Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cross-protection of mice against a global spectrum of rabies virus variants

Rabies, a continuing worldwide problem, kills tens of thousands of people and millions of animals each year. The problem is most severe in developing countries, where cell culture-derived vaccines are unaffordable and the available nervous tissue-derived vaccines are often of questionable immunogenicity and may produce neurological complications. To determine the feasibility of developing a vaccine with worldwide applicability, we investigated whether recombinant vaccinia viruses expressing either the glycoprotein (G), the nucleoprotein (N), or both the G and N (GN) of the challenge virus strain (CVS) of rabies virus would cross-protect mice against 17 rabies virus isolates representing the spectrum of rabies virus variants found worldwide. The results were compared with the commercially available human diploid cell vaccine (HDCV). Among mice injected with any of the 17 viruses, > or = 95% were protected by vaccination with recombinant viruses expressing G or GN, and > or = 85% of the mice were protected by the HDCV. The recombinant virus expressing N was less protective, protecting against only 11 of the 17 viruses. Antibody prepared against the G of the strains used in the vaccines neutralized all 17 viruses, and sera from mice infected with any one virus variant cross-neutralized all of the other viruses. Thus, no antigenic differences that would potentiate vaccine failures were identified. These studies suggest that a single rabies virus strain or its G would protect globally against wild-type rabies viruses.
Deep-Sea Species Diversity: Decreased Gastropod Diversity at Abyssal Depths

Gastropod species diversity is low on the continental shelf, high on the continental slope and abyssal rise, and then decreases with increasing distance out onto the abyssal plain. Increased diversity below the continental shelf has been attributed to increased environmental stability. Decreased diversity on the abyss may result from extremely low productivity.
Cord-blood transplants from unrelated donors in patients with Hurler's syndrome.

BACKGROUND Hurler's syndrome (the most severe form of mucopolysaccharidosis type I) causes progressive deterioration of the central nervous system and death in childhood. Allogeneic bone marrow transplantation before the age of two years halts disease progression and prolongs life, but many children lack a bone marrow donor. We investigated the feasibility of using cord-blood transplants from unrelated donors and a myeloablative preparative regimen that did not involve total-body irradiation in young children with Hurler's syndrome. METHODS Between December 1995 and October 2002, 20 consecutive children with Hurler's syndrome received busulfan, cyclophosphamide, and antithymocyte globulin before receiving cord-blood transplants from unrelated donors. The children were subsequently evaluated for engraftment, adverse effects, and effects on disease symptoms. RESULTS Cord-blood donors had normal alpha-L-iduronidase activity (mean number of cells, 10.53x10(7) per kilogram of body weight) and were discordant for up to three of six HLA markers. Neutrophil engraftment occurred a median of 24 days after transplantation. Five patients had grade II or grade III acute graft-versus-host disease; none had extensive chronic graft-versus-host disease. Seventeen of the 20 children were alive a median of 905 days after transplantation, with complete donor chimerism and normal peripheral-blood alpha-L-iduronidase activity (event-free survival rate, 85 percent). Transplantation improved neurocognitive performance and decreased somatic features of Hurler's syndrome. CONCLUSIONS Cord blood from unrelated donors appears to be an excellent source of stem cells for transplantation in patients with Hurler's syndrome. Sustained engraftment can be achieved without total-body irradiation. Cord-blood transplantation favorably altered the natural history of Hurler's syndrome and thus may be important to consider in young children with this form of the disease.
Genetic analysis of fertility traits in Israeli Holsteins by linear and threshold models.

Conception rates of Israeli Holstein cows and heifers were analyzed separately by linear and threshold models. Fixed effects for both data files were insemination number, AI institute, geographical region, and calendar month. Analysis of cows also included the fixed effects of parity, calving status, and DIM at insemination. Random effects included in the models were herd-year-season, insemination technician, sire of cow, and service sire. Fixed effect solutions for heifers and cows were not similar. For cows, insemination month had the greatest effect on conception rate. Heritability of conception rate ranged from 2 to 3.5% for heifers and from 1 to 2% for cows. Correlations between corresponding threshold and linear model random effect solutions were all greater than or equal to . 99. Correlations between heifer and cow analyses for sire and service sire solutions were less than . 4. Analysis with an incorrect herd-year-season variance component affected only the technician solutions.
Radiofrequency Ablation for the Local Treatment of Hepatocellular Carcinoma

