Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A CamKIIα iCre BAC allows brain‐specific gene inactivation

Summary: We describe the generation of transgenic mouse lines expressing the Cre recombinase enzyme in brain under control of the CamKIIα gene present in a BAC expression vector. The CamKIIα BAC transgene gave a faithful expression pattern resembling the pattern of the endogenous CamKIIα gene. Specifically, high levels of CamKIIα Cre were detected in hippocampus, cortex, and amygdala, and lower levels were detected in striatum, thalamus, and hypothalamus. As expected, no expression was detected in the cerebellum or outside of the brain. The expression level of the BAC CamKIIα driven Cre was shown to be copy number dependent. To test the activity of the Cre recombinase, the transgenic mice were crossed with mice harbouring the CREB (cAMP response element binding protein) allele with the 10th exon flanked by two loxP sites, and recombination was monitored by the disappearance of the CREB protein. Finally, evaluation of the developmental postnatal expression of the CamKIIα Cre BAC revealed the expression of the Cre recombinase as early as P3. genesis 31:37–42, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Activation of Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor &ggr; Suppresses Telomerase Activity in Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells

Activation of the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor (PPAR) &ggr;, the molecular target for insulin sensitizing thiazolidinediones used in patients with type 2 diabetes, inhibits vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) proliferation and prevents atherosclerosis and neointima formation. Emerging evidence indicates that telomerase controls key cellular functions including replicative lifespan, differentiation, and cell proliferation. In the present study, we demonstrate that ligand-induced and constitutive PPAR&ggr; activation inhibits telomerase activity in VSMCs. Telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT) confers the catalytic activity of telomerase, and PPAR&ggr; ligands inhibit TERT expression through a receptor-dependent suppression of the TERT promoter. 5′-deletion analysis, site-directed mutagenesis, and transactivation studies using overexpression of Ets-1 revealed that suppression of TERT transcription by PPAR&ggr; is mediated through negative cross-talk with Ets-1–dependent transactivation of the TERT promoter. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays further demonstrated that PPAR&ggr; ligands inhibit Ets-1 binding to the TERT promoter, which is mediated at least in part through an inhibition of Ets-1 expression by PPAR&ggr; ligands. In VSMCs overexpressing TERT, the efficacy of PPAR&ggr; ligands to inhibit cell proliferation is lost, indicating that TERT constitutes an important molecular target for the antiproliferative effects of PPAR&ggr; ligands. Finally, we demonstrate that telomerase activation during the proliferative response after vascular injury is effectively inhibited by PPAR&ggr; ligands. These findings provide a previously unrecognized mechanism for the antiproliferative effects of PPAR&ggr; ligands and support the concept that PPAR&ggr; ligands may constitute a novel therapeutic approach for the treatment of proliferative cardiovascular diseases.
Armazenamento de pêssegos cv. "Granada" em atmosfera controlada, visando ao transporte a longas distâncias

This research was aimed at evaluating controlled atmosphere (CA) and temperature conditions for storing of cv. Granada peach fruit harvested at two ripening stages aiming the transport of fruit for distant market, such as Europe. Treatments evaluated were six storage conditions and two ripening stages. The storage conditions were: [1] cold storage (20.8kPa de O2 +<0.5kPa de CO2); controlled atmosphere (CA) conditions with [2] 6.0kPa de O2 + 15.0kPa de CO2; [3] 1.0kPa de O2 + 3.0kPa de CO2; [4] 1.0kPa de O2 + <0.5kPa de CO2, all at +0.5°C. Moreover, CA with 2.0kPa O2 + 5.0kPa CO2 was evaluated both at [5] +0.5°C and [6] -0.5°C. Fruits were harvested either at the breaking stage or at the half-ripe ripening stage and stored in the conditions cited above. The harvest of cv. Granada peaches in the breaking stage (greeny background color of the skin) is the most suitable, because although not affecting the physical and chemical quality, these fruits showed a reduced incidence of flesh browning and rot. For short-term storage (25 days), controlled atmosphere did not significantly improve fruit quality in relation to cold storage.
Impaired collagen gel contraction with cultured skin fibroblasts from patients with systemic sclerosis

