Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Reduced Expression of Excitatory Amino Acid Transporter 2 and Diffuse Microglial Activation in the Cerebral Cortex in AIDS Cases With or Without HIV Encephalitis

To determine the relationship between the human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) encephalitis (HIVE) and diffuse poliodystrophy in the acquired immunodeficiency syndrome dementia complex, we examined the neuropathologic features in brain autopsy tissue specimens of HIV-1-infected patients with (n = 11) or without HIVE (n = 9). The brains were free of opportunistic diseases and major cerebrovascular lesions. In both groups, there was diffuse microglial activation, astrocytic gliosis, and decreased excitatory amino acid transporter 2 (EAAT-2) immunoreactivity. These changes did not correlate either with the severity of encephalitis or local HIV-1 infection as detected by p24 immunostaining. Some activated microglia expressed EAAT-2; interleukin-1&bgr; and tumor necrosis factor were detected only in microglial nodules of HIVE cases but not in areas with diffusely activated microglia. There was a significant negative correlation between the areas of EAAT-2 expression and numbers of activated microglia (p < 0.01) in cases with decreased EAAT-2. These data indicate that diffuse cortical changes may occur independently of HIVE in acquired immunodeficiency syndrome patients. The expression of EAAT-2 by activated microglia suggests that they might exert a compensatory effect that protects neurons from glutamate neurotoxicity.
Capnography improves detection of apnea during procedural sedation for percutaneous transhepatic cholangiodrainage.

BACKGROUND Capnography provides noninvasive monitoring of ventilation and can enable early recognition of altered respiration patterns and apnea. OBJECTIVE To compare the detection of apnea and the prediction of oxygen desaturation and hypoxemia using capnography versus clinical surveillance during procedural sedation for percutaneous transhepatic cholangiodrainage (PTCD). METHODS Twenty consecutive patients scheduled for PTCD were included in the study. All patients were sedated during the procedure using midazolam and propofol. Aside from standard monitoring, additional capnographic monitoring was used and analyzed by an independent observer. RESULTS The mean (± SD) cumulative duration of apnea demonstrated by capnography was significantly longer than the mean cumulative duration of clinically detected apnea (207.5 ± 348.8 s versus 8.2 ± 17.9 s; P=0.015). The overall number of detected episodes of apnea was also significantly different (113 versus seven; P=0.012). There were 15 events of oxygen desaturation (decrease in oxygen saturation [SaO2] ≥ 5%), which were predicted in eight of 15 cases by capnography and in one of 15 cases by clinical observation. There were three events of hypoxemia (SaO2 <90%) that were predicted in three of three cases by capnography and in one of three cases by clinical observation. CONCLUSION Capnographic monitoring was superior to clinical surveillance in the detection of apnea and in the prediction of oxygen desaturation during procedural sedation for PTCD.
Results of tetanus vaccination in sarcoidosis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Cellular immunity abnormalities are associated with sarcoidosis. Normal cellular immunity is required for adequate humoral immunity; therefore, a decreased humoral immune response is possible in patients with sarcoidosis. We evaluated humoral immunity by vaccinating patients with sarcoidosis against tetanus. PATIENTS AND METHOD We screened 60 patients with sarcoidosis (42 females, average age 39 +/- 11 years) and 40 healthy subjects as a control (23 females, average age 38 +/- 9 years). Of the 51 sarcoidosis patients and 33 controls that did not have sufficient tetanus antibody titers, 48 patients and 31 controls agreed to be vaccinated and were included in the vaccination program. Blood serum samples were collected from the subjects before and after vaccination and evaluated for tetanus toxoid IgG antibodies with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). RESULTS As a result of the vaccination, 24 of the sarcoidosis patients (50%) and 7 of the controls (23%) had insufficient antibody responses (p = 0.019). No relationship was found in sarcoidosis patients between the rate of having sufficient antibody levels and disease duration, activation state, and radiographic staging of the disease. Conversely, mean lymphocyte numbers were significantly lower in patients with insufficient tetanus antibody levels (p = 0.013). CONCLUSION Tetanus vaccinations in sarcoidosis patients are less effective than in healthy controls, suggesting that patients with sarcoidosis have a hyporesponsive humoral immune system.
Disulfide Bonds in the Ectodomain of Anthrax Toxin Receptor 2 Are Required for the Receptor-Bound Protective-Antigen Pore to Function

