Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Parent-Adolescent Conflict: Possible Determinants and Consequences

The first aim of this study was to examine the factors that might account for variations in the level of parent-adolescent conflict. These factors were grouped into two classes of variables: (1) personal characteristics of the adolescent, such as temperament and pubertal timing; and (2) parental child-rearing style. Second, we examined the relationship between the level of conflict, the quality of the parent-adolescent relationship, and adolescents’ and parents’ well-being. The sample consisted of 508 families with adolescents (12 to 18 years old). During a home visit, a battery of questionnaires was administered individually to mothers, fathers, and adolescents. The amount of conflict was related to the temperamental characteristics of the adolescent but not to pubertal timing or child-rearing style. With regard to the consequences of the parent-adolescent conflict, it appears that a higher level of conflict is a better predictor of parental, rather than adolescents’ well-being.
Editor’s Highlight: Comparative Dose-Response Analysis of Liver and Kidney Transcriptomic Effects of Trichloroethylene and Tetrachloroethylene in B6C3F1 Mouse

Trichloroethylene (TCE) and tetrachloroethylene (PCE) are ubiquitous environmental contaminants and occupational health hazards. Recent health assessments of these agents identified several critical data gaps, including lack of comparative analysis of their effects. This study examined liver and kidney effects of TCE and PCE in a dose-response study design. Equimolar doses of TCE (24, 80, 240, and 800 mg/kg) or PCE (30, 100, 300, and 1000 mg/kg) were administered by gavage in aqueous vehicle to male B6C3F1/J mice. Tissues were collected 24 h after exposure. Trichloroacetic acid (TCA), a major oxidative metabolite of both compounds, was measured and RNA sequencing was performed. PCE had a stronger effect on liver and kidney transcriptomes, as well as greater concentrations of TCA. Most dose-responsive pathways were common among chemicals/tissues, with the strongest effect on peroxisomal β-oxidation. Effects on liver and kidney mitochondria-related pathways were notably unique to PCE. We performed dose-response modeling of the transcriptomic data and compared the resulting points of departure (PODs) to those for apical endpoints derived from long-term studies with these chemicals in rats, mice, and humans, converting to human equivalent doses using tissue-specific dosimetry models. Tissue-specific acute transcriptional effects of TCE and PCE occurred at human equivalent doses comparable to those for apical effects. These data are relevant for human health assessments of TCE and PCE as they provide data for dose-response analysis of the toxicity mechanisms. Additionally, they provide further evidence that transcriptomic data can be useful surrogates for in vivo PODs, especially when toxicokinetic differences are taken into account.
Analysis of anger in patients with ischemie heart disease

Objective: To compare levels of anger, and its components, between a group of Colombians individuals with coronary heart disease and a healthy control group. Measures: Each participant was administered the STAXI-2. Results: Compared to controls, patients with coronary artery disease­had­significantly­higher­Trait­Anger­(p­<­0.01),­specifically­the­ Angry­Reaction­sub-scale­(p­<­0.05),­and­Anger­Expression-In­(p­<­ 0.05). ­Conclusion: Patients with coronary artery disease experience more frequent feelings of anger (trait anger), apparently because they are more sensitive to criticism (angry reaction), but they tend to suppress the expression­of ­their­anger­(anger­expression-in). ­These­results­confirm­ the need for implementing anger management programs with these patients and gain a better understanding of how anger/hostility might influence­the­progression­of ­their­disease.
Adaptor Proteins MiD49 and MiD51 Can Act Independently of Mff and Fis1 in Drp1 Recruitment and Are Specific for Mitochondrial Fission*

