Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mouse Spam1 (PH-20) Is a Multifunctional Protein: Evidence for Its Expression in the Female Reproductive Tract1

Abstract Sperm adhesion molecule 1 (Spam1) is a widely conserved sperm surface protein with multiple roles in mammalian fertilization. Although the gene for this protein has been thought to be testis specific based on Northern blot analysis, there is evidence for nontesticular expression when transcripts are analyzed by more sensitive techniques. In the present investigation, results of a reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction assay, an RNase-protection assay (RPA), and an in situ transcript hybridization assay revealed that the murine Spam1 gene is transcribed in the female genital tract. RPA revealed that Spam1 transcripts are synthesized in a region-dependent manner, with the oviduct having lower transcript levels than the uterus and vagina. The transcripts levels were 3- to 10-fold lower in the female genital tract than in the testis. In situ transcript hybridization assay revealed RNA in the luminal epithelium in all three regions of the genital tract and in the uterine myometrium and the oviductal mesothelium. Western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry demonstrated that the protein concentration is 1.5- to 3-fold lower in female tissues than in sperm, and localization is similar to that of the transcripts. The protein has hyaluronidase activity at neutral pH, which is unique for sperm hyaluronidase, but not at acidic pH. In the uterus, Spam1 expression fluctuated during the estrous cycle. Its localization suggests that in addition to functioning as a secretory protein, it may be involved in hyaluronic acid metabolism or turnover in the female genital tract. Our results provide further evidence that Spam1 is a multifunctional protein and that it is less restricted in its expression than previously reported.
Hepatitis C Knowledge, Attitudes, and Perceptions Among People With HIV in South Texas

Direct-acting antivirals are overwhelmingly effective in curing hepatitis C (HCV). Barriers to HCV treatment exist for those co-infected with both HIV and HCV. Southern states represent the epicenter of the HIV epidemic in the United States. This study assessed HCV knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions in 318 co-infected individuals attending Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program (RWHAP) clinics in three South Texas cities. Two groups were compared, those tested for HCV and aware of their results (Group 1) and those uncertain if they were tested or tested and unaware of their results (Group 2). HCV knowledge was poor overall. Group 1 had a significantly higher mean HCV knowledge score than Group 2 by t-test (48.6 vs. 38.8; p < .01), but not by multivariable linear regression (p=.14). Factors predictive of greater HCV knowledge included self-identification as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and post high school educational attainment. Significantly more in Group 1 compared with Group 2 agreed that HCV medications would keep a person healthier for longer. Spanish speakers were more likely to disagree with a statement that people of color receive the same treatment for hepatitis C as white people. Study limitations identified include poor generalizability to people with HIV (PWH) receiving care in non-RWHAP settings and rural communities. Despite limitations, this study augments the paucity of information about knowledge, attitudes, and perceptions of HCV in PWH and can inform interventions to combat barriers to HCV treatment and to maximize opportunities for HCV screening, diagnosis, and linkage to curative care.
Cultural aspects of tobacco use.

UNLABELLED Tobacco is used worldwide, but culture shapes the specific methods and patterns of its use, with implications for uptake, continuation and cessation. The purpose of this paper is to highlight the range of tobacco use which occurs worldwide, in the context of cultural and social norms. Many of these practices are relevant to the U.K., some having been brought here by migrants, with consequences for general and oral health. CLINICAL RELEVANCE It is important that dental professionals are aware of the range of tobacco-related practices prevalent in the variety of dental patients that they may encounter.
Alkohol und die sozialen Folgen - die vergessene Dimension

Dieses Papier stellt einen Versuch dar, die sozialen Folgen des Alkoholkonsums aufzuzeigen. Es ist das ,,Destillat“ eines von einer internationalen Forschergruppe durchgefuhrten Forschungsprojekts. Ein eingehenderer Bericht uber diese Arbeit wurde im Namen der Weltgesundheitsorganisation, Regionalburo fur Europa veroffentlicht (KLINGEMANN, H. & GMEL, G., ED. Mapping the social consequences of alcohol consumption. Dordrecht, Kluwer Academic Publishers, 2001). Das Projekt wurde vom Regionalburo fur Europa in Auftrag gegeben, um mehr Erkenntnisse uber die sozialen Folgen des Alkoholkonsums zu erhalten, als Hintergrund fur die Europaische ministerielle Konferenz der WHO ,,Jugend und Alkohol“ (Stockholm, 19.–21. Februar 2001). In dem Papier werden insbesondere die vorliegenden Fakten bezuglich des Einflusses des Alkoholkonsums auf die primaren gesellschaftlichen Beziehungen, beispielsweise die Familie, untersucht. Die Auswirkungen in einem breiteren sozialen Kontext werden ebenfalls untersucht, wobei der Akzent auf den Zusammenhang zwischen Alkoholkonsum und Gewalttatigkeit gerichtet wird. Auserdem wird eine zusammenfassende Ubersicht uber die zur Abschatzung der volkswirtschaftlichen Auswirkungen des Alkohols durchgefuhrten Forschungsprojekte gegeben.
Delayed puberty in the male Djungarian hamster: effect of short photoperiod or melatonin treatment on the GnRH neuronal system.

