Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Lineage of Myeloid Cells Independent of Myb and Hematopoietic Stem Cells

Macrophage Development Rewritten Macrophages provide protection against a wide variety of infections and critically shape the inflammatory environment in many tissues. These cells come in many flavors, as determined by differences in gene expression, cell surface phenotype and specific function. Schulz et al. (p. 86, published online 22 March) investigated whether adult macrophages all share a common developmental origin. Immune cells, including most macrophages, are widely thought to arise from hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), which require the transcription factor Myb for their development. Analysis of Myb-deficient mice revealed that a population of yolk-sac–derived, tissue-resident macrophages was able to develop and persist in adult mice in the absence of HSCs. Importantly, yolk sac–derived macrophages also contributed substantially to the tissue macrophage pool even when HSCs were present. In mice, a population of tissue-resident macrophages arises independently of bone marrow–derived stem cells. Macrophages and dendritic cells (DCs) are key components of cellular immunity and are thought to originate and renew from hematopoietic stem cells (HSCs). However, some macrophages develop in the embryo before the appearance of definitive HSCs. We thus reinvestigated macrophage development. We found that the transcription factor Myb was required for development of HSCs and all CD11bhigh monocytes and macrophages, but was dispensable for yolk sac (YS) macrophages and for the development of YS-derived F4/80bright macrophages in several tissues, such as liver Kupffer cells, epidermal Langerhans cells, and microglia—cell populations that all can persist in adult mice independently of HSCs. These results define a lineage of tissue macrophages that derive from the YS and are genetically distinct from HSC progeny.
Tree diversity drives diversity of arthropod herbivores, but successional stage mediates detritivores

Abstract The high tree diversity of subtropical forests is linked to the biodiversity of other trophic levels. Disentangling the effects of tree species richness and composition, forest age, and stand structure on higher trophic levels in a forest landscape is important for understanding the factors that promote biodiversity and ecosystem functioning. Using a plot network spanning gradients of tree diversity and secondary succession in subtropical forest, we tested the effects of tree community characteristics (species richness and composition) and forest succession (stand age) on arthropod community characteristics (morphotype diversity, abundance and composition) of four arthropod functional groups. We posit that these gradients differentially affect the arthropod functional groups, which mediates the diversity, composition, and abundance of arthropods in subtropical forests. We found that herbivore richness was positively related to tree species richness. Furthermore, the composition of herbivore communities was associated with tree species composition. In contrast, detritivore richness and composition was associated with stand age instead of tree diversity. Predator and pollinator richness and abundance were not strongly related to either gradient, although positive trends with tree species richness were found for predators. The weaker effect of tree diversity on predators suggests a cascading diversity effect from trees to herbivores to predators. Our results suggest that arthropod diversity in a subtropical forest reflects the net outcome of complex interactions among variables associated with tree diversity and stand age. Despite this complexity, there are clear linkages between the overall richness and composition of tree and arthropod communities, in particular herbivores, demonstrating that these trophic levels directly impact each other.
Sigma receptors modulate nicotinic receptor function in adrenal chromaffin cells

Neither the physiological function of sigma (σ) receptors nor the cellular mechanism responsible for the pharmacological effects of σ receptor ligands is known. We now report that σ receptor ligands noncompetitively inhibit nicotine‐stimulated catecholamine release from bovine adrenal chromaffin cells in a concentration‐dependent and reversible manner. The rank order of potency of ligands to inhibit nicotine‐stimulated catecholamine release is significantly correlated (P < 0.005) with that observed in radioligand binding assays selective for the σ1 receptor subtype. This naltrexone‐insensitive effect is paralleled by an inhibition of nicotine‐stimulated increases in [Ca2+]i. Sigma ligands were without effect on catecholamine release or [Ca2+]i in the absence of nicotine. In addition, nicotine accelerated the association of the σ receptor selective radioligand, [3H](+)pentazocine, to adrenal medullary homogenates while having no effect on the rate of ligand dissociation, consistent with a σ ligand binding site closely associated with and allosterically modulated by the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. Thus, the actions of agonists at the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor in bovine chromaffin cells are modulated by σ1 receptor selective ligands. —Paul, I. A. , Basile, A. S. , Rojas, E. , Youdim, M. B. H. , De Costa, B. , Skolnick, P., Pollard, H. B. , Kuijpers, G. A. J. Sigma receptors modulate nicotinic receptor function in adrenal chromaffin cells. FASEB J. 7: 1171‐1178; 1993.
Problems With Cementless Total Knee Arthroplasty at 11 Years Followup

