Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Regulatory T cells suppress systemic and mucosal immune activation to control intestinal inflammation

Summary: The gastrointestinal (GI) tract is the main interface where the body encounters exogenous antigens. It is crucial that the local response here is tightly regulated to avoid an immune reaction against dietary antigens and commensal flora while still mounting an efficient defense against pathogens. Faults in establishing intestinal tolerance can lead to disease, inducing local and often also systemic inflammation. Studies in human as well as in animal models suggest a role for regulatory T cells (Tregs) in maintaining intestinal homeostasis. Transfer of Tregs can not only prevent the development of colitis in animal models but also cure established disease, acting both systemically and at the site of inflammation. In this review, we discuss the major regulatory pathways, including transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β), interleukin‐10 (IL‐10), and cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte antigen‐4 (CTLA‐4), and their role in Treg‐mediated control of systemic and mucosal responses. In addition, we give an overview of the known mechanisms of lymphocyte migration to the intestine and discuss how CD103 expression can influence the balance between regulatory and effector T cells. Further understanding of the factors that control the activity of Tregs in different immune compartments may facilitate the design of strategies to target regulation in a tissue‐specific way.
Qualitative studies of the organization and management during the time of transformation process and socio- economic changes. Adequate theoretical description

Organizations can be analyzed from different points of view and applying different criteria. The most frequently used methodology is the quantitative methodology with its emphasis on the standardization of data collection techniques and the process of data collection. Qualitative methods are most often considered as the opposite of quantitative methods, since the former are treated as less standardized and objective, although treating them as opposite to the latter is not always justified empistemologically (Konecki 1993). In the present paper we present a qualitative approach to research, although we deal also with quantitative research, that is research based on a standardized questionnaire addressed to a relatively numerous group of respondents (representative sample) and developed using appropriate statistical measures. We would like to advance below some arguments in favour of the qualitative approach in studies of social changes, and especially changes in organizations and management of the economy. The basis for this evaluation is the fact that researchers frequently analyze transformation processes in enterprises using the method of case study. It allows us to make a relatively comprehensive description of a single organization during the transformation process. The materials used in such description have quantitative character (surveys) as well as a qualitative (free interviews with decision-makers). The number of examined cases depend on the goal of studies, time and available resources. The case gives an insight into the process, and those were new and unique problems for them. In systematic process we are dealing changes at all levels of the social structuralization occurring simultaneously. Interrelationship
Teaching group dynamics–do we know what we are doing? An approach to evaluation

Background: Research into the efficacy of programs of leadership and group dynamics in undergraduate medical education is sparse. Aims: The aim of this study was to apply and test a pre- post evaluation design of a one-week experiential learning based course of group dynamics. Methods: Two questionnaires were sent to 160 medical students, before and after the course. The response rate was acceptable (73%). Results: While there was a small change in attitudes towards openness in their professional role and group dynamics, there was a major change in two subgroups of students to these topics. The students who were least interested in collaborative constructivist learning and those students who mainly looked for practical value were the students who changed their attitudes most towards openness in their professional role. Conclusions: It appears that those students who would be least likely to voluntarily attend such a course were the ones who learned the most. This study does not allow for any generalizations regarding the outcome of experiential learning of group dynamics, but it is an argument for the use of systematic evaluations in order to identify students who can benefit from courses aimed at improving profound knowledge.
Proline Dehydrogenase Contributes to Pathogen Defense in Arabidopsis1[C][W][OA]

