Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Long-term culture and cryopreservation of interstitial cells of Cajal

Abstract Objective. Interstitial cells of Cajal (ICCs) in the gastrointestinal tract generate and propagate slow waves and mediate neuromuscular neurotransmission. Damage to ICCs has been described in several gastrointestinal motor disorders, and although many studies have examined ICCs in culture, they have been largely limited to freshly dissociated cells or short-term cultures. An efficient and reliable method to establish a source of ICCs is much needed. The aim of this study was to investigate methods for culturing, subculturing, cryopreservation, and recovery of ICCs. Methods. ICCs were derived from intestinal segments of domestic rabbits, and immunohistochemistry for c-Kit was used to identify ICCs in culture and after recovery. Recovered ICCs were also examined for motilin receptor expression. Results. Optimal conditions for ICC culture and cryopreservation were based on cell growth curves and MTT assay. On the basis of these findings, recovered cells were cultured for 7 days and then sorted via flow cytometry based on c-Kit immunoreactivity. The percent of c-Kit positive cells was 64.3%, and the number of ICCs sorted was 6.7 × 105. Reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction and western blotting verified motilin receptor expression in c-Kit-positive ICCs. Conclusions. This is the first study to describe the culture, passage, and recovery of ICCs and to show motilin receptor expression. Our results suggest that ICCs play an important role, at least in some species, in initiating the migrating myoelectric complex induced by motilin.
Mecamylamine for Treatment of People With Dual Diagnoses of Depression and Alcohol Dependence

Objective: Currently there is no consensus on the best treatment for individuals with dual diagnoses of alcohol dependence and depression. The aim of this study was to assess the efficacy of mecamylamine augmentation of an antidepressant in reducing drinking, smoking, and depressive symptoms. Methods: This was a double-blind, randomized 12-week treatment trial comparing mecamylamine to placebo. Twenty-one participants with diagnosed alcohol dependence and comorbid depression were included in this study. Eleven participants were assigned to mecamylamine and ten were assigned to placebo. The main outcome variables included drinking measures and depressive symptoms. Analyses included all participants. Results: Mecamylamine augmentation was effective in reducing drinking outcomes particularly in nonsmokers. Symptoms of depression decreased for all participants and there was a trend indicating that this was more pronounced again for nonsmokers receiving mecamylamine. The rates of smoking decreased for all smokers. There were no significant differences in the rates of side effect reporting between those receiving mecamylamine and those receiving placebo or smokers versus nonsmokers. Conclusions: Mecamylamine was more effective than placebo in reducing drinking in nonsmokers. The data regarding depressive symptoms and smoking need further study. This study is registered on www.clinicaltrials. gov under number NCT00563797.
Place, teenagers and representations: Lessons from a community theatre project

