Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Somatostatin Receptor Type 2 Undergoes Plastic Changes in the Human Epileptic Dentate Gyrus

Temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) is characterized by hippocampal sclerosis together with profound losses and phenotypic changes of different classes of interneurons, including those expressing somatostatin (SRIF). To understand the functional significance of the plasticity of SRIF transmission in TLE, unraveling the status of SRIF receptors is, however, a prerequisite. To address this issue, we characterized expression and distribution of the major SRIF receptor, the sst2 subtype, in hippocampal tissue resected in patients with TLE using complementary neuroanatomic approaches. In patients with hippocampal sclerosis, the number of cells expressing sst2 receptor mRNA as well as sst2 receptor-binding sites and immunoreactivity decreased significantly in the CA1-3, reflecting neuronal loss. By contrast, in the dentate gyrus, sst2 receptor mRNA expression was strongly increased in the granule cell layer, and sst2 receptor-binding sites and immunoreactivity was preserved in the inner but decreased significantly in the outer molecular layer. In this latter region, pronounced changes in SRIF terminal fields were observed. Decreased receptor density in the distal dendrites of granule cells is likely to reflect downregulation of sst2 receptors in response to physiopathologic release of SRIF. Because sst2 receptors have anticonvulsant and antiepileptogenic properties, this phenomenon may contribute to the etiology of TLE seizures.
Inhibition of Plexin C1 Protects Against Hepatic Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury*

Objectives:Hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury is a disease pattern that is associated with an acute inflammatory reaction. It is well known that neutrophils play an essential role in the early phase of hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury and determine the extent of tissue damage. Hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury can result in organ failure, which is linked to high mortality. Recent data indicate that the neuronal guidance receptor Plexin C1 is involved in the control of the acute inflammatory response and, as such, modulates the transmigration of neutrophils. Hence, we investigated the functional role of Plexin C1 in a mouse model of early hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury. Design:Animal study. Setting:University experimental laboratory. Subjects:Wild-type, PLXNC1−/− and chimeric mice. Interventions:Hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury or sham operation. Measurements and Main Results:We found that the functional inhibition of Plexin C1 in wild-type mice treated with an anti-Plexin C1 antibody and a Semaphorin 7A peptide reduced hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury, as measured by the levels of lactate dehydrogenase, aspartate, and alanine aminotransferase. This reduction in ischemia-reperfusion injury was accompanied by reduced numbers of neutrophils in ischemic hepatic tissue and reduced serum levels of inflammatory cytokines. Experiments using Plexin C1 receptor–deficient (PLXNC1−/−) mice also demonstrated decreased hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury. Studies of chimeric mice revealed that the hematopoietic Plexin C1 knockout is crucial for reducing the extent of hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury. Conclusions:These results describe a role for Plexin C1 during ischemia-reperfusion injury, highlight the role of hematopoietic Plexin C1 in the development of hepatic ischemia-reperfusion injury, and suggest that Plexin C1 is a potential drug target.
Photodegradation of sulfonamide antibiotics in simulated and natural sunlight: Implications for their environmental fate

The photochemical fate of seven sulfonamides was investigated in matrices representative of natural water bodies under various light sources. Fundamental photolysis parameters such as molar absorption coefficient, quantum yield (QY) and first-order rate constants were determined. The photolysis decay rate was dependent on the protonation state of the molecule, pH of the water sample and dissolved organic matter. Natural organic matter was the most significant factor in the indirect photolysis of sulfonamides. Half-lives were in the range of minutes at 254 nm to days under natural sunlight. Under natural sunlight, all sulfonamides showed higher removal rates in natural waters implying that indirect photolysis is the predominant mechanism.
An Australian experience with temozolomide for the treatment of recurrent high grade gliomas

Temozolomide has an evolving role in the treatment of high grade gliomas. Recent studies suggest that temozolomide is well tolerated and efficacious. This study retrospectively analysed the activity and toxicity associated with temozolomide at two Australian centres over a 24 month period. Fifty-six patients with recurrent high grade gliomas were treated with temozolomide. Patients received temozolomide orally at 150-200mg/m(2)daily, days 1-5, every 4 weeks. The median number of treatment cycles was 4 (1-12). Of the 56 patients, 15 (27%) achieved complete or partial response and 18 (32%) achieved minor response or stable disease. There were no episodes of febrile neutropenia and temozolomide was generally well tolerated. In conclusion, temozolomide is an active therapy in patients with recurrent high grade glioma and our results concord with published studies.
Integrative and Sequence Characteristics of a Novel Genetic Element, ICE6013, in Staphylococcus aureus

