Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Does cAMP play a part in the regulation of the mitochondrial electron transport chain in mammalian cells?

Is There an Answer? is intended to serve as a forum in which readers of IUBMB Life may pose questions of the type that intrigue biochemists but for which there may be no obvious answer or one may be available but not widely known or easily accessible. Readers are invited to e-mail f.vella@sasktel.net if they have questions to contribute or if they can provide answers to questions that are provided here from time to time. In the latter case, instructions will be sent to interested readers. Answers should be, whenever possible, evidence-based and provide relevant references.
Pain Management Decision Making Among Long-Term Care Physicians and Nurses

The purpose of this study is to explore attitudes and beliefs that affect decisions about prescribing and administering pain medications in older adults who live in long-term care (LTC), with a particular emphasis on those with cognitive impairment. At each of the four participating LTC facilities, data were gathered from three separate groups of health care professionals: physicians, registered nurses, and registered practical nurses. Based on grounded theory, a model was developed that highlighted critical decision points for nurses and physicians regarding pain management. The major themes that emerged from the data concerned pain assessment (lack of recognition of pain, uncertainty about the accuracy of pain assessment and diagnosis) and treatment (reluctance to use opioids, working to individualize pain treatments, issues relating to physician trust of the nurse on prescribing patterns). These findings may facilitate the development of innovative approaches to pain management in LTC settings.
Constitutively active UVR8 photoreceptor variant in Arabidopsis

Significance Sunlight is an essential environmental factor for photosynthetic plants and ultimately for life on Earth, which is sustained through plants as fundamental source of food. However, plants have a love/hate relationship with sunlight and must be protected from potentially harmful UV-B radiation. The UV-B photoreceptor UVR8 is of great importance in mounting UV-protective responses and thus for survival in sunlight. Based on our understanding of UVR8 signaling, we have engineered a UVR8 variant that is constitutively active in transgenic plants. The generation of a constitutively active photoreceptor variant is an important step in understanding the molecular signaling mechanism and may hold opportunities for crop improvement. Arabidopsis thaliana UV RESISTANCE LOCUS 8 (UVR8) is a UV-B photoreceptor that initiates photomorphogenic responses underlying acclimation and UV-B tolerance in plants. UVR8 is a homodimer in its ground state, and UV-B exposure results in its instantaneous monomerization followed by interaction with CONSTITUTIVELY PHOTOMORPHOGENIC 1 (COP1), a major factor in UV-B signaling. UV-B photoreception by UVR8 is based on intrinsic tryptophan aromatic amino acid residues, with tryptophan-285 as the main chromophore. We generated transgenic plants expressing UVR8 with a single amino acid change of tryptophan-285 to alanine. UVR8W285A appears monomeric and shows UV-B–independent interaction with COP1. Phenotypically, the plants expressing UVR8W285A exhibit constitutive photomorphogenesis associated with constitutive activation of target genes, elevated levels of anthocyanins, and enhanced, acclimation-independent UV-B tolerance. Moreover, we have identified COP1, REPRESSOR OF UV-B PHOTOMORPHOGENESIS 1 and 2 (RUP1 and RUP2), and the SUPPRESSOR OF PHYA-105 (SPA) family as proteins copurifying with UVR8W285A. Whereas COP1, RUP1, and RUP2 are known to directly interact with UVR8, we show that SPA1 interacts with UVR8 indirectly through COP1. We conclude that UVR8W285A is a constitutively active UVR8 photoreceptor variant in Arabidopsis, as is consistent with the crucial importance of monomer formation and COP1 binding for UVR8 activity.
Comparative investigation of bone mineral density using CT and DEXA in a canine femoral model

