Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of stage of lactation, milk protein genotype and body condition at calving on protein composition and renneting properties of bovine milk

The lactational variation in milk protein composition and renneting properties and their relationship to the cow's body condition at calving were investigated in 39 Danish Holstein first lactation cows fed on a well balanced standard diet. All milk characteristics measured were significantly affected by stage of lactation (P<0·01). Casein as a proportion of total milk nitrogen reached a maximum in mid lactation. The proportion of αs- and κ-casein in total casein decreased and the proportion of β-casein increased systematically during lactation while the proportion of γ-casein was lowest in mid lactation. The α-lactalbumin content of milk and its proportion of total whey proteins decreased during lactation. Renneting time was highest and curd firmness lowest in mid lactation. These results appeared to reflect a low degree of proteolysis in late-lactation milks compared with several other investigations, probably because of the good nutritional state of the cows. The body condition at calving affected proteolysis and the renneting properties of milk. A good body condition increased the content of whey protein in total milk nitrogen and of γ-casein in total caseins (P<0·05); in addition, curd firmness was improved (P<0·01) and aggregation time was reduced (P<0·05). We suggest that these effects were related to the fat metabolism and energy status of the cows during lactation. The interrelationships between the milk characteristics were evaluated by factor analysis to support the interpretation.
[Effect of lipopolysaccharide toxin on lipid and protein composition of human serum low density lipoproteins].

Complexes of lipopolysaccharide (LPS) B of Salmonella typhimurium with human low density lipoproteins (LDL) formed during in vitro coincubation via spontaneous incorporation of LPS (complex LDL-LPS) or through the incorporation stimulated by the serum protein fraction (LPS/LDL complex) were studied. The LPS/LDL complex was shown to maximally bind 0.24 mg of LPS per 1 mg of LDL protein, whereas the LDL-LPS complex contained only 0.07 mg of LPS per 1 mg of LDL protein. The observed incorporation of LPS into LDL particles was not possibly associated with a transfer of lipids or proteins from high density lipoproteins to LDL. The insertion of LPS was probably accompanied by the expulsion of a small portion of phosphatidylcholine molecules from the outer monolayer of LDL into the aqueous medium and by an increase in the phosphatidylethanolamine concentration in LDL. Simultaneously, the level of esterified cholesterol in the LPS/LDL complex decreased, and the concentrations of free cholesterol and triacylglycerols showed a rise. The level of free fatty acids in the LPS/LDL complex increased more than twofold compared with intact LDL. The enhancement of LPS incorporation did not result in the insertion of any serum proteins into LDL, in which apoB-100 remained the major apolipoprotein (ca. 90%); apoB-100 fragments made up to 5-7%, whereas apoE and apoC contained altogether ca. 3-5%. It is suggested that the LPS/LDL complex obtained can bind to three types of cell receptors, i.e., apoB/E receptors, LPS receptors and scavenger receptors of macrophages (monocytes); the increased level of free fatty acids in the LPS/LDL complex may accelerate its subsequent catabolism.
Determinants of Individual Variation in Intracellular Accumulation of Anti-HIV Nucleoside Analog Metabolites

