Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Functional maturation of mouse thymic lymphocytes

The ability of CBA lymphoid cells to react to CB A × C57BL/6 cells was assessed in a one‐way mixed lymphocyte response. Reactive cells in CBA spleen were sensitive to anti‐Θ in vitro and anti‐lymphocyte serum in vivo. Although thymus cells were not reactive, the hydrocortisone‐resistant fraction contained substantial reactivity, similar to that found in the periphery. However, when either hydrocortisone‐resistant or normal thymocytes were adoptively transferred to irradiated syngeneic hosts, no mixed lymphocyte reaction activity appeared for the first 4–5 days in contrast to the immediate appearance of activity in the lymph node‐restored hosts. One interpretation of these findings is that the thymus contains two corticosteroid‐resistant subpopulations, one a non‐reactive precursor that matures in the periphery in transfer experiments, and one a reactive T cell which has already matured in the thymus.
A model for implementing guidelines for person-centered care in a nursing home setting

ABSTRACT Background: Systematic evaluations of knowledge translation interventions in nursing homes to improve practice are scarce. There is also a lack of studies focusing on creating sustainable evidence-based practice in the setting of residential dementia care. Methods: The aim of this paper is to describe a model for implementing national evidence-based guidelines for care of persons with dementia in nursing homes. The secondary aim is to outline the nursing home staff experiences during the first year of the implementation process. The intervention had a participatory action research approach. This included educational activities such as: (i) thematic seminars introducing national guidelines for dementia care, (ii) regular unit-based seminars; and (iii) later dissemination of information in reflective seminars and several days of poster-exhibitions. Areas of practice development were selected on each of the 24 units, based on unit-specific needs, and a quality improvement strategy was applied and evaluated. Each unit met ten times during a period of eight months. Data for this study were extracted from the reflective seminars and poster presentations, analyzed using a qualitative content analysis. Results: Findings showed that implementation of guidelines were perceived by staff as beneficial for both staff and the residents. However, barriers to identification of relevant sources of evidence and barriers to sustainable implementation were experienced. Conclusions: One of our assumptions was that dementia nursing homes can benefit from becoming knowledge driven, with care practices founded in evidence-based sources. Our findings show that to be partly true, even though most staff units found their efforts to pursue and utilize knowledge adversely impacted by time-logistics and practical workload challenges.
Reproduction in western forms of the spotted skunk (genus Spilogale).

The reproductive physiology of 156 feral and 31 captive specimens of two eastern subspecies of the Spotted skunk (Spilogale putorius) was studied, the histology of the primary and secondary sexual organs of both sexes described, and the breeding cycle outlined. Most matings take place in April and parturition occurs in June. Some females from southern latitudes may produce two litters in a single year.
FLUORIDE AND CALCIUM DISTRIBUTION IN HUMAN PLACENTA

SUMMARY: Fluoride and calcium concentrations in maternal plasma and in placental tissue were determined in 30 healthy women residing in an area with a relatively low water and air fluoride (fluorine) content. The mean fluoride concentrations in maternal plasma and in marginal and central parts of placenta were 4.27 pMlL, 42.1 pglg of ash, and 33.7 pglg of ash, respectively. The mean calcium concentrations in maternal plasma and in marginal and in central parts of placenta were 2.3 rnMlL, 22.9 mglg of ash, and 20.0 mglg of ash, respectively. Fluoride contents of both parts of placental tissue differed significantly (p < 0.05). High positive correlations (p < 0.001) were found between maternal plasma fluoride concentration and the fluoride content of the marginal part of placenta as well as between maternal plasma calcium concentration and the calcium content of both parts of placental tissue. The same positive correlation was also found between fluoride and calcium contents of marginal part of placental tissue. Our data indicate that most placental fluoride is stored in the marginal part of the organ presumably as a result of the higher concentration of calcium found in that area.
Implementation of Multiuser MIMO System using Quantized CSI-Based Tomlinson-Harashima Precoding

