Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Tracking the Time Course of Action Priming on Object Recognition: Evidence for Fast and Slow Influences of Action on Perception

Perception and action are classically thought to be supported by functionally and neuroanatomically distinct mechanisms. However, recent behavioral studies using an action priming paradigm challenged this view and showed that action representations can facilitate object recognition. This study determined whether action representations influence object recognition during early visual processing stages, that is, within the first 150 msec. To this end, the time course of brain activation underlying such action priming effects was examined by recording ERPs. Subjects were sequentially presented with two manipulable objects (e.g., tools), which had to be named. In the congruent condition, both objects afforded similar actions, whereas dissimilar actions were afforded in the incongruent condition. In order to test the influence of the prime modality on action priming, the first object (prime) was presented either as picture or as word. We found an ERP effect of action priming over the central scalp as early as 100 msec after target onset for pictorial, but not for verbal primes. A later action priming effect on the N400 ERP component known to index semantic integration processes was obtained for both picture and word primes. The early effect was generated in a fronto-parietal motor network, whereas the late effect reflected activity in anterior temporal areas. The present results indicate that action priming influences object recognition through both fast and slow pathways: Action priming affects rapid visuomotor processes only when elicited by pictorial prime stimuli. However, it also modulates comparably slow conceptual integration processes independent of the prime modality.
Comparative analysis of soybean plasma membrane proteins under osmotic stress using gel‐based and LC MS/MS‐based proteomics approaches

To study the soybean plasma membrane proteome under osmotic stress, two methods were used: a gel‐based and a LC MS/MS‐based proteomics method. Two‐day‐old seedlings were subjected to 10% PEG for 2 days. Plasma membranes were purified from seedlings using a two‐phase partitioning method and their purity was verified by measuring ATPase activity. Using the gel‐based proteomics, four and eight protein spots were identified as up‐ and downregulated, respectively, whereas in the nanoLC MS/MS approach, 11 and 75 proteins were identified as up‐ and downregulated, respectively, under PEG treatment. Out of osmotic stress responsive proteins, most of the transporter proteins and all proteins with high number of transmembrane helices as well as low‐abundance proteins could be identified by the LC MS/MS‐based method. Three homologues of plasma membrane H+‐ATPase, which are transporter proteins involved in ion efflux, were upregulated under osmotic stress. Gene expression of this protein was increased after 12 h of stress exposure. Among the identified proteins, seven proteins were mutual in two proteomics techniques, in which calnexin was the highly upregulated protein. Accumulation of calnexin in plasma membrane was confirmed by immunoblot analysis. These results suggest that under hyperosmotic conditions, calnexin accumulates in the plasma membrane and ion efflux accelerates by upregulation of plasma membrane H+‐ATPase protein.
SeekTB, a Two-Stage Multiplex Real-Time-PCR-Based Method for Differentiation of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis Complex

ABSTRACT Tuberculosis (TB) in humans is caused by members of the Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTC). The accurate identification of the MTC member causing human infection is important because the treatment of TB caused by some MTC members requires an alteration of the standard drug regimen, it can inform whether transmission is human to human or zoonotic, and it enables accurate epidemiology studies that help improve TB control. In this study, an internally controlled two-stage multiplex real-time PCR-based method, SeekTB, was developed for the accurate identification of all members of the MTC. The method was tested against a panel of well-characterized bacterial strains (n = 180) and determined to be 100% specific for members of the MTC. Additionally, 125 Mycobacteria Growth Indicator Tube (MGIT)-positive cultures were blindly tested by using SeekTB, and the results were compared to those of the GenoType MTBC and TBc ID tests. The SeekTB and GenoType MTBC results were 100% concordant, identifying 84 of these isolates as M. tuberculosis isolates and 41 as non-MTC isolates. Nine discordant results between the molecular methods and the TBc ID culture confirmation test were observed; however, nucleotide sequencing confirmed the results obtained with GenoType MTBC and SeekTB. SeekTB is the first-described internally controlled multiplex real-time PCR diagnostic method for the accurate identification of all eight members of the MTC. This method, designed for use on cultured patient samples, is specific, sensitive, and rapid, with a turnaround time to results of approximately 1.5 to 3.5 h, depending on which, if any, member of the MTC is present.
Genetic diversity of Histoplasma capsulatum strains isolated from Argentina based on nucleotide sequence variations in the internal transcribed spacer regions of rDNA

