Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Structural and Ultrastructural Localization of NGF and NGF Receptors in the Thymus of Subjects Affected by Myasthenia Gravis

We have previously reported that the thymus of patients affected by myasthenia gravis (MG) is characterized by an elevated level of nerve growth factor (NGF), an endogenous polypeptide which plays a marked role in the cell biology of nervous and immune system. A consistent number of studies has shown altered expression of NGF in diseases associated with inflammatory and/or autoimmune responses. To evaluate the biochemical and molecular mechanisms implicated in NGF action in human myasthenic thymus, it is important to identify the cellular and structural organization of NGF receptors. To address this question, we investigated, both at light and electron microscopic levels, the cellular distribution of immunoreactivity for NGF and its low-affinity receptors, (p75) and its high-affinity receptor (TrkA) in the thymus of patients with MG. The present investigation shows that NGF and NGF receptors are overexpressed in the thymic cells of patients with MG compared to control subjects.
Modulation of NMDA Receptor Function by Ketamine and Magnesium: Part I

N- methyl-d-aspartate (NMDA) receptors are important components of pain processing. Ketamine and Mg2+ block NMDA receptors and might therefore be useful analgesics, and combinations of Mg2+ and ketamine provide more effective analgesia. We investigated their interactions at NMDA receptors. Xenopus oocytes, expressing NR1/NR2A or NR1/NR2B glutamate receptors, were studied. The effects of Mg2+, racemic ketamine and its isomers, and the combination of Mg2+ and S(+)-ketamine on NMDA signaling were determined. Mg2+ and ketamine alone inhibited NMDA receptors noncompetitively (half-maximal inhibitory effect concentration: Mg2+ 4.2 ± 1.2 × 10−4 M at NR1/NR2A and 6.3 ± 2.4 × 10−4 M at NR1/NR2B; racemic ketamine 13.6 ± 8.5 × 10−6 M at NR1/NR2A and 17.6 ± 7.2 × 10−6 M at NR1/NR2B; S(+)-ketamine 4.1 ± 2.5 × 10−6 at NR1/NR2A and 3.0 ± 0.3 at NR1/NR2B; R(−)-ketamine 24.4 ± 4.1 × 10−6 M at NR1/NR2A and 26.0 ± 2.4 × 10−6 M at NR1/NR2B). The combined application of Mg2+ and ketamine decreased the half-maximal inhibitory effect concentration >90% at both receptors. Isobolographic analysis demonstrated super-additive interactions. Ketamine and Mg2+ inhibit responses of recombinantly expressed NR1/NR2A and NR1/NR2B glutamate receptors, and combinations of the compounds act in a super-additive manner. These findings may explain, in part, why combinations of ketamine and Mg2+ are more effective analgesics than either compound alone.
The revised Fundamental Theorem of Moment Invariants

A revised fundamental theorem of moment invariants for pattern recognition which corrects the fundamental theorem proposed by M.K. Hu (1962), is presented. The correction affects neither similitude (scale) nor rotation invariants derived using the original theorem, but it does affect features invariant to general linear transformations. Four of the latter invariants were presented originally by Hu. These are revised to take the correction to the fundamental theorem into account. Furthermore, these four invariants are combined to yield three new invariants, which are additionally invariant to changes in the illumination of an image. >
Mucosal Administration of CpG Oligodeoxynucleotide Elicits Strong CC and CXC Chemokine Responses in the Vagina and Serves as a Potent Th1-Tilting Adjuvant for Recombinant gD2 Protein Vaccination against Genital Herpes

