Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Structure and membrane affinity of a suite of amphiphilic siderophores produced by a marine bacterium

Iron concentrations in the ocean are low enough to limit the growth of marine microorganisms, which raises questions about the molecular mechanisms these organisms use to acquire iron. Marine bacteria have been shown to produce siderophores to facilitate iron(III) uptake. We describe the structures of a suite of amphiphilic siderophores, named the amphibactins, which are produced by a nearshore isolate, γ Proteobacterium, Vibrio sp. R-10. Each amphibactin has the same Tris-hydroxamate-containing peptidic headgroup composed of three ornithine residues and one serine residue but differs in the acyl appendage, which ranges from C-14 to C-18 and varies in the degree of saturation and hydroxylation. Although amphiphilic siderophores are relatively rare, cell-associated amphiphilic siderophores are even less common. We find that the amphibactins are cell-associated siderophores. As a result of the variation in the nature of the fatty acid appendage and the cellular location of the amphibactins, the membrane partitioning of these siderophores was investigated. The physiological mixture of amphibactins had a range of membrane affinities (3.8 × 103 to 8.3 × 102 M−1) that are larger overall than other amphiphilic siderophores, likely accounting for their cell association. This cell association is likely an important defense against siderophore diffusion in the oceanic environment. The phylogenetic affiliation of Vibrio sp. R-10 is discussed, as well as the observed predominance of amphiphilic siderophores produced by marine bacteria in contrast to those produced by terrestrial bacteria.
Long-term sick-listing among women in the public sector and its associations with age, social situation, lifestyle, and work factors: A three-year follow-up study

Background: Since 1997 the number of long-term sick-listed people in Sweden has increased dramatically, especially among women employed in the public sector. Aims: The aim of this study was to investigate associations between age, social situation, lifestyle, work factors, and long-term sick-listing (≥28 days), regardless of diagnosis, during a period of three years among women employed in the public sector. Methods: Exposure information at baseline was recorded by a questionnaire. All new spells of sick-listing ≥28 days were consecutively reported from the employer for three years from baseline. In total 6,246 women from the public sector in Sweden answered the questionnaire (85% response rate); 5,224 were classified as having good or rather good health for working and were included. Of these, 918 persons had spells of sick-listing ≥28 days during follow-up. Results: Univariate and multivariate analyses for calculating relative risks (RR) were carried out. In the Cox regression model age (RR 1.4), strained financial situation (RR 1.3), obesity (RR 1.3), bullying (RR 1.5), physical demands at work higher than own capacity (RR 1.5), and mental demands at work higher than own capacity (1.2) remained risk indicators for long-term sick-listing. Conclusion: This study suggests prevention of some work and lifestyle factors as general measures to reduce long-term sick-listing among women in the public sector.
HLA-B35 Upregulates Endothelin-1 and Downregulates Endothelial Nitric Oxide Synthase via Endoplasmic Reticulum Stress Response in Endothelial Cells

The presence of the HLA-B35 allele has emerged as an important risk factor for the development of isolated pulmonary hypertension in patients with scleroderma, however the mechanisms underlying this association have not been fully elucidated. The goal of our study was to determine the molecular mechanisms that mediate the biological effects of HLA-B35 in endothelial cells (ECs). Our data demonstrate that HLA-B35 expression at physiological levels via adenoviral vector resulted in significantly increased endothelin-1 (ET-1) and a significantly decreased endothelial NO synthase (eNOS), mRNA, and protein levels. Furthermore, HLA-B35 greatly upregulated expression of chaperones, including heat shock proteins (HSPs) HSP70 (HSPA1A and HSPA1B) and HSP40 (DNAJB1 and DNAJB9), suggesting that HLA-B35 induces the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and unfolded protein response in ECs. Examination of selected mediators of the unfolded protein response, including H chain binding protein (BiP; GRP78), C/Ebp homologous protein (CHOP; GADD153), endoplasmic reticulum oxidase, and protein disulfide isomerase has revealed a consistent increase of BiP expression levels. Accordingly, thapsigargin, a known ER stress inducer, stimulated ET-1 mRNA and protein levels in ECs. This study suggests that HLA-B35 could contribute to EC dysfunction via ER stress-mediated induction of ET-1 in patients with pulmonary hypertension.
Relationship between Feline calicivirus Load, Oral Lesions, and Outcome in Feline Chronic Gingivostomatitis (Caudal Stomatitis): Retrospective Study in 104 Cats

