Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Re‐Evaluation of the EUK516 Probe for the Domain Eukarya Results in a Suitable Probe for the Detection of Kinetoplastids, an Important Group of Parasitic and Free‐Living Flagellates

ABSTRACT. Two frequently used universal eukaryote probes, EUK1209 and EUK516, are not consistent with one branch of the eukaryotic phylogenetic tree, the Kinetoplastida, which has undergone rapid evolution of their small subunit rRNA gene. Kinetoplastids include medically important parasitic organisms (e.g. Trypanosoma, Leishmania) and free‐living flagellates that occur in all aquatic environments and in soils (e.g. Bodo, Neobodo, Rhynchomonas). A modified probe presented here as KIN516, now based on the kinetoplastid sequence, provides a strong signal with Neobodo designis, Leishmania donovani, and Trypanosoma cruzi using the catalyzed reporter deposition protocol. EUK516 and KIN516 function as competitor probes, thereby greatly increasing discriminatory power when used in combination. The probe pair was tested in field samples collected in a freshwater pond in Norfolk, the mesohaline Elizabeth River, Norfolk, Virginia, and a tropical lagoon in Belize. The combined probes bound to 58–84% of organisms identified as eukaryotic based on having large DAPI‐stained nuclei. The contribution of kinetoplastids to total eukaryotes (positive signal of EUK516+KIN516) was much higher in marine samples (ca. 17%) than in either the freshwater or brackish water sites (<0.2%).
Interactions between Hippocampus and Medial Septum during Sharp Waves and Theta Oscillation in the Behaving Rat

The medial septal region and the hippocampus are connected reciprocally via GABAergic neurons, but the physiological role of this loop is still not well understood. In an attempt to reveal the physiological effects of the hippocamposeptal GABAergic projection, we cross-correlated hippocampal sharp wave (SPW) ripples or theta activity and extracellular units recorded in the medial septum and diagonal band of Broca (MSDB) in freely moving rats. The majority of single MSDB cells (60%) were significantly suppressed during SPWs. Most cells inhibited during SPW (80%) fired rhythmically and phase-locked to the negative peak of the CA1 pyramidal layer theta waves. Because both SPW and the negative peak of local theta waves correspond to the maximum discharge probability of CA1 pyramidal cells and interneuron classes, the findings indicate that the activity of medial septal neurons can be negatively (during SPW) or positively (during theta waves) correlated with the activity of hippocampal interneurons. We hypothesize that the functional coupling between medial septal neurons and hippocampal interneurons varies in a state-dependent manner.
Cognitive Reserve, Age, and Neuropsychological Performance in Healthy Participants

The first aim of this study was to explore the relation between cognitive reserve, age, and neuropsychological functioning in a healthy sample; and second, to determine the risk of showing cognitive deficits as a function of cognitive reserve. One hundred forty-six healthy participants between the ages of 20 and 79 were submitted to neuropsychological assessment, focusing on attention, memory, visuo-construction, conceptualization and reasoning. Premorbid IQ as measured with the Wechsler Adult Intelligence Scale Vocabulary subtest was used as a proxy of cognitive reserve. Multivariate regression analysis with age and premorbid IQ as explanatory factors revealed a significant effect in all neuropsychological tests. Logistic regression revealed that participants with low cognitive reserve were more likely to obtain deficient scores (≤1.5 SD below the mean) in the cognitive domains of attention (odds ratio [OR], 3.13; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.05–9.29), memory (OR, 6.17; 95% CI, 1.69–22.61) and global functioning (OR, 6.44; 95% CI, 2.56–16.22) than participants with high cognitive reserve. Results suggest that cognitive reserve acts as a protective factor against the expression of cognitive decline related to age in healthy individuals.
Recombinant human interleukin 1 receptor antagonist in the treatment of patients with sepsis syndrome. Results from a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial. Phase III rhIL-1ra Sepsis Syndrome Study Group.