ABSTRACT Individual variation in response to antiretroviral therapy is well-known, but it is not clear if demographic characteristics such as gender, age, and ethnicity are responsible for the variation. To optimize anti-HIV therapy and guide antiretroviral drug discovery, determinants that cause variable responses to therapy need to be evaluated. We investigated the determinants of intracellular concentrations of nucleoside analogs using peripheral blood mononuclear cells from 40 healthy donors. We observed individual differences in the concentrations of the intracellular nucleoside analogs; the mean concentrations of the triphosphate metabolite of ethynylstavudine (4′-Ed4T), zidovudine (AZT), and lamivudine (3TC) were 0.71 pmol/106 cells (minimum and maximum, 0.10 and 3.00 pmol/106 cells, respectively), 0.88 pmol/106 cells (minimum and maximum, 0.10 and 15.18 pmol/106 cells, respectively), and 1.70 pmol/106 cells (minimum and maximum, 0.20 and 7.73 pmol/106 cells, respectively). Gender and ethnicity had no effect on the concentration of 4′-Ed4T and 3TC metabolites. There was a trend for moderation of the concentrations of AZT metabolites by gender (P = 0.17 for gender·metabolite concentration). We observed variability in the activity and expression of cellular kinases. There was no statistically significant correlation between thymidine kinase 1 (TK-1) activity or expression and thymidine analog metabolite concentrations. The correlation between the activity of deoxycytidine kinase (dCK) and the 3TC monophosphate metabolite concentration showed a trend toward significance (P = 0.1). We observed an inverse correlation between the multidrug-resistant protein 2 (MRP2) expression index and the concentrations of AZT monophosphate, AZT triphosphate, and total AZT metabolites. Our findings suggest that the observed variation in clinical response to nucleoside analogs may be due partly to the individual differences in the intracellular concentrations, which in turn may be affected by the cellular kinases involved in the phosphorylation pathway and ATP-binding cassette (ABC) transport proteins.
Twenty-one-year trend in ESRD due to focal segmental glomerulosclerosis in the United States.

BACKGROUND Focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS) is a clinicopathologic syndrome with a substantial risk for progression to end-stage renal disease (ESRD). Recent studies of renal biopsy archives in the United States suggest that the incidence of FSGS has increased. FSGS has become the leading cause of idiopathic nephrotic syndrome in the United States, with the greatest incidence rates in the black population. In the absence of a population-based estimate of FSGS incidence, we wished to obtain a population-based estimate of incident ESRD cases caused by FSGS (FSGS ESRD) and characterize temporal changes in this group. METHODS We examined the incidence of FSGS ESRD during a 21-year period (1980 to 2000) using data from the United States Renal Data System. We excluded patients who were classified as having acquired immunodeficiency syndrome nephropathy. RESULTS The annual incidence of FSGS ESRD has increased considerably, whether expressed as an absolute number or a fraction of the total incident ESRD population. Thus, the proportion of ESRD attributed to FSGS has increased 11-fold, from 0.2% in 1980 to 2.3% in 2000. The recent increase in incident FSGS ESRD cases likely is multifactorial in origin, with contributions from changes in renal biopsy practices, changes in disease classification, and a real increase in the incidence of FSGS disease. Black individuals have a 4-fold greater risk of FSGS ESRD than white or Asian individuals. The peak decade for FSGS ESRD incidence is 40 to 49 years among black subjects and 70 to 79 years among white and Asian individuals. Males have 1.5- to 2-fold greater risk than females. CONCLUSION The incidence of FSGS ESRD has increased considerably in the United States, with black individuals at greatest risk. Idiopathic FSGS now is the most common cause of ESRD caused by primary glomerular disease in the United States in both the black and white populations.
Flavonoid Intake and Bone Health

Flavonoids, found in a wide diversity of plant foods from fruits and vegetables, herbs and spices, essential oils, and beverages, have the most potential of dietary components for promotion of bone health beyond calcium and vitamin D. Recent epidemiological studies show flavonoid consumption to have a stronger association with bone than general fruit and vegetable consumption. Bioactive flavonoids are being assessed for properties beyond their chemical antioxidant capacity, including anti-inflammatory actions. Some have been reported to enhance bone formation and to inhibit bone resorption through their action on cell signaling pathways that influence osteoblast and osteoclast differentiation. Future research is needed to determine which of the flavonoids and their metabolites are most effective and at what dose, as well as the mechanism of modulating cellular events, in order to set priorities for clinical trials.
The occurrence and abundance of helminth parasites of the mountain hare Lepus timidus (L.) and the wild rabbit Oryctolagus cuniculus (L.) in Aberdeenshire, Scotland

