Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Leptin and endurance exercise : implications of adiposity and insulin *

Obesity currently is qualified as a worldwide health epidemic and its consequences include diabetes mellitus as far as cardiac disease. Genetic and environmental factors contribute to obesity, although the genetic component is still poorly understood in humans. With the cloning of mouse ob gene and its receptor, leptin was discovered, the “satiety hormone”. Leptin is expressed and secreted primarily by adipose tissue and is highly correlated to body fat mass. Nevertheless, many factors can regulate leptin synthesis and expression, such as fasting, sympathetic activity, insulin, exercise and changes in energy balance. Aerobic physical activity effects on leptin are still not very clear, seeing that there are contradictory studies about its effects on leptin regulation. Transversal studies suggest that leptin concentrations are not acutely affected after an exercise bout. However, reductions in leptin concentrations are observed following extreme bouts of exercise such as ultramarathons, where the extenuating physical activity induces a deficit in energy balance. Also, long-term (≥ 60 min) exercise seems to be associated with a delayed reduction in leptin concentrations 48 hr after the exercise bout, possibly due to an energy imbalance. Some longitudinal studies show that aerobic exercise training does not affect leptin levels, others that any changes in leptin levels are due to possible changes in body fat, and, lastly, some studies show a reduction in leptin levels and/or expression independently of any changes in adiposity. That suggests there may be other factors besides adiposity that regulate the reduction in leptin levels after exercise training, being insulin the main candidate for such role. Therefore, this review analyses the main aspects of leptin, its action, function and regulation, its association with insulin, and also the effects of acute and chronic endurance exercise on leptin synthesis and secretion and possible implications of insulin and adiposity.
External Debt and Growth

This paper assesses the non linear impact of external debt on growth using a large panel data set of 93 developing countries over 1969-98. Results are generally robust across different econometric methodologies, regression specifications, and different debt indicators. For a country with average indebtedness, doubling the debt ratio would reduce annual per capita growth by between half and a full percentage point. The differential in per capita growth between countries with external indebtedness (in net present value) below 100 percent of exports and above 300 percent of exports seems to be in excess of 2 percent per annum. For countries that are to benefit from debt reduction under the current HIPC initiative, per capita growth might increase by 1 percentage point, unless constrained by other macroeconomic and structural economic distortions. Our findings also suggest that the average impact of debt becomes negative at about 160-170 percent of exports or 35-40 percent of GDP. The marginal impact of debt starts being negative at about half of these values. High debt appears to reduce growth mainly by lowering the efficiency of investment rather than its volume.
Impact of approximating or ignoring within‐study covariances in multivariate meta‐analyses

Multivariate meta‐analyses are used to derive summary estimates of treatment effects for two or more outcomes from a joint model. In addition to treatment effects, these models also quantify the correlations between outcomes across studies. To be fully specified, the model requires an estimate of the covariance or correlations between outcomes observed in each study. These are rarely available in published reports, so that analysts must either approximate these or ignore correlations between effect estimates from the same studies. We examined the impact of errors in approximating within‐study covariances on the parameters of multivariate models in a simulation study. We found that treatment effect and heterogeneity estimates were not strongly affected by inaccurate approximations, but estimates of the correlation between outcomes were sometimes highly biased. The potential for error is greatest when the covariance between outcomes within‐ and between‐studies are of comparable scale. Copyright © 2007 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Endoscopic Surgery in the Rectum

A new transanal endoscopic operative technique permits microsurgery in the rectal cavity and the placing of surgical sutures. Compared with other procedures this one is non-aggressive, and there were not postoperative complications in twelve cases. A stereoscopic optical system, a new operating rectoscope and special surgical instruments, as well as a modification to an insufflation device are necessary for the endoscopic operation.
Application of X-ray scanning to diagnose internal details of waveguide antenna fabricated by 3-D metal-direct-printing technique

The application of X-ray scanning technique is proposed to investigate the internal printing details of a complex waveguide antenna fabricated by 3-D metal-direct-printing technique. As the antenna is a multilayer structure and printed as a whole piece of metal, the internal structure of the antenna is not possible to be directly measured or checked by human eyes. One possible method is to take an X-ray scanning of the antenna and the detailed structure can be measured in the X-ray image.
Asymptotic stability of dynamical networks

