Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Suppressor macrophages in Trypanosoma brucei infection: nitric oxide is related to both suppressive activity and lifespan in vivo

African trypanosome infections cause immunosuppression in both experimental rodent and natural hosts. One characteristic of this is an eliciting of suppressor macrophages which results in an unresponsiveness in lymphocytes. Macrophages from Trypanosoma brucei‐infected mice have previously been shown to produce high levels of nitric oxide (NO). Using model systems based on in vivo macrophage transfer and drug cure, we have sought to determine the relationship between NO and suppressed lymphocyte responses. Peritoneal macrophages from T. brucei‐infected mice inhibited the Concanavalin A (Con‐A) response of spleen cells from syngeneic recipients 3–4 days after transfer in vivo due to the activity of suppressor macrophages. When macrophage NO synthesis was inhibited either in vitro or in vivo the suppressive effects were partially abrogated. These data provide evidence of a role for NO in mediating immunosuppression during murine T. brucei infection. Suppression in spleens of mice receiving suppressor macrophages was transient, with total recovery of spleen cell mitogen responses six days after transfer. Suppression and recovery was found to coincide with the presence or absence (respectively) of donor macrophages in recipient spleens. When T. brucei‐infected mice were treated with a curative dose of a trypanocide there followed a recovery of lymphocyte responsiveness after a period of 4–5 days, and this directly correlated with a reduction of macrophage NO synthesis to control levels both in vivo and in vitro. The apparent loss of suppressor macrophage activity after 4–6 days in both drug cured animals and recipients of macrophage transfer was shown to be due to NO‐mediated apoptosis of these cells.
The Orphan Response Regulator DigR Is Required for Synthesis of Extracellular Matrix Fibrils in Myxococcus xanthus

ABSTRACT In Myxococcus xanthus, two-component systems have crucial roles in regulating motility behavior and development. Here we describe an orphan response regulator, consisting of an N-terminal receiver domain and a C-terminal DNA binding domain, which is required for A and type IV pilus-dependent gliding motility. Genetic evidence suggests that phosphorylation of the conserved, phosphorylatable aspartate residue in the receiver domain is required for DigR activity. Consistent with the defect in type IV pilus-dependent motility, a digR mutant is slightly reduced in type IV pilus biosynthesis, and the composition of the extracellular matrix fibrils is abnormal, with an increased content of polysaccharides and decreased accumulation of the FibA metalloprotease. By using genome-wide transcriptional profiling, 118 genes were identified that are directly or indirectly regulated by DigR. These 118 genes include only 2, agmQ and cheY4, previously implicated in A and type IV pilus-dependent motility, respectively. In silico analyses showed that 36% of the differentially expressed genes are likely to encode exported proteins. Moreover, four genes encoding homologs of extracytoplasmic function (ECF) sigma factors, which typically control aspects of cell envelope homeostasis, are differentially expressed in a digR mutant. We suggest that the DigR response regulator has an important function in cell envelope homeostasis and that the motility defects in a digR mutant are instigated by the abnormal cell envelope and abnormal expression of agmQ and cheY4.
Preliminary letter identification in the perception of words and nonwords.

Words with mixed uppercase and lowercase letters (e.g. fAdE) were perceived more accurately than mixed-case pseudowords (e.g. gAdE), and mixed-case pseudowords were perceived more accurately than mixed-case unrelated letter strings (e.g. eFdT). In addition, same-case words were perceived more accurately than their mixed-case counterparts. The same held true for pseudowords but not for unrelated letter strings. The results are compatible with the view that both letter identify and visual form information are used in word perception.
One- or Two-stage Procedure for Restorative Proctocolectomy: Rationale for a Surgical Strategy in Ulcerative Colitis

