tbuckley/cabot-search huggingface dataset:
The Promoter Polymorphism in the Eosinophil Cationic Protein Gene and Its Influence on the Serum Eosinophil Cationic Protein Level
Authors: Emiko Noguchi, Asushi Iwama, Kazunori Takeda, Tetsuya Takeda, Masashi Kamioka, Kunio Ichikawa, Toshiko Akiba, Tadao Arinami, Masanao Shibasaki
Journal: American Journal of Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine (2003)

Asthma is characterized by reversible airway obstruction and airway inflammation. Serum levels of eosinophil cationic protein (ECP) might reflect eosinophilic airway inflammation and asthma activity. However, serum ECP levels are not elevated in some patients with asthma, even when they are symptomatic. In this study, we screened for polymorphisms in the ECP gene and analyzed association between these polymorphisms and asthma and serum ECP levels in 137 Japanese families identified through children with asthma. We identified three polymorphisms (-393C/T, -38C/A, and 124Arg/Thr) in human ECP. We did not find associations between these polymorphisms and asthma by the transmission disequilibrium test. However, we found that serum ECP levels in subjects with the -393T allele were significantly lower than those in subjects with the -393C allele. A reporter construct with the -393T allele showed significantly lower promoter activity than one with the -393C allele. Gel shift assay revealed that C/EBP proteins can bind the -393C/T polymorphic site. These data indicate that C/EBP proteins play an important role in the regulation of ECP and that a significant amount of the variance in baseline serum ECP levels may be explained by the -393C/T polymorphism. Although ECP polymorphisms are not likely to be involved in the development of asthma, measurement of ECP levels for the assessment of asthma activity may be improved when done in combination with genotyping of the -393C/T polymorphism.
Systemic but Not Local Infections Elicit Immunosuppressive IL-10 Production by Natural Killer Cells
Authors: Georgia Perona-Wright, Katja Mohrs, Frank M. Szaba, Lawrence W. Kummer, Rajat Madan, Christopher L. Karp, Lawrence L. Johnson, Stephen T. Smiley, Markus Mohrs
Journal: Cell Host & Microbe (2009)
Marine Metagenome as A Resource for Novel Enzymes
Authors: Amani D. Alma’abadi, Takashi Gojobori, Katsuhiko Mineta
Journal: Genomics Proteomics & Bioinformatics (2015)

More than 99% of identified prokaryotes, including many from the marine environment, cannot be cultured in the laboratory. This lack of capability restricts our knowledge of microbial genetics and community ecology. Metagenomics, the culture-independent cloning of environmental DNAs that are isolated directly from an environmental sample, has already provided a wealth of information about the uncultured microbial world. It has also facilitated the discovery of novel biocatalysts by allowing researchers to probe directly into a huge diversity of enzymes within natural microbial communities. Recent advances in these studies have led to a great interest in recruiting microbial enzymes for the development of environmentally-friendly industry. Although the metagenomics approach has many limitations, it is expected to provide not only scientific insights but also economic benefits, especially in industry. This review highlights the importance of metagenomics in mining microbial lipases, as an example, by using high-throughput techniques. In addition, we discuss challenges in the metagenomics as an important part of bioinformatics analysis in big data.
Effect of milk protein addition to a rehydration solution consumed after exercise in the heat
Authors: L J James, D Clayton, G H Evans
Journal: British Journal of Sports Medicine (2010)