In this paper, asymptotic stability of dynamical networks with non-identical nodes is investigated. Networks with fixed and switching topologies are discussed, respectively. Different Lyapunov functions for each individual node are used, and sufficient conditions for both cases are derived to guarantee asymptotic stability of such networks. The stabilizing switching signals are identified by using the convex combination method for networks with switching topology. The results obtained are not only restricted to undirected networks, but also applicable to directed networks. A numerical example of switched network is given to show the effectiveness of the proposed results.
Addendum to ‘An innovation and policy agenda for commercially competitive plug-in hybrid electric vehicles’

This addendum adds to the analysis of ‘An innovation and policy agenda for commercially competitive plug-in hybrid electric vehicles’ (D M Lemoine et al 2008 Environ. Res. Lett. 3 014003) to the case of all-electric vehicles (EVs). We pay particular attention to grid impacts, break-even battery costs, and the three ways in which EVs could dramatically change the results we obtained for plug-in hybrid electric vehicles (PHEVs).
Inhibitory effect of IL‐6‐induced neuroendocrine cells on prostate cancer cell proliferation

The role of increased neuroendocrine (NE) differentiation in prostate cancer (PCA) is not well understood. Long‐term exposure of the prostate cancer cell line LNCaP to high concentrations of the cytokine interleukin‐6 (IL‐6) results in permanent transdifferentiation of these cells into a NE phenotype. In this study, we evaluated the effect of IL‐6‐induced NE cells on the growth of the PCA cell lines LNCaP, PC‐3, and DU‐145 in vitro.
The assessment of frequency estimates of Hae III-generated VNTR profiles in various reference databases.

The likelihood of occurrence of 1964 Hae III-generated target DNA profiles was estimated using fixed bin frequencies from various regional and ethnic databases and the multiplication rule. The databases generally were from the following major categories: Black, Caucasian, Hispanic, Oriental, and American Indian. It was found that subdivision, either by ethnic group or by U.S. geographic region, within a major population group did not substantially affect forensic estimates of the likelihood of occurrence of a DNA profile. As expected, the greatest variation in estimates for within-group estimates was among American Indian databases. Because the greatest variation in statistical estimates occurs across-major population groups, in most cases, there will be no unfair bias applying general population database estimates. Therefore, based on empirical data, there is no demonstrable need for using alternate approaches, such as the ceiling approach, to derive statistical estimates. The current practice of using general population databases and the multiplication rule provides valid estimates of the likelihood of occurrence of a DNA profile.
Warum Investitionswettläufe und wachsende Erlösasymmetrien das Geschäftsmodell des europäischen Profifußballs zunehmend belasten

Blickt man nur auf die Umsatzentwicklung, dann boomt der Klubfusball in Europa. Neue Fernsehvertrage und neue Stadien versprechen hohere Einnahmen, die Expansion der fuhrenden Ligen nach Asien noch hohere Einnahmen usw. Trotz dieser Erfolge steht das Geschaftsmodell des europaischen Klubfusballs aber auf wackligen Fundamenten. Es begunstigt namlich systematisch Investitionswettlaufe, die es den Clubs schwer machen, ein Stuck des mit erzeugten wirtschaftlichen „Kuchens“ fur sich zu behalten. Zunehmende Erlosasymmetrien heizen dieses Uberinvestitionsproblem immer weiter an. Der Beitrag untersucht die Mechanismen, die fur diese Probleme verantwortlich sind, und zeigt auf, wie man dagegen vorgehen konnte.
Determination of serum des-gamma-carboxy prothrombin levels in patients with small-sized hepatocellular carcinoma: comparison of the conventional enzyme immunoassay and two modified methods.