ABSTRACT Although sexually transmitted pathogens are capable of inducing pathogen-specific immune responses, vaginal administration of nonreplicating antigens elicits only weak, nondisseminating immune responses. The present study was undertaken to examine the potential of CpG-containing oligodeoxynucleotide (CpG ODN) for induction of chemokine responses in the genital tract mucosa and also as a vaginal adjuvant in combination with glycoprotein D of herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2) for induction of antigen-specific immune responses. We found that a single intravaginal administration of CpG ODN in mice stimulates a rapid and potent response of CC chemokines macrophage inflammatory protein 1α (MIP-1α), MIP-1β, and RANTES as well as of CXC chemokines MIP-2 and IP-10 in the vagina and/or the genital lymph nodes. Importantly, intravaginal vaccination with recombinant gD2 in combination with CpG ODN gave rise to a strong antigen-specific Th1-like immune response in the genital lymph nodes as well as the spleens of the vaccinated mice. Further, such an immunization scheme conferred both systemic and mucosal immunoglobulin G antibody responses as well as protection against an otherwise lethal vaginal challenge with HSV-2. These results illustrate the potential of CpG ODN for induction of potent chemokine responses in the genital tract and also as a vaginal adjuvant for generation of Th1-type mucosal and systemic immune responses towards a nonreplicating antigen derived from a sexually transmitted pathogen. These data have implications for the development of a mucosal vaccine against genital herpes and possibly other sexually transmitted diseases.
Fiscal Mulipliers: Liquidity Traps and Currency Unions

We provide explicit solutions for government spending multipliers during a liquidity trap and within a fixed exchange regime using standard closed and open-economy models. We confirm the potential for large multipliers during liquidity traps. For a currency union, we show that self-financed multipliers are small, always below unity. However, outside transfers or windfalls can generate larger responses in out- put, whether or not they are spent by the government. Our solutions are relevant for local and national multipliers, providing insight into the economic mechanisms at work as well as the testable implications of these models.
Analysis of Chimeric Chemoreceptors in Bacillus subtilis Reveals a Role for CheD in the Function of the McpC HAMP Domain

ABSTRACT Motile prokaryotes use a sensory circuit for control of the motility apparatus in which ligand-responsive chemoreceptors regulate phosphoryl flux through a modified two-component signal transduction system. The chemoreceptors exhibit a modular architecture, comprising an N-terminal sensory module, a C-terminal output module, and a HAMP domain that connects the N- and C-terminal modules and transmits sensory information between them via an unknown mechanism. The sensory circuits mediated by two chemoreceptors of Bacillus subtilis have been studied in detail. McpB is known to regulate chemotaxis towards the attractant asparagine in a CheD-independent manner, whereas McpC requires CheD to regulate chemotaxis towards the attractant proline. Although CheD is a phylogenetically widespread chemotaxis protein, there exists only a limited understanding of its function. We have constructed chimeras between McpB and McpC to probe the role of CheD in facilitating sensory transduction by McpC. We found that McpC can be converted to a CheD-independent receptor by the replacement of one-half of its HAMP domain with the corresponding sequence from McpB, suggesting that McpC HAMP domain function is complex and may require intermolecular interactions with the CheD protein. When considered in combination with the previous observation that CheD catalyzes covalent modification of the C-terminal modules of B. subtilis receptors, these results suggest that CheD may interact with chemoreceptors at multiple, functionally distinct sites.
Osteonecrosis of the jaw associated with zoledronate therapy in a patient with multiple myeloma

A 76-year-old man presented with severe mouth pain, trismus and swallowing difficulties, which had developed following a dental extraction, and steadily progressed until he was able to take liquid food only; speech was impaired and painful. The patient had been followed in our department since 1973 because of a monoclonal gammopathy of undetermined significance that finally progressed into overt IgGj multiple myeloma with Bence Jones proteinuria, macroglossia and a Congo red-positive subcutaneous fat stain indicative of amyloidosis. A skeletal survey showed no osteolytic lesions. Therapy with pulsed melphalan/prednisone was started in 2001, together with monthly doses of zoledronate (4 mg intravenously); the disease had remained stable until the current presentation. A conventional and a 3-D scan of the jaw (figure) showed the presence of an extensive zone of bone necrosis involving the left jaw with large bony sequestra. Oral examination showed exposed necrotic jawbone with massive swelling and purulent discharge; biopsy was not performed because of extensive necrosis and technical difficulties because of the severe lockjaw and macroglossia. A diagnosis of zoledronic acid-induced osteonecrosis was made, and monthly zoledronate infusions were stopped; a short trial of hyperbaric oxygen therapy was unsuccessful. After local minor curettage, treatment with oral anti-inflammatory drugs, chlorhexidine mouthwash and antibiotics was initiated. After 2 months of continuous treatment, pain and trismus had almost completely disappeared, and the usual diet with solid food was resumed; a conventional radiograph film of the jaw showed evidence of initial bone healing. No progression of myeloma was demonstrated by blood tests, notwithstanding halting of chemotherapy. Osteonecrosis of the jaw is being increasingly reported in patients receiving bisphosphonates. Haematologists should be aware of this potentially serious complication in multiple myeloma patients receiving long-term treatment with bisphosphonates.
Oral biofilm formation on the titanium and zirconia substrates

