Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Synaptic transmission in human neocortex removed for treatment of intractable epilepsy in children

Synaptic transmission to pyramidal cells was studied in slices of neocortex resected from infants and children (n = 10, age 8 months to 13 years) undergoing surgical treatment for intractable epilepsy. Most specimens were from the least abnormal area of the resection. Stable intracellular recordings could be obtained for up to 8 hours. Most of the recorded neurons had electrophysiological characteristics similar to those of regular‐firing pyramidal cells and were in layers III to V, which was confirmed by intracellular staining with Lucifer yellow. Local extracellular stimulation evoked a sequence of excitatory and inhibitory postsynaptic potentials. Kynurenic acid, a broad‐spectrum excitatory amino acid antagonist, depressed the evoked excitatory postsynaptic potential. After application of the gamma‐aminobutyric acid antagonist, bicuculline (10–30 μM), extracellular stimulation induced large excitatory postsynaptic potentials and epileptiform bursts. Spontaneous bursts occasionally occured in bicuculline. This effect of bicuculline was observed in all the tissue samples, even those from infant patients (n = 4, age 8–16 months). Kynurenic acid depressed or abolished both spontaneous and stimulation‐induced bursts. The competitive antagonist for N‐methyl‐D‐aspartate receptors, DL‐2‐amino‐5‐phosphonopentanoic acid decreased the duration of bicuculline‐induced bursts. These data provide evidence that, similar to rat and cat neocortex, excitatory and inhibitory amino acids are important transmitters to pyramidal cells in immature human neocortex.
Human monocyte scavenger receptors are pattern recognition receptors for (1→3)‐β‐D‐glucans

Glucans are cell wall constituents of fungi and bacteria that bind to pattern recognition receptors and modulate innate immunity, in part, by macrophage activation. We used surface plasmon resonance to examine the binding of glucans, differing in fine structure and charge density, to scavenger receptors on membranes isolated from human monocyte U937 cells. Experiments were performed at 25°C using a biosensor surface with immobilized acetylated low density lipoprotein (AcLDL). Inhibition of the binding by polyinosinic acid, but not polycytidylic acid, confirmed the interaction of scavenger receptors. Competition studies showed that there are at least two AcLDL binding sites on human U937 cells. Glucan phosphate interacts with all sites, and the CM‐glucans and laminarin interact with a subset of sites. Polymer charge has a dramatic effect on the affinity of glucans with macrophage scavenger receptors. However, it is also clear that human monocyte scavenger receptors recognize the basic glucan structure independent of charge.
The relationship between findings on pre-treatment mammograms and local recurrence after breast-conserving therapy for invasive breast cancer.

AIMS This study was planned (a) to determine the correlation between findings on the pre-treatment mammogram and local recurrence after breast-conserving therapy (BCT), and (b) to analyse the relationship between mammographical features, specific pathological characteristics and the need for re-excision. METHOD The size and outline of the lesion, the presence of suspect microcalcifications and signs of multifocality on pre-treatment mammograms of 39 patients with local recurrence after BCT and 126 randomly selected control patients without local recurrence were compared. Tissue slides of the primary tumour were reviewed to confirm the histological type and grade, the aspect of the margins, microscopic margin involvement, presence of vascular invasion and the presence and extent of an intraductal component. RESULTS Among patients </=50 years of age, the proportion with a mammographically occult tumour was 48% of the patients with local recurrence and 26% of the control group (P=0.05). In the age group >/=50 years, 67% of the patients with local recurrence had a non-circumscribed lesion compared to 9% of the control group (P<0.001). Suspect microcalcifications on the mammogram were associated with the finding of an extensive intraductal component, vascular invasion and a higher histological grade by the pathologist. Patients with a non-circumscribed density or a scirrhous lesion needed re-excision more often (30 and 33%, respectively) than those with a well-circumscribed density (9%). CONCLUSIONS Although the number of patients was small, this study indicates that some mammographical features are associated with a higher risk of local recurrence after BCT and the need for re-excision. This was supported by the findings of the pathological review.
Gene expression in the rat brain during prostaglandin D2 and adenosinergically‐induced sleep