We investigated the capacity of skin ®broblasts, derived from 9 patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc), to contract collagen lattices in a threedimensional culture system. In comparison with control ®broblasts (N~8), more than 30% of SSc ®broblasts exhibited markedly impaired ability to contract collagen lattices. The expression of a2b1 integrins and integrin-mediated signals were not signi®cantly different between normal and SSc ®broblasts. Although the underlying mechanisms remain to be determined, our present data provide evidence that certain aspects of interaction with collagen are impaired in SSc ®broblasts.
Random mating with respect to mating status in the simultaneously hermaphroditic land snail Arianta arbustorum

In promiscuous species with sperm storage, males are expected to show a preference for mating with virgin and young females to reduce the risk of sperm competition. In the simultaneous hermaphrodite land snail Arianta arbustorum, sperm production precedes egg production by 2–4 weeks, resulting in a short period of protandric hermaphroditism before shell growth is completed. In natural populations, copulating pairs involving individuals which have not yet completed shell growth (virgins) have been observed. We ran a series of mate-choice experiments to examine whether virgin and nonvirgin (experienced) individuals of A. arbustorum discriminate between virgin and nonvirgin mating partners. We also assessed the number of sperm delivered to partners with different mating status. Neither virgin nor nonvirgin snails showed any preference for mating with a virgin partner. In all test situations mating was random and the number of sperm delivered was not adjusted to the mating status of the partner. Mating success was mainly determined by the activity of the individual. The random mating pattern does not imply random fertilization of eggs because the presence of a sperm-digesting organ and the morphology of the sperm storage organ allow a selective storage and use of sperm in A. arbustorum.
The wheezing schoolchild - an undiagnosed asthmatic: A follow-up of children with parentally reported episodes of wheeze without diagnosed asthma

Objective - To examine children aged 7-15 years with parentally reported episodes of wheeze in order to estimate the proportion of undiagnosed asthmatics in this group. Design - A cross-sectional study with clinical examination of subgroups. Setting - All children (n=832) aged 7-15 years in the municipality of Odda. Subject - Based on completed questionnaires, the children were selected to one of four groups: Children with wheeze but no asthma (wheeze group); children with current asthma (asthma group); children with past asthma (past asthma group); and children with neither asthma nor wheeze (control group). Main outcome measures - Parental reports of episodes of wheeze, assessment of skin prick test sensitivity, measures of lung function and exercise -induced bronchoconstriction (EIB). Results - In the wheeze group, 3 (7.5%) of 40 children were diagnosed with asthma in the 18-month period between the questionnaire survey and the examination, while 4 (10%) other children had EIB. Another 8 children (20%) reported 3 episodes of wheeze or more, and at least 1 episode during the 12-month period before the clinical examination. Classifying these children as asthmatics would give a proportion of 37.5% with undiagnosed asthma in the wheeze group, and the prevalence of current asthma among children aged 7-15 would rise from 2.9% based on a questionnaire survey to 4.9%. Conclusions - Using a wide definition of asthma, this study suggests that a large proportion of Norwegian children with wheeze actually have asthma.
Studies of cattle and sheep eating leaf and stem fractions of grasses. 3. The retention time in the rumen of large feed particles

Pangola grass (Digitavia decumbens) and Rhodes grass (Chlovis gayana) cut as 6 and 12 week regrowths were separated into leaf and stem fractions and fed ad libitum to four cattle and eight sheep fitted with ruminal fistulae to determine the importance of particle size in controlling the retention time of feed in the rumeno-reticulum (rumen). Particle size was determined by using a wet sieving technique, and based on the cumulative dry matter distribution on the sieves of faeces from cattle and sheep; all particles >1.18 mm were described as large particles. The proportion of large particles was measured in the chopped diet offered, the masticated diet, the ruminal contents and the faeces. Chopped leaf and stem fractions contained 0.85 and 0.86 g/g large particles respectively. Mastication by cattle reduced the proportion of large particles in leaf and stem to 0.58 and 0.76 (P 0.05) and in cattle 0.272 and 0.345 (P 0.05) for leaf and stem, and in sheep 0.993 and 0.991 (P > 0.05). Large particles in leaf and stem were retained in the rumen of the sheep for 11.0 and 11.7 h (P > 0.05). Cattle retained large particles in all diets for a longer time (P 0.05). Differences in retention time of large particles in the rumen did not appear to be the only factor controlling the retention of dry matter in the rumen and voluntary intake. A model was developed to describe the flow of large and small particles through the rumen. Intake simulation studies indicated that the most important factor influencing dry matter retention time in the rumen was the retention time of small particles (> 1.18 mm). Changes in the rate of breakdown of large particles had a small effect on dry matter retention time.
Plexus avulsion and spinal cord injury increase the serum concentration of S-100 protein: an experimental study in rats