Bone density measurements using computed tomography (CT) instead of dual‐energy X‐ray absorptiometry (DEXA) are currently of great interest in human and veterinary medical research as it would be beneficial to use CT scans obtained for other indications also for determining bone density. For Hounsfield units (HU) measured with CT in specific regions of interests (ROIs) in one or several slice/s a correlation with bone mineral density (BMD) measured by DEXA in humans and dogs of between 0.44 and 0.77 is reported in the literature. In the present study, instead certain volumes of interest (VOIs) obtained by CT scan and the corresponding HU to the respective VOIs were compared with the bone mineral density of the corresponding areas measured by DEXA. The aim of the study was to investigate whether this procedure gives more accurate information about bone density of the bones as three‐dimensional objects of the respective patient. Correlation between measured HU in the respective VOI and BMD measured with DEXA in the corresponding ROI showed a very good correlation of 0.93. Linear regression with R2 = 0.85 (p = 0.0262) was calculated. Except for VOI5, similar distribution of values and significant differences (p < 0.0001–0.0087) between ROIs/VOIs were detected. Determining HU for assessing bone mineral density in a certain volume provides more accurate results than those previously reported from two‐dimensional (2D) CT measurements. © 2017 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 35:2667–2672, 2017.
Methadone and the pregnant user: a matter for careful clinical consideration

Summary: The practice of placing all pregnant heroin users on methadone as the treatment of choice needs to be questioned. While it may be suitable for those who stabilise their illicit heroin use at or shortly after conception, its suitability for those who show little movement away from regular heroin use and its associated lifestyle is more circumspect. Neonates of women who continue heroin use throughout pregnancy are likely to be below birthweight and/or premature. As a consequence, they are in a less than optimal condition to cope with the additional assault caused by prescribed methadone such as neonatal withdrawal. This may help explain why the relative risk of neonatal mortality in women who continue illicit heroin use during pregnancy and are prescribed methadone, is greater than for those who continue to use heroin but are not prescribed methadone. Clinicians must take the time of maternal presentation and the likelihood of continued maternal heroin use into consideration when determining who is suitable for methadone and whether a reduced level of methadone will suffice. A number of different clinical scenarios are identified and possible management strategies discussed. The need to develop innovative services appropriate for pregnant women who continue regular heroin use, and for well‐designed studies that define best practice for the management of these women is evident.
A Direct Search Procedure to Optimize Combinations of Epidural Bupivacaine, Fentanyl, and Clonidine for Postoperative Analgesia

Background The authors applied an optimization model (direct search) to find the optimal combination of bupivacaine dose, fentanyl dose, clonidine dose, and infusion rate for continuous postoperative epidural analgesia. Methods One hundred ninety patients undergoing 48-h thoracic epidural analgesia after major abdominal surgery were studied. Combinations of the variables of bupivacaine dose, fentanyl dose, clonidine dose, and infusion rate were investigated to optimize the analgesic effect (monitored by verbal descriptor pain score) under restrictions dictated by the incidence and severity of side effects. Six combinations were empirically chosen and investigated. Then a stepwise optimization model was applied to determine subsequent combinations until no decrease in the pain score after three consecutive steps was obtained. Results Twenty combinations were analyzed. The optimization procedure led to a reduction in the incidence of side effects and in the mean pain scores. The three best combinations of bupivacaine dose (mg/h), fentanyl dose (&mgr;g/h), clonidine dose (&mgr;g/h), and infusion rate (ml/h) were: 9-21-5-7, 8-30-0-9, and 13-25-0-9, respectively. Conclusions Given the variables investigated, the aforementioned combinations may be the optimal ones to provide postoperative analgesia after major abdominal surgery. Using the direct search method, the enormous number of possible combinations of a therapeutic strategy can be reduced to a small number of potentially useful ones. This is accomplished using a scientific rather than an arbitrary procedure.
Potential Compensation Method for Restraining the DC Bias of Transformers During HVDC Monopolar Operation

