Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Synaptic activity, visual experience and the maturation of retinal synaptic circuitry

A fundamental feature of the synaptic organization of retina is the laminar‐specific structure, in which specific types of retinal neurons form highly selective synapses to transfer distinct synaptic signals. In mature vertebrate retina, the dendrites of most retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) are narrowly stratified and ramified in specific strata of the inner plexiform layer (IPL) of retina to synapse with distinct subtypes of bipolar cells (BCs). However, little is known of how retinal neurons form this laminar‐specific synaptic structure during development. Recent studies showed that the formation of retinal synaptic circuitry is regulated by both gene expression and neuronal activity. Here I will briefly discuss the recent advances in our understanding of how synaptic activity modulates the maturation of RGC synaptic connections.
Comparative Effect of Hypothermia and Adrenaline During Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation in Rabbits

ABSTRACT Background: Therapeutic hypothermia was shown to facilitate resumption of spontaneous circulation when instituted during cardiac arrest. Here, we investigated whether it directly improved the chance of successful resuscitation independently of adrenaline administration in rabbits. We further evaluated the direct effect of hypothermia on vascular function in vitro. Methods: In a first set of experiments, four groups of anesthetized rabbits were submitted to 15 min of cardiac arrest and subsequent cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The “control” group underwent CPR with only cardiac massage and defibrillation attempts. Two other groups received cold or normothermic saline infusion during CPR (20 mL/kg of NaCl 0.9% at 4°C or 38°C, respectively). In a last group, the animals received adrenaline (15 µg/kg intravenously) during CPR. In a second set of experiments, we evaluated at 32°C vs. 38°C the vascular function of aortic rings withdrawn from healthy rabbits or after cardiac arrest. Results: In the first set of experiments, cardiac massage efficiency was improved by adrenaline but neither by hypothermic nor normothermic saline administration. Resumption of spontaneous circulation was observed in five of eight animals after adrenaline as compared with none of eight in other groups. Defibrillation rates were conversely similar among groups (7/8 or 8/8). In the second set of experiments, in vitro hypothermia (32°C) was not able to prevent the dramatic alteration of vascular function observed after cardiac arrest. It also did not directly modify vasocontractile or the vasodilating functions in healthy conditions. Conclusion: In rabbits, hypothermia did not exert a direct hemodynamic or vascular effect that might explain its beneficial effect during CPR.
SULT1A1 copy number variation: ethnic distribution analysis in an Indian population

Abstract Cytosolic sulfotransferases (SULTs) are phase II detoxification enzymes involved in metabolism of numerous xenobiotics, drugs and endogenous compounds. Interindividual variation in sulfonation capacity is important for determining an individual’s response to xenobiotics. SNPs in SULTs, mainly SULT1A1 have been associated with cancer risk and also with response to therapeutic agents. Copy number variation (CNVs) in SULT1A1 is found to be correlated with altered enzyme activity. This short report primarily focuses on CNV in SULT1A1 and its distribution among different ethnic populations around the globe. Frequency distribution of SULT1A1 copy number (CN) in 157 healthy Indian individuals was assessed using florescent-based quantitative PCR assay. A range of 1 to >4 copies, with a frequency of SULT1A1 CN =2 (64.9%) the highest, was observed in our (Indian) population. Upon comparative analysis of frequency distribution of SULT1A1 CN among diverse population groups, a statistically significant difference was observed between Indians (our data) and African-American (AA) (p = 0.0001) and South African (Tswana) (p < 0.0001) populations. Distribution of CNV in the Indian population was found to be similar to that in European-derived populations of American and Japanese. CNV of SULT1A1 varies significantly among world populations and may be one of the determinants of health and diseases.
Efficacy and Safety of Antiretroviral Therapy Initiated One Week after Tuberculosis Therapy in Patients with CD4 Counts < 200 Cells/μL: TB-HAART Study, a Randomized Clinical Trial

