Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Relationship between serum biomarkers of cartilage and bone metabolism and joint injury in young Thoroughbred racehorses in training.

OBJECTIVE To compare serum concentrations of biomarkers of cartilage and bone metabolism between racehorses with a carpal or metacarpophalangeal or metatarsophalangeal (ie, fetlock) joint injury and matched uninjured control horses, determine changes in biomarker concentrations following joint injury, and establish the biomarkers' diagnostic test performance. ANIMALS 50 Thoroughbred racehorses with a carpal or fetlock joint injury and 50 matched uninjured horses (control horses). PROCEDURES Serum concentrations of 2 cartilage synthesis biomarkers (carboxy-terminal propeptide of type II collagen [CPII] and chondroitin sulfate epitope 846 [CS846]), 2 cartilage degradation biomarkers (neoepitope generated by collagenase cleavage of type II collagen [C2C] and cross-linked carboxy-terminal telopeptide fragments of type II collagen [CTX-II]), and serum activity of a bone formation marker (bone-specific alkaline phosphatase [BAP]) were measured around the time of injury diagnosis and monthly thereafter for as long as possible. RESULTS Injured horses as a group and horses specifically with fetlock joint injuries had significantly lower serum CPII concentrations and significantly higher serum BAP activities than matched control horses. Concentrations of CTX-II were decreased between 2 and 4 months following joint injury. Measurement of CPII concentration at baseline could distinguish between injured horses and control horses with a sensitivity of 82% and specificity of 50%. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Although significant differences in specific biomarker concentrations between horses with carpal and fetlock joint injuries and matched control horses were identified, there was no convincing evidence of the suitability of these biomarkers as diagnostic or prognostic tools in a clinical setting.
Complete Loss of Fas Ligand Gene Causes Massive Lymphoproliferation and Early Death, Indicating a Residual Activity of gld Allele 1

To investigate the in vivo function of Fas ligand (FasL), we produced a mouse strain with a FasL gene flanked by loxP sequences. Mice with homozygous floxed FasL gene showed no obvious abnormalities. However, germline deletion of the FasL gene, obtained after mating with mice expressing ubiquitous Cre recombinase, resulted in an unexpectedly severe phenotype. FasL−/− mice exhibited an extreme splenomegaly and lymphadenopathy associated with lymphocytic infiltration into multiple organs and autoimmune disease. This severe phenotype led to the premature death at 4 mo of age of >50% of the homozygous mice. It stands in sharp contrast with the milder disease observed in gld (generalized lymphoproliferative disease) mice, indicating that the FasL allele of these mice encodes a protein still able to bind, albeit at a very low level, the Fas receptor.
Nurse-Facilitated Preparation and Life Completion Interventions Are Acceptable and Feasible in the Australian Palliative Care Setting: Results From a Phase 2 Trial

Background: Existential/spiritual needs of advanced cancer patients are not always met in healthcare. Potential barriers for health professionals exploring existential concerns include lack of time, training, tools, and confidence. Yet patients with life-threatening illnesses require holistic care, and interest in their existential/spiritual needs is growing. Preparation and life completion interventions have shown positive results in the existential/spiritual care of hospice-eligible patients in the United States. Nurses are in the ideal position to deliver such interventions, but have not been previously evaluated in this context. Objective: The objective of this study was to explore the acceptability and feasibility of a nurse-facilitated preparation and life completion intervention (Outlook) in an Australian palliative care patient population. Methods: Patients discussed their life story, forgiveness, and heritage and legacy over 3 audiotaped sessions. Preintervention/postintervention outcome measures included the Memorial Symptom Assessment Scale, Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy–Spirituality Well-being, Profile of Mood States, Quality of Life at End of Life Scale, and Center for Epidemiological Depression Scale. Participant feedback was subjected to thematic analysis to understand the patient experience of receiving the intervention. Results: Ten palliative care patients with advanced cancer completed the study. Patients reported the intervention and assessments to be acceptable and feasible and to be overall positively received although with nonsignificant improvements in measures of “meaning and peace” and “preparation for end of life. ” Conclusion: A nurse-facilitated preparation and life completion intervention is acceptable and feasible for palliative care patients with advanced cancer in Australia. Implications for Practice: Outlook is a novel, portable, and feasible tool for use by nurses when addressing existential and spiritual domains of care with patients with advanced cancer.
Isolation and sequence analysis of the Chlamydia pneumoniae GroE operon

