Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Spatial Heterogeneity in Oligodendrocyte Lineage Maturation and Not Cerebral Blood Flow Predicts Fetal Ovine Periventricular White Matter Injury

Although periventricular white matter injury (PWMI) is the leading cause of chronic neurological disability and cerebral palsy in survivors of premature birth, the cellular-molecular mechanisms by which ischemia-reperfusion contributes to the pathogenesis of PWMI are not well defined. To define pathophysiologic relationships among ischemia, acute cerebral white matter damage, and vulnerable target populations, we used a global cerebral ischemia-reperfusion model in the instrumented 0.65 gestation fetal sheep. We developed a novel method to make repeated measurements of cerebral blood flow using fluorescently labeled microspheres to resolve the spatial heterogeneity of flow in situ in three-dimensional space. Basal flow in the periventricular white matter (PVWM) was significantly lower than in the cerebral cortex. During global cerebral ischemia induced by carotid occlusion, flow to all regions was reduced by nearly 90%. Ischemia of 30 or 37 min duration generated selective graded injury to frontal and parietal PVWM, two regions of predilection for human PWMI. Injury was proportional to the duration of ischemia and increased markedly with 45 min of ischemia to extensively damage cortical and subcortical gray matter. Surprisingly, the distribution of PVWM damage was not uniform and not explained by heterogeneity in the degree of white matter ischemia. Rather, the extent of white matter damage coincided with the presence of a susceptible population of late oligodendrocyte progenitors. These data support that although ischemia is necessary to generate PWMI, the presence of susceptible populations of oligodendrocyte progenitors underlies regional predilection to injury.
Solid-Supported Synthesis of 5′-mRNA CAP-4 from Trypanosomatids

The unique structure of 5′ mRNA cap from Trypanosomatids is the most modified cap found in nature. Here we present the synthesis of cap-4 (m 7 Gpppm 3 6,6,2′ Apm 2′ Apm 2′ Cpm 2 3,2′ Up) on a disulfide-tethered solid support. This approach allows obtaining cap-4 more efficiently then previously described. Moreover such modified resin could be a useful tool for affinity purification of Leishmania proteins interacting with cap-4. For the final step of synthesis, namely coupling of phosphorylated tetranucleotide with activated 7-methylguanosine 5′-diphosphate two systems were compared. Surprisingly, the coupling in water with Mn 2+ as a catalyst, gave better results than usually more effective coupling in DMF with ZnCl 2 .
Hepatitis C Virus Subtyping by a Core-Envelope 1-Based Reverse Transcriptase PCR Assay with Sequencing and Its Use in Determining Subtype Distribution among Danish Patients

ABSTRACT A reverse transcriptase PCR (RT-PCR) assay using conserved primers deduced from the core-envelope 1 (C-E1) region of the hepatitis C virus (HCV) genome was developed for subtyping purposes. The sensitivity and specificity of this assay tested against two HCV reference panels containing genotype 1 through 5 subtypes were similar to those of an RT-PCR assay from the 5′-untranslated region (5′-UTR). The sensitivity of the RT-PCR typing assay in the more variable C-E1 region was, however, lower than that of the RT-PCR in the highly conserved 5′-UTR when testing multiple clinical samples. Thus, 71 (88%) of 81 consecutive samples from hospitalized Danish patients positive for HCV antibodies and RNA (5′-UTR) were positive also in the C-E1 RT-PCR assay. Phylogenetic analysis of the E1 sequences obtained by direct sequencing of HCV from two reference panels and 71 Danish patients allowed us to readily distinguish the subtypes. In contrast, phylogenetic analysis of their corresponding 5′-UTR sequences was able to predict only major genotypes. Three different genotypes and four subtypes were identified among Danish samples: 1a (43%), 1b (11%), 2b (6%), and 3a (39%). An isolate from a Somalian refugee was identified as a new HCV type related to Somalian isolates described as subtype 3h. The most common genotype in Denmark is genotype 1 (53%), which is the most difficult to treat. However, Denmark had the highest prevalence in Europe of subtype 3a, which responds more favorably to treatment. The described C-E1 RT-PCR with sequencing is suggested as an easy routine assay for definitive genotyping and subtyping of HCV.
The Amelioration of Insulin Resistance in Salt Loading Subjects by Potassium Supplementation is Associated with a Reduction in Plasma IL-17A Levels.

