Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Topology control in network-coding-based-multicast wireless sensor networks

Network coding is a promising technique to improve throughput and reliability. However, the benefit of network coding is restricted and affected by network topology, especially in wireless sensor networks WSNs. Topology control algorithms adjust the transmission parameters of sensors, chiefly transmission power to achieve a desired topology. So both network coding and topology control algorithms reduce and improve WSN's lifetime. We provide a detailed analytical evaluation of an optimal topology control in network-coding-based-multicast WSNs as a mixed integer non-linear problem. Although this problem is NP-hard, but the mathematical formulation can help us assess the essence and understand the hardness of this problem. We then propose a heuristic algorithm for topology control in network-coding-based-multicast WSNs that run much faster. The efficiency of our algorithm is demonstrated by simulation results under different traffic patterns. We conclude that our algorithm can be used to control the topology of multicast-capable WSNs with significantly better lifetime when compared with conventional algorithms.
Hallmark Features of Immunosenescence Are Absent in Familial Longevity

Seropositivity for CMV is one of the parameters of the “immune risk profile” associated with mortality in longitudinal studies of the very elderly and may accelerate immunosenescence. Thus, any genetic factors influencing human longevity may be associated with susceptibility to CMV and CMV-accelerated immunosenescence. To test this, we analyzed long-lived families in the Leiden Longevity Study (LLS) in which offspring enjoy a 30% reduced standardized mortality rate, possibly owing to genetic enrichment. Serum C-reactive protein levels and the frequency of different T cell subsets were compared between 97 LLS offspring and 97 controls (their partners, representing the normal population). We also determined the capacity of T cells to respond against immunodominant Ags from CMV in a smaller group of LLS subjects and controls. CMV infection was strongly associated with an age-related reduction in the frequency of naive T cells and an accumulation of CD45RA–re-expressing and late-differentiated effector memory T cells in the general population, but not in members of long-lived families. The latter also had significantly lower C-reactive protein levels, indicating a lower proinflammatory status compared with CMV-infected controls. Finally, T cells from a higher proportion of offspring mounted a proliferative response against CMV Ags, which was also of greater magnitude and broader specificity than controls. Our data suggest that these rare individuals genetically enriched for longevity are less susceptible to the characteristic CMV-associated age-driven immune alterations commonly considered to be hallmarks of immunosenescence, which might reflect better immunological control of the virus and contribute to their decreased mortality rate.
CD8+ T Cells Negatively Regulate IL-4–Dependent, IgG1-Dominant Posttransplant Alloantibody Production

We have previously reported that CD8+ T cells significantly influence Ab production based on the observation that posttransplant alloantibody levels in CD8-deficient murine hepatocyte transplant recipients are markedly enhanced. However, the precise mechanisms contributing to enhanced alloantibody production in the absence of CD8+ T cells is not understood. We hypothesized that alloactivated CD8+ T cells inhibit Ab production by skewing toward a proinflammatory cytokine profile, whereas when these cells are absent, an anti-inflammatory cytokine profile shifts the alloimmune response toward alloantibody production. To investigate this possibility, alloantibody isotype profiles were examined in CD8-deficient and wild-type hepatocyte recipients. We found that IgG1 (IL-4–dependent isotype) was the dominant alloantibody isotype in wild-type recipients as well as in CD8-deficient recipients, although the amount of alloantibody in the latter group was substantially higher. Utilizing real-time PCR we found that CD4+ T cells from wild-type recipients significantly upregulated IFN-γ but not IL-4 mRNA. In contrast, in the absence of CD8+ T cells, CD4+ T cells switched to significantly upregulate IL-4 mRNA, while IFN-γ was downregulated. IL-4 knockout mice do not produce any posttransplant alloantibody. However, adoptive transfer of wild-type CD4+ T cells into CD8-depleted IL-4 knockout mice restores high alloantibody levels observed in CD8-depleted wild-type recipients. This suggests that IL-4–producing CD4+ T cells are critical for posttransplant alloantibody production. Additionally, this CD8-mediated regulation of posttransplant alloantibody production is IFN-γ–dependent. Further elucidation of the mechanisms by which CD8+ T cells influence Ab production will significantly contribute to development of therapies to manipulate humoral responses to Ag.
Human Plasma Membrane-Derived Vesicles Halt Proliferation and Induce Differentiation of THP-1 Acute Monocytic Leukemia Cells

