Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Transendothelial Transport of Low-Density Lipoprotein and Albumin Across the Rat Peritoneum in vivo: Effects of the Transcytosis Inhibitors NEM and Filipin

This study was performed to investigate the mechanisms responsible for the transport of albumin and low-density lipoprotein (LDL) across capillary walls in vivo. To separate transcytosis from passive, ‘porous’ transport, we tested the effects of the transcytosis inhibitors N-ethylmaleimide (NEM) and filipin given intraperitoneally on the peritoneal capillary clearance of LDL and albumin in anesthetized rats undergoing peritoneal dialysis. Radiolabeled human albumin or LDL was given intra-arterially, and 51Cr-EDTA was infused intravenously. A 2-hour peritoneal dialysis dwell was performed using 16 ml of conventional 1.36% glucose-based dialysis fluid. The clearance of LDL and albumin to the dialysate and the peritoneal mass transfer coefficient for 51Cr-EDTA were assessed. Following intraperitoneal NEM incubations (0.5–5 mM), there were marked increases in the peritoneal transport of albumin and LDL for NEM doses exceeding 1 mM. For lower NEM doses, there were no reductions in clearance. Filipin incubations (0.2–4 µg/ml) did not affect the clearance of either macromolecule. In conclusion, neither NEM nor filipin caused reductions in albumin or LDL clearance across the peritoneal capillaries. The present data clearly show that NEM and filipin are unsuitable as transcytosis inhibitors in vivo.
Outage performance of two-way decode-and-forward relaying over block fading channels

In a two-way relaying (TWR) system, two nodes wish to exchange information with the help of relays. Previous work on TWR is mainly based on the assumption that the channel quality remains constant for one round of data exchange, however, the realistic channel fluctuates over time. In this paper, we study the outage behavior of a decode-and-forward (DF) TWR system over block fading channels where the channel condition may vary between two data transmission phases. Our results reveal that compared with constant-quality channels, the outage performance of the TWR-DF system deteriorates over block fading channels. The results also show that the influence of the change of relay locations on the outage probability over block fading channels is different from that over constant-quality channels. Additionally, the optimal relay location of reaching the minimum outage probability is not affected by the difference of channel quality between two data phases.
The trade-off between morphology and control in the co-optimized design of robots

Conventionally, robot morphologies are developed through simulations and calculations, and different control methods are applied afterwards. Assuming that simulations and predictions are simplified representations of our reality, how sure can roboticists be that the chosen morphology is the most adequate for the possible control choices in the real-world? Here we study the influence of the design parameters in the creation of a robot with a Bayesian morphology-control (MC) co-optimization process. A robot autonomously creates child robots from a set of possible design parameters and uses Bayesian Optimization (BO) to infer the best locomotion behavior from real world experiments. Then, we systematically change from an MC co-optimization to a control-only (C) optimization, which better represents the traditional way that robots are developed, to explore the trade-off between these two methods. We show that although C processes can greatly improve the behavior of poor morphologies, such agents are still outperformed by MC co-optimization results with as few as 25 iterations. Our findings, on one hand, suggest that BO should be used in the design process of robots for both morphological and control parameters to reach optimal performance, and on the other hand, point to the downfall of current design methods in face of new search techniques.
The AUGMENT SM Treatment: Physician Reported Outcomes of the Initial Global Patient Experience

Background: Egg precursor cells can be readily isolated from the protective outer lining of the ovarian cortex. Studies have demonstrated that mitochondria isolated from these cells are of high quality. The AUGMENTSM treatment is a proprietary new technology based on previous clinical use demonstrating that the addition of mitochondria during in vitro fertilization (IVF) is safe, improves embryo quality, and increases the success of IVF. Subsequent published animal studies also confirmed the role of mitochondria in improved outcomes. This report represents the earliest global observations of the AUGMENTSM treatment in routine clinical practice from two distinct international centers. Methods and results: The AUGMENTSM treatment was initially used in a population of difficult-to-treat patients with a poor prognosis for success with standard IVF who were likely moving to donor egg as a next step. Each group reported marked improvements in pregnancy rates above the historic IVF success rate for these patients (e.g., 11- and 18- fold increase in ongoing clinical pregnancy rates in the UAE and Canada, respectively). In a 25 patient subset, retrieved eggs from each woman were allocated to two treatment groups; one group underwent the AUGMENTSM treatment at the time of ICSI while the other group underwent conventional ICSI. Embryos were selected for fresh-embryo transfer based on standard criteria including embryo morphology and the results of preimplantation genetic testing. Morphogenetic embryo selection and transfer from the AUGMENTSM treatment group was significantly higher, suggesting that improved embryo quality may have resulted in the improved pregnancy rates observed in these women. Conclusions: Based on these findings, the AUGMENTSM treatment may be a viable treatment option to address an unmet need for women with poor reproductive histories, history of poor egg quality, poor embryo development, previously failed IVF, and those seeking—despite repeated failures-to conceive genetically-related offspring.
Classification of Daily Activities for the Elderly Using Wearable Sensors

