Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Characterization and Immunobiology of House Dust Mite Allergens

The examination of house dust mite extracts has indicated that over 30 different proteins can induce IgE antibody in patients allergic to the house dust mite. There are however dominant specificities especially the group 1 and 2 allergens which can account for much of the allergenicity of extracts. Of the 19 denominated allergens, the major IgE binding has been reported for the group 1, 2, 3, 9, 11, 14 and 15 allergens. The high-molecular-weight group 11, 14 and 15 allergens have only recently been described and although high IgE binding has been anticipated from immunoblotting, there is a need for considerable corroboration. Similarly, the study of the group 3 and 9 serine protease allergens has been incomplete. The group 4, 5, 7 and 8 allergens have shown intermediate IgE binding and the group 10 tropomyosins are of interest because of their potential cross-reactivity with allergen from disparate species. Although the progress with the production of recombinant group 1 allergens has been recent, many of the allergens can be produced as high IgE-binding polypeptides. The tertiary structure of the group 2 allergens has been determined from recombinant proteins and they are an excellent model for the investigation of modified allergens. An unexpected property of the group 1, 2 and 3 allergens has been the high degree of polymorphism found by cDNA analysis. It has however been possible to identify sequences to represent the variation in the natural allergens. The group 7 and 14 allergens show secondary modifications which vary in different extracts creating batch variation. While some estimate of the importance of allergens can be obtained from IgE binding, few analyses of T-cell responses have been made and these regulate both the development of, and the protection from sensitization.
Hyperlactetemia And Its Trends In Critically Ill Children Admitted In Pediatric Intensive Care Unit Of A Developing Country.

BACKGROUND There is increasing evidence that in setting of critical ailments clinical signs lag biomarkers like Lactate and hyperlactetemia can be the only marker for this disorder. This study was conducted to describe the incidence of hyperlactatemia in critically ill children and its association with outcome. METHODS Retrospective review of medical records of all children who had their lactic acid (LA) levels measured during their admission in PICU from January 2014 to December 2015 was done. Demographic and clinical variables were recorded along with PICU therapies, outcome (Survived or expired) and development of multi-organ dysfunction. Results are presented as frequency with percentages and mean with standard deviation. Appropriate statistical tests were applied and p-value of <0.05 was taken as significant. RESULTS Total 300 patients had their LA measured and 202 were included in the study. Males were 130 (64%) and mean age was 5.7±4.6 years. Hyperlactatemia was found in 68 (33%) patients and another 75 (37%) had a second LA level >4 mmol/L. Increasing LA trend was found in 79 (39%) patients. Diagnostic categories included cardiovascular diseases (45, 22%), central nervous system diseases (40, 20%), respiratory diseases (31, 15%), sepsis (28, 14%), and gastrointestinal diseases14 (7%). 168 (83%) needed mechanical ventilation. Mean pH was 7.31±0.15 and metabolic acidosis was observed in 91 patients (45%). Mean LA levels in survivors and non survivors were 3.3±3.12 and 5.35±5.47 respectively. Hyperlactatemia was associated with death (p=0.01) and development of MODS (p=0.03) on univariate analysis. On multivariate logistic regression rising lactate and development of MODS were significantly associated with death (p=<0.05, odds ratio (OR) 9.24 (95% confidence interval 1.55-55.20). CONCLUSIONS Hyperlactatemia and increasing LA trend in critically ill children are associated with worse outcome in PICU.
Derivation of Transgene‐Free Rat Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells Approximating the Quality of Embryonic Stem Cells

