Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Role of vif in replication of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 in CD4+ T lymphocytes

The viral infectivity factor gene vif of human immunodeficiency virus type 1 has been shown to affect the infectivity but not the production of virus particles. In this study, the effect of vif in the context of the HXB2 virus on virus replication in several CD4+ T-cell lines was investigated. vif was found to be required for replication in the CD4+ T-cell lines CEM and H9 as well as in peripheral blood T lymphocytes. vif was not required for replication in the SupT1, C8166, and Jurkat T-cell lines. The infectivity of vif-defective viruses depended on the cell type in which the virus was produced. In CEM cells, vif was required for production of virus capable of initiating infection in all cell lines studied. vif-defective virus produced by SupT1, C8166, and Jurkat cells and the monkey cell line COS-1 could initiate infection in multiple cell lines, including CEM and H9. These results suggest that vif can compensate for cellular factors required for production of infectious virus particles that are present in some cell lines such as SupT1, C8166, and Jurkat but are absent in others such as CEM and H9 as well as peripheral blood T lymphocytes. The effect of vif was not altered by deletion of the carboxyl terminus of gp41, a proposed target for vif (B. Guy, M. Geist, K. Dott, D. Spehner, M.-P. Kieny, and J.-P. Lecocq, J. Virol. 65:1325-1331, 1991). These studies demonstrate that vif enhances viral infectivity during virus production and also suggest that vif is likely to be important for natural infections.
A meta-analysis of randomized control trials of home-based secondary prevention programs for coronary artery disease

Background A variety of different types of secondary prevention programs for coronary heart disease (CHD) exist. Home-based programs have become more common and may be more accessible or preferable to some patients. This review compared the benefits and costs of home-based programs with usual care and cardiac rehabilitation. Methods A meta-analysis following a systematic search of 19 databases, existing reviews, and references was designed. Studies evaluated home-based interventions that addressed more than one main CHD risk factor using a randomized trial with a usual care or cardiac rehabilitation comparison group with data extractable for CHD patients only and reported in English as a full article or thesis. Results Thirty-nine articles reporting 36 trials were reviewed. Compared with usual care, home-based interventions significantly improved quality of life [weighted mean difference: 0.23; 95% confidence interval (95% CI): 0.02-0.45], systolic blood pressure (weighted mean difference: − 4.36mmHg; 95% CI: − 6.50 to − 2.22), smoking cessation (difference in proportion: 14%; 95% CI: 0.02-0.26), total cholesterol (standardized mean difference: − 0.33; 95% CI: − 0.57 to − 0.08), and depression (standardized mean difference: − 0.33; 95% CI: − 0.59 to − 0.07). Effect sizes were small to moderate and trials were of low-to-moderate quality. Comparisons with cardiac rehabilitation could not be made because of the small number of trials and high levels of heterogeneity. Conclusion Home-based secondary prevention programs for CHD are an effective and relatively low-cost complement to hospital-based cardiac rehabilitation and should be considered for stable patients less likely to access or adhere to hospital-based services. Eur J Cardiovasc Prev Rehabil 17:261-270 © 2010 The European Society of Cardiology
Characterization of the dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA) metabolism via oxysterol 7α‐hydroxylase and 17‐ketosteroid reductase activity in the human brain

Dehydroepiandrosterone and its sulphate are important factors for vitality, development and functions of the CNS. They were found to be subjects to a series of enzyme‐mediated conversions within the rodent CNS. In the present study, we were able to demonstrate for the first time that membrane‐associated dehydroepiandrosterone 7α‐hydroxylase activity occurs within the human brain. The cytochrome P450 enzyme demonstrated a sharp pH optimum between 7.5 and 8.0 and a mean KM value of 5.4 µm, corresponding with the presence of the oxysterol 7α‐hydroxylase CYP7B1. Real‐time RT–PCR analysis verified high levels of CYP7B1 mRNA expression in the human CNS. The additionally observed conversion of dehydroepiandrosterone via cytosolic 17β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity could be ascribed to the activity of an enzyme with a broad pH optimum and an undetectably high KM value. Subsequent experiments with cerebral neocortex and subcortical white matter specimens revealed that 7α‐hydroxylase activity is significantly higher in the cerebral neocortex than in the subcortical white matter (p < 0.0005), whereas in the subcortical white matter, 17β‐hydroxysteroid dehydrogenase activity is significantly higher than in the cerebral neocortex (p < 0.0005). No sex differences were observed. In conclusion, the high levels of CYP7B1 mRNA in brain tissue as well as in a variety of other tissues in combination with the ubiquitous presence of 7α‐hydroxylase activity in the human temporal lobe led us to assume a neuroprotective function of the enzyme such as regulation of the immune response or counteracting the deleterious effects of neurotoxic glucocorticoids, rather than a distinct brain specific function such as neurostimulation or neuromodulation.
DIFFERENTIAL DIAGNOSIS OF EPILEPSY

