Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Food , drug , insect sting allergy , and anaphylaxis Maternal peanut exposure during pregnancy and lactation reduces peanut allergy risk in offspring

Background: Maternal allergy is believed to be a risk factor for peanut allergy (PNA) in children. However, there is no direct evidence of maternal transmission of PNA susceptibility, and it is unknown whether maternal peanut exposure affects the development of PNA in offspring. Objective: To investigate the influence of maternal PNA on offspring reactions to the first peanut exposure, and whether maternal low-dose peanut exposure during pregnancy and lactation influences these reactions and peanut sensitization in a murine model. Methods: Five-week-old offspring of PNA C3H/HeJ mothers (PNA-Ms) were challenged intragastrically with peanut (first exposure), and reactions were determined. In a subset of the experiment, PNA-Ms were fed a low dose of peanut (PNA-M/ PN) or not fed peanut (PNA-M/none) during pregnancy and lactation. Their 5-week-old offspring were challenged intragastrically with peanut, and reactions were determined. In another subset of the experiment, offspring of PNA-M/PN or PNA-M/none were sensitized with peanut intragastrically for 6 weeks, and serum peanut-specific antibodies were determined. Results: PNA-M offspring exhibited anaphylactic reactions at first exposure to peanut that were associated with peanutspecific IgG1 levels and prevented by a platelet activation factor antagonist. In a subset experiment, PNA-M/PN offspring showed significantly reduced first-exposure peanut reactions, increased IgG2a, and reduced mitogen-stimulated splenocyte cytokine production compared with PNA-M/none offspring. In an additional experiment, PNA-M/PN offspring showed reduction of peanut-specific IgE to active peanut sensitization. Conclusion: We show for the first time maternal transmission of susceptibility to first-exposure peanut reactions and active peanut sensitization. Low-dose peanut exposure during pregnancy and lactation reduced this risk. (J Allergy Clin Immunol 2009;124:1039-46.)
Beyond Behavioral Inhibition: A Computer Avatar Task Designed to Assess Behavioral Inhibition Extends to Harm Avoidance

Personality factors such as behavioral inhibition (BI), a temperamental tendency for avoidance in the face of unfamiliar situations, have been identified as risk factors for anxiety disorders. Personality factors are generally identified through self-report inventories. However, this tendency to avoid may affect the accuracy of these self-report inventories. Previously, a computer based task was developed in which the participant guides an on-screen “avatar” through a series of onscreen events; performance on the task could accurately predict participants’ BI, measured by a standard paper and pencil questionnaire (Adult Measure of Behavioral Inhibition, or AMBI). Here, we sought to replicate this finding as well as compare performance on the avatar task to another measure related to BI, the harm avoidance (HA) scale of the Tridimensional Personality Questionnaire (TPQ). The TPQ includes HA scales as well as scales assessing reward dependence (RD), novelty seeking (NS) and persistence. One hundred and one undergraduates voluntarily completed the avatar task and the paper and pencil inventories in a counter-balanced order. Scores on the avatar task were strongly correlated with BI assessed via the AMBI questionnaire, which replicates prior findings. Females exhibited higher HA scores than males, but did not differ on scores on the avatar task. There was a strong positive relationship between scores on the avatar task and HA scores. One aspect of HA, fear of uncertainty was found to moderately mediate the relationship between AMBI scores and avatar scores. NS had a strong negative relationship with scores on the avatar task, but there was no significant relationship between RD and scores on the avatar task. These findings indicate the effectiveness of the avatar task as a behavioral alternative to self-report measures to assess avoidance. In addition, the use of computer based behavioral tasks are a viable alternative to paper and pencil self-report inventories, particularly when assessing anxiety and avoidance.
Fracture of the patella after TPLO in 6 dogs.

