Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A STUDY OF THE ELASTIC PROPERTIES OF PLANTAR FASCIA.

In the study of the fundamentals of human locomotion and problems of ot-thotic design, it became apparent that more knowledge of the mechanism of support for the architecture of the foot was required. Of particular interest itt this respect are the mechanical properties of the ligaments, especially their behavior under loading. According to Straub there is no difference histologically between other ligamentous structures of the foot and the plantatfascia. This tissue was chosen for study because its length and accessibility permit it to be tested more easily than similar structures. An earlier attempt to investigate the elastic properties of the deltoid ligament had been abandoned because of technical difficulties. In this study specimens of plantar fascia were subjected to a progressive load in the long axis and the resulting elongation and subsequent recovery were measured. In a complementary study, the elasticity of plantar fascia was tested in a living subject.
Mathematical Modeling of T-Cell Activation Kinetic

T-cell activation is a crucial step in mounting of the immune response. The dynamics of T-cell receptor (TCR) specific recognition of peptide presented by major histocompatibility complex (MHC) molecule decides the fate of the T cell. Several biochemical interactions interfere resulting in a highly complex mechanism that would be difficult to understand without computer help. The aim of the present study was to define a mathematical model in order to approach the kinetics of monoclonal T-cell-specific activation. The reaction scheme was first described and the model was tested using experimental parameters from the published data. Simulations were concordant with experimental data showing proportional decrease of membrane TCR and production of interleukin-2 (IL-2). Agonist and antagonist peptides induce different levels of intracellular signal that could make the yes or no decision for entry to cell cycle. Different conditions (peptide concentrations, initial TCR density and exogenous IL-2 levels) can be tested. Several parameters are missing for parameters estimation and adjustment before it could be adapted for a polyclonal T-cell reaction model. However, the model should be of interest in setting experiments, simulation of clinical responses and optimization of preventive or therapeutic immunotherapy.
A Meta-analysis of Primary External Dacryocystorhinostomy With and Without Mitomycin C

Objective: To assess the efficacy and safety of local application of intraoperative mitomycin C (MMC) at the osteotomy site in primary external dacryocystorhinostomy (EX-DCR). Methods: A comprehensive literature search of the Cochrane Library, PubMed and Embase was undertaken to identify relevant trials comparing EX-DCR with MMC (MMC group, from 0.2–1.0 mg/mL) and without MMC (control group). A total of nine randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were selected and a meta-analysis performed on the results of success rates, which were defined as patency of the nasolacrimal canal and symptomatic improvement. Statistical analysis was performed using RevMan 5.0 software. Results: Nine RCTs reporting on a total of 562 DCRs including patients in the age range 30–57 years were included in the meta-analysis. However, the total number of males and females could not be determined as only four RCTs reported on this aspect. There was a significantly higher success rate in the MMC group in comparison with the control group (odds ratio, OR, 2.11; 95% confidence interval, CI, 1.19–3.74, P = 0. 01). In two RCTs, the mean osteotomy size 6 months postoperatively was significantly larger in the MMC group than in the control group (about 27mm2 in the MMC group versus about 12mm2 in the control group in the first study, and about 22mm2 in the MMC group versus about 18mm2 in the control group in the second study, P < 0.005). No intraoperative or postoperative complications except two cases with delayed healing of the external skin wound were recorded in the MMC group. Conclusion: Intraoperative MMC application seems to be a safe adjuvant that could reduce the closure rate of the osteotomy site after primary EX-DCR. Further well-organized, prospective, randomized studies involving larger patient numbers divided into subgroups for different concentrations of locally applied MMC are warranted.
Elevated alanine aminotransferase (ALT) in the deceased donor: impact on early post‐transplant liver allograft function

Serum alanine aminotransferase (ALT) levels are frequently elevated with liver injury and such elevations are common in deceased organ donors. The impact of this injury on early liver allograft function has not been well described. This study analyses the immediate function and 1‐year graft and patient survival for liver allografts stratified by peak serum ALT levels in the deceased donor.
Post-focus compression in second language Mandarin

