Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Prestimulus Cortical Activity is Correlated with Speed of Visuomotor Processing

Response time (RT) is an important behavioral measure of the overall efficacy of sensorimotor processing and is known to vary significantly from trial to trial. Past work on how stimulus evoked cortical responses contribute to RT variability has helped delineate the stages of neuronal information processing. Much less is known about how the state of the brain immediately preceding the stimulus onset (prestimulus) affects RT. We addressed this problem by analyzing data from three macaque monkeys trained to perform a visuomotor pattern discrimination task. Local field potentials were recorded from up to 16 bipolar surface-to-depth electrodes widely distributed over one cerebral hemisphere in each monkey. The degree of linear correlation between RT and prestimulus spectral power was determined over a wide range of frequencies. In the prefrontal cortex, prestimulus power in the beta range (1430 Hz) was negatively correlated with RT in two monkeys, suggesting a possible role of activity in this frequency range in the mediation of top-down control of visuomotor processing. In the sensorimotor cortex, prestimulus power in the beta range was positively correlated with RT in two monkeys, consistent with the hypothesis that oscillations in this range support the maintenance of steady-state motor output. In visual occipital and temporal lobe areas, prestimulus power in the alpha/low beta range (820 Hz) showed positive correlations with RT in three monkeys, possibly reflecting a spatially specific disengagement of visual anticipatory attention. Through measurement of prestimulus spectral coherence, it was further determined that sites showing similar patterns of correlation between spectral power and RT were also linked together in synchronized networks.
Central activation, muscle performance, and physical function in men infected with human immunodeficiency virus

Loss of muscle mass and limitations in activity have been reported in persons infected with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), even those who are otherwise asymptomatic. The extent to which factors other than muscle atrophy impair muscle performance has not been addressed in depth. The purpose of this study was to determine the extent of neuromuscular activation of the knee extensors and ankle dorsiflexors of 27 men infected with HIV receiving antiretroviral therapy and its relationship to muscle performance. The central activation ratio (CAR) was determined using superimposed electrical stimulation during maximum voluntary contractions. In addition to force and power measurements, muscle cross‐sectional area and composition was evaluated using computed tomography. Aerobic capacity was determined from treadmill exercise testing. Eleven of the subjects had an impaired ability to activate the knee extensors (CAR = 0.72 ± 0.12) that was associated with weakness and decreased specific force. The reduced central activation was not associated with muscle area, body composition, aerobic capacity, CD4 count, or medication regimen. Those individuals with low central activation had higher HIV‐1 viral loads and were more likely to have a history of AIDS‐defining illness. These results suggest the possibility of a different mechanism contributing to muscle impairment in the current treatment era that is associated with impairment of central motor function rather than atrophy. Further investigation is warranted in a larger, more diverse population before more definitive claims are made. Muscle Nerve, 2007
Biosynthetic Exchange of Bromide for Chloride and Strontium for Calcium in the Photosystem II Oxygen-evolving Enzymes*

The active site for water oxidation in photosystem II goes through five sequential oxidation states (S0 to S4) before O2 is evolved. It consists of a Mn4Ca cluster close to a redox-active tyrosine residue (TyrZ). Cl- is also required for enzyme activity. To study the role of Ca2+ and Cl- in PSII, these ions were biosynthetically substituted by Sr2+ and Br-, respectively, in the thermophilic cyanobacterium Thermosynechococcus elongatus. Irrespective of the combination of the non-native ions used (Ca/Br, Sr/Cl, Sr/Br), the enzyme could be isolated in a state that was fully intact but kinetically limited. The electron transfer steps affected by the exchanges were identified and then investigated by using time-resolved UV-visible absorption spectroscopy, time-resolved O2 polarography, and thermoluminescence spectroscopy. The effect of the Ca2+/Sr2+ and Cl-/Br- exchanges was additive, and the magnitude of the effect varied in the following order: Ca/Cl < Ca/Br < Sr/Cl < Sr/Br. In all cases, the rate of O2 release was similar to that of the S3TyrZ. to S0TyrZ transition, with the slowest kinetics (i.e. the Sr/Br enzyme) being ≈6-7 slower than in the native Ca/Cl enzyme. This slowdown in the kinetics was reflected in a decrease in the free energy level of the S3 state as manifest by thermoluminescence. These observations indicate that Cl- is involved in the water oxidation mechanism. The possibility that Cl- is close to the active site is discussed in terms of recent structural models.
Preventing sleeping problems in infants who are at risk of developing them

