Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Human fetal membrane contribution to the prevention of parturition: uterotonin degradation.

This investigation was conducted to evaluate the potential capacity of the human fetal membranes-decidua parietalis, and in particular the chorion laeve, to degrade uterotonins that are produced in amnion, are present in amniotic fluid, or both. The four uterotonins that have been evaluated most frequently as myometrial contractants potentially involved in the initiation of human parturition are prostaglandins, oxytocin, endothelin-1, and platelet-activating factor. We assessed the levels of mRNA and the specific activities (SAs) of enkephalinase (the plasma membrane endopeptidase that degrades endothelins) and prostaglandin dehydrogenase (PGDH) in human fetal membranes, i.e. amnion and chorion leave, and in decidua parietalis. The SA of oxytocinase (which inactivates oxytocin) in these tissues also was determined. The SA of enkephalinase in chorion laeve from all anatomical sites (singleton and diamnionic-dichorionic twin placentae) in all pregnancies studied (mean +/- SEM, 95 +/- 7.9 ng/min.mg protein; n = 28) is similar to that in human fetal kidney (89.5 +/- 2.8; n = 6). Kidney tissue is believed to be one of the richest sources of enkephalinase. The SAs of enkephalinase in amnion (18.3 +/- 2.3 nmol/min.mg protein; n = 29) and in decidua parietalis (31.8 +/- 6.7; n = 20) also were high, but significantly less than that in chorion leave. The level of enkephalinase mRNA in chorion laeve in singleton pregnancies is high, as is the SA of enkephalinase (111.9 +/- 10.6 nmol/min.mg protein; n = 17). In paired chorion laeve tissues from five diamnionic-dichorionic twin placentae, the SAs of enkephalinase in reflected chorion laeve (74 +/- 12.8; P < 0.06 compared with singletons) and fused chorion laeve (64.8 +/- 6.5; P < 0.001 compared with singletons) were similar. The SA of PGDH in reflected chorion leave (46.3 +/- 6.9 nmol/min.mg protein; n = 19) was significantly greater than that in decidua (16 +/- 5.5; n = 15). There was a significant correlation between the levels of PGDH mRNA and PGDH enzyme SA. In fused chorion laeve of diamnionic-dichorionic twin placentae, the SA of PGDH (14.9 +/- 7.3; n = 4) was much less than that in reflected chorion laeve of the same twin pregnancy (70.5 +/- 14.7; n = 4). PGDH mRNA was not detectable in amnion tissue (n = 5) by northern analysis, and the SA of PGDH (< 1.2 +/- 1.0; n = 6) in amnion was undetectable or near the lower limit of assay detection. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
To adapt or to disregard? Parties’ reactions to external shocks

Abstract How do parties react to unanticipated events such as external shocks? Do they adapt to the consequences of the external shock or do they disregard them? Using the global financial crisis as an empirical example and testing the expectations for parties’ economic policy shifts in 23 European democracies based on Chapel Hill Expert Survey data, the article demonstrates that government parties react more to an external shock than opposition parties, particularly in countries where the external shock has been more severe. This has implications for a broader literature in comparative politics by fostering the dialogue between the political economy literature on external shocks and the literature on party policy shifts by showing the significant impact exogenous events can have on party positioning.
Neurologic Level Diagnosis of Cervical Stenotic Myelopathy

Study Design. A cross-sectional analysis. Objective. To elucidate the accuracy of neurologic level diagnosis of cervical stenotic myelopathy. Summary of Background Data. Neurologic level diagnosis in cervical myelopathy has not been well established. Methods. A total of 106 patients with cervical stenotic myelopathy, with a single-level intramedullary high-intensity area confirmed on both preoperative and postoperative T2-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), were included in this study. We performed a level diagnosis on the basis of neurologic signs (the uppermost muscle with weakness, diminished or exaggerated deep tendon reflex, the uppermost level of sensory disturbance of the upper extremities) and compared it with a level diagnosis made by T2-weighted MRI. The sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy of neurologic signs on our index corresponding to each intervertebral level were calculated. Results. The averages of sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy were 42%, 80%, and 70%, respectively, in the uppermost muscle with weakness, 66%, 89%, and 83% in deep tendon reflex, and 74%, 91%, and 87% in the sensory disturbance area. The positive and negative predictive values were 40% and 91%, respectively, in the uppermost muscle with weakness, 66% and 89% in deep tendon reflex, and 74% and 91% in the sensory disturbance area. Accuracy of a diagnosis based on muscle weakness was less high, the reason being that in many patients, the uppermost muscle with weakness was extensor digiti communis or the intrinsic muscles of the hands, and this led to a lower sensitivity. Conclusions. The average accuracy of neurologic level diagnosis based on the index we proposed was ≥70%. The level diagnosis by a sensory disturbance area showed the highest accuracy (87%).
Molecular Cloning and Comparative Characterization of the Porcine Troponin I Family

