Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Circadian patterns of serum insulin-like growth factor (IGF) II and IGF binding protein 3 in growth hormone-deficient patients and age- and sex-matched normal subjects.

Knowledge of the circadian patterns of serum IGF-II and the large molecular weight IGF binding protein, IGFBP-3 might, apart from its physiological relevance, be of clinical interest, inasmuch as measurements of these parameters are being introduced into the evaluation of GH deficiency. We therefore evaluated the 24-h (08.00-08.00 h) patterns of serum IGF-II and IGFBP-3 in 8 GH-deficient patients who were studied during three periods when receiving 1. GH (2 IU) at 20.00 h; 2. GH (2 1U) at 08.00 h and 3. no GH. For comparison, 10 age- and sex-matched untreated healthy subjects were studied once under similar conditions. The serum IGF-II levels of the patients were relatively stable over the 24-h periods, yielding mean levels which were significantly lower during no GH: 553 +/- 78 (evening GH), 554 +/- 54 (morning GH), and 429 +/- 65 micrograms/l (no GH). The mean IGF-II level in the normal subjects was 635 +/- 29 micrograms/l, which was significantly higher than in either patient study. Similarly, stable 24-h levels of IGFBP-3 were recorded in all studies. The mean IGFBP-3 level of the patients was significantly lower when they received no GH, and the mean level in the healthy subjects was higher than in any of the patient studies: 1853 +/- 301 (no GH), 2755 +/- 317 (evening GH), 2904 +/- 269 (morning GH), and 3856 +/- 186 micrograms/l (healthy subjects). However, minute but significant changes over time, characterised by slight decrements at night, were observed for both parameters in several of the studies. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Chemopreventive Potential of Major Flavonoid Compound of Methanolic Bark Extract of Saraca asoca (Roxb.) in Benzene-induced Toxicity of Acute Myeloid Leukemia Mice

Background: Saraca asoca (SA) (Roxb.) is one of the folk medicinal plants found in India, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka. Its major biological activity appears due to the presence of flavonoid group of compounds in its bark extract. Objective: In this study, our research aims to analyze the chemopreventive effect of flavonoids, especially a natural phenol catechin present in the bark methanolic extract of SA on acute myeloid leukemia (AML) mice. Materials and Methods: The total bark extract was partitioned and analyzed on thin-layer chromatography (TLC) plate. The yellow-brown material of spot 4 was analyzed and identified as catechin. The yellowish brown material (YBM) was tested for their chemopreventive potential. An in vivo AML mice model was used to test the efficacy. Hematological parameters (Hb %, red blood cell, and white blood cell count), expression of cell cycle regulatory proteins, and DNA fragmentation analysis were performed. Results: After treatment of benzene-exposed mice with the major flavonoid compound, namely catechin, the above parameters increase significantly (P < 0.05). There was an upregulation of p53 and p21, caspase 11 myeloperoxidase, bcl2, and CYP2EI in catechin-treated group. DNA was less fragmented in flavonoid-treated group compared to that of control (P ≤ 0.05). The present study indicates that the secondary metabolites of SA methanolic bark extract, comprising flavonoid catechin as major constituents, have modulatory effect in cell cycle deregulation and hematological abnormalities induced by benzene in mice. Conclusions: Our data suggest that catechin from methanolic bark extract of SA effectively attenuates benzene-induced secondary AML in bone marrow, which is likely associated with the anticell cycle deregulation properties of this flavan-3-ol. This study was supported by the observation that catechin (YBM), like doxorubicin, can act as the neutralizer and protector of mortality in cancer cases.
The Immunoglobulin E-Toll-Like Receptor Network