OBJECTIVE To further define the safety and efficacy of recombinant human interleukin 1 receptor antagonist (rhIL-1ra) in the treatment of sepsis syndrome. STUDY DESIGN Randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter, multinational clinical trial. POPULATION A total of 893 patients with sepsis syndrome received an intravenous loading dose of rhIL-1ra, 100 mg, or placebo followed by a continuous 72-hour intravenous infusion of rhIL-1ra (1.0 or 2.0 mg/kg per hour) or placebo. OUTCOME MEASURE Twenty-eight-day all-cause mortality. RESULTS There was not a significant increase in survival time for rhIL-1ra treatment compared with placebo among all patients who received the study medication (n = 893; generalized Wilcoxon statistic, P = .22) or among patients with shock at study entry (n = 713; generalized Wilcoxon statistic, P = .23), the two primary efficacy analyses specified a priori for this trial. Results from secondary analyses suggest an increase in survival time with rhIL-1ra treatment among patients with dysfunction of one or more organs (n = 563; linear dose-response, P = .009). Retrospective analysis demonstrated an increase in survival time with rhIL-1ra treatment among patients with a predicted risk of mortality of 24% or greater (n = 580; linear dose-response, P = .005) as well as among patients with both dysfunction of one or more organs and a predicted risk of mortality of 24% or greater (n = 411; linear dose-response, P = .002). CONCLUSIONS There was not a statistically significant increase in survival time for rhIL-1ra treatment compared with placebo among all patients who received the study medication or among patients with shock at study entry. Secondary and retrospective analyses of efficacy suggest that treatment with rhIL-1ra results in a dose-related increase in survival time among patients with sepsis who have organ dysfunction and/or a predicted risk of mortality of 24% or greater.
Mycophenolate versus azathioprine as maintenance therapy for lupus nephritis.

BACKGROUND Maintenance therapy, often with azathioprine or mycophenolate mofetil, is required to consolidate remission and prevent relapse after the initial control of lupus nephritis. METHODS We carried out a 36-month, randomized, double-blind, double-dummy, phase 3 study comparing oral mycophenolate mofetil (2 g per day) and oral azathioprine (2 mg per kilogram of body weight per day), plus placebo in each group, in patients who met response criteria during a 6-month induction trial. The study group underwent repeat randomization in a 1:1 ratio. Up to 10 mg of prednisone per day or its equivalent was permitted. The primary efficacy end point was the time to treatment failure, which was defined as death, end-stage renal disease, doubling of the serum creatinine level, renal flare, or rescue therapy for lupus nephritis. Secondary assessments included the time to the individual components of treatment failure and adverse events. RESULTS A total of 227 patients were randomly assigned to maintenance treatment (116 to mycophenolate mofetil and 111 to azathioprine). Mycophenolate mofetil was superior to azathioprine with respect to the primary end point, time to treatment failure (hazard ratio, 0.44; 95% confidence interval, 0.25 to 0.77; P = 0.003), and with respect to time to renal flare and time to rescue therapy (hazard ratio, <1.00; P < 0.05). Observed rates of treatment failure were 16.4% (19 of 116 patients) in the mycophenolate mofetil group and 32.4% (36 of 111) in the azathioprine group. Adverse events, most commonly minor infections and gastrointestinal disorders, occurred in more than 95% of the patients in both groups (P = 0.68). Serious adverse events occurred in 33.3% of patients in the azathioprine group and in 23.5% of those in the mycophenolate mofetil group (P = 0.11), and the rate of withdrawal due to adverse events was higher with azathioprine than with mycophenolate mofetil (39.6% vs. 25.2%, P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS Mycophenolate mofetil was superior to azathioprine in maintaining a renal response to treatment and in preventing relapse in patients with lupus nephritis who had a response to induction therapy. (Funded by Vifor Pharma [formerly Aspreva]; ALMS ClinicalTrials.gov number, NCT00377637.).
“For the Glory of Romanians”: Orthodoxy and Nationalism in Greater Romania, 1918–1945

The relationship between Orthodox Christianity and national identity has been one of the most contended issues in modern nationalism. The dominant religion in the Balkans, Orthodoxy has transported the identity of ethnic groups into the modern era and political leaders have employed religious institutions according to their own political agendas in the construction of “imagined communities. ” Orthodoxy has a particular perception of the political field. Based on the concept of symphonia, which dates back to the Byzantine Empire, the Church claims that religious and political offices are equal and have similar responsibilities. Religious and political rulers have the mission to guide the people and the Church and state should collaborate harmoniously in fostering identity. Political leaders refer to the nationalist discourse of the Church in order to induce national cohesion. From this perspective, the relationship between religion and the construction of the nation in the Orthodox space differs from that in the Catholic or Protestant world where Churches are supranational or sub-national institutions.
Contact Allergy to Cocamide Diethanolamine and Cross-reactions.

