Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Intestinal protection against Strongyloides ratti and mastocytosis induced by administration of interleukin-3 in mice.

Information about interleukin-3 (IL-3) effects in vivo is limited compared with the in vitro effects. We found that a repetitive injection of a low dose of recombinant IL-3 induced protection against intestinal worms of Strongyloides ratti in C57BL/6 mice. When mice were injected i.p. with different doses of recombinant IL-3 twice a day from day -5 to day -1 and infected orally with larvae recovered from the head of infected rats on day 0, worm recovery from the small intestine was markedly reduced by a total of 10(4) U IL-3 or more on day 2 post-infection. The number of intestinal mucosal mast cells (MMC) was increased by the protective dose of IL-3. The IL-3 treatment, however, was ineffective in protecting mice against tissue migrating larvae, as assessed by recovery from the head. The protective effect of IL-3 on intestinal worms was observed within 6 hr post oral infection, suggesting little concern with antigen-specific immune responses. The effective dose of IL-3 treatment increased the number of MMC progenitors five times in the spleen and the mesenteric lymph nodes. An MMC-specific protease, MMCP-1, was secreted 200 times more than in controls in the intestinal lumen by the IL-3 treatment. The IL-3 treatment induced no protection or mastocytosis in mast cell-deficient W/Wv mice. These results suggest that the IL-3-induced intestinal protection against S. ratti is mediated by MMC.
Evaluation of the reliability and validity of the Brazilian Healthy Eating Index Revised.

OBJECTIVE Evaluate validity and reliability of the Brazilian Healthy Eating Index Revised according to the psychometric properties. METHODS Cross-sectional study of a random sample of 2,375 individuals of both sexes, aged 12 or older from the city of São Paulo, Southeastern Brazil, drawn from the Health Survey carried out in 2003. Information on the population characteristics was acquired using a questionnaire. Food intake was obtained using 24h Recall, used to calculate the Brazilian Healthy Eating Index Revised (BHEI-R). The following aspects were evaluated: (1) content validity, by comparing the components with the Dietary Guidelines for the Brazilian Population; (2) construct validity, factor analysis using principal components method and verifying whether the index can measure diet quality regardless of energy intake; (3) discriminating validity; and (4) the reliability of the BHEI-R by analyzing the internal consistency of the items using Cronbach's alpha coefficient. RESULTS The correlations between the component scores and energy intake were weak (r < 0.30). Principal component analysis indicated the presence of four factors with eigenvalues > 1 that represented 67% of the index variance. The discriminating validity of the BHEI-R was observed by comparing the individuals by sex and smoking habit, and identifying statistically significant differences between the means of the components of the BHEI-R and the final score. The Cronbach's alpha value (α = 0.7) indicated the presence of internal consistency between the components of the BHEI-R. The SoFAAS component followed by the total fruit component and whole fruit component presented greater correlation with the final index scores. CONCLUSIONS The Brazilian Healthy Eating Index Revised showed itself to be reliable and structurally valid when used to evaluate and monitor the diet quality of Brazilians.
Role for Msh5 in the regulation of Ig class switch recombination

Ig class switch recombination (CSR) and somatic hypermutation serve to diversify antibody responses and are orchestrated by the activity of activation-induced cytidine deaminase and many proteins involved in DNA repair and genome surveillance. Msh5, a gene encoded in the central MHC class III region, and its obligate heterodimerization partner Msh4 have a critical role in regulating meiotic homologous recombination and have not been implicated in CSR. Here, we show that MRL/lpr mice carrying a congenic H-2b/b MHC interval exhibit several abnormalities regarding CSR, including a profound deficiency of IgG3 in most mice and long microhomologies at Ig switch (S) joints. We found that Msh5 is expressed at low levels on the H-2b haplotype and, importantly, a similar long S joint microhomology phenotype was observed in both Msh5 and Msh4-null mice. We also present evidence that genetic variation in MSH5 is associated with IgA deficiency and common variable immune deficiency (CVID) in humans. One of the human MSH5 alleles identified contains two nonsynonymous polymorphisms, and the variant protein encoded by this allele shows impaired binding to MSH4. Similar to the mice, Ig S joints from CVID and IgA deficiency patients carrying disease-associated MSH5 alleles show increased donor/acceptor microhomology, involving pentameric DNA repeat sequences and lower mutation rates than controls. Our findings suggest that Msh4/5 heterodimers contribute to CSR and support a model whereby Msh4/5 promotes the resolution of DNA breaks with low or no terminal microhomology by a classical nonhomologous end-joining mechanism while possibly suppressing an alternative microhomology-mediated pathway.
MicroRNA-98-5p Inhibits Cell Proliferation and Induces Cell Apoptosis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma via Targeting IGF2BP1