Epilepsy is a relatively common neurologic disorder that has important implications for patients, health care providers, and society. Making the correct diagnosis for transient neurologic events as with many neurologic conditions starts with an accurate and complete history and consequently leads to a directed diagnostic workup. In this chapter, we present transient neurologic events that are commonly included in the differential diagnosis for epilepsy and how to evaluate and distinguish among the possibilities. Making the correct diagnosis of epilepsy or one of its mimickers allows the practitioner to prescribe appropriate therapy for what are often divergent conditions.
Wess-Zumino-Witten model based on a nonsemisimple group.

We present a conformal field theory which describes a homogeneous four dimensional Lorentz-signature space-time. The model is an ungauged Wess-Zumino-Witten model based on a central extension of the Poincare algebra. The central charge of this theory is exactly four, just like four dimensional Minkowski space. The model can be interpreted as a four dimensional monochromatic plane wave. As there are three commuting isometries, other interesting geometries are expected to emerge via O(3,3) duality.
Effect of Lead Toxicity on Cytogenisity, Biochemical Constituents and Tissue Residue with Protective Role of Activated Charcoal and Casein in Male Rats

Lead is a common industrial and environmental pollutant. Prolonged exposure of a sub- lethal dose to this toxicant is associated with oxidative stress, damage of DNA and considered to be a risk factor for kidney, liver added to many disorders. This study was carried out to investigate the most toxic effects of lead with trial to diminish this toxicity by supplementation of casein or activated charcoal. Therefore, forty mature male albino rats were used , they divided into four equal groups, 10 rats of each. Group 1 was considered as control. Rats of other groups (2, 3 and 4) were supplemented lead acetate at a dose of 0.5 g/100 ml drinking water for 2 months. Gr 3 is given charcoal at a concentration of 0.05g ration, while in Gr 4 casein is mixed with ration at a concentration of 20 g/100 g ration. Group 2 revealed significant increases in serum AST, ALT, ALP, LDH, GGT, TB, TC, LDL and CAT levels and decreased total protein, HLDL, VLDL, trace mineral salts, SOD and GSH- px. The results of haematological study evoked a significant decrease in the red blood cells (RBCs) count, blood haemoglobin (Hb) concentration and packed cell volume (PCV). Cytogenetic study resulted a significant increase in the percent of multinucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MPCE) as well as significant increase in the polychromatic- erythrocytes (PCE) and normochromatic erythrocyte (NCE) ratio (PCER/NCE) Lead concentration in level serum and different tissues showed lead accumulation in serum, kidney, liver, muscle, intestine and spleen. Supplementation of charcoal and casein induce protective effects against lead toxicity in most of above parameter studies, and casein showed higher efficacy in the protection of lead- induced toxicity than charcoal.
Relationships Between R&D and Corporate Performance: An Empirical Analysis in Istanbul Stock Exchange

By making it possible to produce innovative products and services, Research and Development (R&D) investments provide long term growth and competitive advantages and create value for corporations. However, they require significant investment expenditures. The objective of the present study is to analyze the relationship between R&G investments and financial performances of corporations. For this purpose, 20 chemical companies traded in Bourse Istanbul are analyzed with a panel data method, Generalized Method of Moments (GMM). Study findings demonstrated that R&D expenses affected corporate financial performance positively and significantly with one year lag.
Porcine Circoviruses: A Review