The effect of short days or timed melatonin treatments on the number and neuroanatomical location of gonadotropin-releasing hormone (GnRH) neurons was studied in the brain of the pubertal male Djungarian hamster. At the beginning of the rapid phase of testicular growth and onset of peak gonadotropin secretion (15 days of age), males were treated for 10 days with either short days (10 L:14 D; n = 6), or remained in long days (16 L:8 D; n = 5) and injected each afternoon with melatonin. These treatments arrested testicular growth compared to the gonadal development that occurred in long-day controls (n = 9). Every brain section (60 microns) from the olfactory bulb to the anterior hypothalamus was processed for GnRH immunocytochemistry and viewed under brightfield light microscopy. GnRH cell bodies had smooth contours and were morphologically bipolar or unipolar. The number of bipolar neurons was similar regardless of treatment (about 170/brain). However, fewer unipolar GnRH cell bodies (p less than 0.05) were found in males in short days (73 +/- 11) or in males administered melatonin (72 +/- 14) compared to the unipolar number in hamsters in long days (132 +/- 14). With respect to neuroanatomical distribution, significantly fewer unipolar GnRH neurons were found in the medial preoptic area of males treated with short days or melatonin (55-70% decrease) compared to cell numbers in long-day controls. The melatonin-treated hamsters also had reduced numbers of unipolar GnRH neurons in the diagonal band of Broca relative to the number of unipolar neurons in long-day controls. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Central CO2 chemoreception: a mechanism involving P2 purinoceptors localized in the ventrolateral medulla of the anaesthetized rat

1 The involvement of P2 purinoceptors in chemosensory function in the ventrolateral regions of the medulla oblongata was investigated in the anaesthetized rat. We have investigated the effect of antagonizing, or desensitizing, P2 receptors in the retrofacial area of the ventrolateral medulla on factors modifying respiratory activity. 2 Bilateral microinjection of suramin (50 nl, 0.02 M), a P2 purinoceptor antagonist, into the retrofacial area in the artificially ventilated rat reduced resting phrenic nerve discharge. It also markedly affected the response of the phrenic nerve to increases in arterial CO2. Under conditions of hyperoxic, hypocapnic apnoea, the mean threshold for inducing phrenic nerve activity was raised significantly (from an end‐tidal CO2 of 2.5 % to 4.5 %, n= 9). 3 In addition, the slope of the respiratory response curve to increases in CO2 was reduced after suramin. A similar effect was observed after desensitization of certain P2X receptors with αβ‐methyleneATP. As arterial levels of O2 were greater than 100 mmHg, and an equivalent pattern of response was observed in sino‐aortically denervated and vagotomized animals, we believe any contribution of the peripheral chemoreceptors to be minimal. 4 Our data suggest that respiratory neurones within the retrofacial area (Bötzinger complex) represent part of the central site of action of CO2 on respiration. Moreover, our observations lead us to suggest that CO2‐evoked changes in respiration are mediated at least in part by P2X purinoceptors.
Impact of Retrieval, Distance Traveled, and Referral Center on Outcomes in Unplanned Admissions to a National PICU