Chlamydia pneumoniae has emerged as an important human respiratory pathogen. From a lambda gt11 gene bank constructed from C. pneumoniae isolate AR-39 DNA, an immunoreactive plaque containing a 3.0-kb insert was purified. In immunoblots, a 60-kDa protein was recognized by anti-C. pneumoniae rabbit immune serum. The recombinant protein was reactive with a Chlamydia genus-specific monoclonal antibody recognizing a 60-kDa protein found in the Sarkosyl-soluble fraction and with rabbit immune serum prepared against the Chlamydia trachomatis 60-kDa GroEL homolog associated with the delayed-type hypersensitivity response. DNA sequence analysis confirmed that the C. pneumoniae gene product is an analog of the C. trachomatis delayed-type hypersensitivity antigen and the Escherichia coli GroEL heat shock protein.
Penetrating keratoplasty in children: visual and graft outcome

Aims: To review factors affecting graft survival and determinants of visual acuity after penetrating keratoplasty in children. Methods: All cases of penetrating keratoplasty performed in an ophthalmic unit, in children aged less than 15 years at the time of operation, for the period 1984 to 2002 were included. Results: 19 penetrating keratoplasties were done in 18 eyes of 16 children, age range 2 weeks to 14 years 8 months (mean 9.24 years), with mean follow up 6.6 years. 73.7% of grafts have remained clear for up to 14 years. Postoperative visual acuity among congenital indications for graft was better than 6/60 in only 14.2% of cases, but was better than or equal to 6/12 in all cases of keratoconus. Conclusion: This series shows that prolonged corneal graft survival can be achieved in children, but successful restoration of visual acuity depends upon a period of normal visual development before the onset of corneal opacification.
A deinstitutionalized retarded adult's use of communication functions in a natural setting.

ABSTRACTThis study examined the communication functions expressed by a moderately retarded adult in a group home setting. Communication functions were examined in three con versational speaking situations: subject talking to counselors; subject talking to residents; and subject talking to self. The communication functions of interest were information-giving, information-giving to self, command, criticism, praise, describe, imitation, and repetition. Results indicate that the subject used all of the nine communication functions examined and demonstrated variability of function use within the speaking situations. Examination of communication functions across speaking situations suggests that the adult retarded subject is aware of at least some social conventions necessary for using various functions in different speaking situations.
An automatic detection of oil spills in sar images by using image segmentation approach

In the study, we propose a region-based method for the automatic detection of oil spills in SAR images. The proposed method combines the image segmentation technique and conventional detection theory to improve the accuracy of oil spills detection. From the image statistical characteristics, we first segment the image into proper regions by using one-dimensional moment preserving method. Then, to get a more integrated segmentation result, we adopt N nearest neighbor rule to merge the image regions according to their spatial correlation. Performing the split and merge procedure recursively, we can partition the image into proper regions, oil-polluted and sea areas. Based on the segmentation results, then, we propose an oil spills detection algorithm, which involves data modeling of oil-polluted image data and the development of an automatic decision rule. Employing the built oil spills model and the generalized likelihood ratio (GLRE) detection theory, we derive a region-based decision rule for oil spills detection. Under the criterion of Constant False Alarm Ration (CFAR), we may determine the threshold automatically. Simulation results performed on ERS2-SAR images have demonstrated the efficiency of the proposed approach.
The herpes simplex virus 1 UL15 gene encodes two proteins and is required for cleavage of genomic viral DNA

