Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Combined Analysis of Autoantibodies Improves Prediction of IDDM in Islet Cell Antibody-Positive Relatives

Prediction of insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (IDDM) is still largely based on islet cell antibodies (ICAs), but it may be improved by combined analysis with other humoral markers. We examined autoantibodies to insulin (IAAs), glutamic acid decarboxylase (GAD), and Mr 37,000 and Mr 40,000 fragments of islet antigens (37 and 40 kDa) together with ICA subtypes in 101 family members with ICAs ≥10 Juvenile Diabetes Foundation units (JDF U) followed for up to 14 years, of whom 18 have developed IDDM. Life-table analysis showed a 43% risk of IDDM within 10 years for those with ICAs ≥10 JDF U, rising to 53% for those with ICAs ≥20 JDF U. The risk for ICAs ≥10 JDF U was 62% in the family members in the youngest age quartile (<13.2 years) and fell with increasing age to 4% in those >40.7 years of age (P = 0.03). ICAs ≥10 JDF U combined with IAAs gave a risk of 84% (P = 0.03 compared with IAA−), and ICAs ≥10 JDF U combined with GAD antibodies gave a risk of 61% (P = 0.018). The risk for ICAs >10 JDF U with antibodies to 37-kDa antigen was 76% (P < 0.0001). Risk increased with the number of autoantibodies, from 8% for ICAs alone to 88% with >3 autoantibodies (14 cases detected) (P < 0.0001). The increased risk associated with multiple antibodies was observed independent of age. The median time to diagnosis in those with antibodies to 37- and/or 40-kDa antigen was 1.5 years, compared with 7.2 years in those with IAAs and GAD antibodies in the absence of antibodies to 37/40 kDa. The intensity and range of the autoantibody response offers better overall prediction of diabetes than any single autoantibody specificity, although antibodies to 37-/40-kDa antigens may prove to be useful markers of early clinical onset. We found that 78% of future cases of IDDM in ICA+ relatives came from the 27% with multiple autoantibodies and estimate that 88% of individuals within this category will need insulin treatment within 10 years. We propose a simple predictive strategy based on these observations.
Design and fabrication of a teleoperated explorer mobile robot

The exploration of unknown terrain can be dangerous without having proper data about the environment. In this paper, a mobile robot is demonstrated which can communicate wirelessly and also capable of providing some important parameters of the environment such as relative humidity, temperature, amount of methane, Carbon-di-Oxide and Carbon mono-oxide. The robot is designed as a small cart to achieve flexibility in motion and equipped with 3G module to communicate and collect data wirelessly. Later, the data collected from the robot are evaluated and analyzed to have a clear idea of the environment, the robot dealing with.
Expression of mutant thyroid hormone nuclear receptors in human hepatocellular carcinoma cells

To understand the expression and role of thyroid hormone nuclear receptors (TRs) in hepatocarcinogenesis, we characterized the TRs in 16 human hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) specimens. The full‐length cDNAs for the two TR subtypes, α1 and β1, were cloned from several tumors by reverse transcription–polymerase chain reaction. Southern blot analysis indicated that, in addition to the full‐length cDNA, truncated TRα1 and TRβ1 cDNAs were present in nine tumors (53%). In addition, point mutations detected by the mismatch RNase cleavage assay in TRα1 and TRβ1 were found in 65% and 76% of the tumors, respectively. The mutations were confirmed by DNA sequencing. Interestingly, most of the TRα1 mutations were in amino acid codons 209–228 and 245–256, two hot‐spots in HCC patients. However, no hot‐spot was detected in TRβ1. The expression of TRα1 and TRβ1 proteins was determined in the tissue extracts by western blotting. TR β1 protein was expressed or elevated in 10 tumors but not in normal livers, whereas the expression of TRα1 was variable among tumors. The mutant TR proteins were translated in vitro, and their hormone‐ and DNA‐binding activities were evaluated. Abnormal binding to the thyroid hormone response elements was observed. The proteins' DNA binding activity was either partially impaired or completely lost. The high prevalence of TR mutations found in the tumors of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma suggests that mutant TRs could play an important role in liver carcinogenesis. Mol. Carcinog. 26:53–61, 1999. © 1999 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Food‐Dependent Growth Leads to Overcompensation in Stage‐Specific Biomass When Mortality Increases: The Influence of Maturation versus Reproduction Regulation

