Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The T CeI 1-B Cell Interaction via OX 40-OX 40 L Is Necessary for the T Cell-dependent Humoral Immune Response

Recent in vitro studies have established that activated B cells express OX40 ligand (L), a member of the tumor necrosis factor/nerve growth factor family of cytokines, and become stimulated to proliferate and secrete immunoglobulin (Ig) after cross-linking of OX40L by its counterreceptor OX40, which is expressed on activated T cells. In the present study we investigated the in vivo role of this receptor-ligand pair for the interaction of T and B cells in the course of the T-dependent B cell response against 2,4,6 trinitro-phenyl-keyhole limpet hemocyanin. First, we showed that OX40 is maximally expressed by T cells in the periarteriolar lymphoid sheath (PALS) 3 d after primary immunization. These OX40 + cells are located in close proximity to antigen-specific, activated B cells. Second, we demonstrated that blocking of OX40-OX40L interaction with a polyclonal anti-OX40 antibody or with antibodies against certain peptide sequences within its extraceUular domain resulted in a profound decrease of the antihapten IgG response, whereas the antihapten IgM response was grossly unchanged. Third, we showed that this antibody treatment leads to an 'inhibition of the development of PALS-associated B cell foci, whereas the formation of germinal centers remained intact. Finally, our data suggest that, whereas B cell memory development was not impaired by anti-OX40 administration, OX40-OX40L interaction seems to be crucial in the secondary immune response. We conclude from these data that the OX40-OX40L interaction in vivo is necessary for the differentiation of activated B cells into highly Ig-producing cells, but is not involved in other pathways of antigen-driven B cell differentiation such as memory cell development in the germinal centers.
Y27632, a Rho‐activated kinase inhibitor, normalizes dysregulation in alpha1‐adrenergic receptor‐induced contraction of Lyon hypertensive rat artery smooth muscle

RhoA‐activated kinase (ROK) is involved in the disorders of smooth muscle contraction found in hypertension model animals and patients. We examined whether the α1‐adrenergic receptor agonist‐induced ROK signal is perturbed in resistance small mesentery artery (SMA) of Lyon genetically hypertensive (LH) rats, using a ROK antagonist, Y27632. Smooth muscle strips of SMA and aorta were isolated from LH and Lyon normotensive (LN) rats. After Ca2+‐depletion and pre‐treatment with phenylephrine (PE), smooth muscle contraction was induced by serial additions of CaCl2. In LH SMA Ca2+ permeated cells to a lesser extent as compared with LN SMA, while CaCl2‐induced contraction of LH SMA was greater than that of LN SMA, indicating a higher ratio of force to Ca2+ in LH SMA contraction (Ca2+ sensitization). No hyper‐contraction was observed in LH aorta tissues. Treatment of LH SMA with Y27632 restored both Ca2+ permeability and Ca2+‐force relationship to levels seen for LN SMA. In response to PE stimulation, phosphorylation of CPI‐17, a phosphorylation‐dependent myosin phosphatase inhibitor protein, and MYPT1 at Thr853, the inhibitory phosphorylation site of the myosin phosphatase regulatory subunit, was increased in LN SMA, but remained unchanged in LH SMA. These results suggest that the disorder in ROK‐dependent Ca2+ permeability and Ca2+‐force relationship is responsible for LH SMA hyper‐contraction. Unlike other hypertensive models, the ROK‐induced hyper‐contractility of LH SMA is independent of MYPT1 and CPI‐17 phosphorylation, which suggests that ROK‐mediated inhibition of myosin phosphatase does not affect SMA hyper‐contractility in LH SMA cells.
Oncostatin M Enhances CCL21 Expression by Microvascular Endothelial Cells and Increases the Efficiency of Dendritic Cell Trafficking to Lymph Nodes1

