Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Clinical Identification of the Vertebral Level at Which the Lumbar Sympathetic Ganglia Aggregate

Background The location and the number of lumbar sympathetic ganglia (LSG) vary between individuals. The aim of this study was to determine the appropriate level for a lumbar sympathetic ganglion block (LSGB), corresponding to the level at which the LSG principally aggregate. Methods Seventy-four consecutive subjects, including 31 women and 31 men, underwent LSGB either on the left (n = 31) or the right side (n = 43). The primary site of needle entry was randomly selected at the L3 or L4 vertebra. A total of less than 1 ml of radio opaque dye with 4% lidocaine was injected, taking caution not to traverse beyond the level of one vertebral body. The procedure was considered responsive when the skin temperature increased by more than 1℃ within 5 minutes. Results The median responsive level was significantly different between the left (lower third of the L4 body) and right (lower margin of the L3 body) sides (P = 0.021). However, there was no significant difference in the values between men and women. The overall median responsive level was the upper third of the L4 body. The mean responsive level did not correlate with height or BMI. There were no complications on short-term follow-up. Conclusions Selection of the primary target in the left lower third of the L4 vertebral body and the right lower margin of the L3 vertebral body may reduce the number of needle insertions and the volume of agents used in conventional or neurolytic LSGB and radiofrequency thermocoagulation.
Expression of basigin in the early phase of acute myocardial ischemia in rats.

Basigin may be involved in cardiovascular disease. In our previous study, suppression subtractive hybridization results indicated that basigin may be associated with the early phase of acute myocardial ischemia (AMI) within 1 h. However, little is known regarding the expression of basigin in the early phase of AMI. The aim of the present study was to evaluate the temporal and spatial expression patterns of basigin mRNA and protein levels in AMI in rats. We constructed an AMI model in rats that received left anterior descending coronary artery ligation for 0, 15, 30, 60, 120 or 240 min. Real‑time quantitative PCR and in situ hybridization (ISH) were conducted to reveal the basigin mRNA levels in the early ischemic myocardium (EIM) and non‑ischemic myocardium (NIM). The expression levels of basigin protein were detected using western blot analysis and immunohistochemistry. The expression levels of basigin mRNA and protein significantly changed in the EIM as early as 30 min from ischemia, and the changes continued to be present throughout the ischemic period (P<0.05). The expression levels of basigin mRNA were significantly reduced, whilst those of the protein underwent a significant ~2-fold increase in the EIM. However, there were no significant differences in the basigin mRNA or protein expression levels from 0‑240 min in the NIM (P>0.05). We failed to detect a signal for basigin mRNA in the myocardium by ISH. Our findings indicated that basigin may be involved in acute myocardial ischemia following continual ischemia for >30 min.
Decreased T Follicular Regulatory Cell/T Follicular Helper Cell (TFH) in Simian Immunodeficiency Virus–Infected Rhesus Macaques May Contribute to Accumulation of TFH in Chronic Infection

T follicular helper cells (TFH) are critical for the development and maintenance of germinal center (GC) and humoral immune responses. During chronic HIV/SIV infection, TFH accumulate, possibly as a result of Ag persistence. The HIV/SIV-associated TFH expansion may also reflect lack of regulation by suppressive follicular regulatory CD4+ T cells (TFR). TFR are natural regulatory T cells (TREG) that migrate into the follicle and, similar to TFH, upregulate CXCR5, Bcl-6, and PD1. In this study, we identified TFR as CD4+CD25+FOXP3+CXCR5+PD1hiBcl-6+ within lymph nodes of rhesus macaques (RM) and confirmed their localization within the GC by immunohistochemistry. RNA sequencing showed that TFR exhibit a distinct transcriptional profile with shared features of both TFH and TREG, including intermediate expression of FOXP3, Bcl-6, PRDM1, IL-10, and IL-21. In healthy, SIV-uninfected RM, we observed a negative correlation between frequencies of TFR and both TFH and GC B cells, as well as levels of CD4+ T cell proliferation. Post SIV infection, the TFR/TFH ratio was reduced with no change in the frequency of TREG or TFR within the total CD4+ T cell pool. Finally, we examined whether higher levels of direct virus infection of TFR were responsible for their relative depletion post SIV infection. We found that TFH, TFR, and TREG sorted from SIV-infected RM harbor comparable levels of cell-associated viral DNA. Our data suggest that TFR may contribute to the regulation and proliferation of TFH and GC B cells in vivo and that a decreased TFR/TFH ratio in chronic SIV infection may lead to unchecked expansion of both TFH and GC B cells.
Neuraminidase‐mediated augmentation of in vitro immune response of patients with solid tumors

