Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of growth hormone on caffeine metabolism in hypophysectomized rats.

Two groups of six male Sprague-Dawley hypophysectomized rats (operated on day 0), 8 weeks old, treated by sc tetracosactid (ACTH, 10 micrograms every 24 hr), thyroxine (5 micrograms/100 g every 24 hr) and desmopressin (240 ng/kg/24 hr continuous infusion) received SC either saline (group I) or human growth hormone (hGH, 120 micrograms/24 hr) (group II) continuous infusion. ACTH and thyroxine were administered on days 7-19 and desmopressin and hGH on days 8-19, after surgery. They received po caffeine 4 mg/kg as citrate salt on day 15. The 0-12, 12-24 and 24-48 hr urine samples were collected after caffeine administration. Caffeine and metabolites concentrations in urines were determined using HPLC. Effect on hGH on caffeine metabolism was assessed comparing group I and group II. In 0-48-hr urine, 1-methylxanthine (154 +/- 169 pmol/g) and 3-7-dimethyluric acid (5.57 +/- 19.3 pmol/g) in group II were significantly lower than in group I (391 +/- 340 pmol/g and 262 +/- 338 nmol/g, respectively) (p less than 0.05). Other metabolites (6-amino-5-(N-methyl formylamino)-1,3-dimethyluracil included) excretion was not altered. Total, N3-, N7- and N1-demethylation ratios on 0-48 hr urine were not modified by hGH treatment. However, demethylation ratios on 12-24 and 24-48 hr (N3 + N7 + N1) and on 24-48 hr urine samples (N3 and N7) were significantly reduced in group II (p less than 0.05) suggesting an increase in the rate of appearance of demethylated metabolites during hGH treatment. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Cell-substrate contact: another factor may influence transepithelial electrical resistance of cell layers cultured on permeable filters.

Transepithelial resistance (TER) measurement has often been used to study the paracellular transport properties of epithelia grown on permeable filters, especially the barrier function of tight junctions. However, the TER value includes another source, the resistance caused by cell-substrate contact, that may give rise to a high TER value if cell-substrate separation is small. In this study we use electric cell-substrate impedance sensing (ECIS) to measure both paracellular resistance and the average cell-substrate distance of MDCK (II), HEp-2, and WI-38 VA13 cells. Comparing ECIS data with those from TER measurements of cell layers cultured on polycarbonate filters, we can obtain the approximate extra resistance resulting from cell-substrate contact for each cell type. The value of cell-substrate resistance was also estimated by two theoretical calculations that bracket the true values. Our results demonstrate that cell-substrate contact substantially influences the TER data measured using polycarbonate filters and that the extra resistance due to cell-substrate spaces depends on both cell type and filter property.
In vitro Scleroderma laeve and Eucalyptus grandis mycorrhization and analysis of atp6, 17S rDNA, and ras gene expression during ectomycorrhizal formation

The interaction between fungi and plants that form ectomycorrhizae (ECM) promotes alterations in the gene expression profiles of both organisms. Fungal genes expression related to metabolism were evaluated at the pre‐symbiotic stage and during the ECM development between Scleroderma laeve and Eucalyptus grandis. Partial sequences of ATP synthase (atp6), translation elongation factor (ef1α), the RAS protein (ras), and the 17S rDNA genes were isolated. The expression of the atp6 and 17S rDNA genes during the pre‐symbiotic stage showed an approximately threefold increase compared to the control. During ECM development, the expression of the 17S rDNA gene showed a 4.4‐fold increase after 3 days of contact, while the expression of the atp6 gene increased 7.23‐fold by the 15th day, suggesting that protein synthesis and respiratory chain activities are increased during the formation of the mantle and the Hartig net. The ras gene transcripts were only detected by RT‐PCR 30 days after fungus–plant contact, suggesting that RAS‐mediated signal transduction pathways are functional during the establishment of symbiosis. The present study demonstrates that alterations in gene expression occur in response to stimuli released by the plant during ECM association and increases the understanding of the association between S. laeve and E. grandis.
Chemotaxis of neutrophil leucocytes towards spermatozoa and seminal fluid.

