Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Spontaneous cortical granule release and alteration of zona pellucida properties during and after meiotic maturation of mouse oocytes

Exocytosis of cortical granules (CGs) and the concomitant electron density changes of the zona pellucida (ZP) in the absence of sperm penetration were investigated in mouse oocytes processed with tannic acid containing fixation at various stages during and after maturation. After fusion of the CG membrane with the plasma membrane, the CG contents became very electron‐dense, due to tannic acid. CG material is seen to be made up of coarse granular structures which gradually change to fine amorphous structures, which accumulate within the developing perivitelline space (PVS).
Increased expression of class II major histocompatibility complex molecules on B cells in rats susceptible or resistant to HgC12‐induced autoimmunity

Administration of HgCl2 to the susceptible Brown‐Norway (BN)rais induces an autoimmune disease characterized by a T‐dependent polyclonal activation of B cells responsible for a dramatic increase in serum IgE concentration. The resistant Lewis (LEW) rats injected with HgCi2. do not exhibit such autoimmune manifestations. We show here that, upon HgCl2 injections, major histocompalibility complex (MHC) class II molecule expression is increased very early in lymph nodes and spleen B cells from both strains. So far. it is the earliest marker (day 3)of the effect of HgCI2on the immune system. In both strains this enhancement is transient, but regulatory mechanisms arc much more efficient in the resistant LEW strain than in the susceptible BN strain, In addition, we observed that MHC class II molecule expression on B cells differs according to the organ and the rat strain tested. All these findings are discussed in an attempt to underline the role of MHC class II molecule expression in the occurrence of mercury‐induced stutoimmunity.
An Integrated Life-Cycle Model for Software Maintenance

Abstract In this paper, an integrated life-cycle model is presented for use in software maintenance environment. This model, which represents information about the development and maintenance of software systems, emphasizing relationships between different phases of the software life cycle, provides the basis for automated tools to assist maintenance personnel in making changes to existing software systems. This model is independent of particular specification, design and programming languages because it represents only certain “basic” semantic properties of software systems: control flow, data flow, and data structure. The software development processes by which one phase of the software life cycle is derived from another are represented by graph rewriting rules, which indicate how various components of a software system have been implemented. This approach permits analysis of the basic properties of a software system throughout the software life cycle. Examples are given to illustrate the integrated software life-cycle model during evolution.
The cellular level of the recognition factor RssB is rate‐limiting for σS proteolysis: implications for RssB regulation and signal transduction in σS turnover in Escherichia coli

Degradation of the general stress sigma factor σS of Escherichia coli is a prime example of regulated proteolysis in prokaryotes. Whereas exponentially growing cells rapidly degrade σS, various stress conditions result in stabilization and, therefore, rapid accumulation of σS. Proteolysis of σS requires the response regulator RssB, a direct recognition factor with phosphorylation‐dependent affinity for σS, which targets σS to the ClpXP protease. Here, we demonstrate that a sudden increase in σS synthesis results in σS stabilization, indicating titration of an essential proteolytic component. Evidence is provided that RssB is the overall rate‐limiting factor for σS proteolysis. As a consequence, the cell has to continuously adjust the expression of RssB to σS in order to maintain σS proteolysis in growing cells, despite variations in the rate of σS synthesis. Such homeostatic feedback‐coupling is provided by rssB transcription being dependent on the σS‐controlled rssAB operon promoter. However, strong and rapid increases in σS synthesis, in re‐sponse to acute stress, exceed the compensatory potential of this feedback loop with the result that σS is stabilized because of RssB titration. We propose that RssB control of σS proteolysis functions as a genetic switch, in which (i) the ‘off’ state (low σS levels caused by proteolysis) is stabilized by a homeostatic negative feedback, and (ii) the threshold for switching to the ‘on’ state (high levels of stable σS) is dependent on the cellular level of active, i.e. phosphorylated RssB.
Anti-TNF&agr; Treatment in Children and Adolescents With Combined Inflammatory Bowel Disease and Autoimmune Liver Disease