Host blood lymphocytes undergo accentuated blastic transformation when cultured with tumor cells pretreated with neuraminidase. The effect has been observed in 38 patients with such common solid tumors as bronchus carcinoma, skin melanoma, hypernephroma, or adenocarcinoma of the breast, lung, colon, or rectum. Individual response varied but often exceeded response to allogeneic cells. Three patients with glioblastoma of the brain did not respond. Lymphoblastic transformation was not observed in three of four cultures containing benign tumor or in any cultures containing normal tissue analogues of the malignant tumors.
Poor Control Increases the Economic Cost of Asthma

Background/Aims: Up to now, few cost-of-illness (COI) studies have estimated the cost of adult asthma at an individual level on general population samples. We sought to evaluate the cost of current asthma from the societal perspective in young Italian adults and the determinants of cost variation. Methods: In 2000, a COI study was carried out in the frame of the Italian Study on Asthma in Young Adults on 527 current asthmatics (20–44 years) screened out of 15,591 subjects from the general population in seven centres. Detailed information about direct medical expenditures (DMEs) and indirect costs due to asthma was collected at an individual level over the past 12 months. Results: The mean annual cost per patient was EUR 741 (95% CI: 599–884). DMEs represented 42.8% of the total cost, whereas the remaining 57.2% was indirect costs. The largest component of DMEs was medication costs (47.3%; 23.0% was due to hospitalization). The mean annual cost per patient ranged from EUR 379 (95% CI: 216–541)for well-controlled asthmatics to EUR 1,341 (95% CI: 978–1,706) for poorly controlled cases that accounted for 46.2% of the total cost. Poor control, coexisting chronic cough and phlegm, and low socio-economic status were significantly associated with high DMEs and indirect costs. Conclusions: In Italy, asthma-related costs were substantial even in unselected patients and were largely driven by indirect costs. Since about half of the total cost was due to a limited proportion of poorly controlled asthmatics, interventions aimed at these high-cost patients could reduce the economic burden of the disease.
Modeling and Evaluation of Topological Insulator/Ferromagnet Heterostructure-Based Memory

Topological insulators (TIs) are unique materials that have insulating bulk but conducting surface states. In this paper, we propose a simulation framework for TI/ferromagnet (FM) heterostructures that can capture the electronic band structure of a TI while calculating the transport properties. Our model differs from TI/FM models proposed in the literature in a way that it can account for the 3-D band structure of TIs, the effects of exchange coupling and external magnetic field on the band structure. The proposed approach uses 2-D surface Hamiltonian for TIs that includes the quantum confinement effect calculated from a 3-D band diagram. We use this Hamiltonian with self-consistent non-equilibrium Green's functions (NEGF) formalism to determine the charge and spin transport in TI/FM heterostructures. Our calculations agree well with experimental data and capture the unique features of a TI/FM heterostructure, such as the spin Hall angle, spin conductivity, and so on. Next, we incorporate the results into Landau-Lifshitz-Gilbert-Slonczewski formulation to simulate the magnetization dynamics of an FM layer sitting on top of a TI. Finally, we evaluate the performance of three different TI/FM memory structures and show that the TI-based memories can be energy efficient, if the shunting current through the FM layer is reduced.
Spatial load factor in prediction of reading performance

