Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Dosimetric comparison between the microSelectron HDR 192Ir v2 source and the BEBIG 60Co source for HDR brachytherapy using the EGSnrc Monte Carlo transport code

Manufacturing of miniaturized high activity 192Ir sources have been made a market preference in modern brachytherapy. The smaller dimensions of the sources are flexible for smaller diameter of the applicators and it is also suitable for interstitial implants. Presently, miniaturized 60Co HDR sources have been made available with identical dimensions to those of 192Ir sources. 60Co sources have an advantage of longer half life while comparing with 192Ir source. High dose rate brachytherapy sources with longer half life are logically pragmatic solution for developing country in economic point of view. This study is aimed to compare the TG-43U1 dosimetric parameters for new BEBIG 60Co HDR and new microSelectron 192Ir HDR sources. Dosimetric parameters are calculated using EGSnrc-based Monte Carlo simulation code accordance with the AAPM TG-43 formalism for microSlectron HDR 192Ir v2 and new BEBIG 60Co HDR sources. Air-kerma strength per unit source activity, calculated in dry air are 9.698×10-8 ± 0.55% U Bq-1 and 3.039×10-7 ± 0.41% U Bq-1 for the above mentioned two sources, respectively. The calculated dose rate constants per unit air-kerma strength in water medium are 1.116±0.12% cGy h-1U-1 and 1.097±0.12% cGy h-1U-1, respectively, for the two sources. The values of radial dose function for distances up to 1 cm and more than 22 cm for BEBIG 60Co HDR source are higher than that of other source. The anisotropic values are sharply increased to the longitudinal sides of the BEBIG 60Co source and the rise is comparatively sharper than that of the other source. Tissue dependence of the absorbed dose has been investigated with vacuum phantom for breast, compact bone, blood, lung, thyroid, soft tissue, testis, and muscle. No significant variation is noted at 5 cm of radial distance in this regard while comparing the two sources except for lung tissues. The true dose rates are calculated with considering photon as well as electron transport using appropriate cut-off energy. No significant advantages or disadvantages are found in dosimetric aspect comparing with two sources.
Pregnancy outcome among HIV positive women receiving antenatal HAART versus untreated maternal HIV infection.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate adverse pregnancy outcome in HIV infected women who received highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) from early pregnancy compared with untreated-maternal HIV infection. STUDY DESIGN A cohort study. PLACE AND DURATION OF STUDY Antenatal clinic, University of Benin Teaching Hospital, Nigeria, from January 2008 to June 2009. METHODOLOGY Two hundred and forty nine HIV infected women who had intrapartum care constituted the study population. Unbooked HIV positive pregnant women, who had not received antiretroviral drugs during the antenatal period but received nevirapine in labour, referred to as untreated-maternal HIV infection, were compared with women who received HAART early in pregnancy. Outcome measures of interest were obstetric complications and perinatal outcome proportion. RESULTS Intrauterine growth restriction (IUGR) (20.5% vs. 6.3%, p = 0.003), pre-term birth (25.0% vs. 9.8%, p = 0.005) and caesarean delivery (45.5% vs. 29.8%, p = 0.04) were significantly higher among women with untreated-HIV infection in pregnancy compared with women who received HAART from early pregnancy. Untreated maternal HIV-infection was associated with higher frequency of birth weight less than 2500g, 5-minutes Apgar score less than 7 and admission into neonatal unit (p < 0.05). Women with primary education were significantly higher in the group with untreated maternal HIV infection (27.3% vs. 12.7%, p = 0.003). CONCLUSION Untreated maternal HIV-infection in pregnancy may be associated with adverse pregnancy outcome. HIV positive women with low level of education utilise PMTCT services suboptimally. This information is important for programmes designed to increase access to PMTCT services including HAART from early pregnancy.
Intercellular bridges between follicle cells and oocyte in the lizard, Anolis carolinensis

Certain cells in the follicular epithelium of lizard (Anolis caro‐linensis) ovaries are connected to the oocyte by true intercellular bridges. Unlike other known intercellular bridges, these may form by secondary cell contact and membrane fusion rather than by incomplete cytokinesis. These intercellular bridges are abundant in previtellogenic tertiary follicles, and they contain glyco‐gen, ribonucleoprotein particles, and a dense, fibro‐granular material which may be exchanged between the two cells. Prior to the onset of yolk accumulation in the oocyte, the intercellular bridges and the pyriform cells from which they originated disappear from the follicular epithelium. The abundance of intercellular bridges in previtellogenic follicles suggests that they may be involved in the maintenance of dormant oocytes during periods of suspended reproductive activity and in the preparation of these oocytes for ensuing periods of intense metabolic activity associated with yolk accumulation.
Cytotoxicities of alkaloids from processed and unprocessed seeds of Strychnos nux-vomica.

