Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Transcriptional Regulation of Sodium Transport by Vasopressin in Renal Cells*

We have examined whether arginine vasopressin (AVP) can induce a long-term modulation of transepithelial ion transport in addition to its well known short-term effect. In the RCCD1 rat cortical collecting duct cell line, an increase in both short-circuit current and 22Na transport was observed after several hours of 10−8 m AVP treatment (a concentration above the in vivo physiological range). This delayed effect was partially prevented by apical addition of 10−5 m amiloride and was blocked by 10−6 m actinomycin D and 2 × 10−6 m cycloheximide. The amounts of mRNA encoding the α1 (not β1) subunit of Na+/K+-ATPase and the β and γ (not α) subunits of the amiloride-sensitive epithelial Na+ channel were significantly increased by AVP treatment. The increase in mRNA was blocked by actinomycin D, not by amiloride, suggesting a Na+-independent increase in the rate of transcription of these subunits. The translation rates of the α1 subunit of Na+/K+-ATPase and the β and γ subunits of the rat epithelial sodium channel increased significantly, whereas the translation rates of the other subunits remained unchanged. Finally, the number of Na+ channels present in the apical membrane of the cells increased, as demonstrated by enhanced specific [3H]phenamil binding.
Regional variations in suicide rates--United States, 1990-1994.

In 1994, suicides were committed by 31,142 persons in the United States (crude rate: 12.0 suicides per 100,000 population), and suicide was the ninth leading cause of death. Although rates of suicide have varied by geographic region (e.g., rates have consistently been higher in western states, reasons for these regional variations are unknown but may reflect regional differences in certain demographic variables. For example, suicide rates have been higher for males, for the elderly, and for certain racial/ethnic groups (e.g., non-Hispanic whites and American Indians/Alaskan Natives). CDC examined U.S. suicide rates from 1990 through 1994 to determine whether regional variations in suicide rates are affected by differences in age, race/Hispanic-ethnicity, and sex and to examine whether method-specific rates varied by region. This report summarizes the results of that analysis, which indicate that, despite adjustments for certain demographic variables, regional differences persist.
Nitric Oxide-Induced Cell Death in the Heart: The Role of Autophagy

There is unequivocal evidence of autophagy in the heart, both in human hearts from patients who experienced heart failure and in experimental models of myocardial ischemia and reperfusion. Whether autophagy is involved in the pathophysiology of these conditions is controversial as studies suggest inhibition of Beclin 1 can increase or decrease cardiomyocyte cell injury. Increased beclin 1 expression, however, has been consistently identified in myocardial ischemia/reperfusion. Because of the role of nitric oxide (NO) in myocardial ischemia/reperfusion as well as in heart failure, we sought to determine whether NO and its byproduct peroxynitrite alter the expression of some genes involved in autophagy in the heart. Addendum to: Nitric Oxide Differentially Regulates the Gene Expression of Caspase Genes but Not Some Autophagic Genes S.W. Rabkin and S.S. Klassen Nitric Oxide 2007; In press
Diagnostic problems of evaluating vertebral metastasis from breast carcinoma with a higher degree of malignancy

Bone metastases from breast carcinoma are frequently observed as postoperative pathologic conditions; however, in many cases, diagnosis and treatment are difficult. Although most diagnoses of bone metastases are made by plain radiography (X‐P) or bone scintigraphy, the use of magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has enabled detailed imaging of foci, and many more lesions have become detectable. In the current study, the authors evaluated the relation between the diagnosis of bone metastases of breast carcinoma and clinicopathologic factors, especially those of proliferative activity and effects of treatment.
Navigating the digital divide: A systematic review of eHealth literacy in underserved populations in the United States

