Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Glucocorticoid measurement in plasma, urates, and feathers from California condors (Gymnogyps californianus) in response to a human-induced stressor

Vertebrates respond to stressful stimuli with the secretion of glucocorticoid (GC) hormones, such as corticosterone (CORT), and measurements of these hormones in wild species can provide insight into physiological responses to environmental and human-induced stressors. California condors (Gymnogyps californianus) are a critically endangered and intensively managed avian species for which information on GC response to stress is lacking. Here we evaluated a commercially available I125 double antibody radioimmunoassay (RIA) and an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kit for measurement of CORT and GC metabolites (GCM) in California condor plasma, urate, and feather samples. The precision and accuracy of the RIA assay outperformed the ELISA for CORT and GCM measurements, and CORT and GCM values were not comparable between the two assays for any sample type. RIA measurements of total CORT in condor plasma collected from 41 condors within 15 minutes of a handling stressor were highly variable (median = 70 ng/mL, range = 1–189 ng/mL) and significantly different between wild and captive condors (p = 0.02, two-tailed t-test, n = 10 wild and 11 captive). Urate GCM levels (median = 620 ng/g dry wt., range = 0.74–7200 ng/g dry wt., n = 216) significantly increased within 2 hr of the acute handling stressor (p = 0.032, n = 11 condors, one-tailed paired t-test), while feather section CORT concentrations (median = 18 pg/mm, range = 6.3–68 ng/g, n = 37) also varied widely within and between feathers. Comparison of multiple regression linear models shows condor age as a significant predictors of plasma CORT levels, while age, sex, and plasma CORT levels predicted GCM levels in urates collected within 30 min of the start of handling. Our findings highlight the need for validation when selecting an immunoassay for use with a new species, and suggest that non-invasively collected urates and feathers hold promise for assessing condor responses to acute or chronic environmental and human-induced stressors.
Serum levels of interleukin-6 in patients with cutaneous polyarteritis nodosa.

ulcerations. Cutaneous nodules (100.0%) were the most common skin manifestations and were observed in all of our patients with CPN. Forty (88.9%) of the patients with CPN had livedo racemosa, and 33 (73.3%) had purpuric lesions on their lower extremities. Twenty-seven (60.0%) of the patients with CPN were positive for serum CRP, and LAC activity was observed in 27 of them (60.0%). Nineteen (42.2%) of the patients with CPN had elevated serum IL-6 levels and 29 (66.4%) had elevated serum IL-8 levels, while only 4 (8.9%) had elevated serum TNF-α levels. Seven (15.6%) were positive for serum IgG anti-PS/PT antibody, 33 (73.3%) for IgM anti-PS/ PT antibody, and 6 (13.3%) for IgG aCL antibody. DIF studies were performed on skin biopsy samples from 29 of the patients with CPN, and revealed complement 3 expression within affected vessels of the lesions in 21 (72.4%) of them. In addition, 18 (62.1%) of those 29 patients with CPN showed IgM deposition within affected vessels. Thirty-four (75.6%) of the patients with CPN were treated with warfarin, and prednisolone therapy was administered to 27 (60.0%) of them. We divided the 45 patients with CPN into two groups; the elevated IL-6 group and the normal IL-6 group (Table I). The number of men in the elevated IL-6 group was significantly higher than in the normal IL-6 group. Patients with elevated IL-6 had a significantly higher frequency of arthralgia compared with patients without elevated IL-6. Skin ulcerations were also significantly more prevalent among patients with elevated IL-6 compared with patients without elevated IL-6. Elevated IL-6 patients had significantly higher CRP serum levels than normal IL-6 patients. LAC in the elevated IL-6 group was significantly more prevalent than in the normal IL-6 group. Serum IgG anti-PS/PT antibody levels differed significantly between the elevated IL-6 group and the normal IL-6 group. Similarly, serum IgG aCL antibody levels were significantly higher in the elevated IL-6 group compared with the normal IL-6 group. In contrast, IgM anti-PS/PT antibody levels in patients with CPN with elevated IL-6 were significantly lower than in normal IL-6 level patients with CPN. The selected prevalence of prednisolone in the elevated IL-6 group was significantly higher than in the normal IL-6 level group.
Diagnostik und Therapie venöser Thromboembolien in der Schwangerschaft und Postpartalperiode Diagnosis and treatment of venous thromboembolism during pregnancy and puerperium

