Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Borrelia burgdorferi—specific and autoreactive T‐cell lines from cerebrospinal fluid in lyme radiculomyelitis

In 3 patients with Lyme radiculomyelitis, cellular immune reactions of cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) lymphocytes were analyzed. Phenotypic analysis of CSF cells demonstrated that the majority were T cells (CD3 +) of the helper/inducer subset (CD4 +). These T cells were directly expanded from the CSF by limiting dilution. A total of 505 T‐cell lines were tested for Borrelia burgdorferi (Bb)—specific proliferation and also partly tested for reactivity to a panel of central and peripheral nervous system antigens. Proliferative assays revealed 33 of them to be Bb specific, 16 to be specific for myelin basic protein, 16 to be specific for peripheral myelin, 1 to be specific for cardiolipin, and 2 to be specific for galactocerebrosides. The antigen‐specific proliferation was restricted by autologous human leukocyte antigen (HLA) class II molecules. The majority of CSF‐derived T‐cell lines stained positively for CD3, CD4, and HLA class II antigens and negatively for CD8 (cytotoxic/suppressor subset). One T‐cell line provided help for the production of specific IgG by autologous B cells and secreted gamma‐interferon upon stimulation with Bb antigen in the presence of autologous antigen‐presenting cells. These data show that in patients with severe neurological manifestations of late Lyme disease, not only Bb‐specific T‐cell lines but also T cells reactive to central or peripheral nervous system autoantigens can be found.
Mechanisms underlying the early phase of spike frequency adaptation in mouse spinal motoneurones

Spike frequency adaptation (SFA) is a fundamental property of repetitive firing in motoneurones (MNs). Early SFA (occurring over several hundred milliseconds) is thought to be important in the initiation of muscular contraction. To date the mechanisms underlying SFA in spinal MNs remain unclear. In the present study, we used both whole‐cell patch‐clamp recordings of MNs in lumbar spinal cord slices prepared from motor functionally mature mice and computer modelling of spinal MNs to investigate the mechanisms underlying SFA. Pharmacological blocking agents applied during whole‐cell recordings in current‐clamp mode demonstrated that the medium AHP conductance (apamin), BK‐type Ca2+‐dependent K+ channels (iberiotoxin), voltage‐activated Ca2+ channels (CdCl2), M‐current (linopirdine) and persistent Na+ currents (riluzole) are all unnecessary for SFA. Measurements of Na+ channel availability including action potential amplitude, action potential threshold and maximum depolarization rate of the action potential were found to correlate with instantaneous firing frequency suggesting that the availability of fast, inactivating Na+ channels is involved in SFA. Characterization of this Na+ conductance in voltage‐clamp mode demonstrated that it undergoes slow inactivation with a time course similar to that of SFA. When experimentally measured parameters for the fast, inactivating Na+ conductance (including slow inactivation) were incorporated into a MN model, SFA could be faithfully reproduced. The removal of slow inactivation from this model was sufficient to remove SFA. These data indicate that slow inactivation of the fast, inactivating Na+ conductance is likely to be the key mechanism underlying early SFA in spinal MNs.
Single-Phase to Three-Phase Power Converters: State of the Art

Single-phase to three-phase conversion using power electronics converters is a well-known technology, especially when the configurations and control strategies already established in the technical literature are considered. Regarding the configurations conceived over the years, it can be observed two main tendencies: 1) configurations with a reduced number of components; and 2) configurations with an increased number of components. The search for topologies with a reduced number of components was the trend over a long period of time. This can be, in part, explained by the high cost of the power switch when compared to the capacitor used in the dc-link bus. Then, the converter leg was sometimes substituted for the midpoint capacitor. However, as far as the price of the semiconductor was going down, such tendency has been changed, and now the configurations with an increased number of components do appear as an interesting option, especially in terms of reliability, efficiency, and distortions improvement. A comprehensive review of the two possibilities (reduced and increased number of components) has been considered in this paper. Also, the single-phase to three-phase ac-ac direct conversion configurations and those which aim to reduce the dc-link voltage fluctuation have been included. The goal of this paper is to provide a complete range on the status of single-phase to three-phase power conversion technologies to professionals and researchers interested in this topic.
Mulberry latex rich in antidiabetic sugar-mimic alkaloids forces dieting on caterpillars