The internal transcribed spacer (ITS) regions of rDNA genes of 49 Histoplasma capsulatum (48 from clinical samples and one from soil) isolates were examined. Nucleotide sequence heterogeneity within this region was useful for phylogenetic classification of H. capsulatum and species identification. Thus, in 45 of 49 isolates we observed higher percentages of identity in the nucleotide sequences of ITS regions when the isolates studied herein were compared with those reported in our country in the South America B clade. Phylogenetic analyses of rDNA sequences corresponding to the 537 bp of the ITS region obtained from H. capsulatum isolates assigned South America type B clade (45 isolates), North America type 1 and Asia clade (2 isolates each one). H. capsulatum strains isolated from soil and from patients living in Argentina (45 of 49) clustered together with the H. capsulatum isolates of the South America B clade. The high level of genetic similarity among our isolates suggests that almost one genetic population is present in the microenvironment. Isolates described as H. capsulatum var. capsulatum or var. farciminosum (2 isolates) did not form a monophyletic group and were found in the Asia clade. Subsequent studies are needed to properly identify these isolates.
VASOACTIVE INTESTINAL PEPTIDE AND PITUARY ADENYLATE CYCLASE-ACTIVATING POLYPEPTIDE INHIBIT TISSUE FACTOR EXPRESSION IN MONOCYTE IN VITRO AND IN VIVO

Tissue factor (TF), which is expressed on the surface of activated monocytes, is the major procoagulant that initiates thrombus formation in sepsis. Two endogenous neuropeptides, vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) and pituitary adenylate cyclase-activating polypeptide (PACAP), are attractive candidates for the development of therapies against septic shock. The purpose of this study was to examine whether VIP or PACAP inhibit the LPS-induced TF expression in monocytes. Treatment of freshly isolated human monocytes or cultured monocytic THP-1 cells with VIP or PACAP leads to reduced LPS-induced TF protein, mRNA expression and activity, as demonstrated by Western blot, real-time polymerase chain reaction, and TF activity assay, respectively. In an endotoxemic model, VIP blunts the increase of LPS-induced TF expression in blood cells at the transcriptional level, as demonstrated by real-time polymerase chain reaction. However, neither neuropeptide affects the expression of TF pathway inhibitor in monocytes. In vitro, LPS increases the migration of c-Rel/p65 into the nucleus and the phosphorylation of p38 and JNK, all of which are essential for LPS-induced TF expression. In addition, interestingly, VIP and PACAP block both the migration of c-Rel/p65 and the phosphorylation of p38 and JNK, as demonstrated by Western blot analysis. These data indicate that VIP and PACAP inhibit LPS-induced TF expression in monocytes in vitro and in vivo, confirming these peptides as candidates for the multitarget therapy of septic shock.
A scale to screen for DSM-IV Axis I disorders in psychiatric out-patients: performance of the Psychiatric Diagnostic Screening Questionnaire