AIM To examine the cytotoxicities of 6 crude Strychnos alkaloid fractions from the seeds of Strychnos nux-vomica unprocessed or processed with various traditional processing methods and 13 pure Strychnos alkaloids from the fractions. METHODS Using cell culture, their inhibitory effects on Vero cell growth-inhibition assay, and host cell DNA synthesis by [3H]thymidine ([3H]TdR) uptake assay. RESULTS The IC50 of processed seeds were 155% and 212% of unprocessed ones in cell growth-inhibition assay and in [3H]TdR uptake assay, respectively. The IC50 of 13 compounds were 0.45-0.80 mmol.L-1 and 0.50-12 mmol.L-1, respectively. The processing method with sand bath exhibited a wide safety margin compared with other traditional processing methods or no processing. The isomers of Strychnos alkaloids and their N-oxides showed much lower cytotoxicities among these alkaloids. Isobrucine N-oxide showed the lowest cytotoxicity. The contents of isomers and N-oxides of Strychnos alkaloids were the highest in the sand processing. CONCLUSION Processing of nux vomica plays a critical role in its toxicity.
[Age-specific changes in otoacoustic emission].

The relation of age and external and middle ear parameters with otoacoustic emission (OAE) characteristics was studied. Ear canal equivalent volume (ECV), static compliance and tympanometric gradient were measured. Transient evoked OAE (TEOAE) and distortion product of OAE (DPOAE) were recorded. Measured parameters included: average TEOAE and DPOAE levels, TEOAE spectral peak level and DPOAE maximum level, TEOAE and DPOAE dominant frequencies as well as frequency corresponding to minimum DPOAE level. The analysis of variance demonstrated a significant interrelationship between subject's age and all TEOAE and DPOAE parameters. External and middle ear parameters had no significant influence on OAE. The only exception was ECV which had certain relation to TEOAE spectral peak frequency. The results obtained demonstrated that OAE age-related changes were predominantly determined by processes taking place within its generators system, i.e. at the outer hair cells level.
Assessment of the Energy Value of Human Foods

The energy value of food is measured in calories, which are physical units of heat. The number of calories a food will provide is usually calculated from the amounts of protein, fat, and carbohydrate in it, and these are estimated by chemical methods. Physiological corrections are then applied to allow for losses in the urine and the faeces. The whole subject is very complicated and the attempts which people have made to assess the energy value of human food can only be described as a comedy of errors. All the methods of assessment in use to-day are based upon work that was carried out over 50 years ago, and it is my object in this paper to go back to the great masters, Rubner and Atwater, to describe what they did and taught, to see how far their disciples have followed in their footsteps, and to discuss their teachings in the light of present knowledge.
Work supported in part by US Department of Energy contract DE-AC02-76SF00515 An Exact SU(2) Symmetry and Persistent Spin Helix in a Spin-Orbit Coupled System

B. Andrei Bernevig, J. Orenstein and Shou-Cheng Zhang 1 Department of Physics, McCullough Building, Stanford University, Stanford, CA 94305-4045 2 Kavli Institute for Theoretical Physics, University of California, Santa Barbara, CA 93106 3 Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory, Berkeley, CA 94720 and and 4 Physics Department, University of California at Berkeley, Berkeley, CA 94720 (Dated: February 5, 2008)
Conditioned Place Preference and Locomotor Sensitization after Repeated Administration of Cocaine or Methamphetamine in Rats Treated with Epidermal Growth Factor during the Neonatal Period