Since ancient times, mulberry leaves (Morus spp.) have been used to rear the silkworm Bombyx mori. Because the silkworm grows well on mulberry leaves, the toxicities and defensive activities of these leaves against herbivorous insects have been overlooked. Here we show that mulberry leaves are highly toxic to caterpillars other than the silkworm B. mori, because of the ingredients of the latex, a milky sap exuded from mulberry leaf veins. The toxicity of mulberry leaves was lost when the latex was eliminated from the leaves, and artificial diets containing latex showed toxicity. Mulberry latex contained very high concentrations of alkaloidal sugar-mimic glycosidase inhibitors reported to have antidiabetic activities, such as 1,4-dideoxy-1,4-imino-d-arabinitol, 1-deoxynojirimycin, and 1,4-dideoxy-1,4-imino-d-ribitol. The overall concentrations of these inhibitors in latex reached 1.5-2.5% (8-18% dry weight) in several mulberry varieties, which were ≈100 times the concentrations previously reported from whole mulberry leaves. These sugar-mimic alkaloids were toxic to caterpillars but not to the silkworm B. mori, indicating that the silkworm can circumvent the mulberry tree's defense. Our results suggest that latex ingredients play key roles in defense of this tree and of other plants against insect herbivory, and they imply that plant latexes are treasuries of bioactive substances useful as medicines and pesticides.
Visual Servo Regulation of Wheeled Mobile Robots With an Uncalibrated Onboard Camera

In this paper, a visual servo regulation strategy is designed for an uncalibrated camera system mounted on a wheeled mobile robot subject to nonholonomic motion constraint, which can drive the mobile robot to the target pose with exponential convergence. Unlike existing methods, the proposed approach can work well without the camera intrinsic parameters being known in advance. Specifically, a novel fundamental matrix-based algorithm is first proposed to rotate the robot to point toward the desired position, with the camera intrinsic parameters estimated simultaneously by employing the fundamental matrix and a projection homography matrix. Subsequently, by utilizing the obtained camera intrinsic parameters, a straight-line motion controller is developed to drive the robot to the desired position, with the orientation of the robot always facing the target position. Another pure rotation controller is finally adopted to correct the orientation error. The exponentially convergent properties of the visual servo errors are proven with mathematical analysis. The performance of the proposed uncalibrated visual servo regulation method is further validated by both simulation and experimental results.
Documentation of vancomycin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus (VRSA) among children with atopic dermatitis in the Qassim region, Saudi Arabia.

INTRODUCTION Staphylococcus aureus is known as a common pathogen in atopic dermatitis. A methicillin-resistant S. aureus strain with reduced susceptibility to vancomycin (VISA/VRSA) is increasing worldwide. The aims of this study were to evaluate the antibiotic-susceptibility pattern of S. aureus isolated from children with atopic dermatitis and to identify the occurrence of resistance to glycopeptide antibiotics. METHODS Swabs were collected from atopic dermatitis skin lesions of 80 children being treated at dermatology clinics whose ages ranged from 6 months to 15 years in the period from March 2009 to February 2010. Isolates were studied with an antibiogram for an antibiotic-susceptibility test. The selected antibiotics were the usually administered antimicrobials at dermatological clinics in Buraydah (Qassim, Saudi Arabia). Results were determined as minimal inhibitory concentration (MIC) using the Vitek system. RESULTS Thirty S. aureus isolates showed resistance to streptomycin (100%), benzylpenicillin and ampicillin (96.7%), and oxacillin (90%). S. aureus resistance to trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole, tigecycline, and vancomycin was 63.3%, 83.3%, and 53.3%, respectively. Resistance to linezolid was less, at 5.7%. CONCLUSIONS Strains of MRSA with decreasing susceptibility to vancomycin were documented in the Qassim region of Saudi Arabia. Other studies will be required on VISA/VRSA strains concerning phenotypic and genotypic characterization.
Fixed-Dose combination of the inhaled corticosteroid and long-acting beta2-agonist therapy in adults with persistent asthma

