Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Overexpression of Arabidopsis Plasmodesmata Germin-Like Proteins Disrupts Root Growth and Development[C][W]

Plant cells communicate by movement of signaling agents through cytoplasmic bridges, termed plasmodesmata (PD). In this study, we characterize two members of the Germin-like protein family that are located within PD. PDGLP1/2 overexpression phenotypes had a reduction in primary root meristem size, likely due to their inability to form functional PD complexes. In plants, a population of non-cell-autonomous proteins (NCAPs), including numerous transcription factors, move cell to cell through plasmodesmata (PD). In many cases, the intercellular trafficking of these NCAPs is regulated by their interaction with specific PD components. To gain further insight into the functions of this NCAP pathway, coimmunoprecipitation experiments were performed on a tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum) plasmodesmal-enriched cell wall protein preparation using as bait the NCAP, pumpkin (Cucurbita maxima) PHLOEM PROTEIN16 (Cm-PP16). A Cm-PP16 interaction partner, Nt-PLASMODESMAL GERMIN-LIKE PROTEIN1 (Nt-PDGLP1) was identified and shown to be a PD-located component. Arabidopsis thaliana putative orthologs, PDGLP1 and PDGLP2, were identified; expression studies indicated that, postgermination, these proteins were preferentially expressed in the root system. The PDGLP1 signal peptide was shown to function in localization to the PD by a novel mechanism involving the endoplasmic reticulum-Golgi secretory pathway. Overexpression of various tagged versions altered root meristem function, leading to reduced primary root but enhanced lateral root growth. This effect on root growth was corrected with an inability of these chimeric proteins to form stable PD-localized complexes. PDGLP1 and PDGLP2 appear to be involved in regulating primary root growth by controlling phloem-mediated allocation of resources between the primary and lateral root meristems.
Urinary levels of insecticide metabolites and DNA damage in human sperm.

BACKGROUND Members of the general population are exposed to non-persistent insecticides at low levels. The present study explored whether environmental exposures to carbaryl and chlorpyrifos are associated with DNA damage in human sperm. METHODS Subjects (n=260) were recruited through a Massachusetts infertility clinic. Individual exposures were measured as spot urinary metabolite concentrations of chlorpyrifos [3,5,6-trichloro-2-pyridinol (TCPY)] and carbaryl [1-naphthol (1N)], adjusted using specific gravity. Sperm DNA integrity was assessed by neutral comet assay and reported as comet extent, percentage DNA in comet tail (Tail%) and tail distributed moment (TDM). RESULTS A statistically significant increase in Tail% was found for an interquartile range (IQR) increase in both 1N [coefficient=4.1; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.9-6.3] and TCPY (2.8; 0.9-4.6), while a decrease in TDM was associated with IQR changes in 1N (-2.2; -4.9 to 0.5) and TCPY (-2.5; -4.7 to -0.2). A negative correlation between Tail% and TDM was present only when stratified by comet extent, suggesting that Tail% and TDM may measure different types of DNA damage within comet extent strata. CONCLUSIONS Environmental exposure to carbaryl and chlorpyrifos may be associated with increased DNA damage in human sperm, as indicated by a change in comet assay parameters.
Neurological soft signs are associated with attentional dysfunction in children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder

ABSTRACT Introduction: Inattention is one of the core symptoms of Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD). Most of patients with ADHD show motor impairment, consisting in the persistence of neurological soft signs (NSS). Our aim was to evaluate attentional and motor functioning in an ADHD sample and healthy children (HC) and possible link between attentional dysfunction and motor impairment in ADHD. Method: Twenty-seven drug-naive patients with ADHD and 23 HC were tested with a test battery, measuring different aspects of attention. Motor evaluation has provided three primary variables: overflow movements (OM), dysrhythmia and total speed of timed activities. Results: Compared to HC, patients were impaired in a considerable number of attentional processes and showed a greater number of NSS. Significant correlations between disturbances of attention and motor abnormalities were observed in ADHD group. Conclusion: Our findings suggest that attentional processes could be involved in the pathophysiology of the NSS and add scientific evidence to the predictive value of NSS as indicators of the severity of functional impairment in ADHD. Given the marked improvement or complete resolution of NSS following treatment with methylphenidate, we suggest that evaluation of NSS is useful to monitor the effectiveness of pharmacological treatment with MPH in ADHD.
Persistent Cognitive Impairment After Transient Ischemic Attack