OBJECTIVE To describe the clinical findings of dogs that sustained patellar fractures after tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO). STUDY DESIGN Retrospective case series. ANIMALS Dogs with patellar fractures that occurred after TPLO surgery (n = 6). METHODS Medical records (November 1, 2008-October 31, 2010) were reviewed to identify dogs with patellar fracture occurring after TPLO. RESULTS Six of 305 (2%) dogs had a patellar fracture after TPLO; 5 dogs were clinically lame when the fracture was diagnosed and all had radiographic evidence of patellar tendon thickening. All dogs were treated nonsurgically. In 2 dogs where follow-up radiographs were available there was no evidence of fracture union. No dog had a persistent lameness. CONCLUSION Fracture of the patella is an uncommon complication of TPLO surgery. Nonsurgical management can provide a satisfactory functional outcome.
Development and Validation of a HPTLC Method for Simultaneous Estimation of L-Glutamic Acid and γ-Aminobutyric Acid in Mice Brain

A new robust, simple and economic high performance thin layer chromatographic method was developed for simultaneous estimation of L-glutamic acid and γ-amino butyric acid in brain homogenate. The high performance thin layer chromatographic separation of these amino acid was achieved using n-butanol:glacial acetic acid:water (22:3:5 v/v/v) as mobile phase and ninhydrin as a derivatising agent. Quantitation of the method was achieved by densitometric method at 550 nm over the concentration range of 10-100 ng/spot. This method showed good separation of amino acids in the brain homogenate with Rf value of L-glutamic acid and γ-amino butyric acid as 21.67±0.58 and 33.67±0.58, respectively. The limit of detection and limit of quantification for L-glutamic acid was found to be 10 and 20 ng and for γ-amino butyric acid it was 4 and 10 ng, respectively. The method was also validated in terms of accuracy, precision and repeatability. The developed method was found to be precise and accurate with good reproducibility and shows promising applicability for studying pathological status of disease and therapeutic significance of drug treatment.
The Economics of Extortion: Theory and Evidence on the Sicilian Mafia

This paper studies extortion of firms operating in legal sectors by a profit-maximizing criminal organization. We develop a simple principal-agent model under asymmetric information to find the Mafia-optimal extortion as a function of firms' observable characteristics, namely size and sector. We test the predictions of the model on a unique dataset on extortion in Sicily, the Italian region where the most powerful criminal organization, the Mafia, operates. In line with our theoretical model, our empirical findings show that extortion is strongly concave in firm's size and highly regressive. The percentage of profits appropriated by Mafia ranges from 40% for small firms to 2% for large firms. We derive some implications of these findings on market structure and economic development.
L'allocation personnalisée d'autonomie au 31 décembre 2006

Au 31 decembre 2006, 1 008 000 personnes beneficiaient de l'allocation personnalisee d'autonomie (APA), soit une augmentation de 1,9 % par rapport a la fin septembre 2006 et de 6,3 % sur un an.
The formalisation of authorisation systems

Attention is drawn to the fact that copyright of this thesis rests with its author. This copy of the thesis has been supplied on the condition that anyone who consults it is understood to recognise that its copyright rests with its author and that no quotation from the thesis and no information derived from it may be published without the prior written consent of the author. This thesis may be made available for consultation within the University Library and may be photocopied or lent to other libraries for the purposes of consultation.
Interleukin‐10‐induced CD8 cell proliferation

Interleukin (IL)‐10, a product of T helper 2 (Th2) lymphocytes, has been shown to be an important regulator of lymphoid and myeloid cells, inhibiting mitogen, peptide and alloantigen‐induced T‐cell proliferation and IL‐2 production. The microenvironment at the time of cell activation, notably the presence or absence of cytokines such as IL‐10, interferon‐γ (IFN‐γ) and IL‐2, is believed to determine the lineage and magnitude of cell‐mediated responses. In this study, we show that recombinant human IL‐10 (rhIL‐10) exerts a dose‐dependent inhibitory effect on human peripheral blood mononuclear cells stimulated in vitro, when these cells have not previously been exposed to rhIL‐10. Furthermore, incubation of these cells with high doses of rhIL‐10, either before or at the time of activation, results in inhibition which is followed several days later by the emergence of a population of CD8 positive cells. This rhIL‐10‐responsive CD8, positive cell population still emerges even when the cells are washed following incubation with rhIL‐10 prior to cell activation. Using purified CD8 populations this was shown to be a direct action of rhIL‐10 on CD8 cells and not via CD4 positive cells and monocytes. This finding was only observed when cells were activated with a cross‐linking anti‐CD3 antibody and not when activated with phorbol‐12‐mystrate‐13‐acetate (PMA) and calcium ionophore (CaIon), suggesting that the effect is mediated through cell‐surface receptors. Analysis of CD8 positive clones reveal production of Tc2 patterns of cytokines and reduced cell cytotoxicity to allogeneic, natural killer and lymphokine activated cell targets.
Eddy current losses in PM canned motors

