Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Lattice and spin dynamics in multiferroic BiFeO3 and RMnO3

ABSTRACT The multiferroic materials BiFeO3 and RMnO3 exhibit coexisting magnetic order and ferroelectricity, and provide exciting platforms for new physics and potentially novel devices, where intriguing interplay between phonons and magnons exists. In this review, we paint a complete picture of bulk BiFeO3 together with orthorhombic and hexagonal RMnO3 (R includes rare-earth elements and yttrium) by summarizing the dynamics of spin and lattice and their magnetoelectric coupling, as well as the methods of controlling these characteristics under non-equilibrium conditions, from experimental and simulation perspectives.
Anti-proliferative effect of mycobacteria, IFN-gamma and TNF-alpha on primary cultures derived from endometrial stroma: possible relevance to endometriosis?

PROBLEM To assess the effects of mycobacteria and inflammatory cytokines on proliferation of endometrial stromal cells. An effect on endometrial stromal cell proliferation in vitro may suggest a similar effect on endometriotic cells in vivo. METHOD OF STUDY Primary cultures of endometrial stromal cells were grown from female volunteers. Proliferation of cells was assessed by cell counting and incorporation of tritiated thymidine after exposure to mycobacteria or inflammatory cytokines. RESULTS When assessed by cell counting, stromal cell growth was reduced following treatment with Connaught Bacillus of Calmette and Guérin (BCG) and Pasteur BCG: Mycobacterium smegmatis demonstrated a cytotoxic effect. Addition of the cytokines interferon (IFN)-gamma or tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-alpha at high concentrations led to a reduction in cell growth by 24 hr in two of three cell lines. A reduction in proliferation was also found when assessed by tritiated thymidine incorporation, which was statistically significant for Connaught BCG and M. smegmatis. CONCLUSIONS Endometrial stromal cells are susceptible to the anti-proliferative effects of mycobacteria. The BCG and other mycobacteria are known immunomodulators in other disease conditions. Further work is required to assess whether these in vitro effects might translate into a useful therapy for endometriosis.
Visual form discrimination from texture cues: A PET study

With the purpose of localising the cerebral cortical areas participating in the discrimination of visual form generated exclusively by texture cues, we measured changes in regional cerebral blood flow (rCBF) with positron emission tomography (PET) and 15O‐butanol as the tracer. The subjects performed two odd‐one‐out discrimination tasks: a form‐from‐texture discrimination task (in which a visual form was defined by differences in texture) and its reference task, the discrimination of texture. During task performance, activated fields were present bilaterally in the primary visual cortex and its immediate extrastriate cortex, the right lateral occipital gyrus, bilaterally in the fusiform and superior temporal gyri and posterior parts of the superior parietal lobules, along the medial bank of the right intraparietal sulcus, and in the right supramarginal gyrus. Other fields were found in the cingulate and prefrontal cortex. The findings demonstrate that the discrimination of visual form as defined by texture engages cortical fields that are widely distributed in the human brain. In the visual cortex, the activated fields are present in both the occipito‐temporal and occipito‐parietal visual areas. These results suggest that the perception and discrimination of forms in the visual system requires the joint activation of neuronal populations in the visual cortex. Hum. Brain Mapping 6:115–127, 1998. © 1998 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Vascular endothelial growth factor receptors in human mesangium in vitro and in glomerular disease.

