Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
In vivo activation of peripheral blood polymorphonuclear neutrophils by gamma interferon results in enhanced fungal killing

The effect of in vivo administration of murine recombinant gamma interferon (IFN) on the fungicidal activity of murine peripheral blood polymorphonuclear neutrophils (PB-PMNs) was studied. Mice were injected intramuscularly with 250, 2,500, 25,000 or 250,000 U of IFN 5 h before collection of peripheral blood. Purified PB-PMNs were cocultured in vitro with Blastomyces dermatitidis yeast cells for 2 h. PB-PMNs from untreated mice killed 44.5 +/- 12.5% of the fungal inoculum, whereas PB-PMNs from mice treated with 25,000 or 250,000 U of IFN showed significantly enhanced in vitro killing (68.0 +/- 9.4% [P less than 0.005] and 72.3 +/- 1.1% [P less than 0.001], respectively). Treatment with 250 or 2,500 U of IFN or 25,000 U of heated (100 degrees C, 15 min) IFN had no effect. The IFN-induced activation of PB-PMNs was transitory. Significant enhancement of PB-PMN killing activity occurred 1, 2, or 5 h after in vivo IFN administration, but no enhancement was observed 16 or 24 h after IFN treatment. Enhanced fungicidal activity by PB-PMNs from mice treated for 5 h with 25,000 U of IFN correlated with an increased release of superoxide anion (O2-) in vitro after stimulation of PB-PMNs with phorbol ester; normal PB-PMNs and IFN-activated PB-PMNs, respectively, produced 2.2 +/- 2.5 and 23.5 +/- 4.8 nmol of O2- per 10(6) PB-PMNs per 30 min (P less than 0.005). The exogenous addition of compounds that antagonize or inhibit the formation of oxygen radicals (superoxide dismutase, catalase, dimethyl sulfoxide, or sodium azide) significantly inhibited fungal killing by both normal and IFN-activated PB-PMNs. In addition to the enhanced microbicidal activity and superoxide generation demonstrated in vitro with constant cell numbers, there was a transient leukocytosis (particularly neutrophilia) in peripheral blood at doses of IFN and at times after IFN administration where enhanced activity was also demonstrated. In summary, our results indicate that PB-PMNs can be activated in vivo for enhanced killing of a fungal target. The enhanced killing capacity of IFN-activated PB-PMNs is due at least in part to the enhancement of oxidative killing mechanisms.
An Analysis of Panel Data: The Impact of a Psychiatric Consultation Letter on the Expenditures and Outcomes of Care for Patients With Somatization Disorder

In this study, the cost and health outcomes of a psychiatric consultation letter to primary care physicians caring for a sample of patients diagnosed with somatization disorder, a psychiatric condition associated with multiple, unexplained medical complaints, was assessed. To accommodate the small sample size of 73 patients, outcome effects were calculated using panel analysis. Study patients were randomized to a consultation or noconsultation group, and were repeatedly assessed at equal time intervals. Data were analyzed using parsimonious regression models derived from economic theory. During the 1-year follow-up period, a psychiatric consultation letter was associated with a 12% reduction in health care costs ($455 per patient within first year), with no evidence of deterioration in physical, mental, or general health. Less powerful t-test comparisons between treated and control groups lead to different conclusions. Reasons for these differences are discussed.
Histological studies of pedicle skin formation and its transformation to antler velvet in red deer (Cervus elaphus)