One hundred two patients with 131 consecutive cementless total knee arthroplasties that retained the posterior cruciate ligament were followed up prospectively. The average age of the patients was 58 years (range, 32–75 years). The mean followup on the surviving knee arthroplasties was 11 years (range, 7–16 years). The patellar component was metal-backed in the first 112 (85%) knees, cementless all-polyethylene in the last 17 (13%) knees, and two knees had a prior patellectomy. Forty-four metal-backed patellar components (48%) were revised; nine were loose, and 35 had polyethylene wear through. Thirteen femoral components (12%) were revised because of femoral abrasion from a failed metal-backed patellar component. No other femoral component was revised, loose, or had osteolysis develop. Nine (8%) tibial components had failure of ingrowth; eight have been revised. Partial radiolucencies occurred in 53% of the tibias. Thirteen (12%) small osteolytic lesions developed, all around screws or screw holes in the tibial components. At an average of 11 years followup, cementless fixation yielded mixed results: cementless femoral fixation was excellent and metal-backed patellar components had a 48% patellar revision rate. Cementless tibial components had an 8% aseptic loosening rate and a 12% incidence of small osteolytic lesions. Based on these results, the authors have abandoned cementless fixation in total knee arthroplasty.
Tumors of the choroid plexus

Choroid plexus tumors are rare intraventricular papillary neoplasms derived from choroid plexus epithelium, which account for only between 0.4–0.6% of all intracranial and 2–3% of pediatric neoplasms. Plexus papillomas outnumber choroid plexus carcinomas by a ratio of 5:1 and around 80% of choroid plexus carcinomas arise in children. Plexus tumors are most common in the lateral and fourth ventricles; while 80% of lateral ventricle tumors present in children, fourth ventricle tumors are evenly distributed in all age groups. Clinically, choroid plexus tumors tend to cause hydrocephalus and increased intracranial pressure. Histologically, choroid plexus papillomas correspond to WHO grade I, choroid plexus carcinomas to WHO grade III. Immunohistochemically, cytokeratins and vimentin are expressed by virtually all choroid plexus papillomas and most choroid plexus carcinomas while transthyretin and S‐100 protein are present in 80–90% of cases, less frequently, though, in choroid plexus carcinomas. Glial fibrillary acidic protein can be found focally in about 25–55% of choroid plexus papillomas and 20% of choroid plexus carcinomas. The mean Ki67/MIB1 labeling index for choroid plexus papillomas is 1.9%, for choroid plexus carcinomas 13.8%. Choroid plexus papillomas typically show hyperdiploidy with gains particularly on chromosomes 7, 9, 12, 15, 17, and 18 while one choroid plexus carcinoma showed rearrangements of chromosomes 7p11‐12, 9q11‐12, 15q22, and 19q13.4. Choroid plexus papillomas can usually be cured by surgery alone with a 5‐year survival rate of up to 100% with occasional recurrences while choroid plexus carcinomas grow more rapidly and have a less favorable outcome with a 5‐year survival rate of 26–40%. Microsc. Res. Tech. 52:104–111, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Contribution of Rural Banks to Regional Economic Growth