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the 3 leading cause of cancer-related death worldwide, and the incidence of HCC is rising in the United States. Patients with cirrhosis of the liver and viral hepatitis are at the highest risk of developing HCC. Radiofrequency ablation has become an accepted first-line treatment for small HCC because of its similar outcomes when compared with surgical resection. However, local recurrence after radiofrequency ablation remains problematic and requires vigilant post-ablation surveillance imaging. Prior to radiofrequency ablation, the physician must take in to account tumor size and location as well as ability to obtain real-time imaging for a percutaneous approach, which is preferred. The procedure requires collaboration with an experienced interventional radiologist in order to obtain the best outcomes and minimize complications. Additionally, radiofrequency ablation can be used in combination with other treatment modalities, such as transarterial chemoembolization, to provide an adequate ablation bed for large tumors. Overall, the utilization of radiofrequency ablation should be part of the armamentarium of all physicians managing patients with HCC. This article reviews appropriate patient and tumor selection, advanced treatment techniques, complications, follow up, and post-treatment outcomes of radiofrequency ablation of HCC.
Using pharmacogenetics to understand adverse drug reactions in children.

Two patients undergo chemotherapy for osteosarcoma of the right proximal tibia. The patients are the same age, were diagnosed within two years of one another, and received identical chemotherapy regimens consisting of cisplatin, doxorubicin and methotrexate. Treatment was successful – both patients are alive and well. However, after only two cycles of chemotherapy, one patient developed bilateral hearing loss with a progressive decline in audiological function, while the other patient’s hearing remained unimpaired. Ototoxicity is a well-characterized adverse drug reaction (ADR) to cisplatin, but why two patients who are so alike can experience profoundly different outcomes is perplexing. Heterogeneity of drug response is a common issue encountered in clinical practice.
Physical and Functional Bivalency Observed Among TCR/CD3 Complexes Isolated from Primary T Cells

Unlike BCR and secreted Ig, TCR expression is not thought to occur in a bivalent form. The conventional monovalent model of TCR/CD3 is supported by published studies of complexes solubilized in the detergent digitonin, in which bivalency was not observed. We revisited the issue of TCR valency by examining complexes isolated from primary αβ T cells after solubilization in digitonin. Using immunoprecipitation followed by flow cytometry, we unexpectedly observed TCR/CD3 complexes that contained two TCRs per complex. Standard anti-TCR Abs, being bivalent themselves, tended to bind with double occupancy to bivalent TCRs; this property masked the presence of the second TCR per complex in certain Ab binding assays, which may partially explain why previous data did not reveal these bivalent complexes. We also found that the prevalence of bivalency among fully assembled, mature TCR/CD3 complexes was sufficient to impact the functional performance of immunoprecipitated TCRs in binding antigenic peptide/MHC-Ig fusion proteins. Both TCR positions per bivalent complex required an Ag-specific TCR to effect optimal binding to these soluble ligands. Therefore, we conclude that in primary T cells, TCR/CD3 complexes can be found that are physically and functionally bivalent. The expression of bivalent TCR/CD3 complexes has implications regarding potential mechanisms by which Ag may trigger signaling. It also suggests the possibility that the potential for bivalent expression could represent a general feature of Ag receptors.
Use of tongue flap in submucous palatal fibrosis

Summary Submucous palatal fibrosis invariably leads to trismus due to fibrosis in the retromolar region. Medical lines of treatment are of no use in relieving the trismus once it is established. Various surgical methods, such as excision of fibrous tissue or excision of fibrous tissue with skin grafting, have been suggested, but none of them has been proved to give a lasting cure. We have made use of tongue flaps on either side in cases of trismus due to submucous palatal fibrosis in the retromolar region. Twentyfive cases have been operated upon with this technique and the results are quited encouraging. Regular follow-up for up to three years has shown good results without any complications.
Pesticide residues in orange fruit from citrus orchards in Nuevo Leon State, Mexico

