Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Properties of the ON bistratified ganglion cell in the rabbit retina

The identity of the types of different neurons in mammalian retinae is now close to being completely known for a few mammalian species; comparison reveals strong homologies for many neurons across the order. Still, there remain some cell types rarely encountered and inadequately described, despite not being rare in relative frequency. Here we describe in detail an additional ganglion cell type in rabbit that is bistratified with dendrites in both sublaminae, yet spikes only at light onset and has no response bias to the direction of moving bars. This ON bistratified ganglion cell type is most easily distinguished by the unusual behavior of its dendritic arbors. While dendrites that arborize in sublamina b terminate at that level, those that ascend to arborize in sublamina a do not normally terminate there. Instead, when they reach the approximate radius of the dendrites in sublamina b, they dive sharply back down to ramify in sublamina b. Here they continue to course even further away from the soma at the same level as the branches wholly contained in sublamina b, thereby forming an annulus of secondary ON dendrites in sublamina b. This pattern of branching creates a bistratified dendritic field of approximately equal area in the two sublaminae initially, to which is then added an external annulus of dendrites only in sublamina b whose origin is entirely from processes descending from sublamina a. It is coupled to a population of wide‐field amacrine cells upon which the dendrites of the ganglion cell often terminate. J. Comp. Neurol. 521:1497–1509, 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Expression of ERG oncoprotein is associated with a less aggressive tumor phenotype in Japanese prostate cancer patients

To investigate and characterize ERG oncoprotein expression in Japanese patients with prostate cancer (PCa), we evaluated 92 index tumors from Japanese patients who had undergone radical prostatectomy for PCa, using an antibody‐based detection method to determine ERG expression. Expression status was compared with clinicopathological findings including patient age, body mass index and preoperative prostate‐specific antigen (PSA) levels, specimen Gleason score, pathological stage, positive surgical margin, size of index tumor, prostatic volume, zonal origin of index tumor and biochemical failure. Overall, ERG protein was expressed in 16.3% (15/92) of the index tumors, but not in benign glands. Younger patient age, lower Gleason score and negative surgical margins were found to be independently associated with its expression in the multivariate analysis (P= 0.015, 0.003 and 0.038, respectively). ERG expression was not associated with biochemical failure. Though not statistically significant, ERG expression was more frequently observed in peripheral zone than in transition zone cancers (28.2% vs 10%, respectively). In conclusion, ERG protein was less frequently expressed in this Japanese PCa cohort compared with Western reports. ERG expression was associated with a less aggressive tumor phenotype, and its biological significance needs to be further investigated.
Glycogen Synthase Kinase 3β Suppresses Myogenic Differentiation through Negative Regulation of NFATc3*

Skeletal muscle atrophy is a prominent and disabling feature in many chronic diseases. Prevention or reversal of muscle atrophy by stimulation of skeletal muscle growth could be an important therapeutic strategy. Glycogen synthase kinase 3β (GSK-3β) has been implicated in the negative regulation of skeletal muscle growth. Since myogenic differentiation is an essential part of muscle growth, we investigated if inhibition of GSK-3β is sufficient to stimulate myogenic differentiation and whether this depended on regulation of the transcription factor nuclear factor of activated T-cells (NFAT). In both myogenically converted mouse embryonic fibroblasts and C2C12 myoblasts, deficiency of GSK-3β protein (activity) resulted in enhanced myotube formation and muscle-specific gene expression during differentiation, which was reversed by reintroduction of wild type but not kinase-inactive (K85R) GSK-3β. In addition, GSK-3β inhibition restored myogenic differentiation following calcineurin blockade, which suggested the involvement of NFAT. GSK-3β-deficient mouse embryonic fibroblasts or myoblasts displayed enhanced nuclear translocation of NFATc3 and elevated NFAT-sensitive promoter transactivation, which was reduced by reintroducing wild type, but not K85R GSK-3β. Overexpression of NFATc3 increased muscle gene promoter transactivation, which was abolished by co-expression of wild type GSK-3β. Finally, stimulation of muscle gene expression observed following GSK-3β inhibition was strongly attenuated in NFATc3-deficient myoblasts, indicating that this response requires NFATc3. Collectively, our data demonstrate negative regulation of myogenic differentiation by GSK-3β through a transcriptional mechanism that depends on NFATc3. Inhibition of GSK-3β may be a potential strategy in prevention or treatment of muscle atrophy.
Gender, type of treatment, dysfunctional attitudes, social support, life events, and depressive symptoms over naturalistic follow-up.