Although a variety of reprogramming strategies have been reported to create transgene‐free induced pluripotent stem (iPS) cells from differentiated cell sources, a fundamental question still remains: Can we generate safe iPS cells that have the full spectrum of features of corresponding embryonic stem (ES) cells? Studies in transgene‐free mouse iPS cells have indicated a positive answer to this question. However, the reality is that no other species have a derived transgene‐free iPS cell line that can truly mimic ES cell quality. Specifically, critical data for chimera formation and germline transmission are generally lacking. To date, the rat is the only species, other than the mouse, that has commonly recognized authentic ES cells that can be used for direct comparison with measure features of iPS cells. To help find the underlying reasons of the current inability to derive germline‐competent ES/iPS cells in nonrodent animals, we first used optimized culture conditions to isolate and establish rat ES cell lines and demonstrated they are fully competent for chimeric formation and germline transmission. We then used episomal vectors bearing eight reprogramming genes to improve rat iPS (riPS) cell generation from Sprague‐Dawley rat embryonic fibroblasts. The obtained transgene‐free riPS cells exhibit the typical characteristics of pluripotent stem cells; moreover, they are amenable to subsequent genetic modification by homologous recombination. Although they can contribute significantly to chimeric formation, no germline transmission has been achieved. Although this partial success in achieving competency is encouraging, it suggests that more efforts are still needed to derive ground‐state riPS cells. Stem Cells Translational Medicine 2017;6:340–351
Burst kinetics of sodium channels which lack fast inactivation in mouse neuroblastoma cells.

1. The kinetics of the slow inactivation process of Na+ channels were examined by recording single‐channel currents from cultured neuroblastoma cells. 2. In order to directly examine slow inactivation, fast inactivation was first removed irreversibly by briefly exposing the internal surface of excised membranes to papain. Following treatment, the time constant for the inactivation of averaged membrane Na+ current increased by over two orders of magnitude, while the open time of individual channels increased by a factor of three. The two effects are consistent with the idea that papain can selectively remove fast inactivation of Na+ channels. 3. In the absence of fast inactivation, Na+ channels continued to open during maintained depolarization of the membrane to potentials less negative than ‐60 mV. Under these conditions, the opening occurred in bursts 50 ms to hundreds of milliseconds long, followed by silent periods lasting many seconds. The average burst length was found to be equal to the time constant of the decline in average evoked current measured at the same potential, indicating that a burst was terminated by entry of the channel into the slow inactivated state. 4. Histograms of open times revealed two populations of open states at any potential. Bursts could also be classified as either short or long bursts. Bursts appeared to be due to the gating of a single channel, and long bursts contained both types of open states, suggesting that a Na+ channel could have more than one open state. 5. The kinetics of bursts of Na+ channels were voltage dependent. As the membrane was depolarized, the burst length, interval between bursts, and open time all increased. Although the probability of an open channel during a burst increased to almost 1.0 with depolarization, any channel was open less than 0.5% of the time when measured throughout the depolarization. The increase in burst duration with depolarization would occur if the rate of slow inactivation is faster from closed states of the channel than from open states. 6. Records of membrane current evoked by a series of step depolarizations were clustered into those with openings of Na+ channels and those without openings. Records in which a channel did not inactivate during the depolarization were less likely to lead to hibernation, suggesting that this phenomenon is caused by the slow inactivation process.
Effects of Compliance Monitoring of Vocal Function Exercises on Voice Outcome Measures for Normal Voice

This experimental study examined the efficacy of the vocal function exercise program in improving voice production in individuals with normal voices. 20 young women (M age = 22 yr.) with normal voices, 10 in the Monitored compliance group and 10 in the Unmonitored compliance group, received training in performing vocal function exercises followed by daily practice of the exercises for 28 consecutive days. Participants in the Monitored compliance group were required to submit audio or video recordings of their daily practice of vocal function exercises, and those in the Unmonitored compliance group were not required to record their daily practice sessions. Results indicated that while the participants in both groups significantly increased maximum phonation times and maximum phonational frequency ranges, those in the Monitored group improved significantly more than the participants in the Unmonitored group on these outcome measures.
Response of soleus Ia afferents to vibration in the presence of the tonic vibration reflex in the decerebrate cat

1. Micro‐electrode recordings were made from single Ia afferents in the intact nerve to the soleus muscle in the decerebrate cat while the muscle was developing a tonic vibration reflex. This was done in order to test how effectively the afferents were excited by the vibration, and to see if any insecurity in driving might be related to tremor.
Microglial involvement in experimental autoimmune inflammation of the central and peripheral nervous system

