Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Involvement of Th17 cells and the effect of anti-IL-6 therapy in autoimmune uveitis.

OBJECTIVES Human endogenous uveitis is one of the sight-threatening diseases associated with variety of systemic disorders, such as Behcet's disease and sarcoidosis. Recently, biosynthesized antibodies against inflammatory cytokines have been recognized to be useful to control the regional inflammation. In this study, we focused on the possibility of IL-6-based biological therapies for endogenous uveitis. We initially confirmed the significant increase of several inflammatory soluble factors including IL-6 in the vitreous fluids from refractory/chronic engogenous uveitis patients. METHODS To investigate the role of IL-6 in the formation of refractory ocular inflammation, we used the mouse experimental autoimmune uveitis (EAU) model. Both IL-6 and IL-23 are required for the development of IL-17-producing helper T subset (Th17) from naïve CD4(+) T cells. Results. In the EAU model, neither IL-6-deficient mice nor IL-23-deficient mice could induce Th17 cells and the EAU score was decreased in these mice in the entire time course. We also confirmed that systemic administration of anti-il-6 receptor antibody ameliorates EAU By suppressing both systemic and regional TH17 responses. CONCLUSIONS IL-6 is responsible for causing ocular inflammation, and it is, at least partially, due to IL-6-dependent Th17 differentiation. IL-6 may be a target for therapy of refractory endogenous uveitis in humans.
A Comparative Study of Experimental Configurations in Synchrotron Pair Distribution Function

The identification and quantification of amorphous components and nanocrystalline phases with very small crystal sizes, smaller than ~3 nm, within samples containing crystalline phases is very challenging. However, this is important as there are several types of systems that contain these matrices: building materials, glass-ceramics, some alloys, etc. The total scattering synchrotron pair distribution function (PDF) can be used to characterize the local atomic order of the nanocrystalline components and to carry out quantitative analyses in complex mixtures. Although the resolution in momentum transfer space has been widely discussed, the resolution in the interatomic distance space has not been discussed to the best of our knowledge. Here, we report synchrotron PDF data collected at three beamlines in different experimental configurations and X-ray detectors. We not only discuss the effect of the resolution in Q-space, Qmax ins of the recorded data and Qmax of the processed data, but we also discuss the resolution in the interatomic distance (real) space. A thorough study of single-phase crystalline nickel used as standard was carried out. Then, selected cement-related samples including anhydrous tricalcium and dicalcium silicates, and pastes derived from the hydration of tricalcium silicate and ye’elimite with bassanite were analyzed.
Continuing issues with the Bayley-III: where to go from here.

There is increased pressure placed on clinicians and researchers to obtain accurate assessment data on infants whose levels of development may be in question. Clinicians need definitive assessments to answer concerns identified in screenings, whereas researchers require valid developmental data to document efficacy in intervention and outcome studies. Underestimating developmental disability is a significant concern that has long-term ramifications for all professionals who work with infants and young children. Therefore, the main purpose of developmental evaluation in infancy and early childhood is to establish current levels of neurodevelopmental function for individuals or groups of children. Adequately addressing this task depends on the tests used, normative data to which scores are compared, and cutoffs used to define problems. The current reference standard for early developmental assessment is the Bayley Scales of Infant and Toddler Development-third edition (Bayley-III). 1 Several concerns regarding this test instrument have been described previously.2
A theory of goal-oriented communication

