Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Exaggerated male genitalia intensify interspecific reproductive interference by damaging heterospecific female genitalia

Male–male competition over fertilization can select for harmful male genital structures that reduce the fitness of their mates, if the structures increase the male's fertilization success. During secondary contact between two allopatrically formed, closely related species, harmful male genitalia may also reduce the fitness of heterospecific females given interspecific copulation. We performed a laboratory experiment to determine whether the extent of genital spine exaggeration in Callosobruchus chinensis males affects the fitness of C. maculatus females by injuring their reproductive organs. We found that males with more exaggerated genital spines were more likely to injure the females via interspecific copulation and that the genital injury translated into fecundity loss. Thus, as predicted, reproductive interference by C. chinensis males on C. maculatus females is mediated by exaggeration of the genital spine, which is the evolutionary consequence of intraspecific male–male competition. Harmful male traits, such as genital spines, might generally affect the extent of interaction between closely related species.
Reduction of Worm Fecundity and Canine Host Blood Loss Mediates Protection against Hookworm Infection Elicited by Vaccination with Recombinant Ac-16

ABSTRACT Hookworm infection is one of most important parasitic infection of humans, occurring in 740 million people. Here we report the protective vaccination of dogs with Ac-16, an immunodominant surface antigen from the hookworm Ancylostoma caninum. We show that immunization with Ac-16 formulated with AS03 elicited specific humoral and cellular immune responses and provided partial protection against hookworm infection and morbidity as evidenced by a significant reduction of hookworm egg counts (64% reduction; P = 0.0078) and worm-induced blood loss (P < 0.05). Moreover, specific anti-Ac-16 antibodies recognized the native protein on the surface of third-stage larvae and blocked their migration through tissue in vitro. Our data support the use of Ac-16 as a potential candidate for vaccination against hookworm infection.
Postoperative Headache after the Lateral Suboccipital Approach: Craniotomy versus Craniectomy

The lateral suboccipital approach to the cerebellopontine angle is typically performed as a small craniectomy. Incisional pain and headache following cerebellopontine angle surgery have been reported. Adherence of the cervical muscles to the dura, which is richly innervated, with consequent traction has been suggested to be responsible for postoperative headache. Therefore, postoperative headache probably could be reduced by replacing the bone flap between the muscles and the dura. In a prospective non-randomized study this hypothesis was tested by comparing craniectomy and craniotomy. 40 patients underwent removal of an acoustic neuroma via the retrosigmoid approach. Patients with a history of migraine, with additional intracerebral tumors or recurrencies as well as patients who developed a CSF fistula postoperatively were excluded. 29 patients were eligible for further evaluation. 13 patients underwent a craniotomy, 16 patients a craniectomy. All patients were subject to a standardized telephone interview three months and one year after surgery. Comparing the craniotomy group to the craniectomy group no difference was observed regarding age, sex, tumor size and duration of operation. 3 months as well as 12 months postoperatively headache was significantly (p < 0.05) less frequent in the craniotomy group as compared to the craniectomy group. In conclusion, an osteoplastic craniotomy significantly reduces postoperative headache and is therefore highly recommended.
Risk factors for breast cancer in women with a breast cancer family history.