Previous studies have supported the hypothesis that macromolecular synthesis occurs in the brain during sleep as a response to prior waking activities and that prostaglandin D2 (PGD2) is an endogenous sleep substance whose effects are dependent on adenosine A2a receptor‐mediated signaling. We compared gene expression in the cerebral cortex, basal forebrain, and hypothalamus during PGD2‐induced and adenosinergically‐induced sleep to results from our previously published study of recovery sleep (RS) after sleep deprivation (SD). Immediate early gene expression in the cortex during sleep induced by PGD2‐ or by the selective adenosine A2a agonist CGS21680 showed limited similarity to that observed during RS while, in the basal forebrain and hypothalamus, widespread activation of immediate early genes not seen during RS occurred. In all three brain regions, PGD2 and CGS21680 reduced the expression of arc, a transcript whose expression is elevated during SD. Using GeneChips®, the majority of genes induced by either PGD2 or CGS21680 were induced by both, suggesting activation of the same pathways. However, gene expression induced in the brain after PGD2 or CGS21680 treatment was distinct from that described during RS after SD and apparently involves glial cell gene activation and signaling pathways in neural‐immune interactions.
Interprofessional attitudes and perceptions: Results from a longitudinal controlled trial of pre-registration health and social care students in Scotland

This study made use of a controlled longitudinal design to assess the impact on pre-registration health and social care students of an interprofessional intervention on the attitudes to and perceptions of interprofessional ideals. Evaluation, over four years, of Nursing, Occupational Therapy, Podiatry, Prosthetics and Orthotics, Physiotherapy and Radiography students was performed using the adapted versions of the Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale (RIPLS) and the Interdisciplinary Education Perception Scale (IEPS). Baseline samples of the control and experimental groups were 260 and 313 respectively. Support for Interprofessional Education (IPE) appears high but possibly idealistically so initially. Restricted Maximum Likelihood (REML) models were used to assess intervention effects as well as any possible profession or time effects. The intervention was found to have had a significant effect on five of the measured sub-scales and the professions were found to react in a significantly different way on four of the sub-scales. The inclusion of a control group has confirmed previous findings from other studies but also highlights the possible effects of the general learning and teaching methodologies employed within various professions as well as the need for research into the influence of the timing, duration, style and content of clinical placement periods.
Model checking of a real ATM switch

In this paper we present our experience on model checking of an Asynchronous Transfer Mode (ATM) switch using the Verification Interacting with Synthesis (VIS) tool. The switch we considered is in use for real applications in the Cambridge Fairisle network. It is composed of four input/output port controllers and a switch fabric, and contains around 1 MB memory, 2 KB FIFO buffer and 800 registers (latches). To overcome state space explosion, we adopted several abstraction and reduction techniques to reduce the model, and applied compositional reasoning combined with a novel property division approach. Using the above techniques, we succeeded in verifying the entire switch at different hierarchy levels within reasonable CPU time.
Performance Evaluation of Automated Impedance and Optical Fluorescence Platelet Counts Compared With International Reference Method in Patients With Thalassemia.

CONTEXT - Spurious platelet counts from automated methods have been reported in patients with abnormal red blood cells. However, there is no specific study regarding performance of platelet counts by automated methods in patients with thalassemia. OBJECTIVE - To investigate the performance of automated platelet counts, including impedance (PLT-I) and optical fluorescent (PLT-O and PLT-F) methods, and compare them with the international reference method (IRM) for platelet counting in patients with thalassemia. DESIGN - Two hundred forty-nine thalassemia specimens from various subtypes were examined. PLT-I, PLT-O, and PLT-F from a Sysmex XN analyzer were evaluated and compared against the IRM. Demographic data, platelet counts, and red blood cell parameters are shown. Comparability between evaluated methods and IRM, as well as test characteristics, is presented. Factors involving inaccurate PLT-I were analyzed. RESULTS - Specimens with platelet counts ranging from 31 × 103/μL to 932 × 103/μL were included. Most patients were patients with thalassemia major. Correlation between PLT-I and IRM was lower than that of the other methods in overall patients. PLT-O and PLT-F were correlated to IRM when classifying patients according to clinically significant platelet ranges. All automated methods had acceptable sensitivities; however, specificity of PLT-I was low for diagnosis of thrombocytopenia. High RDW-CV (red blood cell distribution width-coefficient of variation) was an independent factor of inaccurate PLT-I measurement. CONCLUSIONS - Among the evaluated methods, PLT-I was the method least correlated to IRM, with PLT-O and PLT-F comparable to IRM in patients with thalassemia. Optical platelet counts and careful blood smear examination are recommended alternative platelet counting methods, depending on the clinical setting.
Synthesis of murine leukemia virus plus strong stop DNA initiates at a unique site.

