Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
REGULATION OF DELAYED‐TYPE HYPERSENSITIVITY: VI. ANTIGEN‐SPECIFIC SUPPRESSOR T CELLS AND SUPPRESSOR FACTOR FOR DELAYED‐TYPE HYPERSENSITIVITY TO HISTOCOMPATIBILITY ANTIGENS

Mice develop highly significant levels of delayed-type hypersensitivity (DTH) to major and minor histocompatibility antigens when injected s.c. with lymphoid cells from X-irradiated allogeneic donors. However, when mice are inoculated i.v. with a high dose of X-irradiated allogeneic lymphoid cells, they not only fail to develop DTH to the allogeneic cells, but their ability to respond to an immunogenic challenge of the alloantigens is also significantly depressed. This suppression is adoptively transferable by antigen-specific suppressor T cells and not by immune serum. Cell surface phenotypic analysis shows that the primary suppressor cells for alloantigens are Thy-1+, Lyt-1+2-, and Ia-, whereas the secondary suppressor cells appearing after boosting injection are Thy-1+, Lyt-1+2+, and Ia-. These suppressor T (Ts) cells localize in the lymphoid organs shortly after their induction and are largely absent from the spleen or lymph node 1 month later. However, “suppressor memory” can be recalled by an immunogenic dose of alloantigens which would normally induce DTH effector cells rather than suppressor cells in naive mice. When the suppressor cells were cultured in vitro for 48 hr, the supernatant contained suppressive activity. It appears likely that the manifestation of the suppressor cells is via soluble, antigen-specific suppressor factor(s), the production of which is dependent on viable T cells.
The Bur1 Cyclin-Dependent Protein Kinase Is Required for the Normal Pattern of Histone Methylation bySet2

ABSTRACT BUR1 and BUR2 encode the catalytic and regulatory subunits of a cyclin-dependent protein kinase complex that is essential for normal growth and has a general role in transcription elongation. To gain insight into its specific role in vivo, we identified mutations that reverse the severe growth defect of bur1Δ cells. This selection identified mutations in SET2, which encodes a histone methylase that targets lysine 36 of histone H3 and, like BUR1, has a poorly characterized role during transcription elongation. This genetic relationship indicates that SET2 activity is required for the growth defect observed in bur1Δ strains. This SET2-dependent growth inhibition occurs via methylation of histone H3 on lysine 36, since a methylation-defective allele of SET2 or a histone H3 K36R mutation also suppressed bur1Δ. We have explored the relationship between BUR1 and SET2 at the biochemical level and find that histone H3 is monomethylated, dimethylated, and trimethylated on lysine 36 in wild-type cells, but trimethylation is significantly reduced in bur1 and bur2 mutant strains. A similar methylation pattern is observed in RNA polymerase II C-terminal domain truncation mutants and in an spt16 mutant strain. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assays reveal that the transcription-dependent increase in trimethylated K36 over open reading frames is significantly reduced in bur2Δ strains. These results establish links between a regulatory protein kinase and histone methylation and lead to a model in which the Bur1-Bur2 complex counteracts an inhibitory effect of Set2-dependent histone methylation.
Fuzzy risk based method for optimal placement of protection devices in distribution networks with DG

Lots of methods have been presented for designing a protection system for distributed networks included DG up to now. But, the simplicity in configuration of distribution networks and expensive costs needed for changing this configuration causes these methods not to be used in practice in the most countries of the word. This is because a wide area communication network is needed to protect a distribution networks so that operation of DGs in island mode can be achieved. This type of communication networks is also very expensive. So, presenting a method for allocation of protective devices in distribution network without changing the configuration and only by increasing, decreasing, or relocating the protective devices can be a good solution for distribution networks. In this paper, a risk analysis and fuzzy calculation combined method is used for optimal placement of protective devices in distribution networks. In this method fuzzy calculation is used for modeling in uncertainties of distribution networks and risk analysis is used for optimization of the protection system's configuration.
Astroviruses as a cause of gastroenteritis in children.

