Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Abscisic Acid Uridine Diphosphate Glucosyltransferases Play a Crucial Role in Abscisic Acid Homeostasis in Arabidopsis1[C][W]

A glucosyltransferase and its two homologs play a critical role in ABA homeostasis by converting active ABA to an inactive ABA conjugate depending on intrinsic cellular and environmental conditions in plants. The phytohormone abscisic acid (ABA) is crucial for plant growth and adaptive responses to various stress conditions. Plants continuously adjust the ABA level to meet physiological needs, but how ABA homeostasis occurs is not fully understood. This study provides evidence that UGT71B6, an ABA uridine diphosphate glucosyltransferase (UGT), and its two closely related homologs, UGT71B7 and UGT71B8, play crucial roles in ABA homeostasis and in adaptation to dehydration, osmotic stress, and high-salinity stresses in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana). UGT RNA interference plants that had low levels of these three UGT transcripts displayed hypersensitivity to exogenous ABA and high-salt conditions during germination and exhibited a defect in plant growth. However, the ectopic expression of UGT71B6 in the atbg1 (for β-glucosidase) mutant background aggravated the ABA-deficient phenotype of atbg1 mutant plants. In addition, modulation of the expression of the three UGTs affects the expression of CYP707A1 to CYP707A4, which encode ABA 8′-hydroxylases; four CYP707As were expressed at higher levels in the UGT RNA interference plants but at lower levels in the UGT71B6:GFP-overexpressing plants. Based on these data, this study proposes that UGT71B6 and its two homologs play a critical role in ABA homeostasis by converting active ABA to an inactive form (abscisic acid-glucose ester) depending on intrinsic cellular and environmental conditions in plants.
Identification of the membrane protein and "core" protein of Sindbis virus.

Electron micrographs of arbovirus (insect-borne animal viruses) virions suggest that they are composed of an outer lipoprotein envelope and an inner RNA-containing core that has also been assumed to contain proteins. ^(1,2) The lipoprotein envelope of the virus is apparently acquired as the core buds through an altered cellular membrane. ^2 Pfefferkorn and Hunter^3 analyzed purified preparations of Sindbis virus, a group A arbovirus, and found that 28 per cent of the mass of the virion was lipid. Because several analyses of animal cell membranes have yielded protein-to-lipid ratios of 1.6-2,^(4,5)Pfefferkorn^6 reasoned that the bulk of the total protein of the virion must be in the form of lipoprotein. When it was later found that all the viral protein was synthesized de Lo after infection, the possibility was raised that the protein portion of the virus lipoprotein envelope was, in fact, specified by the virus genome. Because the RNA of this group of viruses is a molecule of about 2.0 X 10^6 daltons,^7 there was reasonable hope that their lipoprotein envelopes might be composed of only one polypeptide chain (or at most a few) combined with a specific set of lipids. The studies here reported indicate that the virion contains only two proteins-one associated with the viral RNA in a "core," the other associated with lipid to form the lipoprotein envelope of the virus.
The effectiveness of external sensory cues in improving functional performance in individuals with Parkinson’s disease: a systematic review with meta-analysis

A systematic review with meta-analysis was performed to investigate the effect external sensory cued therapy on activities of daily living (ADL) performance that include walking and daily tasks such as dressing for individuals with Parkinson’s disease (PD). A detailed computer-aided search of the literature was applied to MEDLINE, Cumulative Index to Nursing and Allied Health Literature, EMBASE and PubMed. Studies investigating the effects of external sensory cued therapy on ADL performance for individuals with PD in all stages of disease progression were collected. Relevant articles were critically reviewed and study results were synthesized by two independent researchers. A data-analysis method was used to extract data from selected articles. A meta-analysis was carried out for all randomized-controlled trials. Six studies with 243 individuals with PD were included in this review. All six studies yielded positive findings in favour of external sensory cues. The meta-analysis showed that external sensory cued therapy improved statistically after treatment (P=0.011) and at follow-up (P<0.001) for ADL performance. The results of this review provided evidence of an improvement in ADL performance in general in individuals with PD. It is recommended that clinicians incorporate external sensory into a training programme focused on improving daily task performance.
C-reactive protein improves risk prediction in patients with acute coronary syndromes.

