Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Macaque sperm release ESP13.2 and PSP94 during capacitation: The absence of ESP13.2 is linked to sperm‐zona recognition and binding

ESP13.2 coats the entire surface of macaque sperm and remains until sperm become capacitated (Yudin et al., 2003: Biol Reprod 69: 1118–1128). Capacitation of macaque sperm is synchronized by treatment with dibutyrl cAMP (dbcAMP) and caffeine. ESP13.2 and PSP94 constituted ∼95% of the proteins released from the sperm surface following treatment with caffeine + dbcAMP. Caffeine and dbcAMP alone induce different patterns of ESP13.2 release. As determined by ELISAs of supernatants and immuno‐fluorescent labeling of sperm heads, caffeine alone and caffeine + dbcAMP induced comparable release of ESP13.2, while dbcAMP‐treated sperm did not differ from controls. Sperm treated with caffeine + dbcAMP showed a reduction of ESP13.2 from the entire surface, while caffeine treatment alone induced removal of ESP13.2 from the sperm head and midpiece. As confirmed with immunofluorescence, ESP13.2 could be added back to the surfaces of sperm that had been previously exposed to caffeine. Treatment with caffeine significantly increased the number of sperm that bound tightly to the zona pellucida as compared with controls (42 ± 9 and 13 ± 3 sperm/zona, respectively; P ≤ 0.01). This increase in binding was inhibited by “adding back” ESP13.2 to the sperm surface (12.8 ± 3; P ≤ 0.01). Alexa‐conjugated anti‐ESP13.2 Ig labeling of live sperm showed that only sperm lacking ESP13.2 over the head were capable of tight binding to the zona. Our results suggest that ESP13.2 masks zona pellucida ligands on the sperm surface and its release, as part of capacitation, is required for sperm–zona interaction. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 69: 325–337, 2004. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Immunohistochemical detection of p53 and bcl‐2 proteins in non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma

We have investigated the immunohistochemical expression of p53 protein in 96 cases of non‐Hodgkin's lymphoma using a panel of five antibodies. Positive neoplastic cells were found in 30 (31.2%) cases, which could be divided into two groups according to their patterns of reactivity with the different antibodies; i.e. those positive with both polyclonal and monoclonal antibodies, and those which were stained only by monoclonal antibodies PAb1801 and/or PAb240. Positivity was nuclear in all but six cases in which cytoplasmic staining was found. In view of the hypothesis recently raised that p53 protein induces apoptosis we have compared our results with parallel staining for bcl‐2 protein since bcl‐2 is believed to be important, at least in lymphomas, in suppression of apoptosis. Staining for bcl‐2 protein was performed on 83 cases and it was shown that p53‐positive cases accounted for 10 out of 17 (59%) of the bcl‐2‐negative lymphomas but only for 15 out of the 66 (23%) bcl‐2‐positive cases, suggesting a possible relationship between the expression of these two proteins. Thus, our data show that p53 protein is abnormally expressed in a substantial proportion of non‐Hodgkin's lymphomas and bears a significant inverse relationship to bcl‐2 protein expression. However the molecular basis of this expression remains to be elucidated.
Energy, nutrient intake and prostate cancer risk: a population‐based case‐control study in Sweden

The role of diet in the etiology of prostate cancer remains unclear, because results from several case‐control and cohort studies on fat intake and risk of prostate cancer have been inconsistent; few of the studies have adjusted the results for caloric intake. To examine the relationship between energy, intake of several nutrients and risk of prostate cancer (all stages combined and advanced stages separately), we conducted a population‐based case‐control study in Örebro County, Sweden, from 1989 through 1994. A total of 526 patients with newly diagnosed prostate cancer and 536 controls, randomly selected from the population register and frequency‐matched by age, were included in the analyses. Information about dietary intake was obtained from a self‐administered semi‐quantitative food frequency questionnaire. Odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals were estimated by unconditional logistic regression. In age‐adjusted analyses, there were positive associations of prostate cancer (all stages combined) risk with total energy intake as well as intake of total fat (saturated and monounsaturated), protein, retinol and zinc. The positive association with energy intake was stronger for advanced cancer, with an excess risk of 70% for the highest quartile vs. the lowest. After adjustment for energy intake, there was no apparent association of prostate cancers (all stages combined) with any of the investigated nutrients. However, a weak positive association between intake of retinol and advanced cancer was observed. We conclude that our results provide some evidence that total energy intake is a risk factor for prostate cancer. © 1996 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Content of RNA originating from thyroid in washouts from fine-needle and core-needle aspiration biopsy - preliminary study.