ABSTRACT Mountain hares were collected each month between April 1984 and March 1985 and their intestines examined for helminths. 26 rabbits were also collected between Juny and December 1984 and examined for gastro-intestinal helminths. Three nematode and two cestode species were found in the hares while only two nematode and one cestode species were found in the rabbits. Trichostronglylus retortaeformis was recorded form 88% of the 193 hares and 92% of the rabbits While comparable figures for Passalurus ambiguus were 0·5% and 54% and for Mosgovoyia pectinata 14% and 81%. Seasonal fluctuations were observed in the T. retortaeformis populations in the hare; numbers tended to be low during the winter months and high throughout the summer. Paranoplocephala wimerosa was reported for the first time from the British Isles and Trichostrongylus axei was recorded for the forst time in the mountain hare.
Examining the Effect of Positive Online Reviews on Consumers' Decision Making: The Valence Framework

Online reviews play an important role in consumers' decision making. However, limited studies have been conducted to understand the effects of online reviews on consumers' behavior. Drawing upon the Elaboration Likelihood Model and the valence framework, a research model was developed to investigate the perceived benefits and potential risks brought by positive online reviews. The moderating effect of review skepticism was also examined. Data were collected through on online survey based on consumers' perceptions of the positive reviews from restaurants and food businesses and analyzed with partial least squares. The results indicated that argument quality and source credibility influence information usefulness, which further influences consumers' behavioral intentions. The influence of positive online reviews on perceived risk differs between high and low skepticism consumers. This research offers a more in-depth understanding of consumer information processing in an online context and benefits practitioners by allowing them to better understand consumers.
Erythrocyte indicators of oxidative stress in gestational diabetes

Foetuses born to mothers with gestational diabetes are at increased risk of developing respiratory distress, foetal macrosomia, foetal anomalies and platelet hyperaggregability. High blood glucose level induces oxidative stress and decreases antioxidant defences. The present study discusses the possibility of lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation in both maternal and foetal erythrocytes as an indicator of oxygen radical activity. The level of lipid peroxidation and protein oxidation in erythrocytes was estimated in 20 mothers with gestational diabetes and their newborns. The maternal age varied between 19 and 42 y and foetal age ranged between 34 and 39 weeks. The proteolytic activities in the erythrocyte lysates obtained from mothers with gestational diabetes and their newborns were significantly greater [(mean ± SD) 24.41 ± 9.05 and 16.70 ± 3. 36μM of amino groups/g haemoglobin, n= 20, respectively] than those from control group (10.18 ± 4.84 and 14.64 ± 6.21 μM amino groups/g haemoglobin, n= 15, respectively; p < 0:05 in both cases). Similarly erythrocyte malondialdehyde levels were significantly elevated in babies born to mothers with gestational diabetes (10.11 ±2.21 nM/g haemoglobin) when compared to controls (6.8 ± 3.75 nM/g haemoglobin) (p < 0:05). In the erythrocytes of mothers with gestational diabetes, malondialdehyde levels correlated significantly with glycated haemoglobin levels (p < 0:01). The results of this study indicate that the oxidative stress induced by gestational diabetes manifests as increased lipid peroxidation and protein oxidative damage in the erythrocytes of both mothers with gestational diabetes and their newborn infants.
Hypermethylation of the calcitonin gene in the myelodysplastic syndromes.

It is well documented that the calcitonin gene area in the short arm of chromosome 11 is hypermethylated in most acute leukemias as well as in chronic lymphatic leukemia. In contrast, the gene is normally methylated during the chronic phase of the chronic myeloid leukemia but turns hypermethylated as the disease escalates. As the methylation of the calcitonin gene correlates with the disease activity in chronic myeloid leukemia, it seemed worthwhile to study the gene methylation in other premalignant hematologic conditions with a potential to terminate in fulminant acute leukemia. We report here on the calcitonin gene methylation in patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) using a methylation sensitive restriction enzyme HpaII and standard Southern blotting techniques. Bone marrow aspirates from a total of 26 MDS patients were studied. In 24 of these patients, the calcitonin gene was hypermethylated. There was no correlation between the methylation status and the morphological stage of the disease. All six patients with a blast count < 5% had a hypermethylated gene. Of the 19 patients with a blast count > 5%, 17 were hypermethylated only two having normal methylation status of the gene. It appears that the hypermethylation of the calcitonin gene area in the short arm of chromosome 11 may be an early event in the pathogenesis of the myelodysplastic syndromes. The methylation analysis may thus be of value as a diagnostic tool in MDS but an abnormal methylation pattern does not seem to have a direct relation with the degree of blast infiltration.
Tumor hypoxia is independent of hemoglobin and prognostic for loco-regional tumor control after primary radiotherapy in advanced head and neck cancer

