Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cryptococcal Lipid Metabolism: Phospholipase B1 Is Implicated in Transcellular Metabolism of Macrophage-Derived Lipids

ABSTRACT Cryptococci survive and replicate within macrophages and can use exogenous arachidonic acid for the production of eicosanoids. Phospholipase B1 (PLB1) has a putative, but uninvestigated, role in these processes. We have shown that uptake and esterification of radiolabeled arachidonic, palmitic, and oleic acids by the Cryptococcus neoformans var. grubii H99 wild-type strain and its PLB1 deletion mutant strain (the Δplb1 strain) are independent of PLB1, except under hyperosmolar stress. Similarly, PLB1 was required for metabolism of 1-palmitoyl lysophosphatidylcholine (LysoPC), which is toxic to eukaryotic cell membranes, under hyperosmolar conditions. During both logarithmic and stationary phases of growth, the physiologically relevant phospholipids, dipalmitoyl phosphatidylcholine (DPPC) and dioleoyl phosphatidylcholine, were taken up and metabolized via PLB1. Exogenous DPPC did not enhance growth in the presence of glucose as a carbon source but could support it for at least 24 h in glucose-free medium. Detoxification of LysoPC by reacylation occurred in both the H99 wild-type and the Δplb1 strains in the presence of glucose, but PLB1 was required when LysoPC was the sole carbon source. This indicates that both energy-independent (via PLB1) and energy-dependent transacylation pathways are active in cryptococci. Phospholipase A1 activity was identified by PLB1-independent degradation of 1-palmitoyl-2-arachidonoyl phosphatidylcholine, but the arachidonoyl LysoPC formed was not detoxified by reacylation. Using the human macrophage-like cell line THP-1, we demonstrated the PLB1-dependent incorporation of macrophage-derived arachidonic acid into cryptococcal lipids during cryptococcus-phagocyte interaction. This pool of arachidonate can be sequestered for eicosanoid production by the fungus and/or suppression of host phagocytic activity, thus diminishing the immune response.
Population Growth, Human Capital Accumulation, and the Long-Run Dynamics of Economic Growth

This article adopts a modified idea-based growth model with endogenous human capital and population to explain why the theoretically relevant growth effect of population growth on economic growth is empirically unobservable. The model predicts that the economic growth rate is proportional to the growth rates of both population and human capital. The offsetting movement of the growth rates of population and human capital after the demographic transition obscures observation of the growth effect. The model also generates an evolution of the growth rates of population, human capital, and per capita income that is consistent with historical and postwar data.
Sodium Ferulate Inhibits Atherosclerogenesis in Hyperlipidemia Rabbits

Abstract: Previous studies showed that sodium ferulate, the effective component of Chinese herb, can inhibit platelet aggregation and decrease serum lipid. However, it is still unknown if sodium ferulate could prevent atherosclerogenesis. The experiments were designed to study its effects and mechanisms on atherosclerogenesis. Blood samples and thoracic aortas obtained from Japanese rabbits fed by high-lipid or high-lipid plus sodium ferulate forage were analyzed and compared. Simultaneously, vascular endothelial cells were cultured and treated by hyperlipidemic serum solely or plus sodium ferulate. Cellular ultrastructure, nitric oxide (NO) production, and cytokines expressions were studied and compared. In vivo experiment, aorta atherosclerotic plaque area of sodium ferulate-treated rabbits was much smaller than that of high-lipid–fed rabbits and serum triglyceride was correlated positively with the plaque area in both groups. In vitro, endothelial cells incubated with hyperlipidemic serum exhibited pronounced ultrastructural abnormalities, transforming growth factor β1 expression and NO release were significantly decreased, while basic fibroblast growth factor expression was increased. Interestingly, the treatment group results clearly demonstrated that sodium ferulate was effective to protect cells from detrimental effects of hyperlipidemic serum and to help maintain normal NO and cytokines expressions. We concluded that sodium ferulate could inhibit rabbit aorta atherosclerogenesis, possibly through decreasing the serum lipid concentration and preventing vascular endothelial cells from the injury of hyperlipidemic serum.
Predicting risk of coronary events and all-cause mortality: role of B-type natriuretic peptide above traditional risk factors and coronary artery calcium scoring in the general population: the Heinz Nixdorf Recall Study

