Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Early accumulation of suppressor cell precursors in the spleen of Mycobacterium lepraemurium‐infected mice and analysis of their in vitro‐induced maturation

Spleen cells harvested from mice infected intraperitoneally with M. lepraemurium 11–17 weeks prior to harvest acquired the capacity to inhibit concanavalin A (Con A) induced proliferation of normal spleen cells when precultured for up to 24 h in mitogen‐free medium. The in vitro induced suppressor activity correlated with the length of the preculture period, the time post‐infection and the infecting dose. These findings were interpreted as an indication that suppressor cell precursors accumulated in the spleen of infected mice during the early phase of the disease. The interaction of infection‐dependent adherent suppressor cell precursors and infection‐independent, non‐adherent regulatory cells is necessary for the suppressor activity to develop. Both the cells which transmit the inductive signal and the precursor cells which mature into active suppressor cells are radiosensitive, whereas suppressor activity itself is a function of radioresistant adherent cells. Preculture of cells for a short period, before they were cocultured with Con A‐stimulated normal spleen cells, allowed the detection of suppressor cells before they were deleterious to the infected host and also turned out to be a relevant in vitro model for characterization of suppressor cell development during M. lepraemurium infection.
THE TOP 200 INTERNATIONAL DESIGN FIRMS

This issue presents the top 200 international design firms in 2003, based on design revenue from projects outside their home country. The type of firm is noted, followed by figures indicating the international revenue, the percentage of total revenue, and the percentage of international revenue by market in the following categories: general building, manufacturing, power, water supply, sewerage/solid waste, industrial process, petroleum, transportation, hazardous waste, and telecommunications. Market analysis shows that the transportation market, at 16.9%, captured the second highest percentage of the total revenue.
Effects of zinc supplementation on efficacy of antidepressant therapy, inflammatory cytokines, and brain-derived neurotrophic factor in patients with major depression

Abstract Objective Zinc is found in abundance in the human brain. Patients with depression may have decreased consumption of food sources rich in zinc, and zinc supplementation may have a potential influence on depressive symptoms. However, clinical trials on the effect of zinc supplementation in depression are limited. The objective of the present study was to determine the effect of zinc supplementation on efficacy of antidepressant therapy. Furthermore, the effect of zinc on plasma levels of interleukin-6 (IL-6), tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α), and brain-derived neurotrophic factor-a (BDNF-a) were assessed. Design A single-center, randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial of zinc supplementation was conducted in patients with DSM-IV major depression. Forty-four patients of both sexes aged 18–55 years were recruited for this study from a university hospital. The zinc-supplemented group received zinc sulfate (25 mg elemental Zn/day) orally in addition to their selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressants for 12 weeks. Symptoms were evaluated using the Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS) on arrival, weeks 6 and 12. Plasma levels of IL-6, TNF-α and BDNF-a were measured at baseline and at the end of study. Results Twenty patients in zinc group and 17 patients in placebo groups completed the study. At baseline, there were no significant differences in any variable between the patients allocated to receive placebo and those taking zinc supplement. Zinc supplementation significantly reduced HDRS compared to placebo (P < 0.01 at 12th week). No significant differences were observed in plasma levels of IL-6, TNF-α, and BDNF-a between zinc-supplemented and placebo-supplemented group. Conclusion Zinc supplementation in conjunction with antidepressant drugs might be beneficial for reducing depressive symptoms. However, its effect does not appear to be mediated through impact of zinc on inflammatory processes.
Improving the efficiency of delivery of thrombolysis for acute stroke: a systematic review.

