Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Crystal structure of human natural cytotoxicity receptor NKp30 and identification of its ligand binding site

Natural killer (NK) cells are a group of innate immune cells that carry out continuous surveillance for the presence of virally infected or cancerous cells. The natural cytotoxicity receptor (NCR) NKp30 is critical for the elimination of a large group of tumor cell types. Although several ligands have been proposed for NKp30, the lack of a conserved structural feature among these ligands and their uncertain physiological relevance has contributed to confusion in the field and hampered a full understanding of the receptor. To gain insights into NKp30 ligand recognition, we have determined the crystal structure of the extracellular domain of human NKp30. The structure displays an I-type Ig-like fold structurally distinct from the other natural cytotoxicity receptors NKp44 and NKp46. Using cytolytic killing assays against a range of tumor cell lines and subsequent peptide epitope mapping of a NKp30 blocking antibody, we have identified a critical ligand binding region on NKp30 involving its F strand. Using different solution binding studies, we show that the N-terminal domain of B7-H6 is sufficient for NKp30 recognition. Mutations on NKp30 further confirm that residues in the vicinity of the F strand, including part of the C strand and the CD loop, affect binding to B7-H6. The structural comparison of NKp30 with CD28 family receptor and ligand complexes also supports the identified ligand binding site. This study provides insights into NKp30 ligand recognition and a framework for a potential family of unidentified ligands.
Re‐assessment of the influence of yeast strain and environmental factors on glycerol production in wine

Increasing glycerol production is of concern for wine‐makers in improving the quality of certain wines. We have compared the impact of strain and relevant environmental factors influencing glycerol production under the same conditions, i.e. standardized conditions simulating enological fermentation. The glycerol production of 19 industrial wine strains ranged from 6·4 to 8·9 g l−1 and varied significantly between strains. The production of acetate and succinate was also found to differ substantially depending on the strain but no significant strain‐dependent variation was observed for acetaldehyde. Interestingly, high glycerol production was not correlated to high production of acetate or acetaldehyde, which are undesirable in wine. A detailed study with two low or two high glycerol‐producing strains showed that temperature and the initial concentration of nitrogen had little effect on the amount of glycerol formed, although agitation or a nitrogen source composed mainly of ammoniacal nitrogen slightly enhanced glycerol production. The influence of environmental factors remained minor while the predominant factor for glycerol variability in wine was attributed to the strain. Taking into account wine‐making constraints, the results indicate that achieving a high glycerol content in wine requires the selection or improvement of yeast strains rather than the control of growth and cultivation conditions.
A sea change for sick doctors – how do doctors fare after presenting to a specialist psychotherapy service?

Abstract Background: Little is known about doctors who present to services following an episode of psychological distress. MedNet is a psycho-dynamically informed confidential self-referral service for doctors. Aims: To examine the health and work trajectory of MedNet clients between 2002 and 2007 followed up in 2010. Method: We report and compare service-monitoring data for 124 doctors on engagement with health services, whether in work or not, sick leave utilised, and reported distress measured by CORE-OM at intake and at one follow-up time point. Results: 95.6% of doctors continue to work and progress in their careers. 58.3% remained engaged with services. Sick leave had reduced significantly at follow-up. Distress was significantly reduced, but no differences were found with respect to social functioning and well-being. An interesting shift was observed in doctors’ use of medication from treating somatic complaints towards treating mood symptoms. Conclusions: Doctors show improvements and continue to progress in their careers after a psychotherapeutically orientated intervention. A shift in doctors’ perception of their difficulties is indicated from more somatic to psychological concerns. Many doctor–patients continue with ongoing professional support.
Vitamin E reduces cardiovascular disease in individuals with diabetes mellitus and the haptoglobin 2-2 genotype.