Community art is one way the stories and perceptions of typically marginalized community residents can reach a large audience, as well as one means of community development and improvement. This paper draws on the author's ethnographic research and personal experience working for two years with a community theatre programme in an impoverished, multi-ethnic neighbourhood of San Diego, California. Like many community arts programmes, Around the World in a Single Day community theatre project targeted 'at risk' teenagers. The community theatre project provides a vehicle for discussing two aspects of representation: narrative authority and the symbolic economy. The paper argues that community arts programmes can empower the self-representation of marginalized teenagers, but these representations are given meaning in the context of the representation of their neighbourhood. L'art communautaire représente un moyen de faire connître au grand public les récits et perceptions des individus marginalisés, en plus d'offrir des voies d'amélioration et de développement des communautés. Cet article s'inspire des recherches ethnographiques et expériences personnelles de l'auteur au cours d'une période de deux ans àtravailler pour un programme de théâtre communautaire dans un quartier multiculturel défavoriséde San Diego, Californie. Comme plusieurs programmes artistiques communautaires, le projet de théâtre 'Autour du Monde en un Seul Jour' visait des jeunes dits 'à risque'. Le projet de théâtre communautaire sert de tremplin pour discuter deux aspects du processus de représentation: l'autorité narrative et l'économie symbolique. Cet article soutient que les programmes artistiques communautaires peuvent habiliter l'autoreprésentation de jeunes marginalisés, mais ces images acquièrent leur sens dans le contexte des représentations du quartier. El arte comunitario es una de las vías por la cual se puede transmitir las historias y opiniones de las personas típicamente marginas de una comunidad a un público muy amplio. También constituye una manera de desarollar y mejorar una comunidad. Esta papel hace uso de las investigaciones etnográficas y las experiencias personales del autor, el cual pasó dos años trabajando con un programa de teatro comunitoario en un barrio empobrecido y multiétnico de San Diego, California. Al igual que muchos programas de arte comunitario el proyecto 'Around the World in a Single Day' (Vuelta del Mundo en un Solo Día) se dirigía a los adolescentes 'en peligro'. El proyecto de teatro comunitario facilita el debate de dos aspectos de representación: autoridad narrativa y la economía simbólica. El papel sugiere que los programas de arte comunitario tienen la capacidad de autorizar la auto-representación de adolescentes marginados, y estas representaciones tienen sentido en el contexto de la representación de su vecindad.
Stem–loop structures can effectively substitute for an RNA pseudoknot in −1 ribosomal frameshifting

−1 Programmed ribosomal frameshifting (PRF) in synthesizing the gag-pro precursor polyprotein of Simian retrovirus type-1 (SRV-1) is stimulated by a classical H-type pseudoknot which forms an extended triple helix involving base–base and base–sugar interactions between loop and stem nucleotides. Recently, we showed that mutation of bases involved in triple helix formation affected frameshifting, again emphasizing the role of the triple helix in −1 PRF. Here, we investigated the efficiency of hairpins of similar base pair composition as the SRV-1 gag-pro pseudoknot. Although not capable of triple helix formation they proved worthy stimulators of frameshifting. Subsequent investigation of ∼30 different hairpin constructs revealed that next to thermodynamic stability, loop size and composition and stem irregularities can influence frameshifting. Interestingly, hairpins carrying the stable GAAA tetraloop were significantly less shifty than other hairpins, including those with a UUCG motif. The data are discussed in relation to natural shifty hairpins.
Mycoplasma species isolated from falcons in the Middle East

a special affinity for the mucous membranes of the respiratory and genital tracts. Some species can also be detected in the brain and joints after systemic infection. Because avian mycoplasmas are relatively low in infectivity, close contact is thought to be necessary for horizontal transmission (Gerlach 1994). Although the importance of mycoplasma infection in raptors was described by Cooper (1979), and respiratory dysfunction, airsacculitis, pneumonia and tracheitis have been reported as clinical signs of a mycoplasma infection of raptors (Furr and others 1977, Gerlach 1994, Heidenreich 1997, Gylstorff and Grimm 1998), little is known about the occurrence, pathogenicity and distribution of mycoplasmas, especially in falcons. Colonisation of healthy raptors with Mycoplasma buteonis, Mycoplasma falconis, Mycoplasma gypis and Mycoplasma meleagridis has been described (Poveda and others 1994, Morishita and others 1997, Lierz and others 2000b), but a pathogenic potential might exist (Lierz and others 2000b). In addition, Mycoplasma anatis, Mycoplasma columborale, Mycoplasma corogypsi, Mycoplasma gallisepticum, Mycoplasma gallinaceum, Mycoplasma gallinarum and Mycoplasma iners have been detected in association with respiratory diseases (Morishita and others 1997). In free-ranging raptors in Germany, a mycoplasma prevalence of 47 per cent was detected (Lierz and others 2000b). According to the available literature, there is no information about the species, prevalence and pathogenic potential of Mycoplasma species in captive falcons. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the presence of mycoplasmas in captive falcons in the Middle East. Thirty falcons (five peregrine falcons [Falco peregrinus], nine saker falcons [Falco cherrug], two barbary falcons [Falco pelegrinoides], two lanner falcons [Falco biarmicus], two gyr falcons [Falco rusticolus], five gyr-peregrine hybrids and five gyr-saker hybrids) were randomly selected from a private collection of 236 falcons kept for falconry, to investigate the presence of mycoplasma in the respiratory tract. The total collection was kept in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, and consisted of 40 wild-caught peregrine falcons, 71 wildcaught saker falcons, 16 wild-caught barbary falcons, 14 wild-caught lanner falcons, 16 captive-bred gyr falcons, 39 captive-bred gyr-peregrine hybrid falcons and 40 captivebred gyr-saker hybrid falcons. The wild-caught birds originated from Asia and the captive-bred birds from Europe. All the falcons were female and between one and four years old. The birds were kept perched in three rooms and randomly returned to different places after training, so they all had contact with each other. They had been kept together for at least four months before this study. The falcons were fed with plucked and defrosted quails (Coturnix coturnix), and were constantly monitored for their health, which involved a physical and parasitological examination twice a week. They were trained and in very good body condition; none showed any clinical signs of disease or weakness. Source Strain Mycoplasma Antisera
Targeting Anti-Inflammatory Treatment Can Ameliorate Injury-Induced Neuropathic Pain

