Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Spike after‐depolarization and burst generation in adult rat hippocampal CA1 pyramidal cells.

1. Intracellular recordings in adult rat hippocampal slices were used to investigate the properties and origins of intrinsically generated bursts in the somata of CA1 pyramidal cells (PCs). The CA1 PCs were classified as either non‐bursters or bursters according to the firing patterns evoked by intrasomatically applied long ( > or = 100 ms) depolarizing current pulses. Non‐bursters generated stimulus‐graded trains of independent action potentials, whereas bursters generated clusters of three or more closely spaced spikes riding on a distinct depolarizing envelope. 2. In all PCs fast spike repolarization was incomplete and ended at a potential approximately 10 mV more positive than resting potential. Solitary spikes were followed by a distinct after‐depolarizing potential (ADP) lasting 20‐40 ms. The ADP in most non‐bursters declined monotonically to baseline (‘passive’ ADP), whereas in most bursters it remained steady or even re‐depolarized before declining to baseline (‘active’ ADP). 3. Active, but not passive, ADPs were associated with an apparent increase in input conductance. They were maximal in amplitude when the spike was evoked from resting potential and were reduced by mild depolarization or hyperpolarization (+/‐ 2 mV). 4. Evoked and spontaneous burst firing was sensitive to small changes in membrane potential. In most cases maximal bursts were generated at resting potential and were curtailed by small depolarizations or hyperpolarizations (+/‐ 5 mV). 5. Bursts comprising clusters of spikelets (‘d‐spikes’) were observed in 12% of the bursters. Some of the d‐spikes attained threshold for triggering full somatic spikes. Gradually hyperpolarizing these neurones blocked somatic spikes before blocking d‐spikes, suggesting that the latter are generated at more remote sites. 6. The data suggest that active ADPs and intrinsic bursts in the somata of adult CA1 PCs are generated by a slow, voltage‐gated inward current. Bursts arise in neurones in which this current is sufficiently large to generate suprathreshold ADPs, and thereby initiate a regenerative process of spike recruitment and slow depolarization.
The CES-D as a Measure of Psychological Distress Among International Students: Measurement and Structural Invariance Across Gender

Detecting psychological distress among international students can be challenging given diverse languages, cultural backgrounds, and lack of refined measurement properties of measures tailored to international students. Despite the challenges, ensuring that a psychological distress measure works effectively has considerable potential value for assessment purposes. The current study evaluates the measurement properties of a short 10-item version of Radloff’s Center for Epidemiologic Studies Depression Scale (CES-D). Grounded in long-standing evidence on gender differences in depressive symptoms, specific attention was given to examining measurement invariance of the CES-D Short-form across women and men. Based on a large, two-cohort sample of international students (N = 468), and through multiple analyses evaluating factor structure and measurement invariance, we derived an even briefer, seven-item single-factor form of the CES-D (CES-D Short-form International) that can be used with international students.
Clinical implications of flow cytometry crossmatch with T or B cells in living donor liver transplantation

Background: Acute allograft rejection (AR) in solid organ transplantation is generally regarded to develop through cell‐mediated immune response following activation of helper T cells. Since production of antibodies is also mediated by helper T cells, humoral immunity may play some roles in AR. Although flow cytometry crossmatch (FCXM) is reported as a useful method for the detection of antibodies against donor antigen, specific role of T‐ or B‐cell FCXM and its sensitivity for AR is controversial. Methods: T‐ and B‐cell FCXM using fresh donor peripheral lymphocytes were performed before and after blood‐type compatible living donor liver transplantation in 47 patients. IgM and IgG anti‐donor antibodies were analyzed in relation to clinical AR. Results: Positive pre‐transplant T‐cell FCXM was associated with a high incidence of positive post‐transplant T‐cell FCXM (p=0.017). Four of five cases (80%) with positive pre‐transplant T‐cell FCXM experienced earlier AR (day 8.0±4.4, mean±SD) than 16 of 42 cases (31%) with negative pre‐transplant T‐cell FCXM (17.3±6.8; p=0.016). In addition, higher dose of steroids was given to treat AR episodes in cases with positive pre‐transplant T‐cell FCXM (79.9±10.3 mg/kg/month) than in those with negative pre‐transplant T‐cell FCXM (47.1±26.6; p=0.039). In the first month after transplantation, 13 episodes of positive post‐transplant T‐cell FCXM were all concomitant with or preceded clinical AR compared with seven ARs in T‐cell FCXM‐negative cases (p<0.0001). T‐cell FCXM between positive sera and third parties revealed some crossreactions. In contrast, detection of antibodies by B‐cell FCXM in pre‐ and post‐transplant phases was scarcely associated with AR, and no correlation was found between T‐ and B‐cell FCXM before and after transplantation. Conclusions: Positive T‐cell FCXM is closely related with AR and that before transplantation is a predictor of early and refractory AR as well as post‐transplant FCXM. In contrast, not a few detections of antibodies irrelevant to AR are observed in B‐cell FCXM, suggesting its low specificity.
The role of whole-wheat grain and wheat and rye ingredients on the digestion and fermentation processes in the gut – a model experiment with pigs