Background: Various receptor proteins recruit Drp1 to drive fission of mitochondria and peroxisomes. Results: MiD49 and MiD51 recruit Drp1 specifically to mitochondria independently of receptors Fis1 and Mff. Conclusion: MiD49 and MiD51 appear to be specific to the mitochondrial fission apparatus of mammalian cells. Significance: Mitochondrial and peroxisomal fission processes can be differentially regulated. Drp1 (dynamin-related protein 1) is recruited to both mitochondrial and peroxisomal membranes to execute fission. Fis1 and Mff are Drp1 receptor/effector proteins of mitochondria and peroxisomes. Recently, MiD49 and MiD51 were also shown to recruit Drp1 to the mitochondrial surface; however, different reports have ascribed opposing roles in fission and fusion. Here, we show that MiD49 or MiD51 overexpression blocked fission by acting in a dominant-negative manner by sequestering Drp1 specifically at mitochondria, causing unopposed fusion events at mitochondria along with elongation of peroxisomes. Mitochondrial elongation caused by MiD49/51 overexpression required the action of fusion mediators mitofusins 1 and 2. Furthermore, at low level overexpression when MiD49 and MiD51 form discrete foci at mitochondria, mitochondrial fission events still occurred. Unlike Fis1 and Mff, MiD49 and MiD51 were not targeted to the peroxisomal surface, suggesting that they specifically act to facilitate Drp1-directed fission at mitochondria. Moreover, when MiD49 or MiD51 was targeted to the surface of peroxisomes or lysosomes, Drp1 was specifically recruited to these organelles. Moreover, the Drp1 recruitment activity of MiD49/51 appeared stronger than that of Mff or Fis1. We conclude that MiD49 and MiD51 can act independently of Mff and Fis1 in Drp1 recruitment and suggest that they provide specificity to the division of mitochondria.
Prevalencia del esófago de Barrett y asociación con adenocarcinoma esofágico: Experiencia de 25 años

TRADITIONALLY BARRETT´S ESOPHAGUS (BE) HAD BEEN LINKED WITH MAJOR GASTROESOPHAGICAL REFLUX DISEASE(ERGE) AND WITH ADENOCARCIONOMA. ACTUALLY 8-20% OF THE PATIENTS WITH REFLUX SHOW BARRETT´S AT ENDOSCOPY. THE RISK THAT THIS PICTURE TURN TO MALIGNANCY IS VARIABLE FROM 0 TO 58%. THE OBJETIVE OF THIS WORK IS TO DETERMINE PREVALENCE, CLINICAL, ENDOSCOPIC AND HISTOLOGIC CHARACTERISTICS AND FREQUENCY OF MALIGNANT FORMATION IN OUR POPULATION.A RETROSPECTIVE ANALYSIS IN 520 PATIENTS WAS MADE: 78 OF THEM SHOWED BE (15% PREVALECE), 56 MALES (71.7%) AND 22 FEMALES (28.2), A RELATION 3: 1. AGE RANGED FROM 9 TO 89 YEARS), 94.8% HAD CLINICAL SYMTOMS. ENDOSCOPIC FINNDINGS WERE ULCERS (42.3 %) AND NARROWNESS(21.7%). HISTOLIOGICALLY IT WAS FOUND INTESTINAL EPITHELIUM (42.3%) AND FUNDIC (8.9%). SLIGHT DYSPLASIA IN 6.4% AND SEVERE DYSPLASIA 1.2%. THE RELATION BETWEEN THE TWO DISEASES (ADENOCARCINOMA AND BE) WAS 5.1% TWO MORE BE PATIENTS DEVELOPED ADENOCARCINOMA LATER (6.4%). FOLLOWUP FROM 2 TO 9 YEARS. (MEDIUM 11 MONTHS). PREVALENCE OF BE IN OUR POPULATION RANKS AT THE SAME LEVEL THAT IN ALL THE WORLD. INCIDENCE AND PREVALENCE OF MALIGNANCY IS LOWER, ALTHOUGH PERHAPS IT IS DUE TO THE SHORT PERIOD OF FOLLOW-UP.
The Structure of Integrin α1I Domain in Complex with a Collagen-mimetic Peptide*

Background: Collagen-binding integrins bind differentially to different types of collagen. Results: The solution structure of integrin α1I domain in complex with a collagen-mimetic peptide was determined. Conclusion: Integrin α1I domain binds collagen in a distinct orientation compared with α2I, but the signal transduction mechanisms appear to be conserved. Significance: Understanding the collagen binding specificity of integrins might enable their selective modulation in disease. We have determined the structure of the human integrin α1I domain bound to a triple-helical collagen peptide. The structure of the α1I-peptide complex was investigated using data from NMR, small angle x-ray scattering, and size exclusion chromatography that were used to generate and validate a model of the complex using the data-driven docking program, HADDOCK (High Ambiguity Driven Biomolecular Docking). The structure revealed that the α1I domain undergoes a major conformational change upon binding of the collagen peptide. This involves a large movement in the C-terminal helix of the αI domain that has been suggested to be the mechanism by which signals are propagated in the intact integrin receptor. The structure suggests a basis for the different binding selectivity observed for the α1I and α2I domains. Mutational data identify residues that contribute to the conformational change observed. Furthermore, small angle x-ray scattering data suggest that at low collagen peptide concentrations the complex exists in equilibrium between a 1:1 and 2:1 α1I-peptide complex.
Dioxin-like PCB 126 Increases Systemic Inflammation and Accelerates Atherosclerosis in Lean LDL Receptor-Deficient Mice

