Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
IL-17 Regulates Adipogenesis, Glucose Homeostasis, and Obesity

Inflammatory mediators have the potential to impact a surprising range of diseases, including obesity and its associated metabolic syndrome. In this paper, we show that the proinflammatory cytokine IL-17 inhibits adipogenesis, moderates adipose tissue (AT) accumulation, and regulates glucose metabolism in mice. IL-17 deficiency enhances diet-induced obesity in mice and accelerates AT accumulation even in mice fed a low-fat diet. In addition to potential systemic effects, IL-17 is expressed locally in AT by leukocytes, predominantly by γδ T cells. IL-17 suppresses adipocyte differentiation from mouse-derived 3T3-L1 preadipocytes in vitro, and inhibits expression of genes encoding proadipogenic transcription factors, adipokines, and molecules involved in lipid and glucose metabolism. IL-17 also acts on differentiated adipocytes, impairing glucose uptake, and young IL-17–deficient mice show enhanced glucose tolerance and insulin sensitivity. Our findings implicate IL-17 as a negative regulator of adipogenesis and glucose metabolism in mice, and show that it delays the development of obesity.
Cell-free system responsible for internal radiolabeling of glycopeptidolipids of the Mycobacterium avium complex

Internal radiolabeling of serotype-specific glycopeptidolipids with [14C]mannose was accomplished with a cell-free system derived from serotype 20 of the Mycobacterium avium complex. Similar radiolabeling was not apparent with a cell-free system derived from the rough colony variant, previously shown to be devoid of glycopeptidolipids. Although a comparative sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis protein analysis of the parent and rough variant strains revealed a close similarity, there were some proteins unique to the parent strain.
The basic and applied biology of tooth eruption.

The dentition and the alveolar process of each jaw develop simultaneously so that, by the time the crown is completed and eruption begins, the crown is enclosed in a crypt within alveolar bone. Thus, the eruption of a tooth to its functional position involves discretely localized, bilaterally symmetrical bone resorption to produce an eruption pathway and bone formation to fill in the space previously occupied by the crown and growing roots. Studies of crypt surfaces during eruption confirm this polarization of alveolar bone metabolism around a tooth with respect to both bone cells and mineralized surface topography. Experimental studies of tooth eruption have shown that the dental follicle, the dense connective tissue investment of the tooth, is necessary for eruption and that neither bone resorption nor bone formation occur without the adjacent part of the dental follicle. Early in eruption the coronal part of the follicle accumulates mononuclear cells which have cytochemical and ultrastructural features of osteoclasts and the apical part of the follicle, a site of intense cell proliferation, binds epidermal growth factor (EGF). The dental follicle contains a variety of proteins and the concentration of several change during eruption. Prominent among them are a reduction in matrix metalloproteinases and an increase in protoglycans as eruption proceeds. The contribution of these changes to those in cell proliferation, migration and differentiation during tooth eruption present experimental opportunities for developmental biologists. The rate-limiting factor of the earliest (intraosseous) stage of tooth eruption is bone resorption and eruption can be accelerated or retarded by the local delivery of factors which increase or decrease the activity of osteoclasts. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Severity of arthritis is predicted by antibody response to gp135 in chronic infection with caprine arthritis-encephalitis virus

Antibody titers to caprine arthritis-encephalitis virus surface glycoprotein gp135 and core protein p28 in synovial fluid and serum from 35 goats infected for 3 years were compared with the histologic severity of arthritis in these animals. Anti-gp135 antibody titers in synovial fluid and serum directly reflect the severity of carpal arthritis in chronically infected goats.
Trinucleotide (GAA)n repeat expansion in two families with Friedreich’s ataxia with retained reflexes

In occasional families in whom cases of classic Friedreich’s ataxia (FRDA) coexist with affected cases with retained reflexes, linkage analysis has shown that both map to the FRDA locus on chromosome 9q13-21.1. A gene X25 has been identified within the critical region of the FRDA locus, and an intronic expanded GAA trinucleotide repeat has been found in most cases of FRDA. We report two further FRDA families in whom some patients with classic FRDA were areflexic whereas others had brisk reflexes. Molecular genetic analysis disclosed an abnormal trinucleotide repeat expansion within intron 1 of the FRDA gene in both phenotypes.
SEXUAL DEPENDENCY OF RAT SCIATIC NERVE FIBER CONDUCTION VELOCITY DISTRIBUTIONS