i Attestation of Authorship . ii Acknowledgement . iii List of Tables . vii List of Figures . viii 1 Chapter 1 – Introduction . 1 1.1 Background . 1 1.2 Statement of the Problem . 6 1.3 Significance of the Study . 7 1.4 Organisation of the Study . 7 1.5 Summary . 8 2 Chapter 2 – Literature Review . 9 2.1 Financial Development and Economic Growth . 9 2.1.1 Theoretical Literature . 9 2.1.1.1 The Nexus of Financial Development and Growth . 9 2.1.1.2 The Importance of the Banking Sector . 13 2.1.2 Empirical Literature . 15 2.1.2.1 Cross-Country Panel Data Studies . 15 2.1.2.2 Individual Country (Time Series) Studies . 19 2.1.2.3 Regional Panel Data Studies . 20 2.1.2.4 Small Bank-Specific Studies . 23 2.1.2.5 The Issue of Endogeneity and Reverse Causality . 25 2.1.2.6 Causality Analysis . 27 2.2 Financial Development and Poverty . 32 2.2.1 Theoretical Literature . 32 2.2.1.1 The Measurement of Poverty . 32 2.2.1.2 The Relationship between Financial Development and the Poverty Rate . 35 2.2.2 Empirical Evidence . 38 2.2.3 The Issue of Endogeneity and Reverse Causality . 45 2.3 Summary . 46 3 Chapter 3 – Banking Sector and Regional Differences in Indonesia . 49
Asthma and Gastroesophageal Reflux: Clinical Evaluation of Esophago-Bronchial Reflex and Proximal Reflux

Aims: To evaluate the prevalence of proximal reflux and esophago-bronchial reflex (EBR) in patients with asthma, and to compare the symptom spectrum, esophageal acid sensitivity, pH monitoring, and the endoscopic and manometric parameters of EBR-positive and -negative patients with asthma. Patients and Methods: Forty-three consecutive patients with recent diagnoses of asthma and 20 patients with chronic cough but without asthma were prospectively submitted to detailed reflux and respiratory symptom analysis, upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, esophageal manometry, Bernstein test and double-channel intra-esophageal pH monitoring. The presence of EBR was studied by combined esophageal acid (0.1 N HCl) perfusion and methacholine test. Results: Patients with asthma had significantly more proximal acid reflux than controls. Patients with EBR positivity were more likely to have an acid-sensitive esophagus and had more acid reflux especially in the supine period at the distal measurement point. Other parameters were similar. Conclusions: Patients with asthma had significantly more proximal acid reflux than those with chronic cough. The combination of the methacholine test with esophageal acid perfusion is able to establish the presence of EBR, however prospective therapeutic trials are needed to confirm its clinical value. The increased amount of acid reflux during the supine period in patients with EBR may indicate a role for appropriate nighttime acid suppressive therapy.
Engines of Growth : Essays in Swedish Economic History

Sweden experienced a remarkable economic transformation between the 18th century and the outbreak of World War I. This dissertation consists of four self-contained papers that uses a quantitative empirical approach to identify key drivers of this transformation by analyzing the contribution of the potato to economic growth, the determinants of the early investments in mass schooling, and how the rollout of the national railroad network shaped rural and urban growth patterns from the mid-19th century to the present day. Together, the findings of this dissertation contribute novel evidence on the causal determinants of Sweden’s acceleration in growth and also shed light on the historical roots of contemporary patterns of regional and urban development.
The TAL1/SCL Transcription Factor Regulates Cell Cycle Progression and Proliferation in Differentiating Murine Bone Marrow Monocyte Precursors

ABSTRACT Monocytopoiesis involves the stepwise differentiation in the bone marrow (BM) of common myeloid precursors (CMPs) to monocytes. The basic helix-loop-helix transcription factor TAL1/SCL plays a critical role in other hematopoietic lineages, and while it had been reported to be expressed by BM-derived macrophages, its role in monocytopoiesis had not been elucidated. Using cell explant models of monocyte/macrophage (MM) differentiation, one originating with CMPs and the other from more committed precursors, we characterized the phenotypic and molecular consequences of inactivation of Tal1 expression ex vivo. While Tal1 knockout had minimal effects on cell survival and slightly accelerated terminal differentiation, it profoundly inhibited cell proliferation and decreased entry into and traversal of the G1 and S phases. In conjunction, steady-state levels of p16(Ink4a) mRNA were increased and those of Gata2 mRNA decreased. Chromatin immunoprecipitation analysis demonstrated the association of Tal1 and E47, one of its E protein DNA-binding partners, with an E box-GATA sequence element in intron 4 of the Gata2 gene and with three E boxes upstream of p16(Ink4a). Finally, wild-type Tal1, but not a DNA binding-defective mutant, rescued the proliferative defect in Tal1-null MM precursors. These results document the importance of this transcription factor in cell cycle progression and proliferation during monocytopoiesis and the requirement for direct DNA binding in these processes.
Determination of AChE levels and genotoxic effects in farmers occupationally exposed to pesticides