We analyze a stage‐structured biomass model for size‐structured consumer‐resource interactions. Maturation of juvenile consumers is modeled with a food‐dependent function that consistently translates individual‐level assumptions about growth in body size to the population level. Furthermore, the model accounts for stage‐specific differences in resource use and mortality between juvenile and adult consumers. Without such differences, the model reduces to the Yodzis and Innes (1992) bioenergetics model, for which we show that model equilibria are characterized by a symmetry property that reproduction and maturation are equally limited by food density. As a consequence, biomass production rate exactly equals loss rate through maintenance and mortality in each consumer stage. Stage‐specific differences break up this symmetry and turn specific stages into net producers and others into net losers of biomass. As a consequence, the population in equilibrium can be regulated in two distinct ways: either through total population reproduction or through total population maturation as limiting process. In the case of reproduction regulation, increases in mortality may lead to an increase of juvenile biomass. In the case of maturation regulation, increases in mortality may increase adult biomass. This overcompensation in biomass occurs with increases in both stage‐independent and stage‐specific mortality, even when the latter targets the stage exhibiting overcompensation.
Distinct features of circulating microparticles and their relationship to clinical manifestations in systemic lupus erythematosus.

OBJECTIVE Characterization of the abundance, origin, and annexin V (AnxV)-binding capabilities of circulating microparticles (MPs) in SLE patients and healthy controls and to determine any associations with clinical parameters. METHODS Seventy unselected SLE patients and 29 sex- and age-matched healthy control subjects were included in the study. MPs were isolated from citrate-treated plasma and characterized by flow cytometry using AnxV or antibodies to platelet, leukocyte, or endothelial cell surface markers. RESULTS SLE patients had significantly increased concentrations of AnxV-nonbinding (AnxV-) MPs (P<0.0001), while the concentrations of total MPs (P=0.011) and AnxV-binding (AnxV+) MPs (P<0.0001) were decreased, as compared with controls. Based on flow cytometric characteristics, 2 subgroups of AnxV- MPs could be discerned: AnxV- cell-derived MPs (CDMPs) and AnxV- MPs of unknown nature (UNMPs). Both fractions were significantly increased in SLE patients (P=0.007 and P=0.0018, respectively). Platelet- and leukocyte-derived MPs were decreased in the SLE patients (P<0.0001), whereas no difference was observed for endothelial cell-derived MPs (P=0.14). The concentrations of AnxV- CDMPs correlated with the concentrations of endothelial cell-derived MPs, the disease activity score, active nephritis, hypertension, history of arterial thrombosis, and triglyceride levels (P<0.05 for all comparisons). CONCLUSION The concentrations and composition of MPs in SLE patients differ markedly from those in healthy subjects. Overall MP numbers were significantly decreased, but two distinct subpopulations of AnxV- MPs were significantly increased. These findings call for further characterization of MPs in SLE patients to elucidate their role in disease pathogenesis.
Induction of a reactive state in perineuronal satellite glial cells akin to that produced by nerve injury is linked to the level of p75NTR expression in adult sensory neurons