This paper considers the implementation of Tomlinson-Harashima (TH) pre-coding for multiuser MIMO systems based on quantized channel state information (CSI) at the transmitter side. Compared with the results in [2], our scheme applies to more general system setting where the number of users in the system can be less than or equal to the number of transmit antennas. We also study the achievable average sum rate of the proposed quantized CSI-based TH pre-coding scheme. The expressions of the upper bounds on both the average sum rate of the systems with quantized CSI and the mean loss in average sum rate due to CSI quantization are derived. We also present some numerical results. The results show that the nonlinear TH pre-coding can achieve much better performance than that of linear zero-forcing pre-coding for both perfect CSI and quantized CSI cases. In addition, our derived upper bound on the mean rate loss for TH pre-coding converges to the true rate loss faster than that of zero-forcing pre-coding obtained in [3] as the number of feedback bits becomes large. Both the analytical and numerical results show that nonlinear pre-coding suffers from imperfect CSI more than linear pre-coding does.
Linkage Disequilibrium and Haplotype Architecture for two ABC Transporter Genes (ABCC1 and ABCG2) in Chinese Population: Implications for Pharmacogenomic Association Studies

Information about linkage disequilibrium (LD) patterns and haplotype structures for candidate genes is instructive for the design and analysis of genetic association studies for complex diseases and drug response. ABCC1 and ABCG2 are genes coding for two multidrug resistance (MDR) associated transporters; they are also related to some pathophysiological traits. To pinpoint the LD profiles of these MDR genes in Chinese, we systemically screened 27 unrelated individuals for single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the coding and regulatory regions of these genes, and thereby characterized their haplotype structures. Despite marked variations in haplotype diversity, LD pattern and intragenic recombination intensity between the two genes, both loci could be partitioned into several LD blocks, in which a modest number of haplotypes accounted for a high fraction of the sampled chromosomes. We concluded that each locus has its own genomic LD profile, but that they still share a common segmental LD architecture with low haplotype diversity. Our data will benefit genetic association studies of complex traits and drug response possibly related to these genes.
Switch to maraviroc/raltegravir dual therapy leads to an unfavorable immune profile with low-level HIV viremia

Immunovirological consequences of a switch to a maraviroc/raltegravir dual therapy were analyzed in 16 HIV-infected patients with persistent viral load below 50 copies/ml. At 26-week postswitch, the CD4+/CD8+ ratio decreased and the CD8+ T-cell activation increased. A decrease in classical monocytes was associated with a shift toward a proinflammatory monocyte profile and negatively correlated with ultrasensitive viral load. Thus, this therapeutic switch induced a proinflammatory profile probably driven by a slight loss of virus control.
Neutrino tomography of gamma-ray bursts and massive stellar collapses

The gamma-ray bursts (GRB) which have so far been accurately localized are associated with regions of active star formation, and their progenitors are thought to be massive stars. The leading model for such bursts involves a relativistic jet, produced following the collapse of the core of the massive stellar progenitor [1]. In this model the -rays are produced by synchrotron or inverse Compton radiation from Fermi accelerated electrons in optically thin shocks (see [2] for a review), after the jet has emerged from the stellar envelope. The same optically thin shocks should accelerate relativistic protons [3], and lead to ∼ 100 TeV neutrinos via interactions with the observed MeV -rays [4]. However, while the jets are still inside the star, shock-accelerated protons can produce ∼ TeV neutrinos through photomeson interactions with thermal X-rays in the sub-stellar jet cavity [5]. In this paper we discuss a more general class of massive stellar collapses, in which jet formation may be ubiquitous, but not all of which emerge to be associated with detectable GRBs. Before their successful or failed emergence from the star, the jets can accelerate protons which undergo a more complex sequence of high energy interactions than previously realized. These depend not only on the jet and central engine characteristics but also on the location of the shocks and on the outer dimensions of the stellar progenitor, thus providing potentially useful diagnostics for the type of progenitor as well as the jet and shock parameters. Protons accelerated in substellar jet shocks first undergo photomeson interactions with thermalized shock photons, as well as pp, pn interactions with thermal nucleons in the jet frame. This modifies the relativistic proton spectrum reaching the end of the jet cavity, where the protons undergo a second set of photomeson interactions with stellar X-ray photons and pp, pn interactions with cold nucleons in the stellar frame. The fraction of collapses producing jets which subsequently emerge from the star to produce electromagnetically detectable GRBs are expected to be preceded by a precursor neutrino signal at energies & TeV, which is significantly different from the previously calculated & 100 TeV neutrino signals coincident with the -rays [4]. The fraction of stellar collapses leading to jets which do not emerge would have similar neutrino signals, but they could be more numerous and hence their diffuse flux could be more important. We discuss our jet models in Sec. II, proton and electron acceleration in the internal shocks in Sec. III and proton interactions in Sec. IV. We discuss neutrino production mechanisms in Sec. V and calculate observed neutrino flux in Sec. VI. We summarize and discuss implications of our results in Sec. VII.
Are ACE inhibitors realy safe in the patients receiving venom immunotherapy

