Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A new dynamic model of three cell interactions for CTL responses

The exact mechanisms of CD4 help in the generation of memory cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs) remain largely illusive. We propose that dendritic cells (DCs) first interact with CD4+ T cells, resulting in DC licensing and CD4+ T-cell priming. Thereafter, CD8+ T cells can receive stimulatory signals from DC-CD4+ T-cell clusters and as well as individually from licensed DCs and primed CD4+ T cells.
Prevention and follow-up of cardiovascular disease among patients without a personal GP.

OBJECTIVE This paper describes the characteristics of Belgian people who declare that they have a personal GP (PGP) compared with those who do not. Furthermore, patterns of cardiovascular prevention and care are described for these two groups. METHODS The data are derived from the 1997 Belgian Health Interview Survey (HIS) in which a representative sample (n = 10 221) of the Belgian population was questioned. The HIS data about physical activity, food, blood pressure, cholesterol, cardiovascular diseases, diabetes and stroke are analysed. RESULTS After standardization for age and gender, 7.0% of the subjects declared that they did not have a PGP. The mean age of patients without a PGP (33.2 +/- 20.4 years) is significantly lower than for those with a PGP (40.4 +/- 22.7 years) (P < 0.001). More smokers (38.5% compared with 28.5%) were reported among the subjects without a PGP (P < 0.001). For 14.8% of the subjects without a PGP, their blood pressure had never been measured, and for 51.1% their cholesterol had never been measured (6.7% and 35.7%, respectively in subjects with a PGP). Among the subjects without a PGP, 3.8% had high blood pressure and 1.5% had a coronary heart disease. Among the hypertensive patients without a PGP, 43.6% are not treated by any physician. CONCLUSION Subjects without a PGP were less likely to have a healthy way of life. Having a PGP seemed to have a beneficial influence on the screening for and the follow-up of cardiovascular risk factors. However, it has never been confirmed that providing people who do not have a PGP with one would result in health improvements. In particular, cardiac patients without a PGP sought their medical treatment directly from specialists.
Trisomy 18q‐. Trisomy mapping of chromosome 18 revisited

Two patients with trisomy for 18p and the proximal segment of 18q (trisomy 18q –) are reported and compared with similar cases from the literature. The phenotype of trisomy 18q– resembles that of full trisomy 18 but differs mainly in the birdlike face, small mouth, more pronounced microretrognathia, minor skeletal dysplasia and inner organ malformations, and less severe vital prognosis.
Time varying and asymmetric effect between sovereign credit market and financial market: The asymmetric DCC model

This study examines the interdependence between the daily euro zone sovereign CDS index and four financial market sectors such as, banking CDS market (CDSb), underlying sovereign market (BONDs), stock market (BMI) and future interest rate benchmark of the bunds obligation (EUROBOBL). Focusing on different phases of the sovereign debt crises, the aim of this paper is to examine how the dynamics of correlations between the CDSs and financial market indicators evolved from September 20, 2011 to February 12, 2016. To this end, the A-DCC model allowing for conditional asymmetries in covariance and correlation dynamics has been adopted to examine the presence of asymmetric responses in correlations during periods of negative shocks. The empirical findings indicate a general pattern increase in correlations during the phase of the sovereign debt crisis, suggesting the spillover effect of the CDS index and financial market indicators.
Kinase suppressor of RAS (KSR) amplifies the differentiation signal provided by low concentrations 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3

