Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Unique Characteristics of Lacrimal Glands as a Part of Mucosal Immune Network: High Frequency of IgA-Committed B-1 Cells and NK1.1+ αβ T Cells

PURPOSE Immunologic characterization of IgA-committed B-1 and B-2 cells, and unique subsets of T cells isolated from the murine lacrimal gland (LG), the primary exocrine tissue for the ocular surface, which is considered to be a part of the mucosal immune system. METHODS Single cells were obtained from LGs of C57BL/6 mice by the enzyme dissociation method using collagenase type IV. Samples underwent flow cytometric analysis to characterize the unique subsets of T and B cells. To test the effectiveness of ocular vaccination, mice were immunized ocularly or nasally with cholera toxin (CT; 10 microg/mouse) suspended in phosphate-buffered saline. Antigen-specific immune responses were determined by isotype and CT-specific enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) and enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISPOT) assay. RESULTS When mononuclear cells (MC) isolated from LG samples were examined by flow cytometry, approximately 28% of cells were characterized as B220+ B cells. Because surface IgA+ (sIgA+) B cells develop from B-1 and B-2 lineages, it was important to examine which subset of B cells gives rise to LG sIgA+ B cells. Examination of the MC isolated from LG samples showed that approximately 4% of cells were sIgA+ B cells. Furthermore, nearly all these sIgA+ B cells (97.5%) belonged to the B-1 lineage, especially the B-1a cell line (B220low, CD5+). Of the isolated CD3+ T cells, 75% were alpha(beta) and 25% were gamma(delta)T-cell receptor positive. The proportion of NK1.1+ alpha(beta) T cells was higher (3%) in LG samples than in submandibular gland samples (0.5%). Ocular immunization with CT-induced antigen-specific mucosal (e.g., found in tear-wash and saliva samples) and systemic (e.g., serum) immune responses. The magnitude of antigen-specific antibody responses was comparable to those induced by nasal immunization. CONCLUSIONS These results show that LG contains unique subsets of B (e.g., sIgA+ B-1 cells) and T (e.g., NK1.1+ alpha(beta)T cells) cells. Furthermore, as a part of the mucosal immune barrier, the LG is an important immunologic tissue for the ocular surface.
SPECIAL FOODS GIVEN TO PROMOTE LACTATION - A NUTRITIONAL EVALUATION

A study was carried out among 90 mothers having one live child from Almora (60) of Uttarakhand and Dharwad (30) of Karnataka. Most common special foods given during lactation among Almorians upto first week were atta ka halwa (58) and dalia (56) while among Dharwadians vermicelli payasa (23), shira and sago khichadi (21 each). Normal diet was resumed after one month among mothers of both districts. Almorians consumed less water when girl baby was born while, Dharwadians consumed less water when baby boy was born. Avoidance of foods like green chillies (71.66 and 86.66%), pickles (50.00 and 76.66%), pumpkin (75.00 and 43.33%), brinjal (71.66 and 70.00%), papaya (26.66 and 66.66%), mango (18.33 and 60.00%), fish (21.66 and 46.66%), and curds (20.00 and 43.33%) was reported by majority of lactating mothers. Women of Almora and Dharwad consumed significantly lower amounts of pulses, GLVs, other vegetables, fruits, milk and milk products compared to suggested balanced diet and could meet 50 to 65 per cent of the RDA, respectively. Except fat and magnesium, intake of all the nutrients was less than the RDA. Among all the selected foods of Almora, atta ka halwa reported higher fat (39.23%) and energy (567 kcal/100g). Methi ladoo registered higher protein (25.16%) and calcium (243.8 mg/100g) while among selected foods of Dharwad, kobrikhara reported higher fat (55.68%) and energy (657 kcal/100g). Crude fibre (8.35%) and calcium (305.27 mg/100g) were maximum in methi leaves bhaji. Iron and zinc contents were higher in panjiri from Almora and alvi payasa from Dharwad. Bioaccessible iron was significantly higher in dalia and methi leaves bhaji while bioaccessible zinc was significantly higher in methi-ladoo and antinunde from Almora and Dharwad, respectively.
Opheliidae (Polychaeta) collected by the R/V Hero and the USNS Eltanin cruises from the Southern Ocean and South America

