Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of strength training on muscle fiber types and size; consequences for athletes training for high‐intensity sport

Training toward improving performance in sports involving high intense exercise can and is done in many different ways based on a mixture of tradition in the specific sport, coaches' experience and scientific recommendations. Strength training is a form of training that now‐a‐days have found its way into almost all sports in which high intense work is conducted. In this review we will focus on a few selected aspects and consequences of strength training; namely what effects do strength training have of muscle fiber type composition, and how may these effects change the contractile properties of the muscle and finally how will this affect the performance of the athlete. In addition, the review will deal with muscle hypertrophy and how it develops with strength training. Overall, it is not the purpose of this review to give a comprehensive up‐date of the area, but to pin‐point a few issues from which functional training advises can be made. Thus, more than a review in the traditional context this review should be viewed upon as an attempt to bring sports‐physiologists and coaches or others working directly with the athletes together for a mutual discussion on how recently acquired physiological knowledge are put into practise.
Mesenchymal Stem Cell Insights: Prospects in Cardiovascular Therapy

Ischemic heart damage usually triggers cardiomyopathological remodeling and fibrosis, thus promoting the development of heart functional failure. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are a heterogeneous group of cells in culture, with multipotent and hypoimmunogenic characters to aid tissue repair and avoid immune responses, respectively. Numerous experimental findings have proven the feasibility, safety, and efficiency of MSC therapy for cardiac regeneration. Despite that the exact mechanism remains unclear, the therapeutic ability of MSCs to treat ischemia heart diseases has been tested in phase I/II clinical trials. Based on encouraging preliminary findings, MSCs might become a potentially efficacious tool in the therapeutic options available to treat ischemic and nonischemic cardiovascular disorders. The molecular mechanism behind the efficacy of MSCs on promoting engraftment and accelerating the speed of heart functional recovery is still waiting for clarification. It is hypothesized that cardiomyocyte regeneration, paracrine mechanisms for cardiac repair, optimization of the niche for cell survival, and cardiac remodeling by inflammatory control are involved in the interaction between MSCs and the damaged myocardial environment. This review focuses on recent experimental and clinical findings related to cellular cardiomyoplasticity. We focus on MSCs, highlighting their roles in cardiac tissue repair, transdifferentiation, the MSC niche in myocardial tissues, discuss their therapeutic efficacy that has been tested for cardiac therapy, and the current bottleneck of MSC-based cardiac therapies.
Immunomodulatory Effects of Aerobic Training in Obesity

Introduction. Physical inactivity and obesity are independent risk factors for atherosclerosis. We analyzed the immunomodulatory capacity of 10-week intensified exercise training (ET) in obese and lean athletes. Markers of the innate immune response were investigated in obese (ONE: ET≤40 km/week) and lean athletes (LNE: ET≤40 km/week and LE: ET≥55 km/week). Methods. Circulating dendritic cells (DC) were analyzed by flow-cytometry for BDCA-1/-2-expression. TLR-2/-4/-7 and MyD88 were analyzed by RT-PCR and Western blot. Circulating oxLDL levels were analyzed by ELISA. Results. BDCA-1 expression at baseline was lower in ONE compared to both other groups (ONE 0.15%; LNE 0.27%; LE 0.33%; P < .05), but significantly increased in ONE after training (+50%; P < .05). In contrast, BDCA-2 expression at baseline was higher in ONE (ONE 0.25%; LNE 0.11%; LE 0.09%; P < .05) and decreased in ONE after the 10-week training period (−27%; P < .05). Gene activations of TLR-4 and TLR-7 with corresponding protein increase were found for all three groups (P < .01/P < .05) compared to pre training. A reduction of oxLDL levels was seen in ONE (−61%; P < .05). Conclusions. Intensified exercise induces an increase of BDCA-1+ DCs and TLR-4/-7 in obese athletes. We hereby describe new immune modulatory effects, which—through regular aerobic exercise—modulate innate immunity and pro-inflammatory cytokines in obesity.
Dimensional tolerances and assembly accuracy of dental implants and machined versus cast-on abutments.