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this randomized crossover investigation was to assess the biofilm formation on two titanium and one zirconia substrates in relation to the topography and surface roughness of the materials. METHODS: Twenty‐four discs specimens for each evaluated material (Machined pure titanium, Cast pure titanium, or Zirconia) were evaluated after oral cavity exposure in six healthy subjects. The study was conducted in 3 phases according to the material evaluated. Each subject was asked to use a removable splint containing 4 disks of the same tested substrate, 2 located in the anterior, and 2 in the posterior region. Participants were asked to use the intraoral splint during 24 h. The total biofilm covering on the discs was evaluated by 1% of neutral red staining. EMV and surface roughness was carried out to correlate with the biofilm found between different substrates. RESULTS: Data showed higher mean roughness values for zirconia (Zc) when compared with titanium specimens (MPT and CPT; P < 0.001). MPT and CPT presented no differences between them (P > 0.05). The mean percentage (%) of covering biofilm on substrates was 84.14 for MPT, 86.22 for CPT and 90.90 for Zc. CONCLUSION: There were no significant differences in the total area of formed biofilm among the tested groups. No correlation was found between surface roughness and the total amount of formed biofilm in the groups. Microsc. Res. Tech., 2013. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Trends in the Surgical Management of Stress Urinary Incontinence

OBJECTIVES: To estimate the rates of stress urinary incontinence (SUI) surgery from 2000 to 2009 by type of procedure, year, age, and region of the country. METHODS: We used data between 2000 and 2009 from a database containing health care claims data from employer-based plans in the United States. We analyzed data for all women age 18–64 years, identifying all SUI procedures in this population. Rates per 100,000 person-years and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated each year by procedure type, age, and region. RESULTS: The study population included 32.9 million women age 18–64 years observed for 74,007,937 person-years between 2000 and 2009. During that time, there were 182,110 SUI procedures for a rate of 246.1 per 100,000 person-years (95% CI 239.7–252.6). The most common SUI surgery was sling (198.3 per 100,000 person-years, 95% CI 192.8–203.9) followed by Burch (25.9 per 100,000 person-years, 95% CI 24.8–27.2). There was a dramatic increase in slings, with a corresponding decrease in Burch procedures from 2000 to 2009. Other SUI surgeries had lower rates. Although this trend was evident across all regions, the Northeast had the lowest rate of SUI surgery, whereas rates in the West, Midwest, and South were 1.44-times, 1.76-times, and 2.09-times higher, respectively. CONCLUSION: In a dramatic shift over the past decade, slings have become the dominant procedure for SUI among women age 18–64 years. Although this trend was seen across the United States, considerable variability exists in the SUI surgery rates by region. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: III
MRI does not change fetal cardiotocographic parameters

The aim of this study was to determine whether magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has any effect on fetal cardiotocographic (CTG) parameters or movement incidence. Sixteen mothers were examined during the last trimester at 28–39 weeks (mean 33 weeks; SD 4) of gestation due to a suspected fetal anomaly found in antenatal ultrasonography (US). MR imaging was performed using Siemens Magnetom Vision 1·5T equipment with a 25mT/m peak gradient amplitude. T2‐weighted images were produced with HASTE and TRUE‐FISP sequences and T1‐weighted images with a 2D FLASH sequence. A four‐element phase‐array coil was used as the receiver. Before and after MRI examination, a computerized analysis of the fetal heart rate (FHR) was produced. Basal FHR, short‐term variation (STV) and fetal movements were calculated. The mean basal FHR was 136 beats/min (SD 11·6) before, and 133 beats/min (SD 8·9) after (P=0·158). Short‐term variation was in the normal range for both CTG‐tracings: mean 9·7ms (SD 2·7) and 8·8ms (SD 2·8) (P=0·196). The median for fetal movements before MRI was 48/h, and after MRI 24·5/h (P=0·98). MRI at high field strength with powerful gradients did not affect fetal heart activity or movement incidence. Copyright © 1998 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Clinical features of a form of Hirschsprung's disease caused by a novel genetic abnormality.

