Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
DIURNAL AND SEASONAL VARIATIONS OF SURFACE WATER VAPOUR DENSITY OVER SOME METEOROLOGICAL STATIONS IN NIGERIA

The diurnal and seasonal variations of Surface Water Vapour Density (SWVD) over seven Meteorological stations in Nigeria during the decadal period 1987-1996 were investigated using daily mean temperature and relative humidity data. The data were obtained from the archives of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency, Oshodi, Lagos. The stations were so selected to show a South-North transect and were representative of the regions to which they belong, namely: the Southern, the Midland and the Sahelian (Northern) regions. Results showed that the variations in each station and regions were influenced by the prevailing atmospheric conditions. These atmospheric conditions were controlled by the surface Inter-Tropical Discontinuity (ITD), and the topographical features of each of the stations and regions. Values of daily mean surface water vapour density were found to be higher at midnight than at midday at the Southern stations of Ikeja, and Ibadan together with the Sahelian stations of Kaduna, Zaria, and Kano; whereas at the Midland stations of Ilorin and Minna, the reverse was the case. During the dry season, the daily mean value at Ikeja and Ibadan was 20.07±0.45, at Ilorin and Minna was 15.91±0.79, and at the three Sahelian stations, was 5.29±0.39; while during the rainy season, they were 21.72±1.22, 19.60±0.12 and 19.47±0.07 for the Southern, Midland and Northern regions respectively. The variations, diurnally and seasonally, were in synchronism with the north-south movement of the surface ITD.
Neurocytoma/lipoma (neurolipocytoma) of the cerebellum

We describe a unique tumour that was removed from the posterior fossa of a woman aged 50 years. It was characterized histologically by bland, oval cells with fibrillary cytoplasm and by small groups of lipocytes. Immunocytochemical studies demonstrated expression of synaptophysin, neuron specific enolase and PGP 9.5, but a few cells also expressed glial fibrillary acidic protein and desmin. The combination of neuroectodermal and mesodermal features in this tumour is discussed in relation to primitive neuroectodermal tumours and neurocytoma
The two-faced T cell epitope

Advances in the field of T cell immunology have contributed to the understanding that cross-reactivity is an intrinsic characteristic of the T cell receptor (TCR), and that each TCR can potentially interact with many different T cell epitopes. To better define the potential for TCR cross-reactivity between epitopes derived from the human genome, the human microbiome, and human pathogens, we developed a new immunoinformatics tool, JanusMatrix, that represents an extension of the validated T cell epitope mapping tool, EpiMatrix. Initial explorations, summarized in this synopsis, have uncovered what appear to be important differences in the TCR cross-reactivity of selected regulatory and effector T cell epitopes with other epitopes in the human genome, human microbiome, and selected human pathogens. In addition to exploring the T cell epitope relationships between human self, commensal and pathogen, JanusMatrix may also be useful to explore some aspects of heterologous immunity and to examine T cell epitope relatedness between pathogens to which humans are exposed (Dengue serotypes, or HCV and Influenza, for example). In Hand-Foot-Mouth disease (HFMD) for example, extensive enterovirus and human microbiome cross-reactivity (and limited cross-reactivity with the human genome) seemingly predicts immunodominance. In contrast, more extensive cross-reactivity with proteins contained in the human genome as compared to the human microbiome was observed for selected Treg epitopes. While it may be impossible to predict all immune response influences, the availability of sequence data from the human genome, the human microbiome, and an array of human pathogens and vaccines has made computationally–driven exploration of the effects of T cell epitope cross-reactivity now possible. This is the first description of JanusMatrix, an algorithm that assesses TCR cross-reactivity that may contribute to a means of predicting the phenotype of T cells responding to selected T cell epitopes. Whether used for explorations of T cell phenotype or for evaluating cross-conservation between related viral strains at the TCR face of viral epitopes, further JanusMatrix studies may contribute to developing safer, more effective vaccines.
Effects of Topical Cyclosporine A Plus Artificial Tears Versus Artificial Tears Treatment on Conjunctival Goblet Cell Density in Dysfunctional Tear Syndrome