We put forward a general theory of goal-oriented communication, where communication is not an end in itself, but rather a means to achieving some goals of the communicating parties. Focusing on goals provides a framework for addressing the problem of potential “misunderstanding” during communication, where the misunderstanding arises from lack of initial agreement on what protocol and/or language is being used in communication. In this context, “reliable communication” means overcoming any initial misunderstanding between parties towards achieving a given goal. Despite the enormous diversity among the goals of communication, we propose a simple model that captures all goals. In the simplest form of communication we consider, two parties, a user and a server, attempt to communicate with each other in order to achieve some goal of the user. We show that any goal of communication can be modeled mathematically by introducing a third party, which we call the referee, who hypothetically monitors the conversation between the user and the server and determines whether or not the goal has been achieved. Potential misunderstanding between the players is captured by allowing each player (the user/server) to come from a (potentially infinite) class of players such that each player is unaware which instantiation of the other it is talking to. We identify a main concept, which we call sensing, that allows goals to be achieved even under misunderstanding. Informally, sensing captures the user's ability (potentially using help from the server) to simulate the referee's assessment on whether the communication is achieving the goal. We show that when the user can sense progress, the goal of communication can be achieved despite initial misunderstanding. We also show that in certain settings sensing is necessary for overcoming such initial misunderstanding. Our results significantly extend the scope of the investigation started by Juba and Sudan (STOC 2008) who studied the foregoing phenomenon in the case of a single specific goal. Our study shows that their main suggestion, that misunderstanding can be detected and possibly corrected by focusing on the goal, can be proved in full generality.
Immunomodulatory Effects of Bone Marrow-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells in a Swine Hemi-Facial Allotransplantation Model

Background In this study, we investigated whether the infusion of bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs), combined with transient immunosuppressant treatment, could suppress allograft rejection and modulate T-cell regulation in a swine orthotopic hemi-facial composite tissue allotransplantation (CTA) model. Methodology/Principal Findings Outbred miniature swine underwent hemi-facial allotransplantation (day 0). Group-I (n = 5) consisted of untreated control animals. Group-II (n = 3) animals received MSCs alone (given on days −1, +1, +3, +7, +14, and +21). Group-III (n = 3) animals received CsA (days 0 to +28). Group-IV (n = 5) animals received CsA (days 0 to +28) and MSCs (days −1, +1, +3, +7, +14, and +21). The transplanted face tissue was observed daily for signs of rejection. Biopsies of donor tissues and recipient blood sample were obtained at specified predetermined times (per 2 weeks post-transplant) or at the time of clinically evident rejection. Our results indicated that the MSC-CsA group had significantly prolonged allograft survival compared to the other groups (P<0.001). Histological examination of the MSC-CsA group displayed the lowest degree of rejection in alloskin and lymphoid gland tissues. TNF-α expression in circulating blood revealed significant suppression in the MSC and MSC-CsA treatment groups, as compared to that in controls. IHC staining showed CD45 and IL-6 expression were significantly decreased in MSC-CsA treatment groups compared to controls. The number of CD4+/CD25+ regulatory T-cells and IL-10 expressions in the circulating blood significantly increased in the MSC-CsA group compared to the other groups. IHC staining of alloskin tissue biopsies revealed a significant increase in the numbers of foxp3+T-cells and TGF-β1 positive cells in the MSC-CsA group compared to the other groups. Conclusions These results demonstrate that MSCs significantly prolong hemifacial CTA survival. Our data indicate the MSCs did not only suppress inflammation and acute rejection of CTA, but also modulate T-cell regulation and related cytokines expression.
The mammalian Scribble polarity protein regulates epithelial cell adhesion and migration through E-cadherin

Scribble (Scrib) is a conserved polarity protein required in Drosophila melanogaster for synaptic function, neuroblast differentiation, and epithelial polarization. It is also a tumor suppressor. In rodents, Scrib has been implicated in receptor recycling and planar polarity but not in apical/basal polarity. We now show that knockdown of Scrib disrupts adhesion between Madin–Darby canine kidney epithelial cells. As a consequence, the cells acquire a mesenchymal appearance, migrate more rapidly, and lose directionality. Although tight junction assembly is delayed, confluent monolayers remain polarized. These effects are independent of Rac activation or Scrib binding to βPIX. Rather, Scrib depletion disrupts E-cadherin–mediated cell–cell adhesion. The changes in morphology and migration are phenocopied by E-cadherin knockdown. Adhesion is partially rescued by expression of an E-cadherin–α-catenin fusion protein but not by E-cadherin–green fluorescent protein. These results suggest that Scrib stabilizes the coupling between E-cadherin and the catenins and are consistent with the idea that mammalian Scrib could behave as a tumor suppressor by regulating epithelial cell adhesion and migration.
Open-Label, Randomized Comparison of Itraconazole versus Caspofungin for Prophylaxis in Patients with Hematologic Malignancies

