Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Positive effects of zinc supplementation on growth, GH, IGF1, and IGFBP3 in eutrophic children

Abstract Zinc is an essential micronutrient for growth and development. Its deficiency causes growth retardation in children and adolescents. The present study analyzes the effect of zinc on growth hormone (GH) secretion, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF1), and insulin-like growth factor-binding protein 3 (IGFBP3) in normal children before puberty. Thirty normal children were studied, 15 boys and 15 girls, aged 6–9 years. They were orally supplemented with 5 mg Zn/day for 3 months and 0.06537 mg Zn/kg body weight was injected before and after oral supplementation. Dietary intake and anthropometric measurements were assessed at baseline and end of study. Plasma GH levels increased during intravenous zinc administration and IGF1 and IGFBP3 increased after oral zinc supplementation. There was a positive correlation between the areas under the curves of GH and zinc after oral supplementation. Zinc supplementation was possibly effective in improving the body zinc status of the children, secretory levels of IGF1 and IGFBP3, GH potentialization, and height.
Relationships among concentrations of steroids, inhibin, insulin-like growth factor-1 (IGF-1), and IGF-binding proteins during follicular development in weaned sows.

The experimental objective was to determine how insulin-like growth factor binding proteins (IGFBP), as examined by Western ligand blot procedures, related to porcine follicular steroidogenesis. Weaned sows were ovariectomized at various times after litter removal in three experiments. In experiments 1 and 2, sows were ovariectomized at 48-120 h after weaning. In experiment 1, pools of all small (1-3 mm), medium (greater than 3-6 mm), or large (greater than 6-9 mm) follicles were made for each sow; in experiment 2, fluid was collected individually from the 10 largest follicles per ovary. A third experiment was conducted to examine changes after an ovulatory dose of hCG, but prior to ovulation. In this experiment, sows were treated with eCG at weaning, given hCG 72 h later, and ovariectomized 0-36 h after the ovulatory dose of hCG. Follicular fluid was collected from the 10 largest follicles per sow. In experiments 1 and 2, IGFBP-3 in follicular fluid remained constant over follicle diameters and stage sof development, and IGFBP-2 decreased with advancing follicular development as concentrations of estradiol, androstenedione, and progesterone increased. In experiment 1, after the presumed LH surge when the concentration of all steroids was low, there was a sharp increase in band intensity for IGFBP-2. Similarly, estradiol and androstenedione were low in preovulatory sows in experiment 2, though progesterone increased and IGFBP-2 decreased with follicle diameter. In experiment 3, progesterone remained elevated from 0 to 36 h after hCG, even though IGFBP-2 did not increase until after 24 h post-hCG. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
A novel synthetic, nonpsychoactive cannabinoid acid (HU-320) with antiinflammatory properties in murine collagen-induced arthritis.

OBJECTIVE To explore the antiarthritic potential of a novel synthetic cannabinoid acid, Hebrew University-320 (HU-320), in the DBA/1 mouse model of arthritis, and to investigate in vitro antiinflammatory and immunosuppressive effects of HU-320 on macrophages and lymphocytes. METHODS DBA/1 mice were immunized with bovine type II collagen (CII) to induce arthritis and then injected intraperitoneally daily with HU-320. The effects of treatment on arthritic changes in hind feet were assessed clinically and histologically, and draining lymph node responses to CII were assayed. Murine splenic and human blood lymphocytes were cultured to study the effect of HU-320 on polyclonal mitogenic stimulation. Macrophage cultures were set up to evaluate in vitro effects of HU-320 on production of tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF alpha) and reactive oxygen intermediates (ROIs). The effect of HU-320 administration on lipopolysaccharide-induced serum TNF levels was assayed using C57BL/6 mice. Bioactive TNF production was measured using BALB/c clone 7 target cells. Evaluation of HU-320 psychoactivity was performed using established laboratory tests on Sabra mice. RESULTS Systemic daily administration of 1 and 2 mg/kg HU-320 ameliorated established CII-induced arthritis. Hind foot joints of treated mice were protected from pathologic damage. CII-specific and polyclonal responses of murine and human lymphocytes were down-modulated. HU-320 inhibited production of TNF from mouse macrophages and of ROIs from RAW 264.7 cells and suppressed the rise in serum TNF level following endotoxin challenge. HU-320 administration yielded no adverse psychotropic effects in mice. CONCLUSION Our studies show that the novel synthetic cannabinoid acid HU-320 has strong antiinflammatory and immunosuppressive properties while demonstrating no psychoactive effects. The profound suppressive effects on cellular immune responses and on the production of proinflammatory mediators all indicate its usefulness as a novel nonpsychoactive, synthetic antiinflammatory product.
Influencing factors on health promoting behavior among the elderly living in the community