AIMS Elevated C-reactive protein level is a risk marker in patients with acute coronary syndromes (ACSs), but current risk score systems do not consider this factor. We studied the incremental predictive value of adding C-reactive protein to the Global Registry of Acute Coronary Events (GRACE) risk score. METHODS AND RESULTS Characteristics, treatments and 30-day mortality were recorded for 1408/1901 consecutive ACS patients. Changes in global model fit, discrimination, calibration, and reclassification were evaluated upon addition of C-reactive protein to the GRACE risk score. High-C-reactive protein patients (C-reactive protein >22 mg/L, 4th quartile of C-reactive protein) were older, had more comorbidities and worse haemodynamic conditions, received less recommended treatment, and had a four-fold higher 30 day mortality. Multivariable analysis demonstrated high-C-reactive protein as an important and independent predictor of mortality. Addition of high-C-reactive protein in the GRACE model modestly improved global fit, discriminatory capacity (c-statistic from 0.795 to 0.823), and calibration. Patients were divided into four groups according to GRACE risk score prediction: <1, 1 to <5, 5 to <10, and >or=10%. The model with high-C-reactive protein allowed adequate reclassification in 12.2%. CONCLUSION Elevated C-reactive protein level is a modest but independent predictive factor of 30-day mortality in ACS patients, even after adjustment for co-morbidities, haemodynamic conditions, and treatment. Combined with the GRACE risk score, C-reactive protein information improves risk classification.
Use of traditional Mi'kmaq medicine among patients at a First Nations community health centre.

INTRODUCTION The provision of complete, effective, and culturally sensitive health care to First Nations communities requires a familiarity with and respect for patients' healing beliefs and practices. PURPOSE This study addresses one aspect of cross-cultural care by attempting to understand the use of Mi'kmaq medicine among patients at a community health centre and their attitudes toward both Mi'kmaq and Western medicine. METHODS A questionnaire was completed by 100 patients (14 men, 86 women) at the clinic. The majority (66%) of respondents had used Mi'kmaq medicine, and 92.4% of these respondents had not discussed this with their physician. Of those who had used Mi'kmaq medicine, 24.3% use it as first-line treatment when they are ill, and 31.8% believe that Mi'kmaq medicine is better overall than Western. Even among patients who have not used Mi'kmaq medicine, 5.9% believe that it is more effective than Western medicine in treating illness. CONCLUSION These results have implications for the delivery of health care to First Nations patients, especially in terms of understanding patients' health care values and in meeting the need to provide effective cross-cultural care.
Effect of 17β‐estradiol and flavonoids on the regulation of expression of newly identified oestrogen responsive genes in a rat raphe nuclei‐derived cell line

Due to the health risks attributed to perimenopausal hormone therapy, phytoestrogens such as flavonoids are receiving widespread attention to help alleviate menopausal symptoms, including hormone‐driven mood disorders. Based on our previous reporter gene study regarding their transactivational activity in raphe nuclei cells from a brain region involved in regulation of mood disturbances, we herein study their effects on the regulation of expression of 17β‐estradiol (E2)‐regulated genes. DNA microarray was used to globally assess E2‐induced gene expression in RNDA cells, a rat raphe nuclei‐derived cellular model expressing oestrogen receptor β. Out of 212 regulated genes, six were selected for verification and as endpoints for the effect of flavonoids on the regulation of mRNA expression in proliferating as well as differentiating RNDA cells. Under proliferative conditions, E2 up‐regulated mRNA expression of Cml‐5, Sox‐18 and Krt‐19. Similar effects were observed in response to 8‐prenylnaringenin (8‐PN), genistein (GEN), daidzein (DAI) and equol (EQ). In line with E2, mRNA expression of Nefm and Zdhhc‐2 was down‐regulated following 8‐PN, GEN, DAI, EQ and naringenin treatment. No regulation was observed on Slc6a4 mRNA expression in response to E2 or the flavonoids in proliferating RNDA cells. When cells were shifted to conditions promoting differentiation, changes in cell morphology, in mRNA expression levels and in responsiveness towards E2 and the tested flavonoids were noticed. These expression studies additionally highlighted some of the genes as markers for RNDA cellular differentiation. RNDA cells should prove useful to elucidate molecular and cellular mechanisms of exogenous oestrogen receptor ligands with neural cell populations. J. Cell. Physiol. 227: 3434–3445, 2012. © 2011 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
ECONOMIC STATUS, SMOKING, OCCUPATIONAL EXPOSURE TO RUBBER, AND LUNG CANCER: A CASE-COHORT STUDY