Aims Several biomarkers including B-type natriuretic peptide (BNP) have been suggested to improve prediction of coronary events and all-cause mortality. Moreover, coronary artery calcium (CAC) as marker of subclinical atherosclerosis is a strong predictor for cardiovascular mortality and morbidity. We aimed to evaluate the predictive ability of BNP and CAC for all-cause mortality and coronary events above traditional cardiovascular risk factors (TRF) in the general population. Methods We followed 3782 participants of the population-based Heinz Nixdorf Recall cohort study without coronary artery disease at baseline for 7.3 ± 1.3 years. Associations of BNP and CAC with incident coronary events and all-cause mortality were assessed using Cox regression, Harrell’s c, and time-dependent integrated discrimination improvement (IDI(t), increase in explained variance). Results Subjects with high BNP levels had increased frequency of coronary events and death (coronary events/mortality: 14.1/28.2% for BNP ≥100 pg/ml vs. 2.7/5.5% for BNP < 100 pg/ml, respectively). Subjects with a BNP ≥100 pg/ml had increased incidence of hard endpoints sustaining adjustment for CAC and TRF (for coronary events: hazard ratio (HR) (95% confidence interval (CI)) 3.41(1.78–6.53); for all-cause mortality: HR 3.35(2.15–5.23)). Adding BNP to TRF and CAC increased measures of predictive ability: coronary events (Harrell’s c, for coronary events, 0.775–0.784, p = 0.09; for all-cause mortality 0.733–0.740, p = 0.04; and IDI(t) (95% CI), for coronary events: 2.79% (0.33–5.65%) and for all-cause mortality 1.78% (0.73–3.10%). Conclusions Elevated levels of BNP are associated with excess incident coronary events and all-cause mortality rates, with BNP and CAC significantly and complementary improving prediction of risk in the general population above TRF.
The influence of single monkey cortico‐motoneuronal cells at different levels of activity in target muscles.

1. This study assessed the facilitation by cortico‐motoneuronal (CM) cells of hand and forearm muscles at different levels of EMG activity. 2. Twenty‐three CM cells were recorded in six hemispheres of four trained monkeys. CM cells were identified by the presence of post‐spike facilitation (PSF) in spike‐triggered averages (STAs) of their target muscles. Cell and muscle activity was recorded during performance of a low force (0.2‐1.5 N) precision grip task between the index finger and thumb. The hold periods of this task lasted 1‐1.5 s and provided segments of steady EMG activity. 3. The discharge activity of each CM cell, and the amplitude of the PSF produced in one or two target muscles, were compared across two to six different levels of EMG activity during the hold periods. 4. Of the forty‐two CM cell‐muscle combinations tested, twenty (48%) showed a significant increase in CM cell discharge rate with increased target muscle EMG activity (P < 0.001); three (7%) showed significant negative correlation; and no correlation was found for nineteen combinations (45%). 5. From a low to a high level of EMG activity (0.3‐8.65% of the maximum EMG activity recorded), the absolute amount of facilitation produced by each CM cell increased by a factor of 1.2‐32 (median value 3.7). This increase in facilitation occurred irrespective of the presence or absence of correlation between CM cell discharge rate and target muscle activity. 6. For thirty cell‐muscle combinations in which a significant PSF could be measured at more than one level of EMG activity, the relative degree of facilitation remained constant in nine, increased in thirteen and decreased in seven combinations. In some cases saturation effects were evident. For ten combinations PSF was observed at high but not at low levels of EMG activity. 7. The changes in PSF amplitude with level of EMG activity were also present in STAs compiled from only those spikes with long interspike intervals (20‐25 ms or greater). The results suggested that spikes with short interspike intervals did not make a significant contribution to the increase in PSF amplitude observed at the higher levels of EMG activity. 8. The changes in PSF amplitude with target muscle activity are probably explained best by changes at the spinal motoneuronal level, which set the response to the CM input. These changes may also reflect differences in the strength of synaptic connectivity made by a CM cell within the motoneurone pool of the target muscle.
Heavy Slow Resistance Versus Eccentric Training as Treatment for Achilles Tendinopathy

Background: Previous studies have shown that eccentric training has a positive effect on Achilles tendinopathy, but few randomized controlled trials have compared it with other loading-based treatment regimens. Purpose: To evaluate the effectiveness of eccentric training (ECC) and heavy slow resistance training (HSR) among patients with midportion Achilles tendinopathy. Study Design: Randomized controlled trial; Level of evidence, 1. Methods: A total of 58 patients with chronic (>3 months) midportion Achilles tendinopathy were randomized to ECC or HSR for 12 weeks. Function and symptoms (Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment–Achilles), tendon pain during activity (visual analog scale), tendon swelling, tendon neovascularization, and treatment satisfaction were assessed at 0 and 12 weeks and at the 52-week follow-up. Analyses were performed on an intention-to-treat basis. Results: Both groups showed significant (P < .0001) improvements in Victorian Institute of Sports Assessment–Achilles and visual analog scale from 0 to 12 weeks, and these improvements were maintained at the 52-week follow-up. Concomitant with the clinical improvement, there was a significant reduction in tendon thickness and neovascularization. None of these robust clinical and structural improvements differed between the ECC and HSR groups. However, patient satisfaction tended to be greater after 12 weeks with HSR (100%) than with ECC (80%; P = .052) but not after 52 weeks (HSR, 96%; ECC, 76%; P = .10), and the mean training session compliance rate was 78% in the ECC group and 92% in the HSR group, with a significant difference between groups (P < .005). Conclusion: The results of this study show that both traditional ECC and HSR yield positive, equally good, lasting clinical results in patients with Achilles tendinopathy and that the latter tends to be associated with greater patient satisfaction after 12 weeks but not after 52 weeks.
Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus colonization in HIV-infected outpatients is common and detection is enhanced by groin culture