ABSTRACT Introduction: Asthma is a respiratory condition characterized by airway inflammation, airflow obstruction, and bronchial hyperresponsiveness. The standard treatment of asthma comprises inhaled corticosteroid and beta2-agonist. Inhaled short-acting-beta2-agonists have been used as rescue medication for exacerbation. However, long-acting-beta2-agonists (LABA) used as monotherapy for asthma had been reported for having a safety concern. Consequently, it had been recommended as an add-on treatment to inhaled corticosteroid (ICS) in moderate to severe persistent asthma. The fixed-dose combination (FDC) of ICS and LABA has been approved since the year 2000. Evidences revealed using the combination of these medications is more effective in asthma control. Areas covered: The rational and phase III onward randomized-controlled studies were reviewed. Sources of evidences were from studies published in Medline until November 2015. Expert opinion: There are six FDC inhaler regimens approved worldwide. The significant synergistic effects of ICS and LABA in one device are well evidenced. A FDC reduces the daily dosage of ICS and asthma exacerbation. It is safe to use regularly as controller. The efficacy of each individual combination on asthma treatment is generally similar. Clinical experience, ease of use, cost and side effects of medication would guide the clinician’s preferences.
Suppression of fibrous scarring in spinal cord injury of rat promotes long‐distance regeneration of corticospinal tract axons, rescue of primary motoneurons in somatosensory cortex and significant functional recovery

Traumatic injury of the central nervous system results in formation of a collagenous basement membrane‐rich fibrous scar in the lesion centre. Due to accumulation of numerous axon‐growth inhibitory molecules the lesion scar is considered a major impediment for axon regeneration. Following transection of the dorsal corticospinal tract (CST) at thoracic level 8 in adult rats, transient suppression of collagenous scarring in the lesion zone by local application of a potent iron chelator and cyclic adenosine monophosphate resulted in the delay of fibrous scarring. Treated animals displayed long‐distance growth of CST axons through the lesion area extending for up to 1.5–2 cm into the distal cord. In addition, the treatment showed a strong neuroprotective effect, rescuing cortical motoneurons projecting into the CST that normally die (30%) after thoracic axotomy. Further, anterogradely traced CST axons regenerated through both grey and white matter and developed terminal arborizations in grey matter regions. In contrast to controls, injured animals receiving treatment showed significant functional recovery in the open field, in the horizontal ladder and in CatWalk locomotor tasks. We conclude that the fibrous lesion scar plays a pivotal role as a growth barrier for regenerating axons in adult spinal cord and that a delay in fibrotic scarring by local inhibition of collagen biosynthesis and basement membrane deposition is a promising and unique therapeutic strategy for treating human spinal trauma.
Serum epstein–barr virus DNA load in primary epstein–barr virus infection

Specific viral laboratory diagnosis of primary Epstein–Barr Virus (EBV) infection is usually based on antibody‐detection assays. During acute, lytic phase of infection, viral DNA can also be detected in serum. In the present study, the diagnostic utility of EBV DNA detection and quantitation in serum in primary EBV infection was investigated. The level of EBV DNA in the serum of 98 immunocompetent patients aged 1–47 years with symptomatic, antibody‐confirmed EBV primary infection was assessed using a quantitative real‐time PCR assay. The association between viral load and time after onset of disease, age and clinical and laboratory data was investigated. Quantitative PCR detected EBV DNA in 93 of 98 samples (94.9%), and the measured viral loads ranged from 3.8 × 101 to 6.6 × 104 copies/ml. EBV DNA detection exhibited a sensitivity of 94.9% and a specificity of 97.4% for primary EBV infection. EBV DNA was always detectable until day 12 after onset of symptoms, whereas no further positive PCR results were found after a period of 22 days after onset of disease. Detection of EBV DNA also showed a clearer association with the clinical manifestation of disease than the presence of EBV specific VCA IgG antibodies of low avidity. EBV DNA load was found to correlate inversely with the time after onset of disease (P < 0.001), and higher viral load levels were detected in younger (P = 0.009) and in hospitalized patients (P = 0.038). The results indicate that real‐time PCR is a reliable tool for diagnosis of primary EBV infection early in the course of disease. In addition, EBV DNA detection may serve as a useful diagnostic supplement in serologically indeterminate EBV infections. J. Med. Virol. 75:54–58, 2005. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Accuracy of mammography, digital breast tomosynthesis, ultrasound and MR imaging in preoperative assessment of breast cancer.