Background. The Psychiatric Diagnostic Screening Questionnaire (PDSQ) is a reliable and valid self-report scale designed to screen for the most common DSM-IV Axis I disorders encountered in out-patient mental health settings. The present report is the second large-scale validation study of the PDSQ in psychiatric out-patients. Because some of the sizes of the diagnostic groups in the initial report were modest, it is important to determine whether the recommended cut-off scores to screen for psychiatric disorders remained the same in a replication study. Method. Six hundred and seventy psychiatric out-patients presenting for treatment were evaluated with a semi-structured diagnostic interview after completing the PDSQ. Results. Based on receiver operating curve analysis, the PDSQ performed as well in the replication sample as in the initial validation study. For nine of the 13 PDSQ subscales the recommended cut-off score in the replication study was the same as in the initial study. After combining the data from the two studies (n=1300) the mean sensitivity across the 13 PDSQ subscales was 87% and the mean negative predictive value was 97%. Conclusions. The PDSQ is a diagnostic aid designed to improve the efficiency of conducting initial diagnostic evaluations. From a clinical perspective it is important that a screening tool have good sensitivity so that most cases are detected, and high negative predictive value so that most non-cases on the measure are indeed non-cases. The results of this second large validation study indicate that most of the PDSQ subscales achieved this goal.
Purification of Pseudomonas aeruginosa proteases and microscopic characterization of pseudomonal protease-induced rabbit corneal damage

Extracellular proteases of three cornea-virulent strains of Pseudomonas aeruginosa were isolated by sequential ammonium sulfate precipitation, Ultrogel AcA 54 gel filtration, and flat-bed isoelectric focusing. The purity of the preparations was determined by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis , thin-layer isoelectric focusing in polyacrylamide gel, immunodiffusion and immunoelectrophoretic procedures, and tests for the presence of other known pseudomonal products. Light and electron microscopic examination of rabbit corneal lesions observed 4 to 6 h after the intracorneal injection of submicrogram amounts of the proteases revealed: (i) degeneration and necrosis of epithelium, endothelium, and keratocytes, (ii) infiltration, degeneration, and necrosis of polymorphonuclear leukocytes, (iii) loss of the characteristic weblike pattern, colloidal iron staining, and ruthenium red staining of the stromal proteoglycan ground substance, (iv) dispersal of strucutrally normal appearing collagen fibrils, ground substance, (iv) dispersal of structurally normal appearing collagen fibrils, and (v) accumulation of plasma proteins and fibrin in the necrotic corneas. These structural alterations are very similar to those observed previously during experimental P. aeruginosa keratitis, and this similarity supports the idea that pseudomonal proteases are responsible, at least in part, for the rapid and extensive liquefaction necrosis characteristic of pseudomonal-induced keratitis. In addition, the results support the idea that pseudomonal proteases elicit severe corneal damage by causing the loss of the corneal proteoglycan ground substance, thus resulting in dispersal of undamaged collagen fibrils, weakening of the corneal stroma, and subsequent descemetocele formation and corneal perforation by the anterior chamber pressure.
Biocontainment in Gain-of-Function Infectious Disease Research

ABSTRACT The discussion of H5N1 influenza virus gain-of-function research has focused chiefly on its risk-to-benefit ratio. Another key component of risk is the level of containment employed. Work is more expensive and less efficient when pursued at biosafety level 4 (BSL-4) than at BSL-3 or at BSL-3 as modified for work with agricultural pathogens (BSL-3-Ag). However, here too a risk-to-benefit ratio analysis is applicable. BSL-4 procedures mandate daily inspection of facilities and equipment, monitoring of personnel for signs and symptoms of disease, and logs of dates and times that personnel, equipment, supplies, and samples enter and exit containment. These measures are not required at BSL-3 or BSL-3-Ag. Given the implications of inadvertent or deliberate release of high-threat pathogens with pandemic potential, it is imperative that the World Health Organization establish strict criteria for biocontainment that can be fairly applied in the developing world, as well as in more economically developed countries.
Performance of parallel screening of Brazilian blood donors with two human immunodeficiency virus immunoassays: implications for sequential immunoassay testing algorithms in other countries

BACKGROUND: In Brazil it is mandatory to screen donors for human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) antibodies using two immunoassays (IAs) in parallel. Confirmatory testing is performed only on reactive donors who return for counseling. The goal of this analysis was to determine if concordant IA reactivity accurately predicts infection and can be used for HIV incidence and/or prevalence analyses.
Barriers and facilitators to HIV testing among young men who have sex with men and transgender women in Kingston, Jamaica: a qualitative study

