Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Husbands and wives living with multiple sclerosis.

Multiple sclerosis (MS) frequently is diagnosed in young adults. Coping with symptoms of MS is challenging not only for the person with the disease, but also for his or her spouse. The well spouse often assumes the caregiving role. The purpose of this qualitative research was to investigate the experiences of persons whose spouses have MS. Twelve people participated in a 2-hour focus group: 8 men and 4 women. The husbands were, on average, 50 years old, and the wives averaged 55 years old. The length of time since diagnosis ranged from 2 to 11 years for the husbands and from 3 to 13 years for the wives. The focus group discussions were audiotaped and transcribed verbatim. Participants talked freely. Four major themes emerged: caregiver roles, need for information, relationship changes, and barriers. Men attempted to protect their wives' energy, intervening for them. Wives encouraged independence in their husbands. Spouses need information about MS, complementary interventions, and support. They want increased public awareness of invisible symptoms and awareness in the workplace of continuing capabilities of persons with MS. Role reversals were challenging for the women who felt that "MS is the third person in a marriage. " Spouses need help to maintain appropriate boundaries. Limitations of the study include the small, economically homogeneous sample and the single encounter with the subjects. A longitudinal intervention study is needed.
Regulation of Microtubule Destabilizing Activity of Op18/Stathmin Downstream of Rac1*

In the leading edge of migrating cells, a subset of microtubules exhibits net growth in a Rac1- and p21-activated kinase-dependent manner. Here, we explore the possibility of whether phosphorylation and inactivation of the microtubule-destabilizing protein Op18/stathmin could be a mechanism regulating microtubule dynamics downstream of Rac1 and p21-activated kinases. We find that, in vitro, Pak1 phosphorylates Op18/stathmin specifically at serine 16 and inactivates its catastrophe promoting activity in biochemical and time lapse microscopy microtubule assembly assays. Furthermore, phosphorylation of either serine 16 or 63 is sufficient to inhibit Op18/stathmin in vitro. In cells, the microtubule-destabilizing effect of an excess of Op18/stathmin can be partially overcome by expression of constitutively active Rac1(Q61L), which is dependent on Pak activity, suggesting that the microtubule cytoskeleton can be regulated through inactivation of Op18/stathmin downstream of Rac1 and Pak in vivo. However, in vivo, Pak1 activity alone is not sufficient to phosphorylate Op18, indicating that additional pathways downstream of Rac1 are required for Op18 regulation.
Daily Life Experience of Institutionalized Elderly People

There is a continuous increase in the number of elderly people moving in to residential care facility in the Kingdom of Bahrain. Admission in to the residential facility perceived in Bahrain society as stigma, rejection for elders by their family members and a violation to Bahrain family values. Many adverse effects of institutionalizing elderly people were reported in literatures. This study aimed to explore the lived experience of institutionalized elderly people in order to generate appropriate interventions to smooth the transition in to the residential facility. A qualitative, phenomenological approach was used. The study was carried in one of the elderly residential health care institutions in the kingdom of Bahrain. The sample composed nine participants, were interviewed and audio recorded. The five themes emerged from the data analysis included: no choice, no freedom, killing routine, home of negligence, and elderly refuge. The conclusions involved implication for clinical practice, education and management. Future research in the same area was recommended.
Polymorphisms in DNA repair gene XRCC1 and increased genetic susceptibility to glioma.