Few reports have been notified regarding systemic allergic reactions in patients being put on angiotensin corverting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor during the course of venom immunotherapy. There have been conflicting suggestions with respect to ACE inhibitor use during the course of VI in the literature. There is no consensus report clarifying this issue in the clinical practice. Herein we reported a case experienced anaphylaxis after being put on angiotensin corverting enzyme (ACE) inhibitor and beta-blocker therapy by reason of heart attack while receiving venom immunotherapy injections with Apis mellifera in the maintenance phase and discussed the likely causitive factors.
The Amyloidogenic Pathway of Amyloid Precursor Protein (APP) Is Independent of Its Cleavage by Caspases*

Amyloid β-protein (Aβ) is the main constituent of senile plaques in Alzheimer's disease and is derived by proteolysis from the amyloid precursor protein (APP). Generation and secretion of both Aβ40 and Aβ42 isoforms depend largely on internalization of APP and occurs mainly in the endocytic pathway. Evidence has also been presented (Gervais, F. G., Xu, D., Robertson, G. S., Vaillancourt, J. P., Zhu, Y., Huang, J., LeBlanc, A., Smith, D., Rigby, M., Shearman, M. S., Clarke, E. E., Zheng, H., Van der Ploeg, L. H. T., Ruffolo, S. C., Thornberry, N. A., Xanthoudakis, S., Zamboni, R. J., Roy, S., and Nicholson, D. W. (1999) Cell, 97, 395–406) that caspase cleavage of APP at its cytosolic tail affects its processing such that it is redirected to a more amyloidogenic pathway, resulting in enhanced Aβ generation. However, caspase cleavage of APP also results in loss of its endocytosis signal (YENP), an event that would predict a decline in internalization and a concomitant decrease, not an increase, in Aβ generation. In the present work, we examined whether caspase cleavage of APP is relevant to amyloidogenesis. We found that 1) caspase cleavage of APP results in reduced internalization and, accordingly, a decline in Aβ secretion; 2) masking of the caspase site in APP did not affect Aβ levels and, 3) caspase activation in cells by serum withdrawal did not increase Aβ secretion. Thus, caspase cleavage of APP is unlikely to play a direct role in amyloidogenesis.
Impaired Decision-Making, Higher Impulsivity, and Drug Severity in Substance Dependence and Pathological Gambling