Porcine circoviruses (PCV) are small nonenveloped DNA viruses containing a unique single-stranded circular genome. Previously, no recognized link was found between PCV infection of pigs and disease, and PCV was considered a nonpathogenic agent. Over the last 5 years, a “novel” PCV, designated PCV2, has been associated with various disease syndromes in pigs, primarily postweaning multisystemic wasting syndrome (PMWS). Pigs with PMWS have a variety of clinical signs, including debility, dyspnea, palpable lymphadenopathy, diarrhea, and pallor or icterus. Lesions associated with the presence of PCV2 in a variety of cell types include lymphohistiocytic to granulomatous interstitial pneumonia, hepatitis, nephritis, myocarditis, enteritis, and pancreatitis. The lesions of PMWS have been reproduced experimentally after inoculation of piglets with PCV2 cell culture isolates, although the full expression of the disease syndrome may require the presence of other agents such as porcine parvovirus or porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome (PRRS) virus. Recent reports have linked PCV2 to other disorders in pigs, ranging from abortion and reproductive failure to “atypical” PRRS. Available data indicate high seroprevalence of antibodies to PCV2 worldwide. The diagnosis of PCV2-associated disease is based on the direct demonstration of PCV2 antigens or nucleic acid in affected tissues. PCV2 is now regarded as an important emerging pathogen. Although vertical transmission has been documented, the epidemiology of PCV2 infections is poorly understood, as is the role of the immune response in controlling or augmenting disease.
Dialysis Accelerates Medial Vascular Calcification in Part by Triggering Smooth Muscle Cell Apoptosis

Background— Vascular calcification is associated with increased morbidity and mortality in stage V chronic kidney disease, yet its early pathogenesis and initiating mechanisms in vivo remain poorly understood. To address this, we quantified the calcium (Ca) load in arteries from children (10 predialysis, 24 dialysis) and correlated it with clinical, biochemical, and vascular measures. Methods and Results— Vessel Ca load was significantly elevated in both predialysis and dialysis and was correlated with the patients’ mean serum Ca×phosphate product. However, only dialysis patients showed increased carotid intima-media thickness and increased aortic stiffness, and calcification on computed tomography was present in only the 2 patients with the highest Ca loads. Importantly, predialysis vessels appeared histologically intact, whereas dialysis vessels exhibited evidence of extensive vascular smooth muscle cell (VSMC) loss owing to apoptosis. Dialysis vessels also showed increased alkaline phosphatase activity and Runx2 and osterix expression, indicative of VSMC osteogenic transformation. Deposition of the vesicle membrane marker annexin VI and vesicle component mineralization inhibitors fetuin-A and matrix Gla-protein increased in dialysis vessels and preceded von Kossa positive overt calcification. Electron microscopy showed hydroxyapatite nanocrystals within vesicles released from damaged/dead VSMCs, indicative of their role in initiating calcification. Conclusions— Taken together, this study shows that Ca accumulation begins predialysis, but it is the induction of VSMC apoptosis in dialysis that is the key event in disabling VSMC defense mechanisms and leading to overt calcification, eventually with clinically detectable vascular damage. Thus the identification of factors that lead to VSMC death in dialysis will be of prime importance in preventing vascular calcification.
Role of inflammatory mediators in the pathophysiology of acute respiratory distress syndrome