BACKGROUND Infection with astroviruses has been associated with gastroenteritis in children, and serologic surveys indicate that this infection may be frequent. The importance of astroviruses as agents of gastroenteritis has not been shown in a controlled study, however. METHODS We used monoclonal antibody-based enzyme immunoassays to detect astroviruses, enteric adenoviruses, and rotaviruses in stool samples obtained from age-matched children with and children without gastroenteritis. The samples were obtained in two studies, three years apart, among patients attending an outpatient clinic in Bangkok, Thailand. RESULTS In the first study, astroviruses were detected in 8.6 percent (96 of 1111) of the children with gastroenteritis and in 2.0 percent (19 of 947) of the children without gastroenteritis. In the second study the rates were 8.6 percent (50 of 580) and 2.1 percent (11 of 512), respectively. For both studies combined, enteric adenoviruses were detected in 2.6 percent of those with gastroenteritis and in 0.5 percent of the controls, whereas rotaviruses were detected in 19 percent of those with gastroenteritis and in 1.0 percent of the controls. The clinical findings associated with astrovirus infection were similar to those associated with rotavirus infection, except for a trend toward greater dehydration in the children infected with rotaviruses. CONCLUSIONS These two controlled studies involving a total of 3150 Thai children provide evidence that astroviruses are a common cause of viral gastroenteritis. Astroviruses were found in association with gastroenteritis more frequently than were enteric adenoviruses, and with nearly half the frequency of rotaviruses.
Freeze‐Drying as a Novel Biofabrication Method for Achieving a Controlled Microarchitecture within Large, Complex Natural Biomaterial Scaffolds

The biofabrication of large natural biomaterial scaffolds into complex 3D shapes which have a controlled microarchitecture remains a major challenge. Freeze‐drying (or lyophilization) is a technique used to generate scaffolds in planar 3D geometries. Here we report the development of a new biofabrication process to form a collagen‐based scaffold into a large, complex geometry which has a large height to width ratio, and a controlled porous microarchitecture. This biofabrication process is validated through the successful development of a heart valve shaped scaffold, fabricated from a collagen‐glycosaminoglycan co‐polymer. Notably, despite the significant challenges in using freeze‐drying to create such a structure, the resultant scaffold has a uniform, homogenous pore architecture throughout. This is achieved through optimization of the freeze‐drying mold and the freezing parameters. We believe this to be the first demonstration of using freeze‐drying to create a large, complex scaffold geometry with a controlled, porous architecture for natural biomaterials. This study validates the potential of using freeze‐drying for development of organ‐specific scaffold geometries for tissue engineering applications, which up until now might not have been considered feasible.
Case of atypical polypoid adenomyoma that possibly underwent a serial progression from endometrial hyperplasia to carcinoma

Atypical polypoid adenomyoma is a rare uterine tumor composed of atypical endometrial glands, which often exhibit squamous metaplasia, and a cellular smooth muscle stroma. Although atypical polypoid adenomyoma is categorized as a benign lesion, it is reportedly associated with endometrial cancer, and it shows persistence and recurrence even after conservative medical treatment. We present a rare case of atypical polypoid adenomyoma that possibly underwent a serial pathological change from endometrial hyperplasia to carcinoma in a 40‐year‐old woman with no history of pregnancy. She was diagnosed with atypical polypoid adenomyoma during polypectomy surgery. After resecting the atypical polypoid adenomyoma, endometrial hyperplasia complex was detected. This condition eventually progressed from atypical hyperplasia complex to endometrial adenocarcinoma, and total abdominal hysterectomy was performed. A patient with atypical polypoid adenomyoma who wishes to preserve her fertility should be carefully monitored for endometrial carcinoma. If endometrial hyperplasia is detected in such a patient, a meticulous follow‐up examination by performing endometrial biopsy is mandatory.
Treatment recommendations for extrapyramidal side effects associated with second-generation antipsychotic use in children and youth.