Mesangial cell proliferation and growth factor over-expression are characteristic features of several glomerular diseases. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), a potent mitogen, is expressed in podocytes in the glomerulus, and VEGF receptors (flt-1, KDR, and neuropilin-1) are present on endothelial cells and other cell types. This study examined whether human mesangial cells (HMC) express VEGF receptors in vitro and ex vivo and evaluated the effect of VEGF on HMC proliferation. All receptor types were detected in HMC in vitro by immunofluorescence and Western blotting. VEGF(165) induced a dose-responsive increase in (3)H-thymidine incorporation (25 ng/ml VEGF(165) : 2.3-fold increase; 50 ng/ml : 3.8-fold; 100 ng/ml : 4. 8-fold; 200 ng/ml : 3.4-fold; P = 0.016) and in cell number (50 ng/ml VEGF(165) : 1.2-fold increase; 100 ng/ml : 1.6-fold; 200 ng/ml : 1.4-fold; P = 0.005), effects prevented by an anti-VEGF(165) polyclonal neutralizing antibody (100 microg/ml). The proliferative effect was confirmed by a tetrazolium dye-based assay (100 ng/ml VEGF(165) : 1.4-fold increase). In ex vivo experiments, VEGF receptors in biopsy material from normal and diseased kidneys were detected by immunohistochemistry. No mesangial flt-1 receptor staining was seen in normal renal cortical tissue samples, and only weak mesangial KDR staining was detected. In contrast, mesangial flt-1 and KDR receptor staining were both clearly seen in biopsy samples from proliferative renal diseases. In conclusion, flt-1, KDR, and neuropilin-1 are present on cultured HMC, and VEGF(165) induces HMC proliferation. In addition, the flt-1 and KDR receptors are expressed in the mesangium in mesangioproliferative disease.
Rapid CD8+ Cell Anti-HIV Activity Correlates with the Clinical State of the Infected Individual

The extent of antiviral activity exhibited in vitro by CD8+ lymphocytes from individuals infected by HIV-1 correlates significantly with their clinical status. CD8+ lymphocytes from asymptomatic subjects were found to inhibit HIV-1 replication by 90% or greater at effector/target (E/T) ratios ranging from as low as 0.05 to 0.25. CD8+ cells from 17 of 19 (89%) of these subjects suppressed replication at an E/T ratio of 0.10 or less. CD8+ lymphocytes from symptomatic patients (non-AIDS) inhibited HIV-1 replication at E/T ratios ranging from 0.05 to 1.0, and CD8+ cells from 8 of 13 (62%) required ratios > 0.10. As a group, patients with AIDS exhibited the lowest degree of anti-HIV activity with their CD8+ lymphocytes. The effective range of E/T ratios from AIDS patients was 0.10-2.0, and 9 of 10 (90%) required E/T ratios > 0.25. This anti-HIV activity exhibited by CD8+ cells also correlated significantly with the subject's peripheral blood CD4+ cell count. The relative extent of CD8+ cell anti-HIV-1 activity was not found dependent on variations in the CD4+ target cells and viruses used. These findings suggest that the decreased CD8+ cell antiviral activity is related to progression to disease in HIV-infected individuals. (J. Clin. Invest. 1991. 87:1462-1466.)
Time course profile of serum trypsinogen-2 and trypsin-2-alpha1-antitrypsin in patients with acute pancreatitis.

BACKGROUND Trypsinogen-2 and the trypsin-2-alpha1-antitrypsin complex are recently introduced new laboratory markers for acute pancreatitis. They show high sensitivity and specificity for acute pancreatitis on admission, but little is known on their time course profiles. METHODS The serum concentrations of trypsinogen-2 and trypsin-2-alpha1-antitrypsin were monitored in 92 patients with verified acute pancreatitis. The follow-up period was 42 days in patients with severe acute pancreatitis (N = 73) and 9 days in mild disease (N = 19). RESULTS On admission the mean serum concentration of trypsinogen-2 was 2880 microg/l in severe and 920 microg/l in mild acute pancreatitis. These values were 32- and 10-fold the upper reference limit, respectively. Trypsin-2-alpha1-antitrypsin concentrations were 1250 microg/l (100-fold the upper reference limit) and 635 microg/l (52-fold), respectively. The differences were statistically significant (P = 0.026-0.001). The concentrations of trypsinogen-2 and trypsin-2-alpha1-antitrypsin decreased gradually during the follow-up period, but they remained elevated for the entire study period in patients with severe and mild disease. CONCLUSIONS The time course profile of trypsinogen-2 and trypsin-2-alpha1-antitrypsin is favorable for diagnosing acute pancreatitis. The elevation starts within hours after the onset of the disease and it is very steep. Both markers remain elevated longer than amylase and the magnitude of the elevation correlates with the severity of the disease. This is further evidence to support the use of trypsinogen-2 and trypsin-2-alpha1-antitrypsin for the evaluation of patients suspected of having acute pancreatitis.
A new approach in the prevention of gastrointestinal parasitic infections in cattle.