Plasma membrane-derived vesicles (PMVs) are small intact vesicles released from the cell surface that play a role in intercellular communication. We have examined the role of PMVs in the terminal differentiation of monocytes. The myeloid-differentiating agents all-trans retinoic acid/PMA and histamine, the inflammatory mediator that inhibits promonocyte proliferation, induced an intracellular Ca2+-mediated PMV (as opposed to exosome) release from THP-1 promonocytes. These PMVs cause THP-1 cells to enter G0–G1 cell cycle arrest and induce terminal monocyte-to-macrophage differentiation. Use of the TGF-β receptor antagonist SB-431542 and anti–TGF-β1 Ab showed that this was due to TGF-β1 carried on PMVs. Although TGF-β1 levels have been shown to increase in cell culture supernatants during macrophage differentiation and dendritic cell maturation, the presence of TGF-β1 in PMVs is yet to be reported. In this study, to our knowledge we show for the first time that TGF-β1 is carried on the surface of PMVs, and we confirm the presence within PMVs of certain leaderless proteins, with reported roles in myeloid cell differentiation. Our in vitro findings support a model in which TGF-β1–bearing PMVs, released from promonocytic leukemia cells (THP-1) or primary peripheral blood monocytes on exposure to sublytic complement or after treatment with a differentiation therapy agent, such as all-trans retinoic acid, significantly reduce proliferation of THP-1 cells. Such PMVs also induce the terminal differentiation of primary peripheral blood monocytes as well as THP-1 monocytes.
Premarital screening of college students for carrier detection in thalassemia and sickle cell disease: need of the hour -

Background: Hemoglobinopathies are a group of inherited conditions characterized by quantitative and qualitative abnormalities in the synthesis of hemoglobin. In India, the most prevalent hemoglobinopathies are thalassemia and sickle cell anemia. To reduce the burden of highly prevalent monogenic disorders, it is essential that disease progression be halted at the carrier stage. This can be done by carrier detection and genetic counseling in young individuals. In Central India, where prevalence of thalassemia and sickle cell anemia is high, premarital screening is being implemented for the first time in medical students for identification of asymptomatic carriers of these hemoglobinopathies and possible prevention of future high-risk marriages by genetic counseling. Objectives: The objectives of this study were to (1) determine the prevalence of asymptomatic carriers of sickle cell disease and thalassemia in first-year MBBS students; and (2) know the frequency of hemoglobinopathy carriers in different ethnic groups of this study group. Materials and Methods: This study was conducted at a Regional Hemoglobinopathy Detection and Management Centre of a tertiary-care hospital in central India in newly admitted medical students and was approved by the institutional ethics committee. Venous blood samples were analyzed for blood counts and solubility test positivity. Electrophoresis for pattern analysis and high-performance liquid chromatography for confirmation of diagnosis were used on each student. Results were analyzed with the help of statistical analysis. Results: Overall prevalence of hemoglobinopathies was 10%. Beta-Thalassemia trait was the most prevalent hemoglobinopathy followed by sickle cell trait. Presence of hemoglobinopathies was seen in varied ethnic groups. Conclusion: Importance of screening in young asymptomatic individuals is highlighted.
Herbal Medicine and Nonalcoholic Fatty Liver Disease

Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD; previously called “fatty liver”) is a spectrum of conditions that are extremely common, in fact, believed to be the most common cause of elevated serum liver transaminases in adults in the United States. Although research is preliminary, there are ample suggestions that medicinal plants, through their insulin sensitizing and liver protective effects, may speed healing of the liver and prevent NAFLD from occurring in the first place. Coverage in this article includes Momordica charantia (bitter melon), Cinnamomum zeylanicum (cinnamon) bark, C. cassia (cassia cinnamon) bark, Trigonella foenum-graecum (fenugreek) seeds, Gymnema sylvestre (gurmar) herb, G. montanum (also called gurmar) herb, Teucrium polium (golden germander) root, T. chamaedrys (germander) root, Silybum marianum (milk thistle) seed, Cucurbita pepo (pumpkin) seeds, Punica granatum (pomegranate) fruit, Vitis coignetiae (crimson glory vine) leaves, Rheum palmatum (rhubarb) leaves, Pueraria lobata var montana (kudzu) root, Glycyrrhiza glabra (licorice) roots, Schisandra chinensis (schisandra) fruit, Camellia sinensis (green tea) leaf, and Vaccinium ashei (Asian blueberry) leaves.
The impact of immunosuppressive therapy on QuantiFERON and tuberculin skin test for screening of latent tuberculosis in patients with inflammatory bowel disease scheduled for anti-TNF therapy

Abstract Objective. Patients with inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) should be routinely screened for latent tuberculosis (LTB) before starting anti-TNF therapy in order to prevent reactivation of LTB. Besides tuberculin skin test (TST), QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube (QFT-G-IT) has gained wide acceptance as a screening strategy for LTB in IBD, although it may be negatively influenced by the prior use of immunomodulators (IMM) such as azathioprine or methotrexate. This study aimed to assess the impact of IMM on the TST and the QFT-G-IT for LTB screening in IBD patients scheduled for anti-TNF therapy. Material and methods. This observational, prospective, single-center study included consecutive IBD patients scheduled for anti-TNF therapy undergoing on the same day both TST and QFT-G-IT for screening of LTB, between 2008 and 2010. Patients with a prior history of known or suspicious (L)TB receiving (prophylactic) anti-TB therapy were excluded. Results. Seventy-five patients were finally included; 28 were treated with thiopurines (IMM group), while 47 (control group) received either 5-aminosalicylic acid (n = 41) or no therapy (newly diagnosed patients, n = 6). Overall, TST and QFT-G-IT were positive in 14 (18.7%) and 16 (21.3%) patients, respectively. There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups regarding the TST (p = 0.761) and QFT-G-IT (0.572) positivity. The overall concordance between the two tests was moderate (kappa = 0.584), being substantial in the IMM group (kappa = 0.700) and moderate in the control group (kappa = 0.498). Conclusion. These preliminary results suggest that IMM may not have a significant impact on either QFT-G-IT or TST, although larger, prospective studies are certainly warranted.
Miliary tuberculosis and tuberculoma of brain presenting like meningitis

Tuberculoma of brain is one of the manifestations of central nervous system (CNS) tuberculosis. It usually behaves like space occupying lesion and presents with focal neurological symptom or seizure. Sign of meningism is not common in tuberculoma. Simultaneous presence of miliary lung mottling and CNS tuberculoma is uncommon. Our patient presented with features of meningitis with normal CSF study. Miliary mottling was found in chest x ray and finally diagnosed as having tuberculoma of brain by MRI study.
Performance of interferon-gamma release assay for tuberculosis screening in inflammatory bowel disease patients: Disease activity as an influencing factor

We read with great interest the article by Mantzaris et al. [1]. They investigated the impact of immunomodulators (IMM) on the performance of tuberculin skin test (TST) and QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube (QFT-G-IT) for screening of latent tuberculosis (LTB) in inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) patients scheduled for anti-tumor necrosis factor (TNF) therapy. They found no significant difference between the IMM and control group in regard to TST and QFT-G-IT positivity, and it was concluded that IMM may not have a significant impact on either QFTG-IT or TST. We appreciate the efforts of the authors but some points merit discussion. As stated by the authors of the present series, the sensitivity of QFT-G-IT may be compromised in patients with highly active disease. Hradsky et al. [2] reported pediatric Crohn’s Disease Activity Index as the single independent risk factor for indeterminate QFT-G-IT results in their study. And they identified four conversions of negative QFT-G-IT to positivity during the follow up. We think that Mantzaris et al. [1] should have presented the disease activity and made a comparison between IMM and control groups as this parameter might have influenced the performance of QFT-G-IT. An important drawback of this study is the absence of follow-up data because conversion of a negative QFTG-IT to positivity in a patient receiving IMM would have suggested that initial test result had been influenced by IMM. For this reason, cross-sectional study design should have been presented as a limitation of this study. Lastly, the authors mentioned that budesonide therapy for54 weeks at the time of testing was not an exclusion criteria but there was no patient receiving budesonide in the study group. We think that this point should be clarified.
The Effects of Different Concentrations of Epinephrine Adjuvant to Levobupivacaine on Wound Healing

