Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
IL-1α, IL-1β, and IFN-γ mark β cells for Fas-dependent destruction by diabetogenic CD4+ T lymphocytes

Cytokines such as IL-1alpha, IL-1beta, and IFN-gamma have long been implicated in the pathogenesis of autoimmune diabetes, but the mechanisms through which they promote diabetogenesis remain unclear. Here we show that CD4(+) T lymphocytes propagated from transgenic nonobese diabetic (NOD) mice expressing the highly diabetogenic, beta cell-specific 4.1-T-cell receptor (4.1-TCR) can kill IL-1alpha-, IL-1beta-, and IFN-gamma-treated beta cells from NOD mice. Untreated NOD beta cells and cytokine-treated beta cells from Fas-deficient NOD.lpr mice are not targeted by these T cells. Killing of islet cells in vitro was associated with cytokine-induced upregulation of Fas on islet cells and was independent of MHC class II expression. Abrogation of Fas expression in 4.1-TCR-transgenic NOD mice afforded nearly complete protection from diabetes and did not interfere with the development of the transgenic CD4(+) T cells or with their ability to cause insulitis. In contrast, abrogation of perforin expression did not affect beta cell-specific cytotoxicity or the diabetogenic potential of these T cells. These data demonstrate a novel mechanism of action of IL-1alpha, IL-1beta, and IFN-gamma in autoimmune diabetes, whereby these cytokines mark beta cells for Fas-dependent lysis by autoreactive CD4(+) T cells.
Effect of surface roughness on stain resistance of dental resin composites.

BACKGROUND Surface quality of dental restorations is one of the important factors that determine the success of the restoration. Unfortunately, exterior discoloration is still a problem for dental resin composites. PURPOSE The purpose of the study was to investigate the influential factors on stain resistance of dental resin composites. MATERIALS AND METHODS Filtek Supreme (nanocomposite), Filtek A110 (microfilled composite), Filtek Z250 (microhybrid composite), and Filtek P60 (microhybrid composite) (all products from 3M ESPE, St. Paul, MN, USA) were tested. Thirty-six specimens per material were prepared and randomly assigned to 6 groups. The specimens in 5 groups were polished against 1,000-, 1,200-, 1,500-, 2,000-, and 2,500-grit sandpaper, respectively. The specimens in a sixth group were polished with 2,500-grit or 1,200-grit sandpaper and used as controls. Surface roughness (Ra) and gloss of the specimens were measured with a profilometer and a glossmeter, respectively. Specimens were immersed in a coffee solution (control group in distilled water) and kept in a 37 degrees C incubator. Color was measured by a spectrophotometer at baseline, 3 days, 7 days, and 14 days, and color change (DeltaE*(ab)) was calculated. RESULTS Coffee, material, Ra, and the interaction of material x Ra had statistically significant influences on the stain resistance of the dental composites tested. For most materials in coffee solution, time squared and Ra had significant effects on the discoloration. CONCLUSIONS Coffee had a significant influence on discoloration of the dental resin composite materials tested. The different composites behaved differently in coffee solution. Discoloration increased as Ra increased for the composites tested, except with Filtek A110. The discoloration process was accelerated with time.
Virtual Reality Bringing a New Reality to Postthoracotomy Lung Cancer Patients Via a Home-Based Exercise Intervention Targeting Fatigue While Undergoing Adjuvant Treatment

Background: Little is known about rehabilitation for postthoracotomy non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. This research uses a perceived self-efficacy-enhancing light-intensity exercise intervention targeting a priority symptom, cancer-related fatigue (CRF), for postthoracotomy NSCLC patients. This article reports on phase II of a 2-phase study. Phase I focused on initiation and tolerance of exercise during the 6 weeks immediately after thoracotomy, whereas phase II addressed maintenance of exercise for an additional 10 weeks including participants initiating and completing chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy. Objective: The objective of this study was to investigate the feasibility, acceptability, and preliminary efficacy of an exercise intervention for postthoracotomy NSCLC patients to include those initiating and completing adjuvant therapy. Interventions/Methods: A single-arm design composed of 7 participants postthoracotomy for NSCLC performed light-intensity exercises using an efficacy-enhancing virtual-reality approach using the Nintendo Wii Fit Plus. Results: Despite most participants undergoing chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy, participants adhered to the intervention at a rate of 88% with no adverse events while giving the intervention high acceptability scores on conclusion. Likewise, participants’ CRF scores improved from initiation through the conclusion of the intervention with perceived self-efficacy for walking at a light intensity continuously for 60 minutes, improving significantly upon conclusion over presurgery values. Conclusions: Postthoracotomy NSCLC patients maintained exercise for an additional 10 weeks while undergoing adjuvant therapy showing rehabilitation potential because the exercise intervention was feasible, safe, well tolerated, and highly acceptable showing positive changes in CRF self-management. Implications for Practice: A randomized controlled trial is needed to further investigate these relationships.
Epidural Meperidine After Cesarean Section: The Effect of Diluent Volume

