Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Novel Block to Mouse Mammary Tumor Virus Infection of Lymphocytes in B10.BR Mice

ABSTRACT Classic studies on C57BL-derived mouse strains showed that they were resistant to mouse mammary tumor virus (MMTV) infection. Although one form of resistance mapped to the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) locus, at least one other, unknown gene was implicated in this resistance. We show here that B10.BR mice, which are derived from C57BL mice but have the same MHC locus (H-2k) as susceptible C3H/HeN mice, are resistant to MMTV, and show a lack of virus spread in their lymphoid compartments but not their mammary epithelial cells. Although in vivo virus superantigen (Sag)-mediated activation of T cells was similar in C3H/HeN and B10.BR mice, T cell-dependent B-cell and dendritic cell activation was diminished in the latter. Ex vivo, B10.BR T cells showed a diminished capacity to proliferate in response to the MMTV Sag. The genetic segregation of the resistance phenotype indicated that it maps to a single allele. These data highlight the role of Sag-dependent T-cell responses in MMTV infection and point to a novel mechanism for the resistance of mice to retroviral infection that could lead to a better understanding of the interplay between hosts and pathogens.
Oral health and the masticatory system in juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus

Our objectives were to evaluate the oral health and the masticatory system of 48 juvenile systemic lupus erythematosus (JSLE) patients and to compare them with 48 healthy children and adolescents. Demographic data, clinical manifestations and therapies of JSLE were reviewed. The DMFT index (DMFTI), the plaque (PI) and the gingival bleeding (GI) indices, dental relationship, facial profile, clinical dysfunction and mandibular mobility indices were evaluated. The two groups were homogeneous regarding age, gender, Brazilian social-economic class and dental decay index (P > 0.05). Of note, the medians of the PI and the GI were higher in JSLE patients than in controls (61.5 versus 38.10, P = 0.003 and 26.0 versus 15.95, P = 0.014; respectively). Likewise, a linear statistical correlation was evidenced between the JSLE duration and the GI (P = 0.017, r = 0.11), cumulative dose of prednisone and the PI (P = 0.01, r = 0.385) and cumulative dose of prednisone and the GI ( P = 0.001, r = 0.471). The clinical dysfunction and mandibular mobility indices were higher in JSLE patients versus controls (P = 0.002, P = 0.025). Moreover, the median of the mandibular mobility index was higher in JSLE patients who used at least one immunosuppressive than on those who did not use this medication (P = 0.0001). These results suggest that JSLE patients had an inadequate oral hygiene, higher incidence of gingivitis and temporomandibular joint dysfunction. Lupus (2007) 16, 713—719.
The group k-support norm for learning with structured sparsity

Several high-dimensional learning applications require the parameters to satisfy a “group sparsity” constraint, where clusters of coefficients are required to be simultaneously selected or rejected. The group lasso and its variants are common methods to solve problems of this form. Recently, in the standard sparse setting, it has been noted that tighter convex relaxations than the ℓ1 norm can be obtained by using other regularizers, leading to better predictive performance. Motivated by these discoveries, we develop the group k-support norm to achieve group sparsity with a better predictive accuracy. We develop an efficient algorithm to solve the resulting optimization problems, and show that our approach outperforms traditional methods for prediction and recovery under group sparsity.
Proliferative activity of intrahepatic colorectal metastases after preoperative hemihepatic portal vein embolization

Although hemihepatic portal vein embolization (PVE) has been used preoperatively to extend indications for hepatectomy in patients with colorectal metastases, the effects of this procedure on tumor growth and outcome remain controversial. To address this issue, we assessed the proliferative activity of intrahepatic metastases after PVE and the long‐term outcome of this procedure. Eighteen patients with colorectal metastases underwent preoperative PVE between 1996 and 2000 (PVE group). Twenty‐nine patients who underwent major hepatic resection without PVE served as control (non‐PVE group). The hepatic parenchymal fraction of the left lobe had significantly increased from 38.1 ± 3.2% to 45.9 ± 2.9% 3 weeks after PVE (+20.5%, P < .0001). Tumor volume and percent tumor volume had also significantly increased from 223 ± 89 mL to 270 ± 97 mL (+20.8%, P = .016) and from 13.7 + 4.3% to 16.2 + 4.9% (+18.5%, P = .014), respectively. There was no apparent correlation between the increase in parenchymal volume and that in tumor volume. The Ki‐67 labeling index of metastatic lesions was 46.6 ± 7.2% in the PVE group and 35.4 ± 12.6% in the non‐PVE group (P = .013). Long‐term survival was similar in the PVE and non‐PVE groups, however, disease‐free survival was significantly poorer in the PVE group than in the non‐PVE group (P = .004). We conclude that PVE increases tumor growth and probably is associated with enhanced recurrence of disease. Although PVE is effective in extending indications for surgery, patient selection for PVE should be cautious.
Malaria continues to select for sickle cell trait in Central Africa