Milk has been shown to be an effective post-exercise rehydration solution, but the specific effects of milk protein on rehydration after exercise are unknown. This study examined the effects of milk protein on rehydration after exercise in the heat, via the comparison of carbohydrate and carbohydrate-milk protein solutions matched in terms of energy density and electrolyte content. Eight male subjects (mean±SD: age 21±3 years, height 1.78±0.08 m, body mass 75.7±11.6 kg) lost 1.9±0.2% of their initial body mass via intermittent exercise in a warm environment (35±0.1°C, 50.9±2.1% RH). Subjects then rehydrated with 150% of their body mass loss over 1 h, with either a 65 g/l carbohydrate solution (C) or a 40 g/l carbohydrate, 25 g/l milk-protein solution (CP). Urine samples were collected before and after exercise and for 4 h after rehydration. After rehydration, total cumulative urine output was greater for trial C (1212±310 ml) than trial CP (931±254 ml) (p&lt;0.05), while total drink retention was greater after ingestion of drink CP (55±12%) than drink C (43±15%; p&lt;0.05). At the end of the study period, whole body net fluid balance (estimated from fluid lost through sweat and urine production and gained through drink ingestion) was less negative for trial CP (−0.26±0.27 l) than trial C (−0.52±0.30 l), and although net negative for both trials, was significantly negative only after ingestion of drink C (p&lt;0.05). These results suggest that after exercise in a warm environment, a carbohydrate-milk protein solution is better retained than a carbohydrate solution, when solutions are matched for energy density and electrolyte content. Some of the beneficial post-exercise rehydration effects of milk might be attributable to the milk protein.
Response to chemotherapy is not related to chromosome instability in synovial sarcoma
Authors: C. Chakiba, P. Lagarde, D. Pissaloux, A. Neuville, C. Brulard, G. Pérot, J.M. Coindre, P. Terrier, D. Ranchere-Vince, A. Ferrari, P. Collini, A.J.H. Suurmeijer, J.Y. Blay, S.A. Terrisse, S. Piperno-Neumann, G. Averous, B. Bui, D. Orbach, A. Italiano, F. Chibon
Journal: Annals of Oncology (2014)
Injury and safety in junior rugby union football
Authors: A McIntosh, R Dutfied, M Grimison
Journal: British Journal of Sports Medicine (2011)

Background Little is known about the injury incidence and risk factors in junior rugby union football. In particular, the timing of the introduction of the tackle, the skill associated with the highest incidence of injury, must be considered in the development pathway. Objective To measure the incidence of injury in junior rugby and assess risk factors. Design A prospective cohort study. Setting Community level junior male rugby union football. Participants 312 rugby players aged between 6 and 14 years were recruited over two seasons. Assessment of risk factors Age, number of players, and introduction of the tackle were assessed. Main outcome measurements Game and training participations, as well as injury, were measured. Injury was defined as occurring when a player missed a game or training due to an injury in a rugby game or training and calculated as the injury incidence rate (eg, per 1000 h of game participation). Results There were 24 injuries over two seasons. Season one game injury incidence was, for example, 7.5 injuries per 1000 h. No injuries were recorded in the youngest age groups and there was a gradual increase in injury rates with age. In this cohort age and number of players on the field is correlated due to the game structure. Forearm/hand and knee injuries were most common. The tackle and accidental falls were the most common cause of injury. An unusual injury occurred to one player at training – a vertebral artery tear that may have resulted from a fall. Conclusion Injuries were typical childhood injuries that occur in sport and recreational activities. Injury rates were much lower than observed in adult rugby (community and professional). Accidental falls appear to be more common in this study than in older age groups. This may be related to gross motor control and developing team and individual rugby skills.
Photosensitizer Loaded Nano-Graphene for Multimodality Imaging Guided Tumor Photodynamic Therapy
Authors: Pengfei Rong, Kai Yang, Avinash Srivastan, Dale O. Kiesewetter, Xuyi Yue, Fu Wang, Liming Nie, Ashwinkumar Bhirde, Zhe Wang, Zhuang Liu, Gang Niu, Wei Wang, Xiaoyuan Chen
Journal: Theranostics (2014)

Graphene, a 2-dimensional carbon nanomaterial, has attracted wide attention in biomedical applications, owing to its intrinsic physical and chemical properties.In this work, a photosensitizer molecule, 2-(1-hexyloxyethyl)-2-devinyl pyropheophorbide-alpha (HPPH or Photochlor®), is loaded onto polyethylene glycol (PEG)-functionalized graphene oxide (GO) via supramolecular π-π stacking.The obtained GO-PEG-HPPH complex shows high HPPH loading efficiency.The in vivo distribution and delivery were tracked by fluorescence imaging as well as positron emission tomography (PET) after radiolabeling of HPPH with 64 Cu.Compared with free HPPH, GO-PEG-HPPH offers dramatically improved photodynamic cancer cell killing efficacy due to the increased tumor delivery of HPPH.Our study identifies a role for graphene as a carrier of PDT agents to improve PDT efficacy and increase long-term survival following treatment.
Loss of Bim Increases T Cell Production and Function in Interleukin 7 Receptor–deficient Mice
Authors: Marc Pellegrini, Philippe Bouillet, Mikara Robati, Gabrielle T. Belz, Gayle M. Davey, Andreas Strasser
Journal: The Journal of Experimental Medicine (2004)