Background and Purpose— By definition, the symptoms of a transient ischemic attack (TIA) subside completely within 24 hours. Imaging studies show signs of persistent ischemic tissue damage in a substantial amount of patients with TIA. Cerebral infarction can cause permanent cognitive impairment. Whether permanent cognitive impairment occurs after TIA is unclear, as is its profile. Methods— Patients with TIA aged 45 to 65 years without prior stroke or dementia underwent comprehensive neuropsychological testing within 3 months. Z scores per cognitive domain were obtained, based on the mean of a control group within the same age range. Cognitive impairment was defined as a domain z score <−1.65. Patients underwent either computed tomography or MRI brain imaging. Results— One hundred seven patients with TIA (63% women, mean age, 56.6 years) were included and compared with 81 controls (56% women, mean age, 52.9 years). Patients performed worse on all cognitive domains except episodic memory. Working memory (25%), attention (22%), and information processing speed (16%) were most frequently impaired and more often than in the control group (age- and sex-adjusted odds ratios, respectively, 22.5 [95% confidence interval, 2.9–174.3], 6.8 [1.9–24.3], 7.1 [1.5–32.5]). More than 35% of patients with TIA had impairment of ≥1 cognitive domain. Presence of silent brain infarcts was related to worse executive functioning but did not explain the whole relationship between TIA and cognitive impairment. Conclusions— More than a third of patients with TIA have impairment of ≥1 cognitive domain within 3 months after their TIA. The affected domains fit in the vascular cognitive impairment profile.
Superior Therapeutic Efficacy of Alphavirus-Mediated Immunization against Human Papilloma Virus Type 16 Antigens in a Murine Tumour Model: Effects of the Route of Immunization

In our efforts to develop a strong, effective immune response against cervical carcinoma and premalignant disease, we study the use of recombinant Semliki Forest virus (SFV) encoding the oncoproteins E6 and E7 from high-risk human papilloma viruses (HPVs). Optimal immunization conditions are required for immunotherapeutic treatment of cervical cancer as it has been postulated that cervical cancer patients are immune-suppressed and/or immunologically tolerant for HPV. We previously generated an optimized construct encoding a fusion protein of HPV16 E6 and E7 and a translational enhancer (enhE6,7). Immunization of mice with SFV-enhE6,7 was shown to induce cytoxic T cell (CTL) responses and resulted in the eradication of established tumours. We now demonstrate, using HPV16-specific MHC class I tetramers, that high pCTL frequencies can be induced. However, this induction is strongly influenced by the route of immunization applied. Whilst in bulk CTL assays, requiring in vitro restimulation, CTL activity can be observed upon sc, ip, iv and im immunization, detectable pCTL frequencies, without in vitro restimulation, are only induced upon im and iv immunization. The route of immunization also strongly influences the dose of viral vector needed to induce CTLs and tumour therapy. As few as 5x104 SFV-enhE6,7, primed and boosted iv, are needed to eradicate tumours in six out of seven mice treated. Furthermore, exponentially growing tumours of approximately 500 mm3 in size were seen to completely resolve and even tumours as large as 1500 mm3 decreased to one-third of their size. Apart from this potency, SFV vectors can safely be used for the expression of oncoproteins such as E6 and E7, since the viral RNA is not integrated in the host genome. Thus SFV-enhE6,7 meets with the criteria that a vaccine against cervical cancer should be safe and induce a very strong, long-lasting CTL response, strong enough to eradicate existing tumours.
Haploinsufficiency of the cardiac transcription factor Nkx2‐5 variably affects the expression of putative target genes