Opheliid polychaetes collected by the United States Antarctic Research Program and additional material from South America were made available for study through the Smithsonian Institution, Washington, D.C., USA. The Opheliidae from Antarctic seas were treated by Hartman (1966, 1967, 1978), who summarized earlier work and also described several new species. Of the five genera she recorded, two ( Travisia and Kesun ) have since been synonymized and one, Ammotrypane, has been referred to Ophelina ; Hartman’s records therefore encompass four genera, three of which are represented in the present collections. No representatives of Euzonus ( Thoracophelia ) were found. The following species were recorded from Antarctica in the present study: Ophelia algida n. sp. , Ophelina breviata (Ehlers, 1913), Ophelina cf. cylindricaudata (sensu Hartmann-Schroder and Rosenfeldt, 1989), Ophelina nematoides (Ehlers, 1913), Ophelina scaphigera (Ehlers, 1900), Ophelina cf. setigera (Hartman, 1978), Ophelina syringopyge (Ehlers, 1901), Travisia antarctica Hartman, 1967 (emended 1978), Travisia kerguelensis McIntosh, 1885, Travisia kerguelensis gravieri Monro, 1930, Travisia palmeri n. sp. and Travisia tincta n. sp. The new species of Ophelia is distinguished by having branchiae starting on chaetiger 2 (rather than on or after chaetiger 8 as in most species of this genus). Travisia palmeri has 22 chaetigers and is distinguished by long branchiae. Travisia kerguelensis gravieri is raised to full species status and renamed T. monroi . Travisia tincta n. sp. , distinguished by a distinctive Methyl Green staining pattern and long branchiae, is described from off Peru.
The role of the C-terminal extension of αB-crystallin upon structure and function and the relationship with disease

The eye lens protein αB-crystallin plays an important role in maintaining the refractive index of the lens, however is also found in many non-lenticular tissues suggest that it has general cellular functions over and above its role in light refraction. The role of the C-terminal extension of αB -cryStellin upon solubility, structure and function and the relationship with disease has not been investigated. In this study, the systematic analysis of the role of the C-terminal extension of αB -crystallin aimed to investigate the hypothesis that the C-terminal region in αB -crystallm is important for solubility, structure and function of the protein. This study also aimed to find a link between the role of the C-terminal and the symptoms of disease, thus providing a potential explanation of whether the three congenital mutations (450delA, Q151X and 464delCT), which alter the C-terminal extension of αB -crystallin, cause the various diseases via the loss of chaperone function or perhaps by a different mechanism. Further more this study aimed to elucidate the mechanism of phenotypic heterogeneity associated with these αB -crystallin mutations.I compared the three C-terminal αB -crystallin mutants (450delA, Q151X and 464delCT) to a series of C-terminal truncations (E164X, E165X, K174X and A171X) and found that the C-terminal extension was essential for oligomerisation but not chaperone function, infact the removal of the entire C-terminal extension actually enhanced chaperone activity, however significantly destabilized αB -crystallin causing it to self-aggregate. This instability was supported by refolding analysis, where the 450delA and 464delCT mutants could only be refolded and assayed as a complex with wild type αB -crystallin, however the Q151X αB -crystallin could be refolded alone. From these studies, I conclude that all three disease-causing mutations (450delA, 464delCT and Q151X) in the C-terminal extension destabilise αB -crystฝlin and increase its tendency to self-aggregate. I propose that it is this, rather than a catastrophic loss of chaperone activity, that is a major factor in disease development.
Acute Pelvic Inflammatory Disease and Its Long – Term Sequelae: The University of Port Harcourt Experience