Objective This study was performed to assess the relationship between oral Feline calicivirus (FCV) load and severity of lesions at the time of presentation of cats suffering from feline chronic gingivostomatitis (FCGS) (part 1) and treatment outcome after dental extractions (part 2). We hypothesized that a higher FCV viral load would be positively correlated with the severity of lesions at presentation and negatively correlated with treatment outcome. In addition, the effect of dental extractions on outcome and the influence of preoperative severity of lesions on the outcome were investigated. Materials and methods Cats with FCGS were included in the study if they had been diagnosed with caudal stomatitis, had been tested positive for FCV using a real-time reverse transcriptase-PCR test on oropharyngeal swab, and had dental extractions performed within the authors’ department. General practitioners provided all previous medical treatments. Cats with recheck examinations were included in part 2 of the study. Multivariate statistical analysis was performed to assess the relationship between the different parameters. Results One hundred four cats met the requirements for part 1 and 56 cats for part 2 of the study. Data collected from patients’ record included patient history, viral testing results, extent and severity of oral lesions, extent of teeth extraction. Signalment, history, preoperative treatment, and severity of caudal and alveolar stomatitis score were not associated with FCV load (P > 0.05). Presence of lingual ulcers was significantly correlated with FCV load (P = 0.0325). Clinical cure (32.1%) or very significant improvement (19.6%) was achieved in 51.8% of cats within 38 days. Concomitantly, 60.7% of the owners considered their cat cured (41.1%) or significantly improved (19.6%). Extent of teeth extraction was not found to influence the clinical outcome (P > 0.05). Conclusion The results of this study did not support the hypothesis that FCV oral load is correlated with the severity of oral lesions or with the outcome following dental extractions. In addition, the severity of caudal inflammation was not correlated with healing time or achievement of cure.
A histomorphometric study of haematological disorders with respect to marrow fibrosis and osteosclerosis

A retrospective investigation of 75 EDTA‐decalcified Jamshidi biopsies collected over a 2‐year period at Aarhus University Hospital was performed. The biopsies originated from 75 patients suffering from idiopathic myelofibrosis, other chronic myeloproliferative disorders, or other conditions with known associations with bone marrow fibrosis. The relative volumes of trabecular and woven bone, as well as haematopoietic and non‐haematopoietic tissue, were estimated histomorphometrically. The degree of fibrosis was estimated semiquantitatively. Finally, the thickness of trabecular osteons was estimated from the number of lamellae by counting. Patients with idiopathic myelofibrosis had statistically significantly more bone tissue than the other groups of patients. The osteosclerosis was primarily due to woven bone. Larger cancellous osteons also suggested a positive balance in bone remodelling. The amount of bone tissue showed furthermore a statistically significant increase through the groups of polycythaemia vera, essential thrombocythaemia, chronic myelogenous leukaemia and idiopathic myelofibrosis. Parallel to the increase in the amount of bone, an increase in the degree of marrow fibrosis was detected. The positive correlation between the amount of bone and the degree of marrow fibrosis was statistically highly significant (p=0.0008).
Diversity and Dynamics of a North Atlantic Coastal Vibrio Community

