Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Prevalence of and risk factors for Barrett's esophagus with intestinal predominant mucin phenotype

Objective. Barrett's esophagus with the intestinal predominant mucin phenotype is considered to have a higher malignant potential than that with the gastric predominant mucin phenotype. The purpose of this prospective study was to investigate the prevalence of and risk factors for Barrett's esophagus with the intestinal predominant mucin phenotype in patients undergoing endoscopy. Material and methods. A total of 1699 consecutive patients undergoing esophagogastroduodenoscopy were enrolled in the study. A targeted biopsy was performed when endoscopically observed columnar-appearing esophagus was stained with crystal violet. The sample, histologically evidenced as Barrett's esophagus, was immunohistochemically evaluated and categorized as of either gastric or intestinal predominant mucin phenotype. All the patients were requested to complete the structured questionnaire indicating their symptoms and food consumption patterns. Prevalence of and risk factors for Barrett's esophagus with and without the intestinal predominant mucin phenotype were investigated. Results. Out of 1668 patients, 629 (37.7%) were found to have endoscopic Barrett's esophagus. In 333 out of 1668 patients (19.9%), histological studies were diagnostic of Barrett's esophagus. One hundred and six of these 333 patients (31.8%) had the intestinal predominant mucin phenotype. Age, male gender and the presence of hiatal hernia were confirmed by multivariate analysis as the independent predictors for the presence of Barrett's esophagus with the intestinal predominant mucin phenotype. Conclusions. Barrett's esophagus with the intestinal predominant mucin phenotype was immunohistochemically found in 6.4% of all study patients. Older age, male gender and the presence of hiatal hernia were the risk factors for the presence of Barrett's esophagus with the intestinal predominant mucin phenotype.
Lin−Sca1+Kit− Bone Marrow Cells Contain Early Lymphoid-Committed Precursors That Are Distinct from Common Lymphoid Progenitors1

The significance of a population in mouse bone marrow of lineage-negative (Lin−), Sca1-positive, c-kit-negative (LSK−) cells, which is reported to be devoid of long-term repopulation capacity or myeloid potential, is unknown. In this study, we show that the LSK− population is composed of several subsets defined by the expression of flt3, CD25, and IL-7Rα. The first subset was CD25− and more than 90% expressed either flt3, IL-7Rα, or both. The CD25−LSK− population had T cell, B cell, and NK cell potential in vivo, and most of this activity was localized in the flt3+ subset, irrespective of the expression of IL-7Rα. Although lymphoid potential of flt3+LSK− cells in vivo was 3-fold lower than that of lin−Sca1lowkitlowIL7Rα+ common lymphoid progenitors (CLPs), their cloning efficiency in vitro was 10-fold lower than that of CLPs. Furthermore, although the myeloid potential of flt3+LSK− cells was 10-fold lower than that of CLPs in the absence of M-CSF, the relative myeloid potential of both populations was similar in its presence. These observations suggest differential growth factor requirements of both populations. The second subset of LSK− cells was homogeneously CD25+flt3−IL7Rα+ and could be generated from both CD25−LSK− cells and from CLPs, but did not engraft in immunodeficient Rag1−/− or Rag1−/−γc−/− hosts. This population, of which the significance is unclear, was increased in Rag1−/− mice and in old mice. Thus, the LSK− population is phenotypically and functionally heterogeneous and contains early lymphoid-committed precursors. Our findings imply that the early stages of lymphoid commitment are more complex than was thus far assumed.
Experimental analysis of character coupling across a complex life cycle: Pigment pattern metamorphosis in the tiger salamander, Ambystoma tigrinum tigrinum

