Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Molecular characterization of Arabidopsis thaliana PUF proteins – binding specificity and target candidates

PUF proteins regulate both stability and translation through sequence‐specific binding to the 3′ UTR of target mRNA transcripts. Binding is mediated by a conserved PUF domain, which contains eight repeats of approximately 36 amino acids each. Found in all eukaryotes, they have been related to several developmental processes. Analysis of the 25 Arabidopsis Pumilio (APUM) proteins presenting PUF repeats reveals that 12 (APUM‐1 to APUM‐12) have a PUF domain with 50–75% similarity to the Drosophila PUF domain. Through three‐hybrid assays, we show that APUM‐1 to APUM‐6 can bind specifically to the Nanos response element sequence recognized by Drosophila Pumilio. Using an Arabidopsis RNA library in a three‐hybrid screening, we were able to identify an APUM‐binding consensus sequence. Computational analysis allowed us to identify the APUM‐binding element within the 3′ UTR in many Arabidopsis transcripts, even in important mRNAs related to shoot stem cell maintenance. We demonstrate that APUM‐1 to APUM‐6 are able to bind specifically to APUM‐binding elements in the 3′ UTR of WUSCHEL, CLAVATA‐1, PINHEAD/ZWILLE and FASCIATA‐2 transcripts. The results obtained in the present study indicate that the APUM proteins may act as regulators in Arabidopsis through an evolutionarily conserved mechanism, which may open up a new approach for investigating mRNA regulation in plants.
Evaluation of an exaggerated somatosensory deficit with symptom validity testing.

To the Editor. —Evaluation of sensory deficits can be problematic because cooperation of the patient is required. It is difficult to prove that a patient has dishonestly reported his subjective experiences because symptoms are easily embellished. We describe how symptom validity testing was used to document that a patient simulated a somatosensory deficit. Report of a Case. —A 56-year-old man was admitted to the Veterans Administration Medical Center, Portland, Ore, for evaluation of symptoms that were the basis of a disability claim. His complaints included daily headaches, trembling of his hands and knees, an inside "shakiness," and sharp pains in his neck and lower back that radiated to his head, shoulders, and legs. He described a tactile sensory deficit that caused numbness over his whole body and difficulty in holding objects. Finally, he complained of concentration and memory problems. The patient's history was significant for viral encephalitis 27 years earlier.
Microsomal Prostaglandin E Synthase Type 2 (mPGES2) Is a Glutathione-dependent Heme Protein, and Dithiothreitol Dissociates the Bound Heme to Produce Active Prostaglandin E2 Synthase in Vitro

Background: mPGES2 has been believed to be one of the enzymes that catalyze PGE2 synthesis, but recent studies have produced contradictory results. Results: mPGES2 is a GSH-dependent heme protein, and DTT dissociates the bound heme to produce active PGE2 synthase in vitro. Conclusion: mPGES2 is a PGE2 synthase in vitro but not in vivo. Significance: Heme-bound mPGES2 does not produce PGE2. An x-ray study indicated that microsomal prostaglandin E synthase type 2 (mPGES2) is a heme-bound protein and catalyzes prostaglandin (PG) H2 degradation, but not PGE2 formation (Yamada, T., and Takusagawa, F. (2007) Biochemistry 46, 8414–8424). In response to the x-ray study, Watanabe et al. claimed that mPGES2 is a heme-free protein and that both the heme-free and heme-bound proteins have PGE2 synthesis activity in the presence of dithiothreitol (Watanabe, K., Ito, S., and Yamamoto, S. (2008) Biochem. Biophys. Res. Commun. 367, 782–786). To resolve the contradictory results, the heme-binding scheme of mPGES2 was further characterized in vivo and in vitro by absorption and fluorescence spectroscopies. A substantial amount of heme-bound mPGES2 was detected in cell extracts. The heme content in mPGES2 was increased along with an increase in Fe3+ in the culture medium. Heme-free mPGES2 was converted to the heme-bound form by mixing it with pig liver extract, indicating that mPGES2 is capable of forming a complex with heme in mammalian cells. Heme binds to mPGES2 only in the presence of glutathione. The newly determined heme dissociation constant (2.9 nm) supports strongly that mPGES2 is a heme-bound protein in vivo. The bound heme was not dissociated by oxidation by H2O2 or reduction by glutathione or 2-mercaptoethanol. However, reduction by dithiothreitol (an artificial reducing compound) induced the bound heme to dissociate from mPGES2 and released heme-free mPGES2, which exhibited PGE2 synthesis activity in vitro. Imidazole bound to mPGES2 by stacking on the bound heme and inhibited heme oxidation by H2O2 and reduction by dithiothreitol.
The effectiveness of a single dose of oral ibuprofen plus caffeine in acute postoperative pain in adults