Exposure to dioxins and related persistent organic pollutants likely contributes to cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk through multiple mechanisms including the induction of chronic inflammation. Epidemiological studies have shown that leaner individuals may be more susceptible to the detrimental effects of lipophilic toxicants because they lack large adipose tissue depots that can accumulate and sequester these pollutants. This phenomenon complicates efforts to study mechanisms of pollutant-accelerated atherosclerosis in experimental animal models where high-fat feeding and adipose expansion limit the bioavailability of lipophilic pollutants. Here, we investigated whether a model dioxin-like pollutant, PCB 126, could increase inflammation and accelerate atherosclerosis in Ldlr-/- mice fed a low-fat atherogenic diet. We fed Ldlr-/- mice the Clinton/Cybulsky diet (10% kcal fat, 0.15% cholesterol) and sacrificed mice at 8, 10, or 12 weeks postPCB (2 doses of 1 μmol/kg) or vehicle gavage. To characterize this novel model, we examined the effects of PCB 126 on markers of systemic inflammation, hematological indices, fatty livers, and atherosclerotic lesion size. Mice exposed to PCB 126 exhibited significantly increased plasma inflammatory cytokine levels, increased circulating biomarkers of CVD, altered platelet, and red blood cell counts, increased accumulation of hepatic fatty acids, and accelerated atherosclerotic lesion formation in the aortic root. PCB 126 also increased circulating neutrophils, monocytes, and macrophages as determined by flow cytometry analysis. Exposure to dioxin-like PCB 126 increases inflammation and accelerates atherosclerosis in mice. This low-fat atherogenic diet may provide a useful tool to study the mechanisms linking exposure to lipophilic pollutants to increased risk of CVD.
Glycerol-3-phosphate Acyltransferase (GPAT)-1, but Not GPAT4, Incorporates Newly Synthesized Fatty Acids into Triacylglycerol and Diminishes Fatty Acid Oxidation*

Background: The independent functions of the glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase (GPAT) isoforms are unknown. Results: When compared with Gpat4−/−, Gpat1−/− hepatocytes oxidized more fatty acids (FA) and were unable to incorporate de novo synthesized FA into triacylglycerol. Conclusion: GPAT1, but not GPAT4, metabolizes FA synthesized de novo from [14C]acetate and diverts FA away from mitochondrial oxidation. Significance: GPAT1 and GPAT4 use different cellular pools of FA. Four glycerol-3-phosphate acyltransferase (GPAT) isoforms, each encoded by a separate gene, catalyze the initial step in glycerolipid synthesis; in liver, the major isoforms are GPAT1 and GPAT4. To determine whether each of these hepatic isoforms performs a unique function in the metabolism of fatty acid, we measured the incorporation of de novo synthesized fatty acid or exogenous fatty acid into complex lipids in primary mouse hepatocytes from control, Gpat1−/−, and Gpat4−/− mice. Although hepatocytes from each genotype incorporated a similar amount of exogenous fatty acid into triacylglycerol (TAG), only control and Gpat4−/− hepatocytes were able to incorporate de novo synthesized fatty acid into TAG. When compared with controls, Gpat1−/− hepatocytes oxidized twice as much exogenous fatty acid. To confirm these findings and to assess hepatic β-oxidation metabolites, we measured acylcarnitines in liver from mice after a 24-h fast and after a 24-h fast followed by 48 h of refeeding with a high sucrose diet to promote lipogenesis. Confirming the in vitro findings, the hepatic content of long-chain acylcarnitine in fasted Gpat1−/− mice was 3-fold higher than in controls. When compared with control and Gpat4−/− mice, after the fasting-refeeding protocol, Gpat1−/− hepatic TAG was depleted, and long-chain acylcarnitine content was 3.5-fold higher. Taken together, these data demonstrate that GPAT1, but not GPAT4, is required to incorporate de novo synthesized fatty acids into TAG and to divert them away from oxidation.
Engineered Protease-resistant Antibodies with Selectable Cell-killing Functions*

