Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Interocular symmetry in nerve fiber layer thickness of normal eyes as determined by polarimetry.

PURPOSE The existence of asymmetries between the two eyes in number and distribution of nerve fibers may provide an early anatomic indication of glaucomatous disruption if a symmetrical pattern of nerve fibers can be shown in normal eyes. Normal eyes were tested to determine whether a high degree of correspondence of regional nerve fiber layer thickness exists between fellow eyes. METHODS Nerve fiber layer thickness was inferred from retardation shift measured by a scanning laser polarimeter (Laser Diagnostic Technologies, Inc.) in 40 volunteers without glaucoma or ocular disease (80 eyes). Total thickness and the pattern of nerve fiber thickness over 208 regions was compared between the paired eyes. RESULTS Inferred nerve fiber layer thickness in companion eyes was highly correlated. Variation of the total nerve fiber thickness was much less between companion eyes than between eyes of different individuals. In terms of regional (i.e., local) interocular correspondence, the measurements in the inferior retina were observed to be highly similar in the two eyes, but a pronounced shift of the location of the superior peak (maximum thickness) in the left eye relative to the right was observed, as were differences between the two eyes in the thickness measurements at the nasal and temporal minima. CONCLUSION Significant interocular asymmetries were detected in regions other than the interior hemiretina. These interocular asymmetries may reflect previously unrecognized anatomic nerve fiber differences or systematic angular bias in the instrument for one eye relative to the other. In contrast to the regional measures, the measures of total thickness were very similar between companion eyes, suggesting that the assessment of interocular asymmetries of total thickness determined by polarimetry may offer potential for detecting glaucoma.
Impact of awareness of terminal illness and use of palliative care or intensive care unit on the survival of terminally ill patients with cancer: prospective cohort study.

PURPOSE We conducted this study to evaluate the validity of the perception that awareness of their terminal prognosis and use of palliative care or nonuse of an intensive care unit (ICU) causes patients to die sooner than they would otherwise. PATIENTS AND METHODS In this prospective cohort study at 11 university hospitals and the National Cancer Center in Korea, we administered questionnaires to 619 consecutive patients immediately after they were determined by physicians to be terminally ill. We followed patients during 6 months after enrollment and assessed how their survival was affected by the disclosure of terminal illness and administration of palliative care or nonuse of the ICU. RESULTS In a follow-up of 481 patients and 163.8 person-years, we identified 466 deceased patients. Nineteen percent of the patients died within 1 month, while 41.3% lived for 3 months, and 17.7% lived for 6 months. Once the cancer was judged terminal, the median survival time was 69 days. On multivariate analysis, neither patient awareness of terminal status at baseline (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR], 1.20; 95% CI, 0.96 to 1.51), use of a palliative care facility (aHR, 0.96; 95% CI, 0.76 to 1.21), nor general prostration (aHR, 1.23; 95% CI, 0.96 to 1.57) was associated with reduced survival. Use of the ICU (aHR, 1.47; 95% CI, 1.06 to 2.05) and poor Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status (aHR, 1.37; 95% CI, 1.10 to 1.71) were significantly associated with poor survival. CONCLUSION Patients' being aware that they are dying and entering a palliative care facility or ICU does not seem to influence patients' survival.
Evaluation of the Efficacy of G32 (Commercially Available Ayurvedic Preparation) in Reducing Halitosis - A Randomized Controlled Trial.

Introduction Oral malodour is a social malady affecting people of all the age groups. Effective management of oral malodour is the key to improve the quality of life of such people. Aim To evaluate the effectiveness of ayurvedic medication, G32 in controlling oral malodour and comparing the effects with Chlorhexidine (CHX). Materials and Methods This was a single blind randomized controlled trial with parallel study design conducted at a hospital in the city of Udupi in Southern India. A total of 40 patients suffering with oral malodour, aged 17-35 years, were included in this trial. After inclusion into the study, the subjects were examined twice, with a one-week interval between both examinations. Volatile Sulphur Compounds (VSCs), gingival, plaque and tongue coating scores were assessed at both examinations. Subjects were randomly allocated to G32 group - ayurvedic formulation (intervention group) and CHX group (control group), and were provided with the respective formulations enough to be used twice daily for a period of one week. The difference between the mean scores of VSCs, plaque, and gingivitis and tongue coating were compared within the intervention and control groups, respectively, using paired t-test. Results Both test and control groups showed a significant reduction in VSCs, plaque and gingivitis levels. The percentage reductions in VSCs, plaque and gingivitis were found to be similar among the two groups. There was no significant difference between the preintervention and postintervention scores in both the groups. Conclusion G32, an ayurvedic medication, can be an effective tool to deal with oral malodour.
Matrix representations of aperiodic auto and cross correlation functions