CCL21, a lymphatic endothelial cell (LEC)-derived chemokine, and its receptor CCR7 regulate dendritic cell (DC) trafficking to lymph nodes (LN), but it is unclear how CCL21 expression is regulated. Oncostatin M (OSM) is an IL-6-like cytokine synthesized by activated DC and other leukocytes. In vitro, OSM (but not TNF-α) stimulated CCL21 mRNA and protein expression by human dermal microvascular EC (DMEC) in an ERK1/2-dependent fashion. Conditioned medium from OSM-treated DMEC stimulated CCL21-dependent chemotaxis of mouse bone marrow-derived DC (BMDC). Cultured BMDC expressed OSM, which was increased with the addition of LPS. Topical application of the contact-sensitizing hapten, trinitrochlorobenzene, resulted in enhanced OSM expression in the skin, whereas cutaneous injection of TNF-α did not. Injection of OSM into the footpad increased CCL21 mRNA expression in the draining LN by ∼10-fold and in mouse skin by ∼4-fold without increasing CCR7 mRNA. In vitro, OSM increased the permeability of DMEC and lung microvascular EC monolayers to FITC-dextran beads, and, in vivo, it enhanced accumulation of Evans blue dye in draining LN by ∼3-fold (p = 0.0291). Of note, OSM increased trafficking of BMDC injected in footpads to draining LN by 2-fold (p = 0.016). In summary, OSM up-regulates CCL21 expression in skin and draining regional LN. We propose that OSM is a regulator of CCL21 expression and endothelial permeability in skin, contributing to efficient migration of DC to regional LN.
The pandemic of Salmonella Enteritidis phage type 4 reaches Utah: a complex investigation confirms the need for continuing rigorous control measures

In 1995, Salmonella Enteritidis (SE) cases in the state of Utah increased fivefold. Isolates were identified as phage type 4 (PT4). Risk factors and sources of infection were investigated in two case-control studies, a traceback of implicated foods, and environmental testing. Forty-three patients with sporadic infections and 86 controls were included in a case-control study of risk factors for infection. A follow-up case-control study of 25 case and 19 control restaurants patronized by case and control patients examined risks associated with restaurant practices. In the first case-control study, restaurant dining was associated with illness (P = 0·002). In the follow-up case-control study, case restaurants were likelier to use > 2000 eggs per week (P < 0·02), to pool eggs (P < 0·05), and to use eggs from cooperative ‘A’ (P < 0·009). Eggs implicated in separately investigated SE PT4 outbreaks were traced to cooperative ‘A’, and SE PT4 was cultured from one of the cooperative's five local farms. We conclude that SE PT4 transmitted by infected eggs from a single farm caused a fivefold increase in human infections in Utah.
Solid Waste Management in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam: Moving towards a Circular Economy?

The paper presents the current situation of the waste management system of the megacity Ho Chi Minh in Vietnam, and the options for waste and land recycling in a low income country. Generally, there is a large potential for circular economy in the city as the main proportion of the waste flows are recyclables. Due to the missing selective collection system, this potential is not used in the full extend yet, even if the collection of the entire waste volumes is envisaged in the National Waste Management Strategy by 2025. The waste stocks are the landfill locations in the region of Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC), two of them being in operation and two of them already being closed. A special focus is given to the landfill Go Cat, which was subject to an option analysis in terms of waste and land recycling options. The results indicate that there are several reuse options: the use of the landfill material in a waste-to-energy process after landfill mining, the reuse of the re-gained land in case of landfill mining, the reuse of the capped landfill for energy crop cultivation, and the gasification in a biogas plant in case of a remaining landfill.
A New Angled Chisel for Microendoscopic Decompressive Laminotomy

Study design: A retrospective comparative series study. Objective: The aim of the study was to describe a new angled chisel (NAC) that facilitates the osteotomy in microendoscopic decompressive laminotomy (MEDL), and to analyze the clinical and radiologic outcomes using the tool. Summary of Background Data: MEDL for lumbar spinal stenosis is a minimally invasive surgery. The paraspinous unilateral approach for bilateral decompression can preserve the posterior structure better than other methods. However, the resection of the medial facet on the approach side is technically difficult because the working space is limited and the retractor is difficult to place properly. Because of these limitations, either the inferior articular process on the approach side tends to be resected excessively, which can lead to facet fracture and instability, or the superior articular process tends to be resected insufficiently, which can result in residual symptoms. The ideal decompression of the medial facet consists of sufficient resection to the deep portion, especially lateral recess of the spinal canal, and adequate facet preservation. Special curved devices to obtain optimal resection have been developed, but these devices have not effectively improved the osteotomy. We developed an NAC to allow an osteotomy at the desired angle. Materials and Methods: Forty patients underwent MEDL with the use of NAC (NAC group) and 40 patients underwent the same procedure without the NAC (control group). The osteotomy angle of the medial facet on the approach side and Visual Analogue Scale score were analyzed. Results: The average osteotomy angle of the medial facet was significantly smaller in the NAC group. The radiologic and clinical results were significantly better in the NAC group. Conclusions: The NAC was a useful tool that sharpens the osteotomy angle of the medial facet and thereby improved the clinical course.
Vertical Optimization of Resource Dependent Flight Paths