Aims: (1) To identify factors at 1 week of age which put infants at risk of failing to sleep through the night at 12 weeks of age. (2) To assess whether a behavioural programme increases the likelihood that these infants will sleep through the night at 12 weeks of age. Methods: A community sample of 316 newborn infants was employed to identify the risk factors at 1 week of age which increased the likelihood of failing to sleep through the night at 12 weeks of age. Infants who met these risk criteria and were randomly assigned to a behavioural programme were compared with at risk infants in the control group on measures of sleeping, crying, and feeding at 12 weeks of age. Results: Infants who had a high number (>11) of feeds in 24 hours at 1 week were 2.7 times (95% CI 1.5 to 4.8) more likely than other control group infants to fail to sleep through the night at 12 weeks of age. At 12 weeks, 82% of these at risk infants assigned to the behavioural programme, compared to 61% in the control group, slept through the night. The findings were similar in breast and bottle feeders. Conclusions: Preventing infant sleeping problems should be more cost effective than treating them after they have arisen. This study provides evidence that it is possible to identify infants who are at risk of failing to sleep through the night at an early age, and that a simple, three step, preventive behavioural programme increases the number who sleep through the night by 21%.
Investigation of the prevalence of human parvovirus B19 DNA in Korean plasmapheresis donors.

BACKGROUND To ensure the safety of plasma derivatives, some countries have been screening for the human parvovirus B19 (B19V) antigen or DNA in blood donors. We investigated the prevalence of B19V DNA and anti-B19V antibodies in Korean plasmapheresis donors to evaluate the necessity of B19V DNA screening test. METHODS Plasma samples were collected between March and July 2008 from 10,032 plasmapheresis donors. The B19V DNA test was performed using the LightCycler 2.0 (Roche, Germany) with quantification kits. Anti-B19V IgM and IgG were tested in 928 randomly selected samples from the 10,032 donors using recomWell Parvovirus B19 ELISA IgM, IgG assay (Mikrogen, Germany). RecomLine Parvovirus B19 LIA IgG, IgM assay (Mikrogen, Germany) was used to analyze the epitopes of antibodies in donors showing positive results for B19V DNA and anti-B19V antibodies. DNA sequencing was performed to identify the genotypes. RESULTS The prevalence of B19V DNA was 0.1% (10/10,032). Virus titers in B19V DNA positive donors were less than 10(5) IU/mL (range: 2.7 x 10(1)-3.2 x 10(4) IU/mL) except for 1 donor (1.33 x 10(8) IU/mL). All the isolated B19V DNAs from 6 donors were identified as genotype I. Nine out of 10 B19V DNA positive donors also possessed anti-B19V IgG only or IgG and IgM. The prevalence of anti-B19V IgG was 60.1% (558/928). CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of B19V DNA in Korean blood donors was not high and most donors also possessed neutralizing anti-B19V antibodies. Thus, the implementation of a B19V screening test for Korean blood donors does not appear to be imperative.
Expression of Ki67 and CD105 as proliferation and angiogenesis markers in salivary gland tumors.

OBJECTIVE To investigate the association between CD105 and tumor cell proliferation in salivary gland tumors. METHODS In this study, 59 samples of salivary tumors from Khalili Hospital archive, including 20 cases of pleomorphic adenoma (PA), 20 cases of mucoepidermoid carcinoma (MEC) and 19 cases of adenoid cystic carcinoma, as well as 10 cases of normal salivary gland tissue, were reviewed by immunohistochemistry (IHC) for CD105 and Ki67 staining. RESULTS CD105 positive vessels were absent in normal salivary gland tissue in the vicinity of tumors (51.6% of all tumors were positive). There was a statistically significant difference in frequency of CD105 staining between PA and malignant tumors and between four groups of different lesions (p<0.000) being highest in MEC. Intratumoral microvessel density was also elevated in malignant neoplasms (2.61 ± 3.1) as compared to PA (0.46 ± 0.6). Normal salivary glands did not express Ki67. There was a statistically significant difference in frequency and percentage of Ki67 immunoreactivity in malignant neoplasms (86.5% and 10.7 ± 10.8 respectively) compared to PA (50% and 0.78 ± 0.2) and among the four groups values were highest in MEC (p<0.000). CONCLUSION n this study, it was observed a higher rate of angiogenesis and cellular proliferation was noted in malignant tumors compared to benign tumors, but no correlation was observed between these two markers.
Family planning in displaced populations: an unmet need among Iraqis in Amman, Jordan.