Commentary on : Derry S, Wiffen PJ, Moore RA. Single dose oral ibuprofen plus caffeine for acute postoperative pain in adults. Cochrane Database Syst Rev 2015;7:CD011509. A number of studies have been performed regarding non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and the combination with caffeine for the control of postoperative pain; most of them involving molar surgeries and tension headaches; none of them have been developed in the past 10 years. This study presented by Derry and colleagues assessed the analgesic efficacy of a single dose of ibuprofen plus caffeine when compared to placebo for moderate to severe postoperative pain. Up to February 2015, the authors searched the Cochrane Central Register of Control Trials, MEDLINE, EMBASE and the Oxford Pain Relief Database. Two independent authors assessed the search results and agreed which …
Role of plasmid in diesel oil degradation by yeast species isolated from petroleum hydrocarbon-contaminated soil

Five yeast species, namely Candida tropicalis, Cryptococcus laurentii, Trichosporon asahii, Rhodotorula mucilaginosa and Candida rugosa isolated from hydrocarbon-contaminated soil were found to be potent degraders of diesel oil. These microorganisms showed the presence of enzymes cytochrome P450, NADPH cytochrome c reductase, aminopyrine N demethylase, alcohol dehydrogenase, aldehyde dehydrogenase, naphthalene dioxygenase, catalase and glutathione S transferase when the cells were incubated for 48 h in Bushnell Haas medium supplemented with 2% diesel oil as the sole source of carbon. The cytochrome P450 monooxygenase enzyme system was found to play an important role in diesel oil degradation. A plasmid approximately 12 kb in size was found to be harboured by all the yeast species. The role of the plasmid on diesel oil degradation was assessed by biomass inhibition studies, which confirmed that the metabolic machinery of yeast species for diesel oil degradation was plasmid coded. This is the first report establishing the involvement of a plasmid in diesel oil degradation by yeast species.
Effects of sodium bicarbonate, potassium chloride and sodium chloride supplementation on some blood biochemical parameters in laying hens.

*Corresponding author: vkurtoglu@selcuk.edu. tr ___________________________________________________________________________ This research was carried out to determine the effect of supplementation of sodium bicarbonate (% 0.38, % 1.5), potassium chloride (% 0.7) and sodium chloride (% 0.25) at different levels in diets of 480, 25-week old laying hens on blood plasma Ca, Pi, Mg, CI, Na, K, total protein, albumin and uric acid levels. During the 90-day trial, animals were divided into eight groups, 60 animals in each. Then each group was divided into six subgroups, 10 animals in each. Animals had access to ad libitum feed and water. At the end of the experimental period, blood samples of six chicks from each group were collected into heparinized tubes and plasma were separated by centrifugation at 2500 rpm for 10 min at +4 Co. Na and K concentration were quantified by flame fotometry and Ca, Pi, Mg, CI, total protein, albumin ve uric acid concentration were measured by spectrophotometry. Data was analysed using variance analysis and Duncan Multiple Range Test. Supplementation of diet with sodium bicarbonate, potassium chloride and sodium chloride did not affect plasma Ca and uric acid concentrations between control and treatment groups. However, Pi, Mg, CI, Na, K, total protein, and albumin concentrations differed statistically among groups due to the diet supplementations. As a result, in laying hen diet, supplementation of sodium bicarbonate, potassium chloride and sodium chloride either alone or combined caused important changes in some biochemical values. Detection of interaction among minerals warrants further investigations. __________________________________________________________________________________
Cytomorphology and behavior of late bone marrow and peripheral blood erythroid cells in experimental hemolytic anemia.

