Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
T allele at site 6007 of bone morphogenetic protein-4 gene increases genetic susceptibility to ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament in male Chinese Han population.

BACKGROUND Several candidate genes of ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament (OPLL) susceptibility have been identified, but their polymorphisms account for only a small percent of the total variance. Bone morphogenetic protein-4 (BMP4) is a potent ectopic ossification inducing factor. BMP4 protein and mRNA are present in cells from OPLL patients, but not non-OPLL controls. A single nucleotide polymorphism of 6007C>T(rs17563) of BMP4 has been reported to affect bone density in postmenopausal women. Thus, BMP4 may function in OPLL development. Appropriately, the relationship between BMP4 polymorphisms and OPLL was investigated. METHODS A case-control association study investigated the genetic etiology in 179 OPLL patients and 298 non-OPLL controls. Extent of OPLL was analyzed by radiologic examinations. Whether single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) of -5826G>A(rs1957860) 5' of the transcription start site and 6007C>T(rs17563) in exon 4 of the BMP4 gene were statistically associated with genetic susceptibility to OPLL in Chinese Han subjects was assessed. RESULTS A significant statistical difference in genotype of 6007C>T polymorphism between male OPLL patients and male controls was evident, and the frequency of "TT" genotype in male OPLL patients was significantly higher than in male controls (P = 0.039). The frequency of the "T" allele was also significantly higher in male OPLL subjects than in male controls (P = 0.014, OR = 1.57). A significant difference was also observed between the 6007C>T polymorphism and the number of ossified cervical vertebrae in OPLL patients, while no statistical difference was apparent between the -5826G>A polymorphism and OPLL occurrence. CONCLUSIONS The T allele in the 6007C>T polymorphism may be a risk factor for male Han Chinese with ossification of the posterior longitudinal ligament in the cervical spine. Chinese Han male patients with CT and TT 6007C>T genotypes have a genetic susceptibility to OPLL and more extensive OPLL in the cervical spine.
Effect of Long-Term Prazosin and Yohimbine Administration on c-Fos Expression in Spinal Neurons: Inhibitory Effect of Alpha-1 and Alpha-2 Adrenoceptors on Afferents from the Lower Urinary Tract

Introduction: To investigate the effects of long-term administration of the α1-adrenoceptor antagonist prazosin and the α2-adrenoceptor antagonist yohimbine on afferent inputs from the lower urinary tract by evaluating c-Fos expression in the spinal cord. Materials and Methods: Prazosin or yohimbine was administered for 4 weeks in rats using an osmotic pump. Effects of these agents on urodynamic parameters were determined by continuous cystometry in conscious rats. After cystometry, c-Fos expression in the dorsal horn of the L6 spinal cord was measured by immunohistochemistry. Results: The administration of prazosin (0.12 mg/kg/day) or yohimbine (0.10 mg/kg/day) significantly increased micturition interval and bladder capacity, but did not affect micturition pressure and residual urine volume. The numbers of c-Fos-positive neurons in the dorsal horn were significantly lower in rats that received prazosin than in controls. Yohimbine reduced the number of c-Fos-positive neurons in part of the dorsal horn. Conclusions: Long-term administration of prazosin and yohimbine at clinically recommended doses can exert inhibitory effects on afferent pathways from the lower urinary tract during the storage phase. These reductions of the afferent input result in the increased bladder capacity and increased micturition interval.
Separation and aquatic toxicity of enantiomers of the pyrethroid insecticide lambda‐cyhalothrin

