Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ganglion Cell Adaptability: Does the Coupling of Horizontal Cells Play a Role?

Background The visual system can adjust itself to different visual environments. One of the most well known examples of this is the shift in spatial tuning that occurs in retinal ganglion cells with the change from night to day vision. This shift is thought to be produced by a change in the ganglion cell receptive field surround, mediated by a decrease in the coupling of horizontal cells. Methodology/Principal Findings To test this hypothesis, we used a transgenic mouse line, a connexin57-deficient line, in which horizontal cell coupling was abolished. Measurements, both at the ganglion cell level and the level of behavioral performance, showed no differences between wild-type retinas and retinas with decoupled horizontal cells from connexin57-deficient mice. Conclusion/Significance This analysis showed that the coupling and uncoupling of horizontal cells does not play a dominant role in spatial tuning and its adjustability to night and day light conditions. Instead, our data suggest that another mechanism, likely arising in the inner retina, must be responsible.
Using covariance structure analysis to detect correlates and predictors of individual change over time

Recently, methodologists have shown how two disparate conceptual arenas—individual growth modeling and covariance structure analysis—can be integrated. The integration brings the flexibility of covariance analysis to bear on the investigation of systematic interindividual differences in change and provides another powerful data-analytic tool for answering questions about the relationship between individual true change and potential predictors of that change. The individual growth modeling framework uses a pair of hierarchical statistical models to represent (a) within-person true status as a function of time and (b) between-person differences in true change as a function of predictors. This article explains how these models can be reformatted to correspond, respectively, to the measurement and structural components of the general LISREL model with mean structures and illustrates, by means of worked example, how the new method can be applied to a sample of longitudinal panel data. Questions about correlates and predictors of individual change over time are concerned with the detection of systematic interindividual differences in change, that is, whether individual change in a continuous outcome is related to selected characteristics of a person's background, environment, treatment, or training. Examples include the following: Do the rates at which students learn differ by attributes of the academic programs in which they are enrolled? Are longitudinal changes in children's psychosocial adjustment related to health status, gender, and home background? Questions like these can be answered only when continuous data are available longitudinally on many individuals, that is, when both time points and individuals have been sampled representatively. Traditionally, researchers have sampled individual status at only two points in time, a strategy that has proven largely inadequate because two waves of data contain only min
A Collective Self-Esteem Scale: Self-Evaluation of One's Social Identity

Social identity theory as developed by Tajfel and Turner argues that there are two distinct aspects of the self-concept: personal identity and social identity (in American terminology, collective identity). Although many self-esteem measures are available in the literature, they allfocus on individuals'evaluation of their personal identity, whether in private or interpersonal domains. No scale currently exists that assesses the positivity of one's social, or collective, identity. A scale was constructed to assess individual differences in collective, rather than personal, self-esteem, with four subscales (Membership esteem, Public collective self-esteem, Private collective self-esteem, and Importance to Identity). Evidence for reliability and validity of the scale was provided by three studies, suggesting that the scale can be a useful research tool. Implications for research and social identity theory are discussed.
Mid-term and long-term follow-up of intracranial aneurysms treated by the p64 Flow Modulation Device: a multicenter experience

Background Experience with the endovascular treatment of cerebral aneurysms using the p64 Flow Modulation Device is still limited. This study discusses the results and complications of this new flow diverter device. Methods 40 patients (30 women, 10 men) with 50 cerebral aneurysms treated in six Italian neurointerventional centers with the p64 Flow Modulation Device between April 2013 and September 2015 were retrospectively reviewed. Results Complete occlusion was obtained in 44/50 aneurysms (88%) and partial occlusion in 3 (6%). In the other three aneurysms (6%), two cases of asymptomatic in-stent thrombosis and one intraprocedural occlusion of the parent vessel occurred. Technical complications were observed in eight procedures (16%). Permanent morbidity due to acute in-stent thrombosis and consequent ischemic stroke occurred in one patient (2.5%). No delayed aneurysm rupture, subarachnoid or intraparenchymal hemorrhage, or ischemic complications occurred and there were no deaths. Conclusions Endovascular treatment with the p64 Flow Modulation Device is a safe treatment for unruptured cerebral aneurysms, resulting in a high rate of occlusion. As with other flow diverter devices, we recommend this treatment mainly for large-necked aneurysms of the internal carotid artery siphon. However, endovascular treatment with the p64 device should also be encouraged in difficult cases such as aneurysms of the posterior circulation and beyond the circle of Willis.
Myth: The gifted constitutes a single, homogeneous group!

