Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Corticospinal Motor Neurons and Related Subcerebral Projection Neurons Undergo Early and Specific Neurodegeneration in hSOD1G93A Transgenic ALS Mice

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is characterized by predominant vulnerability and central degeneration of both corticospinal/corticobulbar motor neurons (CSMN; “upper motor neurons”) in cerebral cortex, and spinal/bulbar motor neurons (SMN; “lower motor neurons”) in spinal cord and brainstem. Increasing evidence indicates broader cerebral cortex pathology in cognitive, sensory, and association systems in select cases. It remains unclear whether widely accepted transgenic ALS models, in particular hSOD1G93A mice, undergo degeneration of CSMN and molecularly/developmentally closely related populations of nonmotor projection neurons [e.g., other subcerebral projection neurons (SCPN)], and whether potential CSMN/SCPN degeneration is specific and early. This relative lack of knowledge regarding upper motor neuron pathology in these ALS model mice has hindered both molecular-pathophysiologic understanding of ALS and their use toward potential CSMN therapeutic approaches. Here, using a combination of anatomic, cellular, transgenic labeling, and newly available neuronal subtype-specific molecular analyses, we identify that CSMN and related nonmotor SCPN specifically and progressively degenerate in hSOD1G93A mice. Degeneration starts quite early and presymptomatically, by postnatal day 30. Other neocortical layers, cortical interneurons, and other projection neuron populations, even within layer V, are not similarly affected. Nonneuronal pathology in neocortex (activated astroglia and microglia) is consistent with findings in human ALS cortex and in affected mouse and human spinal cord. These results indicate previously unknown neuron type-specific vulnerability of CSMN/sensory and association SCPN, and identify that characteristic dual CSMN and SMN degeneration is conserved in hSOD1G93A mice. These results provide a foundation for detailed investigation of CSMN/SCPN vulnerability and toward potential CSMN therapeutics in ALS.
Statins: Cholesterol guidelines and Indian perspective

Statins have become an important drug in preventing the occurrence of atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD). The effectiveness of statins in reducing ASCVD has been established in large-scale clinical trials. The lipid management guidelines have been periodically modified due to accumulating evidence about the proportionate benefit achieved with a progressive reduction in cholesterol levels with higher doses of statins and even in those at low risk of development of ASCVD. The current American College of Cardiology/American Heart Association guidelines have based its recommendations from data gathered exclusively from randomized controlled trials. It has simplified the use of statins, but also raised questions regarding the validity of its cardiovascular event risk prediction tool. Epidemiology of cardiovascular disease in India differs from the western population; there is an increased the prevalence of metabolic syndrome and atherogenic dyslipidemia phenotype a group not addressed in the current guidelines. The guidelines are based on trials, which do not have a representative South Asian population. This article reviews the relevant literature, and examines the issues involved in adopting the guidelines to the Indian population.
Horowitz’s Impact of Event Scale Evaluation of 20 Years of Use

Objective The main objective of this meta-analysis was to model the relations between a set of independent variables (age and gender of the trauma group, country where the study was performed, year of publication, type of event, time elapsed between event and measurement) and stress symptoms. Methods Data from 66 studies that used Horowitz’s IES to examine the psychological impact of a major life event were subjected to meta-analysis. Results Results from hierarchical regression analysis indicated that type of event (episodes of illness and injury, natural and technological disaster, bereavement and loss, violence, sexual abuse, and war exposure) is a strong predictor of levels of intrusive and avoidant symptoms after a traumatic event. Intrusive and avoidant reactions reported by trauma victims tended to decrease linearly over time after the trauma. This finding was supported by the results reported by 20 different studies of stress reactions at two different time points after various events. Gender and cultural difference were relatively insignificant, whereas type of event induced different levels of stress reactions as measured with the IES. Conclusion These data provide evidence for the value of the IES as a measure of stress reactions in a number of different populations. Data summarized here will be useful as a comparison resource in future studies of stress response syndromes.
Ways of seeing: using the visual arts in nursing education.