ABSTRACT Invasive fungal infection remains the most common cause of infectious death in acute leukemia. In this open-label, randomized study, we compared the efficacy and safety of caspofungin with that of intravenous itraconazole for antifungal prophylaxis in patients undergoing induction chemotherapy for acute myelogenous leukemia or myelodysplastic syndrome. Of 200 patients, 192 were evaluable for efficacy (86 for itraconazole, 106 for caspofungin). Duration of prophylaxis (median, 21 days [range, 1 to 38 days]), demographics, and prognostic factors were similar in both groups. Ninety-nine patients completed antifungal prophylaxis without developing fungal infection (44 [51%] with itraconazole, 55 [52%] with caspofungin). Twelve patients developed documented invasive fungal infections, five in the itraconazole group (four with candidemia and one with Aspergillus pneumonia), and seven in the caspofungin group (two with candidemia, two with disseminated trichosporon species, two with Aspergillus pneumonia, and one with disseminated Fusarium spp). Two patients in the itraconazole group and four in the caspofungin group died of fungal infection (P = 0.57). Grade 3 to 4 adverse event rates were comparable between groups; the most common event in both was reversible hyperbilirubinemia. No evidence of cardiovascular toxicity from intravenous itraconazole was noted among patients older than 60. In conclusion, intravenous itraconazole and caspofungin provided similar protection against invasive fungal infection during induction chemotherapy, and both drugs were well tolerated.
Procoagulant Microparticles in Dogs with Immune‐Mediated Hemolytic Anemia

Background Studies of some human prothrombotic diseases suggest that phosphatidylserine‐positive (PS+) and tissue factor‐positive (TF+) microparticles (MPs) might play a role in the pathogenesis of thrombosis or serve as biomarkers of thrombotic risk. Hypothesis/Objectives To determine if circulating levels of PS+MP and procoagulant activity (PCA) associated with PS+MPs and TF+ MPs are increased in dogs with IMHA. Animals Fifteen dogs with primary or secondary IMHA and 17 clinically healthy dogs. Methods Prospective case‐controlled observational study. Circulating PS+MPs were measured by flow cytometry. PCA associated with PS+MPs and TF+MPs was measured by thrombin and Factor Xa generating assays, respectively. Results Circulating numbers of PS+MPs were not significantly higher in dogs with IMHA [control median 251,000/μL (36,992–1,141,250/μL); IMHA median 361,990/μL (21,766–47,650,600/μL) P = . 30]. However, PS+MP PCA [control median 2.2 (0.0–16.8) nM PS eq; IMHA median 8.596, (0–49.33 nM PS eq) P = . 01] and TF+MP PCA [control median 0.0, (0.0–0.0 pg/mL); IMHA median 0.0; (0–22.34 pg/mL], P = .04) were increased. Intravascular hemolysis, which we showed might increase PS+ and TF+MP PCA, was evident in 3 of 5 dogs with PS+MP PCA and 2 of 4 dogs with TF+MP PCA higher than controls. Underlying disease in addition to IMHA was detected in 1 of 5 dogs with PS+PCA and 3 of 4 dogs with TF+MP PCA higher than controls. Conclusions and Clinical Importance TF+ and PS+MP PCA is increased in some dogs with IMHA. Further studies that determine if measuring TF+ and PS+ MP PCA can help identify dogs at risk for thrombosis are warranted.
Environmental Variation and Selection on Performance Curves1

