Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Clinical comparison of freeze-dried and fresh frozen patellar tendon allografts for anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction of the knee

The aim of this study was to evaluate the clinical outcome of freeze-dried compared to fresh frozen al lograft tissue used as a substitute for a ruptured ACL of the knee. In addition, the incidence of any graft rejection phenomena was recorded. Forty-one patients with ACL deficient knees underwent reconstructive sur gery using a patellar bone-tendon-bone allograft that had been freeze-dried (Group 1, N = 14) or fresh frozen (Group 2, N = 27). All patients underwent the same implant technique and rehabilitation program. Followup ranged from 24 to 36 months. The evaluation consisted of subjective, objective, and instrumented laxity testing (KT-1000, MEDmetric, San Diego, CA; and Genucom, FARO Medical Technologies, Inc., Montreal, Canada). There were 31 males and 10 females. Eleven (79%) patients in Group 1 thought their knee was "normal" or "improved," and 25 (93%) in Group 2 thought the same. In addition, 10 (71%) patients in Group 1 denied any "giving way," compared to 26 (96%) in Group 2. The mean Lysholm knee score in Group 1 was 86/100 (range, 22 to 100) compared to 92/100 (range, 59 to 100). Clinical examination included the Lachman test and tests for anterior drawer sign and pivot shift. Postop eratively, Group 1 patients had the following results: Lachman test—seven Grade 0, six Grade 1, one Grade 2; anterior drawer sign—eight Grade 0, five Grade 1, one Grade 2; and pivot shift—seven Grade 0, five "trace," and two "present. " In Group 2, the results showed the following: Lachman test—17 Grade 0, 10 Grade 1; anterior drawer sign, 20 Grade 0, 7 Grade 1; and pivot shift—23 Grade 0, 4 "trace. " The KT-1000 mean left-right difference in Group 1 was 1.2 mm (0.0 to 4.0 mm) compared to 0.9 mm (0.0 to 3.0 mm) for Group 2. The Genucom mean left-right difference in Group 1 was 1.30 mm (0.0 to 3.0 mm) compared to 1.5 mm (0.0 to 9.0 mm) for Group 2. Overall, there was a marked improvement in both groups relative to overall subjective and objective re sults, the fresh frozen recipients doing slightly better than those who received a freeze-dried allograft. Statis tical analysis revealed a significant difference in only 3 of the 21 parameters evaluated. There was no clinical evidence of rejection phenomena in either group.
Hormonal contraception and female pain, orgasm and sexual pleasure.

INTRODUCTION Almost half of all pregnancies in the United States are unintentional, unplanned, or mistimed. Most unplanned pregnancies result from inconsistent, incorrect, or nonuse of a contraceptive method. Diminished sexual function and pleasure may be a barrier to using hormonal contraception. AIM This study explores sexual function and behaviors of women in relation to the use of hormonal vs. nonhormonal methods of contraception. METHODS Data were collected as part of an online health and sexuality study of women. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Main outcomes variables assess frequencies in two domains: (i) sexual function (proportion of sexual events with experiences of pain or discomfort, arousal, contentment and satisfaction, pleasure and enjoyment, lubrication difficulty, and orgasm) and (ii) sexual behavior (number of times engaged in sexual activity, proportion of sexual events initiated by the woman, and proportion of sexual events for which a lubricant was used). Sociodemographic variables and contraceptive use were used as sample descriptors and correlates. The recall period was the past 4 weeks. RESULTS The sample included 1,101 women with approximately half (n = 535) using a hormonal contraceptive method exclusively or a combination of a hormonal and nonhormonal method, and about half (n = 566) using a nonhormonal method of contraception exclusively. Hierarchical regression analyses were conducted to examine the relation of hormonal contraceptive use to each of the dependent variables. Women using a hormonal contraceptive method experienced less frequent sexual activity, arousal, pleasure, and orgasm and more difficulty with lubrication even when controlling for sociodemographic variables. CONCLUSIONS This study adds to the literature on the potential negative sexual side effects experienced by many women using hormonal contraception. Prospective research with diverse women is needed to enhance the understanding of potential negative sexual side effects of hormonal contraceptives, their prevalence, and possible mechanisms. Clinical and counseling implications are discussed.
Insulin-like growth factor-I for the treatment of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that affects both upper and lower motor neurons (MN) resulting in weakness, paralysis and subsequent death. Insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) is a potent neurotrophic factor that has neuroprotective properties in the central and peripheral nervous systems. Due to the efficacy of IGF-I in the treatment of other diseases and its ability to promote neuronal survival, IGF-I is being extensively studied in ALS therapeutic trials. This review covers in vitro and in vivo studies examining the efficacy of IGF-I in ALS model systems and also addresses the mechanisms by which IGF-I asserts its effects in these models, the status of the IGF-I system in ALS patients, results of clinical trials, and the need for the development of better delivery mechanisms to maximize IGF-I efficacy. The knowledge obtained from these studies suggests that IGF-I has the potential to be a safe and efficacious therapy for ALS.
Etudes de l'avance en âge (deux décennies) et de l'entrainement anaérobie(sprint et musculation) sur les réponses métaboliques et hormonales à l'exercice supramaximal