Abstract: Epidermal growth factor (EGF) and its structurally related proteins are involved in the developmental regulation of various brain neurons, including midbrain dopaminergic neurons. We recently reported EGF and EGF‐receptor abnormalities in both the brain tissues and blood of schizophrenic patients. Administration of EGF to neonatal rats transiently increases tyrosine hydroxylase expression and subsequently results in behavioral abnormalities in prepulse inhibition of acoustic startle, locomotor activity, and social interaction after development. The enhanced locomotor and stereotypic responses of the neonatally EGF‐treated rats are considered to be an animal model for positive schizophrenia symptoms. In the present study, we investigated psychostimulant sensitivity of neonatally EGF‐treated rats. At the adult stage, EGF‐treated rats were challenged with cocaine (15 mg/kg) or methamphetamine (1 mg/kg), and conditioned place preference and locomotor activity were examined. The rats that received EGF during the neonatal period had significantly higher conditioned place preference for where cocaine or methamphetamine was administered than controls. The neonatal EGF treatment enhanced behavioral response to methamphetamine and behavioral sensitization to cocaine at the adult stage. Drug‐naive controls gradually increased locomotor responses to cocaine during their daily injections, whereas EGF‐treated rats exhibited a larger increase in cocaine responses. These results indicate that overactivation of the EGF receptors (ErbB1) during the neonatal period influences future sensitivity to psychostimulants. Our findings indicate a potential link between EGF‐receptor activation and drug addiction.
Differential polarization of alveolar macrophages and bone marrow‐derived monocytes following chemically and pathogen‐induced chronic lung inflammation

Alveolar macrophages and BDMCs undergo sequential biochemical changes during the chronic inflammatory response to chemically induced lung carcinogenesis in mice. Herein, we examine two chronic lung inflammation models—repeated exposure to BHT and infection with Mycobacterium tuberculosis—to establish whether similar macrophage phenotype changes occur in non‐neoplastic pulmonary disease. Exposure to BHT or M. tuberculosis results in pulmonary inflammation characterized by an influx of macrophages, followed by systemic effects on the BM and other organs. In both models, pulmonary IFN‐γ and IL‐4 production coincided with altered polarization of alveolar macrophages. Soon after BHT administration or M. tuberculosis infection, IFN‐γ content in BALF increased, and BAL macrophages became classically (M1) polarized, as characterized by increased expression of iNOS. As inflammation progressed in both models, the amount of BALF IFN‐γ content and BAL macrophage iNOS expression decreased, and BALF IL‐4 content and macrophage arginase I expression rose, indicating alternative/M2 polarization. Macrophages present in M. tuberculosis‐induced granulomas remained M1‐polarized, implying that these two pulmonary macrophage populations, alveolar and granuloma‐associated, are exposed to different activating cytokines. BDMCs from BHT‐treated mice displayed polarization profiles similar to alveolar macrophages, but BDMCs in M. tuberculosis‐infected mice did not become polarized. Thus, only alveolar macrophages in these two models of chronic lung disease exhibit a similar progression of polarization changes; polarization of BDMCs was specific to BHT‐induced pulmonary inflammation, and polarization of granuloma macrophages was specific to the M. tuberculosis infection.
The psychological characteristics of experiences that influence science motivation and content knowledge

ABSTRACT While motivational changes towards science are common during adolescence, our work asks which perceived classroom experiences are most strongly related to these changes. Additionally, we examine which experiences are most strongly associated with learning classroom content. In particular, using self-reports from a sample of approximately 3000 middle school students, this study investigates the influence of perceived science classroom experiences, namely student engagement and perceived success, on motivational change (fascination, values, competency belief) and content knowledge. Controlling for demographic information, school effects, and initial levels of motivation and content knowledge, we find that dimensions of engagement (affect, behavioural/cognitive) and perceived success are differentially associated with changes in particular motivational constructs and learning. Affective engagement is positively associated with motivational outcomes and negatively associated with learning outcomes, behavioural–cognitive engagement is associated only with learning, and perceived success is related only to motivational outcomes. Theoretical and practical implications are discussed.
Peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γPro12Ala polymorphism and the association with blood pressure in type 2 diabetes: Skaraborg Hypertension and Diabetes Project