Chiral pollutants are receiving growing environmental concern due to differential biological activities of their enantio‐mers. In the present study, enantiomeric separation of the pyrethroid insecticide lambda‐cyhalothrin (LCT) was investigated by high‐performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) using the columns of Chiralpak AD (amylase tris[3,5‐dimethyl‐phenylcarbamate]), Chiralpak AS (amylase tris[(S)‐1‐phenyl carbamate]), Chiralcel OD (cellulose tris[3,5‐dimethylphenyl carbamate]), and Chiralcel OJ (cellulose tris[4‐methyl benzoate]) with different chiral stationary phases. The differential toxicities of the enantiomers in aquatic systems were evaluated using the acute zebrafish (Danio rerio) toxicity test and the zebrafish embryo test. The enantiomers of LCT were separated completely on all the columns tested and detected by circular dichroism at 236 nm. Better separations were achieved at lower temperatures (e.g., 20°C) and lower levels of polar modifiers (≤5%) in mobile phase. Ethanol was found to be a good modifier of the mobile phase for all the columns, although isopropanol acted better for the Chiralcel OD column. The (—)‐enantiomer was >162 times more toxic than its antipode to zebrafish in the acute test. The embryo test indicated that the exposure to LCT enantioselectively induced crooked body, yolk sac edema, and pericardial edema and that the (—)‐enantiomer was 7.2 times stronger than the (+)‐enantiomer in 96‐h mortality. The malformations were induced by the racemate and its (—)‐enantiomer at lower concentrations tested (e.g., 50 μg L−1), whereas the (+)‐enantiomer induced malformations at relatively higher concentrations (≥100 μg L−1). These results suggest that the toxicological effects of chiral pesticides must be evaluated using their individual enantiomers.
Enhanced SBS Instability Growth Rate of Extraordinary Electromagnetic Waves in Strongly Coupled , Magnetized Plasma

Stimulated Brillouin Backscattering (SBBS) of a large amplitude, extraordinary electromagnetic wave travelling across an ambient dc-magnetic field in a strongly coupled plasma is investigated. Using a magnetohydrodynamic model, a system of coupled equations that describes the problem is derived and then solved for a strongly coupled regime. The SBBS maximum growth rate in a magnetized plasma is obtained numerically and compared to that for non-magnetized plasma known in literature. Result shows an enhancement in the instability growth rate in the presence of the magnitic field.
Stomatal behavior of four woody species in relation to leaf-specific hydraulic conductance and threshold water potential.

Midday stomatal closure is mediated by the availability of water in the soil, leaf and atmosphere, but the response to these environmental and internal variables is highly species specific. We tested the hypothesis that species differences in stomatal response to humidity and soil water availability can be explained by two parameters: leaf-specific hydraulic conductance (K(L)) and a threshold leaf water potential (Psi(threshold)). We used a combination of original and published data to estimate characteristic values of K(L) and Psi(threshold) for four common tree species that have distinctly different stomatal behaviors: black cottonwood (Populus trichocarpa Torr. & Gray.), Douglas-fir (Pseudotsuga menziesii (Mirb.) Franco), red alder (Alnus rubra Bong.) and western hemlock (Tsuga heterophylla (Raf.) Sarg. ). We used the values to parameterize a simple, nonelastic model that predicts stomatal conductance by linking hydraulic flux to transpirational flux and maintaining Psi(leaf) above Psi(threshold). The model successfully predicted fundamental features of stomatal behavior that have been reported in the literature for these species. We conclude that much of the variation among the species in stomatal response to soil and atmospheric water deficits can be explained by K(L) and Psi(threshold). The relationship between Psi(threshold) and xylem vulnerability to cavitation differed among these species.
Parasite phylogeographical congruence with salmon host evolutionarily significant units: implications for salmon conservation

Comparative phylogeographical studies between parasites and their hosts or with biogeographical regions are useful to predict parasite dispersal potential over a broad geographical range. We used both microsatellite markers and mtDNA sequence data from a trematode parasite, Plagioporus shawi, to test for congruence across two evolutionarily significant unit (ESU) boundaries of its salmonid hosts (Oncorhynchus spp.). We find congruent patterns with the nuclear loci of P. shawi and the ESU boundaries of its salmonid hosts. This pattern indicates that broad‐scale phylogeographical patterns of a parasite can be predicted by the biogeographical history of their hosts. Furthermore, this pattern provides independent support for these ESU boundaries as biologically relevant barriers. The mtDNA shows some discordance with nuclear loci and a level of genetic differentiation greater than can be explained by genetic drift. Thus, the mtDNA cannot be used in isolation to infer the population history of P. shawi. The genetic differentiation at both the nuclear and mtDNA markers will be useful for salmon fisheries management by providing a tool to assign ocean‐migrating salmonids back to their freshwater population of origin.
Soy Isoflavone Supplementation Does Not Alter Distribution of Circulating Lymphocytes or Natural Killer Cell Activity in Postmenopausal Women

