Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Capuchin monkeys (Cebus nigritus) use spatial and visual information during within‐patch foraging

Foraging in large‐scale (navigation between patches), small‐scale (choice of within‐patch feeding sites), and micro‐scale (close inspection of food items) space presents variable cognitive challenges. The reliability and usefulness of spatial memory and perceptual cues during food search in a forest environment vary among these spatial scales. This research applied an experimental field design to test the ability of a free‐ranging group composed of eight black‐horned capuchin monkeys, Cebus nigritus, inhabiting a forest fragment in Porto Alegre, State of Rio Grande do Sul, Brazil, to use food‐associated spatial, visual, olfactory, and quantitative (amount of food) cues during small‐scale foraging decisions. The experimental design involved the establishment of a feeding station composed of eight feeding platforms distributed in a circular arrangement. A series of six experiments, each lasting 20 days, was conducted from March to August 2005. Two feeding platforms in each experimental session contained a food reward (real banana), whereas the remaining six platforms contained either a sham banana or an inaccessible real banana. Data on capuchin monkey foraging behavior at the feeding stations were collected by the “all occurrences” sampling method. The performance of the capuchins in the experiments was analyzed based on the first two platforms inspected in each session. The study group inspected feeding platforms in 571 occasions during 113 sessions. Capuchins used visual cues and spatial information (and adopted a win–return strategy) for finding the platforms baited with real bananas and showed weak evidence of the integration of spatial and quantitative cues, but failed to show evidence of using olfactory cues. In addition, individual differences in social rank and foraging behavior affected opportunities for learning and the performance in the cognitive tasks. Am. J. Primatol. 74:58–67, 2012. © 2011 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Loss of Normal G 1 Checkpoint Control Is an Early Step in Carcinogenesis , Independent of p 53 Status 1

Recent studies have described a diminished radiation-induced G1 arrest in some wild-type (wt) p53 human tumor cell lines compared to normal human fibroblasts. However, the significance of this finding was unclear, particularly because tumor cell lines may have accumulated additional genetic changes after long periods in culture. Because malignant transformation of individual cells is thought to be an early step in carcinogenesis, we have used a model system of normal and transformed mouse fibroblast 10T1/2 cell clones to examine whether loss of G1 checkpoint control may be an early event in tumor development and to study the relationships between G1 arrest, radiosensitivity, and genetic alterations. Twelve transformed clones were established from type III foci induced by irradiation of normal 10T1/2 cells and were compared with six clones derived from wt 10T1/2 cells. Three of the transformed clones expressed mutant p53; two of these had the same point mutation at codon 132 (exon 5), and one had a point mutation at codon 135. The remaining transformed and normal clones had wt p53 status. The radiosensitivity of transformed clones, as measured by a clonogenic assay, was similar to that of normal clones; the three clones with mutant p53 did not differ from the others. There was no relationship between G1 arrest and radiosensitivity. Normal 10T1/2 cell clones showed a transient G1 arrest lasting ;9 h after 6 Gy of irradiation. This G1 arrest was either absent or markedly reduced in all of the transformed clones, regardless of p53 status. These results suggest that diminished G1 checkpoint control is an early event in the process of carcinogenesis that is associated with the malignant transformation of individual cells and is independent of p53 status.
Genomic Allelotyping for Distinction of Recurrent and De Novo Hepatocellular Carcinoma After Orthotopic Liver Transplantation

Distinction between recurrent and de novo hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) bears important clinical and therapeutic implications. Techniques for molecular profiling of clinically suspected de novo and recurrent HCC are required since the histological/clinical discrimination of donor vs. recipient tumor origin is difficult. Multiple PCR amplification of 16 highly polymorphic short tandem repeat (STR) DNA sequences (routinely used for paternity and forensic assays) was applied in two patients who developed a second HCC after OLT. In both patients the technique provided reliable evidence that the two second HCC were recurrences of the primary tumor. Multiple STR genetic allelotyping is an effective tool for clear-cut discrimination of donor/recipient origin of a second HCC after OLT. Its application could be of great therapeutic relevance for such OLT patients.
A study of genetic diversity in Trifolium hybridum varieties using morphological characters and ISSR markers.

