Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mechanism of Reduced T-Cell Effector Functions and Class-Switched Antibody Responses to Herpes Simplex Virus Type 2 in the Absence of B7 Costimulation

ABSTRACT T-cell costimulation molecules B7-1 and B7-2 play an important role in activation of T cells to cytolytic effector function and production of cytokines. Interaction with B7 also causes T cells to upregulate surface molecules, such as CD40L, that effectively stimulate antibody responses in conjunction with cytokines. We have shown that mice lacking both B7-1 and B7-2 (B7KO mice), when infected intravaginally with virulent herpes simplex virus type 2 (HSV-2), developed more severe disease and higher mortality than their wild-type counterparts. We have now investigated the effects of B7 costimulation deficiency on induction of immune responses to HSV-2 infection of the genital tract. Fewer gamma interferon (IFN-γ)-producing T cells were present in the genital lymph nodes of B7KO mice compared to wild-type mice, either acutely after primary infection or in recall responses. Less IFN-γ and especially interleukin-10 were produced by B7KO mice, and cytolytic T-lymphocyte activity was also attenuated. Reduced expression of CD25 on CD4+ T cells after infection of B7KO mice was consistent with deficits in T-cell activation to effector functions. Although HSV-specific immunoglobulin M (IgM) titers were comparable for both B7KO mice and wild-type mice, B7KO mice had significant deficits in HSV-specific serum IgG responses, with markedly reduced levels of IgG2a and IgG1. In addition, significantly less IgG was detected in the vaginal secretions of B7KO mice than in those from wild-type mice. CD4+ T-cell expression of CD40L was depressed in B7KO mice in vivo and in vitro. Together with reduced cytokine production, these results suggest a mechanism for decreased IgG class switching or production. Thus, in the absence of B7 costimulation, naïve T cells fail to undergo proper activation in response to HSV-2, which limits T-cell cytokine production, cytotoxic T lymphocyte activity, and provision of help for class-switched antibody responses.
THE ROLE OF THE EYE AND OF THE HYPOTHALAMUS IN THE PHOTOSTIMULATION OF GONADS IN THE DUCK

The successive phases of the photosexual reflex in birds involve the eye, the hypothalamus, the adenohypophysis and the gonads. On June 6, I reviewed structural components of the retino-hypothalamo-hypophyseal pathway in the duck (Anas platyrhynchos). Today, I shall rapidly review the successive experiments which, since thirty years, enabled me and my collaborators to ascertain the rBle of effective light radiations in this mechanism, as well as the properties of the two photoreceptors which seems to be complementarily involved in the photosexual reflex : the superficial, retinal photoreceptor, and the deep, hypothalamic photoreceptor. I. Experiments demonstrating the r6le of the eye as superficial photore-
The hydrophobic-hydrophilic balance of bile salts. Inverse correlation between reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatographic mobilities and micellar cholesterol-solubilizing capacities.

