Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Phylogenetic Diversity of Bacteria Associated with the Marine Sponge Rhopaloeides odorabile

ABSTRACT Molecular techniques were employed to document the microbial diversity associated with the marine sponge Rhopaloeides odorabile. The phylogenetic affiliation of sponge-associated bacteria was assessed by 16S rRNA sequencing of cloned DNA fragments. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) was used to confirm the presence of the predominant groups indicated by 16S rDNA analysis. The community structure was extremely diverse with representatives of theActinobacteria, low-G+C gram-positive bacteria, the β- and γ-subdivisions of the Proteobacteria,Cytophaga/Flavobacterium, green sulfur bacteria, green nonsulfur bacteria, planctomycetes, and other sequence types with no known close relatives. FISH probes revealed the spatial location of these bacteria within the sponge tissue, in some cases suggesting possible symbiotic functions. The high proportion of 16S rRNA sequences derived from novel actinomycetes is good evidence for the presence of an indigenous marine actinomycete assemblage in R. odorabile. High microbial diversity was inferred from low duplication of clones in a library with 70 representatives. Determining the phylogenetic affiliation of sponge-associated microorganisms by 16S rRNA analysis facilitated the rational selection of culture media and isolation conditions to target specific groups of well-represented bacteria for laboratory culture. Novel media incorporating sponge extracts were used to isolate bacteria not previously recovered from this sponge.
Turnip yellow mosaic virus RNAs with anticodon loop substitutions that result in decreased valylation fail to replicate efficiently

Single and multiple nucleotide substitutions have been introduced into the anticodon loop of the tRNA-like structure of turnip yellow mosaic virus (TYMV) genomic RNA. We studied the effects of these mutations on in vitro valylation and on replication in Chinese cabbage protoplasts and plants. Only those mutants capable of efficient and complete valylation showed efficient replication in protoplasts and gave rise to systemic symptoms in whole plants. Mutants that accepted valine inefficiently (in some cases Vmax/Km values were less than 10(-3) relative to wild-type values) replicated to levels 200- to 500-fold below wild-type levels in protoplasts (estimated on the basis of coat protein and genomic RNA levels). These mutants could not support systemic spread in plants. In one plant inoculated with TYMC-A55 RNA, which replicates poorly in protoplasts, systemic symptoms developed after a delay. The reversion in replication was accompanied by improved valine acceptance and the appearance of a U57 second-site mutation. Our results indicate a correlation between valine acceptance activity and viral yield. Possible roles for valylation are discussed, and the results are compared with those of similar studies with brome mosaic virus which suggested that tyrosylation is not crucial for brome mosaic virus replication (T. W. Dreher, A. L. N. Rao, and T. C. Hall, J. Mol. Biol. 206:425-438, 1989).
Axonal trajectories and terminations of on‐ and off‐cells in the cat lower brainstem

Two physiologically defined classes of pontomedullary raphe neurons were intracellularly labeled in order to determine the target nuclei of their axonal projections. In the lightly anesthetized cat, cells either increased (on‐cells) or decreased (off‐cells) their discharge rate during the paw withdrawal reflex evoked by noxious pinch or heat. On‐ and off‐cells were injected with horseradish peroxidase and the initial course of labeled axons through the lower brainstem was reconstructed.
The N-terminal “β-Barrel” Domain of 5-Lipoxygenase Is Essential for Nuclear Membrane Translocation*