Gender differences, either with the structural or through with hormones, dictate how the corresponding organ or organ system responses to physiological signals. Current study aims to investigate gender dependent differences in conduction related parameters of rat sciatic nerve. Compound action potentials (CAP) were recorded via suction electrode whereas the conduction velocity distributions (CVD) were performed using the method known as collision technique in the literature. Studied CAP parameters, namely conduction velocities (CV), area of the CAPs and time required to reach the maximum depolarization (TP) have been found significantly different for female and male rats. Detailed analyses have shown that sex dependent differences were more remarkable in the right leg responses of female and male rats. Additionally, CVDs indicate that the number of fibers having CVs between 5–30 m/s is much more in male right sciatic nerve trunk when compared to age matched female rats. The present study, for the first time clearly shows that shift in the contribution of nerve fibers to lower CVs is the main causal of the sex dependent differences seen in rat sciatic nerve fibers.
Piloting the ‘Talking Tools’ smartphone app: Validating blog content analysis with students' reflections

This paper presents a pilot study of testing a learning solution for smartphones, the Talking Tools (TT), under development. The study targets what, why, and when teacher students (N=11) use TT for microblogging about their work in a sloyd course. Their subjective reflections from a questionnaire using open-ended questions are used for validating earlier analysis of student blogs. Suggestions for teacher guidelines for using TT are discussed based on the findings.
Assessment of left ventricular diastolic function in young diabetics--a two dimensional echo Doppler study.

Left ventricular diastolic function was assessed in 21 young diabetic subjects (less than 35 years) by Doppler transmitral flow velocity examination and compared with an equal number of matched controls. Diabetic subjects had higher heart rates (89 +/- 2 vs 79 +/- 4 beats/minute, p less than 0.015), peak late diastolic (A) velocity and a velocity time integral (56.6 +/- 13.4 vs 45.3 +/- 11.4 cm/sec. p less than 0.005 and 7.3 +/- 5.2 vs 6.5 +/- 2.5 cm p less than 0.03 respectively) and total transmitral flow velocity integral (25.8 +/- 5 vs 22 +/- 3.2 cm, p less than 0.05). Peak E velocities, E velocity time integrals, E/A ratio, and peak filling rates were similar in two groups (p = not significant). These data suggests that young patients with diabetes mellitus have normal left ventricular diastolic function. The minor transmitral flow abnormalities are possibly due to autonomic dysfunction, e.g. increased sympathetic activity resulting in increased heart rate and cardiac output.
Effect of long‐term hormone replacement therapy on tissue factor pathway inhibitor and thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor in healthy postmenopausal women: a randomized controlled study

Summary. It was recently reported from the Women's Health Initiative that healthy women using combined hormone replacement therapy (HRT) for 5 years have an increased cardiovascular risk. We hypothesize that the increased risk is confined to subgroups of atherosclerotic women. Such women may have higher arterial tissue factor expression and higher thrombin formation, and changes in tissue factor pathway coagulation inhibitor (TFPI) and thrombin activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFI) may be deleterious. Healthy postmenopausal women (n = 719) were randomized to hormone therapy [n = 357; opposed (n = 290) and unopposed (n = 67)] or no treatment (n = 362). Plasma TFPI and TAFI and the TFPI −287T/C and TAFI −438G/A polymorphisms were measured 5–6 years after randomization. Concentrations of TFPI were significantly lower in the hormone group than in the control group (P < 0.001) and in all genotypes of the TFPI polymorphism. Overall, concentrations of TAFI did not differ between the two groups but were reduced by hormone therapy in homozygotes for the rare TAFI −438 A allele (P < 0.05). The hormone effects on TFPI and TAFI were similar in smokers and non‐smokers and in women using unopposed and opposed therapy. The observed decrease in TFPI may contribute to the increased cardiovascular risk associated with HRT.
Actinobacillus equuli subsp. equuli associated with equine valvular endocarditis

Microbiological and pathological data from a case of equine valvular endocarditis are reported. Limited information is available on the pathogenic potential of equine Actinobacillus species as several strains originate from apparently healthy horses. After the establishment of two subspecies within this species (1), this seems to be the first report of an etiological association between A. equuli subsp. equuli and equine endocarditis. Furthermore, new information on some phenotypical characteristics of this subspecies is reported, compared to previous findings (1).
[Cationic liposome ceftazidime combined with nano-hydroxyapatite/beta-tricalcium phosphate for treatment of chronic osteomyelitis of rabbits].