Pesticides can cause cytogenetic effects and lower the acetyl cholinesterase (AChE) levels in farmers exposed to pesticides. In this study, 210 farmers exposed to pesticides and 160 non-exposed individuals were enrolled for determining the genotoxicity and AChE levels. The AChE levels were determined in plasma and RBC lysate from blood samples collected from farmers and control subjects. AChE (true and pseudo) estimation done by the colorimetric method revealed that there was a progressive fall in both the RBC and plasma AChE levels in exposed individuals compared to unexposed individuals, which correlated with the severity of exposure (253.5 versus 311.1 and 142.3 versus 152.1; P < 0.001). Cytogenetic studies showed an increase in DNA damage and higher chromosomal aberrations (CAs) in exposed farmers compared to the control subjects (26.13 versus 07.61 and 21.37 versus 1.52; P < 0.001). When comparing the AChE levels with DNA damage and structural CA frequencies, there was a negative linear correlation. Therefore based on these findings, it is concluded that genotoxic biomarkers like CA frequencies, DNA damage data along with AChE levels are important parameters for determining farmer's health who are exposed to pesticides in any situation. Human & Experimental Toxicology (2007) 26, 723—731
Working wives and family income inequality among married couples.

The effect of wives earnings on the distribution of family income among married couples to inequality and the differential impact of whites and blacks in the US are examined. Trends in labor force participation rates between 1968-88 are discussed based on the March Current Population Survey (CPS) computer tapes for income years 1969 1973 1978 1983 and 1988. The % of wives who work and the mean weeks worked has increased for women in the labor force (LF) over the past 20 years. Womens real weekly wages also have risen. The contribution of wives earnings to total family income increased for both blacks and whites e.g. 14%-22% for whites and 22%-31% for blacks between 1968-88. Total family income growth and husbands income increased more between 1968-78 e.g. 20% and 14% for white couples and 11% and 4% for white husbands; and 35% and 13% for black couples and 23% and 4% for black husbands. In the 2nd period wives; earnings were the most important factor in growth in family income and the reverse in the 1st period. Mean weekly wages grew by about 30% for white wives between 1968-88 and 60% for black wives. There was a 25% increase in white wives working and 15% for black wives working for this period. The squared coefficient of variation (CV2) was used to estimate effects on inequality of family income. CV2 is expressed as a weighted average of the inequality of each income source and the correlation among sources. Weights correspond to the proportion of total income coming from each source. The results showed income inequality increasing over the 20-year period among couples. These increases would have been greater if there had not been increased earnings of wives. There has been a reduction in CV2 among white wives due to a general increase in their labor force participation which has been primarily "rich" wives. Thus white wives earnings help to equalize the distribution of family income. This equalizing effect was also true for black wives although they contributed a greater share to family income which contributed to an even greater equalizing effect. The CV2 of black husbands earnings rose from . 406 to . 615 while wives earnings fell from 1.622 to . 893. Black wives earnings were less equalizing only during the 1960s and early 1970s. There was no evidence that wives; earnings have contributed to greater inequality. Additional effort needs to focus on understanding the increased correlation between husbands and wives earnings.
Young people with intellectual disabilities and mental health needs

Purpose of review This review focuses on the risk factors for increased mental health problems, and the types of psychopathology and their therapeutic management, in young people with intellectual disabilities. Recent findings Recent studies indicate that this population presents significantly more emotional and behavioural problems than their peers without intellectual disabilities. These problems are not adequately detected and treated by mental health professionals; the children's families are overburdened, psychosocially and economically disadvantaged and in need of specialist support and counselling. Summary The mental health needs of children and adolescents with intellectual disabilities are multiple, complex, persistent and costly, and for various reasons they are not adequately met. Prevention of mental health problems or early recognition through better screening followed by appropriate treatment are essential, in order to ensure better psychosocial adaptation of young people with intellectual disabilities. Inequalities in the provision of services must be addressed, and families helped through support and counselling, along with psychotherapeutic and psychopharmacological interventions for the children, as appropriate.
Factors associated with weight gain during olanzapine treatment in patients with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder: Results from a six-month prospective, multinational, observational study