ABSTRACT A survey of chromosomal variation in the ST239 clonal group of methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) revealed a novel genetic element, ICE6013. The element is 13,354 bp in length, excluding a 6,551-bp Tn552 insertion. ICE6013 is flanked by 3-bp direct repeats and is demarcated by 8-bp imperfect inverted repeats. The element was present in 6 of 15 genome-sequenced S. aureus strains, and it was detected using genetic markers in 19 of 44 diverse MRSA and methicillin-susceptible strains and in all 111 ST239 strains tested. Low integration site specificity was discerned. Multiple chromosomal copies and the presence of extrachromosomal circular forms of ICE6013 were detected in various strains. The circular forms included 3-bp coupling sequences, located between the 8-bp ends of the element, that corresponded to the 3-bp direct repeats flanking the chromosomal forms. ICE6013 is predicted to encode 15 open reading frames, including an IS30-like DDE transposase in place of a Tyr/Ser recombinase and homologs of gram-positive bacterial conjugation components. Further sequence analyses indicated that ICE6013 is more closely related to ICEBs1 from Bacillus subtilis than to the only other potential integrative conjugative element known from S. aureus, Tn5801. Evidence of recombination between ICE6013 elements is also presented. In summary, ICE6013 is the first member of a new family of active, integrative genetic elements that are widely dispersed within S. aureus strains.
Morphological and Biochemical Answer of the Wheat Seeds at Treatment with 2,4-Dinitrophenol and Potassium Iodate

Oxidative stress can be regarded as an imbalance between the amount of reactive oxygen species (ROS) and the ability of a biological system to eliminate the toxic species and repair the resulting damages. Since the germinating seeds and the resulted seedlings are rich in enzymes, whereas the treatment with chemicals affects much the seed germination, producing also ROS, we evaluate here the influence of 2,4-dinitrophenol (DNP) and potassium iodate (KIO3) on wheat germination (Triticum aestivum L.) and seedlings growth. Germination rate, the masses and heights of the 7 day old seedlings, as well as the activity of some enzymes involved in the oxidative stress such as peroxidase, catalase and superoxide dismutase were measured seven days after the chemical treatment. The treatment of the wheat seeds with 10-5 - 10-3 M solutions of DNP resulted in a relative concentration-dependent inhibition of the germination, with a concomitant stimulation of the weight and height of viable seedlings. The Gasparom variety treated with 10-5 M KIO3 showed a slight increase in the germination rate in comparison with the control batch. The two tested substances determined a significantly modified response of the oxidative stress enzymes, especially in the seeds treated with 10-4 and 10-3 M solutions.
Overweight and Obesity in Kuwait

THE AIM of this study was to determine the prevalence of overweight and obesity among adult females. A multistage stratified sample of 2999 adult females was examined. 52.5% were found to be overweight (10-20% above reference weight tables) and 42% obese (more than 20% above reference standards). The numbers increased with age. There were fewer obese and more overweight the higher the standard of education, with a similar pattern with the husbands' standard of education. Obesity was more prevalent (46.8%) in non-working women, 36.8% among those in management and 32.9% among those in technical work, while the corresponding figures for those overweight were 47.7%, 56.9% and 62.2%. The prevalence of obesity increased with family size while that of overweight fell. A similar pattern was found with the number of children. Family income was inversely related to the prevalence of obesity and positively related to overweight.
A disease management program for families of persons in Hong Kong with dementia.