The nutritive value of alsike clover (Trifolium hybridum L.) is slightly lower than that of red and white clovers; however, it exhibits some advantages – persists longer in a sward, performs well on acid and wet soils, suits for forage and silage production, can be used as green manure, and is a melliferous plant. With declining liming volumes, the soils are rapidly acidifying, which may result in an increasing alsike clover production area. To reveal plant diversity, the methods currently employed encompass not only research into agro-biological traits but also biochemical-molecular assays. The inter-simple sequence repeats (ISSR) technique is one of the DNA assay methods widely used in genetic diversity studies, genetic evolution and systematic specification, and gene mapping. The current study was aimed to assess individual plants of T. hybridum varieties (‘Daubiai’, ‘Lomiai’, ‘Poliai’, ‘Skriveru’) for morphological traits, quality parameters and genetic diversity and to establish the correlations between the ISSR markers and characteristics of agro-biological traits. Morphological diversity was estimated according to 10 traits. The coefficient of variation varied within a wide range (CV 0.6–71.9%). The parameters of feeding value were found to be most stable (CV 0.6–16.6%), while seed yield was the most variable indicator (CV 38.7–71.9%). According to the values of agro-biological traits, the individual plants conditionally split into 4 sub-clusters, encompassing different varieties. Five primers were used to reveal the DNA diversity of alsike clover. A total of 37 fragments were amplified, of which 62.2% were polymorphic. Genetically most distant were individuals of ‘Lomiai’ and ‘Daubiai’ cultivars. The dendrograms produced according to the values of agro-biological and genetic distances were not identical. The ISSR markers were found to correlate with the following alsike clover traits: seed yield, stem number and height, crude protein and water soluble carbohydrate contents.
Assessment of post-operative pain control using convential parenteral route versus patient controlled analgesia

Pain management following surgical interventions is a crucial for patient satisfaction and rapid recovery. Therefore, models to improve patient pain outcomes will achieve these goals. Patient controlled analgesia (PCA) is an alternative method used to control different types of pain compared to other routes. The present study was aimed to assess postoperative pain intensity in patients after surgical interventions using either parenteral pain killers or an intravenous PCA. In this study, one hundred and sixty eight patients who underwent different surgical operations were divided into six groups with a subsequent PCA group. After pain intensity was evaluated, each patient received either pethidine, diclofenac sodium or paracetamol (drug analgesic therapy) one hour after recovery from anesthesia. Time from the initiation of treatment to the request for analgesics was measured and represents the effectiveness of the analgesic drug or PCA treatments. In addition, the total medications intake was recorded during the first 12 postoperative hours. Our findings showed that postoperative pain scores at 1 hour and 12 hours after surgery were significantly (p <0.05) lower among all the patients compared with pre-analgesic treatments. Furthermore, in the PCA patients group, the pain scores were lower in major surgery with more patients satisfaction compared with other treated groups (p<0.05). Overall, painkiller administration was higher in the six groups but this difference was found to be not statistically significant compared with intravenous PCA group. Thus, it is concluded that intravenous PCA model is an effective approach that can manage acute postoperative pain and improve patient satisfaction.
Grasping after a Delay Shifts Size-Scaling from Absolute to Relative Metrics

