Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sclerostin levels and changes in bone metabolism after bariatric surgery.

CONTEXT The role of sclerostin as a key regulator of bone formation remains unknown after Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB) or laparoscopic sleeve gastrectomy (SG). OBJECTIVES The study objectives were evaluation of sclerostin and Dickkopf-1 (DKK-1) serum levels after surgery and correlations with bone turnover markers (P1NP, CTX), parathyroid hormone (iPTH) and areal bone mineral density (BMD), changes at total body, lumbar spine and total hip. DESIGN AND SETTING This was a prospective observational single-center two-arm study in premenopausal women with acute adipositas over 24 months. PARTICIPANTS Participants were 52 premenopausal women (40 ± 8 years, BMI 43.4) after RYGB and 38 premenopausal women (41 ± 7 years, BMI 45.7) after SG. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Prior to surgery and 1, 3, 6, 9, 12, 18, and 24 months after surgery sclerostin, DKK-1, CTX, P1NP levels and BMD were measured. RESULTS Sclerostin, CTX and (to a lesser extent) P1NP increased after surgery and remained elevated during the entire study period (P < 0.001). DKK-1 declined during months 3-9 (P < 0.005) and then remained unchanged, serum phosphate continuously increased (P < 0.001), iPTH remained within the upper normal limit. Sclerostin increases were significantly positively correlated with CTX and P1NP increases and negatively correlated with BMD loss. BMD independently declined regardless of RYGB and SG. Elevations of sclerostin, CTX, P1NP, and phosphate, but not DKK-1 and iPTH, were significant discriminating factors for BMD loss (AUC 0.920). CONCLUSION Rapid and sustained increases of sclerostin, CTX, and to a lesser extent, P1NP cause an increase in bone metabolism and result in BMD loss at all skeletal sites.
Effects of a one‐year high‐intensity versus low‐intensity resistance training program on bone mineral density in older women

The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of a 12‐month resistance training program, of two different intensities, on bone mineral density (BMD) in healthy, older women. Twenty‐six Caucasian women (aged 65–79 years) completed the study. Subjects were randomly assigned to one of three groups: high‐intensity (HI; n = 8), low‐intensity (LI; n = 7), and control (CON; n = 11). The active groups performed 10 exercises, 3 days/week under supervision. Exercise intensity was maintained at 80% of one‐repetition maximum (1‐RM) for the HI group, and at 40% 1‐RM for the LI group. The volume of work was maintained constant between the two groups by assigning the LI group twice as many repetitions for each exercise. Maximal muscular strength and BMD of the lumbar spine and total hip were measured at baseline and at 12 months. Strength was evaluated using the 1‐RM method, and BMD was determined by dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry. Exercise session attendance was similar for the two groups (81.0% HI; 76.8% LI). Muscular strength improved in the exercisers compared with the CON group (p ≤ 0.05). Percentage change in lumbar spine BMD was 0.7 ± 1.9%, 0.5 ± 2.4%, and ‐0.1 ± 2.3% for the HI, LI, and CON groups, respectively. Percentage change in total hip BMD was 0.8 ± 2.3% (HI), 1.0 ± 1.7% (LI), and 0.9 ± 1.3% (CON). Group differences in BMD change were not significant (p > 0.05). These findings suggest that high‐intensity and low‐intensity resistance training regimens effectively increase muscular strength, but not lumbar spine or total hip BMD, in healthy, older women.
Immunogenic Ia-binding peptides immobilize the Ia molecule and facilitate its aggregation on the B cell membrane. Control by the M1s-1 gene.

Aggregation (e.g., through cross-linkage) of cell surface molecules is in various biologic systems a necessary event in cellular activation. Examining the Ia molecule on B cells we found that aggregation is a function of the surface Ag mobility; the higher the fraction of immobile molecules on the plane of the membrane, the better Ia forms aggregates and patches. We identify two factors that control Ia mobility and aggregability. One factor is the M1s-1a gene product; the other factor is an Ia-reactive immunogenic peptide. Both factors increase Ia aggregability and reduce the MHC Ag mobility.
Hypertension and survival in chronic hemodialysis patients--past lessons and future opportunities.