AIM To define the accuracy of digital breast tomosynthesis (DBT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) added to digital mammography (DM) and ultrasound (US) in the preoperative assessment of breast cancer. PATIENTS AND METHODS We performed a prospective study of 200 consecutive women with histologically-proven breast cancer using the above imaging techniques. Accuracy measurements were estimated using a lesion-by-lesion analysis for unifocal, multifocal/multicentric, bilateral and all carcinomas. We also calculated sensitivity according to breast density. RESULTS DBT had higher sensitivity than DM (90.7% vs. 85.2%). Combined DM and DBT with US yielded a 97.7% sensitivity; despite high sensitivity of MRI (98.8%), the addition of MRI to combined DM with DBT and US did not significantly improve sensitivity. Overall accuracy did not significantly differ between MRI and DM with DBT and US (92.3% vs. 93.7%). Breast density affected sensitivity of DM and DBT (statistically significant difference for DM), not MRI. CONCLUSION There is little gain in sensitivity and no gain in overall accuracy, by performing MRI for patients who have been evaluated with DM with DBT and US.
Hyperthermophilic Enzymes: Sources, Uses, and Molecular Mechanisms for Thermostability

SUMMARY Enzymes synthesized by hyperthermophiles (bacteria and archaea with optimal growth temperatures of >80°C), also called hyperthermophilic enzymes, are typically thermostable (i.e., resistant to irreversible inactivation at high temperatures) and are optimally active at high temperatures. These enzymes share the same catalytic mechanisms with their mesophilic counterparts. When cloned and expressed in mesophilic hosts, hyperthermophilic enzymes usually retain their thermal properties, indicating that these properties are genetically encoded. Sequence alignments, amino acid content comparisons, crystal structure comparisons, and mutagenesis experiments indicate that hyperthermophilic enzymes are, indeed, very similar to their mesophilic homologues. No single mechanism is responsible for the remarkable stability of hyperthermophilic enzymes. Increased thermostability must be found, instead, in a small number of highly specific alterations that often do not obey any obvious traffic rules. After briefly discussing the diversity of hyperthermophilic organisms, this review concentrates on the remarkable thermostability of their enzymes. The biochemical and molecular properties of hyperthermophilic enzymes are described. Mechanisms responsible for protein inactivation are reviewed. The molecular mechanisms involved in protein thermostabilization are discussed, including ion pairs, hydrogen bonds, hydrophobic interactions, disulfide bridges, packing, decrease of the entropy of unfolding, and intersubunit interactions. Finally, current uses and potential applications of thermophilic and hyperthermophilic enzymes as research reagents and as catalysts for industrial processes are described.
Autosomal dominant vasovagal syncope

Objective: To establish the occurrence of an autosomal dominant form of vasovagal syncope (VVS) by detailed phenotyping of multiplex families and identification of the causative locus. Methods: Patients with VVS and a family history of syncope were recruited. A standardized questionnaire was administered to all available family members and medical records were reviewed. Of 44 families recruited, 6 were suggestive of autosomal dominant inheritance. Genome-wide linkage was performed in family A using single nucleotide polymorphism genotyping microarrays. Targeted analysis of chromosome 15q26 with microsatellite markers was implemented in 4 families; 1 family was too small for analysis. Results: Family A contained 30 affected individuals over 3 generations with a median onset of 8 to 9 years. The other families comprised 4 to 14 affected individuals. Affected individuals reported typical triggers of VVS (sight of blood, injury, medical procedures, prolonged standing, pain, frightening thoughts). The triggers varied considerably within the families. Significant linkage to chromosome 15q26 (logarithm of odds score 3.28) was found in family A. Linkage to this region was excluded in 2 medium-sized families but not in 2 smaller families. Sequence analysis of the candidate genes SLCO3A1, ST8SIA2, and NR2F2 within the linkage interval did not reveal any mutations. Conclusions: Familial VVS, inherited in an autosomal dominant manner, may not be rare and has similar features to sporadic VVS. The chromosome 15q26 locus in family A increases the susceptibility to VVS but does not predispose to a particular vasovagal trigger. Linkage analysis in the remaining families established likely genetic heterogeneity.
Pygo2 Associates with MLL2 Histone Methyltransferase and GCN5 Histone Acetyltransferase Complexes To Augment Wnt Target Gene Expression and Breast Cancer Stem-Like Cell Expansion