Different approaches for the determination of eddy current losses in PM canned motors are presented. After a general description of the problem, an analytical model will be derived, which will be compared to numerical FEM calculations. In addition, the influence of the most important design parameters of the can will be discussed. Finally, the results of the calculations will be proved by measurements on a functional model.
Diabetes and Mexicans: Why the Two Are Linked

Obesity and diabetes were probably rare before the advent of agriculture. Our ancestors, hunters and gatherers for millennia, had varied but unpredictable diets. Studies of hunter-gatherers of the 20th century suggest that animal sources dominated our ancient food basket, with plants (fruits, vegetables, and nuts) providing only 20% to 40% of total energy (1). Modern and presumably ancient hunter-gatherer populations, despite a high-fat, high-protein diet, were free of the signs and symptoms of noncommunicable diseases — a paradox. Perhaps energy needs were not always met, thus keeping body sizes in check; also, the relative lack of salt and simple carbohydrates, a mix of saturated and good fats, plenty of fiber, abundant micronutrients, a vigorous and active life, and less stress than we now endure may explain this finding. With the food supply uncertain, one would expect individuals with “thrifty” genotypes — genotypes that increase the ability to turn food to fat — to have a survival edge.
Combined Scanning Transmission Electron Microscopy Tilt- and Focal Series

Abstract In this study, a combined tilt- and focal series is proposed as a new recording scheme for high-angle annular dark-field scanning transmission electron microscopy (STEM) tomography. Three-dimensional (3D) data were acquired by mechanically tilting the specimen, and recording a through-focal series at each tilt direction. The sample was a whole-mount macrophage cell with embedded gold nanoparticles. The tilt–focal algebraic reconstruction technique (TF-ART) is introduced as a new algorithm to reconstruct tomograms from such combined tilt- and focal series. The feasibility of TF-ART was demonstrated by 3D reconstruction of the experimental 3D data. The results were compared with a conventional STEM tilt series of a similar sample. The combined tilt- and focal series led to smaller “missing wedge” artifacts, and a higher axial resolution than obtained for the STEM tilt series, thus improving on one of the main issues of tilt series-based electron tomography.
The role of chromosome 21 in hematology and oncology

Newborns and children with Down syndrome (DS) often present with congenital transient leukemia and have an increased risk of acute myeloid leukemia and acute lymphoblastic leukemia. Thus, constitutional trisomy 21 represents an excellent model to study the origin and progression of leukemia. However, trisomy 21 can also occur as a somatic chromosome aberration leading to sporadic leukemia. During the 50 years, since the discovery of constitutional trisomy 21 in DS, we have also learned that this small chromosome 21, harboring about 300 genes, may be involved in numerous structural aberrations, e.g., translocations, deletions, and amplifications, in leukemias, lymphomas, and solid tumors. Moreover, genes located on chromosome 21 have been identified that play an important role in tumorigenesis. Somatic mutations of several of these genes have been shown to be associated with different solid tumors, but also constitutional mutations of a specific gene on chromosome 21 leading to myelodysplastic syndromes and acute myeloid leukemia have been described. In this review, the specific forms of myeloid leukemia as well as of acute lymphoblastic leukemia in children with DS will be presented and possible explanations for the paucity of solid tumors in DS will be given. Somatic numerical as well as structural chromosome 21 aberrations in association with leukemias will be described. Finally, the nature and function of specific genes, like RUNX1, TMPRSS2, and TFF, located in 21q, and their role in tumorigenesis will be exemplified. © 2010 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Distributive Politics and Electoral Incentives: Evidence from Seven US State Legislatures

