Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of the presence of 2‐LTR HIV‐1 unintegrated DNA as a simple molecular predictor of disease progression

In a preliminary cross‐sectional analysis of 109 human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV‐1)‐infected subjects the presence of 2‐long terminal repeat (LTR) unintegrated circular HIV‐1 DNA in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC) was found to be associated with both symptomatic infection (P = 0.0037) and low CD4 counts (P = 0.0004). To investigate the prognostic significance of the presence of 2‐LTR HIV‐1 DNA, a subset of 23 2‐LTR‐negative and 25 2‐LTR‐positive asymptomatic individuals were followed up for 12–24 months. The two groups did not differ in terms of baseline CD4 counts, zidovudine (ZDV) therapy, and duration of HIV‐1 infection. Longitudinal analysis of CD4 values did not indicate a significantly different CD4 outcome between the two groups. However, when only ZDV‐treated subjects were considered, a significant (P = 0.042) decrease in CD4 counts was found at month 24 with respect to baseline in 2‐LTR‐positive (n = 12) but not in 2‐LTR‐negative (n = 11) patients. Moreover, when >40% CD4 loss from baseline and/or development of CDC stage B or C symptoms were considered as indicators of disease progression, there was a significantly higher number of events in the whole 2‐LTR‐positive group than in the whole 2‐LTR‐negative group (P = 0.0197 at month 12, P = 0.0299 at month 18, P = 0.0373 at month 24). Thus, the presence of 2‐LTR‐HIV‐1 DNA in PBMC merits further investigation as a simple, qualitative, molecular predictor of disease progression and decreased response to antiretroviral therapy. J. Med. Virol. 52:20–25, 1997. © 1997 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Stereotactic radiosurgery for recurrent surgically treated acromegaly: comparison with fractionated radiotherapy.

OBJECT The authors tested the assumption that gamma knife radiosurgery is more effective than fractionated radiotherapy for the treatment of patients with acromegaly who have undergone unsuccessful resective surgery. Untreated and uncured acromegaly causes illness and death. Acromegalic patients in whom growth hormone and, particularly, insulin-like growth factor I are not normalized must undergo further treatment. METHODS After unsuccessful operations, 16 patients suffering from recurrent and uncured acromegaly underwent stereotactic radiosurgery (25 Gy to the tumor margin, 50 Gy maximum), the outcome of which was compared with the result obtained in 50 patients who received fractionated radiotherapy (40 Gy). The cumulative distribution functions of the two groups (Kaplan-Meier estimate) differed significantly (p < 0.0001 in the log-rank test of Mantel). The mean time to simultaneous normalization of both parameters was 1.4 years in the group treated with the gamma knife and 7.1 years in the group treated with fractionated radiotherapy. CONCLUSIONS The authors suggest the use of stereotactic radiosurgery as the preferred treatment for recurrent acromegaly resulting from unsuccessfully resected tumors.
Amyloid β Precursor Protein Regulates Male Sexual Behavior

Sexual behavior is variable between individuals, ranging from celibacy to sexual addictions. Within normal populations of individual men, ranging from young to middle aged, testosterone levels do not correlate with libido. To study the genetic mechanisms that contribute to individual differences in male sexual behavior, we used hybrid B6D2F1 male mice, which are a cross between two common inbred strains (C57BL/6J and DBA/2J). Unlike most laboratory rodent species in which male sexual behavior is highly dependent upon gonadal steroids, sexual behavior in a large proportion of these hybrid male mice after castration is independent of gonadal steroid hormones and their receptors; thus, we have the ability to discover novel genes involved in this behavior. Gene expression arrays, validation of gene candidates, and transgenic mice that overexpress one of the genes of interest were used to reveal genes involved in maintenance of male sexual behavior. Several genes related to neuroprotection and neurodegeneration were differentially expressed in the hypothalamus of males that continued to mate after castration. Male mice overexpressing the human form of one of these candidate genes, amyloid β precursor protein (APP), displayed enhanced sexual behavior before castration and maintained sexual activity for a longer duration after castration compared with controls. Our results reveal a novel and unexpected relationship between APP and male sexual behavior. We speculate that declining APP during normal aging in males may contribute to the loss of sexual function.
High-Level Activation of Transcription of the Yeast U6 snRNA Gene in Chromatin by the Basal RNA Polymerase III Transcription Factor TFIIIC