Heterozygous mutations of the cardiac transcription factor Nkx2‐5 cause congenital heart disease. To elucidate the molecular pathways of transcription factor mutant phenotypes or diseases, direct targets are commonly sought in studies of homozygous null mutant animals and by heterologous promoter‐reporter gene transactivation assays. The expression of putative target genes in a physiologic range of transcription factor concentration, however, is often not examined. Heterozygous Nkx2‐5 knockout (Nkx2‐5+/−) mice have no more than half‐normal levels of Nkx2‐5 protein. We therefore measured the mRNA expression of four putative targets of the cardiac transcription factor Nkx2‐5 in wild‐type and Nkx2‐5+/− animals in a variety of developmental and pathologic states. Wild‐type and Nkx2‐5+/− embryonic hearts expressed similar levels of atrial natriuretic factor (ANF), brain natriuretic peptide (BNP), the RNA helicase Csm, and homeodomain only protein HOP. In the failing adult ventricle, ANF and BNP were up‐regulated to the same extent in wild‐type and Nkx2‐5+/− myocardium. Csm and HOP were down‐regulated in heart failure, and Nkx2‐5+/− hearts expressed about half‐normal levels in healthy and failing states. No consistent relationship existed between the expression of putative transcriptional targets and Nkx2‐5 gene dosage in the physiologically relevant range. Any dependence of gene expression on Nkx2‐5 gene dosage is affected by factors specific to the individual gene and the physiologic context.
PERCEPTIONS OF PARENTS' PARTICIPATION IN THE CARE OF THEIR CHILD UNDERGOING DAY SURGERY: PILOT-STUDY

In Canada, more than 100,000 children have procedures in day surgery units. In spite of certain programs designed to prepare those children and their parents for the procedures and events that take place in a hospital, the parents' role during the day stay is not openly and directly approached. Although many pediatric centers recognize the importance of the role of the family in the life of children with health problems, the perceptions of parents with children undergoing day surgery and their role in the hospital have not yet been studied. Therefore, the objective of our study was to describe parents' perceptions regarding their participation in the care of their children in a day surgery. Godin and Kok's (1996) integrated behavior prediction model related to health, which was drawn from Ajzen's theory of planned behavior (1991), was chosen for this research. An interview questionnaire was developed as the measurement instrument. Content analysis was the basis for the analysis of the data gathered through the interview questionnaire. Our article presents the results of this pilot study.
An orthotopic endometrial cancer mouse model demonstrates a role for RUNX1 in distant metastasis

Endometrial carcinoma is the most common malignancy of the female genital tract in industrialized countries. Metastasis is the major cause of endometrial cancer deaths. Therefore, there is a vital need for clinically relevant in vivo models allowing the elucidation of the molecular and cellular mechanisms underlying metastatic behavior. In this study, we describe an innovative experimental orthotopic model of human endometrial carcinoma. Implantation in the bifurcation of the uterine horns resulted in tumors integrated into the myometrial compartment, which can be used and further exploited for the study of in vivo angiogenesis, myometrial invasion, and the metastatic capacity of endometrial cancer cells. This orthotopic model also represents a suitable tool to analyze how tumorigenesis and distant metastasis of endometrial cancer might be influenced by gene alteration, by modulating its expression in the original cancer cell line. One of the candidate genes implicated in endometrial cancer is the transcription factor RUNX1. The over‐expression of RUNX1 in the endometrial cancer cell line HEC1A and the transplantation of these cells to the uterus of nude mice were associated specifically with distant metastasis in the lung. RUNX1 plays a role in the establishment of metastases in endometrial cancer. Translated to the clinics, these models would be equivalent to an advanced undifferentiated carcinoma with node affectation (stage IIIC) and distant metastasis (stage IVB). These patients would be candidates for adjuvant therapy, not efficient until today, and therefore, our models are actually suitable for the design and evaluation of experimental therapies. © 2009 UICC
Effects of Osthole on Protein Expression of CYP7A1, DGAT2 and PPARalpha/gamma in Fat Milk-Induced Fatty Liver Rats