Allergens and microbial antigens impact on effector cells and antigen-presenting cells in allergic diseases. Allergens bind specifically to immunoglobulin E (IgE) linked to the high-affinity receptor for IgE (FcεRI) and stimulate a cascade of cellular events. This leads to the release of mediators of allergic reactions by effector cells on the one hand and antigen uptake, presentation and T cell priming by antigen-presenting cells on the other hand. In contrast, microbial antigens are recognized by pattern-recognition receptors (PRRs) of the innate immune system, to which Toll-like receptors (TLRs) belong. In view of the high number of microbial antigens, allergens and other soluble ligands in the cellular microenvironment in vivo, it is very likely that not only separate, but also concomitant stimulation of both receptor types, i.e. FcεRI and TLRs, occurs frequently under physiological conditions and in particular in the context of allergic and infectious disorders. Thus, interaction of TLRs with FcεRI and regulation of the IgE synthesis is of critical immunological importance, since it might profoundly modify the activation state of cells and the nature of the evolving immune responses. Current knowledge about the cross talk of TLRs with FcεRI- and IgE-related immune responses is discussed herein.
Sex Hormone Status in Women With Chronic Kidney Disease: Survey of Nephrologists’ and Renal Allied Health Care Providers’ Perceptions

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) in reproductive-age women is accompanied by menstrual and fertility disorders and premature menopause. Objective: We sought to determine nephrologists’ and allied health care providers’ perceptions on management of sex hormone status in women with CKD. Methods: An anonymous, Internet-based survey was sent to nephrology society members from Canada, Australia, New Zealand, and the United Kingdom, and the Canadian Association of Nephrology Nurses and Technologists (February-November 2015). We assessed reported perceptions and management of sex hormone status in women with CKD. Results: One hundred seventy-five nephrologists (21% response rate) and 121 allied health care providers (30%; 116 nurses, 5 pharmacists) responded. Sixty-eight percent of nephrologists and 46% of allied providers were between the ages of 30 and 50 years, and 38% of nephrologists and 89% of allied workers were female. Ninety-five percent of nephrologists agreed that kidney function impacts sex hormone status, although only a minority of nephrologists reported often discussing fertility (35%, female vs male nephrologists, P = .06) and menstrual irregularities with their patients (15%, female vs male nephrologists,P = .02). Transplant nephrologists reported discussing fertility more often than did nontransplant nephrologists (53% vs 30%, P = .03). Physicians were more likely to report discussing fertility (33% vs 7.5%, P < .001) and menstrual irregularities (15% vs 9%, P = .04) with patients than allied health care providers. Forty-three percent of physicians reported uncertainty about the role for postmenopausal hormone therapy in women with CKD. Conclusion: Nephrologists and allied health care providers recognize an impact of CKD on sex hormones in women but report not frequently discussing sex hormone–related issues with patients. Our international survey highlights an important knowledge gap in nephrology.
Anatomo-pathological analysis after CoreValve Revalving system implantation.

AIMS Significant technological improvements have made percutaneous aortic valve replacement (PAVR) simpler and safer, but the behaviour of the implanted valve over time remains unknown. We report the anatomo-pathological analysis of patients who died at different time intervals post PAVR with the CoreValve Revalving System. METHODS AND RESULTS In our early experience, 21 patients underwent CoreValve implantation between 12/2005 and 02/2007. Among the 11 deaths at one year follow-up, four patients had an autopsy with macro and microscopic analysis. The device was divided in three parts during pathological assessment: the lower portion (area 1), the leaflets (area 2) and the upper part (area 3). The CoreValves were implanted for 3, 13, 104 and 350 days. Gross examination showed neointimal tissue covering most of the frame struts in contact with the aortic wall, but areas of high velocity blood flow were bare. Histopathology examination demonstrated fibrin deposition and inflammatory response early after valve implantation, followed by neointimal coverage with progressive regression of the inflammatory response over time. CONCLUSIONS While waiting for results of longer term PAVR echocardiographic follow-up, the anatomic assessment is encouraging with neointimal coverage of the native valve site and no excessive pannus formation occurring over the valve leaflets.
Attenuation of Pseudomonas aeruginosa virulence by marine invertebrate–derived Streptomyces sp.