The effect of wheat and rye breads made from white wheat flour with added refined fibre (WFL), whole-wheat grain, wheat aleurone flour (WAF) or rye aleurone flour (RAF) on digestion and fermentation processes in the gut was studied in a model experiment with pigs. The diets were similar in dietary fibre (DF) but differed in arabinoxylan (AX) content and composition. Twenty pigs were fed the breads three times daily (08.00, 13.00 and 18.00 hours) and the digesta collected through a T-cannula for two successive periods (breakfast: 8.00–13.00; lunch: 13.00–18.00 hours). Faeces were collected for 24 h and caecal and colonic contents at slaughter. The rigid nature of the aleurone cell walls encapsulated nutrients, which resulted in reduced (P < 0·01) digestibility of protein (WAF and RAF breads) and fat (RAF bread). For the RAF bread, the digestibility of starch was also lower (P < 0·001) than of the wheat-based diets primarily due to the higher intestinal viscosity. The DF composition had an impact on (P < 0·001) the site for fibre degradation in the large intestine. Thus, AX of the WAF bread, with the lowest degree of substitution, were fermented as much in the caecum as in the colon, whereas AX of the RAF bread, with an intermediary degree of substitution, were mainly fermented in the caecum. The WFL bread, rich in cellulose, was fermented more distally. Fermentation of experimental breads in the large intestine had no effect (P>0·05) on the production of metabolites, except for butyrate which was higher (P < 0·01) after the WAF bread consumption.
Resolution of the fluorescence equilibrium unfolding profile of trp aporepressor using single tryptophan mutants

Single tryptophan mutants of the trp aporepressor, tryptophan 19 → phenylalanine (W19F) and tryptophan 99 → phenylalanine (W99F), were used in this study to resolve the individual steady‐state and time‐resolved fluorescence urea unfolding profiles of the two tryptophan residues in this highly intertwined, dimeric protein. The wild‐type protein exhibits a large increase in fluorescence intensity and lifetime, as well as a large red shift in the steady‐state fluorescence emission spectrum, upon unfolding by urea (Lane, A.N. & Jardetsky, O., 1987, Eur. J. Biochem. 164, 389–396; Gittelman, M.S. & Matthews, C.R., 1990, Biochemistry 29, 7011–7020; Fernando, T. & Royer, C.A., 1992, Biochemistry 31, 6683–6691). Unfolding of the W19F mutant demonstrated that Trp 99 undergoes a large increase in intensity and a red shift upon exposure to solvent. Lifetime studies revealed that the contribution of the dominant 0.5‐ns component of this tryptophan tends toward zero with increasing urea, whereas the longer lifetime components increase in importance. This lifting of the quenching of Trp 99 may be due to disruption of the interaction between the two subunits upon denaturation, which abolishes the interaction of Trp 99 on one subunit with the amide quenching group of Asn 32 on the other subunit (Royer, C.A., 1992, Biophys. J. 63, 741–750). On the other hand, Trp 19 is quenched in response to unfolding in the W99F mutant. Exposure to solvent of Trp 19, which is buried at the hydrophobic dimer interface in the native protein, results in a large red shift of the average steady‐state emission. Thus, changes in the fluorescence properties of the two intrinsic tryptophan residues in trp aporepressor upon unfolding are explained readily in terms of disruption of the dimer interface.
The effect of fermentation and storage on free amino acids of tarhana