Previous studies have shown that a ts mutant [herpes simplex virus 1 (mP)ts66.4] in the UL15 gene fails to package viral DNA into capsids (A. P. W. Poon and B. Roizman, J. Virol. 67:4497-4503, 1993) and that although the intron separating the first and second exons of the UL15 gene contains UL16 and UL17 open reading frames, replacement of the first exon with a cDNA copy of the entire gene does not affect viral replication (J.D. Baines, and B. Roizman, J. Virol. 66:5621-5626, 1992). We report that (i) a polyclonal rabbit antiserum generated against a chimeric protein consisting of the bacterial maltose-binding protein fused in frame to the majority of sequences contained in the second exon of the UL15 gene reacted with two proteins with M(r) of 35,000 and 75,000, respectively, in cells infected with a virus containing the authentic gene yielding a spliced mRNA or with a virus in which the authentic UL15 gene was replaced with a cDNA copy. (ii) Insertion of 20 additional codons into the C terminus of UL15 exon II caused a reduction in the electrophoretic mobility of both the apparently 35,000- and 75,000-M(r) proteins, unambiguously demonstrating that both share the carboxyl terminus of the UL15 exon II. (iii) Accumulation of the 35,000-M(r) protein was reduced in cells infected and maintained in the presence of phosphonoacetate, an inhibitor of viral DNA synthesis. (iv) The UL15 proteins were localized in the perinuclear space at 6 h after infection and largely in the nucleus at 12 h after infection. (v) Viral DNA accumulating in cells infected with herpes simplex virus 1(mP)ts66.4 and maintained at the nonpermissive temperature was in an endless (concatemeric) form, and therefore UL15 is required for the cleavage of mature, unit-length molecules for packaging into capsids.
Development of an Age-and Gender-specific Model for Strontium Metabolism in Humans

This paper presents a development of a new biokinetic model for strontium, which accounts for age and gender differences of metabolism in humans. This model was developed based on the long-term follow-up of the residents living on the banks of the Techa River (Southern Urals, Russia) contaminated with Sr in 1950-1956. The new model uses the structure of ICRP model for strontium but model parameters have been estimated to account for age, gender and population differences in strontium retention and elimination. Estimates of ageand gender-specific model parameters were derived from (a) the results of long-term measurements of Sr-body burden for the Techa River population; (b) experimental studies of calcium and strontium metabolism in humans and (c) non-radiological data regarding bone metabolism (mineral content of the body, bone turnover, etc). As a result, the new model satisfactorily describes data on long-term retention of Sr in residents of the Techa River settlements of all ages and both genders and also data from studies during the period of global fallout in the UK and the USA and experimental data on strontium retention in humans. The new model can be used to calculate dose from Sr for the Techa River residents and also for other populations with similar parameters of skeletal maturation and involution.
Obstetric risk factors and outcome of pregnancies complicated with early postpartum hemorrhage: A population-based study

Objective. The study was aimed to identify obstetric risk factors for early postpartum hemorrhage (PPH) in singleton gestations and to evaluate pregnancy outcome. Study design. A comparison between consecutive singleton deliveries with and without early PPH was performed. Deliveries occurred during the years 1988–2002 in a tertiary medical center. A multivariate logistic regression model was constructed in order to define independent risk factors for PPH. Results. Postpartum hemorrhage complicated 0.4% (n = 666) of all deliveries enrolled in the study (n = 154 311). Significant risk factors for PPH, identified using a multivariable analysis, were: retained placenta (OR 3.5, 95%CI 2.1–5.8), failure to progress during the second stage of labor (OR 3.4, 95%CI 2.4–4.7), placenta accreta (OR 3.3, 95%CI 1.7–6.4), lacerations (OR 2.4, 95%CI 2.0–2.8), instrumental delivery (OR 2.3, 95%CI 1.6–3.4), large for gestational age (LGA) newborn (OR 1.9, 95%CI 1.6–2.4), hypertensive disorders (OR 1.7, 95%CI 1.2–2.1), induction of labor (OR 1.4, 95%CI 1.1–1.7) and augmentation of labor with oxytocin (OR 1.4, 95%CI 1.2–1.7). Women were assigned into three different groups according to the assessed severity of PPH, assuming that the severe cases were handled by revision of the birth canal under anesthesia, and the most severe cases required in addition treatment with blood products. A significant linear association was found between the severity of bleeding and the following factors: vacuum extraction, oxytocin augmentation, hypertensive disorders as well as perinatal mortality, uterine rupture, peripartum hysterectomy and uterine or internal iliac artery ligation (p < 0.001 for all variables). Conclusion. Hypertensive disorder, failure to progress during the second stage of labor, oxytocin augmentation, vacuum extraction and LGA were found to be major risk factors for severe PPH. Special attention should be given after birth to hypertensive patients, and to patients who underwent induction of labor or instrumental delivery, as well as to those delivering LGA newborns.
Effect of interferon-gamma on hepatic stellate cells stimulated by acetaldehyde.

