Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Lysolecithin as feed additive enhances collagen expression and villus length in the jejunum of broiler chickens

&NA; Adding lysolecithin to feed has reportedly improved the performance of broiler chickens. Lysolecithin is generated by phospholipase catalyzed hydrolysis of lecithin. The enzymatic reaction converts various phospholipids into the corresponding lysophospholipids, with lysophosphatidylcholine (LPC) one of the primary products. Here we compared supplementation with a commercial lysolecithin (Lysoforte®) with comparable levels of highly purified LPC for effects on broilers. Despite no differences in weight gain during the starter period, we discovered a significant increase in average villus length with lysolecithin and an increase in villus width with purified LPC. High‐throughput gene expression microarray analyses revealed many more genes were regulated in the epithelium of the jejunum by lysolecithin compared to purified LPC. The most up‐regulated genes and pathways were for collagen, extracellular matrix, and integrins. Staining sections of the jejunum with Picrosirius Red confirmed the increased deposition of collagen fibrils in the villi of broilers fed lysolecithin, but not purified LPC. Thus, lysolecithin elicits gene expression in the intestinal epithelium, leading to enhanced collagen deposition and villus length. Purified LPC alone as a supplement does not mimic these responses. Feed supplementation with lysolecithin triggers changes in the intestinal epithelium with the potential to improve overall gut health and performance.
Characterization of the disordered‐to‐α‐helical transition of IA3 by SDSL‐EPR spectroscopy

Electron paramagnetic resonance (EPR) spectroscopy coupled with site‐directed spin labeling (SDSL) is a valuable tool for characterizing the mobility and conformational changes of proteins but has seldom been applied to intrinsically disordered proteins (IDPs). Here, IA3 is used as a model system demonstrating SDSL‐EPR characterization of conformational changes in small IDP systems. IA3 has 68 amino acids, is unstructured in solution, and becomes α‐helical upon addition of the secondary structural stabilizer 2,2,2‐trifluoroethanol (TFE). Two single cysteine substitutions, one in the N‐terminus (S14C) and one in the C‐terminus (N58C), were generated and labeled with three different nitroxide spin labels. The resultant EPR line shapes of each of the labels were compared and each reported changes in mobility upon addition of TFE. Specifically, the spectral line shape parameters h(+1)/h(0), the local tumbling volume (VL), and the percent change of the h(−1) intensity were utilized to quantitatively monitor TFE‐induced conformational changes. The values of h(+1)/h(0) as a function of TFE titration varied in a sigmoidal manner and were fit to a two‐state Boltzmann model that provided values for the midpoint of the transition, thus, reporting on the global conformational change of IA3. The other parameters provide site‐specific information and show that S14C‐SL undergoes a conformational change resulting in more restricted motion than N58C‐SL, which is consistent with previously published results obtained by studies using NMR and circular dichroism spectroscopy indicating a higher degree of α‐helical propensity of the N‐terminal segment of IA3. Overall, the results provide a framework for data analyzes that can be used to study induced unstructured‐to‐helical conformations in IDPs by SDSL.
Cost and effectiveness comparison of immediate colposcopy versus human papillomavirus DNA testing in management of atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance in Turkish women.

BACKGROUND A small but significant proportion of cases with atypical squamous cells of undetermined significance (ASCUS) may harbour CIN 2-3, or even invasive carcinoma. Although immediate colposcopy, HPV-DNA testing or expectant management are three recommended options in ASCUS triage, a consensus does not currently exist on which one of these approaches is the most efficient. In this study, we aimed to compare the performance and cost of immediate colposcopy and colposcopy based on the human papillomavirus (HPV) testing for detecting histologically confirmed high-grade cervical intraepithelial neoplasia (CIN) in women with ASCUS. MATERIALS AND METHODS Records of 594 women with an index Papanicolaou smear showing ASCUS were retrospectively analyzed. Women in the immediate colposcopy arm were referred directly to colposcopy (immediate colposcopy group, n=255) and those in the HPV triage arm were proceeded to colposcopy if the high-risk HPV (hrHPV) test was positive (HPV triage group, n=339). High grade CIN (CIN2+) detection rate and treatment costs were compared between the groups. RESULTS The detected rate of CIN2+ was higher in the HPV triage group compared to immediate colposcopy group (8% vs. 1.6%, p=0.011). In the HPV triage group, the total cost, cost per patient, and the cost for detecting one case of high grade CIN were higher than the immediate colposcopy group (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS In women with ASCUS cytology, HPV DNA testing followed by colposcopy is more costly than immediate colposcopy, but this approach is associated with a higher rate of CIN2+ detection. This findings suggest that HPV DNA testing combined with cervical cytology could reduce the referral rate to colposcopy.
Design and development of a MEMS-IDT gyroscope