ABSTRACT Resent studies have identified Pygopus as a core component of the β-catenin/T-cell factor (TCF)/lymphoid-enhancing factor 1 (LEF) transcriptional activation complex required for the expression of canonical Wg/Wnt target genes in Drosophila. However, the biochemical involvement of mammalian Pygopus proteins in β-catenin/TCF/LEF gene activation remains controversial. In this study, we perform a series of molecular/biochemical experiments to demonstrate that Pygo2 associates with histone-modifying enzymatic complexes, specifically the MLL2 histone methyltransferase (HMT) and STAGA histone acetyltransferase (HAT) complexes, to facilitate their interaction with β-catenin and to augment Wnt1-induced, TCF/LEF-dependent transcriptional activation in breast cancer cells. We identify a critical domain in Pygo2 encompassing the first 47 amino acids that mediates its HMT/HAT interaction. We further demonstrate the importance of this domain in Pygo2's ability to transcriptionally activate both artificial and endogenous Wnt target genes and to expand breast cancer stem-like cells in culture. This work now links mechanistically Pygo2's role in histone modification to its enhancement of the Wnt-dependent transcriptional program and cancer stem-like cell expansion.
Hypertension in Obesity and NIDDM: Role of Insulin and Sympathetic Nervous System

An important link exists between obesity, noninsulin-dependent diabetes mellitus (NIDDM), and hypertension. Most patients with NIDDM are obese; the incidence of hypertension in obesity and NIDDM is substantial, approaching 50% in some studies. Furthermore, hypertension is known to contribute to the increased cardiovascular morbidity and mortality in patients with obesity and NIDDM. Despite the obvious clinical importance, the pathogenesis of hypertension in obesity and NIDDM remains poorly understood. Recent studies have identified hyperinsulinemia and insulin resistance as important threads that tie hypertension, obesity, and NIDDM together. The hypothesis is developed that insulin-mediated sympathetic stimulation contributes to blood pressure elevation in both obesity and NIDDM. Recruited as a mechanism to limit weight gain and restore energy balance, insulin resistance and sympathetic stimulation increase blood pressure by enhancing renal Na+ reabsorption and stimulating the cardiovascular system. In this article, we review the evidence on which this hypothesis is based.
Diabetes mellitus in pregnancy: an update on the current classification and management.

BACKGROUND Diabetes mellitus is a common medical disorder in pregnancy. It contributes particularly to perinatal morbidity/mortality, and maternal morbidity. This review aims at improving maternal and neonatal health care especially in Sub-Saharan Africa by improving the knowledge of health practitioners on current evidences in the classification and management of diabetes mellitus in pregnancy. METHODS Relevant texts as well as online data bases including Pubmed, Google scholar, and African journal online, were searched for literatures related to the subject. RESULTS Classification of diabetes in pregnancy has been revised to reflect the various aetiological factors. Also, the diagnostic value of fasting plasma glucose has been lowered to mark the point at which dramatic increase in the microvascular complications of diabetes mellitus occurs. Morbidity and mortality associated with the condition would be reduced through proper management that involves preconception care, early antenatal booking, dedicated multidisciplinary antenatal care, and delivery in a center with neonatal facility. Furthermore, some oral glucose lowering agents have shown some safety after the first trimester and they have been found to give comparable result to insulin therapy. CONCLUSION The classification of diabetes mellitus in pregnancy has been revised. Its optimal management should involve multi-disciplinary inputs and may include oral hypoglycaemic agents. Knowledge of these by clinicians would improve maternal and neonatal health.