Some microRNAs (miRs) have been demonstrated to play promoting or tumor-suppressing roles in the development and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, the regulatory mechanism of miR-98-5p in HCC still remains largely unclear. In the present study, our data showed that miR-98-5p was significantly downregulated in 84 cases of HCC tissues compared to the matched adjacent nontumor tissues. In addition, downregulation of miR-98-5p was associated with tumor size, portal vein tumor embolus, node metastasis, and clinical stage in HCC. HCC patients with low expression of miR-98-5p showed a shorter survival time compared with those with high miR-98-5p levels. Moreover, the expression of miR-98-5p was also reduced in HCC cell lines (HepG2, Hep3B, LM3, and SMCC7721) compared to the normal liver cell line THLE-3. Overexpression of miR-98-5p significantly decreased LM3 cell growth by inducing cell cycle arrest at the G1 stage and cell apoptosis. Insulin-like growth factor 2 mRNA-binding protein 1 (IGF2BP1) was then identified as a novel target gene of miR-98-5p, and its protein expression was negatively regulated by miR-98-5p in LM3 cells. Overexpression of IGF2BP1 eliminated the effects of miR-98-5p overexpression on the proliferation, cell cycle, and apoptosis of LM3 cells. Finally, we found that IGF2BP1 was upregulated in HCC, and its expression was negatively correlated to miR-98-5p levels. In summary, we demonstrate that miR-98-5p could inhibit HCC cell proliferation while inducing cell apoptosis, partly at least, via inhibition of its target gene IGF2BP1, and we suggest that miR-98-5p may become a promising therapeutic candidate for HCC treatment.
Intrasexual competition as a potential influence on anabolic-androgenic steroid use initiation

An estimated 293,000 people living in the United Kingdom have used anabolic-androgenic steroids. However, there is currently no intervention to reduce usage available in practice or academic circulation throughout the United Kingdom. This study aimed to test a novel hypothesis that increased levels of intrasexual competition may play an important influential role in the use of anabolic-androgenic steroids. Significantly higher levels of intrasexual competition were evident in users compared to non-users but only in the novice group (0–2 years of experience). The research provides evidence for intrasexual competition potentially influencing anabolic-androgenic steroid use but only during the initial stages of usage.
Test of the Peierls-Nabarro model for dislocations in silicon.

We show, using an atomistic model with a Stillinger-Weber potential (SWP), that in the absence of reconstruction, the basic assumption of the Peierls-Nabarro (PN) model that the dislocation core is spread within the glide plane is verified for silicon. The Peierls stress (PS) obtained from the two models are in quantitative agreement ({approx}0.3{mu}), when restoring forces obtained from first principles generalized stacking-fault energy surfaces are used in the PN model [B. Joos, Q. Ren, and M. S. Duesbery, Phys. Rev. B {bold 50}, 5890 (1994)]. The PS was found to be isotropic in the glide plane. Within the SWP model no evidence of dissociation in the shuffle dislocations is found but glide sets do separate into two partials.
INSTITUTIONS AND FISCAL SUSTAINABILITY

