Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Modifying T-cell trafficking to the intestinal as a potential management for inflammatory bowel disease

Introduction: The Inflammatory Bowel Diseases (IBDs) are life-long chronic relapsing incurable inflammatory conditions that usually appear in the first few decades of life. There have been marked advances in the management of these conditions, but none of the currently available therapies are a panacea as they are neither universally efficacious nor will their efficacy necessarily last. There is a desperate need for new therapies that target the immunological deficits within the immune system with low side effects and long-term efficacy. Areas covered: Leukocyte trafficking into the intestinal mucosa is central to the inflammatory pathogenesis in both Crohn's disease (CD) and ulcerative colitis (UC) and modification of this trafficking has the ability to reduce the level of inflammation. The α4β7 integrin heterodimer is highly expressed on the CD4+CD45RA-memory T-cell subpopulation located within the intestine, and these play a critical part in the pathogenesis of IBD. Expert opinion: By modifying the integrin and chemokine interactions with their specific receptors, inhibition of α4+ and α4β7+ T-cell trafficking to the sites of intestinal inflammation is possible with promising outcomes in the management of IBD.
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Chloroplasts have a critical role in plant defense as sites for the biosynthesis of the signaling compounds salicylic acid (SA), jasmonic acid (JA), and nitric oxide (NO) and as major sites of reactive oxygen species production. Chloroplasts, therefore, regarded as important players in the induction and regulation of programmed cell death (PCD) in response to abiotic stresses and pathogen attack. The predominantly foliar pathogen of wheat Zymoseptoria tritici is proposed to exploit the plant PCD, which is associated with the transition in the fungus to the necrotrophic phase of infection. In this study virus-induced gene silencing was used to silence two key genes in carotenoid and chlorophyll biosynthesis, phytoene desaturase ( PDS ) and Mg-chelatase H subunit ( ChlH ). The chlorophyll-deficient, PDS - and ChlH -silenced leaves of susceptible plants underwent more rapid pathogen-induced PCD but were significantly less able to support the subsequent asexual sporulation of Z. tritici. Conversely, major gene ( Stb6 )-mediated resistance to Z. tritici was partially compromised in PDS - and ChlH -silenced leaves. Chlorophyll-deficient wheat ears
Angiogenesis During Follicular Development in the Primate and its Inhibition by Treatment with Truncated Flt-1-Fc (Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor TrapA40).

The aims of this study were to 1) quantify changes in angiogenesis during follicular growth in a primate model; 2) investigate the molecular regulation using in situ hybridization of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), its receptor, Flt-1, the angiopoietins (Ang-1 and Ang-2), and their receptor, Tie-2; 3) elucidate the role of VEGF in follicular angiogenesis by blocking its action by treatment with a soluble truncated form of the Flt-1 receptor, (VEGF Trap(A40)). Changes in angiogenesis were quantified using bromodeoxyuridine to obtain a proliferation index, and CD31 immunocytochemistry to visualize endothelial cell area. Percentage of proliferating endothelial cells was calculated by double labeling for bromodeoxyuridine and CD31. Vascularization was first observed in follicles containing four granulosa cell layers. A significant increase in proliferation in the thecal layer was observed from the early to late secondary stage, and dual staining showed that 25% of proliferating cells were of endothelial cell origin. VEGF messenger RNA (mRNA) was expressed in granulosa cells with an increase of grain density from late secondary to tertiary follicles. Ang-1 was weakly expressed in the theca of tertiary follicles. Ang-2 mRNA was not detected in any follicles. The mRNA for the Flt-1 and Tie-2 receptors was localized in endothelial cells of the theca. Unexpectedly, Tie-2 mRNA was also found in granulosa cells of early follicular stages and its translation was confirmed by immunocytochemistry. VEGF trap treatment for 3 days resulted in an 87% decrease of proliferation in the theca of secondary and tertiary follicles, a reduction in endothelial cell area and a marked decline in Flt-1 mRNA expression. Granulosa cell proliferation also decreased. These results show that onset and establishment of the follicle vasculature takes place early during follicular development. The ability of VEGF trap treatment to severely restrict follicular angiogenesis establishes that VEGF is the major regulator of this process in the primate ovary.
Improving the Efficiency of Gynecologic Sonography With 3‐Dimensional Volumes