BACKGROUND/OBJECTIVE Antipsychotic use in children is increasing. The purpose of the present article was to provide guidance to clinicians on the clinical management of extrapyramidal side effects of second-generation antipsychotics. METHODS Published literature, key informant interviews, and discussions with panel members and stakeholder partners were used to identify key clinical areas of guidance and preferences on format for the present recommendations. Draft recommendations were presented to a guideline panel. Members of the guideline panel evaluated the information gathered from the systematic review of the literature and used a nominal group process to reach a consensus on treatment recommendations. A description of the neurological abnormalities commonly seen with antipsychotic medications is provided, as well as recommendations on how to examine and quantify these abnormalities. A stepwise approach to the management of neurological abnormalities is provided. RESULTS Several different types of extrapyramidal symptoms can be seen secondary to antipsychotic use in children including neuroleptic-induced acute dystonia, neuroleptic-induced akathisia, neuroleptic-induced parkinsonism, neuroleptic-induced tardive dyskinesia, tardive dystonia and tardive akathisia, and withdrawal dyskinesias. The overwhelming majority of evidence on the treatment of antipsychotic-induced movement disorders comes from adult patients with schizophrenia. Given the scarcity of paediatric data, recommendations were made with reference to both the adult and paediatric literature. Given the limitations in the generalizability of data from adult subjects to children, these recommendations should be considered on the basis of expert opinion, rather than evidence based. CONCLUSION Clinicians must be aware of the potential of second-generation antipsychotics to induce neurological side effects, and should exercise a high degree of vigilance when prescribing these medications.
Comparing the innovation strategies of Asian and European wind turbine firms through a patent lens

Based on a patent-analysis method, this paper compares the firm-level technology pathways of wind turbine firms across Asia and Europe, and examines the firms' specific innovation strategies that may lead to these pathways being modified in response to any opportunities that may arise. This paper finds that Asian wind turbine firms have different firm-level pathways compared to their European counterparts, whereby they are influenced by different innovation strategies that involve technology foci, learning and R&D collaboration, as well as globalization strategies. Specifically, European wind turbine firms are stronger in most of these strategic dimensions, which enables them to continue to take the lead in terms of technology innovation, while Asian wind turbine firms present a strong learning capacity and customized innovations so that they may challenge European firms in the markets. Based on the analysis, we propose that there might be a limited divergence of the sector-level technological trajectories between Asian and Europe. In addition, we suggest that there is limited opportunity for Asian wind turbine firms to leapfrog with regard to the existing technology trajectories and surpass their European counterparts in the near future. This study will be of interest to policy makers, industrialists, and academics.
Differential Control of BST2 Restriction and Plasmacytoid Dendritic Cell Antiviral Response by Antagonists Encoded by HIV-1 Group M and O Strains

ABSTRACT BST2/tetherin is a type I interferon (IFN-I)-stimulated host factor that restricts the release of HIV-1 by entrapping budding virions at the cell surface. This membrane-associated protein can also engage and activate the plasmacytoid dendritic cell (pDC)-specific immunoglobulin-like transcript 7 (ILT7) inhibitory receptor to downregulate the IFN-I response by pDCs. Pandemic HIV-1 group M uses Vpu (M-Vpu) to counteract the two BST2 isoforms (long and short) that are expressed in human cells. M-Vpu efficiently downregulates surface long BST2, while it displaces short BST2 molecules away from viral assembly sites. We recently found that this attribute is used by M-Vpu to activate the BST2/ILT7-dependent negative-feedback pathway and to suppress pDC IFN-I responses during sensing of infected cells. However, whether this property is conserved in endemic HIV-1 group O, which has evolved Nef (O-Nef) to counteract specifically the long BST2 isoform, remains unknown. In the present study, we validated that O-Nefs have the capacity to downregulate surface BST2 and enhance HIV-1 particle release although less efficiently than M-Vpu. In contrast to M-Vpu, O-Nef did not efficiently enhance viral spread in T cell culture or displace short BST2 from viral assembly sites to prevent its occlusion by tethered HIV-1 particles. Consequently, O-Nef impairs the ability of BST2 to activate negative ILT7 signaling to suppress the IFN-I response by pDC-containing peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMCs) during sensing of infected cells. These distinctive features of BST2 counteraction by O-Nefs may in part explain the limited spread of HIV-1 group O in the human population. IMPORTANCE The geographical distributions and prevalences of different HIV-1 groups show large variations. Understanding drivers of distinctive viral spread may aid in the development of therapeutic strategies for controlling the spread of HIV-1 pandemic strains. The differential spread of HIV-1 groups appears to be linked to their capacities to antagonize the long and short isoforms of the BST2 restriction factor. We found that the endemic HIV-1 group O-encoded BST2 antagonist Nef is unable to counteract the restriction mediated by short BST2, a condition that impairs its ability to activate ILT7 and suppress pDC antiviral responses. This is in contrast to the pandemic HIV-1 group M-specified BST2 countermeasure Vpu, which displays a diverse array of mechanisms to counteract short and long BST2 isoforms, an attribute that allows the effective control of pDC antiviral responses. These findings may help explain the limited spread of HIV-1 group O as well as the continued predominance of HIV-1 group M throughout the world.
An analysis of the effects of senior comprehensive schooling on the labour market performance of a sample of vocational and non-vocational graduates in Trinidad and Tobago /