Professional nursing defines its foundation of practice as embedded in the sciences and humanities of a liberal education. This liberal education is commonly alluded to with the phrase "the art and science of nursing. " Yet how do we as nursing educators integrate these two concepts? This article describes a method of integrating the humanities as part of an innovative clinical experience. A defined visual art experience was used to improve professional nursing students' observational and communication skills, narrative sequencing abilities, and empathy. The nursing and medical literature describing the use of visual art encounters in health care education is reviewed. The incorporation of an art education program into the curriculum of a cohort of accelerated baccalaureate nursing students is described. Qualitative evaluation measures from the students suggest this was an experience that broadened their understanding of patient encounters.
Rh antigens and phenotype frequencies of the Ibibio, Efik, and Ibo ethnic nationalities in Calabar, Nigeria

Abstract This report forms part of the study on the Rh phenotypes within the various ethnic nationalities in the south-south region of Nigeria. The aim is to demonstrate the Rh polymorphisms among the people of African descent. The frequencies of Rh blood group antigens and phenotypes of the Ibibio, Efik, and Ibo ethnic nationalities in Calabar municipality, Nigeria, were determined using standard serologic techniques. Of the 720 Calabar individuals tested, the frequencies of the Rh antigens within the nationalities were c (100%), e (96.38%), D (96.38%), E (15.22%), and C (3.62%) for the Ibibios; c (100%), e (95.60%), D (96.70%), E (21.98%), and C (0%) for the Efiks; and c (100%), e (94.29%), D (91.43%), E (28.57%), and C (2.86%) for the Ibos. The overall frequencies of the Rh antigens in these 720 individuals were c (100%), e (95.56%), D (94.44%), E (18.89%), and C (2.78%). Forty (5.56%) were found to be D–, while all were found to possess the c antigen. The most frequently occurring Rh phenotype was Dccee, with a frequency of 73.61 percent. The alternative allele, C, did not appear in homozygous form (CC) in the population tested. This study further demonstrates the variability of Rh blood group phenotypes in Nigeria and Africa. Immunohematology 2005;21:21–24.
Response of midpiece vesicles on human sperm to osmotic stress.

BACKGROUND We investigated the osmotic response of midpiece vesicles (MPV) on human sperm. METHODS Light microscopy, transmission X-ray microscopy and computer-aided semen analysis was used to investigate sperm in normozoospermic semen from healthy donors, separated from semen and suspended in hyper- or hypo-osmotic solutions. RESULTS The mean incidence of MPV-bearing sperm in semen was 31% (range 8-71; n = 47). MPV were morphologically different from cytoplasmic droplets. The incidence of MPV-bearing sperm in separated populations increased reversibly after washing in Sperm Preparation Medium but not after washing in seminal plasma. There was an inverse relationship between medium osmolality and both MPV-bearing sperm incidence and MPV diameter. However, initial osmolality in semen from different donors did not correlate with incidence of MPV-bearing sperm. Furthermore, a direct relationship was observed in semen as osmolality increased with time. No correlation existed between progressive motility and semen osmolality. Progressive motility and the amplitude of lateral head displacement were significantly reduced in sperm with an MPV (three out of four semen samples, 26-32 sperm). The incidence of MPV-bearing sperm in those that had penetrated cervical mucus (75, 46, and 40%) was increased compared with the adjacent semen (24, 35, and 24%). CONCLUSIONS MPV are ubiquitous and distinct from cytoplasmic droplets. They respond to osmolality changes of the surrounding medium. The presence of an MPV can reduce motility but not survival in cervical mucus. Therefore, they should not be considered detrimental to sperm function.
Clinical Utility of the Nonstructural 1 Antigen Rapid Diagnostic Test in the Management of Dengue in Returning Travelers With Fever