This study investigated whether there is a relationship between reading age and clinical optometric tests that have varying degrees of spatial loading in their design. Spatial loading in this context is the demand on the visual system to process information about the relative position and orientation of stimuli. A total of 112 children aged 8–11 years were assessed using saccadic eye movement and rapid naming tasks with varying spatial loads. All were subtests of Garzia's Developmental Eye Movement test and Liubinas’ SeeRite Reading Diagnostic Programme. Variability in load was achieved by comparing rapid naming of numerals vs the spatially loaded letters p, d, b, q; and by comparing the speed of reading numerals presented in increasingly complex arrays. Reading Age was assessed independently and results were analysed by multiple logistic regression. Spatially loaded naming tasks performed at speed exposed a Spatial Loading Factor which clearly differentiates children at risk with reading.
Characterization and Functionality of Proliferative Human Sertoli Cells

It has long been thought that mammalian Sertoli cells are terminally differentiated and nondividing postpuberty. For most previous in vitro studies immature rodent testes have been the source of Sertoli cells and these have shown little proliferative ability when cultured. We have isolated and characterized Sertoli cells from human cadaveric testes from seven donors ranging from 12 to 36 years of age. The cells proliferated readily in vitro under the optimized conditions used with a doubling time of approximately 4 days. Nuclear 5-ethynyl-2′-deoxyuridine (EdU) incorporation confirmed that dividing cells represented the majority of the population. Classical Sertoli cell ultrastructural features, lipid droplet accumulation, and immunoexpression of GATA-4, Sox9, and the FSH receptor (FSHr) were observed by electron and fluorescence microscopy, respectively. Flow cytometry revealed the expression of GATA-4 and Sox9 by more than 99% of the cells, and abundant expression of a number of markers indicative of multipotent mesenchymal cells. Low detection of endogenous alkaline phosphatase activity after passaging showed that few peritubular myoid cells were present. GATA-4 and SOX9 expression were confirmed by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), along with expression of stem cell factor (SCF), glial cell line-derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF), and bone morphogenic protein 4 (BMP4). Tight junctions were formed by Sertoli cells plated on transwell inserts coated with fibronectin as revealed by increased transepithelial electrical resistance (TER) and polarized secretion of the immunoregulatory protein, galectin-1. These primary Sertoli cell populations could be expanded dramatically in vitro and could be cryopreserved. The results show that functional human Sertoli cells can be propagated in vitro from testicular cells isolated from adult testis. The proliferative human Sertoli cells should have important applications in studying infertility, reproductive toxicology, testicular cancer, and spermatogenesis, and due to their unique biological properties potentially could be useful in cell therapy.
Nestin expression in hair follicle sheath progenitor cells

The intermediate filament protein, nestin, marks progenitor cells of the CNS. Such CNS stem cells are selectively labeled by placing GFP under the control of the nestin regulatory sequences. During early anagen or growth phase of the hair follicle, nestin-expressing cells, marked by GFP fluorescence in nestin-GFP transgenic mice, appear in the permanent upper hair follicle immediately below the sebaceous glands in the follicle bulge. This is where stem cells for the hair follicle outer-root sheath are thought to be located. The relatively small, oval-shaped, nestin-expressing cells in the bulge area surround the hair shaft and are interconnected by short dendrites. The precise locations of the nestin-expressing cells in the hair follicle vary with the hair cycle. During telogen or resting phase and in early anagen, the GFP-positive cells are mainly in the bulge area. However, in mid- and late anagen, the GFP-expressing cells are located in the upper outer-root sheath as well as in the bulge area but not in the hair matrix bulb. These observations show that the nestin-expressing cells form the outer-root sheath. Results of the immunohistochemical staining showed that nestin, GFP, keratin 5/8, and keratin 15 colocalize in the hair follicle bulge cells, outer-root sheath cells, and basal cells of the sebaceous glands. These data indicate that nestin-expressing cells, marked by GFP, in the hair follicle bulge are indeed progenitors of the follicle outer-root sheath. The expression of the unique protein, nestin, in both neural stem cells and hair follicle stem cells suggests their possible relation.
Colocalization of P450c17 and Cytochrome b5 in Androgen-Synthesizing Tissues of the Human1

