Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mass Spectrometry Imaging as a Tool to Investigate Region Speciﬁc Lipid Alterations in Symptomatic Human Carotid Atherosclerotic Plaques

a Tool to Investigate Region Speciﬁc Lipid Alterations in Symptomatic Human Abstract: Atherosclerosis is characterized by fatty plaques in large and medium sized arteries. Their rupture can causes thrombi, occlusions of downstream vessels and adverse clinical events. The investigation of atherosclerotic plaques is made difﬁcult by their highly heterogeneous nature. Here we propose a spatially resolved approach based on matrix-assisted laser desorption/ionization (MALDI) mass spectrometry imaging to investigate lipids in speciﬁc regions of atherosclerotic plaques. The method was applied to a small dataset including symptomatic and asymptomatic human carotid atherosclerosis plaques. Tissue sections of symptomatic and asymptomatic human carotid atherosclerotic plaques were analyzed by MALDI mass spectrometry imaging (MALDI MSI) of lipids, and adjacent sections analyzed by histology and immunoﬂuorescence. These multimodal datasets were used to compare the lipid proﬁles of speciﬁc histopathological regions within the plaque. The lipid proﬁles of macrophage-rich regions and intimal vascular smooth muscle cells exhibited the largest changes associated with plaque outcome. Macrophage-rich regions from symptomatic lesions were found to be enriched in sphingomyelins, and intimal vascular smooth muscle cells of symptomatic plaques were enriched in cholesterol and cholesteryl esters. The proposed method enabled the MALDI MSI analysis of speciﬁc regions of the atherosclerotic lesion, conﬁrming MALDI MSI as a promising tool for the investigation of histologically heterogeneous atherosclerotic plaques.
Support for Tetanus in Decentralized Area of Senegal

Introduction: Tetanus remains a persistent bacterial endemic in Senegal, the Objective of our study was conducted to describe the epidemiological, clinical, therapeutic, evolutionary and associated factors of tetanus in the Thiès region (Senegal). Material and Methods: The multicentric, retrospective, descriptive and analytical Study was conducted in three large public hospitals in the Thiès region using tetanus hospital records from 2013 to 2017. Results: The total 86 patients were registered representing hospital prevalence. The age average was 27.7 ± 21.9 and the sex ratio was 8.5. The transmission was predominantly integumentary (66.3%). Almost all patients (95.3%) had a generalized form of tetanus with 36% severe case (Stage III of Mollaret) of patients. An infectious complication (57%) was noted in 84.8% of cases. The fatality rate was reported as 41% with factors associated with the occurrence of death, advanced age, the existence of complications and the absence of intubation of severe tetanus. Conclusion: Study confirmed that tetanus is a public health problem in the Thiès region with a high morbidity and lethality.
Implementation of Universal Basic Education Programme in Lagos State Schools: Counsellors’ and Teachers’ Perceptions

Nigeria having realized the effectiveness of education as a powerful instrument for national development inaugurated Universal Basic Education (UBE) in with some specific goals and objectives which require all stakeholders including counsellors to play their parts in its implementation. This study was therefore a 3x2 factorial survey design to appraise perceptions of counsellors and teachers on the quality implementation of Universal Basic Education programme in Lagos State schools. Two hundred (200) counsellors and teachers were randomly selected for this study in Lagos Primary and Junior Secondary Schools. The research instrument for data collection was a self-developed questionnaire titled “Counsellors and Teachers Perception of Universal Basic Education Scale” (COTPUBES). The instrument was validated in terms of its content and construct while its reliability was established after analysis at 0.74 level of correlation coefficient using Cronbach’s alpha method through the single method of administration. Three hypotheses were postulated to guide the study. The data collected were analysed using mean(x), Standard Deviation (SD), ANOVA, Chi-square and t-test. Based on the findings of this study, it was concluded that counsellors are the backbone of any educational programme. Therefore, the usage of their skills through guidance services at all levels to enhance quality of education cannot be over emphasized. It was also suggested among other things that encouraging professional development, in-service-training, motivation and mentoring counsellors will make counsellors to perform more in providing support services for UBE to be more effective.
Servicing the public debt

