Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Regulation of IL–5 and IL–5 Receptor Expression in the Bone Marrow of Allergic Asthmatics

Background: Following consistent demonstrations of the clinical relevance of fluctuations in eosinophil–basophil (Eo–B) progenitors in the blood of patients with a variety of allergic airway disorders, we have turned our attention recently to hemopoietic events occurring in the bone marrow of allergic asthmatic subjects, utilizing a model of airway allergen challenge. Methods: Flow–cytometric analyses of CD34/45+ progenitors for coexpression of surface α–receptor subunits for IL–3, IL–5 and GM–CSF, as well as in situ hybridization and in situ PCR methodologies to detect mRNA for IL–5 and GM–CSF in developing Eo–B in colony and liquid culture assays were employed before and after in vivo allergen challenge. Results: An early, specific upregulation of IL–5R α expression on CD34/45 progenitors was observed after allergen challenge, concomitant with the development of the late–phase asthmatic response. Protein and mRNA for both GM–CSF and IL–5 were expressed in a time–dependent manner ex vivo, in developing (β 7–integrin–positive), colony–derived Eo–B after allergen challenge in vivo. Both retinoic acid and corticosteroids were able to downregulate IL–3– and IL–5–induced expression of IL–5R on cord–blood–derived as well as HL–60 cloned Eo–B progenitors. Conclusion: These studies indicate the critical involvement of IL–5 and IL–5R in the induction of Eo–B differentiation and eosinophilic airway inflammation in allergic asthmatics, and point to these events as potential targets for long–term therapy of atopic disease.
A role for gamma/delta T cells in a mouse model of fracture healing.

OBJECTIVE Fractures can initiate an immune response that disturbs osteoblastic and osteoclastic cellular homeostasis through cytokine production and release. The aim of our study was to investigate gamma/delta T cells, innate lymphocytes known to be involved in tissue repair, as potential cellular components of the osteoimmune system's response to an in vivo model of bone injury. The absence of such cells or their effector cytokines influences the fate of other responder cells in proliferation, differentiation, matrix production, and ultimate callus formation. METHODS Tibia fractures were created in 60 gamma/delta T cell-deficient mice (also called delta T cell receptor [TCR]-knockout mice) and 60 control C57BL/6 mice. Analysis included radiographs, basic histology, mechanical testing, flow cytometry, and immunohistochemical localization of gamma/delta TCR-positive subsets from control animals and of CD44 expression from both groups, as well as enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay for the effector cytokines interleukin-2 (IL-2), interferon-gamma (IFNgamma), and IL-6. RESULTS Animals deficient in gamma/delta T cells demonstrated more mature histologic elements and quantitative increases in the expression of major bone (bone sialoprotein) and cartilage (type II collagen) matrix proteins and in the expression of bone morphogenetic protein 2 at a critical reparative phase. Moreover, only gamma/delta T cell-deficient animals had a decrease in the osteoprogenitor antiproliferative cytokines IL-6 and IFNgamma at the reparative phase. The result was improved stability at the repair site and an overall superior biomechanical strength in gamma/delta T cell-deficient mice compared with controls. CONCLUSION The evidence for a role of gamma/delta T cells in the context of skeletal injury demonstrates the importance of the immune system's effect on bone biology, which is relevant to the field of osteoimmunology, and offers a potential molecular platform from which to develop essential therapeutic strategies.
Enhanced strain and temperature sensing by reduced graphene oxide coated etched fiber Bragg gratings.

This Letter reports on an etched fiber Bragg grating (eFBG) sensor coated with reduced graphene oxide (RGO) having enhanced sensitivity for physical parameters such as strain and temperature. The synergetic effect of the changes in grating pitch and refractive index of RGO with change in temperature or strain enhances the shift in Bragg wavelength (λB). The RGO-coated eFBG sensors exhibit a strain sensitivity of 5.5 pm/μϵ (∼5 times that of bare fiber Bragg gratings) and temperature sensitivity of 33 pm/°C (∼3 times that of bare fiber Bragg gratings). The resolutions of ∼1 μϵ and ∼0.3°C have been obtained for strain and temperature respectively, using RGO-coated eFBG sensors.
Effects of arsenic supplementation in feed on laying performance, arsenic retention of eggs and organs, biochemical indices and endocrine hormones