There is substantial controversy surrounding the benefits of control of hypertension in hemodialysis patients. Unlike the general population, some studies suggest that higher blood pressure in hemodialysis patients offers a survival advantage, what is termed as "reverse epidemiology. " To critically analyze the relationship between total and cardiovascular mortality and blood pressure, peer-reviewed, published studies in hemodialysis patients were analyzed. Consideration of the world-wide experience suggests that analysis of incident cohorts reveal a clear link between elevated blood pressure and mortality. Increased pulse pressure, which is primarily due to increased systolic pressure, is also associated with cardiovascular morbidity and mortality. The counterintuitive relationship between blood pressure and mortality appears, in part, to be due to methods of data analysis. When data are analyzed with systolic or diastolic blood pressure as separate models, not conjointly, inverse relationship between blood pressure and total and cardiovascular mortality is generally seen. When both systolic and diastolic blood pressure are considered together, systolic blood pressure or increased pulse pressure assumes a major importance in predicting cardiovascular events whereas diastolic blood pressure retains the inverse relationship. Control of hypertension in hypertensive dialysis patients is associated with improved survival. Furthermore, the use of antihypertensive drug treatment is associated with improved survival regardless of blood pressure control. Low predialysis blood pressure is associated with increased cardiovascular deaths and deaths within 2 years from malignancy or withdrawal from dialysis. These data suggest that hypertension needs to be better controlled in hypertensive hemodialysis patients. Better methods of assessment of blood pressure control, consideration of cardiac structure and function, and performance of randomized controlled trials of pharmacologic and nonpharmacologic strategies are needed to establish benefits and determining goal blood pressure in hemodialysis patients.
Regulation of histone and beta A-globin gene expression during differentiation of chicken erythroid cells

The expression of the genes for several histones and beta A-globin was examined in the chicken erythroid cells lineage. During the transition from CFU-(E) to the mature erythrocyte, histone H5 gradually increased fourfold in nuclei with little concomitant displacement of the H1 histones. This resulted in a 70% net increase in linker histone (H1 plus H5) content. The differential accumulation of H5 reflected (i) an increase in the transcriptional activity of the H5 gene occurring at the erythroblast stage, (ii) an apparent longer half-life of H5 mRNA, and (iii) a higher stability of the protein. Although the transcriptional activity of the histone genes (except H5) decreased with cell age, it was not tightly coupled to the S phase. On the other hand, the mRNA levels for these histones were tightly regulated during the cell cycle. Use of protein and DNA synthesis inhibitors indicated that the content of H5 mRNA was regulated at the posttranscriptional level by a control mechanism(s) differing from those for the other histones. Although the transcription rates of the H5 and beta A-globin genes were comparable, differential accumulation of beta A-globin mRNA led to a 30- to 170-fold-higher copy number of the beta A-globin mRNA as the cell matured.
Influence of levosimendan on organ dysfunction in patients with severely reduced left ventricular function undergoing cardiac surgery

Objectives Levosimendan is an inotropic drug with organ-protective properties due to its activation of mitochondrial KATP channels. This prospective, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study investigated whether administration of levosimendan prior to cardiopulmonary bypass could reduce organ dysfunction and influence subsequent secondary endpoints. Patients and methods Patients with left ventricular ejection fraction <30% scheduled for elective coronary artery bypass surgery (with or without valve surgery) received either levosimendan (12.5 mg, 0.1 µg kg−1 per min; n = 17) or placebo (n = 16) central venous infusion, immediately after anaesthesia induction, as add-on medication to a goal-orientated treatment algorithm. Results A total of 33 patients completed the study. There were no statistically significant differences in Sequential Organ Failure Assessment scores, survival, haemodynamic parameters, time to extubation, time in intensive care unit, need for haemodialysis or health-related quality-of-life at 6 months post operation. The levosimendan group compared with the placebo group had significantly lower use of epinephrine (35% versus 81%) and nitroglycerine (6% versus 44%) 24 h postoperation, and significantly less frequent serious adverse events (13% versus 47%). Conclusions These preliminary results show that timely perioperative levosimendan treatment is feasible, has a favourable safety profile safe and may help to prevent low cardiac output syndrome. However, organ function was not preserved. Further studies, using larger sample sizes, are required.
Structural basis for LFA-1 inhibition upon lovastatin binding to the CD11a I-domain.

The lymphocyte function-associated antigen (LFA-1) belongs to the family of beta2-integrins and plays an important role in T-cell activation and leukocyte migration to sites of inflammation. We report here that lovastatin, a drug clinically used for lowering cholesterol levels, inhibits the interaction of human LFA-1 with its counter-receptor intercellular adhesion molecule-1. Using nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and X-ray crystallography we show that the inhibitor binds to a highly conserved domain of the LFA-1 alpha-chain called the I-domain. The first three-dimensional structure of an integrin inhibitor bound to its receptor reveals atomic details for a hitherto unknown mode of LFA-1 inhibition. It also sheds light into possible mechanisms of LFA-1 mediated signalling and will support the design of novel anti-adhesive and immunosuppressive drugs.
Autophagy in development and regeneration: role in tissue remodelling and cell survival