Family history (FH) is an important indicator of a woman's future risk of developing breast cancer. Using data collected in a large population-based case-control study (6705 cases and 9341 controls), we examined the associations of breast cancer with known risk factors in women reporting a first-degree FH (mother or sister), with an emphasis on lifestyle determinants that may be altered to reduce risk. First-degree FH was reported by 18.4% (n = 1234) of cases and 11.3% (n = 1058) of controls; the overall relative risk (RR) for breast cancer associated with a positive history was 1.70 [95% confidence interval (CI), 1.55-1.87] and 2.34 (95% CI, 1.80-3.02) for breast cancer at age 45 years or younger. Among women with a FH, statistically significant inverse associations were observed for increasing parity (RR per birth = 0.90; P < 0.0001), intake of carotene-rich foods (RR for >2000 IU/day = 0.73; P = 0.02), and strenuous activity as a young adult (RR per episode/week = 0.93; P = 0.02). Recent alcohol consumption increased risk (RR per 13 g/week = 1.21; P = 0.02), as did weight gain during adult life in postmenopausal women (RR per 5 kg = 1.08; P = 0.001). Breast-feeding for any duration was associated with a lower RR in parous, premenopausal women (RR = 0.59; P = 0.04). Associations for most risk factors with breast cancer were similar among women with and without a FH of breast cancer; however, a stronger inverse association was observed for parity in women with a positive history (P for interaction = 0.04). Based on these data, women with a FH may reduce their excess risk of breast cancer through adjustments in lifestyle and reproductive choices. The risk associated with FH of breast cancer seems to be largely independent of other known risk factors.
The influence of perioperative oxygen concentration on postoperative lung function in moderately obese adults

Background and objective Obesity aggravates the negative effects of general anaesthesia and surgery on the respiratory system, resulting in decreased functional residual capacity and expiratory reserve volume, and increased atelectasis and ventilation/perfusion (Va/Q) mismatch. High-inspired oxygen concentrations also promote atelectasis. This study compares the effects of perioperative inspired low-oxygen and high-oxygen concentrations on postoperative lung function and pulse oximetry values in moderately obese patients (BMI 25–35). Methods We prospectively studied 142 overweight patients, BMI 25–35, undergoing minor peripheral surgery; they were randomly allocated to receive either low-inspired or high-inspired oxygen concentrations during general anaesthesia. Premedication, general anaesthesia and respiratory patterns were standardized. Arterial oxygen saturation (pulse oximetry) was measured on air breathing. Inspiratory and expiratory lung functions were measured preoperatively (baseline) and at 10 min, 0.5, 2 and 24 h after extubation with the patient supine, in a 30° head-up position. The two groups were compared using repeated-measure analysis of variance and t-test analysis. Results The low-inspired oxygen group had significantly better arterial saturation during the first 24 h (P < 0.01). Mid-expiratory flow 25 values indicating small airway collapse were significantly better in the low-oxygen group at all measurements (P < 0.05). Conclusion We conclude that postoperative lung function and arterial saturation is better preserved by a low-oxygen strategy, although it is not clear whether this has clinical relevance for the prevention of postoperative pulmonary complications.
Tizanidine is effective in the treatment of myofascial pain syndrome.

Myofascial pain syndrome (MPS) is difficult to treat. The efficacy and safety of tizanidine, an alpha2-adrenergic agent with effects on spasticity and pain, in treating MPS was evaluated. Female subjects (n = 29) with MPS of 9 to > 52 weeks' duration and mean age 37.5 (range 20-51) years, who also had reduced pressure thresholds, were enrolled. Subjects were titrated up to 12 mg of tizanidine over 3 weeks and maintained for 2 weeks. Sleep was assessed via visual analog scale (VAS), pain intensity via short form McGill questionnaire including VAS, disability/level of function, and pressure threshold (tested by algometry) at baseline, weeks 3 and 5, and 1 week after tizanidine was discontinued. Patient and physician global assessments of treatment were reported at week 5. Twenty-four subjects completed the study. Pain intensity and disability decreased significantly from baseline at weeks 3 and 5 and after washout (P < .001). Pressure threshold and sleep improved for all study periods (P < .001). Tizanidine was rated as good to excellent in relieving pain by 89% of subjects and 79% of physicians. No serious adverse events occurred. Tizanidine was effective in the treatment of MPS.
Detection of Epstein–Barr virus genome within thymic epithelial tumours in Taiwanese patients by nested PCR, PCR in situ hybridization, and RNA in situ hybridization