OBJECTIVE The present study investigated gender differences in depressive symptoms during a naturalistic follow-up for outpatients with major depressive disorder in the National Institute of Mental Health Treatment of Depression Collaborative Research Program. Specifically, the study investigated whether gender interacted with type of treatment received, dysfunctional attitudes, life events, or social support to predict severity of depressive symptoms. In addition, aspects of these psychosocial factors (need for approval, interpersonal life events, and close friendships), hypothesized to be more salient for women, were examined to determine if they had a differential impact on level of depressive symptoms in men and women. METHOD Assessments conducted 6, 12, and 18 months after treatment included measures of depressive symptoms, dysfunctional attitudes, current life events, and social support. Data were available for 188 subjects (134 women and 54 men). Regression analyses were conducted to examine whether gender as a main effect, or interacting with dysfunctional attitudes, life events, social support, or subtypes of these variables, predicted cross-sectional or longitudinal measures of depressive symptoms during follow-up. RESULTS A consistent finding of the study was that over the 18 months of this naturalistic follow-up, there were no main effects for gender or any significant interactions involving gender and any of the variables of interest. The study demonstrated that life events and social support were related to severity of depressive symptoms for both genders. CONCLUSIONS Despite differential prevalence rates of major depression for men and women, findings do not support a different process in outcome of illness for men and women.
The Effect of Treatment Strategy of Chronic Ischemic Mitral Regurgitation on Long-Term Outcomes in Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting

Objective To investigate the mid- and long-term outcomes of case-based selective strategy of mitral ring annuloplasty during coronary artery bypass grafting in patients with coronary artery disease accompanied by chronic ischemic mitral regurgitation. Methods 132 patients who were diagnosed ischemic moderate to severe mitral regurgitation undergoing coronary artery bypass grafting in the same center with the same surgical team were divided into 2 groups and investigated retrospectively. Patients undergoing simultaneous mitral ring annuloplasty and coronary artery bypass grafting were enrolled to group 1 (n=58), patients undergoing isolated coronary artery bypass grafting were enrolled in group 2 (n=74). Results The mean age of the patients were 65.0 ± 9.4 years and 39 (29.5%) of them were female. Preoperative New York Heart Association (NHYA) class (P=0.0001), atrial fibrillation (P=0.006) and the grade of mitral regurgitation (P=0.0001) were significantly different between the groups. Hospitalization for heart failure was required in 6 (10.6%) patients in group 1 and 19 (27.1%) patients in Group 2 (P=0.02). Hospital mortality and one-month postoperative mortality occurred in 2 (3.4%) patients in Group 1 and in 4 (5.4%) patients in Group 2 (P=0.69). Clinical follow-up was completed with 117 (88.6%) patients. Conclusion Mitral ring annuloplasty in addition to the coronary artery bypass grafting is associated with improved NYHA functional class, increased ejection fraction, decreased residual mitral regurgitation. Further studies are needed to clarify the role of combined surgery on long-term outcomes. With proper tools and according to the decisions made by heart teams, both management strategies can be safely performed.
Monetary Policy Implementation and Private Repo Displacement: Evidence from the Overnight Reverse Repurchase Facility

In recent years, the scale and scope of major central banks' intervention in financial markets has expanded in unprecedented ways. In this paper, we demonstrate how monetary policy implementation that relies on such intervention in financial markets can displace private transactions. Specifically, we examine the experience with the Federal Reserve's newest policy tool, known as the overnight reverse repurchase (ONRRP) facility, to understand its effects on the repo market. Using exogenous variation in the parameters of the ONRRP facility, we show that participation in the ONRRP comes from substitution out of private repo. However, we also demonstrate that cash lenders, when investing in the ONRRP, do not cease trading with any of their dealer counterparties, highlighting the importance of lending relationships in the repo market. Lastly, using a confidential data set of repo transactions, we find that the presence of the Fed as a borrower in the repo market increases the bargaining power of cash lenders, who are able to command higher rates in their remaining private repo transactions.
What explains the recent growth performance in Sub-Saharan Africa? Results from a Bayesian Averaging of Classical Estimates (BACE) Approach