OBJECTIVE To observe the effect of cationic liposomal ceftazidime (CLC) combined with nano-hydroxyapatite/beta-tricalcium phosphate (n-HA/beta-TCP) in the treatment of chronic osteomyelitis of rabbits. METHODS Thirty healthy New Zealand white rabbits (4-6 months old; weighing, 2-3 kg) were selected to prepare the chronic osteomyelitis models. After 4 weeks, the gross observation, X-ray examination, and bacteriological and histopathological examinations were done; the models were made successfully in 27 rabbits. Of 27 rabbits, 24 were randomly divided into 4 groups (n = 6): only debridement was performed in group A; ceftazidime was given (90 mg/kg), twice a day for 8 weeks after debridement in group B; ceftazidime and n-HA/beta-TC were implanted after debridement in group C; and CLC and n-HA/beta-TCP were implanted after debridement in group D. Before and after treatments, X-ray examination was done, and Norden score was recorded. At 8 weeks after treatment, the specimens were harvested for gross observation and for gross bone pathological score (GBPS) using Rissing standard; half of the specimens was used for histological observation and Smeltzer scoring, the other half for bacteriological examination and calculation of the positive rate of bacteria culture. RESULTS At 8 weeks after treatment, Norden score of group D was significantly lower than that of groups A, B, and C (P < 0.05), but no significant difference was found among groups A, B, and C (P > 0.05). At 8 weeks after treatment, sinus healed in groups C and D, but sinus was observed in groups A and B; the GBPS scores of groups C and D were significantly lower than those of groups A and B (P < 0.05). The Smeltzer scores of groups C and D were significantly lower than those of groups A and B (P < 0.05). The positive rates of bacteria culture of groups C (0) and D (0) were significantly lower than those of group A (25.0%) and group B (16.7%) (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION CLC combined with n-HA/beta-TCP has good effect in treating chronic osteomyelitis of rabbits, and it has better effect in treating chronic osteomyelitis of rabbits than ceftazidime with n-HA/beta-TCP.
Are the Neural Correlates of Consciousness in the Front or in the Back of the Cerebral Cortex? Clinical and Neuroimaging Evidence

The role of the frontal cortex in consciousness remains a matter of debate. In this Perspective, we will critically review the clinical and neuroimaging evidence for the involvement of the front versus the back of the cortex in specifying conscious contents and discuss promising research avenues. Dual Perspectives Companion Paper: Should a Few Null Findings Falsify Prefrontal Theories of Conscious Perception? , by Brian Odegaard, Robert T. Knight, and Hakwan Lau
An epidemiological study of eating disorders in Iran.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this study was to assess the prevalence of anorexia nervosa (AN) and bulimia nervosa (BN) as well as the prevalence of weight concerns and weight loss behaviors among schoolgirls in Tehran, Iran. METHOD A two-stage approach was used. We screened a large sample of adolescent girls aged 15-18 (n = 3, 100) with a Persian translation of the Eating Attitudes Test (EAT-26). Girls who screened positively were further evaluated with the Eating Disorder Diagnostic Inventory and a supplementary clinical interview. RESULTS Results showed a lifetime prevalence of 0.9% for AN, 3.2% for BN, and 6.6% for the partial syndrome. Body dissatisfaction and a desire to be thin were common in this population. DISCUSSION This study suggests that the prevalence of eating disorders among female adolescents in Teheran is comparable to prevalence rates reported by studies in Western societies, and somewhat higher than what has been reported in other non-Western societies.
Physical fitness and cardiovascular regulation: mechanisms of orthostatic intolerance.