Background Given the high death rate the first two months of tuberculosis (TB) therapy in HIV patients, it is critical defining the optimal time to initiate combination antiretroviral therapy (cART). Methods A randomized, open-label, clinical trial comparing efficacy and safety of efavirenz-based cART initiated one week, four weeks, and eight weeks after TB therapy in patients with baseline CD4 count < 200 cells/μL was conducted. The primary endpoint was all-cause mortality rate at 48 weeks. The secondary endpoints were hepatotoxicity-requiring interruption of TB therapy, TB-associated immune reconstitution inflammatory syndrome, new AIDS defining illnesses, CD4 counts, HIV RNA levels, and AFB smear conversion rates. All analyses were intention-to-treat. Results We studied 478 patients with median CD4 count of 73 cells/μL and 5.2 logs HIV RNA randomized to week one (n = 163), week four (n = 160), and week eight (n = 155). Sixty-four deaths (13.4%) occurred in 339.2 person-years. All-cause mortality rates at 48 weeks were 25 per 100 person-years in week one, 18 per 100 person-years in week four and 15 per 100 person-years in week eight (P = 0.2 by the log-rank test). All-cause mortality incidence rate ratios in subgroups with CD4 count below 50 cells/μL versus above were 2.8 in week one (95% CI 1.2–6.7), 3.1 in week four (95% CI 1.2–8.6) and 5.1 in week eight (95% CI 1.8–16). Serum albumin < 3gms/dL (adjusted HR, aHR = 2.3) and CD4 < 50 cells/μL (aHR = 2.7) were independent predictors of mortality. Compared with similar subgroups from weeks four and eight, first-line TB treatment interruption was high in week one deaths (P = 0.03) and in the CD4 subgroup <50 cells/μL (P = 0.02). Conclusions Antiretroviral therapy one week after TB therapy doesn’t improve overall survival. Despite increased mortality with CD4 < 50 cells/μL, we recommend cART later than the first week of TB therapy to avoid serious hepatotoxicity and treatment interruption. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov NCT 01315301
Phosphatidic Acid Activates Mammalian Target of Rapamycin Complex 1 (mTORC1) Kinase by Displacing FK506 Binding Protein 38 (FKBP38) and Exerting an Allosteric Effect*

Phosphatidic acid (PA) is a critical mediator of mitogenic activation of mammalian target of rapamycin complex 1 (mTORC1) signaling, a master regulator of mammalian cell growth and proliferation. The mechanism by which PA activates mTORC1 signaling has remained unknown. Here, we report that PA selectively stimulates mTORC1 but not mTORC2 kinase activity in cells and in vitro. Furthermore, we show that PA competes with the mTORC1 inhibitor, FK506 binding protein 38 (FKBP38), for mTOR binding at a site encompassing the rapamycin-FKBP12 binding domain. This leads to PA antagonizing FKBP38 inhibition of mTORC1 kinase activity in vitro and rescuing mTORC1 signaling from FKBP38 in cells. Phospholipase D 1, a PA-generating enzyme that is an established upstream regulator of mTORC1, is found to negatively affect mTOR-FKBP38 interaction, confirming the role of endogenous PA in this regulation. Interestingly, removal of FKBP38 alone is insufficient to activate mTORC1 kinase and signaling, which require PA even when the FKBP38 level is drastically reduced by RNAi. In conclusion, we propose a dual mechanism for PA activation of mTORC1: PA displaces FKBP38 from mTOR and allosterically stimulates the catalytic activity of mTORC1.
Laboratory Survey of Antibiotic Nonsusceptibility among Streptococcus pneumoniae Isolates in South Carolina, 1998 versus 2000

Background In 1998, the South Carolina Department of Health and Environmental Control surveyed clinical microbiology laboratories statewide to determine the prevalence of antibiotic nonsusceptibility among isolates of Streptococcus pneumoniae. A follow-up study was conducted in 2001. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted to estimate the prevalence of penicillin nonsusceptibility (PCN-N), extended-spectrum cephalosporin nonsusceptibility (ESC-N), and levofloxacin nonsusceptibility (LEV-N) in South Carolina. A standardized questionnaire was mailed to 89 laboratories. Results The prevalence of penicillin intermediate resistance increased from 1998 (17.6%) to 2000 (20.9%, &khgr;2P = 0.008). Furthermore, the prevalence of PCN-N increased from 1998 (34.5%) to 2000 (38.4%, &khgr;2P = 0.01). The prevalence of ECN-N decreased from 1998 (19.1%) to 2000 (17.7%), but the difference was not significant (&khgr;2P = 0.25). Conclusion The laboratory survey was a low-cost method of estimating the change in prevalence of antibiotic nonsusceptibility, and it emphasizes regional surveillance because the prevalence of antibiotic nonsusceptibility varied geographically.
Implants in facial skeletal augmentation