Introduction: Health promotion behavior is one of the main criteria for determining health that is recognized as the basic factor in catching numerous diseases. Observing such behaviors by the elderly prevents affliction to various diseases and has potential effect in promoting health and increasing the elderly quality of life. This research was done for the aim of determining effective factors on health promotion behaviors and health status in the elderly of the Dena province. Materials and Methods: One hundred twenty elderly of over 65 years of age were selected randomly to do this descriptive-analytical study (cross-sectional type). The questionnaire regarding health promoting lifestyle profile 2 (HPLP2) was used for measuring the rate of health promotion behaviors. The data was collected by personal interviews and face to face method for completing the relevant questionnaire and was analyzed by SPSS software version 20 and also proper tests. Results: The average score of the elderly health promotion behaviors in the Dena province (143.8) indicated the acceptable level of performing health promoting behaviors in this group, such that 85% of the elderly had intermediate health promoting behaviors and 15% had proper behaviors. Also, the results showed that the average score of the physical activity and nutrition sub-measuring conditions was lower than the average score of other sub measures of prevention had the highest average. Moreover, comparison of the correlation of health promotion behaviors with the sub-measures showed that apart from the healthy nutrition sub-measure, all the other sub-measures have significant correlation with health promotion behaviors. Conclusion: From the findings of this study, the authors recommend health providers to promote elderly health promotion behaviors in all communities by identifying health promotion behaviors in other parts of the country, and also designing suitable intervention programs based on effective factors on health promotion behaviors of the elderly people.
Degradation of mitochondrial DNA in cryoprotectant-treated hard coral (Echinopora spp.) oocytes

Abstract A critical step for successful cryopreservation is to determine the optimal cryoprotectant treatment that can provide protective effects against cryoinjury during freezing and with minimal toxicity. Most cryoprotectants have chemical and osmotic effects when used at high concentrations. Cryoprotectants can damage coral mitochondrial distributions and membrane potentials, which results in reduced ATP production. As mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) encodes for components of the electron transport chain (ETC) and plays a critical role in ATP synthesis capacity, we determined the effects of cryoprotectants on mtDNA in hard coral (Echinopora spp.) oocytes using quantitative real-time PCR. Our results showed that an insult from a cryoprotectant may be compensated for by the genetic defense mechanisms of these cells. Methanol was found to have the least effect on coral oocytes with regard to their energy status. A single oocyte without cryoprotectant treatment produced an average of 4,220,645 ± 169,990 mtDNA copies, which was greater than that in mammals. However, relatively lower mtDNA copy numbers (<2,000,000) were observed when oocytes were treated with dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO), propylene glycol (PG), ethylene glycol (EG), or glycerol at a concentration of 3 M for 20 min. These results provide direct evidence that hard coral (Echinopora spp.) oocytes are extremely susceptible to cryoprotectants and support the concerns with regard to the adverse effects of cryoprotectants.
Finite Element Analysis of Plantar Fascia During Walking