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Modulation of platelet caspases and life‐span by anti‐platelet antibodies in mice

Abstract: Anti‐platelet antibodies are known to contribute to some types of thrombocytopenia. In this work we investigated anti‐platelet antibodies with opposite influence upon activation and kinetics of platelet caspases. A rabbit anti‐platelet antibody induced a profound thrombocytopenia, which was associated with an increase of microparticles in plasma and an activation of platelet caspases, as detected by the binding of a carboxyfluorescein‐labeled fluoromethyl ketone probe (FAM‐VAD‐fmk). Furthermore, microparticles and thrombocytopenia were prevented by the injection of a caspase inhibitor ZVAD‐fmk. In contrast, an anti‐CD18 mAb (M18.2) induced a thrombocytosis, due to an increased platelet life‐span and which was evident in wild‐type (+/+), but not in CD18−/− or CD87−/−, mice indicating a requirement of these two surface molecules. Activation of caspases was decreased in platelets from mice injected with the M 18.2 mAb, as evidenced by a decreased binding of the VAD probe, detected by flow cytometry, or an increase in the level of pro‐caspase‐3, seen on Western blots. These observations indicate firstly, that anti‐platelet antibodies can either promote or inhibit activation of platelet caspases, and secondly, that the activation of caspases regulates platelet life‐span.
Interaction between bacteriophage Sf6 and Shigella flexner

The Shigella flexneri phage Sf6 has an isometric head with hexagonal symmetry 53nm in diameter. The noncontractile tails in 16 nm long and terminates with a base plate containing six spikes. Sf6 is typical of the C phages in the morphological classification of Bradley. Phage Sf6 processes alpha-1,3-endorhamnosidase activity as demonstrated by methylation and reducing end group sugar analyses of the products obtained on interaction with the O-polysaccharide chain of S.flexneri strains which have the O-group 3,4 antigen. The major end product was an octasaccharide with the following structure: Rha III-GlcNAc-Rha I-Rha II-Rha III-GlcNAc-Rha I-Rha II. Acetylation of 0-2 of rhamnose III of the O-polysaccharide chain, either brought about by Sf6 lysogenization or found in wild-type S. flexneri (3b) strains, prevented enzymatic hydrolysis. O-deacetylation of the polysaccharide chain again made it susceptible to the S6f endorhamnosidase.
Three-dimensional microfabrication system for biodegradable polymers complicated and non-toxic microstructures with high-resolution for implantable devices

Biodegradable polymers are employed in medicine and its further application is expected with eagerness. But the lack of an appropriate processing method retards the progress. To overcome this problem, we have developed a novel three-dimensional microfabrication system. The system design allows us the processing of the free three-dimensional micro-level forms by stacking up melted polymers from the nozzle. Different from the conventional method, we adopted a batch process to supply materials in order to eliminate the prior process that required toxic solvents. In addition, it is possible to handle almost all biodegradable thermoplastic resins by adopting this system. A single layer from the piled-up layers of extruded lines was observed to evaluate the resolution. The lateral and depth resolutions attained are 40 /spl mu/m and 45 /spl mu/m, respectively. Biodegradable polymers enable three-dimensional microstructures such as micro-pipes, microbends, and micro-coil springs to be manufactured in less than 15 min. The biocompatibility of the newly fabricated structure was evaluated using a cell line (PC12). For this purpose, a small vessel, with a transparent base, was fabricated using PLA and cells were cultivated in it. The results were then compared with the results obtained using the standard method. Our system renders it possible to produce toxic-free, as well as transparent and leakage-free devices. Our system is expected to have potential applications in optimum design and fabrication of implantable devices, especially in tissue engineering.
Inhibition of Neutrophil Apoptosis by ATP Is Mediated by the P2Y11 Receptor1