A growing body of evidence has demonstrated that soy isoflavone consumption may protect against the development of various chronic diseases. This defense could be linked to isoflavone-induced alterations in immune function. However, to date, no study has examined the effect of soy isoflavone supplementation on human immunity in vivo. Establishing whether isoflavones affect immunity in aging adults is particularly relevant since compromised immune function has been observed in this population. Therefore, the purpose of this double-blind, placebo-controlled, 4-wk intervention trial was to investigate whether supplementation with soy isoflavones influenced the distribution and/or function of specific lymphocytes in postmenopausal women. Healthy postmenopausal women (50-69 y), who were not using hormone replacement therapy, were randomly divided into 2 treatment groups. The experimental group (n=9) consumed two-50 mg soy isoflavone tablets/d for 4 wk, while the control group (n=9) received placebo tablets. Fasting blood samples were drawn at baseline and on d 28 to assess distribution of T-helper cells (CD3CD4), T-cytotoxic cells (CD3CD8), total T lymphocytes (CD3), B lymphocytes (CD19) and natural killer (NK) cells (CD16CD56) via flow cytometry. Cytotoxicity of NK cells was quantified based on lactate dehydrogenase release of lysed K562 cancer cells following co-culture with NK cells from subjects. Analysis of plasma isoflavone concentrations by HPLC demonstrated a significant increase (p<0.005) in plasma genistein concentration in the experimental group after 4 wk of supplementation. However, there was no alteration in lymphocyte distribution or NK cell activity in response to isoflavone supplementation, suggesting that short-term soy isoflavone supplementation does not alter these parameters of immunity in healthy postmenopausal women.
Alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase: a target and generator of oxidative stress

Alpha-ketoglutarate dehydrogenase (α-KGDH) is a highly regulated enzyme, which could determine the metabolic flux through the Krebs cycle. It catalyses the conversion of α-ketoglutarate to succinyl-CoA and produces NADH directly providing electrons for the respiratory chain. α-KGDH is sensitive to reactive oxygen species (ROS) and inhibition of this enzyme could be critical in the metabolic deficiency induced by oxidative stress. Aconitase in the Krebs cycle is more vulnerable than α-KGDH to ROS but as long as α-KGDH is functional NADH generation in the Krebs cycle is maintained. NADH supply to the respiratory chain is limited only when α-KGDH is also inhibited by ROS. In addition being a key target, α-KGDH is able to generate ROS during its catalytic function, which is regulated by the NADH/NAD+ ratio. The pathological relevance of these two features of α-KGDH is discussed in this review, particularly in relation to neurodegeneration, as an impaired function of this enzyme has been found to be characteristic for several neurodegenerative diseases.
Plexiform neurofibromas in neurofibromatosis type 1

Plexiform neurofibroma developing in neurofibromatosis type 1 is a fascinating overture whereby diagnosis is primarily based on clinical characteristics, the details of which are outlined. Nonetheless, it is imperative to establish a clear‐cut clinical status vis‐á‐vis the adjoining tissues. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) may provide an additional supplement to the diagnosis and an aid to further management of the condition.
A high preoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio is associated with poor survival in patients with colorectal cancer.

BACKGROUND Previous studies have reported that an elevated preoperative neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is associated with a poor prognosis in patients with various types of cancers. The aim of this study was to determine the prognostic significance of preoperative NLR in patients with colorectal cancer and to determine an appropriate cut-off value of the NLR. PATIENTS AND METHODS We enrolled 674 patients who underwent surgery for stage I-IV colorectal cancer. The mean NLR was 2.74±2.20. To determine the appropriate cut-off value of the NLR, we used a receiver operating characteristic curve. A total of 262 patients with an NLR of 2.5 or more were classified as high-NLR individuals in this study. The prognostic significance of a high NLR was evaluated using a multivariate analysis. RESULTS The cancer-specific survival was significantly (p<0.001) worse in the patients with a high NLR. The multivariate analysis indicated that the tumor diameter, the presence of lymph node or distant metastasis, and a high NLR were independent risk factors for poor survival. CONCLUSION Preoperative NLR measurement is a convenient biomarker and predictor of a poor prognosis after surgery for colorectal cancer.
Acetylation of the response regulator, CheY, is involved in bacterial chemotaxis