5-Lipoxygenase is the key enzyme in the formation of leukotrienes, which are potent lipid mediators of asthma pathophysiology. This enzyme translocates to the nuclear envelope in a calcium-dependent manner for leukotriene biosynthesis. Eight green fluorescent protein (GFP)-lipoxygenase constructs, representing the major human and mouse enzymes within this family, were constructed and their cDNAs transfected into human embryonic kidney 293 cells. Of these eight lipoxygenases, only the 5-lipoxygenase was clearly nuclear localized and translocated to the nuclear envelope upon stimulation with the calcium ionophore A23187. The N-terminal “β -barrel” domain of 5-lipoxygenase, but not the catalytic domain, was necessary and sufficient for nuclear envelope translocation. The GFP-N-terminal 5-lipoxygenase domain translocated faster than GFP-5-lipoxygenase. β-Barrel/catalytic domain chimeras with 12- and 15-lipoxygenase indicated that only the N-terminal domain of 5-lipoxygenase could carry out this translocation function. Mutations of iron atom binding ligands (His550 or deletion of C-terminal isoleucine) that disrupt nuclear localization do not alter translocation capacity indicating distinct determinants of nuclear localization and translocation. Moreover, data show that GFP-5-lipoxygenase β-barrel containing constructs can translocate to the nuclear membrane whether cytoplasmic or nuclear localized. Thus, the predicted β-barrel domain of 5-lipoxygenase may function like the C2 domain within protein kinase C and cytosolic phospholipase A2 with unique determinants that direct its localization to the nuclear envelope.
A comparison of the validity of two psychiatric screening questionnaires (GHQ-12 and SRQ-20) in Brazil, using Relative Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis

Synopsis The General Health Questionnaire (GHQ-12) (Goldberg, 1972) and the Self Report Questionnaire (SRQ-20) (Harding et al. 1980) were simultaneously validated against the criterion of the Clinical Interview Schedule (CIS) (Goldberg et al. 1970) in three primary care clinics in the city of Sao Paulo, Brazil. A comparison between the two screening instruments was carried out. The product-moment correlation between the two sets of scores was +0·72, and the validation coefficients for the GHQ-12 and the SRQ-20 were respectively: sensitivity 85% and 83%; specificity 79% and 80%; overall misclassification rate 18% and 19%. The two screening instruments were further compared by the application of Relative Operating Characteristic (ROC) analysis and, again, were found to be very similar in performance. The area under the ROC curve was 0·87 for the GHQ and 0·90 for the SRQ-20 (Z = 0·92, NS). Both psychiatric screening instruments were therefore found to be acceptably valid when assessed against the CIS in three primary care settings in Brazil. The application of ROC analysis to studies of this kind was feasible and straightforward. It was found to be superior to the conventional method of presentation of validity data. It is recommended that the application of ROC analysis to psychiatric screening studies be further utilized and explored.
Development of the larval muscle system in the mussel Mytilus trossulus (Mollusca, Bivalvia)

In the present study we examined muscle development throughout the complete larval cycle of the bivalve mollusc, Mytilus trossulus. An immunofluorescence technique and laser scanning confocal microscopy were used in order to study the organization of the muscle proteins (myosin, paramyosin, twitchin, and actin) and some neurotransmitters. The appearance of the muscle bundles lagged behind their nervous supply: the neuronal elements developed slightly earlier (by 2 h) than the muscle cells. The pioneer muscle cells forming a prototroch muscle ring were observed in a completed trochophore. We documented a well‐organized muscle system that consisted of the muscle ring transforming into three pairs of velar striated retractors in the early veliger. The striations were positive for all muscle proteins tested. Distribution of FMRFamide and serotonin (5‐HT) immunocytochemical staining relative to the muscle ring differed significantly: 5‐HT‐immunioreactive cells were situated in the center of the striated muscle ring, while Phe‐Met‐Arg‐Phe‐NH2 neuropeptide FMRFamid immunoreactive fibers were located in a distal part of this ring. Our data showed clearly that the muscle proteins and the neurotransmitters were co‐expressed in a coordinated fashion in a continuum during the early stages of the mussel development. Our study provides the first strong evidence that mussel larval metamorphosis is accompanied by a massive reorganization of striated muscles, followed by the development of smooth muscles capable of catch‐contraction.
Extracellular signal‐regulated kinases (ERKs) modulate cocaine‐induced gene expression in the mouse amygdala