eHealth provides an important mechanism to connect medically underserved populations with health information, but little is known about gaps in eHealth literacy research in underserved adult populations within the U.S. Between June and July 2013, three systematic literature reviews of five databases were conducted and a subsequent hand search was completed. Identified literature was screened and studies meeting exclusion and inclusion criteria were synthesized and analyzed for common themes. Of the 221 articles critically appraised, 15 met these criteria. Thirty-five of these studies were excluded due to international origin. Of the articles meeting the inclusion criteria, underserved populations assessed included immigrant women, the elderly, low-income, the un- and underemployed, and African-American and Hispanic populations. eHealth literacy assessments utilized included one or two item screeners, the eHEALS scale, health information competence and cognitive task analysis. Factors examined in relation to eHealth literacy included age, experience, overall health literacy, education, income and culture. The majority did not assess the impact of locality and those that did were predominately urban. These data suggest that there is a gap in the literature regarding eHealth literacy knowledge for underserved populations, and specifically those in rural locations, within the U.S.
Resistance to UV‐induced apoptosis in human keratinocytes during accelerated senescence is associated with functional inactivation of p53

Compared to proliferating keratinocytes (KCs), growth‐arrested KCs are relatively resistant to UV‐light induced apoptosis. When KCs undergo confluency, or following exposure to anti‐proliferative agents such as IFN‐γ plus a phorbol ester–12‐O‐tetradecanoylyphorbol‐13‐acetate (TPA), they convert from a proliferative to a nonproliferative state resembling senescence. Since p53 regulates UV‐induced apoptosis of KCs, this report further characterizes p53 half‐life, post‐translational modifications, and transcriptional activity using cultured human KCs and living epidermal equivalents. The half‐life of p53 in KCs was longer than fibroblasts (greater than approximately 3 h vs. 30 min). Exposure of proliferating KCs to UV‐light induces post‐translational modifications of p53 including acetylation of lysine‐382 residues. By contrast, KCs undergoing irreversible growth arrest following confluency, or exposure to IFN‐γ plus TPA, were resistant to UV‐induced apoptosis, and failed to undergo the acetylation modification of p53. Exposure of KCs to IFN‐γ plus TPA reduced total cellular p53 levels and reduced the transcriptional activity of p53. Addition of Trichostatin A (TSA), an inhibitor of de‐acetylation, increased acetylation of lysine‐382 in confluent KCs, thereby enhancing susceptibility of confluent cultures to UV‐induced apoptosis. Pre‐treatment of epidermal equivalents with IFN‐γ plus TPA also blocked UV‐light induced increase in p53 levels, and reduced apoptosis. In conclusion, these studies demonstrate that growth arrested KCs may resist UV‐light induced apoptosis by inactivating the pro‐apoptotic function of p53. J. Cell. Physiol. 198: 100–109, 2004. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Biophysical rhizosphere processes affecting root water uptake.

BACKGROUND Recent advances in imaging techniques now make it possible to visualize the biogeochemical and physical environment around the roots, the rhizosphere. Detailed images of pore space geometry and water content dynamics around roots have demonstrated the heterogeneity of the rhizosphere compared with the soil far from the roots. These findings have inspired new models of root water uptake which aim to describe such small-scale heterogeneity. However, the question remains of how far these image-based findings have really advanced our understanding of how roots extract water from soils. SCOPE The rhizosphere processes affecting root water uptake are reviewed. Special attention is dedicated to the role of mucilage exuded by roots. Mucilage increases the soil moisture at negative water potentials and it keeps the rhizosphere wet when plants take up water, possibly maintaining the hydraulic connection between roots and soil. However, mucilage becomes viscous and hydrophobic upon severe drying and it limits the water fluxes across the rhizosphere during the rewetting phase. The role of mucilage in maintaining the hydraulic contact between the root surface and the surrounding soil, thereby softening the drops in water potential around the roots in dry soils, remains to be demonstrated. CONCLUSION Despite detailed images of water content, water fluxes and soil structure in the rhizosphere, a general understanding of how the rhizosphere affects root water uptake is still lacking. The missing elements of the puzzle are the gradient in water potential around roots. Measurements of the xylem water potential at varying soil water potentials and transpiration rates supported by numerical models of root water uptake would allow the estimation of the water potential across the rhizosphere. Such measurements are crucial to comprehend how water enters the roots.
Hepatitis C virus genotype 3 is cytopathic to hepatocytes: Reversal of hepatic steatosis after sustained therapeutic response