To determine the effect of osthole on protein expression of PPARalpha/gamma and related target molecules such as CYP7A and DGAT in the liver of hyperlipidemic fatty liver (HFL) rats, and to investigate the possible mechanism of treating HFL. HFL rat model was established by feeding the Sprague-Dawley rats with fat milk for 6 weeks. The experimental rats were then treated with 5-20 mg/kg osthole for 6 weeks. The proteins expression of PPARalpha/gamma, CYP7A1, and DGAT2 in rat liver was measured by western blot analyses. After administration of osthole, expression of PPARalpha and PPARgamma proteins in HFL rat liver was increased by 49% ~ 133% and 19% ~ 113% in the osthole groups as compared with model group, respectively (P<0.05 or P<0.01). The related target proteins were increased by 85% ~ 147% for CYP7A1 and decreased by 35% ~ 62% for DGAT2 by the osthole-treatment, respectively (P<0.01). Osthole possessed therapeutic effects on fat milk-induced fatty liver in rats, and the mechanism might be attributed to regulating the protein expression of CYP7A1 and DGAT2 via increasing PPARalpha/gamma.
Triangular Patch UWB Filter with a Band-Notched Characteristic

Since the US Federal Communications Commission (FCC) released the unlicensed use of the ultra-wideband (3.1-10.6 GHz) spectrum for indoor and hand-held systems in Feb-2002[1]. Recently, the development of new UWB filters has increased via different methods and structures [2]¿[5]. In [2] an initial UWB filter is presented by mounting a microstrip line in a lossy composite substrate to attenuate the signal at high frequencies, and the reported insertion loss is higher than 6.0 dB. In [3] a novel microstrip UWB BPF has been constructed by using a circular ring resonator structure in cascade and the reported insertion loss is 0.58dB in the passband, integration of multiple-mode resonator (MMR) with two coupledlines for the UWB passband [4].
Susceptibility of electronic systems to high-power microwaves: summary of test experience

For more than a decade, the Swedish Defence Authorities have, in cooperation with Swedish industry and other countries, studied the effects of high-power microwave (RPM) radiation on electronic systems. Testing at high-field levels has been carried out on military equipment as well as on civil equipment, such as cars, computers, and security systems. From these studies, it is concluded that the distance for RPM sabotage can reach about a kilometer. Experience from system testing has, besides giving information about system susceptibility, also demonstrated the need for a careful pre-analysis of the system under test. This is due to the fact that high-level testing, in most cases, includes only a small fraction of the threat parameter space, such as test frequencies and irradiation angles.
Subjective evaluation of use of Babyloid for doll therapy

In line with the effects of Japan's aging society with fewer children, the number of elderly with dementia who live alone and without care is increasing, therefore at-home care is beginning to be required. Doll therapy is a way of at-home dementia care. Doll therapy can help improve mental status of the elderly, because their logical and rational thinking is activated by imaging the child care experience with feeling and emotion at the times. In this research, we consider using Babyloid, a baby type robot, for doll therapy. As a first step of this research, we investigated whether elderly people in a nursing home for the elderly home accept Babyloid.
Caspase‐Dependent Cleavage of Cadherins and Catenins During Osteoblast Apoptosis

As transmembrane, Ca2+‐dependent cell‐cell adhesion molecules, cadherins play a central role in tissue morphogenesis and homeostasis. Stable adhesion is dependent on interactions of the cytoplasmic domain of the cadherins with a group of intracellular proteins, the catenins. In the present study, we have detected the expression of α‐, β‐, and γ‐catenins in human osteoblasts, which assemble with cadherins to form two distinct complexes containing cadherin and α‐catenin, with either β‐ or γ‐catenin. In osteoblasts undergoing apoptosis, proteolytic cleavage of N‐cadherin and β‐ and γ‐ catenins but not α‐catenin was associated with the activation of caspase‐3 and prevented by the caspase inhibitor Z‐VAD‐fmk. The pattern of cadherin/catenin cleavage detected in apoptotic osteoblasts was reproduced in vitro by recombinant caspase‐3. The presence of a 90‐kDa extracellular domain fragment of N‐cadherin in conditioned medium from apoptotic cells indicates that additional extracellular or membrane‐associated proteases also are activated. Disruption of N‐cadherin‐mediated cell‐cell adhesion with function‐blocking antibodies induced osteoblast apoptosis, activation of caspases, and cleavage of β‐catenin. These findings provide compelling evidence that N‐cadherin‐mediated cell‐cell adhesion promotes osteoblast survival and suggest that the underlying mechanism may involve activation of β‐catenin signaling.
The puzzle of problem-solving efficacy: understanding anxiety among urban children coping with asthma-related and life stress