Abstract Androgens are an integral part of human physiology. The de novo production of androgens is generally limited to the adrenal cortex and the gonads. Androgen synthesis by these steroidogenic tissues requires the bifunctional enzyme cytochrome P450c17, which catalyzes both 17 hydroxylase and 17,20 lyase activities. 17,20-lyase activity is relevant to the regulation of androgen production, and is allosterically modulated through the action of an accessory protein, cytochrome b5 (CytB5). Our objective was to determine the cellular localization of P450c17 and CytB5 in androgen-synthesizing tissues of the human. Immunohistochemical analyses of P450c17 and CytB5 were performed on fetal and adult human adrenals, ovaries, and testes. In the fetal adrenal, CytB5 and P450c17 were both found in the cells of the fetal zone, but not in the neocortex. In the adult adrenal, the zona fasciculata was immunoreactive for P450c17 only, whereas the zona reticularis was immunopositive for both P450c17 and CytB5. In the adult gonads, P450c17 and CytB5 were colocalized in the Leydig cells of the testis, theca interna cells of the follicle, theca lutein cells, and isolated cell clusters in the ovarian stroma. Whereas P450c17 and CytB5 were colocalized in the Leydig cells of the fetal testes, there was no immunostaining for either in the midgestational fetal ovary. Our findings of colocalization of CytB5 and P450c17 are strongly supportive of the view that CytB5 plays an important role in the regulation of the androgen biosynthetic pathway in the fetal and adult human.
Methods of endotoxin removal from biological preparations: a review.

PURPOSE Endotoxins, also called lipopolysaccharides (LPS), are major contaminants found in commercially available proteins or biologically active substances, which often complicate study of the biological effects of the main ingredient. The presence of small amounts of endotoxin in recombinant protein preparations can cause side effects in host organism such as endotoxin shock, tissue injury, and even death. Due to these reactions, it is essential to remove endotoxins from drugs, injectables, and other biological and pharmaceutical products. An overview of this subject is provided by this article. METHODS An extensive review of literature with regard to methods for removal of endotoxin from biotechnological preparations was carried out. RESULTS A short history of endotoxin is presented first. This is followed by a review of chemical and physical properties of endotoxin and its pathophysiological effects when the body is exposed to LPS excessively or systemically. The techniques of endotoxin determination and interaction of endotoxin with proteins is also presented, taking into consideration the established techniques as well as the state of the art technology in this field. A review of techniques of endotoxin removal from biotechnological preparations is described, emphasizing how endotoxin removal can be carried out in an economical way based on a number of processes discussed in the literature (e.g., adsorption, two-phase partitioning, ultrafiltration and chromatography). Different methods are mentioned with relatively high protein recoveries; however, special attention is given to two-phase aqueous micellar systems, which are valuable tools for endotoxin removal from pharmaceutical proteins on a small scale because they provide a mild environment for biological materials. CONCLUSIONS Efficient and cost-effective removal of endotoxins from pharmaceutical and biotechnology preparations is challenging. Despite development of novel methods, such as the two-phase aqueous micellar systems, in recent years, more research is needed in this field.
Insulin-like Growth Factor-I (IGF-I) Receptor Activation Rescues UV-damaged Cells through a p38 Signaling Pathway