ObjectiveTo analyze the results of different strategies for restorative proctocolectomy with ileal pouch–anal anastomosis (IPAA) in ulcerative colitis. Summary Background DataNo commonly accepted criteria exist for choosing between the one-stage or the two-stage procedure (with or without temporary diverting ileostomy) for IPAA. The authors analyzed the outcome of patients principally suitable for either of the two alternative surgical strategies. MethodsA matched-pair control study was performed, comparing surgical details and the early and late outcome of the one-stage (study group, n = 57) versus the two-stage procedure (control group, n = 114), for IPAA. ResultsNo differences were found between the study group and the control group regarding the matching criteria gender, median age at IPAA, systemic corticoid medication, or activity of colitis. Comparing the patients who underwent a one-stage procedure with those who underwent a two-stage procedure, the proportion of patients without complications was significantly higher (P = .0042) and the frequency of late complications was significantly lower (P = .0022) in patients who underwent the one-stage procedure. The percentage of patients with anastomotic strictures was significantly higher in the control group than in the study group (P = .0022). No significant difference was found between the two groups regarding early complications, pouch-related septic complications, pouchitis, median duration of surgery for IPAA, median blood loss, need for transfusion, or median hospital stay. ConclusionsIn patients with ulcerative colitis in whom there is a choice between a one-stage procedure or a two-stage procedure with a defunctioning ileostomy, the one-stage procedure is clearly superior. This finding is of great clinical relevance both for the subjective interests of the patient and from an economic point of view.
Inhibition of hippocampal Jun N‐terminal kinase enhances short‐term memory but blocks long‐term memory formation and retrieval of an inhibitory avoidance task

Learning initiates a series of plastic events the occurrence of which are required for the storage of information related to the training experience. Several lines of evidence indicate that, in the rat hippocampus, different members of the family of mitogen‐activated protein kinases (MAPK) play a key role in the onset of such plastic events. Using SP600125, the newly developed inhibitor of the MAPK c‐Jun amino‐terminal kinase (JNK), we show a direct involvement of this protein kinase in mnemonic processes. The intra‐CA1 infusion of SP600125, at a dose that in naïve animals significantly reduced the phosphorylation levels of c‐Jun without affecting the activity of ERK1/2 or p38 MAPK, enhanced short‐term memory (STM) but blocked long‐term memory (LTM) formation and retrieval of an inhibitory avoidance learning task. No action of this drug on locomotor/exploratory activity or general anxiety state could be detected. The significance of these results is discussed in the context of others describing the independence of LTM from STM.
Epitope Mapping of Series of Monoclonal Antibodies Against the Hepatocellular Carcinoma‐associated Antigen HAb18G/CD147

The hepatocellular carcinoma‐associated antigen HAb18G/CD147, a member of CD147 family, could promote tumour invasion and metastasis via inducing the secretion of matrix metalloproteinases (MMP). Anti‐CD147 monoclonal antibodies (MoAb) have exhibited obvious inhibitory effect on MMP induction. However, none of the epitopes of these MoAb has been reported. We previously prepared five MoAb against HAb18G/CD147, named HAb18, 3B3, 1B3, 5A5 and 4D2. To map the epitopes of these MoAb, a series of truncated fragments of extracellular region of HAb18G/CD147 was expressed in Escherichia coli and the MoAb‐binding affinity to these fragments was examined with an enzyme‐linked immunosorbent assay and Western blot. The residues 39LTCSLNDSATEV50, 36KILLTCS42 and 22AAGTVFTTVEDL33 were determined to be the epitopes of HAb18, 3B3 and 1B3, respectively, which were further proved by a dot‐blot analysis with synthesized peptides and bioinformatics epitope prediction. The binding regions of MoAb 5A5 and 4D2 were located at residues E120–R203. Then we constructed and expressed full‐length HAb18G/CD147 and truncated HAb18G/CD147 without residues A22–V50 in COS‐7 cells. Gelatin zymography and Boyden chamber assay showed that the COS‐7 cells expressing truncated HAb18G/CD147 failed to induce MMP production and enhance the cells’ invasive potential, compared with the cells expressing full‐length HAb18G/CD147. Taken together with the obviously inhibitory effects of HAb18 on the function of full‐length HAb18G/CD147, these findings suggest that residues 22AAGTVFTTVEDLGSKILLTCSLNDSATEV50 may play a critical role in the functions of HAb18G/CD147 on MMP secretion and tumour invasion. These key residues can be used as potential drug target in cancer therapy.
Learning impairment in rats following low-level toluene exposure during brain development--a comparative study of high avoidance rats and Wistar rats.