Objectives: The aim was to compare the effects of topical cyclosporine A and artificial tears combination with artificial tears alone in patients with dysfunctional tear syndrome (DTS). Methods: Forty-two eyes of 42 patients with DTS were enrolled in the study. The inclusion criteria for the study were Schirmer I (without anesthesia) scores below 10 mm/5 min and tear film break-up time (BUT) below 10 sec. The patients were randomly divided into two groups. The study group (22 patients) underwent 0.05% cyclosporine A treatment twice a day and preservative-free artificial tears for four times a day for 4 months. The control group (20 patients) was administered only preservative-free artificial tears four times a day for 4 months. The BUT, Schirmer test scores, corneal fluorescein staining, conjunctival lissamine green staining, and goblet cell density derived by impression cytology were recorded before and after treatment in each group. Results: In the study group, all parameters improved statistically significantly after treatment at the 4-month follow-up compared with the pretreatment values (P<0.001 for all). In the control group, corneal fluorescein staining (P<0.001) and conjunctival lissamine green staining (P=0.014) improved, but BUT and Schirmer scores did not change significantly after treatment. At the end of the 4-month follow-up, the study group demonstrated statistically significantly better BUT (P=0.020), Schirmer scores (P=0.002), goblet cell density (P=0.006), corneal fluorescein staining (P=0.003), and conjunctival lissamine green staining (P=0.017) scores than did the control group. Conclusions: Topical cyclosporine A and artificial tears treatment significantly increases goblet cell density, decreases the signs of DTS, and improves ocular surface health.
Prevention of haemodialysis-induced hypotension by biofeedback control of ultrafiltration and infusion.

BACKGROUND Haemodialysis-induced hypotension is still a severe complication in spite of all the progress in haemodialysis treatment. Because of its multifactorial causes, haemodialysis-induced hypotension cannot be reliably prevented by conventional ultrafiltration and sodium profiling in open-loop systems, as they are unable to adapt themselves to actual decreases in blood pressure. METHODS A blood-pressure-guided closed-loop system, for prevention of haemodialysis-induced hypotension by biofeedback-driven computer control of both ultrafiltration and saline infusion was clinically tested in 237 treatments of seven patients prone to hypotension. As medical knowledge on multifactorial causes of hypotension is characterized by a lack in deterministic knowledge, fuzzy logic and linguistic variables were used to involve clinical experience on hypotension phenomena in terms of fuzzy knowledge. Biofeedback control is based on frequent measurements of blood pressure at 5 min intervals. Blood pressure behaviour is described by linguistic variables and fuzzy sets. Adaptive rule bases were used for the simultaneous fuzzy control of both the ultrafiltration and infusion of hypertonic saline (20% NaCl). Proper adaptation of control features to patient's conditions was provided by the critical borderline pressure, which was set by the physician individually at the beginning of each treatment. During the initial and medium phases of the sessions, ultrafiltration rates up to 150% of the average rates were applied as long as decreases in blood pressure could be compensated by saline infusion. The surplus of ultrafiltrate volume was used for blood pressure stabilization in the final phase in most instances by low ultrafiltration rates. RESULTS The advantages of biofeedback-controlled haemodialysis were demonstrated by both decreasing the frequency of hypotonic episodes and by increasing or maintaining constant levels of systolic blood pressure during the final phase in 88% of treatments. As saline infusion was applied mainly in the initial and medium phases, blood sodium levels were not significantly higher at the end of the sessions, and interdialytic weight gain was not elevated. CONCLUSION The application of fuzzy logic in the blood-pressure-guided biofeedback control of ultrafiltration and sodium infusion during haemodialysis is able to minimize haemodialysis-induced hypotension.
Otx2 Binding to Perineuronal Nets Persistently Regulates Plasticity in the Mature Visual Cortex