Satellite glial cells (SGCs) surrounding primary sensory neurons are similar to astrocytes of the central nervous system in that they buffer the extracellular environment via potassium and calcium channels and express the intermediate filament glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP). Peripheral nerve injury induces a reactive state in SGCs that includes SGC proliferation, increased SGC/SGC coupling via gap junctions, decreased inward rectifying potassium channel 4.1 (Kir4.1) expression and increased expression of GFAP and the common neurotrophin receptor, p75NTR. In contrast, neuronal p75NTR expression, normally detected in ∼80% of adult rat sensory neurons, decreases in response to peripheral axotomy. Given the differential regulation of p75NTR expression in neurons versus SGCs with injury, we hypothesized that reduced signaling via neuronal p75NTR contributes to the induction of a reactive state in SGCs. We found that reducing neuronal p75NTR protein expression in uninjured sensory neurons by intrathecal subarachnoid infusion of p75NTR‐selective anti‐sense oligodeoxynucleotides for one week was sufficient to induce a “reactive‐like” state in the perineuronal SGCs akin to that normally observed following peripheral nerve injury. This reactive state included significantly increased SGC p75NTR, GFAP and gap junction protein connexin‐43 protein expression, increased numbers of SGCs surrounding individual sensory neurons and decreased SGC Kir4.1 channel expression. Collectively, this supports the tenet that reductions in target‐derived trophic support leading to, or as a consequence of, reduced neuronal p75NTR expression plays a critical role in switching the SGC to a reactive state. GLIA 2014;62:763–777
Localization and quantitative expression of mRNAs encoding the testis‐specific histone TH2B, the phosphoprotein p19, the transition proteins 1 and 2 during pubertal development and throughout the spermatogenic cycle of the rat

Expression of the testis‐specific histone TH2B, the phosphoprotein p19, and the transition proteins TP1 and TP2, was localized in the rat testis and quantified, using in situ hybridization of their mRNAs with radiolabeled probes and image analysis. In a first study, expression was assessed during testicular development between day 2 and day 65 postpartum. TH2B mRNAs appeared first in preleptotene spermatocytes (PL) on day 12 and in pachytene spermatocytes (PS) on day 18; p19 mRNAs were present in PS from day 18 onward, and TP1 and TP2 mRNAs were detected in round spermatids (RS) from day 32 onward. In the second trial, the expression of these four genes was studied throughout the cycle of spermatogenic epithelium in mature animals. TH2B mRNAs were localized in B spermatogonia at stage V, and in PL at stages VII and VIII but no longer in leptotene and zygotene spermatocytes. Thereafter, TH2B mRNAs were observed in PS from stages III–IV to XIII. The steady‐state mRNA level per cell was high in PS with a maximum at stages IX–X. p19 mRNAs were present in PS from stages III–IV onward and in RS up to stages 1–2 of spermiogenesis. The maximum mRNA level per cell was observed in PS between stages VII and XIII. The presence of TP1 mRNAs was restricted to spermatids from steps 6 to 15–16 of spermiogenesis while TP2 mRNAs were detected in spermatids only between step 7 and step 13. The highest steady‐state amounts of mRNAs were observed between step 7 and step 14 for TP1 and between step 10 and step 12 for TP2. Mol. Reprod. Dev. 51:22–35, 1998. © 1998 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Dynamic shear-strain analysis of A0 mode Lamb wave field in composite materials with through holes

This paper proposes a novel imaging method, which estimates the elasticity in the region of interest having somewhat inhomogeneity contrasted to the surrounding area. The proposed imaging methodology is summarized as follows: 1) The distributions of the normal displacement of the object surface is governed by the 2-dimensional wave equation in the Lamb wave field. 2) When the single propagating wave front exists on the surface of the object with no defect, the orthogonal pair of the out-of-surface shear strains are linearly dependent each other. Consequently the determinant of a covariance matrix, which is composed of the orthogonal pair of the shear strains, becomes zero. 3) When a region of interest having somewhat inhomogeneity exists, scattered wave arises in the guided wave field. The determinant becomes, therefore, larger than zero because of the independency between the orthogonal pair over the region of the scattered and incident wave field.
Game Demands of Seven-A-Side Soccer in Young Players

Abstract Barbero-Alvarez, JC, Gómez-López, M, Castagna, C, Barbero-Alvarez, V, Romero, DV, Blanchfield, AW, and Nakamura, FY. Game demands of seven-a-side soccer in young players. J Strength Cond Res 31(7): 1771–1779, 2017—The aim of this study was to examine the activity patterns and physiological demands of 7-a-side youth soccer matches across 2 chronological age categories (U12 and U14). Twenty-two soccer players of a national youth soccer academy were investigated. Players of each age category performed 2 training matches (2 × 25 minutes) and were monitored by global positioning system and heart rate monitor units. Players of both categories covered similar total distance (5,348 ± 307 m), at similar mean heart rate values (86 ± 4% of maximum). However, the number of high-intensity runs (82.5 ± 17.4 vs. 69.7 ± 15.2) and total distance covered during sprints (264 ± 207 vs. 128 ± 74 m) were significantly (p ⩽ 0.05) higher in U14 compared with U12. The results suggest a highly demanding nature of 7-a-side soccer for skilled players, with physical maturity possibly influencing the match-related high-intensity performance at these ages.
Vitamin D status of refugees arriving in Canada: findings from the Calgary Refugee Health Program.