BACKGROUND The XRCC1 gene encodes the XRCC1 protein, which complexes with three other DNA repair enzymes involved in the base-excision repair (BER) pathways. Different XRCC1 polymorphisms may increase the risk of cancers by impairing interaction with other enzymatic proteins and consequently altering DNA repair activity, and result in carcinogenesis. Our study aimed to investigate any association between three polymorphisms of the XRCC1 gene at codon 194, 280 and 399 and potential glioma risk. METHODS We collected 127 patients with primary glioma and 249 controls who requested general health examinations from Union Hospital of Tongji Medical College hospital from March 2007 to September 2010. A total of 5 ml venous blood was drawn from each subject. The polymorphisms of XRCC1 gene at codons 194, 280 and 399 were analyzed based on duplex polymerase-chain-reactions with the confronting-two-pair primer (PCR-CTPP) method. RESULTS The homozygous Trp/Trp and heterozygotes Arg/Trp variants of codon 194 had a 2.12 fold and 1.46 fold increased risk of glioma compared to the homozygous Arg/Arg wide genotypes. The same effect was found in codon 399, the codon 399 Gln/Gln and Arg/Gln genotypes being associated with a 2.24 fold and 1.67 fold increased risk in glioma. When comparing the codon 194 Arg/Arg and 399 Arg/Arg genotypes, the combination of codon 194 Trp allele and 399 Gln allele had a heavy increase in glioma risk (OR=2.87, 95%CI=1.56-6.73). CONCLUSION The present study provided evidence of a potential role for XRCC1 codon 194 and 399 polymorphisms in genetic predisposition to glioma among the Chinese population. This analysis of correlation of DNA repair genes and glioma may provide a deeper insight into the genetic and environment factors for cancer risk.
Multi-robotic system path planning based on RTM

Multi-robotic system is widely used in exploring in large-scale unknown environment and performing the complex tasks. This paper presents exploration mode and goal oriented mode of path planning for multi-robotic system using RTM as communication platform. We use the Player Project works as simulation platform to realize topological map for multi-robotic system and use SP2ATM algorithm for path planning. In order to improve the effectiveness of the path planning, ICP algorithm is used for robot's localization. This paper presents the architecture of the proposed method and gives some experiments to verify the effectiveness.
An ER‐directed transcriptional response to unfolded protein stress in the absence of conserved sensor‐transducer proteins in Giardia lamblia

The protozoan Giardia lamblia has a minimized organelle repertoire, and most strikingly lacks a classical stacked Golgi apparatus. Nevertheless, Giardia trophozoites constitutively secrete variant surface proteins, and dramatically increase the volume of protein secretion during differentiation to cysts. Eukaryotic cells have evolved an elaborate system for quality control (QC) of protein folding and capacity in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER). Upon ER‐overload, an unfolded protein response (UPR) is triggered on transcriptional/translational level aiming at alleviating ER stress. In Giardia, a minimized secretory machinery and absence of glycan‐dependent QC suggests that a genetically conserved UPR (or functional equivalent) to cope with insults to the secretory system has been eliminated. We tested this hypothesis of UPR elimination by profiling the transcriptional response during induced ER‐folding stress. We show that on the contrary, ER‐folding stress triggers a stressor‐specific, ER‐directed response with upregulation of only ∼ 30 genes, with different kinetics and scope compared with the UPR of other eukaryotes. Computational genomics revealed conserved cis‐acting motifs in upstream regions of responder genes capable of stressor‐specific gene regulation in transfected cells. Interestingly, the sensors/transducers of folding stress, well conserved in model eukaryotes, are absent in Giardia suggesting the presence of a novel version of this essential eukaryotic function.
Plant-like traits associated with metabolism of Trypanosoma parasites

Trypanosomatid parasites cause serious diseases among humans, livestock, and plants. They belong to the order of the Kinetoplastida and form, together with the Euglenida, the phylum Euglenozoa. Euglenoid algae possess plastids capable of photosynthesis, but plastids are unknown in trypanosomatids. Here we present molecular evidence that trypanosomatids possessed a plastid at some point in their evolutionary history. Extant trypanosomatid parasites, such as Trypanosoma and Leishmania, contain several “plant-like” genes encoding homologs of proteins found in either chloroplasts or the cytosol of plants and algae. The data suggest that kinetoplastids and euglenoids acquired plastids by endosymbiosis before their divergence and that the former lineage subsequently lost the organelle but retained numerous genes. Several of the proteins encoded by these genes are now, in the parasites, found inside highly specialized peroxisomes, called glycosomes, absent from all other eukaryotes, including euglenoids.
Realistic Vue: a new three-dimensional surface rendering approach for the in utero visualization of embryos and fetuses