ABSTRACT Recent studies tend consistently to confirm the presence of a moderate excess risk of lung cancer in the rubber industry. However, the agent responsible for the excess of lung cancer is still obscure. Also, analyses without regard to the modifying effects of sex, economic status, and smoking habit are less than satisfactory. To explore these questions, we have conducted a case-cohort study using the data of 51 lung cancer deaths in 1973–1997 and a random sample (sub-cohort) of 188 from among 1598 subjects in a rubber factory in Shanghai, China. We computed the risks of lung cancer by economic status, smoking habit, coal fumes in home, and year of first employment. We assessed lung cancer risks for occupational exposures, unadjusted and adjusted for economic status and smoking. After confounding effects of smoking and economic status were controlled, we found that rate ratios were 1.43 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.43–4.69), 1.79 (95% CI 0.64–5.03), and 3.76 (95% CI 1.44–9.86) for 1–14, 15–29, and 30–45 exposure-years in curing department, respectively. The data showed significant trends in increased risk of lung cancer with duration of exposure in tire-curing department (score test for trend: , P = 0.004). However, in front rubber processing (weighing and mixing, calendering, extruding, and milling), no significant excess risk of lung cancer was found. If it can be confirmed that nitrosamines are mainly generated in back rubber processing (curing and vulcanizing), it would be reasonable to conclude that excess risk of lung cancer in rubber industry is attributable, at least partially, to exposure to nitrosamines.
Preclinical evidence implicating corticotropin‐releasing factor signaling in ethanol consumption and neuroadaptation

The results of many studies support the influence of the corticotropin‐releasing factor (CRF) system on ethanol (EtOH) consumption and EtOH‐induced neuroadaptations that are critical in the addiction process. This review summarizes the preclinical data in this area after first providing an overview of the components of the CRF system. This complex system involves hypothalamic and extra‐hypothalamic mechanisms that play a role in the central and peripheral consequences of stressors, including EtOH and other drugs of abuse. In addition, several endogenous ligands and targets make up this system and show differences in their involvement in EtOH drinking and in the effects of chronic or repeated EtOH treatment. In general, genetic and pharmacological approaches paint a consistent picture of the importance of CRF signaling via type 1 CRF receptors (CRF1) in EtOH‐induced neuroadaptations that result in higher levels of intake, encourage alcohol seeking during abstinence and alter EtOH sensitivity. Furthermore, genetic findings in rodents, non‐human primates and humans have provided some evidence of associations of genetic polymorphisms in CRF‐related genes with EtOH drinking, although additional data are needed. These results suggest that CRF1 antagonists have potential as pharmacotherapeutics for alcohol use disorders. However, given the broad and important role of these receptors in adaptation to environmental and other challenges, full antagonist effects may be too profound and consideration should be given to treatments with modulatory effects.
Paramedic application of ultrasound in the management of patients in the prehospital setting: a review of the literature