INTRODUCTION In the evaluation of molecular markers in washouts from fine-needle aspiration biopsy (FNAB) the extremely small amount of material can be a major problem. Some authors tried to use washouts from core-needle aspiration biopsy (CNABs) to gain more material from larger needles. However, according to some studies, CNAB samples are commonly contaminated with blood. The aim of our study was to evaluate the proportion of nucleic acids from thyroid cells in washouts from FNAB and CNAB by measuring the relative expression of cytokeratin 17 (KRT17) on the mRNA level. MATERIAL AND METHODS Relative expression of KRT17 and GADPH (reference gene) in washouts from FNAB and CNAB was measured using real-time PCR technique and compared to the results from surgical specimens. RESULTS Surgical specimens form 22 nodules, FNAB samples from 20 lesions and CNAB samples from 24 lesions were analysed. The median difference in cycle threshold (Ct) between FNAB samples and surgical specimens was 3.3 (p = 0.047). In CNAB samples KRT17 was undetectable in most cases (median incalculable; proportion of samples with undetectable KRT17 significantly higher than in FNAB samples). CONCLUSIONS Samples obtained with different biopsy techniques had different proportions of contents. The proportionally low content of epithelial cells in CNAB can result in underestimated expression of molecular markers of malignancy. Consequently, the risk of malignancy or unfavourable prognosis can also be underestimated. To conclude, results obtained from samples gained with one biopsy technique cannot be directly related to thresholds, and generally with experiences gained with other techniques, because it can lead to incorrect clinical interpretation of the results. (Endokrynol Pol 2016; 67 (6): 550-553).
Exploring inter- and intra-speaker variability in multi-modal task descriptions

In natural human-human task descriptions, the verbal and the non-verbal parts of communication together comprise the information necessary for understanding. When robots are to learn tasks from humans in the future, the detection and integrated interpretation of both of these cues is decisive. In the present paper, we present a qualitative study on essential verbal and non-verbal cues by means of which information is transmitted during explaining and showing a task to a learner. In order to collect a respective data set for further investigation, 16 (human) teachers explained to a human learner how to mount a tube in a box with holdings, and six teachers did this to a robot learner. Detailed multi-modal analysis revealed that in both conditions, information was more reliable when transmitted via verbal and gestural references to the visual scene and via eye gaze than via the actual wording. In particular, intra-speaker variability in wording and perspective taking by the teacher potentially hinders understanding of the learner. The results presented in this paper emphasize the importance of investigating the inherently multi-modal nature of how humans structure and transmit information in order to derive respective computational models for robot learners.
Existe-t-il en France un cycle électoral municipal ?

L'analyse des resultats des elections municipales en France fait apparaitre l'existence d'une prime electorale au maire sortant. La presente etude, fondee sur l'ana­lyse des resultats des quatre dernieres elections municipales (1977, 1983, 1989, 1995) dans les communes de plus de 30000 habitants, montre que la dynamique electorale personnelle du maire sortant suit toujours la meme loi d'evolution: maximale a la fin du premier mandat, elle regresse par paliers par la suite. Cette loi d'evolution est mise en evidence en comparant la performance d'un maire sortant par rapport a la performance moyenne de ses collegues de meme etiquette politique, la performance electorale d'un maire sortant etant definie comme l'evolution du resul­tat de son camp (droite ou gauche) entre l'election presidentielle la plus proche et le premier tour de l'election municipale. Les maires les plus populaires se caracteri­sent a la fois par une prime electorale tres forte a la fin du premier mandat et une resistance a l'usure de cette prime, superieure a la moyenne. ; ;
PML diagnostic criteria