Microglial cells form a network of potential antigen presenting cells throughout the nervous system. Much progress has recently been made towards a better understanding of their immunological properties. This study examines their activation in 2 models of T cell‐mediated autoimmune inflammation of the nervous system, experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) and its peripheral counterpart, experimental autoimmune neuritis (EAN), induced by the transfer of antigen‐specific T cell lines. In both models microglial activation occurs at early stages of the disease. Activated microglial cells show an increased expression of MHC class I and II antigens. In EAE ultrastructural analysis revealed that MHC antigen expression is pronounced on perivascular microglial cells, suggesting this cell population may be important for antigen presentation at a site close to the blood‐brain barrier. In contrast to EAE, the microglial reaction in EAN occurs at sites remote from the inflammatory response in the peripheral nerve, not only in the spinal cord but also in the terminal projection fields of primary sensory neurons in the lower brainstem. This early microglial activation in EAN suggests that a rapid and remote signaling mechanism can operate following peripheral inflammation. Immuno‐electron microscopy revealed that activated microglial cells are also involved in the synaptic deafferentation of spinal cord motoneurons during autoimmune reactions. The rapid involvement of microglial cells in experimental autoimmune inflammation of the nervous system further points to their role as the main intrinsic immuneffector cell population of the central nervous system.
Heterogeneity, Rigidity and Convergence of Labor Markets in the Euro Area

This paper investigates the welfare consequences of labor market convergence reforms for a large range of calibrations in a two-country monetary union DSGE model with search and matching frictions. The model features trade in consumption and investment goods, price stickiness, firing costs and is calibrated to reflect the structural asymmetries of flexible and rigid countries of the Euro Area in terms of size and labor market variables. Across steady states, convergence brings welfare gains for the rigid country and welfare losses for the flexible country in most situations. The higher the flexibility induced by the convergence, the higher the gains for the rigid country and the lower the losses for the flexible country. Taking into account the transition path brings results that are qualitatively similar, but have a lower magnitude in terms of welfare gains/losses. Indeed, wage bargaining has a short-term negative impact on the rigid country and a short-term positive impact on the flexible country. As such, I conclude that convergence in labor markets can lead to substantial welfare gains in a monetary union, but only if the implementation is carefully designed.
Structurally Distinct LewisX Glycans Distinguish Subpopulations of Neural Stem/Progenitor Cells*

There is increasing evidence that the stem and progenitor cell population that builds the central nervous system is very heterogeneous. Stem cell markers with the potential to divide this cell pool into subpopulations with distinct characteristics are sparse. We were looking for new cell type-specific antigens to further subdivide the progenitor pool. Here, we introduce the novel monoclonal antibody clone 5750. We show that it specifically labels cell surfaces of neural stem and progenitor cells. When 5750-expressing cells were isolated by fluorescence-activated cell sorting from embryonic mouse brains, the sorted population showed increased neurosphere forming capacity and multipotency. Neurospheres generated from 5750-positive cells could self-renew and remained multipotent even after prolonged passaging. Carbohydrate binding assays revealed that the 5750 antibody specifically binds to LewisX-related carbohydrates. Interestingly, we found that the LewisX epitope recognized by clone 5750 differs from those detected by other anti-LewisX antibody clones like 487LeX, SSEA-1LeX, and MMALeX. Our data further reveal that individual anti-LewisX clones can be successfully used to label and deplete different subpopulations of neural cells in vivo and in vitro. In conclusion, we present a new tool for the isolation and characterization of neural subpopulations and provide insights into the complexity of cell surface glycosylation.
Poverty incidence in Indonesia, 1987-2002 : a utility-consistent appoach based on a new survey of regional prices

