Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
β‐Adrenergic Blockade and Leptin Replacement Effectively Mitigate Disuse Bone Loss

Our objective was to test effects of β‐adrenergic blockade on hindlimb unloading (HU)‐induced bone loss and serum leptin and to compare these responses with those observed with leptin replacement. Adult male rats were randomized into six groups (n = 10 each): HU rats treated with vehicle (VEHHU), leptin analog (LEPHU), or β‐blocker (BBHU) during a 28‐day HU and cage activity controls (CC) treated with the same three agents and pair‐fed to HU rats. On days 0 and 28, pQCT scans of proximal tibia and serum collections for leptin assays were performed, and histomorphometric measures of proximal tibia cancellous bone were assessed. The 20% decrease in cancellous vBMD observed in the VEHHU group was halved in BBHU rats and LEPHU rats. Bone formation rate (BFR) in BBHU rats, but not in LEPHU rats, was preserved. The 3‐fold increase in resorption surface with HU was abolished by BB and LEP treatments. The decrease in serum leptin after a 28‐day HU was attenuated in BBHU and LEPHU rats and was predictive of the decrease in BFR with HU. Blocking sympathetic adrenergic signaling by peripheral administration of a β‐blocker during HU mitigates disuse‐induced decreases in cancellous bone mass through stimulation of osteoblastic activity and suppression of osteoclastic activity. A direct effect of β‐adrenergic blockade on bone cells during HU may be enhanced by an indirect effect mitigating reductions in circulating leptin, possibly through disinhibition of leptin release from adipocytes.
Up regulation of the plant protein remorin correlates with dehiscence and cell maturation; a link with the maturation of plasmodesmata?

Remorins are plant-specific proteins found associated with plasma membrane microdomains, called lipid rafts. Recently, we have shown that this lipid raft marker also accumulated at plasmodesmata, likely within the plasma membrane lining these structures. Here, we have investigated the gene expression and protein accumulation patterns of remorin at the organ and cell type levels. We show that remorin level is significantly increased in dehiscent, mature and ageing tissues, as well as in source parts of the leaves, where mature branched plasmodesmata are in majority. These results suggest that remorin predominantly associates with mature branched plasmodesmata.
Quantifying the ki-67 heterogeneity profile in prostate cancer.

73 Background: Ki-67 is a robust predictive/prognostic marker in prostate cancer however tumor heterogeneity may compromise its clinical utility when Ki-67 is determined off of prostate biopsy samples. We examined the variation of Ki-67 in prostate biopsy samples by NCCN risk groups and the location of the highest Ki-67 relative to the most dominant lesion on multiparametric (MP) MRI. METHODS An IRB approved retrospective analysis was done on 77 consecutive men whose prostate biopsies revealed cancer. Using a MRI/US fusion device (Artemis), biopsy cores were obtained systematically and when MRI indicated a lesion, by targeting. Ki-67 staining was determined by a manual semi-quantitative method and reported as % of positive cells. The highest Ki-67 per patient was used to determine inter-prostatic variation. Ki-67 range (highest Ki-67 minus lowest Ki-67 value) was used to determine intra-prostatic variation on a subset of 47 patients with ≥2 positive biopsy cores. Ki-67 range was also used to evaluate intra-lesion variation on 31 MP MRI defined lesions with > 1 targeted positive biopsy core. The relationship of the dominant lesion (lesion with the largest tumor diameter) to the highest Ki-67 in the entire prostate was examined for 10 patients with ≥2 distinct lesions on MP MRI. Analysis of variance (ANOVA) was used to evaluate differences between the means of NCCN-defined risk groups. RESULTS Inter-prostatic Ki-67 mean±standard deviation (SD) values for low, intermediate and high risk patients were 5.1% ± 3.8%, 7.4% ± 6.8%, and 12.0% ± 12.4% (ANOVA p=0.01). Intra-prostatic mean±SD Ki-67 ranges in low, intermediate, and high risk patients were 2.6% ± 3.4%, 4.6% ± 6.4%, 9.5% ± 10.6% (ANOVA p = 0.0246). Intra-lesion mean±SD Ki-67 ranges in low, intermediate and high risk patients were 1.0%±1.0%, 4.0%±4.29%, and 6.7%±11.51% (ANOVA p=0.39). The dominant lesion harbored the highest Ki-67 30% of the time. CONCLUSIONS High risk patients have significantly higher inter- and intra-prostatic Ki-67 heterogeneity profiles than men with low/intermediate risk disease. The highest Ki-67 is often not located in the dominant MRI defined lesion. This data can inform future biopsy strategies when integrating Ki-67 into clinical practice.
Reliability and validity of a weight-bearing measure of ankle dorsiflexion range of motion.