Objectives: Centralization of PICUs requires a transport system that delivers patient outcomes equivalent to that of the same institution admissions. Our aim was to evaluate how pediatric critical care retrieval, distance traveled, and referral center level of ICU support impact on outcomes in unplanned admissions. Design: Retrospective cohort study. Setting: The national PICU in New Zealand. Patients: A total of 5,609 (45% retrieved) unplanned pediatric admissions (< 15 yr) between January 1, 2004, and January 1, 2014. Interventions: None. Measurements and Main Results: Data analyzed included case-mix, source of admission, diagnostic category, Pediatric Index of Mortality score, PICU-specific resource use, distance traveled, transport duration, and referral hospital ICU level. Outcome measures were crude and risk-adjusted PICU mortality and PICU length of stay. Compared with nontransported admissions, retrieved children were younger, more frequently admitted outside normal working hours, had higher predicted mortality (median Pediatric Index of Mortality score, 4.7% vs 1.5%; p < 0.001) and PICU-specific resource use (respiratory support, vasoactive infusions, and renal replacement therapy). The transport cohort had greater crude mortality rates (8.6% vs 5.6%; p < 0.008) and a median of 29 hours longer PICU stay. There was no significant difference in risk-adjusted mortality between the cohorts (observed/expected mortality ratio for retrieved patients, 0.84 vs nontransported patients, 0.91; p = 0.73). Neither distance traveled (median, 135 km), transport duration (median, 4.4 hr), nor the level of ICU at the referral center had a significant effect on risk-adjusted PICU mortality in the retrieved cohort. Conclusions: Children retrieved to the national PICU in New Zealand have greater predicted mortality risk and PICU-specific resource use than nontransported patients. There is no significant difference in risk-adjusted mortality between retrieved and the same institution admissions. Critically ill pediatric patients can be transported long distances by specially trained and equipped transport teams, without an increase in risk-adjusted PICU mortality.
Determinants of Severe Metabolic Bone Disease in Very Low-Birth-Weight Infants with Severe Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia Admitted to a Tertiary Referral Center

Abstract Objective Nonrespiratory comorbidities are common among preterm infants with severe bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) referred to tertiary perinatal centers. We evaluated the incidence, severity, and risk factors for metabolic bone disease (MBD) in this population. Study Design We conducted a retrospective cohort study of all infants born ≤ 1,500 g who were diagnosed with severe BPD in our single, tertiary referral center between September 2010 and October 2012. MBD severity was classified by serial radiography. Results Among the 83 infants diagnosed with severe BPD, 26 (31%) developed severe MBD (rickets). Male gender and lower gestational age and birth weight were associated with increased odds of severe MBD. After adjustment for these potential confounders, cytomegalovirus infection, postnatal growth restriction, surgical necrotizing enterocolitis, and blood culture confirmed sepsis were associated with increased odds of severe MBD. The cumulative duration of therapy with furosemide, hydrocortisone, and prednisolone each correlated with significantly greater probability of severe MBD. Conclusions Severe MBD was common in this referral-based cohort with severe BPD. The high incidence in this population is likely explained by the coexistence of multiple exposures and comorbidities associated with bone demineralization.
Distribution of cardiovascular disease risk factors by socioeconomic status among Canadian adults.

BACKGROUND This study was designed to describe the distribution of risk factors for cardiovascular disease by socioeconomic status in adult men and women across Canada using the Canadian Heart Health Surveys Database. METHODS The data were derived from provincial cross-sectional surveys done between 1986 and 1992. Data were obtained through a home interview and a clinic visit using a probability sample of 29,855 men and women aged 18-74 years of whom 23,129 (77%) agreed to participate. The following risk factors for cardiovascular disease were considered: elevated total plasma cholesterol (greater than 5.2 mmol/L), regular current cigarette smoking (one or more daily), elevated diastolic or systolic blood pressure (140/90 mm Hg), overweight (body mass index and lack of leisure-time physical activity [less than once a week in the last month]). Education and income adequacy were used as measures of socioeconomic status and mother tongue as a measure of cultural affiliation. RESULTS For most of the risk factors examined, the prevalence of the risk factors was inversely related to socioeconomic status, but the relationship was stronger and more consistent for education than for income. The inverse relationship between socioeconomic status and the prevalence of the risk factors was particularly strong for smoking and overweight, where a gradient was observed: 46% (standard error [SE] 1.4) of men and 42% (SE 4.3) of women who had not completed secondary school were regular smokers, but only 12% (SE 1.0) of men and 13% (SE 0.9) of women with a university degree were regular smokers. Thirty-nine percent (SE 1.4) of men and 19% (SE 3.8) of women who had not completed secondary school were overweight, compared with 26% (SE 2.6) of male and 19% of female university graduates. The prevalence of leisure-time physical inactivity and elevated cholesterol was highest in both men and women in the lowest socioeconomic category, particularly by level of education. INTERPRETATION The differences in the prevalence of risk factors for cardiovascular disease between socioeconomic groups are still important in Canada and should be considered in planning programs to reduce the morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular disease.
Human prostate cancer cells lack feedback regulation of low‐density lipoprotein receptor and its regulator, SREBP2