OBJECTIVE To determine the 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25[OH]D) serum levels in refugee women of childbearing age and in refugee children; to compare their 25(OH)D levels with the recommended levels in order to determine the prevalence of deficiency; to compare their 25(OH)D levels with those in the general Canadian population in the appropriate age and sex groups; and to investigate the association of vitamin D deficiency with potential risk factors. DESIGN Cross-sectional chart review. SETTING The Calgary Refugee Health Program, an urban family practice that serves newly arrived refugees in Calgary, Alta. PARTICIPANTS A total of 1217 refugee women and children screened between June 2005 and January 2010. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Serum 25(OH)D values that were measured during initial screening visits. RESULTS Overall, 1217 of the 1768 eligible participants (69%) had 25(OH)D laboratory values recorded. The mean concentration of 25(OH)D was 52.0 nmol/L (95% CI 50.6 to 53.3 nmol/L). Using the Institute of Medicine guideline for adequate serum vitamin D levels (>50 nmol/L), 61% of women and 42% of children had lower-than-desirable 25(OH)D levels. Considering the Osteoporosis Canada guidelines, 88% of women and 81% of children had lower-than-desirable 25(OH)D levels (<75 nmol/L), and 21% of women and 10% of children were vitamin D deficient (<25 nmol/L). Mean levels of 25(OH)D were significantly lower across all age and sex groupings compared with the general Canadian population (P<.001). Women from the Middle East had lower mean 25(OH)D values (24.6 nmol/L, 95% CI 21.7 to 27.5 nmol/L) compared with women from Asia, Africa, or South America (P<.001). Mean values of 25(OH)D were lower during the winter in children (P=.01) but not in women. Female refugees between the ages of 12 and 19 years old had lower mean values of 25(OH)D than male refugees in the same age group did (P=.01). CONCLUSION Most refugees had lower-than-desirable vitamin D levels. All age groups studied had lower mean 25(OH)D levels compared with the general Canadian population. Health care providers should be aware of this concern and consider vitamin D supplementation among refugees.
CT‐detected hemorrhagic infarction; relation with the size of the infarct, and the presence of midline shift

Abstract– The incidence of mass effect indicated by midline shift, and the incidence of hemorrhagic infarction were studied in 952 consecutive CT scans with supratentorial infarcts. Hemorrhagic infarction was found in 5.1% indicating that the incidence of hemorrhagic infarction during life is far less than was suggested from pathological studies. Midline shift was found in 3.6% and, accordingly, the chance of finding a hemorrhagic infarct with mass effect indicated by a shift of the midline would be 0.2% if these 2 phenomena were not related. However, this incidence appeared to be 12 times higher, indicating they are closely related. In addition, the incidence of hemorrhagic infarcts and midline shift were both related to large infarcts with bad outcome. Cardiac emboli were not more prevalent in patients with hemorrhagic infarcts than in a control series, indicating that cardiac emboli do not produce hemorrhagic infarction more often than other causes of cerebral infarction, and that cardiac embolic cause cannot be inferred from hemorrhagic infarction on CT. This probably also applies to carotid emboli. When anticoagulation is considered in patients with cerebral infarction, CT‐confirmed hemorrhagic infarction and shift of midline structures as well as decreased consciousness are contraindications to such treatment. In their absence, and in the absence of general contraindications, anticoagulant treatment can safely be started.
Protein kinase C modulates the catalytic activity of topoisomerase II by enhancing the rate of ATP hydrolysis: evidence for a common mechanism of regulation by phosphorylation.