Summary. The chemotactic activity for neutrophil leucocytes of the isolated spermatozoa and of the sperm-free seminal fluid was studied by a modification of Boyden's technique. Both spermatozoa and seminal fluid were found to attract neutrophils in the presence of serum or plasma, but not in their absence. The activity of seminal fluid is probably mediated in part by the complement system but it is unlikely that the classical haemolytic complement reaction is responsible for the activity of spermatozoa.
Unstable Nonunions of the Distal Part of the Humerus

Background: Some nonunions of the distal part of the humerus are so unstable that the hand and the forelimb cannot be supported against gravity. The purpose of the present retrospective study was to analyze the results of open reduction and internal fixation, joint contracture release, and autogenous bone-grafting in the treatment of these unstable nonunions of the distal part of the humerus.Methods: Fifteen patients (average age, sixty years) with an unstable nonunion of the distal part of the humerus were treated with excision of fibrous and synovial tissues, opening of sclerotic fracture surfaces, internal fixation with multiple plates and screws, and autogenous bone-grafting. The average time from the original fracture to the index treatment of the nonunion was eleven months. Vascularized fibular grafts and supplemental external fixation were necessary in two patients with large bone defects after débridement at the site of a previous infection.Results: Three nonunions failed to heal and were treated with total elbow arthroplasty. Twelve nonunions healed, but six of the twelve required additional surgery because of painful implants, ulnar neuropathy, or elbow contracture. After an average duration of follow-up of fifty-one months (range, twenty-four to 130 months), the twelve patients in whom the nonunion healed had an average arc of ulnohumeral motion of 95°, with an average flexion of 117° and an average flexion contracture of 22°. According to the Mayo Elbow Performance Index, the functional result was rated as excellent in two patients, good in nine, and fair in one.Conclusions: Unstable nonunions of the distal part of the humerus can be treated successfully in most active, healthy patients with use of rigid internal fixation, joint contracture release, and bone-grafting.Level of Evidence: Therapeutic study, Level IV (case series [no, or historical, control group]). See Instructions to Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Microtubule polarity and axis formation in the Drosophila oocyte

The body axes of the fruit fly are established in mid‐oogenesis by the localization of three mRNA determinants, bicoid, oskar, and gurken, within the oocyte. General mechanisms of RNA localization and cell polarization, applicable to many cell types, have emerged from investigation of these determinants in Drosophila oogenesis. Localization of these RNAs is dependent on the germline microtubules, which reorganize to form a polarized array at mid‐oogenesis in response to a signaling relay between the oocyte and the surrounding somatic follicle cells. Here we describe what is known about this microtubule reorganization and the signaling relay that triggers it. Recent studies have identified a number of ubiquitous RNA binding proteins essential for this process. So far, no targets for any of these proteins have been identified, and future work will be needed to illuminate how they function to reorganize microtubes and whether similar mechanisms also exist in other cell types. Developmental Dynamics 235:1455–1468, 2006. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Absence of tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin-6 (IL-6), and granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor expression but presence of IL-1beta, IL-8, and IL-10 expression in human monocytes exposed to viable or killed Ehrlichia chaffeensis

Ehrlichia chaffeensis is a recently isolated minute gram-negative obligatory intracellular bacterium of monocytes/macrophages and is the etiologic agent of human monocytic ehrlichiosis. It is not known how macrophages respond when they encounter ehrlichiae in terms of cytokine production. In this study, we examined cytokine mRNA expression by incubating E. chaffeensis with THP-1 cells and performing competitive reverse transcription-PCR (RT-PCR). At 2 h postinfection, the levels of interleukin-1beta (IL-1beta), IL-8, and IL-10 mRNAs were significant but lower than those following Escherichia coli lipopolysaccharide (LPS) stimulation. Unlike the situation with E. coli LPS stimulation, however, IL-6, granulocyte-macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF), and tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-alpha) mRNAs were not induced. Time course and dose-response studies confirmed the absence of IL-6, GM-CSF, and TNF-alpha mRNA induction with E. chaffeensis. Viable E. chaffeensis organisms were not required for IL-1beta IO, IL-8, and IL-10 mRNA induction, since heat-killed E. chaffeensis induced identical time course responses. IL-1beta, IL-8, and IL-10 mRNAs were detected for up to 21, 21, and 24 h postexposure with E. chaffeensis, respectively, which were shut off more rapidly than with LPS stimulation. Although heat treatment of E. chaffeensis had no effect, periodate treatment completely abolished the ability of E. chaffeensis to induce IL-1beta, IL-8, and IL-10 mRNAs. The capture enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay result corresponded with the RT-PCR results, showing that viable and heat-killed E. chaffeensis produced and secreted the same levels of IL-1beta and IL-8. IL-10 production was significantly reduced by heat treatment. Periodate-treated ehrlichiae did not induce production of any of the cytokines tested. Anti-CD14 monoclonal antibody and polymyxin B did not inhibit IL-1beta mRNA expression upon exposure to E. chaffeensis. The absence of TNF-alpha, IL-6, and GM-CSF mRNA induction may delay the development of a protective immune response, thereby allowing E. chaffeensis to set up residence in macrophages.
Living Organ Procurement from the Mentally Incompetent: The Need for More Appropriate Guidelines