Post-focus compression (PFC) of F0 and intensity is found in Beijing Mandarin and has been claimed not to easily transfer in language contact. Two experiments were conducted to investigate the presence of PFC in second language (L2) Mandarin as a function of learners’ language experience. Five groups of L2 Mandarin learners were investigated: older, midage and younger Quanzhou Southern Min learners, and American Chinese-heritage and non-Chinese-heritage learners. Findings were that older speakers of Quanzhou Southern Min did not show PFC in their Mandarin, but younger speakers did perhaps because of more extensive Mandarin use. NonChinese-heritage American learners did not produce PFC in their Mandarin, but Chinese-heritage learners did, perhaps because they had been exposed to Mandarin at an earlier age.
Thromboxane A synthase-independent production of 12-hydroxyheptadecatrienoic acid, a BLT2 ligand[S]

12(S)-hydroxyheptadeca-5Z,8E,10E-trienoic acid (12-HHT) has long been considered a by-product of thromboxane A2 (TxA2) biosynthesis with no biological activity. Recently, we reported 12-HHT to be an endogenous ligand for BLT2, a low-affinity leukotriene B4 receptor. To delineate the biosynthetic pathway of 12-HHT, we established a method that enables us to quantify various eicosanoids and 12-HHT using LC-MS/MS analysis. During blood coagulation, 12-HHT levels increased in a time-dependent manner and were relatively higher than those of TxB2, a stable metabolite of TxA2. TxB2 production was almost completely inhibited by treatment with ozagrel, an inhibitor of TxA synthase (TxAS), while 12-HHT production was inhibited by 80–90%. Ozagrel-treated blood also exhibited accumulation of PGD2 and PGE2, possibly resulting from the shunting of PGH2 into synthetic pathways for these prostaglandins. In TxAS-deficient mice, TxB2 production during blood coagulation was completely lost, but 12-HHT production was reduced by 80–85%. HEK293 cells transiently expressing TxAS together with cyclooxygenase (COX)-1 or COX-2 produced both TxB2 and 12-HHT from arachidonic acid, while HEK293 cells expressing only COX-1 or COX-2 produced significant amounts of 12-HHT but no TxB2. These results clearly demonstrate that 12-HHT is produced by both TxAS-dependent and TxAS-independent pathways in vitro and in vivo.
Induction of Protein Kinase Cδ Subspecies in Neurons and Microglia after Transient Global Brain Ischemia

The delayed death of CA1 neurons after global brain ischemia is associated with induction of apoptosis genes and is inhibited by protein synthesis inhibitors, suggesting that the degeneration of CA1 pyramidal neurons is an active process that requires new gene expression. The transient global ischemia model has been extensively used to identify enzymes and other proteins underlying delayed neuronal cell death. The expression of protein kinase C (PKC) subspecies after 20 minutes of global brain ischemia produced by a four-vessel occlusion model in the rat was studied. From the multiple PKC subspecies studied, only PKCδ mRNA was significantly up-regulated in CA1 pyramidal neurons at 24 hours and in activated microglia at 3 to at least 7 days after ischemia. The induction of PKCδ mRNA was also found in the cortex at 8 hours and 3 days after ischemia. This cortical but not hippocampal induction was regulated by an α-amino-3-hydroxy-5-methyl-4-isoxazole propionic acid/kainate receptor antagonist, 6-nitro-7-sulfamobenzo[f]quinoxaline-2,3-dione, and glucocorticoids. An N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor antagonist, MK-801, was without effect on the induction of PKCδ subspecies. The selective and prolonged induction of the PKCδ mRNA and protein first in CA1 pyramidal neurons and at a later stage in activated microglia suggests that the PKCδ isozyme may take part in regulation of the delayed death of CA1 neurons after transient global brain ischemia.
Robust Thin-Film Wire-Grid THz Polarizer Fabricated Via a Low-Cost Approach

A robust thin-film wire-grid terahertz (THz) polarizer was fabricated via a low-cost, mass-producible manufacturing approach. This polarizer is built on a very thin silica layer structurally supported by a silicon substrate. In addition, the metal grating is protected by a polymer thin film, which eliminates the multireflection effect and enhances the robustness of the polarizer for easy packaging. The polarizer can be easily mounted onto a Newport rotation holder for immediate use. A THz time-domain spectrometer is used to characterize its performance, and an excellent agreement is found between the FDTD-simulated results and the experimental results. The polarizer offered 20-40 dB and 0.8 dB of extinction ratio and transmission loss over a frequency range of 0.2-2.0 THz, respectively.
[Expression and prognostic value of CARD11 in diffuse large B cell lymphoma].