OBJECTIVES Currently available enzyme immunoassays for des-gamma-carboxy prothrombin (DCP) are not sensitive enough to detect hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) at an early stage. Therefore, the objectives of this study were to enhance the sensitivity of the currently available enzyme immunoassay (EIA) for DCP and to assess the diagnostic values of the new methods compared with those of alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) in patients with small-sized HCC. METHODS Coded serum samples obtained from a total of 128 patients with chronic liver diseases, including 27 patients with small-sized HCC, were analyzed. DCP levels were determined in three different ways: 1) conventional EIA, 2) the overnight method, similar to the conventional EIA but the first reaction (immunoreaction of DCP with the monoclonal antibody) was proceeded overnight, and 3) the avidin-biotin complex (ABC) method. RESULTS In 27 patients with HCC ( < or = 3 cm in diameter), the rates of abnormal values obtained by the conventional, the overnight, and the ABC methods were 14.8, 25.9, and 29.6%, respectively. The overnight and the ABC methods comparably increased the sensitivity, whereas the ABC method gave the highest false-positive value in patients with chronic liver diseases (cirrhosis and chronic hepatitis) without HCC. The negative predictive value was 84.9% when AFP and the overnight DCP assays were combined, whereas the true positive rate by the combination assay of the ABC method for DCP and AFP (cut-off level at 200 ng/ml) was 33.3%. CONCLUSIONS Two modifications of the conventional EIA for DCP comparably increased the sensitivity, but the overnight method may be of more practical value in terms of specificity and ease. The rate of detection of small-sized HCC by tumor markers alone, however, is not satisfactory even when the modified DCP and AFP measurements are combined.
Pharmacokinetics of verapamil in diabetic rats induced by combination of high-fat diet and streptozotocin injection

The aim of this study was to investigate effects of type 2 diabetes on the pharmacokinetics of verapamil after intravenous administration. Diabetes mellitus (DM) rats were induced by combination of high-fat diet (HFD) and streptozotocin. Plasma concentrations of verapamil in DM rats, rats fed with HFD, and control (CON) rats were measured after intravenous administration of 1 mg/kg verapamil and corresponding pharmacokinetic parameters were estimated. Area under the plasma concentration in DM rats was significantly smaller than that in CON rats. In vitro microsomal study showed that intrinsic clearance of verapamil in DM rats was significantly higher than those in CON rats. Compared to CON rats, higher intrinsic clearance was also observed in HFD rats. Western blot results demonstrated higher levels of CYP3A2 in DM and HFD rats, which was in line to activity of CYP3A. All the results gave a conclusion that diabetes may enhance metabolism of verapamil in rat, and the enhancement may partly result from induction of CYP3A.
Candesartan and Arterial Baroreflex Sensitivity and Sympathetic Nerve Activity in Patients with Mild Heart Failure

The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of candesartan on arterial baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) and sympathetic activity in patients with mild heart failure (HF). Arterial pressure, heart rate, plasma renin activity, plasma angiotensin II and noradrenaline, and muscle sympathetic nerve activity (MSNA) were measured before therapy and after 4 weeks in 20 patients with mild HF. Patients were assigned to a candesartan group (n = 10) or a placebo group (n = 10). Baroreflex sensitivity was assessed by using phenylephrine. Candesartan induced an increase in plasma renin activity and plasma angiotensin II associated with a reduction in arterial pressure without affecting heart rate. Although plasma noradrenaline was unchanged (320 ± 322 pg/ml to 339 ± 104 pg/ml), MSNA decreased significantly (52 ± 11 bursts/min to 42 ± 9 bursts/min; p < 0.01)) and BRS increased significantly (6.9 ± 3.6 msec/mm Hg to 10.2 ± 3.3 msec/mm Hg; p < 0.01) after candesartan. However, there were no significant changes in the measured variables in the placebo group. These data indicate that candesartan treatment enhanced BRS and reduced sympathetic activity in patients with mild HF. Thus, the inhibitory effect of candesartan on sympathetic activity may, at least in part, contribute to the beneficial effect of angiotensin II receptor blockade in patients with mild HF.
Characterization of DIM-1, an Integron-Encoded Metallo-β-Lactamase from a Pseudomonas stutzeri Clinical Isolate in the Netherlands

ABSTRACT A carbapenem-resistant Pseudomonas stutzeri strain isolated from a Dutch patient was analyzed in detail. This isolate produced a metallo-β-lactamase (MBL) whose gene, with 43.5% GC content, was cloned and expressed in Escherichia coli. β-Lactamase DIM-1 (for Dutch imipenemase) was weakly related to other Ambler class B β-lactamases, sharing <52% amino acid identity with the most closely related MBL, GIM-1, and 45% identity with IMP-type MBLs. The β-Lactamase DIM-1 significantly hydrolyzed broad-spectrum cephalosporins and carbapenems and spared aztreonam. This MBL gene was embedded in a class 1 integron containing two other gene cassettes, encoding resistance to aminoglycosides and disinfectants, that was located on a 70-kb plasmid.
Matrix metalloproteinases and inflammatory markers in coronary artery ectasia: their relationship to severity of coronary artery ectasia