To examine quantitatively the hydrophobic-hydrophilic properties of bile salts, we determined the reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatographic (HPLC) mobilities of monomeric bile salt solutions and the equilibrium cholesterol-solubilizing capacities of 100 mM micellar solutions. Studies with the common bile salts (ursodeoxycholate, UDC, cholate, C, chenodeoxycholate, CDC, and deoxycholate, DC) demonstrated that HPLC mobility, which correlates with hydrophilicity, was markedly influenced by both position and orientation, in addition to number, of hydroxyl functions, in that mobility decreased in the order UDC > C > CDC > DC. Conjugation of the bile salt was also important, in that the HPLC mobility of the taurine (T)-conjugates was greater than the glycine (G)-conjugates which in turn was greater than that of the free bile salts. Equilibrium micellar cholesterol solubilities were also influenced by bile salt structure and correlated inversely with hydrophilicity, in that solubility decreased in the order DC > CDC > C > UDC with free bile salts > G-conjugates > T conjugates. For each bile salt series, double logarithmic plots of the cholesterol-solubilizing capacities expressed in mole fraction units versus the HPLC retention factors (k') gave linear relationships. Linear regression equations were employed to predict the equilibrium cholesterol-solubilizing capacities of a number of less common bile salts from their HPLC retention factors. Each theoretical value agreed closely with that derived entirely by experiment. A comparison of the HPLC mobilities of the less common bile salts with the more common species revealed that not only were sulfate and oxo substituents more hydrophilic than alpha-oriented hydroxyl functions, but, in the dihydroxy species, a single equatorial hydroxyl function such as in UDC (3alpha,7beta) and in hyodeoxycholate (3alpha,6alpha) was more hydrophilic than two or three hydroxyl functions at 3, 7, and/or 12alpha (axial) positions. These studies taken together suggest that reverse-phase HPLC mobility and equilibrium cholesterol-solubilizing capacities are inverse functions of each other and correlate closely with the hydrophilicity of bile salt molecules. In addition, the evidence here deduced further strengthens our recent deductions based on an evaluation of a number of other physical-chemical properties (Carey, M. C., J-C. Montet, M. C. Phillips, M. J. Armstrong, and N. A. Mazer, 1981. Biochemistry. 20: 3637-3648.) that cholesterol may be solubilized in micellar bile salt solutions by both hydrophobic and hydrophilic association with the external ("hydrophilic") surface of bile salt micelles rather than with the hydrophobic surface of the micelle's interior. -Armstrong, M. J., and M. C. Carey. The hydrophobic-hydrophilic balance of bile salts. Inverse correlation between reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatographic mobilities and micellar cholesterol-solubilizing capacities.
Measurement of spontaneous-emission enhancement near the one-dimensional photonic band edge of semiconductor heterostructures.

We present results of an experimental investigation into alteration of the spontaneous emission spectrum of GaAs from within one-dimensional photonic band gap (PBG) structures. The PBG samples are multilayer AlAs/${\mathrm{Al}}_{0.2}$${\mathrm{Ga}}_{0.8}$As/GaAs p-i-n light-emitting diodes, with layers arranged as a distributed Bragg reflector. The emission spectra normal to the layers are measured, and we use a simple method to model the power spectrum of spontaneous emission from within the structures. We find that the emitted power is enhanced by a factor of 3.5 at the frequencies near the photonic band edge. \textcopyright{} 1996 The American Physical Society.
Mechanism behind Augmentation in Baroreflex Sensitivity after Acute Exercise in Spontaneously Hypertensive Rats

A single bout of dynamic exercise increases baroreflex sensitivity (BRS) in spontaneously hypertensive rats (SHR). We examined whether change in hemodynamics (increases in blood pressure and heart rate) associated with dynamic exercise contribute to the post-exercise modulation of BRS. SHR aged 12 weeks were chronically instrumented with a carotid artery catheter and jugular vein catheter. They were then allocated to three groups submitted to 40 min of 1) running on a treadmill at 12 m/min (Run), 2) concomitant infusion of isoproterenol and a relatively high dose of phenylephrine (Iso+Phe(high)), or 3) concomitant infusion of isoproterenol and a relatively low dose of phenylephrine (Iso+Phe(low)). Arterial pressure and heart rate were continuously recorded throughout the experiments. BRS estimated by heart rate responses to phenylephrine injection and systolic blood pressure–low frequency power amplitude (SBP-LFamp) evaluated by power spectral analysis of SBP, a marker of sympathetic activity, were examined before and after running (Run group), or administration of drugs (Iso+Phe(high) or Iso+Phe(low) groups). BRS increased significantly from 1.4 to 1.9 bpm/mmHg after running, but not after administration of Iso+Phe(high) or Iso+Phe(low). Blood pressure and SBP-LFamp significantly decreased in each of the Run, Iso+Phe(high) and Iso+Phe(low) groups. These results suggest that hemodynamic change alone does not contribute to post-exercise modulation of BRS, while hemodynamic change or sympathetic activation during exercise contributes to post-exercise hypotension associated with a reduction of sympathetic activity.
Pregnancy-Specific β1-Glycoproteins: Combined Biomarker Roles, Structure/Function Relationships and Implications for Drug Design.