It is known that acute cocaine administration activates the extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK) pathway in the striatum, and results in transcription and translation of immediate early genes (IEGs). In the present study we investigated a possible involvement of ERK in the regulation of IEG expression in the amygdala, another brain structure known to be related to an addicted state. The patterns of cocaine‐induced c‐Fos, JunB and Zif268 protein expression were investigated, using an immunohistochemical approach, within distinct nuclei of the amygdala, either in the presence or absence of a selective inhibitor of the ERK pathway, SL327. Although these IEGs were similarly activated in the various nuclei of the amygdala after acute administration of cocaine, they showed different patterns after chronic injections. They also showed selective sensitivities to ERK inhibition. In particular, whereas c‐Fos and JunB expressions were augmented following chronic cocaine treatment, as compared with acute treatment, Zif268 expression was decreased by this chronic treatment. Additionally, chronic blocking of ERK activation affected cocaine‐induced c‐Fos and JunB but not Zif268 expression. Thus, the differential involvement of ERK in chronic vs. acute regulation of IEGs may account for its specific role in addiction‐related behavioral alterations, such as sensitization and tolerance.
Intensive Care Physiotherapy during Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation for Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome

Rationale: There are limited data on physiotherapy during extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) for acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Objectives: We sought to characterize physiotherapy delivered to patients with ARDS supported with ECMO, as well as to evaluate the association of this therapeutic modality with mortality. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of all adult patients with ARDS supported with ECMO at our institution between 2010 and 2015. The highest level of daily activity while on ECMO was coded using the ICU Mobility Scale. Through multivariable logistic regression, we evaluated the association between intensive care unit (ICU) physiotherapy and ICU mortality. In an exploratory univariate analysis, we also evaluated factors associated with a higher intensity of ICU rehabilitation while on ECMO. Measurements and Main Results: Of 107 patients who underwent ECMO, 61 (57%) had ARDS requiring venovenous ECMO. The ICU physiotherapy team was consulted for 82% (n = 50) of patients. Thirty‐nine percent (n = 18) of these patients achieved an activity level of 2 or higher (active exercises in bed), and 17% (n = 8) achieved an activity level 4 or higher (actively sitting over the side of the bed). In an exploratory analysis, consultation with the ICU physiotherapy team was associated with decreased ICU mortality (odds ratio, 0.19; 95% confidence interval, 0.04‐0.98). In univariate analysis, severity‐of‐illness factors differentiated higher‐intensity and lower‐intensity physiotherapy. Conclusions: Physiotherapy during ECMO is feasible and safe when performed by an experienced team and executed in stages. Although our study suggests an association with improved ICU mortality, future research is needed to identify potential barriers, optimal timing, dosage, and safety profile.
Bacteremia due to Rochalimaea henselae in a child: practical identification of isolates in the clinical laboratory

Two closely related species of Rochalimaea, Rochalimaea quintana and Rochalimaea henselae, are nutritionally fastidious but can be cultivated on bacteriologic media from the blood of patients with diverse clinical presentations. We report a case of culture-proven R. henselae bacteremia in a child with persistent fever. Serologic evidence of infection by R. henselae was ascertained by testing sera at two intervals for immunoglobulin G or immunoglobulin M antibodies by enzyme immunoassay and immunoblot. The case isolate and a collection of other strains (R. henselae, R. quintana, and related organisms) were used to test commercial identification systems for their comparative utility in the identification of Rochalimaea spp. on a practical basis. Of six systems designed for testing of either fastidious or anaerobic isolates of bacteria, the MicroScan Rapid Anaerobe Panel was the only system that distinguished R. henselae from R. quintana. Four of five others gave reactions that were unique within their data bases but did not distinguish Rochalimaea isolates at the species level.
Effectiveness of ipsapirone, a 5-HT-1A partial agonist, in major depressive disorder: support for the role of 5-HT-1A receptors in the mechanism of action of serotonergic antidepressants.

