Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Lymphoadenopathy in IL-2-Deficient Mice: Further Characterization and Overexpression of the Antiapoptotic Molecule Cellular FLIP1

IL-2 was originally identified as a potent T cell growth factor. It was subsequently demonstrated that IL-2 also exerts proapoptotic effects under certain conditions. Inactivation of IL-2 by gene targeting in mice showed that whereas IL-2 is not essential for the generation, clonal expansion, or differentiation of lymphocytes to effector cells, it has a unique role in preventing the accumulation of activated lymphocytes. IL-2−/− mice show lymphoadenopathy and autoimmune reactions, suggesting that the proapoptotic effects of IL-2 may predominate in vivo. In this study, we confirm that lymph nodes (LNs) are enlarged in IL-2−/− animals, but surprisingly, we found that their spleens are almost normal in size. Subsequent to this observation, we compare lymphocytes from LNs and spleens of IL-2−/− and IL-2+/− animals to analyze molecular and cellular correlates of the immunopathological disorders found in IL-2-deficient mice. LN lymphocytes from IL-2−/− are selectively activated and show an enhanced survival capacity and an increased ability to proliferate in vitro when compared with LN cells from IL-2+/− mice and splenocytes from IL-2−/− and IL-2+/− mice. Because the apoptosis inhibitor FLIP has been shown in vitro to participate in the IL-2 control of activation-induced cell death, we analyze its expression in IL-2−/− mice. FLIP was found to be selectively overexpressed in the LNs of IL-2−/− mice, but no overexpression was found in spleen cells or thymocytes. These results suggest that FLIP, in conjunction with other IL-2-regulated genes previously characterized in our laboratory, is involved in controlling lymphoadenopathy in IL-2−/− mice.
Enteral nutritional support and wound excision and closure do not prevent postburn hypermetabolism as measured by continuous metabolic monitoring.

BACKGROUND Estimation of nutritional needs in burn patients is difficult. In 24 severely burned patients, we measured CO2 production and O2 consumption continuously during their period of mechanical ventilation. METHODS Patients with extensive burns were placed on a continuous metabolic monitor (CMM) (Puritan Bennett Co., Kingwood, TX), and metabolic expenditure was recorded each 24 hours. High protein enteral feedings were started within several hours of admission, and administration rates were adjusted to meet daily caloric demands as determined by the CMM. Full-thickness wounds were excised as early as patient condition permitted, and wounds were closed with autograft, allograft, or TransCyte (Advanced Tissue Sciences Inc., La Jolla, CA). Daily 24-hour caloric needs as measured by CMM were compared with baseline caloric needs predicted by the Harris-Benedict equation and also compared with actual daily caloric intake. Patients were removed from study when they were off continuous mechanical ventilation. RESULTS A total of 24 patients were studied, with a mean age of 46 years and a 44% total body burn size (partial- and full-thickness). All full-thickness burns were completely excised by a mean of 6.5 days postburn. Mean daily energy expenditures remained elevated through the duration of the study period (42 days), with a mean elevation of 184.9% of baseline as predicted by Harris-Benedict equation. Patients received enteral feedings, which met 99.4% of actual caloric needs as predicted by CMM during the study period. CONCLUSION Continuous metabolic monitoring demonstrates that early wound excision and wound closure, coupled with aggressive enteral nutritional support with high protein formulas, do not prevent the marked hypermetabolism that accompanies thermal injury.
A Test of Objectification Theory with Lesbian Women

This study extends research on objectification theory as it applies to eating disorder symptomatology by examining whether its tenets generalize to women identifying as lesbian. Lesbian women (N = 181) and a comparison sample of heterosexual women (N = 196) completed measures of objectification theory constructs (interpersonal sexual objectification, body surveillance, body shame, interoceptive awareness, disordered eating). The model of objectification theory was tested separately for lesbian and heterosexual participants. Path analyses revealed that this model provided a poor fit to the data for the lesbian sample, whereas it provided an excellent fit to the data for the heterosexual sample. Based on the data from the lesbian participants, an exploratory model was evaluated. Overall, findings suggested that the interrelationships among the objectification theory constructs were different and more complex for the lesbian participants than for the heterosexual participants.
Effects of Gemfibrozil on Lipids and Haemostasis after Myocardial Infarction