Background: Pelvic inflammatory disease is a very common gynaecological problem among women, especially in sub-Saharan Africa. It is often implicated in the misery suffered by women with subfertility, chronic pelvic pain and ectopic gestation. Objective: The objective of this study is to determine the pattern of presentation of acute pelvic inflammatory disease, and its long-term complications at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital in Nigeria. It would also determine the socio-demographic characteristics of the subjects, the probable sources of infection, the radiological manifestation, the pathogenic organisms and sensitivity pattern, and mode of treatment. It would also recommend the most suitable broadspectrum antibiotics while awaiting culture results. Methodology and Subjects: A retrospective observational study of 4,909 women diagnosed with gynaecological problems at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital, from January 2008 to January 2013. Out of these, a total of 280 women who were managed for the acute pelvic inflammatory disease were identified. Their case notes were retrieved from the hospital medical Original Research Article Howells and Okwudili; JAMMR, 26(8): 1-11, 2018; Article no.JAMMR. 41437 2 records and data concerning their socio-demographic characteristics, risk factors, clinical features, and mode of treatment was retrieved. Also retrieved were the radiological findings, culture and sensitivity results and complications experienced within the period of study. The date was then analyzed. Results: The prevalence rate of PID in UPTH was quite low 5.7%, The mean maternal age was 29.3 ± 6.31 years, significantly more married women has PID, P = 0.002, and nulliparous women were 3 times more likely to have PID than multiparas, Odds Ratio = 3.35[2.37, 4.75]. Majority of the women were unemployed, and the commonest source of infection was STI (74.3%), 89.3 has offensive vaginal discharge and a great majority (95%) had lower abdominal pain, which was severe in 30%. The most consistent finding on ultrasound scan was fluid in the pouch of Douglass (45.7%), and infertility was the commonest long-term complication. The in-patient treatment rate was only 11.8%; the most predominant organism isolated was klebsiella species, and the most sensitive antibiotic was ceftriaxone. Conclusion: The prevalence of acute PID in UPTH is relatively low, and it affects mostly unemployed, middle age, married, and nulliparous women. The disease is predominantly sexually transmitted, and infertility is the most consistent long-term complication. Though ceftriaxone was the most sensitive broad-spectrum antibiotic, oral cefuroxime is recommended for out-patient treatment.
Age differences in the associations between sick leave and aspects of health, psychosocial workload and family life: a cross-sectional study

Objectives To investigate differences in associations between sick leave and aspects of health, psychosocial workload, family life and work–family interference between four age groups (<36, 36–45, 46–55 and 55+ years). Design A cross-sectional study; a questionnaire was sent to the home addresses of all employees of a university. Setting A Dutch university. Participants 1843 employees returned the questionnaire (net response: 49.1%). The age distribution was as follows: <36: 32%; 36–45: 26%; 46–55: 27% and 55+: 12%. Primary outcomes Frequent sick leave (FSL, ≥3 times in the past 12 months) and prolonged sick leave (PSL, >2 weeks in total in the past 12 months). Differences between the age groups in independent variables and outcomes were investigated. Logistic regression analysis was used to calculate associations between various variables and the sick leave outcomes. Interaction terms were included to detect differences between the age groups. Results Age differences were found for many work- and family-related characteristics but not in the mean scores for health-related aspects. Presence of chronic disease was reported more frequently with increasing age. The 55+ age group had almost two times less chance of FSL, but 1.6 times more chance of PSL than the <36 age group. Age moderates the associations between career opportunities, partner's contribution in domestic tasks and sex, and FSL. Job security and pay, support from supervisor, challenging work and being breadwinner have different associations with PSL. However, life events in private lives and perceived health complaints are important in all age groups. FSL and PSL have some determinants in common, but there are differences between the outcomes as well. Conclusions Age should be treated as a variable of interest instead of a control variable. Employers and occupational physicians need to be aware that each phase in life has specific difficulties that can lead to FSL and PSL.
A Comparative Study for the Efficacy and Tolerability of Fluvoxamine and Venlafaxine in patients with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Objective of our study is to compare the efficacy and tolerability of Fluvoxamine and Venlafaxine in patients with Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD). A total of 50 newly diagnosed patients with OCD were randomly assigned 25 each to receive either fluvoxamine (Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) or venlafaxine (selective serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor). Primary efficacy was assessed by the change from baseline on the Yale Brown Obsessive Compulsive Scale (Y-BOCS). The Clinical Global Impression Improvement Scale (CGI-S) was used to measure symptom improvement. Each patient was followed as a single visit in a week wise manner following the order; Week0, Week 1, Week 2, Week 4, Week 6, Week 8, Week 12 and Week 16. At each visit if any adverse reaction to either of the drugs experienced by the patient were noted. Treatment group comparison of patients, demographic characteristics and baseline severity measurements were done using a Chi square test and the student ttest. Statistical significance was defined as a 2-sided p value ≤ 0.05. Both drugs showed significant reduction in the OCD symptoms as measured on the Y-BOC Scale over the 16-week follow up. When compared fluvoxamine showed statistically significant reduction in overall YBOC score and Obsessive mean score. The difference in compulsive mean score was not significant in the two treatment groups. Our study concludes that Fluvoxamine is more efficacious than Venlafaxine in the treatment of OCD.
Nutrient availability alters below-ground respiratory response of Ponderosa Pine to ozone