Abstract We carried out three experiments designed to compare the effects of relative and absolute size on manual prehension and manual estimates of perceived size. In each experiment, right-handed subjects were presented with two different-sized 3-D objects in a virtual display and were instructed to pick up or estimate the size of one of them. In Experiment 1, subjects were requested to pick up the smaller one of two virtual objects under one condition and the larger one under the other condition. In fact, the target object was identical on all trials; it was simply paired with a smaller object on some trials and a larger object on others. To provide veridical haptic feedback, a real object was positioned beneath a mirror at the same location as the virtual target object. In Experiment 2, one of the virtual objects was marked with a red dot on its top surface. From trial to trial, the marked object was paired with a larger, smaller, or same-sized object. Subjects were instructed to always pick up the marked object on each trial. In both Experiment 1 and 2, half the subjects were tested in delayed grasping with a 5-sec delay between viewing the objects and initiating the grasp, and half in real-time grasping without a delay. Using the same display of virtual objects as in Experiment 2, subjects in Experiment 3 were requested to estimate the size of the marked object using their index finger and thumb (i.e., they showed us how big the object looked to them). After estimating the target object's size, they picked it up. All subjects gave their estimates either immediately or after a delay. Recording of hand movements revealed that when subjects in Experiments 1 and 2 picked up the target object in real time, their grip aperture in flight was not significantly affected whether the object was accompanied by a larger object or a smaller one. When subjects picked up the target object after a delay, however, their grip aperture in flight was larger when the target object was accompanied by a smaller object than when it was accompanied by a larger object. A similar size-contrast effect was also observed in Experiment 3 in which subjects gave manual estimates of the perceived size of the target object. This perceptual effect was observed both when the estimates were given immediately and when they were given after a 5-sec delay. These results suggest that normal (real-time) visuomotor control relies on absolute metrics, whereas delayed grasping utilizes the same relative metrics used by conscious perception.
COMPARISON OF THE PROTECTIVE EFFECTS OF TYPE III PHOSPHODIESTERASE (PDE3) INHIBITOR (CILOSTAZOL) AND ACETYLSALICYLIC ACID ON INTESTINAL MICROCIRCULATION AFTER ISCHEMIA REPERFUSION INJURY IN MICE

ABSTRACT Antiplatelet therapy has been proposed as the treatment of choice for ischemia/reperfusion injury. The aim of this study is to elucidate the difference in effect between cilostazol (CZ) and acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) on microcirculatory disturbance in ischemia/reperfusion injury. Either 10 mg/kg of CZ (n = 14) or 100 mg/kg of ASA (n = 14) was administered orally to mice. Thereafter, 20 min of intestinal ischemia, followed by 60-min reperfusion, was applied; then, the status of submucosal microcirculation was observed under intravital microscopy. The blood cell counts and organ damage markers were examined in the portal blood. Next, 5 mm of the ileum was excised and was then histologically examined. Platelet-leukocyte aggregates were often observed in the postcapillary venules, and this formation was significantly reduced by both CZ and ASA. The number of adherent leukocytes was significantly lesser in the CZ-treated mice than in the ASA-treated mice (P < 0.01). The leukocyte number, lactate dehydrogenase, and lactate levels were best maintained in the CZ-treated mice (P < 0.05). The villus height was best preserved in the CZ-treated mice. Cilostazol inhibited not only the platelet aggregation but also the leukocyte adhesion to the endothelium, thereby inducing organ protection.
Human leukocyte antigen phenotype imposes complex constraints on the antigen‐specific cytotoxic T lymphocyte repertoire

The memory response to the immunodominant Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) epitope FLRGRAYGL, which associates with HLA B8, is exceptionally restricted, being dominated by cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) with a single, public T cell receptor (TCR). CTL clones that express this receptor fortuitously cross‐react with the alloantigen HLA B44. However, of the two major subtypes of this HLA, B*4402 and B*4403, that differ by a single amino acid, only the former is recognized by these mature CTL clones. Individuals heterozygous for HLA B8 and B*4402 use alternative TCR for the EBV determinant since the dominant TCR is potentially self‐reactive. We now demonstrate that this clonotype is also essentially absent from the repertoire of CTL directed against the viral epitope in seven from seven unrelated individuals heterozygous for HLA B8 and B*4403. Thus immune tolerance of these CTL recognizing HLA B*4402 is associated with expression of either B*4402 or B*4403. This suggests that tolerance in the human T cell compartment requires a lower threshold of recognition than for effector function, thus providing a buffer zone minimizing the risk of autoimmunity. These data also illustrate the potential for non‐restricting HLA molecules to bias dramatically the T cell repertoire used for specific immune responses. Such influences may be the basis of the “protective” effects of certain HLA alleles in susceptibility to autoimmune disorders.
Local allergic reaction in food-hypersensitive adults despite a lack of systemic food-specific IgE.