Abstract Many aspects of physiological and organismal performance vary with some continuous environmental variable: e.g., photosynthetic rate as a function of light intensity; growth rate or sprint speed as a function of temperature. For such ‘performance curves’, the environment plays two roles: it affects both the levels of performance expressed, and the relationship between performance and fitness. How does environmental variation within a generation determine natural selection on performance curves? We describe an approach to this question that has three components. First, we quantify natural environmental variation and assess its impact on performance in the field. Second, we develop a simple theoretical model that predicts how fine-grained environmental variation determines selection on performance curves. Third, we describe how directional selection on performance curves may be estimated and compared to theoretical predictions. We illustrate these steps using data on performance curves of short-term growth rate as a function of temperature (thermal performance curves) in Pieris caterpillars. We use this approach to explore whether selection acts primarily on growth rate at specific temperatures, or on more integrated aspects of growth.
Chemotherapy Is More Effective in Patients with Breast Cancer Not Expressing Steroid Hormone Receptors

Purpose: The purpose of this research was to identify factors predicting response to preoperative chemotherapy. Experimental Design: In a large volume laboratory using standard immunohistochemical methods, we reviewed the pretreatment biopsies and histologic specimens at final surgery of 399 patients with large or locally advanced breast cancer (cT2-T4, N0–2, M0) who were treated with preoperative chemotherapy. The incidence of pathological complete remission and the incidence of node-negative status at final surgery were assessed with respect to initial pathological and clinical findings. Menopausal status, estrogen receptor status, progesterone receptor status [absent (0% of the cells positive) versus expressed], clinical tumor size, histologic grade, Ki-67, Her-2/neu expression, and type and route of chemotherapy were considered. Results: High rates of pathological complete remission were associated with absence of estrogen receptor and progesterone receptor expression (P < 0.0001), and grade 3 (P = 0.001). Significant predictors of node-negative status at surgery were absence of estrogen receptor and progesterone receptor expression (P < 0.0001), clinical tumor size <5 cm (P < 0.001), and use of infusional regimens (P = 0.003). The chance of obtaining pathological complete remission or node-negative status for patients with endocrine nonresponsive tumors compared with those having some estrogen receptor or progesterone receptor expression was 4.22 (95% confidence interval, 2.20–8.09, 33.3% versus 7.5%) and 3.47 (95% confidence interval, 2.09–5.76, 42.9% versus 21.7%), respectively. Despite the significantly higher incidence of pathological complete remission and node-negative status achieved by preoperative chemotherapy for patients with estrogen receptor and progesterone receptor absent disease, the disease-free survival was significantly worse for this cohort compared with the low/positive expression cohort (4-year disease-free survival %: 41% versus 74%; hazard ratio 3.22; 95% confidence interval, 2.28–4.54; P < 0.0001). Conclusions: Response to preoperative chemotherapy is significantly higher for patients with endocrine nonresponsive tumors. New chemotherapy regimens or combinations should be explored in this cohort of patients with poor outcome. For patients with endocrine responsive disease, the role of preoperative endocrine therapies should be studied.
Continuous Delivery: Huge Benefits, but Challenges Too

Continuous delivery (CD) has emerged as an auspicious alternative to traditional release engineering, promising to provide the capability to release valuable software continuously to customers. Paddy Power has been implementing CD for the past two years. This article explains why Paddy Power decided to adopt CD, describes the resulting CD capability, and reports the huge benefits and challenges involved. These experiences can provide fellow practitioners with insights for their adoption of CD, and the identified challenges can provide researchers valuable input for developing their research agendas.
Predictors of AIDS‐preventive behavior among homosexually active men: a longitudinal study

Predictors of adoption of safer sexual behaviors were examined in a cohort of 278 homosexually active men with stable HIV-antibody status followed over 12 months at a Boston community health center. The behaviors examined included: (1) restriction of partners to one monogamous or steady relationship and (2) among men who maintained multiple or non-steady partners, the avoidance of unprotected receptive and Insertive anogenital contact. For each behavior, men who adopted consistently safer behavior were compared with those who remained unsafe, using bivariate analyses and multiple logistic regression modelling. The strongest predictor of all behaviors was the initial level of the unsafe behavior. After controlling for this, weak effects of several health beliefs were found, including perceived susceptibility and medical efficacy. Men who became aware of a positive HIV-antibody test result and who reported greater effort to change their behavior were more likely to adopt safer insertive anogenital contact. In this generally well-educated cohort with high levels of knowledge about AIDS, adoption of safer sexual behaviors is best predicted from previous levels of unsafe behavior.
The concept nursing in greece: a focus group approach

