Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Determination of T‐cell subpopulations and intracellular cytokine production (interleukin‐2, interleukin‐4, and interferon‐γ) by cord blood T‐lymphocytes of neonates from atopic and non‐atopic parents

This report describes the results of a prospective study on immunological markers in cord blood for the prediction of allergic diseases in children. First we evaluated methodological aspects of the flow cytometric technique on cord blood cytokine measurements. Subsequently, the T‐cell subsets and percentage of cytokine‐producing cord blood T‐helper (Th) and T‐suppressor/cytotoxic lymphocytes of neonates from atopic and non‐atopic parents were compared. A group of 33 healthy, full‐term newborn infants of whom 23/33 were at risk for atopy (i.e. having at least one parent with one or more atopic symptoms and positive specific immunoglobulin E [IgE] to at least one common inhalant allergen) was studied. A flow cytometric technique was used to analyze cord blood T‐cell subsets and to determine the percentage of interleukin (IL)‐2‐, IL‐4‐, and interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ)‐producing cord blood Th and T‐suppressor/cytotoxic lymphocytes following stimulation with phorbol 12‐myristate 13‐acetate (PMA) and ionomycin. The percentage of CD3 (T lymphocytes), CD3+ CD4+ (Th lymphocytes), CD3+ CD8+ (T‐suppressor/cytotoxic lymphocytes), CD19+ (B lymphocytes), CD3+ CD4+ CD45RO+ (memory Th lymphocytes), and CD3+ CD4+ CD45RA+ (naive Th lymphocytes) cells was unrelated to parental atopic status. PMA stimulation augmented the percentage of IL‐2‐ and IFN‐γ‐producing Th and T‐suppressor/cytotoxic lymphocytes, whereas the number of IL‐4‐producing T lymphocytes remained very low or undetectable. No differences in the percentage of IL‐2‐, IL‐4‐ and IFN‐γ‐producing Th and T‐suppressor/cytotoxic lymphocytes were found between neonates from atopic and non‐atopic parents. These results will be re‐evaluated when the atopic status of the children at the age of 1 and 2 years can be assessed.
The links between gender violence and HIV / AIDS.

South Africa has the fastest growing rate of HIV transmission of anywhere in the world and most of the people infected are women. Until August 12 1998 there was no visible nor active link made between these two very disturbing facts: not only are women prone to be the victims of gender violence there is also a very high risk of women being infected with HIV. On August 12 1998 however a groundbreaking forum was organised by the Tshwaranang Legal Advocacy Centre to End Violence Against Women and the Aids Law Project two non-governmental organisations (NGOs) based in Johannesburg. Held at the office of the Commission for Gender Equality (CGE) the forum was attended by representatives from over 30 organisations including the South African NGO Coalition (SANGOCO) the Rape Crisis Centre and the National Youth Commission. Presentations were made by Dr Helen Rees Chairperson of the Medicines Control Council Dr Des Martin of the National Institute of Virology Liesl Gernholtz of the CGE and Bronwyn Pithey of the Rape Crisis Centre in Cape Town. Personal testimony was also provided by a woman who told of her experience of contracting AIDs through rape. The decision to host the seminar grew out of the recognition that despite numerous national guidelines on rape and domestic abuse written by the Departments of Correctional Services Justice Health and the South African Police Services none of these dealt with HIV/AIDS or the inter-relationship between violence against women and the risk of HIV transmission. In view of this Tshwaranang and the AIDS Law Project decided that the inter-relationship between HIV and violence against women needed to be explored and that other NGOs needed to be informed about this. (excerpt)
Foot Complications in a Representative Australian Inpatient Population