BACKGROUND Pregnancy specific β1-glycoproteins (PSGs) have long been recognized as trophoblast quality and embryo viability markers. However, biological roles of PSGs remain obscure, and structure/function relationships to other feto-placental proteins as well as implications for drug design have not been reviewed. This review summarizes and discusses advances in 45-year studies of PSGs with focus on the latest achievements and the challenges for future investigations. METHODS Literature search was performed to review the majority of recent PSG studies with emphasis on usage of high-throughput integrated proteomic profiling technologies, systems biology and bioinformatics approaches that enhance novel biomarker and drug target discovery as well as protein structure/activity analysis. RESULTS Clinical significance and screening performance improved when PSG measurements were combined with those of other placenta-derived proteins: hCG, hPL, PAPP-A, and proMBP. Nevertheless, analysis of protein co-expression and co-localization data and the involvement of PSGs in protein interaction networks are being introduced to discover novel, specific and high-sensitive, gestational/cancer biomarkers. Despite biological roles of PSGs are not fully understood, there are evidences of that they exhibit immunomodulatory, antiinflammatory and proangiogenic effects. Investigation of structure/function relationships showed that PSGs may function in cooperative/coordinated manner with numerous regulatory proteins including alpha-fetoprotein and transforming growth factors-β; this is provided by the presence of conserved short linear motifs (SLiMs) such as RGD, PXXP and AFP14-20-like (YXCX) ones. CONCLUSION PSG-derived peptides may be used as a rationale to design novel drugs that mimic SLiMs involved in protein-protein interactions to inhibit domain-motif binding and to block cell signaling, and/or exert immunomodulatory, anti-inflammatory and proangiogenic effects.
Validation of the HumDXS6807 short tandem repeat polymorphism for forensic application

This paper presents sequence and population genetic data of the HumDXS6807 short tandem repeat (also known as CHLC.GATA52B03) which is a tetranucleotide repeat polymorphism representing seven alleles of 251—275 bp in length. HumDXS6807 is located at Xpter‐Xp22.2, i.e., at a genetic distance of more than 87 and 151 cM from the well‐known markers HumARA and HumHPRTB, respectively. Kinship tests in 157 family trios revealed a typical X‐linked codominant inheritance; mutations were not found. Population genetic data were obtained by analyzing a Caucasian population sample comprising 308 females and 209 males: polymorphism information content (PIC) = 0.640; Heterozygosity (Het) = 0.668; Mean exclusion chance (MEC) = 0.414. The HumDXS6807 allele distribution met the Hardy‐Weinberg expectations.
The Epistemological and Ethical Value of Autophotography for Mobilities Research in Transcultural Contexts

This article responds to calls from mobilities scholars for methodological innovation and reflexivity by (a) detailing our use of autophotography in a study of the everyday implications of a newly-constructed road for a small community in mountainous northern Pakistan, and (b) assessing autophotography’s attributes as a visual/narrative method for mobilities research in that setting, on ethical and epistemological grounds. We demonstrate that autophotography’s anti-objectivist epistemology of vision and participant-driven character, the portability and easy user-interface of compact cameras, and the inseparable mix of visual and narrative data the method produces, combined to attenuate epistemic injustice in our research, while also generating productive insights regarding the movements, representations and embodied practices our research subjects associate with the road. These points are developed with reference to literature on visual methods, mobile methods and subaltern autoethnography, as well as to the visual/narrative representations produced by study participants. The article concludes by exemplifying how research subjects used the road and its associated mobilities as discursive resources for the constitution of collective identity: to position their community in relation to modernity and tradition, to distinguish the community from its neighbours, and to articulate worries about the consequences of rapid social change.
Concentration and Other Wage Determinants