The design, development and performance evaluation of a novel radio frequency microelectromechanical systems (MEMS) gyroscope, based on a surface acoustic wave resonator (SAWR) and a surface acoustic wave sensor is presented in this paper. Most of the MEMS gyroscopes based on silicon vibratory structures that utilize the energy transfer between the two vibratory modes demand small fabrication tolerances to minimize signal output when there is no rotation (i.e. zero rate output). This 1 cm×1 cm gyroscope operates based on the principle of a surface acoustic wave (SAW) on a piezoelectric substrate. The SAWR creates SAW standing waves within the cavity space between the interdigital transducers (IDTs). The particles at the anti-nodes of a standing wave experience large amplitudes of vibration perpendicular to the plane of the substrate, which serves as the reference vibrating motion for this gyroscope. A number of metallic dots (proof masses) are strategically positioned at the anti-node locations so that the effect of the Coriolis force due to rotation will amplify the magnitude of the SAW that is generated in the orthogonal direction. The performance of this 74.2 MHz MEMS-IDT gyroscope has been evaluated using rate table and geophone set-ups, indicating very high sensitivity and dynamic range, which is ideal for many of the commercial applications. Unlike other MEMS gyroscopes, this gyroscope has a planar configuration with no suspended resonating mechanical structures, thereby being inherently robust and shock resistant. In view of its one-layer planar configuration, this gyroscope can be implemented for applications requiring conformal mounting onto a surface of interest.
Female peer mentors early in college increase women’s positive academic experiences and retention in engineering

Significance The scarcity of women in the American science and engineering workforce is a well-recognized problem. However, field-tested interventions outside artificial laboratory settings are few. We provide evidence from a multiyear field experiment demonstrating that women in engineering who were assigned a female (but not male) peer mentor experienced more belonging, motivation, and confidence in engineering, better retention in engineering majors, and greater engineering career aspirations. Female mentors promoted aspirations to pursue engineering careers by protecting women’s belonging and confidence. Greater belonging and confidence were also associated with more engineering retention. Notably, grades were not associated with year 1 retention. The benefits of mentoring endured beyond the intervention, for 2 y of college, the time of greatest attrition from science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) majors. Scientific and engineering innovation is vital for American competitiveness, quality of life, and national security. However, too few American students, especially women, pursue these fields. Although this problem has attracted enormous attention, rigorously tested interventions outside artificial laboratory settings are quite rare. To address this gap, we conducted a longitudinal field experiment investigating the effect of peer mentoring on women’s experiences and retention in engineering during college transition, assessing its impact for 1 y while mentoring was active, and an additional 1 y after mentoring had ended. Incoming women engineering students (n = 150) were randomly assigned to female or male peer mentors or no mentors for 1 y. Their experiences were assessed multiple times during the intervention year and 1-y postintervention. Female (but not male) mentors protected women’s belonging in engineering, self-efficacy, motivation, retention in engineering majors, and postcollege engineering aspirations. Counter to common assumptions, better engineering grades were not associated with more retention or career aspirations in engineering in the first year of college. Notably, increased belonging and self-efficacy were significantly associated with more retention and career aspirations. The benefits of peer mentoring endured long after the intervention had ended, inoculating women for the first 2 y of college—the window of greatest attrition from science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) majors. Thus, same-gender peer mentoring for a short period during developmental transition points promotes women’s success and retention in engineering, yielding dividends over time.
Foreign-catalyst-free growth of InAs/InSb axial heterostructure nanowires on Si (111) by molecular-beam epitaxy