The activity of kinase suppressor of ras (KSR), a kinase or a molecular scaffold upstream from Raf‐1, is involved in the MEK/ERK MAP kinase cascade which can signal cell growth, survival, or differentiation, depending on the cellular context. We provide evidence here that KSR is upregulated in HL60 cells undergoing differentiation induced by low (0.3–3 nM) concentrations of 1,25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3 (1,25D3), and an antisense oligo (AS), but not a sense oligo, to KSR inhibits this differentiation. The inhibition of differentiation by AS–KSR oligo was less apparent when the concentration of 1,25D3 was increased, suggesting that at the higher concentrations of 1,25D3 KSR is not essential for the signaling of the differentiated phenotype. The reduced differentiation of HL60 cells exposed to AS–KSR was paralleled by reduced phosphorylation of Raf‐1 Ser 259, and of p90RSK, used here as read‐out for MAPK cascade activity. Conversely, ectopic expression of Flag‐tagged wild type KSR potentiated the differentiation‐inducing effects of low concentrations of 1,25D3. Additional data suggest that the kinase activity of KSR is required for these effects, as transfection of a kinase inactive KSR construct did not significantly increase the 1,25D3‐induced differentiation. Enzyme assays performed with KSR immunoprecipitated from 1,25D3‐treated cells showed kinase activity when recombinant Raf‐1 was used as the substrate, but not when the 1,25D3‐treated cells were pretreated with AS–KSR oligos. Taken together, these data suggest that KSR participates in signaling of monocytic differentiation by augmenting the strength of the signal transmitted through Raf‐1 to downstream targets. J. Cell. Physiol. 198: 333–342, 2004© 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Colicin synthesis and cell death

Colicin E1 is a small plasmid, containing the cea gene for colicin, the most prominent product of the plasmid. Colicin is a 56-kilodalton bacteriocin which is especially toxic to Escherichia coli cells that do not contain the plasmid. Under normal growth conditions very low levels of the plasmid are produced as a result of cea gene repression by the host LexA protein. Conditions that lower the concentration of LexA protein result in elevated levels of colicin synthesis. The LexA protein concentration can be lowered by exposing the cells to DNA-damaging reagents such as UV light or mitomycin C. This is because DNA damage signals the host SOS response; the response leads to activation of the RecA protease which degrades the LexA protein. DNA-damaging reagents result in very high levels of colicin synthesis and subsequent death of plasmid-bearing cells. Elevated levels of colicin are also produced in mutants of E. coli that are deficient in LexA protein. We found that comparably high levels of colicin can be produced in such mutants in the absence of cell death. In lexA strains carrying a defective LexA repressor, colicin synthesis shows a strong temperature dependence. Ten to twenty times more colicin is synthesized at 42 degrees C. This sharp dependence of synthesis on temperature suggests that there are factors other than the LexA protein which regulate colicin synthesis.
In Vivo Pharmacodynamic Activities of Two Glycylcyclines (GAR-936 and WAY 152,288) against Various Gram-Positive and Gram-Negative Bacteria

ABSTRACT The in vivo pharmacodynamic activities of two glycylcyclines (GAR-936 and WAY 152,288) were assessed in an experimental murine thigh infection model in neutropenic mice. Mice were infected with one of several strains of Streptococcus pneumoniae,Staphylococcus aureus, Escherichia coli, orKlebsiella pneumoniae. Most infections were treated with a twice-daily dosing schedule, with administration of 0.75 to 192 mg of GAR-936 or WAY 152,288 per kg of body weight. A maximum-effect dose-response model was used to calculate the dose that produced a net bacteriostatic effect over 24 h of therapy. This dose was called the bacteriostatic dose. More extensive dosing studies were performed with S. pneumoniae 1199, E. coli ATCC 25922, and K. pneumoniae ATCC 43816, with doses being given as one, two, four, or eight equal doses over a period of 24 h. The dosing schedules were designed in order to minimize the interrelationship between the various pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic parameters studied. These parameters were time above 0.03 to 32 times the MIC, area under the concentration-time curve (AUC), and maximum concentration of drug in serum (Cmax). The bacteriostatic dose remained essentially the same, irrespective of the dosing frequency, for S. pneumoniae 1199 (0.3 to 0.9 mg/kg/day). For E. coli ATCC 25922 and K. pneumoniae ATCC 43816, however, more frequent dosing led to lower bacteriostatic doses. Pharmacokinetic studies demonstrated dose-dependent elimination half-lives of 1.05 to 2.34 and 1.65 to 3.36 h and serum protein bindings of 59 and 71% for GAR-936 and WAY 152,288, respectively. GAR-936 and WAY 152,288 were similarly effective against the microorganisms studied, with small differences in maximum effect and 50% effective dose. The glycylcyclines were also similarly effective against tetracycline-sensitive and tetracycline-resistant bacteria. Time above a certain factor (range, 0.5 to 4 times) of the MIC was a better predictor of in vivo efficacy than Cmaxor AUC for most organism-drug combinations. The results demonstrate that in order to achieve 80% maximum efficacy, the concentration of unbound drug in serum should be maintained above the MIC for at least 50% of the time for GAR-936 and for at least 75% of the time for WAY 152,288. The results of these experiments will aid in the rational design of dose-finding studies for these glycylcyclines in humans.
Width of keratinized gingiva and the health status of the supporting tissues around dental implants.