This research presents evidence on how the impact of industry concentration and unionism affect the Portuguese wage levels. The influence of employer association is also considered. We use sector information - two-digit level disaggregation of “Classificacao das Actividades Economicas” -, and control for other wage determinants, as usually done in earnings functions regressions. Dependent variables are logarithms of the mean sector wages considered for each case. Some statistical distribution indicators are also used to provide possible insights on the impact of skill composition and dispersion - eventually reflecting good assignment of people to jobs and/or tasks - on productivity and, thus, production.
Control of an outbreak of respiratory syncytial virus infection in immunocompromised adults.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is increasingly recognized as an important pathogen in immunocompromised adults, particularly those receiving bone marrow transplants, and, given the ease with which it spreads, represents a significant nosocomial problem. We describe an outbreak of RSV infection involving eight patients on a haematology/oncology ward which was controlled by early screening of patients and staff. Positive patients were cohort nursed on a separate ward and basic infection control measures including use of gowns and gloves were enforced. Children under age 12 were denied ward access. All patients with lower respiratory tract infection, and bone marrow transplant recipients with upper respiratory symptoms, were treated with nebulized ribavirin. There were no deaths. We conclude that awareness of the risk of RSV infection in immunocompromised patients coupled with rapid diagnosis and treatment, screening of symptomatic patients and staff, cohort nursing of cases and basic infection control procedures can prevent spread of RSV infection and reduce morbidity.
An apparent anti‐Jka reacting only in the presence of methyl esters of hydroxybenzoic acid

An apparent anti‐Jka, reacting only in the presence of methyl esters of hydroxybenzoic acid (HBA), was detected in an individual with Jk (a+) red blood cells. The antibody was first detected when a commercial low‐ ionic‐strength‐solution preparation containing the preservative methyl paraben (a methyl ester of hydroxybenzoic acid) was used in compatibility testing. Negative reactions were obtained when regular saline, albumin, and enzyme technics were employed. The positive indirect antiglobulin tests were due to cell‐bound complement; no IgG was detected. The patient had no clinical or hematologic evidence of hemolytic anemia and was transfused with Jk(a+) red blood cells with no ill effects. It is postulated that immune complexes formed between the antibody and the chemical may result in a site complementary to some aspect of the Jka antigen. When this complex binds to Jk(a+) cells, complement is activated and some complement components remain on the cells. We do not know why only Jk(a+) cells were involved in these reactions.
Aortic Remodeling as a Prognostic Factor for Late Aortic Events After Thoracic Endovascular Aortic Repair in Type B Aortic Dissection With Patent False Lumen

Purpose: To assess the significance of aortic remodeling in the prevention of the late aortic events after thoracic endovascular aortic repair (TEVAR) for aortic dissection. Methods: The study involved 52 patients (41 men; mean age was 59.7±13.3 years) with type B aortic dissections and patent false lumens treated with TEVAR between 2004 and 2011. Of the 52 patients, 18 were treated in the acute phase for rupture (n=1), malperfusion (n=10), aortic diameter over 40 mm at onset (n=3), and rapid enlargement of the false lumen (n=4). In the chronic setting, the indications for TEVAR were rupture (n=1), malperfusion (n=2), aortic diameter >50 mm (n=18), and rapid enlargement of the false lumen (n=13). Aortic remodeling was evaluated at 6 months postoperatively, and risk factors for late aortic events were evaluated in multivariate analysis using aortic remodeling and other pre-, peri-, and postoperative factors. Results: Over a mean 36.0±18.9 months, 19 aortic events were documented: enlargement of the false lumen (n=4), type I endoleak (n=2), and erosion at the stent-graft edges (n=13). Multivariate analysis revealed that failure to achieve aortic remodeling at 6 months postoperatively was the only significant risk factor for late aortic events (hazard ratio 0.20, p=0.037). Patients with aortic remodeling had a higher rate of freedom from aortic events compared with those without aortic remodeling (100% vs. 81.5% at 1 year and 79.3% vs. 48.4% at 3 years, respectively). Conclusion: Aortic remodeling after TEVAR is a significant prognostic factor for better long-term results for type B aortic dissection.
Experiences of Second-Generation Middle Eastern Coptic Americans Managing Multicultural Identity and its Impact on Their Relationships