This comment extends Calvo's ( 1988) analysis of the relation between expectations and the number of repudiation equilibria in public debt management, in order to anaIyse the effects of heterogeneity in (nominal) debt holdings. It is shown that the number of equilibria depends on the relative wealth of the agent represented by the govemment. If this agent is extremely poor no equilibrium exists, while if this agent is relatively wealthy uniqueness is ensured. Under a representative democracy, if the issue of debt precedes the elections, the number of politico-economic equilibria and the implied welfare losses depend on the degree of inequality. However, if this timing is reversed, the Pareto-optimum is attained, because of the existence of a government candidate whose unique equilibrium discretionary policy choice is the first-best repudiation rate.
The Review of Regional Studies Improved Spatially Disaggregated Livestock Measures for Uganda *

: The objective of our study is twofold: on one side, to complement earlier analyses that estimate the spatial density of livestock holdings using different methods; on the other, to show that by combining different data sources—the 2009/10 Uganda National Panel Survey (UNPS) and the 2008 Uganda National Livestock Census (UNLC)—and applying the Small Area Estimation (SAE) technique, it is possible to provide a finer spatial disaggregation and representation of missing livestock measures in the census. First, we combine our livestock population and density figures with those from the UNLC. Second, we fit an estimation model of livestock income and share on the UNPS to generate an out-of-sample prediction of the missing information in the UNLC, mapping livestock income and share at the local level. Our results suggest that the integrated use of multiple data sources, such as household surveys, censuses, and administrative data, together with spatial analysis techniques, such as SAE, can provide reliable, coherent, and location-specific insights to guide policy and investment. This work shows a useful method that allows for a reliable spatial livestock analysis, whenever sectorial databases offer greater coverage of the population of interest, but more limited information than specialized surveys. This method can be applied in all countries where there is a similar livestock information system, and common support between livestock census and household surveys with detailed agricultural/livestock modules. Cross-validation across data sources provides clearer insights into livestock-related policy and a better springboard for effective poverty-reduction strategies.
Inﬂuence of the Cooling Time on the Microstructural Evolution and Mechanical Performance of a Double Pulse Resistance Spot Welded Medium-Mn Steel

: In the present work, the inﬂuence of the cooling time on the mechanical performance, hardness, and microstructural features of a double pulse resistance spot welded medium-Mn steel are investigated. Curves of the electrical resistance throughout the welding revealed that the cooling time strongly inﬂuences the heat generation during the second pulse. A second pulse after a short cooling time re-melts the center, and heat treats the edge of the primary fusion zone. This desired in-process heat treatment leads to a modiﬁcation of the cast-like martensitic structure by recrystallization illustrated by electron backscatter diffraction measurements and to a homogenization of manganese segregations, visualized by energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, which results in an enhanced mechanical performance during the cross tension strength test. In contrast, during excessively long cooling times, the resistance drops to a level where the heat generation due to the second pulse is too low to sufﬁciently re-heat the edge of the primary FZ. As a consequence, the signs of recrystallization disappear, and the manganese segregations are still present at the edge of the fusion zone, which leads to a deterioration of the mechanical properties.
Oxidative Stress in Hadrontherapy Oxidative Stress in Hadrontherapy

Conventional radiotherapy has shown its efficiency since decades with large progresses during the 1990s. However, for 15–20% of treated patients, there is no prognosis improve ment either due to tumor radiation resistance and/or to side effects on normal tissues representing the limiting dose given during a radiotherapy protocol. A new modality of radiation therapy has emerged representing a technological breakthrough: hadron - therapy. This regroups mainly proton and carbon ion therapy. Dose deposit is in favor of hadrons compared to photons as it occurs at a precise depth in human body sparing upstream and downstream normal tissues. Mechanisms of action of photons and had rons are different. When photons mainly act by water radiolysis—producing e − aq , H ● , ● OH, H 2 O 2 , O 2●− …, carbon ions and protons mainly act by direct effects, i.e. by direct transfer of ion energy to biological macromolecules. Moreover, efficiency of carbon ions is considered threefold higher (1.1 for protons) than X-rays in killing tumor cells, whereas it is considered lower for normal cells. These findings suggest strong advantages of hadrontherapy compared to conventional radiotherapy. However, some recent studies tend to show a stronger increase in oxidative stress in normal cells after protons or carbon ions than X-rays.
Mountain Science （ ）

