Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Distinct kinetics of inhibitory currents in thalamocortical neurons that arise from dendritic or axonal origin

Thalamocortical neurons in the dorsal lateral geniculate nucleus (dLGN) transfer visual information from retina to primary visual cortex. This information is modulated by inhibitory input arising from local interneurons and thalamic reticular nucleus (TRN) neurons, leading to alterations of receptive field properties of thalamocortical neurons. Local GABAergic interneurons provide two distinct synaptic outputs: axonal (F1 terminals) and dendritic (F2 terminals) onto dLGN thalamocortical neurons. By contrast, TRN neurons provide only axonal output (F1 terminals) onto dLGN thalamocortical neurons. It is unclear if GABAA receptor-mediated currents originating from F1 and F2 terminals have different characteristics. In the present study, we examined multiple characteristics (rise time, slope, halfwidth and decay τ) of GABAA receptor-mediated miniature inhibitory postsynaptic synaptic currents (mIPSCs) originating from F1 and F2 terminals. The mIPSCs arising from F2 terminals showed slower kinetics relative to those from F1 terminals. Such differential kinetics of GABAAR-mediated responses could be an important role in temporal coding of visual signals.
Structural and Functional Changes in Vascular Resistance and Reactivity in the Deoxycorticosterone Acetate (DOCA)‐ Hypertensive Pig

The development of altered vascular resistance and reactivity was characterized in a new model of hypertension, the deoxycorticosterone acetate (DOCA)-hypertensive pig. Terminal hindlimb perfusion studies were carried out on pigs (young uninephrectomized males) approximately 50 days after implantation of DOCA or control Silastic strips. Data from these studies showed that hypertensive vascular beds (n = 5) had significantly greater (P <0.005) resistances than controls (n = 9) both before and after maximal vasodilation with papaverine. In response to intra-arterial injections of norepinephrine, hypertensive pigs (n = 8) demonstrated shifts in the dose-response curves to the left and lower vasoconstrictor thresholds than controls (n = 10). Preliminary observations have been made on the effects of "protecting" the hindlimb vascular bed from the increased arterial pressure by external iliac artery ligation. Although this "protection" was incomplete it prevented the development of structurally based changes in resistance and reactivity, but did not prevent the development of increased vascular smooth muscle sensitivity. It is concluded that resistance vessels in the DOCA-hypertensive pig demonstrate changes in both structure and function; structural changes do not occur when the vessels are partially protected from the increased wall stress but this does not prevent the increase in sensitivity. The structural component of resistance makes a greater contribution to the overall increase in resistance in this stage of hypertension than does the smooth muscle contraction; however, since the structural change is secondary to the increase in arterial pressure, it cannot initiate the hypertension.
Managing Incidental Findings in Human Subjects Research: Analysis and Recommendations

No consensus yet exists on how to handle incidental findings (IFs) in human subjects research. Yet empirical studies document IFs in a wide range of research studies, where IFs are findings beyond the aims of the study that are of potential health or reproductive importance to the individual research participant. This paper reports recommendations of a two-year project group funded by NIH to study how to manage IFs in genetic and genomic research, as well as imaging research. We conclude that researchers have an obligation to address the possibility of discovering IFs in their protocol and communications with the IRB, and in their consent forms and communications with research participants. Researchers should establish a pathway for handling IFs and communicate that to the IRB and research participants. We recommend a pathway and categorize IFs into those that must be disclosed to research participants, those that may be disclosed, and those that should not be disclosed.
Development of a porcine brain cDNA library, EST database, and microarray resource.