Flight routes are paths calculated on a network of waypoints representing 3D-coordinates. A common approach is first to calculate a path in a 2D-network, taking into account feasibility constraints, and then to optimize the altitude of the flight. We focus on the problem of determining the vertical trajectory defined by an altitude at each waypoint of a 2D-route. The cost of an airway depends, directly, on fuel consumption and on flying time, and, indirectly, on weight and on weather conditions. These dependencies invalidate the FIFO property, which is commonly assumed for time-dependent networks. Moreover, the amount of fuel at departure has an impact on the weight and depends on the length of the route. This, therefore, needs to be decided upon for our problem. We aim at minimizing the total cost. We study path-finding algorithms, both exact and heuristic, that we iterate in a line-search procedure to decide the fuel amount at departure. We use real-life data for the experimental analysis and conclude that on those data the assumption of the FIFO property remains a good heuristic choice.
Omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids and cardiovascular health: a molecular view into structure and function

Given the notorious impact of cardiovascular disease (CVD) as the current leading cause of mortality worldwide, the prevention, identification and management of CV risk factors represents a priority in daily clinical practice. Several studies have shown the beneficial effects of dietary omega-3 polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) on CV health. Their derivatives, eicosapentaenoic acid and docosahexaenoic acid, intervene in multiple metabolic pathways, including: regulation of the inflammatory response, by reducing the synthesis of pro-inflammatory cytokines; regulation of platelet aggregation, activation and adhesion, by modulating thromboxane A2 and plasminogen activator inhibitor-1 activity; regulation of the coagulation pathways, by reducing the carboxylation of vitamin K-dependent coagulation factors; improvement of endothelial function, given their effects on prostaglandin synthesis and endothelial nitric oxide synthase; reduction of serum lipids, through their effects on the hepatic synthesis of triacylglycerides, beta-oxidation of fatty acids and lipoprotein catabolism; and improvement of myocardial function via their membrane-stabilizing effects, and an increase in fluidity, size and distribution of membrane lipid rafts. Nevertheless, these effects appear to vary according to the type of PUFA ingested, dietary sources, daily dosing and individual factors inherent to the subject. Therefore, further studies are required to determine the ideal supplementation for each kind of patient and their particular CV profiles.
WORKING PAPER SERIES DOES THE CONDITIONAL CAPM WORK ? EVIDENCE FROM THE ISTANBUL

This paper tests whether the conditional CAPM accurately prices assets utilizing data from the Istanbul Stock Exchange (ISE) over the time period from February 1997 to April 2008. In our empirical analysis, we closely follow the methodology introduced in Lewellen and Nagel (2006). Our results show that the conditional CAPM fairs no better than the static counterpart in pricing assets. Although market betas do vary significantly over time, the intertemporal variation is not nearly large enough to drive average conditional alphas to zero. Does the Conditional CAPM Work? Evidence from the Istanbul Stock Exchange Abstract This paper tests whether the conditional CAPM accurately prices assets utilizing data from the Istanbul Stock Exchange (ISE) over the time period from February 1997 to April 2008. In our empirical analysis, we closely follow the methodology introduced in Lewellen and Nagel (2006). Our results show that the conditional CAPM fairs no better than the static counterpart in pricing assets. Although market betas do vary significantly over time, the intertemporal variation is not nearly large enough to drive average conditional alphas to zero.This paper tests whether the conditional CAPM accurately prices assets utilizing data from the Istanbul Stock Exchange (ISE) over the time period from February 1997 to April 2008. In our empirical analysis, we closely follow the methodology introduced in Lewellen and Nagel (2006). Our results show that the conditional CAPM fairs no better than the static counterpart in pricing assets. Although market betas do vary significantly over time, the intertemporal variation is not nearly large enough to drive average conditional alphas to zero.
Therapeutic outcomes of low-level laser therapy for closed bone fracture in the human wrist and hand.