: The alpine meadow, as one of the typical vegetation types on the Tibetan Plateau, is one of the most sensitive terrestrial ecosystems to climate warming. However, how climate warming affects the carbon cycling of the alpine meadow on the Tibetan Plateau is not very clear. A field experiment under controlled experimental warming and clipping conditions was conducted in an alpine meadow on the Northern Tibetan Plateau since July 2008. Open top chambers (OTCs) were used to simulate climate warming. The main objective of this study was to examine the responses of ecosystem respiration ( R eco ) and its temperature sensitivity to experimental warming and clipping at daily time scale. Therefore, we measured R eco once or twice a month from July to September in 2010, from June to September in 2011 and from August to September in 2012. Air temperature dominated daily variation of Reco whether or not experimental warming and clipping were present. Air temperature was exponentially correlated with R eco and it could significantly explain 58~96% variation of R eco at daily time scale. Experimental warming and clipping decreased daily mean R eco by 5.8~37.7% and -11.9~23.0%, respectively, although not all these changes were significant. Experimental warming tended to decrease the temperature sensitivity of R eco , whereas clipping tended to increase the temperature sensitivity of R eco at daily time scale. Our findings suggest that R eco was mainly controlled by air temperature and may acclimate to climate warming due to its lower temperature sensitivity under experimental warming at daily time scale.
Enhanced susceptibility of staggerer (ROR

Stapleton, Cliona M. , Maisa Jaradat, Darlene Dixon, Hong Soon Kang, Seong-Chul Kim, Grace Liao, Michelle A. Carey, Joey Cristiano, Michael P. Moorman, and Anton M. Jetten. Enhanced susceptibility of staggerer (ROR ) mice to lipopolysaccharide-induced lung inflammation. Am J Physiol Lung Cell Mol Physiol 289: L144–L152, 2005. First published March 18, 2005; doi:10.1152/ajplung.00348. 2004. —The retinoid-related orphan receptor (ROR ), a member of the ROR subfamily of nuclear receptors, has been implicated in the control of a number of physiological processes, including the regulation of several immune functions. To study the potential role of ROR in the regulation of innate immune responses in vivo, we analyzed the induction of airway inflammation in response to lipopolysaccharide (LPS) challenge in wild-type and staggerer (ROR ) mice, a natural mutant strain lacking ROR expression. Examination of hematoxylin and eosin-stained lung sections showed that ROR sg/sg mice displayed a higher degree of LPS-induced inflammation than wild-type mice. Bronchoalveolar lavage (BAL) was performed at 3, 16, and 24 h after LPS exposure to monitor the increase in inflammatory cells and the level of several cytokines/chemokines. The increased susceptibility of ROR sg/sg mice to LPS-induced airway inflammation correlated with a higher number of total cells and neutrophils in BAL fluids from LPS-treated ROR sg/sg mice compared with those from LPS-treated wild-type mice. In addition, IL-1 , IL-6, and macrophage inflammatory protein-2 were appreciably more elevated in BAL fluids from LPStreated ROR sg/sg mice compared with those from LPS-treated wildtype mice. The enhanced susceptibility of ROR sg/sg mice appeared not to be due to a repression of I B expression. Our observations indicate that ROR sg/sg mice are more susceptible to LPS-induced airway inflammation and are in agreement with the hypothesis that ROR functions as a negative regulator of LPS-induced inflammatory responses.
Section: Are the rates of age- and amyloid b -associated cortical atrophy inﬂuenced by sustained exceptional cognitive functioning in older adults?