The study aimed to discover quorum sensing (QS) inhibitors from marine sponge–derived actinomycetes and analyse its inhibitory activities against QS‐mediated virulence factors in Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Seventy‐two actinomycetes isolated from marine invertebrates collected from the western coast of India were screened against the QS indicator strain Chromobacterium violaceum CV12472. Methanol extracts of 12 actinomycetes showing inhibition of violacein production were accessed for downregulation of QS‐mediated virulence factors like swarming, biofilm formation, pyocyanin, rhamnolipid and LasA production in Ps. aeruginosa ATCC 27853. The isolates NIO 10068, NIO 10058 and NIO 10090 exhibited very good anti‐QS activity, with NIO 10068 being the most promising one. Mass spectrometric analysis of NIO 10068 methanol extract revealed the presence of cinnamic acid and linear dipeptides proline–glycine and N‐amido‐α‐proline in the active extract. Detailed investigation suggested that although linear dipeptide Pro–Gly is to some extent responsible for the observed biological activity, cinnamic acid seems to be the main compound responsible for it. Marine‐derived actinomycetes are a potential storehouse for QS inhibitors.
Regulation of Apolipoprotein A-I–Containing Lipoproteins in IDDM

In IDDM patients, serum high-density lipoprotein cholesterol concentrations have been reported to be normal or elevated. The spectrum of high-density lipoprotein particles is highly heterogeneous, but no data are available on the subpopulations of high-density lipoprotein in IDDM. We, therefore, studied the spectrum of high-density lipoprotein particles in 86 IDDM patients (51 men and 35 women) 37 ± 10 yr of age and in 74 sex-, age-, and body mass index-matched healthy nondiabetic subjects. The concentrations of high-density lipoprotein and HDL2 cholesterol were higher in the IDDM group than in the control subjects (P < 0.01). The apoA-I-to-apoA-II ratio was higher in the IDDM patients than in the nondiabetic subjects (P < 0.001) because of an increased concentration of LpA-I particles (61 ± 17 vs. 53 ± 15, P < 0.01). LpA-I particles correlated positively with high-density lipoprotein and HDL2 cholesterol in the two groups. Postheparin plasma lipoprotein lipase activity was significantly higher in the IDDM group than in the control group (P < 0.001), whereas postheparin plasma hepatic lipase activities were similar in both groups. Plasma cholesteryl ester transfer protein activity was estimated in an in vitro isotopic assay using exogenous labeled donor (low-density) and acceptor (high-density) lipoproteins in the absence of native lipoproteins. We observed no difference in cholesteryl ester transfer protein activity between the groups, and no significant correlations existed between cholesteryl ester transfer protein activity and high-density lipoprotein subpopulations. A positive correlation existed between HDL2 cholesterol and lipoprotein lipase-to-hepatic lipase ratio in IDDM patients (r = 0.35, P = 0.001) and in nondiabetic subjects (r = 0.55, P < 0.001). A positive correlation existed between LpA-I particles and lipoprotein lipase-to-hepatic lipase ratio in both groups (r = 0.34, P < 0.01; r = 0.38, P < 0.01, respectively) suggesting that lipolytic enzymes participate in the regulation of the metabolism of LpA-I particles. In conclusion, the elevation of high-density lipoprotein cholesterol in IDDM patients is mainly caused by a rise of LpA-I particles, which are suggested to have a key role in reverse cholesterol transport.
[Clinical and polysomnographyc differences between obese and non obese patients with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea syndrome].

OBJECTIVES To describe the clinical and polysomnographyc differences between obese and non- obese patients with obstructive sleep apnea-hypopnea (OSAH) syndrome. MATERIALS AND METHODS A physical examination, the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) and a polysomnography were performed to all included patients. Obesity was defined as a body mass index (BMI) of ≥ 30 kg/m(2). RESULTS 408 patients with OSAH were analyzed, out of these, 119 (47 %) were obese. OSAH was mild in 101 (25 %), moderate in 91 (22 %) and severe in 216 (53 %). There were no age, sex and EES score differences between obese and non-obese patients. Cervical perimeter and sleepiness prevalence according to the ESS were significant higher in obese population. Obese patients had higher comorbidity related to dyslipidemia, high blood pressure and coronary disease. With respect to the polysomnographyc variables, the indexes of respiratory events and the levels of oxygen saturation were worse in obese patients. There were no differences in the other variables. The regression analysis showed association between obesity and OSAH severity. CONCLUSIONS OSAH is a clinical condition not limited to obese population, although this group has a higher comorbidity and OSAH severity.
IGF‐I concentrations are positively associated with carotid artery atherosclerosis in women