Neutrophils undergo rapid constitutive apoptosis that is delayed by a range of pathogen- and host-derived inflammatory mediators. We have investigated the ability of the nucleotide ATP, to which neutrophils are exposed both in the circulation and at sites of inflammation, to modulate the lifespan of human neutrophils. We found that physiologically relevant concentrations of ATP cause a concentration-dependent delay of neutrophil apoptosis (assessed by morphology, annexin V/To-Pro3 staining, and mitochondrial membrane permeabilization). We found that even brief exposure to ATP (10 min) was sufficient to cause a long-lasting delay of apoptosis and showed that the effects were not mediated by ATP breakdown to adenosine. The P2 receptor mediating the antiapoptotic actions of ATP was identified using a combination of more selective ATP analogs, receptor expression studies, and study of downstream signaling pathways. Neutrophils were shown to express the P2Y11 receptor and inhibition of P2Y11 signaling using the antagonist NF157 abrogated the ATP-mediated delay of neutrophil apoptosis, as did inhibition of type I cAMP-dependent protein kinases activated downstream of P2Y11, without effects on constitutive apoptosis. Specific targeting of P2Y11 could retain key immune functions of neutrophils but reduce the injurious effects of increased neutrophil longevity during inflammation.
New compact‐type latex photometric immunoassay system for hemoglobin and three acute inflammation markers: Neutrophil count, C‐reactive protein, and anti‐streptolysin O

A new compact‐type latex photometric immunoassay system, SPOTCHEM IM SI‐3510 (ARKRAY, Inc., Kyoto, Japan), which assays three kinds of inflammatory markers—neutrophil count (NPC), C‐reactive protein (CRP), and anti‐streptolysin O (ASO)—was evaluated. Hemoglobin (Hb), which is a good marker for anemia, can also be measured with it. NPC and CRP are measured using antibodies against neutrophilic elastase and CRP, purified streptolysin O was used for ASO determination, and Hb was measured by an azide‐methemoglobin method. Whole blood, serum, and plasma specimens can be used as samples with this system. In this study, whole blood treated with dipotassium ethylenediamine tetraacetic acid was used for evaluation. Linearity and reproducibility were good for all of the items studied. Good correlations were observed between the results obtained by this system and those obtained by routine methods. Since NPC exhibited a high correlation with the routine white blood cell (WBC) counts, it was judged to be useful as a substitute for WBC counting. Since this system is small and easy to operate, and evaluation revealed reliable results, it was judged to be practical for small laboratories, and satellite testing in hospitals and physicians’ office laboratories for patients suspected to have acute inflammation. J. Clin. Lab. Anal. 16:95–102, 2002. © 2002 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Family-Based Association Study between the Monoamine Oxidase A Gene and Obesity: Implications for Psychopharmacogenetic Studies

Family studies have reported that obesity has a strong heritable component. It has been suggested that a neurotransmitter dysfunction could be involved in mental disorders and obesity; therefore, candidate genes in psychiatric disorders could be a risk factor for obesity. We investigated the association between the monoamine oxidase A (MAO-A) gene and obesity. Fifty obese subjects and their parents were included in the study. Two polymorphisms designated EcoRV and upstream variable number tandem repeats of the MAO-A gene were analysed using polymerase chain reaction. For analysis of the families, the transmission disequilibrium test (TDT) was applied. The TDT analysis of the EcoRV polymorphism showed in obese subjects with a body mass index (BMI) ≧35 kg/m2 a preferential transmission of the low activity-related allele (χ2TDT = 8.0, p = 0.005). Our findings may provide evidence of a candidate gene involved in obese subjects with a BMI ≧35 kg/m2.