1. Department of Obstetrics, Escola Paulista de Medicina da Universidade Federal de São Paulo (EPM-Unifesp), São Paulo, SP, Brazil. 2. Department of Perinatology, Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, São Paulo, SP, Brazil. Correspondence: Dr. Edward Araujo Júnior. Rua Belchior de Azevedo, 156, ap. 111, Torre Vitória, Vila Leopoldina. São Paulo, SP, Brazil, 05089-030. Email: araujojred@terra.com. br. a. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-7401-9754; b. https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6145-2532. Received 7 April 2018. Accepted after revision 2 May 2018.
Costimulation Blockade, Busulfan, and Bone Marrow Promote Titratable Macrochimerism, Induce Transplantation Tolerance, and Correct Genetic Hemoglobinopathies with Minimal Myelosuppression1

Mixed hemopoietic chimerism has the potential to correct genetic hemological diseases (sickle cell anemia, thalassemia) and eliminate chronic immunosuppressive therapy following organ transplantation. To date, most strategies require either recipient conditioning (γ-irradiation, depletion of the peripheral immune system) or administration of “mega” doses of bone marrow to facilitate reliable engraftment. Although encouraging, many issues remain that may restrict or prevent clinical application of such strategies. We describe an alternative, nonirradiation based strategy using a single dose of busulfan, costimulation blockade, and T cell-depleted donor bone marrow, which promotes titratable macrochimerism and a reshaping of the T cell repertoire. Chimeras exhibit robust donor-specific tolerance, evidenced by acceptance of fully allogeneic skin grafts and failure to generate donor-specific proliferative responses in an in vivo graft-versus-host disease model of alloreactivity. In this model, donor cell infusion and costimulation blockade without busulfan were insufficient for tolerance induction as donor-specific IFN-γ-producing T cells re-emerged and skin grafts were rejected at ∼100 days. When applied to a murine β-thalassemia model, this approach allows for the normalization of hemologic parameters and replacement of the diseased red cell compartment. Such a protocol may allow for clinical application of mixed chimerism strategies in patients with end-stage organ disease or hemoglobinopathies.
Efficacy and tolerability of paroxetine for the long-term treatment of generalized anxiety disorder.

BACKGROUND Paroxetine has demonstrated efficacy in depression and anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). This 32-week study evaluated the maintained efficacy and safety of paroxetine in GAD by assessing the potential for relapse after discontinuation of medication. METHOD Adults (N = 652) with DSM-IV GAD and a Clinical Global Impressions-Severity of Illness (CGI-S) score > or = 4 received paroxetine (20-50 mg/day) for 8 weeks. Patients whose CGI-S score had decreased by at least 2 points to < or = 3 at week 8 were randomly assigned to double-blind treatment with paroxetine (N = 278) or placebo (N = 288) for a further 24 weeks. The primary efficacy parameter was the proportion of patients relapsing (an increase in CGI-S score of at least 2 points to a score < or = 4 or withdrawal resulting from lack of efficacy) during double-blind treatment. RESULTS Significantly fewer paroxetine than placebo patients relapsed during the 24-week double-blind phase (10.9% vs. 39.9%; p <.001). Placebo patients were almost 5 times more likely to relapse than paroxetine patients (estimated hazard ratio = 0.213 [95% CI = 0.1 to 0.3]; p <.001). Statistical significance in favor of paroxetine was demonstrated for all secondary efficacy parameters, including functional status. Twice as many paroxetine patients as placebo patients (73%) achieved remission. Paroxetine was well tolerated, with no unexpected adverse events reported. CONCLUSION Paroxetine was found to be effective and well tolerated for both the short- and long-term treatment of DSM-IV GAD. Continued treatment with paroxetine significantly reduced the potential for relapse of GAD symptoms.
Effect of Eddy Current Loss Reduction by Segmentation of Magnets in Synchronous Motors: Difference Between Interior and Surface Types

In this study, we investigate the effect of eddy current loss reduction by segmented rare-earth magnets that are used in synchronous motors driven by inverters. First, the difference in the loss-reduction effect due to the rotor shape is estimated by the 3-D finite-element analysis that considers the carrier harmonics of the inverter. The results are compared to the theoretical solution. Next, a basic experiment using magnet specimens is carried out in order to confirm the calculated results. It is clarified that most of the magnet eddy current losses in the analyzed motors are caused by the carrier harmonics of the inverter and that the loss-reduction effect of the segmented magnet in the case of the interior permanent magnet motor decreases when it is compared to that of the surface permanent magnet motor. This phenomenon is mainly caused by the increase in the reaction field by the high-frequency harmonic eddy currents.
Effects of multiple‐drug chemotherapy (cis‐diammine‐dichloroplatinum, bleomycin, and vinblastine) on the maturation of retroperitoneal lymph node metastases of nonseminomatous germ cell tumors of the testis: No evidence for de novo induction of differentiation