ABSTRACT 1. The primary objective of this experiment was to estimate the toxic effects of arsenic (As) supplementation in feed on laying performance, As retention by eggs and organs, serum biochemical indices and endocrine hormones in laying hens. 2. A total of 320 “Jinghong Number 1” hens, 56-week-old, were randomly allocated into four treatments of four replicates with 20 layers in each. Graded arsenical was added to the basal diet in the experimental diets at As levels of 0, 17, 34 and 51 mg/kg, respectively. The trial lasted for 9 weeks including 1 week for acclimatisation. 3. Supplementation of dietary As for eight weeks had no effect on laying performance. As retention in albumen, yolk, egg, liver and kidney increased as As levels increased The level of serum phosphorus (P) was minimised at the 17 mg As/kg group. The activity of serum glutamic oxaloacetic transaminase (GOT) increased linearly. No differences were observed for levels of serum calcium (Ca), alkaline phosphatase (AKP) and serum glutamic pyruvic transaminase (GPT). Concentrations of estradiol (E2) and progesterone (PG) declined at 34 and 51 mg/kg As levels compared with the control group. As supplementation exerted no influence on levels of serum follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinising hormone (LH), triiodothyronine (T3), thyroxine (T4) and the ratio between T3 and T4. 4. In conclusion, dietary As supplementation accelerated retention in tissues and eggs, and affected the laying rate by diminishing hormone levels of E2 and PG at 51 mg/kg.
Vaccines for fish in aquaculture

Vaccination plays an important role in large-scale commercial fish farming and has been a key reason for the success of salmon cultivation. In addition to salmon and trout, commercial vaccines are available for channel catfish, European seabass and seabream, Japanese amberjack and yellowtail, tilapia and Atlantic cod. In general, empirically developed vaccines based on inactivated bacterial pathogens have proven to be very efficacious in fish. Fewer commercially available viral vaccines and no parasite vaccines exist. Substantial efficacy data are available for new fish vaccines and advanced technology has been implemented. However, before such vaccines can be successfully commercialized, several hurdles have to be overcome regarding the production of cheap but effective antigens and adjuvants, while bearing in mind environmental and associated regulatory concerns (e.g., those that limit the use of live vaccines). Pharmaceutical companies have performed a considerable amount of research on fish vaccines, however, limited information is available in scientific publications. In addition, salmonids dominate both the literature and commercial focus, despite their relatively small contribution to the total volume of farmed fish in the world. This review provides an overview of the fish vaccines that are currently commercially available and some viewpoints on how the field is likely to evolve in the near future.
An integrated environmental tracer approach to characterizing groundwater circulation in a mountain block

The subsurface transfer of water from a mountain block to an adjacent basin (mountain block recharge (MBR)) is a commonly invoked mechanism of recharge to intermountain basins. However, MBR estimates are highly uncertain. We present an approach to characterize bulk fluid circulation in a mountain block and thus MBR that utilizes environmental tracers from the basin aquifer. Noble gas recharge temperatures, groundwater ages, and temperature data combined with heat and fluid flow modeling are used to identify clearly improbable flow regimes in the southeastern Salt Lake Valley, Utah, and adjacent Wasatch Mountains. The range of possible MBR rates is reduced by 70%. Derived MBR rates (5.5–12.6 × 104 m3 d−1) are on the same order of magnitude as previous large estimates, indicating that significant MBR to intermountain basins is plausible. However, derived rates are 50–100% of the lowest previous estimate, meaning total recharge is probably less than previously thought.
A critical role for C/EBPβ binding to the AABS promoter response element in the human iNOS gene