Abstract Children with asthma living in urban environments are at risk for experiencing anxiety by virtue of both social context and health-related stressors. Although the use of active coping strategies is generally associated with more optimal psychosocial functioning, there is evidence that active coping is less helpful in response to uncontrollable or severe stress. Expectations that one can fix a problem that is uncontrollable or insurmountable may create distress. Problem-solving efficacy was examined as a moderator of the association between stress and anxiety among children residing in inner-city neighborhoods. It was hypothesized that children's perceptions of high problem-solving efficacy would exacerbate their vulnerability to stress. Forty-five parent–child dyads were recruited from urban community health centers. Most participants were members of ethnic minority groups. Hierarchical multiple regression analyses revealed main effects of asthma-related stress and life stress on children's anxiety. However, these effects were moderated by problem-solving efficacy. Asthma-related stress and life stress were positively associated with anxiety only for children who had the highest levels of problem-solving efficacy. In other words, positive expectations about the ability to solve problems functioned as a liability for highly stressed children. Implications for psychosocial interventions with at-risk children are discussed.
Evidence of microvascular dysfunction in heart failure with preserved ejection fraction

Objective While vascular dysfunction is well defined in patients with heart failure (HF) with reduced ejection fraction (HFrEF), disease-related alterations in the peripheral vasculature of patients with HF with preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) are not well characterised. Thus, we sought to test the hypothesis that patients with HFpEF would demonstrate reduced vascular function, at the conduit artery and microvascular levels, compared with controls. Methods We examined conduit artery function via brachial artery flow-mediated dilation (FMD) and microvascular function via reactive hyperaemia (RH) following 5 min of ischaemia in 24 patients with Class II–IV HFpEF and 24 healthy controls matched for age, sex and brachial artery diameter. Results FMD was reduced in patients with HFpEF compared with controls (HFpEF: 3.1±0.7%; Controls: 5.1±0.5%, p=0.03). However, shear rate at time of peak brachial artery dilation was lower in patients with HFpEF compared with controls (HFpEF: 42 070±4018/s; Controls: 69 018±9509/s, p=0.01), and when brachial artery FMD was normalised for the shear stimulus, cumulative area-under-the-curve (AUC) at peak dilation, the between-group differences were eliminated (HFpEF: 0.11±0.03%/AUC; Controls: 0.09±0.01%/AUC, p=0.58). RH, assessed as AUC, was lower in patients with HFpEF (HFpEF: 454±35 mL; Controls: 660±63 mL, p<0.01). Conclusions Collectively, these data suggest that maladaptations at the microvascular level contribute to the pathophysiology of HFpEF, while conduit artery vascular function is not diminished beyond that which occurs with healthy aging.
The metabolic syndrome and the risk of venous thrombosis: a case–control study

Summary. Objective: The results of recent studies have suggested that patients with idiopathic venous thromboembolism (VTE) might be at increased risk of asymptomatic atherosclerosis and cardiovascular events. The metabolic syndrome is a cluster of risk factors for atherosclerosis. Its impact on VTE is unknown. Methods: In a case–control study, consecutive patients with objectively confirmed deep vein thrombosis (DVT) and control subjects with objectively excluded DVT underwent clinical assessment for the presence of the metabolic syndrome according to the National Cholesterol Education Program criteria. The presence of known risk factors for DVT was documented. Patients with DVT secondary to cancer were excluded. The prevalence of the metabolic syndrome was compared between patients with idiopathic DVT and controls. Results: We enrolled 93 patients with a first episode of idiopathic DVT and 107 controls. The mean age was 65.1 and 63.7 years, respectively. The metabolic syndrome was diagnosed in 50.5% of patients with idiopathic DVT and in 34.6% of controls [odds ratio (OR) 1.93; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.05, 3.56]. After adjustment for age, sex, body mass index, and smoke, the metabolic syndrome remained independently associated with idiopathic DVT (OR 1.94; 95% CI 1.04, 3.63). In patients with secondary DVT, the prevalence of the metabolic syndrome was 27%. Conclusions: The metabolic syndrome may play a role in the pathogenesis of idiopathic DVT and may act as link between venous thrombosis and atherosclerosis.