Inflammatory response leading to organ dysfunction and failure continues to be the major problem after injury in many clinical conditions such as sepsis, severe burns, acute pancreatitis, haemorrhagic shock, and trauma. In general terms, systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS) is an entirely normal response to injury. Systemic leukocyte activation, however, is a direct consequence of a SIRS and if excessive, can lead to distant organ damage and multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS). When SIRS leads to MODS and organ failure, the mortality becomes high and can be more than 50%. Acute lung injury that clinically manifests as acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is a major component of MODS of various aetiologies. Inflammatory mediators play a key role in the pathogenesis of ARDS, which is the primary cause of death in these conditions. This review summarizes recent studies that demonstrate the critical role played by inflammatory mediators such as tumour necrosis factor (TNF)‐α, interleukin (IL)‐1β, IL‐6, platelet activating factor (PAF), IL‐10, granulocyte macrophage‐colony stimulating factor (GM‐CSF), C5a, intercellular adhesion molecule (ICAM)‐1, substance P, chemokines, VEGF, IGF‐I, KGF, reactive oxygen species (ROS), and reactive nitrogen species (RNS) in the pathogenesis of ARDS. It is reasonable to speculate that elucidation of the key mediators in ARDS coupled with the discovery of specific inhibitors would make it possible to develop clinically effective anti‐inflammatory therapy. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Hypoglycemic and Hepatoprotective Effects of Processed Aloe vera Gel in a Mice Model of Alloxan Induced Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes mellitus is a heterogeneous disease characterized by altered cellular metabolism. So many traditional herbs are being used by diabetic patients to control this disease. The aim of this study was to investigate the effects of aqueous extract of aloe vera leaves on hypoglycemic activity and hepatoprotective effects after alloxan injection in Swiss albino mice. In this study, aqueous leaf extract of aloe vera was carried out. Diabetes was induced in mice by alloxan monohydrate at dose of 150 mg/kg body weight injected intraperitoneally. Also alloxanized induced mice were administered with 300 and 500 mg/kg body weight orally daily of extract for a period of 21 days. At the end of the administration period, the mice were anaesthesized and dissect for the collection of blood and liver tissues. In diabetic mice, the SGOT, SGPT and bilirubin level as well as serum glucose levels were significantly increased (p<0.05) in comparison with the control groups. Diabetic mice group treated by extract at the dose of 300 and 500 mg/kg body weight orally significantly (p<0.05) reduced and normalised these biochemical parameters compared with alloxan induced diabetic group. Histopathological study also did show adverse alternation in the morphological architecture of the liver tissue. The results suggested that aqueous extract of aloe vera leaves possesses protective effect against alloxan induced diabetic mice.
GRAIL gravity constraints on the vertical and lateral density structure of the lunar crust

We analyzed data from the Gravity Recovery and Interior Laboratory (GRAIL) mission using a localized admittance approach to map out spatial variations in the vertical density structure of the lunar crust. Mare regions are characterized by a distinct decrease in density with depth, while the farside is characterized by an increase in density with depth at an average gradient of ∼35 kg m−3 km−1 and typical surface porosities of at least 20%. The Apollo 12 and 14 landing site region has a similar density structure to the farside, permitting a comparison with seismic velocity profiles. The interior of the South Pole‐Aitken (SP‐A) impact basin appears distinct with a near‐surface low‐density (porous) layer 2–3 times thinner than the rest of the farside. This result suggests that redistribution of material during the large SP‐A impact likely played a major role in sculpting the lunar crust.
An examination of the structural link between post‐traumatic stress symptoms and chronic pain in the framework of fear‐avoidance models

The tendency to respond with fear and avoidance can be seen as a shared vulnerability contributing to the development of post‐traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and chronic pain. Although several studies have examined which specific symptoms of PTSD (re‐experiencing, avoidance, emotional numbing and hyperarousal) are associated with chronic pain, none has considered this association within the framework of fear‐avoidance models.
Why Hire a Big 4 Auditor 500 Miles Away

This paper investigates why a firm would hire an auditor far away from its corporate headquarter. Using a sample from the Audit Analytics database, we show that 75% of the firms hire a Big 4 auditor less than 33 miles away from their headquarters, and the median distance is only 14 miles. For the majority of firms, the driving time from a client’s headquarter to its auditor’s office is less than 45 minutes, and the median driving time is only 21 minutes. However, our results also show that some firms are willing to go the extra mile and hire a remote auditor. About 10% of the sample hire a Big 4 auditor more than 150 miles away, and some firms even hire an auditor more than 500 miles away. We test a few possible explanations, including earnings management hypothesis, competitive audit fee hypothesis, diversified operating location hypothesis, etc. Our analysis shows that firms having the tendency to manage earnings are more likely to hire a remote auditor. Specifically, we find that firms that are more likely to report small positive earnings, more likely to have financial restatements, and more likely to report higher expected discretionary accruals, tend to hire remote auditors. We also find that firms with diversified geographic segments, not operating segments, are more likely to hire remote auditors. Finally, we show that competitive audit pricing affects firms’ office choice, but only within certain distance. Beyond certain limit, there is no difference in audit fees offered by local and non-local auditors.
Extracellular material secreted by human colonic adenocarcinoma cell lines promotes spreading in serumfree medium and induces neurite outgrowth of PC‐12 cells