Abstract Morphogenetic events that occur during development and regeneration are energy demanding processes requiring profound rearrangements in cell architecture, which need to be coordinated in timely fashion with other cellular activities, such as proliferation, migration and differentiation. In the last 15 years, it has become evident that autophagy, an evolutionarily-conserved catabolic process that mediates the lysosomal turnover of organelles and macromolecules, is an essential “tool” to ensure remodelling events that occur at cellular and tissue levels. Indeed, studies in several model organisms have shown that the inactivation of autophagy genes has a significant impact on embryogenesis and tissue regeneration, leading to extensive cell death and persistence of unnecessary cell components. Interestingly, the increased understanding of the mechanisms that confers selectivity to the autophagic process has also contributed to identifying development-specific targets of autophagy across species. Moreover, alternative ways to deliver materials to the lysosome, such as microautophagy, are also emerging as key actors in these contexts, providing a more complete view of how the cell component repertoire is renovated. In this review, we discuss the role of different types of autophagy in development and regeneration of invertebrates and vertebrates, focusing in particular on its contribution in cnidarians, platyhelminthes, nematodes, insects, zebrafish and mammals.
The Amenity Value of Wetlands

The Amenity Value of Wetlands. (August 2010) Shan Gao, B.S., Wuhan University, China; M.S., Wuhan University, China Chair of Advisory Committee: Dr. George O. Rogers Wetlands provide recreation and cultural values including scenic views, aesthetics, open-spaces, and leisure opportunities to surrounding residents. This study applies a hedonic approach to estimate the impact of wetland amenities on nearby single family homes using actual sales prices of properties from 1991 to 2005 in Chatham County, Georgia, where wetland resources are unevenly distributed in terms of types and quantities of wetlands. Separate hedonic models are investigated to understand the spatial variation of wetland amenity effects across different study areas in Chatham County. This study finds that wetland amenity values vary mainly with the characteristics of study location. In a rural setting where wetland resources are ample and sufficient. Wetland amenities have negative impacts on the sales price of nearby single family homes. Forested wetlands, the size of the nearest wetland, and wetland proximity negatively impact the sales price of the properties. In an urban setting where wetland resources are extremely limited, wetlands have significant positive amenity effects. The size of the nearest wetland positively impact the sales price of nearby single family homes, but type of wetlands turns into insignificant. In a suburban area with diverse
Semi-global non-regular linearization of nonlinear systems

In this paper the problem of global or semi-global non-regular static state feedback linearization of affine nonlinear systems is considered. Based on a normal form and a non-regular linearization technique developed recently by authors, this paper first provides a detailed algorithm for the linearization procedure. Then it also presents an easily verifiable condition to estimate the linearizable region, which solves the semi-global linearization problem. An example is included to describe the method and verify the efficiency of the estimation.
Laparoscopic evaluation of the small intestine in the standing horse: Technique and effects*

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the feasibility and clinical outcomes after laparoscopic evaluation of the small intestines via laparoscopy. STUDY DESIGN Prospective pilot study. ANIMALS Healthy adult horses (n = 5). METHODS Horses were restrained in standing stocks and received an infusion of detomidine. One port was placed in the left last intercostal space and 3 ports were placed in the right paralumbar fossa. The small intestine was run with atraumatic laparoscopic grasping forceps, from the duodenocolic plica to the ileocecal plica. Postoperative pain was scored every 4 hours for the first 48 hours. Horses were monitored via physical examinations for 2 weeks. Second look laparoscopy was repeated at 2 weeks, to run the small intestine and assess iatrogenic changes. An exploratory celiotomy was performed in 2 horses, 2 months later and long-term follow-up was recorded in 3 horses. RESULTS Laparoscopic evaluation of the entire small intestine was successfully completed twice in every horse. This evaluation lasted 39 ± 21.2 minutes (mean ± SD), while total surgery time was 73 ± 34.1 minutes. Postoperative physical examinations remained normal in all horses, and pain scores were scored as mild. The only abnormalities at second look laparoscopy consisted of multifocal petechiae and ecchymoses in all horses, resolved by 2 months in the 2 horses explored via celiotomy. Three horses with long-term follow-up were healthy 8 months after the study. CONCLUSION Running the small intestine laparoscopically is a feasible procedure in standing normal horses, and does not cause significant discomfort nor complications.
A bacterial control circuit integrates polar localization and proteolysis of key regulatory proteins with a phospho-signaling cascade

Dynamic protein localization is an integral component of the regulatory circuit that drives the Caulobacter cell cycle. The ClpXP protease is localized to the Caulobacter cell pole, where it catalyzes the degradation of the CtrA master regulator at specific times in the cell cycle. Clearance of active CtrA at the G1/S transition allows the initiation of DNA replication and cell-cycle progression. The polar localization of ClpXP is dependent on the polar positioning of the CpdR single-domain response regulator. Only the unphosphorylated form of CpdR localizes and activates ClpXP. We demonstrate that another single domain response regulator, DivK, promotes the polar accumulation of unphosphorylated CpdR and that CpdR is subsequently degraded at the cell pole by the localized ClpXP protease. Thus, CpdR function is regulated by a feedback loop that incorporates its differential phosphorylation, the transient polar localization and activity of the ClpXP protease, and the clearance of the CpdR by polar ClpXP that, in turn, releases ClpXP from the pole relieving the degradation of CtrA. CtrA∼P then accumulates and activates the transcription of cpdR, completing the regulatory loop, establishing an integrated network that controls a robust cell-cycle transition.
EMPIRICAL DETERMINATIONS OF FEMALE ENROLMENT TRENDS IN EDUCATION SECTOR OF PAKISTAN