BACKGROUND/AIMS Liver fibrosis in alcoholics has been linked to the oxidation of ethanol to the highly reactive compound acetaldehyde and accumulating evidence has indicated a close link between alcohol and TGF-beta1. Although, it is considered that IFN-gamma inhibits the transcription of matrix, it has not been well defined whether IFN-gamma could inhibit the expression of matrix induced by acetaldehyde in METHODOLOGY HSC were divided into 5 groups, 4 groups were treated with different doses (0, 1000, 1500, 2000 IU/mL) of IFN-gamma and acetaldehyde (200pM) for 24 and 48 h. For the control group, HSC were treated only with medium. The collagen, alpha-SMA, TGF-beta1, Smad4, Smad7 and TGFbetaRI protein expression in HSC were examined by western blot analysis. 5-Bromo-2'-deoxy-uridine (BrdU) labeling assay was used to determine the effect of IFN-gamma on the proliferation of HSC. RESULTS IFN-gamma exhibited a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on a-SMA, collagen type I, collagen type III protein expression in HSC (p<0.01); also IFN-gamma implemented a dose-dependent inhibitory effect on TGF-beta1, Smad4 and especially TGFBRI protein expression in HSC (p<0.01). There was no influence of IFN-gamma on HSC proliferation by BrdU labeling assay. CONCLUSIONS The present data indicated that IFN-gamma could inhibit the collagen expression in HSC stimulated by acetaldehyde. IFN-gamma could down-regulate the TGF-beta1, Smad4 and especially TGFbetaRI in HSC after acetaldehyde stimulation. This experiment showed 1000, 1500, 2000 IU/mL IFN-gamma were effective and safe to down-regulate the extracellular matrix induced by acetaldehyde in vitro.
Do amnesty programs reduce undocumented immigration? Evidence from Irca

This article examines whether mass legalization programs reduce future undocumented immigration. We focus on the effects of the 1986 Immigration Reform and Control Act, which granted amnesty to nearly 2.7 million undocumented immigrants. We report that apprehensions of persons attempting to cross the U.S.-Mexico border illegally declined immediately following passage of the law but returned to normal levels during the period when undocumented immigrants could file for amnesty and the years thereafter. Our findings suggest that the amnesty program did not change long-term patterns of undocumented immigration from Mexico.
The Escape of the Mink Embryo from Obligate Diapause1

Abstract The obligate embryonic diapause that characterizes gestation in mink engenders a developmental arrest at the blastocyst stage. The characteristics of escape from obligate diapause were investigated in embryos reactivated by treatment of the dams with exogenous prolactin. Protein and DNA synthesis showed marked increases within 72 h after the reinitiation of development, and embryo diameter increased thereafter. Trophoblast cells from embryos at Day 5 after activation proliferated more readily in vitro than trophoblasts from diapause or from Day 9 after activation, while in Day 9 embryos, cells from the inner cell mass (ICM) replicated comparatively more readily in vitro. There was evidence of expression of fibroblast growth factor-4 (FGF4) in both diapause and activated embryos and in ICM, but not the trophoblast. FGF receptor-2 was present in embryos from Day 5 after reactivation in both trophoblast and ICM cell lines. Trophoblast cell lines established from mink embryos proliferated in culture in the presence of FGF4 with a doubling time of 1.4 days, while in its absence, the doubling time was 4.0 days. We conclude that, during reinitiation of embryogenesis in the mink after diapause, embryo growth is characterized by gradual increases in protein synthesis, accompanied by mitosis of the trophoblast and ICM. There appears to be a pattern of differential proliferation between cells derived from these embryonic compartments, with the trophoblast phase of replication occurring mainly in the early reactivation phase, while the ICM proliferates more rapidly nearer to the time of implantation.
Perceived Standing Position after Reduction of Foot-Pressure Sensation by Cooling the Sole