There is evidence that tumor hypoxia adversely affects loco-regional tumor control and survival in head and neck cancer. The aim of the current study was to compare pretreatment tumor oxygenation measured by Eppendorf pO2 electrodes with known prognostic factors in advanced head and neck tumors after definitive radiotherapy, and to evaluate the prognostic significance of these parameters on loco-regional tumor control. Sixty-seven patients, median age 56 years (22–82), all with primary stage III–IV squamous cell carcinoma were available for survival analysis. Tumor oxygenation was described as the fraction of pO2 values≤2.5 mmHg (HP2.5) and the median tumor pO2. By regression analysis HP2.5 was independent of known prognostic factors including stage, pretreatment hemoglobin (Hb) and the largest tumor diameter at the site of pO2 measurement. By Kaplan–Meier analysis loco-regional tumor control at 5 years was in favor of less hypoxic tumors using either HP2.5 or median tumor pO2 as descriptors and stratifying by the median values. Also, Hb was prognostic of loco-regional tumor control at 5 years using the median value as cut off. HP2.5 as continuous parameter was highly significant for loco-regional tumor control in a multivariate analysis. In conclusion both HP2.5 and total Hb were prognostic for loco-regional tumor control, but HP2.5 as continuous variable was independently the strongest prognostic indicator for loco-regional tumor control after definitive primary radiotherapy in advanced head and neck tumors.
The final publication is available at Springer via http://dx.doi.org/10.1245/s10434-011-1720-5 CHANGES IN MYOSTATIN SIGNALING IN NON WEIGHT-LOSING CANCER PATIENTS

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Expression of heparan sulfate proteoglycans in murine models of experimental colitis*

Background: Heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPGs) are considered important in maintaining physiological homeostasis in many systems. Their expression is altered greatly in several pathophysiological conditions. Herein, we assess the expression and cellular localization of HSPGs in two murine models of human inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Methods: Expression and localization of HSPGs, syndecans, and HS epitopes were examined in the colon of 129SvEv interleukin 10 knockout (IL10−/−), C3Bir IL10−/−, and their genetic control (IL10+/+) counterparts (129SvEv; C3H/HeJ). mRNA expression of syndecans and heparan sulfate biosynthesis enzymes were evaluated by real‐time polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Localization of HSPGs was determined by immunofluorescence. Results: mRNA for all syndecans was detected and expression in colonic tissues altered in IL10−/− mice. Syndecan‐1 protein was expressed in the intestinal epithelium and on lamina propria cells of IL10−/− and control mice but was significantly reduced on the intestinal epithelial cells of IL10−/−, mice particularly with severe colitis. Syndecan‐2 was not detected, whereas syndecan‐3 immunoreactivity was localized in the lamina propria but did not differ between control and IL10−/− mice. Syndecan‐4 was present on epithelial cells of all mice but was significantly reduced in IL10−/− mice. Differences in the expression of HS epitopes between control and IL10−/− mice were also confirmed. Conclusions: The study has revealed altered expression of syndecan‐1 and ‐4 and HS epitopes in the gut of mice with an IBD‐like gut disorder. The IL10−/− mouse is a useful model for further study of the functional role of HSPGs in chronic inflammation and in maintaining healthy gut barrier. (Inflamm Bowel Dis 2012;)
Calreticulin Regulates Transforming Growth Factor-β-stimulated Extracellular Matrix Production*