Objectives: Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and autoimmune liver disease (AILD) are closely associated, the former often dictating progression of the latter. Antibodies to tumor necrosis factor alpha (anti-TNF&agr;) are effective in the management of IBD, but may cause liver injury. Methods: Retrospective review of medical records of patients with juvenile AILD who received anti-TNF&agr; for IBD to evaluate the safety and efficacy of anti-TNF&agr;. Results: Eleven patients (6 boys), ages 9 to 15 years (median 13 years) were identified. Ten had ulcerative colitis and 1 Crohn disease; 2 had autoimmune hepatitis type 1 and 9 autoimmune hepatitis-sclerosing cholangitis variant. All patients were started on infliximab (IFX, 5 mg/kg) and 2 required dose increase (10 mg/kg); 3 of 11 switched to adalimumab due to allergic reaction or nonresponse. Three received adalimumab after losing response or developing antibodies to IFX. Liver function tests (LFTs) improved in 5, 1 continued to have stably abnormal LFTs and 2 maintained normal LFTs. Patients on adalimumab showed stable or improved liver function compared to pretreatment status. Six of 8 treated with a full course of IFX maintained clinical remission of IBD for 6 months to 2.5 years; of the 6 patients treated with adalimumab, 1 sustained IBD clinical remission for 24 months, 2 achieved remission only after tacrolimus addition and 3 did not respond. Conclusions: IBD in patients with AILD can be aggressive, requiring escalation to anti-TNF&agr; or switching to other biologics. In this series, anti-TNF&agr; did not impair liver function and improved gut disease in most of the patients, indicating that it can be beneficial and safe.
Hand carriage of Candida occurs at lesser rates in hospital personnel who use antimicrobial hand disinfectant

Abstract Background: The hands of hospital personnel are considered to be important for colonization and infection of patients with Candida spp. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of different hand disinfectants in reducing the carriage of Candida species on the hands of hospital personnel. Methods: A controlled study was conducted at Duzce University School of Medicine Hospital. Eighty hospital personnel were included in the trial. Subjects were divided into 4 groups according to hand hygiene procedures: group 1, hand rubbing with alcohol-based solution; group 2, hand washing with 4% chlorhexidine gluconate; group 3, hand washing with 7.5% povidone–iodine; group 4, hand washing with plain soap and water. The hands of all participants were tested by culture with the broth wash technique. Results: Hand carriage of Candida spp. was lower in the 4% chlorhexidine gluconate group (10.5%, p = 0.006), in the 7.5% povidone–iodine group (18.7%, p = 0.043), and in the alcohol-based hand rub group (21.1%, p = 0.048) compared to the group washing hands with plain soap and water (50%). Conclusions: The use of hand disinfectant containing antimicrobial agents is more effective than hand washing with water and soap in reducing carriage of Candida on the hands of hospital personnel. It is recommended that hospital personnel use an antimicrobial hand disinfectant in units where there is a high risk of Candida infection.
Finite element analysis for the evaluation of protective functions of helmets against ballistic impact

The ballistic impact of a human head model protected by a Personnel Armor System Ground Troops Kevlar® helmet is analysed using the finite element method. The emphasis is to examine the effect of the interior cushioning system as a shock absorber in mitigating ballistic impact to the head. The simulations of the frontal and side impacts of the full metal jacket (FMJ) and fragment-simulating projectile (FSP) were carried out using LS-DYNA. It was found that the Kevlar® helmet with its interior nylon and leather strap was able to defeat both the FMJ and FSP without the projectiles penetrating the helmet. However, the head injuries caused by the FMJ impact can be fatal due to the high stiffness of the interior strap. The bulge section at the side of the Kevlar® helmet had more room for deformation that resulted in less serious head injuries.
Telotristat etiprate, a novel serotonin synthesis inhibitor, in patients with carcinoid syndrome and diarrhea not adequately controlled by octreotide.