We investigated the effect of diluent volume on analgesia and systemic absorption from epidural meperidine after cesarean section in a randomized, double-blind study. At the first request for postoperative analgesia, 36 parturients were given epidural meperidine 25 mg diluted with saline to either 2 mL (12.5 mg/mL), 5 mL (5 mg/mL), or 10 mL (2.5 mg/mL). Visual analog pain scores measured in the first 30 min were greater in the 2-mL group compared with both the 5-mL group (P = 0.028) and the 10-mL group (P = 0.031). Onset of analgesia (time for visual analog pain scores to decrease by 50%) was also slower in the 2-mL group (17.5 min) compared with the 5-mL group (9 min; P = 0.015) and the 10-mL group (12 min; P = 0.003); there were no differences between the 5-mL group and the 10-mL group. Duration of analgesia and plasma concentrations of meperidine were similar among groups. No adverse side effects were recorded. Previous work has suggested that injection of epidural opioids in large volumes increases the potential risk of respiratory depression from cephalad spread of the drug. Therefore, we conclude that analgesia is optimum when epidural meperidine is administered diluted to 5 mL. (Anesth Analg 1997;85:380-4)
VEGF Production by Osteoarthritic Chondrocytes Cultured in Micromass and Stimulated by IL-17 and TNF-α

We compared the secretion of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) by chondrocytes isolated from cartilage of patients with osteoarthritis (OA) and maintained in monolayer or in three-dimensional culture. Chondrocytes, immediately after isolation, or after one passage in monolayer culture (subculture), were seeded in monolayer or pelleted in micromasses. Cells cultured differently were immunoassayed for the secretion of VEGF in basal conditions or after stimulation with IL-17, TNF-α or B IL-17+TNF-α. Chondrocytes cultured in micromasses secreted lower levels of VEGF in comparison with those in monolayer culture. In micromass cultures TNF-α was more stimulating than IL-17 and their combined effect was additional. On the basis of alkaline phosphatase/cathespin B activities, primary cultures in micromass, characterized by low VEGF secretion, represented the best condition for maximal cell differentiation. Our results suggest that the culture of chondrocytes in micromasses represents a good condition to study the physiology of these cells to a maximum degree when micromasses are obtained with freshly isolated chondrocytes.
Remember it with love: Effects of love priming on text recall

Three studies investigated the effects of love priming on text recall. In Study 1, love was induced through exposition to scrambled words and letters semantically associated with love. It was predicted and found that participants induced with the idea of love, as compared to a control group, had better recall of a problem-solution text. Studies 2 and 3 verified that this effect may be generalized to other texts, simply due to the presence of the word love. It was also found that the priming of love increased interest in the material, but had no effect on mood. These results suggest that love may act as an emotion schema (Izard, 2007), with increased motivation and activation of approachoriented responses.
Willingness of general practitioners to participate in enhanced primary care discharge care planning

Australia-wide, doctors are returning to work after a break, perhaps even to circumstances similar to those so poignantly captured above: changing schedules to better meet the incessant demands of patients, reams of paperwork, escalating red tape and endless requests to serve on this or that committee. Indeed, their lives are subsumed by service to others before self. “No worries”, many say, “we are task-oriented, compulsive and perfectionists. We can cope”.
Poor prognosis and related factors in adults with Eisenmenger syndrome.