Deer antlers and their antecedent pedicles are made up of two components, interior osseocartilage and exterior integument. In a previous study, we described that histogenesis of the interior osseocartilage proceeds through four ossification stages. These are intramembranous (IMO), transition (OPC), pedicle endochondral (pECO), and antler endochondral (aECO). In the present study, we used histological techniques to examine pedicle skin formation and its transformation to antler velvet. The results showed that pedicle skin initiated from the apex of a frontal lateral crest and was formed through three distinctive stages. These stages are 1) compression of the subcutaneous loose connective tissue at the OPC stage, 2) stretching of the undulated epidermis at the early pECO stage, and 3) neogenesis of the skin and its associated appendages at the mid pECO stage. Transformation into antler velvet, which occurs at the late pECO stage, is mainly associated with alteration in the skin appendages. This alteration includes the loss of arrector pili muscle and sweat glands, and the gain of the large bi‐ or multi‐lobed sebaceous glands. These results suggest that pedicle skin expansion occurs to release the mechanical tension created by underlying forming antlerogenic tissue, initially in response to it by mechanical stretch, and then by neogenesis of skin. In turn, the stretched pedicle skin may exert mechanical pressure on the underlying antlerogenic tissue causing it to change in ossification type. Antler velvet generation may be accomplished by both mechanical stimulation and chemical induction from the underlying pECO stage antlerogenic tissue. If this hypothesis is correct it is likely that mechanical stimulation would drive skin formation and chemical induction then determine skin type. Furthermore, asynchronous transformation of the interior and exterior components during pedicle formation and antler generation may result from the delayed chemical induction and the way antler velvet initially generates. The results from both mitotic cell labelling of the basal layer and ultrastructure of the basement membrane of the apical skin in the study support these hypotheses. Anat Rec 260:62–71, 2000. © 2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
OUTCOMES OF POSTERIOR SAGITTAL ANORECTOPLASTY FOR HIGH ANORECTAL MALFORMATION IN BENIN CITY, NIGERIA.

BACKGROUND Surgical treatment for high anorectal malformations has evolved over the years with introduction of posterior sagittal anorectoplasty in the early 80s. Posterior sagittal anorectoplasty is being perfomed in many centres which necessitates a review of its outcomes in Benin City, Nigeria. AIM To report a 10-year outcome and experience gained with posterior saggital anorectoplasty for children diagnosed with high anorectal malformation. METHODS A retrospective analyses of the records of all children with high anorectal malformation and managed with posterior sagittal anorectoplasty between April 2006 and March 2016 at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital. RESULTS A total of 96 children were managed for anorectal malformation during the period. High anorectal malformation accounted for 33 (34.4%) cases, the intermediate 15 (15.6%) and the low types were 48 (50%). The 33 radiologically confirmed high type were19 males and 14 females with a male/female ratio of 1.3: 1. They were aged between 2 days and 4 years with a mean of 6.8 ± 3 months. A child each had additional prune belly syndrome, multiple limbs anomalies and unilateral undescended testis. Recto-bladder neck/recto-prostatic and recto-vaginal fistulae were recorded in 31 (94%) children. Five (15%) clinically stable neonates had primary posterior sagittal anorectoplasty without colostomy which was well tolerated. The majority, 28 (85%), had conventional posterior sagittal anorectoplasty that involves initial colostomy. Minor postoperative morbidities recorded in 10 (30.3%) children included superficial wound infection in 3 (9%), anal stenosis in 3 (9%) and fecal incontinence in 2 (6%) children which resolved on conservative treatment while 2 (6%) with rectal mucosal prolapse required refashioning. The functional clinical anal outcomes of posterior sagittal anorectoplasty recorded showed that the majority 18 (54.5%) of children were continent while 4 (12.1%) had voluntary bowel controls corresponding with their ages. Anal stenosis in the 3 and incontinence in the 2 children were the common anal dysfunctions recorded. The child with prune belly syndrome had breakdown of colostomy closure which resulted in the one (3%) death recorded. CONCLUSION Anorectal malformation was common in this setting during this study with a large proportion of the children diagnosed with the high type and were managed with good outcome using posterior sagittal anorectoplasty.
Blood pressure variability is increased in genetic hypertension and L-NAME -induced hypertension.