Background High dietary salt intake contributes to the development of autoimmune/inflammatory diseases including metabolic syndrome (MetS) which potassium supplementation can potentially reverse. T helper (Th) 17 cells as well as its production interleukin (IL)-17A are involved in the pathogenesis of MetS. The polarization of Th17 cells and enhanced IL-17A production induced by high salt might increase the risk of autoimmune/inflammatory diseases. Methods 45 normotensive subjects (aged 29 to 65 years) were enrolled from a rural community of Northern China at random. All of the participants were maintained on a low-salt (3 g/day) diet for 7 days, a high-salt (18 g/day) diet for 7 days, and then a high-salt diet with potassium supplementation (4.5 g/day, KCl) for another 7 days. Insulin resistance (IR) was determined based on the homeostasis model assessment index (HOMA-IR). Results Participants exhibited increased plasma insulin level, as well as progressed HOMA-IR, during a high-salt diet intervention, which potassium supplementation reversed. Moreover, after salt loading, the plasma IL-17A concentrations increased significantly (4.2±2.1 pg/mL to 9.7±5.1 pg/mL; P<0.01), whereas dropped considerably when dietary potassium was supplemented (9.7±5.1 pg/mL to 2.0±0.9 pg/mL; P<0.001). Statistically significant correlations were found between changes in HOMA-IR and changes in plasma IL-17A concentrations during the interventions (low- to high-salt: r=0.642, P<0.01; high-salt to potassium supplementation: r=0.703, P<0.01). Based on multivariate regression analysis, plasma IL-17A showed as an independent predictor of IR. Conclusions The amelioration of salt-loading-induced IR by potassium supplementation in participants may be related to the reduction in plasma IL-17A concentration.
[Effect of baicalin and dexamethasone on cytokines in brain tissue of infectious brain edema].

OBJECTIVE To explore the effect of baicalin(BC) and dexamethasone(DXM) on interleukin-1 beta (IL-1 beta) and tumor necrosis factor alpha(TNF-alpha) in brain tissues of infectious brain edema. METHODS The infectious brain edema model induced by pertussis bacilli(PB) was used. Brain water content(WC), content of Na+ and the levels of IL-1 beta, TNF-alpha were determined, and the morphological changes were observed under the light microscope. RESULTS The results showed that the levels of WC, Na+, IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha in group PB were higher than those in group of normal saline(NS) (P < 0.01). And they were lower in groups BC and DXM than those in group PB(P < 0.05). In groups BC and DXM, there were no significant difference in the contents of water, Na+, IL-1 beta and TNF-alpha(P > 0.05). The water contents were positive linar correlated with IL-1 beta or TNF-alpha(P > 0.05). The water contents were positive linear correlated with IL-1 beta or TNF-alpha contents(r = 0.9381, 0.8349, P < 0.01). The structure of brain tissues in group NS was normal. In group PB, there were severe edema in brain tissues. In groups BC and DXM, the edema of brain tissues was reduced. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that the protective effect of BC and DXM against infectious brain edema were similar, the mechanism may be associated with the reduction of TNF-alpha and IL-1 beta.
Measurement of three dimensional shoulder movement patterns with an electromagnetic tracking device in patients with a frozen shoulder

Objective: To compare three dimensional movement patterns of the affected and non-affected shoulder in patients with a frozen shoulder before and after physical therapy. Methods: Patients with a unilateral frozen shoulder were assessed before and after three months of treatment. Three dimensional movement analysis was performed with the “Flock of Birds” electromagnetic tracking device while the patient raised their arms in three directions. Slopes of the regression lines of glenohumeral joint rotation versus scapular rotation, reflecting the scapulohumeral rhythm, were calculated. All assessments were made for both the affected and the unaffected side. Additional assessments included conventional range of motion (ROM) measurements and visual analogue scales (VAS) (0–100 mm) for shoulder pain at rest, during movement, and at night. Results: Ten patients with a unilateral frozen shoulder were included. The slopes of the curves of the forward flexion, scapular abduction, and abduction in the frontal plane of the affected and the unaffected side were significantly different in all three movement directions. Mean differences were 0.267, 0.215, and 0.464 (all p values <0.005), respectively. Mean changes of the slopes of the affected side after treatment were 0.063 (p=0.202), 0.048 (p=0.169), and 0.264 (p=0.008) in forward flexion, scapular abduction, and abduction in the frontal plane, respectively. All patients showed significant improvement in active ROM (all p<0.005), and the VAS for pain during movement and pain at night (p<0.05). Conclusions: With a three dimensional electromagnetic tracking system the abnormal movement pattern of a frozen shoulder, characterised by the relatively early laterorotation of the scapula in relation to glenohumeral rotation during shoulder elevation, can be described and quantified. Moreover, the system is sufficiently sensitive to detect clinical improvements. Its value in other shoulder disorders remains to be established.
Effects of Glycoprotein IIb/IIIa Receptor Inhibition with Tirofiban on Minor Myocardial Damage in Angiographically Successful Percutaneous Coronary Angioplasty