We study the effect of electoral incentives on the allocation of public services across legislative districts. We develop a model in which elections encourage individual legislators to cater to parochial interests and thus aggravate the common pool problem. Using unique data from seven US states, we study how the amount of funding that a legislator channels to his district changes when he faces a term limit. We find that legislators bring less state funds to their district when they cannot run for re-election. Consistent with the Law of 1/N, this tendency is less pronounced in states with many legislative districts.
Absence of DICER in Monocytes and Its Regulation by HIV-1*

MicroRNAs (miRNAs) are a class of small RNA molecules that function to control gene expression and restrict viral replication in host cells. The production of miRNAs is believed to be dependent upon the DICER enzyme. Available evidence suggests that in T lymphocytes, HIV-1 can both suppress and co-opt the host's miRNA pathway for its own benefit. In this study, we examined the state of miRNA production in monocytes and macrophages as well as the consequences of viral infection upon the production of miRNA. Monocytes in general express low amounts of miRNA-related proteins, and DICER in particular could not be detected until after monocytes were differentiated into macrophages. In the case where HIV-1 was present prior to differentiation, the expression of DICER was suppressed. MicroRNA chip results for RNA isolated from transfected and treated cells indicated that a drop in miRNA production coincided with DICER protein suppression in macrophages. We found that the expression of DICER in monocytes is restricted by miR-106a, but HIV-1 suppressed DICER expression via the viral gene Vpr. Additionally, analysis of miRNA expression in monocytes and macrophages revealed evidence that some miRNAs can be processed by both DICER and PIWIL4. Results presented here have implications for both the pathology of viral infections in macrophages and the biogenesis of miRNAs. First, HIV-1 suppresses the expression and function of DICER in macrophages via a previously unknown mechanism. Second, the presence of miRNAs in monocytes lacking DICER indicates that some miRNAs can be generated by proteins other than DICER.
Fertility preservation in male patients subjected to chemotherapy; innovative approaches for further progress

About 4% of male patients with cancer are under the age of 35 years. With the current increase in efficacy and safety of therapies, a growing number of young adults can achieve long-term survival. In male patients receiving systemic chemotherapy and or bone marrow transplantation, a permanent loss of fertility is a common adverse effect. The only possibility to preserve the patient’s fertility is to spare the gametes or gamete-forming cells from the chemotherapeutic effect. In adults, this can be achieved by the cryopreservation of spermatozoa with the subsequent application of assisted reproductive technology. Sperm cryopreservation is currently performed using slow-rate cryopreservation as a standard method, in which sperm cells are incubated with a cryoprotective medium and slowly subjected to hypothermia in liquid nitrogen (LN) vapor before they are placed in LN. Another technique called vitrification relies on the direct placement of the cells into LN, after being suspended in a vitrification medium. Many studies compared the clinical outcomes of both techniques and revealed equivalent results. This paper sheds light on some innovative approaches for further progress.
Community Management That Works: How to Build and Sustain a Thriving Online Health Community

Health care professionals, patients, caregivers, family, friends, and other supporters are increasingly joining online health communities to share information and find support. But social Web (Web 2.0) technology alone does not create a successful online community. Building and sustaining a successful community requires an enabler and strategic community management. Community management is more than moderation. The developmental life cycle of a community has four stages: inception, establishment, maturity, and mitosis. Each stage presents distinct characteristics and management needs. This paper describes the community management strategies, resources, and expertise needed to build and maintain a thriving online health community; introduces some of the challenges; and provides a guide for health organizations considering this undertaking. The paper draws on insights from an ongoing study and observation of online communities as well as experience managing and consulting a variety of online health communities. Discussion includes effective community building practices relevant to each stage, such as outreach and relationship building, data collection, content creation, and other proven techniques that ensure the survival and steady growth of an online health community.
The Etiology of Male Urethral Discharge in Zimbabwe: Results from the Zimbabwe STI Etiology Study