AIM To examine whether the blood pressure variability (BPV) is increased in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR) and L-NAME-induced hypertensive rats (NHR). METHODS BPV was recorded with continuous hemodynamic monitoring in conscious un restrained rats. Time course of L-NAME-induced hypertension was measured by the tail-cuff method. Plasma NO concentration was determined by the method of nitric acid reductase. RESULTS In both SHR and NHR, systolic and diastolic BPV were significantly increased when compared with their respective controls. In S HR, in crease in diastolic BPV was predominant, whereas in NHR, increase in systolic BP V was predominant. Moreover, increase in systolic BPV in NHR (102 %) was obviously higher than that in SHR (28 %). Chronic administration of L-NAME 1 g/L in drink ing water caused a progressive increase in arterial blood pressure in rats. All rats were hypertensive at 4 weeks after treatment. Plasma NO level was decreased in NHR. CONCLUSION Increased BPV is a general phenomenon in hypertension. NO is involved in the regulation of BPV.
Granular corneal dystrophy Groenouw type I

Abstract. A case of severe granular corneal dystrophy is described. The patient, who is most probably homozygous for the dominantly inherited dystrophy gene, is the product of a first cousin marriage with both parents mildly affected by the same dystrophy. The case report describes an early onset and a severe course with two grafts in each eye before the age of 17. Pictures of the clinical appearance, histology and transmission electron‐microscopy are shown.
Rule-based control of a mobile robot for the push-a-box operation

To make a mobile robot do some meaningful job was the motivation to start the research work described. The authors define the problem and derived the equations of motion for a robot and a pushed box. The authors take the rule-based control scheme as a fundamental tool for control. The authors have analyzed the equations of motion and found that the situation is similar to the problem of an inverted pendulum popular in the usual automatic control theory. In normal situations the stability is more urgent than to follow a trajectory. By this observation the authors have introduced a hierarchical structure in rules. That is, the rules to maintain the angle between the robot and its box small is applied first. Other rules are considered only when the angle is sufficiently small. The authors adopt crisp rules, which means that they divide a given variable into intervals, and in each interval they have different set of rules. The total number of rules used in the experiments is 120. <<ETX>>
Halothane and Isoflurane Only Slightly Impair Arterial Oxygenation during One‐lung Ventilation in Patients Undergoing Thoracotomy

Controversy exists as to whether the halogenated inhalation (IH) anesthetics impair arterial oxygenation during one-lung ventilation (1-LV). Accordingly, the authors have answered this question in 12 consenting patients who required 1-LV to facilitate the performance of thoracic surgery, by comparing arterial oxygenation during a prolonged period of IH anesthesia with arterial oxygenation during a prolonged period of intravenous (IV) anesthesia during stable 1-LV conditions. The patients were equally divided into halothane and isoflurane groups. Each patient in each III anesthetic group underwent the following experimental sequence: step 1, two-lung ventilation (2-LV), 1 MAC IH anesthesia; step 2, 1-LV, 1 MAC IH anesthesia; step, 3, 1-LV, iv anesthesia; step 4, 2-LV, iv anesthesia. Stable 1-LV conditions were proven by serial arterial blood gas measurement. Conversion from 2-LV to 1-LV during III anesthesia (step 1 to step 2) caused a very large and significant decrease in Pao1 (from 484 ± 49 to 116 ± 61, and from 442 ± 58 to 232 ± 97 mm Hg in the halothane and isoflurane groups, respectively) and increase in shunt (from 14 ± 4 to 44 ± 9, and from 19 ± 5 to 31 ± 8% in the halothane and isoflurane groups, respectively). Conversion from 1 MAC halothane anesthesia to iv anesthesia during 1-LV caused a slight but significant decrease in shunt (2 ± 2% of the cardiac output) and increase in Pao1 (39 ± 29 mmHg), whereas conversion from 1 MAC isoflurane anesthesia to iv anesthesia caused a very slight and nonsignificant decrease in shunt (2 ± 2% of the cardiac output) and increase in Pao1 (13 ± 19 mmHg). Return to 2-LV (step 3 to step 4) cansed a large and significant increase in Pao1 (from 155 ± 84 to 411 ± 101 mmHg, and from 245 ± 97 to 431 ± 104 mmHg in the halothane and isoflurane groups, respectively) and a large decrease in shunt (from 37 ± 9 to 20 ± 8, and from 36 ± 5 to 20 ± 7% in the halothane and isoflurane groups, respectively). The authors calculated that the atelectatic lung had hypoxic pulmonary vasoconstriction (HPV) and that the slight increase in shunt and decrease in Pao1 caused by changing from IH to iv anesthesia was consistent with the finding in animal studies that 1 MAC IH anesthesia causes a 20% inhibition of HPV. In view of the usual efficacy of nondependent lung CPAP1 the authors conclude that IH anesthetic drugs are safe to use in patients undergoing 1-LV.
Parametric Packet-Layer Model for Evaluation Audio Quality in Multimedia Streaming Services