Aim: The aim of the study was to evaluate the effects of glycoprotein (GP) IIb/IIIa inhibition on minor myocardial injury characterized by cardiac troponin I (cTn-I) and cardiac troponin T (cTn-T) elevation after elective successful percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI). Methods: The study consisted of 119 consecutive patients scheduled for elective coronary balloon angioplasty with or without stent implantation. Sixty-three patients (mean age 58 ± 9.4 years) were randomized to receive standard therapy, including preprocedural aspirin, ticlopidine and intravenous heparin, and 56 patients (mean age 55 ± 9.6 years) were randomized to additionally receive intravenous tirofiban infusion. cTn-I, cTn-T and CK-MB were measured before and immediately after the procedure, and every 6 h for the first 24 h. A total of 128 stenoses were treated with PCI. Seventy of these lesions were in the standard therapy group and 58 in the tirofiban group. Results: The frequency of postprocedural abnormal cTn-I levels was significantly higher in the standard therapy group than that in the tirofiban group (37 vs. 16%; p = 0.017). Postprocedural cTn-T elevation occurred in 23% of patients in the standard therapy group and in 8% of patients in the tirofiban group (p = 0.037). The frequencies of CK-MB elevation higher than the upper limit of normal (ULN), and higher than 2 times the ULN were not significantly different between the standard therapy and tirofiban groups (12 vs. 4%, and 7 vs. 2%, respectively). Conclusions: GP IIb/IIIa inhibition may reduce the incidence of minor myocardial injury, which may also be a possible mechanism in reducing long-term cardiac events after PCI.
Use of commercially produced elastic wrist orthoses in chronic arthritis: a controlled study.

OBJECTIVE To examine the efficacy of wrist orthoses on pain, motion, and function of the wrist. METHODS Consecutive patients were randomized to a treatment group using wrist orthoses or to a control group using no wrist orthoses, in a prospective, controlled, 6-month study. RESULTS Changes in wrist joint variables and general disease activity variables were not statistically different between the orthosis group (n = 36) and the control group (n = 33). Patients in the orthosis group had 25% and 12% improvements in grip strength and pinch grip and 50% reduction in pain while using the wrist orthosis. CONCLUSION Use of wrist orthoses improves function and reduces pain, but has no effects after 6 months, compared to a control group, on measures of local or general disease activity.
Asset-based welfare: Is housing equity release a viable option for pensioners in Slovenia

The transformations in the welfare state regimes that have occurred globally, over the last three decades or so, have seriously affected the capacity of states to sustain the previous levels of social care and protection. These changes, already being manifested, inter alia, in trends in declining earnings of pensioners have inspired some researchers in this field to explore alternative ways of mitigating their impact on the well-being of the elderly during the retirement period. One of the theories that has been advanced to this effect is the so-called asset-based welfare concept which suggests that the wealth accumulated by people in the form of housing assets presents a financial reservoir that may serve as a source of income for pensioners in time of need. To address these issues, a variety of mechanisms have been developed and presented as ‘equity release products’ that may be used by senior homeowners to improve their living situation. This article contributes to the debate from the perspective of a country in Central and Eastern Europe (CEE), a region that has been rarely included in the scholarly discourse on the topic. While there might have been some level of success in the implementation of these instruments in some countries, the survey findings presented and discussed in this article show that Slovenian elderly homeowners strongly reject all the equity release products that were presented to them as potential options for alleviating financial hardship in old age. These findings lead us to the conclusion that it is highly unlikely that Slovenian elderly homeowners would ever accept and exploit, at any meaningful level of uptake, the investigated equity release mechanisms.
Evaluation of a New Tear Osmometer for Repeatability and Accuracy, Using 0.5-μL (500-Nanoliter) Samples