The catalytic activity of topoisomerase II is stimulated approximately 2-3-fold following phosphorylation by either casein kinase II or protein kinase C. A previous study [Corbett, A. H. , DeVore, R. F. , & Osheroff, N. (1992) J. Biol. Chem. 267, 20513-20518] demonstrated that casein kinase II regulates the activity of topoisomerase II by specifically enhancing the ability of the enzyme to hydrolyze its ATP cofactor. To determine whether other protein kinases use a similar mechanism to activate the enzyme, the effects of protein kinase C mediated phosphorylation on the individual steps of the topoisomerase II catalytic cycle were assessed. Modification stimulated rates of enzyme-mediated ATP hydrolysis approximately 2.7-fold, but had no effect on any reaction that preceded this step, including enzyme.DNA binding, pre- or poststrand passage DNA cleavage/religation, or the double-stranded DNA strand passage event. Furthermore, the activation of ATP hydrolysis was reversed following treatment of phosphorylated topoisomerase II with alkaline phosphatase. As determined by partial proteolytic mapping, the site(s) of protein kinase C modification was (were) localized to the 350 amino acid C-terminal regulatory domain of topoisomerase II within approximately 50 amino acids of the site(s) phosphorylated by casein kinase II. Finally, while protein kinase C and casein kinase II were able to modify the enzyme simultaneously, rates of ATP hydrolysis for doubly-modified topoisomerase II were comparable to those observed for the enzyme following phosphorylation by either individual kinase. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Frequency of the C677T variant of the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene in patients with migraine with or without aura - a preliminary report.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE The aim of our study was to evaluate the frequency of the C677T variant in the methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase (MTHFR) gene in patients with migraine with or without aura and to find an association between this variant and vascular lesions in magnetic resonance imaging of the head, presence of patent foramen ovale (PFO) and increased level of homocysteine. MATERIAL AND METHODS Ninety-one patients with migraine, aged 19-57, were investigated in this study. The MTHFR C677T variant was genotyped in this group and levels of homocysteine, folic acid and vitamin B12 were measured. Transcranial Doppler sonography with test for PFO detection by injection of air contrast during the Valsalva manoeuvre was performed in each patient. RESULTS Frequency of the C677T variant in the MTHFR gene was similar in patients and controls. Hyperhomocysteinaemia was significantly more frequent in migraine patients with the C677T variant. The prevalence of PFO was significantly higher in migraine patients with aura and the homozygous variant of the MTHFR gene. CONCLUSIONS Frequency of the C677T variant in the MTHFR gene was similar in patients and controls. Significantly more frequent prevalence of PFO in migraine patients with aura (with homozygous recessive genotype of MTHFR probably suggests their common genetic basis. Hyperhomocysteinaemia was significantly more frequent in migraine patients with the C677T variant, which could be an additional risk factor of this disease.
Intimal Hyperplasia Recurs After Removal of PDGF-AB and -BB Inhibition in the Rat Carotid Artery Injury Model

Several antagonists specific for platelet-derived growth factor (PDGF) or its receptors have recently been developed and shown to inhibit intimal hyperplasia formation in various animal models, but data investigating the durability of this intervention is limited. The present study was designed to investigate the potency of PDGF B-chain aptamer, a novel type of PDGF-AB and -BB antagonist, in the rat carotid model and to characterize intermediate-term effects on lesion formation. One hundred thirty-four animals were randomized to aptamer treatment or placebo. Daily treatment with the antagonist resulted in a 50% reduction in lesion size at 2 weeks (P <0.001). The beneficial effect involved increased apoptosis and possibly an interference with smooth muscle cell migration. Discontinuing administration 1 week earlier did not give any significant benefit compared with phosphate-buffered saline–treated controls. When the antagonist was administered for 2 weeks and the vessels analyzed 6 weeks later, the beneficial effect was lost and the treated lesions had a higher intima-media and area-cell ratio compared with the treated lesions in the 2-week–endpoint study. Our findings confirm a role of PDGF B-chain in intimal hyperplasia, but the successful use of PDGF antagonists may require either prolonged treatment or combination therapy with other agents. (Arterioscler Thromb Vasc Biol. 2000;20:e89-e95.)