Summary The effects of gemfibrozil on haemostatic variables were studied in 43 survivors of myocardial infarction with serum triglycerides (TG) ≥2 mmol/1 2 weeks prior to randomization. The study was double-blind, placebo-controlled and stratified for chronic betablockade. Twenty-two individuals were given gemfibrozil 600 mg twice daily and 21 individuals received matching placebo. After 8 weeks the TG level was unchanged in the placebo group, whereas a 44% reduction was noted in the gemfibrozil group (p <0.0001). Fibrinogen increased in both groups, while bleeding time and platelet count were unchanged. Clotting factor VH-phospholipid complex decreased in both groups, but the change was more marked and attained statistical significance only in the gemfibrozil group (60% reduction, p <0.01). By DDAVP-stimulated D-Dimer agglutination test 8 in 21 patients in the placebo group (38%) still had reduced fibrinolytic capacity versus none in the gemfibrozil group (p = 0.001). Thus, in this study, gemfibrozil improved reduced fibrinolytic capacity and may have reduced hypercoagulability by lowering the clotting factor VH-phospholipid complex.
Chandra and Spitzer Unveil Heavily Obscured Quasars in the Chandra/SWIRE Survey

Using the large multiwavelength data set in the Chandra/SWIRE Survey (0.6 deg2 in the Lockman Hole), we show evidence for the existence of highly obscured (Compton-thick) AGNs, estimate a lower limit to their surface density, and characterize their multiwavelength properties. Two independent selection methods based on the X-ray and infrared spectral properties are presented. The two selected samples contain (1) five X-ray sources with hard X-ray spectra and column densities ≳1024 cm-2 and (2) 120 infrared sources with red and AGN-dominated infrared SEDs. We estimate a surface density of at least 25 Compton-thick AGNs deg-2 detected in the infrared in the Chandra/SWIRE field, of which ~40% show distinct AGN signatures in their optical/near-infrared SEDs, the remaining being dominated by the host galaxy emission. Only ~33% of all Compton-thick AGNs are detected in the X-rays at our depth [F(0.3-8 keV) > 10-15 ergs cm-2 s-1]. We report the discovery of two sources in our sample of Compton-thick AGNs, SWIRE J104409.95+585224.8 (z = 2.54) and SWIRE J104406.30+583954.1 (z = 2.43), which are the most luminous Compton-thick AGNs at high z currently known. The properties of these two sources are discussed in detail with an analysis of their spectra, SEDs, luminosities, and black hole masses.
Parietal contributions to visual feature binding: evidence from a patient with bilateral lesions

Neurophysiologists have documented the existence of multiple cortical areas responsive to different visual features. This modular organization has sparked theoretical interest in how the "binding problem" is solved. Recent data from a neurological patient (R.M.) with bilateral parietal-occipital lesions demonstrates that the binding problem is not just a hypothetical construct; it can be a practical problem, as rare as the selective inability to perceive motion or color. R.M. miscombines colors and shapes even under free viewing conditions and is unable to judge either relative or absolute visual locations. The evidence suggests that a single explanation--an inadequate spatial representation--can account for R.M. 's spatial judgment and feature-binding deficits.
Mechanisms for Eosinophilic and Neutrophilic Leucocytoses

Thymus-deprived mice are unable to react with eosinophilia to an appropriate stimulus, but their ability to mount a neutrophil leucocytosis in response to pyogenic infection is unimpaired. It appears that thymus-processed lymphocytes are required for induction of eosinophil but not of neutrophil leucocytosis.
Evidence for positive and negative regulation of the Hox-3.1 gene.

The region-specific patterns of expression of mouse homeobox genes are considered important for establishing the embryonic body plan. A 5-kilobase (kb) DNA fragment from the Hox-3.1 locus that is sufficient to confer region-specific expression to a beta-galactosidase reporter gene in transgenic mouse embryos has been defined. The observed reporter gene expression pattern closely parallels endogenous Hox-3.1 expression in 8- to 9.5-day postcoitum (p.c.) embryos. At 10.5 days p.c. and later, the pattern of beta-galactosidase activity diverges from the Hox-3.1 pattern, and an inappropriately high level of reporter gene expression is observed in posterior spinal ganglia. Inclusion of an additional 2 kb of upstream sequences is sufficient to suppress this aberrant expression in the developing spinal ganglia. Together, these results show that the control of early Hox-3.1 expression is complex, involving at least one positively acting and one negatively acting element.
Adsorptive Depletion of CD14+CD16+ Proinflammatory Monocyte Phenotype in Patients With Generalized Pustular Psoriasis: Clinical Efficacy and Effects on Cytokines