Objective. The purpose of this study was to determine whether 3‐dimensional (3D) sonography can provide a rapid, efficient, and accurate way to do a transvaginal gynecologic scan compared with traditional 2‐dimensional (2D) sonography. Methods. Thirty‐five consecutive patients who underwent gynecologic sonography formed the study cohort. After a standard 2D transvaginal scan was done, including measurements of the endometrium and abnormalities, 4 volume acquisitions were obtained, encompassing the uterus (2 volumes) and the ovaries. These volumes were reviewed offline without any patient information. Endometrium and other measurements were performed on the volumes. The 2D and 3D results were compared by paired t tests. Results. The mean time needed for the standard 2D scan was 2.6 minutes compared with 1.07 minutes for the 3D volume acquisitions. The mean time for the reconstruction, measurement, and interpretation of the volumes offline was 1.19 minutes. The mean time for the entire 3D examination (both parts) was 2.26 minutes (P = .047, comparing 2D with total 3D). There was no significant difference between the measurements of the endometrium, fibroids, and ovarian cysts when comparing 2D and reconstructed 3D images. Two‐dimensional and 3D sonography differed little in their ability to identify the organs and the abnormalities on the scans. Conclusions. This study shows that a complete transvaginal gynecologic examination can be done in 1.07 minutes of scan time and interpreted offline in an additional 1.19 minutes. The 35 cases were scanned and interpreted with the use of 3D sonography in 79.17 minutes total compared with 91.46 minutes of 2D scan time (P = .047). The accuracy of the scan was similar for both techniques.
Evaluation of Blastomere Biopsy Using a Mouse Model Indicates the Potential High Risk of Neurodegenerative Disorders in the Offspring*

Preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD), used in clinical practice, is offered to couples that may suffer from a monogenetic disorder, chromosome aneuploidy, or X-linked disease. However, blastomere biopsy, as an indispensable manipulation during the PGD procedure has not been assessed for its long term health implications. Using a mouse model, we investigated the effect of blastomere biopsy of in vitro cultured four-cell embryos on preimplantation development efficiency, postnatal growth, and physiological and behavioral activity compared with control, non-biopsied embryos. The mice generated after blastomere biopsy showed weight increase and some memory decline compared with the control group. Further protein expression profiles in adult brains were analyzed by a proteomics approach. A total of 36 proteins were identified with significant differences between the biopsied and control groups, and the alterations in expression of most of these proteins have been associated with neurodegenerative diseases. Furthermore hypomyelination of the nerve fibers was observed in the brains of mice in the biopsied group. This study suggested that the nervous system may be sensitive to blastomere biopsy procedures and indicated an increased relative risk of neurodegenerative disorders in the offspring generated following blastomere biopsy. Thus, more studies should be performed to address the possible adverse effects of blastomere biopsy on the development of offspring, and the overall safety of PGD technology should be more rigorously assessed.
Influence of rumen protozoa and bacteria upon cellulose digestion in vitro.

S TUDIES by Appleby et al. (1956), Gutierrez and tlungate (1957), Eadie et al. (1959) and Eadie and Hollson (1962) indicated that ciliate protozoa normally inhabiting the rumen exerted considerable influence upon end products of rumen fermentation and upon tureen bacterial populations. The full significance of protozoa to the nutrition of cattle and sheep is not clear. However, Christiansen et at. (1965) and Abou Akkada and El-Shazly (1964) observed increased growth of lambs with protozoa as compared with lambs without ciliate protozoa. These workers observed higher concentrations of volatile fatty acids and ammonia in rumen fluid from faunated lambs, which suggested a faster rate of fermentation in the faunated rumen. The purpose of the present investigation was to study cellulose digestion and volatile fatty acid production in vitro by washed suspensions of rumen protozoa and bacteria.
[Determinant factors of smoking cessation during pregnancy].

