Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Expression of immunoreactive major histocompatibility complex products in human skeletal muscles

Immunoreactive class 1 and class 2 major histocompatibility complex gene products (MHCP) and β2 microglobulin (β2MG) were demonstrated by microscopic immunocytochemistry in cryostat sections of skeletal muscle biopsies of 67 patients with various neuromuscular diseases. Diagnoses included normal muscle, chronic partial denervation, Duchenne dystrophy, polymyositis, dermatomyositis, inclusion body myositis, and miscellaneous neuromuscular diseases. Normal mature muscle fibers did not express MHCP, but blood vessels showed both class 1 and 2 MHCP and β2MG. Regenerating muscle fibers showed consistent sarcolemmal class 1 MHCP expression irrespective of the disease. In polymyositis, the majority of extrafusal muscle fibers of most patients showed strong sarcolemmal class 1 MHCP expression. In dermatomyositis, muscle fibers situated either in perifascicular or in randomly clustered distribution revealed strong class 1 MHCP reactivity. In inclusion body myositis, scattered small clusters of muscle fibers were positive for class 1 MHCP. In polymyositis and inclusion body myositis, particularly strong class 1 MHCP expression was invariably seen in nonnecrotic muscle fibers partially invaded by lymphocytes whose cytotoxic effects are believed to be class 1 MHCP restricted. Factors or agents that trigger class 1 MHCP expression are presumed also to sensitize lymphocytes to muscle fibers in these diseases, but their identity remains obscure at this time. In dermatomyositis, the expression of MHCP in perifascicular muscle fibers and in areas of capillary loss may represent the triggering of MHCP expression by a nonspecific cellular stress reaction, in this case probably low‐grade ischemia.
Cities in the Pacific Rim : planning systems and property markets

Pacific Rim Cities: the relationship between planning systems and property markets - James Berry, Stanley McGreal nd Paul Scales. Eastern Perspective. Beijing - Kwong Wing Chau, Hongyu Liu and Anthony Walker. Shanghai - L H Li, Raymond Y C Tse and Sivaguru Ganesan. Hong Kong - Raymond Y C Tse and Sivaguru Ganesan. Taipei - Chin-Oh Chang and Chien-Yuan Lin. Tokyo - Ali Parsa. Bangkok - Craig Plumb. Kuala Lumpur - Eamonn D'Arcy and Geoff Keogh, Singapore - Geoff Keogh and Eamonn D'Arcy. Manila - Monique Pronove and Chemerie Cheng. Western Perspective. Sydney - Graeme Newell and Peter Herborn. Melbourne - Nigel Flanningan, David Parker and Jon Robinson. Vancouver - Jane Londerville and Thomas Finley. San Francisco Bay Area - Cynthia A Kroll. Los Angeles - Paul M Syms and Bruce R Weber. Pacific Rim Future Scenarios - John Ratcliffe. Index.
Forecasting Daily Source Air Quality Using Multivariate Statistical Analysis and Radial Basis Function Networks

Abstract It is vital to forecast gas and particle matter concentrations and emission rates (GPCER) from livestock production facilities to assess the impact of airborne pollutants on human health, ecological environment, and global warming. Modeling source air quality is a complex process because of abundant nonlinear interactions between GPCER and other factors. The objective of this study was to introduce statistical methods and radial basis function (RBF) neural network to predict daily source air quality in Iowa swine deep-pit finishing buildings. The results show that four variables (outdoor and indoor temperature, animal units, and ventilation rates) were identified as relative important model inputs using statistical methods. It can be further demonstrated that only two factors, the environment factor and the animal factor, were capable of explaining more than 94% of the total variability after performing principal component analysis. The introduction of fewer uncorrelated variables to the neural network would result in the reduction of the model structure complexity, minimize computation cost, and eliminate model overfitting problems. The obtained results of RBF network prediction were in good agreement with the actual measurements, with values of the correlation coefficient between 0.741 and 0.995 and very low values of systemic performance indexes for all the models. The good results indicated the RBF network could be trained to model these highly nonlinear relationships. Thus, the RBF neural network technology combined with multivariate statistical methods is a promising tool for air pollutant emissions modeling.
Potassium Bromate Poisoning