BACKGROUND: There is a consensus among the international community about the importance of clarifying the meaning of “nursing” since it is believed that it influences the practice of nursing and its social status in different countries.AIMS: To explore the concept of nursing in Greece through the perceived meaning of the word “nursing” among nurses and nursing students and to form a definition of the term “nursing”. METHODOLOGY: Five focus groups were conducted, in Athens, Thessaloniki, and in smaller cities situated in rural regions of Northern and Western Greece. Each discussion lasted from 90 to 120 minutes; they were carried out in Greek language and were all audio-taped. At the beginning of each focus-group discussion, the researcher explained the purpose of the study and the voluntary nature of participation. Data were analysed using content analysis.RESULTS: The majority of the participants were female (n=29, 85.29%), married (n=23, 67.65%), mean age 32.12 ± 11.9 (min 18, max 55). Five categories were emerged from the data analysis:1) The practice of nursing, 2) Nursing as a profession or as a service, 3) Nursing as a branch of medicine, 4) Nursing as a science and an art, and 5) The social status of nursing. The deriving definition of nursing is: Nursing is a science and an art, a profession of relatively low social status and a service to the society. Nursing is the provision of care to patients with the aim of treatment and rehabilitation as well as, to families and populations. Nursing also includes psychological support, prevention, and health promotion.
Quality of Life, Environmental Domain, and Use of Identification Devices in Nursing

Significant attention has been brought to the safety of medical and nursing care in acute-care hospitals, but nursing homes are not immune to errors that result in injury (Kapp, 2003). Errors, even minor ones, can have significant impact in this population group of aged, frail individuals (Scott-Cawiezell, et al., 2006). Nursing home residents do not wear an identification device for varied reasons. This places an extra burden on those passing medications to ensure they have the right person receiving the right medication. The purpose of this study was to determine the relationships between variables with the resident’s willingness to wear an identification device. The variables selected were: (a) the resident’s quality of life, (b) the resident’s perception of his/her environmental domain, and (c) the resident’s willingness to wear an identification device. A non-experimental, correlational design was used. Inferential statistics using Spearman’s rho was used to determine correlations between the variables. Chi-square was used to determine differences between male and female responses. A convenience sample (N = 53) included residents from seven nursing homes in two Midwestern states. Research question number one was, “What is the relationship, if any, between a nursing home resident’s quality of life and his/her willingness to wear an identification device? ” There was an insignificant, inverse correlation and the result was not significant, rs(51) = -. 058, p > . 05. Research question number two was, “What is the relationship, if any, between a nursing home resident’s perception of the environmental domain and his/her willingness to wear an identification device? ” An insignificant correlation was found and the result was not significant, rs(51) = . 165, p > . 05. The third research question was, “What are the differences, if any, between gender of nursing home residents and their willingness to wear an identification device? ” No significant difference was found between the variables, X2(1) = . 331, p > . 05. This investigation found no significant correlation between nursing home residents’ perceptions of quality of life and environment and willingness to wear and identification device, nor were there significant differences between male and female participants.
Dynamic voltage scaling for real-time multi-task scheduling using buffers

This paper proposes energy efficient real-time multi-task scheduling (EDF and RM) algorithms by using buffers. The buffering technique overcomes a drawback of previous approaches by utilizing the slack time of a system fully. It increases the CPU utilization and averages the workload of a system, so it enhances the effectiveness of the DVS technique. We target multimedia applications where a slight buffering delay is tolerable within a latency constraint. We modify the state transition and queue handling mechanism of multi-task scheduling in the kernel. In experiments, our algorithms achieve up to 44% of energy consumption saving for EDF scheduling and 49% for RM scheduling with realistic task set configurations and reasonable machine specifications.