BACKGROUND. Alterations in the growth hormone (GH)/insulin‐like growth factor I (IGF‐I) axis are associated with increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality, but previous studies have yielded conflicting results. In addition, the T1169A polymorphism in the GH1 gene has been associated with IGF‐I levels. AIMS. To investigate whether IGF‐I concentrations and the T1169A polymorphism of the GH1 gene are associated with cardiovascular risk factors and the intima media thickness (IMT) of the carotid artery. METHODS. Fasting plasma IGF‐I concentrations (n = 1008) were measured in a large population‐based OPERA (Oulu Project Elucidating Risk of Atherosclerosis) cohort. Genotype variants were determined by the restriction fragment length polymorphism method. RESULTS. Low IGF‐I concentrations associated with several cardiovascular risk factors including age, adiposity, and high triglyceride, fasting insulin and C‐reactive protein concentrations in the analysis of all subjects. In the multivariate models, however, IGF‐I concentrations were positively associated with the mean IMT of women (ß = 0.127, P = 0.009) whereas the association in men was weaker and negative (ß = −0.088, P = 0.034). The 1169A allele was associated with low low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol in both sexes and with low systolic blood pressure levels in women. CONCLUSIONS. IGF‐I concentrations were associated with several traditional cardiovascular risk factors. The observed gender difference in the association between IGF‐I concentrations and carotid artery atherosclerosis warrants further study. The GH1 1169A allele may be associated with a favourable metabolic profile.
Occurrence and formation of cytoskeletal proteins in mammalian spermatozoa

Summary Mammalian spermatozoa are composed of specialized cytoskeletal elements, which appear to have no structural or protein counterparts in somatic cells. Most evident are the outer dense fibres (ODF) and fibrous sheath (FS) of the sperm tail and the perinuclear theca (PT) of the sperm head. The purpose of this study is to review our results on the occurrence and assembly of proteins making up these three elements during spermatogenesis. Our approach was to raise antibodies against the prominent proteins of these elements and to immunolocalize them on testicular sections prepared for histological and ultrastructural analyses. We found that all of the cytoskeletal proteins considered were expressed exclusively during the haploid phase of development and that the proteins of each element had similar if not identical patterns of expression. The PT proteins were synthesized in the first half of spermiogenesis and were associated with acrosome formation, while the ODF and FS proteins were synthesized in the second half of spermiogenesis. The ODF proteins assembled in a proximal‐distal direction along the length of the axoneme, while the FS proteins assembled in the opposite direction; both assemblies eventually meeting and overlapping within the periaxonemal cytoplasmic compartment. During assembly the ODF proteins appeared to be temporarily stored in granulated bodies of the cytoplasmic lobe, while the FS proteins were randomly distributed throughout the cytoplasm. In the case of the PT, there appeared to be an interdependence between PT assembly and acrosome formation. The developmental protein distribution patterns observed for each of the elements suggest unique cellular targeting mechanisms adapted by the spermatid to regulate the assemblies of the respective cytoskeletal proteins.
Electrical characterizations of biomimetic molecular layers on gold and silicon substrates

Electrical impedance technology was used to characterize DNA recognition in a monolayer containing single-stranded DNA probes immobilized on a gold substrate using thiol self-assembly chemistry. Recognition of targeted complementary DNA was principally correlated with an eight-fold increase in the conductance of the monolayer and attributed to electron conduction through double helices formed upon the binding of the DNA targets to the probes. The high recognitive sensitivity was possible without the use of the redox labels or large bias voltages required for recognition using cyclic and Osteryoung square wave voltammetry. The impedance technology also provided atomic resolution of a hybrid bimolecular lipid membrane formed by deposition of a phospholipid:cholesterol monolayer onto a hydrophobic alkyl monolayer covalently attached to a silicon substrate via silicon–carbon bonds. Atomic resolution was achieved through preparation of membranes on surfaces approaching atomic flatness and the performance of impedance measurements over precisely defined areas of the surface in contact with solutions. Principally capacitive properties distinguished between the immobilized (octadecyl) and more fluidic (lipid:cholesterol) leaflets of the hybrid membrane. The lipid:cholesterol leaflets were structurally similar to those leaflets in free-standing bimolecular lipid membranes. The hybrid membrane therefore provides a highly stable and physiologically relevant surface for studying biomolecular interactions with membrane surfaces.
Obstetric outcome in women with congenital uterine malformations.