in 1890 claimed that he had isolated an aerobic actinomycete from cases of the disease in cattle ; later workers showed that he almost certainly was dealing with a nonpathogenic organism. Infections due to aerobic actinomycetes are known, but in most cases of actinomycpsis the micro-aerophilic or anaerobic A. israeli can be isolated. This latter organism has never been found free in nature. In addition to its isolation from lesions of the disease it has been obtained by numerous workers from the mouths, carious teeth, gums, and crypts of the tonsils of healthy individuals (Lord, 1933; Emmons, 1936; Slack, 1942). The oral cavity is considered to be the normal h'abitat of this organism. When certain abnormal conditions arise in the mouth A. israeli is thought to alter its hiabit'from a saprophytic to a parasitic state and invade the tissues, giving rise to' actinomycosis. It would appear that trauma-for example, the extraction of a tooth-is one factor in precipitating this infection. That there must be others is apparent. The fact that pieces of grain or grass were often found in actinomycotic lesions was thought to support the theory of Bostroem that the causal organism was aerobic and came from the soil. It is now believed that such foreign bodies act only in their traumatic capacity and allow the A. israeli, already in the mouth, to gain access to the tissues. According to the series of cases presented here there is no doubt that agricultural workers are more often affected than others by actinomycosis. Previous surveys amply support this finding. There is no obvious explanation for this, but an occupational hazard is indicated. The city dweller is not immune from the disease, and it may well be that during a visit to the country or while working in his garden he is exposed to some factor which predisposes to this infection.
Mechanical behavior of articular cartilage in shear is altered by transection of the anterior cruciate ligament

The flow‐independent viscoelastic and equilibrium behaviors of canine articular cartilage were examined with time after transection of the anterior cruciate ligament. The equilibrium, transient, and dynamic shear behaviors of cartilage were studied in biaxial compression‐torsion testing at two time periods after transection of the anterior cruciate ligament and at two sites on the femoral condyle, in order to test for differences between sites of frequent and less frequent contact. Water content also was measured in cartilage at sites corresponding to the areas of mechanical testing. Transection of the anterior cruciate ligament produced significant decreases in all measured moduli of articular cartilage tested in equilibrium and dynamic shear and in equilibrium compression; the values for these moduli were 61, 56, and 77% of the control values, respectively, beginning at 6 weeks following transection of the anterior cruciate ligament. There was evidence of increased energy dissipation of cartilage in shear, with a 13 and 35% increase in tan δ at 6 and 12 weeks after transection of the anterior cruciate ligament, respectively. Changes in the viscoelastic relaxation function of cartilage in shear also were evident at 12 weeks after surgery. In all tissue, there was a significant increase in hydration of approximately 4% at 6 or 12 weeks after surgery. There was little difference between the material parameters for areas considered to be in frequent and less frequent contact, with the exception of hydration, which was greater for areas of less frequent contact. The observed changes in material properties demonstrate that relatively short periods of joint instability result in significant changes in the flow‐independent viscoelastic behavior of articular cartilage, as well as in the intrinsic stiffnesses in compression and shear.
The Epithelial Anion Transporter Pendrin Is Induced by Allergy and Rhinovirus Infection, Regulates Airway Surface Liquid, and Increases Airway Reactivity and Inflammation in an Asthma Model1

Asthma exacerbations can be triggered by viral infections or allergens. The Th2 cytokines IL-13 and IL-4 are produced during allergic responses and cause increases in airway epithelial cell mucus and electrolyte and water secretion into the airway surface liquid (ASL). Since ASL dehydration can cause airway inflammation and obstruction, ion transporters could play a role in pathogenesis of asthma exacerbations. We previously reported that expression of the epithelial cell anion transporter pendrin is markedly increased in response to IL-13. Herein we show that pendrin plays a role in allergic airway disease and in regulation of ASL thickness. Pendrin-deficient mice had less allergen-induced airway hyperreactivity and inflammation than did control mice, although other aspects of the Th2 response were preserved. In cultures of IL-13-stimulated mouse tracheal epithelial cells, pendrin deficiency caused an increase in ASL thickness, suggesting that reductions in allergen-induced hyperreactivity and inflammation in pendrin-deficient mice result from improved ASL hydration. To determine whether pendrin might also play a role in virus-induced exacerbations of asthma, we measured pendrin mRNA expression in human subjects with naturally occurring common colds caused by rhinovirus and found a 4.9-fold increase in mean expression during colds. Studies of cultured human bronchial epithelial cells indicated that this increase could be explained by the combined effects of rhinovirus and IFN-γ, a Th1 cytokine induced during virus infection. We conclude that pendrin regulates ASL thickness and may be an important contributor to asthma exacerbations induced by viral infections or allergens.
The use of a force platform in the study of athletic activities. A preliminary investigation.