l-Proline (Pro) catabolism is activated in plants recovering from abiotic stresses associated with water deprivation. In this catabolic pathway, Pro is converted to glutamate by two reactions catalyzed by proline dehydrogenase (ProDH) and Δ1-pyrroline-5-carboxylate dehydrogenase (P5CDH), with Δ1-pyrroline-5-carboxylate (P5C) as the intermediate. Alternatively, under certain conditions, the P5C derived from Pro is converted back to Pro by P5C reductase, thus stimulating the Pro-P5C cycle, which may generate reactive oxygen species (ROS) as a consequence of the ProDH activity. We previously observed that Pro biosynthesis is altered in Arabidopsis (Arabidopsis thaliana) tissues that induce the hypersensitive response (HR) in response to Pseudomonas syringae. In this work, we characterized the Pro catabolic pathway and ProDH activity in this model. Induction of ProDH expression was found to be dependent on salicylic acid, and an increase in ProDH activity was detected in cells destined to die. To evaluate the role of ProDH in the HR, ProDH-silenced plants were generated. These plants displayed reduced ROS and cell death levels as well as enhanced susceptibility in response to avirulent pathogens. Interestingly, the early activation of ProDH was accompanied by an increase in P5C reductase but not in P5CDH transcripts, with few changes occurring in the Pro and P5C levels. Therefore, our results suggest that in wild-type plants, ProDH is a defense component contributing to HR and disease resistance, which apparently potentiates the accumulation of ROS. The participation of the Pro-P5C cycle in the latter response is discussed.
The "Nouvelle Vague" of surgeons in pancreatic surgery: can they rise to the legacy of current surgeons?

PURPOSE Pancreatic surgery is still thought as a challenging field even for experienced hepatobilliary (HPB) surgeons and high volume tertiary centers. The purpose of this study was to present the results (mortality and morbidity) of pancreatic surgery in a high volume center, in operations performed solely by inexperienced surgeons (two 6th year residents and a HPB fellow) under the supervision of expert surgeons on the field. METHODS Forty-one consecutive patients who underwent curative-intent pancreatic resection with a modified pancreaticojejunostomy between January 2010 and December 2014 at Asklepios Hospital Barmbek, Germany, were identified from our institutional computer-based database. Two 6th year residents and an HPB-fellow performed all pancreatic anastomoses under the instructions of an experienced surgeon. Perioperative outcomes were recorded and analyzed. RESULTS Median postoperative length of stay for all patients was 15 days (IQR:7-31). In the first 90 postoperative days, the postoperative mortality rate was 0% and morbidity rate reached 39%. Reoperation was required in 1 patient (2.44%). However, no reoperation was performed for pancreatic anastomotic failure. No postoperative hemorrhage requiring interventional procedure or reoperation occurred in any patient. CONCLUSIONS The outcomes of pancreatic surgery performed by less experienced surgeons are satisfactory. The instructions of an expert surgeon in a high volume hospital definitely secures a favorable outcome after pancreatic surgery with lower mortality and morbidity rates compared with current literature trends.
Evaluation of Claims, Medical Records, and Self-report for Measuring Fecal Occult Blood Testing among Medicare Enrollees in Fee for Service

Background: There is no agreement on the best data source for measuring colorectal cancer (CRC) screening. Medicare claims have been used to measure CRC testing but the validity of using claims to measure fecal occult blood tests (FOBT) has not been established. Methods: We compared ascertainment of FOBT among three data sources: self-reports, Medicare claims, and medical records. Data were collected on FOBT use during the study window (1/1/1998 – 12/31/2002). Our study was conducted with North Carolina Medicare enrollees (N = 561) who had previously responded to a telephone survey on CRC tests. FOBT information was abstracted from respondents' physician office medical records and compared with self-reported FOBT use and Medicare claims for FOBT. Data sources were assessed for accuracy and completeness of FOBT reporting using sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and agreement. Results: Reporting of FOBT use in the prior year in medical records and Medicare claims agreed 82% of the time [95% confidence interval (95% CI), 79-85%]. FOBT 1-year use rates from self-report agreed with test use found in medical records 70% of the time (95% CI, 66-74%). The lowest agreement was between self-reported 1-year FOBT use and Medicare claims, which agreed 67% of the time (95% CI, 63-71%). Conclusions: No data source could be established as providing complete and valid information about FOBT use among Medicare enrollees, showing the difficulty of ascertaining test use rates for noninvasive, low-cost procedures conducted in multiple settings. Caution should be used when attempting to measure FOBT use with self-report, Medicare claims, or medical records. (Cancer Epidemiol Biomarkers Prev 2008;17(4):799–804)
Specific Deficits in Component Reading and Language Skills