We investigated the prevalence and factors independently associated with foot complications in a representative inpatient population (adults admitted for any reason with and without diabetes). We analysed data from the Foot disease in inpatients study, a sample of 733 representative inpatients. Previous amputation, previous foot ulceration, peripheral arterial disease (PAD), peripheral neuropathy (PN), and foot deformity were the foot complications assessed. Sociodemographic, medical, and foot treatment history were collected. Overall, 46.0% had a foot complication with 23.9% having multiple; those with diabetes had higher prevalence of foot complications than those without diabetes (p < 0.01). Previous amputation (4.1%) was independently associated with previous foot ulceration, foot deformity, cerebrovascular accident, and past surgeon treatment (p < 0.01). Previous foot ulceration (9.8%) was associated with PN, PAD, past podiatry, and past nurse treatment (p < 0.02). PAD (21.0%) was associated with older age, males, indigenous people, cancer, PN, and past surgeon treatment (p < 0.02). PN (22.0%) was associated with older age, diabetes, mobility impairment, and PAD (p < 0.05). Foot deformity (22.4%) was associated with older age, mobility impairment, past podiatry treatment, and PN (p < 0.01). Nearly half of all inpatients had a foot complication. Those with foot complications were older, male, indigenous, had diabetes, cerebrovascular accident, mobility impairment, and other foot complications or past foot treatment.
Training With Virtual Patients in Transcultural Psychiatry: Do the Learners Actually Learn?

Background The rapid increase in the number of patients with diverse ethnic backgrounds and previous exposure to severe mental trauma dictates the need for improvement in the quality of transcultural psychiatric health care through the development of relevant and effective training tools. Objective This study aimed to evaluate the impact of training with a virtual patient on the learner’s knowledge of posttraumatic stress disorder symptoms, clinical management, and basic communication skills. Methods The authors constructed an interactive educational tool based on virtual patient methodology that portrayed a refugee with severe symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder and depression. A total of 32 resident psychiatrists tested the tool and completed a pre-interaction and post-interaction knowledge test, including skills, at the time and several weeks later. Results All of the participants (N=32) completed the pre-interaction and post-interaction test, and 26 (81%) of them completed the online follow-up test. The mean pre-interaction score was 7.44 (male: 7.08, female: 7.65, no statistical significance). The mean post-interaction score was 8.47, which was significantly higher (P<.001) than the pre-interaction score (mean score 7.44). The mean score for the follow-up test several weeks later was 8.38, higher than the pre-interaction score by 0.69 points but not statistically significant. Conclusions Our results suggest that virtual patients can successfully facilitate the acquisition of core knowledge in the field of psychiatry, in addition to developing skills such as clinical reasoning, decision making, and history taking. Repeated training sessions with virtual patients are proposed in order to achieve sustainable educational effects.
Ultrastructural and Aneuploidy Studies in Sperm from Patients with His- tory of Consanguinity

The data on the role of consanguinity in male infertility are scarce. The presence of systematic sperm defects in consanguineous respect to non-consanguineous population was demonstrated. Systematic defects are characterized by a specific alteration present in sperm for the whole life of the carrier. This study was aimed at exploring the sperm quality in selected infertile consanguineous patients (group 3) with non- systematic sperm defects, compared with that of infertile non-consanguineous patients (group 2) and that of proven fertil- ity subjects (group 1). Sperm analysis was performed by light and transmission electron microscopy (TEM). TEM data was mathematically elaborated. Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) analysis for chromosome 18, X and Y was per- formed in sperm nuclei for aneuploidy evaluation. The progressive motility was reduced in groups 2 (p < 0.05) and 3 (p < 0.01), compared to group 1, and in group 3 versus group 2 (p < 0.01). Regarding TEM scores, fertility index was re- duced in group 3 (p < 0.01); the percentages of sperm apoptosis, necrosis and immaturity were significantly higher in groups 2 and 3 versus group 1 and in group 3 vs. group 2 (except for necrosis). FISH analysis showed increased frequency of diploidy (p < 0.01) in groups 2 and 3 vs. group 1. The consanguinity seems to influence the spermatogenetic process from a morphological point of view, by reducing the motility and fertility index and increasing sperm apoptosis and immaturity; chromosome meiotic segregation was not af- fected by the condition of consanguinity.
Social Isolation and Cell Phone Use by College Students