Background Cell-surface receptors play essential roles in anthrax toxin action by providing the toxin with a high-affinity anchor and self-assembly site on the plasma membrane, mediating the toxin entry into cells through endocytosis, and shifting the pH threshold for prepore-to-pore conversion of anthrax toxin protective antigen (PA) to a more acidic pH, thereby inhibiting premature pore formation. Each of the two known anthrax toxin receptors, ANTXR1 and ANTXR2, has an ectodomain comprised of an N-terminal von Willebrand factor A domain (VWA), which binds PA, and an uncharacterized immunoglobulin-like domain (Ig) that connects VWA to the membrane-spanning domain. Potential roles of the receptor Ig domain in anthrax toxin action have not been investigated heretofore. Methodology/Principal Findings We expressed and purified the ANTXR2 ectodomain (R2-VWA-Ig) in E. coli and showed that it contains three disulfide bonds: one in R2-VWA and two in R2-Ig. Reduction of the ectodomain inhibited functioning of the pore, as measured by K+ release from liposomes or Chinese hamster ovary cells or by PA-mediated translocation of a model substrate across the plasma membrane. However, reduction did not affect binding of the ectodomain to PA or the transition of ectodomain-bound PA prepore to the pore conformation. The inhibitory effect depended specifically on reduction of the disulfides within R2-Ig. Conclusions/Significance We conclude that disulfide integrity within R2-Ig is essential for proper functioning of receptor-bound PA pore. This finding provides a novel venue to investigate the mechanism of anthrax toxin action and suggests new strategies for inhibiting toxin action.
Strong near-infrared carbon in the Type Ia supernova iPTF13ebh

We present near-infrared (NIR) time-series spectroscopy, as well as complementary ultraviolet (UV), optical, and NIR data, of the Type Ia supernova (SN Ia) iPTF13ebh, which was discovered within two days from the estimated time of explosion. The first NIR spectrum was taken merely 2:3 days after explosion and may be the earliest NIR spectrum yet obtained of a SN Ia. The most striking features in the spectrum are several NIR Ci lines, and the Ci 1.0693 m line is the strongest ever observed in a SN Ia. Interestingly, no strong optical Cii counterparts were found, even though the optical spectroscopic time series began early and is densely cadenced. Except at the very early epochs, within a few days from the time of explosion, we show that the strong NIR Ci compared to the weaker optical Cii appears to be general in SNe Ia. iPTF13ebh is a fast decliner with m15(B) = 1:79 0:01, and its absolute magnitude obeys the linear part of the width-luminosity relation. It is therefore categorized as a “transitional” event, on the fast-declining end of normal SNe Ia as opposed to subluminous/91bg-like objects. iPTF13ebh shows NIR spectroscopic properties that are distinct from both the normal and subluminous/91bg-like classes, bridging the observed characteristics of the two classes. These NIR observations suggest that composition and density of the inner core are similar to that of 91bg-like events, and that it has a deep-reaching carbon burning layer that is not observed in more slowly declining SNe Ia. There is also a substantial di erence between the explosion times inferred from the early-time light curve and the velocity evolution of the Siii 0.6355 m line, implying a long dark phase of 4 days.
Direction asymmetries in spoken and signed language interpreting*

Spoken language (unimodal) interpreters often prefer to interpret from their non-dominant language (L2) into their native language (L1). Anecdotally, signed language (bimodal) interpreters express the opposite bias, preferring to interpret from L1 (spoken language) into L2 (signed language). We conducted a large survey study (N = 1,359) of both unimodal and bimodal interpreters that confirmed these preferences. The L1 to L2 direction preference was stronger for novice than expert bimodal interpreters, while novice and expert unimodal interpreters did not differ from each other. The results indicated that the different direction preferences for bimodal and unimodal interpreters cannot be explained by language production–comprehension asymmetries or by work or training experiences. We suggest that modality and language-specific features of signed languages drive the directionality preferences of bimodal interpreters. Specifically, we propose that fingerspelling, transcoding (literal word-for-word translation), self-monitoring, and consumers’ linguistic variation influence the preference of bimodal interpreters for working into their L2.
A proposed model for prediction of survival based on a follow-up study in unresectable pancreatic cancer