This qualitative study sought to examine the experience of second-generation Middle Eastern Coptic Americans managing their multicultural identity and its impact on their relationships. Semi-structured interviews regarding how participants defined themselves, how they represented their identity to others, how they balanced the values, beliefs, and traditions came to take care of their parents, as well as its impact on their relationships, including family, friends, and significant others. The study addressed both challenges and advantages of multiculturalism. The data were analyzed using thematic analysis and themes were organized around the areas of inquiry. Participants spoke about highlighting their religious identity to avoid assumptions, the limitations of the Middle Eastern label for Copts, people’s lack of understanding about the Coptic faith, the overlap between cultures. They also discussed their identity in terms of internal conflict, external conflict with parents over values and cultural distance, as well as their preferences in relationship choices. Participants addressed advantages in multiculturalism in their ability to relate to others, feeling a strong sense of community, as well as feeling uniqueness and pride in their identity. Limitations, clinical implications, and directions for future research are discussed.
Function and Solution Structure of Huwentoxin-X, a Specific Blocker of N-type Calcium Channels, from the Chinese Bird Spider Ornithoctonus huwena*

Huwentoxin-X (HWTX-X) is a novel peptide toxin, purified from the venom of the spider Ornithoctonus huwena. It comprises 28 amino acid residues including six cysteine residues as disulfide bridges linked in the pattern of I–IV, II—V, and III–VI. Its cDNA, determined by rapid amplification of 3′ and 5′ cDNA ends, encodes a 65-residue prepropeptide. HWTX-X shares low sequence homology with ω-conotoxins GVIA and MVIIA, two well known blockers of N-type Ca2+ channels. Nevertheless, whole cell studies indicate that it can block N-type Ca2+ channels in rat dorsal root ganglion cells (IC50 40 nm) and the blockage by HWTX-X is completely reversible. The rank order of specificity for N-type Ca2+ channels is GVIA ≈ HWTX-X > MVIIA. In contrast to GVIA and MVIIA, HWTX-X had no detectable effect on the twitch response of rat vas deferens to low frequency electrical stimulation, indicating that HWTX-X has different selectivity for isoforms of N-type Ca2+ channels, compared with GVIA or MVIIA. A comparison of the structures of HWTX-X and GVIA reveals that they not only adopt a common structural motif (inhibitor cystine knot), but also have a similar functional motif, a binding surface formed by the critical residue Tyr, and several basic residues. However, the dissimilarities of their binding surfaces provide some insights into their different selectivities for isoforms of N-type Ca2+ channels.
Exploring the determinants of catastrophic health expenditure and socioeconomic horizontal equity in relation to it: a rural community based longitudinal study in West Bengal

Health and health care, a fundamental human right, is integral to people‟s capability to function and flourish as human beings, and establishing equity in health care has long been considered an important goal. Starting from the goal of „Health for All by 2000 AD‟ set in 30 World Health Assembly in May 1977 through Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) set in Millennium Summit in September 2000 to today‟s Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) to be achieved by 2030 and the discussions on Universal Health Coverage (UHC) – equity has always remained the central theme and dogma. Equity in health care is defined as equal access to available care for equal need; equal utilization for equal need and equal quality of care for all. There are two forms of health equity; (a) “Horizontal” equity which refers to equal treatment for equal needs, and (b) “Vertical equity” which refers to unequal treatment for unequal needs. It must be recognized that human beings vary in health as ABSTRACT
Testosterone undecanoate improves erectile dysfunction in hypogonadal men with the metabolic syndrome refractory to treatment with phosphodiesterase type 5 inhibitors alone

At least 30–35% of men with erectile dysfunction (ED) fail to respond to treatment with phosphodiesterase type 5 (PDE‐5) inhibitors. Testosterone (T) has effects not only on sexual desire, but also on the anatomical and physiological substrate of erection. This study analysed the effects of T administration to men unsuccessfully treated for ED with PDE‐5 inhibitors only. Twenty‐nine men aged 36–75 years (mean 59 years) with ED were studied. They suffered from ED for a mean of 2.7 years and had subnormal plasma T levels (total T <3.5 ng ml−1). They received parenteral testosterone undecanoate for 102 weeks. Changes of the domains of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF) were assessed. After 6 weeks of T treatment, the sexual desire domain of IIEF had improved (from 4.1 ± 1.4 to 7.2 ± 1.7) and erectile function as measured by IIEF started to improve, reaching a plateau after 30 weeks (from 9.1 ± 2.1 to 26.5 ± 2.3). Features of the metabolic syndrome also improved. There were no adverse effects of T administration. Addition of T to treatment of hypogonadal men unsuccessfully treated with PDE‐5 inhibitors only, appeared useful and acceptably safe.