BACKGROUND Thrombolytic therapy with recombinant tissue plasminogen activator (rt-PA) is licensed for use within 3 h of acute ischaemic stroke. The less the delay to treatment, the more likely it is to be effective. AIMS To assess the effectiveness of interventions designed to overcome barriers to rapid administration of thrombolytic therapy. DESIGN Systematic review of previous clinical studies. METHODS We searched for studies that evaluated the effect of an intervention to reduce delays to administration of rt-PA. We searched MEDLINE, EMBASE, the trials register of the Cochrane Stroke Group, and the Cochrane Controlled Trials Register. We sought randomized and non-randomized controlled trials, before-and-after studies, interrupted time series, and observational studies. RESULTS We identified 10 non-randomized studies that evaluated interventions that could speed up admission to hospital and administration of rt-PA. The types of interventions included: (a) education programmes for the public to improve their knowledge about symptoms of acute stroke; (b) training programmes for paramedical staff to improve their accuracy of stroke diagnosis and hasten transport of the patient to hospital; (c) helicopter transfer of patients to hospital; (d) training programmes in acute stroke therapy for emergency department staff; and (e) re-organization of in-hospital systems to streamline acute stroke care. Several programmes were multifaceted interventions. DISCUSSION We identified important areas that could be targets for interventions to improve the efficiency of delivering thrombolysis for acute stroke. Multifaceted programmes might be more likely to be successful in reducing delays to therapy.
Change in the epidemiology of Reiter's syndrome (reactive arthritis) in the post-AIDS era? An analysis of cases appearing in the Greek Army.

OBJECTIVE During the last 5 years we observed a significant decrease in the incidence of newly established cases of Reiter's syndrome (reactive arthritis) in Greek Army personnel. Our study was initiated to validate this observation and to evaluate a possible change in the prevalence of Reiter's syndrome (RS) associated infections. METHODS The case records of patients with reactive arthritis (ReA) admitted during the periods 1980-83 and 1989-92 at a large Army Hospital were studied retrospectively and the cases of RS were reviewed. In addition, the prevalence of cases with urethritis and dysentery that presented to the hospital in the same periods was studied in retrospect, as these infections are known to participate in the etiopathogenesis of RS. RESULTS A significant decrease in the overall incidence of the randomly presented RS cases during the second 4 year period was detected (27 versus 4 cases, p < 0.0001, chi 2 test). A similar significant decrease in the number of cases with gonococcal and nongonococcal urethritis was observed while the prevalence of dysentery was not significantly altered during the defined intervals. CONCLUSION We suggest that the anti-AIDS campaign which began after the years 1984-85 is the principal cause of the observed change of epidemiology of RS cases appearing in the Greek Army.
Characterization of the immunological memory state generated in mice susceptible to Leishmania major following exposure to low doses of L. major and resulting in resistance to a normally pathogenic challenge

BALB/c mice are susceptible to a high‐dose infection of the protozoan Leishmania major, which induces a parasite‐specific antibody, Th2‐like response, exclusive of a significant and protective cell‐mediated Th1 component. We have shown, in contrast, that infection with a low number of parasites induces cell‐mediated immunity exclusive of antibody production, and results in resistance to substantial subsequent high‐dose infection. Low‐dose exposure thus constitutes effective vaccination. In the present study, we analyze lymphokine production by parasite‐specific T cells from these low‐dose exposed, resistant mice and from normal, susceptible mice following high‐dose infection. Two findings stand out. First, the parasite‐specific T cells in mice rendered resistant appear not to be in an activated, effector state at the time of parasite challenge, as assessed by lack of lymphokine production on short‐term stimulation with parasite antigens, but to be rather in a memory state. Second, the ratio of parasite antigen‐dependent production of interferon‐γ to that of interleukin‐4 by spleen cells of low‐dose exposed and normal mice upon high‐dose challenge takes a dramatically different course. This ratio is similar in both groups of mice shortly after challenge, but increases dramatically in the resistant and declines dramatically in the control mice over a period of weeks, such that these ratios differ by about 60‐fold 12 weeks after the high‐dose challenge. In addition, we show that a similar state of resistance occurs following low‐dose infection with a more virulent strain of L. major. In toto, our observations suggest that resistance may be generally achievable by low‐dose exposure and may be associated with a memory state which, when activated by parasite challenge, results in the evolution of the response over weeks such that the protective, Th1 component becomes ever more dominant over the Th2 component.
Delayed Fracture in Porous Media