Serotonin produced by neuroendocrine tumors is believed to be a principal cause of the diarrhea in carcinoid syndrome. We assessed the safety and efficacy of telotristat etiprate, an oral serotonin synthesis inhibitor, in patients with diarrhea associated with carcinoid syndrome. In this prospective, randomized study, patients with evidence of carcinoid tumor and ≥4 bowel movements (BMs)/day despite stable-dose octreotide LAR depot therapy were enrolled in sequential, escalating, cohorts of four patients per cohort. In each cohort, one patient was randomly assigned to placebo and three patients to telotristat etiprate, at 150, 250, 350, or 500 mg three times a day (tid). In a subsequent cohort, one patient was assigned to placebo and six patients to telotristat etiprate 500 mg tid. Patients were assessed for safety, BM frequency (daily diary), 24 h urinary 5-hydroxyindoleacetic acid (u5-HIAA), and adequate relief of carcinoid gastrointestinal symptoms (using a weekly questionnaire). Twenty-three patients were treated: 18 received telotristat etiprate and five received placebo. Adverse events were generally mild. Among evaluable telotristat etiprate-treated patients, 5/18 (28%) experienced a ≥30% reduction in BM frequency for ≥2 weeks, 9/16 (56%) experienced biochemical response (≥50% reduction or normalization in 24-h u5-HIAA) at week 2 or 4, and 10/18 (56%) reported adequate relief during at least 1 of the first 4 weeks of treatment. Similar activity was not observed in placebo-treated patients. Telotristat etiprate was well tolerated. Our observations suggest that telotristat etiprate has activity in controlling diarrhea associated with carcinoid syndrome. Further studies confirming these findings are warranted.
Anatomy and physiology of spiking local and intersegmental interneurons in the median neuroblast lineage of the grasshopper

The range of anatomical and physiological properties in the adult progeny of an identified neuroblast was investigated. Some 80–90 adult neurons constitute the dorsal unpaired median (DUM) group of the grasshopper metathoracic ganglion. Within the group are efferent, octopaminergic neurons with large cell bodies and overshooting action potentials. Our objective was to determine the properties of the neurons with small cell bodies that make up the majority of the clone, some 60–70 neurons, about which scant information was available. The small DUM neurons have cell body diameters of 10–20 μm and stain with antibodies to GABA (Thompson and Siegler, '89: Proc. Soc. Neurosci. 15:1296 (abstr.); Witten and Truman, '89: Proc. Soc. Neurosci. 15:365 (abstr.)). By employing intracellular electrophysiological and morphological techniques, we have established that the small DUM neurons are spiking interneurons, expressing passively conducted action potentials in the cell body. They fall into two basic classes: local interneurons with bilateral branches in the auditory neuropiles, and intersegmental interneurons with bilateral branches widespread in the metathoracic ganglion and axons traveling in both anterior connectives. The local interneurons typically respond to sound, whereas the intersegmental interneurons selectively respond to wind on the head or to generalized movements by the animal. Primary neurites of small and large DUM neurons enter the neuropil in a bundle, but the neurites of DUM interneurons are more posterior and have a separate trajectory from those of the efferent DUM neurons once in the ganglion core. A model is presented for the sequential development of efferent, local, and intersegmental DUM neurons from the median neuroblast.
The detection and measurement of hypoxic cells in solid tumors

The presence of viable hypoxic cells in human cancers has concerned oncologists for years. Cells in tissues that are deficient in oxygen are relatively resistant to radiation inactivation and may not be accessible to some systemic chemotherapy. The premise that hypoxic tumor cells do, indeed, control the radiocurability of some cancers is supported by some clinical evidence. The presence of hypoxic regions within tumors can be directly and indirectly inferred from invasive procedures such as oxygen electrode techniques and histologic study, respectively, but such information does not significantly contribute to current prescriptions given by oncologists for tumor treatment. Novel procedures (some of which are noninvasive) for detecting hypoxic regions within solid tumors have been proposed and are based upon two recent developments: (1) the discovery that some radiosensitizing drugs become selectively bound by metabolism to the molecules of viable hypoxic cells, and (2) the growing availability of new imaging procedures based upon positron‐emission tomography, single‐photon emission tomography, and nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy. Preliminary research results from these novel procedures are reviewed, and the potential clinical impact of each is discussed.
The effect of catecholamines on muscle glycogen and phosphorylase activity.