Zusammenfassung Das Auftreten sowohl der tiefen Beinvenenthrombose als auch einer Lungenarterienembolie wird bereits durch physiologische Mechanismen in der Schwangerschaft und im Wochenbett begünstigt. Es kommt neben vorbestehenden Risikofaktoren zu transienten Erscheinungen, die das Risiko für venöse thromboembolische Erkrankungen erhöhen. Die Klinik von Thromboembolien ist oft unspezifisch. Erprobte Diagnosealgorithmen bestehen in der Schwangerschaft nicht. Aufgrund der klinischen Relevanz ist jedoch eine Diagnosesicherung unerlässlich. Die Anamnese, Klinik und Labordiagnostik sind wesentliche Bestandteile in der Diagnosefin-dung, können aber alleine eine venöse Thromboembolie nicht ausschließen. Eine apparative Beurteilung der betroffenen Venen durch die Sonographie ist dabei die Untersuchungsmethode der Wahl. Die vorliegende Arbeit beschreibt die Diagnostik und Therapie venöser Thromboembolien in der Schwangerschaft. Summary The occurrence of both deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary embolism is already promoted by physiological mechanisms in pregnancy and the postpartum period. Besides pre-existing risk factors, transient phenomena are present during pregnancy that increase the risk of venous thromboembolic disease. The clinical signs of thromboembolism are often non-specific. Diagnostic algorithms have not been tested in pregnant women. Due to the clinical relevance, confirmation of the diagnosis is, however, essential. The medical history, clinical examination and laboratory diagnostics are fundamental components in the diagnostic process, but cannot, on their own, exclude a venous thromboembolism. The technical assessment of the veins by ultrasound is the method of choice with regard to venous thrombosis. This manuscript describes the diagnosis and treatment of venous thromboembolism during pregnancy. English version available at: www.phlebologieonline. de
Redox proteomic insights into involvement of clathrin-mediated endocytosis in silver nanoparticles toxicity to Mytilus galloprovincialis

Clathrin-mediated endocytosis is a major mode of nanoparticle (NP) internalization into cells. However, influence of internalization routes on nanoparticle toxicity is poorly understood. Here, we assess the impact of blocking clathrin-mediated endocytosis upon silver NP (AgNP) toxicity to gills and digestive glands of the mussel Mytilusgalloprovincialisusing the uptake inhibitor, amantadine. Animals were exposed for 12h to AgNP (< 50 nm) in the presence and absence of amantadine. Labeling of oxidative protein modifications, either thiol oxidation, carbonyl formation or both in two-dimensional electrophoresis separations revealed 16 differentially affected abundance spots. Amongst these, twelve hypothetical proteins were successfully identified by peptide mass fingerprinting (MALDI TOF-MS/MS). The proteins identified are involved in buffering redox status or in cytoprotection. We conclude that blockade of clathrin-mediated endocytosis protected against NP toxicity, suggesting this uptake pathway facilitates toxicity. Lysosomal degradation and autophagy are major mechanisms that might be induced to mitigate NP toxicity.
Correlation of Creatinine Clearance Calculated by Cockcroft & Gault Equation and 24-hour Urine Collection in Gynecologic Cancer Patients

Objective To study the correlation between creatinine clearances, calculated by Cockcroft & Gault equation, and 24-hour urine collection in gynecological cancer patients treated with carboplatin. Materials &Methods Thirty-eight gynecological cancer patients who were treated with carboplatin at King Chulalongkorn Memorial Hospital from March 2008 to May 2009 were recruited. Creatinine clearances calculated by Cockcroft & Gault equation and 24-hour urine collection were compared. Data regarding age, height, lean body weight, and serum creatinine were also recorded . Result The mean age of the patients was 51.1 (SD = 8.4) years. The mean serum creatinine was 0.58 (SD = 0. 12) mg/dl. The mean creatinine clearance that was calculated by Cockcroft & Gault equation was 90.2 (SD=19.0) ml/min compared to 99.5 (SD = 21.8) ml/min estimated by 24-hour urine collection. Pearson correlation coefficient (r) between creatinine clearance calculated by Cockcroft & Gault equation and 24-hour urine collection was 0.61 (p < 0.01). Conclusion Moderate correlation between creatinine clearances calculated by Cockcroft & Gault equation and 24-hour urine collection in gynecological cancer patients was demonstrated .
Olopatadine hydrochloride decreases tissue interleukin-31 levels in an atopic dermatitis mouse model.