Introduction: Young men who have sex with men (MSM) in Jamaica have the highest HIV prevalence in the Caribbean. There is little information about HIV among transgender women in Jamaica, who are also overrepresented in the Caribbean epidemic. HIV‐related stigma is a barrier to HIV testing among Jamaica's general population, yet little is known of MSM and transgender women's HIV testing experiences in Jamaica. We explored perceived barriers and facilitators to HIV testing among young MSM and transgender women in Kingston, Jamaica.
WOULD AGRICULTURAL TRADE LIBERALIZATION HELP THE POOR OF BRAZIL

This paper addresses the potential effects of world agricultural trade liberalization on poverty and regional income distribution in Brazil, using an inter-regional applied general equilibrium (AGE) and micro-simulation model of Brazil tailored for income distribution and poverty analysis. The representative household hypothesis was replaced by a detailed representation of households. The model distinguishes 10 different labor types, and has 270 different household expenditure patterns. Income can originate from 41 different production activities (which produce 52 commodities), located in 27 different regions in the country. The AGE model communicates to a micro-simulation model that has 112,055 Brazilian households and 263,938 adults. Poverty and income distribution indices are computed over the entire sample of households and persons, before and after the policy shocks. The simulated trade liberalization scenario has positive impacts on poverty in Brazil. The trade liberalization scenario causes agriculture to expand considerably, with positive effects on poverty. This highlights the importance that agriculture still has for the poorest in Brazil. The regional implications of this fact are that the states which concentrate the bulk of the manufacturing activities in Brazil, Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro, tend to show an increase in the number of poor households. Another important point arising from this analysis is the positive impact on inequality, which is found to be more significant than the one observed on the headcount ratio. This inequality improvement would be equivalent, in terms of poverty reduction, to a significant rate of economic growth. The higher fall in the poverty gap is shown to occur mainly on the poorest household groups, suggesting that the poorest among the poor would benefit more from the global trade liberalization scenario.
The PARP superfamily

Poly(ADP‐ribosyl)ation is an immediate DNA‐damage‐dependent post‐translational modification of histones and other nuclear proteins that contributes to the survival of injured proliferating cells. Poly(ADP‐ribose) polymerases (PARPs) now constitute a large family of 18 proteins, encoded by different genes and displaying a conserved catalytic domain in which PARP‐1 (113 kDa), the founding member, and PARP‐2 (62 kDa) are so far the sole enzymes whose catalytic activity has been shown to be immediately stimulated by DNA strand breaks. A large repertoire of sequences encoding novel PARPs now extends considerably the field of poly(ADP‐ribosyl)ation reactions to various aspects of the cell biology including cell proliferation and cell death. Some of these new members interact with each other, share common partners and common subcellular localizations suggesting possible fine tuning in the regulation of this post‐translational modification of proteins. This review summarizes our present knowledge of this emerging superfamily, which might ultimately improve pharmacological strategies to enhance both antitumor efficacy and the treatment of a number of inflammatory and neurodegenerative disorders. A provisional nomenclature is proposed. BioEssays 26:882–893, 2004. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Transmembrane chemokines: Versatile ‘special agents’ in vascular inflammation