Recent developments in expressed sequence tag (EST) and cDNA microarray technology have had a dramatic impact on the ability of scientists to study responses of thousands of genes to internal and external stimuli. In neurobiology, studies of the human brain have been expanding rapidly by use of functional genomics techniques. To enhance these studies and allow use of a porcine brain model, a normalized porcine brain cDNA library (PBL) has been generated and used as a base for EST discovery and microarray generation. In this report, we discuss initial sequence analysis of 965 clones from this resource. Our data revealed that library normalization successfully reduced the number of clones representing highly abundant cDNA species and overall clone redundancy. Cluster analysis revealed over 800 unique cDNA species representing a redundancy rate for the normalized library of 6.9% compared with 29.4% before normalization. Sequence information, BLAST results, and TIGR cluster matches for these ESTs are publicly available via a web-accessible database (http://nbfgc.msu.edu). A cDNA microarray was created using 877 unique porcine brain EST amplicons spotted in triplicate on glass slides. This microarray was assessed by performing a series of experiments designed to test hybridization efficiency and false-positive rate. Our results indicate that the PBL cDNA microarray is a robust tool for studies of brain gene expression using swine as a model system.
Genetic resistance to Salmonella typhimurium in two lines of chickens selected as resistant and sensitive on the basis of heterophil/lymphocyte ratio

1. A study was conducted to test for the validity of the heterophil/lymphocyte (H/L) ratio as a criterion for selection for resistance to Salmonella typhimurium in chickens. 2. An infective dose of S. typhimurium was given, directly in the crop, to two groups of chicken selected as Resistant (R) and Sensitive (S) on the bases of H/L ratio. The 99% lower confidence limit was used as a borderline; individuals below the limit were considered R and those above S. Many aspects of immune response were compared, namely: H/L ratio, antibody titre, cellular immunity, phagocytic activity, cortisol concentration, bursa and body weight. 3. The R group exceeded the S in all the studied variables of the immune response, indicating the possibility of using the H/L ratio and its confidence limit to select for general resistance. 4. Due to the within-strain variability in resistance, it seems that immunological and genetic studies should take into consideration separation of individuals into R and S before grouping. Failing to do so might lead to erroneous conclusions as a difference may simply be due to the different numbers of R and S included in each group.
The effect of propofol on human gastric and colonic muscle contractions.

UNLABELLED Although propofol is widely used for sedation in the intensive care unit, there are limited data on its effects on gastrointestinal motility. For that reason, we studied the in vitro effects of propofol on human gastric and colonic smooth muscle. Grossly normal human gastric and colonic muscle strips were mounted in an organ bath set-up for isometric contraction and stimulated by acetylcholine (Ach), using a cumulative dose schedule in the absence or presence of different concentrations of propofol [1.7 x 10(-6) M (0.3 microg/mL) to 4.4 x 10(-4) M (78 microg/mL)]. Ach led to concentration-dependent contraction of both gastric and colonic muscle strips, whereas propofol, at a concentration 6.7 x 10(-6) M (1.2 microg/mL) and above, significantly depressed Ach-induced contraction in a concentration-dependent manner for both smooth muscle preparations. In addition, propofol, at a concentration 2.7 x 10(-5)M (4.8 microg/mL) and above, depressed spontaneous contractile activity of both smooth muscle preparations. Fat emulsion 10% (Intralipid), the solvent for propofol, had no effect on either the spontaneous activity or the Ach-induced contraction of gastric and colonic smooth muscles. IMPLICATIONS The success of enteral feeding requires a normal gastrointestinal motility. We found that, at clinically relevant concentrations, propofol impaired gastrointestinal contractile activity. Further investigations are required to determine the clinical significance of this change.
Toward an Empirical Classification of Hospitals in Multihospital Systems

Inconsistency and lack of utility in multihospital systems research is often attributable to misspecification of the unit of analysis and lack of generalizability of research findings. The typical, system-level focus takes an “organizations are all alike” approach that masks potentially important variation among constituent hospitals in systems. This article develops and validates a multivariate, empirical typology of hospitals affiliated with multihospital systems. The objective of the typology is to identify prevalent types of system hospitals that share similar organizational and operational characteristics. Three hundred and sixty-six hospitals affiliated with secular, not-for-profit multihospital systems were subjected to cluster analysis within and across affiliation categories (owned, leased, and contract managed). Findings indicate that the population of hospitals in not-for-profit systems is organizationally heterogeneous but that distinct groupings of hospitals, based largely on size and affiliation status, occur within this population. Homogeneous groupings of hospitals were tested for differences in governance and performance characteristics. Although these clusters differ only slightly in their governance characteristics, they do manifest several differences in performance characteristics. Implications and applications of these findings are discussed.
Salpingitis caused by Chlamydia trachomatis and its significance for infertility