ABSTRACT Vibrios are ubiquitous marine bacteria that have long served as models for heterotrophic processes and have received renewed attention because of the discovery of increasing numbers of facultatively pathogenic strains. Because the occurrence of specific vibrios has frequently been linked to the temperature, salinity, and nutrient status of water, we hypothesized that seasonal changes in coastal water bodies lead to distinct vibrio communities and sought to characterize their level of differentiation. A novel technique was used to quantify shifts in 16S rRNA gene abundance in samples from Barnegat Bay, N.J., collected over a 15-month period. Quantitative PCR (QPCR) with primers specific for the genus Vibrio was combined with separation and quantification of amplicons by constant denaturant capillary electrophoresis (CDCE). Vibrio populations identified by QPCR-CDCE varied between summer and winter samples, suggesting distinct warm-water and year-round populations. Identification of the CDCE populations by cloning and sequencing of 16S rRNA genes from two summer and two winter samples confirmed this distinction. It further showed that CDCE populations corresponded in most cases to ∼98% rRNA similarity groups and suggested that the abundance of these follows temperature trends. Phylogenetic comparison yielded closely related cultured and often pathogenic representatives for most sequences, and the temperature ranges of these isolates confirmed the trends seen in the environmental samples. Overall, this suggests that temperature is a good predictor of the occurrence of closely related vibrios but that considerable microdiversity of unknown significance coexists within this trend.
A comparative study of distance dependent survival selections for sequential DE

Many of the conventional Differential Evolutions (DEs) have employed the discrete generation model that uses two populations, namely, old one and new one. Recently, a new DE based on the continuous generation model is proposed. In the continuous generation model, only one population is used. The new DE is sometimes called Sequential DE (SDE). Besides better convergence, SDE has some advantages. For instance, it becomes easy to introduce various survival selections into SDE. Therefore, four survival selections depending on the distance between two individuals are presented for SDE. Furthermore, in order to compare the effects of the distance dependent survival selections on SDE, not only the numerical experiment but also the statistical test is conducted on various benchmark problems.
Polymorphism of the IGF2 gene, birth weight and grip strength in adult men.

BACKGROUND Grip strength is a simple measure of skeletal muscle function but a powerful predictor of disability, morbidity and mortality. Recent evidence has shown that prenatal and infant growth influence grip strength in later life; this may reflect genetic influences on muscle size and function, although strong candidate genes have not been identified. IGF II has proliferative effects in adult muscle and is one of the major determinants of fetal growth; polymorphism in the IGF2 gene could therefore link early growth to adult grip strength. OBJECTIVES To determine whether polymorphism of the IGF2 gene influences adult grip strength and mediates the association between size at birth and grip strength in later life. METHODS Polymorphism of the ApaI marker in the IGF2 gene was determined for 693 Hertfordshire men and women born between 1920 and 1930 who had taken part in a study linking early growth to ageing. Grip strength was measured using isometric dynamometry. Genotyping assay development was undertaken in Southampton Genetic Epidemiology Laboratories (http://www.sgel.humgen.soton.ac.uk). RESULTS In univariate analyses, IGF2 genotype and birth weight were both significant predictors of adult grip strength in the men after adjustment for age and current height. Significant associations were not seen in the women. When IGF2 genotype and birth weight in men were studied simultaneously, both contributed significantly to grip strength after adjustment for age and adult height. CONCLUSIONS These results show that polymorphism of the IGF2 gene and birth weight have independent effects on adult grip strength in men and suggest that IGF2 polymorphism does not explain the association between size at birth and grip in later life. This study provides preliminary evidence for independent genetic and early environmental programming of adult muscle strength.
Brown Adipose Tissue Thermogenesis: &bgr;3-Adrenoreceptors as a Potential Target for the Treatment of Obesity in Humans

It has been shown in rodents and newborn babies that brown adipose tissue (BAT) plays an important role in the generation of heat for maintenance of core body temperature. BAT is responsible for the process of adaptive thermogenesis, which involves heat generation in response to a drop in the environment’s temperature or to high energy intake from diet. In rodents, the process of BAT thermogenesis is controlled by activation of the &bgr;3-adrenergic receptor (&bgr;3-AR), which has a protective effect against development of obesity. Previously, it was generally thought that in humans, BAT dissipated after childhood and adopted an insignificant role in human physiology. However, over the past few years, it has been discovered that adult humans still possess fully functional BAT. Through imaging with 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography-computed tomography scans, it has been determined that not only does human BAT exist, but also it is still responsive to stimuli, such as a drop in the environment’s temperature. Although some evidence exists for &bgr;3-AR control of BAT thermogenesis in humans, this fact remains unclear due to a lack of highly selective &bgr;3-AR agonists and antagonists which have an effect on the human body. With further investigation on thermogenesis receptor control and effect of BAT metabolism on whole body energy expenditure, BAT may serve as a potential target for the treatment and prevention of obesity and other metabolic conditions in humans.
Comparison of the air kerma standards for 137Cs and 60Co gamma-ray beams between the IAEA and the NIST