The earth return currents (ERCs) of high-voltage direct current transmission can cause severe half-cycle saturation of transformers. This study presents a novel and highly beneficial potential compensation method (PCM) to mitigate the detrimental effects of ERCs. The simulation model of the PCM was first derived and verified through a laboratory test. Analysis has suggested an association of network configuration and mutual resistance to the compensatory factor. The proposed method has been applied in two representative substations with different types of transformers in various operating modes. Results show that as opposed to the neutral blocking device (NBD), the PCM can adjust the dc voltage equilibrium of ac systems rather than intervene in the neutral path of transformers. Moreover, the PCM can eliminate the direct magnetomotive force of autotransformers with proper selection of the injected current. An application shows that the PCM can outperform NBDs and line-series capacitors in restraining the dc bias of autotransformers.
Balancing forces in the photoperiodic control of flowering

In many plant species, the duration of the daily exposure to light (photoperiod) provides a seasonal cue that helps to adjust flowering time to the most favourable time of the year. In Arabidopsis thaliana , the core mechanism of acceleration of flowering by long days involves the stabilisation of the CONSTANS (CO) protein by light reaching the leaves, the direct induction of the expression of FLOWERING LOCUS T ( FT ) by CO and the migration of FT to the apex to promote flowering. In rice ( Oryza sativa ), the promotion of flowering by short days depends on the interplay between light conditions, and the genes Grain number, plant height and heading date locus 7 ( Ghd7 ) and Early heading date 1 ( Ehd1 ). In both cases, other day length-induced changes reinforce the core photoperiodic pathway of promotion of flowering. However, there are regulators of flowering time, quantitatively less important than the core pathways but still significant, which impact in the opposite direction, i.e. favouring rice flowering under long days or Arabidopsis flowering under short days. We show, for instance, that short days enhance leaf expression of SQUAMOSA PROMOTER BINDING PROTEIN-LIKE 3 ( SPL3 ), which stimulates Arabidopsis flowering under these conditions. We propose that fine tuning of flowering time depends on the balance of a hierarchy of multiple points of action of photoperiod on the network controlling flowering.
Micro-Coaxial Fed 18 to 110 GHz Planar Log-Periodic Antennas With RF Transitions

Design, fabrication, measurement setup, and performance of a surface micromachined 18 to 110 GHz planar log-periodic antenna are discussed. The antenna design features a monolithically integrated five-step rectangular-coaxial line impedance transformer used to match the antenna's nominal impedance of 160 Ω to the 50 Ω system impedance. Three measurement transitions are developed to characterize the impedance and far-field performance of the antenna over the full operational bandwidth. Measured data are compared to simulations to assess technology maturation and the performance of the fabricated devices. Realized gain above 3 dBi with stable co-polarized patterns and VSWR under 2:1 are measured for the majority of the operational bandwidth.
Laparoscopic liver resection for posterosuperior and anterolateral lesions-a comparison experience in an Asian centre.

BACKGROUND Minimally invasive surgery has been one of the recent developments in liver surgery, laparoscopic liver resection (LLR) was initially performed for benign lesions at easily accessible locations. As the surgical techniques, technology and experience improved over the past decades, LLR surgery had evolved to tackle malignant lesions, major resections and even in difficult locations without compromising safety and principles of oncology. It was also shown to be beneficial in cirrhotic patients. We describe our initial experience with LLR in a population with significant proportion having cirrhosis, emphasising our approach for lesions in the posterosuperior (PS) segments of the liver (segments 1, 4a, 7, and 8). METHODS A review of patients undergoing LLR in single institution from 2006 to 2015 was performed from a prospective surgical database. Clinicopathological, operative and perioperative parameters were analyzed to compare outcomes in patients who underwent LLR for PS vs. anterolateral lesions (AL). RESULTS LLR was performed in consecutive 197 patients, with a mean age of 60 years. The indications for resection were hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) (n=105; 53%), colorectal cancer liver metastasis (n=31; 16%), other malignancies (n=19; 10%) and benign lesions (n=42; 21%). A significant proportion had liver cirrhosis (25.9%). More females underwent surgery in the AL group and indications for surgery were similar between both groups. Major liver resection was performed more frequently for the PS group than for the AL group (P<0.001) and significantly more PS resections was performed in our latter experience (P=0.02). The mean operative time and the conversion rate were significantly greater in the PS group than in the AL group (P≤0.001 and 0.03, respectively). However, the estimated blood loss (EBL), rate of blood transfusion and mean postoperative stay were similar in the two groups (P=0.04, 0.88 and 0.92, respectively). The overall 90-day morbidity and mortality rate was 21.3% and 0.5% respectively, with no differences between the two groups. Surrogates of difficulty such as operative time, blood loss, conversion and outcomes e.g., morbidity and mortality, were similar in patients who underwent PS resections with or without cirrhosis. CONCLUSIONS LLR in selected patients is technically feasible and safe including cirrhotic patients with lesions in the PS segments.
Expressions of depression in rural women with chronic illness.