Monitoring of activities of daily living (ADL) using wearable sensors can provide an objective indication of the activity levels or restrictions experienced by patients or elderly. The current study presented a two-sensor ADL classification method designed and tested specifically with elderly subjects. Ten healthy elderly were involved in a laboratory testing with 6 types of daily activities. Two inertial measurement units were attached to the thigh and the trunk of each subject. The results indicated an overall rate of misdetection being 2.8%. The findings of the current study can be used as the first step towards a more comprehensive activity monitoring technology specifically designed for the aging population.
Increasing the Legal Retirement Age: The Impact on Wages, Worker Flows and Firm Performance

Many pay-as-you-go pension systems have increased or plan to increase their legal retirement age (LRA) to address the financial consequences of ageing. Although the success of these policies is ultimately determined at the labour market, little is known about the effects of higher LRAs at the firm level. Here, we identify this effect by considering a legislative reform introduced in Portugal in 1994: women's LRA was gradually increased from 62 to 65 years while men's LRA stayed unchanged at 65. Using detailed matched employer-employee panel data and difference-in-differences matching methods, we analyse the effects of the reform in terms of a number of worker- and firm-level outcomes. After providing evidence of compliance with the law, we find that the wages and hours worked of older women (those required to work longer) were virtually unchanged. However, firms employing older female workers significantly reduced their hirings, especially of younger female workers. Those firms also lowered their output although not their output per worker.
Effect of xylanase on apparent ileal and total tract digestibility of nutrients and energy of rye in young pigs

A digestibility experiment was carried out on weanling piglets to study the effect of an enzyme complex with predominant xylanase activity on apparent ileal (AID) and apparent total tract digestibility of nutrients and energy. The enzyme was supplemented at four levels (0, 50, 100 and 200 mg/kg) to a diet containing 96% rye. There were significant effects of the added enzyme on AID of dry matter, organic matter and crude fibre, and on apparent total tract digestibility of dry matter, organic matter and energy. However, the improvements in the digestibility were rather small. Except for galactose, there was a significant response in AID of all non-starch polysaccharide constituents to enzyme supplementation, the greatest effect being found at 100 mg/kg. The improvement in AID of arabinose + xylose (685%) was much higher than that of the remaining sugars (110%). AID of galactose was negative in all dietary treatments, presumably due to its high concentration in endogenous secretions. There was a significant response in AID of the sum of essential and total amino acids to the increased level of the enzyme. It is concluded that the enzyme complex is efficient in degrading dietary fibre components, thus improving the digestibility of organic matter, amino acids and energy.
Antibody Binding in Proximity to the Receptor/Glycoprotein Complex Leads to a Basal Level of Virus Neutralization

ABSTRACT Hypothetically, antibodies may neutralize enveloped viruses by diverse mechanisms, such as disruption of receptor binding, interference with conformational changes required for virus entry, steric hindrance, or virus aggregation. Here, we demonstrate that retroviral infection mediated by the avian sarcoma-leukosis virus (ASLV-A) envelope glycoproteins can be neutralized by an antibody directed against a functionally unimportant component of a chimeric receptor protein. Thus, the binding of an antibody in proximity to the retroviral envelope glycoprotein-receptor complex, without binding to the entry machinery itself, results in neutralization. This finding provides additional support for the hypothesis that steric hindrance is sufficient for antibody-mediated neutralization of retroviruses.
Evaluation of the Impact of Direct Plating, Broth Enrichment, and Specimen Source on Recovery and Diversity of Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus Isolates among HIV-Infected Outpatients