Gifted education could be easily simplified if the myth, were in reality fact. Maybe that is why people want to believe it. People tend to view giftedness from their own frame of reference which is often the result of observations of a gifted person they know or remember. When we view giftedness this way, we often fall into the trap of trying to mold the gifted to fit our image rather than try to understand them as human beings with a variety of differences. Giftedness has often been defined by a score on an intelligence test or a percentile rank on an achievement test. This emphasis on a singular score has given support to the myth that all gifted students are alike. The research of the last twenty years has changed our view of giftedness to a multidimensional set of traits that exist in varying degrees in each individual. We have only to look at the work of researchers such as Thurstone, Guilford, and Meeker to discover that there are many components of human intelligence. The federal definition for giftedness supports the concept of variables by listing at least five broad areas in which giftedness may show itself. The gifted and talented are a group of individuals who share some common characteristics but, because of the multiple components of intelligence as well as the differ-
Dissociation of Its Opposing Immunologic Effects Is Critical for the Optimization of Antitumor CD8+ T-Cell Responses Induced by Interleukin 21

Purpose: Interleukin 21 (IL-21) is a promising new cytokine, which is undergoing clinical testing as an anticancer agent. Although IL-21 provides potent stimulation of CD8+ T cells, it has also been suggested that IL-21 is immunosuppressive by counteracting the maturation of dendritic cells. The dissociation of these two opposing effects may enhance the utility of IL-21 as an immunotherapeutic. In this study, we used a cell-based artificial antigen-presenting cell (aAPC) lacking a functional IL-21 receptor (IL-21R) to investigate the immunostimulatory properties of IL-21. Experimental Design: The immunosuppressive activity of IL-21 was studied using human IL-21R+ dendritic cells. Antigen-specific CD8+ T cells stimulated with human cell–based IL-21R-aAPC were used to isolate the T-cell immunostimulatory effects of IL-21. The functional outcomes, including phenotype, cytokine production, proliferation, and cytotoxicity were evaluated. Results: IL-21 limits the immune response by maintaining immunologically immature dendritic cells. However, stimulation of CD8+ T cells with IL-21R- aAPC, which secrete IL-21, results in significant expansion. Although priming in the presence of IL-21 temporarily modulated the T-cell phenotype, chronic stimulation abrogated these differences. Importantly, exposure to IL-21 during restimulation promoted the enrichment and expansion of antigen-specific CD8+ T cells that maintained IL-2 secretion and gained enhanced IFN-γ secretion. Tumor antigen-specific CTL generated in the presence of IL-21 recognized tumor cells efficiently, demonstrating potent effector functions. Conclusions: IL-21 induces opposing effects on antigen-presenting cells and CD8+ T cells. Strategic application of IL-21 is required to induce optimal clinical effects and may enable the generation of large numbers of highly avid tumor-specific CTL for adoptive immunotherapy.
IgG intrathecal synthesis and specific antibody index in patients with neurocysticercosis.

UNLABELLED We analyzed cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) and blood serum from 55 patients with neurocysticercosis (NC) at different clinical stages. According to inflammatory activity in the CSF, three stages were identified: (1) reactive, when there was at least an increase in the number of cells; (2) weakly reactive, when significant alterations were found in the CSF, including an increase in gamma globulins, albeit without hypercytosis; (3) non-reactive, when there was neither hypercytosis nor increase in gamma globulins. Nineteen patients had the reactive form; 18 had the weakly reactive form; 18 displayed the non-reactive form. Local immunoproduction was intense in the reactive group, moderate in the weakly reactive group, and absent in the non-reactive group. The specific antibody index was raised in approximately 2/3 of patients with the reactive form, 2/3 in those with the weakly reactive form, and 1/3 in those with the non-reactive form. IN CONCLUSION (1) the classical CSF syndrome in NC can present both in complete and partial modes; (2) local immunoproduction can occur in weakly reactive forms; (3) a raised specific antibody index can occur in the absence of an inflammatory reaction in the CSF.
Discriminators of Mutual Helping Behavior Among Older Adults and Their Siblings1

The extended family is a potentially important source of assistance to older adults. The purpose of this study was to observe the amount and type of mutual help between older adults and their siblings and to determine whether older subjects could be grouped into either high or low levels of helping based upon one or more of five variables. Data were collected on the mutual helping patterns between 275 adults 65 years of age or older and their siblings of most contact. The results of a discriminant analysis showed that the respondents could be classified according to level of mutual helping behavior. Three classifying variables separated older adults and their siblings according to high or low levels of helping and explained 25% of the variance in helping behavior. Respondents with highest mutual help exchange engaged in more activities with siblings, were married, and had educational levels similar to those of their siblings. Types of help most frequently given and received were help when ill and transportation. Results from the study suggest that siblings in later life, while of limited functional importance in the helping network of older adults, provide essential help when needed.
Do overweight girls overreport physical activity?