ObjectiveAlthough underlying mechanisms of coronary artery ectasia (CAE) are clearly unknown, destruction of extracellular matrix may be responsible for the ectasia formation. Thus, we investigated the role of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP), tissue inhibitor of matrix metalloproteinases (TIMP-1), and inflammatory markers [high-sensitive C-reactive protein, interleukins (ILs)] in CAE patients. MethodsThis study consisted of 28 consecutive CAE patients, 27 obstructive coronary artery disease (CAD) patients, and 22 controls with normal coronary arteries undergoing cardiac catheterization. Plasma levels of MMP-3, MMP-9, TIMP-1, and inflammatory markers were measured. ResultsPlasma level of MMP-3 was significantly higher in CAE patients compared with both CAD patients and controls (17.2±6.1, 11.2±3.2, and 9.2±3.4 ng/ml, respectively, both P=0.001) and so did MMP-9 level (27.4±5.9, 24.8±4.4, and 20.6±4.6 ng/ml, respectively, both P<0.05). IL-6 level was also higher in CAE patients than in controls (60.9±22.1 vs. 36.1±21.5 pg/ml, P=0.001) but were comparable in CAE and CAD patients. Plasma high-sensitive C-reactive protein, IL-1, and TIMP-1 levels were similar in three groups. MMP-3 levels correlated with diffuse (r=0.46, P=0.01) and multivessel ectasia (r=0.45, P=0.02). ConclusionOur results suggest that the increased level of MMP-3, MMP-9, and IL-6 may be responsible for ectasia formation in patients with CAE.
New Respirator Fit Test Panels Representing the Current U.S. Civilian Work Force

The fit test panels currently used for respirator research, design, and certification are 25-subject panels developed by Los Alamos National Laboratory (LANL) and are based on data from the 1967 and 1968 anthropometric surveys of U.S. Air Force personnel. Military data do not represent the great diversity in face size and shape seen in civilian populations. In addition, the demographics of the U.S. population have changed over the last 30 years. Thus, it is necessary to assess and refine the LANL fit test panels. This paper presents the development of new respirator fit test panels representative of current U.S. civilian workers based on an anthropometric survey of 3997 respirator users conducted in 2003. One panel was developed using face length and face width (bivariate approach) and weighting subjects to match the age and race distribution of the U.S. population as determined from the 2000 census. Another panel was developed using the first two principal components obtained from a set of 10 facial dimensions (age and race adjusted). These 10 dimensions are associated with respirator fit and leakage and can predict the remaining face dimensions well. Respirators designed to fit these panels are expected to accommodate more than 95% of the current U.S. civilian workers. Both panels are more representative of the U.S. population than the existing LANL panel and may be appropriate for testing both half-masks and full-facepiece respirators. Respirator manufacturers, standards development organizations, and government respirator certification bodies need to select the appropriate fit test panel for their particular needs. The bivariate panel is simpler to use than the principal component analysis (PCA) panel and is most similar to the LANL panel currently used. The inclusion of the eight additional facial measurements allows the PCA panel to provide better criteria for excluding extreme face sizes from being used. Because the boundaries of the two new panels are significantly different from the LANL panel, it may be necessary to develop new respirator sizing systems. A new five-category sizing system is proposed.
Interferon inhibition of DNA synthesis and cell division.