Generalized pustular psoriasis (GPP) is a subtype of psoriasis with strong association with activated neutrophils. Adsorptive granulocyte and monocyte apheresis (GMA) is an extracorporeal intervention for selective depletion of activated granulocytes and monocytes. However, the immunological mechanism(s) for the effect of GMA on patients is not fully defined yet. We investigated the effects of GMA on the ratio of CD14+CD16+ proinflammatory monocytes/CD14+ monocytes and cytokine/chemokine production by these leukocytes including CXCL8, CCL2, CCL3, CCL4, CCL5 and tumor necrosis factor (TNF)‐α in five patients with active GPP. CD14+CD16+ monocytes were significantly elevated in patients with active GPP, and GMA markedly reduced the CD14+CD16+/CD14+ ratio together with improvement of patients' clinical symptoms. The serum levels of CXCL8, CCL3 and CCL4 were increased in active GPP patients. Likewise, CCL2 production from monocytes was increased in active GPP patients. Further, CCL3 and CCL4 production from monocytes in active GPP patients were reduced after a course of GMA. Serum CCL5 level and the release of CCL5 from monocytes in active GPP were significantly reduced, but TNF‐α level in active GPP was similar to controls. Based on these results, we believe that in addition to neutrophils, elevated CD14+CD16+ proinflammatory monocytes are part of the immune pathology in GPP. Accordingly, selective depletion of CD14+CD16+ monocytes by GMA should be therapeutic in this condition.
Proprioceptive innervation of the diaphragm

In a preceding paper it was shown that the phrenic motoneurones did not respond with an augmentation of their efferent discharge to an external load on the muscle, differing in this respect from the motoneurones of external intercostal muscles, and it was suggested that this apparent lack of a significant 'load reflex' in the diaphragm might be correlated with a difference in the proprioceptive innervation of these two main inspiratory muscles (Corda, Eklund &. Euler, 1965). While the intercostal muscles are richly supplied with muscle spindles (Huber, 1902; Barker, 1962; Critchlow & Euler, 1963) there are histological data suggesting that the diaphragm contains but few proprioceptors (Dogiel, 1902; Gregor, 1904; Masumoto, 1934a, b). Recently Glebovskii (1962) and Ya§argil (1962) have made extensive surveys of the afferent activity in the phrenic nerve. Both authors have confirmed the relatively small number of proprioceptive afferents in the phrenic nerve. They described different types of afferent discharge patterns of respiratory rhythmicity from which they inferred that both muscle spindles and tendon organs were present. Ya§argil (1962) further concluded that except for the relative paucity of muscle receptors 'the proprioceptive innervation of the diaphragm is similar to that of skeletal muscle'. The identification of the different types of proprioceptors, muscle spindles and Golgi-type tendon organs was, however, based only on the pattern of discharge in relation to the phases of the respiratory cycle before and after severance of the nerve central to the electrodes. The validity of this method of identification may be questioned for the following reasons: (1) In the diaphragm the muscle fibres are arranged mainly radially in the costal and sternal parts and in a more complex manner in the crura, even partially decussating. This provides means for sense organs, coupled in parallel, to be stretched from other parts of the diaphragm while series-coupled end organs might be unloaded from neighbouring parts of the musculature. The net effects
Anti-Programmed Cell Death 1 Antibody Reduces CD4+PD-1+ T Cells and Relieves the Lupus-Like Nephritis of NZB/W F1 Mice