SUMMARY Although high rates of clinical infection with methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA) have been reported in HIV-infected adults, data on MRSA colonization are limited. We enrolled HIV-infected adults receiving care at the Atlanta VA Medical Center. Swabs from each participant's nares and groin were cultured with broth enrichment for S. aureus. Of 600 HIV-infected adults, 79 (13%) were colonized with MRSA and 180 (30%) with methicillin-susceptible S. aureus. MRSA pulsed-field gel electrophoresis types USA300 (n=44, 54%) and USA500/Iberian (n=29, 35%) predominated. Inclusion of groin swabs increased MRSA detection by 24% and USA300 detection by 38%. In multivariate analysis, MRSA colonization compared to no MRSA colonization was associated with a history of MRSA clinical infection, rarely or never using condoms, and contact with prisons and jails. In summary, the prevalence of MRSA colonization was high in this study of HIV-infected adults and detection of USA300 was enhanced by groin culture.
Carbon dioxide‐sensitive superior laryngeal nerve afferents in the anaesthetized cat

The effects of CO2 on laryngeal receptors were studied in ten anaesthetized, paralysed, artificially ventilated cats using a preparation in which the upper airway was isolated in situ and artificially ventilated. This allowed CO2 to be confined to the upper airway and enabled responses to CO2 to be recorded whilst the larynx was being ventilated under physiological conditions. Single‐unit afferent activity was recorded from the superior laryngeal nerve and the pressure and thermal sensitivity of receptors determined. Carbon dioxide responses were tested by switching from upper airway ventilation with room air to mixtures containing 5 and 9% CO2 with 21% O2 in N2. Fibres were classified into two broad groups, tonic and quiescent, depending on their level of activity when the larynx was not being ventilated. All tonic fibres responded to either positive or negative pressure. Quiescent fibres were either positive or negative pressure receptors, cold receptors or had no response to pressure or cold airflow. The majority of all categories of fibres were significantly affected by CO2 in a reversible and usually concentration‐dependent manner. Tonic fibres were inhibited, regardless of pressure sensitivity. Quiescent negative and positive pressure receptors were excited and inhibited respectively whilst cold receptors and fibres with no response to occlusion were excited. Laryngeal hypoxia and systemic asphyxia and hypercapnia had no effect on receptor activity. We conclude that the majority of laryngeal receptors are sensitive to CO2 and that this receptivity may be important in the control of ventilation and upper airway muscle activity.
Improving residency training in arthroscopic knee surgery with use of a virtual-reality simulator. A randomized blinded study.

BACKGROUND There is a paucity of articles in the surgical literature demonstrating transfer validity (transfer of training). The purpose of this study was to assess whether skills learned on the ArthroSim virtual-reality arthroscopic knee simulator transferred to greater skill levels in the operating room. METHODS Postgraduate year-3 orthopaedic residents were randomized into simulator-trained and control groups at seven academic institutions. The experimental group trained on the simulator, performing a knee diagnostic arthroscopy procedure to a predetermined proficiency level based on the average proficiency of five community-based orthopaedic surgeons performing the same procedure on the simulator. The residents in the control group continued their institution-specific orthopaedic education and training. Both groups then performed a diagnostic knee arthroscopy procedure on a live patient. Video recordings of the arthroscopic surgery were analyzed by five pairs of expert arthroscopic surgeons blinded to the identity of the residents. A proprietary global rating scale and a procedural checklist, which included visualization and probing scales, were used for rating. RESULTS Forty-eight (89%) of the fifty-four postgraduate year-3 residents from seven academic institutions completed the study. The simulator-trained group averaged eleven hours of training on the simulator to reach proficiency. The simulator-trained group performed significantly better when rated according to our procedural checklist (p = 0.031), including probing skills (p = 0.016) but not visualization skills (p = 0.34), compared with the control group. The procedural checklist weighted probing skills double the weight of visualization skills. The global rating scale failed to reach significance (p = 0.061) because of one extreme outlier. The duration of the procedure was not significant. This lack of a significant difference seemed to be related to the fact that residents in the control group were less thorough, which shortened their time to completion of the arthroscopic procedure. CONCLUSIONS We have demonstrated transfer validity (transfer of training) that residents trained to proficiency on a high-fidelity realistic virtual-reality arthroscopic knee simulator showed a greater skill level in the operating room compared with the control group. CLINICAL RELEVANCE We believe that the results of our study will stimulate residency program directors to incorporate surgical simulation into the core curriculum of their residency programs.
Relationship between self-reported walking ability and objectively assessed gait performance in persons with late effects of polio.