Hemoglobin biosynthesis in rabbits with phenylhydrazine-induced anemia has been morphologically studied, comparing late bone marrow with peripheral blood erythroid cells of the same maturing degree. They were analysed through thin sections, as to their organelle type content and behavior regarding iron incorporation. Hemosomes are organelles taken as sites of final hemoglobin biosynthesis, and the ratio between their mean number in blood reticulocyte sections and that in late marrow erythroid cell sections reach about 10: 1. Late marrow erythroid cells contain practically twice the mean number of mitochondria in relation to this mean number in blood reticulocytes. Mitochondria are considered as potential acting entities for hemoglobin biosynthesis, since they participate in hemosome formation. Iron incorporation activity increases more than twice in peripheral blood reticulocytes, as compared to the mean in late marrow erythroid cells. These analytical results suggest that an enhancement of hemoglobin synthesis activity occurs when erythroid cells enter the peripheral blood.
Scores on the Interpersonal Reactivity Index: A Sample of Australian Medical Students

Scores of a sample of 113 Australian medical students on the Interpersonal Reactivity Index are compared with the normative data. The comparison suggests that these medical students' scores are generally comparable. A comparison of 4th and 6th Year clinical students indicated few differences between these samples, the exception being the subscale “Fantasy” on which 6th Year women students scored significantly higher than the other three student samples. These data will be used in a longitudinal study of consulting skills training given to the 4th Year students.
VDR polymorphisms are associated with bone mineral density in post-menopausal Mayan-Mestizo women

Abstract Background: Osteoporosis is characterized by low bone mineral density (BMD), which is determined by an interaction of genetic, metabolic and environmental factors. Aim: To analyse the association between two polymorphisms of VDR as well as their haplotypes with BMD in post-menopausal Maya-Mestizo women. Subjects and methods: This study comprised 600 post-menopausal Maya-Mestizo women. A structured questionnaire for risk factors was applied and BMD was assessed at the lumbar spine (LS) and total hip (TH) by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry. DNA was extracted from blood leukocytes. Two single-nucleotide polymorphisms of VDR (rs731236 and rs2228570) were studied using real-time PCR allelic discrimination for genotyping. Differences between the means of the BMDs according to the genotype were analysed with covariance. Haplotype analysis was conducted. Results: TT genotype of rs731236 of VDR had higher BMD at total hip and femoral neck (FN), and one haplotype formed by the two polymorphisms was associated with only TH-BMD variations. This difference was statistically significant after adjustment for confounders. The genotype of rs2228570 of VDR analysis showed no significant differences with BMD variations. Conclusion: The results showed that the TT genotype of rs731236 of VDR and one haplotype formed by rs731236 and rs2228570 polymorphisms were associated with higher BMD at TH and FN.
Sharing specific “We” autobiographical memories in close relationships: the role of contact frequency

ABSTRACT Sharing memories in conversations with close others is posited to be part of the social function of autobiographical memory. The present research focused on the sharing of a particular type of memory: Specific memories about one-time co-experienced events, which we termed Specific We memories. Two studies with 595 total participants examined the factors that lead to and/or are influenced by the sharing of Specific We memories. In Study 1, participants reported on their most recent conversation. Specific We memories were reportedly discussed most often in conversations with others who were close and with whom the participant had frequent communication. In Study 2, participants were randomly assigned either to increase or to simply record the frequency of communication with a close other (parent). Increases in the frequency of reported sharing of Specific We memories as well as closeness to the parent resulted. Mediation analyses of both studies revealed causal relationships among reported sharing of Specific We memories and closeness. We discuss the relevance of these results for understanding the social function of autobiographical memory.
No Correlation between Plasmid Content and Ability to Reduce Nitrate in Wild-Type Strains of Rhodobacter capsulatus