With the case of Belgium as a negative example, this paper will evaluate the legitimacy of using mentally incompetents as organ sources. The first section examines the underlying moral dilemma that results from the necessity of balancing the principle of respect for persons with the obligation to help people in desperate need. We argue for the rejection of a radical utilitarian approach but also question the appropriateness of a categorical prohibition. Section two aims to strike a fair balance between the competing interests at stake and to define the conditions under which organ harvest from mentally incompetents might be morally acceptable. To this end, we morally assess the main requirements that have been put forward to allow organ removal from incompetent donors. We conclude that the current Belgian legislation is far too permissive and that national regulations that do not permit the harvest of non-regenerable organs from mentally incompetents in exceptional circumstances are too restrictive. On the basis of this discussion, we propose a number of guiding principles for decision-making in this area.
A novel approach of automatic music genre classification based on timbrai texture and rhythmic content features

Music genre classification is an essential component for the music information retrieval system. There are two important components to be considered for better genre classification, which are audio feature extraction and classifier. This paper incorporates two different kinds of features for genre classification, timbrai texture and rhythmic content features. Timbrai texture contains the Mel-frequency Cepstral Coefficient (MFCC) with other several spectral features. Before choosing a timbrai feature we explore which feature plays an insignificant role on genre discrimination. This facilitates the reduction of feature dimension. For the timbrai features up to the 4-th order central moments and the covariance components of mutual features are considered to improve the overall classification result. For the rhythmic content the features extracted from beat histogram are selected. In the paper Extreme Learning Machine (ELM) with bagging is used as the classifier for classifying the genres. Based on the proposed feature sets and classifier, experiment is performed with well-known datasets: GTZAN with ten different music genres. The proposed method acquires better classification accuracy compared to the existing methodologies.
Sensitivity of Listeria monocytogenes to Sanitizers Used in the Meat Processing Industry

ABSTRACT Nineteen Listeria monocytogenes strains were characterized by automated ribotyping, pulsed-field gel electrophoresis, and plasmid profiling to determine the relationship between genotype and sanitizer resistance. Isolates within a ribogroup had a consistent sensitivity or resistance phenotype except for ribogroup C isolates. All isolates with resistance phenotypes harbored two plasmids. The sensitivity of L. monocytogenes strains to quaternary ammonium compounds (QACs) was correlated with sensitivity to sanitizers and antibiotics with other modes of action. All isolates tested contained the mdrL gene, which encodes an efflux pump that confers resistance to QACs and is both chromosome and plasmid borne.
Differential but Direct Abolishment of Human Regulatory T Cell Suppressive Capacity by Various TLR2 Ligands

CD4+CD25high regulatory T cells (Tregs) control cellular immune responses and maintain peripheral tolerance. We investigated whether TLR2 ligands are able to abrogate Treg-induced suppression in humans based on different reports about effects of triacylated lipopeptide Pam3CSK4 in mice. Pretreatment of human Tregs with a mixture of TLR2 ligands Pam2CSK4, FSL-1, and Pam3CSK4 reduced the Treg-mediated suppression of CD4+CD25− responder T cells in the majority of the analyzed donors. Differential effects of individual TLR2 ligands are explained by usage of different TLR2 heterodimers in the recognition of Pam2CSK4, FSL-1, and Pam3CSK4. In contrast to the murine system, TLR2 ligand-mediated abrogation of human Treg function was not associated with a downregulation of FoxP3 transcription factor. Furthermore, our results excluded an effect of TLR2 ligands on granzyme A/B release by human Tregs as a potential mechanism to abolish Treg-mediated suppression. Our data suggest that a downregulation of p27Kip1 and restoration of Akt phosphorylation in human Tregs pretreated with TLR2 ligands result in a reversal of suppression on responder T cells. Moreover, our data indicate that a mixture of TLR2 ligands can be used to modulate human Treg activity.
Inhibition of experimental Sjögren's syndrome through immunization with HSP60 and its peptide amino acids 437-460.