Purpose of reviewAlloplastic implants have demonstrated longstanding utility in the augmentation of the facial skeleton. Although their popularity may have waned in recent years, their established efficacy endures. This review summarizes the techniques, limitations, and complications associated with the use of facial implants. Recent findingsGiven the recognized utility of facial implants in the augmentation of the facial skeleton, they have received little attention in the recent literature. Contemporary reports have focused on the refinement of techniques – with renewed interest in the vertical transoral approach, and expanding the scope of facial implants – that is, the utility of facial implants as alternatives and/or adjuncts to orthognathic surgery. SummaryFacial augmentation using alloplastic implants remains a tried, tested, and true means of correcting skeletal insufficiencies and abnormalities. Thus, what was once old will be new again, and a renaissance in the use of facial implants will undoubtedly occur.
China's Economic Growth and Convergence

This study explores China's economic growth performance and prospects in global and Asian comparative perspectives. Using a general framework of cross-country analysis, the study identifies and discusses major factors underlying China's strong growth over the past decades and those contributing to its recent growth slowdown. The study also adopts detailed industry-level data to assess structural changes and sectoral growth in the Chinese economy. China's low initial per capita income relative to its own long-run potential provided the opportunity for faster capital accumulation and technology diffusion. Good policy and institution factors, such as a high investment rate, strong human capital, high trade openness, and improved institutions, guided the economy to realize its strong potential for convergence to advanced economy income level. China's average potential GDP growth will decline significantly over the coming decade due to convergence effect and structural problems, unless China substantially upgrades institutions and policy factors and improves productivity, particularly in its services sector.
Effect of Rhizobium sp. BARIRGm901 inoculation on nodulation, nitrogen fixation and yield of soybean (Glycine max) genotypes in gray terrace soil

Soybean plants require high amounts of nitrogen, which are mainly obtained from biological nitrogen fixation. A field experiment was conducted by soybean (Glycine max) genotypes, growing two varieties (Shohag and BARI Soybean6) and two advanced lines (MTD10 and BGM02026) of soybean with or without Rhizobium sp. BARIRGm901 inoculation. Soybean plants of all genotypes inoculated with Rhizobium sp. BARIRGm901 produced greater nodule numbers, nodule weight, shoot and root biomass, and plant height than non-inoculated plants. Similarly, inoculated plants showed enhanced activity of nitrogenase (NA) enzyme, contributing to higher nitrogen fixation and assimilation, compared to non-inoculated soybean plants in both years. Plants inoculated with Rhizobium sp. BARIRGm901 also showed higher pod, stover, and seed yield than non-inoculated plants. Therefore, Rhizobium sp. BARIRGm901 established an effective symbiotic relationship with a range of soybean genotypes and thus increased the nodulation, growth, and yield of soybean grown in gray terrace soils in Bangladesh. Graphical Abstract Rhizobium sp. BARIRGm901 isolation, seedling infectivity test, nitrogenase enzyme assay, and seed yield in soybean genotypes in gray terrace soil.
Resensitization due to redistribution of cells in the phases of the cell cycle during arbitrary radiation protocols.

When a cell population in exponential growth is subjected to ionizing radiation, the degree to which its long-term size is attenuated, relative to a control population that is not irradiated, depends not only on the total dose but also on the time pattern of dose delivery. Using a standard mathematical model for cycling cell populations with age-dependent radiosensitivity, it has recently been shown that normal progression of cells through the cycle tends to decrease this relative population size when the total dose delivery time is increased from essentially zero times to short, finite times (Chen et al., Math. Biosci. 126, 147-170, 1995). This mathematical result is an agreement with intuitive arguments and experiments long known in radiobiology. Mechanistically, it says that after the first part of a dose has preferentially eliminated the more sensitive cells of an exponentially cycling cell population, cell cycle progression, with the consequent redistribution of cells among cycle phases, tends to "resensitize" that population, an affect countering that of sublethal damage repair. The present paper now generalizes this result, demonstrating that the redistribution-induced increase of cell killing carries over to doses of arbitrary duration. That is to say, delivering a given dose over some extended period will result in lesser ultimate population size (i.e. population size measured at some fixed time long after irradiation has ceased) than will delivering the same total dose acutely. The redistribution-induced resensitization occurs no matter how radiosensitivity depends on cell age. For illustration, examples are given to show that, for a split dose, the least sensitivity is observed when the two doses coincide. These examples also demonstrate, within the constraints of the overall resensitization principle, the possibility of an oscillatory dependence of population sensitivity on interfraction time.
Role of risk, self-efficacy, and innovativeness on behavioral intentions for mobile payment systems in the restaurant industry