The efficacy of a morantel long-acting device in preventing parasitic gastroenteric infections throughout a whole year was evaluated in heifers and steer calves in south central Québec. Thirty-two calves, comprising nine Hereford steers, one Hereford heifer, fourteen Holstein crossbred steers and eight Holstein crossbred heifers, were allotted into two treatment groups and maintained throughout the grazing season on adjacent pastures resulting from equivalently dividing one original pasture. One morantel long-acting device was administered to each animal in one group at the time of turnout onto the pasture in the spring while the calves in the other group remained as nonmedicated controls. The parasitic infections incurred during the pasture season were primarily Ostertagia, Trichostrongylus, Cooperia and Nematodirus.The following fall, after twelve calves were necropsied for worm counts, the twenty remaining ones were brought into the barn where they were kept throughout the winter with access to an outside yard. They received good quality hay and rolled barley (1 kg/head/day) up until the following May, at which time they were weighed and had fecal samples taken for egg counts. In contrast to the results observed among controls, the morantel long-acting device treatment group had an 87% reduction in fecal worm egg excretion and a 67.3 kg per calf increased weight gain after one year.
The Link between Money Supply and Tourism Demand Cycles

This study investigates whether money supply cycles in Canada, United Kingdom, and United States affect tourism demand cycles for Aruba and Barbados. Money supply data are, generally, more easily available than business cycle data (gross domestic product) and have the potential to influence tourism demand cycles. The study contributes to the literature by presenting an economically detailed and sophisticated approach for further understanding the dynamics of tourism demand, using money supply cycles as the explanatory factor. In addition, the study advances the theory through new propositions. The methodology involves data decomposition together with unit root, cointegration, and causality testing. The results show that money supply cycles can impact the cyclical movements of tourism demand and that the impacts are asymmetric, depending on the stage of development of the cycles. These findings implicate the need for adequate policies to counter expected tourism performances below their trend.
Structure of the enzyme-acyl carrier protein (ACP) substrate gatekeeper complex required for biotin synthesis

Although the pimeloyl moiety was long known to be a biotin precursor, the mechanism of assembly of this C7 α,ω-dicarboxylic acid was only recently elucidated. In Escherichia coli, pimelate is made by bypassing the strict specificity of the fatty acid synthetic pathway. BioC methylates the free carboxyl of a malonyl thioester, which replaces the usual acetyl thioester primer. This atypical primer is transformed to pimeloyl-acyl carrier protein (ACP) methyl ester by two cycles of fatty acid synthesis. The question is, what stops this product from undergoing further elongation? Although BioH readily cleaves this product in vitro, the enzyme is nonspecific, which made assignment of its physiological substrate problematical, especially because another enzyme, BioF, could also perform this gatekeeping function. We report the 2.05-Å resolution cocrystal structure of a complex of BioH with pimeloyl-ACP methyl ester and use the structure to demonstrate that BioH is the gatekeeper and its physiological substrate is pimeloyl-ACP methyl ester.
Effects of acetylsalicylic acid on sore throat pain and other pain symptoms associated with acute upper respiratory tract infection.

OBJECTIVE Acetylsalicylic acid (ASA) has been widely used for over a century to treat pain and fever associated with acute upper respiratory tract infection (URTI), but there is a lack of clinical data to support the efficacy of ASA in this disease state. The objective of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of ASA for the treatment of sore throat pain associated with URTI. DESIGN A double-blinded, placebo-controlled, parallel group design. Two hundred seventy-two patients (mean age: 25 years) with sore throat pain associated with URTI were recruited at two centers. Pain scores were made during a 2-hour laboratory phase and continued for secondary objectives during a 4-hour home phase. Patients were treated with either two effervescent tablets of ASA 400 mg in water or matched placebo tablets. Patients took medication as required over a 3-day home phase. RESULTS ASA was found to be superior to placebo for: The primary efficacy parameter predefined in the protocol, reduction in sore throat pain intensity over 2 hours (P < 0.001), and for secondary efficacy parameters, reduction in sore throat pain intensity over 4 and 6 hours, relief of sore throat pain over 2, 4, and 6 hours, reduction in intensity of pain associated with headache, and reduction in muscle aches and pains over a 2-hour time period (P < 0.01). No safety problems were encountered. CONCLUSIONS Treatment with ASA was shown to provide relief from sore throat pain, headache, and muscle aches and pains associated with URTI.
Long-Term Progression at Individual Mean Intraocular Pressure Levels in Primary Open-Angle and Exfoliative Glaucoma