AIMS Individuals with both diabetes mellitus (DM) and the Haptoglobin (Hp) 2-2 genotype are at increased risk of cardiovascular disease. As the antioxidant function of the Hp 2-2 protein is impaired, we sought to test the pharmacogenomic hypothesis that antioxidant vitamin E supplementation would provide cardiovascular protection to Hp 2-2 DM individuals. MATERIALS & METHODS We determined the Hp genotype on DM participants from two trials (HOPE and ICARE) and assessed the effect of vitamin E by Hp genotype on their common prespecified outcome, the composite of stroke, myocardial infarction and cardiovascular death. Data was analyzed with a fixed-effect model. These results were input into a simulation model, the Evidence Based Medicine Integrator, in order to estimate their long-term implications in a real-world population from Kaiser Permanente (CA, USA). RESULTS Meta-analysis of the two trials demonstrated a significant overall reduction in the composite end point in Hp 2-2 DM individuals with vitamin E (odds ratio: 0.58; 95% CI: 0.40-0.86; p = 0.006). There was a statistically significant interaction between the Hp genotype and vitamin E on the composite end point. In these trials, Hp typing of 69 DM individuals and treating those with the Hp 2-2 with vitamin E prevented one myocardial infarct, stroke or cardiovascular death. Lifelong administration of vitamin E to Hp 2-2 DM individuals in the Kaiser population would increase their life expectancy by 3 years. CONCLUSION A pharmacogenomic strategy of screening DM individuals for the Hp genotype and treating those with Hp 2-2 with vitamin E appears to be highly clinically effective.
Further Assessment of Gender- and Blink Pattern-Related Differences in the Spontaneous Eyeblink Activity in Primary Gaze in Young Adult Humans

Purpose. To further assess the spontaneous eyeblink rate (SEBR) in primary gaze in young adults to further define the causes of variance in this activity. Methods. Nonconcealed video recordings were made of 61 white adults (30 males), aged 18 to 28 years, while silently directing their gaze to a 2-m-distant, 35-mm-high target under 350 lux illumination. An event marker was used to trace the video recordings in real time. Results. The overall SEBR was 10.3 ± 3.1 eyeblinks/min (±SD) and the inter-eyeblink interval (IEBI) was 6.4 ± 2.4 s, with no difference being detected between men and women (p > 0.1). There was no evidence of substantial time-dependent change in SEBR during the 5-min recording period. As assessed on a single occasion, it was noted that the subjects could display one of three patterns of eyeblink activity, namely irregular, J-type, or symmetrical. Both the SEBR and IEBI values were statistically different (p ≤ 0.05) for the three patterns, with the highest SEBR values (12.3 ± 2.4 eyeblinks/min) and lowest IEBI values (5.1 ± 1.3 s) being observed for those with a symmetrical eyeblink pattern. Conclusions. Different patterns of spontaneous eyeblink activity can result in differences in the SEBR and IEBI values. It is proposed that the pattern of spontaneous eyeblink activity where there are similar intervals between each eyeblink event should be referred to as a “normal” (rather than symmetrical) pattern and should be considered as the normal eyeblink activity, both from a physiological and statistical perspective.
Interpersonal Communication and Smoking Cessation in the Context of an Incentive-Based Program: Survey Evidence From a Telehealth Intervention in a Low-Income Population

The tobacco epidemic disproportionately affects low-income populations, and telehealth is an evidence-based strategy for extending tobacco cessation services to underserved populations. A public health priority is to establish incentive-based interventions at the population level in order to promote long-term smoking cessation in low-income populations. Yet randomized clinical trials show that financial incentives tend to encourage only short-term steps of cessation, not continuous smoking abstinence. One potential mechanism for increasing long-term cessation is interpersonal communication (IPC) in response to population-level interventions. However, more research is needed on IPC and its influence on health behavior change, particularly in the context of incentive-based, population-level programs. This study used survey data gathered after a population-level telehealth intervention that offered $20 incentives to low-income smokers for being connected to Minnesota's free quitline in order to examine how perceived incentive importance and IPC about the incentive-based program relate to both short-term and long-term health behavior change. Results showed that IPC was strongly associated with initial quitline utilization and continuous smoking abstinence as measured by 30-day point prevalence rates at 7-month follow-up. Perceived incentive importance had weak associations with both measures of cessation, and all associations were nonsignificant in models adjusting for IPC. These results were found in descriptive analyses, logistic regression models, and Heckman probit models that adjusted for participant recruitment. In sum, a behavioral telehealth intervention targeting low-income smokers that offered a financial incentive inspired IPC, and this social response was strongly related to utilization of intervention services as well as continuous smoking abstinence.
Examining the Relationship Between the Perceived Adequacy of Tools and Equipment and Perceived Competency to Teach Agricultural Mechanics