OBJECTIVES This study tested the effectiveness of a dementia care management program for Chinese families of relatives with dementia on caregivers' and patients' health outcomes over a 12-month follow-up period. METHODS The dementia care management program is an educational and supportive group for caregivers that lasts six months. A controlled trial was conducted with 88 primary caregivers of persons with dementia in two dementia care centers in Hong Kong. Family members were assigned randomly to either the dementia care program or standard care. The two groups were compared for patients' symptoms and institutionalization rates and caregivers' quality of life, burden, and social support upon recruitment and six and 12 months after group assignment. RESULTS Over the 12-month follow-up period, patients with family members in the dementia care program showed significantly greater improvements in symptoms and institutionalization rates and their caregivers reported significantly greater improvements in quality of life and burden compared with the control group. CONCLUSIONS The findings provide evidence that the dementia care management program can improve the psychosocial functioning of Chinese persons with dementia and their caregivers.
The effect of age on distribution and symptomatology of craniomandibular dysfunction

Craniomandibular dysfunction is very common disorder of the oral and facial system and therefore a significant problem in dental practice. The etiology of this disorder is very complex and variable including congenital disorders and developmental abnormalities, traumas in the area of face and jaw, unbalanced occlusion, systemic and local diseases or psychogenic factors. The symptoms can be very different and vary in intensity and duration from person to person, often are in correlation with other oral para-functions. The intensity of symptoms is usually associated with gender or age of the patients. Elderly population is particularly interesting because these changes occur in addition to atrophic and degenerative changes in temporomandibular joint (TMJ), multiple teeth loss, present dentures, limitation of physical activity and others. Research conducted in many European countries have shown that the pain in TMJ is one of the most dominate symptoms of craniomandibular dysfunction and it often occurs in males. However, it is not easy to prove more frequent presence of dysfunction in the elderly people.
Sequence and Regulation of a Late Embryogenesis Abundant Group 3 Protein of Maize

The group 3 class of Lea proteins is expressed both in seeds and in drought-stressed tissues, where they are thought to play a role as desiccation protectants (reviewed by Mundy and Skriver, 1990). In wheat, there is experimental evidence that expression of Lea 3 is correlated with resistance to drought stress (Ried and Walker-Simmons, 1993). Lea group 3 proteins are distinguished by a tandemly repeated 11-amino acid motif (Dure et al., 1989). Comparing these proteins from a variety of plants, Dure (1993) has proposed a model for the structure of the tandemly arrayed units and for the possible function of these proteins in desiccation protection. In an earlier paper (Thomann et al., 1992), we described MLG3, an ABA-responsive embryo maturation protein that w a s ant igen ica l l y re la ted to the L e a group 3 p r o t e i n from wheat. Using a cDNA of wheat Lea group 3, we isolated a full-length 1.1-kb cDNA (pMlg3) from maize (Zea mays L.). The clone has one open reading frame of 666 bases. pMlg3 detected a single hybridizing band in genomic Southern blots, consistent with our genetic evidence for a single locus (Thomann et al., 1992). The predicted translation product of Mlg3 contains a tandemly repeated 11-amino acid motif having apolar residues (chiefly Ala and Thr) at positions 1, 2, 5, and 9; positively charged amino acids (chiefly Lys) at positions 6 and 8; and negative charges or amide residues at positions 3, 7, and 11 (Table I). MLG3 has nine conserved repeat units, one degenerate repeat, and a truncated repeat. The maize Lea group 3 protein also shares strong homologies with the wheat and barley proteins in both C-terminal and N-terminal peptide sequences. Data base searches did not reveal any known function for these peptide sequences, although their conservation suggests that they are of structural importance. The predicted mass (22.9 kD) is less than the 27 to 29 kD estimated by SDS-PAGE mobility (Thomann et al., 1992). This discrepancy, found for other Lea 3 proteins (Ried and Walker-Simmons, 19931, has been attributed to anomalous electrophoretic behavior due to the proteins' unique composition and charge characteristics (Hong et al., 1988).
Relation of Lipid Peroxides to Macrovascular Disease in Type 2 Diabetes