ABSTRACT We compared recovery of Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA) from nasal and groin swab specimens of 600 HIV-infected outpatients by selective and nonselective direct plating and broth enrichment. Swabs were collected at baseline, 6-month, and 12-month visits and cultured by direct plating to mannitol salt agar (MSA) and CHROMagar MRSA (CM) and overnight broth enrichment with subculture to MSA (broth). MRSA isolates were characterized by pulsed-field gel electrophoresis (PFGE), staphylococcal cassette chromosome mec (SCCmec) typing, and PCR for the Panton-Valentine leukocidin. At each visit, 13 to 15% of patients were colonized with MRSA and 30 to 33% were colonized with methicillin-susceptible S. aureus (MSSA). Broth, CM, and MSA detected 95%, 82%, and 76% of MRSA-positive specimens, respectively. MRSA recovery was significantly higher from broth than CM (P ≤ 0.001) or MSA (P ≤ 0.001); there was no significant difference in recovery between MSA and CM. MSSA recovery also increased significantly when using broth than when using MSA (P ≤ 0.001). Among specimens collected from the groin, broth, CM, and MSA detected 88%, 54%, and 49% of the MRSA-positive isolates, respectively. Broth enrichment had a greater impact on recovery of MRSA from the groin than from the nose compared to both CM (P ≤ 0.001) and MSA (P ≤ 0.001). Overall, 19% of MRSA-colonized patients would have been missed with nasal swab specimen culture only. USA500/Iberian and USA300 were the most common MRSA strains recovered, and USA300 was more likely than other strain types to be recovered from the groin than from the nose (P = 0.05).
Beta-Agonists in the Treatment of Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease

OBJECTIVE: To critically evaluate the following issues regarding the use of beta-agonists in the treatment of acute exacerbations of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD): (1) optimal dose, (2) use of nebulizer (NEB) versus metered-dose inhaler-spacer devices (MDISs), (3) comparison with anticholinergic agents, and (4) use in mechanically ventilated patients. The patient populations addressed are limited primarily to emergency department (ED) and intensive care/acute care settings. DATA SOURCES: English-language journal articles published between 1977 and 1993. STUDY SELECTION: Nine studies were evaluated that included beta-agonists alone or in combination with other bronchodilators in the treatment of acute exacerbation of COPD. Many of the studies contained design flaws or were limited in size, making interpretation difficult. In studies containing both asthma and COPD patients, focus was restricted to analysis of COPD patients when possible. DATA EXTRACTION: Performed subjectively by the authors. Studies were evaluated for methodologic strengths and weaknesses. DATA SYNTHESIS: Dosing studies in patients with stable disease show a relationship between dose and the various pulmonary function tests (PFTs). Dose also correlates with duration of action and incidence of adverse effects. Four studies compared NEBs versus MDISs. Studies revealed significant improvement in PFTs for both treatments, with no significant difference between groups noted. Five studies compared various combinations of beta-agonists and ipratropium. Both ipratropium and beta-agonists caused statistically significant increases in PFTs from baseline. Combination therapy provided no further increase in spirometry compared with that of single-agent therapy. One study did report an early discharge from the ED with the addition of ipratropium. Most studies did not use large doses of beta-agonists or evaluate the effect of repeated doses. Many studies allowed concomitant therapy. Most did not include outcome measurements, such as ED length of stay, admission rates, hospital stay, or incidence of relapse. CONCLUSIONS: Dose—response studies in patients with stable disease suggest that doses of albuterol powder up to 1 mg may be tolerated safely, although use of repeated larger doses has not been well studied. Beta-agonists given by MDIS or NEB are equally effective in this setting. There is no apparent advantage to combined use of beta-agonist and ipratropium in the acute setting. Future research in this area should evaluate the use of larger or repeated doses of beta-agonists in the acute setting. Optimizing concurrent therapy and evaluating various patient outcomes should receive special attention in further investigations.
Comparative analysis on genome-wide DNA methylation in longissimus dorsi muscle between Small Tailed Han and Dorper×Small Tailed Han crossbred sheep