We propose a parametric packet-layer model for monitoring audio quality in multimedia streaming services such as Internet protocol television (IPTV). This model estimates audio quality of experience (QoE) on the basis of quality degradation due to coding and packet loss of an audio sequence. The input parameters of this model are audio bit rate, sampling rate, frame length, packet-loss frequency, and average burst length. Audio bit rate, packet-loss frequency, and average burst length are calculated from header information in received IP packets. For sampling rate, frame length, and audio codec type, the values or the names used in monitored services are input into this model directly. We performed a subjective listening test to examine the relationships between these input parameters and perceived audio quality. The codec used in this test was the Advanced Audio Codec-Low Complexity (AAC-LC), which is one of the international standards for audio coding. On the basis of the test results, we developed an audio quality evaluation model. The verification results indicate that audio quality estimated by the proposed model has a high correlation with perceived audio quality.
Smoking behaviors among patients receiving computed tomography for lung cancer screening. Systematic review in support of the U.S. preventive services task force.

RATIONALE Lung cancer screening using low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) is now widely recommended for adults who are current or former heavy smokers. It is important to evaluate the impact of screening on smoking abstinence rates. OBJECTIVE Among current and former smokers eligible for lung cancer screening, we sought to determine the consequence of screening with LDCT, as well as subsequent results, on smoking cessation and relapse rates. EVIDENCE REVIEW We searched the Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials and Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews (through the fourth quarter, 2012), MEDLINE (2000 to May 31, 2013), reference lists of papers, and Scopus for relevant English-language studies and systematic reviews. To evaluate the effect of LDCT screening on smoking abstinence, we included only randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving asymptomatic adults. To evaluate the association of particular results and/or recommendations from a screening CT with smoking behaviors, we included results from RCTs as well as cohort studies. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS A total of 8,215 abstracts were reviewed. Three publications from two European RCTs and five publications from three cohort studies conducted in the United States met inclusion criteria. The process of LDCT lung cancer screening did not influence smoking behaviors. LDCT recipients with results concerning for lung cancer had higher abstinence rates than those with scans without such findings. This association may have a dose-response relationship in terms of the number of abnormal CT scans as well as the seriousness of the finding. CONCLUSIONS Limited evidence suggests LDCT lung cancer screening itself does not influence smoking behaviors, but positive results are associated with increased abstinence. As lung cancer screening is implemented in the general population, it is very important to evaluate its association with smoking behaviors to maximize its potential as a teachable moment to encourage long-term abstinence. Clinicians should consider tailoring LDCT result communication to emphasize the importance of smoking abstinence.
How Oxymonads Lost Their Groove: An Ultrastructural Comparison of Monocercomonoides and Excavate Taxa

Abstract Despite being amongst the more familiar groups of heterotrophic flagellates, the evolutionary affinities of oxymonads remain poorly understood. A re-interpretation of the cytoskeleton of the oxymonad Monocercomonoides hausmanni suggests that this organism has a similar ultrastructural organisation to members of the informal assemblage ‘excavate taxa’. The preaxostyle, ‘R1’ root, and ‘R2’ root of M. hausmanni are proposed to be homologous to the right, left, and anterior roots respectively of excavate taxa. The ‘paracrystalline’ portion of the preaxostyle, previously treated as unique to oxymonads, is proposed to be homologous to the I fibre of excavate taxa. Other non-microtubular fibres are identified that have both positional and substructural similarity to the distinctive B and C fibres of excavate taxa. A homologue to the ‘singlet root’, otherwise distinctive for excavate taxa, is also proposed. The preaxostyle and C fibre homologue in Monocercomonoides are most similar to the homologous structures in Trimastix, suggesting a particularly close relationship. This supports and extends recent molecular phylogenetic findings that Trimastix and oxymonads form a clade. We conclude that oxymonads have an excavate ancestry, and that the ‘excavate taxa’ sensu stricto form a paraphyletic assemblage.
Policy Options in a Liquidity Trap