BACKGROUND Little information is available regarding the clinical history and long-term prognosis of patients with Eisenmenger syndrome without diagnosis until adulthood. The purpose of this study was to investigate the long-term prognosis and factors predictive of the prognosis in patients with Eisenmenger syndrome diagnosis in adulthood. METHODS AND RESULTS We retrospectively reviewed the clinical data of 106 patients with Eisenmenger syndrome diagnosis in adulthood. Presence of congenital heart defects had neither been noticed nor confirmed with cardiac catheterization until adulthood in most of the patients in our study. After the diagnosis was confirmed, 42 patients died during a mean follow-up period of 7.6 years. The mean survival time from diagnostic catheterization to death was 5.4 years in nonsurvivors. Survival rate was 98% at 1 year, 77% at 5 years, and 58% at 10 years, with the Kaplan-Meier method. Elevated right atrial pressure (>7 mm Hg) and reduced systemic blood flow (<2.9 L/min) were independently associated with increased mortality rate of adults with Eisenmenger syndrome. CONCLUSION Patients with Eisenmenger syndrome without diagnosis until adulthood had a poor prognosis. Reduced systemic blood flow and elevated right atrial pressure were associated with high mortality rates in adults with Eisenmenger syndrome.
Photoperiodic regulation of the testes of adult white-footed mice (peromyscus leucopus).

Exposure to short daylengths (10 h of light per day) for 12 weeks caused the gonads to regress and inhibited spermatogesis in most P. leucopus; however, in approximately 30% of mice the testes did not regress, and spermatogenesis was maintained despite 20 weeks exposure to short photoperiods. The pattern of entrainment of circadian rhythms to the short-day photoperiod did not correlate with the degree of gonadal regression. Mice whose gonads regressed after 12 weeks manifested testicular recrudescence and resumption of spermatogenesis after 30 weeks of short-day treatment. Spontaneous recrudescence, a feature common to a number of photoperiodic rodents, ensures viability of the reproductive system in the early spring in advance of the advent of long days. It is proposed that recrudescence reflects development of refractoriness of the neuroendocrine axis to pineal antigonadal factors and that individuals whose gonads do not regress in short days are permanently refractory to pineal antigonadal products. Other interpretations also are considered.
Pressure-Induced Vascular Activation of Nuclear Factor-&kgr;B: Role in Cell Survival

Abstract— The effects of mechanical factors on nuclear factor (NF)-&kgr;B activation and its potential functional roles have been very little explored in the intact vessel. Thus, we chose to study the regulation of NF-&kgr;B by intraluminal pressure using an organ culture model of mouse carotid arteries maintained at 80 or 150 mm Hg during 24 hours. Gel shift analysis revealed an increase in the DNA-binding capacity of NF-&kgr;B in vessels at high pressure compared with vessels at normal pressure (304±49%; P <0.001). This coincided with reduced levels of the endogenous NF-&kgr;B inhibitor I&kgr;B&agr; in arteries at 150 mm Hg (52±7%; P <0.001), as detected by Western blot. To study the functional role of the pressure-induced activation of NF-&kgr;B, we evaluated the rate of apoptosis (TUNEL method) in carotid arteries cultured with or without an inhibitor peptide blocking nuclear translocation of NF-&kgr;B. No apoptosis was detected in control arteries either at 80 or 150 mm Hg. However, in the presence of the NF-&kgr;B inhibitor peptide, we observed apoptosis in vessels at 80 mm Hg (5±1%; P <0.001 versus untreated controls), which was markedly increased in vessels at 150 mm Hg (14±2%; P <0.001). These results were corroborated by immunohistochemical analysis showing positive staining for cleaved caspase 3 in vessels at 80 mm Hg treated with the NF-&kgr;B inhibitor peptide, which was additionally enhanced in treated vessels at 150 mm Hg. Our findings demonstrate that high intraluminal pressure activates NF-&kgr;B in arteries. Moreover, the activation of NF-&kgr;B seems to play a key role in preventing apoptosis in vascular cells, especially when vessels are exposed to high intraluminal pressure.
Characterization of genes specifying ampicillin resistance in bacterial isolates using a single-strand specific nuclease for analysis of plasmid DNA-DNA duplexes.