We investigated the influence of the reduction of foot-pressure sensation by cooling the sole of the foot, at 1°C for 30 or 40 minutes, on the perception of standing position varied in the anteroposterior direction. The subjects were 16 healthy undergraduates. Firstly, for 4 of the subjects, cooling the sole of the foot decreased sensory information from the mechanoreceptors in the sole, by resting for an increase in the threshold for two-point discrepancy discrimination on the sole of the foot and for the disappearance of postural change with vibration to the sole. Next, the perception of standing position was measured by reproduction of a given standing reference position involving forward or backward leaning under both normal and cooled conditions of the feet. Standing position was varied in relation to the location of the center of foot pressure, defined as distance from the heel in percentage of the length of the foot. The reference positions, representing various locations of the center of foot pressure, were set at 10% increments from 20% to 80% of the length of the foot. With eyes closed, the subject first experienced the reference position and then attempted to reproduce it. The mean location of the center of foot pressure in the quiet standing posture was 45.7%. At the 40%, 50%, and 60% reference positions, those closest to quiet standing, absolute errors of reproduction were significantly larger than at other reference positions in both the normal and the cooled conditions. They were significantly larger in the cooled than in the normal condition. The 50% and 60% reference positions were reproduced significantly further forward in the cooled than in the normal condition. These results may be explained as due to an absence of marked changes in sensory information from both muscular activity and foot pressure when moving to reference positions close to the quiet standing posture.
Chronic cocaine administration reduces phospholipase A(2) activity in rat brain striatum.

BACKGROUND Phospholipase A(2) (PLA(2)) catalyses the release of free fatty acids used for eicosanoid biosynthesis. We previously reported that calcium-stimulated PLA(2) activity is reduced in the brain of cocaine users and patients with schizophrenia, and have speculated that this is due to dopaminergic hyperactivity in both conditions. METHODS To investigate these observations under controlled conditions, PLA(2) activity was measured in brain of rats exposed to cocaine and the dopamine receptor antagonist haloperidol. RESULTS As compared with saline-treated controls, calcium-stimulated PLA(2) activity was reduced (-30%; P<0.01) in the dopamine-rich striatum of animals sacrificed 1 h after chronic (20 mg/kg/day) injection of cocaine, but was normal in haloperidol- (2 mg/kg/day) treated animals, and in the dopamine-poor cortex and cerebellum of animals treated with either drug. CONCLUSION This confirms and extends our observations in human brain, and further suggests a link between the brain dopaminergic and phospholipid catabolic systems.
Catalase and the production of brain acetaldehyde: a possible mediator of the psychopharmacological effects of ethanol

This review represents an attempt to assess the available data on the role of catalase in the mediation of the behavioral actions of ethanol and the regulation of voluntary ethanol consumption. It is argued that acetaldehyde may be formed in brain through the peroxidatic activity of catalase. Furthermore, acetaldehyde formed centrally through the activity of this enzyme, may be responsible, at least in part, for some of the motivational, behavioral and neurotoxic effects of ethanol.
An interference robust CDMA demodulator that uses spectral correlation properties

A technique is presented for effectively rejecting CDMA interference. No knowledge of the interfering signals is required. The demodulator uses a cyclic Wiener filter (FRESH filter) to decrease the bit error rate, and increase spectral efficiency. In some situations, the bit error rate is reduced by more than two orders of magnitude and capacity is tripled. For despreading and demodulating the signal-of-interest, the demodulator takes on a structure similar to that of fractionally-spaced equalizers. Substantial improvement over the conventional correlation receiver is obtained by exploiting spectral correlation of the signal-of-interest and the multiple access interference even with severe multipath distortion. The computational complexity of the receiver is equivalent to that of conventional equalizers. <<ETX>>