In our technologically ever-advancing world, cell phones can either help us remain socially connected or can contribute to social isolation by substituting for face-to-face contact. This study examines the levels of social isolation in terms of the state of loneliness and trait of shyness and their correlations with academic achievement in 206 community college and university students to examine the connection between social isolation, GPA and cell phone use in college students. Two instruments used in the collection of data were the Revised Cheek and Buss Shyness Scale (RCBS) and the DeJong Gierveld Loneliness Scale. Correlational analysis was used to examine the relationships between variables. Hypothesis 1 proposed a significant negative relationship between higher levels of cell phone use and academic achievement as measured by self-reported GPA. This was partially supported by the research findings. Hypothesis 2 proposed a significant negative relationship between shyness and higher levels of cell phone use. This was also partially supported by the research findings. Hypothesis 3 proposed a significant positive relationship between loneliness and higher levels of cell phone use. This was not supported by research findings. Implications for further research include examining non-college populations for greater generalization of results and examining additional personality traits. Page v ACKNOWLEDGMENTS I would like to thank Dr. Michael Selby, my thesis advisor and academic advisor throughout the course of the Masters in Psychology Program at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. Not only has he provided me with invaluable research advice, but he has also brainstormed this Thesis from start to finish, putting in personal time throughout academic breaks and during school terms alike. Drs. Moreno and Williams were also invaluable in this process, allowing me to confer with them on different ideas throughout the course of this project. I would also like to thank my family: Breanna, Haley and James and their seemingly unending supply of love and support throughout my Masters Program and understanding when this project took my time and focus away from them.
Wind‐wave development across a large shallow intertidal estuary: A case study of Manukau Harbour, New Zealand

Abstract Locally generated wind‐waves in estuaries play an important role in the sediment dynamics and the transport of biota. Wave growth in estuaries is complicated by tidally varying depth, fetch, and currents. Wave development was studied at six sites along a transect across Manukau Harbour, New Zealand, which is a large intertidal estuary with a tidal range of up to 4 m. Three meteorological masts were also deployed across the measurement transect to measure wave forcing by the wind. A spatial variation in wind speed by up to a factor of 2 was observed which has a significant effect on wave development at short fetches. The wind variation can be explained by the extreme change in surface roughness at the upwind land‐water boundary. The tidally varying depth results in non‐stationary wave development. At the long fetch sites wave development is dictated by the tidally varying depth with peak frequencies continuing to decrease after high water, whereas wave height is attenuated by bottom friction. The non‐dimensional energy and peak frequency parameters commonly used to describe wave growth, clearly exhibit depth limiting effects, but with wider scatter than in previous studies in simpler environments. The peak frequency predictions of Young & Verhagen (1996a) fit our data well. However, the wide variability of energy limits the usefulness of standard growth prediction curves in such situations, and highlights the requirement for a validated, shallow‐water numerical model.
Treatment of Hyaluronan Accumulation Ameliorates High-Fat Diet–Induced Insulin Resistance in Mice

Substantial evidence supports a role for chronic subclinical inflammation in the pathogenesis of insulin resistance (1,2). The inflammation induces a number of local and systemic responses, including extracellular matrix (ECM) remodeling. ECM is normally one of the most important regulators of cellular and tissue function in the body since it acts as a scaffold for cell migration, a reservoir for cytokines and growth factors, and a binding site for various cellular receptors. A disturbed ECM is therefore linked to cellular dysfunction, and emerging studies show that insulin-resistant skeletal muscle is characterized by increased ECM (3–5). However, the functional connection between insulin resistance and ECM expansion has received little attention. In the current issue of Diabetes , Kang and colleagues (6) show that feeding rodents a high-fat diet leads to accumulation of the ECM molecule hyaluronan (HA) in skeletal muscle, which contributes to insulin resistance. HA is a large nonbranched anionic glycosaminoglycan that is important for holding water in tissues and thereby functions as a space-filling molecule. It also binds to cell-surface receptors and influences cellular responses such as cell migration and proliferation (7,8). In contrast to other glycosaminoglycans, HA is not linked to a core protein, and …
Functional Relationship between Protein Disulfide Isomerase Family Members during the Oxidative Folding of Human Secretory Proteins

We systematically depleted PDI family members and show that whereas ERp72 and P5 contributed minimally to oxidative protein folding, PDI and ERp57 were the predominant catalysts. Depletion of PDI or ERp57 alone modestly delayed folding, but depletion of both led to generalized protein misfolding and degradation.
The Effect of N Fertilizer Placement on the Fate of Urea-15N and Yield of Winter Wheat in Southeast China