Epstein–Barr virus (EBV) is known to be associated with a variety of tumours, including Burkitt's lymphoma, nasopharyngeal carcinoma, and some carcinomas of other organs with similar lymphoepithelioma‐like features. The association between EBV and thymic epithelial tumours is inconclusive, as reports in this regard are not entirely consistent and the methods employed are of different sensitivity and specificity. This study examined 78 thymomas and 21 thymic carcinomas in Taiwanese patients, to detect the viral genome at both DNA and RNA levels. The tissue blocks were first screened by nested polymerase chain reaction (PCR) targeting on the first tandem internal repeats. The positive cases were further submitted for viral localization by in situ PCR insitu hybridization (ISH) and Epstein–Barr‐encoded RNA‐1 (EBER‐1) ISH. None of the thymomas showed a detectable EBV genome. Eight thymic carcinomas were positive for EBV by nested PCR, of which six displayed nuclear signals within the tumour cells by in situ PCR ISH and/or RNA ISH, one displayed signals within the lymphocytes, and one showed no discernible in situ signals. Most of them exhibited a lymphoepithelioma‐like morphology. These results show that nested PCR is a sensitive method for screening the EBV genome in thymic epithelial tumours. In situ PCR ISH is reliable for localization of the virus, in addition to EBER‐1 RNA ISH. Thymomas are not related to EBV, even in this endemic area. Thymic carcinomas, especially the lymphoepithelioma‐like thymic carcinomas, are more often associated with the virus. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Effect of glucocorticoids on tumor necrosis factor induced suppression of protein synthesis in rat aortic smooth muscle: comparison with extensor digitorum longus.

Protein synthesis was measured in incubated aortic smooth muscle and fast-twitch extensor digitorum longus (EDL) in both sham operated and adrenalectomized (ADX) rats. The studies were performed on four groups: a) untreated controls; b) rats treated with tumor necrosis factor (TNF) @ 50 micrograms/kg. b.w. ; c) rats treated with cortisone @ 100 mg/kg/day for 5 days; or d) rats treated with cortisone plus TNF. Both TNF and cortisone suppressed protein synthesis in the aortic smooth muscle and EDL in intact animals. TNF given together with cortisone, induced a significant additional decrease in protein synthesis in both muscle types as compared to cortisone-treated rats. The rate of protein synthesis in aortic smooth muscle from sham operated rats was control > TNF > cortisone > Cortisone+TNF; in the case of EDL, rate was control > cortisone > TNF > Cortisone+TNF. In ADX animals, TNF alone did not affect protein synthesis in both aortic smooth muscle and EDL. Though cortisone alone produced a significant inhibition of protein synthesis, there was no significant further decline in protein synthesis when cortisone was given together with TNF. These findings suggest that the inhibitory effect of TNF on muscle protein synthesis is mediated through glucocorticoids.
[Influence of hepatitis C virus infection and human immunodeficiency on the natural history of chronic delta hepatitis].

OBJECTIVES To analyze the prevalence and clinical significance of HCV an HIV infections among a group of patients with chronic delta hepatitis. METHODS We have studied the clinical and the histological activity and the serological profile the HBV DNA was analyzed by dot blot and PCR and the HDV RNA by dot blot) in 46 patients with chronic delta hepatitis. These results were correlated with HCV infection (assessed by ELISA-2, RIBA-2 and RT-PCR) and HIV infection (ELISA and immunoblot). RESULTS HBV DNA and HDV RNA was detected by dot in 28.2% and 71.4% of patients respectively, and by PCR, 89.1% of patients had HBV DNA in their serum. Twenty two of 46 patients with chronic delta hepatitis were anti-HCV positives (with HCV RNA detectable in sera by RT-PCR in 19 cases). Anti-HIV positivity was detected in 19 of 46 patients. The mean aminotransferase level, histological activity and serological profile was similar in the anti-HCV positive and negative patients. Likewise, clinical and histological activity and serological profile was similar in the anti-HIV positive and negative patients. CONCLUSIONS Concomitant infection with HCV or HIV does not seem to significantly modify the clinical course of chronic delta hepatitis. In addition, no significant serological difference has been noted in patients with chronic delta hepatitis with anti-HIV or anti-HCV antibodies.
Fibrinolytic Balance of the Arterial Wall: Pulmonary Artery Displays Increased Fibrinolytic Potential Compared with Aorta