BACKGROUND Muscle weakness in the lower limbs and impeded gait performance are common in persons with late effects of polio. OBJECTIVE To assess self-reported walking ability in persons with late effects of polio and determine the relationship with objectively assessed gait performance. METHODS One-hundred and twenty-two individuals with prior polio (65 women and 57 men, mean age 65 [SD ± 9] years) participated in the study. The main outcome measures were: Walk-12 (Swedish version) to assess self-reported walking ability, and Timed "Up & Go", Comfortable Gait Speed, Fast Gait Speed and 6-Minute Walk Tests to assess gait performance objectively. RESULTS More than 50% of the participants reported limitations (moderately or quite a bit) related to standing or walking, climbing stairs, walking speed and distance, concentration and effort, and gait quality aspects. Half of the participants reported no need to use support when walking indoors or outdoors, but 58% reported that their ability to run was extremely limited. Significant correlations (P < 0.01) were found between the Walk-12 and the four gait performance tests (rho -0.66 to 0.63). CONCLUSION The strength of the relationship implies that Walk-12 reflects broader dimensions than the objective gait performance tests and can be a complement when the walking ability in persons with late effects of polio is evaluated.
Ivabradine on Aortic Stiffness in Patients With Heart Failure

Aim The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of ivabradine treatment on aortic stiffness by measuring aortic elastic parameters in patients with heart failure (HF) receiving ivabradine treatment. Materials and Methods The study included clinical patients who were diagnosed with HF (ejection fraction, <35%), had sinus rhythm and persistent symptoms despite full medical treatment. The study group consisted of patients with a heart rate greater than 70 beats per minute and the control group consisted of patients with a heart rate less than 70 beats per minute. Echocardiographic measurements were conducted and aortic strain, aortic distensibility, and aortic stiffness index were calculated. Results By the end of the twelfth month, a decrease was observed in the left ventricular end-diastolic and end-systolic volumes, whereas ejection fraction was increased (P < 0.001). When aortic elastic parameters were evaluated between the 2 groups, there was no significant difference regarding aortic strain, aortic distensibility, and aortic stiffness index at the time of enrollment and during the visit at 3 months. At the twelfth month visit, aortic strain (P < 0.001) and distensibility (P < 0.001) were significantly increased, whereas there was a significant decrease in the aortic stiffness index (P < 0.001). Conclusions During the follow-up at 12 months, significant improvements were observed in the left ventricular functions and aortic elastic parameters along with decreased heart rate in patients with HF receiving ivabradine treatment. This outcome may indicate that ivabradine treatment may correct aortic stiffness and may reduce aortic stiffness after 1 year of follow-up.
Trends in First Names Foreshadowed Hillary Clinton’s Electoral Defeat

Author(s): Ghirlanda, Stefano | Abstract: I examine trends in the popularity of first names around the years of USA presidential elections, showing that the names 'Hillary' and 'Hilary' decreased abruptly by more than 90% in popularity following the 1992 election of Hillary Clinton's husband Bill. I show that this outcome is unique to the 1992 election, and argue that it may evidence a "dislike" for Hillary Clinton's public image among both Democratic and Republican voters, which may have eventually contributed to Hillary Clinton's losing the 2016 presidential election.
Image Compression Impact on Quantitative Angiogenesis Analysis of Ovarian Epithelial Neoplasms

ObjectiveThis study aims to investigate the impact of digital image compression on manual and semiautomatic quantification of angiogenesis in ovarian epithelial neoplasms (including benign, borderline, and malignant specimens). DesignWe examined 405 digital images (obtained from a previously validated computer-assisted analysis system), which were equally divided into 5 groups: images captured in Tagged Image File Format (TIFF), low and high compression Joint Photographic Experts Group (JPEG) formats, and low and high compression JPEG images converted from the TIFF files. MeasurementsMicrovessel density counts and CD34+ endothelial areas manually and semiautomatically determined from TIFF images were compared with those from the other 4 groups. ResultsMostly, the correlations between TIFF and JPEG images were very high (intraclass correlation coefficients >0.8), especially for low compression JPEG images obtained by capture, regardless of the variable considered. The only exception consisted in the use of high compression JPEG files for semiautomatic microvessel density counts, which resulted in intraclass correlation coefficients of <0.7. Nonetheless, even then, interconversion between TIFF and JPEG values could be successfully achieved using prediction models established by linear regression. ConclusionImage compression does not seem to significantly compromise the accuracy of angiogenesis quantitation in the ovarian epithelial tumors, although low compression JPEG images should always be preferred over high compression ones.