Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ultrastructural Evidences of Hepatitis B Infection in Human Liver Biopsies Disclose Complex Assembly and Morphogenesis Pathways for Hepatitis B Virus

Despite of recent advances on acknowledge of hepatitis B virus (HBV) structure and biology, little is known about the morphogenesis and release of virions. In this study, the ultrastructural analysis of HBV components in liver biopsies from chronically HBV-infected patients disclosed complex assembly and morphogenesis pathways for HBV. HBV core (HBcAg) and surface (HBsAg) antigens were specifically identified in all liver biopsies from HVB-infected patients. HBcAg containing core-like particles 24-28 nm in diameter were observed both in nucleus and cytoplasm of hepatocytes. Dane’s-like particles were detected either budding to or into the lumen of ER close to HBsAg containing tubular structures. Besides, Dane’s-like particles were detected in different vesicular compartments resembling multivesicular endosomes. Other kind of enveloped HBV-like particles similar to the previously described cobra-shaped and horn-shaped particles were also observed in hepatocytes. Some of these particles were connected to the vesicle membrane through a stalk 20-22 nm in diameter. On the other hand, spherical subviral particles (SVP) were frequently observed in cytoplasmic vesicles. Moreover, a minor proportion of enveloped HBV-like particles budding through the plasma membrane to the extracellular space and bile canaliculi were detected. Interestingly, Dane’s-like particles in the bile canaliculi and entering into ductular-like cells were shown. Strikingly, Dane’s-like particles close to tubular structures and specific immunolabeling for HBcAg both in cytoplasm and nuclei of stellate-like cells were detected. Remarkably, HVB-like particles appeared entering hepatocytes from large cytoplasmic processes of fibrocytes raising the interesting possibility of a cell to cell passage of HBV through direct transcellular migration.
Comparison of Two Pain Scales for the Assessment of Pain in the Ventilated Adult Patient

The assessment of pain experienced by the patient requiring mechanical ventilation can be a challenge for critical care nurses. This study was conducted to assess the reliability and validity of two pain behavior assessment tools. Patients who met the inclusion criteria were enrolled from 13 critical care units and one long-term acute care unit within eight hospitals. A total of 200 patients were assessed over an 8-week period. The findings suggest that both tools have adequate reliability and validity. Use of a pain behavior tool is one strategy to improve assessment of pain experienced by the mechanically ventilated adult patient who is unable to provide a self-report.
Effects of flushing and hormonal treatment on reproductive performance of Iranian Markhoz goats.

Forty-eight Iranian Markhoz goats were allocated to six groups (n = 8) to study the effect of flushing and hormonal treatments on reproductive performance. Treatments were divided into two categories including, hormonal treatments and flushing. The goats in each group were fed the same basal ration and received one of the following treatments: Groups A and B--injection of GnRH and equine chorionic gonadotropin (eCG) respectively; Groups C, D and E--a supplement of barley grain, soybean oil and sunflower oil in flushing diets, respectively, were offered and Group F--control (only received basal diet). In the flushing treatments, only the source of energy was different between rations. Both hormonal treatments and flushing treatments improved fertility and kidding rates. Treatment B with 16 and control with seven kids represented the highest and the lowest number of progeny respectively. Among flushing treatments, group C resulted in the highest number of kids being 15. Oestrogen levels in follicular phase increased with the injection of eCG and consumption of barley grain. GnRH injection and consumption of oil sources in the diet increased blood progesterone levels during ovulation and post-ovulation periods. Under current market conditions, using hormone or flushing can be profitable for Markhoz goats farmers.
Synergistic contributions of cyclin-dependant kinase 5/p35 and Reelin/Dab1 to the positioning of cortical neurons in the developing mouse brain

