Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Molecular characteristics , antimicrobial susceptibility , and pathogenicity of clinical Nocardia cyriacigeorgica isolates from an outbreak of bovine mastitis

The occurrence of nocardial mastitis, mostly in the context of outbreaks, has been reported in many countries. However, there is a paucity of reports regarding detailed characterization of Nocardia cyriacigeorgica from bovine mastitis. Thus, herein we report characteristics, antimicrobial susceptibility patterns, molecular identification, and pathogenicity of N. cyriacigeorgica isolated from an outbreak of clinical mastitis in a dairy herd in northern China. A total of 182 (80.2%) lactating cows had clinical mastitis with severe inflammation and firmness of the udder, reduced milk production, and anorexia, with no apparent clinical response to common antibiotics. Out of 22 mastitic milk samples submitted to our laboratory, 12 N. cyriacigeorgica were isolated and characterized using standard microbiological analysis, 16S rRNA gene sequencing, random amplified polymorphic DNA PCR analysis, biochemical assays, and antibiotic susceptibility testing. Additionally, in vivo experiments were done to determine pathogenicity of these clinical mastitis isolates. All isolates were resistant to ampicillin, amoxicillin-clavulanic acid, ciprofloxacin, minocycline, rifampicin, and aminoglycosides (type VI pattern). Additionally, intramammary inoculation of mice with N. cyriacigeorgica caused chronic inflammatory changes, including hyperemia, edema, and infiltration of lymphocytes and neutrophils, as well as hyperplasia of lymph nodules in mammary glands. Therefore, we concluded that N. cyriacigeorgica was involved in the current outbreak of mastitis. To our best knowledge, this is the first report to characterize N. cyriacigeorgica isolated from cases of bovine mastitis in China.
T cell responses to vaccines in infants: defective IFNγ production after oral polio vaccination

The immaturity of the neonatal immune system is associated with an increased susceptibility to infections. Studies in mice indicate that neonatal immune responses are biased towards the T helper 2 type, but little is known about helper T cell responses in human newborns. In this study, the oral polio vaccine was used as a model of early immunization to investigate the capacity of young infants to develop cellular immune responses. We show that neonatal immunization with oral polio vaccine induces the production of high titres of neutralizing antibodies but reduced proliferative and IFNγ responses to polio antigens compared to immune adults. These data suggest that specific strategies will be required to immunize newborns against pathogens controlled by Th1 type immune responses.
Population Dynamics of Spiking Neurons: Fast Transients, Asynchronous States, and Locking

An integral equation describing the time evolution of the population activity in a homogeneous pool of spiking neurons of the integrate-and-fire type is discussed. It is analytically shown that transients from a state of incoherent firing can be immediate. The stability of incoherent firing is analyzed in terms of the noise level and transmission delay, and a bifurcation diagram is derived. The response of a population of noisy integrate-and-fire neurons to an input current of small amplitude is calculated and characterized by a linear filter L. The stability of perfectly synchronized locked solutions is analyzed.
The Self-Discovery Programme for children with special educational needs in mainstream primary and secondary schools

Abstract ABSTRACT This exploratory study concerns the Self-Discovery Programme (SDP) designed for children with emotional and behavioural difficulties in mainstream schools. The aim of the SDP is to provide children with a range of practical relaxation skills that may enhance emotional wellbeing, increase self-awareness and promote self-regulatory behaviour. Thirty-four pupils (14 girls, 20 boys; aged 10 to 13 years) participated in the SDP. Data were collected by behavioural profiles completed at baseline by teachers, observations of the SDP at the first and last session of each (module) by an independent researcher, and reviews with teachers at the end of the SDP (i.e. at 1 year). Results suggest improvements in children's self-esteem, social competence, communication skills, behaviour and attendance at school. Children were observed using the relaxation techniques learned on the SDP during the school day. Further studies using a controlled design, standard measures of self-esteem and behaviour, and a larger sample appear warranted.
Evidence for Relativistic Outflows in Narrow-Line Seyfert 1 Galaxies