We thank Drs Goldberg and Rogalski for their thoughtful commentaries on issues related to the construct of SuperAging that arose from their consideration of our article entitled, “Rates of ageand amyloid b-associated cortical atrophy in older adults with superior memory performance”. We agree that identifying biological factors that allow some older adults to maintain memory ability comparable to adults 20–30 years younger is important because such an understanding could provide clues to strategies for the elimination of age-associated neurodegenerative diseases. In this context, Rogalski and Goldberg identify important issues for consideration in empirical studies and theoretical development of the SuperAger construct. Both commentaries and our own work acknowledge that many different terms have been used to define older individuals with cognitive function superior to that of individuals of the same age [1]. While the present study focused on the SuperAger construct, the issues raised by Rogalski and Goldberg apply to all criteria developed to classify older adults with superior cognition. Rogalski suggests that SuperAger classification should require a minimum age of 80 years, consistent with the Northwestern SuperAging Study criteria [2]. One foundation for this recommendation is that normative data for a list-learning test used to classify SuperAgers show that decline in test performance increases with aging: decline in performance from 60 to 80 years of age is much greater than that from 40 to 60 years. Thus, the preservation of youthful memory, defined as performance equal to or better than adults 20–30 years younger, becomes more impressive as individuals become older. However, we have suggested that enforcing a minimum age criterion in the definition of SuperAging might be limiting on a number of bases. First, biological age may be a better predictor of cognitive ability and overall health than chronological age [3]. Second, defining a single criterion value from continuous scales
On the covariance between related Horvitz-Thompson estimators

National Statistical Institutes often use repeating surveys to estimate measures of change in the levels of the statistics estimated by the surveys. In order to assess the significance of any measured change it is necessary to have an estimate of the variance of this change. An important component of this variance is the covariance between successive estimates of level. This covariance depends very much on the rotation scheme used to determine the overlap between successive samples. This article presents a general solution for this covariance in situations where measures of change are based on Horvitz-Thompson estimators. This solution applies exactly or approximately for a very large class of rotation schemes, including the most commonly applied ones. The article also presents an unbiased estimator for the covariance and compares the general solution with specific solutions previously published.
is a negative regulator of responses and modulates long-term sequelae resulting from Chlamydia trachomatis infections in humans.

The immune system eliminates Chlamydia trachomatis infection through inflammation. However, uncontrolled inflammation can enhance pathology. In mice, TNF-related apoptosis-inducing ligand receptor (TRAIL-R), known for its effects on apoptosis, also regulates inflammation. In humans, the four homologues of TRAIL-R had never been investigated for effects on inflammation. Here, we examined whether TRAIL-R regulates inflammation during chlamydial infection. We examined TRAIL-R1 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in an Ecuadorian cohort with and without C.trachomatis infections. There was a highly significant association for the TRAIL + 626 homozygous mutant GG for infection vs no infection in this population. To confirm the results observed in the human population, primary lung fibroblasts and bone marrow- derived macrophages (BMDMs) were isolated from wildtype (WT) and TRAIL-R-deficient mice, and TRAIL-R1 levels in human cervical epithelial cells were depleted by RNA interference. Infection of BMDMs and primary lung fibroblasts with C. trachomatis strain L 2 , or the murine pathogen C. muridarum , led to higher levels of MIP2 mRNA expression or IL-1 b secretion from TRAIL-R-deficient cells than WT cells. Similarly, depletion of TRAIL-R1 expression in human epithelial cells resulted in a higher level of IL-8 mRNA expression and protein secretion during C. trachomatis infection. We conclude that human TRAIL- R1 SNPs and murine TRAIL-R modulate the innate immune response against chlamydial infection. This is the first evidence that human TRAIL-R1 is a negative regulator of inflammation and plays a role in modulating Chlamydia pathogenesis.
Prevalence of subclinical Rickets in Sickle cell anemic children at the Jos University Teaching Hospital, North-Central Nigeria