Cyclin-dependent kinase (Cdk) 5 is a unique member of the Cdk family, because Cdk5 kinase activity is detected only in the nervous tissue. Two neuron-specific activating subunits of Cdk5, p35 and p39, have been identified. Overlapping expression pattern of these isoforms in the embryonic mouse brain and the significant residual Cdk5 kinase activity in brain homogenate of the p35−/− mice indicate the redundant functions of the Cdk5 activators in vivo. Severe neuronal migration defects in p35−/−Cdk5 +/− mice further support the idea that the redundant expression of the Cdk5 activators may cause a milder phenotype in p35−/− mice compared with Cdk5−/− mice. Mutant mice lacking either Cdk5 or p35 exhibit certain similarities with Reelin/Dab1-mutant mice in the disorganization of cortical laminar structure in the brain. To elucidate the relationship between Cdk5/p35 and Reelin/Dab1 signaling, we generated mouse lines that have combined defects of these genes. The addition of heterozygosity of either Dab1 or Reelin mutation to p35−/− causes the extensive migration defects of cortical neurons in the cerebellum. In the double-null mice of p35 and either Dab1 or Reelin, additional migration defects occur in the Purkinje cells in the cerebellum and in the pyramidal neurons in the hippocampus. These additional defects in neuronal migration in mice lacking both Cdk5/p35 and Reelin/Dab1 indicate that Cdk5/p35 may contribute synergistically to the positioning of the cortical neurons in the developing mouse brain.
Immunochemical studies on Trichophyton mentagrophytes.

Antigenic polysaccharide-peptide complexes were extracted from mycelia of Trichophyton mentagrophytes, and purified by gel filtration, DEAE-cellulose and proteolytic digestion. The chemical composition of crude and purified antigens is described. Purified antigens were composed chiefly of carbohydrate material, mainly glucose or mannose, with smaller amounts of galactose, glucosamine and peptides. The antigens were further evaluated by skin test in humans with naturally acquired trichophytosis, especially tinea pedis.Proteolytic digestion caused the N content of the polysaccharide-peptide complexes to fall from 1/7 to 1/8. Such peptide degradation caused a loss of the delayed reaction in skin tests. It did not, however, cause a reduction in the immediate reaction in skin tests or a disappearance of precipitin arcs in agar gels.
001-136 Tourism 2015 01EN.indd

Th e main objective of this study was to evaluate the perceptions related to the online user reviews of thermal hotels. Specifi cally, it was investigated whether perceptions towards value (V), location (L), sleep quality (SQ), rooms (R), cleanliness (C), service (S) and factors infl uencing general evaluation depend on the star numbers of hotels, the location of the hotels and the nationalities of participants. In order to obtain data on perceptions of consumers towards thermal hotels in Turkey, the web site Trip Advisor (TA) was used. In total, 2,895 user reviews about thermal accommodations on TA were assessed by content analysis method. According to the study results, it was determined that the most important factor was the cleanliness of the hotels. It was followed by the location, sleep quality, rooms and service. Th e value factor was the last important. To analyse the eff ect of the nationality of the participants, domestic and foreign visitors, stars and the location of the accommodation on the perceptions towards value, location, sleep quality, rooms, cleanliness and service, t test and one-way ANOVA method were performed. It was found that the perceptions towards value, location, sleep quality, rooms, cleanliness and service diff ered between domestic and foreign visitors, nationalities, location and 4 or 5-star.
Nitric oxide, and not vasoactive intestinal peptide, as the main neurotransmitter of vagally induced relaxation of the guinea pig stomach