Abstract A force platform was used in conjunction with a cine camera to investigate the mechanics of several different kinds of athletic activity. Records of the components of thrust at the feet of an athlete were obtained for the vertical jump, the sprint start, the second step of a sprint run, constant-speed running, hurdling, shot putting and weight-lifting. Subsequently the records were related to the body movements as shown on the film. Results show, among other things: the contribution of the arm action in the vertical jump; two distinct peaks in the forces evoked during the sprint start; the absence of a braking thrust during the early strides of a sprint run and, in contrast, the relatively large braking force inherent in constant-speed running and hurdling; the change in direction of the horizontal thrust during shot putting; the exploitation of excess bar momentum in weight-lifting.
Celiac disease: A missed cause of metabolic bone disease

Introduction: Celiac disease (CD) is a highly prevalent autoimmune disease. The symptoms of CD are varied and atypical, with many patients having no gastrointestinal symptoms. Metabolic bone disease (MBD) is a less recognized manifestation of CD associated with spectrum of musculoskeletal signs and symptoms, viz. bone pains, proximal muscle weakness, osteopenia, osteoporosis, and fracture. We here report five patients who presented with severe MBD as the only manifestation of CD. Materials and Methods: Records of 825 patients of CD diagnosed during 2002–2010 were retrospectively analyzed for clinical features, risk factors, signs, biochemical, and radiological parameters. Results: We were able to identify five patients (0.6%) of CD who had monosymptomatic presentation with musculoskeletal symptoms and signs in the form of bone pains, proximal myopathy, and fragility fractures without any gastrointestinal manifestation. All the five patients had severe MBD in the form of osteopenia, osteoporosis, and fragility fractures. Four of the five patients had additional risk factors such as antiepileptic drugs, chronic alcohol consumption, malnutrition, and associated vitamin D deficiency which might have contributed to the severity of MBD. Conclusion: Severe metabolic disease as the only presentation of CD is rare. Patients show significant improvement in clinical, biochemical, and radiological parameters with gluten-free diet, calcium, and vitamin D supplementation. CD should be looked for routinely in patients presenting with unexplained MBD.
HLA‐A, B and DRB1 genetic heterogeneity in Quebec

Recent studies have shown that under specific conditions such as high sample sizes and Hardy–Weinberg equilibrium, bone marrow donor registry data can be used to describe HLA molecular variation across a specific geographic area, thus providing excellent data sets to infer human migrations history. The province of Quebec is known to have experienced a complex history of settlement, characterized by multiple migrations and demographic changes. We thus analysed the data of more than 13 000 unrelated individuals acting as volunteer bone marrow donors who were molecularly typed for HLA‐A, B and DRB1 polymorphisms in the Héma‐Quebec registry. HLA allelic and haplotypic frequencies were estimated and compared among regions. The results indicate that, despite an overall low genetic diversity in Quebec, genetic variation is correlated with geography, compatible with isolation‐by‐distance across the province. However, some localities also harbour contrasting genetic profiles, that is a highly diversified genetic pool in the two main urban centres (Montréal and Laval) and a more pronounced genetic divergence of two specific regions characterized by a peculiar peopling history (Saguenay‐Lac‐St‐Jean and Gaspésie‐Îles‐De‐La‐Madeleine). In agreement with other independent molecular markers, the observations based on HLA data thus account for the main demographic mechanisms that shaped the genetic structure of the present day Quebecer population. In addition, the detailed analysis of the Héma‐Quebec registry provides key genetic information on which an efficient bone marrow transplantation recruitment strategy can be settled.
MAXIMAL ECCENTRIC AND CONCENTRIC STRENGTH DISCREPANCIES BETWEEN YOUNG MEN AND WOMEN FOR DYNAMIC RESISTANCE EXERCISE