As budgetary commitments outpace current revenues and long-term liabilities balloon, the fiscal sustainability of state and local governments is a matter of mounting concern. Over the years, these governments have experimented with a wide variety of political and fiscal institutions, ranging from direct democracy to balanced budget rules, with the goal of slowing the growth of government and increasing financial responsibility. This article synthesizes the related empirical literature, summarizing what we know (and don't know) about the effectiveness of various rules and procedures in promoting fiscal sustainability.
Global Human Resource Management: Bridging Strategic and Institutional Perspectives

The purpose of this paper is to bridge the boundaries separating strategic and comparative institutional perspectives on human resource systems and employment relations. Each research tradition has investigated the role and outcomes of corporations as they operate in an increasingly global economy. Researchers in these traditions, however, ask different research questions and draw on distinct social science disciplines, theoretical assumptions, and research methodologies. While they have pursued parallel but separate tracks, we argue that they have important lessons for each other. In this paper, we review the core characteristics and critiques of each research tradition, provide a series of examples of efforts to bridge their differences, and offer suggestions for future integration.
Three Distinct Regions of the Murine Gammaherpesvirus 68 Genome Are Transcriptionally Active in Latently Infected Mice

ABSTRACT The program(s) of gene expression operating during murine gammaherpesvirus 68 (γHV68) latency is undefined, as is the relationship between γHV68 latency and latency of primate gammaherpesviruses. We used a nested reverse transcriptase PCR strategy (sensitive to approximately one copy of γHV68 genome for each genomic region tested) to screen for the presence of viral transcripts in latently infected mice. Based on the positions of known latency-associated genes in other gammaherpesviruses, we screened for the presence of transcripts corresponding to 11 open reading frames (ORFs) in the γHV68 genome in RNA from spleens and peritoneal cells of latently infected B-cell-deficient (MuMT) mice which have been shown contain high levels of reactivable latent γHV68 (K. E. Weck, M. L. Barkon, L. I. Yoo, S. H. Speck, and H. W. Virgin, J. Virol. 70:6775–6780, 1996). To control for the possible presence of viral lytic activity, we determined that RNA from latently infected peritoneal and spleen cells contained few or no detectable transcripts corresponding to seven ORFs known to encode viral gene products associated with lytic replication. However, we did detect low-level expression of transcripts arising from the region of gene 50 (encoding the putative homolog of the Epstein-Barr virus BRLF1 transactivator) in peritoneal but not spleen cells. Latently infected peritoneal cells consistently scored for expression of RNA derived from 4 of the 11 candidate latency-associated ORFs examined, including the regions of ORF M2, ORF M11 (encoding v-bcl-2), gene 73 (a homolog of the Kaposi’s sarcoma-associated herpesvirus [human herpesvirus 8] gene encoding latency-associated nuclear antigen), and gene 74 (encoding a G-protein coupled receptor homolog, v-GCR). Latently infected spleen cells consistently scored positive for RNA derived from 3 of the 11 candidate latency-associated ORFs examined, including ORF M2, ORF M3, and ORF M9. To further characterize transcription of these candidate latency-associated ORFs, we examined their transcription in lytically infected fibroblasts by Northern analysis. We detected abundant transcription from regions of the genome containing ORF M3 and ORF M9, as well as the known lytic-cycle genes. However, transcription of ORF M2, ORF M11, gene 73, and gene 74 was barely detectable in lytically infected fibroblasts, consistent with a role of these viral genes during latent infection. We conclude that (i) we have identified several candidate latency genes of murine γHV68, (ii) expression of genes during latency may be different in different organs, consistent with multiple latency programs and/or multiple cellular sites of latency, and (iii) regions of the viral genome (v-bcl-2 gene, v-GCR gene, and gene 73) are transcribed during latency with both γHV68 and primate gammaherpesviruses. The implications of these findings for replacing previous operational definitions of γHV68 latency with a molecular definition are discussed.
Lifetime consequences of abnormal fetal pancreatic development