Troponin I (TnI) is a family of three muscle-specific myofibrillar proteins involved in calcium-sensitive regulation of contraction in cardiac and skeletal muscle. In this study, the full-length cDNA and genomic sequence of three genes of porcine TnI family were cloned and sequenced. The full-length cDNA of TNNI1, TNNI2, and TNNI3 genes were 989 bp, 734 bp, and 831 bp in length, which contained an open reading frame of 564, 549, and 636 nucleotides, respectively. Three Troponin I shared 54.4 ∼ 58.3% similarity with each other in their predicted amino acid sequences. The TNNI1, TNNI2, and TNNI3 displayed the same genomic structure as other vertebrates and spanned over 9785 bp, 2373 bp, and 3648 bp genomic regions, respectively. The regulatory elements in the proximal promoter of TNNI2 and TNNI3 were conserved among human, mouse, and pig, but regulatory element differences existed in the TNNI1 promoter among them. Expression profiling showed that TnI genes were widely expressed in the tissues studied, with the highest expression level of TNNI1 and TNNI2 in skeletal muscle, and TNNI3 in cardiac muscle.
Acute Regulation of Fatty Acid Uptake Involves the Cellular Redistribution of Fatty Acid Translocase*

We used muscle contraction, which increases fatty acid oxidation, as a model to determine whether fatty acid transport is acutely regulated by fatty acid translocase (FAT/CD36). Palmitate uptake by giant vesicles, obtained from skeletal muscle, was increased by muscle contraction. Kinetic studies indicated that muscle contraction increased V max, butKm remained unaltered. Sulfo-N-succinimidyl oleate, a specific inhibitor of FAT/CD36, fully blocked the contraction-induced increase in palmitate uptake. In giant vesicles from contracting muscles, plasma membrane FAT/CD36 was also increased in parallel with the increase in long chain fatty acid uptake. Further studies showed that like GLUT-4, FAT/CD36 is located in both the plasma membrane and intracellularly (endosomally). With muscle contraction, FAT/CD36 at the surface of the muscle was increased, while concomitantly, FAT/CD36 in the intracellular pool was reduced. Similar responses were observed for GLUT-4. We conclude that fatty acid uptake is subject to short term regulation by muscle contraction and involves the translocation of FAT/CD36 from intracellular stores to the sarcolemma, analogous to the regulation of glucose uptake by GLUT-4.
Compositional Categories of Ancient Glass

From chemical analyses of ancient glasses found in Europe, Western Asia, and Africa from roughly the 15th century B.C. until the 12th century A.D., five main compositional categories have become apparent. With the possible exception of lead glasses which are only occasionally encountered in finds from this period, each of the main categories was prevalent over a wide geographic area for a period of at least several centuries. The categories are described in terms of the expected ranges of concentrations of the five elements, magnesium, potassium, manganese, antimony, and lead, which most clearly differentiate the groups.
A Review of Clinical and Imaging Findings in Eosinophilic Lung Diseases.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of this article is to review the clinical and imaging findings associated with eosinophilic lung diseases. CONCLUSION The spectrum of eosinophilic lung diseases comprises a diverse group of pulmonary disorders that have an association with tissue or peripheral eosinophilia. These diseases have varied clinical presentations and may be associated with several other abnormalities. Characteristic imaging findings are often detected with chest radiography, and CT best shows parenchymal abnormalities. The integration of clinical, radiologic, and pathologic findings facilitates diagnosis and directs appropriate treatment.
Labelling as reference Centre of GRACE (Groupe francophone de Réhabilitation Améliorée après ChirurgiE) for colorectal surgery: its impact on the implementation of enhanced recovery programme at the University Hospital of Liège