Using monodispersed cell suspensions, interferon preparations were shown to have both a lethal and a growth-depression effect in the same concentration range as that required for antiviral activity. In addition, synchronized cells treated with interferon respond by delaying their normal uptake of thymidine during S phase until after a period during which new protein is synthesized. Puromycin added during this period prevents both the synthesis of this protein and the subsequent synthesis of DNA.
Comparison of Elisa- and LC-MS-Based Methodologies for the Exposure Assessment of Bisphenol A

Several types of methods, mainly liquid chromatography (LC), have been used for the analysis and assessment of bisphenol A (BPA) in human biological samples. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) is also being used for BPA measurement. In this study, we verified whether ELISA is suitable for measuring human samples, namely, serum and urine, by comparing the ELISA results with those obtained by liquid chromatography with multichannel colometric electrochemical detection (LC/ECD) and liquid chromatography coupled to a mass spectrometer (LC/MS/MS). Results of the measurement with LC/ECD showed urinary BPA concentrations to be 1.92 [1.45] ± 1.99 (mean [median] ± standard deviation) ng BPA/mL without the correction of urine volume and 1.20 [0.90] ± 1.10 μg BPA/g creatinine; however, in serum, free and total BPA were not detected. In both samples, a good correlation of the values with the methods was not found. ELISA is one of the powerful measurement methods, since it is convenient and useful for screening bulk quantities. At this point, however, ELISA is not suitable for BPA measurement in human samples because of low levels of BPA in human samples, matrix effect, and specificity of anti-BPA antibody.
Sarcomas: genetics, signalling, and cellular origins. Part 1: The fellowship of TET

Sarcomas comprise some of the most aggressive solid tumours that, for the most part, respond poorly to chemo‐ and radiation therapy and are associated with a sombre prognosis when surgical removal cannot be performed or is incomplete. Partly because of their lower frequency, sarcomas have not been studied as intensively as carcinomas and haematopoietic malignancies, and the molecular mechanisms that underlie their pathogenesis are only beginning to be understood. Even more enigmatic is the identity of the primary cells from which these tumours originate. Over the past 25 years, however, several non‐random chromosomal translocations have been found to be associated with defined sarcomas. Each of these translocations generates a fusion gene believed to be directly related to the pathogenesis of the sarcoma in which it is expressed. The corresponding fusion proteins provide a unique tool not only to study the process of sarcoma development, but also to identify cells that are permissive for their putative oncogenic properties. This is the first of two reviews that cover the mechanisms whereby specific fusion/mutant gene products participate in sarcoma development and the cellular context that may provide the necessary permissiveness for their expression and oncogenicity. Part 1 of the review focuses on sarcomas that express fusion genes containing TET gene family products, including EWSR1, TLS/FUS, and TAFII68. Part 2 (J Pathol 2007; DOI: 10.1002/path.2008) summarizes our current understanding of the genetic and cellular origins of sarcomas expressing fusion genes exclusive of TET family members; it also covers soft tissue malignancies harbouring specific mutations in RTK‐encoding genes, the prototype of which are gastrointestinal stromal tumours (GIST). Copyright © 2007 Pathological Society of Great Britain and Ireland. Published by John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Pore-forming Activity of the Escherichia coli Type III Secretion System Protein EspD*

Background: The membrane protein EspD is critical for pathogenic E. coli to inject virulence factors into host mammalian cells. Results: EspD inserts into membranes and forms an ∼2.5-nm pore. Conclusion: Pore assembly is dependent on anionic phospholipids and acidic pH. Significance: Elucidating the structural mechanisms of pore formation advances understanding of the T3SS function in EPEC and EHEC infections. Enterohemorrhagic Escherichia coli is a causative agent of gastrointestinal and diarrheal diseases. Pathogenesis associated with enterohemorrhagic E. coli involves direct delivery of virulence factors from the bacteria into epithelial cell cytosol via a syringe-like organelle known as the type III secretion system. The type III secretion system protein EspD is a critical factor required for formation of a translocation pore on the host cell membrane. Here, we show that recombinant EspD spontaneously integrates into large unilamellar vesicle (LUV) lipid bilayers; however, pore formation required incorporation of anionic phospholipids such as phosphatidylserine and an acidic pH. Leakage assays performed with fluorescent dextrans confirmed that EspD formed a structure with an inner diameter of ∼2.5 nm. Protease mapping indicated that the two transmembrane helical hairpin of EspD penetrated the lipid layer positioning the N- and C-terminal domains on the extralumenal surface of LUVs. Finally, a combination of glutaraldehyde cross-linking and rate zonal centrifugation suggested that EspD in LUV membranes forms an ∼280–320-kDa oligomeric structure consisting of ∼6–7 subunits.