Abstract Background Rapid diagnostic test (RDT) detecting the nonstructural 1 (NS1) antigen is increasingly used for dengue diagnosis in endemic and nonendemic settings, but its clinical utility has not been studied in travel clinic practice. Methods From August 2012 to July 2016, travelers returning from the tropics with fever were evaluated in the Institute of Tropical Medicine (Antwerp, Belgium) with the routine use of NS1 antigen RDT that provided results within 1 hour. We determined the diagnostic performance, assessed the management of patients with a positive RDT result, and compared it with that of historical cases of dengue diagnosed from 2000 to 2006, when only antibody detection assays were available. Results Of 335 travelers evaluated for fever, 54 (16%) were diagnosed with dengue, including 1 severe case. Nonstructural 1 antigen RDT was performed in 308 patients. It was truly positive in 43 of 52 tested dengue cases and falsely positive in only 1 of the 256 nondengue cases; therefore, sensitivity was 82.7% (95% confidence interval [CI], 74.4%–93.0%) and specificity was 99.6% (95% CI, 98.8%–100%). Only 3 (7%) of the 43 febrile travelers “immediately” diagnosed by RDT were admitted, and only 2 (5%) were given empirical antibacterial treatment, without adverse outcome. Admission and antibiotic prescription rates were significantly higher in the historical cases (n = 43) diagnosed by antibody detection (33%, P = .006 and 26%, P = .014, respectively), although the frequency of severe dengue was similar. Conclusions In our practice, the diagnostic performance of NS1 antigen RDT substantially contributed in withholding unnecessary hospitalization and antibiotherapy in dengue patients.
B-Cell-Activating Factor and Autoimmune Myasthenia Gravis

BAFF is a potent B-cell survival factor, and it plays an essential role in B-cell homeostasis and B-cell function in the periphery. Both normal and autoreactive B cells are BAFF dependent; however, excess BAFF promotes the survival, growth, and maturation of autoreactive B cells. When overexpressed, BAFF protects B cells from apoptosis, thereby contributing to autoimmunity. Three independent studies have shown higher BAFF levels in the circulation of MG patients. BAFF may play an important role in the pathogenesis of MG. BAFF antagonists may well provide new treatment options for MG patients, particularly those patients with thymic lymphoid follicular hyperplasia.
The influence of incubating firm' social capital on knowledge acquisition and knowledge exploitation

Previous studies on incubating firms (entrepreneurial firms in business incubators) pay little attention to social interaction between incubating firms and incubators as well as how the interaction affects the firms to acquire the necessary resources for incubation. By associating with incubators, incubating firms may build social capital with the incubators and acquire more dispensable resources such as knowledge through the social network of the incubators. The purpose of this study is to explore the relationship among social capital, knowledge acquisition and knowledge exploitation. Utilizing data collected from 165 incubating firms, this study found that social capital has a positive effect on incubating firm's knowledge acquisition and there is a positive relationship between knowledge acquisition and new product development performance.
Integrating in situ Geochronology and Metamorphic Petrology: An Example from the Gruf Complex, European Central Alps

iii ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS . v TABLE OF CONTENTS . vii LIST OF FIGURES . x LIST OF TABLES . xii CHAPTER 1 . 1 Background and Significance . 1 Summary of Chapters . 2 References . 3 CHAPTER 2 . 6 Abstract . 6 Introduction . 7 Geological Setting . 8 Petrographic Descriptions and Major Mineral Compositions . 11 Residual Granulite . 11 Stromatic Granulites . 13 Leucogranulite . 14 Charnockite . 14 Retrogressed Granulites . 15 Analytical Methods . 16 U-Pb Ages . 17 Rutile Trace Element Compositions . 19 Zr-in-rutile Thermometry . 20 Massive, Mgand Al-rich Granulite (Residual Granulite) . 20 Stromatic Granulites . 21 Leucocratic Granulite . 21 Charnockite . 22 Retrogressed Granulites . 22 Discussion . 22 Significance of Trace Element Compositions . 23 Zr-in-rutile Thermometry . 23 Rutile U-Pb Cooling Ages . 27 Decoupling of Zr-in-rutile temperatures and U-Pb ages . 29 Regional significance of Zr-in-rutile thermometry and U-Pb thermochronology . 30 Conclusions . 31
Effects of inhaled therapy on biomarkers of systemic inflammation in stable chronic obstructive pulmonary disease

In chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) airways inflammation is associated in more advanced stages with systemic inflammation. COPD-associated systemic inflammation syndrome is defined currently with rather non-specific biomarkers such as C-reactive protein (CRP) but there are also other ‘organ-specific’ biomarkers such as surfactant protein-D which are still not well characterized but might represent more appropriate and reliable alternatives to the non-specific biomarkers. Inhaled therapies are the mainstay in stable COPD and they were demonstrated to reduce airway inflammation and more recently in the case of inhaled corticosteroids alone or combined with long-acting beta-2 agonists to reduce systemic inflammation as well. This paper focuses on current and potential biomarkers of systemic inflammation in COPD and on the systemic anti-inflammatory effects of inhaled therapies in stable COPD.
Resolving Individuals Contributing Trace Amounts of DNA to Highly Complex Mixtures Using High-Density SNP Genotyping Microarrays

We use high-density single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) genotyping microarrays to demonstrate the ability to accurately and robustly determine whether individuals are in a complex genomic DNA mixture. We first develop a theoretical framework for detecting an individual's presence within a mixture, then show, through simulations, the limits associated with our method, and finally demonstrate experimentally the identification of the presence of genomic DNA of specific individuals within a series of highly complex genomic mixtures, including mixtures where an individual contributes less than 0.1% of the total genomic DNA. These findings shift the perceived utility of SNPs for identifying individual trace contributors within a forensics mixture, and suggest future research efforts into assessing the viability of previously sub-optimal DNA sources due to sample contamination. These findings also suggest that composite statistics across cohorts, such as allele frequency or genotype counts, do not mask identity within genome-wide association studies. The implications of these findings are discussed.
Distribution of thorny excrescences on CA3 pyramidal neurons in the rat hippocampus

Thorny excrescences are the postsynaptic components of synapses between mossy fibers of granule cells and dendrites of CA3 pyramidal neurons in the hippocampal formation. Very little quantitative data on the number and distribution of excrescences in adult rats are available because, first, the vast majority are grouped into clusters and it is not possible to identify single excrescences within these clusters at the light microscope level. Second, clusters are of varying lengths and are distributed over hundreds of micrometers, making ultrastructural analysis prohibitively time‐consuming. Here, by using three‐dimensional analysis techniques at the light microscope level, we quantified the number, length, and distribution of excrescence clusters on proximal and midfield pyramidal neurons in the rat. Results indicated that proximal neurons had similar numbers of clusters on their apical and basal trees, and that cluster length was also similar. In contrast, midfield neurons had more apical than basal clusters, and apical clusters were longer. For neurons in both regions, basal clusters were located about 50% closer to somata. Overall, proximal neurons had more clusters than did midfield neurons, but the clusters were shorter; thus, proximal and midfield neurons had about the same total cluster length, and presumably the same number of single excrescences. Based on these data and on published ultrastructural measurements of single excrescences, we estimated an average of 41 excrescences/neuron, and suggest that a pyramidal neuron can be contacted by a maximum of 41 mossy fiber boutons, each from a different granule cell. J. Comp. Neurol. 430:357–368, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A Characterization of Acyclic Switching Classes of Graphs Using Forbidden Subgraphs

We characterize the switching classes that do not contain an acyclic graph. The characterization is by means of a set of forbidden induced subgraphs. We prove that in addition to switches of the cycles Cn for $n\geq 7$, there are only finitely many such graphs in 24 switching classes, all having at most 9 vertices. We give a representative of each of the 24 switching classes.
Effect of helmet wear on the incidence of head/face and cervical spine injuries in young skiers and snowboarders