Abstract Background: Enhanced recovery programme (ERP) has been used in our hospital since 2005 for selected colorectal surgeries. Since October 2015, after labelling as GRACE reference centre, we included all patients scheduled for elective colorectal surgery in this programme. We assessed the impact of our labelling on the implementation of ERP. Methods: Results of our first 100 patients entered in the GRACE database were analyzed: length of stay, complications, readmission, adherence to the protocol. These results are compared to those of the last 100 patients undergoing colorectal surgery before our labelling. Results: Patients’ characteristics in both groups were similar. The complications rate was similar in both groups. The global length of hospital stay was 4 [5] days vs. 8.5 [8] (median [IQR]), respectively after and before labelling; p < . 001. The duration of hospitalization for the different subgroups (age, surgical approach, types of surgery) were significantly shorter after our labelling (respectively: p < .001, p < .01, and p < .05). Conclusions: Our results demonstrate that labelling as reference centre increases the efficiency of the implementation of ERP. The fact that all subgroups of patients benefit from ERP must encourage inclusion of all patients undergoing elective colorectal surgery in ERP.
Impact of Subclinical Inflammation on the Development of Interstitial Fibrosis and Tubular Atrophy in Kidney Transplant Recipients

Our aim was to study the impact of subclinical inflammation on the development of interstitial fibrosis and tubular atrophy (IF/TA) on a 1‐year protocol biopsy in patients on rapid steroid withdrawal (RSW). A total of 256 patients were classified based on protocol biopsy findings at months 1 or 4. Group 1 is 172 patients with no inflammation, group 2 is 50 patients with subclinical inflammation (SCI), group 3 is 19 patients with subclinical acute rejection (SAR) and group 4 is 15 patients with clinical acute rejection (CAR). On the 1‐year biopsy, more patients in group 2 (SCI) (34%, p = 0.004) and group 3 (SAR) (53%, p = 0.0002), had an IF/TA score > 2 compared to group 1 (control) (15%). IF/TA was not increased in group 4 (CAR) (20%). The percent with IF/TA score > 2 and interstitial inflammation (Banff i score > 0) was higher in group 2 (16%, p = 0.004) and group 3 (37%, p < 0.0001) compared to group 1 (3%). In a multivariate analysis, patients in groups 2 or 3 had a higher risk of IF/TA score > 2 on the 1‐year biopsy (OR 6.62, 95% CI 2.68–16.3). We conclude that SCI and SAR increase the risk of developing IF/TA in patient on RSW.
Modelling Alzheimer's disease in multiple transgenic mice.

We have reported transgenic mice with neuronal overexpression of the clinical mutant beta-amyloid precursor protein (APP) known as London, which develop an AD-related phenotype [Moechers, Dewachter, Lorent, Reversé, Baekelandt, Nadiu, Tesseur, Spittaels, Van den Haute, Checler, et al. (1999) J. Biol. Chem. 274, 6483-6492]. Characterized early symptoms (3-9 months) include disturbed behaviour, neophobia, aggression, hypersensitivity to kainic acid, hyposensitivity to N-methyl-D-aspartate, defective cognition and memory, and decreased long-term potentiation. Late in life, at 12-15 months, amyloid plaques develop in the brain and correlate with increased levels of beta-amyloid (A beta)40/42 (the 40- and 42-amino-acid forms of A beta). The formation of amyloid plaques is dissociated in time from and not involved in the early phenotype. Hyperphosphorylated protein tau is present but no tangle pathology is observed. In double-transgenic mice, i.e. APP/London x Presenilin 1, the increased production of A beta 42 results in amyloid plaques developing by the age of 6 months. Transgenic mice with overexpression of either human apolipoprotein E4 (ApoE4) or human protein tau in central neurons develop severe axonopathy in the brain and spinal cord. Progressive degeneration of nerves and muscles is demonstrated by motor problems, wasting and premature death. Tau is hyperphosphorylated but there is no formation of filaments or neurofibrillary tangles. The tangle aspect of AD pathology is still missing from all current transgenic amyloid models. Its implementation will require insight into the cellular signalling pathways which regulate the microtubule-stabilizing function by phosphorylation of neuronal tau.
Comparative Analysis of Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Receptors on Retinal and Aortic Vascular Endothelial Cells