Exposure to ozone (O{sub 3}) and changes in soil fertility are known to influence the relationship between above-and below-ground carbohydrate partitioning. Changes in partitioning can be influenced by below-ground respiratory processes. Specially designed chambers and a closed system for detection of CO{sub 2} and O{sub 2} were used to assess indirect effects of O{sub 3} and fertility on below-ground respiratory activity (CO{sub 2} production; O{sub 2} consumption and RER-Respiration Efficiency Ratio; CO{sub 2}; O{sub 2}) of potted 3-year old Ponderosa Pine (Pinus ponderosa Laws). Measurements were made during the second growing season in open-top O{sub 3} exposure chambers in a 3-O{sub 3} x 3-fertilization level design. Although seasonal differences were detected, increased exposure to O{sub 3} consumption and CO{sub 2} production but had little effect on RER. Seasonal patterns of respiration showed increased rates at times of rapid root growth in spring and early fall. Response to O{sub 3} was greatest at the lowest fertility level. Lateral root total non-structural carbohydrates (TNC) increased with fertilization, following the same pattern as below-ground respiratory activity. Root-shoot ratio did not change in response to O{sub 3} or fertilization, however, O{sub 3} decreased and fertilization increased total plant dry weight. O{sub 3} exposure ofmore » shoots disrupts below-ground respiration and nutrient availability influences and magnitude of the response. The influence of free-living soil organisms on total below ground response to O{sub 3} is currently being evaluated. « less
Disruption of olfactory communication in oriental fruit moth and lesser appleworm in a Virginia peach orchard

Abstract: Dispensers (20·cm polyethylene capillary tubing; "ropes") containing Oriental fruit moth pheromone were placed in a 4-hl\ block of peaches shortly before first male night. This placement of ropes disrupted attraction to conventional pheromone traps for the duration of the season. Fruit damage was not significantly different from that in 8 control block (conventional pesticide application); n. ;g damage was signilicllntly lower relative to the control. Implicnlions for pest management in mature and nonbcnring blocks are discussed. Key Words: Oriental fruit moth, Grapholila mo{esto, lesser apple.onn, G. pnlllivoro, pheromone, disruption, peach. J. Agric. Entomol. 5(4): 235·239 (October 1988) Oriental fruit moth, Grapholila molesla (Busck), is an introduced pest of peach and apple. It has three to four generations in the northern part of its range (four in Virginia) and six to seven in the south (Bobb 1973; Bnmner and Howitt 1981). Larvae of early generations tunnel in ends of twigs, while those of later generations bore into fruit flesh.
Experimental treatment of Nosema disease with "Nozevit" phyto-pharmacological preparation

Nosema disease is a microsporidian Nosema sp. parasitic disease of adult bees. The disease is spread worldwide, and it causes significant losses to apiculture and economy in general. EU and Croatian regulations prohibit the use of antibiotics in the treatment of bee diseases, due to possible development of resistance to used chemotherapeutic agents, masking of disease, possible relapses, as well as harmful antibiotic residues or their secondary metabolites in bee products. Therefore, the production and use of natural phyto-pharmacological preparations in the treatment of Nosema disease is a necessity. The aim of this research was to test the preformance of the herbal preparation "Nozevit" as a preventive measure against artificial infection with Nosema sp. spores, and its curative effect in the treatment of bees affected by Nosema disease.
Pollination and breeding systems of alien invasive plants in KwaZulu - Natal in South Africa.