It is well established that the response regulator of the chemotaxis system of Escherichia coli, CheY, can undergo acetylation at lysine residues 92 and 109 via a reaction mediated by acetyl‐CoA synthetase (Acs). The outcome is activation of CheY, which results in increased clockwise rotation. Nevertheless, it has not been known whether CheY acetylation is involved in chemotaxis. To address this question, we examined the chemotactic behaviour of two mutants, one lacking the acetylating enzyme Acs, and the other having an arginine‐for‐lysine substitution at residue 92 of CheY – one of the acetylation sites. The Δacs mutant exhibited much reduced sensitivity to chemotactic stimuli (both attractants and repellents) in tethering assays and greatly reduced responses in ring‐forming, plug and capillary assays. Likewise, the cheY(92KR) mutant had reduced sensitivity to repellents in tethering assays and a reduced response in capillary assays. However, its response to the addition or removal of attractants was normal. These observations suggest that Acs‐mediated acetylation of CheY is involved in chemotaxis and that the acetylation site Lys‐92 is only involved in the response to repellents. The observation that, in the cheY(92KR) mutant, the addition of a repellent was not chemotactically equivalent to the removal of an attractant also suggests that there are different signalling pathways for attractants and repellents in E. coli.
Eldergames project: An innovative mixed reality table-top solution to preserve cognitive functions in elderly people

Advances in new technologies can provide solutions to prevent impairments associated with normal aging, track performance at specific tasks, and provide an entertaining experience to elderly people. Based on these premises we present Eldergames, an EU funded project that aims at creating an interactive tool for preserving cognitive functions impaired by aging and affording sociability. A first prototype has recently been created and its acceptance has been tested on groups of elderly users. The prototype proved able to provide a pleasant social cognitive training because of its simplicity, usability of the interface, and multiplayer architecture.
The Impact of Psychotherapist Training and Experience on Posttermination Contact

This study sought to enhance our understanding of posttermination contact, with a particular focus on the role of training and experience in shaping attitudes and behaviors with respect to the posttermination period. We collected anonymous online survey data related to attitudes, policies, and experience of posttermination contact from 144 licensed clinicians. Our sample was composed of an experienced group of clinicians, with 20.7 years in practice on average. Clinicians had a range of clinical orientations and ∼25% of respondents were from outside of the United States. Over 90% of the participants (130) endorsed having had some form of posttermination contact, and 25% (36) reported initiating posttermination contact with a past patient. Only 62 participants (43.4%) reported receiving graduate training related to posttermination contact, and those with graduate training were more likely to have an established posttermination policy that they reviewed with patients. In addition, recent graduates were more likely to report having had training on this topic than older graduates. In terms of attitudes, therapists were more likely to anticipate positive rather than negative consequences of posttermination contact for both patients and themselves, and the longer a therapist had been in practice the less likely they were to anticipate negative consequences of posttermination contact. Additionally, a clinician’s contact with their own therapist made them more likely to anticipate positive consequences for both themselves and their patients. Given the ubiquity of posttermination contact, the posttermination period should be given more attention in training programs and research.
Nurse empowerment from a middle-management perspective: nurse managers' and assistant nurse managers' workplace empowerment views.

BACKGROUND Researchers have explored empowerment as an important condition for nursing staff but little current research focuses on empowerment from a middle-management perspective. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES The purpose of this study was to assess the empowerment of a middle-management group made up of only nurse managers (NMs) and assistant nurse managers (ANMs) in an acute-care hospital setting. METHODS A questionnaire was distributed online to a convenience sample of NMs (n = 11) and ANMs (n = 31) working in an ethnically diverse acute-care hospital. RESULTS Overall, this middle-management group did not feel empowered. CONCLUSIONS Empowerment as perceived by middle management is crucial for carrying out leadership duties and, in turn, empowering frontline staff. Even though the work is challenging, resources and support, among other constructs of empowerment, must be improved to increase the empowerment of middle management. Nursing administration must understand the importance of an empowered middle management so that middle management can lead effectively and facilitate the delivery of safe, high-quality patient care.
International Arena of Ultrasound Education