Ninety-eight cases of congenital uterine malformations were diagnosed with hysterosalpingography (HSG). Symmetric uterine malformations, composed of bicornuate uterus, uterus didelphys and septate uterus, constituted 80% of the cases. Of them, 75% were of the bicornuate type. Infertility (55%) and a suggestion of cervical incompetence (24%) were the main indication for HSG. Premature deliveries (29%), spontaneous first-trimester abortions (24%), ectopic pregnancies (3%), abnormal fetal presentations (23%) and a high cesarean section rate (27.5%) occurred in those patients. The highest rate of first-trimester abortions (47%) and the lowest rate of term deliveries (21%) occurred in the group with T-shaped uteri as compared to a 7% rate of early abortions (P less than .05) and 61% rate of term deliveries (P less than .03) in the unicornuate uterus group. In 30% of the patients with uterine malformations, cervical incompetence was diagnosed. Improved obstetric outcomes occurred in patients treated with cervical cerclage. There was a statistically significant difference between the number of premature deliveries and spontaneous late abortions in the group without cerclage (50%) and that with cerclage (21%) (P less than .001).
Effect of work load on cutaneous vascular response to exercise.

The purpose of the present study was to examine whether intensity of exercise affects skin blood flow response to exercise. For this purpose, six healthy men cycled, in a random order on different days, for 15 min at 50, 60, 70, 80, and 90% of their maximum oxygen consumption (VO2max) at a room temperature of 25 degrees C. At the end of exercise, esophageal temperature (Tes) averaged 37.4 +/- 0.2, 37.7 +/- 0.2, 37.9 +/- 0.2, 38.6 +/- 0.3, and 38.9 +/- 0.4 degrees C (SE) at the 50, 60, 70, 80, and 90% work loads, respectively. At the two highest work loads, no steady state was observed in Tes. Skin blood flow was estimated by measuring forearm blood flow (FBF) with strain-gauge plethysmography and by laser-Doppler flowmetry on the upper back. Both techniques showed that skin blood flow response to rising Tes was markedly reduced at the 90% work load compared with other work loads. At the end of exercise, FBF averaged 7.5 +/- 1.7, 10.7 +/- 3.1, 9.6 +/- 2.1, 11.3 +/- 2.6, and 5.4 +/- 1.3 (SE) ml.min-1.100 ml-1 (P less than 0.01) at the 50, 60, 70, 80, and 90% VO2max work loads, respectively. The corresponding values for Tes threshold for cutaneous vasodilation (FBF) were 37.42 +/- 0.16, 37.48 +/- 0.13, 37.59 +/- 0.13, 37.79 +/- 0.19, and 38.20 +/- 0.22 degrees C (P less than 0.05) at 50, 60, 70, 80, and 90% VO2max, respectively. In two subjects, no cutaneous vasodilation was observed at the 90% work load. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Comparative proteomic analysis of urine and laser microdissected glomeruli in IgA nephropathy

The purpose of the present study was to identify the differential proteins that synchronously change in urine and glomeruli and could be used to monitor glomerular lesions of IgA nephropathy (IgAN). The proteomes of urine and glomeruli from four IgAN patients who were graded III/IV according to the grading system of Lee et al. were compared to the urine proteomes of four healthy volunteers and the glomeruli proteomes of adjacent normal tissue from four patients with renal tumors, respectively. Western blot, enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and immunofluorescence assay were applied to verify the results of the proteomic analysis. In the proteomic analysis of urine from IgAN patients and healthy volunteers, 714 proteins were identified, with 246 proteins identified as differential proteins. In the proteomic analysis of glomeruli from renal biopsy tissue of IgAN patients and from adjacent normal tissue of patients with renal tumors, 161 proteins were identified altogether, and 20 proteins of these were recognized as differential proteins. After comparatively analyzing the differential proteins identified in the urine and glomeruli, five synchronously changed differential proteins were found: complement C9, Ig kappa chain C region and three cytoskeleton proteins. In summary, our findings indicate that certain immunological indices in urine appear to be associated with glomerular lesions of IgAN.