Background: Proteases can cleave human IgG1 antibodies, resulting in loss of cell-killing functions. Results: Mutation of the lower hinge of IgG1 confers protease resistance but disrupts Fc effector functions. Conclusion: Compensating mutations in the CH2 domain can selectively restore Fc effector functions on a protease-resistant backbone. Significance: Protease-resistant antibodies may be desirable for microenvironments with high protease content and/or when selected cell-killing functions are needed. Molecularly engineered antibodies with fit-for-purpose properties will differentiate next generation antibody therapeutics from traditional IgG1 scaffolds. One requirement for engineering the most appropriate properties for a particular therapeutic area is an understanding of the intricacies of the target microenvironment in which the antibody is expected to function. Our group and others have demonstrated that proteases secreted by invasive tumors and pathological microorganisms are capable of cleaving human IgG1, the most commonly adopted isotype among monoclonal antibody therapeutics. Specific cleavage in the lower hinge of IgG1 results in a loss of Fc-mediated cell-killing functions without a concomitant loss of antigen binding capability or circulating antibody half-life. Proteolytic cleavage in the hinge region by tumor-associated or microbial proteases is postulated as a means of evading host immune responses, and antibodies engineered with potent cell-killing functions that are also resistant to hinge proteolysis are of interest. Mutation of the lower hinge region of an IgG1 resulted in protease resistance but also resulted in a profound loss of Fc-mediated cell-killing functions. In the present study, we demonstrate that specific mutations of the CH2 domain in conjunction with lower hinge mutations can restore and sometimes enhance cell-killing functions while still retaining protease resistance. By identifying mutations that can restore either complement- or Fcγ receptor-mediated functions on a protease-resistant scaffold, we were able to generate a novel protease-resistant platform with selective cell-killing functionality.
Catch the Catawba SPARK: Physical Activity for Head Start Youths

Childhood obesity is rapidly emerging as an epidemic in the United States and is sure to have profound public health consequences when overweight children become overweight adults (Bellizzi & Dietz, 1999; Strauss & Pollack, 2001). Currently, at least one in five children in the United States are overweight or obese, and the numbers are continuing to increase (Troiano, Flegal, Kuczmarski, Campbell, &johnson, 1995). The dramatic rise in the prevalence of overweight and obesity among children suggests an environmental rather than genetic cause, therefore the focus of prevention is on reducing a child's exposure to the environmental causes of obesity (e.g., sedentary behavior). Data from national surveys (Behavioral Risk Factor Surveillance System, National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, and National Health Interview Survey) indicate that people at low levels of income and education are more sedentary than people at higher socioeconomic levels (King et al., 1992). Also, though few exercise studies involving ethnic minority children exist, there is evidence to suggest that minority children may be less active (Fontvieille, Kriska, & Ravussin, 1993;Wolfet al., 1993) and more likely to be obese (Gortmaker, Dietz, Sobol, & Wehler, 1987; Strauss & Pollack, 2001) than nonminority children. Interventions to encourage participation in regular physical activity are needed, and they must target children
eHealthpoint: Healthcare for Rural India

Healthpoint Services sought to address rural India's shortage of quality and affordable healthcare with a multi-service platform that comprised telemedical health clinics called eHealthpoints, clean drinking water, a diagnostic lab, and a pharmacy. Could they convince rural Indians to leapfrog from local healers to telemedicine? And could they convince Investors that their capital Intensive, bundled offering was a high-growth, self-sustaining venture? Healthpoint Services grappled with multiple challenges: changing mind-sets of patients and investors, generating traffic at their eHealthpoints, expanding their product portfolio, and growing within and outside India.Learning Objective:To assess a for-profit social enterprise whose mission is to provide primary healthcare services to the poor in rural India.
Using radiogenomics to characterize MRI-guided prostate cancer biopsy heterogenity.