Specific transfer of (orthodenticle homeobox 2) Otx2 homeoprotein into GABAergic interneurons expressing parvalbumin (PV) is necessary and sufficient to open, then close, a critical period (CP) of plasticity in the developing mouse visual cortex. The accumulation of endogenous Otx2 in PV cells suggests the presence of specific Otx2 binding sites. Here, we find that perineuronal nets (PNNs) on the surfaces of PV cells permit the specific, constitutive capture of Otx2. We identify a 15 aa domain containing an arginine-lysine doublet (RK peptide) within Otx2, bearing prototypic traits of a glycosaminoglycan (GAG) binding sequence that mediates Otx2 binding to PNNs, and specifically to chondroitin sulfate D and E, with high affinity. Accordingly, PNN hydrolysis by chondroitinase ABC reduces the amount of endogenous Otx2 in PV cells. Direct infusion of RK peptide similarly disrupts endogenous Otx2 localization to PV cells, reduces PV and PNN expression, and reopens plasticity in adult mice. The closure of one eye during this transient window reduces cortical acuity and is specific to the RK motif, as an Alanine-Alanine variant or a scrambled peptide fails to reactivate plasticity. Conversely, this transient reopening of plasticity in the adult restores binocular vision in amblyopic mice. Thus, one function of PNNs is to facilitate the persistent internalization of Otx2 by PV cells to maintain CP closure. The pharmacological use of the Otx2 GAG binding domain offers a novel, potent therapeutic tool with which to restore cortical plasticity in the mature brain.
Proliferative Actions of Natriuretic Peptides on Neuroblastoma Cells

To identify neural tumor cell lines that could be used as models to study growth-related natriuretic peptide actions, we determined the effects of these peptides on the proliferation of human and rodent neuroblastoma cell lines. Subnanomolar concentrations of atrial natriuretic peptide (ANP) and type C natriuretic peptide (CNP) stimulated proliferation in all four cell lines. These actions were associated with cGMP elevation and were blocked by a protein kinase G inhibitor. These data imply the involvement of guanylyl cyclase (GC)-coupled natriuretic receptors. However, higher concentrations of ANP and CNP, and low concentrations of des-[Gln18,Ser19,Gly20,Leu21,Gly22]-ANP4–23-NH2(desANP4–23) (analog for NPR-C receptor) exerted antiproliferative actions in three of the cell lines. These effects were insensitive to a protein kinase G inhibitor and to HS-142-1, suggesting that growth-inhibitory actions involved a non-GC receptor. They did not appear to involve cAMP, protein kinase A, protein kinase C, or calcium mobilization but were abolished when constitutive mitogen-activated protein kinase activity was inhibited. Radioligand binding experiments revealed the presence of a uniform class of binding sites in NG108 cells and multiple binding sites in Neuro2a cells. Northern and reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction analyses revealed differential gene expression for NPR-A/B/C in NG108 and Neuro2a cells. The results indicate that natriuretic peptides stimulate neuroblastoma cell proliferation through type NPR-A/B (GC) receptors. Higher concentrations of ANP and CNP exerted a mitogen-activated protein kinase-dependent antiproliferative action mediated by a non-GC receptor that interacts with desANP4–23 with relatively high affinity.
An Ultrasonographic and Anatomical Study of Carpal Tunnel, with Special Emphasis on the Safe Zones in Percutaneous Release

We examined 40 wrists of 12 embalmed and eight fresh cadavers and defined the relative position of the flexor retinaculum to the neurovascular structure, ultrasonographic markers and safe zones by ultrasonography and anatomical dissection. Both longitudinal and transverse ultrasonographic sections clearly depicted the flexor retinaculum, neurovascular bundles, median nerve, flexor tendons and bony boundaries of the underlying joints. Topographic measurement showed [i] good correlation between the actual extent of the flexor retinaculum and the ultrasonographically determined distance between bony landmarks in all hands, and [ii] the widths and lengths of well-defined safe zones. A comparison study confirmed the accuracy of ultrasonography. We conclude that these ultrasonographic landmarks can locate the flexor retinaculum and facilitate safe and complete carpal tunnel release with open or minimally invasive techniques.
Simple method for production of internal control DNA for Mycobacterium tuberculosis polymerase chain reaction assays