Objective This study explored whether the Pro12Ala polymorphism in the peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-γ (PPARγ) is associated with blood pressure in subjects with type 2 diabetes. Design A community-based, cross-sectional observation study. Setting Primary care. Patients One hundred and ninety-two men and 192 women with type 2 diabetes who consecutively underwent annual follow-up. Main outcome measure The PPARγPro12Ala genotype was determined by polymerase chain reaction-based techniques. Associations between genotype and blood pressure were analysed by linear regression and expressed as differences in blood pressure (Δ) with 95% confidence interval (CI). Results The mean systolic blood pressure and the diastolic blood pressure were 160 mmHg (standard deviation = 22.8) and 84 mmHg (standard deviation = 9.6), respectively. Subjects with Pro/Ala (24%) or Ala/Ala (2%) had lower diastolic blood pressure (Δ = 2.8; 95% CI, 0.6–5.0) when adjusted for age and gender compared with Pro/Pro subjects (74%). This association was restricted to men (Δ = 4.4; 95% CI, 1.3–7.4), who also had a borderline significant difference in systolic blood pressure (Δ = 6.9; 95% CI, –0.8 to 13.8). In men the difference in diastolic blood pressure remained after adjustment for age, body mass index, serum triglycerides, serum insulin and haemoglobin A1c (Δ = 4.6; 95% CI, 1.1–8.1). A subanalysis of normotensive men (n = 100) confirmed the difference associated with the Pro12Ala polymorphism in diastolic blood pressure (Δ = 5.2; 95% CI, 0.6–10.0). Conclusions The common Pro12Ala polymorphism in PPARγ is associated with lower diastolic blood pressure in male subjects with type 2 diabetes.
Fc receptor homologs: newest members of a remarkably diverse Fc receptor gene family

Summary: Newfound relatives of the classical Fc receptors (FcR) have been provisionally named the Fc receptor homologs (FcRH). The recent identification of eight human and six mouse FcRH genes substantially increases the size and functional potential of the FcR family. The extended family of FcR and FcRH genes spans ∼15 Mb of the human chromosome 1q21–23 region, whereas in mice this family is split between chromosomes 1 and 3. The FcRH genes encode molecules with variable combinations of five subtypes of immunoglobulin (Ig) domains. The presence of a conserved sequence motif in one Ig domain subtype implies Ig Fc binding capability for many FcRH family members that are preferentially expressed by B lineage cells. In addition, most FcRH family members have consensus tyrosine‐based activating and inhibitory motifs in their cytoplasmic domains, while the others lack features typical of transmembrane receptors. The FcRH family members, like the classical FcRs, come in multiple isoforms and allelic variations. The unique individual and polymorphic properties of the FcR/FcRH members indicate a remarkably diverse Fc receptor gene family with immunoregulatory function.
MicroRNA-126 regulates DNA methylation in CD4+ T cells and contributes to systemic lupus erythematosus by targeting DNA methyltransferase 1.

OBJECTIVE To identify microRNA genes with abnormal expression in the CD4+ T cells of patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) and to determine the role of microRNA-126 (miR-126) in the etiology of SLE. METHODS MicroRNA expression patterns in CD4+ T cells from patients with SLE and healthy control subjects were analyzed by microRNA microarray and stem loop quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Luciferase reporter gene assays were performed to identify miR-126 targets. Dnmt1, CD11a, and CD70 messenger RNA and protein levels were determined by real-time qPCR, Western blotting, and flow cytometry. CD11a, CD70, and EGFL7 promoter methylation levels were detected by bisulfite sequencing. IgG levels in T cell-B cell cocultures were determined by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS The expression of 11 microRNA was significantly increased or decreased in CD4+ T cells from patients with SLE relative to that in CD4+ T cells from control subjects. Among these, miR-126 was up-regulated, and its degree of overexpression was inversely correlated with Dnmt1 protein levels. We demonstrated that miR-126 directly inhibits Dnmt1 translation via interaction with its 3'-untranslated region, and that overexpression of miR-126 in CD4+ T cells can significantly reduce Dnmt1 protein levels. The overexpression of miR-126 in CD4+ T cells from healthy donors caused the demethylation and up-regulation of genes encoding CD11a and CD70, thereby causing T cell and B cell hyperactivity. The inhibition of miR-126 in CD4+ T cells from patients with SLE had the opposite effects. Expression of the miR-126 host gene EGFL7 was also up-regulated in CD4+ T cells from patients with SLE, possibly in a hypomethylation-dependent manner. CONCLUSION Our data suggest that miR-126 regulates DNA methylation in CD4+ T cells and contributes to T cell autoreactivity in SLE by directly targeting Dnmt1.
FGF21 is a biomarker for mitochondrial translation and mtDNA maintenance disorders