Background: The plantar fascia is a primary arch supporting structure of the foot and is often stressed with high tension during ambulation. When the loading on the plantar fascia exceeds its capacity, the inflammatory reaction known as plantar fasciitis may occur. Mechanical overload has been identified as the primary causative factor of plantar fasciitis. However, a knowledge gap exists between how the internal mechanical responses of the plantar fascia react to simple daily activities. Therefore, this study investigated the biomechanical responses of the plantar fascia during loaded stance phase by use of the finite element (FE) modeling. Methods: A 3-dimensional (3-D) FE foot model comprising bones, cartilage, ligaments, and a complex-shaped plantar fascia was constructed. During the stance phase, the kinematics of the foot movement was reproduced and Achilles tendon force was applied to the insertion site on the calcaneus. All the calculations were made on a single healthy subject. Results: The results indicated that the plantar fascia underwent peak tension at preswing (83.3% of the stance phase) at approximately 493 N (0.7 body weight). Stress concentrated near the medial calcaneal tubercle. The peak von Mises stress of the fascia increased 2.3 times between the midstance and preswing. The fascia tension increased 66% because of the windlass mechanism. Conclusion: Because of the membrane element used in the ligament tissue, this FE model was able to simulate the mechanical structure of the foot. After prescribing kinematics of the distal tibia, the proposed model indicated the internal fascia was stressed in response to the loaded stance phase. Clinical Relevance: Based on the findings of this study, adjustment of gait pattern to reduce heel rise and Achilles tendon force may lower the fascia loading and may further reduce pain in patients with plantar fasciitis.
Development and validation of an automated thawing and mixing workcell.

BACKGROUND Working toward a goal of total laboratory automation, we are automating manual activities in our highest volume laboratory section. Because half of all specimens arriving in this laboratory section are frozen, we began by developing an automated workcell for thawing frozen specimens and mixing the thawed specimens to remove concentration gradients resulting from freezing and thawing. METHODS We developed an initial robotic workcell that removed specimens from the transport system's conveyor, blew high-velocity room temperature air at the tubes, mixed them, and replaced them on the conveyor. Aliquots of citrated plasma were frozen with thermocouples immersed in the tubes, and thawing times and temperatures were monitored. Completeness of mixing of thawed specimens was studied by careful removal of small aliquots from the uppermost layer of the upright tubes without disturbing tube contents and analysis of total protein and electrolytes. RESULTS High velocity ambient air aimed directly at tubes ranging from 12 x 75 to 16 x 100 mm brought specimens to room temperature in a maximum of 23 min. Adequate mixing of the specimens by the workcell's robot required only 2 approximate 126 degrees movements from an upright starting point, a surprising observation, because laboratorians are usually trained to mix 10 or 20 times. We also observed that, in a frozen overfilled tube, resulting analyte concentrations will be lower because more concentrated solutes leak from the tube. CONCLUSIONS A high-throughput, automated thawing and mixing workcell was successfully built, validated, and installed on our automated transport and sorting system.
Prognostic factors in extrapulmonary small cell carcinomas. A large retrospective study.

BACKGROUND Extrapulmonary small cell carcinoma (EPSCC) is a heterogeneous group of cancers. The clinicopathological features of EPSCC remain poorly defined. PATIENTS AND METHODS Patients with the clinicopathological features of EPSCC, treated at three major medical centers in Taiwan, were included. Histologic and clinical diagnoses, smoking history, staging, clinical course and treatment outcome were reviewed and analyzed. RESULTS A total of 90 patients, treated between 1995 and 2005, were eligible for analysis. Forty-nine patients had limited disease and 41 extensive disease. Ten, 18, 17 and 45 patients received no treatment, local treatment, chemotherapy alone or combined modality treatment, respectively; the median survival for these four groups was 1.1, 13.8, 6.7 and 24.9 months. The origin of cancer was head and neck in 17, gastrointestinal in 27, genitourinary in 10, gynecologic in 27 and unknown in 9 patients; the median survival time was 34.2, 6.4, 9.1, 23.7 and 9.2 months, respectively. Ten out of 90 patients were long-term survivors, and 9 of them had tumors of head-and-neck and gynecologic origin. There was no statistically significant difference in survival between smokers and non-smokers. Factors associated with survival in univariate analysis included age < or =60, female gender, limited disease, head-and-neck and gynecologic origin, as well as combined modality treatment. However, in multivariate analysis, only female gender, limited disease and combined modality treatment were independent predictors of survival. CONCLUSIONS Female gender, limited disease and combined modality treatment are favorable prognostic factors for patients with EPSCC. Prolonged survival is more likely in patients with tumors of head-and-neck and gynecologic origin.
An Approximate Bayesian Computation Approach to Overcome Biases That Arise When Using Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphism Markers to Study Population Structure