Purpose To describe progression and non-progression rates at individual mean intraocular pressure (IOP) levels for patients with primary open-angle and exfoliative glaucoma. Methods A meta-analysis of five previously published retrospective studies describing progression and non-progression rates at individual intraocular pressure levels over 5 or more years of follow-up. All patients had primary open-angle (four studies) or exfoliative glaucoma (one study). Results This meta-analysis included 822 patients of whom 655 (80%) had primary open-angle glaucoma and 167 (20%) had exfoliative glaucoma. In total, 220 patients progressed (27%), while 602 (73%) remained stable over 5 years. The mean IOP was 20.0 for progressed and 17.1 mmHg for stable patients (p=0.0004). The peak IOP was 29.1 for progressed and 23.6 mmHg for stable patients (p=0.0014). At an IOP level >18 mmHg, 49% of patients remained stable; at 18 mmHg, 78%; between 13 and 17 mmHg, 82%; and <13 mmHg, 96%. Additional factors associated with progression were older age (p=0.0004) and exfoliative glaucoma (p=0.0001). However, multivariant regression analysis identified only mean IOP as a risk factor for progression (p=0.039). Conclusions This study suggests that maintaining an IOP well within the normal range over 5 years in patients with primary open-angle or exfoliative glaucoma helps to prevent glaucomatous progression.
Prognostic significance of estrogen receptor status in breast cancer in relation to tumor stage, axillary node metastasis, and histopathologic grading

The value of estrogen receptor (ER) measurements for predicting recurrence and survival rates in primary breast cancer was examined in 121 women who were followed from 5 to 12 years after mastectomy with a median follow‐up of 64 months. The prognostic significance of the ER status was evaluated independently and in association with tumor stage, axillary node metastasis, and histopathologic grade. The independent evaluation demonstrated no statistically significant difference in prognosis between women with ER‐negative and ER‐positive cancers, although the latter group tended to have a longer time to recurrence and longer survival. Multivariate analysis of the data by Cox's proportional hazard regression techniques revealed a synergistic effect of ER status on the risk associated with axillary node metastasis. Patients with nodal metastasis were at 2.8 times the risk of recurrence compared to patients without metastasis. For women with nodal metastasis whose primary cancer was ER‐negative, this risk increased to 4.6 times compared to women without metastasis and ER‐positive tumors (P = 0.0003). The risk of cancer‐related death was 5.6 times more likely for poorly differentiated tumors than for highly differentiated tumors. Patients with poorly differentiated ER‐negative tumors were at an even higher risk (7.0) of dying than women with highly differentiated ER‐positive carcinomas (P = 0.009). In conjunction with tumor stage, axillary node metastasis and histopathologic grade ER determination is useful for identifying subpopulations at increased risk of tumor recurrence or mortality.
[Evaluation of Crohn's disease activity with multi-slice CT enterography].