Objective: Local anesthetics (LAs) and epinephrine are often combined for infiltration of surgical sites for their wide-range effects. The aim of our study is to investigate the effects of different concentrations of epinephrine added to levobupivacaine on wound healing. Methods: Forty female albino Wistar rats were divided into four groups. 3 ml of 3,75mg/ml levobupivacaine was applicated for all groups. In the control group (C) (n=10), 1ml isotonic saline was added, and in group A10 (10 µg/ml) (n=10), 1ml 1/100,000 adrenaline; in group A5 (5 µg/ml) (n=10), 1ml 1/200,000 adrenaline; and in group A2,5 (2,5 µg/ml) (n=10), 1ml 1/400,000 adrenaline. Two minutes after the infiltration of the drug combination into subcutaneous tissue, 3cm longitudinal cutaneous-subcutaneous incisions were performed on the mid-dorsal line under sterile conditions. Incisions were sutured with 4/0 sharp prolen with six sutures. Postoperative 8th-day rats were sacrificed to evaluate wound healing. Tissue burst pressures (TBP) and tissue hydroxyproline levels (THP) were measured, and histopathological evaluation for a fibrotic index was performed. A One-Way ANOVA and Chi-square test were used for statistical analyses. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between groups according to TBP and THP levels (p=0.4, p=0.201 respectively). Fibrotic index values were significantly higher in epinephrine groups (p=0,001), and were highest in A2,5. Conclusions: Epinephrine added to levobupivacaine in low concentrations accelerates wound healing in the early phase by stimulating fibrosis, and has no adverse effects on surgical sites. Long-term studies are needed for late effects of epinephrine adjuvant levobupivacaine.
Molecular Mechanisms of Induction of Antigen-Specific Allograft Tolerance by Intranasal Peptide Administration

We have previously shown that intranasal (i.n.) administration of a single MHC class II-restricted HY peptide to female mice induces tolerance to up to five additional epitopes expressed on test male grafts, a phenomenon known as linked suppression. In this study, we investigated the molecular mechanisms involved both in the induction phase following peptide administration and during linked suppression after grafting. We report that following initial i.n. administration, peptide is widely disseminated and is presented by functionally immature dendritic cells. These fail to cause optimal stimulation of the responding HY-specific CD4+ T cells that express genes characteristic of regulatory T cells. Following i.n. peptide plus LPS administration, causing immunization, HY-specific CD4+ T cells express genes characteristic of activated T cells. We further find that following male skin grafting, HY-specific CD8+ T cells from peptide-treated tolerant mice display both quantitative and qualitative differences compared with similar cells from untreated mice that reject their grafts. In tolerant mice there are fewer HY-specific CD8+ cells and they express several genes characteristic of exhausted T cells. Furthermore, associated with specific chemokine receptor and integrin expression, HY-specific CD8+ T cells show more limited migration from the graft draining lymph node into other tissues.
Effects of spiritual care based on Ghalb Salim nursing model in reducing anxiety of patients undergoing CABG surgery