OBJECTIVE The therapeutic outcomes of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) on closed bone fractures (CBFs) in the wrist and hand were investigated in this controlled study. BACKGROUND DATA Animal research has confirmed that LLLT increases osteocyte quantity; however, little research has been conducted to determine the effect of LLLT on the treatment of human bone fractures. METHODS In this study, the therapeutic outcomes of administering 830 nm LLLT to treat CBFs in the wrist or hand were examined. Fifty patients with CBFs in the wrist and hand, who had not received surgical treatment, were recruited and randomly assigned to two groups. The laser group underwent a treatment program in which 830 nm LLLT (average power 60 mW, peak power 8 W, 10 Hz, 600 sec, and 9.7 J/cm(2) per fracture site) was administered five times per week for 2 weeks. Participants in a placebo group received sham laser treatment. The pain, functional disability, grip strength, and radiographic parameters of the participants were evaluated before and after treatment and at a 2-week follow-up. RESULTS After treatment and at the follow-up, the laser group exhibited significant changes in all of the parameters compared with the baseline (p<0.05). The results of comparing the two groups after treatment and at the follow-up indicated significant between-group differences among all of the parameters (p<0.05). CONCLUSIONS LLLT can relieve pain and improve the healing process of CBFs in the human wrist and hand.
In vitro studies of nanosilver-doped titanium implants for oral and maxillofacial surgery

The addition of an antibacterial agent to dental implants may provide the opportunity to decrease the percentage of implant failures due to peri-implantitis. For this purpose, in this study, the potential efficacy of nanosilver-doped titanium biomaterials was determined. Titanium disks were incorporated with silver nanoparticles over different time periods by Tollens reaction, which is considered to be an eco-friendly, cheap, and easy-to-perform method. The surface roughness, wettability, and silver release profile of each disc were measured. In addition, the antibacterial activity was also evaluated by using disk diffusion tests for bacteria frequently isolated from the peri-implant biofilm: Streptococcus mutans, Streptococcus mitis, Streptococcus oralis, Streptococcus sanguis, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Staphylococcus aureus, and Escherichia coli. Cytotoxicity was evaluated in vitro in a natural human osteoblasts cell culture. The addition of nanosilver significantly increased the surface roughness and decreased the wettability in a dose-dependent manner. These surfaces were significantly toxic to all the tested bacteria following a 48-hour exposure, regardless of silver doping duration. A concentration of 0.05 ppm was sufficient to inhibit Gram-positive and Gram-negative species, with the latter being significantly more susceptible to silver ions. However, after the exposure of human osteoblasts to 0.1 ppm of silver ions, a significant decrease in cell viability was observed by using ToxiLight™ BioAssay Kit after 72 hours. Data from the present study indicated that the incorporation of nanosilver may influence the surface properties that are important in the implant healing process. The presence of nanosilver on the titanium provides an antibacterial activity related to the bacteria involved in peri-implantitis. Finally, the potential toxicological considerations of nanosilver should further be investigated, as both the antibacterial and cytotoxic properties may be observed at similar concentration ranges.
Closing the Feedback Loop : Hearing the Student Voice in Course Quality

One hundred eighty-three students from a Midwestern public university were surveyed to determine their perceptions of the design quality of their courses using items from the Quality Matters (QM) framework. The respondents rated the extent to which each of the 68 QM-based items was generally important in their courses. The data revealed that students perceived the design quality of their face-to-face and online courses similarly. This finding extends the generalizability of prior QM research, which focused solely on the perceptions of students assessing online offerings. The data also revealed how students ranked the quality dimensions associated with the QM framework. Areas where students’ perceptions of course quality differed from the framework are summarized. Implications for instructional design and course facilitation are addressed.
Guidelines for Feeding Very Low Birth Weight Infants