OBJECTIVE To investigate a potential immunomodulatory effect of the 60-kd heat-shock protein (Hsp60) on experimental spontaneous Sjögren's syndrome (SS). METHODS Seven-week-old nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice were immunized with eukaryotic Hsp60 or an Hsp60-derived peptide (amino acid residue [aa] 437-460). At 21 weeks of age, nondiabetic mice were investigated for salivary gland inflammation, exocrine function, and extraglandular disease manifestations. In addition, biomarker profiles comprising 87 analytes in serum and 75 in saliva were analyzed. RESULTS In mice immunized with Hsp60 and aa 437-460, SS-related histopathologic features were significantly reduced compared with NOD controls. In addition, 50% of Hsp60-injected mice and 33% of aa 437-460-injected mice retained normal exocrine function. Both treatments induced similar changes in biomarker profiles. Notably, levels of circulating interferon-gamma-inducible 10-kd protein (IP-10) and eotaxin were decreased significantly after treatment. Anti-type 3 muscarinic acetylcholine receptor (anti-M3R) IgG1, interleukin-10, and leptin discriminated best between the different treatment groups. Successful prevention of hyposalivation was accompanied by quantitative alterations in 36 biomarkers, of which 19 mediators of inflammation declined to levels comparable with those found in BALB/c mice. Low secreted vascular endothelial growth factor A was the most accurate predictor of successful prevention of hyposalivation. Low salivary granulocyte chemotactic protein 2 was identified as the best predictor of normal secretory function across the strains. CONCLUSION Immunization with Hsp60 and its peptide aa 437-460 led to inhibition of SS in NOD mice. Comprehensive analyses revealed specific biomarker signatures capable of predicting treatment group and treatment outcome. Molecules involved in inflammatory chemotaxis, neovascularization, and regulatory pathways caused the differences displayed by the biomarker profiles.
Exercise and Health Chronic Treadmill Running Affects Adipose Tissue Metabolism in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats

Ferreira A, Prímola-Gomes T, Menezes Z, Cruz J, Natali A. Chronic Treadmill Running Affects Adipose Tissue Metabolism in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats. JEPonline 2010;13(5): 9-18. We investigated in adipocytes of hypertensive rats (SHR) the effects of chronic treadmill running on parameters influenced by insulin (anti-lipolytic effect, glucose uptake) and on LPL activity. Male SHR were randomly divided into two groups: chronic exercise (CEX-SHR, n=10) and sedentary control (SEDSHR; n=10). Lipolysis was measured under basal, isoproterenol (ISO, 0.1 μM) and insulin (4.3 nM) stimulated conditions. Glucose uptake was measured under basal and insulin (4.3 nM) stimulated conditions. Lipoprotein lipase (LPL) activity was also measured. Lipolytic activity and anti-lipolytic effect of insulin were higher in CEX (0.64 ± 0.06 mM) than in SED group (0.43 ± 0.09 mM). Insulin-stimulated glucose uptake increased in CEX compared to SED group (4.08 ± 0.18 nmol/3 min CEX vs. 3.06 ± 0.23 nmol/3 min SED). LPL activity decreased in CEX compared to SED group (0.22 ± 0.06 nmol [H]-fatty acid released/min, CEX vs. 0.36 ± 0.04 nmol [H]-fatty acids released/min, SED). In conclusion, chronic treadmill running increased SHR adipocyte lipolysis response to ISO stimulation and insulin-stimulated glucose uptake with decreased LPL activity at resting conditions.
Eretmocerus penetration and immature development: A novel approach to overcome host immunity