1 Nitric oxide synthase (NOS) was localized in the guinea pig stomach by immunocytochemistry. In vitro experiments were carried out on the isolated stomach of the guinea pig to study any possible links between nitric oxide (NO) and vasoactive intestinal peptide (VIP) in mediating relaxations induced by vagal stimulation. 2 NOS was localized to nerve cell bodies and nerve fibre varicosities of the myenteric plexus in wholemounts of the longitudinal muscle‐myenteric plexus of the stomach fundus. The NOS‐positive cells had a Dogiel type I morphology characteristic of motor neurones. 3 The cross‐sections of the stomach wall showed NOS‐positive neurones mainly in the myenteric plexus ganglia and NOS‐positive nerve fibre varicosities in the circular muscle layer. 4 Relaxations induced by vagal stimulation were almost completely prevented by 1‐NAME with an IC50 value of 5.5 × 10−6m. This inhibition was reversed by L‐arginine (2 μm). 5 VIP (100 nm) induced reproducible relaxations of the stomach. These were unaffected by tet‐rodotoxin (2μm) or NW‐nitro‐L‐arginine methyl ester (1‐NAME, 100 μm). 6 Desensitization to the relaxant effect of VIP partially reduced relaxations induced by vagal stimulation, glyceryl trinitrate or sodium nitroprusside but not noradrenaline. 7 These results show that NO has a neuronal origin in the guinea pig stomach, and support NO, and not VIP, as the major neurotranmitter of vagally induced gastric relaxation in the guinea pig.
Fine Structure of Thiobacillus thiooxidans

Mahoney, Robert P. (Skidmore College, Saratoga Springs, N.Y.), and Mercedes R. Edwards. Fine structure of Thiobacillus thiooxidans. J. Bacteriol. 92: 487–495. 1966. —Thin section analysis of the chemosynthetic autotroph Thiobacillus thiooxidans revealed structures comparable to gram-negative heterotrophic bacteria. Although this species is unique in that it oxidizes elemental sulfur for energy, uses carbon dioxide as its sole source of carbon, and can withstand a pH of less than 1, thin sections revealed a profile of the cell envelope (cell wall and plasmalemma) similar to other gram-negative species which have more common physiological traits. The cell wall is composed of five layers with an overall width of approximately 200 A, and the plasmalemma appears as a conventional “unit membrane” with a width of about 85 A. Volutin granules and less-dense bodies of similar shape and size were frequently observed in close association with the nucleoplasm. The nature and function of these bodies are unknown at this time.
Carcinoma of the gall bladder

Gallbladder carcinoma is fifth most common gastrointestinal malignancy. Main indication for cholecystectomy is gallstone disease. Majority of gallbladder carcinomas are diagnosed during the course of histopathological evaluation of specimens obtained at cholecystectomy. Accomplishing radical cholecystectomy is advisable in these patients. Technically difficult gallbladder dissection during the course of laparoscopic surgery should raise a high suspicion of malignancy. Specimen retrieval bags should be used in all cases to avoid external spillage of bile giving rise to port side metastasis. A good outcome depends on prompt diagnosis and radical surgical resection. It is essential for a general surgeon to be aware of predisposing factors, pathology, patterns of presentation, and surgical options in gallbladder carcinoma.
Comparative study of cardio-ankle vascular index between Chinese and Japanese healthy subjects

Abstract Objectives: Arterial stiffness is an independent predictor for vascular diseases. Cardio-ankle vascular index (CAVI) is a new index of arterial stiffness. However, there was little research about the CAVI value between different countries. The aim of the present study was to compare CAVI between Chinese and Japanese subjects and to assess related factors. Methods: 2519 healthy persons [1245 Chinese (M/F, 524/721) and 1274 Japanese (M/F, 534/740)] from the Department of Physical Examination were enrolled into our study. CAVI was recorded using a VaseraVS-1000 vascular screening system. Results: CAVI was increasing with aging in all subjects. CAVI was significantly lower in Chinese compared with Japanese both in male and female. There was difference in lipid metabolism between these two groups. Multivariate analysis showed that age, systolic blood pressure (SBP), fasting plasma glucose (FPG), plasma creatinine (Cr) were significant independent associating factors of CAVI in Chinese persons (β = 0.548, p < 0.001; β = 0.129, p = 0.001; β = 0.105, p = 0.006; and β = 0.100, p = 0.012, respectively), whereas age, SBP, high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C), Cr, body mass index (BMI), FPG were significant independent associating factors of CAVI in Japanese subjects (β = 0.669, p < 0.001; β = 0.198, p < 0.001; β = −0.079, p < 0.001; β = 0.090, p < 0.001; β = −0.124, p < 0.001; β = 0.055, p=0.009; respectively). Conclusions: CAVI was increasing with aging in both Chinese and Japanese subjects. CAVI was significantly lower in Chinese than in Japanese subjects. Age, SBP, FPG and creatinine were independently associated with CAVI in both Chinese and Japanese subjects.
The regional distribution of unemployment: What do micro‐data tell us?