OBJECTIVE To determine if overweight adolescent girls are more likely to overreport physical activity compared to normal-weight girls. METHODS Participation in physical activities and perceived intensity of activities were assessed from the previous day physical activity recall (PDPAR) in 1021 girls aged 11-14 years old (37% overweight). Daily minutes of moderate to vigorous physical activity (MVPA) were measured using accelerometry. RESULTS Girls in the "at-risk for overweight" and "overweight" categories had 17.7% and 19.4% fewer minutes of MVPA per block reported on the PDPAR compared to normal-weight girls (P<0.05). CONCLUSIONS Overweight adolescent girls tend to overreport their total amount of physical activity.
Renal Resistive Index and Cardiovascular and Renal Outcomes in Essential Hypertension

Increased renal restive index (RI) measured using Doppler ultrasonography has been shown to correlate with the degree of renal impairment in hypertensive patients. We investigated the prognostic role of RI in cardiovascular and renal outcomes. A total of 426 essential hypertensive subjects (mean age, 63 years; 50% female) with no previous cardiovascular disease were included in this study. Renal segmental arterial RI was measured by duplex Doppler ultrasonography. During follow-up (mean, 3.1 years), 57 participants developed the primary composite end points including cardiovascular and renal outcomes. In multivariate Cox regression analysis, RI was an independent predictor of worse outcome in total subjects (hazard ratio, 1.71 for 1 SD increase), as well as in patients with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) <60 mL/min per 1.73 m2 (hazard ratio, 2.11 for 1 SD increase; P<0.01, respectively). When divided into 4 groups based on the respective sex-specific median levels of RI in the eGFR ≥60 and eGFR <60 mL/min per 1.73 m2 groups, the group with eGFR <60 and high RI (male ≥0.73, female ≥0.72) had a significantly poorer event-free survival rate (&khgr;2=126.4; P<0.01), and the adjusted hazard ratio by multivariate Cox regression analysis was 9.58 (95% CI, 3.26–32.89; P<0.01). In conclusion, impairment of renal hemodynamics evaluated by increased RI is associated with an increased risk of primary composite end points, and the combination of high RI and low eGFR is a powerful predictor of these diseases in essential hypertension. In hypertensive patients with chronic kidney disease, RI evaluation may complement predictors of cardiovascular and renal outcomes.
Macrophage Depletion by Clodronate-Containing Liposomes Reduces Neointimal Formation After Balloon Injury in Rats and Rabbits

Background—Inflammation is critical to vascular repair after mechanical injury. Excessive inflammation enhances neointimal formation and restenosis. We examined whether transient systemic inactivation of macrophages at the time of vascular intervention could attenuate the degree of expected restenosis. Methods and Results—Liposomal clodronate (LC) inhibited the growth of cultured macrophages but had no effect on endothelial or smooth muscle cells and suppressed neointimal hyperplasia in hypercholesterolemic rabbits and rats after intravenous administration of LC, with no adverse effects. LC treatment reduced the number of blood monocytes and decreased macrophage infiltration in the injured arteries as well as smooth muscle cell proliferation, interleukin-1&bgr; transcription, and production and matrix metalloproteinase-2 activity. Conclusions—Macrophages play a pivotal role in vascular repair after mechanical arterial injury. Systemic inactivation and depletion of monocytes and macrophages by LC reduce neointimal hyperplasia and restenosis.
Monocyte/macrophage traffic in HIV and SIV encephalitis

This short review focuses on the role of central nervous system (CNS) perivascular macrophages as targets of productive infection of the CNS. Data discussed include the importance of these cells as early targets of infection and their productive infection with AIDS. Many of the immune molecules on perivascular macrophages are also found on subsets of blood monocyte/macrophages, some of which are expanded during human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection. These observations paired with the known bone marrow (BM) origin of perivascular macrophages and the BM as a site of HIV infection underscore the importance of the study of monocyte populations in the BM and blood, which are activated and infected as a source of virus that enters the CNS. Data presented and discussed herein suggest a role of HIV‐infected BM‐derived monocytes as “Trojan horse” cells that traffic to the CNS to become perivascular macrophages. The study of such cells including their timing of infection, activation, and traffic and the role of HIV‐specific immune responses controlling their accumulation in the CNS warrant study with regard to CNS neuropathogenesis.
The influence of female age on male mating preference and reproductive success in cabbage beetle, Colaphellus bowringi

The influence of female age on male mating preference and reproductive success has been studied using a promiscuous cabbage beetle, Colaphellus bowringi Baly (Coleoptera: Chrysomelidae). In a simultaneous choice test, middle‐aged females had significantly greater mating success than young and old females. In single pair trials, when paired with middle‐aged virgin males, middle‐aged females mated faster, copulated longer, and had greater fecundity and fertility than young or old females, while the longevity of males was not significantly affected by female age. This study on C. bowringi suggests that middle‐aged females are more receptive to mating, which can result in the highest male reproductive success.
A missing link: psychological ownership as a mediator between transformational leadership and organizational citizenship behaviour