We studied three groups of eight men each--high, mid, and low fit (peak O2 consumption 60.0 +/- 0.8, 48.9 +/- 1.0, and 35.7 +/- 0.9 ml.min-1.kg-1)--to determine the mechanism of orthostatic intolerance in endurance athletes. Tolerance was defined by progressive lower body negative pressure (LBNP) to presyncope. Maximal calf vascular conductance (Gmax) was measured. The carotid baroreflex was characterized using both stepwise R-wave-triggered and sustained (2 min) changes in neck chamber pressure. High-fit subjects tended to have lower LBNP tolerance than mid- and low-fit subjects but similar baroreflex responses. Subjects with poor LBNP tolerance had larger stroke volumes (SV) (120 +/- 6 vs. 103 +/- 3 ml) and greater decline in SV with LBNP to -40 mmHg (40 +/- 2 vs. 26 +/- 4%). Stepwise multiple linear regression analysis revealed that Gmax and steady-state gain of the carotid baroreflex contributed significantly toward explaining interindividual variations in LBNP tolerance. Thus endurance athletes may have decreased LBNP tolerance, but apparently not as a simple linear function of aerobic fitness. Orthostatic tolerance depends on complex interactions among functional characteristics that appear both related (Gmax and SV) and unrelated (baroreflex function) to fitness or exercise training.
Endoscopic guided single self-linking silicone stent in pediatric external dacryocystorhinostomy

Abstract Aims: To study the efficacy of a new technique of single self-linking silicone stent exclusively in pediatric external dacryocystorhinostomy (DCR) and to report the new use and advantages of endoscopic guidance for the same. Material and methods: Prospective interventional case series, including 11 eyes of ten patients with nasolacrimal duct obstruction. Data collected included demographic data, clinical presentation, laterality, status of lids and puncta, syringing findings, probing interpretations, types and duration of intubation. Consecutive pediatric patients with post-saccal obstruction who underwent an external dacryocystorhinostomy were included. Exclusion criteria included patients who had undergone a DCR in the past by any route via external, endonasal or transcanalicular. Primary outcome measures were stent retention and ease of stent removal. Secondary outcome measures were anatomic patency of the passage and resolution of symptoms. Results: There were three male and seven female patients. Mean age was 9.4 years (range 6–15). A total of 11 procedures were carried out. Following placement of self-linked stents, the removal was done at a mean duration of 13.2 weeks (range:12–16 weeks). None of the patients had a stent prolapse during this period. All stents were removed in the outpatient without the use of general anesthesia with minimal endoscopic guidance. A minimum follow-up of three months following removal was considered for final analysis. Follow-up ranged from three months to six months after tube removal. The anatomical and functional success rate was 91%. There was one anatomical failure three months following tube removal and the remaining patients were free of symptoms at the last follow-up. Conclusions: Self-linking stents are a useful modality in pediatric patients not only to prevent stent prolapse but also to allow easy removal with minimum discomfort. Endoscopic guidance is a useful addition to this technique.
Effect of clopidogrel on neointimal formation and inflammation in balloon-denuded and radiated hypercholesterolemic rabbit iliac arteries.

BACKGROUND Platelet-derived peptide and nonpeptide growth factors are known to play pivotal roles in neointimal proliferation. Along with its antiplatelet activity of reducing P-selectin and hs-CRP, clopidogrel has also been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. The aim of this study is to find out by modulating inflammation if clopidogrel can affect neointima formation in balloon-denuded iliac arteries of hypercholesterolemic rabbits. METHODS AND RESULTS Rabbits were fed with 1% cholesterol diet with (n = 20) or without (n = 20) clopidogrel (10 mg/kg body weight) for 7 days followed by balloon-denudation of endothelial layer in both the iliac arteries and continued on 0.15% cholesterol diet with or without clopidogrel. Four weeks later, the denuded area in both iliac arteries was radiated (n = 11, cholesterol-only group; n = 9, clopidogrel group) or sham treated (n = 10 from each group). Four weeks after radiation, animals were sacrificed and arterial segments were processed for morphometry. In the sham-treated clopidogrel group, neointimal area, percent stenosis, and macrophage score were 39% (P = 0.01), 32% (P = 0.02), and 50% (P = 0.02) smaller, respectively, when compared to the cholesterol-only group (0.48 +/- 0.18, 32.42 +/- 13.04, and 1.5 +/- 0.83). There were no differences in the radiated group (0.89 +/- 0.32, 50.34 +/- 13.00, and 1.88 +/- 1.27 vs. 0.93 +/- 0.38, 59.41 +/- 11.41, and 2.00 +/- 0.74, respectively). CONCLUSION This study demonstrates that clopidogrel reduces inflammation and neointimal formation in balloon-denuded iliac arteries of hypercholesterolemic rabbits.
Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography of the prostate with Sonazoid.