This paper empirically identifies the main driving forces behind the recent development in economic growth across Sub-Saharan Africa based on a two-step procedure. Given the role of convergence in explaining the level of economic development, the first step employs the new extension of the sigma convergence developed by Phillip and Sul (2007) to test and endogenously identify the formation of different steady state paths across a sample of 34 countries selected based on available data over the period 1996-2010. Empirical results vindicate the existence of three main convergence clubs and a divergent group of 8 countries; suggesting that Sub-Sahara African countries do not form a homogenous club. The second step implements a Bayesian Averaging of Classical Estimates (BACE) method on the only convergent groups in order to explicitly account for the assumed conditional convergence in cross-sectional growth regressions. Estimation results prove support that 8 out of 18 selected explanatory variables documented in the literature are significantly and strongly associated with the long term economic growth. Particularly, investment and the relative price of exports are found to be favourable to the recent regional economic performance while public consumption and remittances appear to be of less contribution. Other important variables include scientific research, trade taxes, land availability and population growth which are unexpectedly found to be negatively associated with economic growth. Although their sign certainty probabilities are reportedly insignificant, these results raise a number of policy challenges including poor quality of institutions, the exposure to world shocks given the dependence to international trade taxes, the poor quality of human capital and more importantly a threat of skilled labour immigration.
Infected cells and immune cells in the gastrointestinal tract of AIDS patients. An immunohistochemical study of 127 cases

Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) proteins were detected by immunohistochemistry in the duodenal and rectal mucosa of 30% of 127 AIDS patients studied. HIV‐infected cells were present in the lamina propria in 95% of the positive biopsies. They were immune cells, either isolated lymphocytes and macrophages (1‐4 per positive biopsy) or dendritic reticulum cells forming a network in the germinal centres of mucosal lymphoid follicles. HIV proteins were not found in the duodenal epithelium or in the superficial rectal epithelium. In two cases (5% of the positive biopsies), they were found in rectal glands: the HIV‐infected cells could be either epithelial cells or immune cells. This study confirms that the gut can be a target organ for HIV and that HIV is mainly carried by gut immune cells. The phenotypic study of lymphoid populations and macrophages in the gut mucosa of AIDS patients showed an inverse CD4/CD8 ratio in the lamina propria, compared with normal controls. This was independent of the presence of HIV proteins and is probably responsible for the appearance of opportunistic infections in the mucosa. An increase in activated macrophages was also noted in the mucosa of AIDS patients.
Physician patient communication failure facilitates medication errors in older polymedicated patients with multiple comorbidities.

OBJECTIVE To analyse the frequency of mistakes in communication between the physician and the patient and their incidence in errors in self-administered drugs. METHODS We undertook a descriptive, cross-sectional study based on interviews with a random sample of patients older than 65 years who were polymedicated (five or more drugs) and had multiple comorbidities. Data were analysed about the patients' reports of what the physician said, medication mistakes by the patients and their consequences. RESULTS Responses were provided by 382 patients. A medication error in the last year was reported by 287 patients (75%), and 16 patients (4%) reported four or more errors. Most cases concerned the dosage, a similar appearance of the medication or a lack of understanding of the physician's instructions. Very severe consequences occurred in 19 cases (5%). Multiple comorbidities (P = 0.006) and a greater number of treatments (P = 0.002) were associated with making mistakes. Frequent changes in prescription (P = 0.02), not considering the prescriptions of other physicians (P = 0.01), inconsistency in the messages (P = 0.01), being treated by various different physicians at the same time (P = 0.03), a feeling of not being listened to (P < 0.001) or loss of trust in the physician (P < 0.001) were associated with making medication mistakes. CONCLUSIONS Mistakes by polymedicated patients with multiple comorbidities represent a real risk that should be addressed by the professionals. A review should be made of the routine control questions that the physician asks the patient to identify what other drugs the patient may be taking that have been indicated by another physician.
Enhanced Osteoclastogenesis Causes Osteopenia in Twisted Gastrulation‐Deficient Mice Through Increased BMP Signaling

The uncoupling of osteoblastic and osteoclastic activity is central to disorders such as osteoporosis, osteolytic malignancies, and periodontitis. Numerous studies have shown explicit functions for bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs) in skeletogenesis. Their signaling activity has been shown in various contexts to be regulated by extracellular proteins, including Twisted gastrulation (TWSG1). However, experimental paradigms determining the effects of BMP regulators on bone remodeling are limited. In this study, we assessed the role of TWSG1 in postnatal bone homeostasis. Twsg1‐deficient (Twsg1−/−) mice developed osteopenia that could not be explained by defective osteoblast function, because mineral apposition rate and differentiation markers were not significantly different compared with wildtype (WT) mice. Instead, we discovered a striking enhancement of osteoclastogenesis in Twsg1−/− mice, leading to increased bone resorption with resultant osteopenia. Enhanced osteoclastogenesis in Twsg1−/− mice was caused by increased cell fusion, differentiation, and function of osteoclasts. Furthermore, RANKL‐mediated osteoclastogenesis and phosphorylated Smad1/5/8 levels were enhanced when WT osteoclasts were treated with recombinant BMP2, suggesting direct regulation of osteoclast differentiation by BMPs. Increase in detectable levels of phosphorylated Smad 1/5/8 was noted in osteoclasts from Twsg1−/− mice compared with WT mice. Furthermore, the enhanced osteoclastogenesis in Twsg1−/− mice was reversed in vitro in a dose‐dependent manner with exposure to Noggin, a BMP antagonist, strongly suggesting that the enhanced osteoclastogenesis in Twsg1 mutants is attributable to increased BMP signaling. Thus, we present a novel and previously uncharacterized role for TWSG1 in inhibiting osteoclastogenesis through regulation of BMP activity.
Treatment vault shielding for a flattening filter-free medical linear accelerator