CONTEXT Studies have been done to characterize primary "urgent" health needs in displaced populations; few studies have explored specifically family planning (FP) needs. OBJECTIVE To investigates the hypothesis that there exists an unmet need for FP among Iraqi nationals in Amman, Jordan. DESIGN Married Iraqi individuals attending seven nongovernmental organization clinics were asked a subset of survey questions to ascertain FP health needs and access. RESULTS 16.1 percent (n = 76) of respondents reported need for FP services, of which 16 percent (n = 397) report having access to FP counseling, and 43 percent (n = 33) had access to contraceptives. After 30 years of age, need for FP decreased yearly 12 percent (OR = 0.88, CI = 0.84-0.92, p = 0.00). After one year of living in Amman, Jordan, the odds of needing FP services increases yearly 13 percent (OR = 1.13, CI = 1.05-1.22, p = 0.001). In addition, if the respondent has one or more children younger than 5 years in the same household, the odds of needing FP services increases by 85 percent (OR = 1.85, CI = 1.0-3.44, p = 0.05). CONCLUSIONS This study illustrates a clear unmet need in FP services among Iraqis in Amman, Jordan, especially among the long-term displaced.
Supplementation and Inhibition of Nitric Oxide Synthesis Influences Bacterial Transit Time During Bacterial Translocation in Rats

In the obstructed gut, nitric oxide (NO) may influence intestinal barrier function and translocation of bacteria. By using a novel experimental approach, we investigated the effect of supplementation and inhibition of NO synthesis on the time interval necessary for translocation of green fluorescent protein-transfected Escherichia coli (GFP-uv E. coli) in a rat model of small bowel obstruction. In anesthetized Wistar rats, 4 x 108 GFP-uv E. coli were administered into a reservoir of terminal ileum formed by ligature. Animals were randomized to receive either i.v. arginine (10 mg/kg), aminoguanidine (300 mg/kg), l-NAME (25 mg/kg), or saline (control). Translocation of GFP-uv E. coli was assessed using intravital video microscopy. Minimal transit time of translocation was measured as time from injection of GFP-uv E. coli into the gut lumen until bacteria were observed in the lamina submucosa and as time from injection of bacteria into the gut lumen until bacteria were observed in the lamina muscularis propria. Minimal transit times were expressed as mean ± SD. Bacterial translocation into the submucosa and muscularis propria took 36 ± 7 min and 81 ± 9 min, respectively in control animals receiving saline. Aminoguanidine and l-NAME caused a marked delay of minimal transit time into the submucosa (63 ± 5 min and 61 ± 7 min, respectively;P < 0.05). Arginine significantly accelerated bacterial translocation into the muscularis propria (61 ± 9 min, P < 0.05). GFP-uv E. coli were detected on frozen sections of small bowel, mesentery, liver, and spleen 2 h after GFP-uv E. coli administration in all animals. A marked upregulation of inducible NO synthase (NOS) in the obstructed bowel segment was demonstrated on immunohistochemistry. The assessment of a newly defined parameter, minimal bacterial transit time, may serve as an additional functional aspect of intestinal barrier function for pathophysiological and pharmacological studies. Aminoguanidine, l-NAME, and arginine were effective in influencing minimal transit time of E. coli during small bowel obstruction.
Elevated orbital pressure: another untoward effect of massive resuscitation after burn injury.