Summary Within the chemokine family of small chemotactic polypeptides CX3CL1 (fractalkine) and CXCL16 (SR-PSOX) are exceptional in that they are synthesized as transmembrane molecules and can be cleaved from the cell surface to produce a soluble chemoattractant. As transmembrane molecules on the surface of endothelial cells, CX3CL1 and CXCL16 can interact with their receptors CX3CR1 and CXCR6, respectively, which are expressed on leukocyte subtypes.This interaction leads to cell-cell adhesion that is resistant to shear forces. Transmembrane CX3CL1 and CXCL16 are constitutively shed from the cell surface by the activity of a disintegrin and metalloproteinase (ADAM) 10, and cleavage can be rapidly enhanced by activation of the closely related enzyme ADAM17. This cleavage leads to the downregulation of adhesive properties and may even result in the detachment of bound cells. Functionally, both chemokines appear to exert homeostatic and inflammatory activities. Basal expression of CX3CL1 or CXCL16 may be relevant for positioning and survival of tissue-homing leukocytes. Upregulated expression is found under inflammatory conditions such as atherosclerosis where CXCL16 may have a dual function by acting as an adhesion molecule and by promoting uptake of oxidized LDL as a scavenger receptor. Accumulating evidence from knockout mice and genetic polymorphisms in humans points towards a differential contribution of CX3CL1 and CXCL16 in atherosclerosis, where shedding may serve to further regulate their biological functions. Small molecules that block either the receptors or the shedding enzymes of transmembrane chemokines need to be tested in animal models of vascular inflammation.
The Traditional Pima Indian Diet: Composition and adaptation for use in a dietary intervention study

OBJECTIVE— To examine changes in the Pima Indian diet composition that may have played a role in the dramatic rise in the incidence of NIDDM among Pima Indians over the last century. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS— We investigated the composition of the foods comparable to those available to the Pima ∼ 100 yr ago, with the aim of reproducing this traditional diet as faithfully as possible for a dietary intervention study. An approximation of the traditional diet was ascertained from the ethnohistoric literature and traditional recipes. RESULTS— We estimated that the traditional Pima diet, although seasonably variable, was ∼ 70–80% carbohydrate, 8–12% fat, and 12–18% protein. A diet analogous to the traditional Pima diet is largely reproducible with the foods available today. Many native foods are available locally and many commercial products can be substituted when native foods are unavailable. CONCLUSIONS— The Pima Indian diet of the last century was much higher in carbohydrate and lower in fat compared with the modern-day Pima diet. Any changes that this diabetes-prone population can make toward their traditional diet may help to decrease their incidence of diabetes.
The global context of economic crises and cohesion funds in the EU

The currently finalized financial crisis, which began in the US then spread to Europe, has become global at some point. Even the emerging markets and the less developed countries that have managed their economy well, have resisted unfavorable lending practices, kept high levels of foreign exchange reserves, bought no toxic mortgages, and did not allow banks to engage in excessive risk through financial derivatives so they get involved and suffer as a consequence. Any global solution – short-term measures to stabilize the current situation and long-term measures to make another less likely reappearance – must pay due attention to the effects on these countries. Without doing so, global economic stability cannot be restored, and economic growth as well as global poverty reduction will be threatened.
The Effect of High Sodium Intake and Angiotensin Antagonist in Rabbits with Severe and Moderate Hypertension induced by Constriction of One Renal Artery

The role of renin was assessed in moderate and severe one-clip, two-kidney hypertension in rabbits during normal and high Na intake. Severe hypertension occurred with high levels of plasma renin and creatinine and with extracellular volume depletion. In this group, hypertension was significantly reduced by the 1-hour intravenous infusion of 1,000 ng/kg of an angiotensin II antagonist or by correcting the volume depletion with a high Na intake, which also decreased renin activity and creatinine. The infusion of the antagonist after a high salt diet failed to decrease blood pressure further. Moderate hypertension occurred with plasma levels of renin that were slightly below normal and with no significant abnormalities in extracellular volume depletion or creatinine. In this group, the administration of an angiotensin II antagonist or a high salt diet did not affect any of the three parameters. In normotensive controls, the blood pressure level was not affected by either the angiotensin II antagonist or the high salt diet, despite a reduction in plasma renin activity. Thus, high levels of renin are important in maintaining severe hypertension, and these increased levels probably are accompanied by a concomitant depletion of extracellular volume. Correction of the extracellular volume depletion by a high salt diet is followed by a decrease in renin activity and in blood pressure. In contrast, renin activity does not seem to be important in maintaining moderate hypertension, the pathogenetic mechanism of which remains to be elucidated.