Objective: To validate new mitochondrial myopathy serum biomarkers for diagnostic use. Methods: We analyzed serum FGF21 (S-FGF21) and GDF15 from patients with (1) mitochondrial diseases and (2) nonmitochondrial disorders partially overlapping with mitochondrial disorder phenotypes. We (3) did a meta-analysis of S-FGF21 in mitochondrial disease and (4) analyzed S-Fgf21 and skeletal muscle Fgf21 expression in 6 mouse models with different muscle-manifesting mitochondrial dysfunctions. Results: We report that S-FGF21 consistently increases in primary mitochondrial myopathy, especially in patients with mitochondrial translation defects or mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) deletions (675 and 347 pg/mL, respectively; controls: 66 pg/mL, p < 0.0001 for both). This is corroborated in mice (mtDNA deletions 1,163 vs 379 pg/mL, p < 0.0001). However, patients and mice with structural respiratory chain subunit or assembly factor defects showed low induction (human 335 pg/mL, p < 0.05; mice 335 pg/mL, not significant). Overall specificities of FGF21 and GDF15 to find patients with mitochondrial myopathy were 89.3% vs 86.4%, and sensitivities 67.3% and 76.0%, respectively. However, GDF15 was increased also in a wide range of nonmitochondrial conditions. Conclusions: S-FGF21 is a specific biomarker for muscle-manifesting defects of mitochondrial translation, including mitochondrial transfer-RNA mutations and primary and secondary mtDNA deletions, the most common causes of mitochondrial disease. However, normal S-FGF21 does not exclude structural respiratory chain complex or assembly factor defects, important to acknowledge in diagnostics. Classification of evidence: This study provides Class III evidence that elevated S-FGF21 accurately distinguishes patients with mitochondrial myopathies from patients with other conditions, and FGF21 and GDF15 mitochondrial myopathy from other myopathies.
1× N Multimode Interference Beam Splitter Design Techniques for On-Chip Optical Interconnections

We derive an analytical relation for the maximum number of output channels for high-performance multimode interference (MMI)-based 1 × N optical beam splitters for a given MMI width. Using eigenvalue-expansion-based simulation results, we validate the analytical relation. Experimental data from MMIs fabricated on silicon nanomembrane also confirm the effectiveness of the design methodology for on-chip optical beam splitter designs.
Treatment with Egg Antigens of Schistosoma mansoni Ameliorates Experimental Colitis in Mice Through a Colonic T-cell–dependent Mechanism

Background:Helminth-derived molecules are being identified as a new therapeutic approach for immune-mediated diseases. We investigated the anti-inflammatory effect and the immunological mechanisms of Schistosoma mansoni soluble egg antigens (SmSEA) in a mouse model of chronic colitis. Methods:Colitis was induced in immunocompromised severe combined immunodeficiency mice by the adoptive transfer of CD4+CD25−CD62L+ T cells. Two weeks post-transfer, SmSEA treatments were started (study 1: 1 × 20 &mgr;g SmSEA per week 5 times; study 2: 2 × 20 &mgr;g SmSEA per week 3 times). From the start of the treatment (week 2), the clinical outcome and colonic inflammation were assessed at different time points by a clinical disease score and colonoscopy, respectively. At the end of the studies, the colons were harvested for macroscopic examination, and colonic lamina propria mononuclear cells were isolated for flow cytometric T-cell characterization. Results:In both studies, administration of SmSEA in colitis mice improved all the inflammatory parameters studied. However in study 1, this beneficial effect on inflammation diminished with time, and the T-cell characterization of the lamina propria mononuclear cells, performed at week 6, revealed no immunological effects of the SmSEA treatment. In study 2, mice were killed earlier (week 4) and at that time point, we found a significant downregulation of the number of interleukin-17A–producing T cells and a significant upregulation of the number of interleukin-4–producing T cells in the colon of the SmSEA-treated colitis mice. Conclusions:Our results demonstrated that the administration of SmSEA reduces the severity of colitis in the adoptive transfer mouse model characterized by an increased Th2 response and a suppressed Th17 response in the colon.