Interleukin (IL)-7 receptor (R) signaling is essential for T and B lymphopoiesis by promoting proliferation, differentiation, and survival of cells. Mice lacking either IL-7 or the IL-7Rα chain have abnormally low numbers of immature as well as mature T and B lymphocytes. Transgenic expression of the apoptosis inhibitor Bcl-2 rescues T cell development and function in IL-7Rα–deficient mice, indicating that activation of a proapoptotic Bcl-2 family member causes death of immature and mature T cells. BH3-only proteins such as Bim, which are distant proapoptotic members of the Bcl-2 family, are essential initiators of programmed cell death and stress-induced apoptosis. We generated Bim/IL-7Rα double deficient mice and found that loss of Bim significantly increased thymocyte numbers, restored near normal numbers of mature T cells in the blood and spleen, and enhanced cytotoxic T cell responses to virus infection in IL-7Rα−/− mice. These results indicate that Bim cooperates with other proapoptotic proteins in the death of IL-7–deprived T cell progenitors in vivo, but is the major inducer of this pathway to apoptosis in mature T cells. This indicates that pharmacological inhibition of Bim function might be useful for boosting immune responses in immunodeficient patients.
Management of multidrug-resistant tuberculosis and patients in retreatment
Authors: J. A. Caminero
Journal: European Respiratory Journal (2005)

Retreatment of tuberculosis involves the management of entities as diverse as relapse, failure, treatment after default, and poor patient adherence to the previous treatment. The emergence of conditions for selection of resistance (failure and partial abandonment) is a matter of great concern. The development of a retreatment regimen for tuberculosis requires consideration of certain basic premises. The importance of a comprehensive and directed history of drugs taken in the past, and the limited reliability of susceptibility tests to many of these drugs, should be kept in mind. Taking this into account, and possessing a thorough knowledge of all anti-tuberculosis medications, it is possible to cure almost all patients with an appropriate retreatment regimen including a minimum of three or four drugs not previously used. Nonetheless, the treatment of these patients is so complex that it should only be carried out by experienced staff. Concern about treating tuberculosis patients with drug resistance varies greatly depending on the available resources. High-income countries should provide individual treatment regimens adapted to each patient; however, in other settings, restricted resources could justify the implementation of standardised therapeutic guidelines with second-line drugs in order to facilitate management and reduce costs.
Clinical course of occupational irritant contact dermatitis of the hands in relation to filaggrin genotype status and atopy
Authors: L. Landeck, M. Visser, C. Skudlik, R. Brans, S. Kezic, S.M. John
Journal: British Journal of Dermatology (2012)

Filaggrin loss-of-function mutations and atopy may alter the clinical course of irritant contact dermatitis (ICD).To investigate the clinical course of patients with occupational ICD according to loss-of-function mutations in the filaggrin gene (FLG) and atopy.In a prospective cohort study, the clinical course, use of topical corticosteroids, sick leave, recovery rate and job continuation were investigated in 459 inpatients treated for occupational ICD of the hands. Patients were genotyped for four FLG mutations, examined for atopy and followed for up to 3 years after discharge.Our study included 327 (71·2%) atopic individuals and 132 nonatopic individuals. Overall, 68 patients showed a mutation in the FLG alleles R501X, R2447X, S3247X and 2282del4 (60 atopic and eight nonatopic). Nonatopic patients with ICD responded well to therapeutic approaches, while atopy status made subjects more resistant to therapy, resulting in lower rates of recovery and job continuation and higher use of topical corticosteroids. Carriage of FLG loss-of-function mutations in combination with atopy worsened the course. The risk of abandoning one's profession in this group was significantly increased when compared with 'pure' ICD (odds ratio 3·1) after 3 years.Patients with atopy are a special risk population for ICD. In the presence of atopy, FLG mutations seem to be a modifier of the severity of the clinical course in ICD. Early-stage identification of this subgroup may result in additional emphasis to these patients regarding the importance of adherence to specific therapeutic interventions.
Dynamic exercise echocardiography.
Authors: Y Sugishita, S Koseki
Journal: Circulation (1979)