Objective: To establish criteria for the diagnosis of progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy (PML). Methods: We reviewed available literature to identify various diagnostic criteria employed. Several search strategies employing the terms “progressive multifocal leukoencephalopathy” with or without “JC virus” were performed with PubMed, SCOPUS, and EMBASE search engines. The articles were reviewed by a committee of individuals with expertise in the disorder in order to determine the most useful applicable criteria. Results: A consensus statement was developed employing clinical, imaging, pathologic, and virologic evidence in support of the diagnosis of PML. Two separate pathways, histopathologic and clinical, for PML diagnosis are proposed. Diagnostic classification includes certain, probable, possible, and not PML. Conclusion: Definitive diagnosis of PML requires neuropathologic demonstration of the typical histopathologic triad (demyelination, bizarre astrocytes, and enlarged oligodendroglial nuclei) coupled with the techniques to show the presence of JC virus. The presence of clinical and imaging manifestations consistent with the diagnosis and not better explained by other disorders coupled with the demonstration of JC virus by PCR in CSF is also considered diagnostic. Algorithms for establishing the diagnosis have been recommended.
The prevalence of intimate partner violence in the family: a systematic review of the implications for adolescents in Africa.

BACKGROUND Intimate partner violence (IPV) and its multiple effects are well documented in Western research, but these are not adequately described in Africa. The effects of IPV on adolescent health and well-being are not conclusive. OBJECTIVE The aim of this review was to systematically appraise prevalence studies conducted on the African continent to establish the prevalence of IPV and the implications of exposure on adolescents in Africa. METHODS A comprehensive search was conducted in May 2012 for the previous 10 years, using databases such as Ebscohost (Medline, CINAHL, PsyArticles), Directory of Open Access Journals (DOAJ), Project Muse and BioMed Central and also specific journals Lancet, and JSTOR. Two reviewers independently evaluated the methodological quality of the studies reviewed. RESULTS Seven eligible epidemiological studies were included in this review. Five of the studies were conducted in South Africa, one in Liberia, and another was a multi-country study that included Egypt, Kenya, Malawi, Rwanda and Zambia. The prevalence of IPV in African countries ranged from approximately 26.5% to 48%. All studies reported exposure to family violence during childhood. CONCLUSION The findings support the global burden of IPV. There is also a need for standardized tools to determine IPV in Africa and a clear definition that can be used in research to allow comparison with future IPV studies. In addition, the studies point to a need for interventions focusing on adolescents exposed to family violence.
Effects of a local anaesthetic and a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory analgesic on the behavioural responses of calves to dehorning.

AIMS To evaluate the use of local anaesthesia and systemic analgesia for alleviating the distress associated with dehorning by monitoring stimulated behaviours in calves. METHODS Eight behaviours were monitored in 3-4 month-old calves dehorned with and without local anaesthesia and/or a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug, from 2 hours after treatment. RESULTS Four of the behaviours, lying, grazing or ruminating, tail shaking and ear flicking, were significantly different during the first 4-6 hours of observation in control calves, which were not dehorned, compared to calves dehorned without anaesthesia or analgesia, which suggests that these behaviours are useful indices of the acute pain experienced by calves after dehorning. The behaviour of calves dehorned after both a local anaesthetic and a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory agent had been administered was similar to control calves. The behaviour of calves given only local anaesthesia or systemic analgesia prior to dehorning was similar to that of calves dehorned without any pain relief. CONCLUSION These results suggest that calves should be given both a local anaesthetic and a systemic analgesic before dehorning to alleviate the pain associated with this procedure.
Yoga and heart rate variability: A comprehensive review of the literature