ABSTRACT Transcription of the U6 snRNA gene (SNR6) in Saccharomyces cerevisiae by RNA polymerase III (pol III) requires TFIIIC and its box A and B binding sites. In contrast, TFIIIC has little or no effect on SNR6 transcription with purified components in vitro due to direct recognition of the SNR6 TATA box by TFIIIB. When SNR6 was assembled into chromatin in vitro by use of the Drosophila melanogaster S-190 extract, transcription of these templates with highly purified yeast pol III, TFIIIC, and TFIIIB displayed a near-absolute requirement for TFIIIC but yielded a 5- to 15-fold-higher level of transcription relative to naked DNA (>100-fold activation over repressed chromatin). Analysis of chromatin structure demonstrated that TFIIIC binding leads to remodeling of U6 gene chromatin, resulting in positioning of a nucleosome between boxes A and B. The resulting folding of the intervening DNA into the nucleosome could bring the suboptimally spaced SNR6 box A and B elements into greater proximity and thus facilitate activation of transcription. In the absence of ATP, however, the binding of TFIIIC to box B in chromatin was not accompanied by remodeling and the transcription activation was ∼35% of that seen in its presence, implying that both TFIIIC binding and ATP-dependent chromatin remodeling were required for the full activation of the gene. Our results suggest that TFIIIC, which is a basal transcription factor of pol III, also plays a direct role in remodeling chromatin on the SNR6 gene.
Age Cohort Variation in Drinking Among People With Physical Impairments: Politically Oriented Coping in the Wake of the Great Recession

People with physical impairments are at greater risk of economic hardship and more alcohol-related problems compared with the general population. We address age cohort differences in modes of coping with economic adversity and the extent to which modes of coping explain the relationships between age cohort membership and drinking outcomes among people with physical impairments. One hundred seventy six respondents with physical impairments derived from a national sample completed a mail survey. Using structural equation model (SEM), we demonstrate that members of the Generation X age cohort manifest higher levels of alcohol consumption and problem-related drinking compared with baby boomers due to their lesser tendency to engage in politically oriented coping to deal with economic adversity. Within the context of social movements contesting the disadvantaged social status of people with disabilities, the Generation X age cohort manifests both more limited political engagement and higher levels of alcohol consumption and problem-related drinking among people with physical impairments.
The Surface Effect of Rain on Microwave Backscatter from the Ocean

The effect of rain on the ocean surface alters the relationship between the surface wind vector and microwave backscatter, presenting an obstacle to wind retrieval via scat- terometry. To address the effect of rain on surface backscatter we develop a physically based ocean surface wave model modified by rain. Microwave backscatter is then calculated using a multiscale scattering model. Comparisons to observations at Ku-band are used to validate and tune our surface model. Simulations give insight into backscattering surface features: ring waves result primarily from the collapse of the splash-created stalk and the impulse responsible for the generation of ring waves has a radius roughly five times the drop's radius. Comparisons also show that backscatter from stationary splash features is necessary to accurately reproduce the effect of rain at Ku-band. For Ku-band our simulations expand upon prior measure- ments showing that rain increases backscatter and diminishes azimuthal variations. There is however, a wind relative azimuthal signature in the backscatter for most rainfall rates. Simulations at Ka-band, C-band, and L-band without the contribution from stationary splash features show that rain-created ring waves often alter backscatter. The effects are greatest at Ka-band where they mirror changes to the very high-frequency region of the surface wave spectrum. C-band backscatter is increased at moderate and high incidence angles and is sensitive to rain-induced damping. The effect of rain on L-band is to decrease backscatter at high rain rate and it is also dependent on rain-induced damping.
Effect of Decreasing Intraluteal Progesterone on Sensitivity of the Early Porcine Corpus Luteum to the Luteolytic Actions of Prostaglandin F2alpha1