The low‐density lipoprotein receptor (LDLR) pathway provides cells with essential fatty acids for prostaglandin E2 (PGE2) synthesis. Regulation of LDLR expression by LDL was compared between the human normal and cancer prostate cells using semi‐quantitative RT‐PCR and LDL uptake assays. LDLR mRNA expression and LDL uptake by LDLR were down‐regulated in the presence of exogenous LDL or whole serum in the normal prostate cells, but not in the prostate cancer cells. Addition of exogenous cholesterol down‐regulated both LDLR and a potent regulator of the ldlr promoter, sterol regulatory element binding protein 2 (SREBP2), in normal cells but not in cancer cells. PGE2 synthesis in prostate cancer cells was significantly increased in response to LDL. Our study suggests that over‐production of LDLR is an important mechanism in cancer cells for obtaining more essential fatty acids through LDLR endocytosis, allowing increased synthesis of prostaglandins, which subsequently stimulate cell growth. The data also suggest that the sterol regulatory element and SREBP2 play a role in the loss of sterol feedback regulation in cancer cells. Int. J. Cancer 91:41–45, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Mean age‐of‐onset of familial alzheimer disease caused by presenilin mutations correlates with both increased Aβ42 and decreased Aβ40

The varied ways in which mutations in presenilins (PSEN1 and PSEN2) affect amyloid b precursor protein (APP) processing in causing early‐onset familial Alzheimer disease (FAD) are complex and not yet properly understood. Nonetheless, one useful diagnostic marker is an increased ratio of Ab42 to Ab40 (Ab42/Ab40) in patients' brain and biological fluids as well as in transgenic mice and cells. We studied Ab and APP processing for a set of nine clinical PSEN mutations on a novel and highly reproducible enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA)‐based in vitro method and also sought correlation with brain Ab analyzed by image densitometry and mass spectrometry. All mutations significantly increased Ab42/Ab40 in vitro by significantly decreasing Ab40 with accumulation of APP C‐terminal fragments, a sign of decreased PSEN activity. A significant increase in absolute levels of Ab42 was observed for only half of the mutations tested. We also showed that age‐of‐onset of PSEN1‐linked FAD correlated inversely with Ab42/Ab40 (r=–0.89; P=0.001) and absolute levels of Ab42 (r=–0.83; P=0.006), but directly with Ab40 levels (r=0.69; P=0.035). These changes also partly correlated with brain Ab42 and Ab40 levels. Together, our data suggested that Ab40 might be protective by perhaps sequestering the more toxic Ab42 and facilitating its clearance. Also, the in vitro method we describe here is a valid tool for assaying the pathogenic potential of clinical PSEN mutations in a molecular diagnostic setting. Hum Mutat 27(7), 686–695, 2006. Published 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
ClpB Cooperates with DnaK, DnaJ, and GrpE in Suppressing Protein Aggregation

ClpB is a heat-shock protein fromEscherichia coli with an unknown function. We studied a possible molecular chaperone activity of ClpB in vitro. Firefly luciferase was denatured in urea and then diluted into the refolding buffer (in the presence of 5 mm ATP and 0.1 mg/ml bovine serum albumin). Spontaneous reactivation of luciferase was very weak (less than 0.02% of the native activity) because of extensive aggregation. Conventional chaperone systems (GroEL/GroES and DnaK/DnaJ/GrpE) or ClpB alone did not reactivate luciferase under those conditions. However, ClpB together with DnaK/DnaJ/GrpE greatly enhanced the luciferase activity regain (up to 57% of native activity) by suppressing luciferase aggregation. This coordinated function of ClpB and DnaK/DnaJ/GrpE required ATP hydrolysis, although the ClpB ATPase was not activated by native or denatured luciferase. When the chaperones were added to the luciferase refolding solutions after 5–25 min of refolding, ClpB and DnaK/DnaJ/GrpE recovered the luciferase activity from preformed aggregates. Thus, we have identified a novel multi-chaperone system from E. coli, which is analogous to the Hsp104/Ssa1/Ydj1 system from yeast. ClpB is the only known bacterial Hsp100 protein capable of cooperating with other heat-shock proteins in suppressing and reversing protein aggregation.
Passive subharmonic generation using LC-oscillators

This paper presents a passive subharmonic generation and frequency downconversion method using a memoryless nonlinear circuit coupled to a linear passive resonator. The frequency downconverter can be used to transfer the energy from a high frequency signal to a lower frequency without requiring any DC power supply. In the synchronous mode, the passive downconverter acts as a self-powered frequency divider. As a proof of concept, a low-frequency prototype is implemented with discrete components. Also, an integrated 12 GHz divide-by-2 circuitry has been designed and fabricated in a 0. 13µm CMOS technology.
Unloaded shortening velocity and myosin heavy chain and alkali light chain isoform composition in rat skeletal muscle fibres.