On the basis of cross‐sectional studies, it has been proposed that hepatic steatosis is a cytopathic effect of hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotype 3 but not genotype 1 infections. We tested this hypothesis by examining whether antiviral treatment altered hepatic steatosis in chronic hepatitis C. In 28 patients with genotype 1 and 34 with genotype 3 HCV, we determined the severity of steatosis in pre‐ and posttreatment liver biopsies using computer‐assisted morphometric image analysis as well as conventional semiquantitative scoring. Before treatment, hepatic steatosis was present in 16 (57%) patients infected with HCV genotype 1 and 21 (62%) of those with genotype 3. Sustained viral response (SVR) was achieved in 9 (32%) patients with genotype 1 and 22 (65%) with genotype 3. In neither group were there significant changes in body weight or alcohol consumption between pre‐ and posttreatment biopsies. In patients with HCV genotype 1, there was no change in hepatic steatosis after treatment, irrespective of the treatment response. Among those infected with genotype 3, SVR significantly reduced steatosis (P < .001), but there was no change in steatosis among those without a SVR. By logistic regression analysis, SVR was the only variable predictive of improvement in hepatic steatosis (OR = 36, 95% CI = 2.7‐481, P = .007). In conclusion, these data provide strong support for a direct causal association between HCV genotype 3 infection and hepatic steatosis.
State-Level Trends and Correlates for Cross-Sector Collaboration on School Nutrition and Physical Education Activities, 2000–2012

Introduction Cross-sector collaboration on child obesity prevention is common, yet little research has examined the context of collaboration at the state level. This study describes secular trends in collaboration between state agency staff responsible for school nutrition and physical education activities and other organizations from 2000 to 2012. Methods Data from the School Health Policies and Practices Study were used to describe collaboration between state agency staff and 13 types of public, private, and nonprofit organizations. Breadth of collaboration in 2012 was examined across political, social, and economic conditions. Results Collaboration between state agency staff and other organization types increased from 2000 to 2006 and decreased or stabilized from 2006 to 2012. Breadth of collaboration was greater in states with a physical education coordinator, higher levels of poverty, higher prevalence of childhood obesity, and more public health funding. Breadth was similar across states by census region, political party of governor, majority party in state legislature, percentage non-Hispanic white population, high school graduation rate, and unemployment rate. Conclusion Cross-sector collaboration on school nutrition and physical education was widespread and did not vary substantially across most political, social, and economic measures. Expanded monitoring and surveillance of state-level collaboration would assist efforts to understand how state agencies work across sectors and whether this collaboration affects the support they provide to schools.
Forebrain-specific Expression of Monoamine Oxidase A Reduces Neurotransmitter Levels, Restores the Brain Structure, and Rescues Aggressive Behavior in Monoamine Oxidase A-deficient Mice*

Previous studies have established that abrogation of monoamine oxidase (MAO) A expression leads to a neurochemical, morphological, and behavioral specific phenotype with increased levels of serotonin (5-HT), norepinephrine, and dopamine, loss of barrel field structure in mouse somatosensory cortex, and an association with increased aggression in adults. Forebrain-specific MAO A transgenic mice were generated from MAO A knock-out (KO) mice by using the promoter of calcium-dependent kinase IIα (CaMKIIα). The presence of human MAO A transgene and its expression were verified by PCR of genomic DNA and reverse transcription-PCR of mRNA and Western blot, respectively. Significant MAO A catalytic activity, autoradiographic labeling of 5-HT, and immunocytochemistry of MAO A were found in the frontal cortex, striatum, and hippocampus but not in the cerebellum of the forebrain transgenic mice. Also, compared with MAO A KO mice, lower levels of 5-HT, norepinephrine, and DA and higher levels of MAO A metabolite 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid were found in the forebrain regions but not in the cerebellum of the transgenic mice. These results suggest that MAO A is specifically expressed in the forebrain regions of transgenic mice. This forebrain-specific differential expression resulted in abrogation of the aggressive phenotype. Furthermore, the disorganization of the somatosensory cortex barrel field structure associated with MAO A KO mice was restored and became morphologically similar to wild type. Thus, the lack of MAO A in the forebrain of MAO A KO mice may underlie their phenotypes.
Converting the Highly Amyloidogenic Human Calcitonin into a Powerful Fibril Inhibitor by Three-dimensional Structure Homology with a Non-amyloidogenic Analogue*