A study on the evaluation of free amino acids (FAAs) in tarhana during fermentation and storage was performed. The FAAs in tarhana were determined by RP-HPLC with a fluorescence detector following extraction from the sample and derivatization with dansyl chloride. The amount of FAAs increased significantly (p<0.01) during fermentation and storage. The increase in the content of total free amino acids (TFAAs) and total free essential amino acids (TFEAAs) of fermented tarhana, which was used with yogurt bacteria and baker's yeast, was 57% and 93%, respectively. The amino acids primarily responsible for the increase were valine and tryptophan followed by methionine, alanine, isoleucine + leucine, phenylalanine, arginine, proline, and lysine. The TFAA content of tarhana at the end of fermentation was found to be 8% of total protein (16.8%). The ratio of TFEAAs/TFAAs was initially 0.46 and increased to 0.57 at the end of fermentation. The TFAA content of wet tarhanas was higher than that of the dry counterpart. It was found that the TFAA content of dry tarhana was 25% lower than the fresh wet tarhana (FWT), at the end of fermentation. It was concluded that the decrease in FAAs in dry tarhana was due to the Maillard reaction and partial degradation of FAAs during dehydration.
Full regeneration of the tribasal Polypterus fin

Full limb regeneration is a property that seems to be restricted to urodele amphibians. Here we found that Polypterus, the most basal living ray-finned fish, regenerates its pectoral lobed fins with a remarkable accuracy. Pectoral Polypterus fins are complex, formed by a well-organized endoskeleton to which the exoskeleton rays are connected. Regeneration initiates with the formation of a blastema similar to that observed in regenerating amphibian limbs. Retinoic acid induces dose-dependent phenotypes ranging from inhibition of regeneration to apparent anterior–posterior duplications. As in all developing tetrapod limbs and regenerating amphibian blastema, Sonic hedgehog is expressed in the posterior mesenchyme during fin regeneration. Hedgehog signaling plays a role in the regeneration and patterning processes: an increase or reduction of fin bony elements results when this signaling is activated or disrupted, respectively. The tail fin also regenerates but, in contrast with pectoral fins, regeneration can resume after release from the arrest caused by hedgehog inhibition. A comparative analysis of fin phenotypes obtained after retinoic acid treatment or altering the hedgehog signaling levels during regeneration allowed us to assign a limb tetrapod equivalent segment to Polypterus fin skeletal structures, thus providing clues to the origin of the autopod. We propose that appendage regeneration was a common property of vertebrates during the fin to limb transition.
Statistical analysis of shear wave speed in the uterine cervix

Although cervical softening is critical in pregnancy, there currently is no objective method for assessing the softness of the cervix. Shear wave speed (SWS) estimation is a noninvasive tool used to measure tissue mechanical properties such as stiffness. The goal of this study was to determine the spatial variability and assess the ability of SWS to classify ripened versus unripened tissue samples. Ex vivo human hysterectomy samples (n = 22) were collected; a subset (n = 13) were ripened. SWS estimates were made at 4 to 5 locations along the length of the canal on both anterior and posterior halves. A linear mixed model was used for a robust multivariate analysis. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis and the area under the ROC curve (AUC) were calculated to describe the utility of SWS to classify ripened versus unripened tissue samples. Results showed that all variables used in the linear mixed model were significant ( p <; 0.05). Estimates at the mid location for the unripened group were 3.45 ± 0.95 m/s (anterior) and 3.56 ± 0.92 m/s (posterior), and 2.11 ± 0.45 m/s (anterior) and 2.68 ± 0.57 m/s (posterior) for the ripened ( p <; 0.001). The AUCs were 0.91 and 0.84 for anterior and posterior, respectively, suggesting that SWS estimates may be useful for quantifying cervical softening.
Distribution and phenotype of rotavirus‐specific B cells induced during the antigen‐driven primary response to 2/6 virus‐like particles administered by the intrarectal and the intranasal routes