Desensitisation of serotonin 1A (5-HT-1A) receptors is a leading hypothesis for the mechanism of action of antidepressants which block serotonin reuptake. This hypothesis predicts that direct-acting 5-HT-1A agonists should also exhibit anti-depressant properties. Here we report the results of the first large-scale controlled study of the efficacy and tolerability of a 5-HT-1A agonist in outpatients with major depressive disorder (MDD). Three hundred and seventy-three subjects meeting DSM-III-R criteria for MDD participated in this randomised, double-blind comparison of the 5-HT-1A partial agonist ipsapirone (5 mg, 7.5 mg and 10 mg t.i.d.) to placebo t.i. d. Improvement in depressive symptoms relative to placebo, as measured by the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, occurred in the ipsapirone (7.5 mg t.i.d.) group with a magnitude of effect (D=-2.53 points) that was statistically significant (p=0.010). Adverse events occurred in 76% of the placebo patients and 92% of the ipsapirone patients. A dose-related increase in the incidence of adverse events led to discontinuation of treatment with the 10 mg t.i. d. Results of this study demonstrate that ipsapirone, at a dose of 7.5 mg t.i. d. , is an effective antidepressant agent in the treatment of MDD, supporting the hypothesised role of 5-HT-1A receptors in the mechanism of action of serotonin reuptake inhibitors. However, as a potential therapeutic agent for depression, ipsapirone shows only a modest magnitude of drug-placebo differences as well as a side-effect profile less favorable than many of the newer antidepressants.
Bright Light Therapy and Circadian Cycles in Institutionalized Elders

Background Bright light therapy has been found to be an efficient method to improve the main parameters of circadian rhythms. However, institutionalized elders may suffer reduced exposure to diurnal light, which may impair their circadian rhythms, cognitive performance, and general health status. Objectives To analyze the effects of 5 days of morning exposure for 90 min to bright light therapy (BLT) applied to institutionalized elderly subjects with mild/moderate cognitive impairment. Subjects Thirty-seven institutionalized subjects of both sexes, aged 70–93 years. Methods The study lasted three consecutive weeks. During the second week the subjects were submitted to BLT (7000–10,000 lux at eye level) on a daily basis. Cognition, attention, and sleep quality were evaluated at the beginning of the first and third week. Circadian variables were recorded continuously throughout the 3 weeks. Non-invasive holders and validated tests were used to analyze the variables studied. Results After BLT we have found significant improvements in general cognitive capabilities, sleep quality and in the main parameters of the subject’s circadian rhythms. The results show that merely 90 min of BLT for five days seems to achieve a significant improvement in a constellation of circadian, sleep, health, and cognitive factors. Conclusion Bright light therapy is an affordable, effective, fast-acting therapy for age-related disturbances, with many advantages over pharmacological alternatives. We hypothesize these effects were the result of activating the residual activity of their presumably weakened circadian system.
The heterogeneity of Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli strains isolated from healthy cattle

Aims: To identify campylobacters isolated from clinically healthy cattle at species level by a multiplex polymerase chain reaction (m‐PCR). The heterogeneity among Campylobacter jejuni and Campylobacter coli isolates was also investigated by using a restriction fragment length polymorphism (RFLP) analysis of flagellin (flaA) gene.
Progressive loss of cerebellar volume in childhood-onset schizophrenia.

OBJECTIVE Childhood-onset schizophrenia is a severe and unremitting form of the disorder. Prospective brain magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies have found progressive loss of total cerebral volume during adolescence, primarily attributable to accelerated loss of cortical gray matter. Because there is evidence of cerebellar involvement in schizophrenia, the authors examined cerebellar volume and its relation to cortical gray matter development during adolescence in patients with childhood-onset schizophrenia and healthy comparison subjects. METHOD Total cerebellar volume was algorithmically calculated for 108 anatomical brain MRI scans from 50 patients (20 of whom were female) and 101 scans from 50 age- and gender-matched healthy volunteers (20 of whom were female). The age range of the patients and comparison subjects was 8 to 24. Midsagittal vermal area and posterior-inferior vermal lobe volume were measured by hand. Prospective rescans were obtained at approximately 2-year intervals. Cross-sectional and longitudinal data were combined in mixed model regressions to compare developmental changes for the groups. RESULTS In contrast to healthy volunteers, patients with schizophrenia showed a progressive loss of cerebellar volume during adolescence. Cerebellar and cerebral volume decreases were significantly correlated in childhood-onset schizophrenia. CONCLUSIONS Childhood-onset schizophrenia is associated with significant progressive loss of cerebellar volume during adolescence, consistent with previously reported decreases in total cerebral and cortical gray matter. At least in these patients with severe early-onset schizophrenia, the loss appears secondary to a generalized process.
Craniofacial and Dental Features in Kabuki Syndrome Patients