The requirements for shielding a treatment vault with a Varian Clinac 2100 medical linear accelerator operated both with and without the flattening filter were assessed. Basic shielding parameters, such as primary beam tenth-value layers (TVLs), patient scatter fractions, and wall scatter fractions, were calculated using Monte Carlo simulations of 6, 10 and 18 MV beams. Relative integral target current requirements were determined from treatment planning studies of several disease sites with, and without, the flattening filter. The flattened beam shielding data were compared to data published in NCRP Report No. 151, and the unflattened beam shielding data were presented relative to the NCRP data. Finally, the shielding requirements for a typical treatment vault were determined for a single-energy (6 MV) linac and a dual-energy (6 MV/18 MV) linac. With the exception of large-angle patient scatter fractions and wall scatter fractions, the vault shielding parameters were reduced when the flattening filter was removed. Much of this reduction was consistent with the reduced average energy of the FFF beams. Primary beam TVLs were reduced by 12%, on average, and small-angle scatter fractions were reduced by up to 30%. Head leakage was markedly reduced because less integral target current was required to deliver the target dose. For the treatment vault examined in the current study, removal of the flattening filter reduced the required thickness of the primary and secondary barriers by 10–20%, corresponding to 18 m3 less concrete to shield the single-energy linac and 36 m3 less concrete to shield the dual-energy linac. Thus, a shielding advantage was found when the linac was operated without the flattening filter. This translates into a reduction in occupational exposure and/or the cost and space of shielding.
[CT angiography in arterial occlusive disease: comparison of 3 rendering techniques].

PURPOSE To evaluate different rendering techniques of CT data for the assessment of long vessel segments in peripheral vascular occlusive disease. MATERIAL AND METHODS 40 CT angiograms (aortoiliac: n = 20, leg arteries: n = 20) were viewed using three different rendering techniques: 1, maximum intensity projection (MIP); 2, volume rendering (VR); 3, shaded surface display (SSD). CT angiograms were obtained in 6 or 8 projections. Axial cross-section images were analysed using an interactive cine mode. Intraarterial DSA was the standard in all cases. RESULTS The sensitivities for the diagnosis of occlusive disease were 100% (cross-section images), 94% (MIP), 91% (VR) and 93% (SSD). The specificities were 100%, 99%, 99% and 99%, respectively. For the accurate grading of high-grade (> 75%) stenoses, the sensitivities were 85% (cross-section images), 62% (MIP), 44% (VR) and 35% (SSD). Specificity was 99% for all techniques. CONCLUSIONS CTA is accurate in occlusive disease. Interactive viewing of cross-section images is the most accurate technique. MIP is superior to VR in the imaging of high-grade stenoses because contrast-to-noise ratio is high and thresholding is not necessary.
Quality of Life in Depression Scale (QLDS): Adaptation and evaluation of the psychometric properties of the Norwegian version

Despite the prevalence of depression, few studies on the quality of life of depressed patients have been conducted. The Quality of Life in Depression Scale (QLDS) is the first depression-specific measure. Since its publication in 1992, the measure has been adapted and re-validated for use in several countries. This paper describes the adaptation and psychometric evaluation of the Norwegian version of the QLDS. The QLDS was translated into Norwegian by means of bilingual and lay translation panels. Face and content validity was assessed, and a validation study was conducted with 72 depressed patients in order to establish the new adaptation's internal consistency, reproducibility, construct validity and responsiveness. No major problems were experienced during the translation of the QLDS into Norwegian and patient interviews indicated that the questionnaire was both acceptable to and relevant for depressed patients. The validation/adaptation of the QLDS into Norwegian had been successful. High test–retest correlations indicated excellent reproducibility with no evidence of excessive random measurement error. The internal consistency of the measure was confirmed, with items adequately inter-related. Evidence of construct validity and responsiveness is also encouraging. The Norwegian QLDS is a reliable and valid measure of quality of life.