We report the observation of features near 1 keV in the ASCA spectra from three narrow-line Seyfert 1 (NLS1) galaxies. We interpret these as oxygen absorption in a highly relativistic outflow. If interpreted as absorption edges, the implied velocities are 0.2-0.3 c, near the limit predicted by “line-locking” radiative acceleration. If instead interpreted as broad absorption lines, the implied velocities are ~0.57 c, interestingly near the velocity of particles in the last stable orbit around a Kerr black hole, although a physical interpretation of this is not obvious. The features are reminiscent of the UV absorption lines seen in broad absorption line quasars (BALQSOs), but with larger velocities, and we note the remarkable similarities in the optical emission line and broadband properties of NLS1s and low-ionization BALQSOs.
Aquaporin 9 in rat brain after severe traumatic brain injury.

OBJECTIVE To reveal the expression and possible roles of aquaporin 9 (AQP9) in rat brain, after severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). METHODS Brain water content (BWC), tetrazolium chloride staining, Evans blue staining, immunohistochemistry (IHC), immunofluorescence (IF), western blot, and real-time polymerase chain reaction were used. RESULTS The BWC reached the first and second (highest) peaks at 6 and 72 hours, and the blood brain barrier (BBB) was severely destroyed at six hours after the TBI. The worst brain ischemia occurred at 72 hours after TBI. Widespread AQP9-positive astrocytes and neurons in the hypothalamus were detected by means of IHC and IF after TBI. The abundance of AQP9 and its mRNA increased after TBI and reached two peaks at 6 and 72 hours, respectively, after TBI. CONCLUSIONS Increased AQP9 might contribute to clearance of excess water and lactate in the early stage of TBI. Widespread AQP9-positive astrocytes might help lactate move into neurons and result in cellular brain edema in the later stage of TBI. AQP9-positive neurons suggest that AQP9 plays a role in energy balance after TBI.
Predator–prey and competitive interactions between sharks (order Selachii) and dolphins (suborder Odontoceti): a review

The importance of interactions between sharks and cetaceans has been a subject of much conjecture, but few studies have addressed these interactions. Sharks (order Selachii) have been hypothesized to be important predators on dolphins and porpoises (suborder Odontoceti). Unfortunately, there are often few data to back up claims that certain shark species are major threats to cetaceans. To help identify potential shark predators in specific locations, available data on interactions with odontocetes for all shark species that may include cetaceans in their diet are reviewed. Shark species are categorized into groups based on predatory interactions with dolphins and porpoises (regular predators, occasional predators, potential predators, ectoparasites and insufficient data). Several shark species that have been overlooked in the cetacean literature are identified as potentially important predators while others that have been suspected to be important predators are probably at most occasional predators. How shark predation can influence dolphin populations, habitat use, group size and behaviour is discussed. How risk of shark predation can vary with habitat attributes in both nearshore and pelagic waters is also discussed. Predator–prey interactions have been the focus of most studies of shark–dolphin interaction, but competitive interactions may also occur. The first analysis of shark–dolphin dietary overlap is presented, which shows it to be significant between common dolphins and several species of sharks, including species that prey upon these dolphins.
Prevalence of hepatitis B and C serological markers among first‐time blood donors in Brazil: A multi‐center serosurvey

Little data are available on the seroprevalence of, and risk factors for hepatitis B and C viruses (HBV and HCV) infection in Latin American countries. A multi‐center serosurvey was conducted among 3,598 first‐time blood donors (65% men) from Sao Paulo, Salvador and Manaus in Brazil. The gender‐specific seroprevalences of antibodies against hepatitis B core antigen (anti‐HBc) and of the hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) in anti‐HBc‐positive sera were measured, and risk factors analyzed by gender. The gender‐specific seroprevalences of antibodies against HCV (anti‐HCV) were measured, but risk factors for HCV were not determined. Anti‐HBc and HBsAg seroprevalences were not significantly different in men [101/2,341 (4.31%) and 4/2,229 (0.18%), respectively] and women [65/1,237 (5.25%) and 8/1,169 (0.68%), respectively], whereas the seroprevalence of anti‐HCV was higher in women (12/1,238 [0.97%] vs. 9/2,353 [0.38%]; odds ratio [OR] = 2.49; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 1.0–6.0). No significant difference for HBV infection was found across the three study sites or by ethnic group. The seroprevalence of anti‐HBc increased with age, but decreased with education level in both genders. Lifetime number of sexual partners was associated with anti‐HBc prevalence among men (OR = 1.95; 95% CI: 1.2–3.1), but not women. The seroprevalence of HBV and HCV was low among Brazilian blood donors, and exposure increased with age in both genders. J. Med. Virol. 80:53–57, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Low Complexity Demapping Algorithms for Multilevel Codes