Epitaxial high-quality InAs/InSb axial heterostructure nanowires are of great interest due to their distinct advantages in fundamental research as well as applications in semiconductor electronic and quantum devices. Currently, nearly all the growth of InAs/InSb axial heterostructure nanowires is assisted with foreign catalysts such as Au, and work on foreign-catalyst-free growth of InAs/InSb axial heterostructure nanowires is lacking. Here we report on the growth of InAs/InSb axial heterostructure nanowires on Si (111) substrates by molecular-beam epitaxy without using any foreign catalysts. The Sb/In beam equivalent pressure (BEP) ratio is found to have important influence on the heterostructure nanowire morphology, and InSb nanowires can be epitaxially grown on InAs nanowire stems with a hexagonal prism and nanosheet-like shapes when the Sb/In BEP ratio varies from 10 to 20. Transmission electron microscopy studies reveal that the InAs nanowire stems have a mixture of zincblende (ZB) and wurtzite (WZ) crystal structures, while InSb nanowire parts have a pure ZB crystal structure free of stacking faults. Composition analysis of axial heterostructure nanowires provides clear evidence that the InSb nanowires are epitaxially grown on InAs nanowires in an In self-assisted vapor–liquid–solid manner. This study paves a new route for growing narrow-gap semiconductor heterostructures with strong spin–orbit interaction for the study of topological states, and the growth manner presented here is expected to be used to grow other In-based axial heterostructure nanowires.
Molecular consequences of the R453C hypertrophic cardiomyopathy mutation on human β-cardiac myosin motor function

Cardiovascular disorders are the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in the developed world, and hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is among the most frequently occurring inherited cardiac disorders. HCM is caused by mutations in the genes encoding the fundamental force-generating machinery of the cardiac muscle, including β-cardiac myosin. Here, we present a biomechanical analysis of the HCM-causing mutation, R453C, in the context of human β-cardiac myosin. We found that this mutation causes a ∼30% decrease in the maximum ATPase of the human β-cardiac subfragment 1, the motor domain of myosin, and a similar percent decrease in the in vitro velocity. The major change in the R453C human β-cardiac subfragment 1 is a 50% increase in the intrinsic force of the motor compared with wild type, with no appreciable change in the stroke size, as observed with a dual-beam optical trap. These results predict that the overall force of the ensemble of myosin molecules in the muscle should be higher in the R453C mutant compared with wild type. Loaded in vitro motility assay confirms that the net force in the ensemble is indeed increased. Overall, this study suggests that the R453C mutation should result in a hypercontractile state in the heart muscle.
Active serum vitamin D levels are inversely correlated with coronary calcification.

BACKGROUND Arterial calcification is a common feature of atherosclerosis, occurring in >90% of angiographically significant lesions. Recent evidence from this and other studies suggests that development of atherosclerotic calcification is similar to osteogenesis; thus, we undertook the current investigation on the potential role of osteoregulatory factors in arterial calcification. METHODS AND RESULTS We studied two human populations (173 subjects) at high and moderate risk for coronary heart disease and assessed them for associations between vascular calcification and serum levels of the osteoregulatory molecules osteocalcin, parathyroid hormone, and 1alpha,25-dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25-vitamin D). Our results revealed that 1,25-vitamin D levels are inversely correlated with the extent of vascular calcification in both groups. No correlations were found between extent of calcification and levels of osteocalcin or parathyroid hormone. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest a possible role for vitamin D in the development of vascular calcification. Vitamin D is also known to be important in bone mineralization; thus, 1,25-vitamin D may be one factor to explain the long observed association between osteoporosis and vascular calcification.
Sensitivity and specificity of antibodies against HPV16 E6 and other early proteins for the detection of HPV16‐driven oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma

To determine the sensitivity and specificity of HPV16 serology as diagnostic marker for HPV16‐driven oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma (OPSCC), 214 HNSCC patients from Germany and Italy with fresh‐frozen tumor tissues and sera collected before treatment were included in this study. Hundred and twenty cancer cases were from the oropharynx and 94 were from head and neck cancer regions outside the oropharynx (45 oral cavity, 12 hypopharynx and 35 larynx). Serum antibodies to early (E1, E2, E6 and E7) and late (L1) HPV16 proteins were analyzed by multiplex serology and were compared to tumor HPV RNA status as the gold standard. A tumor was defined as HPV‐driven in the presence of HPV16 DNA and HPV16 transformation‐specific RNA transcript patterns (E6*I, E1∧E4 and E1C). Of 120 OPSCC, 66 (55%) were HPV16‐driven. HPV16 E6 seropositivity was the best predictor of HPV16‐driven OPSCC (diagnostic accuracy 97% [95%CI 92–99%], Cohen's kappa 0.93 [95%CI 0.8–1.0]). Of the 66 HPV‐driven OPSCC, 63 were HPV16 E6 seropositive, compared to only one (1.8%) among the 54 non‐HPV‐driven OPSCC, resulting in a sensitivity of 96% (95%CI 88–98) and a specificity of 98% (95%CI 90–100). Of 94 HNSCC outside the oropharynx, six (6%) were HPV16‐driven. In these patients, HPV16 E6 seropositivity had lower sensitivity (50%, 95%CI 19–81), but was highly specific (100%, 95%CI 96–100). In conclusion, HPV16 E6 seropositivity appears to be a highly reliable diagnostic marker for HPV16‐driven OPSCC with very high sensitivity and specificity, but might be less sensitive for HPV16‐driven HNSCC outside the oropharynx.
A phase II trial of haptaplatin/5-FU and leucovorin for advanced stomach cancer.

PURPOSE Heptaplatin (SKI-2053 R) is a new platinum analogue, with a better toxicity profile than cisplatin, and has antitumor activity even in cisplatin resistant cell lines. 5-fluoruracil (5-FU) has shown synergy with platinum compounds. This phase II trial was designed to determine the efficacy and toxicities of heptaplatin/ 5-FU (5-fluorouracil) for treating stomach cancer. MATERIALS AND METHODS Thirty-two patients with advanced, measurable gastric adenocarcinomas were enrolled in this trial. The treatment consisted of heptaplatin, 400 mg/m(2)/day (1 hour IV infusion), on day 1 and 5-FU, 800 mg/m(2)/day (12 hours IV infusion), on days 1 to 5. The cycles were repeated every 3 weeks. RESULTS Of the 26 evaluable patients, 9 had partial responses and 1a complete response (overall response rate, 38%; 95% confidence interval, 19 approximately 57%). The median response duration was 23 weeks (range: 4 approximately 60 weeks). The median time to progression was 26 weeks (range: 3 approximately 68 weeks). The grades III-IV toxicities were mostly hematological toxicities: leucopenia was observed in 11 patients (35%) and thrombocytopenia 4 (13%). No definite neuropathy was observed. Grade I-II nephropathy was also noted: grade I high BUN/creatinine levels occurred in 5 patients (16%), grade II proteinuria 2 (6%), grade I proteinuria 5 (16%). Neutropenic fever developed in 5 patients (16%) and 1 died of pneumonia in a neutropenic state. CONCLUSION This study suggests that the regimen of Heptaplatin/5-FU should be effective and have a favorable toxicity profile for the patients suffering with advanced stomach cancer.
Métodos estatísticos para análise de Y-STRs em genética forense