Nonselect Wistar rats and highand stable-avoidance and low-variability (HA) rats were exposed to 100 ppm toluene vapor or air seven hours a day from the 13th day of gestation to 48 days of age. After termination of toluene exposure, the rats were examined by the Sidman avoidance test for 10 days. There was no difference between the toluene-exposed group and the control in the appearance of developmental signs in either the nonselect Wistar rats of HA rats. In the exposed HA males, learning acquisition was slow, and the individual variation in avoidance rates was as large as that of the nonselect rats. In the control HA males, avoidance learning was acquired rapidly and stabilized. A significant difference in avoidance was indicated between the exposed and the control HA rats. In HA females, learning acquisition and speed and magnitude of individual variation in avoidance rates in the exposed rats did not differ greatly from those of the controls. Slow learning acquisition and a large magnitude of individual variation in avoidance rates were displayed in the male and female nonselect Wistar rats. But in both the male and female controls of the nonselect rats, learning acquisition and individual variation did not differ from those of the exposed nonselect rats. No difference in avoidance was indicated between the exposed rats and the controls in either males or females.
Special observation and older persons with dementia/delirium: a disappointing literature review.

BACKGROUND In gerontological practice, special observation is a known nursing activity across different settings. The group that possibly are most effected by this intervention are older persons with dementia and/or delirium. The research literature about special observations in the mental health field is small, more disappointingly there appears to be little published literature about special observations in regard to older persons with dementia and/or delirium. AIMS The aims of this study are to (i) establish the state of current published research on special observations in regard to older persons with dementia and/or delirium and (ii) make recommendations for research and practice. DESIGN AND METHOD A literature review. RESULTS Most literature pertains to adult mental health practice and services. Themes were generated and discussed in relation to gerontological practice. CONCLUSION This review has established there is variance in the usage of the terms 'special observation' and 'constant observation'. It concludes that there is no published research on special or constant observations in relation to older people with dementia/delirium or the purpose of this activity. There is therefore a clear need to establish a research base in the topic. IMPLICATIONS FOR PRACTICE Given the limited evidence, practitioners and managers need to be cautious when writing and implementing policies about special observation. However, until gerontological research is improved, research from mental health nursing will need to be drawn on with caution and the purpose of special observation determined locally. To be of therapeutic value and to be cost effective, special observation should be seen as a skilled nursing intervention and not a passive 'watching' or 'sitter' activity.
α9 Integrin and Its Ligands Constitute Critical Joint Microenvironments for Development of Autoimmune Arthritis1

Osteopontin is critically involved in rheumatoid arthritis; however, the molecular cross-talk between osteopontin and joint cell components that leads to the inflammatory joint destruction is largely unknown. We found that not only osteopontin but also tenascin-C and their common receptor, α9 integrin, are expressed at arthritic joints. The local production of osteopontin and tenascin-C is mainly due to synovial fibroblasts and, to a lesser extent, synovial macrophages. Synovial fibroblasts and macrophages express α9 integrin, and autocrine and paracrine interactions of α9 integrin on synovial fibroblasts and macrophages and its ligands contribute differently to the production of proinflammatory cytokines and chemokines. α9 integrin is also involved in the recruitment and accumulation of inflammatory cells. Inhibition of α9 integrin function with an anti-α9 integrin Ab significantly reduces the production of arthrogenic cytokines and chemokines and ameliorates ongoing arthritis. Thus, we identified α9 integrin as a critical intrinsic regulator that controls the development of autoimmune arthritis.
Radiologic Findings of the Lumbar Spine in Patients With Rheumatoid Arthritis, and a Review of Pathologic Mechanisms