In order to reduce the computational complexity of maximum-likelihood symbol estimation (MLSE) demapping of multilevel codes which is based on block partitioning and which produces soft input for a multistage decoding (MSD) process, three different demapping algorithms are proposed. It is theoretically proven that the proposed algorithms can reduce exponentially increasing computational complexity of the MLSE demapping algorithm to a constant complexity (neglecting comparisons). It is shown by extensive simulations for AWGN and Rayleigh fading channels that the proposed low complexity demapping algorithms can achieve near MLSE performance.
Neutralization of TSLP Inhibits Airway Remodeling in a Murine Model of Allergic Asthma Induced by Chronic Exposure to House Dust Mite

Chronic allergic asthma is characterized by Th2-typed inflammation, and contributes to airway remodeling and the deterioration of lung function. However, the initiating factor that links airway inflammation to remodeling is unknown. Thymic stromal lymphopoietin (TSLP), an epithelium-derived cytokine, can strongly activate lung dendritic cells (DCs) through the TSLP-TSLPR and OX40L-OX40 signaling pathways to promote Th2 differentiation. To determine whether TSLP is the underlying trigger of airway remodeling in chronic allergen-induced asthma, we induced allergic airway inflammation in mice by intranasal administration of house dust mite (HDM) extracts for up to 5 consecutive weeks. We showed that repeated respiratory exposure to HDM caused significant airway eosinophilic inflammation, peribronchial collagen deposition, goblet cell hyperplasia, and airway hyperreactivity (AHR) to methacholine. These effects were accompanied with a salient Th2 response that was characterized by the upregulation of Th2-typed cytokines, such as IL-4 and IL-13, as well as the transcription factor GATA-3. Moreover, the levels of TSLP and transforming growth factor beta 1 (TGF-β1) were also increased in the airway. We further demonstrated, using the chronic HDM-induced asthma model, that the inhibition of Th2 responses via neutralization of TSLP with an anti-TSLP mAb reversed airway inflammation, prevented structural alterations, and decreased AHR to methacholine and TGF-β1 level. These results suggest that TSLP plays a pivotal role in the initiation and persistence of airway inflammation and remodeling in the context of chronic allergic asthma.
The Mitotic Index and Interphase Processes

1. Quantitative measurements of the amounts of material in a large number of individual cells are often presented as histograms, the forms of which are discussed. 2. It is shown that in a dividing tissue the rate of increase of the measured substance in a single cell may be derived from the histogram, provided certain assumptions hold. Appropriate formulae are presented. 3. The significance of the mitotic index in relation to interphase processes is also considered. It is concluded that the relation between the shape of a histogram and the mitotic index of the tissue cannot be defined unless the durations of interphase and mitosis and the proportion of cells participating in the interphase-mitotic cycle are known. 4. The difficulty of obtaining the latter information from any material other than tissue cultures is discussed.
Suicidal intent and repeated self-harm

Synopsis The value of identifying self-harm patients who repeat with rising suicidal intent is discussed. A study is described measuring changes in intent with repetition by means of an intent scale. Patients repeating once in 5 years scored significantly higher in intent for their second episodes, while multiple repeaters tended to score lower for second episodes. Patients under the age of 35 were most at risk for repetition with increasing intent within 2 years. No correlation emerged between the rise in intent and the time interval between episodes over a 7-year period. The 5-year suicide rate was higher among rising intent repeaters than other cases. These findings are discussed.
Differential induction of Toll-like receptors & type 1 interferons by Sabin attenuated & wild type 1 polioviruses in human neuronal cells