Ischemic eye disease often results in ocular neovascularization, presumably due to the elaboration of growth factors. Diabetic retinopathy is a classic example in which dramatic retinal neovascularization arises after ischemic retinal damage. The characterization of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) as an angiogenic molecule whose expression is markedly induced by hypoxia makes it a promising candidate for mediating ischemic retinal neovascularization. Thus, we have characterized the structure, binding, and regulation of VEGF receptors in bovine retinal (BREC) and aortic endothelial cells (BAEC). VEGF stimulated a 2.1-fold increase in BREC number and DNA content at 0.6 nmol/l VEGF (P < 1 × 10−7). Scatchard binding analysis demonstrated specific high-affinity VEGF receptors on BREC with a Kd of 4.9 ± 0.6 × 10−11 mmol/l, similar to that observed for BAEC at 5.1 ± 0.4 × 10−11 mmol/l. BREC, however, possess 1.5 × 105 high-affinity receptors/cell, threefold more than BAEC (P < 0.003) and more than any cell type reported previously. 125I-VEGF affinity cross-linking revealed complexes at 220 and 170 kDa in BREC, but only a 220-kDa band of lesser intensity in BAEC. Cross-linking was displaceable in a dose-dependent manner by VEGF (P < 0.01) but not by other hormones. Hypoxia increased VEGF receptor number 50% in BREC without altering affinity. Antiphosphotyrosine immunoblotting showed VEGF-stimulated tyrosine autophosphorylation of VEGF receptor bands at 225 and 220 kDa and another band at 80 kDa within 1 min. These findings suggest that VEGF may mediate retinal vascular proliferation through large numbers of high-affinity receptors on retinal vascular endothelial cells and suggest that VEGF may be an important mediator of neovascularization induced by ischemic retinopathies such as diabetes.
Home-Based Antiretroviral Care Is Associated With Positive Social Outcomes in a Prospective Cohort in Uganda

Background:Home-based antiretroviral therapy (ART) care in Africa has expanded; but social outcomes of home-based ART programs are unknown. Methods:Social experiences of participants in an antiretroviral therapy program involving weekly home visits in Uganda were assessed through interviews at enrollment and after 3 months and analyzed using generalized estimating equations. Results:Of 654 participants, 72% were women; median baseline CD4 cell-count was 123 cells/μL. At follow-up, participants were more likely to report community support (adjusted odds ratio [OR] 2.10, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.46 to 3.03, P < 0.001), family support (OR 2.65, CI: 2.01 to 3.49, P < 0.001), and relationship strengthening (OR 2.10, CI: 1.46 to 3.03, P = 0.001) than at baseline; 84% attributed these experiences to antiretroviral therapy program participation. There was no change in incidence of negative experiences (P = 0.3). Forty-six percent of women reported a history of partner abuse, but abuse rates 3 months before and after program initiation were low (1% vs. 2%, OR 3.20, CI: 0.94 to 10.9, P = 0.063). Of five women who reported abuse associated with program participation, all had history of domestic violence. Of all participants reporting outcomes associated with antiretroviral therapy program participation at follow-up, 464 (79%) had only positive experiences, 35 (6%) had both positive and negative experiences, and <1% had only negative experiences. Conclusions:Participation in a home-based antiretroviral therapy program was associated with multiple positive social outcomes.
Protective immunity against herpes simplex virus (HSV) type 1 following oral administration of recombinant Salmonella typhimurium vaccine strains expressing HSV antigens.