BACKGROUND Fluid resuscitation remains a fundamental component of early burn care management. However, recent studies suggest that excessive volumes of resuscitation are being administered. Overresuscitation results in negative sequelae including abdominal and extremity compartment syndromes. Elevated intraocular pressure (IOP) has been described as another potentially devastating effect of massive fluid resuscitation in trauma patients. The orbit, similar to the abdomen and extremity, is a compartment, limited to expansion from edema anteriorly by the eyelids and orbital septum, and posteriorly by the bony orbital walls. The purpose of this study was to review the incidence of elevated IOP in a series of patients with major burn injury. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed the charts of 13 consecutive patients admitted to our burn center with burn sizes >25% total body surface area (TBSA). All patients underwent serial IOP measurements for the first 72 hours following admission. Medical records were reviewed for fluid resuscitation volume, IOP measurements, need for canthotomy, and results of canthotomy procedures. RESULTS Five of 13 patients had IOP >30 mm Hg and required lateral canthotomy. Canthotomy immediately reduced IOP (p = 0.009). Patients who developed elevated IOP received a significantly larger fluid resuscitation (9.0 cc/kg/%TBSA versus 6.0 cc/kg/%TBSA, p = 0.02). Elevated IOP was significantly associated with delivery of larger fluid resuscitation volume (p = 0.027). CONCLUSIONS Massive fluid resuscitation following burn injury can result in orbital compartment syndrome requiring lateral canthotomy. Early diagnosis and treatment of orbital compartment syndrome should be incorporated into the management of patients with major burn injury receiving large fluid resuscitation volume.
Humoral and Cellular Autoimmunity in Autoimmune Bullous Skin Disorders

Autoimmune bullous skin diseases, such as pemphigus vulgaris (PV) and bullous pemphigoid (BP), are severe, frequently life-threatening skin disorders. Immunologically, they are characterized by the presence of serum autoantibodies (auto-Ab) targeting distinct adhesion molecules of the epidermis or dermoepidermal basement membrane zone. Antibody (Ab) binding interferes with the adhesive function of these molecules, leading to detachment and subsequently blister formation. PV is the classical example of an Ab-mediated autoimmune disease affecting epidermal adhesion. Auto-Ab against the desmosomal adhesion molecule, desmoglein 3 (Dsg3), are critical in the pathogenesis of this disease, since the transfer of serum IgG Ab reactive with Dsg3 into newborn mice induces a bullous skin disease resembling PV. Autoreactive T cell responses to Dsg3 may be critical in the pathogenesis of PV because: (1) Ab production generally requires T cell help; (2) the involvement of CD4+ T lymphocytes in PV has been suggested by the strong association with distinct HLA class II alleles, and (3) T cell recognition of epitopes of Dsg3 may be crucial for the initiation and perpetuation of the production of Dsg3-specific auto-Ab by B cells. In PV and BP, autoreactive CD4+ T cells recognize distinct epitopes of the extracellular portions of Dsg3 and BP180 [BP antigen 2 (BPAG2) or type XVII collagen], respectively, and produce preferentially T helper type 2 (TH2) cytokines. Auto-Ab of the TH2-dependent IgG4 subtype are preferentially seen in the active stages of both PV and BP, while auto-Ab of the TH1-dependent IgG1 subclass are predominant during the chronic course of these disorders. These observations suggest that autoreactive TH2 cells may provide targets to specifically modulate the T cell-dependent production of pathogenic auto-Ab in these disorders.
Oxidative DNA damage estimated by urinary 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine and arsenic in glass production workers

A total of 130 male glass workers, including 33 administrative workers, 18 batch house workers, 42 craftsmen, and 37 melting process workers, were recruited to investigate the potential DNA damage resulting from toxic element exposure. The occupational exposure to trace elements, including arsenic (As), cadmium (Cd), manganese (Mn), nickel (Ni), lead (Pb), and selenium (Se), was estimated by their urinary levels as internal doses. In addition, all participants filled a self-filled questionnaire indicating their individual information. The average levels of urinary As, Cd, Mn, Ni, Pb, Se, and 8-hydroxy-2′-deoxyguanosine (8-OHdG) were 282.3 ± 464.6, 3.07 ± 5.39, 3.81 ± 11.43, 81.48 ± 138.9, 18.23 ± 49.61, 165.2 ± 224.9, and 17.21 ± 26.34 μg/g creatinine, respectively. The urinary levels of 8-OHdG and toxic elements were strongly associated with the work nature of the worker, with an exception of Mn and Pb. In contrast, the levels of toxic element were not influenced by age, smoking behavior, and alcohol consumption. The urinary 8-OHdG was found significantly higher in higher internal exposure groups of As, Cd, Ni, and Se. However, the stepwise multiple regression models showed that urinary 8-OHdG was only associated with urinary As and heat stress but inversely with age.
A panel of cerebrospinal fluid potential biomarkers for the diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease

The diagnosis of Alzheimer's disease (AD), the most common form of dementia in the general population, usually relies upon the presence of typical clinical features and structural changes on brain magnetic resonance imaging. Over the last decade, a number of biological abnormalities have been reported in the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) of AD patients, in particular altered levels of the tau protein and the 1‐42 fragment of the amyloid precursor protein. These, however, have not yet proved sensitive and specific enough to be included in the diagnostic criteria for AD, leaving plenty of room for the search of novel biomarkers. The present study describes the analysis of CSF polypeptides by a protein‐chip array technology called surface enhanced laser desorption/ionization‐time of flight‐mass spectrometry (SELDI‐TOF‐MS). Using this approach, we detected statistically significant quantitative differences (p < 0.05) regarding four overexpressed and one underexpressed polypeptides in the CSF of AD patients as compared to healthy controls. Four of them were further purified by strong anionic exchange chromatography (SAX) and identified by MS analysis as cystatin C, two β‐2‐microglobulin isoforms, an unknown 7.7 kDa polypeptide, and a 4.8 kDa VGF polypeptide. The combination of the five polypeptides for the diagnosis of AD allowed to classified six AD patients out of the nine included in this study and all the ten controls, which means in this small cohort that the specificity and sensitivity are 100% and 66%, respectively. This study, based on the protein‐chip array technology, demonstrates the presence in the CSF of novel potential biomarkers for AD, which may be used for the diagnosis and perhaps the assessment of the severity and progression of the disease.
Expression of the gene for the neuronal intermediate filament protein α‐internexin coincides with the onset of neuronal differentiation in the developing rat nervous system

While neurofilaments have long been considered early markers of neuronal differentiation, they cannot be detected in most newly postmitotic neurons of the developing central nervous system (CNS). Here we show that these neurons already express the neuronal intermediate filament protein α‐internexin at high levels. α‐internexin is expressed by most, if not all, neurons as they begin differentiation and shows no overlap with vimentin, whose expression in the CNS is restricted to mitotic neuronal precursors. In the adult, α‐internexin is the only intermediate filament gene expressed by the cerebellar granule cells, the source of the thin‐caliber parallel fibers; conversely, neurofilament proteins are highly expressed in large neurons, which express α‐internexin at low levels. These data suggest that neuronal intermediate filaments may regulate axonal stability and/or diameter through changes not only in their number, but also in their subunit composition. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Sleep quantity and quality is not compromised during planned burn shifts of less than 12 h

ABSTRACT Planned burning is a preventative strategy aimed at decreasing fuel loads to reduce the severity of future wildfire events. During planned burn operations, firefighters can work long shifts. Furthermore, remote burning locations may require firefighters to sleep away from home between shifts. The existing evidence surrounding firefighters’ sleep during such operations is exclusively anecdotal. The aims of the study were to describe firefighters’ sleep during planned burn operations and evaluate the impact of the key operational factors (shift start time, shift length and sleeping location) that may contribute to inadequate sleep. Thirty-three salaried firefighters were recruited from Australia’s fire agencies and sleep was measured objectively using wrist actigraphy for four weeks. All variables were examined in two conditions: (1) burn days, and (2) non-burn days. Time in bed, total sleep time, sleep latency and sleep efficiency were evaluated objectively. Subjective reports of pre- and post-sleep fatigue, sleep location, sleep quality, sleep quantity, number of times woken and sleep timing were also recorded. Analyses revealed no differences in measures of sleep quantity and quality when comparing non-burn and burn days. Total sleep time was less when planned burn shifts were >12 h. However, on burn days, work shift start time as well as sleeping location did not impact firefighters’ sleep quantity. Self-reported levels of pre- and post-sleep fatigue were greater on burn days compared to non-burn days. These findings indicate that sleep quantity and quality are not compromised during planned burn operations <12 h in duration.