Because the Indonesian official BPS methodology for measuring poverty lines has changed several times, and because the non-official studies do not apply unchanging methodology to all years in the period 1987-2002, it has not previously been possible to have reliable estimates as to the extent of the long-term decline in Indonesian poverty. In addition, the Ravallion method used in the non-official studies does not generate a utility consistent poverty line because it ignores changes in non-food prices. This thesis provides consistent measures of the extent of the decline in poverty over this 15 year period. It uses a utility consistent poverty line (UCPL) approach for estimating poverty lines. This approach sets poverty lines across regions and over time by means of a spatial cost of living index (SCOLI). Starting with new regional price data collected by the author, the SCOLI was constructed for each urban and rural area in each province in each Susenas year between 1987 and 2002 with rural Indonesia in 2002 as the base. The other data are the official price data. The SCOLI was scaled up with a scaling-factor into a poverty line for the relevant regions. To estimate the poverty incidence, this thesis picks two poverty lines corresponding to two levels of utility: an acute and a mild poverty line. Using cumulative distributions of per capita real expenditure, this thesis demonstrates long-term trends in poverty incidence during the 15 years from 1987 to 2002 has definitely decreased, even though with a large fluctuation during that period. Poverty incidence between 1987 and 1996 steadily and remarkably diminished. For every
Fenoldopam Treatment Improves Peripheral Insulin Sensitivity and Renal Function in STZ‐Induced Type 2 Diabetic Rats

Dopamine and diabetes mellitus are reported to have close link between them. We have studied the effect of six‐week treatment with D1 receptor agonist fenoldopam (1 mg/kg, i.p., daily) on glucose, lipid, and renal profile in streptozotocin (STZ)‐induced (non‐insulin dependent) type 2 diabetic rats. Streptozotocin (90 mg/kg, i.p.) was injected to two day old Sprague‐Dawley pups. Streptozotocin produced hyperglycemia, hyperinsulinemia, hyperlipidemia, hypertension, increase in serum urea and creatinine by the time animals were 10 week old. Treatment with fenoldopam significantly decreased serum glucose, insulin, cholesterol, triglyceride, urea, creatinine, and blood pressure. During oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), diabetic rats showed increase in AUCglucose and AUCinsulin. Fenoldopam significantly decreased AUCglucose in diabetic rats. Diabetic rats showed lower insulin sensitivity index (KITT) that was significantly increased by treatment with fenoldopam in diabetic rats. Diabetic rats showed decrease in urinary sodium. Fenoldopam treatment significantly increased urine output as well as urinary sodium indicating reduced sodium retention. Our data indicates fenoldopam treatment improves peripheral insulin sensitivity and renal function in STZ‐induced type 2 diabetic rats.
Missing saiga on the taiga

Conservation biologists understand that linking demographic histories of species at risk with causal biotic and abiotic events should help us predict the effects of ongoing biotic and abiotic change. In parallel, researchers have started to use ancient genetic information (aDNA) to explore the demographic histories of a number of species present in the Pleistocene fossil record (see, e.g. Shapiro et al. 2004 ). However, aDNA studies have primarily focused on identifying long‐term population trends, linked to climate variability and the role of early human activity. Population trends over more recent time, e.g. during the Holocene, have been poorly explored, partly owing to analytical limitations. In this issue, Campos et al. (2010a) highlight the potential of aDNA to investigate demographic patterns over such recent time periods for the compelling and endangered saiga antelope Saiga tatarica ( Fig. 1 ). The time may come when past and current demography can be combined to produce a seamless record.
Characteristics of Parent- and Child-Reported Anxiety in Psychostimulant Medication Naïve, Clinically Referred Children with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder, Combined Type (ADHD-CT)

Objective: Anxiety is a frequent comorbid condition in referred primary school-age children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, combined type (ADHD-CT), yet there has been relatively little systematic research of the nature of this comorbid anxiety. We describe the characteristics of parent-reported child anxiety disorders and child-reported anxiety disorders in primary school-age children with ADHD-CT. Method: A cross-sectional study of 75 clinically-referred psychostimulant medication naïve children with ADHD-CT examining separately parent and child reports of anxiety, defined categorically and dimensionally. A two-year follow up of 12 children with parent-reported child anxiety and 12 children with child-reported anxiety was also completed. Results: There was no significant association between the child and parent reports of anxiety. Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), separation anxiety disorder (SAD), specific phobia (SpPh) and social phobia (SoPh) were the most common anxiety disorder diagnoses reported by parents and children. Two-year follow-up data revealed no decrease in the parent report but a significant decrease in the child report of anxiety disorders. Conclusions: The dissonance between the parent report of child anxiety and the child report of anxiety, emphasizes the importance of careful and thorough clinical assessment of the child's perspective. The nature of parent-reported child anxiety and children's self-report of anxiety requires further systematic research.
Classification of neurovascular compression in glossopharyngeal neuralgia: Three-dimensional visualization of the glossopharyngeal nerve