1. Bakula A, Lugovi(-Mihi( L, Šitum M, et al. Contact allergy in the mouth: diversity of clinical presentations and diagnosis of common allergens relevant to dental practice. Acta Clin Croat 2011;50:553Y561. 2. De Rossi SS, Greenberg MS. Intraoral contact allergy: a literature review and case reports. J Am Dent Assoc 1998;129:1435Y1441. 3. Zirwas MJ, Otto S. Toothpaste allergy diagnosis and management. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol 2010;3(5):42Y47. 4. Panesar PS, Joshi VK, Panesar R, et al. Vermouth: technology of production and quality characteristics. Adv Food Nutr Res 2011;63:251Y283. 5. Avalos-Peralta P, Garcı́a-Bravo B, Camacho FM. Sensitivity to Myroxylon pereirae resin (balsam of Peru). A study of 50 cases. Contact Dermatitis 2005;52:304Y306.
Mechanism of the distance‐dependent scaling of Schaffer collateral synapses in rat CA1 pyramidal neurons

Schaffer collateral axons form excitatory synapses that are distributed across much of the dendritic arborization of hippocampal CA1 pyramidal neurons. Remarkably, AMPA‐receptor‐mediated miniature EPSP amplitudes at the soma are relatively independent of synapse location, despite widely different degrees of dendritic filtering. A progressive increase with distance in synaptic conductance is thought to produce this amplitude normalization. In this study we examined the mechanism(s) responsible for spatial scaling by making whole‐cell recordings from the apical dendrites of CA1 pyramidal neurons. We found no evidence to suggest that there is any location dependence to the range of cleft glutamate concentrations found at Schaffer collateral synapses. Furthermore, we observed that release probability (Pr), paired‐pulse facilitation and the size of the readily releasable vesicular pool are not dependent on synapse location. Thus, there do not appear to be any changes in the fundamental presynaptic properties of Schaffer collateral synapses that could account for distance‐dependent scaling. On the other hand, two‐photon uncaging of 4‐methoxy‐7‐nitroindolinyl‐caged l‐glutamate onto isolated dendritic spines shows that the number of postsynaptic AMPA receptors per spine increases with distance from the soma. We conclude, therefore, that the main synaptic mechanism involved in the production of distance‐dependent scaling of Schaffer collateral synapses is an elevated postsynaptic AMPA receptor density.
Cross-cultural validation of the 20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale in Chinese adolescents.

UNLABELLED WHAT IS KNOWN ON THE SUBJECT? : The TAS-20 is the most widely used self-reported questionnaire to assess the level of alexithymia in students and community and clinical samples. WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS TO EXISTING KNOWLEDGE? : The TAS-20-C exhibited high levels of reliability and validity, indicating that it is appropriate for the assessment of alexithymia in Chinese adolescents. WHAT ARE THE IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE? : Screening adolescents who are at risk of alexithymia through the TAS-20 could help to perform necessary and effective precautions to decrease the adverse effects of alexithymia, such as the risks of developing depressive mood and behavioral problems. ABSTRACT Purpose The aim of this study was to examine the psychometric properties of the Chinese version of the 20-item Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20-C) in a sample of Chinese adolescents. Method Adolescents (n = 1260) recruited from three schools in mainland China completed the TAS-20-C, the somatization subscale of the Symptom Checklist 90 (SCL-90) and Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). Five different factorial models of the TAS-20 were tested using confirmatory factor analysis (CFA). Cronbach's α, mean inter-item correlations and predictive validity were also evaluated. Results Among those five different factorial models, the four-factor structure model was suitable and invariant across gender and age in this sample. The TAS-20-C demonstrated adequate internal reliability. Gender and age accounted for insignificant amounts of variability in total TAS-20-C and factor scores. TAS-20-C total and subscale scores were correlated significantly with SCL-90 somatization subscale and CES-D. Girls scored higher than boys on difficulty identifying feelings (DIF) and pragmatic thinking (PR) subscales. DIF and lack of subjective significance or importance of emotions (IMs) subscale scores were higher among younger than among middle and older adolescents. Implications for Practice Validating the TAS-20 in adolescents is quite important to use it in evaluating adolescents' alexithymia, and screen those at risk of alexithymia.
Anisotropy of the photo-elastic effect in Nd : KGd(WO4)2 laser crystals