BACKGROUND/PURPOSE The aim of this report is to describe the pattern of similarities among the patients, exemplifying a newly recognized form of Hirschsprung's disease (HSCR) caused by mutations of ZFHX1B encoding Smad interacting protein-1. METHODS Fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) using several cDNAs and RP11-BAC clones and mutation gene scanning using direct nucleotide sequencing analysis of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) were conducted. Personal records of the patients also were analyzed retrospectively to confirm the clinical features. RESULTS All the patients represented isolated cases without any familial tendency. Aganglionic segments were limited to the recto-sigmoid colon in 3 cases and the rectum in one. Chromosomal screening found normal karyotypes in all cases except one, in whom a translocation between chromosomes 2 and 13 was detected. In addition to HSCR, characteristic facial appearance (hypertelorism with strabismus and wide nasal bridge), microcephaly with epilepsy, and severe physical and mental disabilities were found in all the patients. FISH for the patient having the chromosomal abnormality showed that about a 5-Mb cytogenetic deletion flanked at the 2q22 translocation breakpoint. Among 3 genes mapping to this deleted region, 2 nonsense mutations and a 4-base pair deletion were detected in ZFHX1B. CONCLUSIONS The clinical features of the patients have surprising resemblance and constitute a wide spectrum of neurocristopathies. These findings suggest that the ZFHX1B may be a very important gene for normal embryonic neural crest development. These also indicate that the HSCR can be regarded as a congenital malformation with a background of a multigenetic neurocristopathy. It is of great interest that mutations were located at the same spot (exon 8) of ZFHX1B in 3 of 4 cases, probably accounting for the unique clinical features of this newly recognized form of HSCR.
Use of a smoother to forecast occurrence of epiphytic lichens under alternative forest management plans

We used habitat models to forecast the frequency of occurrence of epiphytic lichen species in a forested landscape under two alternative plans: a literal application of standard prescriptions in the Northwest Forest Plan and a plan patterned in part after natural disturbance regimes. The plans were evaluated for the Blue River watershed in the Cascade Range of Oregon, USA. We used two model types: logistic regression and an ecological neighborhood model using a form of nonparametric regression (SpOcc; Species Occurrence Modeler). Both logistic regression and SpOcc successfully estimated the occurrence of the lichen Lobaria oregana in the current landscape, based on elevation and structural classes of forests. Structural classes were defined by combinations of (1) overstory retention of remnant trees, (2) young cohort age, and (3) stream position (upland vs. riparian). Lobaria oregana rapidly diminished in frequency in the landscape at elevations above 900-1000 m. Young, even-aged stands had little or no Lobaria oregana. Most of the other structural classes, however, were very similar in frequency of Lobaria. The differences in lichens between retention levels and between mature and old growth stands were very small com- pared to the differences with respect to elevation and clearcutting. Similar results, with varying importances of elevation and forest structure, were obtained for most of the 20 species with the strongest models. Many of these species were associated with old growth, and many were forecasted to be more frequent under either management plan than in the current landscape. This is a likely response to the reduction of even-aged management in this landscape. We recommend using SpOcc for flexible nonparametric fitting of species relationships to a multivariate habitat. SpOcc avoids the need to specify response functions and, because it is multiplicative rather than additive, automatically models responses to interactions among predictors.
Generation of neural crest-derived peripheral neurons and floor plate cells from mouse and primate embryonic stem cells