The 5'-terminal segment of plus strong stop DNA has been isolated from an endogenous virion reverse transcription reaction and characterized. The plus strong stop DNA is shown to initiate with the sequence 5'AATGAAAGA. The 5'-terminal nucleotide is a deoxyribonucleotide. No residual protein or RNA moiety was found attached to the plus strong stop DNA. Thus, the mechanism which primes plus strand synthesis is still unclear. No evidence for multiple initiation sites or heterogeneous starts is observed. This data indicates that the initiation of plus strong stop DNA synthesis by the virion RNA-dependent DNA polymerase is a precise event which occurs at a unique site on the retrovirus genome.
B cells are required for the switch from Th1- to Th2-regulated immune responses to Plasmodium chabaudi chabaudi infection

The induction of T-helper cell subsets during the course of blood stage Plasmodium chabaudi chabaudi infection was compared in immunologically intact NIH mice and mice that were depleted of B cells from birth by treatment with anti-mu antibodies. For intact mice, in which the acute primary parasitemia peaked 10 days following infection, purified splenic CD4+ T cells recovered during the ascending parasitemia produced high levels in vitro of interleukin 2 (IL-2) (peak levels on day 10) and gamma interferon (IFN-gamma) (peak levels on day 7). Sera collected from these mice at around this time contained relatively high levels of P. c. chabaudi-specific immunoglobulin 2a (peak levels on day 12), and serum nitric oxide activity was significantly elevated at peak parasitemia. During the descending primary parasitemia, production of IFN-gamma and IL-2 decreased, while levels of IL-4 and IL-10 produced by splenic CD4+ T cells were significantly raised from the time at which subpatency was recorded (day 17) and persisted for at least 50 days. This was concomitant with a significant increase in levels of parasite-specific immunoglobulin G1, which peaked at around the time of recrudescence. Thus, in normal mice, sequential appearance of Th1 and Th2 responses was observed. In contrast, in B-cell-depleted mice, recovery from acute primary parasitemia was followed by a persistent patent infection which did not drop below 0.1% for at least 75 days after initiation of infection. These mice were unable to mount a significant Th2 response, manifest as an enduring inability of splenic CD4+ T cells to produce significant levels of IL-4 and IL-10. IL-2 and IFN-gamma levels remained significantly elevated throughout the 50-day observation period, and there was sustained production of nitric oxide. These data show that immune responses mediated by CD4+ T cells of the Th1 subset are capable of limiting infection beyond the initial acute phase, but that they do not eliminate parasitemia. Furthermore, as the progression from a Th1-regulated to a Th2-regulated immune response fails to occur in B-cell-depleted mice, the data suggest that B cells are required for the downregulation of Th1-mediated and/or the generation of Th2-mediated protective immunity to P. c. chabaudi.
Conceptual Design of a New Sample Holder for the FRESCA Cable Test Station

At present Nb3Sn Rutherford Cables seem to be the most suitable conductors for next generation superconducting accelerator magnets. These magnets will have a peak field in the coils larger than 10 T and the large Lorentz forces will impose coil pre-stresses significantly larger than 100 MPa. Since Nb3Sn is strongly sensitive to strain it is mandatory to characterize the cable under a transverse pressure comparable to the one experienced in future magnets. As a part of its High Field Magnet program, CERN is developing a sample holder for the FRESCA Facility that allows testing 10 mm wide superconducting Rutherford cables under a transverse pressure up to 200 MPa. The sample holder will be able to house cables up to 20 mm wide. In this paper the conceptual design is presented together with the experimental results of the mechanical test performed on a 40 cm long model. The results show that the structure can apply a transverse pressure larger than 200 MPa on 10 mm wide cables with sufficiently high pressure homogeneity.
Peanut agglutinin. II. Characterization of the Thy‐1, Tla and Ig phenotype of peanut agglutinin‐positive cells in adult, embryonic and nude mice using double immunofluorescence