The anisotropy of thermal lensing and the photo-elastic effect is characterized for diode-pumped Nd : KGd(WO4)2 crystals cut along the Np and Ng optical indicatrix axes and along its optical axis, O = Ng + 43°, at a laser wavelength of 1067 nm. Distortions in the spatial profile of the output laser beam are analyzed. The thermal lens is astigmatic; the orientation of its principal meridional planes, A and B, is determined by the anisotropy of photo-elastic effect. The thermal lens has opposite signs for rays lying in the principal meridional planes for Np- and O-cut crystals; it is positive for an Ng-cut crystal. The increase of thermal lens optical power after absorption of 1 W of pump power, i.e. the thermal lens sensitivity factors MA(B), and astigmatism degree S = |MA–MB| are determined. The photo-elastic effect was found to increase the optical power of the thermal lens and was significant for all studied crystal orientations.
Experience-dependent neuropsychological recovery and the treatment of alcoholism.

Accumulating research has shown that some cognitive deficits in recently abstinent alcoholics (e.g., cognitive flexibility, acquisition of novel skills) improve only with remediation in contrast to the spontaneous, time-dependent rebound seen for other tasks. In principle, this facilitated or experience-dependent recovery should enhance acquisition of the content of alcoholism treatment programs, but this relationship has yet to be tested empirically; previous research assessed recovery using only neuropsychological tasks presented by an experimenter. The current investigation focused on treatment-relevant remediation (acquisition of the content of a relapse-prevention [RP] program) using tasks administered by self-guided workbooks. Four groups of male alcoholics received pre- and posttesting. Between the two testing sessions, the groups received neuropsychological remediation tasks (n = 15), ecologically relevant tasks (n = 15), attention-placebo tasks (n = 16), or no intervention (n = 15). Results showed that exposure to both types of remediation produced significant cognitive recovery, with skills transferring to posttest neuropsychological measures and RP acquisition. Hence, cognitive remediation may facilitate alcoholism treatment.
Protection against Pseudomonas aeruginosa Chronic Lung Infection in Mice by Genetic Immunization against Outer Membrane Protein F (OprF) of P. aeruginosa

ABSTRACT The Pseudomonas aeruginosa major constitutive outer membrane porin protein OprF, which has previously been shown to be a protective antigen, was targeted as a DNA vaccine candidate. TheoprF gene was cloned into plasmid vector pVR1020, and the plasmid vaccines were delivered to mice by biolistic (gene gun) intradermal inoculation. Antibody titers in antisera from immunized mice were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, and the elicited antibodies were shown to be specifically reactive to OprF by immunoblotting. The immunoglobulin G (IgG) immune response was predominantly of the IgG1 isotype. Sera from DNA vaccine-immunized mice had significantly greater opsonic activity in opsonophagocytic assays than did sera from control mice. Following the initial immunization and two consecutive boosts, each at 2-week intervals, protection was demonstrated in a mouse model of chronic pulmonary infection byP. aeruginosa. Eight days postchallenge, both lungs were removed and examined. A significant reduction in the presence of severe macroscopic lesions, as well as in the number of bacteria present in the lungs, was seen. Based on these findings, genetic immunization withoprF has potential for development as a vaccine to protect humans against infection by P. aeruginosa.
L' enfant gardien du secret : vivre et grandir avec le sida et ses traitements à Bobo-Dioulasso (Burkina Faso)