To understand the range of competence of embryonic stem (ES) cell-derived neural precursors, we have examined in vitro differentiation of mouse and primate ES cells into the dorsal- (neural crest) and ventralmost (floor plate) cells of the neural axis. Stromal cell-derived inducing activity (SDIA; accumulated on PA6 stromal cells) induces cocultured ES cells to differentiate into rostral CNS tissues containing both ventral and dorsal cells. Although early exposure of SDIA-treated ES cells to bone morphogenetic protein (BMP)4 suppresses neural differentiation and promotes epidermogenesis, late BMP4 exposure after the fourth day of coculture causes differentiation of neural crest cells and dorsalmost CNS cells, with autonomic system and sensory lineages induced preferentially by high and low BMP4 concentrations, respectively. In contrast, Sonic hedgehog (Shh) suppresses differentiation of neural crest lineages and promotes that of ventral CNS tissues such as motor neurons. Notably, high concentrations of Shh efficiently promote differentiation of HNF3β+ floor plate cells with axonal guidance activities. Thus, SDIA-treated ES cells generate naïve precursors that have the competence of differentiating into the “full” dorsal–ventral range of neuroectodermal derivatives in response to patterning signals.
In-hospital Pediatric Cardiac Arrest in Honduras

Objectives The objective of this study was to analyze the characteristic and the prognostic factors of in-hospital pediatric cardiac arrest (CA) in a public hospital Honduras. Methods A prospective observational study was performed on pediatric in-hospital CA as a part of a multicenter international study. One hundred forty-six children were studied. The primary end point was survival at hospital discharge. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to assess the influence of each factor on mortality. Results Cardiac arrest occurred in the emergency department in 66.9%. Respiratory diseases and sepsis were predominant causes of CA. Return of spontaneous circulation was achieved in 60% of patients, and 22.6% survived to hospital discharge. The factors related with mortality were nonrespiratory cause of CA (odds ratio [OR], 2.55; P = 0.045), adrenaline administration (OR, 4.96; P = 0.008), and a duration of cardiopulmonary resuscitation more than 10 minutes (OR, 3.40; P = 0.012). Conclusions In-hospital CA in children in a developing country has low survival. Patients with nonrespiratory causes and those who need adrenaline administration and prolonged resuscitation had worse prognosis.
Toward empirical behavior laws. I. positive reinforcement.

This account of reinforcement is based upon a generalization, not a theory. Few cases underly the generalization, but that which is generalized to are measurable properties of behavior. If accurate, the present generalization will provide: first, an explanation of reinforcement; second, a criterion for evaluating the logical need for motivation constructs; and third, a possible basis for an empirical quantitative account of learning. This first paper, however, deals mainly with positive reinforcement. Learning, motivation, and the aversive case require independent treatment, though some reference to these topics will occur here.
Household displacement and health risk behaviors among HIV/AIDS-affected children in rural China

Abstract When parents die of or are infected with HIV, children might have to leave their own household and be displaced to other living arrangements and some may even be displaced multiple times. The objective of this study is to examine the association between household displacement and health risk behaviors among AIDS orphans (children who have lost one or both of their parents to HIV/AIDS) and vulnerable children (children living with HIV-infected parents) in rural China. The sample consisted of 1015 children (549 AIDS orphans, 466 vulnerable children) in family-based care. The children were assigned to three displacement groups according to the number of household displacement (i.e., none, once, at least twice) after their parents became ill or died of HIV/AIDS. Cigarette smoking, alcohol use, violence, public property destruction, suicidal ideation, and suicide attempt were used to assess the health risk behaviors of these children. Both bivariate and multivariate tests were used to assess the differences in health risk behaviors among displacement groups. The findings indicated that children who were displaced at least twice were more likely to report a higher frequency of public property destruction and suicide ideation than those who were never displaced or displaced once. Multivariate analysis revealed that public property destruction, suicide ideation and suicide attempt were significantly associated with the household displacement among these children, controlling for gender, age, child status (AIDS orphans vs. vulnerable children), and the duration of household displacement. Results in the current study suggest that a stable living environment was important for both AIDS orphans and vulnerable children in communities with a high prevalence of HIV/AIDS. The government, community, and other agencies need to make efforts to avoid frequent household displacement among these children after the HIV-related infection or death of their parents.