The matrix representations of aperiodic auto- and cross-correlation functions are useful in revealing new properties of correlation functions. The “shared autocorrelation function property” related to nonstandard PSK Golay sequences previously observed through computer search only are shown to propagate to infinite sequence lengths. The additivity property for mod-H codeword sequences and the aperiodic autocorrelation function matrices of phase shift keying (H-PSK) sequences is also discussed. This shows that sequences with specific autocorrelation functions are more naturally described using the codeword sequences, in agreement with Davis and Jedwab's discovery that a large collection of PSK Golay complementary sequences can be concisely described as Reed Muller codewords.
Pharmacokinetics and metabolism of [(14)C]ribavirin in rats and cynomolgus monkeys.

Absorption, pharmacokinetics, distribution, metabolism, and excretion of [(14)C]ribavirin were studied in rats (30 mg/kg of body weight) and cynomolgus monkeys (10 mg/kg) after intravenous (i.v.) and oral administration. The oral absorption and bioavailability were 83 and 59%, respectively, in rats and 87 and 55%, respectively, in monkeys. After i.v. administration, the elimination half-life (t([1/2])) was 9.9 h in rats and 130 h in monkeys and the total body clearance was 2,600 ml/h/kg in rats and 224 ml/h/kg in monkeys. The apparent volume of distribution was 11.4 liter/kg in rats and 29.4 liter/kg in monkeys. There was extensive distribution of drug-derived radioactivity into red blood cells and extensive metabolism of ribavirin in rats and a lesser degree of metabolism in monkeys. Excretion of total radioactivity in urine from rats accounted for 84% of the i.v. dose and 83% of the oral dose, whereas that from monkeys accounted for 47% of the i.v. dose and 67% of the oral dose. Several metabolites were observed in plasma and urine from both species. The amount of unchanged ribavirin in urine from both species was quite small after either i.v. or oral administration.
Essential tremor centralized brain repository: Diagnostic validity and clinical characteristics of a highly selected group of essential tremor cases

We studied essential tremor (ET) cases enrolled in the Essential Tremor Centralized Brain Repository to (1) assess the validity of their diagnoses and (2) characterize the clinical features in a group of highly selected cases who might reflect a far end of the disease spectrum. Our over‐arching goal was to provide a perspective of ET that complements that derived from population‐based and clinic‐based studies. Based on a history and videotaped examination, 94 of 100 ET cases had their diagnoses confirmed; most of the remainder had Parkinson's disease. When compared with ET cases ascertained through populations and clinics, a large proportion had been prescribed medication for tremor (87.2%), had a family history of tremor (88.3%), had rest tremor (33.0%), or had neck tremor (60.6%). One patient had facial tremor, which has not been reported previously. As has been reported once before, a large proportion wore hearing aids (26.9% of the 67 participants age ≥ 70). In summary, diagnostic validity was high. In terms of their clinical characteristics, the high proportion of cases with severe tremor and varied disease manifestations (neck tremor, rest tremor) make these cases a valuable resource in pathological studies; the high proportion with familial tremor would provide an enriched sample for genetic studies. © 2005 Movement Disorder Society
Learning and decision making in human during a game of matching pennies

