Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Immunological studies on the rat thymectomized in adult life.

Rats thymectomized in adult life showed no decrease in ability to produce circulating antibodies to sheep erythrocytes and tetanus toxoid even when tested 270 days after thymectomy. From 120 days after thymectomy onwards allogeneic skin-graft rejection times were increased to about twice that found in control animals. Rabbit anti-rat lymphocyte serum (ALS) was given to non-thymectomized rats and, at varying intervals after thymectomy, to rats which had been thymectomized in adult life. Non-thymectomized rats so treated showed no decrease in their ability to reject allogeneic skin grafts or to produce antibodies to sheep erythrocytes. In contrast there was a significant depression of the immune response of all thymectomized rats given ALS. Allogeneic skin graft rejection times were longer in animals given ALS 180 and 240 days after thymectomy than in any of the other groups of animals. There was a significant depression in the ability of animals given ALS 240 days after thymectomy to produce antibody in response to the second of two doses of tetanus toxoid injected 7 weeks after the administration of ALS. All other animals behaved normally when immunized in this way.
Understanding Consumers' Acceptance of Online Purchasing

This paper examines previous Technology Acceptance Model (TAM)-related studies in order to provide an expanded model that explains consumers’ acceptance of online purchasing. Our model provides extensions to the original TAM by including constructs such as social influence and voluntariness; it also examines the impact of external variables including trust, privacy, risk, and e-loyalty. We surveyed consumers in the United States and Australia. Our findings suggest that our expanded model serves as a very good predictor of consumers’ online purchasing behaviors. The linear regression model shows a respectable amount of variance explained for Behavioral Intention (R 2 = .627). Suggestions are provided for the practitioner and ideas are presented for future research.
Prevalence of glucocerebrosidase mutations in the Israeli Ashkenazi Jewish population

Gaucher disease is the most prevalent inherited disease among Ashkenazi Jews. It is very heterogeneous due to a large number of mutations within the glucocerebrosidase gene, whose impaired activity is the cause for this disease. Aiming at determining Gaucher carrier frequency among the Ashkenazi Jewish population in Israel, 1,208 individuals were molecularly diagnosed for six mutations known to occur among Ashkenazi Jewish Gaucher patients, using the newly developed Pronto™ Gaucher kit. The following mutations were tested: N370S, 84GG, IVS2+1, D409H, L444P, and V394L. Molecular testing of these mutations also allows identification of the recTL allele. The results indicated that Gaucher carrier frequency is 1:17 within the tested population. The prevalence of N370S carriers is 1:17.5. This implies that ˜1:1225 Ashkenazi Jews will be homozygous for the N370S mutation. Actually, in our study of 1,208 individuals one was found to be homozygous for the N370S mutation. The actual number of known Ashkenazi Jewish Gaucher patients with this genotype is much lower than that expected according to the frequency of the N370S mutation, suggesting a low penetrance of this mutation. Results of loading experiments in cells homozygous for the N370S mutation, as well as cells homozygous for the L444P and the D409H mutations, exemplified this phenomenon. Hum Mutat 12:240–244, 1998. © 1998 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Angiotensin-independent mechanism for aldosterone synthesis during chronic extracellular fluid volume depletion.

Wild-type (Agt+/+) and homozygous angiotensinogen deletion mutant (Agt-/-) littermates were placed on normal (NS) or low Na diet (LS) for 2 weeks. Plasma aldosterone levels (P(aldo)) were comparable during NS, and similarly elevated during LS in Agt+/+ and Agt-/-. Moreover, in both, the elevation in P(aldo) was accompanied by marked increase in adrenal zona glomerulosa cells and adrenal P450aldo mRNA. Agt-/- mice were distinguished from Agt+/+ mice by their higher plasma K level, by approximately 1.5 and approximately 3.8 mEq/liter during NS and LS, respectively. Within the Agt-/- group, P(aldo) was directly proportional to plasma K. The importance of K for the hyperaldosteronism during dietary Na restriction was verified by the observation that superimposition of K restriction led to hypotension in Agt+/+ and uniform death in Agt-/- mice along with a reduction in P(aldo) by 75 and 90%, respectively. Thus, suppression of potassium, but not angiotensin, led to a marked attenuation of hyperaldosteronism during dietary Na restriction. Therefore, (a) a powerful angiotensin-independent mechanism exists for the hyperaldosteronism during LS; (b) high K is a central component of this mechanism; (c) contrary to current belief, the tonic effect of high K on aldosterone synthesis and release does not require an intact renin-angiotensin system; and (d) normally, intermediary feedback signals for hyperaldosteronism, i.e., both hypotension and high K, are effectively masked by aldosterone actions.
The usage of complementary therapies by dermatological patients: a systematic review