L’objectif de ce travail de these est d’etudier les effets de l’avance en âge (seulement deux decennies, 20-40 ans) et d’un programme d’entrainement combine (Sprint et Musculation) sur les performances et les reponses metaboliques et hormonales a l’exercice supramaximal (Wingate-test). Quatre groupes de sujets ont participe a ce travail. Ils ont ete repartis selon l’âge en 2 groupes experimentaux (âges de 20 et 40 ans) et en groupes controles (âges de 20 et 40 ans). Les resultats montrent que l’entrainement anaerobie de type sprint et musculation s’accompagne d’une augmentation significative du volume plasmatique chez le sujet entraine (jeune et âge). Ces changements du volume plasmatique ont ete accompagnes par une augmentation des performances physiques et de la lactatemie pic mesuree a la fin de l’exercice Wingate chez les groupes entraines. Des adaptations endocriniennes sont probablement a l’origine de ces modifications liees a l’entrainement intense. En effet, apres entrainement, nous avons observe une augmentation significative des catecholamines (au repos et a l’exercice) chez les sujets âges entraines par rapport aux plus jeunes entraines. La difference liee a l’âge entre jeune et âgee disparait apres entrainement seulement entre les groupes entraines. Le meme constat a ete observe concernant les concentrations plasmatiques de glucose et d’insuline chez les groupes entraines apres entrainement. Ces changements du metabolisme de glucose sont accompagnes d’une augmentation de la production du cortisol, de la testosterone et de son hormone porteuse chez le groupe âge entraine en particulier. La secretion de l’hormone de croissance (GH) a augmente egalement en depit de la difference d’âge apres entrainement accompagnee de l'augmentation des taux d'IGF1 et d’IGFB3 chez le groupe âge entraine en particulier. En conclusion de ce travail de these, il semble qu’un entrainement adequat de sprint et de musculation serait un bon moyen pour reduire et attenuer les effets deleteres de l’avance en âge sur la performance anaerobie, les reponses metaboliques et les secretions hormonales.
Nuclear Accumulation of the GATA Factor AreA in Response to Complete Nitrogen Starvation by Regulation of Nuclear Export

ABSTRACT Both the availability and the quality of nutrients affect cellular functions by controlling gene activity. AreA, a member of the GATA family of transcription factors, globally activates expression of genes involved in nitrogen source utilization in Aspergillus nidulans. The quality of the nitrogen source determines the level and activation capacity of AreA through controls at the level of areA mRNA stability and by interaction of AreA with the corepressor NmrA. The availability of potential nitrogen sources also affects the activation capacity of AreA. We show that the complete absence of a nitrogen source results in an enhanced level of AreA-dependent gene expression and that this response is independent of mechanisms regulating AreA activity in response to nitrogen source quality. During nitrogen starvation AreA accumulates in the nucleus, but the presence of a potential nitrogen source or carbon starvation prevents this accumulation. Furthermore, accumulated AreA is rapidly lost from the nuclei of nitrogen-starved cells when a nitrogen source is supplied or when a carbon source is absent, and this accompanies arrest of the AreA-dependent nitrogen starvation response on regulated gene expression. By the generation of a leptomycin B-sensitive mutant, we have been able to show that nuclear exit occurs via the CrmA exportin. We conclude that sensing mechanisms discriminate between starvation and the presence of potential nutrients that can signal to the AreA transcription factor. Nitrogen source availability, but not quality, affects nuclear accumulation by regulating nuclear exit of AreA, providing a rapid response to changes in the supply of nutrients.
Impact of MK886 on Eosinophil Counts and Phenotypic Features in Toxocariasis