BACKGROUND To investigate sociodemographic factors and smoking habit characteristics associated with spontaneous smoking cessation during pregnancy. DESIGN SUBJECTS AND METHODS Cross-sectional study including 726 pregnant smoking women who attended the antenatal clinic of the Vall d'Hebron University Hospital in Barcelona between July and December 1997 and who agreed to participate were studied. Information was obtained by a structured questionnaire which included items on age, educational level, marital status, previous and current smoking habit, partner smoking habit and partner's attitude towards the smoking habit of the pregnant woman. RESULTS At the first antenatal visit, 19.7% of women had given up smoking spontaneously. Light smokers (between 1 and 9 daily cigarettes; OR = 4.74) or moderate smokers (between 10 and 19 daily cigarettes; OR = 2.20) were more likely to stop smoking compared to heavy smokers (more than 20 daily cigarettes). If the partner did not smoke, smoking cessation was more likely among pregnant women (OR = 1.78). At the first antenatal visit, among those women who carried on smoking during pregnancy, there was a significative reduction in cigarette consumption of about half the usual daily number of cigarettes smoked. CONCLUSIONS One out of five pregnant women give up smoking spontaneously during pregnancy from the moment they know they were pregnant until the first antenatal visit. Women who are less likely to stop smoking during pregnancy are those who smoke a larger number of cigarettes. Family environment is an important influential factor in the smoking habit of the pregnant woman.
Methods used by Dental Practice-based Research Network (DPBRN) dentists to diagnose dental caries.

OBJECTIVES To (1) identify the methods that dentists in The Dental Practice-Based Research Network (DPBRN) use to diagnose dental caries; (2) quantify their frequency of use and (3) test the hypothesis that certain dentist and dental practice characteristics are significantly associated with their use. METHODS A questionnaire about methods used for caries diagnosis was sent to DPBRN dentists who reported doing some restorative dentistry; 522 dentists participated. Questions included the use of dental radiographs, the dental explorer, laser fluorescence, air-drying and fiber-optic devices and magnification as used when diagnosing primary, secondary/recurrent or non-specific caries lesions. Variations on the frequency of their use were tested using multivariate analysis and Bonferroni tests. RESULTS Overall, the dental explorer was the instrument most commonly used to detect primary occlusal caries and caries at the margins of existing restorations. In contrast, laser fluorescence was rarely used to help diagnose occlusal primary caries. For proximal caries, radiographs were used to help diagnose 75%–100% of lesions by 96% of the DPBRN dentists. Dentists who use radiographs most often to assess proximal surfaces of posterior teeth were significantly more likely to also report providing a higher percentage of patients with individualized caries prevention (p=.040) and seeing a higher percentage of pediatric patients (p=.001). CONCLUSION The use of specific diagnostic methods varied substantially. The dental explorer and radiographs are still the most commonly used diagnostic methods.
Predictive Factors of Eczema-Like Eruptions among Patients without Cutaneous Psoriasis Receiving Infliximab: A Cohort Study of 92 Patients

Background: Anti-tumor-necrosis-factor-α agents are limited by their side effects. Eczema is one of the most frequent adverse reactions affecting quality of life. Objective: To assess potential predictive risk factors for eczema in patients receiving infliximab. Methods: We conducted a prospective cohort study including patients treated with infliximab for a variety of disorders with the exception of cutaneous psoriasis. Clinical features were compared among patients with and without eczema under therapy. Results: 92 consecutive patients were included; 15 developed eczema after the initiation of infliximab. In univariate analyses, a personal history of atopic symptoms was the only predictive factor for the occurrence of eczema (odds ratio = 3.6). Sex, age, principal diagnosis, dose and duration of infliximab and concomitant use of other immunosuppressors had no influence on the occurrence of eczema. Conclusions: A personal history of atopic symptoms is predictive of eczema under infliximab. Specific information should be provided to atopic patients starting such a treatment.
Isocyanates induces DNA damage, apoptosis, oxidative stress, and inflammation in cultured human lymphocytes