Phonological coding, measured by the oral reading of nonwords, and orthographic coding, measured by the discrimination of words from homophonic nonwords (e.g., rane, rain), were compared for pairs of older children with reading disabilities (RD) and younger nondisabled readers matched on word recognition. Phonological coding was substantially lower for most children with RD, indicating a unique developmental deficit in phonological coding rather than an equal developmental lag across all component reading skills. Data from identical and fraternal twins indicated that the phonological coding deficit of the children with RD was highly heritable and accounted for most of the heritable variance in their word recognition deficits. The deficits of the twins with RD in segmental language skills (rhyming and phoneme segmentation) were related to the heritable variance in their phonological coding deficits. Orthographic coding was not significantly heritable, and it accounted for much of the environmental variance in word recognition deficits. Implications of the results for the remediation of reading disability are discussed.
HIV-1-Specific Mucosal CD8+ Lymphocyte Responses in the Cervix of HIV-1-Resistant Prostitutes in Nairobi1

Understanding how individuals with a high degree of HIV exposure avoid persistent infection is paramount to HIV vaccine design. Evidence suggests that mucosal immunity, particularly virus-specific CTL, could be critically important in protection against sexually acquired HIV infection. Therefore, we have looked for the presence of HIV-specific CD8+ T cells in cervical mononuclear cells from a subgroup of highly HIV-exposed but persistently seronegative female sex workers in Nairobi. An enzyme-linked immunospot assay was used to measure IFN-γ release in response to known class I HLA-restricted CTL epitope peptides using effector cells from the blood and cervix of HIV-1-resistant and -infected sex workers and from lower-risk uninfected controls. Eleven of 16 resistant sex workers had HIV-specific CD8+ T cells in the cervix, and a similar number had detectable responses in blood. Where both blood and cervical responses were detected in the same individual, the specificity of the responses was similar. Neither cervical nor blood responses were detected in lower-risk control donors. HIV-specific CD8+ T cell frequencies in the cervix of HIV-resistant sex workers were slightly higher than in blood, while in HIV-infected donor cervical response frequencies were markedly lower than blood, so that there was relative enrichment of cervical responses in HIV-resistant compared with HIV-infected donors. HIV-specific CD8+ T cell responses in the absence of detectable HIV infection in the genital mucosa of HIV-1-resistant sex workers may be playing an important part in protective immunity against heterosexual HIV-1 transmission.
Reinterpreting the pressure-volume curve in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome

New evidence requires a reinterpretation of the inflation pressure-volume curve and suggests that neither the lower nor the upper inflection point provides reliable information to determine safe ventilator settings in the acute respiratory distress syndrome. Recruitment probably continues throughout the inflation pressure-volume curve, and studies of the deflation pressure-volume curve, reinflations after partial deflation, or decremental positive end-expiratory pressure trials after a recruitment maneuver are probably needed to determine open-lung positive end-expiratory pressure.
A broadband patch antenna with two identical semicircular parasitic elements based on multiresonator technique

In the paper, the planar parasitic coupling multi-resonator configuration yielding broad BW (Bandwidth) for wireless communication system is presented. The proposed antenna, a rectangular driven element and the same two semicircular parasitic elements with a pair of arc-shaped slots, fed by a coaxial probe, is etched on a thin circular dielectric substrate Teflon. In order to enhance bandwidth of micro-strip antenna, multi-resonator technique is employed. In this case, we introduce two identical semicircular parasitic elements which are placed at the same distance from the two non-radiating edges of the rectangular driven element. Besides, cutting the same two arc-shaped slots in the two parasitic elements will be conducive to excite adjacent modes of the fundamental resonant mode for the proposed antenna. Results show that more modes close to the fundamental resonant mode will appear. For the proposed antenna, impedance bandwidth over 10% of the Operating frequency is obtained. Compared to conventional antennas, the antenna has better performance in the requirement of bandwidth and is simple in configuration. Moreover, the peak gain and 3-dB beam-width of the proposed antenna are approximately 6.5dBi and 90°, respectively.
Gamete donors’ reasons for, and expectations and experiences of, registration with a voluntary donor linking register