This paper investigated the nature of learning process in human playing a competitive game with binary choices. As in reinforcement learning, the subject's choice during a competitive game was biased by its choice and reward history, as well as by the strategies of its opponent. Furthemore, consistent with predictions of the reinforcement learning model, we found that the magnitude of ERPs after losing to the computer opponent predicted whether subjects would change decision behavior on the subsequent trial, but in our experiment, the subject's decision wasn't systematically influenced by the cumulative effects of reward history.
Helicobacter pylori‐derived neutrophil‐activating protein increases the lifespan of monocytes and neutrophils

An invariable feature of Helicobacter pylori‐infected gastric mucosa is the persistent infiltration of inflammatory cells. The neutrophil‐activating protein (HP‐NAP) has a pivotal role in triggering and orchestrating the phlogistic process associated with H. pylori infection. Aim of this study was to address whether HP‐NAP might further contribute to the inflammation by increasing the lifespan of inflammatory cells. We report that HP‐NAP is able to prolong the lifespan of monocytes, in parallel with the induction of the anti‐apoptotic proteins A1, Mcl‐1, Bcl‐2 and Bcl‐XL. This effect does not result from a direct action on the apoptotic machinery, but rather it requires the release of endogenous pro‐survival factors, such as interleukin‐1β, which probably acts in synergy with other unidentified mediators. We also report that HP‐NAP promotes the survival of Ficoll‐purified neutrophils in a monocyte‐dependent fashion: indeed, mononuclear cell depletion of Ficoll‐purified neutrophils completely abolished the pro‐survival effect by HP‐NAP. In conclusion, our data reinforce the notion that HP‐NAP has a pivotal role in sustaining a prolonged activation of myeloid cells.
Effect of anionic salts in concentrate mixture on some blood and urine minerals, acid-base balance and feed intake of dry pregnant cows on grass silage based feeding with high calcium intake

Ummessaolevien lehmien kokeessa arvioitiin kationi-anionitasapainon vaikutusta sailorehuvaltaisella ruokinnalla, kun kalsiumin saanti oli runsasta (82 g Ca/pv). Kationi-anionitasapaino laskettiin [(Na+ + K+) - (Cl- + S2-)] mEq/kg kuiva-ainetta (ka). Se oli joko +410 tai +81 mEq/kg ka. Kalsiumlisa annettiin kalsiumkarbonaattina. Suoloina kaytettiin magnesiumkloridia, ammoniumkloridia ja -sulfaattia. Lehmat saivat sailorehua (5,2 kg ka), heinaa (0,8 kg ka) ja taysrehua (1,7 kg ka) nelja viikkoa ennen odotettua poikimista poikimispaivaan saakka. Veri- ja virtsanaytteita otettiin 4, 3, 2 ja 1 viikkoa ennen odotettua poikimista, poikimispaivana seka 1 vrk ja 1 viikko poikimisen jalkeen. Tulosten mukaan ummessaolevien lehmien kationi-anionitasapainoa on vaikeasaataa negatiiviseksi, kun sailorehun kaliumpitoisuus ylittaa 30 g/kg ka. +81 mEq/kg ka ei aiheuttanut muutoksia veresta ja virtsasta mitattuihin parametreihin. Ainoastaan kalsiumin eritys virtsaan lisaantyi ja virtsan pH vahentyi kationi-anionitasapainon ollessa +81 mEq/kg ka verrattuna positiivisempaan kationi-anionitasapainoon (+410 mEq/kg ka). Koevakirehun maittavuus oli tyydyttava, kun anionisten suolojen maara oli 3 Eq paivassa. 26 %:lla kokeen lehmista ilmeni poikimisvuorokautena hypomagnesia, vaikka magnesiumin saanti oli suomalaisten suositusten mukaista (17 g Mg/pv). Nain ollen suomalaista magnesiumsuositusta tulisi lisata ainakin silloin, kun kalsiumin saanti perusrehuista on runsasta.
Elimination of Phosphorylation Sites of Semliki Forest Virus Replicase Protein nsP3*