To evaluate left ventricular (LV) reserve, we developed a method of dynamic exercise echocardiography (DEE). Forty-six healthy persons and 47 cardiac patients performed bicycle ergometer exercise in the supine position. A special table was used on which the subjects could be firmly attached at shoulder level to prevent bodily movements which might disturb the recordings. In 83% of the subjects in whom a clear echocardiogram was obtained at rest, a clear echocardiogram was also obtained during dynamic exercise. During exercise, cardiac output estimated from the echocardiogram and that from the dye-dilution method showed an excellent correlation. The changes of the mean velocity of LV circumferential shortening during exercise permitted discrimination between older and younger healthy men, and also between healthy subjects and those with either mild or severe LV dysfunction. We conclude that DEE is useful for evaluating LV reserve.
Variant of<i>TREM2</i>Associated with the Risk of Alzheimer's Disease
Authors: Thorlakur Jonsson, Hreinn Stefansson, Stacy Steinberg, Ingileif Jonsdottir, Palmi V. Jonsson, Jon Snaedal, Sigurbjorn Bjornsson, Johanna Huttenlocher, Allan I. Levey, James J. Lah, Dan Rujescu, Harald Hampel, Ina Giegling, Ole A. Andreassen, Knut Engedal, Ingun Ulstein, Srdjan Djurovic, Carla Ibrahim-Verbaas, Albert Hofman, M. Arfan Ikram, Cornelia M van Duijn, Unnur Thorsteinsdottir, Augustine Kong, Kari Stefansson
Journal: New England Journal of Medicine (2012)

Sequence variants, including the ε4 allele of apolipoprotein E, have been associated with the risk of the common late-onset form of Alzheimer's disease. Few rare variants affecting the risk of late-onset Alzheimer's disease have been found.
Gallium Citrate Ga 67 Scans in Febrile Patients
Authors: M. Reza Habibian
Journal: JAMA (1975)

Scanning with gallium citrate Ga 67 is a sensitive technique for the detection of localized inflammatory disease. In a group of 22 febrile patients, 17 had one or more abnormal areas of radioactive gallium localization. Eight patients showed localized areas of inflammation; five showed no area of local inflammation within the field of the scan. The remaining patients had excellent clinical and laboratory confirmation of neoplastic or inflammatory disease. These cases illustrate the usefulness of radioactive gallium in febrile patients in whom the cause of the fever cannot be otherwise determined.
STUDIES ON A PROTEOLYTIC ENZYME IN HUMAN PLASMA
Authors: Oscar D. Ratnoff
Journal: The Journal of Experimental Medicine (1948)

1. Some conditions for the optimal activation of plasma proteolytic enzyme by chloroform have been described. The activation proceeds slowly. The action of chloroform is probably to remove some substance which inhibits or inactivates the plasma proteolytic enzyme preparation, rather than a direct activation of the enzyme. 2. Plasma proteolytic enzyme is activated by filtrates of cultures of beta hemolytic streptococci. When streptococcal fibrinolysin is present in maximally effective amounts, the activation is almost instantaneous. When the globulin is prepared from heated serum or the globulin is treated with chloroform, the activation of enzyme by streptococcal fibrinolysin appears to be catalytic. If the globulin is not so treated, the reaction appears to involve a stoichiometric process. 3. The plasma proteolytic enzyme activated by chloroform or by streptococcal fibrinolysin digests casein in direct proportion to the concentration of enzyme and to the time of digestion, during the early period of incubation. 4. Fibrinolysin-activated enzyme deteriorates rapidly relative to chloroform-activated enzyme. This may be due to the removal by chloroform of some substance which inactivates plasma proteolytic enzyme.
Cognitive Dysfunction and Anxious-Impulsive Personality Traits Are Endophenotypes for Drug Dependence
Authors: Karen D. Ersche, Abigail J. Turton, Samuel R. Chamberlain, Ulrich Müller, Edward T. Bullmore, Trevor W. Robbins
Journal: American Journal of Psychiatry (2012)