Developmental relationships among characters are expected to bias patterns of morphological variation at the population level. Studies of character development thus can provide insights into processes of adaptation and the evolutionary diversification of morphologies. Here I use experimental manipulations to test whether larval and adult pigment patterns are coupled across metamorphosis in the tiger salamander, Ambystoma tigrinum tigrinum (Ambystomatidae). Previous investigations showed that the early larval pigment pattern depends on interactions between pigment cells and the lateral line sensory system. In contrast, the results of this study demonstrate that the major features of the adult pigment pattern develop largely independently of both the early larval pattern and the lateral lines. These results suggest that ontogenetic changes that occur across metamorphosis decouple larval and adult pigment patterns and could thereby facilitate independent evolutionary modifications to the patterns during different stages of the life cycle. J. Morphol. 237:53–67, 1998. © 1998 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
EELS (ANGUILLA ANGUILLA (L.)) OF THE LOWER RIVER SHANNON, WITH PARTICULAR REFERENCE TO SEASONALITY IN THEIR ACTIVITY AND FEEDING ECOLOGY

Abstract:The general biology and seasonal ecology of eels from a riffle section of the lower reaches of Ireland's largest river system, the River Shannon, were investigated. Eels at this location occurred in high densities, had a slow growth rate and were predominantly male at maturation. Although they fed to some degree all year round, foraging activity of the eels was highest in the months of May to September, inclusive. Their diet, which was dominated by larval Ephemeroptera and Trichoptera, reflected the typical composition of the macroinvertebrate species assemblage of the riffle habitat sampled. Little evidence of piscivory or of the potential impact of the high density eel population on the salmonid stocks of this river section was recorded.
Orientación emprendedora, hostilidad del entorno y la rentabilidad de la Pyme: una propuesta de contingencias

En este articulo se investiga el efecto de la orientacion emprendedora (EO) en el desempeno financiero de las Pymes en un periodo de tres anos, asi como una propuesta de un modelo de contingencias para explorar los efectos moderadores de la hostilidad del entorno sobre la relacion entre la EO y la rentabilidad. Para examinar las hipotesis propuestas se ha utilizado informacion de 121 Pymes pertenecientes a la industria manufacturera en Espana. Los resultados confirman la influencia positiva de la EO sobre la rentabilidad de las empresas, y mas importante aun, la influencia es mas positiva cuando existe un ajuste entre la EO y el entorno. Implicaciones para la academia y el mundo empresarial, con respecto a la EO en el contexto de las Pymes, son presentadas y discutidas.
Modeling enzymatic hydrolysis of lignocellulosic substrates using fluorescent confocal microscopy II: Pretreated biomass

In this study, we extend imaging and modeling work that was done in Part I of this report for a pure cellulose substrate (filter paper) to more industrially relevant substrates (untreated and pretreated hardwood and switchgrass). Using confocal fluorescence microscopy, we are able to track both the structure of the biomass particle via its autofluorescence, and bound enzyme from a commercial cellulase cocktail supplemented with a small fraction of fluorescently labeled Trichoderma reseii Cel7A. Imaging was performed throughout hydrolysis at temperatures relevant to industrial processing (50°C). Enzyme bound predominantly to areas with low autofluorescence, where structure loss and lignin removal had occurred during pretreatment; this confirms the importance of these processes for successful hydrolysis. The overall shape of both untreated and pretreated hardwood and switchgrass particles showed little change during enzymatic hydrolysis beyond a drop in autofluorescence intensity. The permanence of shape along with a relatively constant bound enzyme signal throughout hydrolysis was similar to observations previously made for filter paper, and was consistent with a modeling geometry of a hollowing out cylinder with widening pores represented as infinite slits. Modeling estimates of available surface areas for pretreated biomass were consistent with previously reported experimental results. Biotechnol. Bioeng. 2015;112: 32–42. © 2014 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Circannual variation in plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone concentrations in the UK in normal horses and ponies, and those with pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction.