with clinically significant cardiovascular risk: a Danish 12. nationwide cohort study. J Intern Med 2011: 270: 147-157. 9. Brauchli YB, Jick SS, Meier CR. Psoriasis and the risk of incident diabetes mellitus: a population-based study. Br J Dermatol 2008: 159: 1331-1337. 13. 10. Deanfield JE, Halcox JP, Rabelink TJ. Endothelial function and dysfunction: testing and clinical relevance. Circulation 14. 2007; 115: 1285-1295. 11. Rubinshtein R, Kuvin JT, Soffler M, Lennon RJ, Lavi S, Nelson RE, et al. Assessment of endothelial function 15. by non-invasive peripheral arterial tonometry predicts late cardiovascular adverse events. Eur Heart J 2010: 31: 1142-1148. Haller MJ, Stein J, Shuster J, Theriaque D, Silverstein J, Schatz DA, et al. Peripheral artery tonometry demonstrates altered endothelial function in children with type 1 diabetes. Pediatr Diabetes 2007; 8: 193-198. Benoit S, Hamm H. Childhood psoriasis. Clin Dermatol 2007: 25: 555-562. Jensen PR, Zachariae C, Hansen P, Skov L. Normal endothelial function in patients with mild-to-moderate psoriasis: a case-eontrol study. Acta Derm Venereol 2011: 91: 516-520. Späh F. Inflammation in atherosclerosis and psoriasis: common pathogenic mechanisms and the potential for an integrated treatment approach. Br J Dermatol 2008: 159 Suppl2: 10-17.
A lifestyle intervention improves sexual function of women with obesity and infertility: A 5 year follow-up of a RCT

Background Obesity and infertility are associated with poorer sexual function. We have previously shown that a lifestyle intervention in women with obesity and infertility reduced weight and improved cardiometabolic health and quality of life, which may positively affect sexual function. We now report on sexual function 5 years after randomization. Methods and findings In total 577 women, between 18–39 years of age, with infertility and a BMI ≥29 kg/m2 were randomized to a six-month lifestyle intervention targeting physical activity, diet and behavior modification or prompt infertility care as usual. Intercourse frequency and sexual function were assessed with the McCoy Female Sexuality Questionnaire (MFSQ), 5.4±0.8 years after randomization. 550 women could be approached for the follow-up study, of whom 84 women in the intervention and 93 in the control group completed the MFSQ. Results were adjusted for duration of infertility, polycystic ovary syndrome and whether women were attempting to conceive. The intervention group more often reported having had intercourse in the past 4 weeks compared to the control group (aOR: 2.3 95% CI 0.96 to 5.72). Among women reporting intercourse in the past 4 weeks, the intervention group (n = 75) had intercourse more frequently (6.6±5.8 vs. 4.9±4.0 times; 95% CI 0.10 to 3.40) and had higher scores for vaginal lubrication (16.5±3.0 vs. 15.4±3.5; 95% CI 0.15 to 2.32) and total ‘sexual function’ score (96.5±14.2 vs. 91.4±12.8; 95% CI 0.84 to 9.35) compared to the control group (n = 72). Sexual interest, satisfaction, orgasm and sex partner scores did not differ statistically between the groups. The intervention effect on sexual function was for 21% mediated by the change in moderate to vigorous physical activity. Conclusion A six-month lifestyle intervention in women with obesity and infertility led to more frequent intercourse, better vaginal lubrication and overall sexual function 5 years after the intervention. (Trial Registration: NTR1530).
CORRELATES AND PREDICTORS OF BURNOUT AND SECONDARY TRAUMATIC STRESS IN MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS

