, indicative of an efficient coupling of mi‐CK to ADP rephosphorylation in the athletic subjects only. It is suggested that increasing aerobic performance requires an enhancement of both muscle oxidative capacity and mechanisms of respiratory control, attesting to the importance of temporal co‐ordination of energy fluxes by CK for higher efficacy.
Helix‐loop‐helix transcription factors in electrically active and inactive skeletal muscles

The muscle‐specific helix‐loop‐helix (HLH) transcription factors myoD, myogenin, MRF4, and myf‐5 are called the muscle regulatory factor family (MRF). Levels of MRFs are strongly regulated by muscle electrical activity and are thought to control downstream genes that are important for muscle phenotype such as the acetylcholine receptor (AChR) and possibly genes connected to muscle metabolic properties. The MRFs interact with ubiquitously expressed HLH factors such as E‐proteins and Id‐proteins to form heterodimers. In the present paper, we report the effects of paralysis obtained by nerve impulse block with tetrodotoxin (TTX) and denervation on messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) levels for Id‐1, E47, myogenin, AChR α‐subunit and β‐actin. Both Id‐1 and E47 showed twofold increases in absence of nerve evoked electrical activity. These changes in the ubiquitously expressed HLH factors might have important functional implications for downstream gene expression, but in comparison, myogenin mRNA was increased 10‐fold. We conclude that myogenin and the other muscle‐specific MRFs remain the transcription factors with the strongest activity dependence that has so far been described in muscle. © 2000 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. Muscle Nerve 23: 1374–1380, 2000.
INDUCTION OF TOLERANCE TO HEART ALLOGRAFTS IN RATS USING POSTTRANSPLANT TOTAL LYMPHOID IRRADIATION AND ANTI‐T CELL ANTIBODIES1

This study examined whether posttransplant anti-T cell monoclonal or polyclonal antibody therapy could provide a window of treatment to allow posttransplant total lymphoid irradiation (TLI) to induce tolerance. These experiments were conducted in a high responder strain combination of an ACI cardiac allograft into a Lewis rat. In this situation, treatment with antibody or posttransplant TLI alone is insufficient to induce tolerance, while similar treatments alone have been shown to induce tolerance in low responder strains. The affects of three anti-T cell therapies were compared: anti-CD4 mAb therapy, anti-CD3 mAb, and rabbit antithymocyte globulin (RATG). None of these antibody therapies alone prolonged graft survival indefinitely. Combining anti-CD4 therapy with posttransplant TLI markedly delayed rejection but failed to induce long-term graft survival. Tolerance could be induced by a combination of anti-pan T cell antibody (anti-CD3) and TLI, and, all grafts survived beyond 100 days. RATG failed to prevent graft rejection when used alone or in combination with TLI. However, posttransplant therapy with a combination of RATG, TLI, and single-donor blood transfusion resulted in graft survival beyond 100 days. Recipients bearing long-term donor grafts rejected third-party (PVG) grafts within 2 weeks. Low density donor bone marrow cells used instead of a blood transfusion did not facilitate tolerance. The results indicate that monoclonal or polyclonal anti-pan T cell antibodies, TLI, and a donor blood cell infusion function synergistically in facilitating tolerance to allografts in the posttransplant period.
Differential expression of human granzymes A, B, and K in natural killer cells and during CD8+ T cell differentiation in peripheral blood

NK cells and cytotoxic T lymphocytes can induce apoptosis in virus‐infected and transformed target cells via the granule exocytosis pathway. The key components of the cytolytic granules are perforin and several serine esterases, termed granzymes. While the cellular distribution of human granzymes A (GrA) and B (GrB) has been well characterized much less is known about the expression pattern of human granzyme K (GrK). In this study GrA, GrB, and GrK expression was analyzed in human peripheral blood lymphocytes using flow cytometry. There was a distinct population of GrK expressing CD8+ T cells with a CD27+/CD28+/CCR5high/CCR7–/perforin–/low/IFN‐γ+ memory‐like phenotype, while all CD56bright NK cells were also positive for GrK. In addition, GrK was also expressed in subpopulations of CD56+ T cells, CD4+ T cells, and TCRγδ+ T cells. In contrast, GrB was primarily expressed in CD56dim NK cells and differentiated memory CD8+ T cells with the CD27–/low/CD28–/low/CCR5–/low/CCR7–/CD11b+/perforinhigh phenotype. Only few CD8+ T cells expressed both GrB and GrK. GrA was found to be co‐expressed in all GrB‐ and GrK‐expressing T cells. Our findings suggest that granzyme expression during the differentiation process of memory CD8+ T cells might be as follows: GrA+/GrB–/GrK+ → GrA+/GrB+/GrK+ → GrA+/GrB+/GrK–.
Topographic atlas of somatostatin‐containing neuron system in the avian brain in relation to catecholamine‐containing neuron system. I. Telencephalon and diencephalon