Classic pulmonary thromboembolism research has documented that large pulmonary thromboemboli lyse spontaneously, suggesting potent fibrinolytic activity in human pulmonary artery (Pa). This concept conflicts with published animal studies in which the proximal Pa was reported to be devoid of tissue plasminogen activator (t-PA) expression. The current study used in situ hybridization protocols to demonstrate t-PA expression in samples of human main Pa (n = 30). Real-time PCR was used to demonstrate quantitatively that the levels of t-PA transcripts were higher than those of its primary regulator [ie, plasminogen activator-inhibitor 1 (PAI-1)] in the Pa samples. Immunologic and functional assays extended these observations by demonstrating that levels of t-PA antigen were higher than PAI-1 antigen, which resulted in the detection of free t-PA activity. This contrasted with the fibrinolytic balance of matched samples of aorta (n = 6) in which PAI-1 transcripts and antigen values were higher than the corresponding t-PA values, and only Mr 110 kDa t-PA–PAI-1 complexes could be detected in functional assays. To assess the relative fibrinolytic contribution of the endothelial cell layer, Pa endothelial cells and aortic endothelial cells were scraped and propagated in culture for 20 ± 6 days. Pa endothelial cell–conditioned media revealed increased t-PA/PAI-1 antigen ratios. Taken together, our data indicate that the balance between t-PA and PAI-1 is shifted in human main Pa to favor net PA activity.
Interaction of MAD2 with the Carboxyl Terminus of the Insulin Receptor but Not with the IGFIR EVIDENCE FOR RELEASE FROM THE INSULIN RECEPTOR AFTER ACTIVATION*

We have utilized the yeast two-hybrid system to identify proteins that interact with the cytoplasmic domain of the insulin receptor (IR). We identified a human cDNA encoding a protein that appears to be the human homolog of the yeast MAD2 protein, which we term hMAD2. The yeast MAD2 protein was first identified in a genetic screen to identify cell cycle checkpoint regulatory proteins, yet the mechanism by which MAD2 functions in cell cycle control is currently unclear. Here we show that hMAD2 requires the COOH-terminal 30 amino acids of the IR for interaction and that hMAD2 does not interact with the related insulin-like growth factor I receptor. Interestingly, hMAD2 does not require IR tyrosine autophosphorylation for interaction because it interacts with a kinase-dead IR in the yeast two-hybrid system. In support of this finding, hMAD2-GST fusions were found to interact strongly in vitro with receptors derived from noninsulin-stimulated cells. Furthermore, using two independent in vitro assays, IR activation was found to significantly reduce the interaction of hMAD2 with the IR. Lastly, we show that hMAD2 can be coimmunoprecipitated with the IR from Chinese hamster ovary IR cell lysates, suggesting that this interaction occurs in vivo in cells of mammalian origin. Our results suggest that hMAD2 represents a novel class of proteins that is specific for interaction with the IR as compared with the insulin-like growth factor I receptor and that interacts best with the inactive IR and is released upon receptor autophosphorylation. The function of hMAD2 and its potential role in insulin signaling remain to be elucidated.
Arthroplasty implant biomaterial particle associated macrophages differentiate into lacunar bone resorbing cells.