Epinephrine (500 µg/kg, s.c.) caused an increase in skeletal muscle phosphorylase a and a decrease in glycogen content in the rat. The phosphorylase response was maximal 5 minutes after injection and was sustained throughout the 1-hour sampling period. There was no effect on either cardiac phosphorylase a or glycogen levels. After phenoxybenzamine pretreatment, subcutaneous epinephrine caused an increase in e ardiac phosphorylase a levels and a decrease in cardiac glycogen content. Although skeletal muscle and cardiac phosphorylase were activated to a similar degree, the rate and magnitude of the glycogen loss were greater in the heart than those observed in skeletal muscle. The epinephrine response after phenoxybenzamine pretreatment could be correlated with increased plasma epinephrine levels. Norepinephrine (500 µg/kg, s.c.) was without effect on either cardiac or skeletal muscle phosphorylase or glycogen at all times up to 1 hour after injection. After phenoxybenzamine pretreatment, norepinephrine produced a cardiac response similar to that of epinephrine, while only a moderate response was observed in skeletal muscle. Isoproterenol (50 µg/kg, s. c.) gave responses in cardiac and skeletal muscle which were similar to those observed after epinephrine in phenoxybenzamine-treated animals for both phosphorylase activation and glycogen loss. Isoproterenol was the most potent catecholamine for both cardiac phosphorylase activation and glycogen loss. An increase in phosphorylase a levels preceded the tissue glycogen loss in both heart and skeletal muscle after catecholamine administration. While there was an inverse correlation between phosphorylase activation and glycogen levels in heart and skeletal muscle at certain times after catecholamine administration, the data also indicated that factors other than the tissue phosphorylase a level may determine the rate and magnitude of the glycogen loss. Dichloroisoproterenol blocked both the cardiac phosphorylase activation and glycogen loss after subcutaneous or intravenous administration of catecholamines. Increased or decreased tissue catecholamine levels were without effect on cardiac phosphorylase a values. Reserpine increased the cardiac glycogen content. Chronic thyroxin treatment increased cardiac phosphorylase a levels and decreased the cardiac glycogen content. Skeletal muscle phosphorylase and glycogen were not affected by thyroxin treatment.
The Relationship between Transformational Leadership Characteristic, Organizational Commitment, and Job Performance of the Employees of Four State-Owned Banks in Pontianak, West Kalimantan

Objective – The main objectives of this study is to examine the relationship between transformational leadership characteristic, organizational commitment and job performance of the four State-Owned Banks employees in Pontianak,West Kalimantan. Methodology/Technique – The Data used in evaluating the model were gathered from the four State-Owned Banks in Pontianak, West Kalimantan. 345 permanent employees of those four State-Owned Banks participated in the survey. The Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), using LISREL 8.8 Software will be employed to examine the relationship among the constructs in the study. Findings – The findings of the study concluded that transformational leadership characteristic insignificant relationship on job performance, transformational leadership characteristic positive significant relationship on organizational commitment, organizational commitment positive significant relationship on job performance, and Organizational commitment mediates the relationship between transformational leadership characteristic and job performance of employees of the four State-Owned Banks in Pontianak, West Kalimantan. Novelty – Variables used in this study partially been done but research regarding all variables of employees of the four State-Owned Bank in Pontianak, West Kalimantan, Indonesia felt there was still no. Type of Paper: Empirical.
Safety of achilles detachment and reattachment using a standard midline approach to insertional enthesophytes.