1. This study aims to assess the role of myosin heavy chain (MHC) and alkali myosin light chain (MLC) isoforms in determining maximum velocity of shortening in fast skeletal muscle fibres. 2. The maximum velocity of shortening as determined by the slack test (Vo) was tested for its relationship with MHC composition and with alkali MLC isoform ratio of fast fibres of known MHC composition. 3. MHC isoform composition was determined using sodium dodecyl sulphate‐polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (SDS‐PAGE) and monoclonal antibodies against MHCs, and combining the results obtained using the two methods. Three groups of fast fibres containing only one MHC isoform were identified: IIA, IIX and IIB fibres containing respectively IIA MHC, IIX MHC and IIB MHC. Fibres containing more than one MHC isoform were discarded. 4. The mean Vo value of IIA fibres was 2.33 +/‐ 0.29 muscle lengths per second (L s‐1; mean +/‐ S.D.), this was significantly lower than that for IIX fibres (3.07 +/‐ 0.70 L s‐1) which in turn had a mean Vo value significantly lower than that for IIB fibres (3.69 +/‐ 1.01 L s‐1). 5. The relative proportion of alkali MLC isoforms (MLC3f, MLC1f) was determined by means of electrophoretic separation and densitometric quantification and was expressed as MLC3f/MLC2f with reference to the dithio‐nitrobenzoic acid (DTNB) light chain (MLC2f). The mean value of the MLC3f/MLC2f ratio was significantly lower in IIA than in IIX and IIB fibres. 6. Vo was found to be proportional to the relative content of MLC3f in IIA, IIX and IIB fibres. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Gardner Fibroma: A Clinicopathologic and Immunohistochemical Analysis of 45 Patients With 57 Fibromas

Gardner fibroma (GAF) is a benign soft tissue lesion with a predilection for childhood and adolescence and an association with familial adenomatous polyposis (FAP) and desmoid type fibromatosis (desmoid). We report 45 patients with GAF with clinicopathologic correlation and immunohistochemical analysis for β-catenin and related proteins. Forty-five patients with 57 GAFs were identified from surgical pathology and consultation files. Immunohistochemistry for β-catenin, cyclin-D1, and C-myc was performed on formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded tissues using standard techniques in 25 GAFs from 24 patients. Information about family history, intestinal polyps, colon cancer, and soft tissue tumors was available in 23 patients. Sixty-nine percent had known FAP or adenomatous polyposis coli (APC), 22% had no history of familial polyps or soft tissue tumors, and 13% had an individual or family history of soft tissue masses and/or desmoids, with follow-up periods of 6 months to 26 years (median 3 y, mean 5 y). The age range at initial diagnosis was 2 months to 36 years. Seventy-eight percent were diagnosed in the first decade, 15% in the second decade, and 7% in the third decade. Eight patients (18%) had documented desmoids concurrently or later; 4 of these had FAP and 1 had familial desmoids. Sites of GAF included the back and paraspinal region in 61%, the head and neck in 14%, the extremities in 14%, and the chest and abdomen in 11%. All displayed a bland hypocellular proliferation of haphazardly arranged coarse collagen fibers with a bland hypocellular proliferation of inconspicuous spindle cells, small blood vessels, and a sparse mast cell infiltrate. Immunohistochemically, 64% showed nuclear reactivity for β-catenin (9 patients with known APC, 5 without definite information about FAP). One hundred percent showed nuclear reactivity for both cyclin-D1 and C-myc. β-catenin reactivity had no correlation with age, site, or recurrence. Two β-catenin-negative GAFs were from FAP patients. In conclusion, GAF has a predilection for childhood and early adulthood, a strong association with FAP/APC, an association with concurrent or subsequent development of desmoids, and overexpression of β-catenin and other proteins in the APC and Wnt pathways. The proportion of sporadic GAFs that have APC mutation remains to be determined.