Significance Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a major cause of death for young children in Africa, which the World Health Organization has declared a public health priority. It is increasingly spreading outside of Africa because of population migrations, and, thus, it will become in the near future a global health concern. It is therefore important to understand how this genetic disorder is maintained in human populations. Although the association between Plasmodium falciparum malaria and SCD is well known, the strength of this association is far from known. Using an extensive cohort of 3,959 persons, distributed over the entire Gabonese Republic, this study shows that P. falciparum malaria continues to exert strong selective pressure in favor of the sickle cell allele. Sickle cell disease (SCD) is a genetic disorder that poses a serious health threat in tropical Africa, which the World Health Organization has declared a public health priority. Its persistence in human populations has been attributed to the resistance it provides to Plasmodium falciparum malaria in its heterozygous state, called sickle cell trait (SCT). Because of migration, SCT is becoming common outside tropical countries: It is now the most important genetic disorder in France, affecting one birth for every 2,400, and one of the most common in the United States. We assess the strength of the association between SCT and malaria, using current data for both SCT and malaria infections. A total of 3,959 blood samples from 195 villages distributed over the entire Republic of Gabon were analyzed. Hemoglobin variants were identified by using HPLCy (HPLC). Infections by three species of Plasmodium were detected by PCR followed by sequencing of a 201-bp fragment of cytochrome b. An increase of 10% in P. falciparum malaria prevalence is associated with an increase by 4.3% of SCT carriers. An increase of 10 y of age is associated with an increase by 5.5% of SCT carriers. Sex is not associated with SCT. These strong associations show that malaria remains a selective factor in current human populations, despite the progress of medicine and the actions undertaken to fight this disease. Our results provide evidence that evolution is still present in humans, although this is sometimes questioned by scientific, political, or religious personalities.
Self-Adaptive Recommendation Systems: Models and Experimental Analysis

We design and study recommendation algorithms for a fully decentralized scenario in which each item/node of a network recommends other items/nodes only on the basis of simple statistics on the behavior of users that visited the node in the past. We perform a theoretical and experimental study assessing that very simple heuristics can provide recommendations of good quality even in such a restrictive scenario.
Distinct Roles for Src Tyrosine Kinase in β2-Adrenergic Receptor Signaling to MAPK and in Receptor Internalization*

G protein-coupled receptors form the largest family of membrane receptors and transmit diverse ligand signals to modulate various cellular responses. After activation by their ligands, some of these G protein-coupled receptors are desensitized, internalized (endocytosed), and down-regulated (degraded). In HEK 293 cells, the Gs-coupled β2-adrenergic receptor was postulated to initiate a second wave of signaling, such as the activation of the mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) pathway after the receptor is internalized. The tyrosine kinase c-Src plays a critical role in these events. Here we used mouse embryonic fibroblast (MEF) cells deficient in Src family tyrosine kinases to examine the role of Src in β2-adrenergic receptor signaling to the MAPK pathway and in receptor internalization. We found that in Src-deficient cells the β2-adrenergic receptor could activate the MAPK pathway. However, the internalization of β2-adrenergic receptors was blocked in Src-deficient MEF cells. Furthermore, we observed that in MEF cells deficient in β-arrestin 2 the internalization of the β2-adrenergic receptor was impaired, whereas the activation of the MAPK pathway by the β2-adrenergic receptor was normal. Our data demonstrate that although Src and β-arrestin 2 play essential roles in β2-adrenergic receptor internalization, they are not required for the activation of the MAPK pathway by the β2-adrenergic receptor. In other words, our finding suggests that receptor internalization is not required for β2-adrenergic receptor signaling to the MAPK pathway in MEF cells.
Which sorts of pharmacies provide more patient counselling?

Objective This paper investigates the characteristics of pharmacies that are associated with the degree of counselling provided to customers purchasing medicines. Methods Twelve ‘mystery shoppers’ (research assistants posing as normal customers) purchased restricted medicines at 180 pharmacies around New Zealand. One drug (diclofenac) and one class of drugs (vaginal antifungals) were purchased. The amount of counselling provided was recorded, and linked to profile data on the pharmacies, obtained through a questionnaire, from Census data, and from direct observations of pharmacies. Results Location within a city, a large town, or strip shopping did not affect the level of counselling pharmacies provided. Pharmacies adjacent to medical centres gave significantly less counselling to diclofenac purchasers than other pharmacies. No consistent relationship was found between pharmacy size and the level of counselling provided. There were large differences between areas of the country. A strong negative relationship was found between the amount of counselling given about thrush, and the proportion of Pacific Island people in the population around the pharmacy. Although only some results reached statistical significance, there seems to have been a similar trend for pharmacies to provide less counselling in areas with more Maori people and with higher levels of social deprivation. Conclusions Regional variation in the provision of pharmacy services, and in particular the tendency for pharmacies to provide less counselling in areas that are likely to have higher health care needs, must be addressed if pharmacies are to fulfil their potential as health care providers.
Linkage Between Mechanical and Electrical Alternans in Patients with Chronic Heart Failure