Objective The objective of this study was to compare the DNA methylation profile in the longissimus dorsi muscle between Small Tailed Han and Dorper×Small Tailed Han crossbred sheep which were known to exhibit significant difference in meat-production. Methods Six samples (three in each group) were subjected to the methylated DNA immunoprecipitation sequencing (MeDIP-seq) and subsequent bioinformatics analyses to detect differentially methylated regions (DMRs) between the two groups. Results 23.08 Gb clean data from six samples were generated and 808 DMRs were identified in gene body or their neighboring up/downstream regions. Compared with Small Tailed Han sheep, we observed a tendency toward a global loss of DNA methylation in these DMRs in the crossbred group. Gene ontology enrichment analysis found several gene sets which were hypo-methylated in gene-body region, including nucleoside binding, motor activity, phospholipid binding and cell junction. Numerous genes were found to be differentially methylated between the two groups with several genes significantly differentially methylated, including transforming growth factor beta 3 (TGFB3), acyl-CoA synthetase long chain family member 1 (ACSL1), ryanodine receptor 1 (RYR1), acyl-CoA oxidase 2 (ACOX2), peroxisome proliferator activated receptor-gamma2 (PPARG2), netrin 1 (NTN1), ras and rab interactor 2 (RIN2), microtubule associated protein RP/EB family member 1 (MAPRE1), ADAM metallopeptidase with thrombospondin type 1 motif 2 (ADAMTS2), myomesin 1 (MYOM1), zinc finger, DHHC type containing 13 (ZDHHC13), and SH3 and PX domains 2B (SH3PXD2B). The real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction validation showed that the 12 genes are differentially expressed between the two groups. Conclusion In the current study, a tendency to a global loss of DNA methylation in these DMRs in the crossbred group was found. Twelve genes, TGFB3, ACSL1, RYR1, ACOX2, PPARG2, NTN1, RIN2, MAPRE1, ADAMTS2, MYOM1, ZDHHC13, and SH3PXD2B, were found to be differentially methylated between the two groups by gene ontology enrichment analysis. There are differences in the expression of 12 genes, of which ACSL1, RIN2, and ADAMTS2 have a negative correlation with methylation levels and the data suggest that DNA methylation levels in DMRs of the 3 genes may have an influence on the expression. These results will serve as a valuable resource for DNA methylation investigations on screening candidate genes which might be related to meat production in sheep.
A Novel All-Inside Arthroscopic Technique for Radial-Sided Triangular Fibrocartilage Complex Tears: A Case Report and Review of Literature

Background: Triangular fibrocartilage complex (TFCC) injuries are a known cause of ulnar-sided wrist pain. Wrist arthroscopy is the gold standard for diagnosis of these lesions and is becoming a more frequent method of treatment. Isolated radial-sided tears are uncommon and treatment of these lesions is controversial. There are few reports on repair techniques. Here we report on a novel arthroscopic, all-inside technique for traumatic radial-sided TFCC tears that resulted in full range of motion, significant improvement in pain, and ultimately return to sport. Methods: This is a single case report describing an all-inside, arthroscopic repair of a radial-sided TFCC tear. The techniques and postoperative protocol are discussed. Clinical outcomes were reported at final follow-up of 3.5 months. Results: At final follow-up, our patient had full wrist range of motion, 95% strength, occasional 1/10 pain, and returned to sport at her previous level of play. There were no complications. Conclusion: Although just a single case report, our patient had an excellent result based on modified Mayo wrist score. When comparing our result and the previous literature, this technique seems to be a valid method for addressing radial-sided TFCC tears.
Direct Insulation‐to‐Conduction Transformation of Adhesive Catecholamine for Simultaneous Increases of Electrical Conductivity and Mechanical Strength of CNT Fibers

Increase in conductivity and mechanical properties of a carbon nanotube (CNT) fiber inspired by mussel-adhesion chemistry is described. Infiltration of polydopamine into an as-drawn CNT fiber followed by pyrolysis results in a direct insulation-to-conduction transformation of poly(dopamine) into pyrolyzed-poly(dopamine) (py-PDA), retaining the intrinsic adhesive function of catecholamine. The py-PDA enhances both the electrical conductivity and the mechanical strength of the CNT fibers.
Title The effects of feedback on the speech motor task of simulating hypernasality