The possibility of using the presence of the glial-cell-derived protein S-100 in serum as a marker for neuronal damage caused by spinal cord injury and plexus avulsion injury was investigated in 144 adult rats. After a spinal cord injury had been induced at the thoracic level or a plexus avulsion injury at the lumbar level, blood samples were taken and analysed for S-100 protein by a monoclonal two-site immunoluminometric assay. The two types of neurotrauma changed the kinetics of serum S-100 in different ways. After spinal cord injury it rapidly increased and within 72 hours had reached a concentration about 5 times that of the control animals. Three peak concentrations occurred at 3, 12, and 72 hours, respectively, and differed significantly from those of the control group ( p < 0.05). After six days the values had returned to normal. After lumbar plexus injury alone there was no significant increase in the concentration of S-100. These results suggest that the concentration of S-100 protein in serum may be used as an early diagnostic tool for detecting neuronal damage caused by spinal cord injury or plexus avulsion associated with damage to the root entry zone.
Predictors of coronary heart diseases among children and adolescents in families with premature coronary heart diseases in central eastern Finland

Objective - To describe coronary heart disease (CHD) predictors in children and adolescents (aged from 7 to 16 years) in families with premature CHD. Design - A cross-sectional cohort study. Setting - Part of a family-oriented preventive intervention programme concerning CHD risk factors in central eastern Finland (FOPIC study). Subjects - 473 participants in families with premature CHD and 371 in control families. Main outcome measures - Traditional CHD predictors. Results - Offspring in families with premature CHD had significantly higher concentrations of total cholesterol (TC, 4.7 vs 4.5 mmol/l, pp<0.01) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C, 2.8 vs 2.6 mmol/l, p<0.01) than the control children, and higher diastolic blood pressure (DBP, p<0.01). According to this cross-sectional screening of children in high-CHD-risk families in the Kainuu region, 75% of those with adverse cholesterol values could be found. After adjusting for confounding factors, associations between TC, LDL-C, body mass index, DBP and the offspring of families with a history of premature CHD were found. Conclusions - The results indicated strong associations between CHD predictors and offspring with a family history of premature CHD. The findings confirm the usability of familial premature CHD in screening for early prevention in primary health care.
Cost-minimisation analysis of three conservative treatment programmes in 180 patients sick-listed for acute low-back pain

Objective - To perform a cost-minimization analysis of three conservative treatment regimes for acute low-back pain (LBP). Design - A prospective randomized clinical trial. Patients were assigned at random to one of three treatment programmes: General Practitioner Programme (GPP-) controls, Manual Therapy Programme (MTP) or Intensive Training Programme (ITP). Setting - Primary care and physiotherapists in Stockholm, Sweden. Patients - 180 patients sick-listed for acute LBP. Main outcome measures - Direct, indirect and total costs for three treatment programmes. Results - The direct costs for treatment were lowest in the GPP group - 2744 Swedish crowns (SEK) per patient. More patients in the MTP and ITP underwent operations for disk hernia and radiological investigations than in the GPP. Indirect costs, defined as sick-leave for LBP represent about 90% of the total cost. Conclusions - With respect to total costs, the findings were similar between the three treatment programmes. The GPP had the lowest direct costs. It is not possible to conclude which treatment programme is to be recommended as a least cost alternative. The strong effect of indirect costs on the total cost stresses that further studies should focus on methods of shortening sick-leave.
Diet of Black-legged Kittiwakes (Rissa tridactyla) feeding chicks at two Irish colonies highlights the importance of clupeids