Experimental toxocariasis was used as a model of eosinophil migration. Mice inoculated with 200 Toxocara canis eggs were treated with the leukotriene inhibitor MK886 (1 mg/kg/day). Eosinophils were counted in peripheral blood (PB), peritoneal cavity (PC) and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) samples on post‐infection days 3, 6, 12, 18, 24 and 36. Eosinophil expression of Mac‐1 and VLA‐4 was analysed in PB and PC samples. We found that T. canis infection induced systemic eosinophilia from post‐infection day 3, peaking on days 6, 12 and 24 in PB, PC and BALF samples respectively. Eosinophilia was more pronounced in PB and PC samples than in BALF samples, and MK886 downregulated eosinophilia to varying degrees in the different sample types. In PB and PC samples, T. canis infection caused early upregulation of Mac‐1 with late changes in the VLA‐4 profile, whereas MK886 had opposite effects. The distinct time‐dependent eosinophilia peaks and differential involvement of leukotrienes in integrin expression demonstrate that, despite the systemic eosinophilia triggered by T. canis infection, inflammatory responses vary by compartment.
Zika virus infection modulates the bacterial diversity associated with Aedes aegypti as revealed by metagenomic analysis

Zika is a re-emerging infection that has been considered a major threat to global public health. Currently at least 100 countries are at risk of Zika virus (ZIKV) transmission. Aedes aegypti is the main mosquito vector in the Americas. This vector is exposed to, and interacts symbiotically with a variety of microorganisms in its environment, which may result in the formation of a lifetime association. Here, the unknown effect that ZIKV exerts on the dynamic bacterial community harbored by this mosquito vector was investigated using a metagenomic analysis of its microbiota. Groups of Ae. aegypti were experimentally fed on sugar, blood and blood mixed with ZIKV, and held for 3 to 7 days after blood meal and eggs development respectively. The infected groups were processed by qPCR to confirm the presence of ZIKV. All groups were analyzed by metagenomics (Illumina Hiseq Sequencing) and 16S rRNA amplicon sequences were obtained to create bacterial taxonomic profiles. A core microbiota and exclusive bacterial taxa were identified that incorporate 50.5% of the predicted reads from the dataset, with 40 Gram-negative and 9 Gram-positive families. To address how ZIKV invasion may disturb the ecological balance of the Ae. aegypti microbiota, a CCA analysis coupled with an explanatory matrix was performed to support the biological interpretation of shifts in bacterial signatures. Two f-OTUs appeared as potential biomarkers of ZIKV infection: Rhodobacteraceae and Desulfuromonadaceae. Coincidentally, both f-OTUs were exclusively present in the ZIKV- infected blood-fed and ZIKV- infected gravid groups. In conclusion, this study shows that bacterial symbionts act as biomarkers of the insect physiological states and how they respond as a community when ZIKV invades Ae. aegypti. Basic knowledge of local haematophagous vectors and their associated microbiota is relevant when addressing transmission of vector-borne infectious diseases in their regional surroundings.
Fat-Free Mass as a Function of Fat Mass and Habitual Activity Level