Background & objectives: Polioviruses are the causative agent of paralytic poliomyelitis. Attenuated polioviruses (Sabin oral poliovirus vaccine strains) do not replicate efficiently in neurons as compared to the wild type polioviruses and therefore do not cause disease. This study was aimed to investigate the differential host immune response to wild type 1 poliovirus (wild PV) and Sabin attenuated type 1 poliovirus (Sabin PV) in cultured human neuronal cells. Methods: By using flow cytometry and real time PCR methods we examined host innate immune responses and compared the role of toll like receptors (TLRs) and cytoplasmic RNA helicases in cultured human neuronal cells (SK-N-SH) infected with Sabin PV and wild PV. Results: Human neuronal cells expressed very low levels of TLRs constitutively. Sabin PV infection induced significantly higher expression of TLR3, TLR7 and melanoma differentiation-associated protein-5 (MDA-5) m-RNA in neuronal cells at the beginning of infection (up to 4 h) as compared to wild PV. Further, Sabin PV also induced the expression of interferon α/β at early time point of infection. The induced expression of IFN α/β gene by Sabin PV in neuronal cells could be suppressed by inhibiting TLR7. Interpretation & conclusions: Neuronal cell innate immune response to Sabin and wild polioviruses differ significantly for TLR3, TLR7, MDA5 and type 1 interferons. Effects of TLR7 activation and interferon production and Sabin virus replication in neuronal cells need to be actively investigated in future studies.
Clarification of the Meaning of Job Stress in the Context of Sales Force Research

To hasten progress towards understanding the influence of job stress on salespersons' behavior, researchers and individuals in industry who work with researchers need a common base of understanding. A common base of understanding will allow researchers to better communicate research expectations and findings. The following discussion contributes to the base of understanding job stress by providing a theoretical perspective and definition of job stress. Pursuant to providing a base of understanding for job stress as it is experienced by salespeople, this discussion addresses problems that have occurred in the study of job stress; develops a multidimensional perspective for understanding job stress relative to related constructs; and defines job stress.
Bioengineering Lantibiotics for Therapeutic Success

Several examples of highly modified antimicrobial peptides have been described. While many such peptides are non-ribosomally synthesized, ribosomally synthesized equivalents are being discovered with increased frequency. Of the latter group, the lantibiotics continue to attract most attention. In the present review, we discuss the implementation of in vivo and in vitro engineering systems to alter, and even enhance, the antimicrobial activity, antibacterial spectrum and physico-chemical properties, including heat stability, solubility, diffusion and protease resistance, of these compounds. Additionally, we discuss the potential applications of these lantibiotics for use as therapeutics.
Changes in Retinal Function and Morphology Are Early Clinical Signs of Disease in Cattle with Bovine Spongiform Encephalopathy

Bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) belongs to a group of fatal, transmissible protein misfolding diseases known as transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs). All TSEs are caused by accumulation of misfolded prion protein (PrPSc) throughout the central nervous system (CNS), which results in neuronal loss and ultimately death. Like other protein misfolding diseases including Parkinson’s disease and Alzheimer’s disease, TSEs are generally not diagnosed until the onset of disease after the appearance of unequivocal clinical signs. As such, identification of the earliest clinical signs of disease may facilitate diagnosis. The retina is the most accessible part of the central nervous system, and retinal pathology in TSE affected animals has been previously reported. Here we describe antemortem changes in retinal function and morphology that are detectable in BSE inoculated animals several months (up to 11 months) prior to the appearance of any other signs of clinical disease. We also demonstrate that differences in the severity of these clinical signs reflect the amount of PrPSc accumulation in the retina and the resulting inflammatory response of the tissue. These results are the earliest reported clinical signs associated with TSE infection and provide a basis for understanding the pathology and evaluating therapeutic interventions.
Are causes of police stress global? Testing the effects of common police stressors on the Turkish National Police