Irreversible aggregation limits bioavailability and therapeutic activity of protein-based drugs. Here we show that an aggregation-resistant mutant can be engineered by structural homology with a non-amyloidogenic analogue and that the aggregation-resistant variant may act as an inhibitor. This strategy has successfully been applied to the amyloidogenic human calcitonin (hCT). Including only five residues from the non-amyloidogenic salmon calcitonin (sCT), we obtained a variant, polar human calcitonin (phCT), whose solution structure was shown by CD, NMR, and calculations to be practically identical to that of sCT. phCT was also observed to be a potent amyloidogenesis inhibitor of hCT when mixed with it in a 1:1 ratio. Fibrillation studies of phCT and the phCT-hCT mixture mimicked the sCT behavior in the kinetics and shapes of the fibrils with a dramatic reduction with respect to hCT. Finally, the effect of phCT alone and of the mixture on the intracellular cAMP level in T47D cells confirmed for the mutant and the mixture their calcitonin-like activity, exhibiting stimulation effects identical to those of sCT, the current therapeutic form. The strategy followed appears to be suitable to develop new forms of hCT with a striking reduction of aggregation and improved activity. Finally, the inhibitory properties of the aggregation-resistant analogue, if confirmed for other amyloidogenic peptides, may favor a new strategy for controlling fibril formation in a variety of human diseases.
Serum YKL-40 predicts relapse-free and overall survival in patients with American Joint Committee on Cancer stage I and II melanoma.

PURPOSE To evaluate the novel tumor biomarker YKL-40 in serial serum samples from patients with American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stage I and II melanoma from the time of diagnosis and during routine follow-up. Macrophages, neutrophils, and cancer cells secrete YKL-40, and a high serum level has been associated with poor prognosis in patients with several cancer types. PATIENTS AND METHODS Serum samples from 234 patients with stage I (n = 162) and II (n = 72) melanoma were analyzed for YKL-40 by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. Serial samples were obtained before definitive primary surgery and during follow-up. RESULTS After a median follow-up period of 66 months (range, 1 to 97 months), 41 relapses (18%) and 39 deaths (17%) were observed. Serum YKL-40 treated as an updated continuous covariate were analyzed together with the covariates sex, age, primary tumor site, ulceration, thickness, Clark level and histologic subtype in a Cox proportional hazard model. Serum YKL-40 was an independent prognostic factor of relapse-free survival (hazard ratio [HR], 1.6; 95% CI, 1.1 to 2.5; P = .03) and overall survival (HR, 1.8; 95% CI, 1.2 to 2.6; P = .002) together with thickness and ulceration. The serum level of YKL-40 (dichotomized as normal or elevated) at the time of diagnosis was also an independent prognostic factor for overall survival (HR, 3.6, 95% CI, 1.7 to 7.7; P = .001). CONCLUSION Serum YKL-40 may be an early biomarker of relapse and survival in patients with AJCC stage I and II melanoma. Serum YKL-40 may also be useful for patient stratification and follow-up in clinical trials. Our results need confirmation in an independent study.
La importancia de los intereses académicos en la política científica y tecnológica catalana

Este articulo describe la emergencia y orientacion de las politicas de I+D e innovacion en Cataluna. Se analizan cuales son los factores mas influyentes en la orientacion de estas politicas y, en definitiva, en las opciones politicas que se toman. La politica de ciencia y tecnologia desarrollada por el gobierno regional catalan desde principios de los anos ochenta ha sido una politica en la que, a pesar de las preferencias manifestadas en el discurso politico, ha predominado un modelo de politica academico sobre el de orientacion empresarial. Asimismo, en terminos organizativos e institucionales, en la Administracion autonomica, la politica cientifica ha estado separada y diferenciada de la politica tecnologica a pesar del diseno inicial de instituciones interdepartamentales. La principal razon de que la politica de I+D catalana no siguiera un modelo mas industrial, ligado al mundo empresarial, fue la presion que ejercieron las universidades catalanas para que, tanto el diseno institucional como el contenido de la politica se adaptara a sus necesidades. La trayectoria academica previa de los gestores tambien contribuyo a la reorientacion de las preferencias politicas. A pesar de la importancia de las empresas catalanas en la I+D, estas no se movilizaron ni presionaron a los gobiernos suficientemente. Analiticamente, este caso ilustra como la sola creacion politica de instituciones no garantiza la realizacion de las preferencias politicas. Tambien pone de manifiesto como el horizonte temporal de la toma de decisiones gubernamental tiene un efecto en las expectativas de los actores, que desarrollan procesos de aprendizaje a partir de las experiencias en arenas politicas similares a otros niveles. Por ultimo, destaca la importancia del poder en las instituciones de gestion en este tipo de politica distributiva.
Transplanted Peripheral Blood Stem Cells Mobilized by Granulocyte Colony-Stimulating Factor Promoted Hindlimb Functional Recovery after Spinal Cord Injury in Mice

Granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (G-CSF) mobilizes peripheral blood stem cells (PBSCs) derived from bone marrow. We hypothesized that intraspinal transplantation of PBSCs mobilized by G-CSF could promote functional recovery after spinal cord injury. Spinal cords of adult nonobese diabetes/severe immunodeficiency mice were injured using an Infinite Horizon impactor (60 kdyn). One week after the injury, 3.0 μl of G-CSF-mobilized human mononuclear cells (MNCs; 0.5 × 105/μl), G-CSF-mobilized human CD34-positive PBSCs (CD34; 0.5 × 105/μl), or normal saline was injected to the lesion epicenter. We performed immunohistochemistry. Locomotor recovery was assessed by Basso Mouse Scale. The number of transplanted human cells decreased according to the time course. The CD31-positive area was significantly larger in the MNC and CD34 groups compared with the vehicle group. The number of serotonin-positive fibers was significantly larger in the MNC and CD34 groups than in the vehicle group. Immunohistochemistry revealed that the number of apoptotic oligodendrocytes was significantly smaller in cell-transplanted groups, and the areas of demyelination in the MNC- and CD34-transplanted mice were smaller than that in the vehicle group, indicating that cell transplantation suppressed oligodendrocyte apoptosis and demyelination. Both the MNC and CD34 groups showed significantly better hindlimb functional recovery compared with the vehicle group. There was no significant difference between the two types of transplanted cells. Intraspinal transplantation of G-CSF-mobilized MNCs or CD34-positive cells promoted angiogenesis, serotonergic fiber regeneration/sparing, and preservation of myelin, resulting in improved hindlimb function after spinal cord injury in comparison with vehicle-treated control mice. Transplantation of G-CSF-mobilized PBSCs has advantages for treatment of spinal cord injury in the ethical and immunological viewpoints, although further exploration is needed to move forward to clinical application.
Interaction of Streptococcus mutans YidC1 and YidC2 with Translating and Nontranslating Ribosomes

ABSTRACT The YidC/OxaI/Alb3 family of membrane proteins is involved in the biogenesis of integral membrane proteins in bacteria, mitochondria, and chloroplasts. Gram-positive bacteria often contain multiple YidC paralogs that can be subdivided into two major classes, namely, YidC1 and YidC2. The Streptococcus mutans YidC1 and YidC2 proteins possess C-terminal tails that differ in charges (+9 and + 14) and lengths (33 and 61 amino acids). The longer YidC2 C terminus bears a resemblance to the C-terminal ribosome-binding domain of the mitochondrial OxaI protein and, in contrast to the shorter YidC1 C terminus, can mediate the interaction with mitochondrial ribosomes. These observations have led to the suggestion that YidC1 and YidC2 differ in their abilities to interact with ribosomes. However, the interaction with bacterial translating ribosomes has never been addressed. Here we demonstrate that Escherichia coli ribosomes are able to interact with both YidC1 and YidC2. The interaction is stimulated by the presence of a nascent membrane protein substrate and abolished upon deletion of the C-terminal tail, which also abrogates the YidC-dependent membrane insertion of subunit c of the F1F0-ATPase into the membrane. It is concluded that both YidC1 and YidC2 interact with ribosomes, suggesting that the modes of membrane insertion by these membrane insertases are similar.