A simple method for the production of internal control DNA for two well-established Mycobacterium tuberculosis polymerase chain reaction assays is described. The internal controls were produced from Mycobacterium kansasii DNA with the same primers but at a lower annealing temperature than that used in the standard assays. In both assays, therefore, the internal control DNA has the same primer-binding sequences at the target DNA. One-microgram quantities of internal control DNA which was not contaminated with target DNA could easily be produced by this method. The inclusion of the internal control in the reaction mixture did not affect the efficiency of amplification of the target DNA. The method is simple and rapid and should be adaptable to most M. tuberculosis polymerase chain reaction assays.
Changes in weight and body image over time in women with eating disorders.

BACKGROUND This study examined the changes in body image and weight in young women with an adolescent eating disorder, relative to women without an eating disorder (noED). METHOD Three diagnostic groups, anorexia nervosa (AN; n = 10), bulimia nervosa (BN; n = 27), and binge eating disorder (BED; n = 42) and three comparison groups (noED; n = 659 each) were compared on body mass index (BMI) and self-reported current body size, ideal body size, and weight dissatisfaction. Dependent variables were examined 2 and 1 year before the onset, the onset year, and 1 and 2 years after the onset of the eating disorder in a model that was adjusted for ethnicity and BMI. RESULTS BMI was lower in the AN group at all time points except 2 years before onset. AN girls evidenced a significantly stronger relation between BMI and current self-ratings and weight dissatisfaction than noED girls. BMI did not differ between the BN group and the noED group. Girls with BN reported larger current body sizes and greater weight dissatisfaction across all time points. The BED group had higher BMI than the noED group across time. BED girls reported greater current body size ratings and weight dissatisfaction than the noED girls. Girls with AN, BN, or BED did not differ from the noED girls on body ideal ratings. DISCUSSION Body weight seems to influence perception of body size more so for girls with AN than for noED girls. No support was found for an accelerated weight gain over time for BN. Weight may increase over time for the BED group relative to the noED group, but larger studies are needed. Across all three groups, ideal body size appears to be unrelated to diagnostic status. Rather, the risk for developing an eating disorder appears to arise from size overestimation and related weight dissatisfaction.
Delay Analysis of Interacting Queues with an Approximate Model

An approximate model of coupled Markov chains is proposed and analyzed for a slotted ALOHA system with a finite number of buffered nodes. This model differs from earlier ones in that it attempts to capture the interdependence between the nodes. The analytical results lead to a set of equations that, when solved numerically, yield the average packet delay. Comparison between computational and simulation results for a small number of nodes show excellent agreement for most throughput values, except for values near saturation. Numerical comparisons for a two-node system show that a nonsymmetric loading of the system provides better delay-throughput performance than a symmetric one.
Auditory cortex of the marmoset monkey – complex responses to tones and vocalizations under opiate anaesthesia in core and belt areas