Abstract This paper reports on a study of the views and experiences of 21 sperm donors and five egg donors registered with UK DonorLink (UKDL), a voluntary DNA-based contact register established to facilitate contact between adults who wish to identify and locate others to whom they are genetically related following donor conception. Specifically, the paper examines donors’ reasons for searching for, or making information about themselves available to donor-conceived offspring. Their expectations of registration with UKDL, experiences of being registered and finally, the experiences of those who had contacted donor-conceived offspring and other genetic relatives are investigated. While most respondents reported largely positive experiences of registration, the study found significant issues relating to concerns about donation, DNA testing, possible linking with offspring and expectations of any relationship that might be established with offspring that have implications for support, mediation and counselling. Research that puts the experiences, perceptions and interests of gamete donors as the central focus of study is a relatively recent phenomenon. This study contributes to this debate and highlights directions for future research in this area.
Adaptive fuzzy sliding mode active vibration control for rail vehicle pantograph

In this paper, the uncertain dynamic active pantograph-catenary system which considers the effect of time-varying stiffness resulting from the uneven overhead wire is investigated to improve current collection for light rail vehicle. In order to achieve stable current collection, and hence improve the performance of the overall electricity supply, sliding mode control strategy and adaptive fuzzy sliding mode control scheme are combined. The uplift force which is applied to pantograph frame by actuator is constructed by incorporating fuzzy neural network (FNN) and sliding mode control to attenuate the chattering problem resulting from the sliding mode control. Based on the Lyapunov stability theorem, the active control law and adaptive laws for the free parameters of the FNNs can be derived to effectively suppress vibration of the pantograph system.
Optimal design of a coreless stator axial flux permanent-magnet generator

This paper describes a hybrid method for calculating the performance of a coreless stator axial flux permanent-magnet (AFPM) generator. The method uses a combination of finite-element analysis and theoretical analysis. The method is then incorporated into a multidimensional optimization procedure to optimally design a large power coreless stator AFPM generator. The measured performance of the manufactured prototype compares favorably with the predicted results. The design approach can be applied successfully to optimize the design of the coreless stator AFPM machine.
Lignin-Stimulated Reduction of Oxidative DNA Lesions in Testicular Cells and Lymphocytes of Sprague-Dawley Rats In Vitro and Ex Vivo

Abstract: Lignin biopolymers constitute 30% of plant biomass and belong to the most abundant organic polymers on earth. We showed previously that this important component of dietary fiber exhibited a protective effect against the overall DNA damage induced by H2O2 or N-methyl-N′-nitro-N-nitrosoguanidine in hamster lung cells and human foreskin cells cultured in vitro. The objective of the present work was to examine DNA-protective effects of lignin in rat testicular cells and rat peripheral blood lymphocytes using in vitro and ex vivo experiments. H2O2 and visible light-excited methylene blue (MB) were used as DNA-damaging agents. Testicular cells were chosen because the germinal epithelium of testes is one of the most proliferately active tissues potentially susceptible to DNA-damaging effects. As a second target peripheral blood lymphocytes were chosen because dietary lignin or its metabolites circulate in the animal organism probably through the blood system. For the in vitro experiments, isolated cells were preincubated with lignin for 2 h before treatment with one of the oxidative agents. In ex vivo experiments, the cells were exposed to H2O2 or visible light-excited MB after isolation from rats fed either a common diet or a lignin-supplemented diet. The water-soluble, sulfur-free lignin used in experiments was obtained by fractionation of hardwood hydrolysate. The level of direct single-strand DNA breaks in H2O2-treated cells was measured by the classical comet assay, and the level of oxidative DNA lesions in visible light-treated cells was measured by a modified comet assay. We found that lignin reduced DNA lesions induced by H2O2 or visible light-excited MB both in vitro and ex vivo. The major conclusion of our study is that lignin polymer obtained by fractionation of hardwood hydrolysate manifested a specific type of antimutagenic effect.
Mediators of social support and antiretroviral adherence among an indigent population in New York City.