REASONS FOR PERFORMING STUDY Pituitary pars intermedia dysfunction (PPID) is a common endocrinopathy, frequently diagnosed via plasma adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) concentrations. Seasonal variation in plasma ACTH concentrations has been described in normal horses prompting caution in diagnosing PPID at certain times of the year. The aims of this study were to determine appropriate reference intervals for equine plasma ACTH throughout the year; and to examine the circannual variation of plasma ACTH concentrations in PPID cases. HYPOTHESIS Plasma ACTH can be used as a test for PPID throughout the year with the use of appropriate reference intervals. METHODS Data for reference interval calculations were obtained from samples collected from inpatients of Liphook Equine Hospital (non-PPID group, n=156). Data from PPID cases (n=941) were obtained from samples submitted to the Liphook Equine Hospital Laboratory from horses with a clinical suspicion of PPID found to have plasma ACTH concentrations greater than our upper reference interval for that time of year. RESULTS Upper limits for reference interval of plasma ACTH were 29 pg/ml between November and July and 47 pg/ml between August and October. Circannual variation in plasma ACTH occurred in both non-PPID and PPID horses with the highest ACTH concentrations found between August and October in both groups (P<0.0001). The greatest difference between the 2 populations also occurred between August and October. CONCLUSIONS Plasma ACTH can be used for the diagnosis and monitoring of PPID throughout the year with the use of appropriate reference intervals. These findings demonstrate an increase in pituitary gland secretory activity during the late summer and autumn in both normal and PPID cases.
Growth differentiation factor 6 derived from mesenchymal stem/stromal cells reduces age-related functional deterioration in multiple tissues

The senescence-associated secretory phenotype (SASP) has attracted attention as a mechanism that connects cellular senescence to tissue dysfunction, and specific SASP factors have been identified as systemic pro-aging factors. However, little is known about the age-dependent changes in the secretory properties of stem cells. Young, but not old, mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) are a well-known source of critical regenerative factors, but the identity of these factors remains elusive. In this study, we identified growth differentiation factor 6 (Gdf6; also known as Bmp13 and CDMP-2) as a regenerative factor secreted from young MSCs. The expression of specific secretory factors, including Gdf6, was regulated by the microRNA (miRNA) miR-17, whose expression declined with age. Upregulation of Gdf6 restored the osteogenic capacity of old MSCs in vitro and exerted positive effects in vivo on aging-associated pathologies such as reduced lymphopoiesis, insufficient muscle repair, reduced numbers of neural progenitors in the brain, and chronic inflammation. Our results suggest that manipulation of miRNA could enable control of the SASP, and that regenerative factors derived from certain types of young cells could be used to treat geriatric diseases.
A typology of reviews: an analysis of 14 review types and associated methodologies.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES The expansion of evidence-based practice across sectors has lead to an increasing variety of review types. However, the diversity of terminology used means that the full potential of these review types may be lost amongst a confusion of indistinct and misapplied terms. The objective of this study is to provide descriptive insight into the most common types of reviews, with illustrative examples from health and health information domains. METHODS Following scoping searches, an examination was made of the vocabulary associated with the literature of review and synthesis (literary warrant). A simple analytical framework -- Search, AppraisaL, Synthesis and Analysis (SALSA) -- was used to examine the main review types. RESULTS Fourteen review types and associated methodologies were analysed against the SALSA framework, illustrating the inputs and processes of each review type. A description of the key characteristics is given, together with perceived strengths and weaknesses. A limited number of review types are currently utilized within the health information domain. CONCLUSIONS Few review types possess prescribed and explicit methodologies and many fall short of being mutually exclusive. Notwithstanding such limitations, this typology provides a valuable reference point for those commissioning, conducting, supporting or interpreting reviews, both within health information and the wider health care domain.
THE JOURNAL OF HISTOCHEMISTRY AND CYTOCHEMISTRY

Cytochemical techniques were used to show that alkaline phosphatase was associated with the plasma membrane of basal and intermediate cells in normal adult rat bladder epithelium. 5’-Nucleotidase was associated with the plasma membrane of basal, intermediate and superficial cells, including the asymmetric membrane. Normal localization of both en.zymes was maintained in explants for up to 2 months, in the organized area of the culture where epithelium and stroma were still in their normal relationship. However, in epithelial outgrowths, maintained in culture for up to 8 months, the localization of both enzymes was abnormal: alkaline phosphatase was detected in some cells as large deposits of reaction product associated with the external surface of the plasma membrane (extramembranous) and in other cells as smaller deposits within the plasma membrane (intramembranous) and in mitochondria; 5’-nucleotidase, initially detected as extramembranous deposits was lost from the outgrowth after 15 days in culture. N-methyl-N-nitrosourea (MNU)-induced rat bladder tumors contained extramembranous alkaline phosphatase, localized as a continuous layer around the cells. Little 5’-nucleotidase activity was found. After 2 weeks to 2 months in culture, extramembranous alkaline phosphatase activity was still present but in discrete foci only. In some cases the plasma membrane of a single cell was associated with reaction product and the adjacent cell was not. More often, however, certain areas of the plasma membrane within one cell were active and other areas were not. No corresponding structural differentiation could be seen.
Laterality of 40 Hz EEG and EMG during cognitive performance.