Background: We introduce a method of noninvasive topographical analysis of the neurovascular relationships of the glossopharyngeal nerve (CN IX) by three-dimensional (3D) visualization. Patients with glossopharyngeal neuralgia (GN) resulting from neurovascular compression (NVC) were studied. Methods: 15 patients with GN were prospectively examined with 3D visualization using high-resolution magnetic resonance imaging with constructive interference in steady state (MR-CISS). The datasets were segmented and visualized with the real, individual neurovascular relationships by direct volume rendering. Segmentation and 3D visualization of the CN IX and corresponding blood vessels were performed. The 3D visualizations were interactively compared with the intraoperative setup during microvascular decompression (MVD) in order to verify the results by the observed surgical-anatomical findings. Results: 15 patients (female/male: 5/10) were examined. All of them underwent MVD (100%). Microvascular details were documented. The posterior inferior cerebellar artery (PICA) was the most common causative vessel in 12 of 15 patients (80%), the vertebral artery (VA) alone in one case (6.7%), and the combination of compression by the VA and PICA in 3 patients (13.3%). We identified three distinct types of NVC within the root entry zone of CN IX. Conclusion: 3D visualization by direct volume rendering of MR-CISS data offers the opportunity of noninvasive exploration and anatomical categorization of the CN IX. It proves to be advantageous in supporting to establish the diagnosis and microneurosurgical interventions by representing original, individual patient data in a 3D fashion. It provides an excellent global individual view over the entire neurovascular relationships of the brainstem and corresponding nerves in each case.
Impaired T cell activation and cytokine production by calcitriol‐primed human B cells

The biologically active form of vitamin D3, 1, 25‐dihydroxyvitamin D3 (calcitriol), is a potent modulator of the immune response. We have shown previously that calcitriol modulates the immunoglobulin response in vitro and in vivo in mice and humans. To analyse the underlying molecular mechanisms we studied whether calcitriol‐primed B cells modulate T cell activation and function. Human B cells were stimulated with anti‐CD40 and interleukin (IL)‐4 in the presence of increasing concentrations of calcitriol. After removal of calcitriol, primed B cells were co‐cultured with autologous CD4+ T cells; the B cell phenotype T cell activation and their consecutive cytokine production were also assessed. Naive T cells co‐cultured with calcitriol‐primed naive B cells showed a reduced expansion, nuclear factor of activated T cells, cytoplasmic 2 (NFATc2) expression and cytokine production upon restimulation. CD86 expression on B cells after calcitriol priming was identified as an underlying mechanism, as T cell activation and expansion was rescued by activating anti‐CD28 antibodies. Our data indicate that calcitriol‐primed B cells display an impaired capacity to activate T cells. Taken together, we identified a novel B cell‐dependent vitamin D immune regulatory mechanism, namely by decreased co‐stimulation of calcitriol‐primed B cells.
The central cholinergic system studied by choline acetyltransferase immunohistochemistry in the cat

An atlas of the distribution of cholinergic cell bodies, fibers, and terminals, as well as cholinoceptive cells, in the central nervous system of the cat (excluding the cerebellum) is presented from results obtained in immunohistochemical work on choline acetyltransferase. Cholinergic cell bodies are observed in more than forty areas, and cholinoceptive cells in sixty discrete areas of brain sections from the spinal cord to the olfactory bulb. The atlas is presented in seventy cross‐sectional drawings of cat brain extending from the olfactory bulb to the upper cervical spinal cord.