Survey interviews were conducted with a random sample of 50 primarily indigent, African American and Puerto Rican men and women at an outpatient human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) clinic in the Bronx, New York. Analyses revealed a generally high rate of adherence according to self-report data (i.e., on average, participants reported taking 85% of their medications over the last 3 days). However, adherence to the correct number of pills, dosing schedules, and special instructions was more problematic. No sociodemographic or substance use indicators were associated with adherence. Compared to men, women reported higher scores on the Crowne-Marlowe Social Desirability Scale, which were positively correlated with self-reported adherence. "Forgot" (50%) and "felt worse" (46%) were the most common reasons for missed doses. Mediation analyses provided partial support for our proposed model of social support and adherence. Specifically, regression analyses controlling for social desirability indicated that need for social support was positively correlated with acknowledged nonadherence and that this relationship was mediated by self-efficacy and depressive symptomatology.
Neuropilin‐2 is a novel marker expressed in pancreatic islet cells and endocrine pancreatic tumours

Neuropilin‐2 (NP‐2) is a cell surface transmembrane protein originally characterized as a receptor for the type 3 semaphorins, and more recently for a number of vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) isoforms. NP‐2 expression has been recently localized to a subset of neuroendocrine cells in the gastrointestinal tract. The aim of this study was to define the expression pattern of NP‐2 in normal pancreatic islets and to determine the utility of NP‐2 expression as a diagnostic marker of pancreatic endocrine tumours. Paraffin‐embedded tissue sections from 30 endocrine pancreatic tumours (EPTs) and from normal pancreas were immunostained with a rabbit polyclonal antibody generated towards NP‐2. Nineteen of the tumours were hormonally functional (nine insulinomas, nine gastrinomas, and one glucagonoma). The NP‐2 staining pattern was correlated with islet cell hormone expression. In addition, NP‐2 expression was evaluated in other normal neuroendocrine tissues and neuroendocrine neoplasms. In normal pancreas, NP‐2 stained a distinct subset of islet cells situated primarily at the islet periphery. Double immunohistochemical staining revealed co‐localization with glucagon‐expressing cells. Moderate to strong NP‐2 staining was present in 27 of 30 EPTs. Serial staining of the pancreatic tumours with insulin, gastrin, glucagon, pancreatic polypeptide (PP) or somatostatin did not reveal a distinct pattern of co‐localization. NP‐2 expression was not detected in neuroendocrine cells outside the gastroenteropancreatic system, or in their corresponding neoplasms, except for focal staining in one bronchial carcinoid tumour. In conclusion, the vast majority of EPTs examined expressed NP‐2, suggesting its utility as a diagnostic marker for these tumours. The function of NP‐2 in islet cell biology or tumourigenesis remains to be elucidated. Copyright © 2002 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
MPC on manifolds with an application to SE(3)

The paper considers formulations of constrained model predictive control (MPC) problems for systems with dynamics defined on smooth manifolds. Generalizations of conventional nonlinear MPC stabilization techniques based on the terminal set and terminal penalty approaches are presented based on recent work by the authors. The significance of the results includes the possibility of systematically generating globally stabilizing, discontinuous, time-invariant feedback laws in situations when smooth, or even continuous, globally stabilizing, time-invariant stabilizers do not exist. To illustrate the development of nonlinear MPC on manifolds, the paper considers an example of a system with dynamics evolving on SE(3). Such systems emerge in many applications, such as quadrotor and quadcopter flight control. In the example, the paper demonstrates semi-global stabilization properties of the nonlinear MPC feedback law.