PURPOSE This cross-sectional study was performed to determine whether an association exists between the width of keratinized mucosa and the health of implant-supporting tissues. MATERIALS AND METHODS Data on 200 dental implants were collected. Periodontal parameters measured included Plaque Index, Gingival Index, width of keratinized mucosa, thickness of keratinized mucosa, radiographic bone level, and bleeding on probing. Statistical analysis was accomplished with the t test, Wilcoxon rank sum test, and logistic and linear regression models. Significance was established when P was less than . 05. RESULTS The mean Gingival Index score, Plaque Index score, and radiographic bone loss were significantly higher for those implants with a narrow zone (< 2 mm) of keratinized mucosa. Implants with a narrow zone of keratinized mucosa also were more likely to bleed upon probing, even after adjusting for Plaque Index, smoking, thickness of the gingiva, and time since implant placement (adjusted odds ratio, 2.37; 95% confidence interval, 1.04 to 5.83). Significant independent association also was found between the width of keratinized mucosa and radiographic bone loss in favor of wider zone of keratinized mucosa. CONCLUSION Increased width of keratinized mucosa around implants is associated with lower mean alveolar bone loss and improved indices of soft tissue health.
Mothers' Reports of the Outcome of Nipple Shield Use

Although nipple shields have undergone significant design improvements in recent years, many lactation consultants are reluctant to use them to assist with breastfeeding challenges. This article shares the experience of lactation consultants and their clients in the Breastfeeding Center at Evergreen Hospital with the use of ultra-thin, silicone nipple shields. Fifty-one clients who used ultra-thin nipple shields were interviewed by telephone to determine patterns of use and client satisfaction. Eighty-six percent of the respondents reported that the ultra-thin nipple shield helped them continue to breastfeed. Our positive experiences, along with those of our clients, suggest that ultra-thin nipple shields can be a useful lactation tool in maintaining the breastfeeding relationship until problems are resolved.
Acupuncture Produces Central Activations in Pain Regions

Acupuncture is largely used for pain control in several pathological conditions. Its effects on the central nervous system are not well defined. We investigated the effect of the application of acupuncture to 13 normal subjects (males, 21-32 years). H2(15)O bolus PET scans were read before the application of the needles (Rest, R) and after 25 min of needle insertion. Data were acquired by scanning in 3-D mode. The acupuncture application, true acupuncture (TA), was alternated to a placebo needle application (PA) in two different sequences (seven and six subjects, respectively), either R,PA,R, TA or R,TA,R,PA, a period of 15 min being left after every first TA or PA to allow for the recovery of basal conditions. Here we show that classic acupuncture activates the left Anterior Cingulus, the Insulae bilaterally, the Cerebellum bilaterally, the left Superior Frontal Gyrus, and the right Medial and Inferior Frontal Gyri. Most of the activated areas are shared with areas activated in acute and chronic pain states as described in the literature. Thus acupuncture appears to act by activating areas also involved in pain. This indicates that acupuncture could relief pain by unbalancing the equilibrium of distributed pain-related central networks.
Analysis of 60 Reported Glioma Risk SNPs Replicates Published GWAS Findings but Fails to Replicate Associations From Published Candidate‐Gene Studies

