Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
microRNA let‐7g suppresses PDGF‐induced conversion of vascular smooth muscle cell into the synthetic phenotype

Platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF) can promote vascular smooth muscle cells (VSMCs) to switch from the quiescent contractile phenotype to synthetic phenotype, which contributes to atherosclerosis. We aimed to investigate the role of microRNA let‐7g in phenotypic switching. Bioinformatics prediction was used to find let‐7g target genes in the PDGF/mitogen‐activated protein kinase kinase kinase 1 (MEKK1)/extracellular signal‐regulated kinase (ERK)/Krüppel‐like factor‐4 (KLF4) signalling pathway that affects VSMC phenotypic switching. The luciferase reporter assay and let‐7g transfection were used to confirm let‐7g target genes. Two contractile proteins alpha‐smooth muscle actin (α‐SMA) and calponin were VSMC‐specific genes and were measured as the indicators for VSMC phenotype. Lentivirus carrying the let‐7g gene was injected to apolipoprotein E knockout (apoE−/−) mice to confirm let‐7g's effect on preventing atherosclerosis. Through the PDGF/MEKK1/ERK/KLF4 signalling pathway, PDGF‐BB can inhibit α‐SMA and calponin. The PDGFB and MEKK1 genes were predicted to harbour let‐7g binding sites, which were confirmed by our reporter assays. Transfection of let‐7g to VSMC also reduced PDGFB and MEKK1 levels. Moreover, we showed that let‐7g decreased phosphorylated‐ERK1/2 while had no effect on total ERK1/2. KLF4 can reduce VSMC‐specific gene expression by preventing myocardin–serum response factor (SRF) complex from associating with these gene promoters. The immunoprecipitation assay showed that let‐7g decreased the interaction between KLF4 and SRF. Further experiments demonstrated that let‐7g can increase α‐SMA and calponin levels to maintain VSMC in the contractile status. Injection of lentivirus carrying let‐7g gene increased let‐7g's levels in aorta and significantly decreased atherosclerotic plaques in the apoE−/− mice. We demonstrated that let‐7g reduces the PDGF/MEKK1/ERK/KLF4 signalling to maintain VSMC in the contractile status, which further reduce VSMC atherosclerotic change.
Municipal-level determinants of suicide rates in South Korea: exploring the role of social capital and local government policies

ABSTRACT This study investigates social and economic factors influencing suicide rates in 231 South Korean cities, counties, and districts from 2010 to 2015. The results of a panel data analysis indicate that the number of social organizations did not have a significant effect on suicide rates; however, among six types of social organizations, social/recreational organizations showed a strong negative impact on suicide rates, suggesting that not all social organizations equally created social capital that addresses community health problems. Moreover, poverty and income are two strong predictors of municipal-level suicide rates, but municipal governments’ welfare spending was only effective in rural areas.
Preparing the family for their responsibilities during treatment

Long‐term needs of a family whose child has cancer must be integrated into the family's responsibilities early in the disease treatment. The family's understanding, acceptance, and participation in the patient's care is a determining factor in the effectiveness of the treatment plan. Family responsibilities are twofold: (1) obtain correct medical information about child's disease and its treatment, and (2) adapt to necessary changes in lifestyle. Basic medical knowledge the family must possess includes information relating to the disease, its expected course, treatment, and side effects. Adaptation to changes requires that parents be informed to the anticipated alterations in family and community relationships. They need specific information about hospital policies and routines, financial resources, and expectations of the treatment plan in effort to adapt to the demands of long term care. The challenge in preparing a family is in acceptance of a philosophy that recognizes and values the family's contribution to care. Family members are a crucial part of the health care team. A positive and encouraging approach from professionals is essential to family acceptance of the disease and compliance with treatment. Cancer 58:508‐511, 1986.
The effects of maternal weight gain patterns on term birth weight in African-American women