Between July and November 1991. 32 women (mean age 24.8 years) were examined laparoscopically in our department for suspected tubal sterility. All women had smears taken from cervix, vagina, and urethra, and all were negative regarding an infection with Chlamydia trachomatis. All women had open fallopian tubes, however, with inflammatory changes that varied in degree. Fifteen women reported pains and were classified as PID (pelvis inflammatory disease)‐positive, as compared to the PID‐negative group of 17 women without pain. In the group of the 15 PID‐positive women, we could detect Chlamy dia trachomatis in the form of salpingitis in II cases in the direct demonstration of the infectious agent. IgA antibodies were delected in the serum of all of these women. in 12 of them IgA +IgG antibodies. In the group of the 17 PID‐negative women, three were positive in the direct detection of the infectious agent. and IgA and/or IgG antibodies were detected in five cases. 38% of the women in the PID‐positive group and 68% in the PID‐negative group conceived within a period of one year after having completed a treatment with antibiotics.
The sensations of everyday life: empirical, theoretical, and pragmatic considerations.

The experience of being human is embedded in sensory events of everyday life. This lecture reviews sensory processing literature, including neuroscience and social science perspectives. Introduced is Dunns Model of Sensory Processing, and the evidence supporting this model is summarized. Specifically, using Sensory Profile questionnaires (i.e., items describing responses to sensory events in daily life; persons mark the frequency of each behavior), persons birth to 90 years of age demonstrate four sensory processing patterns: sensory seeking, sensory avoiding, sensory sensitivity, and low registration. These patterns are based on a persons neurological thresholds and self-regulation strategies. Psychophysiology studies verify these sensory processing patterns; persons with strong preferences in each pattern also have unique patterns of habituation and responsivity in skin conductance. Studies also indicate that persons with disabilities respond differently than peers on these questionnaires, suggesting underlying poor sensory processing in certain disorders, including autism, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, developmental delays, and schizophrenia. The author proposes relationships between sensory processing and temperament and personality traits. The four categories of temperament share some consistency with the four sensory processing patterns described in Dunn's model. As with temperament, each person has some level of responsiveness within each sensory processing preference (i.e., a certain amount of seeking, avoiding, etc., not one or the other). The author suggests that one's sensory processing preferences simultaneously reflect his or her nervous system needs and form the basis for the manifestation of temperament and personality. The final section of this lecture outlines parameters for developing best practice that supports interventions based on this knowledge.
A review of blood sample handling and pre‐processing for metabolomics studies

Metabolomics has been found to be applicable to a wide range of clinical studies, bringing a new era for improving clinical diagnostics, early disease detection, therapy prediction and treatment efficiency monitoring. A major challenge in metabolomics, particularly untargeted studies, is the extremely diverse and complex nature of biological specimens. Despite great advances in the field there still exist fundamental needs for considering pre‐analytical variability that can introduce bias to the subsequent analytical process and decrease the reliability of the results and moreover confound final research outcomes. Many researchers are mainly focused on the instrumental aspects of the biomarker discovery process, and sample related variables sometimes seem to be overlooked. To bridge the gap, critical information and standardized protocols regarding experimental design and sample handling and pre‐processing are highly desired. Characterization of a range variation among sample collection methods is necessary to prevent results misinterpretation and to ensure that observed differences are not due to an experimental bias caused by inconsistencies in sample processing. Herein, a systematic discussion of pre‐analytical variables affecting metabolomics studies based on blood derived samples is performed. Furthermore, we provide a set of recommendations concerning experimental design, collection, pre‐processing procedures and storage conditions as a practical review that can guide and serve for the standardization of protocols and reduction of undesirable variation.
Modulation of the mRNA-binding protein HuR as a novel reversal mechanism of epirubicin-triggered multidrug resistance in colorectal cancer cells