FACULTY OF SOCIAL AND HUMAN SCIENCES Psychology Thesis for the degree of Doctor of Clinical Psychology CORRELATES AND PREDICTORS OF BURNOUT AND SECONDARY TRAUMATIC STRESS IN MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONALS Mary Elizabeth Halsey Firstly, the literature exploring the association between workplace support and burnout in mental health professionals was reviewed, identifying twenty-six empirical studies. Evidence was found for the relationship between high emotional exhaustion and low workplace support, suggesting that workplace support has the potential to protect from or reduce burnout. There is tentative evidence to suggest that supervisory support is most helpful in community settings and co-worker support is beneficial in acute settings. A main caveat of empirical studies in this area is the use of correlational rather than regression analyses to identify predictors of burnout. The empirical paper investigated prevalence and predictors of burnout and secondary traumatic stress (STS) in Child and Adolescent Mental Health Service (CAMHS) staff. This population has been neglected in the literature (Lizano & Mor Barak, 2012). Similar emotional exhaustion rates, lower depersonalisation rates and higher personal accomplishment rates were found when compared to studies with adult mental health workers. Regression analyses revealed perceived stress, lack of perceived organisational support, experiential avoidance and lack of valued living were predictors of burnout. STS was predicted by perceived stress. Recommendations to CAMHS staff include education about burnout and STS, increased communication, stress management and Acceptance and Commitment Therapy interventions. Empirical study of the usefulness of such interventions is recommended for future research.
Two novel temperate bacteriophages infecting Streptococcus pyogenes: Their genomes, morphology and stability

Only 3% of phage genomes in NCBI nucleotide database represent phages that are active against Streptococcus sp. With the aim to increase general awareness of phage diversity, we isolated two bacteriophages, Str01 and Str03, active against health-threatening Group A Streptococcus (GAS). Both phages are members of the Siphoviridae, but their analysis revealed that Str01 and Str03 do not belong to any known genus. We identified their structural proteins based on LC–ESI29 MS/MS and list their basic thermal stability and physico-chemical features including optimum pH. Annotated genomic sequences of the phages are deposited in GenBank (NCBI accession numbers KY349816 and KY363359, respectively).
Oncogenic mutations in IKKβ function through global changes induced by K63-linked ubiquitination and result in autocrine stimulation

Mutations at position K171 in the kinase activation loop of Inhibitor of κB kinase beta (IKKβ) occur in multiple myeloma, spleen marginal zone lymphoma and mantle cell lymphoma. Previously, we demonstrated that these result in constitutive kinase activation and stimulate Signal Transducer and Activator of Transcription 3 (STAT3). This work also identified K147 as a site of K63-linked regulatory ubiquitination required for activation of signaling pathways. We now present a more detailed analysis of ubiquitination sites together with a comprehensive examination of the signaling pathways activated by IKKβ K171E mutants. Downstream activation of STAT3 is dependent upon the activity of: UBE2N, the E2 ubiquitin ligase involved in K63-linked ubiquitination; TAK1 (MAP3K7), or TGFβ Activated Kinase, which forms a complex required for NFκB activation; JAK kinases, involved proximally in the phosphorylation of STAT transcription factors in response to inflammatory cytokines; and gp130, or IL-6 Receptor Subunit Beta which, upon binding IL-6 or other specific cytokines, undergoes homodimerization leading to activation of associated JAKs, resulting in STAT activation. We further demonstrate, using an IL-6-responsive cell line, that IKKβ K171E mutants stimulate the release of IL-6 activity into conditioned media. These results show that IKKβ K171E mutants trigger an autocrine loop in which IL-6 is secreted and binds to the IL-6 receptor complex gp130, resulting in JAK activation. Lastly, by examining the differential abundance of proteins associated with K63-only-ubiquitinated IKKβ K171E, proteomic analysis demonstrates the global activation of proliferative responses. As cancers harboring K171-mutated IKKβ are likely to also exhibit activated STAT3 and p44/42 MAPK (Erk1/2), this suggests the possibility of using MAPK (Erk1/2) and JAK inhibitors, or specific ubiquitination inhibitors. K63-linked ubiquitination occurs in other kinases at sites homologous to K147 in IKKβ, including K578 in BRAF V600E, which serves as an oncogenic driver in melanoma and other cancers.
Meeting increased common planning time requirements: A case study of middle schools in three Rhode Island districts