Objectives To define an easy-to-use model for prediction of survival time in patients with unresectable pancreatic cancer in order to optimise patient' care. Design An observational retrospective study on patients with unresectable pancreatic cancer. The initial radiographs at presentation of symptoms were reviewed and the maximum diameter of the primary tumour was determined. The occurrence of liver metastases and performance status that determines initiation of chemotherapy was also used in the regression analysis to identify prognostic subgroups. Setting County hospital in south-east of Sweden. Population Consecutive patients with unresectable pancreatic cancer who were diagnosed between January 2003 and May 2010 (n=132). Main outcome measures Statistical analyses were performed using Stata V.13. Survival time was assessed with Kaplan-Meier analysis, log-rank test for equality of survivor functions and Cox regression for calculation of individual hazard based on tumour diameter, presence of liver metastases and initiation of chemotherapy treatment according to patient performance status. Results The individual hazard was log h=0.357 tumour size+1.181 liver metastases−0.989 performance status/chemotherapy. Three prognostic groups could be defined: a low-risk group with a median survival time of 6.7 (IQR 9.7) months, a medium-risk group with a median survival time of 4.5 (IQR 4.5) months and a high-risk group with a median survival time of 1.2 (IQR 1.7) months. Conclusions The maximum diameter of the primary tumour and the presence of liver metastases found at the X-ray examination of patients with pancreatic cancer, in conjunction with whether or not chemotherapy is initiated according to performance status, predict the survival time for patients who do not undergo surgical resection. The findings result in an easy-to-use model for predicting the survival time.
The Protective Effect of Green Tea Extract against Lead Toxicity in Rats Kidneys

Background: Previous reports claimed that lead enhances oxidative stress and induces renal dysfunction. Antioxidant and free radicals scavenger properties of green tea extract (GTE) can play a protective role against harmful effects of lead on the kidneys. Objectives: (1) to assess the effects of lead on renal function and oxidative stress, (2) to investigate the effects of GTE on oxidative stress and lead-induced renal dysfunction. Methods: 60 male Sprague-Dawley rats were divided into four equal groups (N= 15 rat for each); control group (received distilled water), GTE–group (received GTE as 1.5% w/v), Pb–group (received 0.4% lead acetate in distilled water), Pb + GTE-group (received both Pb and GTE). Lead concentration in kidney tissue was measured by atomic absorption spectrometer. Serum levels of total proteins, lipid peroxides (LPO), glutathione (GSH), glutathione S-transferase (GST), were measured using colorimetric methods and compared between different study groups. Results: Sprague-Dawley rats treated with lead and GTE (GTE + Pb group) showed significantly increased total protein (6.9 ± 0.4 vs 4.5 ± 0.3 g/dL, P < 0.01) and improved renal functions as indicated by lower levels of urea (35.9 ± 3.0 mg/dL) and creatinine (0.4 ± 0.03 mg/dL) compared to the Pb-control group (48.6 ± 2.6 mg/dL and 0.7 ± 0.05 mg/dL respectively, P < 0.01). GTE + Pb group also showed decreased levels of lead (1.9 ± 0.1 ppm) and LPO (1.3 ± 0.1 nmol/mg protein) compared to the Pb- group (2.5 ± 0.1 ppm, P < 0.001 and 1.7 ± 0.2 nmol/mg protein, P < 0.05 respectively). Alternatively, GSH was significantly increased in GTE + Pb group (13.4 ± 0.8 nmol/mg protein) compared to the Pb-group (8.3 ± 0.7 nmol/mg protein, P < 0.001). Conclusion: Lead can compromise renal function by interfering with redox state in the renal tissues. The treatment with GTE can attenuate oxidative stress and lead burden on renal function.
Lesson Talk as the Work of Reading Groups

This study compares the effectiveness of two interventions that differed in the nature of dialogic interactions among teachers and students in the reading group. One hundred nine children with mild disabilities were instructed by 35 teacher-interns in special education resource rooms. Sixty-three and 46 students, respectively, participated in the two instruction interventions. The analyses indicated that the intervention that produced the greatest effects was the one in which dialogue, social interactions, and scaffolded instruction figured prominently. Limitations and implications of the study are discussed.
Theoretical Considerations for the Analysis of Population Coding in Motor Cortex