Selection of mucosal sites is an important step in mucosal vaccine development. The intrarectal (IR) route represents an alternative to the oral route of immunization; nevertheless, immune responses induced by this route are not well defined. Here, we studied the early primary B cell response (induction, homing, and phenotype) induced by IR immunization with rotavirus (RV)‐2/6 virus‐like particles (VLP). Using flow cytometry, we traced RV‐specific B cells in different lymphoid tissues and analyzed the expression of α4β7 and CCR9, which are important receptors for homing to the gut, as well as CD5, a marker expressed by B1‐a cells, which are a major source of natural antibodies. We observed a massive, specific B cell response in rectal follicles, lumbar, and mesenteric lymph nodes but not in Peyer's patches or cervical lymph nodes. A minority of cells expressed α4β7, suggesting a probable lack of migration to the gut, whereas CCR9 and CD5 were expressed by 30–50% and 30–75% of specific B cells, respectively. Then, we compared the intranasal route of immunization and observed similar B cell frequency and phenotype but in respiratory lymphoid tissues. These results confirm the high compartmentalization of B cell responses within the mucosal system. They show that CCR9 expression, conversely to α4β7, is not restricted to B cells induced in the gut. Finally, an important part of the RV‐specific B cell response induced at the mucosal level during the primary response to VLP is most likely a result of B1‐a cells.
Development and role of retinal glia in regeneration of ganglion cells following retinal injury.

AIMS/BACKGROUND: Recent observations have shown that the glial scar resulting from a surgical lesion of the immature retina differs from elsewhere in the central nervous system, in that it permits the through growth and reconnection of regenerating axons. This study in the opossum examines in detail the development and reaction to injury of retinal glia at different developmental stages, and specifically examines the distribution of the gliosis related inhibitory molecule, chondroitin sulphate proteoglycan (CSPG), making comparisons with a control site of gliosis in the cerebral cortex. METHODS: A linear slit was cut into the retina or cortex with a fine tungsten probe. After a variable time delay, immunocytochemistry of the resulting gliosis was employed to detect astrocytes with glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP), Müller cells with vimentin, and CSPG with CS-56 antibodies. GFAP was also used at different ages to examine the normal development of astrocytes in the retina of this species. RESULTS: Astrocytes entered the retina 12 days after birth (P12), closely associated with blood vessels in the nerve fibre layer. In experiments at all ages studied, cellular continuity was re-established across the lesioned retina, which did not result in a significant astrocyte proliferation or CSPG expression. In contrast, cortical injury led to the development of a cystic cavity surrounded by astrocytes and CSPG. Müller cells expressed GFAP but not CSPG in the lesioned retina. CONCLUSION: Successful regrowth of ganglion cells through a retinal lesion may be partly the result of the scarcity of astrocytes in the retina, which results in minimal gliosis, or of their apparent inability to express inhibitory molecules.
Intravenous fluid resuscitation for the trauma patient

Purpose of reviewAlthough longstanding practice in trauma care has been to provide immediate, aggressive intravenous fluid resuscitation to injured patients with presumed internal hemorrhage, recent experimental and clinical data suggest a more discriminating approach that first considers concurrent head injury, hemodynamic stability, and the presence of potentially uncontrollable hemorrhage (e.g., deep truncal injury) versus a controllable source (e.g., distal extremity wound). Recent findingsThe data suggest that rapid intravenous fluid infusions could be used for patients with isolated extremity, thermal or head injury. However, intravenous fluids should be limited in conditions with potentially uncontrollable internal hemorrhage, and particularly in patients with penetrating truncal injury being transported immediately to a trauma center. Likewise, positive pressure ventilatory support should be limited with severe hemorrhage due to the secondary reductions in venous return off-setting the effects of the fluids. For trauma patients with severe bleeding, there is growing evidence for the increased use of plasma and factor VIIa, as well as tourniquets, intra-osseus devices, and evolving monitoring techniques. SummaryFuture research efforts in trauma should focus on the timing and rate of infusions as well as the concept of infusing alternative intravenous resuscitative fluids such as hemoglobin-based oxygen carriers (HBOCs) and the use of hemostatic agents and special blood products.
Selective Tibial Neurotomy in the Treatment of Spastic Equinovarus Foot: A 2-Year Follow-Up of Three Cases