There is ample evidence that an adverse intrauterine environment has harmful consequences for health in later life. Maternal diabetes and experimentally induced hyperglycaemia result in asymmetric overgrowth, which is associated with an increased insulin secretion and hyperplasia of the insulin‐producing B‐cells in the fetuses. In adult life, a reduced insulin secretion is found. In contrast, intrauterine growth restriction is associated with low insulin secretion and a delayed development of the insulin‐producing B‐cells. These perinatal alterations may induce a deficient adaptation of the endocrine pancreas and insulin resistance in later life. Intrauterine growth restriction in human pregnancy is mainly due to a reduced uteroplacental blood flow or to maternal undernutrition or malnutrition. However, intrauterine growth restriction can be present in severe diabetes complicated by vasculopathy and nephropathy. In animal models, intrauterine growth retardation can be obtained through pharmacological (streptozotocin), dietary (semi‐starvation, low protein diet) or surgical (intrauterine artery ligation) manipulation of the maternal animal. The endocrine pancreas and more specifically the insulin‐producing B‐cells play an important role in the adaptation to an adverse intrauterine milieu and the consequences in later life. The long‐term consequences of an unfavourable intrauterine environment are of major importance worldwide. Concerted efforts are needed to explore how these long‐term effects can be prevented. This review will consist of two parts. In the first part, we discuss the long‐term consequences in relation to the development of the fetal endocrine pancreas and fetal growth in the human; in the second part, we focus on animal models with disturbed fetal and pancreatic development and the consequences for later life.
On probability as a basis for action.

Abstract The aim of the author is improvement of statistical practice. The author distinguishes between enumerative studies and analytic studies. An enumerative study has for its aim an estimate of the number of units of a frame that belong to a specified class. An analytic study has for its aim a basis for action on the cause-system or the process, in order to improve product of the future. A fair price to pay for an inventory is an example of an enumerative study. Tests of varieties of wheat, insecticides, drugs, manufacturing processes, are examples of analytic studies: the choice of variety or treatment will affect the future out-turn of wheat, future patients, future product. Techniques and methods of inference that are applicable to enumerative studies lead to faulty design and faulty inference for analytic problems. It is possible, in an enumerative problem, to reduce errors of sampling to any specified level. In contrast, in an analytic problem, it is impossible to compute the risk of making a wro.
Cocaine‐ and amphetamine‐regulated transcript peptide immunohistochemical localization in the rat brain

Cocaine‐ and amphetamine‐regulated transcript (CART) is a brain‐enriched mRNA with a protein product(s) that is a candidate brain neurotransmitter. We have developed antisera to CART peptide fragment 106–129 and have demonstrated specific immunoreactivity (IR) at the light microscopic level throughout the brain, spinal cord, and retina. All brain nuclei previously shown to express CART mRNA are now shown to contain CART peptide IR. Although it is premature to define CART peptide(s) as a neurotransmitter(s), the localization found here suggests an involvement of CART in many processes. CART peptide staining in the nucleus accumbens and basolateral amygdala continue to suggest a role in drug‐induced reward and reinforcement. Staining in the olfactory bulbs, the cortical barrels, the retina and its projection areas, the thalamic nuclei, the lateral and dorsal horns of the spinal cord, and the nuclei of the solitary tract are compatible with a major role for CART in sensory processing and autonomic regulation. CART peptides appear to colocalize with some classical neurotransmitters and appear to occur in peripheral neurons as well. J. Comp. Neurol. 391:115–132, 1998. © 1998 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Effect of casting procedures on screw loosening in UCLA-type abutments.