Recent evidence of population coding in motor cortex has led some researchers to claim that certain variables such as hand direction or force may be coded within a Cartesian coordinate system with respect to extra personal space. These claims are based on the ability to predict the rectangular coordinates of hand movement direction using a population vector computed from multiple cells' firing rates. I show here that such a population vector can always be found given a very general set of assumptions. Therefore the existence of a population vector constitutes only weak support for the explicit use of a particular coordinate representation by motor cortex.
Giant axonal neuropathy: a rare inherited neuropathy with simple clinical clues

Giant axonal neuropathy (GAN) is a rare hereditary neurodegenerative disorder characterised by accumulation of excess neurofilaments in the axons of peripheral and central nervous systems, which hampers signal transmission. It usually manifests in infancy and early childhood and is slowly progressive. Those affected with GAN have characteristic curly kinky hair, everted feet and a crouched gait, which suggest the diagnosis in most cases. We describe twin children who presented with difficulty in walking and an abnormal gait since they began walking; clinical clues such as hair changes led us to the final diagnosis.
Re-evaluating cost effectiveness of universal meningitis vaccination (Bexsero) in England: modelling study

Objective To use mathematical and economic models to predict the epidemiological and economic impact of vaccination with Bexsero, designed to protect against group B meningococcal disease, to help inform vaccine policy in the United Kingdom. Design Modelling study. Setting England. Population People aged 0-99. Interventions Incremental impact of introductory vaccine strategies simulated with a transmission dynamic model of meningococcal infection and vaccination including potential herd effects. Model parameters included recent evidence on the vaccine characteristics, disease burden, costs of care, litigation costs, and loss of quality of life from disease, including impacts on family and network members. The health impact of vaccination was assessed through cases averted and quality adjusted life years (QALYs) gained. Main outcome measures Cases averted and cost per QALY gained through vaccination; programmes were deemed cost effective against a willingness to pay of £20 000 (€25 420, $32 677) per QALY gained from an NHS and personal and social services perspective. Results In the short term, case reduction is greatest with routine infant immunisation (26.3% of cases averted in the first five years). This strategy could be cost effective at £3 (€3.8, $4.9) a vaccine dose, given several favourable assumptions and the use of a quality of life adjustment factor. If the vaccine can disrupt meningococcal transmission more cases are prevented in the long term with an infant and adolescent combined programme (51.8% after 30 years), which could be cost effective at £4 a vaccine dose. Assuming the vaccine reduces acquisition by 30%, adolescent vaccination alone is the most favourable strategy economically, but takes more than 20 years to substantially reduce the number of cases. Conclusions Routine infant vaccination is the most effective short term strategy and could be cost effective with a low vaccine price. Critically, if the vaccine reduces carriage acquisition in teenagers, the combination of infant and adolescent vaccination could result in substantial long term reductions in cases and be cost effective with competitive vaccine pricing.
Randomized controlled trial of emergency department initiated smoking cessation counselling and referral to a community counselling service.

OBJECTIVE Worldwide, tobacco smoke is still the leading cause of preventable morbidity and mortality. Many smokers develop chronic smoking-related conditions that require emergency department (ED) visits. However, best practices for ED smoking cessation counselling are still unclear. METHODS A randomized controlled trial was conducted to determine whether an "ask, advise, and refer" approach increases 12-month, 30-day quit rates in the stable adult ED smoking population compared to usual care. Patients in the intervention group were referred to a community counselling service that offers a quitline, a text-based program, and a Web-based program. Longitudinal intention-to-treat analyses were performed. RESULTS From November 2011 to March 2013, 1,295 patients were enrolled from one academic tertiary care ED. Six hundred thirty-five were allocated to usual care, and 660 were allocated to intervention. Follow-up data were available for 70% of all patients at 12 months. There was no statistically significant difference in 12-month, 30-day quit rates between the two groups. However, there was a trend towards higher 7-day quit attempts, 7-day quit rates, and 30-day quit rates at 3, 6, and 12 months in the intervention group. CONCLUSION In this study, there was a trend towards increased smoking cessation following referral to a community counselling service. There was no statistically significant difference. However, if ED smoking cessation efforts were to provide even a small positive effect, such an intervention may have a significant public health impact given the extensive reach of emergency physicians.
Nuclear Export of mRNA by TAP/NXF1 Requires Two Nucleoporin-Binding Sites but Not p15