According to Baker (1955), success of plant invasions can be attributed to autogamous breeding systems and generalist pollination systems. A test of Baker's rule was carried out on 19 invasive alien plant species in KwaZulu-Natal, South Africa. Natural levels of fruit set in these plants was high (median= 71.5% fruit set per plant). Breeding system experiments for 18 species showed that 17% of the species are allogamous, 72 % are autogamous and 11% are apomictic. This contrasts markedly with a general flora of 1472 species in which 65% are allogamous, only 14% are autogamous, and 21% are apomictic. Because the breeding systems of the alien species were largely autogamous, pollinators make only a small contribution to the overall reproductive success. Seventy one percent of the 14 alien species for which pollinators were obtained were pollinated by honeybees, which are super-generalists and ubiquitous in a generalist pollination systems. However, some species showed pre-adaptation to relatively specialized pollination systems, involving hawkmoths, butterflies andXylocopa bees respectively. Thus, alien plants were not visited by a wide range of insects, but rather showed pre-adaption to one or more pre-existing guilds in the new habitat. Pollen limitation experiments showed no evidence that reproductive success in populations of the species is limited by pollen availability.
The use of microsatellites in the study of social structure in large mammals : Italian wolf and fallow deer as case studies

The content of the present PhD thesis deals with the application of microsatellite analysis to the study of two species of large mammals, referring to some aspects of their social and mating systems. The Italian wolf (Canis lupus) and the fallow deer (Dama dama) were chosen as case studies, since genetic investigations on their populations result, for different reasons, problematic. The wolf in Italy is a particularly protected species, recovering throughout the peninsula from the effects of a recent bottleneck. Sampling wolves may not rely on capturing or killing them, therefore an alternative, non-invasive, approach was adopted in my study. Scats, shed hairs and blood drops collected on the snow represented the main source of DNA for the analysis. Methodological cares were necessary to obtain reliable wolf genotypes. A set of ten canine microsatellites was employed to achieve unique multilocus genotypes in the population. Fifty-two individuals were typed in the period 1998 - 2003. In some cases, pack composition was determined, confirming that familiar bonds are at the basis of wolf social units. An unpredictable high local differentiation was found among geographic areas. Early dispersal seem to be common in the population, but its effects on the gene flow are not detectable, at least at my study scale. I proposed that most of this dispersal may be unsuccessful or over long distances. The study population, indeed, seem to have reached a high level of local saturation, with clumped pack territories and high reproductive rates, and thus possibly represents a source, from which wolves disperse toward sink areas. The second study involves an enclosed population of fallow deer. Lekking is seldom observed in mammals, and among them, it is more common in ungulate species. Fallow deer is one of the most studied lekking ungulate and this particular population is object of long-term researches on male mating strategies. Mature bucks in the population join into leks during the breeding season: a costly strategy, which apparently does not guarantee high direct benefits (fitness). In this study, for the first time, I used a molecular approach to verify the existence of a genetic basis to lek formation. The recourse to microsatellites enabled to overcome the strong limitation due to the extremely monomorphism of the species, documented in several studies. Though the low variability even at microsatellite loci, the hypotheses of kin selection (territorial bucks in a lek are relatives) and of heterozygosity advantage (territorial bucks in a lek have an overall high heterozygosity) were tested and resulted not supported by data. Hence, future studies should be addressed towards phenotypic variation and consider in detail physiological and ecological factors, in order to clarify the reasons why lekking takes place in fallow deer.