Complementary medicine (CM) is more popular than ever before. Dermatology has not remained unaffected by this trend. The aim of this systematic review was to summarize all surveys of dermatological patients regarding the usage of CM. Three independent literature searches were carried out. Data were extracted in a predefined, standardized way and evaluated descriptively. Seven surveys met the inclusion/exclusion criteria. Collectively they show a high but variable prevalence of CM. Lifetime prevalence ranged from 35 to 69%. The most frequently used treatment modalities comprise homoeopathy, herbalism and food supplements. With this high level of prevalence, research into the potential risks and benefits of CM is urgently needed. Dermatologists should consider discussing CM openly with their patients.
Cell-based therapies for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF) disease

ABSTRACT Introduction: During the last few decades, cell-based therapies have shown great potential to treat patients with lung diseases. It has been proposed that the administration of cells into an injured lung could be considered as a therapeutic method to repair and replace lost lung tissue. Using this method, transplanted cells with the ability to proliferate and differentiate into alveolar cells, have been suggested as a therapeutic strategy for IPF treatment. Areas covered: In this review, the latest investigations using various types of cells for IPF therapy have been presented. The cells studied for cell-based therapies in IPF are lung alveolar epithelial cells, lung resident stem cells and exogenous adult stem cells such as MSCs. Expert opinion: After many years of investigation, the use of cell-based therapies to treat IPF is still at the experimental phase. Problems include bioethical issues, safety of cell transplantation, routes of delivery and the dose and timing of administration. Further investigations are necessary to establish the best strategy for using cell-based therapies effectively for the treatment of IPF.
Systematic search for the Cra‐binding promoters using genomic SELEX system

Cra (or FruR), a global transcription factor with both repression and activation activities, controls a large number of the genes for glycolysis and gluconeogenesis. To get insights into the entire network of transcription regulation of the E. coli genome by Cra, we isolated a set of Cra‐binding sequences using an improved method of genomic SELEX. From the DNA sequences of 97 independently isolated DNA fragments by SELEX, the Cra‐binding sequences were identified in a total of ten regions on the E. coli genome, including promoters of six known genes and four hitherto‐unidentified genes. All six known promoters are repressed by Cra, but none of the activation‐type promoters were cloned after two cyles of SELEX, because the Cra‐binding affinity to the repression‐type promoters is higher than the activation‐type promoters, as determined by the quantitative gel shift assay. Of a total of four newly identified Cra‐binding sequences, two are associated with promoter regions of the gapA (glyceraldehyde 3‐phosphate dehydrogenase) and eno (enolase) genes, both involved in sugar metabolism. The regulation of newly identified genes by Cra was confirmed by the in vivo promoter strength assay using a newly developed TFP (two‐fluorescent protein) vector for promoter assay or by in vitro transcription assay in the presence of Cra protein.
A Survey of Design ? Analysis Integration Issues