Education is a basic human right (United Nations, 2010). Education is a major source of creating and developing variety of productive capacities and expertise among human beings. Females’ access at all levels of education makes them efficient and effective in their personal and professional roles and enables them to contribute in the economic and non-economic development of their societies and nation’s. Country Pakistan is a less developed country of the world, were female seldom have access to their basic rights including education. To uplift the unstable economy of the country, Government of Pakistan focused to provide education to all, up to higher education level. Since last 64 years of independence, Government of Pakistan took various education policies, planes and schemes to enhance accessibility of education with special focus on female but females’ education status remain unsatisfactory. Therefore, this research paper is focused to presents the current scenario of female education in Pakistan and to examine the growth in female education at various education stages, during past 20 years in Pakistan. This research study also identifies the causes and socio-economic obstacles which makes female deprive to get education in this modern era.
Adenovirus E1A Targets the DREF Nuclear Factor To Regulate Virus Gene Expression, DNA Replication, and Growth

ABSTRACT The adenovirus E1A gene is the first gene expressed upon viral infection. E1A remodels the cellular environment to maximize permissivity for viral replication. E1A is also the major transactivator of viral early gene expression and a coregulator of a large number of cellular genes. E1A carries out its functions predominantly by binding to cellular regulatory proteins and altering their activities. The unstructured nature of E1A enables it to bind to a large variety of cellular proteins and form new molecular complexes with novel functions. The C terminus of E1A is the least-characterized region of the protein, with few known binding partners. Here we report the identification of cellular factor DREF (ZBED1) as a novel and direct binding partner of E1A. Our studies identify a dual role for DREF in the viral life cycle. DREF contributes to activation of gene expression from all viral promoters early in infection. Unexpectedly, it also functions as a growth restriction factor for adenovirus as knockdown of DREF enhances virus growth and increases viral genome copy number late in the infection. We also identify DREF as a component of viral replication centers. E1A affects the subcellular distribution of DREF within PML bodies and enhances DREF SUMOylation. Our findings identify DREF as a novel E1A C terminus binding partner and provide evidence supporting a role for DREF in viral replication. IMPORTANCE This work identifies the putative transcription factor DREF as a new target of the E1A oncoproteins of human adenovirus. DREF was found to primarily localize with PML nuclear bodies in uninfected cells and to relocalize into virus replication centers during infection. DREF was also found to be SUMOylated, and this was enhanced in the presence of E1A. Knockdown of DREF reduced the levels of viral transcripts detected at 20 h, but not at 40 h, postinfection, increased overall virus yield, and enhanced viral DNA replication. DREF was also found to localize to viral promoters during infection together with E1A. These results suggest that DREF contributes to activation of viral gene expression. However, like several other PML-associated proteins, DREF also appears to function as a growth restriction factor for adenovirus infection.
Simulation of a Recent Regional Windblown Dust Event on the Columbia Plateau

A regional, windblown dust modeling system, developed for the Columbia Plateau PM10 Program (CP), was employed to simulate a regional dust storm that occurred during Sept 23 25, 1999. Observed hourly PM10 concentrations exceeded 1000 ug m at downwind urban receptors and extremely poor visibility due to blowing dust in northeastern Oregon caused a fifty car pile-up with the loss of seven lives. To simulate the emission of PM10 due to windblown soil erosion, a detailed emission model has been developed for the CP region. However, in initial applications of the model to historical dust events, the model significantly underestimated observed PM10 concentrations, and a calibrated emission constant was required to yield agreement between observed and predicted PM10 concentrations. For the 1999 event, new analyses of the dust content of CP soils were incorporated into the emission model. Results from the simulation showed that the predicted PM10 concentrations in Spokane, WA were in relatively good agreement (within 30%) with the observed concentrations in terms of the onset and magnitude of elevated concentrations. This good agreement did not require any adjustment of the emission model. However, in Kennewick, WA the predicted concentrations were significantly higher (by a factor of three or more) than the observed concentrations. To investigate the source areas responsible for the PM10 predicted for Spokane and Kennewick, a novel back trajectory source footprint method was employed. This technique indicates that during high wind speeds accompanying a dust storm, emissions affecting the urban receptors are within approximately 40 km of the receptor.