Cláudia Isabel Vieira da Silva v Abstract DNA analysis has been the greatest technological advance in forensic science in the past twenty years. Due to mutation and recombination no two persons, except true twins, have the same DNA sequence, wich enables to determine DNA sequence in every biological sample, and this knowlodge can be used in the investigation of crime, kinship relationships, immigration, missing persons, mass disasters and historical cases. In the last ten years, among DNA markers with forensic interest, a few with potencial to identify male –specific DNA, Y-STRs, were described and implemented in most forensic genetic laboratorys. These markers are very important since they contribute to identify male lineages and this information can be invaluable in cases of sexual assault and in kinship testing, as well as in anthropological and population genetics studies. However to apply Y-STRs in Forensic Genetics Service from National Institute of Legal Medicine, it is convenient to have a scientific method to analyse and evaluate the evidential strength of a Y-haplotype match. For this purpose, a 17 locus microsatellite kit, AmpFlSTR® YfilerTM (Applied Biosystems), previously developed and validated for forensic cases, was adopted in a 197 father son\pairs south Portugal reference database, in order to make population inferences, Y-STR germline mutation rates estimation, and matching probabilities evaluations. Population inferences were done with different sets of Y STRs markers, classified as Complete Haplotype, Extended Haplotype and Minimal Haplotype, in order to study which set can give the strongest genetic diversity. A total of 171,183, 191 haplotypes were observed when analysed the Minimal Haplotype, Extended Haplotype and Complete Haplotype, respectively, corresponding to genetic diversity 0.6411, 0.6403 and 0.6508. The locus specific mutation rates were estimated with Bayesian formulation, and the best approximation was obtained with a priori Beta distribution. These results contributed to estimate matching probabilities in different kind of cases, kinship and criminal ones, with three distinct methodologies, frequencist, haplotype surveying and Brenner’s, in order to distinguish the best one to apply in the laboratory.
Promoting Cancer Screening: Lessons Learned and Future Directions for Research and Practice

Received April 22, 2004; accepted May 4, 2004. Clinicians and the organizations within which they practice play a major role in enabling patient participation in cancer screening and ensuring quality services. Guided by an ecologic framework, the authors summarize previous literature reviews and exemplary studies of breast, cervical, and colorectal cancer screening intervention studies conducted in health care settings. Lessons learned regarding interventions to maximize the potential of cancer screening are distilled. Four broad lessons learned emphasize that multiple levels of factors—public policy, organizational systems and practice settings, clinicians, and patients—influence cancer screening; that a diverse set of intervention strategies targeted at each of these levels can improve cancer screening rates; that the synergistic effects of multiple strategies often are most effective; and that targeting all components of the screening continuum is important. Recommendations are made for future research and practice, including priorities for intervention research specific to health care settings, the need to take research phases into consideration, the need for studies of health services delivery trends, and methods and measurement issues. Cancer 2004;101(5 Suppl):1165– 87. © 2004 American Cancer Society.
The selectivity of β‐adrenoceptor antagonists on isoprenaline‐induced changes in heart rate, blood pressure, soleus muscle contractility and airways function in anaesthetized cats

1 The β‐adrenoceptor antagonist activity of propranolol, metoprolol, atenolol and butoxamine in anaesthetized cats has been measured and compared with the activity of four synthetic phenylethanolamine derivatives. 2 The effects of isoprenaline on four parameters in the anaesthetized cat: heart rate, blood pressure, soleus muscle contractility and airway reactance, were measured and the modification of the isoprenaline dose‐response relation by each of the antagonist drugs assessed. 3 Parallel shifts in log dose‐response curves for isoprenaline were caused by propranolol for all parameters, by metoprolol and atenolol for each parameter except blood pressure, and butoxamine for each except soleus muscle and heart rate. 4 Selectivity of action of the antagonists between different organs was measured by comparing DR 10 values, computed from isoprenaline dose‐ratios. 5 Propranolol was the most potent antagonist and showed slight selectivity of action on soleus muscle compared with heart. Atenolol and metoprolol were approximately equipotent and were cardioselective at low doses only. Butoxamine was the least potent antagonist and possessed non‐β‐adrenoceptor effects on the parameters measured. 6 Each of the new compounds, 4′‐bromo‐2′‐methyoxy‐N‐isopropyl phenylethanolamine, the 4′‐chloro‐ and 4′‐methyl analogues, and 4′‐methoxy‐N‐t‐butyl phenylethanolamine, was a potent antagonist but did not exhibit any selectivity of action. 7 The results suggest no clear separation of β‐adrenoceptors into β1‐ and β2‐ subclasses in organs of the cat. There is no apparent separation of β‐adrenoceptor‐mediated effects on skeletal muscle and airways.