The aim of this 6-month observational study was to examine which clinical, eating- and lifestyle-related factors were associated with weight gain in patients initiating or switching to oral olanzapine for the treatment of schizophrenia or bipolar mania. A total of 622 outpatients in four countries (China, Mexico, Romania, Taiwan) were assessed at monthly intervals for up to 6 months. Mixed model repeated-measures analysis, adjusted for baseline weight, was used to identify which factors were associated with weight gain during olanzapine therapy. After 6 months of therapy, the LS mean weight change was +4.1 kg and 43.9% of the patients had significant (≥7%) weight gain. Early significant weight gain after 2 months of therapy occurred in 23.4% of the patients and these patients gained significantly more weight overall. Ten factors were associated with weight gain during 6 months of olanzapine therapy in an exploratory multivariate analysis: country, housing conditions, stronger appetite, excessive amount of food needed to feel full, eating until uncomfortably full, thoughts preoccupied with food, meal location, increased meal frequency, evening snack consumption, and a lower amount of vigorous exercise. These results indicate that the influence of environmental, eating- and lifestyle-related factors should be considered when assessing weight gain during olanzapine therapy.
Acetylation phenotype status in a Bangladeshi population and its comparison with that of other Asian population data

The objective of the present study was to determine the acetylator status of the Bangladeshi population and to compare the findings with the acetylator status of other Asian populations. The acetylator phenotype was determined in 517 unrelated healthy Bangladeshi subjects. The phenotyping procedure was done according to Price Evans' method using the NAT2 specific probe drug—sulphadimidine. The Bangladeshi population showed a bimodal distribution of fast and slow acetylators. Of a total of 517 healthy Bangladeshi, 79.5% (n=411) were fast acetylators and the rest 20.5% (n=106) were slow acetylators. The high frequency of the fast acetylators in the population of Bangladesh was comparable to other populations in East Asia. When this acetylator status was compared with other Asian data, the Asian population showed a positive correlation between the acetylator status and the geographical longitude (r=0.919; t=7.37; p>0.001; d.f.=10). The regression line of the scatter diagram showed that the frequency of acetylating capacity increasingly occurred in the populations towards eastern Asia (regression coefficient=0.54; constant=52.36). This line was termed as the Asian fast acetylator longitude (AFAL). Thus the AFAL was able to predict the acetylator status of the Asian population by the east–west geographical longitude. The AFAL could be a useful prognosticator in the disposition for the effective and safe use of numerous drugs and xenobiotic compounds in humans. Copyright © 2004 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Risk factors for fatal outcome from rocky mountain spotted Fever in a highly endemic area-Arizona, 2002-2011.

BACKGROUND Rocky Mountain spotted fever (RMSF) is a disease that now causes significant morbidity and mortality on several American Indian reservations in Arizona. Although the disease is treatable, reported RMSF case fatality rates from this region are high (7%) compared to the rest of the nation (<1%), suggesting a need to identify clinical points for intervention. METHODS The first 205 cases from this region were reviewed and fatal RMSF cases were compared to nonfatal cases to determine clinical risk factors for fatal outcome. RESULTS Doxycycline was initiated significantly later in fatal cases (median, day 7) than nonfatal cases (median, day 3), although both groups of case patients presented for care early (median, day 2). Multiple factors increased the risk of doxycycline delay and fatal outcome, such as early symptoms of nausea and diarrhea, history of alcoholism or chronic lung disease, and abnormal laboratory results such as elevated liver aminotransferases. Rash, history of tick bite, thrombocytopenia, and hyponatremia were often absent at initial presentation. CONCLUSIONS Earlier treatment with doxycycline can decrease morbidity and mortality from RMSF in this region. Recognition of risk factors associated with doxycycline delay and fatal outcome, such as early gastrointestinal symptoms and a history of alcoholism or chronic lung disease, may be useful in guiding early treatment decisions. Healthcare providers should have a low threshold for initiating doxycycline whenever treating febrile or potentially septic patients from tribal lands in Arizona, even if an alternative diagnosis seems more likely and classic findings of RMSF are absent.