ABSTRACT Near Field Communication (NFC) is gaining popularity in the hospitality industry, with NFC based mobile payment (MP) systems appearing to be the most promising application. This study provides a theoretical elaboration on the dimensions of perceived risks, and incorporates consumer self-efficacy and innovativeness as key predictors of behavioral intentions. Data analysis consisted of model validation through confirmatory factor analysis and testing the hypotheses with structural equation modeling. A consumers’ level of innovativeness and self-efficacy are found to predict intention to use. The dimensions of risk are found to be significant and mediate the innovativeness-intention to use relationship.
Early Recurrence of Ischemic Stroke in Japanese Patients: The Japan Standard Stroke Registry Study

Background: To determine the factors that contribute to early ischemic stroke recurrence in Japanese patients. Methods: A multicenter stroke registration study based on a computerized database from 54 Japanese institutes, involving 8,036 patients with brain infarction who were hospitalized within 48 h after symptom onset between January 2000 and March 2004. Results: Within 30 days after the initial stroke, 395 patients (4.9%) developed a recurrent stroke. Recurrence most frequently occurred in atherothrombotic patients (6.6%), followed by cardioembolic patients (6.2%). Overall, hypertension (OR 1.348, 95% CI 1.071–1.696) and atrial fibrillation (OR 1.503, 95% CI 1.177–1.918), but not diabetes mellitus, were independently predictive of early recurrence. In atherothrombotic patients, diabetes mellitus (OR 1.485, 95% CI 1.058–2.085) and atrial fibrillation (OR 1.998, 95% CI 1.231–3.244) were independently related to early recurrence. At hospital discharge, the modified Rankin Scale score was higher in patients who had an early recurrence (p < 0.0001). Conclusions: This study was based on a large number of Japanese patients and confirmed that hypertension and atrial fibrillation contribute to early ischemic stroke recurrence. In addition, analysis by stroke subtype showed that diabetes mellitus was independently related to early recurrence in atherothrombotic patients.
Prediction of gestational diabetes mellitus by soluble (pro)renin receptor during the first trimester.

CONTEXT There are currently no factors that have been shown to predict gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) during early pregnancy. The soluble (pro)renin receptor [s(P)RR] may contribute to the development of GDM. OBJECTIVE The objective of the study was to determine whether plasma s(P)RR concentrations during early pregnancy are associated with the development of GDM later in pregnancy. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS This prospective cohort study was conducted at a referral birth center. Pregnant women who first visited our hospital during the first trimester (<14 weeks of gestation) between 2010 and 2011 were enrolled. Inclusion criteria included singleton pregnancy and the absence of preexisting diabetes mellitus. A total of 716 women participated in this study. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE The association of plasma s(P)RR concentrations with the onset of GDM later in pregnancy was measured. RESULTS Among 716 participants, 44 (6.1%) had GDM and 672 (93.9%) did not. There were 176 participants in the first plasma s(P)RR concentration quartile (Q1: < 25.8 ng/mL), 179 in the second (Q2: 25.8-30.2 ng/mL), 181 in the third (Q3: 30.2-34.2 ng/mL), and 180 in the fourth (Q4: > 34.2 ng/mL). GDM distribution was 7 (4.0%) in Q1, 5 (2.8%) in Q2, 13 (7.2%) in Q3, and 19 (10.6%) in Q4. A multivariate model adjusted for baseline characteristics, medical complications, and gestational characteristics revealed that the risk of developing GDM among women in Q4 compared with Q1 was 2.90 (95% confidence interval 1.11-7.49). CONCLUSION Increased s(P)RR concentrations during the first trimester may predict the development of GDM later in pregnancy.
Towards Early Discovery of Salient Health Threats: A Social Media Emotion Classification Technique