BACKGROUND The clinical application of prosthetic components obtained by different manufacturing processes lacks technological foundation: the dimensional tolerance of individual parts and their assembly accuracy are not known. The rotational misfit (RM) of the hexagonal connection is critical in single-tooth implant restorations, but no standard control procedures are available for its evaluation. PURPOSE The research aimed at proposing a new protocol for the dimensional assessment of implant-abutment connections, based on noncontact measurement and statistical data processing. The procedure was applied to machined- and cast-on abutments, as well of the matching implants. MATERIALS AND METHODS Three groups of five abutments each were studied: machined titanium abutments, pre-machined calcinable abutments before casting procedures and the same specimens after casting. A group of five corresponding implants was considered as well. Twice the apothem was measured on each hexagon through an optical measuring microscope. The data were processed to obtain the international tolerance (IT) grade. The RM was then calculated using the apothems of the external and the internal hexagon. RESULTS All the components were classified between IT8 and IT9, and the maximum RM was around 3-4° for all the assemblies, inferior to the critical limits for the screw joint stability. CONCLUSION An original measuring protocol was developed, independent of parts assembly and based on ITs. An objective dimensional characterization of prosthetic components and assemblies has been achieved, which is the basis for their reliability in clinical applications.
Citrus extract modulates genotoxicity induced by cyclophosphamide in mice bone marrow cells

The protective effect of citrus extract was investigated by using the micronucleus assay for anticlastogenic activity in mouse bone marrow cells; liver glutathione (GSH) content was determined against toxicity induced by cyclophosphamide. Mice were orally (gavage) pretreated with solutions of citrus peel extract (Citrus aurantium var. amara) prepared at three different doses (100, 200 and 400 mg kg−1 body weight) for 7 consecutive days. Then mice were injected intraperitoneally on the seventh day with cyclophosphamide (50 mg kg−1) and after 24 h killed for the evaluation of micronucleated polychromatic erythrocytes (MnPCEs) in bone marrow cells. Non‐protein thiol levels in liver were estimated in mice injected with citrus extract with or without cyclophosphamide treatment. Administration of citrus extract before cyclophosphamide treatment significantly reduced the frequency of MnPCEs in mice bone marrow compared with the group treated with cyclophosphamide alone (P<0.0001–0.05). Citrus extract at a dose of 400 mg kg−1 reduced MnPCEs 2.8 fold against genotoxicity induced by cyclophosphamide. Administration of cyclophosphamide depleted the GSH level in liver. Citrus extract showed excellent scavenging effects on 1,1‐diphenyl‐2‐picryl hydrazyl radical (DPPH) at a concentration of 1.6 mg mL−1. Application of citrus extract 1 h before cyclophosphamide treatment allowed GSH content to reach the normal level. It appeared that citrus extract, particularly flavonoids constituents with antioxidative activity, may return the GSH level to normal in stress conditions and reduces genotoxicity induced by cyclophosphamide in bone marrow cells.
Current views of haemolytic streptococcal pathogenesis

Purpose of review Increasing disease caused by beta-haemolytic streptococci indicates the need for improved understanding of pathogenesis. Recent findings Streptococcus pyogenes, or group A Streptococcus (GAS), causes significant disease worldwide. The closely related Streptococcus dysgalactiae subspecies equisimilis (SDSE) is increasingly recognized as causing a similar disease spectrum. Whole-genome sequencing applied to the study of outbreaks may reveal factors that contribute to pathogenesis and changes in epidemiology. The role of quorum sensing in biofilm formation, and interspecies communication with other streptococci, is discussed. GAS has evolved multiple mechanisms to evade the humoral arm of innate immunity, including complement, which is well known in protecting the host from bacteria, and the coagulation–fibrinolytic system, which is increasingly recognized as an innate immune effector. Summary Molecular biology has enhanced our understanding of the intricate balance of host–pathogen interactions that result in clearance or establishment of invasive streptococcal infection. Although the skin and oropharynx remain the usual ecological niche of GAS and SDSE, occasionally the bacteria find themselves within deeper tissues and blood. Recent research has armed us with better knowledge of bacterial adaptations to this alternative environment. However, the challenge is to translate this knowledge into clinical practice, through the development of novel therapeutic options and ultimately a vaccine against GAS.
Activity patterns of obese adults with type 2 diabetes in the look AHEAD study.