– This study aims to assess the effects of commonly examined police stressors' on the members of a developing country's centralized police department: Turkish National Police (TNP). , – This study is based on a data collected through a self‐administered survey among the members of the TNP during the summer of 2005 (n=812). Using multivariate level OLS regression models, predicting effects of commonly examined police stressors on the participants' stress levels are analyzed. Findings are evaluated in comparison to existing literature about police stress. , – This study indicates that organizational issues are the most important causes of stress in policing. Besides, it was found that several police stressors, as found for local police departments, might not be having the same effects for larger, centralized police departments. , – Modern policing can be a less stressful job if the police organizations take necessary steps towards applying modern management techniques at both macro and micro levels. Demographic differences, danger at work, or workload should not be counted as predictors of stress in policing without a through consideration of organizational matters. , – This is the first study empirically and systematically assessing the issue of stress among the members of the TNP. In addition, it is one of the rare studies published in English regarding the issue of police stress in a developing country.
Tregs restrain dendritic cell autophagy to ameliorate autoimmunity

Design of efficacious Treg-based therapies and establishment of clinical tolerance in autoimmune diseases have proven to be challenging. The clinical implementation of Treg immunotherapy has been hampered by various impediments related to the stability and isolation procedures of Tregs as well as the specific in vivo targets of Treg modalities. Herein, we have demonstrated that Foxp3+ Tregs potently suppress autoimmune responses in vivo through inhibition of the autophagic machinery in DCs in a cytotoxic T-lymphocyte–associated protein 4–dependent (CTLA4-dependent) manner. Autophagy-deficient DCs exhibited reduced immunogenic potential and failed to prime autoantigen-specific CD4+ T cells to mediate autoimmunity. Mechanistically, CTLA4 binding promoted activation of the PI3K/Akt/mTOR axis and FoxO1 nuclear exclusion in DCs, leading to decreased transcription of the autophagy component microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3&bgr; (Lc3b). Human DCs treated with CTLA4-Ig, a fusion protein composed of the Fc region of IgG1 and the extracellular domain of CTLA4 (also known as abatacept, marketed as Orencia), demonstrated reduced levels of autophagosome formation, while DCs from CTLA4-Ig–treated rheumatoid arthritis patients displayed diminished LC3B transcripts. Collectively, our data identify the canonical autophagy pathway in DCs as a molecular target of Foxp3+ Treg–mediated suppression that leads to amelioration of autoimmune responses. These findings may pave the way for the development of therapeutic protocols that exploit Tregs for the treatment of autoimmunity as well as diseases in which disturbed tolerance is a common denominator.
Inhibitory Activity of Yokukansankachimpihange against Nerve Growth Factor-Induced Neurite Growth in Cultured Rat Dorsal Root Ganglion Neurons

Chronic pruritus is a major and distressing symptom of many cutaneous diseases, however, the treatment remains a challenge in the clinic. The traditional Chinese-Japanese medicine (Kampo medicine) is a conservative and increasingly popular approach to treat chronic pruritus for both patients and medical providers. Yokukansankachimpihange (YKH), a Kampo formula has been demonstrated to be effective in the treatment of itching of atopic dermatitis in Japan although its pharmacological mechanism is unknown clearly. In an attempt to clarify its pharmacological actions, in this study, we focused on the inhibitory activity of YKH against neurite growth induced with nerve growth factor (NGF) in cultured rat dorsal root ganglion (DRG) neurons because epidermal hyperinnervation is deeply related to itch sensitization. YKH showed approximately 200-fold inhibitory activity against NGF-induced neurite growth than that of neurotropin (positive control), a drug used clinically for treatment of chronic pruritus. Moreover, it also found that Uncaria hook, Bupleurum root and their chemical constituents rhynchophylline, hirsutine, and saikosaponin a, d showed inhibitory activities against NGF-induced neurite growth, suggesting they should mainly contribute to the inhibitory activity of YKH. Further study on the effects of YKH against epidermal nerve density in “itch-scratch” animal models is under investigation.