Investigating the mechanisms underlying maturation of metastases of nonseminomatous germ cell tumors on administration, of chemotherapy, the histologic characteristics of primary testis tumors was compared to the histologic characteristics of their retroperitoneal metastases in three historical patient groups. The metastases in Group I (20 patients) were not treated; those in Groups II (nine patients) and III (24 patients) were treated, respectively, with three cycles of dactinomycin and with four cycles of cis‐diammine‐dichloroplatinum, vinblastine, and bleomycin, before retroperitoneal lymph node dissection. In Group III there was a significant increase of metastases consisting of differentiated teratoma only, as compared to the metastases of Group I. However, both with and without chemotherapy, the metastases contained fewer areas of differentiated teratoma than the primary lesions. Metastases containing differentiated teratoma with and without other components, with one exception in Group III, were derived from primary tumors containing mature areas as well. Components other than mature teratoma were almost completely eradicated in Group III. These findings strongly suggest that selective destruction of components other than differentiated teratoma causes the mature histologic characteristics in the metastases upon administration of chemotherapy. The results do not support the hypothesis of induction of differentiation by the chemotherapeutic agents.
Commodity market reforms: lessons of two decades.

Structural reform of the economies of developing countries has been in the forefront of development interest since the early 1980s. This interest stems from a recognition that the structures and institutions of these countries are critical to any enhancement of economic and social development. One of the key reforms has been that of primary commodity markets, especially agricultural commodity markets, because many developing countries, including the poorest, depend heavily on these for foreign exchange earnings and employment, and hence for poverty reduction. This report focuses on the political economy and institutional aspects of agricultural commodity market reform. In order to explore in detail factors that are critical to the processes, consequences, and substance of reform, the authors have focused the analysis and evaluation on five commodities important in many developing countries, specifically cocoa, coffee, sugar, cotton, and cereal. In doing so, they highlight important lessons on how agricultural sector reform can be launched and implemented. Some of the factors identified in the report as being key to successful reform include the recognition that commodity markets often affect communities and even politics, that the initial conditions of markets are critical, and that government intervention can crowd out private sector initiatives, especially when it comes to building the institutions needed to develop a healthy agricultural sector.
Combinatorial genetics in liver repopulation and carcinogenesis with a in vivo CRISPR activation platform

Clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats (CRISPR)/CRISPR‐associated 9 activation (CRISPRa) systems have enabled genetic screens in cultured cell lines to discover and characterize drivers and inhibitors of cancer cell growth. We adapted this system for use in vivo to assess whether modulating endogenous gene expression levels can result in functional outcomes in the native environment of the liver. We engineered the catalytically dead CRISPR‐associated 9 (dCas9)–positive mouse, cyclization recombination–inducible (Cre) CRISPRa system for cell type–specific gene activation in vivo. We tested the capacity for genetic screening in live animals by applying CRISPRa in a clinically relevant model of liver injury and repopulation. We targeted promoters of interest in regenerating hepatocytes using multiple single guide RNAs (gRNAs), and employed high‐throughput sequencing to assess enrichment of gRNA sequences during liver repopulation and to link specific gRNAs to the initiation of carcinogenesis. All components of the CRISPRa system were expressed in a cell type–specific manner and activated endogenous gene expression in vivo. Multiple gRNA cassettes targeting a proto‐oncogene were significantly enriched following liver repopulation, indicative of enhanced division of cells expressing the proto‐oncogene. Furthermore, hepatocellular carcinomas developed containing gRNAs that activated this oncogene, indicative of cancer initiation events. Also, we employed our system for combinatorial cancer genetics in vivo as we found that while clonal hepatocellular carcinomas were dependent on the presence of the oncogene‐inducing gRNAs, they were depleted for multiple gRNAs activating tumor suppressors. Conclusion: The in vivo CRISPRa platform developed here allows for parallel and combinatorial genetic screens in live animals; this approach enables screening for drivers and suppressors of cell replication and tumor initiation. (Hepatology 2017).
Influence of Dissimilar Cores on the Mode-Coupling Dynamics of Multicore Fibers