he urgent need to raise the level of ultrasound education worldwide has been recognized by the World Health Organization. An impoverished nation cannot afford to invest heavily in expensive, highly technological diagnostic imaging equipment. Ultrasound scanners, however, are relatively inexpensive and highly effective in the hands of a trained operator. More importantly, ultrasound is a “sustainable technology” for developing and impoverished nations because of its relatively low cost of purchase, low cost for maintenance and supplies, portability, and durability in comparison with all other imaging modalities. After carefully assessing all of the medical imaging technology available, the World Health Organization has recommended ultrasound for dissemination to developing nations as the second phase of its earlier basic radiology system initiative.1 Almost since the inception of ultrasound, the need for training has been recognized. I can cite my own experiences to give you some idea of how ultrasound education has advanced since its beginnings in the 1960s. In the early days, those working with ultrasound often received visitors on an apprentice-type basis. Leaders in the field were soon developing formalized training courses in response to a growing demand. These same leaders helped to institute educational programs at national and international meetings, demonstrating ultrasound’s usefulness in diagnosis to increasing numbers of physicians and paramedical personnel. In the United States, such organizations as the American Institute of Ultrasound in Medicine led the way in developing educational opportunities through refresher programs at their annual national meeting and focused courses throughout the year. This concept has become widespread and is being used by societies in all specialties around the world. As ultrasound matured into an important imaging modality, supplying information in many cases not available with other imaging techniques, it was incorporated as an integral part of training programs in many specialties, in particular, radiology, cardiology, and obstetrics and gynecology. The rapid dissemination of ultrasound occurred in the early 1970s in the United States as a result of its approval for payment under Medicare. Before that time, it had been considered as an experimental procedure. In the past decade, the need for trained personnel increased as the use of Address correspondence to Barry B. Goldberg, MD, Jefferson Ultrasound Research and Education Institute, Thomas Jefferson University, 132 S 10th St, Philadelphia, PA 19107; e-mail: barry.b. goldberg@mail.tju. edu.
General stress response in α‐proteobacteria: PhyR and beyond

In addition to stress‐specific responses, most bacteria can mount a general stress response (GSR), which protects the cells against a wide range of unspecific stress conditions. The best‐understood examples of GSR are the σB‐cascade of Bacillus subtilis and the RpoS response in Escherichia coli. While the latter is conserved in many other proteobacteria of the β‐, γ‐ and δ‐clades, RpoS homologues are absent in α‐proteobacteria and their GSR has long been a mystery. Recent publications finally unraveled the core of the GSR in this proteobacterial class, which is mediated by EcfG‐like σ‐factors. EcfG activity is controlled by NepR‐like anti‐σ factors and PhyR‐like proteins that act as anti‐anti‐σ factors. These unusual hybrid proteins contain an N‐terminal EcfG‐like domain that acts as a docking interface for NepR, and a C‐terminal receiver domain typical for bacterial response regulators. Upon phosphorylation, PhyR titrates NepR away from EcfG, thereby releasing the σ‐factor to recruit RNA polymerase and initiate transcription of its target genes. In this issue of Molecular Microbiology, Herrou et al. describe the function and three‐dimensional structure of PhyR from Caulobacter crescentus. This structure is key to understanding the mechanism of the reversible, phosphorylation‐dependent partner switching module that orchestrates the GSR in α‐proteobacteria.
Role of the Lipopolysaccharide-CD 14 Complex for the Activity of Hemolysin from Uropathogenic Escherichia coli

Role of the Lipopolysaccharide-CD14 Complex for the Activity of Hemolysin from Uropathogenic Escherichia coli Lisa E. Månsson, Peter Kjäll, Shahaireen Pellett, Gábor Nagy, Rodney A. Welch, Fredrik Bäckhed, Teresa Frisan, and Agneta Richter-Dahlfors* Department of Microbiology, Tumor and Cell Biology, Karolinska Institutet, S-17177 Stockholm, Sweden; Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Wisconsin, Madison, Wisconsin 53706; Department of Medical Microbiology and Immunology, University of Pécs, 7624 Pécs, Hungary; and Wallenberg Laboratory, Sahlgrenska University Hospital, S-41345 Göteborg, Sweden