PURPOSE To examine reliability and validity of the Lunge Test (LT) of dorsiflexion range of motion and determine the impact of different approaches to obtain a score on these parameters. METHODS Fifty-three patients with ankle injury/dysfunction provided initial assessment data for cross-sectional convergent and known-groups validity analysis with the Pearson coefficient (r) and paired t-test, respectively; data after 4-8 weeks of treatment for longitudinal validity analysis with coefficient r; and data 3 days later for test-retest reliability using the intra-class correlation coefficient (ICC) and minimal detectable change (MDC). LT scores were determined for the affected leg only (LTAff) and for the difference between the two limbs (LTDiff). Two strategies were used to calculate LT scores: a single series and the mean of three series of lunges. LTs were correlated with the Lower Extremity Functional Scale and Global Foot and Ankle Scale. RESULTS Reliability coefficients were high (ICC=0.93-0.99). The MDC=1.0/1.5 cm, LTAff/LTDiff, respectively. Cross-sectional validity was confirmed for LTDiff (r=-0.40 to -0.50). Between-limb differences (p<0.05) supported known-groups validity. Longitudinal validity was supported for both LT change scores (r=0.39-0.63). The number of series of lunges used did not impact results. CONCLUSIONS A single series of lunges produces a reliable LT score. From a validity perspective, clinicians should use LTDiff on initial assessment and either LT to assess change.
XENical in the prevention of diabetes in obese subjects (XENDOS) study: a randomized study of orlistat as an adjunct to lifestyle changes for the prevention of type 2 diabetes in obese patients.

OBJECTIVE It is well established that the risk of developing type 2 diabetes is closely linked to the presence and duration of overweight and obesity. A reduction in the incidence of type 2 diabetes with lifestyle changes has previously been demonstrated. We hypothesized that adding a weight-reducing agent to lifestyle changes may lead to an even greater decrease in body weight, and thus the incidence of type 2 diabetes, in obese patients. RESEARCH DESIGN AND METHODS In a 4-year, double-blind, prospective study, we randomized 3,305 patients to lifestyle changes plus either orlistat 120 mg or placebo, three times daily. Participants had a BMI >/=30 kg/m2 and normal (79%) or impaired (21%) glucose tolerance (IGT). Primary endpoints were time to onset of type 2 diabetes and change in body weight. Analyses were by intention to treat. RESULTS Of orlistat-treated patients, 52% completed treatment compared with 34% of placebo recipients (P < 0.0001). After 4 years' treatment, the cumulative incidence of diabetes was 9.0% with placebo and 6.2% with orlistat, corresponding to a risk reduction of 37.3% (P = 0.0032). Exploratory analyses indicated that the preventive effect was explained by the difference in subjects with IGT. Mean weight loss after 4 years was significantly greater with orlistat (5.8 vs. 3.0 kg with placebo; P < 0.001) and similar between orlistat recipients with impaired (5.7 kg) or normal glucose tolerance (NGT) (5.8 kg) at baseline. A second analysis in which the baseline weights of subjects who dropped out of the study was carried forward also demonstrated greater weight loss in the orlistat group (3.6 vs. 1.4 kg; P < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Compared with lifestyle changes alone, orlistat plus lifestyle changes resulted in a greater reduction in the incidence of type 2 diabetes over 4 years and produced greater weight loss in a clinically representative obese population. Difference in diabetes incidence was detectable only in the IGT subgroup; weight loss was similar in subjects with IGT or NGT [correction].
A Practical Path Planner for the Robotic Vacuum Cleaner in Rectilinear Environments

In this paper, we propose a path planner for a robotic vacuum cleaner (RVC). In the design of the planner, we consider two main issues: (1) human-friendly path generation and (2) low computational load. First, we analyze how human move and suggest a hypothesis that human navigate in a way that minimizes the sum of muscle and brain energy. By imitating the human path, we propose a human- friendly path planner. Also, the designed planner requires a low amount of computations which not only extends the battery running time but also decreases the hardware cost of the RVC. Experimental results show that the proposed path gives a more favorable impression to customers than conventional paths.
Overexpression of ATP sulfurylase in Indian mustard: effects on tolerance and accumulation of twelve metals.