PURPOSE This study describes baseline physical activity (PA) patterns of individuals with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) enrolled in the multicenter Look AHEAD Study using an objective measure of PA (accelerometry). METHODS A total of 2240 participants (age = 59.0 ± 6.8 yr and body mass index (BMI) = 36.5 ± 6.0 kg·m−²) with T2DM provided data for this substudy. Participants were instructed to wear an accelerometer during waking hours for 7 d. Accelerometry data were analyzed to identify periods meeting the criteria of ≥3 MET·min−¹ for Q10 min(moderate- to vigorous-intensity PA (MVPA)) and ≥6 MET·min−¹ for ≥10 min (vigorous-intensity PA (VPA)). Self-reported PA was also assessed with a questionnaire. Accelerometry and self-reported PA data were compared across categories of BMI, sex, race, age, fitness, diabetes medication usage, and history of cardiovascular disease. RESULTS Self-reported PA was lower at higher levels of BMI, was higher in males, was lowest for African-American/black, and was positively associated with fitness. Multivariate analyses for accelerometer-measured MVPA and VPA showed that more PA bouts per day, minutes per bout, METs per minute, and MET-minutes were associated with higher fitness. For MVPA, bouts per day were higher in men, and METs per minute were higher in women. For VPA, bouts per day was positively associated with increasing age and differed by race/ethnicity. METs per minute were significantly lower at higher levels of BMI and in women. Diabetes medication usage and history of cardiovascular disease were not associated with patterns of PA examined. CONCLUSIONS Results provide information on factors that contribute to PA patterns in adults with T2DM when PA is assessed using both objective and subjective measures. These data may inform interventions to improve PA in adults with T2DM
Interaural time sensitivity in the inferior colliculus of the albino cat

Anatomical studies of the Creel albino cat have demonstrated a pronounced atrophy of cells in the medial superior olive, a structure thought to be important for the detection of interaural time differences (ITDs). We looked for physiological abnormalities in the binaural interaction of cells in three albino cats by recording from single cells in the central nucleus of the inferior colliculus to ITDs of tones and noise. We found that the sensitivity to ITDs of tones and noise was somewhat diminished in the albino cats as compared to normally pigmented cats, though this deficit was only evident when a population of cells was examined. The range of sensitivity of individual cells for both tones and noise was the same in albinos and pigmented animals. Our anatomical measurements showed a smaller reduction in cross‐sectional area of cells in the medial superior olive than that reported earlier, and the cell bodies in the medial superior olive of the albinos were less elongated than in normal cats.
Is passive diagnosis enough? The impact of subclinical disease on diagnostic strategies for tuberculosis.

RATIONALE Tuberculosis (TB) is characterized by a subclinical phase (symptoms absent or not considered abnormal); prediagnostic phase (symptoms noticed but diagnosis not pursued); and clinical phase (care actively sought). Diagnostic capacity during these phases is limited. OBJECTIVES To estimate the population-level impact of TB case-finding strategies in the presence of subclinical and prediagnostic disease. METHODS We created a mathematical epidemic model of TB, calibrated to global incidence. We then introduced three prototypical diagnostic interventions: increased sensitivity of diagnosis in the clinical phase by 20% ("passive"); early diagnosis during the prediagnostic phase at a rate of 10% per year ("enhanced"); and population-based diagnosis of 5% of undiagnosed prevalent cases per year ("active"). MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS If the subclinical phase was ignored, as in most models, the passive strategy was projected to reduce TB incidence by 18% (90% uncertainty range [UR], 11-32%) by year 10, compared with 23% (90% UR, 14-35%) for the enhanced strategy and 18% (90% UR, 11-28%) for the active strategy. After incorporating a subclinical phase into the model, consistent with population-based prevalence surveys, the active strategy still reduced 10-year TB incidence by 16% (90% UR, 11-28%), but the passive and enhanced strategies' impact was attenuated to 11% (90% UR, 8-25%) and 6% (90% UR, 4-13%), respectively. The degree of attenuation depended strongly on the transmission rate during the subclinical phase. CONCLUSIONS Subclinical disease may limit the impact of current diagnostic strategies for TB. Active detection of undiagnosed prevalent cases may achieve greater population-level TB control than increasing passive case detection.
The Mouse B-raf Gene Encodes Multiple Protein Isoforms with Tissue-specific Expression (*)