Prostaglandin F2alpha (PGF) causes luteolysis of the pig corpus luteum (CL) only after Day 12 of the estrous cycle. Recent evidence indicates that progesterone (P4) may protect the CL from cell death. The present study tested the hypothesis that acute inhibition of P4 by treatment with epostane (EPO; 3betaHSD inhibitor) in CL lacking luteolytic capacity (Day 9 CL) will allow PGF to induce responses associated with luteolysis. Multiple PGF-induced responses were evaluated, including genes involved in production of PGF and estradiol-17beta, apoptosis (caspase 3), and transcription (FOSB). These responses are associated with PGF-induced luteolysis and do not normally occur in CL lacking luteolytic capacity. Animals on Day 7 after estrus were divided into four groups: 1) control (C), 2) PGF, 3) EPO, and 4) PGF plus EPO (PGF+EPO). Treatment with EPO (10 mg/kg) or vehicle was given every 12 h for 36 h. Treatment with PGF (25 mg) or vehicle was given at 38 h, and CL were collected from all animals at 48 h. Some CL from each animal were frozen in liquid nitrogen for mRNA and protein analysis. Remaining CL were incubated in media for 2 h for determination of P4 and PGF production. EPO dramatically decreased production of P4 by luteal tissue (ng/mg tissue) by 90% and 95% in EPO and PGF+EPO groups, respectively, compared to C (P < 0.01). Low production of PGF by luteal tissue was found in C, PGF, and EPO groups; however, treatment with PGF+EPO dramatically increased (782%) luteal PGF production. Similar to intraluteal PGF production, increased mRNA for cyclooxygenase 2 (PTGS2) and phospholipase A2 (group IB; PLA2G1B) was found in the PGF+EPO, but not in the EPO or PGF, group. Aromatase (CYP19A1) mRNA was not induced by PGF or EPO; however, PGF+EPO caused a more than 40-fold increase in CYP19A1 mRNA (P < 0.01). CASP3 mRNA was increased (P < 0.01) by EPO (3.4-fold) and by PGF (2.7-fold) but was most dramatically increased by PGF+EPO (5.3-fold), whereas caspase activity was only increased by PGF (1.5-fold) or PGF+EPO (2.2-fold). Thus, these data support the hypothesis that elimination of the protective effect of intraluteal P4 does not directly cause luteolysis of the early CL but allows PGF to induce luteolytic responses in CL lacking luteolytic capacity.
Computing and Partitioning Cloud Feedbacks Using Cloud Property Histograms. Part I: Cloud Radiative Kernels

AbstractThis study proposes a novel technique for computing cloud feedbacks using histograms of cloud fraction as a joint function of cloud-top pressure (CTP) and optical depth (τ). These histograms were generated by the International Satellite Cloud Climatology Project (ISCCP) simulator that was incorporated into doubled-CO2 simulations from 11 global climate models in the Cloud Feedback Model Intercomparison Project. The authors use a radiative transfer model to compute top of atmosphere flux sensitivities to cloud fraction perturbations in each bin of the histogram for each month and latitude. Multiplying these cloud radiative kernels with histograms of modeled cloud fraction changes at each grid point per unit of global warming produces an estimate of cloud feedback. Spatial structures and globally integrated cloud feedbacks computed in this manner agree remarkably well with the adjusted change in cloud radiative forcing. The global and annual mean model-simulated cloud feedback is dominated by contri.
Evoked potentials in hyperkinetic and normal children under certainty and uncertainty: a placebo and methylphenidate study.

Differences between hyperkinetic children and normal children and the effects of methylphenidate on hyperkinetic children were investigated under conditions of differential attentional demands. Auditory average evoked potentials were recorded from vertex using a single/double click guessing paradigm under conditions of certainty and uncertainty. Under conditions of certainty (low attention), in which the subject was told the identity of each stimulus in advance, few significant group differences were found. Under conditions of uncertainty (high attention), in which the subject was asked to guess which stimulus would be presented, large group differences were found. In response to the second click the P200 component was found to be smaller and the N250 component was larger in hyperkinetic children than in normal children. Treatment with methylphenidate “normalized” the evoked potentials of the hyperkinetic children making them more like those of normal children. The findings are believed: 1) to reflect the deficit in attention observed behaviorally in hyperkinetic children, 2) to support a model of hypoarousal in hyperkinetic children, and 3) to reflect the behavioral “normalization” observed in hyperkinetic children treated with melhylphenidate.
Ultrasound guidance to approach the femoral nerve in the iliopsoas muscle: a preliminary study in the dog.