We have analyzed the radiologic findings on the lumbar spine and the clinical symptoms in patients with rheumatoid arthritis (RA). A total of 106 patients who fulfilled the revised criteria of the American Rheumatism Association were subjected. All of the patients were asked to fill out a questionnaire about the existence of low back pain, leg pain, and leg numbness. Radiologic features of the lumbar spine, including scoliosis, spondylolisthesis, disc space narrowing, endplate erosion, osteophyte, and osteoporosis, were checked. Radiographs of the cervical spine were also taken. The clinical background of RA, such as mutilating disease or not, was assessed. Forty-two patients (40%) had the symptoms of low back pain. Abnormal radiologic findings in lumbar spine were detected in 57%. The prevalence of clinical symptoms tended to be higher in the patients with endplate erosion. Forty-two percent of the patients had both lumbar and cervical lesions. The prevalence of lumbar lesion was not high in the mutilating type of RA, except for facet erosion and severe osteoporosis. The patients with pulse steroid therapy revealed a higher prevalence of vertebral fracture. From these results, we concluded that lumbar lesions were frequently observed in patients with RA. The possibility of lumbar lesions as well as the lesions in the cervical spine and peripheral joints should be examined in patients with RA.
MUFFLER AND BEARING OPTIMIZATION APPLYING GENETIC ALGORITHM

This study presents a overview of suction mufflers and bearings optimization in a hermetic reciprocating compressors. There are many optimization methods available in literature, however, only the genetic algorithm methodology was used in this study. Optimization is performed using a certain range for the geometric variable values important for each component and by using computational simulation codes it is possible to obtain the geometric configuration for the best product performance. The lengths and diameters of the suction mufflers were the modified parameters and the optimization goal was to increase energy efficiency. The parameters in the bearing were the diameter, length and bearing clearance and the goal was to reduce the bearing power losses keeping the oil film thickness value (reliability parameter).
Improving physician awareness of Alzheimer's disease and enhancing recruitment: The clinician partners program

BackgroundPrimary care providers routinely evaluate older adults and are thus in a position to first detect symptoms and signs of Alzheimer disease. In urban areas, diagnostic or management difficulties may be referred to specialists; however, in rural areas, specialists may not be available. The Clinician Partners Program (CPP) was initiated to enhance rural health providers’ ability in the diagnosis of dementia and care, and to increase research recruitment into dementia research studies of participants from rural communities. MethodsThe CPP is a 3-day “miniresidency” of didactic, observational, and skill-based teaching techniques. Participants completed pretests and posttests evaluating dementia knowledge, confidence in providing care, and practice behaviors. ResultsBetween 2000 and 2009, 146 health care professionals with a mean age of 45.7±10.8 years attended the CPP; 79.2% were white, 58.2% were women, and 58% of participants had been in practice for more than 10 years. Posttests showed an improvement in knowledge and confidence for diagnosis and treatment and increased the use of dementia screening tools. Rural research participation in an urban Alzheimer Disease Research Center increased 52% over the pre-CPP period. ConclusionsThe following primary goals were accomplished: increased knowledge and confidence, changed practice habits, and enhanced research recruitment. Educational programs such as the CPP may be beneficial for increasing access to accurate diagnoses and appropriate treatment for Alzheimer disease while also enhancing research participation.
Paradoxes of Change Management in Information System Development

This interpretive grounded theory (GT) study describes and analyses the experiences of information system development (ISD) project members. The project included two private sector organisations. The customer and the vendor had developed an old IS, that was supposed to be renewed, already over ten years ago. The renewal project was put on hold several times because of the financial uncertainties. The project was re-started in June 2010 when the final investment decision was made. New actors and the vendor organisation joined to it. The data was elicited by means of 15 interviews after the project restarted. This study shows how GT can be used to gain new insights into a case study, and generate new concepts. We identified seven selective codes: 1) Clarification of the ISD goal periodically, 2) Maintaining the overall system view, 3) Making sense of the IS model, 4) Making the evolving system parts and progress visible, 5) Coping with the change, 6) Being aware of the informality, and 7) Enhancing the collaborative ISD culture which formed the one main category ‘Management of Change in ISD’. This study aims to enrich the existing ISD change literature by providing the paradoxical perspective on the management of change structures.
Central Role for the Werner Syndrome Protein/Poly(ADP-Ribose) Polymerase 1 Complex in the Poly(ADP-Ribosyl)ation Pathway after DNA Damage