Isocyanates, a group of low molecular weight aromatic and aliphatic compounds containing the isocyanate group (−NCO), are important raw materials with diverse industrial applications; however, pathophysiological implications resulting from occupational and accidental exposures of these compounds are hitherto unknown. Although preliminary evidence available in the literature suggests that isocyanates and their derivatives may have deleterious health effects including immunotoxicity, but molecular mechanisms underlying such an effect have never been addressed. The present study was carried out to assess the immunotoxic response of methyl isocyanate (MIC) on cultured human lymphocytes isolated from healthy human volunteers. Studies were conducted to evaluate both dose‐dependent and time‐course response (n = 3), using N‐succinimidyl N‐methylcarbamate, a surrogate chemical substitute to MIC. Evaluation of DNA damage by ataxia telangiectasia mutated (ATM) and γ H2AX protein phosphorylation states; measure of apoptotic index through annexin‐V/PI assay, apoptotic DNA ladder assay, and mitochondrial depolarization; induction of oxidative stress by CM‐H2DCFDA and formation of 8‐hydroxy‐2′ deoxy guanosine; levels of antioxidant defense system enzyme glutathione reductase; and multiplex cytometric bead array analysis to quantify the secreted levels of inflammatory cytokines, interleukin‐8, interleukin‐1β, interleukin‐6, interleukin‐10, tumor necrosis factor, and interleukin‐12p70 parameters were carried out. The results of the study showed a dose‐ and time‐dependent response, providing evidence to hitherto unknown molecular mechanisms of immunotoxic consequences of isocyanate exposure at a genomic level. We anticipate these data along with other studies reported in the literature would help to design better approaches in risk assessment of occupational and accidental exposure to isocyanates. © 2008 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Biochem Mol Toxicol 22:429–440, 2008; Published online in Wiley InterScience (www.interscience.wiley.com). DOI 10.1002/jbt.20260
Reactivation of an aversive memory modulates learning strategy preference in male rats

Reminders of an aversive event adversely impact retrieval of hippocampus-dependent memories and exacerbate stress-induced levels of anxiety. Interestingly, stress and anxiety shift control over learning away from the hippocampus and toward the striatum. The aims of the current study were to determine whether spatial memory and learning strategy are impacted by reminders of a stressor. Adult male Long-Evans rats (N = 47) were subjected to an inhibitory avoidance (IA) training trial in which 32 rats were exposed (3 s) to a single inescapable electrical footshock (0.6 mA). Prior to the retention trial of a Y-maze task and the probe trials of two different learning strategy tasks, some of the rats that were exposed to the footshock (n = 17) were reminded of the stressor on an IA retrieval trial. Both groups of rats exposed to the initial stressor exhibited hypoactivity, but no impairment in spatial memory, on the Y-maze task conducted 1 week after exposure to the footshock. One month after exposure to footshock, both groups of rats exposed to the initial stressor tended to prefer a striatum-dependent learning strategy on a water T-maze task. However, 2 months after exposure to footshock, only shocked rats that were reminded of the stressor exhibited a preference for a striatum-dependent learning strategy on a visible-platform water maze task, which corresponded with lower levels of activity in an open field. The results indicate that reminders of a stressor perpetuate the deleterious effects of stress on affective and cognitive processes.
Emotional Intelligence and Self-Efficacy: Effects on Psychological Well-Being in College Students

Abstract The present paper examined the role of perceived emotional intelligence-EI- (measured by adaptations of the Trait Meta-Mood Scale - TMMS, Salovey, Mayer, Goldman, Turvey, & Palfai, 1995) as a predictor of life satisfaction and mental health. We explored the unique contribution of EI dimensions (Attention, Clarity and Repair) on individuals’ psychological well-being, after controlling for the influence of general self-efficacy and socio-demographic variables (age, gender and culture). Data was collected from a sample of 1078 Spanish, Mexican, Portuguese and Brazilian undergraduate students (M age = 22.98; SD = 6.73) and analyzed using hierarchical multiple regressions. Results indicated that overall EI dimensions (especially Clarity and Repair) accounted for unique variance on psychological well-being above and beyond general self-efficacy and socio-demographic characteristics. These findings provide additional support for the validity of perceived EI, and suggests that EI components contribute to important well-being criteria independently from well-known constructs such as self-efficacy.
Point-of-Care Cardiac Troponin Testing as a Timely and Cost Effective Measure in Diagnosis of Acute Myocardial Infarction