Tumor necrosis factor-α plays important roles in immune system development, immune response regulation, and T-cell-mediated tissue injury. The present study assessed the net value of anti-tumor necrosis factor-α treatment in terms of functional recovery and inhibition of hypersensitivity after peripheral nerve crush injury. We created a right sciatic nerve crush injury model using a Sugita aneurysm clip. Animals were separated into 3 groups: the first group received only a skin incision; the second group received nerve crush injury and intraperitoneal vehicle injection; and the third group received nerve crush injury and intraperitoneal etanercept (6 mg/kg). Etanercept treatment improved recovery of motor nerve conduction velocity, muscle weight loss, and sciatic functional index. Plantar thermal and von Frey mechanical withdrawal thresholds recovered faster in the etanercept group than in the control group. On day 7 after crush injury, the numbers of ED-1-positive cells in crushed nerves of the control and etanercept groups were increased compared to that in the sham-treated group. After 21 days, ED-1-positive cells had nearly disappeared from the etanercept group. Etanercept reduced expression of interleukin-6 and monocyte chemotactic and activating factor-1 at the crushed sciatic nerve. These findings demonstrate the utility of etanercept, in terms of both enhancing functional recovery and suppressing hypersensitivity after nerve crush. Etanercept does not impede the onset or progression of Wallerian degeneration, but optimizes the involvement of macrophages and the secretion of inflammatory mediators.
Angiopoietin-2, Marker and Mediator of Endothelial Activation With Prognostic Significance Early After Trauma?

Objective:To measure plasma levels of angiopoietin-1 (Ang-1), angiopoietin-2 (Ang-2), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) early after trauma and to determine their clinical significance. Background:Angiopoietins and VEGF play a central role in the physiology and pathophysiology of endothelial cells. Ang-2 has recently been shown to have pathogenetic significance in sepsis and acute lung injury. Little is known about the role of angiopoietins and VEGF early after trauma. Methods:Blood specimens from consecutive major trauma patients were obtained immediately upon arrival in the emergency department and plasma samples assayed for Ang-1, Ang-2, VEGF, markers of endothelial activation, protein C pathway, fibrinolytic system, and complement. Base deficit was used as a measure of tissue hypoperfusion. Data were collected prospectively. Results:Blood samples were obtained from 208 adult trauma patients within 30 minutes after injury before any significant fluid resuscitation. Plasma levels of Ang-2, but not Ang-1 and VEGF were increased and correlated independently with severity of injury and tissue hypoperfusion. Furthermore, plasma levels of Ang-2 correlated with markers of endothelial activation, coagulation abnormalities, and activation of the complement cascade and were associated with worse clinical outcome. Conclusions:Ang-2 is released early after trauma with the degree proportional to both injury severity and systemic hypoperfusion. High levels of Ang-2 were associated with an activated endothelium, coagulation abnormalities, complement activation, and worse clinical outcome. These data indicate that Ang-2 is a marker and possibly a direct mediator of endothelial activation and dysfunction after severe trauma.
Ethnographic Perspective on Desegregated Schools