Objective. The goals of our study were (1) to estimate the trends in maternal weight gain patterns and (2) to estimate the influence of variation in maternal weight and rate of weight gain over different time periods in gestation on variation in birth weight in African-American and non-African-American gravidas. Study Design and Setting. Data from a prospective cohort study in which pregnant women were monitored at multiple time points during pregnancy were analysed. Maternal weight was measured at three times during pregnancy: preconception (W0); 16–20 weeks gestation (W1); 30–36 weeks gestation (W2), in a cohort of 435 women with full-term singleton pregnancies. The relationship between gestational age-adjusted birth weight (aBW) and measures of maternal weight and rate of weight gain across pregnancy was estimated using a multivariable longitudinal regression analysis stratified on African-American race. Results. The aBW was significantly associated with maternal weight measured at any visit in both strata. For African-American women, variation in aBW was significantly associated with variation in the rate of maternal weight gain in the first half of pregnancy (W01) but not the rate of maternal weight gain in the second half of pregnancy (W12); while for non-African-American women, variation in aBW was significantly associated with W12 but not W01. Conclusion. Factors influencing the relationship between aBW and maternal weight gain patterns depend on the context of the pregnancy defined by race. Clinical decisions and recommendations about maternal weight and weight gain during pregnancy may need to account for such heterogeneity.
Transient ischemic attack and stroke in systemic lupus erythematosus

Ischemic stroke is increased in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) patients. The differential diagnosis of stroke in SLE is complex. Transient ischemic attack and ischemic stroke share pathophysiologic mechanisms, but prognosis may vary depending on severity and cause, and definitions are dependent on the timing and extent of the diagnostic evaluation. In SLE patients with a history of transient ischemic attacks, stroke occurred in 57%. Cerebrovascular events account for 20% to 30% of deaths in patients with SLE. In SLE, both disease-specific and traditional stroke risk factors are important.
Diagnostic performance of low-dose CT for the detection of urolithiasis: a meta-analysis.

OBJECTIVE The objective of our study was to perform a meta-analysis to evaluate the diagnostic performance of low-dose CT for the diagnosis of urolithiasis (seven studies, 1,061 patients). MATERIALS AND METHODS The medical literature from 1995 to 2007 was searched using PubMed, Medline, and Cochrane Library databases for articles on studies that used low-dose CT (< 3 mSv dose applied for the entire CT examination) as a diagnostic test for the detection of urolithiasis. Prospective and retrospective studies were included if they separately reported the rate of true-positive, true-negative, false-positive, and false-negative diagnoses of urolithiasis from low-dose CT compared with the positive and negative rates of normal-dose CT or a combination of diagnostic tests. Two readers assessed the quality of the studies. RESULTS The pooled sensitivity and specificity of low-dose CT for the diagnosis of urolithiasis were 0.966 (95% CI, 0.950-0.978) and 0.949 (95% CI, 0.920-0.970), respectively. CONCLUSION The results of this meta-analysis suggest that a low-dose CT protocol can be used as the initial imaging technique in the workup of patients with suspected urolithiasis.
Natural killer cell proliferation is dependent on human serum and markedly increased utilizing an enriched supplemented basal medium.

We studied the effects of basal medium and human serum on the ex vivo expansion of CD56+/CD3- natural killer cells (NK). We demonstrated that sorted NK cultured for 18 days with 10% human AB serum without accessory cells in a 2:1 DMEM/F12 basal medium expanded significantly greater (6.4 +/- 0.9-fold, n = 14) than when cultured in standard RPMI 1640 basal medium (3.7 +/- 0.67-fold, n = 16; p = 0.019). Supplementation of the DMEM/F12 mixture with 2-mercaptoethanol (2ME), ethanolamine, L-ascorbic acid, and sodium selenite significantly augmented NK proliferation (16.3 +/- 2.5-fold, n = 11; p < 0.001) compared with DMEM/F12 without supplements. NK growth kinetics demonstrated that both the growth rate and the duration of exponential growth were increased by medium supplements. Addition of 2ME-containing supplements to cultures of NK with accessory cells augments NK proliferation, recruits NK progenitors, and has a serum-sparing effect. For the large-scale expansion of NK, we demonstrate a greater than 30-fold increase (n = 7) in the number of activated natural killer cells (ANK) derived from CD5/CD8-depleted PBMNC when cultured for 35 days in supplemented DMEM/F12 versus RPMI 1640 basal medium (197.6 +/- 95.0-fold versus 6.3 +/- 2.1-fold, respectively). Serum-free media (AIM-V and X-VIVO 10) were unable to support NK proliferation. These data suggest that utilizing 2:1 DMEM/F12 + 2ME-containing supplements instead of standard RPMI 1640 as a basal medium can increase the proliferation of cytotoxic NK while reducing the culture interval and the amount of serum needed. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
CRP‐ductin: A gene expressed in intestinal crypts and in pancreatic and hepatic ducts