The analysis of molecular relationships among R factors and other plasmids of bacteria as well as the detection and characterization of extrachromosomal genes conferring resistance to antibiotics is possible by DNA-DNA hybridization. The amount of homologous polynucleotide sequences of plasmids can be assayed using the single-strand specific S l nuclease of Aspergillus oryzae (Crosa et al., 1973; Barth & Grinter, 1975). The endonuclease S1 method was used in this study to characterize genes specifying ampicillin resistance in bacteria isolated from hospital patients. The small plasmid RSF1030 which contains the TEM P-lactamase gene (Heffron et al., 1975) served as a molecular probe.
The Impact of Apprenticeship Training on Personality Traits: An Instrumental Variable Approach

This paper analyzes how apprenticeship training, i.e., work-based secondary education, affects personality traits compared to full-time school-based vocational or general education. Employing an instrumental variable approach that exploits the regional differences in the relative weight of school- and work-based secondary education across Switzerland and Europe, we determine that apprenticeship Training reduces neuroticism and increases agreeableness and conscientiousness, while openness and extraversion remain unaffected. These results validate the socializing function of work-based education. However, heterogeneous treatment effects are found, indicating positive effects for students with less favorable personality traits but insignificant or even reducing effects in the case of extraversion for those with already high values in personality traits.
Arterial baroreflex modulation of heart rate in chronic heart failure: clinical and hemodynamic correlates and prognostic implications.

BACKGROUND In chronic heart failure (CHF), arterial baroreflex regulation of cardiac function is impaired, leading to a reduction in the tonic restraining influence on the sympathetic nervous system. Because baroreflex sensitivity (BRS), as assessed by the phenylephrine technique, significantly contributes to postinfarction risk stratification, the aim of the present study was to evaluate whether in CHF patients a depressed BRS is associated with a worse clinical hemodynamic status and unfavorable outcome. METHODS AND RESULTS BRS was assessed in 282 CHF patients in sinus rhythm receiving stable medical therapy (age, 52+/-9 years; New York Heart Association [NYHA] class, 2.4+/-0.6; left ventricular ejection fraction [LVEF], 23+/-6%). The BRS of the entire population averaged 3.9+/-4.0 ms/mm Hg (mean+/-SD) and was significantly related to LVEF and hemodynamic parameters (LVEF, P<.005; cardiac index and pulmonary wedge pressure, P<.001 by regression analysis). Patients in NYHA classes III or IV and those with severe mitral regurgitation had markedly depressed vagal reflexes. The association of BRS with survival was described after its categorization in three groups: below the lowest quartile (<1.3 ms/mm Hg), between the lowest quartile and the median (1.3 to 3 ms/mm Hg), and above the median (>3 ms/mm Hg). During a mean follow-up of 15+/-12 months, 78 primary events (cardiac death, nonfatal cardiac arrest, and status 1 priority transplantation) occurred (27.6%). BRS was significantly related to outcome (log rank, 9.1; P<.01), with a relative risk of 2.7 (95% confidence interval, 1.6 to 4.7) for patients with the major derangement in BRS (<1.3 ms/mm Hg). At multivariate analysis, BRS was an independent predictor of death after adjustment for noninvasive known risk factors but not when hemodynamic indexes were also considered. In CHF patients with severe mitral regurgitation, however, BRS remained a strong prognostic marker independent of hemodynamic function. CONCLUSIONS In moderate to severe CHF, a depressed sensitivity of vagal reflexes parallels the deterioration of clinical and hemodynamic status and is significantly associated with poor survival. Particularly in patients with severe mitral regurgitation the baroreceptor modulation of heart rate provides prognostic information of incremental value to hemodynamic parameters.
Exact Controllability of a Nonlinear Korteweg--de Vries Equation on a Critical Spatial Domain

We consider the boundary controllability problem for a nonlinear Korteweg-de Vries equation with the Dirichlet boundary condition. We study this problem for a spatial domain with a critical length for which the linearized control system is not controllable. In order to deal with the nonlinearity, we use a power series expansion of second order. We prove that the nonlinear term gives the local exact controllability around the origin provided that the time of control is large enough.
Task‐relevance and temporal synchrony between tactile and visual stimuli modulates cortical activity and motor performance during sensory‐guided movement