OBJECTIVE To determine the CARD11 expression and its prognostic value in diffuse large B cell lymphoma (DLBCL). METHODS This retrospective study included previously untreated patients diagnosed with DLBCL from January 2007 to December 2012. Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded blocks of these patients were collected. Tissue microarray was built and expression of CARD11 was examined immunohistochemically. Subtype of DLBCL was determined by Hans algorithm (CD10, BCL6, MUM1). The pattern of CARD11 was further studied and their correlation with outcome was analyzed. RESULTS 79 patients with DLBCL were enrolled and two reactive lymph nodes were used as control. The positive rate of high CARD11 expression in DLBCL was 65.33%, which showed no significant associations with patients' characteristics. Positive CARD11 expression was associated with an inferior event free survival (EFS)(2- year EFS: 52.03%vs 86.12%,P=0.036). Even in patients with a high international prognostic index (IPI, 3-5 points), this difference still remained significant (Median EFS not reached vs 557 days,P=0.033). CONCLUSION DLBCL patients with high CARD11 expression had a shorter EFS compared with low level of CARD11. This difference remained significant when patients were in high IPI (3-5 points), which might indicate the value of CARD11 in stratification of high-risk DLBCL patients.
Funkcja ekonomiczna migracji zarobkowej z Ukrainy do Polski z perspektywy polskich przedsiębiorców

zatrudniających migrantów z Ukrainy. Jego wyeksponowanym wątkiem jest spełnianie przez migracje z Ukrainy do Polski funkcji ekonomicznej. Problem ten uważam za niezwykle istotny i wart systematycznego pogłębiania poprzez penetrację badawczą, dokonywaną zarówno w sferze teorii, jak i empirii. Wysoko należy ocenić podjęcie tego tematu w monografii, która tym samym staje się znaczącym przyczynkiem do badań procesów zewnętrznych migracji zarobkowych, wzbogacając istniejący w tej dziedzinie dorobek studiów i badań naukowych. Podstawowym wkładem dr. Dariusza Klimka do dorobku naukowego w dziedzinie badań nad migracjami jest systematyzacja wiedzy na temat teoretycznych i metodologicznych aspektów migracji zarobkowych w świetle dotychczasowych badań oraz ich wpływu na rozwój gospodarczy i rynek pracy w skali makroekonomicznej. Wkładem dodatkowym jest pogłębienie wiedzy na temat funkcji ekonomicznej, jaką spełniają pracownicy-imigranci w polskich pod miotach gospodarczych. Na podkreślenie zasługuje również walor aplikacyjny monografii, która przydatna jest dla praktyki w dwóch płaszczyznach diagnostycznej i metodologicznej. Z punktu widzenia płaszczyzny diagnostycznej wysoce użyteczne dla praktyki gospodarczej jest rozpoznanie przebiegu i skali migracji do Polski w okresie „potransformacyjnym" oraz roli i pozycji migrantów z Ukrainy na polskim rynku pracy i u polskich przedsiębiorców. Z punktu widzenia płaszczyzny metodologicznej walorem aplikacyjnym monografii jest konstrukcja procesu badawczego pozwalającego na przeprowadzenie wielostronnej analizy funkcji ekonomicznej, jaką spełniają migracje zarobkowe w polskich przedsiębiorstwach. Zaproponowany i zastosowany przez dr. Dariusza Klimka proces badawczy cechuje podejkie wieloetapowe, triangulacja wykorzystania metod badawczych oraz swego rodzaj u uniwersalizm.
Sjogren syndrome : neurologic complications