We present a theoretical analysis of the mode-coupling dynamics of heterogeneous 6- and 7-core multicore fibers (MCFs). Simple analytical expressions for the mode amplitudes are derived, which highlight the effects of dissimilar cores on the coupling characteristics. Although power transfer is confined among the group of identical cores, the coupling within each group is significantly affected by the presence of neighboring dissimilar cores and is dependent on the propagation constants of the eigenmodes of the composite multicore structure. The dissimilar cores can enhance or mitigate the coupling effects by choosing appropriate design parameters. The formulas can serve as a basis for understanding the cross-talk of MCFs for more complicated cases involving longitudinal perturbations.
The Ranger First Responder Program and Tactical Emergency Casualty Care Implementation: A Whole-Community Approach to Reducing Mortality From Active Violent Incidents.

Active violent incidents are dynamic and challenging situations that can produce a significant amount of preventable deaths. Lessons learned from the military? s experience in Afghanistan and Iraq through the Committee on Tactical Combat Casualty Care and the 75th Ranger Regiment? s Ranger First Responder Program have helped create the Committee for Tactical Emergency Casualty Care (C-TECC) to address the uniqueness of similar wounding patterns and to end preventable deaths. We propose a whole-community approach to active violent incidents, using the C-TECC Trauma Chain of Survival and a tiered approach for training and responsibilities: the first care provider, nonmedical professional first responders, medical first responders, and physicians and trauma surgeons. The different tiers are critical early links in the Chain of Survival and this approach will have a significant impact on active violent incidents.
Evidence-based guideline update: Vagus nerve stimulation for the treatment of epilepsy

Objective: To evaluate the evidence since the 1999 assessment regarding efficacy and safety of vagus nerve stimulation (VNS) for epilepsy, currently approved as adjunctive therapy for partial-onset seizures in patients >12 years. Methods: We reviewed the literature and identified relevant published studies. We classified these studies according to the American Academy of Neurology evidence-based methodology. Results: VNS is associated with a >50% seizure reduction in 55% (95% confidence interval [CI] 50%–59%) of 470 children with partial or generalized epilepsy (13 Class III studies). VNS is associated with a >50% seizure reduction in 55% (95% CI 46%–64%) of 113 patients with Lennox-Gastaut syndrome (LGS) (4 Class III studies). VNS is associated with an increase in ≥50% seizure frequency reduction rates of ∼7% from 1 to 5 years postimplantation (2 Class III studies). VNS is associated with a significant improvement in standard mood scales in 31 adults with epilepsy (2 Class III studies). Infection risk at the VNS implantation site in children is increased relative to that in adults (odds ratio 3.4, 95% CI 1.0–11.2). VNS is possibly effective for seizures (both partial and generalized) in children, for LGS-associated seizures, and for mood problems in adults with epilepsy. VNS may have improved efficacy over time. Recommendations: VNS may be considered for seizures in children, for LGS-associated seizures, and for improving mood in adults with epilepsy (Level C). VNS may be considered to have improved efficacy over time (Level C). Children should be carefully monitored for site infection after VNS implantation.
Retinoid X Receptor a Transactivates the Hepatitis B Virus Enhancer 1 Element by Forming a Heterodimeric Complex with the Peroxisome Proliferator-Activated Receptor

The hepatitis B virus enhancer 1 contains a retinoic acid responsive element (RARE). We have previously demonstrated that retinoid X receptor a (RXRa) transactivates enhancer 1 by binding to the RARE. The present study has revealed that a heterodimeric complex composed of RXRa and peroxisome proliferatoractivated receptor (PPAR) interacts with the hepatitis B virus RARE. Transient transfection studies, in conjunction with in vitro DNA binding data, support the hypothesis that the RXRa-PPAR heterodimer transactivates enhancer 1.