The morphological organization of the somatostatin (SRIF)‐positive neurons in the forebrain (telencephalon and diencephalon) of the warbling grass parakeet (Melopsittacus undulatus) was studied using the indirect immunohistochemical technique of Coons and co‐workers ('58). In the telencephalon, a number of SRIF‐positive neurons was detected in the lobus paraolfactorius, hippocampus, and paleostriatum. Furthermore, scattered SRIF‐labeled cells were noticed in the area corticoidea dorsolateralis and area temporoparieto‐occipitalis. A moderate density of immunoreactive fibers was found in the above areas. In addition, although the septal area was devoid of SRIF‐positive neurons, this area contained a moderate number of SRIF‐positive fibers. A large number of SRIF‐positive neurons occurred in the following hypothalamic areas: (1) nucleus medialis hypothalami posterior, (2) lateral hypothalamus, and (3) mammillary nucleus. The bird hypothalamus also received a strikingly massive SRIF innervation. The heaviest concentration of SRIF‐labeled fibers was detected in the median eminence. Many SRIF‐labeled fibers were also observed in other hypothalamic regions. Their locations roughly corresponded in many cases to the areas in which SRIF‐positive neurons were disclosed.
PhoP Can Activate Its Target Genes in a PhoQ-Independent Manner

ABSTRACT The PhoP/PhoQ two-component system controls the extracellular magnesium depletion response in Salmonella enterica. Previous studies have shown that PhoP is unable to up-regulate its target genes in the absence of PhoQ function. In this work, we demonstrate that PhoP overexpression can substitute for PhoQ- and phosphorylation-dependent activation. Either a high concentration of PhoP or activation via phosphorylation stimulates PhoP self-association.
The Role of T Helper 17 Cells and Other IL-17-Producing Cells in Bone Resorption and Remodeling

In recent decades, many studies have highlighted the role of IL-17-producing cells in bone resorption. However, the importance of many IL-17-producing cell types remains largely unknown in bone remodeling. In this review, we summarize the function of IL-17-producing cells, with a focus on T helper 17 (Th17) cells, in bone resorption and remodeling.
Stent-Graft Repair of Aortobronchial Fistula: A Review

Purpose: To evaluate the role of aortic stent-graft implantation in managing aortobronchial fistula (ABF). Methods: A search of the Medline, EMBASE, and Cochrane databases for studies reporting on ABF treated with stent-grafts from 1996 to 2008 retrieved 44 articles with data on 82 ABFs. Most (57 ABFs) were published in 30 case reports; the others were retrieved from 14 acute aortic series. Results: In the perioperative period, 4 (4.9%) deaths (3 from hemorrhage) were reported, but no paraplegia/stroke. Local graft-related complications were more common, including arm ischemia (n=4) and iliac ruptures (n=3). Long-term data were available for only a few studies. Recurrent hemorrhage (14%) occurred from 2 weeks to 9 years after repair. Reinterventions to manage recurrences were generally based on redo endografting. Conclusion: A contaminated field and the emergency setting make stent-graft repair of ABFs challenging. After successful stent-graft deployment, the risks of recurrence and mortality are concerning. One can infer from the data that endografting might be a reasonable temporary bridge solution, but potentially unstable in the long term. Open repair likely will remain indicated once the patient has been stabilized physiologically with emergent stent-graft repair.
Glycoalkaloid content and chemical composition of potatoes improved with nonconventional breeding approaches.