Despite the fact that feeding a very low birth weight (VLBW) neonate is a fundamental and inevitable part of its management, this is a field which is beset with controversies. Optimal nutrition improves growth and neurological outcomes, and reduces the incidence of sepsis and possibly even retinopathy of prematurity. There is a great deal of heterogeneity of practice among neonatologists and pediatricians regarding feeding VLBW infants. A working group on feeding guidelines for VLBW infants was constituted in McMaster University, Canada. The group listed a number of important questions that had to be answered with respect to feeding VLBW infants, systematically reviewed the literature, critically appraised the level of evidence, and generated a comprehensive set of guidelines. These guidelines form the basis of this state-of-art review. The review touches upon trophic feeding, nutritional feeding, fortification, feeding in special circumstances, assessment of feed tolerance, and management of gastric residuals, gastro-esophageal reflux, and glycerin enemas.
The Influence of Class II Division 2 Malocclusions on the Harmony of the Human Face Profile

Background Persons with class II division 2 malocclusion are characterized by a very specific dento-skeletal and soft-tissue profile (a profile in which a protruding nose and chin, retruding lips, concave and shortened lower third of the face, and gummy smile are dominant), which is the opposite of the currently modern profiles (convex profile of protruding lips and small chin). The aim of this research was to determine the differences in parameters of harmonies of facial profiles between persons with class II division 2 malocclusions and class I, and to establish the significance of those differences. Material/Methods For this study, 50 patients with class II division 2 malocclusions and 50 patients with class I were selected; profile photos were recorded and a photometric analysis was done: a type of profile according to Schwarz, the shape of a nose, the prominence of chin, biometrical field, the position of lips in relation to the tangent Sn-Pg, S-line (Steiner), E-line (Riketts) and a facial angle according to Arnett. Results The significant differences in profiles of persons with class II division 2 compared to class I were: position and prominence of the chin, the position of the lower and upper lip in relation to the S-line, and smaller value of a facial angle in relation to persons with class I. Conclusions The differences seen in skeletal profiles were not associated with significant differences in the profiled facial contours of the examined groups. The compensatory role of the fullness of soft tissues of the lips is probably the reason why there were not significant deviations in all the examined parameters.
AGRICULTURAL PRODUCTIVITY AND GROWTH IN TURKEY

This paper investigates the growth experience of one country in detail in order to enhance our understanding of important factors that affect economic growth. Using a two-sector model, we identify low productivity growth in the agricultural sector as the main reason for the divergence of income per capita between Turkey and its peer countries between 1968 and 2005. An extended model that incorporates distortions in the use of intermediate goods in producing agricultural output indicates that policies that have different effects across sectors and across time may be important in explaining the growth experience of countries.
Dynamic modelling of infectious diseases: an application to the economic evaluation of influenza vaccination.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the economic efficiency of influenza vaccination using both dynamic and static modelling approaches. SETTING The Spanish National Health System. DESIGN AND METHODS We modelled the progress of an influenza epidemic in Spain according to the epidemiological pattern of susceptible-->infective-->resistant, employing a non-linear system of ordinary differential equations that enables the measurement of epidemiological effects of an anti-influenza vaccination. We used a decision tree to represent the repercussion on healthcare resources use and on financial resources. The same analyses were conducted using a static approach, and the results were compared. Healthcare costs were valued in euro, year 2005 values. RESULTS For the base case, the impact of the healthcare intervention (vaccination) was not efficient from the perspective of the healthcare payer when using a static approach (return rate 0.28 per euro invested in vaccination). Nevertheless, it was efficient when employing a dynamic approach (return rate 1.22 per euro). Furthermore, a considerable freeing of healthcare resources would have been produced over the entire influenza season. CONCLUSIONS The indirect effect of vaccination on the non-vaccinated individuals (the 'herd immunity effect') can be greater than the direct effect on individuals vaccinated. This implies that the herd immunity effect needs to be taken into consideration in the economic evaluations of prophylactic measures employed against infectious diseases.