25 Background: Current methods for prostate cancer risk stratification are often insufficient to accurately predict outcome after definitive therapy. As tumor multi-focality and genetic heterogeneity can lead to diagnostic prostate biopsy sampling bias, we hypothesize that quantitative imaging with multiparametric (MP)-MRI will more accurately direct targeted biopsies to index lesions associated with highest risk clinical and genomic features, and improve accuracy of current risk classification systems. Methods: Regionally distinct prostate habitats were delineated on MP-MRI (T2w, perfusion and diffusion imaging). Directed biopsies were performed on 17 habitats from 6 patients using MRI-ultrasound fusion. Biopsy location was characterized with 51 radiographic features (including intensity, volume, perfusion, and diffusion paramters). Transcriptome-wide analysis of 1.4 million RNA probes was performed on RNA from each habitat. Genomics features with insignificant expression values (<0.25) and interquartile.
A study of science student teachers perceptions of learning in the education colleges in the Sultanate of Oman

The initial aim of this study was to explore the changes in the students’ perceptions of learning over their study years in the education colleges in the Sultanate of Oman. A number of years ago Perry developed a scheme to describe students’ perceptions of learning. Johnstone adapted this scheme. In both the original scheme and the adaptation, the development of students’ perceptions of learning was considered in four areas: the lecturers’ role, the student’s role, the nature of scientific knowledge, and assessment. The Johnstone’s adaptation was used in this study. The first stage was to carry out a survey with a sample of 889 students and 1165 pupils from education colleges (age 18-22) and secondary schools (age 15-18). The schools data provided a background against which the student data could be considered. A questionnaire was devised and distributed to three study years in secondary schools and four study years in the education colleges. The results show that although there is a growth in students’ perceptions of learning over their study years, this growth varied from area to area. In the areas of the lecturer’s role the growth was generally good. In the area of the nature of scientific knowledge the growth was very poor while in the assessment area the growth was good in some questions and poor in others. The results also revealed that students’ perceptions of learning correlated positively with their academic performance. It was also evident that females in general had better perceptions of learning than males. In secondary schools, it appeared that science stream students had better perceptions of learning science than arts stream students but this may merely reflect the contextual nature of Perry development.
Plasma fractionation in Asia–Pacific: challenges and perspectives

Patients in every country should have access to quality blood products. National health authorities play a critical role in ensuring that patients’ needs are met with safe and cost‐effective products. Fractionated plasma products, as other blood products, are essential therapeutics used in the prevention, management, and treatment of life‐threatening conditions resulting from trauma, metabolic congenital deficiencies, immunological disorders or infections. A few high development index (HDI) countries in the region have sufficient access to a broad portfolio of plasma products (coagulation factors, immunoglobulin, albumin) through domestic (e.g. Australia, Japan, Korea) or contract (e.g. Singapore, New Zealand) plasma fractionation programmes. China is gradually establishing a modern plasma fractionation industry. Other countries face plasma product shortages leading to inappropriate clinical use of plasma for transfusion and of non‐virally inactivated cryoprecipitate, and ultimately to inappropriate treatment of patients.
Velocity and pattern of ice propagation and deep supercooling in woody stems of Castanea sativa, Morus nigra and Quercus robur measured by IDTA.

Infrared differential thermal analysis (IDTA) was used to monitor the velocity and pattern of ice propagation and deep supercooling of xylem parenchyma cells (XPCs) during freezing of stems of Castanea sativa L. , Morus nigra L. and Quercus robur L. that exhibit a macro- and ring-porous xylem. Measurements were conducted on the surface of cross- and longitudinal stem sections. During high-temperature freezing exotherms (HTEs; -2.8 to -9.4°C), initial freezing was mainly observed in the youngest year ring of the sapwood (94%), but occasionally elsewhere (older year rings: 4%; bark: 2%). Initially, ice propagated rapidly in the largest xylem conduits. This resulted in a distinct freezing pattern of concentric circles in C. sativa and M. nigra. During HTEs, supercooling of XPCs became visible in Q. robur stems, but not in the other species that have narrower pith rays. Intracellular freezing of supercooled XPCs of Q. robur became visible by IDTA during low-temperature freezing exotherms (<-17.4 °C). Infrared differential thermal analysis revealed the progress and the two-dimensional pattern of XPC freezing. XPCs did not freeze at once, but rather small cell groups appeared to freeze at random anywhere in the xylem. By IDTA, ice propagation and deep supercooling in stems can be monitored at meaningful spatial and temporal resolutions.