Patterns of endogenous plasmids and nitrate reductase activities were analyzed in the phototrophic bacterium Rhodobacter (Rb.) capsulatus. From 10 strains investigated (including a UV-induced plasmidless nit- mutant), 4 were unable to grow photosynthetically with nitrate as N-source and lacked nitrate reductase activity (nit strains). Irrespective of the nit phenotype, all wildtype strains contained at least one large plasmid with a size ranging from 93 to 134 kb. Thus, other than in plasmid- cured mutants (J. C. Willison, FEMS Microbiol. Lett. 66, 23-28[1990]), in wild-type strains of Rb. capsulatus the nit- character was not related to lack of endogenous plasmids.
Chromosome 22 tiling‐path array–CGH analysis identifies germ‐line‐ and tumor‐specific aberrations in patients with glioblastoma multiforme

Gliomas are common and frequently malignant tumors of the central nervous system. Recurrent allelic losses of chromosome 22 have been reported in gliomas, indicating tumor‐suppressor genes at this location. However, the target genes are still unknown. We applied a high resolution tiling‐path chromosome 22 array to a series of 50 glioblastoma samples, with the aim of investigating the underlying abnormalities in both constitutional and tumor‐derived DNA. We detected hemizygous deletions in 28% of the tumors (14 of 50), with monosomy 22 (10 of 50) being the predominant pattern. The distribution of overlapping hemizygous deletions delineated two putative tumor‐suppressor loci (11.1 and 3.08 Mb in size) across 22q. Most strikingly, we identified two distinct loci affected by regional gains. Both alterations were of germ‐line origin and were unique to samples from patients affected with tumors. Analysis of these two amplified regions revealed the presence of two interesting candidate genes: TOP3B and TAFA5. The TOP3B gene encodes a protein that seems to function in the unlinking of parental strands at the final stage of DNA replication and/or in the dissociation of structures in mitotic cells that could lead to recombination. The TAFA5 gene belongs to a novel family of proteins with similarity to chemokines and brain‐specific expression. The role of the identified candidate loci should be studied further. Our results demonstrated the power of array‐CGH to determine DNA copy number alterations in the context of germ‐line‐ and tumor‐specific aberrations. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Robust Correlation Structure for Multivariate Failure Time Data

When incomplete repeated failure times are collected from a large number of independent individuals, interest is focused primarily on the consistent and efficient estimation of the effects of the associated covariates on the failure times. Since repeated failure times are likely to be correlated, it is important to exploit the correlation structure of the failure data in order to obtain such consistent and efficient estimates. However, it may be difficult to specify an appropriate correlation structure for a real life data set. We propose a robust correlation structure that can be used irrespective of the true correlation structure. This structure is used in constructing an estimating equation for the hazard ratio parameter, under the assumption that the number of repeated failure times for an individual is random. The consistency and efficiency of the estimates is examined through a simulation study, where we consider failure times that marginally follow an exponential distribution and a Poisson distribution is assumed for the random number of repeated failure times. We conclude by using the proposed method to analyze a bladder cancer dataset.
HISTORICAL NOTE ON FARR'S THEORY OF THE EPIDEMIC

water. ` It was founlid by Browniing, Macliie and Smiith, in a case of enteric fever which they examined, that B. tyl)hosuts could be recovered from the faeces by means of telluric acid and brilliant green in combination, whereas direct plates as -well as brilliant green by itself gave ne,ative results. The passage of typhoid and paratyplhoid bacilli tlhrough mcdia containing brilliant green or telluric acid has not been found to affect their fermentation or serological reactions. So far only incoimiplete series of results are available, but it appears that the employment of these procedures, in addition to direct plating, will increase the number of positive results by more than 25 per cent.
Characterization of the response of human bone marrow endothelial cells to in vitro irradiation