INTRODUCTION Globally, chronic conditions have become the most prevalent and costly of health problems, imposing a growing drain on healthcare delivery systems and healthcare financing. Depressive symptoms and disorders are one of the most common complications of chronic illness and negatively impact one's perceived quality of life. In recent years, depression has been recognized as a major health problem for rural women. The purpose of this article is to describe the experience of depression in a sample of chronically ill rural women who participated in an online social-support and health education research project. METHODS Middle-aged rural women with at least one chronic condition were recruited from the western USA to participate in the Women to Women (WTW) project, a 22 week computer-based intervention of virtual support and health education. The presence of depression was measured quantitatively using the Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). Messages posted by the women (n=82) to the online support forum were carefully examined for evidence of depressive symptomatology, perceptions of the relationship of depression to their chronic illnesses, and their strategies for coping with their depression. RESULTS Of the 82 women who participated in the support intervention, 47 (57%) demonstrated clinically significant psychological distress at the time of enrollment into the WTW project by scoring 16 or above on the CES-D (range=0-48; x=19.27; sd=11.25). At the end of the computer intervention, complete data were available on 57 women. Of these, 24 (42%) scored 16 or above on the CES-D (range=0-49; x=15.74; sd=11.55) indicating continuing psychological distress. In all, 59 messages were coded 'depression'. The women's messages included descriptions of symptoms consistent with the literature (feelings of worthlessness and guilt; helplessness and hopelessness; alterations in sleep patterns; loss of energy). The interrelationship of depression and illness, pain, and seasonal weather variations was acknowledged; traditional and complementary healthcare treatments were discussed; relationships with healthcare providers and family and friends were described; and a variety of strategies used in coping with their depression were shared. CONCLUSIONS Rural women with chronic illness struggle with depression. The description of their depressive symptomatology provides insight into the experience and may facilitate healthcare providers' ability to recognize depression and identify strategies to ameliorate the negative impact of depression in chronically ill rural women.
DMX512 Controller for High Brightness RGB LED Matrix

DMX512 is the standard protocol used by lighting equipment in theatrical and entertainment data distribution systems. This paper describes a complete hardware and software solution for driving a high brightness 70 pixel RGB LED matrix from a computer and synchronized with environmental music, in addition to multiple running modes and possibilities achieved. Further possibilities of the developed device running as universal automation controller, are also mentioned.
Effects of viruses on nutrient turnover and growth efficiency of noninfected marine bacterioplankton

The effects of virus infection and lysis of a marine Vibrio sp. on C, N, and P turnover and the growth efficiency of noninfected bacterioplankton were studied in a series of dilution cultures. The cultures were enriched with various sources of organic matter and N and P. The growth of the Vibrio host and the growth of the natural bacterioplankton were measured by immunofluorescence and 4(prm1),6-diamidino-2-phenylindole staining methods, respectively. Lysis products resulting from infection of the Vibrio sp. caused an increase in metabolic activity and cell production by the noninfected bacterioplankton. In P-limited cultures, the addition of viruses increased the uptake of dissolved organic carbon by 72% and the potential alkaline phosphatase activity by 89% compared with control cultures without viruses. Our data suggest that input of available phosphorus through virus-induced Vibrio lysates occurred, which caused an increase in the bacterial nutrient uptake. The growth efficiency of noninfected bacteria was reduced in the presence of viruses compared with the control without viruses (growth efficiencies, 0.08 (plusmn) 0.03 and 0.24 (plusmn) 0.02, respectively). We suggest that the decrease in growth efficiency may be explained by an increase in bacterial energy demand associated with extracellular degradation of polymeric organic nitrogen and phosphorus in cell lysates.
Effects of Dietary γ-Linolenic Acid on Blood Pressure and Adrenal Angiotensin Receptors in Hypertensive Rats