Lipid peroxides are thought to be formed by free radicals and may play an important role in the development of atheromatous vascular disease. We have investigated the relationship between lipids, lipoproteins, coagulation factors, and lipid peroxides (measured as thiobarbituric acid reacting species (TBARS)) in Type 2 diabetic patients with macrovascular disease. Eighteen diabetic and 20 non‐diabetic subjects with clinical evidence of ischaemic heart disease and/or peripheral vascular disease were investigated, together with 28 healthy subjects without evidence of vascular disease. TBARS concentrations in non‐diabetic (mean 5.0 (95% CI 4.5–5.7) μmol I−1) and diabetic groups (5.6 (5.1–6.0) μmol I−1) with macrovascular disease were not significantly different although values were higher in both groups of patients with vascular disease by comparison with control subjects (2.7 (2.4–3.1) (μmol I−1, p < 0.001). Significant univariate correlations between TBARS concentrations and measures of blood glucose control (fructosamine, blood glucose and HbA,) were found for all 66 subjects (r = 0.35–0.42, p < 0.01–p < 0.001), although no independent association between these parameters and TBARS was demonstrated in multiple regression analysis. In addition, TBARS levels were significantly correlated in univariate analysis with the apolipoprotein (apo) Al:apoB ratio (r = −0.56, p< 0.001), total cholesterol:high density lipoprotein cholesterol ratio (r = 0.52, p < 0.001), apoB (r = 0.51, p < 0.001), low density lipoprotein cholesterol (r = 0.40, p < 0.001), serum total triglyceride (r = 0.46, p < 0.001), apoAl (r = −0.35, p < 0.01) and serum total cholesterol (r = 0.39, p < 0.001). Multiple regression analysis of continuous variables showed that apoB (p < 0.001), age (p < 0.001), and apoAl (p = 0.008) were independently associated with serum TBARS although these associations disappeared if macrovascular disease was added to the regression equation as a categorical variable. Our data support previous studies which demonstrate increased serum concentrations of TBARS in subjects with macrovascular disease but suggest that levels are similarly elevated in diabetic and non‐diabetic subjects.
Post‐processing correction of magnetization transfer effects in FENSI perfusion MRI data

Magnetization transfer effects induced by repetitive saturation pulses employed in flow enhancement of signal intensity imaging sequences currently prevent quantitative, in vivo, cerebral perfusion studies. This study investigates the magnitude of these effects and introduces a post‐processing correction protocol. The study shows that the magnetization transfer effect is consistent across individuals, which enables the derivation of a correction factor to be applied in post‐acquisition. Our results, obtained for cerebral flux in white and gray matter in rodent brains, are in agreement with cerebral blood flow measurements previously reported in the literature. Magn Reson Med, 2011. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Size, power, wool and veal: zooarchaeological evidence for late medieval innovations

Albarella, Umberto, (1997) "Size, power, wool and veal: zooarchaeological evidence for late medieval innovations", De Bow,Guy and Verhaeghe, Frans (Eds.), Environment and subsistence in medieval Europe, 19-30, Instituut voor het Archeologisch Patrimonium © This is a digital version of copyright material made under licence from the rightsholder, and its accuracy cannot be guaranteed. Please refer to the original published edition.
Preferential occurrence of diazotrophic endophytes, Azoarcus spp., in wild rice species and land races of Oryza sativa in comparison with modern races.

Several diazotrophic species of Azoarcus spp. occur as endophytes in the pioneer plant Kallar grass. The purpose of this study was to screen Asian wild rice and cultivated Oryza sativa varieties for natural association with these endophytes. Populations of culturable diazotrophs in surface-sterilized roots were characterized by 16S rDNA sequence analysis, and Azoarcus species were identified by genomic fingerprints. A. indigens and Azoarcus sp. group C were detected only rarely, whereas Azoarcus sp. group D occurred frequently in samples of flooded plants: in 75% of wild rice, 80% of land races of O. sativa from Nepal and 33% of modern cultivars from Nepal and Italy. The putatively endophytic populations of diazotrophs differed with the rice genotype. The diversity of cultured diazotrophs was significantly lower in wild rice species than in modern cultivars. In Oryza officinalis (from Nepal) and O. minuta (from the Philippines), Azoarcus sp. group D were the predominant diazotrophic putative endophytes in roots. In contrast, their number was significantly lower in modern cultivars of O. sativa, whereas numbers and diversity of other diazotrophs, such as Azospirillum spp. , Klebsiella sp. , Sphingomonas paucimobilis, Burkholderia sp. and Azorhizobium caulinodans, were increased. In land races of O. sativa, the diazotrophic diversity was equally high; however, Azoarcus sp. was found in high apparent numbers. Similar differences in populations were also observed in a culture-independent approach comparing a wild rice (O. officinalis) and a modern-type O. sativa plant: in clone libraries of root-associated nitrogenase (nifH) gene fragments, the diazotrophic diversity was lower in the wild rice species. New lineages of nifH genes were detected, e.g. one deeply branching cluster within the anf (iron) nitrogenases. Our studies demonstrate that the natural host range of Azoarcus spp. extends to rice, wild rice species and old varieties being preferred over modern cultivars.
Degree of conversion and hardness of a silorane-based composite resin: effect of light-curing unit and depth.