The aim of this study was to investigate the effectiveness of feedback on the learning of a novel speech task: simulating hypernasality. Forty participants (20 male, 20 female; age range 18-35 years) were randomly assigned into four groups, receiving different combinations of feedback type (visual or verbal) and relative frequency of knowledge of results (100% or 50%). The participants practiced hypernasal production of syllables, words and a passage during acquisition. Their performances at baseline, immediate retention, delayed retention and transfer were assessed with three different types of connected speech stimuli. The results showed that learning was took place in all feedback conditions. However, no significant difference was found across different feedback type and feedback frequency. The findings indicated that velopharyngeal closure during speech can be controlled voluntarily upon practice with appropriate feedback rendered. The findings also shed light on the treatment of hypernasality and on speech motor learning. Simulating Hypernasality 3
Fecal calprotectin, lactoferrin, and endoscopic disease activity in monitoring anti‐TNF‐alpha therapy for Crohn's disease

Background: Fecal calprotectin and lactoferrin are promising noninvasive biomarkers for intestinal inflammation. In Crohn's disease (CD), during anti‐TNF‐alpha (TNF‐&agr;) treatment, the clinical significance of these markers has, however, been insufficiently explored. Methods: Among CD patients receiving anti‐TNF‐&agr; therapy we assessed the role of fecal calprotectin and lactoferrin as surrogate markers for mucosal healing. Before and 3 months after the beginning of anti‐TNF‐&agr; induction, 15 patients underwent ileocolonoscopy with scoring of the Crohn's Disease Index of Severity (CDEIS). Fecal samples for calprotectin and for lactoferrin measurements were collected and the Crohn's Disease Activity Index (CDAI) was calculated at the time of the endoscopies and 2 and 8 weeks after the first treatment. Results: The median CDEIS fell from 13.0 to 4.8 (P = 0.002) and CDAI from 158 to 68 (P = 0.005). Accordingly, the median fecal calprotectin concentration fell from 1173 &mgr;g/g to 130 &mgr;g/g (P = 0.001) and fecal lactoferrin from 105.0 &mgr;g/g to 2.7 &mgr;g/g (P = 0.001). Of the 15 patients, 11 (73%) showed an endoscopic response to treatment and 5 of these achieved endoscopic remission (CDEIS < 3). In those 5 patients the fecal calprotectin concentration declined from 1891 &mgr;g/g (range 813–2434) to 27 &mgr;g/g (13–130) and lactoferrin from 92.4 &mgr;g/g (35.5–235.6) to 1.9 &mgr;g/g (0.0–2.1). Conclusions: Compared to pretreatment values, concentrations of fecal calprotectin and lactoferrin after the anti‐TNF‐&agr; treatment were significantly lower. During anti‐TNF‐&agr; therapy these fecal neutrophil‐derived proteins may thus be useful surrogate markers for mucosal healing.
Sequence of oligodendrocyte development in the human fetal telencephalon

Oligodendrocytes (OL), cells that myelinate axons in the CNS, differentiate from early to late oligodendrocyte progenitor cells (OPC) to become mature OL. Unlike the case in the rodent brain, myelin formation starts prenatally in the human brain, but the sequence of OL development and the onset of myelination are not well understood. We studied the human fetal forebrain at midgestation (17–23 gestational weeks, g.w.) using OL lineage‐specific antibodies and mRNA probes. Early OPC were present in a gradient from the subventricular zone to the cortical plate. Their close apposition to radial glia fibers suggests a possible role of these fibers in OPC migration. Late OPC reached peak density in the subplate layer, whereas multipolar cells with the morphology of mature OL were restricted to the emerging white matter. At 20 g.w. , myelinated axons were observed in the diencephalon, but not in the telencephalon, consistent with caudal‐to‐rostral progression of myelination. Interestingly, in organotypic slice cultures of the same gestational ages, the subventricular zone contained a considerably greater number of the mature OL cells, suggesting the presence of inhibitory signals in vivo. Overall, in addition to considerable similarities with rodents, important differences in temporal and spatial distribution and regulatory signals for OL differentiation exist in the human brain. © 2004 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.