The c-Rmil/B-raf proto-oncogene is a member of the mil/raf family encoding serine/threonine protein kinases shown to be involved in signal transduction from the membrane to the nucleus. We isolated from a mouse brain library B-raf cDNAs containing a previously unidentified 36-base pair alternatively spliced exon located between exons 8 and 9 and, therefore, designated exon 8b. Human and mouse B-raf mRNAs also contain the 120-base pair alternatively spliced exon 10 previously described in the avian c-Rmil gene. Independent splicing of these two exons, located between the conserved region 2 (CR2) and the catalytic domain (CR3) gives rise to mRNAs potentially encoding four distinct proteins. By using specific sera generated against different portions of B-Raf, we identified at least 10 protein isoforms in adult mouse tissues. Some isoforms, in the range of 69-72 kDa, are not recognized by antisera directed against peptides encoded by exons 1 and 2, indicating the existence of B-Raf proteins with two different NH2 extremities. The other isoforms, in the range of 79-99 kDa, contain the amino acids encoded by exons 1 and 2, by either or both of the alternatively spliced exons, and, possibly, by another unidentified exon. Analysis of B-raf mRNA expression by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction and immunocharacterization of B-Raf proteins in different tissues of the adult mouse showed a tissue-specific pattern of B-Raf isoforms expression. Interestingly, isoforms containing amino acids encoded by exon 10 are specifically expressed in neural tissues. Taken together, these results suggest that distinct B-Raf proteins could be involved, in a tissue-specific manner, in signal transduction pathways.
ATF2 – at the crossroad of nuclear and cytosolic functions

Summary An increasing number of transcription factors have been shown to elicit oncogenic and tumor suppressor activities, depending on the tissue and cell context. Activating transcription factor 2 (ATF2; also known as cAMP-dependent transcription factor ATF-2) has oncogenic activities in melanoma and tumor suppressor activities in non-malignant skin tumors and breast cancer. Recent work has shown that the opposing functions of ATF2 are associated with its subcellular localization. In the nucleus, ATF2 contributes to global transcription and the DNA damage response, in addition to specific transcriptional activities that are related to cell development, proliferation and death. ATF2 can also translocate to the cytosol, primarily following exposure to severe genotoxic stress, where it impairs mitochondrial membrane potential and promotes mitochondrial-based cell death. Notably, phosphorylation of ATF2 by the epsilon isoform of protein kinase C (PKC&egr;) is the master switch that controls its subcellular localization and function. Here, we summarize our current understanding of the regulation and function of ATF2 in both subcellular compartments. This mechanism of control of a non-genetically modified transcription factor represents a novel paradigm for ‘oncogene addiction’.
Acute inhibition of spontaneous uterine contractions by an estrogenic polychlorinated biphenyl is associated with disruption of gap junctional communication.

An estrogenic polychlorinated biphenyl, 4-hydroxy-2',4', 6'-trichlorobiphenyl (4-OH-TCB), inhibits oscillatory uterine contractions immediately. Because increased gap junction formation is associated with the development of synchronized uterine contractions at term, we examined whether the inhibitory effect of 4-OH-TCB on spontaneous oscillatory contractions was due to the disruption of gap junctional communication. The effect of 4-OH-TCB on gap junctional communication was determined by intercellular Lucifer yellow dye transfer in primary cultures of myometrial myocytes isolated from midgestation rats. Intercellular dye transfer was inhibited by 4-OH-TCB or 17beta-estradiol in a concentration-dependent manner. The inhibitory effect of 4-OH-TCB on intercellular dye transfer was reversed by tetraethylammonium (TEA). To examine effects on uterine contraction, longitudinal uterine strips were excised from midgestation rats and placed in muscle baths for isometric force measurement. Spontaneous uterine oscillation was suppressed by 4-OH-TCB or 17beta-estradiol. The inhibitory effects of 4-OH-TCB and 17beta-estradiol on spontaneous oscillations were counteracted by TEA but were not affected by a calcium ionophore (A23187) or a calcium-dependent potassium channel blocker (apamin). These results suggest that the acute inhibition of spontaneous oscillatory contractions by an estrogenic polychlorinated biphenyl may result from the disruption of intercellular communication.
Cost-utility Analysis of Minimally Invasive Versus Open Multilevel Hemilaminectomy for Lumbar Stenosis