Objectives:Substance use disorder is characterized by impaired decision making, impulsivity, and risk taking. Pathological gambling shares many of these characteristics, and having both diagnoses may be associated with greater problems than either diagnosis alone. We investigated whether among substance-dependent individuals, comorbid pathological gambling would be associated with worse decision making, greater impulsivity, risk taking, and drug severity. Methods:Ninety-six substance-dependent individuals were recruited from a residential treatment program and divided into 1 of the 2 groups depending on whether they met Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, criteria for pathological gambling (SDPG, n = 26) or not (SD, n = 70). Ninety-two controls were recruited from the community. Participants completed a decision-making task (modified Iowa Gambling Task), measures of impulsivity (Barratt Impulsivity Scale and Delay Discounting), and risk taking (Balloon Analog Risk Task). Decision making was analyzed using a computational model. We tested for group differences using analysis of covariance or Kruskal-Wallis and appropriate post-hoc tests. Results:The groups differed in decision-making parameters (P < 0.001) and self-reported impulsivity (P < 0.001). All post-hoc comparisons were significant on these measures, and indicated stepwise changes in controls, followed by SD, followed by SDPG, with SDPG performing worse on decision making and being more impulsive. Compared with SD, SDPG had greater drug severity (P < 0.001). No group differences were observed in delay discounting or risk taking. Conclusions:Compared with individuals with substance dependence without pathological gambling, those with both disorders demonstrated worse decision making and significantly more drug-related symptoms. When evaluating patients with substance dependence, clinicians should consider diagnostic assessments for gambling, as the co-occurrence of both disorders may impact clinical characteristics.
In Vitro Characteristics and In Vivo Immunosuppressive Activity of Compact Bone‐Derived Murine Mesenchymal Progenitor Cells

In contrast to the considerable amount of data that documents the biological properties of mesenchymal progenitor cells from human and other species, there is still paucity of information about mouse counterparts, as their purification and culture expansion procedures remain rudimentary. In the present study, murine mesenchymal progenitor cell (muMPC) culture was developed by explant culture of collagenase‐digested bone fragments after removal of the released cells. During cultivation, fibroblastoid cells sprouted and migrated from the fragments, followed by adherent monolayer development. The cells exhibited homogenous surface antigen profile and presented in vitro multipotential differentiation along osteocyte, chondrocyte, and adipocyte lineages, as evaluated by matched cell or matrix staining and reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction techniques. Also, the surface antigenic epitope changed and potential of proliferation and multidifferentiation decreased with successive subculturing. Functional investigations demonstrated that these cells supported in vitro hematopoiesis and suppressed lymphocyte cell proliferation triggered by ConA or allogeneic splenocytes. Furthermore, muMPCs prolonged the mean survival time of skin grafts across the major histocompatibility barrier (H2b → H2d), suggestive of the immunosuppressive effects in vivo. The findings demonstrate that muMPCs obtained with this simple protocol are similar in property to their marrow counterparts, and thus, the protocol described here could be used for further investigations in mouse physiological and pathological models.
The regulation of Ostertagia ostertagi populations in calves: density-dependent control of fecundity

SUMMARY The decline in faecal egg counts, characteristic of calves which have been experimentally infected with Ostertagia ostertagi, is analysed using a mathematical model in which parasite fecundity is assumed to be an inverse function of both the duration and intensity of infection. The model incorporates a description of the frequency distribution of mature parasites between hosts (which is less over-dispersed than is usual for many other helminth infections). The model provides a good overall description of the decline in faecal egg production observed during trickle and single infection experiments. The main discrepancy between a comparison of the model predictions and the results of the most detailed available series of trickle infection experiments occurs at the initial peak of egg production. The magnitude of this difference appears to be related to the worm burden at the peak of egg production. The possible mechanisms underlying density-dependent regulation of the fecundity of O. ostertagia are discussed.
Solid Renal Cell Carcinoma Measuring Water Attenuation (-10 to 20 HU) on Unenhanced CT.