There is great interest in using amplified fragment length polymorphism (AFLP) markers because they are inexpensive and easy to produce. It is, therefore, possible to generate a large number of markers that have a wide coverage of species genomes. Several statistical methods have been proposed to study the genetic structure using AFLPs but they assume Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium and do not estimate the inbreeding coefficient, FIS. A Bayesian method has been proposed by Holsinger and colleagues that relaxes these simplifying assumptions but we have identified two sources of bias that can influence estimates based on these markers: (i) the use of a uniform prior on ancestral allele frequencies and (ii) the ascertainment bias of AFLP markers. We present a new Bayesian method that avoids these biases by using an implementation based on the approximate Bayesian computation (ABC) algorithm. This new method estimates population-specific FIS and FST values and offers users the possibility of taking into account the criteria for selecting the markers that are used in the analyses. The software is available at our web site (http://www-leca.ujf-grenoble.fr/logiciels.htm). Finally, we provide advice on how to avoid the effects of ascertainment bias.
Slowly adapting cutaneous mechanoreceptor afferent units associated with Merkel cells in frogs and effects of direct currents.

In the bullfrog, two types of slowly adapting (SA) cutaneous mechanoreceptor afferent units have been identified physiologically: irregularly discharging frog type I (Ft I) units in both warty and nonwarty skin, and regularly discharging frog type II (Ft II) units in the nonwarty skin. In the present study, mechanosensitive spots of Ft I units were located around the skin warts in the warty skin. The quinacrine technique (Crowe and Whitear, 1978) revealed that quinacrine-accumulating Merkel cells were present around the skin warts and near the orifice of skin glands that also surrounded the skin warts. Thus, a significant correlation was found between the location of Merkel cells and the receptive fields (RFs) of Ft I units in the warty skin. Direct current (DC) stimulation was applied for 1 sec to the skin inside and outside the mechanical RFs of the two types of SA units. RFs for DC stimulation were located on those for mechanical stimulation in both types of SA units. The current threshold required to produce a single spike was lower in cathodal than in anodal pulses in both types of SA units. Greater current intensity elicited an increased number of spikes, but the effective polarity of currents was anodal for Ft I units and cathodal for Ft II units. The optimal current intensity for producing prolonged discharges ranged from +60 to +100 microA in Ft I units and - from -50 to -80 microA in Ft II units. The sequence of impulses evoked was irregular in Ft I units and regular in Ft II units, as seen in mechanical responses. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Gender Differences in Adolescent Concerns and Emotional Well-Being: Perceptions of Singaporean Adolescent Students

Although much has been written about adolescent adjustment and coping in Western countries, relatively little is known about similar issues in Asia. The authors examined the emotional adjustment of young adolescents in Singapore. They report adolescent concerns and how they influence adaptive functioning and emotional well-being. Data were obtained from three self-report measures: the Adolescent Concerns Measure (R. P. Ang, W. H. Chong, V. S. Huan, & L. S. Yeo, in press), selected scales of the Behavioral Assessment System for Children Personality Self-Report (C. R. Reynolds & R. W. Kamphaus, 1998), and the Emotional Distress Scale of the Reynolds Adolescent Adjustment Screening Inventory (W. M. Reynolds, 2001). Emotional well-being emerged as a dominant concern for Singaporean youths with significant gender differences. Girls reported a more positive attitude toward school, better friendship skills, and stronger relationships with parents than did boys. However, girls registered significantly greater worries about self and emotional distress compared to boys. The authors discuss implications for teachers and mental health professionals.
Orientation of
 Polyergus rufescens
 (Hymenoptera, Formicidae) during slave-making raids