OBJECTIVE To discuss the diagnostic value of Crohn's disease activity with multi-slice CT enterography. METHODS MSCTE examination data of 88 cases of CD patients by clinical, endoscopy, pathology confirmed in Sir Run Run Shaw Hospital from January 2013 to June 2014 were analysed. According to the Harvey-Bradshaw index, all of CD patients were divided into the active phase group and remission phase group. Imaging findings of two groups were compared. To explore the relationship between MSCTE findings and CRP/ESR of CD patients. RESULTS The wall thickness (8.2 ± 2.6) mm and enhancement degree (112 ± 16) HU in active phase group were higher than the wall thickness (5.4 ± 1.6) mm and enhancement degree (93 ± 17) HU in the remission phase group (P < 0.01). The incidences of intestinal wall stratification enhancement, comb sign, swollen lymph nodes, phlegmon, intestinal fistula, intestinal stenosis in active phase group (88.5%, 72.1%, 77%, 45.9%, 26.2%, 65.6%) were significantly higher than those in remission phase group (29.6%, 18.5%, 25.9%, 0, 3.7%, 37%) (P < 0.05). The incidences of intestinal wall homogeneous enhancement in remission phase group (70.4%) were higher than those in active phase group (11.5%) (P < 0.01). There was no significant difference in the incidences of abscesse in two groups (P > 0.05). CRP was correlated with the wall thickness and enhancement degree, abnornlal mesentery vascularity, lymph node enlargement, phlegmon, intestinal fistula (r > 0.2, P < 0.05). ESR was correlated with the wall enhancement degree, abnormal mesentery vascularity, lymph node enlargement and phlegmon (r > 0.2, P < 0.05). CONCLUSION CT enterography can adequately demonstrate mural abnormalities and assess the presence of extramural complications, which are helpful in evaluating the activity of Crohn's disease.
Resistance of Heliothis armigera to insecticides in the Ord irrigation area, North Western Australia.

Since 1970, Heliothis armigera (Hubner) has replaced H. punctigera (Wallengren) as the dominant Heliothis species attacking cotton in the Ord valley and has become progressively more difficult to control with insecticides. To determine whether insecticidal resistance was occurring, a standard technique of topical application to larvae was used. Compared with H. punctigera, the Ord strain of H. armigera showed a 90-fold tolerance to DDT, a 35-fold tolerance to DDT-toxaphene, a 5-fold tolerance to methyl parathion, and a 4-fold tolerance to endosulfan. H. armigera from unsprayed areas gave variable results which may be due to dispersal of resistant strains. In comparison to the lowest LD50 values obtained, the Ord strain showed a 90-fold resistance to DDT, a 5-fold resistance to DDT-toxaphene, and a 3-fold resistance to methyl parathion. No resistance to insecticides has so far been demonstrated with H. punctigera .
The Gynaecologist’s Gaze: The Inconsistent Medicalisation of Contraception in Contemporary Russia

Abstract This essay discusses the medicalisation of contraception by gynaecologists in present-day Russia. I explore the disciplining discourse and tactics of gynaecologists as experts who aim to orient women towards properly planned and prepared pregnancy. Gynaecologists are important agents of reproductive control because they instruct women in detail about reproductive health and contraception. However, these disciplining medical discourses and professional practices are characterised by inconsistency. In accordance with the demographic priorities of the state, doctors are more oriented towards pregnancy treatment than consultation on contraception, and they are inconsistent in their regulation of contraceptive use. This biopolitical regime reflects the demographic priorities of the Russian state—to increase the population of Russia—and the role of women as the primary objects of this policy.
Pharmacotherapy of Neuropathic Pain

Neuropathic pain is responsible for a significant amount of the morbidity associated with generalized and focal peripheral neuropathies (Freeman, 2005). Appropriate diagnosis and assessment are critical to the successful treatment of neuropathic pain. The diagnosis of neuropathic pain can often be challenging and diagnostic criteria are evolving. Additionally the neuropathic pain commonly coexists with other types of pain (e.g., low back pain associated with both radiculopathy and musculoskeletal abnormalities). Assessment of neuropathic pain should focus on identifying and treating the underlying disease processes and peripheral or central nervous system lesions, response to prior therapies, and comorbid conditions that can be affected by therapy. Particular attention should be paid to identifying coexisting depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances, and other adverse impacts of neuropathic pain on health-related quality of life. Both pain and its adverse effects should be reassessed frequently. Patient education and support are critical components of the successful management of neuropathic pain. Careful explanation of the cause of neuropathic pain and the treatment plan are essential. Patient's and provider's expectations regarding treatment effectiveness and tolerability must be discussed, and realistic treatment goals should be established with patients. Non-pharmacologic methods of coping with pain should be discussed, including the importance of stress reduction, good sleep hygiene, physical therapy, and other potentially useful interventions (Dworkin et al., 2007).