Salmonella typhimurium strains expressing foreign antigens of various pathogens are capable of eliciting antigen-specific humoral and cellular immune responses. Attenuated S. typhimurium strain chi4550 (delta(cya) delta(crp) delta(asd)) was used as an expression vector for herpes simplex virus (HSV) antigens. Genes encoding glycoprotein D (gD) and the immediate-early protein ICP27 of HSV-1 were cloned and expressed in plasmid pYA292 (asd+) and subsequently placed into chi4550. Following two oral immunizations, the protective efficacy of recombinant strains against zosteriform challenge with HSV-1 was measured in 3-4-week-old BALB/c mice. Levels of protection observed were 77% with the ICP27 construct but only 31% with the gD construct. Zosteriform protection correlates with a CD4+-mediated delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) reaction against HSV. Accordingly, significant DTH was observed only in mice immunized orally with the S. typhimurium ICP27 construct. ELISA analysis of antigen-specific humoral responses failed to detect serum antibody responses following oral administration although recombinant S. typhimurium were isolated from spleens of orally dosed mice up to day 30. Intravenous (i.v.) immunization with the gD-expressing construct did, however, induce detectable serum antibody responses. Some humoral IgA responses against gD in faecal samples were detected as early as 3 weeks post-oral immunization while those induced by the i.v. route were slightly lower. These data suggest that recombinant S. typhimurium HSV antigens are capable of inducing immunity against HSV, some aspects of which are protective against HSV challenge.
Variations in the time course of the synchronization of intercostal motoneurones in the cat

1. Synchronization of intercostal motoneurones was studied by the construction of cross‐correlation histograms which related the firing times of paired groups of efferent inspiratory or expiratory discharges recorded from filaments of the external or internal nerves of anaesthetized or decerebrate cats.
Long-Term Anaerobic Metabolism in Root Tissue (Metabolic Products of Pyruvate Metabolism)

The onset of anaerobiosis in barley root tissue (Hordeum vulgare L. cv Himalaya) results in the following metabolic responses. There are rapid increases in the levels of pyruvate, lactate, and ethanol. Malate and succinate concentrations increase over the first 12 h, after which they return to the levels found in oxygenated root tissue. Alanine concentration increases over the first 12 h, and this is matched by a corresponding decrease in aspartate. The initial stoichiometric decline in aspartate and increase in alanine suggests that the amino group of aspartate is conserved by transaminating pyruvate to alanine. Aspartate catabolism also probably provides the initial source of carbon for reduction to succinate under anoxic conditions. Under long-term anaerobiosis (>24 h), there is no further accumulation of any of the fermentative end products other than ethanol, which also represents the major metabolic end product during long-term anaerobiosis. Although a number of the enzymes involved in fermentative respiration have been found to be induced under anaerobic conditions, neither aspartate amino-transferase nor malate dehydrogenase is induced in barley root tissue. The observations suggest that the long-term adaptations to hypoxic conditions may be quite different than the more well-characterized short-term adaptations.
Heterotypic Humoral and Cellular Immune Responses following Norwalk Virus Infection

ABSTRACT Norovirus immunity is poorly understood as the limited data available on protection after infection are often contradictory. In contrast to the more prominent GII noroviruses, GI norovirus infections are less frequent in outbreaks. The GI noroviruses display very complex patterns of heterotypic immune responses following infection, and many individuals are highly susceptible to reinfection. To study the immune responses and mechanisms of GI.1 persistence, we built structural models and recombinant virus-like particles (VLPs) of five GI strains: GI.1-1968, GI.1-2001, GI.2-1999, GI.3-1999, and GI.4-2000. Structural models of four GI genotype capsid P domain dimers suggested that intragenotype structural variation is limited, that the GI binding pocket is mostly preserved between genotypes, and that a conserved, surface-exposed epitope may allow for highly cross-reactive immune responses. GI VLPs bound to histo-blood group antigens (HBGAs) including fucose, Lewis, and A antigens. Volunteers infected with GI.1-1968 (n = 10) had significant increases between prechallenge and convalescent reactive IgG for all five GI VLPs measured by enzyme immunoassay. Potential cross-neutralization of GI VLPs was demonstrated by convalescent-phase serum cross-blockade of GI VLP-HBGA interaction. Although group responses were significant for all GI VLPs, each individual volunteer demonstrated a unique VLP blockade pattern. Further, peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) were stimulated with each of the VLPs, and secretion of gamma interferon (IFN-γ) was measured. As seen with blockade responses, IFN-γ secretion responses differed by individual. Sixty percent responded to at least one GI VLP, with only two volunteers responding to GI.1 VLP. Importantly, four of five individuals with sufficient PBMCs for cross-reactivity studies responded more robustly to other GI VLPs. These data suggest that preexposure history and deceptive imprinting may complicate PBMC and B-cell immune responses in some GI.1-1968-challenged individuals and highlight a potential complication in the design of efficacious norovirus vaccines.