Sensory‐guided movements require the analysis and integration of task‐relevant sensory inputs from multiple modalities. This article sought to: (1) assess effects of intermodal temporal synchrony upon modulation of primary somatosensory cortex (S1) during continuous sensorimotor transformations, (2) identify cortical areas sensitive to temporal synchrony, and (3) provide further insight into the reduction of S1 activity during continuous vibrotactile tracking previously observed by our group (Meehan and Staines 2007 : Brain Res 1138:148–158). Functional MRI was acquired while participants received simultaneous bimodal (visuospatial/vibrotactile) stimulation and continuously tracked random changes in one modality, by applying graded force to a force‐sensing resistor. Effects of intermodal synchrony were investigated, unbeknownst to the participants, by varying temporal synchrony so that sensorimotor transformations dictated by the distracter modality either conflicted (low synchrony) or supplemented (high synchrony) those of the target modality. Temporal synchrony differentially influenced tracking performance dependent upon tracking modality. Physiologically, synchrony did not influence S1 activation; however, the insula and superior temporal gyrus were influenced regardless of tracking modality. The left temporal‐parietal junction demonstrated increased activation during high synchrony specific to vibrotactile tracking. The superior parietal lobe and superior temporal gyrus demonstrated increased activation during low synchrony specific to visuospatial tracking. As previously reported, vibrotactile tracking resulted in decreased S1 activation relative to when it was task‐irrelevant. We conclude that while temporal synchrony is represented at higher levels than S1, interactions between inter‐ and intramodal mechanisms determines sensory processing at the level of S1. Hum Brain Mapp, 2009. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Long-term functional outcome and satisfaction of patients with hypospadias repaired in childhood.

INTRODUCTION Potential long-term sequelae of hypospadias and its surgical correction include difficulties in voiding, sexual function, psychosexual adjustment and self-appraisal. These difficulties often evolve long after surgical repair as children grow to adulthood. Despite this, patient-driven data on long-term functional outcomes and satisfaction are limited, leaving the true success of hypospadias surgery essentially unknown. The aim of this study was to address these deficiencies. METHODS We conducted a chart review for all patients operated on by a single urologist from 1981 to 1988. Extensive efforts were made to obtain accurate current address information for patients. A database of patient demographics and pathology, operative details and complications was created. A 22-item questionnaire was mailed to study subjects. Telephone follow-up by an independent research nurse bolstered response rates. Responses from returned questionnaires were pooled and analyzed. RESULTS The chart review included 115 patients. Of 100 patients (with address information) who were sent questionnaires, 28 ultimately responded. The chart review group was comparable to groups in other published studies. Despite a slightly higher initial major complication rate (57.2%), respondents reported few long-term complications (11% fistula, 29% persistent chordee and 10% stricture) and excellent urinary and sexual functional results. The most common functional complaints were spraying and hesitancy during micturition. Overall, 86% of patients were satisfied with their surgical result, and 52% wished they had been provided longer follow-up. CONCLUSION Long-term outcomes data are critical to an honest account of success rates for hypospadias surgery. Obtaining these data remains challenging. In this series, despite high initial complication rates, most patients reported excellent long-term functional results and were quite satisfied with their overall outcome.
Cascading transcriptional effects of a naturally occurring frameshift mutation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae

Gene‐expression variation in natural populations is widespread, and its phenotypic effects can be acted upon by natural selection. Only a few naturally segregating genetic differences associated with expression variation have been identified at the molecular level. We have identified a single nucleotide insertion in a vineyard isolate of Saccharomyces cerevisiae that has cascading effects through the gene‐expression network. This allele is responsible for about 45% (103/230) of the genes that show differential gene expression among the homozygous diploid progeny produced by a vineyard isolate. Using isogenic laboratory strains, we confirm that this allele causes dramatic differences in gene‐expression levels of key genes involved in amino acid biosynthesis. The mutation is a frameshift mutation in a mononucleotide run of eight consecutive T's in the coding region of the gene SSY1, which encodes a key component of a plasma‐membrane sensor of extracellular amino acids. The potentially high rate of replication slippage of this mononucleotide repeat, combined with its relatively mild effects on growth rate in heterozygous genotypes, is sufficient to account for the persistence of this phenotype at low frequencies in natural populations.