BACKGROUND Objective tools are lacking for the diagnosis of local gastrointestinal inflammatory reactions in skin prick test (SPT)-negative and serum IgE antibody (s-IgE Ab)-negative patients with suspected food allergy. OBJECTIVE The purpose of this investigation was to evaluate the presence of eosinophils, T cells, local IgE-bearing cells, IL-4, and IFN-gamma in small intestinal biopsy specimens from adult SPT-negative/s-IgE Ab-negative patients with food allergy during symptomatic and nonsymptomatic periods. METHODS Fourteen patients with food allergy-related gastrointestinal symptoms confirmed by double-blinded, placebo-controlled food challenge (DBPCFC) were investigated. Eleven of the patients were SPT-negative and s-IgE Ab-negative. Sex- and age-matched healthy volunteers were used as controls. Duodenal biopsies were studied with immunostaining through use of a panel of mouse monoclonal antibodies specific for eosinophils, CD3, CD4, CD8, IgE, IL-4, and IFN-gamma. RESULTS Significant increases in numbers of MBP+ eosinophils, IgE-bearing cells, and T cells were found in the duodenal mucosa of the patients when they were symptomatic in comparison with when they were asymptomatic and in comparison with healthy controls. Numbers of IL-4+ cells were increased and numbers of IFN-gamma+ cells were reduced in the patients when they were symptomatic in comparison with when they were asymptomatic and in comparison with the controls. There were no differences in total s-IgE levels between any of the groups. CONCLUSION A significant correlation was found between the appearance of symptoms of food hypersensitivity and the duodenal presence of IgE-bearing cells, activated eosinophils, and T cells in patients with negative SPT results and negative s-IgE Ab to the offending food. We suggest that a localized IgE-mediated response caused the gastrointestinal symptoms seen in these patients.
Effect of stimulants on height and weight: a review of the literature.

OBJECTIVE Stimulant medications are effective treatments for attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder, but concerns remain about their effects on growth. METHOD We provide a quantitative analysis of longitudinal studies about deficits in expected growth among children with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder treated with stimulant medication. Study selection criteria were use of DSM criteria or clear operational definitions for hyperactivity or minimal brain dysfunction; outcome measures including raw, standardized, or percentile measurement of change in height and/or weight; first assessment of effects on growth occurred during childhood; and follow-up for at least 1 year. For issues not suitable for quantitative analyses, we provide a systematic, qualitative review. RESULTS The quantitative analyses showed that treatment with stimulant medication led to statistically significant delays in height and weight. This review found statistically significant evidence of attenuation of these deficits over time. The qualitative review suggested that growth deficits may be dose dependent, deficits may not differ between methylphenidate and amphetamine, treatment cessation may lead to normalization of growth, and further research should assess the idea that attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder itself may be associated with dysregulated growth. CONCLUSIONS Treatment with stimulants in childhood modestly reduced expected height and weight. Although these effects attenuate over time and some data suggest that ultimate adult growth parameters are not affected, more work is needed to clarify the effects of continuous treatment from childhood to adulthood. Although physicians should monitor height, deficits in height and weight do not appear to be a clinical concern for most children treated with stimulants.
Heterogeneity of genome rearrangements in rotaviruses isolated from a chronically infected immunodeficient child

Rotaviruses with genome rearrangements, isolated from a chronically infected immunodeficient child, were adapted to growth in BSC-1 cells. Preparations of viral RNA from fecal extracts showed a mixed atypical rotavirus RNA profile, which was due to the presence of at least 12 subpopulations of viruses grossly differing in genotype. Besides various forms of genome rearrangements involving segment 8-, 10-, and 11-specific sequences, reassortment in vivo was likely to have occurred during the emergence of these viruses. The protein products of viral genomes with various forms of segmental rearrangements seemed to be largely unaltered. Genome rearrangement is proposed to be a third mechanism directing the evolution of rotaviruses.
From immune surveillance to tumor-immune escape: the story of an enemy with multiple strategies of resistance and counterattack