Objective To describe oral manifestations in Brazilian individuals with Kabuki syndrome, a multiple congenital anomaly/mental retardation syndrome. Study Design A total of 16 Kabuki syndrome individuals, aged between 8 to 24 years and of both sexes, were referred by the Department of Clinical Genetics for oral treatment and follow-up to the Oral Care Center for Inherited Diseases, University Hospital of Brasília, Brasília, Brazil. Each individual underwent complete physical examination, as well as intraoral and radiographic examinations. Results Craniofacial and dental alterations were observed in all Kabuki syndrome patients examined. In addition, atypical shape of the molars' crowns, occlusal convergence of the premolars' crowns, and root dilaceration were also observed. Enamel diffuse opacities were observed in permanent dentition (n = 10). Conclusion A great clinical heterogeneity was observed in Kabuki syndrome individuals in line with previous studies in the literature. Further clinical and molecular studies are necessary in order to better understand the presence of dental anomalies in this syndrome.
Secretin and Vasoactive Intestinal Peptide are Potent Stimulants of Cellular Contraction and Accumulation of Cyclic AMP in Rat Ventricular Cardiomyocytes

Although secretin and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) stimulate production of the second-messenger substance cyclic AMP and exert a positive inotropic action on rat ventricle in vitro, a direct action of these peptides on cardiomyocytes has not been established. In contrast to hearts of other mammalian species, which possess VIP-preferring receptors, rat heart is unique in that the existence of a "relatively nonselective receptor" at which both secretin and VIP may bind has been proposed. We wished to define the receptor(s) for secretin and VIP present on rat ventricular cardiomyocytes using a homogeneous suspension of viable cells. With adenosine deaminase 5 U/ml and the phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitor isobutyl methylxanthine (IBMX) 1 mM, both secretin and VIP increased intracellular levels of cyclic AMP maximally and concentration dependently after 5 min: EC50 values were 8 and 58 nM, respectively. At maximally effective concentrations, secretin 1 microM increased intracellular levels of cyclic AMP fourfold above basal levels, whereas a 1.6-fold increase was induced by VIP 10 microM. Maximum changes in cell length (dL) of isolated cardiomyocytes during electrically stimulated (0.5 Hz) contractions were determined in the presence of adenosine deaminase 2.5 U/ml. Under these conditions, both secretin and VIP produced a concentration-dependent positive contractile response that became maximal 5 min after addition of the peptide. Secretin 50 nM increased the amplitude of cellular contractions maximally to a value 37% greater than that obtained without peptide. VIP 20 nM increased the amplitude of cellular contractions maximally to a value 19% greater than that obtained without peptide. The EC50 values were 470 and 700 pM for VIP and secretin, respectively. The selective antagonist at VIP-preferring receptors, 4-Cl DPhe-6 Leu-17 VIP 10 microM did not antagonise the actions of VIP. In the presence of the selective antagonist at receptors for secretin, secretin 7-27 > or = 10 microM, the concentration dependence of the effect of secretin on accumulation of cellular cyclic AMP and contractile amplitude displayed a rightward parallel shift: the pA2 value for secretin 7-27 was 4.96. Secretin 7-27 also induced a rightward parallel shift of the concentration dependence of the actions of VIP. VIP 10 microM was additive with low concentrations of secretin (< 10 nM) in stimulating production of cyclic AMP but antagonised this response at higher concentrations of secretin (> 10 nM). Similarly, VIP 2 and 20 nM enhanced the contractile response to low concentrations of secretin (< 1 nM), but antagonised the response at higher concentrations of secretin (> 1 nM). (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)