OBJECTIVE The diagnosis of prostate cancer is based on the results of ultrasonography-guided needle biopsy of the prostate, but cancer foci are often not visible in conventional transrectal ultrasonography. Sonazoid is a new microbubble contrast agent. The purpose of our study was to compare areas of contrast material enhancement in the prostate at ultrasonography with whole-mount radical prostatectomy specimens to determine if the use of Sonazoid improves the detection rate of prostate cancer. METHODS Fifty patients with biopsy-proven cancer of the prostate who were scheduled to undergo radical prostatectomy were recruited for this study. The day before the operation, each patient was evaluated with ultrasonography at baseline and again during intravenous infusion of Sonazoid. A map of ultrasonography findings was created prospectively at the time of imaging. Following radical prostatectomy, independent mapping of the pathologic results was performed and the maps were compared. RESULTS Ultrasonography evaluation at baseline demonstrated that at least one focus of cancer was identified in 20 of the 50 subjects (40.0%). Meanwhile at least one cancer focus was enhanced in 31 of the 50 patients (62.0%) when Sonazoid was used. The combination of baseline grayscale imaging and contrast-enhanced imaging allowed identification of at least one focus of cancer in 40 patients (80.0%). Contrast-enhanced ultrasonography can improve sensitivity, especially for the detection of large cancer, peripheral zone cancer and highly malignant cancer. CONCLUSIONS Our study has demonstrated significantly improved detection of prostate cancer with the combination of baseline grayscale imaging and contrast-enhanced imaging compared with conventional ultrasonography techniques only, and this technique may be applicable to targeted biopsy.
Steroids control paradoxical worsening of Mycobacterium ulcerans infection following initiation of antibiotic therapy

Lessons from Practice patients present outside endem by the long incubation period o BU is characterised by slowl with local necrosis, destruction ingly little systemic inflammatio infection is the result of its mycolactone, an immunomodu necrosis of host tissues and can responses and the recruitmen yc ca loc (BU). The M obacterium ulcerans infection is a geographilly restricted infection often referred to by its al name as Daintree, Buruli or Bairnsdale ulcer disease occurs in sub-Saharan Africa and within discrete regions of Australia, predominantly coastal Victoria and northern Queensland. Significant diagnostic delays, which place patients at risk of more extensive disease, are common. A recent review identified a mean duration of 42 days of symptoms before diagnosis (range, 2–270 days). 3 These delays often occur when ic areas, a factor affected f 4–7 months.4 y progressive skin lesions of lipocytes and surprisn. This unusual pattern of unique virulence factor latory toxin that induces limit initiation of immune t of inflammatory cells.5 Following the increased use of antibiotics in BU, there have been descriptions of worsening clinical condition after an initial response to therapy.6 Such deteriorations (referred to as paradoxical reactions) are most common in patients with extensive disease and can take a variety of forms including increased ulcer size, ulceration of previously non-ulcerative papules or the development of new lesions not detectable before antibiotics.7 It is particularly important that paradoxical reactions are not misinterpreted as antibiotic failure, as the vast majority of lesions will resolve without a change in antibiotic regimen. Paradoxical reactions may be the result of antibioticinduced suppression of mycolactone synthesis, leading to decreased mycolactone concentrations and thus a reversal of macrophage and neutrophil dysfunction with renewed immune surveillance and response.7 There are many parallels to the paradoxical reactions described with Mycobacterium tuberculosis in HIV co-infected patients who initiate antiretroviral therapy. In that setting, the reaction likely represents an increased inflammatory response secondary to antiretroviral-induced immune reconstitution. As with M. tuberculosis, paradoxical reactions to BU commonly occur 4–8 weeks after therapy commences.7 In our case, the deterioration 4 weeks into therapy at the time that mycobacterial cultures became sterile indicates that this was not a failure of antibiotics but an unmasked immune phenomenon. Although our patient did receive a short course of intravenous antibiotics at the time of initiation of steroid therapy, the rapidity of his response and lack of identification of a new bacterial Clinical record