Deltombe T, Detrembleur C, Hanson P, Gustin T: Selective tibial neurotomy in the treatment of spastic equinovarus foot: A 2-year follow-up of three cases. Am J Phys Med Rehabil 2006;85:82–88. Objective:To objectively assess the decrease in spasticity and the improvement in gait after tibial nerve neurotomy performed to treat spastic equinovarus foot. Design:Before–after trial with a 2-yr follow-up. Three hemiplegic patients with spastic equinovarus foot were treated with a selective peripheral neurotomy of the tibial motor nerve branches (soleus, lateral and medial gastrocnemius and tibialis posterior nerves). Evaluation included clinical assessment of spasticity (Ashworth scale), maximal Hoffmann reflex (Hmax)/compound muscle action potential (Mmax) ratio measurement, gait analysis, and muscle stiffness evaluation performed before and 2 mos, 1 yr, and 2 yrs after the neurotomy. Results:Spasticity, muscle stiffness, and Hmax/Mmax ratio decreased after neurotomy. The kinematic (ankle dorsal flexion and knee recurvatum) and kinetic variables (maximum ankle muscle moment and external work) of the gait were permanently improved after neurotomy. Interestingly, kinetic variables seemed to gradually improve with time after the neurotomy. Conclusion:Tibial neurotomy is an effective and durable treatment for spastic equinovarus foot.
Humoral Regulation of Erythropoiesis XII. Effect of Erythropoietin and Iron on Cell Size in Iron Deficiency Anemia.∗

Summary Erythropoietin did not affect the size distribution curve of iron deficient animals even when given in high doses. The type of erythroid response occurring after treatment with iron was related to the dose of iron administered, a macrocytic response being evoked after high doses and a normocytic response after low doses. The mechanism of action of erythropoietin and its relationship to available iron is discussed and a hypothesis presented to explain the above observations.
Polymorphic markers in the 5α‐reductase type II gene and the incidence of prostate cancer

In the prostate, the enzyme encoded by the SRD5A2 gene (5α‐reductase) converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, a potent androgen that has been hypothesized to play a role in the genesis of prostate cancer. Several polymorphisms have been identified in the SRD5A2 gene, including a valine‐to‐leucine substitution (V89L) at codon 89, a variable number of TA dinucleotide repeats and a missense substitution at codon 49 resulting in an amino acid substitution of alanine with threonine (A49T). To investigate the influence of these polymorphisms on prostate cancer risk, we conducted a case‐control study nested within the Beta‐Carotene and Retinol Efficacy Trial. Genotypes were determined by PCR‐based capillary electrophoresis using genomic DNA isolated from 300 cases and 300 controls matched on the basis of race, age at enrollment (within 5 years), enrollment study center and year of randomization. There was no association between V89L genotypes and prostate cancer risk. The age‐ and race‐adjusted odds ratio (OR) associated with the VL and LL genotypes were 1.06 (95% confidence interval (CI) = 0.75‐1.49) and 0.99 (95% CI = 0.57‐1.73), respectively, as compared to the VV genotype. The age‐ and race‐adjusted odds ratio for men having 1 TA(9) or TA(18) allele was 0.98 (95% CI = 0.64‐1.48) when compared to men without TA repeats. The corresponding odds ratio for men without the TA(0) alleles was 0.68 (95% CI = 0.21‐2.19). The age‐ and race‐adjusted odds ratio associated with having at least 1 T allele at codon 49 was 1.11 (95% CI = 0.58‐2.11), as compared to the AA genotype. Our results do not support the hypothesis that the V89L and A49T polymorphisms in the SRD5A2 gene are related to the risk of prostate cancer, but are compatible with the suggestion from earlier studies that men who are homozygous for the TA(9) or (18) alleles and men who have the TA(9)/TA(18) genotype are at a modestly reduced risk. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Activation of microglia by endotoxin suppresses the secretion of glial cell line–derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) through the action of protein kinase Cα (PKCα) and mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPKS)

The ability of microglia to produce/secrete glial cell line–derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) in vitro was examined. Immunoblotting analysis revealed that nonstimulated microglia release limited amounts of GDNF with molecular sizes of 14 and 17 kDa. However, the secreted amounts significantly decreased when the microglia were activated with the endotoxin lipopolysaccharide (LPS). Comparison of the amounts of GDNF in the cells and the conditioned medium between the nonstimulated microglia and LPS‐stimulated microglia clarified that the secretion of GDNF, but not its production, is strongly suppressed when the microglia are activated with LPS. The inhibitor experiments suggested that the GDNF secretion is depressed by a signaling cascade associated with protein kinase C alpha (PKCα) and/or mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPKs). As expected from the above results, a PKC activator suppressed the secretion of GDNF in nonstimulated microglia. Taken together, these results demonstrated that microglia have the ability to produce and secrete GDNF in vitro, and that the secretion is suppressed by stimulation with endotoxin, probably due to a signaling mechanism involving PKCα and/or MAPKs. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.