Purpose: To evaluate the repeatability and accuracy of a new tear osmometer that measures the osmolality of 0.5-μL (500-nanoliter) samples. Methods: Four standardized solutions were tested with 0.5-μL (500-nanoliter) samples for repeatability of measurements and comparability to standardized technique. Two known standard salt solutions (290 mOsm/kg H2O, 304 mOsm/kg H2O), a normal artificial tear matrix sample (306 mOsm/kg H2O), and an abnormal artificial tear matrix sample (336 mOsm/kg H2O) were repeatedly tested (n = 20 each) for osmolality with use of the Advanced Instruments Model 3100 Tear Osmometer (0.5-μL [500-nanoliter] sample size) and the FDA-approved Advanced Instruments Model 3D2 Clinical Osmometer (250-μL sample size). Results: Four standard solutions were used, with osmolality values of 290, 304, 306, and 336 mOsm/kg H2O. The respective precision data, including the mean and standard deviation, were: 291.8 ± 4.4, 305.6 ± 2.4, 305.1 ± 2.3, and 336.4 ± 2.2 mOsm/kg H2O. The percent recoveries for the 290 mOsm/kg H2O standard solution, the 304 mOsm/kg H2O reference solution, the normal value-assigned 306 mOsm/kg H2O sample, and the abnormal value-assigned 336 mOsm/kg H2O sample were 100.3, 100.2, 99.8, and 100.3 mOsm/kg H2O, respectively. Conclusions: The repeatability data are in accordance with data obtained on clinical osmometers with use of larger sample sizes. All 4 samples tested on the tear osmometer have osmolality values that correlate well to the clinical instrument method. The tear osmometer is a suitable instrument for testing the osmolality of microliter-sized samples, such as tears, and therefore may be useful in diagnosing, monitoring, and classifying tear abnormalities such as the severity of dry eye disease.
The Political Attitudes of British Academics

Carl (2017) recently published a report claiming that individuals with left-wing and liberal views are overrepresented in British academia. One weakness of this report was that it relied almost exclusively on party support data. Using data from the 2015 wave of the British Election Study Panel, the present study confirms that the political attitudes of British academics are somewhat more economically left-wing (0.35sd), and are substantially more socially liberal (0.84sd), than those of the general population. It also documents that British academics are substantially more likely to read The Guardian newspaper (the UK’s most left-liberal newspaper) than members of the general population (31 ppts). Adjusting for demographic characteristics, education and openness to experience reduces the difference on social liberalism by 0.19sd, and reduces the difference on Guardian readership by 5 ppts, but increases the difference on economic leftism by 0.05sd.
Metformin and weight loss in obese women with polycystic ovary syndrome: comparison of doses.

CONTEXT Metformin treatment of women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is widespread, as determined by studies with diverse patient populations. No comparative examination of weight changes or metabolite responses to different doses has been reported. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to determine whether different doses of metformin (1500 or 2550 mg/d) would have different effects on body weight, circulating hormones, markers of inflammation, and lipid profiles. DESIGN The study included prospective cohorts randomized to two doses of metformin. SETTING The study was performed at a university teaching hospital with patients from gynecology/endocrinology clinics. PATIENTS The patients studied were obese (body mass index, 30 to <37 kg/m2; n = 42) and morbidly obese (body mass index, > or =37 kg/m2; n = 41) women with PCOS. INTERVENTION Patients were randomized to two doses of metformin, and parameters were assessed after 4 and 8 months. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES The main outcome measures were changes in body mass, circulating hormones, markers of inflammation, and lipid profiles. RESULTS Intention to treat analyses showed significant weight loss in both dose groups. Only the obese subgroup showed a dose relationship (1.5 and 3.6 kg in 1500- and 2550-mg groups, respectively; P = 0.04). The morbidly obese group showed similar reductions (3.9 and 3.8 kg) in both groups. Suppression of androstenedione was significant with both metformin doses, but there was no clear dose relationship. Generally, beneficial changes in lipid profiles were not related to dose. CONCLUSION Weight loss is a feature of protracted metformin therapy in obese women with PCOS, with greater weight reduction potentially achievable with higher doses. Additional studies are required to determine whether other aspects of the disorder may benefit from the higher dose of metformin.
Evaluation of soldering and reliability performance of NiPdAu finished PPF with Pb-free solder alloy 95.5Sn4.0Ag0.5Cu