Detachment with reattachment of the Achilles tendon is a common surgery for debridement of retrocalcaneal exostosis, bursitis, and other insertional pathologic entities. The technique involves a midline skin incision on the posterior Achilles to the tendon. The distal Achilles attachment is removed in a U-shaped manner, leaving the medial and lateral flares, but exposing the posterior spur. This midline approach provides excellent exposure and allows for rapid and efficient surgical debridement. The tendon is reapproximated and repaired with a suture anchor to facilitate fixation to the posterior calcaneus. Some surgeons have expressed concerned that the rupture risk could be increased in the postoperative period using this technique. The present study was a retrospective medical record review of 98 patients (100 feet) who had undergone a midline approach with Achilles reattachment after insertional Achilles debridement during a 3-year period. The demographic and comorbidity data were collected and analyzed. The outcome measures were postoperative rupture and the need for revision surgery. The mean age was 51.9 years, and the patients included 59 females (60.2%) and 39 males (39.8%). The complications included 4 rupture or avulsion revisions (4.0%) and 2 recurrent pain and tendinitis revisions (2.0%). The most common repeat repair procedure included hardware removal and a flexor hallucis longus transfer or augmentation. Nine patients (9.0%) had wound complications, 7 (77.8%) of which necessitated incision and drainage. The midline approach with Achilles detachment and reattachment is a safe and effective method of surgical treatment of insertional Achilles pathologic entities. The low reoperation rate of 4.0% will allow foot and ankle surgeons to safely rely on this approach.
Impaired entry of soluble receptor-resistant mutants of mouse hepatitis virus into cells expressing MHVR2 receptor.

Mouse hepatitis virus (MHV) JHMV and its soluble receptor-resistant (srr) mutants, srr7, srr11, and srr18, grew and induced syncytia equally well in BHK-R1 cells expressing the MHVR1 receptor derived from MHV-susceptible BALB/c mice. In contrast, srr growth and syncytia formations were drastically reduced relative to wild-type (wt) virus in BHK-R2 cells expressing the MHVR2 receptor from MHV-resistant SJL mice. Infections by these srr mutants in BHK-R2 cells were 0.7 to 1.5 log10 less efficient than those of wt virus. BHK cells expressing both MHVR1 and MHVR2 supported srr replication to the same extent as did BHK-R1 cells, suggesting that inefficient infection by srr mutants in BHK-R2 cells resulted from the absence of the effective receptor MHVR1. Virus-receptor binding tests failed to demonstrate a difference between the abilities of wt and srr18 to bind MHVR2. The binding of srr7 and srr11 to both MHVR1 and MHVR2 was revealed lower by two- to fourfold relative to the wt binding. The fusion activity of srr S proteins as examined by the expression with recombinant vaccinia virus was apparently lower than that of the wt S protein in BHK-R2 cells, while there was not such a remarkable difference in BHK-R1 cells. This suggests that the most likely reason for inefficient infection by mutants in BHK-R2 is impaired virus entry into cells. These observations suggest that inefficient infections in BHK-R2 cells by srr mutants occur in the absence of a functional receptor MHVR1, which plays an important role in srr entry into cells.
Study of Barrier to Help Seeking and its Relationships with Disability in Patients with Headache.

INTRODUCTION Headache is among the first three most prevalent disorders with a wide treatment gap due to barriers in help seeking. Headache has been associated with disability. However, the relationship of barriers to help-seeking and disability are unexplored. AIM To find out the barriers to help seeking and its relationship with headache related disability in patients with headache. MATERIALS AND METHODS In this hospital based cross-sectional study, 200 consecutive subjects with headache attending a tertiary care centre were recruited as per selection criteria and assessed with Sociodemographic & Clinical Proforma, Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI), Barriers to Help Seeking Scale (BHSS), The Henry Ford Hospital Headache Disability Inventory (HDI). RESULTS High mean score was observed on BHSS subscale need for control and self reliance (19.45; SD ±9.66) and minimizing problem and resignation (10.02; SD ±6.98). Mean score on the HDI was 25.65 (SD ± 14.09). Socioeconomic status of the patient was statistically significant and positively associated with need for control and self reliance (p=0.035), concrete barriers and distrust of care givers (p=0.039), emotional control (p=0.005), and privacy (p=0.002). Occupational status had significant association with need for control and self-reliance (p=0.01), minimizing problem and resignation (p=0.033), and emotional control (p=0.006). Score on hospital headache disability inventory significantly predicted the value of score on concrete barriers and distrust of caregivers domain of HDI (p=0.001). CONCLUSION Autonomy and under estimation of seriousness of headache are common barriers to help seeking. Pattern of help seeking barriers may vary with socio-economic status and occupational status, while disability varies with gender and severity of headache. Headache associated disability is positively associated with concrete barriers.