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THE GENUS PEDIOCOCCUS

A lactic acid producing sarcinalike organism has been associated with a type of spoilage in beer since the condition was first described by Pasteur (1876). He found that these organisms, which occur in pairs and fours and were sometimes associated with long rod bacteria, are the cause of the socalled "beer sickness. " Their relationship to the true lactic acid bacteria of the genera Lactobacillus and Streptococcus was not realized until years later. The organism in spoiled beer was first referred to as a sarcina by Hansen (1879). The spoilage was studied by Balcke (1884a); and in Balcke's (1884b) second paper he recognized the assistance of Dr. Kurth in determining that the organism was not a true sarcina. Balcke applied the binomial Pediococcus cerevisiae to this species. In a series of papers, Lindner (1887, 1888, 1889) described the organisms involved in "beer sickness" more completely and proposed new specific names for types producing somewhat different reactions from that of the strain which he believed was Pediococcus cereviae. The pediococci were not associated with other fermentations until years afterward, and it is doubtful whether anyone except Henneberg (1926) associated them with desirable fermentations such as those brought about by some species in the closely related genera Streptococcus and Lactobacillus. In this respect they might be compared with the genus Leuconostoc. The ability of species of Leuconostoc to bring about desirable changes was not recognized until Hammer (1923), Orla-Jensen (1919), and Pederson (1929, 1930) found that they were important in certain fermentations. The pediococci may be found to be very important in some vegetative fermentations when more is learned about their true role in nature. The name "Sarcina" may continue to be attached to these organisms by brewing technologists but they should be classified properly by bacteriologists in relation to other organisms. Since the name Pediococus was first used by Balcke, this has been accepted and used as a generic name in connection with other specific names by Lindner (1887, 1927, 1928), De Toni and Trevisan (1889), Reichard (1894), Fischer (1897), Claussen (1903), Sollied (1903), Henneberg (1926), Pribram (1933), Mees (1934), and others. Buchanan (1925) states: "If the cocci which are arranged in tetrads are to receive generic recognition, the name Pediococcus would appear to be valid. The type species is Pediococcus cerevisiae Balcke. " In the 6th edition of Bergey's Manual (Breed et al., 1948) the genus is included in an appendix to the family Micrococcaceae, with the type species Pediococcus
Enhancing Understanding of Marketing within a Small Business Development Context

The aim of this paper is to contribute to discussion on the apparent dichotomy between traditional marketing theory/concept and the world of small business management practice. The paper commences with summary consideration of the predominantly unknowable, unpredictable external operating environment with which contemporary small businesses must cope if they are to survive and prosper. The utility of rational long-term planning models of management in underpinning small business strategic control of such turbulent environments is then considered. Inherent perspectives of rationality and rational thinking are highlighted in terms of theoretical relevance and practical credibility with regard to small business owner-managers’ and managers’ strategic thought processes.
The T790M “gatekeeper” mutation in EGFR mediates resistance to low concentrations of an irreversible EGFR inhibitor