ABSTRACT Some international organisations established maximum residue limits (MRLs) in food to protect human health. Mexico lacks regulations in this matter, affecting national and international trade from agroindustry. The aim of this study was to diagnose pesticide residues in oranges from Nuevo Leon, México, in citrus orchards. In May 2014, 100 orange fruit samples were taken randomly from orchards and subjected to analysis for 93 pesticides at residual level by GC/QQQ-MS and LCQ-TOF-MS. Results showed the presence of 15 pesticide residues in the samples. The comparison of the residual levels of pesticides found in orange samples among the MRLs allowed by USA, EU and Japanese regulations demonstrated that all samples were below MRLs issued by USA and Japan. Some orange samples were above MRLs issued by the EU. This provides a basis to establish strategies in order to satisfy International Standards to protect human health and encourage Food Safety in Mexico.
Potential Success of Near‐Total Laryngectomy Despite Postoperative Radiation Therapy

Advanced laryngeal cancers frequently require total laryngectomy (TL). Some of these cancers, however, are suitable for near‐total laryngectomy (NTL). We review our experience with NTL over a 14‐year period and compare the functional results with those obtained over the same period using TL followed by tracheoesophageal puncture (TEP). One particular interest was the results achieved when surgery was preceded or followed by radiation therapy.
Gain of Virulence Caused by Loss of a Gene in Murine Cytomegalovirus

ABSTRACT Mouse strains are either resistant or susceptible to murine cytomegalovirus (MCMV). Resistance is determined by the Cmv1r (Ly49h) gene, which encodes the Ly49H NK cell activation receptor. The protein encoded by the m157 gene of MCMV has been defined as a ligand for Ly49H. To find out whether the m157 protein is the only Ly49H ligand encoded by MCMV, we constructed the m157 deletion mutant and a revertant virus. Viruses were tested for susceptibility to NK cell control in Ly49H+ and Ly49H− mouse strains. Deletion of the m157 gene abolished the viral activation of Ly49H+ NK cells, resulting in higher virus virulence in vivo. Thus, in the absence of m157, Ly49H+ mice react like susceptible strains. 129/SvJ mice lack the Ly49H activation NK cell receptor but express the inhibitory Ly49I NK cell receptor that binds to the m157 protein. The Δm157 inhibitory phenotype was weak because MCMV encodes a number of proteins that mediate NK inhibition, whose contribution could be shown by another mutant.
Explaining and predicting preeclampsia.

Preeclampsia, either alone or superimposed on another disorder, is a major cause of maternal and fetal death and the leading cause of premature delivery worldwide.1 Underappreciated is the strain that preeclampsia places on the health care resources of all nations. This disease increases the need for neonatal intensive care; in addition, early birth may lead to health problems later in life. Considerable evidence suggests that premature delivery increases the incidence of remote cardiovascular and metabolic health problems, which themselves create enormous economic health burdens.2,3 Thus, the ability to predict or prevent preeclampsia or the development of therapy that safely .
Controlled trial of very low calorie diet, behavior therapy, and their combination in the treatment of obesity.

Comparaison apres traitement et au bout d'un an des effets sur la perte de poids chez des femmes obeses de protocoles de traitement: a) comportant uniquement un regime hypocalorique; b) joignant a ce dernier une therapie comportementale; c) comprenant uniquement la therapie comportementale. A long terme c'est le traitement associe le plus efficace
HPLC-DAD / GC-MS examinations for drug safety of emergency stocks – detection , identification and toxicological qualification of a hitherto new degradation product of pyridostigmine relevant to regulatory legislation

During the analysis of stockpiled pyridostigmine bromide tablets, an unknown substance was detected after longtime storage. Subsequent investigations showed that the latter is a degradation product of the active pharmaceutical ingredient (API). The percentage share of this degradation product exceeds the threshold values permitted by the International Conference on Harmonisation of Technical Requirements for Registration of Pharmaceuticals for Human Use (ICH) for new medicinal drugs.
Ultrasonography and Tonometry for the Assessment of Human Arterial Stiffness

The structure and function of the human vasculature is integral to the efficacy of the cardiovascular system. In particular, arteries function as both a reservoir to dampen oscillations from the pumping heart, as well as a conduit to transport blood to the periphery. With age and disease, alterations in the composition of the arterial wall can occur. This can result in arteries becoming more resistant to wall deformation, referred to as arterial stiffness, which can have significant implications for the development of cardiovascular disease. Due to the emergence of arterial stiffness as a measure of cardiovascular disease risk, a number of non-invasive techniques have been developed, which include the use of ultrasonic assessment. These techniques are highly effective, reliable, and well validated, and consider stiffness both locally (most commonly measured at the carotid artery) as well as regionally (most commonly measured through the aorta) in the arterial tree. The assessment of arterial stiffness is critical to our understanding of the overall vascular health, and is the focus of this chapter.
Mouse conjunctival forniceal gene expression during postnatal development and its regulation by Kruppel-like factor 4.