Not everyone who takes drugs becomes addicted, but the likelihood of developing drug addiction is greater in people with a family history of drug or alcohol dependence. Relatively little is known about how genetic risk mediates the development of drug dependence. By comparing the phenotypic profile of individuals with and without a family history of addiction, the authors sought to clarify the extent to which cognitive dysfunction and personality traits are shared by family members--and therefore likely to have predated drug dependence--and which aspects are specific to drug-dependent individuals.The authors assessed cognitive function and personality traits associated with drug dependence in stimulant-dependent individuals (N=50), their biological siblings without a history of drug dependence (N=50), and unrelated healthy volunteers (N=50).Cognitive function was significantly impaired in the stimulant-dependent individuals across a range of domains. Deficits in executive function and response control were identified in both the stimulant-dependent individuals and in their non-drug-dependent siblings. Drug-dependent individuals and their siblings also exhibited elevated anxious-impulsive personality traits relative to healthy comparison volunteers.Deficits in executive function and response regulation as well as anxious-impulsive personality traits may represent endophenotypes associated with the risk of developing cocaine or amphetamine dependence. The identification of addiction endophenotypes may be useful in facilitating the rational development of therapeutic and preventive strategies.
Accounting for the fine structure of syntactic working memory: Similarity-based interference as a unifying principle
Authors: Richard L. Lewis
Journal: Behavioral and Brain Sciences (1999)

A promising approach to more refined models consistent with the Caplan & Waters hypothesis is based on similarity-based interference, a general principle that applies across working memory domains. This may explain both the fine details of syntactic working memory phenomena and the gross fractionation for which Caplan & Waters have found evidence. Detailed models of syntactic processing that embody similarity-based interference fare well cross-linguistically.
Regulated expression of claudin-4 decreases paracellular conductance through a selective decrease in sodium permeability
Authors: Christina Van Itallie, Christoph Rahner, James Melvin Anderson
Journal: Journal of Clinical Investigation (2001)

Tight junctions regulate paracellular conductance and ionic selectivity. These properties vary among epithelia but the molecular basis of this variation remains unknown. To test whether members of the claudin family of tight junction proteins influence paracellular ionic selectivity, we expressed human claudin-4 in cultured MDCK cells using an inducible promoter. Overexpression increased the complexity of tight junction strands visible by freeze-fracture microscopy without affecting the levels of claudin-1, -2, or -3, occludin, or ZO-1. A decrease in conductance correlated directly with the kinetics of claudin-4 induction. Dilution potentials revealed that the decrease in paracellular conductance resulted from a selective decrease in Na+ permeability without a significant effect on Cl– permeability. Flux for an uncharged solute, mannitol, and the rank order of permeabilities for the alkali metal cations were unchanged. A paracellular site for these effects was supported by the lack of apical/basal directionality of the dilution potentials, the linearity of current-voltage relationships, and the lack of influence of inhibitors of major transcellular transporters. These results provide, to our knowledge, the first direct demonstration of the ability of a claudin to influence paracellular ion selectivity and support a role for the claudins in creating selective channels through the tight-junction barrier.
Executive Summary: Heart Disease and Stroke Statistics—2012 Update
Authors: Véronique L. Roger, Alan S. Go, Donald M. Lloyd-Jones, Emelia J. Benjamin, Jarett D. Berry, William B. Borden, Dawn M. Bravata, Shifan Dai, Earl S. Ford, Caroline S. Fox, Heather J. Fullerton, Cathleen Gillespie, Susan M. Hailpern, John A. Heit, Virginia J. Howard, Brett M. Kissela, Steven J. Kittner, Daniel T. Lackland, Judith H. Lichtman, Lynda D. Lisabeth, Diane M. Makuc, Gregory M. Marcus, Ariane Marelli, David B. Matchar, Claudia S. Moy, Dariush Mozaffarian, Michael E. Mussolino, Graham Nichol, Nina P. Paynter, Elsayed Z. Soliman, Paul D. Sorlie, Nona Sotoodehnia, Tanya N. Turan, Salim S. Virani, Nathan D. Wong, Daniel Woo, Melanie B. Turner
Journal: Circulation (2012)