Cette these offre une analyse socio-anthropologique de l'experience du sida vecue par les enfants au Burkina Faso, dans le contexte historique de l'acces national aux traitements antiretroviraux, au milieu des annees 2000. Elle s'inscrit a la croisee de l'anthropologie politique de la sante et de l'anthropologie de l'enfance, considerant les enfants en tant qu'acteurs sociaux dont il s'agit de prendre en compte le point de vue. Fondee sur une enquete ethnographique de vingt mois conduite a Bobo-Dioulasso aupres de trente-sept enfants, de leurs parents et de soignants, elle apporte une contribution originale a l'epistemologique et a la methodologique de l'enquete ethnographique avec les enfants. L'analyse socio-anthropologique de l'experience de la maladie et des traitements se structure autour de trois thematiques principales. La premiere aborde la facon dont les enfants ont ete pris en compte dans les politiques internationales de lutte contre le sida. Retracant le processus socio-historique par lequel la categorie des " orphelins et enfants vulnerables " a emerge et s'est institutionnalisee a partir de la fin des annees 1990, l'analyse decrit le " traitement politique a la marge " dont les enfants ont fait l'objet dans les reponses apportees a l'epidemie. La deuxieme thematique traite de l'annonce de la maladie aux enfants, dans un contexte institutionnel de " double standard " ou l'information ne fait pas l'objet de procedures standardisees. A partir d'une ethnographie des dits et non-dits de la maladie aux enfants, l'analyse eclaire la violence des conditions dans lesquelles ces derniers decouvrent leur maladie ou sont amenes a la suspecter. Appartenant a une " generation sida " pour laquelle la maladie est signifiante d'un point de vue biologique, social et moral, les enfants gardent le secret afin de ne pas etre stigmatises. Par ailleurs, alors que les adultes sont reticents a informer les enfants - pensant qu'ils vont devoiler leur statut ou celui de leurs parents - les enfants se revelent etre les gardiens scrupuleux du secret. Enfin, la troisieme thematique traite du vecu de la maladie par les enfants qui est faconnee par l'incertitude associee a la mort, a l'observance des traitements ainsi qu'au secret qui entoure la maladie. En filigrane de l'experience de la maladie vecue par les enfants, se dessine le role proactif que jouent ceux-ci dans le " travail " quotidien qu'implique la gestion de la maladie et de ses traitements. Ils participent au rappel des heures de prise, prennent leurs medicaments de facon autonome, mais surtout contribuent a taire et a cacher la maladie. Ainsi, alors que le secret peine a etre percu comme une realite enfantine, les enfants se revelent etre les gardiens du secret de leur maladie et de celle de leurs parents.
Cholesterol-dependent Formation of GM1 Ganglioside-bound Amyloid β-Protein, an Endogenous Seed for Alzheimer Amyloid*

GM1 ganglioside-bound amyloid β-protein (GM1/Aβ), found in brains exhibiting early pathological changes of Alzheimer's disease (AD) including diffuse plaques, has been suggested to be involved in the initiation of amyloid fibril formation in vivo by acting as a seed. To elucidate the molecular mechanism underlying GM1/Aβ formation, the effects of lipid composition on the binding of Aβ to GM1-containing lipid bilayers were examined in detail using fluorescent dye-labeled human Aβ-(1–40). Increases in not only GM1 but also cholesterol contents in the lipid bilayers facilitated the binding of Aβ to the membranes by altering the binding capacity but not the binding affinity. An increase in membrane-bound Aβ concentration triggered its conformational transition from helix-rich to β-sheet-rich structures. Excimer formation of fluorescent dye-labeled GM1 suggested that Aβ recognizes a GM1 “cluster” in membranes, the formation of which is facilitated by cholesterol. The results of the present study strongly suggested that increases in intramembrane cholesterol content, which are likely to occur during aging, appear to be a risk factor for amyloid fibril formation.
Local resection of ampullary adenocarcinomas of the duodenum

Background: Pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD) is considered to be the optimal treatment for ampullary adenocarcinomas. Local resection (LR) is a less invasive and potentially equally effective alternative for cancers with favourable prognostic features. Identification of these prognostic parameters may allow selection of patients suitable for LR.
Early and Risky Sexual Behavior in a Sample of Rural Adolescents

Introduction: Early and risky sexual behavior has been studied primarily in urban adolescents. Method: The purpose of this analysis was to identify psychosocial variables associated with sexual-risk behaviors in a sample of mostly rural adolescents. Six hypotheses were tested, using a resilience framework and data from an ongoing longitudinal study of 255 adolescents. Results: Sexual-risk status did not differ statistically by gender (p = .654) or socioeconomic status (p = .590). However, adolescents who engaged in sexual-risk behaviors reported significantly lower religiosity (p < .003), lower parental monitoring (p = .002), lower social connectedness (p = .007), and higher levels of peer influence (p < .001) than those engaged in no sexual-risk behaviors. Adolescents engaged in sexual-risk behaviors were also engaged in significantly more other health-risk behaviors such as smoking and drinking (p < .001). Discussion: Findings may be useful for developing interventions that focus on the social influences of peers and parents on rural youth.