The best predictor of energy expenditure in man is the fat-free mass of the body. Fat-free mass explains most of the variation in resting metabolic rate and even in total metabolic rate under sedentary conditions. We studied possible determinants of fat-free mass as routes to influence energy metabolism. Existing data sets were analysed with observations on height, fat mass (FM), fat-free mass (FFM), and habitual level of physical activity (PA). PA was calculated from average daily metabolic rate (ADMR) as measured over 1-4-week intervals with 2H2(18)O and basal metabolic rate (BMR): PA = ADMR/BMR. Ninety-six subjects, 66 females and 30 males, from 7 different studies were included. FFM and FM were adjusted for height by taking its ratio to the square of height, in analogy with the body mass index. Subsequently, all analyses were corrected for origin of the data. In a regression analysis FM explained 53 and 40% of the variation in FFM in females and males, respectively. Adding PA to the model raised the explained variation in FFM in females to 62%. In contrast with females (r = 0.10, n.s.), there was an independent relationship between PA and FM in males (r = -0.41, p less than or equal to 0.05), such that a higher PA was related to a lower FM. In conclusion, FFM is a function of FM and PA. The absence of an effect of exercise training on FFM, i.e. additional exercise in weight-reduction programmes, is discussed.
Selecting Reconstruction Option for TMJ Ankylosis: A Surgeon’s Dilemma

Objectives The aim of this study was to compare the outcome of reconstruction options adopted for the management of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) ankylosis. Patients and Methods This retrospective cohort study consisted of a sample of patients with TMJ ankylosis diagnosed clinically and radiologically. Depending upon the reconstruction provided, the cases were divided into 2 groups. Group I includes the cases treated by excision of ankylosed mass and interposition of temporalis myofascial flap. In group II, the cases were treated by excision, temporalis myofascial flap interposition, and reconstruction of ramus condylar unit (RCU). Two different methods of reconstruction were used, costochondral graft (CCG) (group IIa) and distraction osteogenesis (group IIb). The outcome variables were range of jaw motion, overgrowth of CCG, reankylosis, and other complications. Data analyses included appropriate univariate and bivariate statistics. Results The average mouth opening achieved in both groups was 36 mm. Failure was observed in 3 patients, 1 from group I and 2 from group IIa. One case of bilateral ankylosis and 2 cases of unilateral ankylosis had recurrence. No overgrowth of CCG was observed. Conclusions In cases with no or minimal mandibular deformity, interpositional arthroplasty with temporalis myofascial flap is a good option without a second surgical wound. However, in younger patients, joint reconstruction with both costochondral graft and distraction osteogenesis of RCU is more appropriate and had similar results. The failure of treatment was due to noncompliance to postsurgical physiotherapy rather than the selection of reconstruction options.
Smoking was associated with poor response to intravenous steroids therapy in Graves’ ophthalmopathy

Background Previous studies have shown that smoking is closely related to the occurrence, severity and response to orbital radiation in Graves’ ophthalmopathy (GO). The aim of this study was to investigate whether smoking impacts the response to intravenous 4.5 g methylprednisolone therapy in patients with active moderate-to-severe GO. Methods Ninety-two individuals with active moderate-to-severe GO who were treated with cumulative doses of 4.5 g intravenous methylprednisolone within 3 months were recruited. The patients were grouped as never smokers, active smokers (including smokers and quit smokers) and passive smokers. Results We observed significantly greater response rate in never smokers compared with active smokers (73.9% vs 29.0%, p=0.001). After adjusting the confounding factors such as age, sex, body mass index, clinical activity score, thyroid-stimulating hormone receptor antibody and the duration of GO, smoking was independently associated with poor intravenous glucocorticoid (GC) response (OR 12.40, 95% CI 1.20 to 128.14, p=0.035). We also found the response rate was significantly higher in never smokers than in quit smokers (73.9% vs 16.7%, p=0.001), while no statistical significance between current smokers and quit smokers (36.8% vs 16.7%, p=0.228). There was a trend of poor response for passive smokers compared with never smokers (64.7% vs 72.2%, p=0.583). Conclusions Smoking, even past smoking, was an independent risk factor associated with impaired response to intravenous corticosteroids in patients with GO. Smokers with GO should be given optimised treatment strategy such as higher dose of GC or combined radiation therapy.
Amino acid sequence of the von Willebrand factor-binding domain of platelet membrane glycoprotein Ib.