Introduction: Progressive heart failure and ventricular fibrillation are major causes of death in patients with chronic heart failure. Mechanical alternans (pulsus alternans) has been observed in patients with severe congestive heart failure. Visible T wave alternans occasionally is a precursor of ventricular fibrillation. We investigated the occurrence of both cardiac alternans in 94 patients with chronic heart failure.
The Proximal Priority Theory: An Updated Technique in Low Level Laser Therapy with an 830 nm GaAlAs Laser.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS The 830 nm GaAlAs diode laser has played an extremely active role in low level laser therapy (LLLT) since the early 1980's. Recently, the author modified his original proximal priority laser technique (PPLT), and the current article set out to explain the improved approach and show scientific evidence for its efficacy. Laser Therapy System: The laser therapy system used was based on the GaAlAs diode (OhLase-3D1, JMLL, Japan), delivering 60 mW in continuous wave at a wavelength of 830 nm in the near infrared with a power density at the tip of the probe head of approximately 1.2 W/cm(2). Proximal Priority Laser Technique: Under the author's PPLT concept, the brain is the control center for the body so every other part of the body is distal to the head. The main blood supply to the head is through the carotid arteries, and the deep penetration of the 830 nm beam applied to the side of the neck can involve and photoactivate the external and internal carotids, increasing the blood supply to the brain and creating a systemic parasympathetic system-mediated whole-body effect. The author has added gentle neck-stretching, trunk-stretching and his distal tissue softening approaches concomitant with the irradiation which enhance treatment efficacy. RESULTS Real-time fine-plate thermography has revealed whole-body warming as a result of the PPLT, with applications including chronic pain attenuation, female infertility and functional training of paraplegic cerebral palsy patients. The warming effect had a latency from hours to days, increasing in intensity and latency with subsequent PPLT sessions. Both Doppler flowmetry and SPECT have shown increased cerebral and systemic blood flow following PPLT. CONCLUSIONS PPLT is easy to deliver and offers tangible results in a large range of conditions, enhancing the efficacy of diode laser LLLT.
Proteolytic Processing of Sulfated Secretogranin II in the trans-Golgi Network of GH3B6 Prolactin Cells*

Secretogranin II (SgII) is a protein specific to the matrix of the secretory granules in neurons and neuroendocrine cells. We have already demonstrated the precursor-product relationship between sulfated SgII and four N-terminal derived peptides in GH3B6 prolactin cells. In this study, we have investigated the subcellular compartment in which the cleavage of SgII is initiated by taking advantage of its tyrosine sulfation in the trans-Golgi network (TGN). In order to prevent export of radiosulfated SgII from the TGN, we used brefeldin A (BFA) as well as incubation at 20°C. BFA completely inhibited the cleavage of SgII when added immediately post-pulse. BFA added a few minutes post-pulse or after a 20°C incubation, however, permitted the cleavage of SgII in the presence of the drug. These SgII-derived peptides generated in the presence of BFA could not be released upon stimulation of the cells by either thyroliberin, a physiological secretagogue, or KCl. These results demonstrate that SgII can be cleaved in the TGN. They also evidence that the cleavage occurs in a distal compartment of the TGN different from the sulfation site. The transfer of SgII from the sulfation site to this distal compartment of the TGN involves BFA-sensitive membrane dynamics.
Orthopedic hardware complications diagnosed with multi-detector row CT.

PURPOSE To retrospectively evaluate multi-detector row computed tomography (CT) for the depiction of orthopedic hardware complications in the spine and appendicular skeleton. MATERIALS AND METHODS This HIPAA-compliant study had institutional review board approval; patient informed consent was not required. Results of 114 multi-detector row CT studies performed because of possible hardware complications in 109 patients (57 men, 52 women; mean age, 44 years; age range, 12-82 years) were available for analysis. The CT studies were retrospectively reviewed and compared with clinical or surgical outcomes, which were used as the reference standard. In another experiment, detection of hardware complications on radiographs and multi-detector row CT images was compared between two readers for selected cases (18 positive and 26 negative) by using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) methods. RESULTS For 91 (80%) of 114 multi-detector row CT studies, the complication status could be determined on the basis of clinical or surgical outcomes. Twenty-three multi-detector row CT studies were confirmed to be positive (revealing 10 cases of nonunion, five cases of hardware malplacement, three cases of hardware loosening, three perihardware fractures, and two chronic infections), and 57 were confirmed to be negative. There were three false-positive and eight false-negative multi-detector row CT studies. With clinical or surgical outcomes as the reference standard, the sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of multi-detector row CT were 74% (23 of 31 studies), 95% (57 of 60 studies), 88% (23 of 26 studies), and 88% (57 of 65 studies), respectively. Results of ROC analysis indicated that detection of hardware complications was much lower with radiography than with multi-detector row CT (area under ROC curve, 0.84 vs 1.00; F = 4.69, df = 1, 43; P < .05). CONCLUSION Multi-detector row CT is an effective tool for depicting orthopedic hardware complications.
Emergency Stenting of the Extracranial Internal Carotid Artery in Combination with Anterior Circulation Thrombectomy in Acute Ischemic Stroke: A Retrospective Multicenter Study