Endothelial cell dysfunction is a classic consequence of radiation damage. Bone marrow endothelial cells (BMEC) are a critical component of the stroma in the regulation of haemopoiesis. In animal models, radiation‐induced injury of BMEC has been described and a role for BMEC in haemopoietic regeneration after irradiation has been suggested. However, functions of BMEC involved in the haemopoietic regeneration have not been assessed. Therefore we studied the functional response of human BMEC to irradiation using the transformed human BMEC line (TrHBMEC) irradiated with 2, 5 or 10 Gy. Our results showed a time‐ and a dose‐dependent increase in damage to irradiated TrHBMEC measured by a decreased number of adherent cells which correlated with increased apoptosis and augmented release of soluble ICAM‐1 and von Willebrand factor. 2 Gy irradiated TrHBMEC expressed more ICAM‐1 on their surface than non‐irradiated cells, whereas no change in VCAM‐1, E‐selectin and PECAM‐1 expression was observed. An increased production of G‐CSF, GM‐CSF, IL‐8, IL‐6, IL‐1α, IL‐11, MIP‐1α and SCF and no production of LIF, TNF‐α, TPO and IL‐3 by 2 Gy irradiated TrHBMEC was observed. The haemopoietic supportive function of TrHBMEC was not altered after a 2 Gy exposure. These results suggest that although radiation induces endothelial cell damage, irradiated cells still support the proliferation and the differentiation of CD34+ haemopoietic cells.
Impulsivity in Relation to Stress in Patients With Borderline Personality Disorder With and Without Co-occurring Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder: An Exploratory Study

Abstract Impulsivity is regarded as a key feature in borderline personality disorder (BPD). However, discrepancies in previous research indicate that the role of impulsivity in BPD is not yet fully understood. For example, state-dependent impulsivity in individuals with BPD may be related to co-occurring psychiatric conditions such as attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and to emotional states. We assessed self-reports of trait and state impulsivity and response inhibition before and after an experimental stress induction in 15 patients with BPD without ADHD, 15 patients with BPD and ADHD, 15 patients with ADHD, and 15 healthy participants. The patients in both BPD subgroups reported a stress-dependent increase of state impulsivity, which was not observed in the other groups. Response inhibition was impaired in the patients with BPD and ADHD but not in those without ADHD compared with the healthy participants. We suggest that stress levels and co-occurring ADHD should receive attention in future studies on impulsivity in BPD.
Prevalence, Colonization, Epidemiology, and Public Health Significance of Clostridioides difficile in Companion Animals

Clostridioides difficile, previously Clostrdium difficile, is a major cause of antibiotic-associated enteric disease in humans in hospital settings. Increased incidence of C. difficile infection (CDI) in community settings raises concerns over an alternative source of CDI for humans. The detection of genetically similar and toxigenic C. difficile isolates in companion animals, including asymptomatic pets, suggests the potential role of household pets as a source of community-associated CDI. The close association between companion animals and humans, in addition to the use of similar antibiotics in both species, could provide a selective advantage for the emergence of new C. difficile strains and thus increase the incidental transmission of CDI to humans. Therefore, screening household pets for C. difficile is becoming increasingly important from a public health standpoint and may become a part of routine testing in the future, for the benefit of susceptible or infected individuals within a household. In this review, we analyze available information on prevalence, pathophysiology, epidemiology, and molecular genetics of C. difficile infection, focusing on companion animals and evaluate the risk of pet-borne transmission of CDI as an emerging public health concern. Molecular epidemiological characterization of companion animal C. difficile strains could provide further insights into the interspecies transmission of CDI. The mosaic nature of C. difficile genomes and their susceptibility to horizontal gene transfer may facilitate the inter-mixing of genetic material, which could increase the possibility of the emergence of new community-associated CDI strains. However, detailed genome-wide characterization and comparative genome analysis are warranted to confirm this hypothesis.
Low loss Goubau Line on high-resitivity silicon in the 57–64 GHz band.

Planar Goubau Line (PGL) structures on high resistivity silicon are simulated and measured in the 57–64GHz frequency band. It is shown that the increase of the substrate thickness permits to adapt this line, used at THz frequencies, to this frequency band. Very low losses are attained with a measured average attenuation of 0.064dB/mm on the whole band. Another advantage of the PGL consists in its very simple technological process, as just one level of metallization is necessary. A transition between the PGL and a coplanar waveguide is designed in order to perform on-wafer measurements, and very good agreement is obtained with simulation results for the attenuation of PGL.