The activated insulin-like growth factor-I receptor (IGF-IR) is implicated in mitogenesis, transformation, and anti-apoptosis. To investigate the role of the IGF-IR in protection from UV-mimetic-induced DNA damage, 4-nitroquinolineN-oxide (4-NQO) was used. In this study we show that the activation of the IGF-IR is capable of rescuing NWTb3 cells overexpressing normal IGF-IRs from 4-NQO-induced DNA damage as demonstrated by cellular proliferation assays. This action was specific for the IGF-IR since cells expressing dominant negative IGF-IRs were not rescued from 4-NQO UV-mimetic treatment. DNA damage induced by 4-NQO in NWTb3 cells was significantly decreased after IGF-IR activation as measured by comet assay. IGF-I was also able to overcome the cell cycle arrest, observed after 4-NQO treatment, thereby enhancing the ability of NWTb3 cells to enter S phase. Interestingly, the p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase pathway was shown to represent the main signaling pathway involved in the IGF-IR-mediated rescue of UV-like damaged cells. The ability of the IGF-IR to induce DNA repair was also demonstrated by infecting NWTb3 cells with UV-irradiated adenovirus. Activation of the IGF-IR resulted in enhanced β-galactosidase reporter gene activity demonstrating repair of the damaged DNA. This study indicates a direct role of the IGF system in the rescue of damaged cells via DNA repair.
A whole system study of intermediate care services for older people.

BACKGROUND Intermediate care (IC) services have been widely introduced in England and have the strategic objectives of reducing hospital and long-term care use. There is uncertainty about the clinical outcomes of these services and whether their strategic aims will be realised. SETTING A metropolitan city in northern England. DESIGN A quasi-experimental study comparing a group of older people before and after the introduction of an IC service. A quota sampling method was used to match the groups. SUBJECTS Patients presenting as emergency admissions to two elderly care departments with falls, confusion, incontinence or immobility. INTERVENTION a city-wide service in which a joint care management team (multi-agency, multi-disciplinary) assessed patient need and purchased support and rehabilitation from sector-based IC teams. OUTCOMES Nottingham Extended Activities of Daily Living score, Barthel Index, Hospital Anxiety and Depression score, mortality, readmission to hospital, and new institutional care placement at 3, 6 and 12 months post-recruitment. RESULTS There were 800 and 848 patients, respectively, in the control and intervention groups. Clinical outcomes, hospital and long-term care use were similar between the groups. Uptake of IC was lower than anticipated at 29%. An embedded case-control study comparing the 246 patients who received IC with a matched sample from the control group demonstrated similar clinical outcomes but increased hospital bed days used over 12 months (mean +8 days; 95% CI 3.1-13.0). CONCLUSION This city-wide IC service was associated with similar clinical outcomes but did not achieve its strategic objectives of reducing long-term care and hospital use.
Extracellular Gelsolin Binds Lipoteichoic Acid and Modulates Cellular Response to Proinflammatory Bacterial Wall Components1

The various functions of gelsolin in extracellular compartments are not yet clearly defined but include actin scavenging and antiinflammatory effects. Gelsolin was recently reported to bind endotoxin (LPS) from various Gram-negative bacteria with high affinity. In this study we investigate whether gelsolin also interacts with bacterial wall molecules of Gram-positive bacteria such as lipoteichoic acid (LTA) and whether gelsolin’s interaction with bacterial lipids from Gram-negative or Gram-positive bacteria affects their cellular inflammatory responses. A peptide based on the PPI binding site of gelsolin (160–169) binds purified LTA at the same molecular ratio that it binds phosphatidylinositol 4,5-bisphosphate. The OD of recombinant human plasma gelsolin was found to decrease following the addition of purified LTA, and the binding of gelsolin to LTA inhibits F-actin depolymerization by gelsolin. Simultaneously, the ability of LTA to activate translocation of NF-κB, E-selectin expression, and adhesion of neutrophils to LTA-treated human aortic endothelial cells was compromised by gelsolin. Gelsolin was able to partially inhibit LPS- or LTA-induced release of IL-8 from human neutrophils but was unable to prevent Gram-positive Bacillus subtilis or Gram-negative Pseudomonas aeruginosa growth and had no effect on the antibacterial activity of the cathelicidin-derived antibacterial peptide LL37. These data suggest that extracellular gelsolin is involved in the host immune recognition of LTA or LPS following release of these molecules from the bacterial outer membrane during cell division or attack by drugs and immune components.