Patients with non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) harboring activating mutations in the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) kinase domain tend to respond well to the tyrosine kinase inhibitors, gefitinib and erlotinib. However, following clinical response, these patients typically relapse within a year of treatment. In many cases, resistance is caused by an acquired secondary EGFR kinase domain mutation, T790M. In vitro studies have shown that a new class of EGFR-irreversible inhibitors could overcome the resistance conferred by T790M. Clinical trials are under way to examine the efficacy of one of these inhibitors, HKI-272, in patients with NSCLC who initially responded to gefitinib/erlotinib and subsequently relapsed. To anticipate the possibility that patients who respond to irreversible inhibitors will develop secondary resistance to such inhibitors, as has been seen in other similar settings, we modeled acquired resistance to the dual EGFR/HER2-irreversible tyrosine kinase inhibitor HKI-272 in a NSCLC cell culture model. We found that HKI-272–resistant clones fall into two biochemical groups based on the retention of EGFR phosphorylation in the presence of the drug. Cells that retain phosphorylated EGFR have acquired the secondary mutation T790M. Moreover, HKI-272 can overcome T790M resistance only at suprapharmacologic concentrations. We further model mutations at EGFR C797 as a mechanism of resistance to irreversible EGFR inhibitors and show that although these mutants are resistant to the irreversible inhibitor, they retain erlotinib sensitivity. Our findings suggest that HKI-272 treatment at maximally tolerated dosing may lead to the emergence of T790M-mediated resistance, whereas treatment with a more potent irreversible inhibitor could yield a resistance mutation at EGFR C797. [Mol Cancer Ther 2008;7(4):874–9]
Calcium Addition Potentially Reverses Lead and Manganese Induced Enzymatic and Behavioral Alterations in Rats

Chronic exposure to lead (Pb) or manganese (Mn) is known to alter variety of neurological and behavioral functions. In this study, we have examined the neuro-behavioral perturbations in rats exposed to both Pb and Mn, and the protective effect of calcium supplement. Rats (3 months old) were exposed to Pb (0.2% through drinking water) and Mn (intraperitonially daily at a concentration of 2.5 mg/kg body wt) for a period of 3 weeks.
How Did Past Environmental Change Affect Carnivore Diversity and Home-Range-Size in Spain?

Maria T. Alberdi1, Jose L. Prado2, Esperanza Cerdeno3 and Beatriz Azanza4 1Departamento de Paleobiologia, Museo Nacional de Ciencias Naturales, CSIC, Madrid, 2INCUAPA, Departamento de Arqueologia, F.C. S. , Universidad Nacional del Centro, Olavarria, 3Departamento de Paleontologia, IANIGLA, Centro Cientifico Tecnologico CONICET, Mendoza, 4Departamento de Ciencias de la Tierra, Universidad de Zaragoza, Zaragoza, 1,3Spain 2,4Argentina
Bronchiolectasis caused by positive end‐expiratory pressure

Bronchiolectasis in patients with respiratory failure who are ventilated artificially with positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) appears to be associated with increased physiologic dead space. We found that the survival rate of 40 patients ventilated with PEEP was not significantly different from that of a control series of patients not receiving PEEP. Pulmonary function values, including the dead-space/tidal-volume ratio, returned to normal for the five PEEP patients in whom these variables were measured.
Teaching and practising rectal examination in Pakistan

Digital rectal examination (DRE) is an integral part of physical examination. The teaching and practising of DRE should start early in medical school for mastering the skills to perform DRE by the time of graduation. In recent years it has been observed that medical students are reluctant to learn and practise DRE because of a perception of the reduced importance of DRE as compared with other modalities of investigation. We evaluated the knowledge and attitude of medical students and interns towards the teaching and practising of DRE.
A content analysis of healthy living blogs: evidence of content thematically consistent with dysfunctional eating attitudes and behaviors.

OBJECTIVE "Healthy" living blogs are a recent addition to internet media that offer advice on improving physical and mental health. Often, these sites include information on eating, exercise, and self-image. This study was a content analysis designed to evaluate the information included on these sites. METHOD A sample of 21 blogs was selected from a larger sample for evaluation. These blogs were chosen based on two criteria: they had won an award for healthy blogs and they had a large number of pageviews (pageviews were calculated using a web analytics website). Two raters (kappa reliability = 0.82) rated these blogs on multiple variables related to the blogger's characteristics, the content provided by the blogger, and entries posted on the blog. RESULTS Five of the bloggers self-identified as having had an eating disorder; seven mentioned difficulties with either menstruation or fertility; 11 referenced being on a diet; five indicated that they were using some form of dietary restraint; and 11 included some form of written negative/guilt-inducing message about food. Blog entries and About Me sections contained a variety of content indicative of problematic eating and body image information. DISCUSSION These findings suggest the content of healthy living blogs might be problematic for viewers who have eating or body image issues. The content does not approach the inflammatory nature of pro-eating disorder websites, yet information promoted clearly indicates that future research should further evaluate these sites.
Adaptive control of intelligent walker guided human-walker systems