The report constitutes a survey of work directed towards the emergence of nextgeneration product development tools, specifically in the area of design-analysis integration. The report is organized into two main areas: (1) an examination of issues pertaining to design processes and information generation and capture; and (2) a literature survey of current design-analysis integration efforts. First, engineering design is presented and discussed in terms of the product data that are generated during the design process. Based on analyses of the Pahl and Beitz systematic design process and the National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) Core Product Model (CPM), a correspondence between deliverables in the design process and the information that can be captured in the CPM is generated. The primary objectives of this task are to identify the basic information-generating activities in the design processes and to verify the comprehensiveness and completeness of the CPM in its ability to support the storage and retrieval of the information generated. The second area covered is a comprehensive literature survey of current design-analysis integration research thrusts and efforts. It was found convenient to classify current research into three general categories: (1) object-oriented modeling paradigms of mechanical systems; (2) efforts in the area of Computer-Aided Design (CAD) and Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) integration; and (3) multi-aspect information structures. The literature survey suggests that there is a strong need for a common vocabulary, framework, and roadmap for the improved integration of design and analysis tools to be used in next-generation product development systems. By developing a standard vocabulary and framework, synergies in design-analysis integration and product modeling can be leveraged to decrease the gaps and increase product development efficiency.
Adaptation to Fe‐deficiency requires remodeling of the photosynthetic apparatus

The molecular mechanisms underlying the onset of Fe‐deficiency chlorosis and the maintenance of photosynthetic function in chlorotic chloroplasts are relevant to global photosynthetic productivity. We describe a series of graded responses of the photosynthetic apparatus to Fe‐deficiency, including a novel response that occurs prior to the onset of chlorosis, namely the disconnection of the LHCI antenna from photosystem I (PSI). We propose that disconnection is mediated by a change in the physical properties of PSI‐K in PSI in response to a change in plastid Fe content, which is sensed through the occupancy, and hence activity, of the Fe‐containing active site in Crd1. We show further that progression of the response involves remodeling of the antenna complexes—specific degradation of existing proteins coupled to the synthesis of new ones, and establishment of a new steady state with decreased stoichiometry of electron transfer complexes. We suggest that these responses are typical of a dynamic photosynthetic apparatus where photosynthetic function is optimized and photooxidative damage is minimized in graduated responses to a combination of nutrients, light quantity and quality.
Extraction of primary canines for interceptive orthodontic treatment of palatally displaced permanent canines: A systematic review.

OBJECTIVE To determine whether the successful management of palatally displaced permanent canines (PDCs) can be achieved by the interceptive extraction of primary maxillary canines. MATERIALS AND METHODS Digital databases (Medline, Scopus, Web of Science, and Cochrane) were searched to retrieve articles published from 1952 to April 2016. The university librarian developed search strategies for each database. Two calibrated reviewers independently reviewed potentially related titles and abstracts. Papers meeting the inclusion and exclusion criteria were read in full. The selected articles were evaluated and scored according to methodological quality criteria. RESULTS Four randomized clinical trials (RCTs) were included in the systematic review. Compared with two older studies, two more recent RCTs were found to have better study designs, were better conducted, and involved better reporting of the results. The included studies compared intervention groups (children with PDCs undergoing extraction of primary canines) with controls (subjects with PDCs but no primary canine extractions). In three of the four studies, the interceptive extraction of primary canines facilitated eruption of PDCs in more than 65% of cases. Overall, the intervention groups had a markedly higher incidence of successful eruption of PDCs (50%-69%) compared with the control groups (36%-42%). CONCLUSIONS Based on the available evidence, it is reasonable to conclude that eruption of PDCs can be facilitated by extraction of primary canines. However, further high-quality, randomized clinical trials are warranted in other population groups. It is hoped that this study will help orthodontists make evidence-based decisions about clinically managing PDCs.
Spuriously high free thyroxine values in familial dysalbuminemic hyperthyroxinemia.

To the Editor: Cartwright et al. recently showed that current commercially available free thyroxine (FT4)1 methods yield spuriously high results in individuals with familial dysalbuminemic hyperthyroxinemia (FDH) (1). In particular, variants of the “one-step labeled analog” technique have been notorious in this respect, whereas the 2-step approach, in which the sample is washed away before the antibody-bound T4 is brought into contact with the labeled T4 analog, is thought to eliminate the problem of tracer binding to albumin and especially albumin in FDH patients. Some 2-step assays, however, also yield spuriously high values in individuals with this condition; thus, interference is not simply a problem of 1-step assays. Inhibitors of T4 and T4 analog binding to the albumin included in the incubation buffer have been suggested to play a role for both the 1- and 2-step designs. In addition, the report of Cartwright et al. referred to similarly increased results obtained by symmetric dialysis when the incubation buffer of the Beckman Coulter Access 2-step assay (known to give falsely increased results for FDH samples) was used. We …
Optimized and combined T1 and B1 mapping technique for fast and accurate T1 quantification in contrast‐enhanced abdominal MRI