A comparison of the air kerma standards for 137Cs and 60Co gamma-ray beams was performed between the NIST and the IAEA. Two reference class ionization chambers owned by the IAEA were used as part of this comparison and were calibrated at each facility. The calibration coefficients, NK, were determined for both chambers and in both gamma-ray beams. The measurements were performed at the IAEA and NIST facilities starting in the fall of 2009 and were completed in 2010. The comparison ratio of the calibration coefficients for each chamber, NK,IAEA/NK,NIST, between the IAEA and NIST was 0.999 and 0.997 for the 137Cs and 60Co gamma-ray beams respectively. The relative standard uncertainty for each of these ratios is 0.5%. Main text. To reach the main text of this paper, click on Final Report. Note that this text is that which appears in Appendix B of the BIPM key comparison database kcdb.bipm. org/. The final report has been peer-reviewed and approved for publication by SIM, according to the provisions of the CIPM Mutual Recognition Arrangement (MRA).
Regulation of MDMX Expression by Mitogenic Signaling

ABSTRACT MDMX is an important regulator of p53 transcriptional activity and stress response. MDMX overexpression and gene amplification are implicated in p53 inactivation and tumor development. Unlike MDM2, MDMX is not inducible by p53, and little is known about its regulation at the transcriptional level. We found that MDMX levels in tumor cell lines closely correlate with promoter activity and mRNA level. Activated K-Ras and insulin-like growth factor 1 induce MDMX expression at the transcriptional level through mechanisms that involve the mitogen-activated protein kinase and c-Ets-1 transcription factors. Pharmacological inhibition of MEK results in down-regulation of MDMX in tumor cell lines. MDMX overexpression was detected in ∼50% of human colon tumors and showed strong correlation with increased extracellular signal-regulated kinase phosphorylation. Therefore, MDMX expression is regulated by mitogenic signaling pathways. This mechanism may protect normal proliferating cells from p53 but also hamper p53 response during tumor development.
Electrocardiographic manifestations of hypothermia.

Hypothermia is generally defined as a core body temperature less than 35 degrees C (95 degrees F). Hypothermia is one of the most common environmental emergencies encountered by emergency physicians. Although the diagnosis will usually be evident after an initial check of vital signs, the diagnosis can sometimes be missed because of overreliance on normal or near-normal oral or tympanic thermometer readings. The classic and well-known electrocardiographic (ECG) manifestations of hypothermia include the presence of J (Osborn) waves, interval (PR, QRS, QT) prolongation, and atrial and ventricular dysrhythmias. There are also some less known (ECG) findings associated with hypothermia. For example, hypothermia can produce ECG signs that simulate those of acute myocardial ischemia or myocardial infarction. Hypothermia can also blunt the expected ECG findings associated with hyperkalemia. A thorough knowledge of these findings is important for prompt diagnosis and treatment of hypothermia. Six cases are presented that show these important ECG manifestations of hypothermia.
A Comparative Study of Antenna Array Algorithm Implementations using FPGA and DSP for cdma2000

This paper demonstrates implementation of some CDMA system compatible antenna array algorithms namely LMS and space code correlator (SCC) on an FPGA. A comparative study of FPGA and DSP implementation issues such as architecture complexity and weight vector computation time is also given. The implementations of the algorithms are performed on Xilinx Virtex II Pro FPGA and Texas Instruments (TI) TMS320C67x floating-point DSP platforms. For the signal modeling, cdma2000 reverse link signal model is considered for uniform linear array topology and varying multipath propagation conditions. Results show that the both algorithms, which were implemented on Xilinx XC2VP4 and TMS320C6713 DSP, provides weight vector computation time smaller than 10 ms period.
BONE‐MOUNTED MINIATURE ROBOTIC GUIDANCE FOR PEDICLE SCREW AND TRANSLAMINAR FACET SCREW PLACEMENT: PART 2—EVALUATION OF SYSTEM ACCURACY