Tumors must circumvent the immune response of the host to become clinically detectable. For this purpose, malignant cells have devised multiple strategies to thwart immune attack. These mechanisms are suggested to conspire in advanced stages of cancer to limit the ability of the immune system to restrain the tumor and the effectiveness of immunotherapy strategies to successfully eradicate malignant cells. From tumor biology to cancer immunotherapy and back again, we will summarize here some of the most important mechanisms used by tumors to evade the immune response and their potential impact in the design of cancer immunotherapy strategies.
An Argument for Pragmatism as a Foundational Philosophy of Occupational Therapy

Background. In 1986, Estelle Breines argued that occupational therapy identity problems could be resolved by acquiring tools that enable therapists to analyze their profession in a sophisticated manner. Breines identified philosophical inquiry as one of these tools. Purpose. This study examined how pragmatism can provide a philosophical framework for occupational therapy practice and knowledge. Method. An analysis of a sample of occupational therapy literature, philosophy of pragmatism literature, and Slagle lectures delivered between 1955 and 1995 was completed. Themes underlying the assumptions, principles, and values articulated in the literature and the Slagle lectures were identified and compared. Results. Findings of the analysis indicate that some of the core assumptions, principles, and values of occupational therapy as identified in occupational therapy literature and the Slagle lectures are conceptually consistent with those of the philosophy of pragmatism. Practice Implications. Pragmatism may provide a philosophical framework to organize the knowledge and practice of occupational therapy and assist with clarifying the profession's identity.
Production of an interferon-gamma homologue by an intestinal nematode: functionally significant or interesting artefact?

Chronic infection is a prominent feature of many intestinal nematode infections in man and animals. It is also clear that in such situations host immunity is activated but is unable to induce a protective response. A great deal of work has shown that genetic control of host immunity contributes to the variation in worm burdens often observed in the field. There is increasing appreciation, however, of the capability of infectious agents themselves to modulate the host immune response and potentiate their own survival. Using an immunologically well defined model of intestinal nematode infection in mice (Trichuris muris) we have shown that parasite derived molecules share cross reactive epitopes with the host cytokine interferon-γ using cytokine specific monoclonal antibodies in ELISA, Western blotting and immunoprecipitation assays. Furthermore, the parasite molecules can be shown to bind to the interferon-γ receptor and induce change in lymphoid cells similar to those induced by murine interferon-γ. The functional activity of the molecule in vivo remains to be determined. Previous studies have established that interferon-γ is critical for progression to chronic T. muris infection in mice and, therefore, it raises the distinct possibility that the production of an interferon-γ homologue by the worm may be one mechanism whereby the parasite is able to interfere with the regulation of the host immune response and potentiate its own survival.
Activity of once-daily cefpodoxime regimens against Haemophilus influenzae and Streptococcus pneumoniae with an in vitro pharmacodynamic chamber model

To characterize the in vitro effectiveness of once-daily dosing with cefpodoxime against Haemophilus influenzae and Streptococcus pneumoniae infections, an in vitro pharmacodynamic chamber model was used to compare the bacterial killing activities of three cefpodoxime regimens: 100 mg twice daily (BID), 200 mg once daily (QD), and 400 mg QD. At the end of 24 h, the regrowth of H. influenzae isolates in the QD regimens was of concern, and the total logarithmic reduction was greatest in the BID regimen (3.1 log). Against S. pneumoniae isolates, the largest reductions in bacterial counts were observed in the 100-mg BID (5.5 log) and 400-mg QD (4.0 log) regimens. These data suggest that 400 mg of cefpodoxime given QD may have a role in the therapy of infections involving S. pneumoniae isolates.