In patients with chest pain of suspected cardiac etiology or possible acute coronary syndrome (ACS), cardiac biomarkers are used to aid in diagnosis, treatment, and risk stratification. Cardiac troponin (cTn) point-of-care testing (POCT) exists to assist clinicians and facilities to rapidly make decisions, increase accuracy of diagnosis, increase emergency department (ED) throughput, and decrease ED length-of-stay (LOS). Although many ST Elevation Myocardial Infarction (STEMI) diagnoses are made based off of an initial electrocardiogram (ECG) and patient presentation, cardiac biomarkers also provide further insight to STEMI diagnosis and help clarify varying patient presentations. The purpose of this paper is to evaluate cTn POCT as an evidence-based practice (EBP). A critical appraisal of the literature was performed using 12 articles selected for final synthesis. The final articles were then formally synthesized and discussed in relation to EBP. Results of the EBP evaluation showed that cTn POCT accurately assists in diagnosis when compared to traditional laboratory cTn testing, facilitates risk stratification, increases ED throughput, decreases ED LOS, and aids in meeting the recommended time-to-troponin of 30-60 minutes. However, data regarding general cost effectiveness with cTn POCT was limited and varied with result.
Gemcitabine, cisplatin and methylprednisolone (GEM-P) with or without Rituximab in relapsed and refractory patients with diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL)

Abstract This is the first report of the combination of gemcitabine, cisplatin and methylprednisolone (GEM-P) with Rituximab (GEM-PR) for diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). Thirty-nine patients with relapsed or refractory DLBCL in this study received GEM-P with (n = 24) or without Rituximab (n = 15) 64% patients had Stage III/V disease. The overall response rate (ORR) was 59% (95% CI 42.1–74.4); 11/39 (28%) patients attained complete response. Patients received a median of two cycles (1–4) of treatment. For GEM-PR group, the ORR was 67% (95% CI 45–84%) compared to 47% (95% CI 21–73%) in GEM-P alone. one-year progression-free survival was 51% (95% CI 28–69%) in GEM-PR group compared to 27% (95% CI 8–49%) in GEM-P alone (P = 0.04). GEM-P is an effective second-line regimen in patients with relapsed or refractory DLBCL and the addition of Rituximab appears to further improve outcomes.
Outcomes measurement of a wheelchair intervention

Purpose.The objective of this study was to collect outcomes data related to a wheelchair intervention using three outcome instruments, and to develop methodological procedures that could be incorporated easily into busy clinical practices. Methods.This project used a repeated measures, pre-post research design. Data were collected from 31 clients at an acute rehabilitation hospital in New York, USA. Three outcomes instruments – the Psychosocial Impact of Assistive Devices Scale (PIADS), the Occupational Therapy Functional Assessment Compilation Tool (OTFACT), and Assistive Technology Outcome Measure (ATOM) – were administered over a 30-month period before and after a service delivery intervention at one month and 12 months. Results.Results showed that correlations between different measures were low, but increased over time. The ATOM and one domain of the OTFACT were most sensitive to the intervention over time, but where ATOM values increased over time, OTFACT values decreased. PIADS scores did not exhibit significant differences over time. Conclusion.The significance of this study lies in its methodological implications for future outcomes research. The complexities inherent in measuring interventions are discussed in terms of an instrument's constructs, research question(s), study design, subject population, and the practical considerations of collecting outcomes data within busy clinical practices.
An implementation method for SM4-GCM on FPGA

For the rapid response and security requirements of network communication, this paper develops a new implement method of encryption and authentication scheme SM4-GCM on FPGA with low resource occupancy and fast processing speed. This method adopts the SM4 algorithm with independent intellectual property rights. Two SM4 modules are used during encryption to improve the data processing speed by Ping-Pong operation. GHASH module is implemented parallel by using Arash multiplier, and changes are made to avoid the two-dimensional matrix multiplication, and reduces the complexity of the multiplier implementation. By comparing with the existing SM4-GCM algorithm and AES-GCM algorithm in hardware performance, it is proved that the design scheme has higher throughput and lower resource consumption.