nsP3 is one of the four RNA replicase subunits encoded by alphaviruses. The specific essential functions of nsP3 remain unknown, but it is known to be phosphorylated on serine and threonine residues. Here we have completed mapping of the individual phosphorylation sites on Semliki Forest virus nsP3 (482 amino acids) by point mutational analysis of threonine residues. This showed that threonines 344 and 345 represented the major threonine phosphorylation sites in nsP3. Experiments with deletion variants suggested that nsP3 itself had no kinase activity; instead, it was likely to be phosphorylated by multiple cellular kinases. Phosphorylation was not necessary for the peripheral membrane association of nsP3, which was mediated by the N-terminal region preceding the phosphorylation sites. Two deletion variants of nsP3 with either reduced or undetectable phosphorylation were studied in the context of virus infection. Cells infected with mutant viruses produced close to wild type levels of infectious virions; however, the rate of viral RNA synthesis was significantly reduced in the mutants. A virus totally defective in nsP3 phosphorylation and exhibiting a decreased rate of RNA synthesis also exhibited greatly reduced pathogenicity in mice.
The prevalence of corticosteroid allergy in two U.K. centres: prescribing implications

Allergic contact dermatitis to topical corticosteroids is a common problem, seen in up to 6% of patients undergoing patch testing. Rates of steroid allergy vary widely both within and between countries. It has previously been shown that non‐fluorinated steroids degrade and react with arginine more rapidly in an in vitro system and may therefore be more likely to sensitize than fluorinated steroids. We have compared the rates of steroid allergy and corticosteroid prescribing habits in two different areas in England to observe the relationship between these factors. The results suggest that predominant use of non‐fluorinated corticosteroids (hydrocortisone, hydrocortisone‐17‐butyrate and budesonide) results in a higher prevalence of corticosteroid contact allergy in comparison with those areas using a greater proportion of fluorinated corticosteroids.
Autophagy interaction with herpes simplex virus type-1 infection

abstract More than 50% of the U.S. population is infected with herpes simplex virus type-I (HSV-1) and global infectious estimates are nearly 90%. HSV-1 is normally seen as a harmless virus but debilitating diseases can arise, including encephalitis and ocular diseases. HSV-1 is unique in that it can undermine host defenses and establish lifelong infection in neurons. Viral reactivation from latency may allow HSV-1 to lay siege to the brain (Herpes encephalitis). Recent advances maintain that HSV-1 proteins act to suppress and/or control the lysosome-dependent degradation pathway of macroautophagy (hereafter autophagy) and consequently, in neurons, may be coupled with the advancement of HSV-1-associated pathogenesis. Furthermore, increasing evidence suggests that HSV-1 infection may constitute a gradual risk factor for neurodegenerative disorders. The relationship between HSV-1 infection and autophagy manipulation combined with neuropathogenesis may be intimately intertwined demanding further investigation.
Infectious agent screening in canine blood donors in the United Kingdom.

OBJECTIVES Transfusion of blood products is an important component of veterinary emergency medicine. Donors must be carefully selected to minimise risk of transmission of blood-borne infectious agents. This study was devised to assess the prevalence of such agents in healthy, non-travelled UK dogs screened as prospective donors. METHODS Ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid blood samples from dogs donating blood between August 2007 and January 2012 were screened by polymerase chain reaction for haemotropic mycoplasmas, Bartonella, Babesia, Leishmania, Ehrlichia and Anaplasma spp. Dogs with positive or inconclusive results underwent repeat polymerase chain reaction testing. RESULTS Four of 262 dogs had positive or inconclusive results at initial screening. Repeat polymerase chain reaction testing in each dog was negative, and none of the dogs developed clinical signs of disease. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE The positive results on initial screening may have represented false positives from sample contamination or amplification of non-target DNA. It is also possible that dogs were infected at initial sampling but successfully cleared infection before repeat testing. The low number of positive results obtained suggests that prevalence of these agents in a population of healthy UK dogs is low and that use of blood products is unlikely to represent a significant risk of transmission of these diseases.
Combined climate and carbon-cycle effects of large-scale deforestation