Heart rate variability (HRV) has been used as a proxy for health and fitness and indicator of autonomic regulation and therefore, appears well placed to assess the changes occurring with mind. -body practices that facilitate autonomic balance. While many studies suggest that yoga influences HRV, such studies have not been systematically reviewed. We aimed to systematically review all published papers that report on yoga practices and HRV. A comprehensive search of multiple databases was conducted and all studies that reported a measure of HRV associated with any yoga practice were included. Studies were categorized by the study design and type of yoga practice. A total of 59 studies were reviewed involving a total of 2358 participants. Most studies were performed in India on relatively small numbers of healthy male yoga practitioners during a single laboratory session. Of the reviewed studies, 15 were randomized controlled trials with 6 having a Jadad score of 3. The reviewed studies suggest that yoga can affect cardiac autonomic regulation with increased HRV and vagal dominance during yoga practices. Regular yoga practitioners were also found to have increased vagal tone at rest compared to non-yoga practitioners. It is premature to draw any firm conclusions about yoga and HRV as most studies were of poor quality, with small sample sizes and insufficient reporting of study design and statistical methods. Rigorous studies with detailed reporting of yoga practices and any corresponding changes in respiration are required to determine the effect of yoga on HRV.
The WD‐repeat protein Pfs2p bridges two essential factors within the yeast pre‐mRNA 3′‐end‐processing complex

In the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae, pre‐mRNA 3′‐end processing requires six factors: cleavage factor IA (CF IA), cleavage factor IB (CF IB), cleavage factor II (CF II), polyadenylation factor I (PF I), poly(A) polymerase (Pap1p) and poly(A)‐binding protein I (Pab1p). We report the characterization of Pfs2p, a WD‐repeat protein previously identified in a multiprotein complex carrying PF I–Pap1p activity. The 3′‐end‐processing defects of pfs2 mutant strains and the results of immunodepletion and immunoinactivation experiments indicate an essential function for Pfs2p in cleavage and polyadenylation. With a one‐step affinity purification method that exploits protein A‐tagged Pfs2p, we showed that this protein is part of a CF II–PF I complex. Pull‐down experiments with GST fusion proteins revealed direct interactions of Pfs2p with subunits of CF II–PF I and CF IA. These results show that Pfs2p plays an essential role in 3′‐end formation by bridging different processing factors and thereby promoting the assembly of the processing complex.
Low Genetic Variance in the Duration of the Incubation Period in a Collared Flycatcher (Ficedula albicollis) Population

The avian incubation period is associated with high energetic costs and mortality risks suggesting that there should be strong selection to reduce the duration to the minimum required for normal offspring development. Although there is much variation in the duration of the incubation period across species, there is also variation within species. It is necessary to estimate to what extent this variation is genetically determined if we want to predict the evolutionary potential of this trait. Here we use a long-term study of collared flycatchers to examine the genetic basis of variation in incubation duration. We demonstrate limited genetic variance as reflected in the low and nonsignificant additive genetic variance, with a corresponding heritability of 0.04 and coefficient of additive genetic variance of 2.16. Any selection acting on incubation duration will therefore be inefficient. To our knowledge, this is the first time heritability of incubation duration has been estimated in a natural bird population.
Glutamate and nitric oxide modulate ERK and CREB phosphorylation in the avian retina: evidence for direct signaling from neurons to Müller glial cells