By Gustavo C Roman MD (Dr. Roman, Director of the Alzheimer Center of Excellence at the Methodist Neurological Institute in Houston, Texas, has no relevant financial relationships to disclose.) Pedro J Ruiz MD (Dr. Ruiz of the California Pacific Medical Center in San Francisco, California, has no relevant financial relationships to disclose.) Originally released June 28, 2006; last updated June 3, 2012; expires June 3, 2015
Analysts’ choice of peer companies

Abstract This is the first large-scale study to examine the peer companies used by sell-side equity analysts in their research reports. Using a unique hand-collected data set, we investigate the relation between peer valuation and peer choice by analysts. We find that analysts on average select peer companies with high valuations and that this effect varies systematically with analysts’ incentives and ability. Our evidence provides partial support for the idea that analysts choose peers strategically. We also find some support for the idea that the selection of peers with high valuations is used in part to justify optimistically skewed target prices and stock recommendations.
Neuroendocrine differentiation in gastric adenocarcinomas. An immunohistochemical study.

BACKGROUND The stomach contains a wide variety of neuroendocrine cells. Early studies with argyrophilic stains documented the presence of these cells in gastric adenocarcinomas. Immunohistochemical techniques for demonstrating hormones are more sensitive and specific and have been applied only sporadically to gastric adenocarcinomas. Thus, the true incidence of neuroendocrine cells in gastric adenocarcinomas is questionable. METHODS Formalin-fixed, paraffin-embedded archival tissue specimens from 48 gastric adenocarcinomas were immunostained with antibodies to chromogranin A, synaptophysin, serotonin, gastrin, and neuron-specific enolase. The percentage of cells staining positively was evaluated semiquantitatively. RESULTS Among 48 gastric adenocarcinomas, 36 (75%) stained positively for chromogranin A, 33 (69%) stained for synaptophysin, 29 (60%) stained for neuron-specific enolase, 17 (36%) stained for gastrin, and 15 (31%) stained for serotonin. The distribution of positivity was highest for chromogranin A (7 cases positive in 26% to 75% of cells) and lowest for serotonin (14 out of 15 cases stained in fewer than 1% of the cells present). CONCLUSIONS Immunohistochemical evaluation of neuroendocrine markers in gastric adenocarcinomas indicates that a high percentage of tumors contain widely scattered single cells with neuroendocrine differentiation. Most often, however, such cells constitute only a small percentage of the total number of tumor cells present.
Failed back surgery syndrome: current perspectives

The treatment of failed back surgery syndrome (FBSS) can be equally challenging to surgeons, pain specialists, and primary care providers alike. The onset of FBSS occurs when surgery fails to treat the patient’s lumbar spinal pain. Minimizing the likelihood of FBSS is dependent on determining a clear etiology of the patient’s pain, recognizing those who are at high risk, and exhausting conservative measures before deciding to go into a revision surgery. The workup of FBSS includes a thorough history and physical examination, diagnostic imaging, and procedures. After determining the cause of FBSS, a multidisciplinary approach is preferred. This includes pharmacologic management of pain, physical therapy, and behavioral modification and may include therapeutic procedures such as injections, radiofrequency ablation, lysis of adhesions, spinal cord stimulation, and even reoperations.
Blood loss during major vaginal surgery. A statistical study of the influence of general anaesthesia and epidural analgesia.

SUMMARY Blood loss was measured using a haemoglobin extraction-dilution technique in 211 patients undergoing major vaginal surgery. Epidural analgesia combined with light general anaesthesia was used in 102 patients. In 56 instances nitrous oxide and halothane were used, ventilation being spontaneous, and in 53 patients nitrous oxide, oxygen and a muscle relaxant were used together with passive pulmonary ventilation. When epidural analgesia was employed the mean blood loss was about one-third of that associated with the other forms of general anaesthesia. It was not found necessary to induce profound hypotension with epidural analgesia in order to provide satisfactory operating conditions. There was no statistically significant difference in blood loss was less in patients over 65 years than those under 65.
Correlations between specific patterns of spontaneous activity and stimulation efficiency in degenerated retina