PURPOSE To identify the changes in postnatal mouse conjunctival forniceal gene expression and their regulation by Klf4 during the eye-opening stage when the goblet cells first appear. METHODS Laser microdissection (LMD) was used to collect conjunctival forniceal cells from postnatal (PN) day 9, PN14 and PN20 wild-type (WT), and PN14 Klf4-conditional null (Klf4CN) mice, in which goblet cells are absent, developing, present, and missing, respectively. Microarrays were used to compare gene expression among these groups. Expression of selected genes was validated by quantitative RT-PCR, and spatiotemporal expression was assessed by in situ hybridization. RESULTS This study identified 668, 251, 1160, and 139 transcripts that were increased and 492, 377, 1419, and 57 transcripts that were decreased between PN9 and PN14, PN14 and PN20, PN9 and PN20, and PN14 WT and Klf4CN conjunctiva, respectively. Transcripts encoding transcription factors Spdef, FoxA1, and FoxA3 that regulate goblet cell development in other mucosal epithelia, and epithelium-specific Ets (ESE) transcription factor family members were increased during conjunctival development. Components of pathways related to the mesenchymal-epithelial transition, glycoprotein biosynthesis, mucosal immunity, signaling, and endocytic and neural regulation were increased during conjunctival development. Conjunctival Klf4 target genes differed significantly from the previously identified corneal Klf4 target genes, implying tissue-dependent regulatory targets for Klf4. CONCLUSIONS The changes in gene expression accompanying mouse conjunctival development were identified, and the role of Klf4 in this process was determined. This study provides new probes for examining conjunctival development and function and reveals that the gene regulatory network necessary for goblet cell development is conserved across different mucosal epithelia.
Evaluation of the Hemogram of Breast Cancer Patients Treated by Therapeutic Protocol Based on Immunohistochemical Analysis: A Retrospective Study

To gauge the pervasiveness, verdict, and treatment protocols related to hormone receptor status effecting blood chemistry in breast cancer patients, a retrospective study was conducted at the Bahawalpur Institute of Nuclear and Oncology (BINO), Pakistan. 180 breast cancer patients were enrolled in the study on the basis of data availability. Data was collected about patient’s demographics, site, stage and grade of tumour; hormonal status; treatment strategy; Estrogen (ER), Progesterone (PR) and Human Epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (Her-2/Neu) receptors; Blood chemistry reports including TLC (Total Leukocyte Count), TRC (Total RBC Count), Haemoglobin, Platelets and Creatinine; and ADRs due to chemotherapy. SPSS version 20 was used for statistical analysis of the data. Majority of patients become victim of breast cancer were belonging to age group of 41 to 60 years and half patients had carcinoma of the right breast. Results predict that females present at Stage III was 57%. Pos-tmenopausal women were highly susceptible to disease (63.97%) than pre-menopausal (36.03%). ER/PR positive status was in 50% patients while 23% patients had triple positive status. Chemotherapy was prescribed for hormone negative status patients whereas hormone therapy was preffered for hormone responsible tumours. Her-2 positive status patients were given monoclonal antibody therapy. Treatment strategies directly affected the hemogram of patients while remain un-affected in some patients. Slight decline was observed in TLC, TRC, haemoglobin and platelet count that caused anaemia, poor immunity, anorexia, weight loss, neutropenia and thrombocytopenia whereas elevation in creatininelevel resulted in nephrotoxicity. Patients reported with Adverse Drug Reactions i.e. pain, fever, vomiting, hair loss, anorexia and lethargy were counselled for the life style modifications with special emphasis on dietary recommendations for combating the problems. Breast cancer therapy caused disruption of the normal hemogram values and resulted in bone marrow suppression that was evident from side effects appearence in patients. Nutritional counseling of this fatal disease is recommended for improving their quality of life.
Characterization of Ca2+ Mobilization in the Human Submandibular Duct Cell Line A253