A subtraction screen isolated CRP‐ductin (CRP), a gene expressed in intestinal crypts. METHODS: DNA sequencing, in situ hybridization, immunostaining, Western and Northern blotting were used to characterize murine CRP. RESULTS: CRP is restricted to the intestine and its associated glands. In the small intestine, CRP mRNA is expressed in crypt cells at all stages of differentiation from the stem cells to the terminally differentiating cells of the crypt top, but not in the mature cells of the villus. In the colon, CRP mRNA is most heavily expressed in the mid‐crypt. Expression is also seen in the pancreas and pancreatic ducts, and in the epithelium lining larger hepatic ducts, but not in the liver parenchyma or stomach. CRP protein is localized to the lumenal aspect of crypt cells in the small intestine. In the colon, the protein is seen in the lumenal aspect of surface epithelial cells. CRP protein is similarly found in the lumenal aspect of epithelial cells lining the pancreatic duct system and the larger hepatic ducts. Two cDNA variants, CRP‐α and CRP‐β, were cloned from mouse jejunal epithelium. Their 3′‐sequence differs in an 82‐bp domain unique to CRP‐β. CONCLUSIONS: The CRP‐α sequence predicts a protein with a short cytoplasmic region, a transmembrane domain, and a large extracellular region composed of many repeats (8 scavenger receptor domains, 5 CUB‐domains, 1 ZP‐domain, and 6 copies of a previously unreported domain which we call the CRP‐domain). The structure of the CRP protein suggests a role in ligand interaction; possible functions are discussed. © 1996 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A sliding hyperplane design method for a class of linear systems with unmatched disturbances

The paper studies sliding mode (SM) features in systems characterized by the presence of unmatched disturbances. Although it is possible to establish a SM in such systems, the unmatched part of disturbances has impact on the SM dynamics. Under these circumstances system trajectory does not converge to the origin but wanders in its neighborhood along the sliding manifold. This paper offers a sliding hyperplane design method to minimize the effects of the unmatched disturbances upon the SM dynamics, for a class of linear systems. The optimization criterion is minimization of the steady state vector norm. The suggested approach has been demonstrated on a numerical example.
Myosin VIIa and sans localization at stereocilia upper tip-link density implicates these Usher syndrome proteins in mechanotransduction

In the most accepted model for hair cell mechanotransduction, a cluster of myosin motors located at the stereocilia upper tip-link density (UTLD) keeps the tip-link under tension at rest. Both myosin VIIa (MYO7A) and myosin 1c have been implicated in mechanotransduction based on functional studies. However, localization studies are conflicting, leaving open the question of which myosin localizes at the UTLD and generates the tip-link resting tension. Using immunofluorescence, we now show that MYO7A and sans, a MYO7A-interacting protein, cluster at the UTLD. Analysis of the immunofluorescence intensity indicates that eight or more MYO7A molecules are present at each UTLD, consistent with a direct role for MYO7A in maintaining tip-link tension. MYO7A and sans localization at the UTLD is confirmed by transfection of hair cells with GFP-tagged constructs for these proteins. Cotransfection studies in a heterologous system show that MYO7A, sans, and the UTLD protein harmonin-b form a tripartite complex and that each protein is capable of interacting with one another independently. We propose that MYO7A, sans, and harmonin-b form the core components of the UTLD molecular complex. In this complex, MYO7A is likely the motor element that pulls on CDH23 to exert tension on the tip-link.
Dissolved Organic Carbon in Groundwater Overlain by Irrigated Sugarcane