Online social media microblogs may be a valuable resource for timely identification of critical ad hoc health-related incidents or serious epidemic outbreaks. In this paper, we explore emotion classification of Twitter microblogs related to localized public health threats, and study whether the public mood can be effectively utilized in early discovery or alarming of such events. We analyse user tweets around recent incidents of Ebola, finding differences in the expression of emotions in tweets posted prior to and after the incidents have emerged. We also analyse differences in the nature of the tweets in the immediately affected area as compared to areas remote to the events. The results of this analysis suggest that emotions in social media microblogging data (from Twitter in particular) may be utilized effectively as a source of evidence for disease outbreak detection and monitoring.
Developmental Changes in Nitric Oxide Synthesis in the Ovine Placenta1

Abstract Nitric oxide (NO), synthesized from l-arginine by NO synthase (NOS), is a key regulator of placental angiogenesis and growth during pregnancy. However, little is known about placental NO synthesis associated with ovine conceptus development. This study was conducted to test the hypothesis that placental NO synthesis is greatest during early gestation. Columbia cross-bred ewes were hysterectomized on Days 30, 40, 60, 80, 100, 120, or 140 of gestation (n = 4 per day) to obtain placentomes, intercotyledonary placenta, and intercaruncular endometrium. Tissues were analyzed for constitutive NOS (cNOS) and inducible NOS (iNOS) activities, NO synthesis, tetrahydrobiopterin (BH4) and NADPH (essential cofactors for NOS), and GTP-cyclohydrolase I (GTP-CH, a rate-controlling enzyme in de novo synthesis of BH4) activity using radiochemical and chromatographic methods. Marked changes in NO synthesis, cNOS and iNOS activities, GTP-CH activity, and concentrations of BH4 and NADPH occurred in all placental and endometrial tissues between Days 30 and 140 of gestation. NO synthesis peaked on Day 60 of gestation in both intercotyledonary placenta and placentomes and on Days 40–60 in intercaruncular endometrium. NO synthesis in placentomes increased 100% between Days 80 and 100 of gestation, when placental and uterine blood flows increase continuously. In all placental and endometrial tissues, NO synthesis was positively correlated with total NOS activity, GTP-CH activity, and concentrations of BH4 and NADPH. Importantly, these results indicate a high degree of metabolic coordination among the several integrated pathways that support high rates of NO synthesis in the conceptus and uterus and establish a new base of information for future studies to define the roles of NO in fetal-placental growth and development.
Performance of kidney injury molecule-1 and liver fatty acid-binding protein and combined biomarkers of AKI after cardiac surgery.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES AKI is common and novel biomarkers may help provide earlier diagnosis and prognosis of AKI in the postoperative period. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS This was a prospective, multicenter cohort study involving 1219 adults and 311 children consecutively enrolled at eight academic medical centers. Performance of two urine biomarkers, kidney injury molecule-1 (KIM-1) and liver fatty acid-binding protein (L-FABP), alone or in combination with other injury biomarkers during the perioperative period was evaluated. AKI was defined as doubling of serum creatinine or need for acute dialysis. RESULTS KIM-1 peaked 2 days after surgery in adults and 1 day after surgery in children, whereas L-FABP peaked within 6 hours after surgery in both age groups. In multivariable analyses, the highest quintile of the first postoperative KIM-1 level was associated with AKI compared with the lowest quintile in adults, whereas the first postoperative L-FABP was not associated with AKI. Both KIM-1 and L-FABP were not significantly associated with AKI in adults or children after adjusting for other kidney injury biomarkers (neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin and IL-18). The highest area under the curves achievable for discrimination for AKI were 0.78 in adults using urine KIM-1 from 6 to 12 hours, urine IL-18 from day 2, and plasma neutrophil gelatinase-associated lipocalin from day 2 and 0.78 in children using urine IL-18 from 0 to 6 hours and urine L-FABP from day 2. CONCLUSIONS Postoperative elevations of KIM-1 associate with AKI and adverse outcmes in adults but were not independent of other AKI biomarkers. A panel of multiple biomarkers provided moderate discrimination for AKI.