Study Design: Two-year cost-utility study comparing minimally invasive (MIS) versus open multilevel hemilaminectomy in patients with degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis. Objective: The objective of the study was to determine whether MIS versus open multilevel hemilaminectomy for degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis is a cost-effective advancement in lumbar decompression surgery. Summary of Background Data: MIS-multilevel hemilaminectomy for degenerative lumbar spinal stenosis allows for effective treatment of back and leg pain while theoretically minimizing blood loss, tissue injury, and postoperative recovery. No studies have evaluated comprehensive healthcare costs associated with multilevel hemilaminectomy procedures, nor assessed cost-effectiveness of MIS versus open multilevel hemilaminectomy. Methods: Fifty-four consecutive patients with lumbar stenosis undergoing multilevel hemilaminectomy through an MIS paramedian tubular approach (n=27) versus midline open approach (n=27) were included. Total back-related medical resource utilization, missed work, and health state values [quality adjusted life years (QALYs), calculated from EuroQuol-5D with US valuation] were assessed after 2-year follow-up. Two-year resource use was multiplied by unit costs based on Medicare national allowable payment amounts (direct cost) and work-day losses were multiplied by the self-reported gross-of-tax wage rate (indirect cost). Difference in mean total cost per QALY gained for MIS versus open hemilaminectomy was assessed as incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER: COSTMIS–COSTOPEN/QALYMIS–QALYOPEN). Results: MIS versus open cohorts were similar at baseline. MIS and open hemilaminectomy were associated with an equivalent cumulative gain of 0.72 QALYs 2 years after surgery. Mean direct medical costs, indirect societal costs, and total 2-year cost ($23,109 vs. $25,420; P=0.21) were similar between MIS and open hemilaminectomy. MIS versus open approach was associated with similar total costs and utility, making it a cost equivalent technology compared with the traditional open approach. Conclusions: MIS versus open multilevel hemilaminectomy was associated with similar cost over 2 years while providing equivalent improvement in QALYs. In our experience, MIS versus open multilevel hemilaminectomy is a cost equivalent technology for patients with lumbar stenosis-associated radicular pain.
Serum collectrin levels in patients with early- and late-onset preeclampsia

Abstract Aim: The aim of this study is to investigate the maternal levels of collectrin in early-onset preeclampsia (EOPE) and late-onset preeclampsia (LOPE). To assess the correlation between serum collectrin levels and blood pressure in humans. Material and methods: This cross-sectional study was conducted including 79 pregnant women, 27 with normal pregnancy, 30 with EOPE and 22 with LOPE. Maternal serum levels of collectrin were measured by using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay kits. Results: The mean serum collectrin level was significantly lower in women with PE compared with the control group (8.49 ± 3.12 ng/ml (EOPE), 9.69 ± 3.01 ng/ml (LOPE) versus 11.51 ± 4.33 ng/ml) and was found to be the lowest in the EOPE group (8.49 ± 3.12 ng/ml). The mean serum urea and uric acid levels were significantly higher in the PE group than the control group. Serum collectrin concentrations did not correlate with maternal age, BMI and serum creatinine levels. However, collectrin concentrations were negatively correlated with systolic blood pressure (r = −0.284, p = .011) and diastolic blood pressure (r = −0.275, p = .014) as well as with maternal serum urea (r = −0.269, p = .017) and uric acid (r = −0.219, p = .049) concentrations. Conclusion: Maternal serum collectrin levels are significantly lower in patients with preeclampsia than in the control group. There is an inverse correlation between serum collectrin levels and blood pressure.