A field micro-plot experiment using nitrogen isotope (15N) labeling was conducted to determine the effects of placement methods (broadcast and band) and N rates (60, 150 and 240 kg ha–1) on the fate of urea-15N in the wheat–soil system in Guangde County of Anhui Province, China. N fertilizer applied in bands increased grain yield by 15% compared with broadcast application. The N fertilizer application rate had a significant effect on grain yield, straw yield and aboveground biomass, as well as on N uptake and N concentration of wheat. The recovery of urea-15N was a little higher for broadcast (34.0–39.0%) than for band treatment (31.2–38.2%). Most of the soil residual N was retained in the 0–20 cm soil layer. At the N rates of 60 and 240 kg ha–1, the residual 15N was higher for band (34.4 and 108.7 kg ha–1, respectively) than for broadcast application (29.6 and 88.4 kg ha–1, respectively). Compared with broadcast treatment, banded placement of N fertilizer decreased the N loss in the wheat–soil system. Band application one time is an alternative N management practice for winter wheat in this region.
Combined EEG and MEG recordings of visual 40 Hz responses to illusory triangles in human

EEG and MEG were simultaneously recorded to study the visual gamma-band (30–70 Hz) responses. The electrical gamma-band response phase-locked to stimulus onset can be subdivided into a central component at 39 Hz and an occipital component at 36 Hz. A new high-frequency magnetic phase-locked response recorded over the occipital lobe is described. Its topography is complex and probably reflects the activity of multiple sources. Both electrical and magnetic high-frequency responses differ in topography from the low-frequency responses in the same latency range, suggesting that at least partially distinct sources are involved. The existence of a non-phase-locked 40 Hz component around 280 ms is confirmed in EEG data but is not detectable in MEG data.
Interaction between 12p chromosomal abnormalities and Lnc‐HOTAIR mediated pathway in acute myeloid leukemia

To investigate the correlation of homeobox (HOX) transcript antisense RNA expression with clinicopathological features and the clinical prognosis of the patients with chromosome 12p abnormalities associated acute myeloid leukemia (AML). We also investigate the association of 12p chromosomal on the expression of HOTAIR, miRNA‐193a, and c‐kit gene as targeting genes for HOTAIR in AML.
The Role of 8-Oxoguanine DNA Glycosylase-1 in Inflammation

Many, if not all, environmental pollutants/chemicals and infectious agents increase intracellular levels of reactive oxygen species (ROS) at the site of exposure. ROS not only function as intracellular signaling entities, but also induce damage to cellular molecules including DNA. Among the several dozen ROS-induced DNA base lesions generated in the genome, 8-oxo-7,8-dihydroguanine (8-oxoG) is one of the most abundant because of guanine’s lowest redox potential among DNA bases. In mammalian cells, 8-oxoG is repaired by the 8-oxoguanine DNA glycosylase-1 (OGG1)-initiated DNA base excision repair pathway (OGG1–BER). Accumulation of 8-oxoG in DNA has traditionally been associated with mutagenesis, as well as various human diseases and aging processes, while the free 8-oxoG base in body fluids is one of the best biomarkers of ongoing pathophysiological processes. In this review, we discuss the biological significance of the 8-oxoG base and particularly the role of OGG1–BER in the activation of small GTPases and changes in gene expression, including those that regulate pro-inflammatory chemokines/cytokines and cause inflammation.
A role of corneal mechanical adaptation in contact lens-related dry eye symptoms.

PURPOSE To compare corneal mechanical adaptation measured psychophysically in contact lens wearers with or without dry eye symptoms. METHODS Two groups of contact lens wearers were recruited. One group (symptomatic) consisted of subjects with dry eye symptoms (according to the subjective evaluation of symptom of dryness [SeSoD] questionnaire). The second control group (asymptomatic) consisted of subjects reporting no symptoms. There were 32 (aged 20 to 42 years, 6 males and 26 females) and 29 subjects (aged 21 to 36 years, 9 males and 20 females) in the symptomatic and asymptomatic groups, respectively. Mechanical stimulus thresholds of the cornea were determined using a Belmonte pneumatic esthesiometer and the ascending method of limits. Then three stimulus intensity groups (subthreshold, threshold, and suprathreshold) were applied to the eye in random order, each 20 times. Subjects rated the intensity of the stimuli using a scale of zero to four. The rating data from the two groups were compared by Friedman nonparametric ANOVA. Adaptation was defined as the reduction in subsequent ratings compared with earlier ones. RESULTS No significant difference was seen in subjects' thresholds in both groups (P = 0.22). The symptomatic group rated their sensations to suprathreshold stimuli higher than the asymptomatic group. More importantly, there was significant adaptation with suprathreshold mechanical stimulation in the asymptomatic group (P = 0.006) but not in the symptomatic group (P = 0.08). There was no adaptation during threshold and subthreshold stimulus sessions in either group. CONCLUSIONS Adaptation was found to suprathreshold mechanical stimuli in the asymptomatic group but not in the symptomatic group.
Evidence-Based Options that Reduce Crime and Save Money