Fast T1 mapping techniques are a valuable means of quantitatively assessing the distribution and dynamics of intravenously or orally applied paramagnetic contrast agents (CAs) by noninvasive imaging. In this study a fast T1 mapping technique based on the variable flip angle (VFA) approach was optimized for accurate T1 quantification in abdominal contrast‐enhanced (CE) MRI. Optimization methods were developed to maximize the signal‐to‐noise ratio (SNR) and ensure effective RF and gradient spoiling, as well as a steady state, for a defined T1 range of 100–800 ms and a limited acquisition time. We corrected B1 field inhomogeneities by performing an additional measurement using an optimized fast B1 mapping technique. High‐precision in vitro and abdominal in vivo T1 maps were successfully generated at a voxel size of 2.8 × 2.8 × 15 mm3 and a temporal resolution of 2.3 s per T1 map on 1.5T and 3T MRI systems. The application of the proposed fast T1 mapping technique in abdominal CE‐MRI enables noninvasive quantification of abdominal tissue perfusion and vascular permeability, and offers the possibility of quantitatively assessing dilution, distribution, and mixing processes of labeled solutions or drugs in the gastrointestinal tract. Magn Reson Med 57:568–576, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Primary sclerosing cholangitis; review and report of six cases.

Primary sclerosing cholangitis is an uncommon diffuse inflammation of the extrahepatic bile duct eventuating in sufficient widespread occlusion of these ducts to cause jaundice and other manifestations of post-hepatic biliary obstruction. Sclerosing cholangitis has also been referred to as "obliterative cholangitis" and "stenosing cholangitis," but, since the obliteration and stenosis of the ducts are the result of a thickened duct wall, the term "sclerosing cholangitis" more accurately connotes the disease process. A review of the literature revealed only 13 cases which were acceptable for classification as primary sclerosing cholangitis. The surgical management of six cases in Rochester, N. Y. , during the past 10 years suggests that the disease is commoner than previously considered, and therefore its recognition and therapy assume greater significance. While many questions regarding the etiology, course, and final prognosis remain speculative, review of the literature coupled with a study of these recent experiences suggests certain conclusions. Report
Colon and Rectal Cancer: Laparoscopic or Open?

Early experiences with laparoscopic colectomy were unfavorable, with higher than expected rates of wound tumor implants and concerns about short and long-term compromised oncologic outcomes. Several international randomized controlled trials were initiated to address concerns regarding compromised oncologic outcomes. Each of the trials was designed to test the hypothesis that level 1 evidence supports the general feasibility and recovery advantage as well as cancer equivalence of laparoscopic colectomy in curable colon cancer. The following four phase III randomized controlled trials have completed accrual and reported early data on recovery benefits for laparoscopic colectomy: Barcelona, Clinical Outcomes of Surgical Therapy Study Group (COSTSG), Colon Cancer Laparoscopic or Open Resection (COLOR), and Conventional versus Laparoscopic-Assisted Surgery in Colorectal Cancer (CLASICC). These trials have uniformly and consistently shown a significant reduction in the use of narcotics and oral analgesics and length of hospital stay, as well as a faster return of diet and bowel function, with laparoscopic colectomy. Two of the trials, Barcelona and COSTSG, have sufficient maturation and follow-up to report recurrence and survival data, and neither has found a survival disadvantage in patients treated with laparoscopic colectomy. Results of the Barcelona trial suggest a cancer-related survival advantage in patients treated with laparoscopic colectomy, based solely on differences in patients with stage III disease; this is not confirmed by the COSTSG trial. Results of the CLASICC and COLOR trials, as well as 5-year data from the COSTSG trial, should definitively address survival results. The investigational experience with laparoscopic rectal cancer is not as mature; the subset of rectal cancer patients (n = 253) in the CLASICC trial provides the only available randomized controlled trial data. Laparoscopic colectomy in patients with curable cancer is accepted as an alternative to open colectomy, whereas the viability of laparoscopic rectal cancer resection requires further investigation.
Differential Dynamics of HIV Infection in Humanized MISTRG versus MITRG Mice