Background: Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is associated with fibrotic diseases, although the mechanisms are not completely understood. Results: The ER stress protein calreticulin regulates TGF-β stimulated extracellular matrix through control of intracellular calcium and NFAT signaling. Conclusion: Calreticulin is necessary for TGF-β stimulated extracellular matrix production. Significance: These findings identify calreticulin as a mechanistic link between ER stress and fibrosis. Endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress is an emerging factor in fibrotic disease, although precise mechanisms are not clear. Calreticulin (CRT) is an ER chaperone and regulator of Ca2+ signaling up-regulated by ER stress and in fibrotic tissues. Previously, we showed that ER CRT regulates type I collagen transcript, trafficking, secretion, and processing into the extracellular matrix (ECM). To determine the role of CRT in ECM regulation under fibrotic conditions, we asked whether CRT modified cellular responses to the pro-fibrotic cytokine, TGF-β. These studies show that CRT−/− mouse embryonic fibroblasts (MEFs) and rat and human idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis lung fibroblasts with siRNA CRT knockdown had impaired TGF-β stimulation of type I collagen and fibronectin. In contrast, fibroblasts with increased CRT expression had enhanced responses to TGF-β. The lack of CRT does not impact canonical TGF-β signaling as TGF-β was able to stimulate Smad reporter activity in CRT−/− MEFs. CRT regulation of TGF-β-stimulated Ca2+ signaling is important for induction of ECM. CRT−/− MEFs failed to increase intracellular Ca2+ levels in response to TGF-β. NFAT activity is required for ECM stimulation by TGF-β. In CRT−/− MEFs, TGF-β stimulation of NFAT nuclear translocation and reporter activity is impaired. Importantly, CRT is required for TGF-β stimulation of ECM under conditions of ER stress, as tunicamycin-induced ER stress was insufficient to induce ECM production in TGF-β stimulated CRT−/− MEFs. Together, these data identify CRT-regulated Ca2+-dependent pathways as a critical molecular link between ER stress and TGF-β fibrotic signaling.
Short-term contracts and their effect on wages in Indian regular wage employment

The increase in regular wage employment in the Indian economy between 2004–2005 and 2011–2012 was accompanied by a significant deterioration in job security; more workers found themselves on short-term and insecure contracts – a continuing trend. Insecurity of tenure results in a significant wage penalty for short-term workers, compared with those with longer term contracts. This article estimates the negative effect of short-term contracts on the wages of Indian regular wage workers all along the income distribution – unlike earlier studies – using the method of unconditional quantile regressions on data from the 68th round and the 61st round of the National Sample Survey Organisation on Employment covering the period 2004–2005 and 2011–2012. It finds that the wage penalty due to short-term contracts is higher for high-wage workers than for low-wage workers, with the maximum impact felt by median wage workers, and has increased for higher paid workers from 2004–2005 to 2011–2012. The spread of informal employment arrangements within India’s formal labour markets has resulted in an increasingly unequal distribution of workers’ access to the benefits of growth, reflecting a shift in power in favour of capital. These findings, specific to a developing economy like India, stand in contrast with studies in European countries, where high-wage workers do not face as much of a penalty for short-term contract work as low-wage workers. JEL Codes: J31, J41
A recommender system based on personal constraints for smart tourism city

ABSTRACT In a smart tourism ecosystem, travel communication websites play a critical role in choosing destinations and hotels. This research suggests a travel recommender system for automating word-of-mouth (WOM) effects and providing personalized travel-planning services to tourists. Collaborative filtering (CF)-based recommender systems have been extensively employed for personalization services in diverse areas; the basic principle of CF is WOM communication. This research proposes a travel recommender system that helps a tourist build his/her personalized travel plan based on CF and constraint satisfaction filtering. Constraint satisfaction filtering is adopted to profile a tourist’s needs and circumstances. For this purpose, this research modifies the existing constraint satisfaction method to an approximate constraint satisfaction filtering method that incorporates indifference intervals into constraints. We build a prototype system and a benchmark system to evaluate the effectiveness, usability, and novelty of the proposed travel recommender system. The experimental results demonstrate a methodology for performing personalized tourist’s travel planning and automating WOM communication outperforms the benchmark system.