The human iNOS (hiNOS) gene is expressed in a tissue‐specific manner, but the molecular basis for this regulation has not been elucidated. Here, we show that liver cell‐specific hiNOS gene activation involves protein‐DNA binding to an A‐activator binding site (AABS) located at ‐192 nucleotides in the hiNOS promoter region. Mutation of this site in the −7.2 kb hiNOS promoter construct inhibited basal hiNOS promoter activity in primary rat hepatocytes (77%), and two human liver cell lines, AKN‐1 (63%) and HepG2 (60%), but had no significant effect on basal hiNOS activity in three non‐hepatic human cell types. Interestingly, mutation of AABS significantly abrogated cytokine‐induced promoter activity in all cell types. C/EBPβ transcription factor bound to AABS by gel shift assay. Overexpression of C/EBPβ active form (LAP) increased hiNOS basal promoter activity ∼sixfold in liver cells, but had minimal effect in non‐hepatic cells. In contrast, overexpression of the transcriptional inhibitor (LIP) strongly suppressed both basal and cytokine‐inducible promoter activity. These data show that the cis‐acting AABS DNA element mediates liver‐specific basal hiNOS promoter activity through binding of the trans‐acting C/EBPβ factor. Further, C/EBPβ binding to AABS functions as a “switchpoint” that is necessary for cytokine‐inducible hiNOS gene expression in all cell types examined.
On the mechanism of isoprenaline‐ and forskolin‐induced depolarization of single guinea‐pig ventricular myocytes.

1. Isoprenaline (10 nM to 1 microM) and forskolin (0.6‐100 microM) depolarized single guinea‐pig myocytes studied in vitro. Under voltage clamp both agents caused an inward current to flow. 2. These effects were abolished by propranolol (100 nM) and the beta1‐antagonist metoprolol (100‐200 nM), but not by the beta2‐agonist [corrected] salbutamol (1 microM). 3. The interaction of isoprenaline with forskolin, caffeine or isobutylmethylxanthine (IBMX) on current amplitude was as expected if all of these drugs were causing inward current by increasing intracellular levels of cyclic adenosine monophosphate (cyclic AMP). Low concentrations of forskolin (less than 600 nM) or IBMX (less than 20 microM) potentiated the effect of isoprenaline, whereas isoprenaline caused no further inward current in cells in which high concentrations of forskolin (600 nM‐100 microM) or IBMX (20 microM‐1 mM) were already evoking maximum inward current. 4. Isoprenaline‐induced inward current was reduced 30‐50% by acetylcholine (10‐30 microM). This action of acetylcholine was blocked by atropine (100 nM). 5. The effect of isoprenaline on holding current was critically dependent on temperature. The onset of the current was delayed and its amplitude reduced as the myocyte was cooled from 37 degrees C to ambient temperature (22‐24 degrees C). 6. Isoprenaline‐induced inward current was not affected by the potassium channel blockers barium (2 mM) or tetraethylammonium (TEA; 10‐20 mM). The amplitude of the inward current did not vary as a function of [K+]o. 7. The inward current was not affected by the calcium channel blockers cadmium 1 mM, or nifedipine (10 microM), or when internal calcium was reduced by including EGTA in the recording electrode filling solution. 8. The amplitude of the current was also unaffected by caesium (5 mM), which blocks the hyperpolarization‐activated, non‐specific channel if, or by strophanthidin (10 microM) which blocks the Na+‐K+ pump. It was unchanged by substitution of external chloride by isethionate. 9. The inward current was absent when external sodium was replaced by the impermeant ion tetramethylammonium (TMA). 10. Isoprenaline‐ and forskolin‐induced inward currents were associated with an increase in both membrane chord conductance and noise. The increase in conductance was most readily measured at potentials where the inwardly rectifying potassium channel, iK1, was small, or when iK1 was blocked by the addition of barium (2 mM). (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Implicit and explicit attitudes towards conventional and complementary and alternative medicine treatments: Introduction of an Implicit Association Test

This study examined associations between anticipated future health behaviour and participants’ attitudes. Three Implicit Association Tests were developed to assess safety, efficacy and overall attitude. They were used to examine preference associations between conventional versus complementary and alternative medicine among 186 participants. A structural equation model suggested only a single implicit association, rather than three separate domains. However, this single implicit association predicted additional variance in anticipated future use of complementary and alternative medicine beyond explicit. Implicit measures should give further insight into motivation for complementary and alternative medicine use.
Impact of new data for neutron-rich heavy nuclei on theoretical models for r-process nucleosynthesis