Capsule We examined regurgitates from Black-legged Kittiwakes during the early chick-rearing period over two breeding seasons at two colonies in Ireland where diet has not been studied previously. Clupeids were the dominant food source at both colonies, which contrasts with other studies throughout the British Isles that suggest Kittiwakes feed mainly on sandeels during this period. Our study is limited by sample size and restricted to the early breeding season, but suggests a link between reproductive success and dietary composition which should be investigated further.
STRUCTURE–FUNCTION RELATIONSHIP IN THE PLASMINOGEN ACTIVATOR ISOLATED FROM THE VENOM OF TRIMERESURUS STEJNEGERI

Snake toxins impede hemostasis of prey through multiple mechanisms. Blood coagulation factors V and X, prothrombin, or the anticoagulant protein C are among their typical targets. A number of thrombin-like and plasmin-like (fibrinolytic) enzymes have also been characterized that interact with fibrin or fibrinogen. To date, however, only three direct plasminogen activators have been described in snake venom. This review updates our current knowledge on the structure–function relationship of these activators. The mechanism of plasminogen activation by toxins is outlined and compared with that of their mammalian counterparts (tissue plasminogen activator and urokinase, as well as plasminogen activator isolated from saliva of the common vampire bat). Plasmin produced through plasminogen activation is a fairly efficient protease of broad specificity. Uncontrolled plasmin degrades fibrinogen and components of the extracellular matrix in addition to fibrin. At least three mechanisms normally constrain and localize plasmin production as well as activity. First, plasminogen activator binds fibrin or a cell receptor localizing plasmin production. Second, when fibrin degradation products start to disseminate, a powerful inhibitor neutralizes the bound activator. Likewise, two powerful inhibitors also knock out plasmin when it starts to disseminate in blood. Thus, plasmin normally operates only in the vicinity of a fibrin clot, where inhibitors are locally depleted and massive plasminogen activation can take place. Snake venom plasminogen activators escape such confinement. Through site-directed mutagenesis and x-ray diffraction studies, part of the molecular basis allowing invulnerability of these toxins has been decrypted. This review highlights the role of specific areas and distinct amino acids involved in their activity.
EARLY USE OF ARTIFICIAL SENSIBILITY TO IMPROVE SENSORY RECOVERY AFTER REPAIR OF THE MEDIAN AND ULNAR NERVE

Abstract. Artificial sensibility based on use of a "tactile glove'' which substitutes for lack of sensory afferent inflow with acoustic feedback, was used early after repair of the median and ulnar nerves in a 21-year-old man. After six and 12 months the functional outcome exceeded what is expected in adults, and analysis with calculations for the minimal detectable change (MDC) in tactile gnosis showed a true change. This case highlights the timing of sensory re-education after nerve repair and also emphasises the importance of early restitution of afferent inflow from a denervated hand during rehabilitation.
Risk Factors for COVID-19 versus non-COVID-19 related in-hospital and community deaths by Local Authority District in Great Britain