Interest in psychological ownership (PO) has increased due to its influence on employees’ attitudes and behaviours. This study focuses on PO as a mediator between transformational leadership (TL) and organizational citizenship behaviour (OCB) in the Korean public sector, which does not have employee stock ownership plans (ESOPs). With a total of 214 cases from the Korean public sector, structural equation modelling (SEM) analysis was conducted, and chi-square difference-based model comparison was performed to examine the mediating effect. Results indicated statistically significant relationships between TL and employees’ PO and between employees’ PO and their OCB. A statistically significant full mediating role of PO between TL and OCB in the Korean public sector context was found.
Major channels involved in neuropsychiatric disorders and therapeutic perspectives

Voltage-gated ion channels are important mediators of physiological functions in the central nervous system. The cyclic activation of these channels influences neurotransmitter release, neuron excitability, gene transcription, and plasticity, providing distinct brain areas with unique physiological and pharmacological response. A growing body of data has implicated ion channels in the susceptibility or pathogenesis of psychiatric diseases. Indeed, population studies support the association of polymorphisms in calcium and potassium channels with the genetic risk for bipolar disorders (BPDs) or schizophrenia. Moreover, point mutations in calcium, sodium, and potassium channel genes have been identified in some childhood developmental disorders. Finally, antibodies against potassium channel complexes occur in a series of autoimmune psychiatric diseases. Here we report recent studies assessing the role of calcium, sodium, and potassium channels in BPD, schizophrenia, and autism spectrum disorders, and briefly summarize promising pharmacological strategies targeted on ion channels for the therapy of mental illness and related genetic tests.
QT dispersion as a predictor for arrhythmias in patients with acute ST elevation myocardial infarction.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To study the effect of Heart Rate Variability (HRV) and QT dispersion (QTd) in patients presenting with Acute ST elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI). METHODS This is a retrospective study conducted on patients admitted with the diagnosis of acute ST elevation myocardial infarction. In all 100 patients with acute myocardial infarction in one year were subjected to a complete evaluation in terms of history and examination. Besides routine investigations standard 12 lead ECG was evaluated in all cases on admission, after 4 hrs, 24 hrs, 48 hrs and on discharge. RESULTS The most common presenting symptoms were chest pain (88%) and dyspnea (50%). Tachycardia was seen in 56% while congestive heart failure was present in 29% patients. Patients who died had a higher QTd in comparison to patients who survived. CONCLUSIONS Markers of autonomic regulation of heart like QTd provides valuable information about the future course of events in a patient following acute STEMI which can be utilized to plan the future course of management in patients especially predisposed to adverse and catastrophic outcomes.
Environmental tobacco smoke and risk of respiratory cancer and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease in former smokers and never smokers in the EPIC prospective study

Abstract Objectives To investigate the association between environmental tobacco smoke, plasma cotinine concentration, and respiratory cancer or death. Design Nested case-control study within the European prospective investigation into cancer and nutrition (EPIC). Participants 303 020 people from the EPIC cohort (total 500 000) who had never smoked or who had stopped smoking for at least 10 years, 123 479 of whom provided information on exposure to environmental tobacco smoke. Cases were people who developed respiratory cancers or died from respiratory conditions. Controls were matched for sex, age (plus or minus 5 years), smoking status, country of recruitment, and time elapsed since recruitment. Main outcome measures Newly diagnosed cancer of lung, pharynx, and larynx; deaths from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or emphysema. Plasma cotinine concentration was measured in 1574 people. Results Over seven years of follow up, 97 people had newly diagnosed lung cancer, 20 had upper respiratory cancers (pharynx, larynx), and 14 died from chronic obstructive pulmonary disease or emphysema. In the whole cohort exposure to environmental tobacco smoke was associated with increased risks (hazard ratio 1.30, 95% confidence interval 0.87 to 1.95, for all respiratory diseases; 1.34, 0.85 to 2.13, for lung cancer alone). Higher results were found in the nested case-control study (odds ratio 1.70, 1.02 to 2.82, for respiratory diseases; 1.76, 0.96 to 3.23, for lung cancer alone). Odds ratios were consistently higher in former smokers than in those who had never smoked; the association was limited to exposure related to work. Cotinine concentration was clearly associated with self reported exposure (3.30, 2.07 to 5.23, for detectable/non-detectable cotinine), but it was not associated with the risk of respiratory diseases or lung cancer. Frequent exposure to environmental tobacco smoke during childhood was associated with lung cancer in adulthood (hazard ratio 3.63, 1.19 to 11.11, for daily exposure for many hours). Conclusions This large prospective study, in which the smoking status was supported by cotinine measurements, confirms that environmental tobacco smoke is a risk factor for lung cancer and other respiratory diseases, particularly in ex-smokers.