Glutamate signaling in the mature retinal tissue is very important for accurate sensory decoding by retinal neurons and orchestrates the fine‐tuned output from the retina to higher‐order centers at the cerebral cortex. In this study, we show that glutamate induces a rapid extracellular‐regulated kinase and cAMP‐responsive element binding protein (CREB) phosphorylation in cultured developing retinal neurons. This process is reliant on α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methylisoxazole‐4‐propionate receptors and nitric oxide (NO) signaling and independent of NMDA receptors activation, as it is blocked by α‐amino‐3‐hydroxy‐5‐methylisoxazole‐4‐propionate/kainate antagonists as well as inhibiting NO synthase with NG‐nitro‐l‐arginine methyl ester but not by the NMDA channel blocker dizocilpine maleate. The effect of NO on extracellular‐regulated kinase and CREB is mediated by the classical NO/soluble guanylyl cyclase/protein kinase G pathways as it is inhibited by the soluble guanylyl cyclase blocker 1H‐[1,2,4]oxadiazole[4,3‐a]quinoxalin‐1‐one and the protein kinase G inhibitor KT5823, respectively. Immunocytochemical data suggest that increased CREB phosphorylation in response to glutamate occurs in glial cell nuclei. We also have supporting evidence suggesting that neuronally produced NO directly reaches the glial cells and stimulates CREB phosphorylation. Hence, the results indicate the importance of neuronal–glial communication and glutamate/NO/CREB linkage during retinal development.
Should Electroconvulsive Therapy Be an Early Consideration for Suicidal Patients?

Introduction: This article describes a quality management project undertaken for the purpose of ensuring that the most appropriate patients were being selected for electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) at an 80-bed, state-operated, civil psychiatric facility for the seriously mentally ill. Method: Thirty mentally ill patients, including patients with comorbid substance abuse diagnoses, were treated with ECT. Pre-ECT and post-ECT scores on the 24-item Brief Psychiatric Rating Scale (BPRS-24) were compared with admission and discharge BPRS-24 scores of a control group treated with psychotropic medication. Results: ECT-treated patients demonstrated greater improvement in BPRS scores during a shorter period than did non-ECT-treated patients. Furthermore, the greatest improvement was seen in the areas of depression and expressed suicidal intent. An unanticipated result was that patients with comorbid substance abuse diagnoses treated with ECT showed the most improvement in these areas. Conclusion: ECT was shown to be particularly useful in the treatment of suicidally inclined depressed patients, suggesting that ECT should be an early consideration for suicidal patients.
Membrane Morphology and Leukotoxin Secretion Are Associated with a Novel Membrane Protein of Aggregatibacter actinomycetemcomitans

ABSTRACT Gram-negative bacteria display either a flat or an irregular outer membrane. The periodontal pathogen Aggregatibacter (Actinobacillus) actinomycetemcomitans has an irregular outer membrane. We have identified a gene that is associated with the biogenesis of this morphology. The gene is part of a three-gene operon and codes for a 141-kDa protein designated morphogenesis protein C (MorC), which is conserved in several gram-negative bacteria including Haemophilus influenzae and Pasteurella multocida. Insertional inactivation of this gene resulted in the conversion of an irregularly shaped membrane to a flat membrane. Associated with this morphological change were the autoaggregation of the bacteria during planktonic growth and a concomitant increase in the surface hydrophobicity of the bacterium. The absence of MorC also resulted in the loss of the secretion of leukotoxin but not the ltxA transcription. Our findings suggest that MorC is critical for membrane morphology and leukotoxin secretion in A. actinomycetemcomitans.
Inhibition of Cell Division of Escherichia coli by a New Synthetic Penicillin, Piperacillin

The mechanism of the action of piperacillin against Escherichia coli was investigated. This drug converted cells to filaments, but did not show lytic action in a range of concentrations below 25 μg/ml. In some of the filaments, stretched constrictions with various diameters were observed. Addition of piperacillin to a synchronous culture inhibited cell division immediately at any stage of the cell cycle. The results of morphological examination of synchronous cultures show that the percentage of filaments with a stretched constriction corresponds to that of normally septated cells before addition of the drug. Furthermore, peptidoglycan synthesis and cross-linking were not inhibited by this drug. It is likely that this drug inhibits only septum formation, but not the growth of wall, and that stretched constrictions are a result of longitudinal growth of septation caused by the drug. Examination of affinity of the drug to penicillin-binding proteins shows that protein 3 is the most sensitive, proteins 2 and 7 are moderately so, and protein 1 is sensitive only to high concentrations of the drug.