Abstract In a previous study, we showed that dietary gamma-linolenic acid (GLA), an omega-6 polyunsaturated fatty acid found in borage oil (BOR), attenuates the development of hypertension in young spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). The purpose of this study was to determine the effects of dietary GLA on established hypertension in adult rats, as well as its effects on components of the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone axis. For 5 weeks, male SHR (14–15 weeks old) were fed a basal fat-free diet to which 11% by weight of sesame oil (SES) or BOR was added. Systolic blood pressure (SBP), determined by the tail cuff method, and weight were measured weekly. Plasma renin activity (PRA), aldosterone (PA), and corticosterone (PC) levels were measured at the end of the dietary treatments. The adrenal glands were homogenized, and angiotensin II (ANG II) binding was measured and plotted according to Scatchard. Systolic blood pressure was 12 mmHg lower at Week 5 in SHR fed the BOR diet compared to SES-fed rats (P < 0.005). Weight gains were similar in both dietary groups. Plasma aldosterone was lower, PRA was higher, and the PA/PRA ratio was significantly lower (P < 0.05) in BOR-fed rats. Levels of PC were the same in both groups. The BOR-enriched diet reduced adrenal ANG II receptor density and affinity compared to the SES diet. Results suggest that BOR inhibits adrenal responsiveness to ANG II by an action on adrenal receptors. Our findings demonstrated that dietary GLA lowers SBP in adult SHR. This effect may be mediated, at least in part, by interference with the renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system at the level of adrenal ANG II receptors.
Local Production of Fatty Acid–Binding Protein 4 in Epicardial/Perivascular Fat and Macrophages Is Linked to Coronary Atherosclerosis

Objective—Fatty acid–binding protein 4 (FABP4) is expressed in adipocytes and macrophages, and elevated circulating FABP4 level is associated with obesity-mediated metabolic phenotype. We systematically investigated roles of FABP4 in the development of coronary artery atherosclerosis. Approach and Results—First, by immunohistochemical analyses, we found that FABP4 was expressed in macrophages within coronary atherosclerotic plaques and epicardial/perivascular fat in autopsy cases and macrophages within thrombi covering ruptured coronary plaques in thrombectomy samples from patients with acute myocardial infarction. Second, we confirmed that FABP4 was secreted from macrophages and adipocytes cultured in vitro. Third, we investigated the effect of exogenous FABP4 on macrophages and human coronary artery–derived smooth muscle cells and endothelial cells in vitro. Treatment of the cells with recombinant FABP4 significantly increased gene expression of inflammatory markers in a dose-dependent manner. Finally, we measured serum FABP4 level in the aortic root (Ao-FABP4) and coronary sinus (CS-FABP4) of 34 patients with suspected or known coronary artery disease. Coronary stenosis score assessed by the modified Gensini score was weakly correlated with CS-FABP4 but was not correlated with Ao-FABP4. A stronger correlation (r=0.59, P<0.01) was observed for the relationship between coronary stenosis score and coronary veno-arterial difference in FABP4 level, (CS-Ao)-FABP4, indicating local production of FABP4 during coronary circulation in the heart. Multivariate analysis indicated that (CS-Ao)-FABP4 was an independent predictor of the severity of coronary stenosis after adjustment of conventional risk factors. Conclusions—FABP4 locally produced by epicardial/perivascular fat and macrophages in vascular plaques contributes to the development of coronary atherosclerosis.