Humanized mice are a powerful tool to study HIV in vivo. The recently generated mouse strains MITRG and MISTRG, which differ in human SIRPα expression, support an improved human myeloid lineage development from human hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells. The rationale of the study was the characterization of the two mouse strains during an HIV infection with CCR5- and CXCR4-tropic viruses. Upon HIV infection, we observed HIV dissemination and sustained viral load over 20 wk in peripheral blood in both reconstituted mouse strains. However, HIV RNA levels were significantly lower in MITRG mice compared with MISTRG mice during the first 8 wk postinfection. HIV-infected MISTRG mice showed lymphocyte activation and changes in lymphocyte subsets in blood and spleen, recapitulating hallmarks of HIV infection in humans. Depletion of murine tissue-resident macrophages in MITRG mice led to significantly elevated viral loads, and lymphocyte levels were similar to those in HIV-infected MISTRG mice. Depletion of CD8+ T cells in MISTRG mice before HIV infection resulted in substantially decreased CD4+ T cell levels, indicating functionality of human CD8+ T cells; depletion of CD4+CD8+ thymocytes may have contributed, in part, to the latter finding. In summary, MITRG and MISTRG mice represent novel HIV mouse models, despite differential HIV dynamics.
Ethanol Decreases Inflammatory Response in Human Lung Epithelial Cells by Inhibiting the Canonical NF-kB-Pathway

Background/Aims: Alcohol (ethanol, EtOH) as significant contributor to traumatic injury is linked to suppressed inflammatory response, thereby influencing clinical outcomes. Alcohol-induced immune-suppression during acute inflammation (trauma) was linked to nuclear factor-kappaB (NF-ĸB). Here, we analyzed alcohol`s effects and mechanisms underlying its influence on NF-ĸB-signaling during acute inflammation in human lung epithelial cells. Methods: A549-cells were stimulated with interleukin (IL)-1β, or sera from trauma patients (TP) or healthy volunteers, with positive/negative blood alcohol concentrations (BAC), and subsequently exposed to EtOH (170 Mm, 1h). IL-6-release and neutrophil adhesion to A549 were analyzed. Specific siRNA-NIK mediated downregulation of non-canonical, and IKK-NBD-inhibition of canonical NF-ĸB signaling were performed. Nuclear levels of activated p50 and p52 NF-ĸB-subunits were detected using TransAm ELISA. Results: Both stimuli significantly induced IL-6-release (39.79±4.70 vs. 0.58±0.8 pg/ml) and neutrophil adhesion (132.30±8.80 vs. 100% control, p<0.05) to A549-cells. EtOH significantly decreased IL-6-release (22.90±5.40, p<0.05) and neutrophil adherence vs. controls (105.40±14.5%, p<0.05). IL-1β-induced significant activation of canonical/p50 and non-canonical/p52 pathways. EtOH significantly reduced p50 (34.90±23.70 vs. 197.70±36.43, p<0.05) not p52 activation. Inhibition of canonical pathway was further increased by EtOH (less p50-activation), while p52 remained unaltered. Inhibition of non-canonical pathway was unchanged by EtOH. Conclusion: Here, alcohol`s anti-inflammatory effects are mediated via decreasing nuclear levels of activated p50-subunit and canonical NF-ĸB signaling pathway.
No association between DTP vaccination and SIDS

To the Editor: The "restless legs" syndrome was discussed recently by Joffe, with the conclusion that there was no satisfactory treatment,' then Schweitzer pointed out that sometimes it is a missed case of meralgia paraesthetica, which is easily treated. ' There is a very effective treatment for restless legs, namely, aminoacid-chelated magnesium, 250 to 500 mg (equivalent to 50-100 mg of magnesium) before retiring. I suffer from this condition myself, but now only if I forget to take my tablet. I can not find a reference in the literature, although Martindale mentions tetany as a sign of hypomagnesaemia. ' Peter P Bateman, FACAII 220 Melbourne Street. North Adelaide. SA 5006