Agricultural mechanics holds an important place in agricultural education programs. Teacher efficacy in regards to teaching agricultural mechanics is also important. We used a questionnaire to survey agricultural education teachers in Iowa regarding agricultural mechanics. Spearman Rho correlations were used to determine the magnitude of the relationship between teachers’ perceived competency to teach agricultural mechanics skills and the adequacy of tools and equipment available to teach agricultural mechanics skills in school-based agricultural education (SBAE) programs. Correlations between tool adequacy and perceived competency to teach agricultural mechanics skills were identified as statistically significant (p < .05) in all 54 content areas addressed within the instrument. The results of the present study aligned with prior research regarding perceived competency and available teaching resources. The possibility exists that a lack of competency in a given skill area may result from, or may result in, a lack of adequate tools and equipment available to teach within that particular skill area. Perhaps the converse is instead true. We recommend that program stakeholders work to ensure that teachers are competent, and have access to adequate tools and equipment necessary, to teach agricultural mechanics.
Price Setting in Iran: Some Stylized Facts from CPI Micro Data

Understanding the degree of price stickiness and the nature of price setting is necessary for analyzing the effects of monetary policy on economy. To the best of our knowledge, no comprehensive study has examined the degree of price stickiness in Iran yet. For this reason, we examine the basic features of retail price setting behavior using a large data set containing the micro data underlying the construction of the CPI over the period 2004:5 to 2011:9. First we calculate the frequency and size of price changes for 359 categories of consumer goods and services in order to obtain the degree of nominal rigidity of consumer prices. We then investigate what models of price setting, including time dependent and state dependent models, are more consistent with price adjustment pattern in Iran. Based on our results, Consumer prices are highly flexible and there is a high degree of downward rigidity. Also, there is a considerable amount of heterogeneity across sectors both in terms of the frequency and size of price changes. The methods used in this paper for identifying the pattern of pricing supports the existence of both time and state-dependent pricing patterns.
Time‐domain in vivo near infrared fluorescence imaging for evaluation of matriptase as a potential target for the development of novel, inhibitor‐based tumor therapies

Proteolytic enzymes expressed on the surface of tumor cells, and thus easily accessible to external interventions, represent useful targets for anticancer and antimetastatic therapies. In our study, we thoroughly evaluated matriptase, a trypsin‐like transmembrane serine protease, as potential target for novel inhibitor‐based tumor therapies. We applied time‐domain near infrared fluorescence (NIRF) imaging to characterize expression and activity of matriptase in vivo in an orthotopic AsPC‐1 pancreatic tumor model in nude mice. We show strong and tumor‐specific binding of intravenously injected Cy5.5 labeled antimatriptase antibody (MT‐Ab*Cy5.5) only to primary AsPC‐1 tumors and their metastases over time within living mice, taking into account fluorescence intensities and fluorescence lifetimes of the applied probes. Specific binding of MT‐Ab*Cy5.5 to tumor sites was confirmed by ex vivo NIRF imaging of tumor tissue, NIRF microscopy and by coregistration of the in vivo acquired NIRF intensity maps to anatomical structures visualized by flat‐panel volume computed tomography (fpVCT) in living mice. Moreover, using an activatable synthetic substrate S*DY‐681 we could clearly demonstrate that matriptase is proteolytically active in vitro as well as in vivo in tumor‐bearing mice, and that application of synthetic active‐site inhibitors having high affinity and selectivity toward matriptase can efficiently inhibit its proteolytic activity for at least 24 hr. We thus successfully applied NIRF imaging in combination with fpVCT to characterize matriptase as a promising molecular target for inhibitor‐based cancer therapies.
Investment in Social Capital by Korean Baby-Boomers and the Elderly