Task-dependent lateralization of the 40 Hz EEG rhythm was investigated in 15 right-handed male adults during the performance of verbal analogy and geometric figure rotation tasks. Forty Hz EMG recorded from the temporal and splenius muscles was similarly examined. Results indicate that 40 Hz EEG is asymmetrically distributed during cognitive performance, varying as a function of cognitive processsing. The range of laterality scores also varied by condition, with the largest variation present during baseline conditions and smallest recorded during the presentation of the verbal analogies task, suggesting that individual cognitive styles tend to vary more during less structured situations. No relationship between 40 Hz EMG and task was obtained.
Small-signal modeling of the lateral NQS effect in SiGe HBTs

Detailed formulations for DC and AC emitter current crowding are presented in view of developing an extended π-equivalent circuit (EC) model to accurately predict the lateral non-quasi-static effects in silicon germanium heterojunction bipolar transistors. Under negligible DC current crowding, the EC reduces to a simple π-model. The implementation-suitable versions of the models are also developed. Compared to state-of-the-art model formulations, the extended π-model shows better accuracy in predicting device simulated data. If desired, the high level of accuracy obtained by the extended π-model can be traded with the required extra simulation time due to one extra node.
Dendritic Cells Transcriptome and Regulate the Function of Immunoproteasomes Shape the

By regulating protein degradation, constitutive proteasomes (CPs) control practically all cellular functions. In addition to CPs, vertebrates express immunoproteasomes (IPs). The major nonredundant role ascribed to IPs is their enhanced ability to generate antigenic peptides. We report that CPs and IPs differentially regulate the expression of >8000 transcripts in maturing mouse dendritic cells (DCs) via regulation of signaling pathways such as IFN regulatory factors, STATs, and NF- k B. IPs regulate the transcription of many mRNAs and maturation of a few of them. Moreover, even when engineered to present optimal amounts of antigenic peptide, IP-deﬁcient DCs are inefﬁcient for in vivo T cell priming. Our study shows that the role of IPs in DCs is not limited to Ag processing and reveals a major nonredundant role for IPs in transcription regulation. The dramatic effect of IPs on the transcriptional landscape could explain the various immune and nonimmune phenotypes observed in vertebrates with IP deﬁciency or mutations. The Journal of Immunology , 2014, 193: 000–000.
Pathways to care in first episode psychosis: A pilot study on help-seeking precipitants and barriers to care

Background: It is well documented that individuals experiencing first episode (FE) psychosis encounter significant delays in obtaining appropriate treatment, but why this occurs remains poorly understood. Aims: To examine the duration of untreated psychosis in a FE population, to describe precipitants of help-seeking attempts, and to identify barriers to obtaining appropriate treatment. Methods: Twenty individuals who recently received antipsychotic treatment for a FE of psychosis were interviewed about help-seeking behaviors. Results: A total of 75 help-seeking attempts were reported. Fifty percent of the sample reported aggressive behaviors toward the self or others prior to obtaining treatment. Patients and their families experienced significant delays in linking with appropriate psychiatric care. The most common barrier to treatment was a failure to recognize the seriousness of behavioral changes as part of a mental illness. Conclusions: Further investigations on treatment delay that highlight barriers to care and emphasize the patient's perspective are warranted. Declaration of interest: None.
Promoting Balance and Jumping Skills in Children with down Syndrome

The purpose of this study was to investigate the changes in balance and qualitative and quantitative jumping performances by 20 children with Down syndrome (3 to 6 years) on jumping lessons. 30 typical children ages 3 to 6 years were recruited as a comparison group. Before the jumping lesson, a pretest was given subjects for balance and jumping skill measures based on the Motor Proficiency and Motor Skill Inventory, respectively. Subjects with Down syndrome received 3 sessions on jumping per week for 6 weeks but not the typical children. Then, a posttest was administered to all subjects. Analysis of covariance showed the pre- and posttest differences on scores for floor walk, beam walk, and horizontal and vertical jumping by subjects with Down syndrome were significantly greater than those for the typical children.
Retinal nerve fibre layer thickness measurements in normal Indian population by optical coherence tomography.