OBJECTIVE The objectives of this study were to evaluate the incidence of solid renal cell carcinoma (RCC) with attenuation similar to that of water (-10 to 20 HU) on unenhanced CT and to examine imaging features that can allow RCC to be differentiated from simple cysts. MATERIALS AND METHODS We performed an enriched quantitative and qualitative retrospective analysis of consecutive patients who underwent unenhanced CT before resection of solid (noncystic and nonnecrotic) renal masses measuring < 5 cm from 2008 to 2013. In all, 93 patients with 96 tumors (55 clear cell, 27 papillary, and 14 chromophobe) were evaluated with unenhanced CT. Attenuation was measured at three standardized levels and compared using the Kruskal-Wallis test. Two radiologists independently assessed calcification, margin (smooth or irregular), and heterogeneity (homogeneous or heterogeneous). Results were compared using the chi-square test with Bonferroni correction. RESULTS Mean ± SD attenuation values were 31.8 ± 9.6 HU (range, 11-63 HU) overall, 29.9 ± 8.8 HU (range, 11.0-49.0 HU) for clear cell tumors, 34.6 ± 10.3 HU (range, 20.3-63.0 HU) for papillary tumors, and 35.5 ± 9.2 HU (range, 20.7-47 HU) for chromophobe tumors (p = 0.06). Eight clear cell RCCs had attenuation similar to that of water (15.7 ± 2.4 HU; range, 11-18.7 HU). There was no significant difference in calcification or margin among different types of tumors (p = 0.91 and p = 0.55, respectively). Chromophobe tumors were more likely to be homogeneous (p < 0.001). Interobserver agreement was moderate to very good (κ = 0.91 for calcification, κ = 0.55 for margin, and κ = 0.44 for heterogeneity). All eight clear cell RCCs with attenuation similar to that of water were considered heterogeneous by both readers. Irregular margins were identified in three of these eight tumors by reader 1 and four of eight tumors by reader 2. CONCLUSION A minority of solid RCCs have attenuation similar to that of water on unenhanced CT. In this study, all such tumors were of the clear cell subtype and qualitatively heterogeneous, suggesting they can be distinguished from simple cysts on unenhanced CT.
The effect of high-frequency electrical pulses on organic tissue in root canals.

AIMS To evaluate debris and smear layer scores after application of high-frequency electrical pulses produced by the Endox Endodontic System (Lysis Srl, Nova Milanese, Italy) on intact pulp tissue and organic and inorganic residues after endodontic instrumentation. METHODOLOGY The study comprised 75 teeth planned for extraction. The teeth were randomly divided into two groups (60 teeth) and a control group (15 teeth): group 1 (30 teeth) was not subjected to instrumentation; group 2 (30 teeth) was instrumented by Hero Shaper instruments and apical stops were prepared to size 40. Each group was subdivided into subgroups A and B (15 teeth); two electrical pulses were applied to subgroups 1A and 2A (one in the apical third and one in the middle third, respectively, at 3 and 6 mm from the root apices); four electrical pulses were applied to subgroups 1B and 2B (two in the apical third, two in the middle third). The control group (15 teeth) was prepared with Hero Shapers and irrigated with 5 mL of EDTA (10%) and 5 mL of 5% NaOCl at 50 degrees C but not subjected to the electrical pulse treatment. Roots were split longitudinally and canal walls were examined at 80x, 200x, 750x, 1500x and 15,000x magnifications, using a scanning electron microscope. Smear layer and debris scores were recorded at the 3 and 6 mm levels using a five-step scoring scale and a 200-microm grid. Means were tested for significance using the one-way anova model and the Bonferroni post-hoc test. The differences between groups were considered to be statistically significant when P < 0.05. RESULTS The mean value for debris scores for the three groups varied from 1.80 (+/-0.77) to 4.50 (+/-0.68). The smear layer scores for group 2 and the control specimens varied from 2.00 (+/-0.91) to 2.33 (+/-0.99). A significant difference was found in mean debris scores at the 3 and 6 mm levels between the three groups (P < 0.001). The Bonferroni post-hoc test confirmed that the difference was due to group 1. In the two subgroups treated with four high-frequency pulses (1B and 2B) a substantial reduction in mean debris scores was found at the 3 and 6 mm level; subgroup 2B was practically free of organic residue. No significant differences for mean smear layer and debris scores were recorded between group 2 and the control group at the two levels; a significant difference was found only for mean smear layer scores at the 3 mm level between subgroup 2B and the control group (P < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS The Endox device used with four electrical pulses had optimal efficacy when used after mechanical instrumentation. Traditional canal shaping and cleaning was essential to ensure an effective use of high-frequency electrical pulses in eliminating residues of pulp tissue and inorganic debris.