Social capital is both an input and an output of individuals’ economic choices, but relatively little is known about social capital investment, particularly in individuals’ old age. With a premise that SC is an individual-level concept in which individuals purposely invest, we estimate elderly individuals’ indexes of the stock and investment in social capital using principal component analysis of their social engagement, networks, and trust in social institutions. We describe the distribution of the social capital stock and investment across various demographic groups, and using a capital-accumulation model, we test hypotheses about the drivers – expected benefits, costs, depreciation, preexisting social capital, and social-capital in one’s community – of individuals’ decisions to accumulate social capital. Linear regressions and mixture models of group-based trajectories are used to identify the determinants and the evolution of social capital investment in individuals’ older age. Implications for their life satisfaction are assessed. Using four waves of the Korean Longitudinal Study of Ageing, we find that the elderly exhibit gradual attrition of social capital, but women retain more social capital on account of better mental health and higher returns on investment from lower starting points. Expected returns on individuals’ social capital affect the investment positively, while costs including opportunity cost of one’s time, and social capital depreciation affect it negatively. Physical and human capital appear to be complementary to social capital, encouraging investment. Stock and investment in social capital in a community lead to higher investment by individuals themselves.
Urea transport by cotransporters

1 The rabbit Na+‐glucose cotransporter (rbSGLT1) was expressed in Xenopus laevis oocytes and urea transport in rbSGLT1 and non‐injected (control) oocytes was studied using [14C]urea as a tracer. The level of rbSGLT1 expression in these batches of oocytes was monitored by measuring the uptake of α‐methyl‐d‐[14C]glucopyranoside ([14C]αMDG). 2 In rbSGLT1‐expressing oocytes, there was a 4‐fold increase in urea transport in the absence of sugar relative to that in control oocytes. Urea uptake was not Na+ dependent and was linear with both time of incubation (5–120 min) and increasing urea concentration (50 μm to 100 mm) in the bathing medium. rbSGLT1 urea uptake was blocked by the rbSGLT1‐specific inhibitor phlorizin (Ki 1 μm) in 100 mm NaCl buffer, but was not affected in 100 mm choline chloride buffer. Phloretin inhibited rbSGLT1 urea uptake with a low affinity (Ki > 1 mm) in the presence and absence of Na+. The uptake of 55 μm urea through rbSGLT1 was not blocked by 100 mm urea analogues including thiourea, 1,3‐dimethyl urea, 1,1‐dimethyl urea and acetamide. 3 The activation energies (Ea) of urea transport for control and rbSGLT1‐expressing oocytes were 14 ± 3 and 6 ± 1 kcal mol−1, respectively. The low Ea for urea transport through rbSGLT1 is comparable to the Ea of passive water transport through rbSGLT1. 4 Urea transport through rbSGLT1 was further increased when the cotransporter was activated by the addition of sugar to the external medium. The rate of sugar‐dependent urea uptake was directly proportional to the rate of Na+‐glucose‐H2O cotransport such that the amount of urea transport was approximately proportional to the molar concentration ratio of urea to H2O (55 μm/55 m). 5 The low affinity Na+‐glucose (pSGLT3), the Na+‐iodide (rNIS) and the Na+‐Cl−‐GABA (hGAT1) cotransporters expressed in oocytes demonstrated similar urea transport properties. 6 These observations suggest that cotransporters behave as urea channels in the absence of substrates. Furthermore, under substrate‐transporting conditions, the same cotransporters serve as urea cotransporters. This could account for urea transport in cells that appear not to have urea uniporters or channels.
Lack of association between renin-angiotensin system (RAS) polymorphisms and hypertension in Tunisian type 2 diabetics.