School desegregation has been the object of considerable research for over two decades. With the exception of a few studies such as that of Kimball and Wagley (1974), however, this research has been nonobservational in character. In 1975, the National Institute of Education responded to the lack of ethnographic data by funding 6 two and one-half-year field studies of urban desegregated schools. Three of the papers in this volume-those by Collins, Clement and Harding, and Slawski and Scherer-are derived from this NIE funded research. ' Additional observational studies conducted during the same time period have provided the bases for the remaining paper by Polgar. Closing the volume are Ogbu's comments on the papers in which he uses a perspective derived from his cross-cultural study of minority education.2 No concise, uniform interpretation of the results of desegregation unite these papers. Instead, the articles lay bare the complexities of and differences among desegregated schools. These papers destroy any proclivities one might have to conceptualize school desegregation as a monolithic process-either in its introduction, denouement, or consequences. The papers also destroy thoughts of easily classifiable outcomes whether they be of the "color-blind" variety or categorical interpersonal racism. Clear patterns of overt and obvious discrimination on the basis of color are not in evidence in these schools, yet the social processes are such that informal segregation results, and black students are found on the receiving end of less prestigious learning experiences and activities. Two major perspectives on desegregated school patterns can be seen in these papers. Although only one paper specifically refers to a Barthian model of ethnic group manipulation of rewards and resources, most of the papers could be said to describe some aspect of intergroup dynamics including forms of competition and conflict. Collins most clearly describes these intergroup dynamics in his focus on the evolving pattern of control over extracurricular student activities in a Memphis high school. Polgar, although focusing on smaller events-games played during free-play period-finds similar patterns of black-white maintenance of separate activities combined, in a few cases, with direct competition where black teams play white. Both the Clement and Harding and the Slawski and Scherer papers give evidence of the efforts of school officials to contain the potential conflict and competition that they sense within the school walls. Slawski and Scherer describe the "rhetoric of concern," the vague and abstract symbolic frame invoked by school officials in their justification of school policy and practice. Clement and Harding describe organizational features and emergent behavioral norms in a southern elementary school which serve to ward off unpleasant disruptions that might result from overt conflict.
‘The power of being seen’: an interpretative phenomenological analysis of how experienced counselling psychologists describe the meaning and significance of personal therapy in clinical practice

There is a widely acknowledged lack of clarity in psychotherapeutic training about the role of personal therapy in developing practitioner competence. This paper presents part of a wider ongoing qualitative study exploring the role that personal therapy plays in the clinical practice and training of experienced counselling psychologists. Results derived from an interpretative phenomenological analysis suggest that personal therapy is valued mainly as a means of enhancing reflectiveness within clinical work. Detailed examination of a subset of the data offers scope for exploring how this process may occur within therapy, and points to the potential significance of early attachment experiences in the development and amplification of participants’ reflective capacities. A possible theoretical framework is proposed and implications for future research discussed.
Climate policy and equity principles: fair burden sharing in a dynamic world

Abstract The paper argues that negotiation costs can prevent the international community from finding a new international climate agreement. To define a feasible way of facilitating the negotiation process, I analyze basic equity principles and their relationship to climate policy and economic development. Based on the most relevant principles, I propose a general synthetic rule for burden sharing in international climate policy. The rule avoids complexity and comprises both egalitarian and cost-sharing aspects, which appears to be crucial for achieving a climate agreement. Carbon budgets for the different countries are calculated under different parameter assumptions.
Interleukin-16 Gene Polymorphisms Are Considerable Host Genetic Factors for Patients' Susceptibility to Chronic Hepatitis B Infection