OBJECTIVE To describe the location of the femoral nerve within the iliopsoas muscle and determine the feasibility and potential complications of an ultrasound-guided block. STUDY DESIGN Prospective experimental trial. ANIMALS Sixteen adult dogs, median weight 14.3 (range 3-37) kg. METHODS Phase I. Computed tomographic images of the iliopsoas muscle and femoral nerve were analyzed in two dogs. Phase II. The location of the femoral nerve within the iliopsoas muscle was determined via ultrasonography in 11 healthy anaesthetized dogs. Phase III. Peripheral nerve stimulation and ultrasound were combined to perform femoral nerve blocks in three dogs. RESULTS Using computed tomography, the femoral nerve and its L4-L5 roots were identified within the iliopsoas muscle. The nerve itself was traced until it branched off into the quadriceps femoris muscle. Using ultrasonography, it was possible to observe the femoral nerve in nine dogs (82%). Starting at the dorsal third of the iliopsoas muscle, its path was traced in a caudo-ventro-lateral direction, emerging from the iliopsoas muscle shortly before passing through the muscular lacuna where it became very difficult to identify. An ultrasound-guided femoral nerve approach was carried out successfully in all three dogs. CONCLUSIONS It is possible to approach the femoral nerve using combined ultrasound guidance and peripheral nerve stimulation to a closer proximal point than previously described. CLINICAL RELEVANCE The ultrasound-guided approach of the femoral nerve within the iliopsoas muscle has the potential to become an additional approach.
Intimate Partner Aggression and Marital Satisfaction: A Cross-Lagged Panel Analysis

Intimate partner aggression is common in dissatisfied relationships, yet it remains unclear whether intimate partner aggression is a correlate of relationship satisfaction, whether it predicts or follows from relationship satisfaction over time, or whether longitudinal associations are in fact bidirectional in nature. The present study evaluates these perspectives by examining self-reports of aggressive behaviors in relation to corresponding self-reports of relationship satisfaction among a sample of 431 low-income, ethnically diverse (76% Hispanic, 12% African American, 12% Caucasian) newlywed couples. Using a cross-lagged panel analysis, we examined associations between aggression and satisfaction across four time points, spaced by 9-month intervals, during the first 2.5 years of marriage. Cross-sectionally, less satisfied couples reported higher levels of intimate partner aggression. Longitudinally, aggression was a more consistent predictor of satisfaction than vice versa, though neither pathway was particularly robust: Intimate partner aggression was a significant predictor of relationship satisfaction at 4 of the 12 tested lags, whereas relationship satisfaction was a significant predictor of intimate partner aggression at only one of 12 lags. Because all effects were relatively weak and inconsistent, more specificity is needed to clarify circumstances under which aggression does and does not predict satisfaction, including whether the predictive power of the aggression-to-satisfaction association varies based on the severity of aggression or other individual (e.g., personality) or external (e.g., stress and environmental context) factors. Together, results indicate that dissatisfied couples are more likely to engage in intimate partner aggression, but being dissatisfied is unlikely to increase the level of aggression a couple engages in over time.
Inhibition of the antiviral action of interferon by tick salivary gland extract

The saliva of haematophagous arthropods (e.g. mosquitoes, sandflies and ticks) contains potent immunomodulatory activities that counter their hosts' haemostatic, inflammatory and immune responses to facilitate blood‐feeding. Such effects are exploited by arthropod‐transmitted pathogens to promote their transmission. We investigated the ability of tick saliva to enhance arthropod‐borne virus (arbovirus) transmission by determining its effect on the antiviral action of murine interferon (IFN α/β). Salivary gland extract (SGE) was prepared from partially fed adult female Dermacentor reticulatus ticks that had been feeding on mice for either 3 or 5 days (SGED3 and SGED5, respectively). We demonstrated that SGE inhibits the antiviral effect of IFN as measured by a biological assay using vesicular stomatitis virus (VSV), and by two‐dimensional electrophoretic analysis of the appearance of selected VSV proteins. The most pronounced effect was observed when mouse L cells were treated with SGE prior to IFN treatment. Following pretreatment with SGE, virus multiplication (which was fully blocked by IFN treatment alone) achieved yields similar to those obtained from infected cells not treated with IFN. Contemporaneous treatment, or treatment with SGE after IFN, was less effective. In parallel with these findings, formation of early viral proteins, N (nucleocapsid protein) and P (phosphoprotein), which was blocked by IFN, was detectable following pretreatment with SGE. The ability to inhibit the antiviral action of IFN was higher for SGED3 compared to SGED5. Demonstration that tick SGE can promote virus replication by suppressing the action of IFN helps explain why ticks are such efficient vectors of arboviruses.
The neural circuitry of visual artistic production and appreciation: A proposition