Objectives Recently, attempts have been made to identify the utility of ultrasound in the management of patients in the prehospital setting. However, in the UK there is no directly relevant supporting evidence that prehospital ultrasound may reduce patient mortality and morbidity. The evidence available to inform this debate is almost entirely obtained from outside the UK, where emergency medical services (EMS) routinely use doctors as part of their model of service delivery. Using a structured review of the literature available, this paper examines the evidence to determine ‘Is there a place for paramedic ultrasound in the management of patients in the prehospital setting? ’ Method A structured review of the literature to identify clinical trials which examined the use of ultrasound by non-physicians in the prehospital setting. Results Four resources were identified with sufficient methodological rigour to accurately inform the research question. Conclusion The theoretical concept that paramedic-initiated prehospital ultrasound may be of benefit in the management of critically ill patients is not without logical conceptual reason. Studies to date have demonstrated that with the right education and mentorship, some paramedic groups are able to obtain ultrasound images of sufficient quality to positively identify catastrophic pathologies found in critically ill patients. More research is required to demonstrate that these findings are transferable to the infrastructure of the UK EMS, and in what capacity they may be used to help facilitate optimal patient outcomes.
Adaptive Aerosol Delivery (AAD®) technology

Jet nebulisers have, since the 1920s, been used for delivery of inhaled drugs for the treatment of asthma, chronic-obstructive pulmonary disease and pulmonary infections. During the last two decades, recognition of the shortcomings of conventional nebulisers has led to the development of new ‘intelligent’ nebulisers such as the Adaptive Aerosol Delivery (AAD®, Profile Therapeutics, a Respironics company) systems. Diseases of the airways have traditionally been logical candidates for treatment with inhaled drugs. The introduction of the ‘intelligent’ nebulisers has, however, broadened the possibilities for inhaled treatment to include drugs targeted for systemic diseases. These nebulisers offer the possibility to deliver more precise doses of drug, maximise lung deposition, enhance adherence to treatment and compliance with the device through feedback to the patient, and last but not least, offer the possibility to reduce nebulisation times.
Transient elastography is unreliable for detection of cirrhosis in patients with acute liver damage

Transient elastography [FibroScan (FS)] is a rapid, noninvasive, and reproducible method for measuring liver stiffness, which correlates with the degree of liver fibrosis in patients with chronic hepatitis. Whether FS is useful in the detection of preexisting liver fibrosis/cirrhosis in patients presenting with acute liver damage is unclear. Patients with acute liver damage of different etiologies were analyzed. Liver stiffness was measured during the acute phase of the liver damage and followed up to the end of the acute phase. A total of 20 patients were included in the study. In 15 of the 20 patients, initial liver stiffness values measured by FS during the acute phase of the liver damage were suggestive of liver cirrhosis. However, none of these 15 patients showed any signs of liver cirrhosis in the physical examination, ultrasound examination, or liver histology [performed in 11 of 15 (73%) patients]. A significant difference was observed in the initial bilirubin levels (5.8 ± 6.5 mg/dL versus 15.7 ± 11.8 mg/dL; P = 0.042) and age (32.4 ± 17.5 years versus 49.7 ± 15.8 years; P = 0.042) between patients with liver stiffness below or above 12.5 kPa. Six patients with initially high liver stiffness were followed up to abatement of the acute hepatitic phase; in all of them, liver stiffness values decreased to values below the cutoff value for liver cirrhosis. Conclusion: Transient elastography frequently yields pathologically high values in patients with acute liver damage and is unsuitable for detecting cirrhosis/fibrosis in these patients. (HEPATOLOGY 2007.)
A Unimodal Ordered Logit model for ranked choices

Ordinal scale responses capture qualitative user feedback which can be used to model individual choice preference, or are employed in traffic accident analysis to evaluate accident severity. We present a new choice model for ordinal scale responses in choice tasks that combines a Multinomial Logit model with a Poisson probability mass function. The Poisson distribution, which is suitable for modelling the occurrence of the number of events in a fixed time frame, independent of previous events, can be adapted into the unobserved error distribution of a standard MNL model to capture the natural ordering of the choices by imposing a unimodal constraint on the a posteriori choice probability. In this paper we describe the theoretical framework and the specification of the Unimodal Logit model. We apply our model to evaluate accident severity concerning road collisions. Our results are compared against the traditional ordered logit model and the MNL model.
Internal scatter, the unavoidable major component of the peripheral dose in photon-beam radiotherapy