Although research has demonstrated that isokinetic eccentric (ECC) strength is 20–60% greater than isokinetic concentric (CON) strength, few data exist comparing these strength differences in standard dynamic resistance exercises. The purpose of the study was to determine the difference in maximal dynamic ECC and CON strength for 6 different resistance exercises in young men and women. Ten healthy young men (mean ± SE, 25.30 ± 1.34 years), and 10 healthy young women (mean ± SE, 23.40 ± 1.37 years) who were regular exercisers with resistance training experience participated in the study. Two sessions were performed to determine CON and ECC 1 repetitions maximum for latissimus pull-down (LTP), leg press (LP), bench press (BP), leg extension (LE), seated military press (MP), and leg curl (LC) exercises. Maximal ECC and maximal CON strength were determined on weight stack machines modified to isolate ECC and CON contractions using steel bars and pulleys such that only 1 type of contraction was performed. Within 2 weeks, participants returned and completed a retest trial in a counterbalanced fashioned. Test-retest reliability was excellent (r = 0.99) for all resistance exercise trials. Men demonstrated 20–60% greater ECC than CON strength (LTP = 32%, LP = 44%, BP = 40%, LE = 35%, MP = 49%, LC = 27%). Women's strength exceeded the proposed parameters for greater ECC strength in 4 exercises, p < 0.05 (LP = 66%, BP = 146%, MP = 161%, LC = 82%). The ECC/CON assessment could help coaches capitalize on muscle strength differences in young men and women during training to aid in program design and injury prevention and to enhance strength development.
Ectopic pregnancy in Jos Northern Nigeria: prevalence and impact on subsequent fertility.

BACKGROUND Ectopic pregnancy remains a major gynaecological problem in contemporary gynaecological practice. Not only do women die from this disease, but also of greater clinical importance is the indirect morbidity of poor fertility prognosis and adverse outcome in subsequent pregnancies. We were interested in documenting the prevalence of ectopic pregnancy and its impact on subsequent fertility. METHODOLOGY This retrospective descriptive study was done at the Jos University Teaching Hospital. The case notes of all patients who had tubal ectopic pregnancy managed in JUTH between January 1997 and December 2000 were retrieved. Subsequent fertility and reproductive outcome were assessed among women who reported back for follow up fora minimum period of twelve months post surgery. The data was analyzed using frequencies. RESULTS During the study period, January 1997 and December 2000 a total of 168 ectopic pregnancies were managed and 9,638 deliveries occurred during the same period. This gives a prevalence rate of 1.74%. Of the 168 cases of ectopics, 130 case records containing relevant information were retrieved (77.4%) and this constituted the sample population for the study. Majority (53.8%) of the women were between 20 and 29 years. Majority of the women were either nulliparous or primiparous (23.8% and 20.0% respectively). Tubal rupture occurred in 86.9% of the women at the time of laparotomy. Total salpingectomy was the surgical modality in 77.7% of the cases. The right fallopian tube was affected in 66.2% and the left 33.8% of the cases. The contralateral fallopian tube was grossly normal in 73.1% of cases. Of the 64 women who were followed up for a minimum of 12 months, 40.6% achieved viable intra uterine pregnancies, 6.3% had a repeat ectopic pregnancy in the contra lateral tube and 53.1% were unable to achieve pregnancy. CONCLUSION Ectopic pregnancy is prevalent in our environment affecting mainly young women of low parity who desire future pregnancies. The subsequent impact on future fertility of these women could be improved if efforts are focused on early diagnosis to prevent tubal rupture. Early diagnosis prior to rupture offers opportunity for medical management and conservative surgical procedures that are proven to improve future fertility prognosis.
Models for studying long‐term recovery following forebrain ischemia in the rat. 2. A 2‐vessel occlusion model

ABSTRACT— A model is described in which transient ischemia is induced in rats anaesthetized with N2O:O2 (70:30) by bilateral carotid artery clamping combined with a lowering of mean arterial blood pressure to 50 mm Hg, the latter being achieved by bleeding, or by bleeding supplemented with administration of trimetaphan or phentolamine. By the use of intubation, muscle paralysis with suxamethonium chloride, and insertion of tail arterial and venous catheters, it was possible to induce reversible ischemia for long‐term recovery studies.
Protein-protein interaction among hnRNPs shuttling between nucleus and cytoplasm.