The mode of penetration of parasitoids belonging to the genus Eretmocerus into whitefly larvae and their immature development were examined. Examination included scanning electron microscopy and light microscopy of stained and unstained whole mounts and sections. The Eretmocerus larva pierces the venter of its host shortly after hatching, and subsequently enters the host through the same hole. The host reacts by forming a cellular capsule around the Eretmocerus larva. This capsule is incomplete, with an opening in its ventral side opposite the penetration hole. The capsule remains intact during most of the second instar of the parasitoid. It then disintegrates, but its remnants are still visible around the third instar. Whenever two Eretmocerus larvae penetrate, they are surrounded by two capsules. The capsule does not prevent parasitoid development, but it apparently precludes contact of cellular elements of the host's blood with the developing parasitoid larva. Adaptive features of Eretmocerus larval biology include the early contact with the host's internal medium that permits host regulation; and the delay of contact with the host's blood cells that may preclude the need to confront host immunological systems.
Effect of Preliminary Unit Root Tests on Prediction Intervals for Gaussian Autoregressive Processes with Additive Outliers

The preliminary unit root test has been found to be a useful tool for improving the accuracy of a one-step-ahead predictor and prediction interval for the first-order autoregressive process when an autoregressive coefficient is close to one. This paper applies the aforementioned concepts of the preliminary unit root test in order to improve the efficiency of prediction intervals for the Gaussian autoregressive processes with additive outliers. The preliminary unit root tests considered are the augmented Dickey-Fuller (ADF) test and the Shin et al.’s (SSL) test. In addition, the analytic expressions of the coverage probability of prediction intervals are derived, and the structure of the coverage probability was proved to be independent from the mean of the process and the parameter of the innovation, it is a function of the autoregressive coefficients only. For the parameter estimation of processes we use the generalized M-estimates. The coverage probabilities and the widths of the standard prediction interval, the prediction interval following the ADF test, and the prediction interval following the SSL test are also compared via simulation studies. Simulation results have shown that the SSL test can help to improve the accuracy of the prediction intervals with additive outliers, especially when the sample size is large. The performance of the proposed prediction intervals is illustrated with an empirical application.
Long‐Term Versus Short‐Term Amitriptyline Side Effects as Measured by a Postmarketing Surveillance System

As part of a large-scale postmarketing surveillance study, the adverse clinical events (ACEs) reported by 85 outpatients taking amitriptyline were investigated. Two discrete groups of patients were identified based on their duration of amitriptyline treatment: 45 had started the drug within 2 weeks of their interview (mean = 10.1 days, SD = 1.6 days), while 40 were much longer term tricyclic antidepressant patients (mean = 227.2 days,SD = 135 days). Our analysis of amitriptyline side effects reported by each of these two discrete groups challenges the common clinical impression that tricyclic side effects, in general, abate with continued treatment. Shorter term patients were much better able to correctly attribute their adverse clinical events to their drug therapy. Anticholinergic side effects were reported as new symptoms by the long-term patients just as frequently with similar ratings of subjective severity. These reports of adverse drug reactions of recent onset by long-term amitriptyline users may reflect the fact that such symptoms fluctuate in their occurrence and may not be recognized as potentially drug-induced until some threshold for patient tolerance is exceeded.
AVALIAÇÃO DO POTENCIAL ALELOPÁTICO DE CAPIM-SANTO (CYMBOPOGON CITRATUS (DC) STAPF.) SOBRE O DESENVOLVIMENTO INICIAL DE ALFACE (LACTUCA SATIVA L)

A alface (Lactuca sativa L.) e uma das especies vegetais que tem grande importância economica e nutricional. Com base nisso, o presente trabalho objetivou avaliar os efeitos alelopaticos de capim-santo (Cymbopogon citratus (DC) Stapf. ) sobre o desenvolvimento inicial de alface. Foram coletadas partes aereas de capim-santo submetidas a secagem ao sol e estufa ate obtencao de peso constante. Prepararam-se solucoes (0%, 1%, 2%, 3%, 4%, 5%) com alcool etilico e partes aereas que permaneceram por 48 horas, tendo posteriormente medidos parâmetros de condutividade, Ph e temperatura. Os extratos foram impregnados em folhas germitest que recepcionaram sementes de alface submetidas as leituras do comprimento de radicula e hipocotilo. Observou-se efeito alelopatico significativo sobre a radicula de alface dos extratos de capim-santo no desenvolvimento radicular das sementes expostas as maiores concentracoes (3%, 4% e 5%), que evidenciaram maior efeito inibitorio.