Genomewide association studies (GWAS) and candidate‐gene studies have implicated single‐nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in at least 45 different genes as putative glioma risk factors. Attempts to validate these associations have yielded variable results and few genetic risk factors have been consistently replicated. We conducted a case‐control study of Caucasian glioma cases and controls from the University of California San Francisco (810 cases, 512 controls) and the Mayo Clinic (852 cases, 789 controls) in an attempt to replicate previously reported genetic risk factors for glioma. Sixty SNPs selected from the literature (eight from GWAS and 52 from candidate‐gene studies) were successfully genotyped on an Illumina custom genotyping panel. Eight SNPs in/near seven different genes (TERT, EGFR, CCDC26, CDKN2A, PHLDB1, RTEL1, TP53) were significantly associated with glioma risk in the combined dataset (P < 0.05), with all associations in the same direction as in previous reports. Several SNP associations showed considerable differences across histologic subtype. All eight successfully replicated associations were first identified by GWAS, although none of the putative risk SNPs from candidate‐gene studies was associated in the full case‐control sample (all P values > 0.05). Although several confirmed associations are located near genes long known to be involved in gliomagenesis (e.g., EGFR, CDKN2A, TP53), these associations were first discovered by the GWAS approach and are in noncoding regions. These results highlight that the deficiencies of the candidate‐gene approach lay in selecting both appropriate genes and relevant SNPs within these genes.
Distal Biceps Brachii Tendon Repairs

Background: Distal biceps brachii tendon repairs performed with a tension slide technique using a cortical button (CB) and interference screw are stronger than those based on suture fixation through bone tunnels (BTs) in biomechanical studies. However, clinical comparison of these 2 techniques is lacking in the literature. Purpose: To perform a clinical comparison of the single-incision CB and double-incision BT techniques. Study Design: Cohort study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: Distal biceps tendon ruptures repaired through either the single-incision CB or double-incision BT technique were retrospectively identified at a single institution. Patients >1 year out from surgery were assessed for range of motion, strength, and complications, and they completed a DASH questionnaire (Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand). Results: Patients in the CB group (n = 20) were older (52 ± 9.5 vs 43.7 ± 8.7 years; P = .008), had a shorter interval from surgery to evaluation (17.7 ± 5 vs 30.8 ± 16.5 months; P = .001), and were less likely to smoke (0% vs 28.5%; P = .02) compared with the BT patients (n = 21). DASH scores were similar between groups (4.46 ± 4.4 [CB] vs 5.7 ± 7.5 [BT]; P = .65). Multivariate analysis revealed no differences in range of motion or strength between groups. More CB patients (30%; n = 6) experienced a complication compared with those in the BT group (4.8%; n = 1) (P = .04), and these complications were predominantly paresthesias of the superficial radial nerve that did not resolve. There were no reoperations or repair failures in either group. Conclusion: Both the single-incision CB and double-incision BT techniques provided excellent clinical results. Complications were more common in the single-incision CB group and most commonly involved paresthesias of the superficial radial nerve.
Morphological study of the uncommon rectus sterni muscle in German cadavers.

OBJECTIVE The present investigation has been designed to study the incidence of the rectus stern muscle in German human cadavers dissected in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, trying to find a postulation for the development of such muscle when present. DESIGN Gross dissection of 130 cadavers, of both sexes, was performed throughout a period of 10 years. SETTING Department of Anatomy College of Medicine, King Faisal University, Dammam, Saudi Arabia. INTERVENTION Investigation of the origin and insertion of the rectus sterni and measurements of its length and width. RESULTS Two adult cadavers, one of each sex, had shown well-developed bilateral rectus stern muscles. All muscles identified were parasternal in position, being superficial to the medial portion of the pectoralis major muscle. Minor morphological differences were observed among the four muscle masses concerning their length, breadth, origin and insertion. CONCLUSION The current study has determined the incidence of the rectus sterni muscle, in German cadavers to be 1.54% per bodies examined compared to 4% in cadavers from Saudis. Such a frequency is compared to that reported in different geographic populations. The rectus sterni muscle is innervated by the anterior cutaneous branches of the intercostal nerves. The description of the rectus sterni muscle and its incidence determined in the present study, might be of a great help for clinicians radiographing or tackling the pectoral region.
A compendium of Colombian policing challenges : from Pablo to present