Indian mustard [Brassica juncea (L.) Czern. ] transgenics overexpressing ATP sulfurylase (APS plants) were shown previously to have higher levels of total thiols, S, and Se. The present study explores the effect of ATP sulfurylase overexpression on tolerance and accumulation of other metals, both oxyanions and cations, reasoning that some anions may react directly with ATP sulfurylase, while other ions may be bound by its thiol end products. The APS transgenics were compared with wild-type plants with respect to tolerance and accumulation of As, Cd, Cr, Cu, Hg, Mn, Mo, Ni, Pb, V, W, and Zn, supplied individually in agar medium (seedlings) or in hydroponics (mature plants). At the seedling stage, APS transgenics were more tolerant than wild type to As(III), As(V), Cd, Cu, Hg, and Zn, but less tolerant to Mo and V. The APS seedlings had up to 2.5-fold higher shoot concentrations of As(III), As(V), Hg, Mo, Pb, and V, and somewhat lower Cr levels. Mature APS plants contained up to 2.5-fold higher shoot concentrations of Cd, Cr, Cu, Mo, V, and W than wild type. They also contained 1.5- to 2-fold higher levels of the essential elements Fe, Mo, and S in most of the treatments. Mature APS plants showed no differences in metal tolerance compared with the wild type. Overexpression of ATP sulfurylase may be a promising approach to create plants with enhanced phytoextraction capacity for mixtures of metals.
Muscular strength and cardiorespiratory fitness is associated with higher insulin sensitivity in children and adolescents.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the relationship of muscular strength and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) to insulin resistance. METHODS In a cross sectional study of 126 volunteers (10-15 years) we measured insulin, glucose, lipids, body mass, height, waist circumference (WC), strength and CRF. Linear and logistic regression models assessed the relationships between these factors and estimated insulin resistance (Homeostasis Assessment Model2; HOMA2-IR). RESULTS Greater insulin resistance was associated with greater adiposity, lower CRF, and strength. Upper body strength and WC were the only independent predictors of insulin resistance, accounting for 39% of the variance (p < 0.001). Children in the highest and middle tertiles of absolute upper body strength were 98% less likely to have high insulin resistance than those with the lowest strength, adjusted for maturation and central adiposity, body mass (OR = 0.019; p = 0.003). Similar trends were present for high vs. low CRF. CONCLUSION Muscular strength has been identified for the first time as an independent and powerful predictor of better insulin sensitivity in children. Lower strength, CRF and higher central adiposity are highly predictive of higher levels of insulin resistance in this cohort, and should be considered potential targets for interventions designed to enhance metabolic fitness in children and adolescents.
Ethanol influences on bax associations with mitochondrial membrane proteins in neonatal rat cerebellum

These studies investigated interactions taking place at the mitochondrial membrane in neonatal rat cerebellum following ethanol exposure and focused on interactions between proapoptotic Bax and proteins of the permeability transition pore (PTP), voltage‐dependent anion channel (VDAC) and adenine nucleotide translocator (ANT) of the outer and inner mitochondrial membranes, respectively. Cultured cerebellar granule cells were used to assess the role of these interactions in ethanol neurotoxicity. Analyses were made at the age of maximal cerebellar ethanol vulnerability (P4), compared to the later age of relative resistance (P7), to determine whether differential ethanol sensitivity was mirrored by differences in these molecular interactions. We found that, following ethanol exposure, Bax proapoptotic associations with both VDAC and ANT were increased, particularly at the age of greater ethanol sensitivity, and these interactions were sustained at this age for at least 2 h postexposure. Since Bax:VDAC interactions disrupt protective VDAC interactions with mitochondrial hexokinase (HXK), we also assessed VDAC:HXK associations following ethanol treatment and found such interactions were altered by ethanol treatment, but only at 2 h postexposure and only in the P4, ethanol‐sensitive cerebellum. Ethanol neurotoxicity in cultured neuronal preparations was abolished by pharmacological inhibition of both VDAC and ANT interactions with Bax but not by a Bax channel blocker. Therefore, we conclude that, at this age, within the constraints of our experimental model, a primary mode of Bax‐induced initiation of the apoptosis cascade following ethanol insult involves interactions with proteins of the PTP complex and not channel formation independent of PTP constituents. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. Develop Neurobiol, 2013
Relationship between essential amino acids and muscle mass, independent of habitual diets, in pre- and post-menopausal US women