Programmed cell death 1 (PD-1) is an immunosuppressive receptor that transduces an inhibitory signal into activated T cells. Although a single nucleotide polymorphism in the gene for PD-1 is associated with susceptibility to systemic lupus erythematosus, the role of PD-1 in systemic lupus erythematosus is still not well understood. In this study, we used NZB/W F1 mice, a model of lupus-like nephritis, to examine the function of PD-1 and its ligands. PD-1 was predominantly expressed on CD4+ T cells that infiltrated the kidney, and CD4+PD-1high T cells produced higher levels of IFN-γ than CD4+PD-1low or CD4+PD-1− T cells. Stimulation with PMA/ionomycin caused splenic CD4+PD-1+ T cells to secrete high levels of IFN-γ, IL-10, low levels of TNF-α, faint levels of IL-2, IL-21, and no IL-4, IL-17. In vivo anti–PD-1 mAb treatment reduced the number of CD4+PD-1+ T cells in the kidney of NZB/W F1 mice and significantly reduced their mortality rate (p = 0.03). Conversely, blocking PD-L1 using an anti–PD-L1 mAb increased the number of CD4+PD-1+ T cells in the kidney, enhanced serum IFN-γ, IL-10, and IgG2a ds-DNA–Ab levels, accelerated the nephritis, and increased the mortality rate. We conclude that CD4+PD-1high T cells are dysregulated IFN-γ–producing, proinflammatory cells in NZB/W F1 mice.
Intrinsic program instability in HfO2 RRAM and consequences on program algorithms

We statistically investigated for the first time resistance stability in HfO2 RRAM devices in the short (μs to s) transient after switching. We show that, the resistance value of both logic states is not stable after programming and subject to large discrete stochastic fluctuations. The frequency of fluctuation is found to be time-decaying thus hindering its detection in DC condition but considerably affecting throughput and effectiveness of write algorithms. We finally identify this instability as the primary source of the well-known resistance variability and we qualitatively explain it in terms of relaxation oscillation of filament microscopic configuration.
The European School of Antennas: Structure, Results and Perspectives

The European School of Antennas (ESoA) is a geographically distributed nonprofit post-graduate school on antennas, propagation, and relevant applications. The ESoA courses are distributed in the most accredited European research centers of antennas and wireless systems. In the first three year of life, the ESoA courses involved about 680 students and more than 150 different teachers, mostly university professors. This paper presents the structure of the school, the results obtained since its founding, and its future development and perspectives.
Thrombocytosis in children: Clinico-hematological profile from a single centre in Eastern India

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE: Thrombocytosis is not an uncommon finding in hemograms of children with an incidence of 6%–15% among hospitalized children. This study aims to determine the etiology of thrombocytosis and analyze various platelet parameters in children attending our hospital. MATERIALS AND METHODS: A prospective observational study was carried out in a tertiary care center in Odisha, in eastern part of India, for 6 months from July 2016 to December 2016. All children of age group 1–14 years of age attending pediatrics and other pediatric super specialty outdoors and/or admitted to indoors and whose complete blood counts (CBC) were done were included in the study. The CBC parameters such as hemoglobin, red blood cell indices, and platelet indices (platelet distribution width [PDW], mean platelet volume [MPV], platelet large cell ratio [P-LCR]) were noted. RESULTS: Out of 2500 hemograms done in pediatrics age group, 272 (10.8%) patients showed thrombocytosis. About 99.6% of cases were of secondary thrombocytosis. Only one case of primary thrombocytosis was encountered. The most common cause of secondary thrombocytosis was infection (39.5%) alone followed by iron deficiency anemia (14.1%). With increasing platelet counts, a decrease in MPV, P-LCR, and PDW was noted which was statistically significant (P < 0.05). CONCLUSION: Thrombocytosis is not rare (10.8%) in children. Secondary thrombocytosis is common and predominatly attributed to infection.
Internal structure and spatial dimensions of whistler wave regions in the magnetopause boundary layer

We use whistler waves observed close to the magnetopause as an instrument to investigate the internal structure of the magnetopause-magnetosheath boundary layer. We find that this region is characterized by tube-like structures with dimensions less than or comparable with an ion inertial length in the direction perpendicular to the ambient magnetic field. The tubes are revealed as they constitute regions where whistler waves are generated and propagate. We believe that the region containing tube-like structures extend several Earth radii along the magnetopause in the boundary layer. Within the presumed wave generating regions we find current structures moving at the whistler wave group velocity in the same direction as the waves.
Extending the family table : insights into the FGF superfamily from beyond vertebrates