Colombia has one of the oldest democracies in Latin American, however it has a history of violence that stretches from the time of the breakup of Gran Colombia. Simon Bolivar’s vision started to erode in the 1830s and ended in 1903 with the independence of Panama. Contemporary Colombia saw violence continue with peasant revolts in the 1920s and 30s, la Violencia in the 1940s, the formation of the insurgent groups like the FARC and ELN in the 1960s, the creation of drug cartels in the 1970s and their transformation into narco-terrorist groups and then micro traffickers in the 1980s and 1990s. There have been limited periods of peace for the citizens of Colombia. These events have consequently challenged Colombia's judiciary and police forces in the areas of general violence, inequality, geographical policing challenges, corruption, case backlog and Colombian police leadership. As former president Belisario Betancur states, 'Modern times have not been easy for Colombia' (1998, p.XV). The challenges in writing this thesis have been considerable. This author has utilised experience gained from living and working in Colombia for over five and a half years and the experience of his protected sources as well as the foundations laid by other academics and the media in order to present the most significant of the challenges to Colombian policing in the last forty years. The goal of this document is to form a compendium on these areas for those who are new to Colombian policing, its judiciary and the history that has helped to shape them.
Interventions for preventing posterior capsule opacification.

BACKGROUND Posterior capsule opacification (PCO) remains the most common long-term complication after cataract surgery. It can be treated by Nd:YAG laser capsulotomy, however, this may lead to other complications and laser treatment is not available in large parts of the developing world. Therefore, many studies try to find factors influencing the development of PCO. OBJECTIVES To summarise the effects of different interventions to inhibit PCO. These include modifications of surgical technique and intraocular lens (IOL) design, implantation of additional devices and pharmacological interventions. SEARCH STRATEGY We searched CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE, LILACS in January 2007 and reference lists of identified trial reports. SELECTION CRITERIA We included only prospective, randomised and controlled trials with a follow-up time of at least 12 months. Interventions included modifications in surgical technique explicitly to inhibit PCO, modifications in IOL design (material and geometry), implantation of additional devices, and pharmacological therapy, compared to each other, placebo or standard treatment. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS Data were extracted and entered into Review Manager. Visual acuity data, PCO score and YAG capsulotomy rates were compared and a meta-analysis was performed when possible. MAIN RESULTS Fifty three studies were included in the review. The review was divided into three parts. (1) Influence of IOL optic material on the development of PCO. Compared to other materials, the meta-analysis of the included studies showed a significantly higher PCO score (overall effect: 12.39 (95% confidence interval: 9.82 to 14.95), scale 0 to 100) and YAG rate (odds ratio: 8.37 (3.74 to 20.36)) only in hydrogel IOLs. (2) Influence of IOL optic design on the development of PCO. There was a significantly lower PCO score (-8.65 (-10.72 to -6.59), scale 0 to 100) and YAG rate (0.19 (0.11 to 0.35)) in sharp edged than in round edged IOLs, however, not between 1-piece and 3-piece IOLs. (3) Influence of surgical technique and drugs on the development of PCO. There was no significant difference between different types of intra-/postoperative anti-inflammatory treatment except for treatment with an immunotoxin (MDX-A) leading to a significantly lower PCO rate. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS Due to the highly significant difference between round and sharp edge IOL optics, IOLs with sharp (posterior) optic edges should be preferred. There is no clear difference between optic materials, except for hydrogel IOLs, that showed more PCO than the other materials. The choice of postoperative anti-inflammatory treatment does not seem to influence PCO development.