ABSTRACT Metazoan NXF1/p15 heterodimers promote export of bulk mRNA through nuclear pore complexes (NPC). NXF1 interacts with the NPC via two distinct structural domains, the UBA-like domain and the NTF2-like scaffold, which results from the heterodimerization of the NTF2-like domain of NXF1 with p15. Both domains feature a single nucleoporin-binding site, and they act synergistically to promote NPC translocation. Whether the NTF2-like scaffold (and thereby p15) contributes only to NXF1/NPC association or is also required for other functions, e.g., to impart directionality to the export process by regulating NXF1/NPC or NXF1/cargo interactions, remains unresolved. Here we show that a minimum of two nucleoporin-binding sites is required for NXF1-mediated export of cellular mRNA. These binding sites can be provided by an NTF2-like scaffold followed by a UBA-like domain (as in the wild-type protein) or by two NTF2-like scaffolds or two UBA-like domains in tandem. In the latter case, the export activity of NXF1 is independent of p15. Thus, as for the UBA-like domain, the function of the NTF2-like scaffold is confined to nucleoporin binding. More importantly, two copies of either of these domains are sufficient to promote directional transport of mRNA cargoes across the NPC.
Obtaining high performance for storage outsourcing

The viability of storage outsourcing is critically dependent on the access performance of remote storage. We study this issue by measuring the behavior of a broad variety of I/O-intensive benchmarks as they access remote storage over an IP network. We measure the effect of network latencies that correspond to distances ranging from a local neighborhood to halfway across a continent. We then measure the effect of latency-hiding mechanisms. Our results indicate that, in many cases, the adverse effects of network delay can be rendered inconsequential by clever file system and operating system techniques.
Effect of Physical Inactivity on the Oxidation of Saturated and Monounsaturated Dietary Fatty Acids: Results of a Randomized Trial

Objectives: Changes in the way dietary fat is metabolized can be considered causative in obesity. The role of sedentary behavior in this defect has not been determined. We hypothesized that physical inactivity partitions dietary fats toward storage and that a resistance exercise training program mitigates storage. Design: We used bed rest, with randomization to resistance training, as a model of physical inactivity. Setting: The trial took place at the Space Clinic (Toulouse, France). Participants: A total of 18 healthy male volunteers, of mean age ± standard deviation 32.6 ± 4.0 y and body mass index 23.6 ± 0.7 kg/m2, were enrolled. Interventions: An initial 15 d of baseline data collection were followed by 3 mo of strict bed-rest alone (control group, n = 9) or with the addition of supine resistance exercise training every 3 d (exercise group, n = 9). Outcome measures: Oxidation of labeled [d31]palmitate (the main saturated fatty acid of human diet) and [1-13C]oleate (the main monounsaturated fatty acid), body composition, net substrate use, and plasma hormones and metabolites were measured. Results: Between-group comparisons showed that exercise training did not affect oxidation of both oleate (mean difference 5.6%; 95% confidence interval [95% CI], −3.3% to 14.5%; p = 0.20) and palmitate (mean difference −0.2%; 95% CI, −4.1% to 3.6%; p = 0.89). Within-group comparisons, however, showed that inactivity changed oxidation of palmitate in the control group by −11.0% (95% CI, −19.0% to −2.9%; p = 0.01) and in the exercise group by −11.3% (95% CI, −18.4% to −4.2%; p = 0.008). In contrast, bed rest did not significantly affect oleate oxidation within groups. In the control group, the mean difference in oleate oxidation was 3.2% (95% CI, −4.2% to 10.5%; p = 0.34) and 6.8% (95% CI, −1.2% to 14.7%; p = 0.08) in the exercise group. Conclusions: Independent of changes in energy balance (intake and/or output), physical inactivity decreased the oxidation of saturated but not monounsaturated dietary fat. The effect is apparently not compensated by resistance exercise training. These results suggest that Mediterranean diets should be recommended in sedentary subjects and recumbent patients.