PURPOSE To obtain retinal nerve fibre layer thickness measurements by optical coherence tomography (OCT) in normal Indian population. MATERIALS AND METHODS Total of 118 randomly selected eyes of 118 normal Indian subjects of both sex and various age groups underwent retinal nerve fiber layer thickness analysis by Stratus OCT 3000 V 4.0. 1. The results were evaluated and compared to determine the normal retinal nerve fiber layer thickness measurements and its variations with sex and age. RESULTS Mean +/- standard deviation retinal nerve fiber layer thickness for various quadrants of superior, inferior, nasal, temporal and along the entire circumference around the optic nerve head were 138.2 +/- 21.74, 129.1 +/- 25.67, 85.71 +/- 21, 66.38 +/- 17.37 and 104.8 +/- 38.81 microm, respectively. There was no significant difference in the measurements between males and females and no significant correlation with respect to age. CONCLUSION Our results provide the normal retinal nerve fiber layer thickness measurements and its variations with age and sex in Indian population.
Infectious diseases. Questions abound in Q-fever explosion in the Netherlands.

Infectious DiseasesJust before Christmas, the Dutch government decided to cull about 40,000 pregnant goats at more than 60 farms in hopes of halting the worst outbreak ever of a little-known bacterial disease called Q fever. Q fever causes little disease in animals, but it can lead to abortions and stillbirths—and when it does, the animals' placentas and birth fluids contain many billions of microbes that spread easily into the environment. Such outbursts are assumed to have caused increasingly bigger waves of human Q-fever victims—most of whom come down with pneumonia—in the Netherlands the past 3 years. In 2009, there were more than 2300 human cases, including six deaths. Until now, Q fever has been seen primarily as a rare occupational disease for farmers, veterinarians, and slaughterhouse workers and as a potential—if not very deadly—bioterror agent. Nobody is sure what triggered the explosive outbreak in the Netherlands, which has sickened mainly people who never had contact with animals, so the small cadre of Q-fever experts elsewhere in the world are following the Dutch struggle with fascination. Ironically, an increase in goat farming since the devastating swine flu outbreak that ruined the Dutch pig industry in the 1990s may be behind the current outbreak.
S100β protein expression in Alzheimer disease: Potential role in the pathogenesis of neuritic plaques

Increased synthesis and release of S100β protein from activated astrocytes has been implicated in the overgrowth of dystrophic neurites in neuritic plaques in Alzheimer disease (AD). To evaluate the quantitative relationships between tissues levels of S100β and the numbers of neuritic plaques, by Tau‐2 immunoreactive (Tau‐2+) labeling, in tissue sections of hippocampus and adjacent temporal cortex and measured the levels of S100β protein, by Western immunoblot labeling, in samples of analagous regions from contralateral hemisphere of the same patients. In AD, tissue levels of S100β (two‐ to fivefold that of controls) were significantly correlated with the number of Tau‐2+ plaques (R = 0.82, P < .01). Dual‐label immunohis‐tochemical analysis showed that most S100β+ cells were activated GFAP+ astrocytes. These results were substantiated by a significant correlation between S100β and GFAP tissue levels (R = 0.81, P < .05). Many of the S100β+ astrocytes were clustered around and within Tau‐2+ plaques. Indeed, no Tau‐2+ plaques were found without associated activated S100β+ astrocytes. Our findings provide further evidence of a role for S100β protein in dysregulation of neurons that leads to apparently nonsensical growth of imperfect neurites in AD, a potential key element in early stages of neuritic plaque pathogeneis. © 1994 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.