We report the amino acid sequence of a 299-residue segment from the alpha chain of the human platelet membrane glycoprotein Ib. This includes the complete sequence of the amino-terminal tryptic fragment of 290 residues comprising the von Willebrand factor-binding domain. Two primary sets of overlapping fragments were obtained by cleavage of the S-carboxymethylated protein at methionyl and lysyl bonds following treatment with cyanogen bromide and Achromobacter protease I, respectively. Additional fragments were obtained by treatment of native glycocalicin with trypsin, Staphylococcus aureus V8 protease, and Serratia marcescens protease. Analysis of all these fragments provided data that allowed determination of the continuous sequence corresponding to approximately half of the alpha-chain polypeptide. This region of glycoprotein Ib is largely hydrophobic and contains only two N-linked and one O-linked carbohydrate chains. A hydrophilic region exists between residues 215 and 299, which contains a cluster of 10 negatively charged residues at 269-287. This area is likely to attract positively charged molecules. The hydrophilic, highly glycosylated (at serine and threonine residues) region corresponding to the previously described "macroglycopeptide" and representing the carboxyl-terminal half of the alpha chain is likely to begin at residue 292. The determined sequence of the alpha chain of glycoprotein Ib contains a region (residues 29-193) with seven repeats, which is indicative of gene duplication and is highly homologous to human leucine-rich alpha 2-glycoprotein. This protein sequence agrees completely with that deduced from the cDNA sequence reported by Lopez et al. [Lopez, J.A. , Chung, D.W. , Fujikawa, K. , Hagen, F.S. , Papayannopoulou, T. & Roth, G.J. (1987) Proc. Natl. Acad. Sci. USA 84, 5615-5619].
Selective Regulation of Agrin mRNA Induction and Alternative Splicing in PC12 Cells by Ras-dependent Actions of Nerve Growth Factor*

The extracellular matrix protein agrin plays an important role in the formation and maintenance of the neuromuscular junction. However, regulation of agrin gene expression and pre-mRNA splicing, important in determining the biological actions of agrin, is not well understood. To begin to identify mechanisms controlling agrin expression, quantitative polymerase chain reaction techniques were used to analyze the effect of growth factors on the expression of agrin mRNA isoforms in rat pheochromocytoma (PC12) cells. Agrin transcripts in untreated cells lacked inserts in the Y and Z sites (agriny0z0), encoding agrin isoforms with low acetylcholine receptor aggregating activity and a primarily non-neuronal tissue distribution. Transcripts encoding isoforms with high aggregating activity and neuronal tissue distribution (agriny4z8, agriny4z11, and agriny4z19) were not detected. Treatment of PC12 cells with nerve growth factor (NGF) caused a significant increase in total agrin mRNA. In contrast, exposure to epidermal growth factor had no effect. Analysis of alternative splicing of agrin mRNA revealed that NGF elicited a specific increase in agriny4 and agrinz8 mRNAs that did not occur in the presence of epidermal growth factor, insulin, dexamethasone, or retinoic acid. Analysis of PC12 sublines stably overexpressing a dominant inhibitory form of p21 Ras indicated that NGF induced changes in levels of agrin mRNA and alternative splicing required Ras activity. The results show that NGF can influence important aspects of neuronal differentiation by regulating alternative splicing. Furthermore, these data provide insight into the mechanisms governing agrin gene expression and suggest that neurotrophic factors may play a role in regulating agrin expression in vivo.
Liver Biopsy Histopathology for Diagnosis of Johne’s Disease in Sheep

Sheep with Johne’s disease develop epithelioid macrophage microgranulomas, specific to Mycobacterium avium subsp. paratuberculosis (Map) infection, in the terminal ileum, mesenteric lymph nodes, and organs distant to the alimentary tract such as the liver. The objectives of this study were to determine whether liver pathology was present in ewes affected by Map and whether liver cores provide adequate tissue for this potential diagnostic marker. One hundred and twenty-six adult, low body condition ewes were euthanized, necropsied, and underwent simulated liver biopsy. Ileal lesions typical of Map were found in 60 ewes. Hepatic epithelioid microgranulomas were observed in all ewes with Type 3b (n = 40) and 82% (n = 11) with Type 3c ileal lesions. None were found in ewes unaffected by Map or with Type 1, 2, or 3a ileal lesions. Liver biopsy core samples provided adequate tissue for histopathology with a sensitivity and specificity of 96% (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.87-0.99) and 100% (95% CI, 0.95-1), respectively for detection of types 3b and 3c ileal lesions.