Elevated dissolved organic carbon (DOC) has been detected in groundwater beneath irrigated sugarcane on the Burdekin coastal plain of tropical northeast Australia. The maximum value of 82 mg/L is to our knowledge the highest DOC reported for groundwater beneath irrigated cropping systems. More than half of the groundwater sampled in January 2004 (n = 46) exhibited DOC concentrations greater than 30 mg/L. DOC was progressively lower in October 2004 and January 2005, with a total decrease greater than 90% indicating varying load(s) to the aquifer. It was hypothesized that the elevated DOC found in this groundwater system is sourced at or near the soil surface and supplied to the aquifer via vertical recharge following above average rainfall. Possible sources of DOC include organic‐rich sugar mill by‐products applied as fertilizer and/or sugarcane sap released during harvest. CFC‐12 vertical flow rates supported the hypothesis that elevated DOC (>40 mg/L) in the groundwater results from recharge events in which annual precipitation exceeds 1500 mm/year (average = 960 mm/year). Occurrence of elevated DOC concentrations, absence of electron acceptors (O2 and NO3–) and both Fe2+ and Mn2+ greater than 1 mg/L in shallow groundwater suggest that the DOC compounds are chemically labile. The consequence of high concentrations of labile DOC may be positive (e.g., denitrification) or negative (e.g., enhanced metal mobility and biofouling), and highlights the need to account for a wider range of water quality parameters when considering the impacts of land use on the ecology of receiving waters and/or suitability of groundwater for irrigated agriculture.
Association of beta-adrenoceptor single nucleotide polymorphisms with resting heart rate

The association of beta-adrenoceptor (B-AR, including three subgroups: Beta1, Beta2 and Beta3) single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) with resting heart rate (RHR) were analyzed. RHR of 107 healthy subjects in the supine were detected by computerized system for 8 minutes. Genotyping SNPs of S/G49 and R/G389 of Beta1-AR and W/R64 of Beta3-AR in these subjects were by means of PCR-restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP) technique. Genotyping SNPs of R/G16 and Q/E27 of Beta1-adrenoceptor in these subjects were by means of allele specific primer-PCR (ASP-PCR) technique. It was found that there was no significant difference among RHRs corresponding above SNPs of B-AR, but the SNP of R/G389 of Beta1-AR, in which there was significant difference among RHRs (P<0.05). Either in the female individuals or in the male, those with Beta1-AR G/G389 genotype had the highest RHR. The females with R/R389 genotype had the lowest RHR, however, the males with R/G389 genotype had the lowest RHR. The RHR was not only associated with R/G389 polymorphism of Beta1-adrenoceptor gene significantly, but also was associated with gender in Chinese.
Worldwide prevalence of hypertension: a systematic review

Purpose To examine the prevalence and the level of awareness, treatment and control of hypertension in different world regions. Study selection A literature search of the MEDLINE database, using the Medical Subject Headings prevalence, hypertension, blood pressure and cross-sectional studies, was conducted. Published studies, which reported the prevalence of hypertension and were conducted in representative population samples, were included in the review. The search was restricted to studies published from January 1980 through July 2003. Data extraction All data were extracted independently by two investigators using a standardized protocol and data collection form. Results The reported prevalence of hypertension varied around the world, with the lowest prevalence in rural India (3.4% in men and 6.8% in women) and the highest prevalence in Poland (68.9% in men and 72.5% in women). Awareness of hypertension was reported for 46% of the studies and varied from 25.2% in Korea to 75% in Barbados; treatment varied from 10.7% in Mexico to 66% in Barbados and control (blood pressure < 140/90 mmHg while on antihypertensive medication) varied from 5.4% in Korea to 58% in Barbados. Conclusion Hypertension is an important public health challenge in both economically developing and developed countries. Significant numbers of individuals with hypertension are unaware of their condition and, among those with diagnosed hypertension, treatment is frequently inadequate. Measures are required at a population level to prevent the development of hypertension and to improve awareness, treatment and control of hypertension in the community.
Understanding Oil Price Dynamics and their Effects over Recent Decades: An Interview with James Hamilton

The following interview with Prof. James Hamilton was conducted in April 2018 by Dr. Fredj Jawadi with the assistance of Professors Jim Smith and Adonis Yatchew during the 5th International Symposium in Computational Economics and Finance (ISCEF) held in Paris, France. The interview includes 21 questions related to oil price dynamics. The aim of the discussion was, first, to help the reader gain a better understanding of the factors driving changes in oil prices, second, to examine the impact of oil price shocks on the economy and, third, to understand the dynamics of oil prices in the future. The recent related literature on oil price uncertainty is also discussed. We hope that this interview will give the reader clearer insights into the causes and consequences of oil price change and its evolution over time.
Barriers towards the publication of academic drug trials. Follow-up of trials approved by the Danish Medicines Agency