In clinical photon beams, the dose outside the geometrical field limits is produced by photons originating from (i) head leakage, (ii) scattering at the beam collimators and the flattening filter (head scatter) and (iii) scattering from the directly irradiated region of the patient or phantom (internal scatter). While the first two components can be modified, e.g. by reinforcement of shielding components or by re-modeling the filter system, internal scatter remains an unavoidable contributor to the peripheral dose. Its relative magnitude compared to the other components, its numerical variation with beam energy, field size and off-axis distance as well as its spectral distribution are evaluated in this study. We applied a detailed Monte Carlo (MC) model of our 6/15 MV Siemens Primus linear accelerator beam head, provided with ideal head leakage shielding conditions (multi-leaf collimator without gaps) to assess the head scatter contribution. Experimental values obtained under real shielding conditions were used to evaluate the head leakage contribution. It was found that the MC-computed internal scatter doses agree with the results of our previous measurements, that internal scatter is the major contributor to the peripheral dose in the near periphery while head leakage prevails in the far periphery, and that the lateral decline of the internal scatter dose can be represented by the sum of two exponentials, with an asymptotic tenth value of 18 to 19 cm. Internal scatter peripheral doses from various elementary beams are additive, so that their sum increases approximately in proportion with field size. The ratio between normalized internal scatter doses at 6 and 15 MV is approximately 2:1. The energy fluence spectra of the internal scatter component at all points of interest outside the field have peaks near 500 keV. The fact that the energy-shifted internal scatter constitutes the major contributor to the dose in the near periphery has a general bearing for dosimetry, i.e. for energy-dependent detector responses and dose conversion factors, for the relative biological effectiveness and for second primary malignancy risk estimates in the peripheral region.
Binding of the chemokine SLC/CCL21 to its receptor CCR7 increases adhesive properties of human mesangial cells.

BACKGROUND Adherence of human mesangial cells to the surrounding matrix contributes to glomerular homeostasis and is important for the maintenance of glomerular architecture and function in normal adult human kidney. The expression of chemokines and corresponding chemokine receptors on adjacent intrinsic renal cells indicates a novel chemokine/chemokine receptor function on nonimmune cells important for glomerular homeostasis. A constitutive expression of the chemokine SLC/CCL21 on human podocytes and of its corresponding receptor CCR7 on mesangial cells was shown before. SLC/CCL21 has a positive effect on proliferation and migration of mesangial cells and leads to increased cell survival in Fas-induced apoptosis. In leukocytes chemokines mediate integrin-dependent firm adhesion. Therefore, we examined the influence of chemokine receptor CCR7 activation by SLC/CCL21 on adhesive properties of human mesangial cells to matrix molecules. METHODS Adhesion assays, mechanical detachment assays, and evaluation of integrin activation by integrin-linked kinase activity were performed. Changes in the cytoskeletal F-actin were illustrated by phalloidin immunofluorescence staining. RESULTS SLC/CCL21 stimulation enhanced adhesiveness to fibronectin in a time- and concentration-dependent manner. SLC/CCL21 also increased the firmness of mesangial cells adhesion as judged by detachment assays. Furthermore activation of integrin-linked kinase occurred with SLC/CCL21 addition to mesangial cells, resulting in increased phosphorylation of glycogen synthase kinase-3 (GSK-3) and protein kinase B (PKB/Akt). Exposure of mesangial cells to SLC/CCL21 also resulted in F-actin rearrangements with membrane ruffling and extensions leading to bridging between mesangial cells. CONCLUSION Activation of CCR7 on mesangial cells by SLC/CCL21 enhances the degree and firmness of cell adhesion and increases cell spreading and the formation of cell-cell contacts. This includes integrin-linked kinase activation and F-actin rearrangements. Thus, local chemokine generation and chemokine receptor expression on mesangial cells may play an important role in the maintenance of glomerular homeostasis and in local remodeling processes.