This paper reports the results of chemical analyses performed on two distinct groups of new potato genotypes. The first group contained five clones transformed with the gene ech42 encoding for an endochitinase. The second included 21 interspecific hybrids between the cultivated potato Solanum tuberosum and the wild species S. commersonii, obtained either by somatic fusion or by sexual hybridization. Tubers from transgenic plants were analyzed for several morphological and biochemical parameters to ascertain the substantial equivalence between the transgenic genotypes and the original cultivar Désirée. The interspecific hybrids were analyzed for the same parameters in order to identify genotypes with novel improved chemical characteristics and with low levels of glycoalkaloids deriving from the wild species and potentially hazardous to human health. For transgenic tubers, the results provided evidence that indicates the substantial equivalence between the transgenic genotypes and the cultivated control for the considered traits. The results suggest that chitinase gene insertion did not alter other metabolic pathways of potato tubers and did not cause unintentional pleiotropic effects. As far as interspecific hybrids are concerned, wide variability for all of the parameters analyzed was found. For some useful traits (e.g., soluble solids and proteins, dry matter content) the interspecific hybrids performed better than both the cultivated control and the wild species. In a number of genotypes, glycoalkaloid levels were close to or lower than those of the control varieties, suggesting that selection for low glycoalkaloid content is possible. The results also indicated that glycoalkaloids from S. commersonii may be lost rapidly. Indeed, some hybrids were found to have the same glycoalkaloid profile as S. tuberosum. Finally, the results showed that among the parameters considered, glycoalkaloid content is the most sensitive to variation. Therefore, glycoalkaloid determination should be used for routine control of genotypes produced by interspecific hybridization.
Development of a clinical instrument improving rehabilitation of olfaction with the Nasal Airflow-Inducing Maneuver in Swedish laryngectomized patients

Conclusion: The protocol is a useful and reliable tool for evaluating the use of the Nasal Airflow-Inducing Maneuver (NAIM) in patients who have undergone total laryngectomy. It facilitates the optimization and improvement of olfactory treatment with NAIM and is sensitive to changes over time. However, further modification of the protocol is needed before a broad implementation into routine clinical practice can be recommended. Objectives: To develop and assess whether a protocol evaluating NAIM variables is sensitive and reliable to study olfactory function after total laryngectomy. Subjects and methods: Video documentation from 21 laryngectomized patients receiving olfactory rehabilitation during the study period 2002–2005 was used. The patients’ execution of NAIM was evaluated using a protocol with identified NAIM variables. Olfactory acuity was tested with the Scandinavian Olfactory Identification Test (SOIT). Data from the first (baseline) and third (after treatment) intervention sessions and from follow-up at 6 and 12 months are reported. Results: According to the NAIM evaluation protocol patients significantly improved their execution of the NAIM technique over time and these improvements were associated with improvements in olfactory acuity (SOIT). Using the protocol important key variables for improvement of the NAIM technique were identified. The inter- and intra-rater reliability for the NAIM evaluation protocol was moderate to good.
Territory switching behavior in a sedentary tropical passerine, the dusky antbird (Cercomacra tyrannina)

Demographic data from an 8-year study of a marked population showed that switching territories and mates is common in both genders of dusky antbirds (Cercomacra tyrannina), a sedentary neotropical passerine with year-round territories and pairbonds. We conducted 22 experimental removals and followed six natural disappearances to examine territory switching. Antbirds quickly abandoned territories and mates to move to openings created by experimental removals. Pairing with the resident on a new territory was rapid. Unmated birds attracted new mates by singing a gender-specific song that differed from songs given by mated birds. There were no gender differences in replacement time or rate. Some vacancies, experimental and natural, were not filled, suggesting that floaters were rare. Territory and mate switching were not related to immediate enhancement of reproductive success because the probability of reproducing successfully was equally poor on all territories. Territory switching may be an overlooked but common tropical form of territoriality that increases individual survivorship during periods of low food abundance (dry season). We suggest that switching is favored when low annual reproductive success enhances selection for a long lifespan as the primary means to increase reproductive success. Key words: Aves (birds), removal experiments, RHP, territory switching, mate switching, mate choice, genetic monogamy, Cercomacra tyrannina, tropical passerine, antbird. [Behav Ecol 11:648–653 (2000)]