PURPOSE To investigate the effect of different light-curing units and depths on the degree of conversion (DC) through Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) and Knoop Hardness Number (KHN) of a silorane-based composite resin (Filtek LS, 3M ESPE, St Paul, MN, USA) (LS). MATERIALS AND METHODS LS specimens mounted in a particular designed matrix were photoactivated by three light-cure units (LCUs) at depths of 2, 3, 4, and 5 mm. The DC was determined in a FTIR spectrometer with an attenuated total reflectance accessory. The KHN was measured in an automatic microhardness tester. The results were analyzed using the Friedman and Spearman statistical tests (α=0.05). RESULTS There was no effect of LCUs on the DC (p=0.472) or KHN (p=0.174) for all of the studied depths. The highest DC and KHN means were found at 2-mm depth, which were not statistically different from 3-mm depth, but were higher than 4-mm and 5-mm depths (p=0.007). Spearman analysis found a positive linear correlation between the variables KHN and DC (r=0.858, p<0.000). CONCLUSIONS The LCUs' effect was not verified. Values of DC and KHN for LS decreased with increasing depth. The highest values for both DC and KHN were obtained at depths of 2-3 mm.
Sensitivity of assays designed for the detection of disseminated epithelial tumor cells is influenced by cell separation methods.

The frequency of detection of disseminated tumor cells in hemopoietic specimens varies among studies (1)(2). For a reliable comparison of results, standardization of detection protocols would be desirable. In addition to concerns about techniques for detection [e.g., reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR)], the method for cell isolation may be critical (3)(4). We examined two methods for cell isolation as applied to three types of specimens before detection of tumor cells by immunocytochemistry or RT-PCR (5). We analyzed 254 samples consisting of 90 bone marrow aspirates, 104 granulocyte colony-stimulating factor-mobilized stem cell samples harvested at steady-state hemopoiesis, and 60 venous blood samples. Samples were from patients with high-risk breast cancer (n = 237), large bowel cancer (n = 13), gastric cancer (n = 2), ovarian cancer (n = 1), and salivary gland cancer (n = 1). Samples were assigned without conscious bias to nucleated cell separation either by ficoll centrifugation (30 min at 400 …
THE ORGANIZATION OF GENETIC VARIABILITY IN PHLOX DRUMMONDII

thousands of individuals. The species is divisible into six morphologically distinct subspecies which are largely allopatric or parapatric (Erbe and Turner, 1962). Their ranges are depicted in Figure 1. Subspecies glabriflora grows principally on stabilized sandy dune soils in open fields of the Coastal Plain, ssp-. littoralis on coastal beach sands, ssp. tharpii on sandy soils in open prairies of the Rio Grande Plain, ssp. goldsmithii and ssp. drummondii on sandy loams in open or cleared forest areas, and ssp. mcallisteri in open fields on shallow sandy soils of granitic origin on the Edwards Plateau. Reproductive barriers to gene exchange are weak (Erbe and Turner, 1962; Levin, 1976), and the integrity of the subspecies seems due to their ecogeographical isolation. All of the subspecies exhibit gametophytic self-incompatibility, and have the same chromosome number, n = 7. The primary objectives of this study are (1) to characterize each taxon in terms of gene frequencies, genetic diversity and genotype frequencies relative to HardyWeinberg expectation, (2) to apportion genetic diversity within and between subspecies, (3) to describe gene frequency heterogeneity between populations of the same subspecies and the species as a whole, (4) to describe geographical variation patterns for alleles and genetic diversity, and (5) to determine the genetic affinities of the subspecies. In doing this an attempt is made to discern the roles of gene flow restriction within and among populations and stochastic processes in fostering and maintaining the organization of genetic variability in P. drummondii. The concordance between morphological and allozymic variation also is considered. EVOLUTION 31:477-494. September 1977 477