The purpose of this secondary analysis was to examine the relationship between protein and essential amino acids (EAAs) intake with the level of muscle mass (MM) independent of the diet. Twenty-one omnivores, 22 ovo-lacto-vegetarians and 20 vegans were recruited. MM (urinary creatinine), dietary intake (5-day dietary records) and biochemical analyses (urinary and plasma sex hormones) were obtained. We observed no significant difference between groups for MM, total EAA intake, leucine, isoleucine, age and body mass index. However, we observed a significant difference between groups for total dietary protein intake and total energy intake. Despite significant differences in total dietary protein, the EAA intake was not different, indicating that neither the amount nor the quality of protein in these diets was a limiting factor in determining the amount of MM. Thus, each of these diet patterns appears adequate to maintain MM.
AEROBIC SPORE-BEARING BACTERIA IN THE INTESTINAL TRACT OF CHILDREN

During the last three years a bacteriological investigation of the dejecta of children has been undertaken to determine whether changes in the intestinal flora can be correlated with changes in diet, the results of this investigation being published elsewhere. In the course of this work it became necessary to make a systematic study of the aerobic spore-bearing bacteria which were isolated from the various cases, and the results obtained seem of sufficient importance to merit separate consideration. Smears made from the dejecta of children when stained by Gran's method, reveal large Gram-positive bacteria which differ markedly in size and shape from the Gram-negative organisms of the intestine. In adults and in many childrdn, they form a relatively unimportant constituent of the faecal flora. In other children, however, especially when a diet of protein milk or buttermilk has been administered, these large Gram-positive organisms are much increased in number and form a considerable proportion of the organisms found on bacterioscopic examination. Together with these forms, spores of various sizes and shapes may be detected; and the large Gram-positive organism are usually, in our opinion, aerobic spore-bearers. Ordinary agar and gelatin plates made from the dejecth reveal only the small opalescent colonies of Bacillus coli or Bacillus alkaligenes or the large viscid colonies of Bacillus lactis-aerogenes, all of which are Gram-negative. If an emulsion of the dejecta be made in broth and heated to 80°C. for twenty minutes and cultures be taken from this at once, or after twenty-four hours in-
CLONORCHICIDAL PROPERTIES OF THE SYNTHETIC TRIOXOLANE OZ78

Because the synthetic trioxolane OZ78 is active against the liver fluke Fasciola hepatica, we were motivated to investigate the in vivo and in vitro activity against another liver fluke, namely Clonorchis sinensis. Rats infected with C. sinensis for 2 and 5 wk were treated orally with single doses of OZ78 (75, 150, or 300 mg/kg). Worm burden reductions were assessed against untreated control rats. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) was used to observe adult C. sinensis after recovery from rats 1–3 days posttreatment with a single 300 mg/kg oral dose of OZ78 and after in vitro exposure to concentrations of 1, 10, and 100 μg/ml of OZ78. A single 300 mg/kg oral dose of OZ78 resulted in worm burden reductions of 78.5% and 98.5% against juvenile and adult C. sinensis, respectively. SEM observations revealed tegumental surface alterations, including blebbing and sloughing. OZ78 emerges as a new compound with a broad spectrum of activity against major foodborne trematode infections.
Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for improving function after stroke.