BACKGROUND Screw loosening of implant restorations continues to be a complication in implant prosthodontics. Screw joints are subjected to a loss of initially applied torque because of friction and component misfit. It has been suggested that the loss of applied torque is less in machined metal abutments than in cast plastic abutments. PURPOSE This study compared the loss of applied torque (detorque) values in machined titanium and in cast UCLA-type abutments for external hex abutment/implant interface. MATERIALS AND METHODS Four groups of 12 samples each were evaluated: (1) machined titanium abutments, (2) premachined palladium abutments cast with palladium, (3) plastic abutments cast with nickel-chromium, and (4) plastic abutments cast with cobalt-chromium. Each abutment was torqued to 30 Ncm according to the manufacturer's instructions and detorqued three times. The mean loss of applied torque (detorque) was recorded as a percentage of the torque applied. Group means were calculated and compared using ANOVA and Tukey's LSD test. RESULTS Mean detorque values were (1) 92.3 +/- 2.9%, (2) 81.6 +/- 5.0%, (3) 86.4 +/- 4.6%, and (4) 84.0 +/- 7.0%. Machined abutments demonstrated significantly greater detorque values compared with all cast groups (p < 0.05). No significant differences were found among cast groups. CONCLUSION Machined abutments retained a significantly greater percentage of torque compared with cast abutments. Casting procedures decrease the percentage of applied torque, which may influence final screw joint stability.
Developing sustainable tourism through ecomuseology: a case study in the Rupununi region of Guyana

Sustainability is a concept that continues to evolve and perplex in tourism, one of the world's largest industries. Effective new theories and practices are constantly explored so as to incorporate sustainability into tourism frameworks. Due to their focus on participation processes, integration of resources, and responses to specific needs and contexts, ecomuseum principles can be very useful for the development of sustainable tourism. This paper examines the potential of using the principles of ecomuseology to support sustainable tourism development. The study adopted a mixed-methods approach involving local expert stakeholders at the case study site, the Rupununi region of Guyana, South America. The findings from this research suggest that the principles of ecomuseology possess considerable potential to support sustainable tourism development in the Rupununi and potentially other destinations internationally. In particular, this study illustrates how ecomuseological principles can be used to manage heritage resources and economic development by focusing on, for example, holistic interpretation and information sharing, placing equal attention on heritage resources, and monitoring changes to the region over time.
Organizational Science Meets Law and Economics

‘Law and economics’ as well as ‘organizational science’ are well-established disciplines, which are concerned with the explanation of organizational behaviour. However, both disciplines do not collaborate, in order to get more scientific insight in the functioning of organizations. While ‘law and economics’ is mainly applied microeconomics and follows the rational actor model, ‘organizational science’ is fragmented into diverse scientific approaches, thereby relaxing the assumption of rational behaviour. In this essay the differences between both disciplines are dicussed and the possibilities for a productive collaboration are evaluated. In addition, the study includes two applications which demonstrate the added value of a collaboration of the two disciplines: (1) The regulation of energy firms and (2) organizational tort liability.
The impact of financial planning designations on financial planner income

This paper examines the impact of three of the main financial planning designations on financial planner income. This study uses a sample of over 1800 financial planners including those with the Certified Financial Planner (CFP®), Chartered Financial Consultant (ChFC), Personal Financial Specialist (PFS), and no designation. The study results indicate that the CFP® designation is associated with a significant increase in income when compared with planners with no designation or holding the other designations cited. The researchers find no significant impact on earnings of the ChFC designation or the PFS designation. It is also found that the impact of the CFP® designation is greater for those planners relying on performance-based earnings rather than salary-based earnings.
Flipping the classroom for pharmacokinetics

A flipped classroom approach was implemented in a pharmacokinetics course to encourage active student learning and enable the development of higher level learning skills. Students viewed written and/or audio-visual recordings of content materials prior to active face-to-face engagement where they then applied their learning through the evaluation and analysis of different clinical scenarios, calculation of dosing regimens, and synthesis of information to create resources. Student outcomes for the flipped pharmacokinetics course in 2013 were compared with student outcomes for the traditionally taught pharmacokinetics course in 2012 which acted as control. Student evaluations of the course showed significantly stronger satisfaction with their learning experience by students in the innovative 2013 course compared to students in the traditional 2012 control (P=0.01). Although students in the 2013 cohort strongly agreed that flipping the classroom enabled them to apply their learning and that it had a positive effect on their learning, there was no significant difference in the major assessment results between the 2013 and 2012 cohorts.