The Thy‐1, Tla and Ig phenotype of peanut agglutinin (PNA)‐binding cells was characterized in various strains of mice. In the thymus, PNA was found to bind principally but not exclusively to the Thy‐1+ Tla+ Ig− steroid‐sensitive cortical thymocytes. Thy‐1+ Tla− Tg− steroid‐resistant cells are not labeled with PNA. In other lymphoid organs, PNA bound to a minority of T or null cells but generally not to B cells.
Cannabinoid composition and gland distribution in clones of Cannabis sativa L. (Cannabaceae).

Glandular trichomes covering the plant surface have been implicated as the source at cannabinoids in Cannabis sativa L (DePasquale, 1974: Malingr6 et al., 1975). Hammond and Mahlberg (1973, 1977), in their scanning electron microscope study of these trichomes, described three gland types: the bulbous gland which possesses a very short stalk and a small head, the capitate-sessile gland which has a . large globular and multi-cellular head, and the capitate-stalked gland which consists of a large multi-cellular head, that terminates a stalk of variable height. Non-glandular trichomes are also present in abundance on the plant epidermis (Ledbetter and Krikorian, 1975). Fairbairn (1972) reported the presence of cannabinoids in both capitate-sessile and capitate-stalked glands and indicated that capitate-stalked glands were the major cannabinoid containing glands. DePasquale (1974), in an ultrastructural-study of the capitate-stalked glands, interpreted the . secretory . Part of the gland to be a combination of the gland head and perhaps · apical stalk cells. Malingr6 et al. (1975) concluded that cannabinoids were present mainly in the epidermal glands and not in the mesophyll cells or non-glandular trichomes, although there was some indication of cannabinoid content in the leaf mid-rib.
Self-nanoemulsifying Drug Delivery Systems of Valsartan: Preparation and In-Vitro Characterization

The main objective this study is to prepare and evaluate the selfnanoemulsifying drug delivery (SNEDDS) system in order to achieve a better dissolution rate of a poorly water soluble drug valsartan. The present research work describes a SNEDDS of valsartan using labrasol, Tween 20 and Polyethylene glycol (PEG) 400. The pseudo-ternary phase diagrams with presence and absence of drug were plotted to check for the emulsification range and also to evaluate the effect of valsartan on the emulsification behavior of the phases. The mixtures consisting of oil (labrasol ) with surfactant (tween20), co-surfactant (PEG 400) were found to be optimum formulations. Prepared formulations were evaluated for its particle size distribution, nanoemulsifying properties, robustness to dilution, self emulsication time, turbidity measurement, drug content and in-vitro dissolution. The optimized formulations are further evaluated for heating cooling cycle, centrifugation studies, freeze thaw cycling, particle size distribution and zeta potential were carried out to confirm the stability of the formed SNEDDS formulations. The prepared formulation has a significant improvement in terms of the drug solubility as compared with marketed tablet and pure drug, thus, this greater dissolution of valsartan from formulations could lead to higher absorption and higher oral bioavailability.
Outcome of vitreoretinal surgery and penetrating keratoplasty using temporary keratoprosthesis.