Retinal prostheses that are currently used to restore vision in patients suffering from retinal degeneration are not adjusted to the changes occurring during the remodeling process of the retina. Recent studies revealed abnormal rhythmic activity in the retina of genetic mouse models of retinitis pigmentosa. Here we describe this abnormal activity also in a pharmacologically-induced (MNU) mouse model of retinal degeneration. To investigate how this abnormal activity affects the excitability of retinal ganglion cells, we recorded the electrical activity from whole mounted retinas of rd10 mice and MNU-treated mice using a microelectrode array system and applied biphasic current pulses of different amplitude and duration to stimulate ganglion cells electrically. We show that the electrical stimulation efficiency is strongly reduced in degenerated retinas, in particular when abnormal activity such as oscillations and rhythmic firing of bursts of action potentials can be observed. Using a prestimulus pulse sequence, we could abolish rhythmic retinal activity. Under these conditions, the stimulation efficiency was enhanced in a few cases but not in the majority of tested cells. Nevertheless, this approach supports the idea that modified stimulation protocols could help to improve the efficiency of retinal prostheses in the future.
Evidence of a Role for Soluble N-Ethylmaleimide-sensitive Factor Attachment Protein Receptor (SNARE) Machinery in HIV-1 Assembly and Release*

Retrovirus assembly is a complex process that requires the orchestrated participation of viral components and host-cell factors. The concerted movement of different viral proteins to specific sites in the plasma membrane allows for virus particle assembly and ultimately budding and maturation of infectious virions. The soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptor (SNARE) proteins constitute the minimal machinery that catalyzes the fusion of intracellular vesicles with the plasma membrane, thus regulating protein trafficking. Using siRNA and dominant negative approaches we demonstrate here that generalized disruption of the host SNARE machinery results in a significant reduction in human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) and equine infectious anemia virus particle production. Further analysis of the mechanism involved revealed a defect at the level of HIV-1 Gag localization to the plasma membrane. Our findings demonstrate for the first time a role of SNARE proteins in HIV-1 assembly and release, likely by affecting cellular trafficking pathways required for Gag transport and association with the plasma membrane.
Role of IFN-g and IL-6 Cytokines and Their Association in Determining Susceptibility to Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria

Chronic Idiopathic Urticaria (CIU) is a common skin disorder, which may occur spontaneously. The aim of the present study was to assess the serum levels of interferon (IFN)-g and interleukin (IL)-6 and to examine the association of IFN-c + 874 T/A and IL-6 174 G/C cytokine gene polymorphisms. To accomplish this, ELISAbased cytokine serum levels of IFN-c (n = 30) and IL-6 (n = 30) in CIU patients (n = 100) and Healthy Controls (HC) (n = 200) were performed. Amplification refractory mutation system-polymerase chain reaction (ARMSPCR) was performed to verify the positional significance. A significant ( p < 0.0001) increase in the serum cytokine levels of IFN-g and IL-6 was recorded in CIU patients compared to HC. The AT and TT genotypes of IFN-c and GG genotype of IL-6 were found to be significantly associated with CIU. In conclusion, our findings show a significant increase in the cytokine levels of IFN-g and IL-6, highlighting their regulatory role in the development of disease. In addition to this, association studies have revealed that TT genotype of IFN-g + 874 T/A and GG genotype of IL-6 174 G/C were susceptible towards the CIU.
UvA-DARE ( Digital Academic Repository ) Data-driven methods to improve quality assessment of intensive care units

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Cleavage furrow formation and ingression during animal cytokinesis: a microtubule legacy

Cytokinesis ensures the proper partitioning of the nuclear and cytoplasmic contents into independent daughter cells at the end of cell division. Although the metazoan mitotic spindle has been implicated in the placement and advancement of the cleavage furrow, the molecules responsible for these processes have remained elusive. Recent studies have provided insights into the role of different microtubule structures and associated proteins in cleavage furrow positioning and ingression together with the signalling events that regulate the dynamics of the equatorial cell cortex during cytokinesis. We try to unify these findings into a general model of cytokinesis in which both astral and central spindle microtubules have the ability to induce furrowing. We further propose that the evolutionarily conserved centralspindlin complex serves as a master controller of cell cleavage in Drosophila by promoting both furrow formation and ingression. The same mechanism might be conserved in other organisms.