A completely defined medium has been designed to promote cell proliferation of 2 colonic adenocarcinoma cell lines of epithelial origin (HT 29 and HRT 18). The spreading of both cell types, especially of HT 29 cells, was not possible in a serum‐free medium supplemented with growth factors. Spreading was obtained in a defined medium (a I/I mixture of DMEM and F12 media supplemented with 5 μ g/ml transferrin, 5 ng/ml EGF, 10 ng/ml selenite and 15 mM HEPES PH 7.3) with an extracellular matrix‐like material (ECM) secreted by the cells themselves. The properties of the ECM have been studied: (I) ECM secreted by the 2 cell lines induced very quick spreading of HT 29 and HRT 18 cells (1 to 2 hr vs. 12 to 24 hr in serum‐supplemented medium). (2) ECM induced morphological differentiation of a rat pheochromocytoma cell line (PC 12). PC‐12 cells grown under these conditions began to develop neurite extensions as early as 2 hr after seeding.
A role for midbrain arcs in nucleogenesis

Nuclei are fundamental units of vertebrate brain organization, but the mechanisms by which they are generated in development remain unclear. One possibility is that the early patterning of brain tissue into reiterated territories such as neuromeres and columns serves to allocate neurons to distinct nuclear fates. We tested this possibility in chick embryonic ventral midbrain, where a periodic pattern of molecularly distinct stripes (midbrain arcs) precedes the appearance of midbrain nuclei. We found that midbrain arc patterning has a direct relationship to the formation of nuclei. Both differential homeobox gene expression and diagnostic axon tracing studies established that the most medial arc contains primordia for two major midbrain nuclei: the oculomotor complex and the red nucleus. We tested the relationship of the medial arc to oculomotor complex and red nucleus development by perturbing arc pattern formation in Sonic Hedgehog and FGF8 misexpression experiments. We found that Sonic Hedgehog manipulations that induce ectopic arcs or expand the normal arc pattern elicit precisely parallel inductions or expansions of the red nucleus and oculomotor complex primordia. We further found that FGF8 manipulations that push the medial arc rostrally coordinately move both the red nucleus and oculomotor complex anlagen. Taken together, these findings suggest that arcs represent a patterning mechanism by which midbrain progenitor cells are allocated to specific nuclear fates.
Sequence determination and mutational analysis of the lly locus of Legionella pneumophila

The lly (legiolysin) locus codes for a 39-kDa protein which confers hemolysis, pigment production, and fluorescence on recombinant Escherichia coli K-12 clones carrying the lly gene. The nucleotide sequences of the lly genes from two Legionella pneumophila isolates were determined. The lly loci exhibited identical nucleotide sequences. They contained open reading frames of 348 amino acid residues, encoding proteins with a deduced molecular mass of 38.9 kDa. N-terminal amino acid sequencing further confirmed that the Lly protein corresponds to the open reading frame sequenced. The amino acid sequence of the Lly protein exhibits a high degree of homology with the sequences of the MelA protein responsible for melanin production in the freshwater bacterium Shewanella colwelliana and the 4-hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase of Pseudomonas spp. 4-Hydroxyphenylpyruvate dioxygenase is involved in the degradation of aromatic amino acids in various organisms. An Lly-negative mutant of L. pneumophila Philadelphia I derivative JR32 and an Lly-positive transcomplementant were constructed. The Lly-negative mutant lost the ability to produce brown pigment and to confer fluorescence but retained hemolysis. Introduction of a plasmid carrying the lly locus restored pigment production and fluorescence. Intracellular survival of L. pneumophila in U937 macrophage-like cells and in Acanthamoeba castellanii was not affected by mutagenization of the lly locus.