PURPOSE The use of a temporary keratoprosthesis has allowed earlier surgical intervention in eyes with coexisting vitreoretinal and corneal disease. We analyzed our experience with this type of surgery. METHODS We retrospectively reviewed charts of patients in whom a temporary keratoprosthesis was used between 1987 and 1998. Analysis was focused on ocular history, indications for surgery, visual acuity (VA), intraocular pressure, anatomic results, and complications. RESULTS A temporary keratoprosthesis was used in 31 eyes, 22 (71.0%) of which were for trauma-related indications. In 6 (19.4%) of the operated eyes, the fellow eye also had severely reduced VA. Retinal detachments were present in 30 (96.8%) eyes; most had evident proliferative vitreoretinopathy. Twelve (38.7%) eyes had vitreous hemorrhage, and 20 (64.5%) had corneal scars. Improvement in VA was seen initially in 45.1% of patients, and 51.6% maintained equal or better VA at their final visit as compared with before surgery. The common documented reasons for poor final VA were recurrent retinal detachments deemed inoperable (32.3%), phthisis (22.6%), and optic atrophy or macular scar (16.1%). Corneal grafts remained clear in 41.9%. Nine patients had further surgery. The most significant complication was one case of sympathetic ophthalmia. CONCLUSIONS Combined vitreoretinal and corneal surgery using temporary keratoprostheses has been used in our institution to treat eyes with extreme abnormalities. Outcomes were less favorable than some reported in the literature, probably because of the severity of disease for which temporary keratoprostheses were reserved. Although results are probably better than the natural course of the disease, patients should be informed of realistic expectations for improvement and potential complications when offered this option.
Neuroligin 1 Induces Blood Vessel Maturation by Cooperating with the α6 Integrin*

Background: Disregulated adhesion of endothelial cells to extracellular matrix proteins is associated with numerous human diseases. Results: Neuroligin 1 modulates the interaction between α6 integrin and laminin and induces the formation of a normal extracellular matrix. Conclusion: Neuroligin 1 modulates vessel maturation and cell adhesion. Significance: We first report that Neuroligin 1, originally a synaptic protein, modulates extracellular matrix functions in the vascular system. The synaptic protein Neuroligin 1 (NLGN1), a cell adhesion molecule, is critical for the formation and consolidation of synaptic connectivity and is involved in vascular development. The mechanism through which NLGN1 acts, especially in vascular cells, is unknown. Here, we aimed at deepening our knowledge on the cellular activities and molecular pathways exploited by endothelial NLGN1 both in vitro and in vivo. We analyzed the phenotypic consequences of NLGN1 expression modulation in endothelial cells through in vitro angiogenesis assays and the mouse postnatal retinal angiogenesis model. We demonstrate that NLGN1, whereas not affecting endothelial cell proliferation or migration, modulates cell adhesion to the vessel stabilizing protein laminin through cooperation with the α6 integrin, a specific laminin receptor. Finally, we show that in vivo, NLGN1 and α6 integrin preferentially colocalize in the mature retinal vessels, whereas NLGN1 deletion causes an aberrant VE-cadherin, laminin and α6 integrin distribution in vessels, along with significant structural defects in the vascular tree.
Modulation of endothelium-dependent flow-mediated dilatation of the brachial artery by sex and menstrual cycle.

BACKGROUND Estrogen has been reported to augment endothelium-dependent vasodilatation. The role of endogenous ovarian hormones in modulating endothelium-dependent vasodilatation, however, remains to be determined. The purpose of the present study was to investigate the effects of sex and menstrual cycle on endothelium-dependent flow-mediated vasodilatation. METHODS AND RESULTS Seventeen female volunteers 25.1 +/- 0.8 years old and 17 age-matched male volunteers were examined. We measured brachial artery diameters noninvasively using a 7.5-MHz ultrasound machine at rest, during reactive hyperemia, and after sublingual nitroglycerin administration. All female subjects were studied three times each, in three different phases of one menstrual cycle (M, menstrual phase; F, follicular phase; and L, luteal phase). Flow-mediated diameter (D) increase (%FMD; delta D/D x 100) in M, when serum estradiol level was low (121.9 +/- 12.5 pmol/L), was 11.22 +/- 0.58%, and the value was comparable to that in male subjects (10.60 +/- 0.75%). %FMD increased in F (18.20 +/- 0.81%, P < .01 versus M) and L (17.53 +/- 0.74%, P < .01 versus M), when serum estradiol level was high (F, 632.0 +/- 74.5 and L, 533.8 +/- 33.4 pmol/L, P < .01 versus M). Endothelium-independent vasodilatation by nitroglycerin increased in both F and L. However, the increment was smaller than that of %FMD. CONCLUSIONS Endothelium-dependent vasodilatation varies during the menstrual cycle. The endogenous estradiol may be involved in this menstrual cycle-related vasodilatation.