Regional disparities in unemployment rates are large and persistent. The literature provides evidence of their magnitude and evolution, as well as evidence of the role of certain economic, demographic and environmental factors in explaining the gap between regions of low and high unemployment. Most of these studies, however, adopt an aggregate approach and so do not account for the individual characteristics of the unemployed and employed in each region. This paper, by drawing on micro-data from the Spanish wave of the Labour Force Survey, seeks to remedy this shortcoming by analysing regional differentials in unemployment rates. An appropriate decomposition of the regional gap in the average probability of being unemployed enables us to distinguish between the contribution of differences in the regional distribution of individual characteristics from that attributable to a different impact of these characteristics on the probability of unemployment. Our results suggest that the well-documented disparities in regional unemployment are not just the result of regional heterogeneity in the distribution of individual characteristics. Non-negligible differences in the probability of unemployment remain after controlling for this type of heterogeneity, as a result of differences across regions in the impact of the observed characteristics. Among the factors considered in our analysis, regional differences in the endowment and impact of an individual’s education are shown to play a major role.
Development of an integrated prostate cancer research information system.

BACKGROUND In this article, we describe the design and implementation of a comprehensive prostate cancer database developed to collect, store, and access clinical, treatment, and outcomes data for research and clinical care. PATIENTS AND METHODS The Prostate Cancer Clinical Research Information System is a relational database. Data are entered from multiple sources, including medical records, institutional laboratory, patient registration, pharmacy systems, and clinician forms. The history, design, and operational characteristics of the database are described. Issues regarding necessary staffing and funding of databases are reviewed. RESULTS Four thousand two hundred forty-six patients have information in the Prostate Cancer Clinical Research Information System. Mean age of patients is 62 years, and 89% are white. Seventy-one percent of patients presented at diagnosis with T1 or T2 disease, and 78% had biopsy Gleason scores of <or=7, 8-10 in 18%. Median prostate-specific antigen level at diagnosis was 7 ng/mL, and 77% of patients presented with increased prostate-specific antigen as a trigger symptom. Sixty-four percent of patients presented to our clinic having had no previous treatment for prostate cancer. The majority of approached patients provided consent for collection of clinical data, blood, and tissue. Quality control assessments demonstrate high levels of concordance among data entry personnel. CONCLUSION Clinical databases are difficult to implement and maintain; however, they represent a valuable resource, particularly when linked to blood and tissue banks. Elements needed for a successful clinical database include engagement of clinicians, utility for research, and the ability to integrate with legacy systems. As cancer centers develop such databases, lessons learned from each experience should be shared in order to optimize the process.
The effect of presentation level and compression characteristics on sentence recognition in modulated noise