Introduction Sexually transmitted infections (STIs) are managed syndromically in most developing countries. In Zimbabwe, men presenting with urethral discharge are treated with a single intramuscular dose of kanamycin or ceftriaxone in combination with a week’s course of oral doxycycline. This study was designed to assess the current etiology of urethral discharge and other STIs to inform current syndromic management regimens. Methods We conducted a study among 200 men with urethral discharge presenting at 6 regionally diverse STI clinics in Zimbabwe. Urethral specimens were tested by multiplex polymerase chain reaction testing for Neisseria gonorrhoeae, Chlamydia trachomatis, Mycoplasma genitalium, and Trichomonas vaginalis. In addition, serologic testing for syphilis and HIV was performed. Results Among the 200 studied men, one or more pathogens were identified in 163 (81.5%) men, including N. gonorrhoeae in 147 (73.5%), C. trachomatis in 45 (22.5%), T. vaginalis in 8 (4.0%), and M. genitalium in 7 (3.5%). Among all men, 121 (60%) had a single infection, 40 (20%) had dual infections, and 2 (1%) had 3 infections. Among the 45 men with C. trachomatis, 36 (80%) were coinfected with N. gonorrhoeae. Overall, 156 (78%) men had either N. gonorrhoeae or C. trachomatis identified. Of 151 men who consented to HIV testing, 43 (28.5%) tested positive. There were no differences in HIV status by study site or by urethral pathogen detected. Conclusions Among men presenting at Zimbabwe STI clinics with urethral discharge, N. gonorrhoeae and C. trachomatis are the most commonly associated pathogens. Current syndromic management guidelines seem to be adequate for the treatment for symptomatic men, but future guidelines must be informed by ongoing monitoring of gonococcal resistance.
Increased Physical Fitness Is Associated with Higher Executive Functioning in People with Dementia

Physical fitness (PF) has been associated with improved cognition in older age, but less is known about its effects on different cognitive domains in individuals diagnosed with dementia. We explored the associations between PF and cognitive performance in 40 healthy elderly and 30 individuals with dementia. Participants completed a battery of standardized cognitive tests (Mini-Mental State Exam, Verbal Fluency, Prospective and Retrospective Memory Questionnaire, Clock Drawing, and California Verbal Learning Test) and were classified into high versus low levels of PF based on their score on the Physical Fitness Questionnaire. Analyses took into account age, gender, education, occupation, head injury, Internet use, brain training, and past levels of exercise and revealed overall benefits of PF, in particular for the people with dementia. Discriminant analysis showed high accuracy of reclassification, with most errors being due to the misclassification of dementia cases as healthy when they had high PF. The first discriminant function accounted for 83% of the variance. Using individual estimates of this function, which reflected global cognitive performance, confirmed the beneficial role of PF in dementia, even when taking into account age, past level of exercise, and the number of years since the dementia diagnosis. Finally, univariate analyses confirmed the differential sensitivity of the cognitive tests, with MMSE and clock drawing showing reliable interaction effects. This work shows that PF is associated with a reduced level of cognitive deterioration expected with dementia, especially in executive functioning and provides empirical support for the cognitive benefits of interventions promoting PF for individuals with dementia.
Two Isoforms of the Prostaglandin E Receptor EP3 Subtype Different in Agonist-independent Constitutive Activity (*)

We previously identified two isoforms of the mouse prostaglandin E receptor EP3 subtype, EP3α and EP3β, with different carboxyl-terminal tails, produced through alternative splicing and showing different efficiency in inhibition of adenylate cyclase (Sugimoto, Y., Negishi, M., Hayashi, Y., Namba, T., Honda, A., Watabe, A., Hirata, M., Narumiya, S., and Ichikawa, A.(1993) J. Biol. Chem. 268, 2712-2718). To assess the role of the carboxyl-terminal tails in the G protein coupling properties of the EP3 receptor, we examined the G activities of EP3α, EP3β, and the mutant receptor, in which the carboxyl-terminal tail was truncated at the splicing site. The EP3α receptor showed marked agonist-independent constitutive inhibition of adenylate cyclase, while EP3β receptor had no agonist-independent inhibition. On the other hand, the truncated receptor showed only agonist-independent constitutive inhibition. The constitutive activity of these receptors on the stimulation of GTPase activity of G was also observed. Thus, alternative splicing produced two isoforms with different carboxyl-terminal tails and with different constitutive activity, and the truncation of the carboxyl-terminal tail caused full constitutive activity.