Intelligent walkers (i-walkers) need to have precise torque generation to sustain safe human-walker motion. Utilizing a recently developed control oriented system model that involves the physical-human walker interaction (pHWI) based on the user gait dynamics and characteristics, this paper studies an adaptive control scheme design for high precision trajectory tracking of the i-walker robust to user gait dynamics, body pose and weight. The proposed control scheme involves a backstepping based kinematic controller to generate reference i-walker velocities that match the pre-defined i-walker trajectories. These desired velocities are tracked applying the torques generated by an adaptive sliding mode control (SMC) scheme that is robust to unknown torque disturbance arising from friction forces, center of gravity displacement and load changes due to pHWI. The proposed SMC scheme design contains a feedback linearization unit based on the computed torque control law, and is fed by the wheel velocity estimates generated by a system-dynamics based sliding mode observer. The designed adaptive control scheme is simulated for the users with symmetric and asymmetric gait patterns.
General Services Administration Streamlines the Procurement of Construction Services

Abstract : The General Services Administration (GSA) Heartland Region is implementing a best value process (which minimizes time and cost deviations 98% of the time) and which minimizes the need for client's decision making, transfers the risk and control of a project to the vendor, and forces the vendor to manage and minimize the non-technical risk that the vendor does not control. The Performance Information Risk Management System (PIRMS) has been tested by the US Army Medical Command and has minimized over 50% of client project management and risk management transactions, and also minimized cost and time deviations by as much as 70%. The new paradigm uses Deming's concept of managing and minimizing the project deviation instead of meeting minimum standards. The system forces the client's representatives to do quality assurance, and the vendor to do quality control. The mechanism used is a risk management plan and a weekly risk report that creates transparency between buyer and vendor. The system can minimize up to 90% of the government's transactions and activities. The system is a new paradigm for government systems.
Dynamic adhesion and separation of cells in vitro II. Interactions of cells with hydrophilic and hydrophobic surfaces

Experiments made on the passage of cells through untreated and siliconized glass beads, and on the adhesion and spread of cultured cells on glass and Teflon surfaces show that, in the absence of serum and in its presence in low concentrations, cell adhesion and spread is sensitive to substratum wettability. On the other hand, in the presence of 100% serum, no differences in adhesive parameters are detectable. It is concluded that arguments correlating cell adhesion to surface wettability, and, by inference, surface free energy, are unsubstantiated in 100% serum, which may well approximate to the in vivo situation.
Preparation of dahi from buffalo milk and blends with soy milk

The present study was conducted to measure the feasibility of using soy milk as a supplement for the preparation of dahi from buffalo milk. In this experiment, four different types of dahi were prepared by partial replacement of buffalo milk with soy milk named A (control-100% Buffalo Milk), B (75% Buffalo Milk + 25% Soy Milk), C (50% Buffalo Milk +50% Soy Milk) and D (25% Buffalo Milk + 75% Soy Milk). The prepared samples were judged by a panel of expert judges for organoleptic qualities and analyzed for chemical tests. From the results of physical study, it was found that the overall organoleptic (viz. smell and taste, body and texture, color and appearance) score of A, B, C and D types dahi varied significantly (P<0.01). From the results of the chemical test, the moisture and protein content increased significantly (P<0.05), while fat, acidity, total solids and mineral contents significantly decreased due to addition of soy milk. From the findings of this work, it was concluded that 25% replacement of buffalo milk with soy milk could be used successfully which would produce dahi nearly similar to the quality of that made exclusively from buffalo milk. Bang. J. Anim. Sci. 2015. 44 (3): 137-142