HuR (ELAVL1), a RNA-binding protein, plays a key role in posttranscriptional regulation of multidrug resistance (MDR)-related genes. Among various HuR-regulated oncogenic transcripts, the activation of galectin-3/β-catenin survival pathway is critical to induce transcription of cyclin D1, P-glycoprotein (P-gp) and/or multidrug resistance-associated proteins (MRPs). In this study, we aim to elucidate the HuR-regulating pathways related to epirubicin-mediated resistance in human colorectal carcinoma cells. The effects and mechanisms of epirubicin treatment on the expressions of upstream survival signals (e.g., β-catenin) and downstream MDR transporters (e.g., P-gp) and anti-apoptotic pathways (e.g., Bcl-2) were assessed with or without HuR knockdown (siHuR) or overexpression (overHuR; ectopic HuR or pcDNA3/HA-HuR). Our results showed that siHuR decreased transcriptional expressions of galectin-3, β-catenin, cyclin D1, Bcl-2, P-gp, MRP1, and MRP2 in epirubicin-treated colon cancer cells. Consistently, the co-treatment of epirubicin and siHuR diminished the expressions of galectin-3, ß-catenin, c-Myc, P-gp and MRP1. HuR silencing enhanced the intracellular accumulation of epirubicin in colon cancer cells. On the other hand, overHuR abolished such effects. Furthermore, siHuR significantly intensified epirubicin-mediated apoptosis via increasing reactive oxygen species and thus promoted the cytotoxic effect of epirubicin. The combined treatments of siHuR and epirubicin significantly reduced the expression of Bcl-2, but increased the expression of Bax, as well as activity and expression levels of caspase-3 and -9. In contrast, overHuR abrogated these effects. Our findings provide insight into the mechanisms by which siHuR potentiated epirubicin-induced cytotoxicity via inhibiting galectin-3/β-catenin signaling, suppressing MDR transporters and provoking apoptosis. To our best knowledge, this is an innovative investigation linking the post-transcriptional control by HuR silencing to survival signaling repression, efflux transporter reversal and apoptosis induction. Our study thus provides a powerful regimen for circumventing MDR in colon cancer cells.
Reversible forskolin‐induced impairment of sucrase‐isomaltase mRNA levels, biosynthesis, and transport to the brush border membrane in Caco‐2 cells

Hybridization analysis of mRNA with a cDNA probe for human sucrase‐isomaltase, pulse‐chase experiments with L‐[35S]‐methionine followed by SDS‐PAGE, and immunofluorescence detection of sucrase‐isomaltase were used to analyze the level(s) at which forskolin interferes with the expression of the enzyme in Caco‐2 cells in culture. Three effects are observed in Caco‐2 cells treated with forskolin: (1) a marked decrease in the level of sucrase‐isomaltase mRNA, (2) a marked decrease in the biosynthesis of the enzyme without any alteration of its stability, and (3) an almost total inhibition of its transport to the brush border membrane. All three effects are reversible when the drug is removed from the culture medium, though this reversibility is asynchronous: transport to the brush border membrane resumes after 24 h, sucrase‐isomaltase mRNA levels are back to the normal after 5 days, whereas the biosynthesis of the enzyme, although increasing progressively, remains lower than in control cells, even 10 days after removal of the drug. The possibility that some effects are directly dependent on cAMP and others a consequence of changes in glucose metabolism is discussed.
Design of a Decagonal Photonic Crystal Fiber for Ultra-Flattened Chromatic Dispersion