Heterogeneous nuclear ribonucleoproteins (hnRNPs) are involved in several RNA-related biological processes such as transcription, pre-mRNA processing, mature mRNA transport to the cytoplasm, and translation. About 20 major hnRNPs from A1 to U are known. Among them, hnRNP A, D, E, I, and K are known to shuttle between the nucleus and the cytoplasm. hnRNP E2 has been seen to stabilize alpha-globin mRNA and to enhance polioviral mRNA translation. hnRNP K modulates transcription and translation of some mRNAs. hnRNP I and its homologue hnRNP L have been suggested to enhance translation of some IRES-dependent mRNAs. In order to better understand the molecular mechanisms of the biological functions of hnRNPs, we investigated protein-protein interactions of six hnRNPs (hnRNP A1, C1, E2, I, K, and L) using the yeast two-hybrid system and in vitro co-precipitation assays. All of the hnRNPs tested exerted homomeric interactions, and hnRNP E2, I, K, and L interacted with each other. In the case of hnRNP E2 and hnRNP K, the N-terminal half of the proteins containing two KH (K homologous) domains were required for protein-protein interaction, and the second quarter of hnRNP I and hnRNP L containing RRM2 (RNA recognition motif 2) was essential for protein-protein interaction. hnRNP A1 and C1 did not form complexes with other hnRNPs in our assay systems. This suggests that the hnRNPs could fall into two groups: one group, including hnRNP A1 and C1, involved in hnRNP core complex formation and another group, including hnRNP E2, I, K, and L, involved in a variety of RNA-related biological processes. Different combinations of the proteins of the second group may facilitate different biological processes in conjunction with other factors.
Tosufloxacin Deposits in Compromised Corneas

Purpose To report the adverse effects of topical tosufloxacin in two patients with corneal deposits in compromised cornea. Case Report Tosufloxacin was administered topically to a 13-month-old girl after penetrating keratoplasty in the left eye. Three days posttransplantation, corneal precipitations appeared and thereafter continuously increased. An 80-year-old woman, who maintained postoperative multiple topical medications including tosufloxacin, presented dense white deposits in the left eye a month postoperation. In both cases, the deposits showed a granular pattern and were limited to areas of large epithelial defects. After discontinuation of tosufloxacin, the deposits slowly decreased and completely disappeared in a few weeks. In the former case, corneal re-epithelialization was significantly disturbed and resulted in anterior stromal opacity, whereas visual acuity and visualization of the retina were severely interfered in the latter case. Conclusions Tosufloxacin can precipitate especially on compromised corneal surfaces. Therefore, topical tosufloxacin should be avoided in patients who are at risk of losing corneal surface integrity.
Ingestion of Staphylococcus aureus, Staphylococcus epidermidis, and Escherichia coli by human peritoneal mesothelial cells

In the present study we examined whether mesothelial cells can ingest and digest bacteria. The results showed that all strains were ingested. Ingested staphylococci proliferated abundantly, and only a few were digested. Escherichia coli, however, was digested during the first 8 h, whereafter the mesothelial cells disintegrated and proliferation of bacteria could be observed. The clinical implications of these findings are discussed.
Lipoprotein profile changes during intense training of Israeli military recruits.

The effect of prolonged strenuous military training on serum lipoproteins was studied in 73 new recruits. Dietary intake, body weight, and average energy expenditure were recorded, and blood samples collected at three time periods before training began (time 0), and after 6 and 12 wk of intense physical activity (times I and II, respectively). There was a significant increase in high density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol and a decrease in low density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol accompanying an increase of duration and intensity of exercise. HDL increased from 40.5 +/- 7.7 mg.dl-1 at time 0 to 44.5 +/- 9.4 mg.dl-1 at time I and to 52.8 +/- 8.7 mg.dl-1 at time II, and each mean P-value for increases in HDL from time 0-I, I-II, and 0-II were P < 0.0001). For LDL cholesterol, the mean decreases were -1.1, -6.1, and -7.3 mg.dl-1, respectively (P = 0.003 from I-II, and 0.01 from 0-II). These changes did not correlate with weight loss, reduced energy, or fat intake. We conclude that intense physical activity is associated with beneficial changes in the lipoprotein profile in new military recruits during a training period extending over 12 wk.