Purpose: To evaluate whether helmets increase the incidence and/or severity of cervical spine injury; decrease the incidence of head injury; and/or increase the incidence of collisions (as a reflection of adverse effects on peripheral vision and/or auditory acuity) among young skiers and snowboarders. Methods: During one ski season (1998–99) at a world class ski resort, all young skiers and snowboarders (<13 years of age) presenting with head, face, or neck injury to the one central medical facility at the base of the mountain were identified. On presentation to the clinic, subjects or their parents completed a questionnaire reviewing their use of helmets and circumstances surrounding the injury event. Physicians documented the site and severity of injury, investigations, and disposition of each patient. Concurrently, counts were made at the entry to the ski area of the number of skiers and snowboarders wearing helmets. Results: Seventy children were evaluated at the clinic following ski/snowboard related head, neck, and face injuries. Fourteen did not require investigation or treatment. Of the remaining 56, 17 (30%) were wearing helmets and 39 (70%) were not. No serious neck injury occurred in either group. Using helmet-use data from the hill, among those under 13 years of age, failure to wear a helmet increased the risk of head, neck, or face injury (relative risk (RR) 2.24, 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.23 to 4.12). When corrected for activity, RR was 1.77 and 95% CI 0.98 to 3.19. There was no significant difference in the odds ratio for collisions. The two groups may have been different in terms of various relevant characteristics not evaluated. No separate analysis of catastrophic injuries was possible. Conclusion: This study suggests that, in skiers and snowboarders under 13 years of age, helmet use does not increase the incidence of cervical spine injury and does reduce the incidence of head injury requiring investigation and/or treatment.
Treatment of bone complications in advanced prostate cancer: rationale for bisphosphonate use and results of a phase III trial with zoledronic acid.

Prostate cancer often metastasizes to bone during disease progression. Patients who develop bone metastases have a high risk of developing skeletal complications, including pathologic fractures, spinal cord compression, and severe bone pain. Bisphosphonate therapy is widely used for the prevention of skeletal complications in patients with bone lesions from multiple myeloma and breast cancer. Until recently, however, no bisphosphonate had ever shown objective clinical benefit in patients with prostate cancer and osteoblastic bone lesions. A recent multicenter, randomized, placebo-controlled trial found zoledronic acid (4 mg) to be a safe and effective therapy in patients with bone metastases from hormone-refractory prostate cancer. Zoledronic acid significantly reduced the proportion of patients who experienced skeletal complications and extended the time to first skeletal complication. Further, zoledronic acid significantly reduced the risk of skeletal complications over this 15-month study and provided consistent reductions in bone pain that were significant at the 3- and 9-month time points compared with placebo. These results suggest that zoledronic acid may become an important advancement in the care of patients with prostate cancer metastatic to bone. The role of zoledronic acid in the treatment of patients with prostate cancer continues to evolve.
The Ephrin A1–EphA2 System Promotes Cardiac Stem Cell Migration After Infarction

Rationale: Understanding the mechanisms that regulate trafficking of human cardiac stem cells (hCSCs) may lead to development of new therapeutic approaches for the failing heart. Objective: We tested whether the motility of hCSCs in immunosuppressed infarcted animals is controlled by the guidance system that involves the interaction of Eph receptors with ephrin ligands. Methods and Results: Within the cardiac niches, cardiomyocytes expressed preferentially the ephrin A1 ligand, whereas hCSCs possessed the EphA2 receptor. Treatment of hCSCs with ephrin A1 resulted in the rapid internalization of the ephrin A1–EphA2 complex, posttranslational modifications of Src kinases, and morphological changes consistent with the acquisition of a motile cell phenotype. Ephrin A1 enhanced the motility of hCSCs in vitro, and their migration in vivo following acute myocardial infarction. At 2 weeks after infarction, the volume of the regenerated myocardium was 2-fold larger in animals injected with ephrin A1–activated hCSCs than in animals receiving control hCSCs; this difference was dictated by a greater number of newly formed cardiomyocytes and coronary vessels. The increased recovery in myocardial mass with ephrin A1–treated hCSCs was characterized by further restoration of cardiac function and by a reduction in arrhythmic events. Conclusions: Ephrin A1 promotes the motility of EphA2-positive hCSCs, facilitates their migration to the area of damage, and enhances cardiac repair. Thus, in situ stimulation of resident hCSCs with ephrin A1 or their ex vivo activation before myocardial delivery improves cell targeting to sites of injury, possibly providing a novel strategy for the management of the diseased heart.