Abstract The regulation of Ca2+ mobilization in the human submandibular duct cell line A253 was investigated by monitoring cytosolic free Ca1+ concentrations ([Ca2+],) using the Ca2+-sensitive fluorescent indicator fura-2 and by measuring inositol 1,4,5-triphosphate (IP3) formation. An increase in [Ca2+], was elicited by ATP, isoproterenol (IPR), or vasoactive intestinal polypeptide (VIP), but not by acetylcholine, norepinephrine, or substance P, suggesting that Ca2+ mobilization is regulated by P2-purinergic, (β2-adrenergic, and VIP receptors. 1,4,5-IP3 formation was significantly increased by ATP but not by the other agonists. Exposure of the cells to a membrane permeable cAMP analog, dibutyryl-cAMP, or to the adenylate cyclase activator forskolin induced a smaller increase in [Ca2+]i, indicating that the IPR-induced Ca2+ release is not mediated by cyclic AMP. Inhibition of the endoplasmic Ca2+-ATPase with thapsigargin (TG) in Ca2+-free medium induced a 207% increase in [Ca2+]i, and a subsequent exposure to ATP caused a further increase in [Ca2+]i of 104%. Similarly, TG exposure after ATP induced a further Ca2+ release, suggesting that the TG-sensitive store and the IP3-sensitive store do not overlap. Similar results were observed by sequential exposure to TG and IPR or to ATP and IPR. Ca2+ influx across the plasma membrane was enhanced after ATP or TG, but not after IPR. Our findings show a unique pattern of Ca2+ mobilization in the A253 cell line: (i) Ca2+ mobilization is regulated by P2-purinergic, β2-adrenergic, and VIP receptors; (ii) Ca2+ release is mediated by 1,4,5-IP3and probably by an unknown mediator; (iii) TG, P2-, and β2-agonists discharge separate Ca2+ stores; and (iv) ATP and TG, but not IPR, regulate Ca2+ influx.
Hammondia isolated from dogs and foxes are genetically distinct

J. ABEL, G. SCHARES, K. ORZESZKO, R. B. GASSER and J. T. ELLIS* 1Department of Cell and Molecular Biology, University of Technology, Sydney, Westbourne Street, Gore Hill, NSW 2065, Australia 2 Institute of Epidemiology, Friedrich-Loeffler-Institut-Federal Research Institute for Animal Health, Seestrasse 55, 16868 Wusterhausen, Germany 3Department of Veterinary Science, The University of Melbourne, 250 Princes Highway, Werribee, Victoria 3030, Australia 4Biotechnology Research Institute, Macquarie University, North Ryde, NSW 2109, Australia
Information Asymmetry and Financing Arrangements: Evidence from Syndicated Loans

I empirically explore the syndicated loan market, with an emphasis on how information asymmetry between lenders and borrowers influences syndicate structure and on which lenders become syndicate members. Consistent with moral hazard in monitoring, the lead bank retains a larger share of the loan and forms a more concentrated syndicate when the borrower requires more intense monitoring and due diligence. When information asymmetry between the borrower and lenders is potentially severe, participant lenders are closer to the borrower, both geographically and in terms of previous lending relationships. Lead bank and borrower reputation mitigates, but does not eliminate information asymmetry problems. SYNDICATED LOANS ARE A LARGE and increasingly important source of corporate finance. Nonfinancial U.S. businesses obtain almost $1 trillion in new syndicated loans each year, which represents approximately 15% of their aggregate debt outstanding, and of the largest 500 nonfinancial firms in the Compustat universe in 2002, almost 90% obtained a syndicated loan between 1994 and 2002. Indeed, according to the American Banker, syndicated lending represents 51% of U.S. corporate finance originated, and generates more underwriting revenue for the financial sector than both equity and debt underwriting (Weidner (2000)). The market for syndicated loans has also experienced strong growth, going from $137 million in 1987 to over $1 trillion today. However, despite the importance of syndicated loans, research on their role in U.S. corporate finance is limited. A syndicated loan is a loan whereby at least two lenders jointly offer funds to a borrowing firm. The “lead arranger” establishes a relationship with the firm, negotiates terms of the contract, and guarantees an amount for a price range.