BACKGROUND The genes encoding renin-angiotensin system (RAS) components are potent candidate genes in both hypertension and diabetes namely ACE encoding the angiotensin converting enzyme and AGT encoding angiotensinogen. It has been suggested that the insertion/deletion (I/D) polymorphism in intron 16 of ACE gene is associated with ACE levels, and M235T gene polymorphism is associated with plasma AGT levels. AIM We examined in this report the association between ACE I/D and AGT M235T polymorphisms with hypertension status in Tunisian type 2 diabetic subjects. METHODS Thirty nine hypertensive and 22 normotensive type 2 diabetic Tunisian patients were recruited for this study. The I/D polymorphism of ACE gene was analysed with nested PCR in order to avoid mistyping heterozygous individuals and the M235T polymorphism of AGT gene was analysed using PCR and allele specific restriction. RESULTS The distribution of DD, ID and II genotypes did not significantly differ between type 2 diabetic patients with or without hypertension (DD: 49%; ID: 41%; II: 10% vs DD: 36%; ID: 55%; II: 9%, respectively) (chi2=1.06, p=0.58). There was also no significant statistical difference between these two groups for the M235T polymorphism (TT: 20%; MT: 54%; MM: 26% vs TT: 27%; MT: 41%; MM: 32%, respectively) (chi2=0.95, p=0.62). CONCLUSION RAS polymorphisms do not seem to play a role in the development of hypertension in the studied Tunisian type 2 diabetic subjects.
Flax and Breast Cancer

Background. Flax is a food and dietary supplement commonly used for menopausal symptoms. Flax is known for its lignan, α-linolenic acid, and fiber content, components that may possess phytogestrogenic, anti-inflammatory, and hormone modulating effects, respectively. We conducted a systematic review of flax for efficacy in improving menopausal symptoms in women living with breast cancer and for potential impact on risk of breast cancer incidence or recurrence. Methods. We searched MEDLINE, Embase, the Cochrane Library, and AMED from inception to January 2013 for human interventional or observational data pertaining to flax and breast cancer. Results. Of 1892 records, we included a total of 10 studies: 2 randomized controlled trials, 2 uncontrolled trials, 1 biomarker study, and 5 observational studies. Nonsignificant (NS) decreases in hot flash symptomatology were seen with flax ingestion (7.5 g/d). Flax (25 g/d) increased tumor apoptotic index (P < .05) and decreased HER2 expression (P < .05) and cell proliferation (Ki-67 index; NS) among newly diagnosed breast cancer patients when compared with placebo. Uncontrolled and biomarker studies suggest beneficial effects on hot flashes, cell proliferation, atypical cytomorphology, and mammographic density, as well as possible anti-angiogenic activity at doses of 25 g ground flax or 50 mg secoisolariciresinol diglycoside daily. Observational data suggests associations between flax and decreased risk of primary breast cancer (adjusted odds ratio [AOR] = 0.82; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.69-0.97), better mental health (AOR = 1.76; 95% CI = 1.05-2.94), and lower mortality (multivariate hazard ratio = 0.69; 95% CI = 0.50-0.95) among breast cancer patients. Conclusions. Current evidence suggests that flax may be associated with decreased risk of breast cancer. Flax demonstrates antiproliferative effects in breast tissue of women at risk of breast cancer and may protect against primary breast cancer. Mortality risk may also be reduced among those living with breast cancer.
Common geriatric emergencies in a rural hospital in South-Eastern Nigeria.

BACKGROUND Geriatric population in rural Nigeria is often challenged by emergency health conditions that predispose them to higher risk of disability and mortality. OBJECTIVE This study was aimed at describing the common geriatric emergencies in a rural hospital in South-Eastern Nigeria. MATERIALS AND METHODS This was a descriptive hospital-based study of 216 geriatric patients who presented between June 2008 and June 2011 with emergency health conditions at St Vincent De Paul hospital, Amurie-Omanze, a rural Mission General Hospital in Imo state, South-Eastern Nigeria. The geriatric patients seen within the study period who met the selection criteria were studied. Data extracted for analysis included biodata and diagnosis made. RESULTS A total of 216 geriatric emergencies were seen during the study period. The ages of the patients ranged from 65 years to 98 years with mean age of 72 ± 1.14 years. There were 94 males and 122 females with a male to female ratio of 1: 1.3. The three most common causes of geriatric emergencies were acute malaria (33.8%), hypertensive crises syndrome (19.0%), and acute hypertensive heart failure (18.1%). CONCLUSION This study has shown that the three most common geriatric emergencies were medical emergencies (acute malaria, hypertensive crises syndrome, and acute hypertensive heart failure). Improving the quality of geriatric medical care will help in reduction of these emergency medical conditions. Similarly, health education of the geriatric population to embrace early health-seeking behavior, health maintenance, and promotional practices that are needed to promote longevity is invariably advocated.