Many anaesthetics commonly used in auditory research severely depress cortical responses, particularly in the supragranular layers of the primary auditory cortex and in non‐primary areas. This is particularly true when stimuli other than simple tones are presented. Although awake preparations allow better preservation of the neuronal responses, there is an inherent limitation to this approach whenever the physiological data need to be combined with histological reconstruction or anatomical tracing. Here we tested the efficacy of an opiate‐based anaesthetic regime to study physiological responses in the primary auditory cortex and middle lateral belt area. Adult marmosets were anaesthetized using a combination of sufentanil (8 μg/kg/h, i.v.) and N2O (70%). Unit activity was recorded throughout the cortical layers, in response to auditory stimuli presented binaurally. Stimuli consisted of a battery of tones presented at different intensities, as well as two marmoset calls (‘Tsik’ and ‘Twitter’). In addition to robust monotonic and non‐monotonic responses to tones, we found that the neuronal activity reflected various aspects of the calls, including ‘on’ and ‘off’ components, and temporal fluctuations. Both phasic and tonic activities, as well as excitatory and inhibitory components, were observed. Furthermore, a late component (100–250 ms post‐offset) was apparent. Our results indicate that the sufentanil/N2O combination allows better preservation of response patterns in both the core and belt auditory cortex, in comparison with anaesthetics usually employed in auditory physiology. This anaesthetic regime holds promise in enabling the physiological study of complex auditory responses in acute preparations, combined with detailed anatomical and histological investigation.
Comorbidity and course of psychiatric disorders in a community sample of former prisoners of war.

OBJECTIVE The authors assessed DSM-III-R disorders among American former prisoners of war. Comorbidity, time of onset, and the relationship of trauma severity to complicated versus uncomplicated posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) were examined. METHOD A community sample (N=262) of men exposed to combat and imprisonment was assessed by clinicians using the Structured Clinical Interview for DSM-III-R. RESULTS The rates of comorbidity among the men with PTSD were lower than rates from community samples assessed by lay interviewers. Over one-third of the cases of lifetime PTSD were uncomplicated by another axis I disorder; over one-half of the cases of current PTSD were uncomplicated. PTSD almost always emerged soon after exposure to trauma. Lifetime PTSD was associated with increased risk of lifetime panic disorder, major depression, alcohol abuse/dependence, and social phobia. Current PTSD was associated with increased risk of current panic disorder, dysthymia, social phobia, major depression, and generalized anxiety disorder. Relative to PTSD, the onset of the comorbid disorders was as follows: major depression, predominantly secondary; alcohol abuse/dependence and agoraphobia, predominantly concurrent (same year); social phobia, equal proportions primary and concurrent; and panic disorder, equal proportions concurrent and secondary. Trauma exposure was comparable in the subjects with complicated and uncomplicated PTSD. CONCLUSIONS The types of comorbid diagnoses and their patterns of onset were comparable to the diagnoses and patterns observed in other community samples. The findings support the validity of the PTSD construct; PTSD can be distinguished from comorbid disorders. Uncomplicated PTSD may be more common than previous studies suggest, particularly in clinician-assessed subjects exposed to severe trauma.
Temporal lobe epilepsy in childhood: Clinical, EEG, and neuroimaging findings and syndrome classification in a cohort with new-onset seizures

Sixty-three children with new-onset temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE) underwent extensive clinical, EEG, and neuroimaging investigation as part of a prospective, community-based cohort study of the natural history of TLE in childhood. Complex partial seizures occurred in 94% of the children, and tonic-clonic seizures occurred in 14%. Developmental, behavioral, or learning problems were present in 38%. Eighteen children (29%) had a significant illness/event prior to the onset of TLE, including febrile status epilepticus in seven, meningitis in four, respiratory arrest in two, and head injury in one. Magnetic resonance imaging or computed tomography revealed structural abnormalities of the temporal lobe in 24 children (38%), including hippocampal sclerosis (HS) in 13 and tumor in eight. There was a strong association between HS and a history of significant illness/event prior to the onset of TLE (p < 0.001). Analysis of past history and neuroimaging findings led us to propose three etiologically defined subgroups of TLE; developmental TLE (10 children with long-standing, nonprogressive temporal lobe tumors and malformations), TLE with HS/significant antecedents (18 children with HS or a history of a significant illness/event), and cryptogenic TLE (34 children with normal neuroimaging findings and no significant past history). Etiologic differences between children with new-onset TLE may confer prognostic information that will be useful for counselling families and planning treatment.