Current models for the r process are summarized with an emphasis on the key constraints from both nuclear physics measurements and astronomical observations. In particular, we analyze the importance of nuclear physics input such as beta-decay rates; nuclear masses; neutron-capture cross sections; beta-delayed neutron emission; probability of spontaneous fission, beta- and neutron-induced fission, fission fragment mass distributions; neutrino-induced reaction cross sections, etc. We highlight the effects on models for r-process nucleosynthesis of newly measured β-decay half-lives, masses, and spectroscopy of neutron-rich nuclei near the r-process path. We overview r-process nucleosynthesis in the neutrino driven wind above the proto-neutron star in core collapse supernovae along with the possibility of magneto-hydrodynamic jets from rotating supernova explosion models. We also consider the possibility of neutron star mergers as an r-process environment. A key outcome of newly measured nuclear properties far from stability is the degree of shell quenching for neutron rich isotopes near the closed neutron shells. This leads to important constraints on the sites for r-process nucleosynthesis in which freezeout occurs on a rapid timescale.
New sonographic criteria for recommending fine-needle aspiration biopsy of nonpalpable solid nodules of the thyroid.

OBJECTIVE The purpose of our study was to provide new sonographic criteria for fine-needle aspiration biopsy of nonpalpable solid thyroid nodules. MATERIALS AND METHODS Sonographic scans of 155 nonpalpable thyroid nodules in 132 patients were prospectively classified as having positive or negative findings. Sonographic findings that suggested malignancy included microcalcifications, an irregular or microlobulated margin, marked hypoechogenicity, and a shape that was more tall than it was wide. If even one of these sonographic features was present, the nodule was classified as positive (malignant). If a nodule had none of the features described, it was classified as negative (benign). The final diagnosis of a lesion as benign (n = 106) or malignant (n = 49) was confirmed by fine-needle aspiration biopsy and follow-up (>6 months) in 83 benign nodules, by fine-needle aspiration biopsy and surgery in 44 malignant and 15 benign lesions, and by surgery alone in five malignant and eight benign lesions. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy were calculated on the basis of our proposed classification method. RESULTS Of 82 lesions classified as positive, 46 were malignant. Of 73 lesions classified as negative, three were malignant. The sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value and accuracy based on our sonographic classification method were 93.8%, 66%, 56.1%, 95.9%, and 74.8%, respectively. CONCLUSION Considering the high level of sensitivity of our proposed sonographic classification, fine-needle aspiration biopsy should be performed on thyroid nodules classified as positive, regardless of palpability.
2,3,7,8-Tetrachlorobenzo- p -dioxin Inhibits Proliferation of SK-N-SH Human Neuronal Cells Through Decreased Production of Reactive Oxygen Species

Oxidative stress has been known to be involved in the mechanism of toxic effects of various agents on many cellular systems. In this study we investigated the role of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in 2,3,7,8-tetrachlorodibenzo- p -dioxin (TCDD)-induced neuronal cell toxicity using SK-N-SH human neuroblastoma cells. TCDD inhibited proliferation of the cells in a dose-dependent manner, which was revealed by MTT staining, counting of cells stained with trypan blue and [ 3 H]thymidine uptake assay. TCDD also suppressed the basal generation of ROS in a time- and concentration-dependent manner assessed by 2',7'-dichlorofluorescein fluorescence. In addition, TCDD induced a dose-dependent inhibition of lipid peroxidation, a biomarker of oxidative stress, whereas it significantly increased the level of glutathione (GSH), an intracellular free radical scavenger in the cells. Moreover, TCDD altered the activities of major antioxidant enzymes; increase in superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase, but decrease in glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and glutathione reductase (GSH-Red). Pretreatment with l -buthionine- S , R -sulfoximine (BSO, 50 w M), an inhibitor of GSH synthesis, significantly prevented the TCDD-induced reduction in lipid peroxidation and cell proliferation. Interestingly, exogenous application of an oxidant, H 2 O 2 (50 w M) markedly restored the inhibited cell proliferation induced by TCDD. Taken together, these results suggest that alteration of cellular redox balance may mediate the TCDD-induced inhibition of proliferation in human neuronal cells.
An investigation into dentists' perceptions of barriers to providing care of dental trauma to permanent maxillary incisors in children in Victoria, Australia.