This paper describes near-zero ultra-flattened chromatic dispersion and low confinement loss that can be achieved from a decagonal photonic crystal fiber (D-PCF). The finite difference method with anisotropic perfectly matched boundary layer (PML) is used for the numerical analysis. It is demonstrated that it is possible to design a four-ring D-PCF with ultra-flattened dispersion of 0 ± 0.69 ps/(nm-km) in a 1.30 to 1.75 μm wavelength range and 0 ± 0.22 ps/(nm-km) in a 1.35 to 1.65 μm wavelength range with very low confinement losses of order 0.0011 dB/km. The proposed D-PCF shows promising dispersion tolerance.
Effect of banana pulp and peel flour on physicochemical properties and in vitro starch digestibility of yellow alkaline noodles

The present study describes the utilization of banana—Cavendish (Musa acuminata L., cv cavendshii) and Dream (Musa acuminata colla. AAA, cv ‘Berangan’)—pulp and peel flours as functional ingredients in yellow alkaline noodles. Noodles were prepared by partial substitution of wheat flour with ripe banana pulp or peel flours. In most cases, the starch hydrolysis index, predicted glycaemic index (pGI) and physicochemical properties of cooked noodles were affected by banana flour addition. In general, the pGI values of cooked noodles were in the order; banana peel noodles < banana pulp noodles < control noodles. Since the peel flour was higher in total dietary fibre but lower in resistant starch contents than the pulp flour, the low pGI of banana peel noodles was mainly due to its high dietary fibre content. In conclusion, banana pulp and peel flour could be useful for controlling starch hydrolysis of yellow noodles, even though some physicochemical properties of the noodles were altered.
O uso do scratch nas atividades colaborativas de TIC

The possibilities of using the Scratch programming language, in order to develop competencies and skills required for the new national profile operating in the XXI century, can now be exploited by education professionals who want to meet and work with tools that allow collaborative learning, interactive, functional, constructive and meaningful, focusing on the role and autonomy of the student. Several studies on the use of Scratch in educational settings, clearly indicates a pedagogical change in teaching and learning. This article presents the results of the work in a school of Elementary and Secondary Education in ICT subject, using Scratch. All the work was based on two premises: the implementation of scracth and the development of collaborative activities in ICT. To this end, the Scratch was used as the playful learning environment, with the objective of introduction to programming throughout the 3rd period. The results of this study contributed, first, to changes in its planning lessons with educational value plus. On the other hand, have demonstrated the potential use of Scratch.
Analysing usability and presence of a virtual reality operating room (VOR) simulator during laparoscopic surgery training

Immersive Virtual Reality (VR) laparoscopy simulation is emerging to enhance the attractiveness and realism of surgical procedural training. This study analyses the usability and presence of a Virtual Operating Room (VOR) setup via user evaluation and sets out the key elements for an immersive environment during a laparoscopic procedural training.In the VOR setup, a VR headset displayed a 360-degree computer-generated Operating Room (OR) around a VR laparoscopic simulator during laparoscopy procedures. Thirty-seven surgeons and surgical trainees performed the complete cholecystectomy task in the VOR. Questionnaires (i.e., Localized Postural Discomfort scale, Questionnaire for Intuitive Use, NASA-Task Load Index, and Presence Questionnaire) followed by a semi-structured interview were used to collect the data.The participants could intuitively adapt to the VOR and were satisfied when performing their tasks (M=3.90, IQR=0.70). The participants, particularly surgical trainees, were highly engaged to accomplish the task. Despite the higher mental workload on four subscales (p < 0.05), the surgical trainees had a lower effort of learning (4 vs 3.33, p < 0.05) compared to surgeons. The participants experienced very slight discomfort in seven body segments (0.59-1.16). In addition, they expected improvements for team interaction and personalized experience within the setup.The VOR showed potential to become a useful tool in providing immersive training during laparoscopy procedure simulation based on the usability and presence noted in the study. Future developments of user interfaces, VOR environment, team interaction and personalization should result in improvements of the system.