The prevention of deforestation and promotion of afforestation have often been cited as strategies to slow global warming. Deforestation releases CO2 to the atmosphere, which exerts a warming influence on Earth's climate. However, biophysical effects of deforestation, which include changes in land surface albedo, evapotranspiration, and cloud cover also affect climate. Here we present results from several large-scale deforestation experiments performed with a three-dimensional coupled global carbon-cycle and climate model. These simulations were performed by using a fully three-dimensional model representing physical and biogeochemical interactions among land, atmosphere, and ocean. We find that global-scale deforestation has a net cooling influence on Earth's climate, because the warming carbon-cycle effects of deforestation are overwhelmed by the net cooling associated with changes in albedo and evapotranspiration. Latitude-specific deforestation experiments indicate that afforestation projects in the tropics would be clearly beneficial in mitigating global-scale warming, but would be counterproductive if implemented at high latitudes and would offer only marginal benefits in temperate regions. Although these results question the efficacy of mid- and high-latitude afforestation projects for climate mitigation, forests remain environmentally valuable resources for many reasons unrelated to climate.
Polymeric IgA Binding to the Human pIgR Elicits Intracellular Signalling, but Fails to Stimulate pIgR‐Transcytosis

The intracellular pathway of polymeric immunoglobulin receptor (pIgR) is governed by multiple signals that lead to constitutive transcytosis. In addition, in transfected polarized MDCK cells, polymeric immunoglobulin A (pIgA) binding stimulates rabbit pIgR‐transcytosis, owing to phospholipase‐Cγ1 activation and increase of intracellular calcium. Transcytosis of rat pIgR across hepatocytes is similarly accelerated by pIgA injection. In contrast we show here that human Madrin‐Darby Canine Kidney (pIgR)‐transcytosis, in human Calu‐3 and human pIgR‐transfected MDCK cells, is not promoted by pIgA, as monitored by a continuous apical release of its secreted ectodomain. However, the incubation of cells expressing human or rabbit pIgR with pIgA induces a comparable IP3 production, and pIgR‐transcytosis of either species is accelerated by the protein kinase C (PKC)‐activator phorbol myristate acetate. Without pIgA, mimicking phospholipase‐C activation by combining low concentrations of phorbol myristate acetate with ionomycin, or high concentrations of ionomycin alone, stimulates the rabbit, but not the human, pIgR transcytosis. These data suggest that the species difference in pIgA‐induced pIgR‐transcytosis does not stem from the defective production of second messengers, but from a different sensitivity of pIgR to intracellular calcium. Our results outline the danger of extrapolating to humans the abundant data obtained from mucosal vaccination of laboratory animals.
Up-regulation of Skp2 after Prostate Cancer Cell Adhesion to Basement Membranes Results in BRCA2 Degradation and Cell Proliferation*

Aberrant interaction of carcinoma cells with basement membranes (BM) is a fundamental pathophysiological process that initiates a series of events resulting in cancer cell invasion and metastasis. In this report, we describe the results of our investigations pertaining to the events triggered by the adhesion of normal (PNT1A) and highly metastatic (PC-3) prostate cells onto BM proteins. Unlike PNT1A, PC-3 cells adhered avidly to Matrigel BM matrix as well as to isolated collagen type IV, laminin, and heparan sulfate proteoglycan perlecan, main BM components. This aberrantly increased cancer cell adhesion resulted in sustained BRCA2 protein depletion and vigorous cell proliferation, a cascade triggered by β1 integrin-mediated phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase activation leading to BRCA2 degradation in the proteasome. This latter effect was orchestrated by phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase-dependent up-regulation of Skp2, a subunit of the Skp1-Cul1-F-box protein ubiquitin complex that directly associates with BRCA2 as demonstrated by coimmunoprecipitation assays, determines its ubiquitination, and ultimately targets it for proteasomal degradation. Inhibition of Skp2 expression by small interference RNA prevented BRCA2 depletion and inhibited the trophic effect upon cell proliferation. These results provide additional evidence on the role of BRCA2 as a modulator of cancer cell growth and elucidate the molecular mechanisms involved in its down-regulation in cancer cells when interacting with BM, a crucial step in the biology of metastasis. Furthering the understanding of this molecular pathway may prove valuable in designing new therapeutic strategies aimed at modifying the natural history of prostate carcinoma.