The nondominant inferior parietal lobule is probably a major “store house” of artistic creativity. The ventromedial prefrontal lobe (VMPFL) is supposed to be involved in creative cognition and the dorsolateral prefrontal lobe (DLPFL) in creative output. The conceptual ventral and dorsal visual system pathways likely represent the inferior and superior longitudinal fasciculi. During artistic production, conceptualization is conceived in the VMPFL and the executive part is operated through the DLFPL. The latter transfers the concept to the visual brain through the superior longitudinal fasciculus (SLF), relaying on its path to the parietal cortex. The conceptualization at VMPFL is influenced by activity from the anterior temporal lobe through the uncinate fasciculus and limbic system pathways. The final visual image formed in the visual brain is subsequently transferred back to the DLPFL through the SLF and then handed over to the motor cortex for execution. During art appreciation, the image at the visual brain is transferred to the frontal lobe through the SLF and there it is matched with emotional and memory inputs from the anterior temporal lobe transmitted through the uncinate fasiculus. Beauty is perceived at the VMPFL and transferred through the uncinate fasciculus to the hippocampo–amygdaloid complex in the anterior temporal lobe. The limbic system (Papez circuit) is activated and emotion of appreciation is evoked. It is postulated that in practice the entire circuitry is activated simultaneously.
[The prevalence of allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis in school children from Kraków and Poznań--ISAAC study (International Study of Asthma and Allergies in Childhood)].

BACKGROUND The aim of study was to assess the prevalence of symptoms and diagnosis of allergic rhinitis (AR) and allergic rhinitis and conjunctivitis (ARC) in school children in 1994/95 and 2001/02. METHODOLOGY Standardized ISAAC questionnaire was used for assessment population of school children 6-7 yrs of age and 13-14 yrs of age in Kraków and Poznań. RESULTS The prevalence of AR ever symptoms increased significantly in group 6-7 yrs of age from 28.5% to 33.6% in Kraków and from 13.0% to 31.3% in Poznań. The similar rise was found in group 13-14 yrs of age in Kraków from 26.1% to 41.1%, in Poznań from 19.0% to 39.6%. In both age groups and both centers the number of children with established AR diagnosis increased: in group 6-7 yrs of age in Kraków from 15.3% to 21.1%, in Poznań from 5.0% to 19.5%; in group 13-14 yrs of age in Kraków from 19.7% to 29.9%, in Poznań from 12.0% to 32.6%. Analysis of AR and ARC current symptoms (in the last year) confirmed significant increasing prevalence in both age groups, too. CONCLUSION The prevalence of AR and ARC diagnosis and symptoms increased significantly during last 7 years.
Thin‐needle aspiration biopsy in the diagnosis of head and neck tumors

Thin‐needle aspiration biopsy was performed in 84 patients with head and neck lesions for definitive diagnosis. There were 53 cases of lymph nodes, 47 in the cervical area and six in the supraclavicular area. There were 10 salivary gland lesions and 10 thyroid masses. No false positive diagnoses of malignant tumors occurred in this entire series. The false negative rate for malignant tumors was 4.0 percent. No delay in therapy occurred in any case because the aspiration biopsy technique was used. The thin‐needle technique as described is non‐traumatic and is an out‐patient office procedure. A 22‐guage narrow diameter needle is used attached to a disposable 20 ml. plastic syringe. The syringe is held in a metal syringe holder which allows the operator to hold the syringe and apply vacuum with one hand. The other hand is used to fix the mass. Small masses, 1.0 cm. or larger are easily aspirated by this technique. The material obtained is smeared on glass slides in the manner of making a blood smear. The aspirate is semi‐fluid and should not be diluted with blood. This is accomplished by stopping the aspiration when material becomes visable in the hub of the syringe. The smears are either air‐dried or fixed immediately in 95 percent ethyl or methyl alcohol. We have found the metachrome B and Papanicolaou stain to be of most value. The metachrome B stain is done on the air‐dried smears and the diagnosis can be made in many cases in a matter of a few minutes, thus providing a rapid solution to the patient's clinical problem. Review of this and other series indicates no complications with this technique and no evidence that cells are implanted in the needle tract following aspiration of malignant tumors.