The specter of a “liquidity trap,” originally proposed as a theoretical possibility by John Maynard Keynes (1936) but long considered to be of doubtful practical relevance, has recently created alarm among the world’s central banks. In Japan, the overnight rate has been essentially at zero for most of the time since February 1999, making further interest-rate cuts impossible. Yet until well into 2003, growth remained anemic while prices continued to fall, suggesting a need for further monetary stimulus. Since March 2001, the Bank of Japan has supplemented its “zero-interest-rate policy” with a policy of “quantitative easing,” under which additional bank reserves are supplied beyond those needed to keep overnight interest rates at zero. Yet an increase in base money of more than 50 percent failed to halt the deflation, suggesting a liquidity trap. More recently, other central banks, including the Fed, have come close enough to the zero bound to worry about how they would deal with a similar predicament. Here we first discuss whether monetary policy should actually become ineffective when the zero bound on interest rates is reached. We argue that open-market operations, even of “unconventional” types, will be ineffective if they do not change expectations about the future conduct of policy; in this sense, a liquidity trap is possible. Nonetheless, a credible commitment regarding future policy can largely mitigate the distortions created by the zero bound. We fully characterize the optimal commitment in a simple example.
Testosterone concentration in spermatic vein plasma of the developing ram.

the development, and androgen secretion of the ram testis was An estimate of the spermatogenic activity of seminiferous tubules, determined histologically, served as an in- dex of maturity. By 90 days of age spermatogenic activity of the testis was usually under- way and, judging by the presence of spermatozoa, fertility could be attained by 120-150 days of age. Analyses of testicular androgen secretion by gas-liquid chromatography re- vealed that testosterone is the dominant unconjugated testicular steroid in the circulation during sexual maturation of the ram lamb. The greater secretion of testosterone in the case of the mature ram was reflected in the significant correlation observed to hold between the testosterone secretion rate and the age of the ram.
A phase I-II study of weekly oxaliplatin, 5-fluorouracil continuous infusion and preoperative radiotherapy in locally advanced rectal cancer.

BACKGROUND Oxaliplatin (OXA) significantly enhanced the antitumour activity of 5-fluorouracil (FUra) in patients with advanced colorectal cancer and displayed radiosensitising properties in preclinical studies. This study was thus performed to test the feasibility, identify the recommended doses (RDs) and explore preliminarily the clinical activity of weekly OXA and infused FUra combined with preoperative pelvic radiotherapy. PATIENTS AND METHODS Forty-six patients with recurrent or locally advanced (cT3-4 and/or N+) adenocarcinomas of the mid-low rectum were treated with escalating doses of OXA (25, 35, 45, 60 mg/m2, weekly for 6 weeks) and FUra (200-225 mg/m2/day, 6-week infusion) concurrent to preoperative pelvic radiotherapy (50.4 Gy/28 fractions). The RDs for the phase II part of the study were immediately below the level resulting in dose-limiting toxicities in more than one third of the patients, or corresponded to the last planned dose level. RESULTS In the escalation phase, dose-limiting toxicities only occurred in one patient at the fourth level and one of six patients treated at the last planned dose level (grade III diarrhoea). OXA 60 mg/m2 and FUra 225 mg/m2/day are therefore the RDs for the regimen. Among 25 patients globally treated at these doses (phase II part), the incidence of grade III diarrhoea was 16% with no grade IV toxicity. Neurotoxicity did not exceed grade II (12%). All patients completed radiotherapy and were operated on as scheduled. Twenty-one of 25 patients had the tumour down-staged after chemoradiation with seven (28%) pathological complete responses and 12 (48%) residual tumours limited to ypT1-2N0. CONCLUSIONS Weekly OXA, at doses potentially active systemically, can be combined with full-dose, infused FUra and radiotherapy. Given the low toxicity and promising activity, this regimen is being compared to standard FUra-based pelvic chemoradiation in a randomised study.