In this study, SO14 (14 pin small-outline package), TSSOP20 (thin shrink small-outline package) and TSSOP56 are taken as carriers to study the soldering and reliability performance of preplated NiPdAu finished components (PPF). The Pd layer is 0.5mu-inch thick and after preconditioning, the components are assembled on test boards with SAC Pb-free solder alloy (Sn4.0Ag0.5Cu). Preconditioning is aimed to simulate storage. Evaluation is done using wetting balance test, visual inspection of the solder fillet geometry, lead pull test, thermal cycling test, mechanical vibration and bump tests, and corrosion test. Components with traditional SnPb finish and components with a thicker Pd layer of 1.0mu-inch are used as reference. Results of the evaluation show that the overall performance of the PPF components with a 0.5mu-inch Pd layer is good. The major differences, if any, are found in the wetting of the side of the leads. Dry aging and combined steam aging/dry aging are more critical for the wetting than no aging and than steam aging. The wetting for finer pitch components as TSSOP56 tends to be more critical than for components with larger pitch as TSSOP20 and SO14. The PPF components with 0.5 mu-in thick Pd layer turn out to have similar lead pull strength as the reference components with SnPb finish. The durability of the assembled components with NiPdAu PPF is good; all assemblies withstand the vibration test, the bump test and 3000 T-cycles between -20 and +100degC. After exposure to a mixed gas environment, creep corrosion is observed for all the components with the NiPdAu PPF finish. The amount of corrosion products formed, however, is not enough to cause a decrease in insulation resistance between adjacent leads
Palp-Faction: An African Milkweed Dismembers Its Wasp Pollinators

ABSTRACT Interactions between pollinators and nectar-producing flowers are usually assumed to be mutualistic, but the exploitative basis of these relationships can lead to antagonistic interactions. Flowers of the African milkweed, Pachycarpus appendiculatus E. Mey, produce concentrated nectar that is consumed primarily by the large spider-hunting wasp Hemipepsis dedjas Guerin (Hymenoptera: Pompilidae). Pollinaria of this milkweed become attached to the palps of these wasps during nectar feeding. Broken wasp palps were found between guide rails, attached to corpuscula that were trapped behind the guide rails, and attached to pollinia that were inserted into the stigmatic chambers of the flowers. Approximately 85% of wasps captured on flowers of P. appendiculatus were missing one or more palps, whereas only 9% of wasps captured on flowers of another asclepiad species were missing any palps. It thus seems that wasps face a high risk of losing their palps when foraging on these flowers. The interaction may thus be antagonistic for the wasps if the cost of losing their sensory palps (not yet established) is greater than the benefits of the nectar reward. The plants, however, gain clear benefit from the interaction, as verified by the removal and insertion of pollinia in flowers exposed solely to visits by pompilid wasps.
Interstitial collagenase (MMP-1) expression in human carotid atherosclerosis.

BACKGROUND In human atherosclerosis, most clinical events occur when plaque integrity is compromised and hemorrhage and thrombosis result. One mechanism for this might be the release by plaque cells of matrix-degrading proteases, such as interstitial collagenase (matrix metalloproteinase-1, MMP-1), which degrades two major plaque structural proteins, types I and III collagen. This study was undertaken to determine whether MMP-1 is expressed in human atherosclerotic plaques. METHODS AND RESULTS To determine the cellular source and location of MMP-1 in human carotid atherosclerotic lesions, in situ hybridization and immunohistochemistry were performed on 20 endarterectomy specimens. Six nonatherosclerotic carotid arteries also were studied. Intense MMP-1 expression (mRNA and protein) was detected in a subset of plaque macrophages located at the borders of the lipid cores adjacent to fibrous caps and shoulder regions. Subsets of plaque smooth muscle cells and endothelial cells also expressed MMP-1. There was a strong correlation between the percentage of the lipid core occupied by hemorrhage and the percentage of the lipid core perimeter positive for MMP-1 (r = .823, P = .0001). MMP-1 was not detected in any cell type in nonatherosclerotic carotid arteries. CONCLUSIONS This study demonstrates that MMP-1 is expressed by several cell types in human carotid atherosclerosis and that there is a correlation between the expression of the protease and histopathological evidence of plaque instability. Since MMP-1 may degrade the major structural collagens of the plaque, expression of the protease by macrophages in regions critical to plaque integrity could contribute to plaque expansion, rupture, and hemorrhage.