BACKGROUND Perceived barriers in the treatment of dental trauma may influence the optimum management of dental trauma. Any hesitation that dentists might have in managing dental trauma is important to investigate. The aim of this study was to investigate dentists' perceptions of barriers to providing care of dental trauma to permanent maxillary incisors in children. METHODS A self-completion questionnaire survey containing six questions on demographic data and 15 questions relating to barriers to treating dental trauma was mailed to 693 dentists in Victoria, Australia. RESULTS The response rate achieved was 61 per cent. Of the respondents, 90 per cent had no hesitation in treating dental injuries and 80 per cent of these frequently agreed that dentists should treat all dental trauma. Approximately half the dentists (51.5 per cent) frequently found uncooperative children to be the main barrier to providing care. CONCLUSION The overall consensus from the present study was that treating dental trauma is not unappealing for dentists in general practice.
Biochemical Activities of Three Pairs of Ehrlichia chaffeensis Two-Component Regulatory System Proteins Involved in Inhibition of Lysosomal Fusion

ABSTRACT Ehrlichia chaffeensis, the etiologic agent of human monocytic ehrlichiosis, replicates in early endosomes by avoiding lysosomal fusion in monocytes and macrophages. In E. chaffeensis we predicted three pairs of putative two-component regulatory systems (TCSs) designated PleC-PleD, NtrY-NtrX, and CckA-CtrA based on amino acid sequence homology. In the present study to determine biochemical pairs and specificities of the TCSs, the recombinant proteins of the three putative histidine kinase (HK) kinase domains (rPleCHKD, rNtrYHKD, and MBP-rCckAHKD) and the full-length forms of three putative response regulators (RRs) (rPleD, rNtrX, and rCtrA) as well as the respective mutant recombinant proteins (rPleCHKDH244A, rNtrYHKDH498A, MBP-rCckAHKDH449A, rPleDD53A, rNtrXD59A, and rCtrAD53A) were expressed and purified as soluble proteins. The in vitro HK activity, the specific His residue-dependent autophosphorylation of the kinase domain, was demonstrated in the three HKs. The specific Asp residue-dependent in vitro phosphotransfer from the kinase domain to the putative cognate RR was demonstrated in each of the three RRs. Western blot analysis of E. chaffeensis membrane and soluble fractions using antibodies specific for each recombinant protein detected PleC and CckA in the membrane fraction, whereas it detected NtrY, NtrX, and PleD in the soluble fraction. CtrA was found in the two fractions at similar levels. E. chaffeensis was sensitive to closantel, an HK inhibitor. Closantel treatment induced lysosomal fusion of the E. chaffeensis inclusion in a human monocytic leukemia cell line, THP-1 cells, implying that functional TCSs are essential in preventing lysosomal fusion of the E. chaffeensis inclusion compartment.
Therapeutic influence on circulating and monocyte-derived dendritic cells in laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma patients

Conclusion: Surgical resection of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) could be associated with improved circulating myeloid dendritic cell (mDC) number and monocyte-derived dentritic cell (MoDC) function. Although adjunctive radiotherapy after surgery did not effect the normalization of mDC number, it may have an impact on MoDC function. Objective: To investigate the effects of surgery and adjunctive radiotherapy on both circulating dendritic cells (DCs) and MoDCs of LSCC patients. Subjects and methods: Forty-six patients with LSCC and 15 age-matched healthy control subjects were enrolled in this study. Blood samples were taken before, during, and after conventional treatment from both patients who underwent surgery only (n=18) and those who had adjunctive radiotherapy after tumor removal (n=28),. Three-color flow cytometry was used for determination of circulating DC subsets. Moreover, MoDCs were generated utilizing granulocyte macrophage colony-stimulating factor (GM-CSF) and interleukin-4 (IL-4), then the phenotype of MoDCs was measured by flow cytometry and the ability to stimulate autologous T cells was tested in a mixed leukocyte reaction (MLR). Results: The preoperative mDC counts, MoDC surface molecular expression and stimulatory capacity were impaired in patients in comparison with controls. The number of mDCs and the expression of CD80, CD83, and HLA-DR on MoDCs were significantly increased as compared with those pretreatment in patients who underwent surgery only and in those who had surgery followed by adjunctive radiotherapy. However, the recovery of CD86 expression and allostimulatory activity was only observed in patients who underwent surgery alone.