Host genetic background is known as an important factor in patients' susceptibility to infectious diseases such as viral hepatitis. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of genetic polymorphisms of interleukin-16 (IL-16) cytokine on susceptibility of hepatitis B virus (HBV) infected patients to develop chronic HBV infection. Genotyping was conducted using PCR followed by enzymatic digestion and RFLP (restriction fragment length polymorphism) analysis. We genotyped three single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the Il-16 gene (rs11556218 T>G, rs4778889 T>C, and rs4072111 C>T) to test for relationship between variation at these loci and patients' susceptibility to chronic HBV infection. Allele frequency of Il-16 gene rs4072111 and rs11556218 was significantly different between chronic HBV patients and healthy blood donors. Genotype frequency of rs4778889 polymorphism of Il-16 gene was significantly different when chronic HBV patients and HBV clearance subjects were compared. Our results showed that Il-16 gene polymorphisms are considerable host genetic factors when we chase biomarkers for prognosis of HBV infected patients.
Reticulocyte hemoglobin content in critically ill patients.

To the Editor: We read with interest the article by Fernandez et al. Reticulocyte hemoglobin content (CHr) is a promising marker of iron metabolism, particularly in the intensive care unit setting where usual markers are often disrupted by inflammation. In a small cohort of critically ill patients with no evidence of real iron deficiency, we observed a correlation between C-reactive protein and CHr, suggesting that inflammation rapidly reduces iron availability for erythropoiesis. We agree that CHr should be used in future research protocols to monitor the response to iron therapy in critically ill patients. However, CHr measurements are not routinely available in most hospitals. In our study, blood samples had to be stored on ice and sent to an external laboratory within 72 h. In the study by Fernandez et al., it would have been interesting to know the iron status of the patients based on the ferritin concentration, serum iron concentration, and transferrin saturation to ensure that there was no coexistence of true iron deficiency. Also, because CHr is the product of cellular volume and cellular hemoglobin concentration, other variables such as mean cellular volume may have affected the CHr values. In our study, two patients had a high CHr value ( 35 pg) probably secondary to their high mean cellular volume values (more than 100 fl). CHr seems to be useful to predict transfusions or to monitor iron therapy but should be interpreted in the context of folates or vitamin B12 deficiencies that may coexist in critically ill patients.
Construct Validity of the 15-Item Geriatric Depression Scale in Older Medical Inpatients

The construct validity of the 15-item Geriatric Depression Scale (sfGDS) has been assessed in selected populations. The aim of this study was to assess the appropriateness of applying the sfGDS to unselected older inpatients. The main component analysis of sfGDS was performed in 2032 medical inpatients (mean age = 76.3 ± 8.4). sfGDS did not qualify as a unidimensional test. Three factors explained 47.7% of variance and explored the following dimensions: positive attitude toward life, distressing thoughts/negative judgment about the own condition, and inactivity/reduced selfesteem. The internal homogeneity was poor (Cronbach’s α = .46). A higher fraction of variance was explained in patients independent in all or dependent in ≥ 1 activity of daily living (ADL). In older medical inpatients, sfGDS is not a single construct, which prevents the univocal interpretation of the final score. The higher fraction of explained variance in patients with comparable ADL performance probably reflects the dependency of affective from physical status. (J Geriatr Psychiatr Neurol 2003; 16:23-28)
Kinds of Generalizations in Educational and Psychological Research

The generalization problem in research is a complex one, and the aim of the present paper is to give an overview of that part of this complexity that concerns kinds of generalizations. With reference to a proposed model, five main kinds are defined, followed by a description of sub-cases generated by several classifications and their combinations. The term generalization is used in a broad sense as a statement of the transfer of “some information” from “some place” to “another place. ” The account is meant to encompass generalizations in empirical research in education, psychology, and related sciences. Causal generalizations in quantitative research are focused upon, but the model is meant to also cover descriptive research and to be partly relevant to qualitative research, too.