Introduction: Bone diseases are a common co-morbidity in sickle cell anemic (SCA) children. In our environment skeletal abnormalities are well documented but there is limited documentation on metabolic bone disorders, such as rickets, despite the heighten risk in these children. Furthermore, differentiation between the clinical features of rickets and that of SCA is challenging because of an overlap of clinical features. Aim: To determine the prevalence of subclinical rickets (SR) in the study population. Methods : This was a cross-sectional study amongst SCA children aged 2-18 years. All 113 subjects randomly sampled had their clinical and demographic data taken. Blood sample were also taken for calcium, phosphate and alkaline phosphatase assay. Data was computed using EPI info version 7.0 statistical software. SR was compared with socio-economic variables using the chi square test or fisher exact score at 95% confidence interval. Results: Subclinical rickets was present in 21.2% of the studied population and was significantly association with age (P = 0.01). However SR was not association gender, social economic status, religion and place of residence. Conclusion: SR is a medical burden among children presenting with sickle cell anemia in JUTH. In order to maximize health potentials, children with SCA should be screened for SR in our environment.
Development of Radiolanthanide-Labeled- Bis Alendronate Complexes for Bone Pain Palliation Therapy

The search for the development of new ligands with higher stability, better pharmacokinetics and lower unwanted tissue uptakes (liver and GI) is still ongoing. In this work, synthesis, purification and structure characterization of DTPA- bis -ALN conjugate is reported followed by evaluation in model animals. A DTPA-conjugated bis -alendronate analog (DTPA- bis -ALN) 3, was prepared for possible bone pain palliation therapy after radiolabeling with Ho-166 and Sm-153. Radiolanthanide-DTPA- bis -ALN complexes were prepared starting excess amounts radiolanthanide chloride and DTPA- bis -ALN in 60-90 min at 50-60 o C in phosphate buffer followed by solid phase purification on C18 Sep Pak column. RTLC was used for radiochemical purity followed by log P determination, stability studies and biodistribution studies in normal mice. The purified radiolabled complexes were prepared in high radiochemical purity (>98%, RTLC) and significant specific activity (7-10 GBq/mmol). The log P for the complex was calculated as -0.594 and -0.43, consistent with water soluble complexes. The complexes were stable in final solutions (25ºC) and presence of human serum (37ºC). The biodistribution of the labeled compounds in normal mice demonstrated unwanted activity uptake in lungs, spleen and liver in case of 166 Ho-DTPA- bis -ALN and liver lung and kidney in case of 153 Sm-DTPA- bis -ALN. Very limited bone uptake in both cases demonstrates complex instability or loss of bone avidity due to change of structure-activity relationship and/or anionic property of poly-dentate complex leading to renal excretion.
COPD_A_268955 2931..2940

1São Paulo State University (UNESP), Faculty of Science and Technology, Department of Physiotherapy, Postgraduate Program in Physiotherapy, Presidente Prudente, São Paulo, Brazil; 2Department of Physiotherapy, Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, Rio De Janeiro, Brazil; 3São Paulo State University (UNESP), Botucatu Medical School, Postgraduate Program in Research & Development: Medical Biotechnology, Blood Center, Flow Cytometry Laboratory, Botucatu, São Paulo, Brazil Aims: To evaluate the expressions of intracellular cytokines in CD4+ T lymphocytes and to investigate the correlation between biomarker expressions and clinical and functional characteristics of stable COPD patients. Patients and Methods: Peripheral blood was collected from 36 COPD patients, and the expression of cytokines (IL-8, IL-13, IL-17, IL-6, IL-2, IL-10, and TNF-α) in T lymphocytes CD4 + was investigated. In addition, lung function, dyspnea symptoms, quality of life, vital signs, body composition, level of physical activity, peripheral muscle strength, and functional capacity were assessed. Results: Individuals with greater bronchial obstruction present a higher proportion of CD4 + IL2 + lymphocytes compared to individuals with less severe bronchial obstruction. We found a positive correlation between the expression of the cytokines IL-13, IL-17, IL-6, IL-2, IL-10, and TNF-α in CD4+ T lymphocytes. In addition, we found a positive correlation between CD4+ IL-10+ T lymphocytes and lower limb muscle strength and a negative correlation between CD4+ IL-8+ T lymphocytes and peripheral oxygen saturation and steps per day. Conclusion: Systemic CD4+IL-2+, IL-8+, and IL-10+ T lymphocytes presented a correlation with clinical characteristics and functional status in stable COPD.