The effect of fast-acting compression on speech recognitionin fully modulated (FUM) noise in listeners with normaland impaired hearing was investigated in two experiments. We wanted to determine the relationships between the benefitfrom compression and some audiological factors.Furthermore, the sensitivity to changes in compressionparameters was also evaluated. The results showed thattwo-thirds of the listeners performed worse with fast-actingcompression than with linear processing. Normal-hearinglisteners showed the most benefit from compression. A significantrelationship was found between benefit from compressionand speech-to-noise ratio at threshold (SNRT) inslightly modulated (SM) noise. Pure-tone threshold wasfound to be a weak predictor of benefit from compression.No relationship was found between benefit from compressionand the release of masking for the FUM noise. Thevariability in the results across different compressionparameters was related to SNRT in SM noise. The resultssuggest an inverse relationship between benefit from compressionand the severity of the suprathreshold hearing loss. Sumario Se investigó en dos experimentos el efecto de una compresiónde acción rápida sobre el reconocimiento dellenguaje con ruido totalmente modulado (FUM), ensujetos con una audición normal o alterada. Quisimosdeterminar la relación entre el beneficio de la compresióny algunos otros factores audiológicos. Más aún, se evaluóla sensibilidad a los cambios en los parámetros de compresión. Los resultados mostraron que dos tercios de lossujetos mostraron un beneficio negativo de la compresión. Los sujetos normo-oyentes mostraron el mayorbeneficio de la compresión. Se encontró una relación significativaentre el beneficio de la comprensión y larelación señal/ruido a nivel del umbral (SNRT), conruido levemente modulados (SM). Se encontró que elumbral tonal puro fue un débil pronosticador del benefi-cio de la compresión. No se halló relación entre el benefi-cio de la compresión y la liberación del enmascaramientopara el ruido FUM. La variabilidad en los resultadossegún los diferentes parámetros de compresión se relacionócon el SNRT en ruido SM. Los resultados sugierenuna relación inversa entre el beneficio de la compresión yla severidad de la hipoacusia supra-liminar.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation in Persons Younger Than the Age of 18

Objectives: To review the use of transcranial magnetic stimulation (single-pulse TMS, paired TMS, and repetitive TMS [rTMS]) in persons younger than the age of 18 years. I discuss the technical differences, as well as the diagnostic, therapeutic, and psychiatric uses of TMS/rTMS in this age group. Methods: I evaluated English-language studies from 1993 to August 2004 on nonconvulsive single-pulse, paired, and rTMS that supported a possible role for the use of TMS in persons younger than 18. Articles reviewed were retrieved from the MEDLINE database and Clinical Scientific index. Results: The 48 studies reviewed involved a total of 1034 children ages 2 weeks to 18 years; 35 of the studies used single-pulse TMS (980 children), 3 studies used paired TMS (20 children), and 7 studies used rTMS (34 children). Three studies used both single and rTMS. However, the number of subjects involved was not reported. Conclusions: Single-pulse TMS, paired TMS, and rTMS in persons younger than 18 has been used to examine the maturation/activity of the neurons of various central nervous system tracts, plasticity of neurons in epilepsy, other aspects of epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, myoclonus, transcallosal inhibition, and motor cortex functioning with no reported seizure risk. rTMS has been applied to psychiatric disorders such as ADHD, ADHD with Tourette's, and depression. Adult studies support an antidepressant effect from repetitive TMS, but there is only one study that has been reported on 7 patients that used rTMS to the left dorsal prefrontal cortex on children/adolescents with depression (5 of the 7 subjects treated responded). Although there are limited studies using rTMS (in 34 children), these studies did not report significant adverse effects or seizures. Repetitive TMS safety, ethical, and neurotoxicity concerns also are discussed.
Effects of Type 2 Cytokines on Glomerular Epithelial Cells

Visceral glomerular epithelial cells (GECs) are involved in the maintenance of the filtration barrier and may play a role in immune responses. Cytokines may act on GECs and we wished to test this in vitro. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) is a specific product of the GEC that may play a role in glomerular permeability. We have investigated whether GECs in culture express receptors for interleukin (IL)-4, 10 and 13 (often grouped together as type 2 cytokines) and whether these cytokines alter GEC VEGF production. Type 2 cytokines were compared to transforming growth factor-β (TGF-β) and IL-1β which are known to upregulate VEGF production. GECs were grown from human nephrectomy specimens and cultured with and without the addition of exogenous cytokines. Messenger RNA data demonstrated the presence of IL-4 receptor α, IL-10 receptor 1 and 2, and IL-13 receptors α1 and α2. However, at the protein level by flow cytometry, only IL-13 α2 could be consistently demonstrated. IL-4, IL-10 and IL-13 inhibited production of VEGF but did not affect the pattern of isoform expression. In contrast, TBF-β and IL-1β caused an increase in VEGF production. These effects were not explained by effects on proliferation. Our data provide evidence that GECs express receptors for type 2 cytokines and that these cytokines can act directly on GECs, to decrease VEGF production.