BACKGROUND AND PURPOSE: Several small case series reported a favorable clinical outcome for emergency stent placement in the extracranial internal carotid artery combined with mechanical thrombectomy in acute stroke. The rate of postinterventional symptomatic intracranial hemorrhages was reported to be as high as 20%. Therefore, we investigated the safety and efficacy of this technique in a large multicentric cohort. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The data bases of 4 German stroke centers were screened for all patients who received emergency stent placement of the extracranial internal carotid artery in combination with mechanical thrombectomy of the anterior circulation between 2007 and 2014. The primary outcome measure was the rate of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage according to the European Cooperative Acute Stroke Study III criteria; secondary outcome measures included the angiographic revascularization results and clinical outcome. RESULTS: One hundred seventy patients with a median age of 64 years (range, 25–88 years) were treated. They presented after a median of 98 minutes (range, 52–160 minutes) with a median NIHSS score of 15 (range, 12–19). Symptomatic intracranial hemorrhages occurred in 15/170 (9%) patients; there was no statistically significant difference among groups pertaining to age, sex, intravenous rtPA, procedural timings, and the rate of successful recanalization. In 130/170 (77%) patients, a TICI score of ≥2b could be achieved. The in-hospital mortality rate was 19%, and 36% of patients had a favorable outcome at follow-up. CONCLUSIONS: Emergency stent placement in the extracranial internal carotid artery in combination with anterior circulation thrombectomy is effective and safe. It is not associated with a significantly higher risk of symptomatic intracranial hemorrhage compared with published series for mechanical thrombectomy alone.
Impact of transposable elements on the evolution of mammalian gene regulation

Transposable elements (TEs) are present in all organisms and nearly half of the human and mouse genome is derived from ancient transpositions. This fact alone suggests that TEs have played a major role in genome organization and evolution. Studies undertaken over the last two decades or so clearly show that TEs of various kinds have played an important role in organism evolution. Here we review the impact TEs have on the evolution of gene regulation and gene function with an emphasis on humans. Understanding the mechanisms resulting in genomic change is central to our understanding of gene regulation, genetic disease and genome evolution. Full comprehension of these biological processes is not possible without an in depth knowledge of how TEs impact upon the genome.
Nasal indices of eosinophilic and exudative inflammation in bakery‐workers

Aims: Rhinitis symptoms frequently occur in bakery‐workers. Yet, little is known about the pathophysiology of this condition. The objective of the present study was to examine nasal indices of inflammation in relation to occupational dust exposure, occupational rhinitis according to defined criteria, rhinitis symptoms associated to the workplace, and occupational sensitization in bakery‐workers.
A Portable Wireless Online Closed-Loop Seizure Controller in Freely Moving Rats

A considerable portion of epilepsy cannot be well treated by available therapies nowadays. Brain stimulation with closed-loop seizure control has recently been proposed as an innovative and effective alternative. A portable wireless online closed-loop seizure controller in freely moving rats was developed and shown with several aspects of advantages, including the following: 1) high accuracy of real-time seizure detection (92-99% during wake-sleep states); 2) low cost; and 3) low power consumption. The seizure detection latency was not greater than 0.6 s after seizure onset. A wireless communication feature also provided flexibility for subjects freeing from the hassle of wires. The observation showed that the stimulation elicited no abnormal behavior and had no sleep interruption to the subjects. The experiment data supported the functional possibility of a real-time closed-loop seizure controller.
Improving Error Rate Performance of Correlated Sources by Non-Root-Nyquist Pulse Shaping

In band-limited communications, the use of root- Nyquist pulse-shaping filters, such as root raised cosine (RRC), is a common premise to guarantee no inter-symbol interference (ISI) in the output from matched filtering. We have recently shown that, for correlated source symbols, some non-root-Nyquist filter is capable of increasing the mutual information of the resulting channel. In this paper, we show that performance improvement can also be achieved in terms of bit error rate.