ABSTRACT A defect in the Werner syndrome protein (WRN) leads to the premature aging disease Werner syndrome (WS). Hallmark features of cells derived from WS patients include genomic instability and hypersensitivity to certain DNA-damaging agents. WRN contains a highly conserved region, the RecQ conserved domain, that plays a central role in protein interactions. We searched for proteins that bound to this region, and the most prominent direct interaction was with poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase 1 (PARP-1), a nuclear enzyme that protects the genome by responding to DNA damage and facilitating DNA repair. In pursuit of a functional interaction between WRN and PARP-1, we found that WS cells are deficient in the poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation pathway after they are treated with the DNA-damaging agents H2O2 and methyl methanesulfonate. After cellular stress, PARP-1 itself becomes activated, but the poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation of other cellular proteins is severely impaired in WS cells. Overexpression of the PARP-1 binding domain of WRN strongly inhibits the poly(ADP-ribosyl)ation activity in H2O2-treated control cell lines. These results indicate that the WRN/PARP-1 complex plays a key role in the cellular response to oxidative stress and alkylating agents, suggesting a role for these proteins in the base excision DNA repair pathway.
Dynamin‐mediated lipid acquisition is essential for Chlamydia trachomatis development

Chlamydia trachomatis is an obligate intracellular pathogen responsible for a high burden of human disease. Here, a loss‐of‐function screen using a set of lentivirally transduced shRNAs identified 14 human host cell factors that modulate C. trachomatis infectivity. Notably, knockdown of dynamin, a host GTPase, decreased C. trachomatis infectivity. Dynamin functions in multiple cytoplasmic locations, including vesicle formation at the plasma membrane and the trans‐Golgi network. However, its role in C. trachomatis infection remains unclear. Here we report that dynamin is essential for homotypic fusion of C. trachomatis inclusions but not for C. trachomatis internalization into the host cell. Further, dynamin activity is necessary for lipid transport into C. trachomatis inclusions and for normal re‐differentiation from reticulate to elementary bodies. Fragmentation of the Golgi apparatus is proposed to be an important strategy used by C. trachomatis for efficient lipid acquisition and replication within the host. Here we show that a subset of C. trachomatis‐infected cells displayed Golgi fragmentation, which was concurrent with increased mitotic accumulation. Golgi fragmentation was dispensable for dynamin‐mediated lipid acquisition into C. trachomatis inclusions, irrespective of the cell cycle phase. Thus, our study reveals a critical role of dynamin in host‐derived lipid acquisition for C. trachomatis development.
Reliability and validity of the Japanese version of the Support Team Assessment Schedule (STAS-J)

Objective: The aim of this project was to develop an appropriate and valid instrument for assessment by medical professionals in Japanese palliative care settings. Methods: We developed a Japanese version of the Support Team Assessment Schedule (STAS-J), using a back translation method, and tested its reliability and validity. In the reliability study, 16 nurses and a physician who work in a palliative care unit evaluated 10 hypothetical cases twice at 3-month intervals. For the validity study, external researchers interviewed 50 patients with matignancy and their families and compared the results with ratings by the nurses in the palliative care unit. Results: Our results with hypothetical cases were: interrater reliability weighted κ = 0.53–0.77 and intrarater reliability weighted κ = 0.64–0.85. In the validity study comparing nurse evaluations and the results of interviews with patients and families, complete agreement was 36–70%, and close agreement (±1) was 74–100%. As a whole, weighted κ were low: between −0.07 and 0.51. Our results were similar to those in the United Kingdom and Canada. Significance of results: Although this research was conducted under methodologically limited conditions, we concluded that the STAS-J is a reliable tool and its validity is acceptable. The STAS-J should become a valuable tool, not only for daily clinical use, but also for research.