Since the discovery of Fibroblast Growth Factors much focus has been placed on elucidating the roles for each vertebrate FGF ligand, receptor, and regulating molecules in the context of vertebrate development, human disorders and cancer. Studies in human, mouse, Xenopus, chick, and zebrafish have gone a long way to help us understand [AS1]which FGFs are involved in which processes. However, in recent years, as more genomes are sequenced, more information is becoming available from many non-vertebrate models and a more complete picture of the FGF superfamily as a whole is emerging. In some cases less redundancy in the FGF signaling system in invertebrate models may allow for more mechanistic insights. Studies in cnidaria have highlighted how ancient FGF signaling is, and helped provide insight into the evolution of the FGF gene family. Work in C. elegans has shown that different splice forms can be used for functional specificity in invertebrate FGF signaling. Comparing FGFs from Ciona to those in vertebrates and FGFs from Tribolium to Drosophila reveals some important clues as to the process of gene loss, duplication and subfunctionalization of FGFs throughout evolution. Finally, comparing all members of the FGF ligand superfamily reveals variability in many properties, which may point to a feature of FGFs as being highly adaptable with regards to protein structure and mechanism. Further studies on FGF signaling outside of vertebrates is likely to complement work in vertebrates by contributing many insights to the FGF field as a whole and providing unexpected information that could be used for medical applications.
Novel Low Molecular Weight Spirodiketopiperazine Derivatives Potently Inhibit R5 HIV-1 Infection through Their Antagonistic Effects on CCR5*

Novel low molecular weight spirodiketopiperazine derivatives which potently inhibit R5 human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) infection through their antagonistic effects on CCR5 were identified. One such compound E913 (M r 484) specifically blocked the binding of macrophage inflammatory protein-1α (MIP-1α) to CCR5 (IC50 0.002 μm) and MIP-1α-elicited cellular Ca2+ mobilization (IC50 ∼ 0.02 μm). E913 potently inhibited the replication of laboratory and primary R5 HIV-1 strains as well as various multidrug-resistant monocyte/macrophage tropic (R5) HIV-1 at IC50 values of 0.03 to 0.06 μm. E913 was inactive against T cell tropic (X4) HIV-1; however, when combined with a CXCR4 antagonist AMD-3100, E913 potently and synergistically inhibited the replication of dualtropic HIV-1 and a 50:50 mixture of R5 and X4 HIV-1. Antagonism in anti-HIV-1 activity was not seen when E913 was combined with the reverse transcriptase inhibitor zidovudine or protease inhibitors. E913 proved to compete with the binding of antibodies to CCR5 which recognize the C-terminal half of the second extracellular loop (ECL2B) of CCR5. E913 and its analogs are acid-resistant and orally bioavailable in rodents. These data warrant that spirodiketopiperazine derivatives be further developed as potential therapeutics for HIV-1 infection.
Comparison of single incision laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal and laparoscopic totally extraperitoneal inguinal hernia repair: initial experience.

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE Laparoendoscopic single-site (LESS) surgery has been implemented recently in many laparoscopic (LAP) surgical procedures. We report our initial experience with LESS totally extraperitoneal (LESS-TEP) inguinal hernia repair in relation to conventional LAP-TEP. PATIENTS AND METHODS Between November 2008 and May 2009, 25 LESS-TEP repairs of inguinal hernia and 29 LAP-TEP repairs of inguinal hernia were performed in 44 patients. Data regarding patient demographics, type of hernia, operative time, complications, postoperative hospital stay, and recurrence were prospectively collected and analyzed. RESULTS All 44 patients were men, aged 17 to 84 years. Of 44 men, 3 had bilateral inguinal hernias in the LESS-TEP group and 7 in the LAP-TEP group. The operative time for bilateral LESS-TEP was 60 ± 15.3 min (range 40-70 min) and 40 ± 21.6 min (range 20-100 min) for unilateral LESS-TEP, while for bilateral hernia LAP-TEP it was 60 ± 24.8 min (range 40-100 min) and for unilateral LAP-TEP it was 50 ± 14.2 min (range 40-80 min). Comparison of operative times in the LESS-TEP and LAP-TEP groups between the first and second half cohort resulted in significant reduction of operative time in the second half of the LESS-TEP group (P<0.001). There were no intraoperative complications. Discharge was within 72 hours for most patients in both groups. There was one early recurrence (mesh displacement) during a median follow-up period of 11.5 ± 2.5 months in the LESS-TEP group and no recurrences during the 11 ± 1.6 months in the LAP-TEP group. CONCLUSION In our experience, LESS-TEP is a safe and feasible procedure with a short learning curve. In all analyzed parameters, it is comparable to conventional LAP-TEP. Further studies that compare LESS-TEP and conventional multiport LAP-TEP repairs with long-term follow-up evaluation are needed to confirm the initial experience.