Objectives: To undertake a preliminary hypothesis-generating analysis exploring putative risk factors for coronavirus diseae 2019 (COVID-19) population-adjusted deaths, compared with non-COVID-19 related deaths, at a local authority district (LAD) level in hospital, care homes and at home. Design: Ecological retrospective cohort study Setting Local authority districts (LADs) in England, Scotland and Wales (Great Britain (GB)). Participants All LAD deaths registered by week 16 of 2020. Main Outcome Measures Death registration where COVID-19 is mentioned as a contributing factor per 100,000 people in all settings, and in i) cares homes, ii) hospitals or iii) home only, in comparison to non-COVID-19 related deaths. Results Across GB by week 16 of 2020, 20,684 deaths had been registered mentioning COVID-19, equivalent to 25.6 per 100,000 people. Significant risk factors for LAD COVID-19 death in comparison to non-COVID-19 related death were air pollution and proportion of the population who were female. Significant protective factors were higher air temperature and proportion of the population who were ex-smokers. Conversely, for all COVID-19 unrelated deaths in comparison to COVID-19 deaths, higher rates of communal living, higher population rates of chronic kidney disease, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, cerebrovascular disease deaths under 75 and dementia were predictive of death, whereas, higher rates of flight passengers was protective. Looking at individual setttings, the most notable findings in care homes was Scotland being a significant risk factor for COVID-19 related deaths compared to England. For hospital setting, the proportion of the population who were from black and Asian minority ethnic (BAME) groups significantly predicted COVID-19 related death. Conclusions This is the first study within GB to assess COVID-19 related deaths in comparison to COVID-19 unrelated deaths across hospital, care homes and home combined. As an ecological study, the results cannot be directly extrapolated to individuals. However, the analysis may be informative for public health policy and protective measures. From our hypothesis-generating analysis, we propose that air pollution is a significant risk factor and high temperature a significant protective factor for COVID-19 related deaths. These factors cannot readily be modelled at an individual level. Scottish local authorities and local authorities with a higher proportion of individuals of BAME origin are potential risk factors for COVID-19 related deaths in care homes and in hospitals, respectively. Altogether, this analysis shows the benefits of access to high quality open data for public information, public health policy and further research.
1H MRS identifies lactate rise in the striatum of MPTP‐treated C57BL/6 mice

Mitochondrial dysfunction has been implicated in the death of nigrostriatal dopaminergic neurons in 1‐methyl‐4‐phenyl‐1,2,3,6‐tetrahydropyridine (MPTP)‐treated experimental models of Parkinson's disease (PD). Here we utilized proton magnetic resonance spectroscopy (1H MRS) to identify changes in energy metabolism in the striatum of MPTP‐treated C57BL/6 mice. Remarkable increases in lactate/creatine (Lac/Cr) ratio were observed at 2 h and then quickly returned to about the basal level by 7 h after injection of MPTP. Neurochemical and Western blot analyses revealed that dopamine contents and protein levels of tyrosine hydroxylase and dopamine transporter in the striatum were profoundly decreased at 3 days after MPTP treatment. Pretreatment with deprenyl, a monoamine oxidase B inhibitor, or GBR‐12909, a dopamine uptake inhibitor, almost completely attenuated both the increases in striatal Lac/Cr ratio and the subsequent loss of dopaminergic nerve terminals in MPTP‐treated mice. The present study indicates that 1H MRS is a sensitive measure of biochemical alterations of the brain in a mouse model of PD, and further shows that the increases in striatal Lac/Cr ratio induced by MPTP may be associated with mitochondrial energy crisis, followed by dopaminergic neurotoxicity.
Energy-Efficient Industrial Internet of Things Software-Defined Network by Means of the Peano Fractal

The Industrial Internet of Things (IIoT) network generates great economic benefits in processes, system installation, maintenance, reliability, scalability, and interoperability. Wireless sensor networks (WSNs) allow the IIoT network to collect, process, and share data of different parameters among Industrial IoT sense Node (IISN). ESP8266 are IISNs connected to the Internet by means of a hub to share their information. In this article, a light-diffusion algorithm in WSN to connect all the IISNs is designed, based on the Peano fractal and swarm intelligence, i.e., without using a hub, simply sharing parameters with two adjacent IINSs, assuming that any IISN knows the parameters of the rest of these devices, even if they are not adjacent. We simulated the performance of our algorithm and compared it with other state-of-the-art protocols, finding that our proposal generates a longer lifetime of the IIoT network when few IISNs were connected. Thus, there is a saving-energy of approximately 5% but with 64 nodes there is a saving of more than 20%, because the IIoT network can grow in a 3n way and the proposed topology does not impact in a linear way but log3, which balances energy consumption throughout the IIoT network.
Teratoma or a twin? An unusual presentation of epignathus

Introduction Epignathi are uncommon congenital oro-pharyngeal tumours that lead to perinatal asphyxial death. Epignathi with intracranial extension are quite rare (Duckett and Claireaux, 1963; Ang et al., 1990). We report an exceptional presentation of epignathus with intracranial extension and an ectoparasitic fetoform mass connected to the oro-pharyngeal mass by a pedicle with features of an umbilical cord. This case is of clinical signi® cance as it mimicked twin pregnancy