OBJECTIVE: To study the pathogenesis of aseptic loosening: in particular, to determine whether macrophages responding to particles of biomaterials commonly used in arthroplasty surgery for arthritis are capable of differentiating into osteoclastic bone resorbing cells, and the cellular and hormonal conditions required for this to occur. METHODS: Biomaterial particles (polymethylmethacrylate, high density polyethylene, titanium, chromium-cobalt, stainless steel) were implanted subcutaneously into mice. Macrophages were isolated from the foreign body granulomas that resulted, cultured on bone slices and coverslips, and assessed for both cytochemical and functional evidence of osteoclast differentiation. RESULTS: Tartrate resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP) negative macrophages isolated from granulomas containing particles of all types of biomaterial composition were capable of differentiating into TRAP positive cells capable of extensive lacunar bone resorption (assessed by scanning electron microscopy). The presence of both UMR106 rat osteoblast-like cells and 1,25-dihydroxy vitamin D3 was necessary for this to occur. CONCLUSION: All implant materials produce wear particles that are the focus of a heavy foreign body macrophage response in the fibrous membrane between a loose implant component and the host bone undergoing resorption. These findings underline the importance of biomaterial wear particle generation and the macrophage response to different types of biomaterial wear particles in the pathogenesis of aseptic loosening.
Physiotherapy and related activities in multiple sclerosis

There are now about 50 randomized controlled trials into rehabilitation packages, physiotherapy or related specific and non-specific techniques in multiple sclerosis (MS). Generally these, and related systematic reviews, report benefits. Particular problems arise, however, with the blinding of assessment, determination of what is the active or beneficial input by the therapist, the use of multiple domains of assessment of quality of life and function without, sometimes, a clear statement of a trial hypothesis or primary outcome and the short-term nature of many studies. Therapy inputs can be broadly broken down into verbal interactions with the patient, physical inputs and referral/recommendation processes. Each may be relevant to the outcome. ‘Response-shift’ may be an important internal mechanism of mind whereby changes in ‘quality of life’ may not always parallel function emphasizing the case for clearly separating quality of life from functional assessment and attempting to make the latter as objective as possible. Trials of such complex interventions will need to randomize specified components of therapy against appropriate placebos or active treatment arms rather than no therapy, which will be ethically harder to sustain. Classification of physiotherapy inputs by type and ‘dosage’, a primary hypothesis under test and attention to concealed allocation of treatment, assessor blinding and intention to treat analysis together with improved measurements of function will assist in the consolidation of the evidence base for physiotherapy as an important component of management for MS patients.
Profilin 1 is a Potential Biomarker for Bladder Cancer Aggressiveness*

Of the most important clinical needs for bladder cancer (BC) management is the identification of biomarkers for disease aggressiveness. Urine is a “gold mine” for biomarker discovery, nevertheless, with multiple proteins being in low amounts, urine proteomics becomes challenging. In the present study we applied a fractionation strategy of urinary proteins based on the use of immobilized metal affinity chromatography for the discovery of biomarkers for aggressive BC. Urine samples from patients with non invasive (two pools) and invasive (two pools) BC were subjected to immobilized metal affinity chromatography fractionation and eluted proteins analyzed by 1D-SDS-PAGE, band excision and liquid chromatography tandem MS. Among the identified proteins, multiple corresponded to proteins with affinity for metals and/or reported to be phosphorylated and included proteins with demonstrated association with BC such as MMP9, fibrinogen forms, and clusterin. In agreement to the immobilized metal affinity chromatography results, aminopeptidase N, profilin 1, and myeloblastin were further found to be differentially expressed in urine from patients with invasive compared with non invasive BC and benign controls, by Western blot or Elisa analysis, nevertheless exhibiting high interindividual variability. By tissue microarray analysis, profilin 1 was found to have a marked decrease of expression in the epithelial cells of the invasive (T2+) versus high risk non invasive (T1G3) tumors with occasional expression in stroma; importantly, this pattern strongly correlated with poor prognosis and increased mortality. The functional relevance of profilin 1 was investigated in the T24 BC cells where blockage of the protein by the use of antibodies resulted in decreased cell motility with concomitant decrease in actin polymerization. Collectively, our study involves the application of a fractionation method of urinary proteins and as one main result of this analysis reveals the association of profilin 1 with BC paving the way for its further investigation in BC stratification.