In 2006 the Rhode Island Board of Regents for Elementary and Secondary Education approved restructuring of the learning environment at the middle school level. In addition to the implementation of more personalized learning environments and middle level advisories, professional development and common planning time were addressed. The regulations specifically stated, “By the year 2012, common planning time must increase to at least four times per week at the middle level” (RIDE, 2006, p. 8). In this regulation, the means by which administrators and teachers will receive professional development in the effective use of common planning time must also be addressed by school districts. Currently, some Rhode Island middle schools and junior high schools provide little or no common planning time opportunities for their teachers; others structure common planning time once a week; others provide common planning time every other day; and few middle schools build common planning time into their teachers’ daily schedule. The purpose of this case study was to determine how middle schools can properly prepare and train their teachers to use more common planning time most effectively. This study also addressed middle school principals’ plans for the implementation or increase in professional development due to the upcoming middle school common planning time regulation. A mixed-method case study involving a teacher survey, teacher focus groups, and principal interviews were used. The quantitative teacher survey first documented how teachers (N=147) used their common planning time (e.g., planning instruction, looking at student work, addressing student needs, etc.). This data was analyzed using descriptive statistics, and findings were reported using tables, charts, and narrative relative to how teachers on middle school teams currently utilized their common planning time. The teacher focus groups (N=3) were used to explore themes and check other revealing data derived from the surveys. The qualitative principal interviews (N=5) were analyzed using coding methods to develop common themes based on the principals’ perceptions of professional development, structures, and processes needed to make the increase in common planning time viable and effective. The results of this study provide middle school principals, teachers, and state policy makers with useful guidance on how to use common planning time effectively to improve student performance. The implementation of professional development related to middle school teams of teachers utilizing common planning time most effectively may also be facilitated.
BDNF rs6265 polymorphism methylation in Multiple Sclerosis: A possible marker of disease progression

Introduction Brain-Derived Neurotrophic Factor (BDNF) and its most common polymorphism Val66Met are known to have a role in Multiple Sclerosis (MS) pathogenesis. Evidence is accumulating that there is an involvement of DNA methylation in the regulation of BDNF expression. The aim of this study was to assess in blood samples of MS patients the correlation between the methylation status of the CpG site near BDNF-Val66Met polymorphism and the severity of the disease. Methods We recruited 209 MS patients that were genotyped for the BDNF Val66Met polymorphism. For each patient we quantitatively measured the methylation level of cytosine included in the exonic CpG site that can be created or abolished by the Val66Met BDNF polymorphism. Furthermore, we analyzed the clinical history of each patient and determined the time elapsed since the onset of the disease and an EDSS score of 6.0. Results The genetic analysis identified 122 (58.4%) subjects carrying the Val/Val genotype, 81 (38.8%) with Val/Met genotype, and 6 (2.8%) carrying the Met/Met genotype. When the endpoint of an EDSS score of 6 was taken into account by means of a survival analysis, 52 failures (i.e., reaching an EDSS score of 6) were reported. When the sample was stratified according to the percentage of the BDNF methylation, subjects falling below the median (median methylation = 81%) were at higher risk of failure (IRD = 0.016; 95%CI = 0.0050–0.0279; p = 0.004). Conclusions In patients with a high disease progression the hypomethylation of the BDNF gene could increase the secretion of the protective neurotrophin, so epigenetic modifications could be the organism response to limit a brain functional reserve loss. Our study suggests that the percentage of methylation of the BDNF gene could be used as a prognostic factor for disease progression toward a high disability in MS patient.
Robotics in neuro-rehabilitation.

OBJECTIVE The aims of this study were to review robot-assisted motor and functional rehabilitation of the upper limb in patients with stroke and to outline possible clinical applications of robotics in neuro-rehabilitation. METHODS Available active systems, with actuators driving the paretic arm, were sub-classified by scientific rationale and mechatronic structure as exoskeletons or operational-type machines (manipulators). Applicative studies were compared for indication of efficacy. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION Clinical and biomechanical evidence available to date suggests substantial efficacy of robot--assisted neuro-rehabilitation in the recovery of the paretic arm after stroke, enabling longer dedicated training sessions with no additional work for the therapist. Further investigation of large samples of patients is required to define the relationship between disability and residual function, to provide shared criteria of evaluation of disability/outcome and protocols of rehabilitation, and to identify the expected future role and application of robotics in neuro-rehabilitation.