BACKGROUND It had been assumed that suppressing the undamaged contralesional motor cortex by repetitive low-frequency transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) or increasing the excitability of the damaged hemisphere cortex by high-frequency rTMS will promote function recovery after stroke. OBJECTIVES To assess the efficacy and safety of rTMS for improving function in people with stroke. SEARCH METHODS We searched the Cochrane Stroke Group Trials Register (April 2012), the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL) (The Cochrane Library 2012, Issue 4), the Chinese Stroke Trials Register (April 2012), MEDLINE (1950 to May 2012), EMBASE (1980 to May 2012), Science Citation Index (1981 to April 2012), Conference Proceedings Citation Index-Science (1990 to April 2012), CINAHL (1982 to May 2012), AMED (1985 to May 2012), PEDro (April 2012), REHABDATA (April 2012) and CIRRIE Database of International Rehabilitation Research (April 2012). In addition, we searched five Chinese databases, ongoing trials registers and relevant reference lists. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised controlled trials comparing rTMS therapy with sham therapy or no therapy. We excluded trials that reported only laboratory parameters. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Two review authors independently selected trials, assessed trial quality and extracted the data. We resolved disagreements by discussion. MAIN RESULTS We included 19 trials involving a total of 588 participants in this review. Two heterogenous trials with a total of 183 participants showed that rTMS treatment was not associated with a significant increase in the Barthel Index score (mean difference (MD) 15.92, 95% CI -2.11 to 33.95). Four trials with a total of 73 participants were not found to have a statistically significant effect on motor function (standardised mean difference (SMD) 0.51, 95% CI -0.99 to 2.01). Subgroup analyses of different stimulation frequencies or duration of illness also showed no significant difference. Few mild adverse events were observed in the rTMS groups, with the most common events being transient or mild headaches (2.4%, 8/327) and local discomfort at the site of the stimulation. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Current evidence does not support the routine use of rTMS for the treatment of stroke. Further trials with larger sample sizes are needed to determine a suitable rTMS protocol and the long-term functional outcome.
Mapping and expression pattern analysis of key components of the major histocompatibility complex class I antigen processing and presentation pathway in a representative human renal cell carcinoma cell line

Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) represent approximately 5% of all cancer deaths. At the time of presentation, over 50% of the patients have already developed locally advanced or metastatic disease with five‐year survival rates of less than 20%. Although relative resistant to conventional regimens, RCC are partially susceptible to T cell‐based immunotherapy. To further develop this treatment modality, two‐dimensional polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis (2‐D PAGE) was applied for both the mapping of the key components of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) class I antigen processing and presentation machinery (APM) and the characterization of the constitutive and cytokine‐regulated protein expression profiles in a representative human RCC cell line. The latter aspect is based on the fact, that the expression level of some of the APM components can be altered in response to interferon (IFN)‐γ treatment. Total cell lysates from untreated and IFN‐γ‐treated tumor cells were separated on 2‐D PAGE gels using broad range immobilized pH gradient (IPG) strips. Serial Western blot analyses using sets of APM‐specific antibodies were performed to target the relevant protein spots. Protein verification was mostly accomplished via peptide mass fingerprinting using matrix‐assisted laser desorption/ionization‐mass spectrometry (MALDI‐MS). To date, the majority of the APM‐related components have been identified and mapped. In addition, the different protein expression profiles of untreated and IFN‐γ‐treated RCC cells are under investigation.
The community college baccalaureate degree in the United States: An event history analysis

In the late 20th century, states began approving community colleges to offer four-year baccalaureate degrees, signifying the emergence of the community college baccalaureate (CCB) movement. From 1989 to 2007, 16 states included in this analysis had at least one community college that was authorized to grant baccalaureate degrees. In the early years, states offering CCBs saw modest expansion. By the turn of the century, the number of states authorizing community colleges to offer baccalaureate degrees expanded rapidly. Rationale for the CCB included: increased demands for baccalaureate degrees and credentials; unmet workforce needs; need for increased access to affordable higher education options; baccalaureate training in all state regions; pressures to meet state and national completion goals; overcrowding, stricter admissions standards, and rising costs to students and taxpayers at traditional four-year institutions. The methodological technique of event history analysis was used to better understand the timing and occurrence of the adoption of the CCB. The particular specification for this analysis was the Extended Cox model, where the dependent variable was the binary adoption of the CCB and the independent variables were grouped into five rival sets of hypotheses drawn and distilled from the literature: regional diffusion, fiscal and socioeconomic factors, higher education demand, governance structures, and political factors. The analysis for this study was conducted using longitudinal panel data for 46 states from 1989 to 2007, and tested 17 hypotheses. Data were collected from a variety of state-level sources, including the U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. Census Bureau, Integrated Postsecondary Education Data Systems, Western Interstate Commission for Higher Education, U.S. Department of Labor, Education Commission of the States, Klarnar’s data set, and Council of State Governments.