Objective To characterize and quantify barriers towards the publication of academic drug trials. Study design We identified academic drug trials approved during a 3-year period (2004–2007) by the Danish Medicines Agency. We conducted a survey among the trial sponsors to describe the rates of initiation, completion, and publication, and the reasons for the failure to reach each of these milestones. Information on size and methodological characteristics of the trials was extracted from the EudraCT database, a prospective register of all approved clinical drug trials submitted to European medicines agencies since 2004. Results A total of 181 academic drug trials were eligible for inclusion, 139 of which participated in our survey (response rate: 77%). Follow-up time ranged from 5.1 to 7.9 years. Most trials were randomized controlled trials (73%, 95% CI 65–81%). Initiation and completion rates were 92% (95% CI: 88–97%) and 93% (95% CI: 89–97%) respectively. The publication rate of completed trials was 73% (95% CI: 62–79%). RCTs were published faster than non-RCTs (quartile time to publication 2.9 vs. 3.1 years, p = 0.0412). Conclusions Many academic drug trials are left unpublished. Main barriers towards publication were related to the process from completion to publication. Hence, there is much to gain by facilitating the process from analysis to publication. Research institutions and funders should actively influence this process, e.g. by requiring the publication of trial results within a given time after completion.
Mutations in the hemolytic-phospholipase C operon result in decreased virulence of Pseudomonas aeruginosa PAO1 grown under phosphate-limiting conditions

The phospholipase C (PLC) operon of Pseudomonas aeruginosa consists of plcS, which encodes a heat-labile secreted hemolysin, and two in-phase, overlapping genes, plcR1 and plcR2, which may encode Pi-regulatory genes. A 2.8-kilobase-pair deletion mutation in this operon was constructed, and a tetracycline resistance (Tcr) cartridge replaced the deleted sequences. A deletion mutant of strain PAO1 was obtained through recombination between the flanking regions of the mutated cloned PLC operon and the homologous chromosomal regions. The deletion of the chromosomal PLC operon and its replacement by the Tcr cartridge was confirmed by Southern hybridization. The deletion strain, PLC SR, is nonhemolytic. However, it retains PLC activity when measured on a synthetic substrate. A second mutant strain, PLC R, contains a deletion in the plcR genes. This mutant is more hemolytic and produces more enzymatic activity than PAO1. The virulence of both of these mutants was compared with that of PAO1 in the mouse burn model of infection. When mice were infected with cultures grown in a high-Pi medium, there was a 10-fold increase in the 50% lethal dose of the mutants compared with PAO1. In contrast, when the inoculum originated from low-Pi cultures, there was a 200- to 10,000-fold increase in the 50% lethal dose of the mutants over PAO1.
Structural, Functional, and Molecular Alterations Produced by Aldosterone Plus Salt in Rat Heart: Association With Enhanced Serum and Glucocorticoid–regulated Kinase-1 Expression

We aimed to evaluate the structural, functional, inflammatory, and oxidative alterations, as well as serum and glucocorticoid-regulated kinase-1 (SGK-1) expression, produced in rat heart by aldosterone + salt administration. Fibrosis mediators such as connective tissue growth factor, matrix metalloproteinase 2, and tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 2 were also evaluated. Treatment with spironolactone was evaluated to prove mineralocorticoid mediation. Male Wistar rats received aldosterone (1 mg·kg−1·d−1) + 1% NaCl for 3 weeks. Half of the animals were treated with spironolactone (200 mg·kg−1·d−1). Systolic and diastolic blood pressures, left ventricle (LV) systolic pressure, and LV end-diastolic pressure were elevated (P < 0.05) in aldosterone + salt-treated rats. In aldosterone + salt-treated rats, -dP/dt decreased (P < 0.05), but +dP/dt was similar in all groups. Spironolactone normalized (P < 0.05) systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, LV systolic pressure, LV end-diastolic pressure, and -dP/dt. Relative heart weight, collagen content, messenger RNA expression of transforming growth factor beta, connective tissue growth factor, matrix metalloproteinase 2, tissue inhibitor of metalloproteinases 2, tumor necrosis factor alpha, interleukin-1β, p22phox, endothelial nitric oxide synhtase, and SGK-1 were increased (P < 0.05) in aldosterone + salt-treated rats, being reduced by spironolactone (P < 0.05). SGK-1 might be a key mediator in the structural, functional, and molecular cardiac alterations induced by aldosterone + salt in rats. All the observed changes and mediators are related with the activation of mineralocorticoid receptors.