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the accuracy of a novel bone-mounted miniature robotic system for percutaneous placement of pedicle and translaminar facet screws. METHODS Thirty-five spinal levels in 10 cadavers were instrumented. Each cadaver's entire torso was scanned before the procedure. Surgeons planned optimal entry points and trajectories for screws on reconstructed three-dimensional virtual x-rays of each vertebra. Either a clamp or a minimally invasive external frame was attached to the bony anatomy. Anteroposterior and lateral fluoroscopic images using targeting devices were obtained and automatically registered with the virtual x-rays of each vertebra generated from the computed tomographic scan obtained before the procedure. A miniature robot was mounted onto the clamp and external frame and the system controlled the robot's motions to align the cannulated drill guide along the planned trajectory. A drill bit was introduced through the cannulated guide and a hole was drilled through the cortex. Then, K-wires were introduced and advanced through the same cannulated guide and left inside the cadaver. The cadavers were scanned with computed tomography after the procedure and the system's accuracy was evaluated in three planes, comparing K-wire positions with the preoperative plan. A total of fifty-five procedures were evaluated. RESULTS Twenty-nine of 32 K-wires and all four screws were placed with less than 1.5 mm of deviation; average deviation was 0.87 ± 0.63 mm (range, 0–1.7 mm) from the preoperative plan in this group. Sixteen of 19 K-wires were placed with less than 1.5 mm of deviation. There was one broken and one bent K-wire. Another K-wire was misplaced because of collision with the previously placed wire on the contralateral side of the same vertebra because of a mistake in planning, resulting in a 6.5-mm deviation. When this case was excluded, average deviation was 0.82 ± 0.65 mm (range, 0–1.5 mm). CONCLUSION These results verify the system's accuracy and support its use for minimally invasive spine surgery in selected patients.
Resveratrol primes the effects of physical activity in old mice

Abstract Decrease in muscle mass and performance with ageing is one of the main factors of frailty in the elderly. Maintenance of muscle performance by involving in physical activities is essential to increase independence and quality of life among elderly. The use of natural compounds with ergogenic activity in old people would increase the effect of moderate exercises in the maintenance of physiological muscle capacity. Resveratrol (RSV), a polyphenol found in walnuts, berries and grapes, shows this ergogenic activity. By using young, mature and old mice as models, we have found that RSV improves muscle performance in mature and old animals but not in young animals. Without showing significant effect by itself, RSV primed the effect of exercise by increasing endurance, coordination and strength in old animals. This effect was accompanied by a higher protection against oxidative damage and an increase in mitochondrial mass. RSV increased catalase and superoxide dismutase protein levels in muscle and primed exercise to reverse the decrease in their activities during ageing. Furthermore, RSV increased the level of mitochondrial mass markers such as cytochrome C, mitochondrial transcription factor A and nuclear respiratory factor-1 in muscle in exercised animals. Our results indicate that RSV can be considered an ergogenic compound that helps maintain muscle performance during ageing and subsequently reduces frailty and increases muscle performance in old individuals practising moderate exercise.
Plasma oestrogen and progesterone in relation to superovulation and egg recovery in the cow

Pregnant mares serum gonadotrophin (PMSG) was used in combination with prostaglandin F2alpha or its analogues to induce superovulation in 25 heifers. Total unconjugated oestrogen and progesterone were determined in peripheral plasma of these superovulated animals, and the levels compared with those found during the normal oestrous cycle. A very high level of oestrogen was found between day 3 and 6 after superovulation, and it seems likely that large unovulated follicles were responsible for the excess steroid. Similarly, progesterone levels were raised in the superovulated animal presumably due to production by the numerous corpora lutea. In two heifers, in which overstimulation of follicular development had occurred, there were no ovulations in one of the animals while in the other animal there were 16 ovulations but early regression of corpora lutea was indicated. It is concluded that the poor recovery of eggs on day 6 after superovulation could have been due to deleterious effects of high levels of oestrogen on either the motility of the genital tract causing the premature transport of eggs, or the properties of the zona pellucida.