1 Aos, S. , Barnoski, R. , & Lieb, R. (1998). Watching the bottom line: Cost-effective interventions for reducing crime in Washington (Doc. No. 98-01-1201). Olympia: Washington State Institute for Public Policy. 2 Aos, S. , Phipps, P., Barnoski, R. , & Lieb, R. (2001). The comparative costs and benefits of programs to reduce crime (Doc. No. 01-05-1201). Olympia: Washington State Institute for Public Policy. 3 Drake, E. , Barnoski, R. , & Aos, S. (2009). Increased earned release from prison: Impacts of a 2003 law on recidivism and crime costs, revised (Doc. No. 09-04-1201). Olympia: Washington State Institute for Public Policy. 4 Aos, S. , Lieb, R. , Mayfield, J., Miller, M. , & Pennucci A. (2004). Benefits and costs of prevention and early intervention programs for youth (Doc. No. 04-07-3901). Olympia: Washington State Institute for Public Policy. In essence, this report is similar to an investment advisor’s “buy-sell” list. It contains current information on policy options that can give taxpayers a good return on their crime fighting dollars (the “buys”) as well as those well-researched strategies that apparently cannot reduce crime cost-effectively (the “sells”). The benefit-cost information can be used by policymakers to help write budgets identifying a portfolio of evidence-based options able to reduce crime and save money. Summary
Impact of microfilaremia on maintenance of a hyporesponsive cellular immune response in Brugia-infected gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus)

The purpose of these experiments was to define the significance of the microfilarial stage to the hyporesponsive condition seen in lymphatic filariasis. Two types of experiments were conducted with Brugia pahangi-infected gerbils. In one, in vitro lymphocyte blastogenesis and in vivo granuloma formation in response to parasite antigen were correlated to microfilaremia in chronically infected individuals. In a second set of experiments, the level of in vivo granuloma formation was assessed following chemotherapeutic removal of microfilariae with ivermectin. The results indicated that the microfilarial stage alone is not responsible for the maintenance of the low cellular responses seen during chronic infections in this model. Furthermore, the data suggest that the degree of downregulation of these responses may be related to parasite burden.
The influence of age and temperament on the adult human sleep-wakefulness pattern.

Over 600 adult subjects (aged 20–79) were asked to keep a day-by-day record of their hours of sleep on sleep charts for a period of 56 days. When completed the charts gave details of the duration of sleep, the times of falling asleep and awakening, the number and duration of nocturnal disturbances of sleep and the number and duration of mid-day naps. A sample of 240 subjects (20 males and 20 females in each decade from the 20s to the 70s inclusive) was made consisting only of people who recorded for 50 or more days. These subjects were matched, as far as possible, in terms of neuroticism, temperament and intelligence. It was found that although the average amount of sleep taken per day declined slightly from the 20s to the 50s, there was an increase in the 60s. This was partly due to an increase in the number of mid-day naps taken. The extraverts slept longer than the introverts. The incidence of nocturnal disturbances increased with advancing age, especially in females. These and other findings are discussed and it is suggested that in later years, when social and occupational pressures are reduced, there is a tendency for a polycyclic sleep—wakefulness pattern to reappear.
A survey for transients and variables with the Murchison Widefield Array 32-tile prototype at 154 MHz

We present a search for transient and variable radio sources at 154 MHz with the Murchison Widefield Array 32-tile prototype. 51 images were obtained that cover a field of view of 1430 deg 2 centred on Hydra A. The observations were obtained over three days in 2010 March and three days in 2011 April and May. The mean cadence of the observations was 26 min and there was additional temporal information on day and year time-scales.