We investigated the factors involved in the orientation of raiders of the European Amazon ant, Polyergus rufescensand how these factors are used by raiders during the different phases of slave-making expeditions. Ants at the head of the raiding column did not follow previously deposited chemical trails but oriented by celestial cues. Raiders in the middle of the column used celestial factors but were also strongly affected by the recruiting activity of the ants that preceded them. During the return trip, raiders used both chemical and celestial cues. The latter allowed the ants to assume the correct home direction while following the chemical trail. Perception of the ultraviolet band of the light spectrum was of crucial importance for the orientation of the raiders, during both the outbound and inbound journeys. This supports the hypothesis that P. rufescens workers, like other ants, perceive the pattern of polarized skylight in the ultraviolet range.Copyright 1997 The Association for the Study of Animal Behaviour
Localization of Swallow‐Green fluorescent protein in Drosophila oogenesis and implications for the role of Swallow in RNA localization

The localization of a hybrid protein composed of swallow and Green Fluorescent Protein (GFP) during Drosophila oogenesis is reported. I constructed a hybrid gene with GFP inserted into an internal position of swallow. This gene was integrated into the Drosophila genome and provides full swallow+ function, as assayed by the complete rescue of strong swallow mutants. Swallow‐GFP is localized at all points along the oocyte cortex from vitellogenic stages of oogenesis through the end of oogenesis. Higher concentrations of swallow‐GFP are present at the anterior oocyte cortex than at the lateral and posterior oocyte cortices at Stages 10 and 11, when bicoid and htsN4 mRNA transport from nurse cells and localization in the oocyte are most active. At Stage 9 and at Stages 12–14 swallow‐GFP is equally distributed at the anterior, lateral, and posterior oocyte cortices. The position of swallow‐GFP in vitellogenic stages is identical to the position of endogenous swallow protein determined by indirect immunofluorescence using an anti‐swallow antibody. At the oocyte cortex, swallow‐GFP is present in particulate structures that lie within or just internal to the dense cortical actin meshwork. These particles show little or no movement, suggesting that they are attached to or embedded in the oocyte cortex. These observations are most easily interpreted in the context of mRNA anchoring or microtubule organizing functions for the swallow protein. genesis 39:280–287, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A naturally arising mutation of a potential silencer of exon splicing in human immunodeficiency virus type 1 induces dominant aberrant splicing and arrests virus production

We have isolated a naturally arising human immunodeficiency type 1 (HIV-1) mutant containing a point mutation within the env gene. The point mutation resulted in complete loss of balanced splicing, with dominant production of aberrant mRNAs. The aberrant RNAs arose via activation of normally cryptic splice sites flanking the mutation within the env terminal exon to create exon 6D, which was subsequently incorporated in aberrant env, tat, rev, and nef mRNAs. Aberrant multiply spliced messages contributed to reduced virus replication as a result of a reduction in wild-type Rev protein. The point mutation within exon 6D activated exon 6D inclusion when the exon and its flanking splice sites were transferred to a heterologous minigene. Introduction of the point mutation into an otherwise wild-type HIV-1 proviral clone resulted in virus that was severely inhibited for replication in T cells and displayed elevated usage of exon 6D. Exon 6D contains a bipartite element similar to that seen in tat exon 3 of HIV-1, consisting of a potential exon splicing silencer (ESS) juxtaposed to a purine-rich sequence similar to known exon splicing enhancers. In the absence of a flanking 5' splice site, the point mutation within the exon 6D ESS-like element strongly activated env splicing, suggesting that the putative ESS plays a natural role in limiting the level of env splicing. We propose, therefore, that exon silencers may be a common element in the HIV-1 genome used to create balanced splicing of multiple products from a single precursor RNA.