A B S T R A C T Aims: Anxious is very common among patients undergoing Coronary Artery Bypass Graft (CABG) surgery and it has significant effect on recovery process and following up treatment. The most important factor regarding treatment of anxiety is faith and religious affiliations. This study is conducted to assess the impact of spiritual care based on a Ghalb-e Salim (good heart) model in reducing anxiety of patient’s candidate for CABG. Methods: In this clinical trial study, 60 patients candidate for CABG were selected in Baqiyatallah (AJ) hospital in Tehran in 2013. These patients had moderate and sever anxiety score and they were divided into two experimental and control groups. Spiritual care based on Ghalb-e Salim model was done through educational booklet and direct education during hospitalization in experimental group. Beck Anxiety questionnaire was completed by the patients in three stages; during hospitalization, before surgery and before discharge; information was analyzed by using SPSS20 software and descriptive and inferential statistical tests. Results: The preoperative anxiety in the experimental group was significantly reduced (9.8±3.5); it is while preoperative anxiety of patients had a significant increase in the control group (37.7±11.71). totally, based on independent t statistical test, anxiety was reduced after intervention (p=0.000) The MannWhitney test showed that there was no significant difference between the two groups in terms of anxiety levels on admission, but preoperative anxiety levels in the experimental group and the control group were respectively in the moderate (40 % ) and severe ( 80 % ) level ( p=0/001) Conclusions: Spiritual care based on Ghalb-e Salim model was taken from Islamic statements and they are effective for organizing spiritual cares in nursing and reducing anxiety of the patient’s candidates for cardiac surgery. Please cite this paper as: Asadi M, Asadzandi M, Ebadi A. Effects of spiritual care based on Ghalb Salim nursing model in reducing anxiety of patients undergoing CABG surgery. Iran J Crit Care Nurs. 2014;7(3):142-151.
Unexpected Role for the B Cell-Specific Src Family Kinase B Lymphoid Kinase in the Development of IL-17–Producing γδ T Cells

The Ag receptors on αβ and γδ T cells differ not only in the nature of the ligands that they recognize but also in their signaling potential. We hypothesized that the differences in αβ- and γδTCR signal transduction were due to differences in the intracellular signaling pathways coupled to these two TCRs. To investigate this, we used transcriptional profiling to identify genes encoding signaling molecules that are differentially expressed in mature αβ and γδ T cell populations. Unexpectedly, we found that B lymphoid kinase (Blk), a Src family kinase expressed primarily in B cells, is expressed in γδ T cells but not in αβ T cells. Analysis of Blk-deficient mice revealed that Blk is required for the development of IL-17–producing γδ T cells. Furthermore, Blk is expressed in lymphoid precursors and, in this capacity, plays a role in regulating thymus cellularity during ontogeny.
The Endocannabinoid 2-Arachidonoyl-Glycerol Activates Human Neutrophils: Critical Role of Its Hydrolysis and De Novo Leukotriene B4 Biosynthesis

Although endocannabinoids are important players in nociception and obesity, their roles as immunomodulators remain elusive. The main endocannabinoids described to date, namely 2-arachidonoyl-glycerol (2-AG) and arachidonyl-ethanolamide (AEA), induce an intriguing profile of pro- and anti-inflammatory effects. This could relate to cell-specific cannabinoid receptor expression and/or the action of endocannabinoid-derived metabolites. Importantly, 2-AG and AEA comprise a molecule of arachidonic acid (AA) in their structure and are hydrolyzed rapidly. We postulated the following: 1) the released AA from endocannabinoid hydrolysis would be metabolized into eicosanoids; and 2) these eicosanoids would mediate some of the effects of endocannabinoids. To confirm these hypotheses, experiments were performed in which freshly isolated human neutrophils were treated with endocannabinoids. Unlike AEA, 2-AG stimulated myeloperoxidase release, kinase activation, and calcium mobilization by neutrophils. Although 2-AG did not induce the migration of neutrophils, it induced the release of a migrating activity for neutrophils. 2-AG also rapidly (1 min) induced a robust biosynthesis of leukotrienes, similar to that observed with AA. The effects of 2-AG were not mimicked nor prevented by cannabinoid receptor agonists or antagonists, respectively. Finally, the blockade of either 2-AG hydrolysis, leukotriene (LT) B4 biosynthesis, or LTB4 receptor 1 activation prevented all the effects of 2-AG on neutrophil functions. In conclusion, we demonstrated that 2-AG potently activates human neutrophils. This is the consequence of 2-AG hydrolysis, de novo LTB4 biosynthesis, and an autocrine activation loop involving LTB4 receptor 1.