Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Survival, synaptogenesis, and regeneration of adult mouse spiral ganglion neurons in vitro

The inner ear spiral ganglion is populated by bipolar neurons connecting the peripheral sensory receptors, the hair cells, with central neurons in auditory brain stem nuclei. Hearing impairment is often a consequence of hair cell death, e.g., from acoustic trauma. When deprived of their peripheral targets, the spiral ganglion neurons (SGNs) progressively degenerate. For effective clinical treatment using cochlear prostheses, it is essential to maintain the SGN population. To investigate their survival dependence, synaptogenesis, and regenerative capacity, adult mouse SGNs were separated from hair cells and studied in vitro in the presence of various neurotrophins and growth factors. Coadministration of fibroblast growth factor 2 (FGF‐2) and glial cell line‐derived neurotrophic factor (GDNF) provided support for long‐term survival, while FGF‐2 alone could strongly promote neurite regeneration. Fibroblast growth factor receptor FGFR‐3‐IIIc was found to upregulate and translocate to the nucleus in surviving SGNs. Surviving SGNs formed contacts with other SGNs after they were deprived of the signals from the hair cells. In coculture experiments, neurites extending from SGNs projected toward hair cells. Interestingly, adult mouse spiral ganglion cells could carry out both symmetric and asymmetric cell division and give rise to new neurons. The authors propose that a combination of FGF‐2 and GDNF could be an efficient route for clinical intervention of secondary degeneration of SGNs. The authors also demonstrate that the adult mammalian inner ear retains progenitor cells, which could commit neurogenesis. © 2006 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Neurobiol 67: 108–122, 2007
Runs of homozygosity: current knowledge and applications in livestock.

This review presents a broader approach to the implementation and study of runs of homozygosity (ROH) in animal populations, focusing on identifying and characterizing ROH and their practical implications. ROH are continuous homozygous segments that are common in individuals and populations. The ability of these homozygous segments to give insight into a population's genetic events makes them a useful tool that can provide information about the demographic evolution of a population over time. Furthermore, ROH provide useful information about the genetic relatedness among individuals, helping to minimize the inbreeding rate and also helping to expose deleterious variants in the genome. The frequency, size and distribution of ROH in the genome are influenced by factors such as natural and artificial selection, recombination, linkage disequilibrium, population structure, mutation rate and inbreeding level. Calculating the inbreeding coefficient from molecular information from ROH (FROH ) is more accurate for estimating autozygosity and for detecting both past and more recent inbreeding effects than are estimates from pedigree data (FPED ). The better results of FROH suggest that FROH can be used to infer information about the history and inbreeding levels of a population in the absence of genealogical information. The selection of superior animals has produced large phenotypic changes and has reshaped the ROH patterns in various regions of the genome. Additionally, selection increases homozygosity around the target locus, and deleterious variants are seen to occur more frequently in ROH regions. Studies involving ROH are increasingly common and provide valuable information about how the genome's architecture can disclose a population's genetic background. By revealing the molecular changes in populations over time, genome-wide information is crucial to understanding antecedent genome architecture and, therefore, to maintaining diversity and fitness in endangered livestock breeds.
Permanent reorganization of Ia afferent synapses on motoneurons after peripheral nerve injuries

After peripheral nerve injuries to a motor nerve, the axons of motoneurons and proprioceptors are disconnected from the periphery and monosynaptic connections from group I afferents and motoneurons become diminished in the spinal cord. Following successful reinnervation in the periphery, motor strength, proprioceptive sensory encoding, and Ia afferent synaptic transmission on motoneurons partially recover. Muscle stretch reflexes, however, never recover and motor behaviors remain uncoordinated. In this review, we summarize recent findings that suggest that lingering motor dysfunction might be in part related to decreased connectivity of Ia afferents centrally. First, sensory afferent synapses retract from lamina IX, causing a permanent relocation of the inputs to more distal locations and significant disconnection from motoneurons. Second, peripheral reconnection between proprioceptive afferents and muscle spindles is imperfect. As a result, a proportion of sensory afferents that retain central connections with motoneurons might not reconnect appropriately in the periphery. A hypothetical model is proposed in which the combined effect of peripheral and central reconnection deficits might explain the failure of muscle stretch to initiate or modulate firing of many homonymous motoneurons.
The occurrence of new arrhythmias after catheter-ablation of accessory pathway: delayed arrhythmic side-effect of curative radiofrequency lesion?

INTRODUCTION New arrhythmias (NA) may appear late after accessory pathway (AP) ablation, but their relation to curative radiofrequency (RF) lesion is unknown. OBJECTIVE The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and predictors for NA occurrence after AP ablation and to investigate pro-arrhythmic effect of RF. METHODS Total of 124 patients (88 males, mean age 43 +/- 14 years) with Wolff-Parkinson-White syndrome and single AP have been followed after successful RF ablation. Post-ablation finding of arrhythmia, not recorded before the procedure, was considered a NA. The origin of NA was assessed by analysis of P-wave and/or QRS-complex morphology, and, thereafter, it was compared with locations of previously ablated APs. RESULTS Over the follow-up of 4.3 +/- 3.9 years, NA was registered in 20 patients (16%). The prevalence of specific NAs was as follows: atrioventricular (AV) block 0.8%, atrial premature beats 1.6%, atrial fibrillation 5.4%, atrial flutter 0.8%, sinus tachycardia 4.8%, ventricular premature beats (VPBs) 7.3%. Multivariate Cox-regression analysis identified (1) pre-ablation history of pathway-mediated tachyarrhythmias >10 years (HR = 3.54, p = 0.016) and (2) septal AP location (HR = 4.25, p = 0.003), as the independent predictors for NA occurrence. In four NA cases (two cases of septal VPBs, one of typical AFL and one of AV-block) presumed NA origin was identified in the vicinity of previous ablation target. CONCLUSION NAs were found in 16% of patients after AP elimination. In few of these cases, late on-site arrhythmic effect of initially curative RF lesion might be possible. While earlier intervention could prevent NA occurrence, closer follow-up is advised after ablation of septal AP.
Repeated quantitative measurements of De Novo synthesis of albumin and fibrinogen

The possibility of using two different isotopomers, for the incorporation of isotopically labeled amino acids, was explored to enable longitudinal studies of de novo synthesis of two export liver proteins, albumin and fibrinogen. The agreement of the synthesis rates between the two different labels was evaluated along with the reproducibility of repeated experiments using different time intervals. Healthy volunteers were studied in a standardized fed state. Protocol A (n = 10) involved two measurements 48 hours apart. Protocol B (n = 6) involved three measurements at baseline and five hours and then seven days after the initial measurement. De novo synthesis of albumin and fibrinogen by the incorporation of D5-phenylalanine or D8-phenylalanine were measured using the flooding dose technique. Albumin and fibrinogen were isolated from plasma using standard techniques. Fractional and absolute synthesis rates were calculated. Repeated measurements employing the two isotoptomers showed good agreement for albumin fractional synthesis rate after 48 hours (p = 0.92) and after 7 days (p = 0.99), with a coefficient of variation of 5.9% when using the same isotopic label. For fibrinogen, the coefficient of variation for the fractional synthesis rate employing the same isotopic label was 16.6%. Repeated measurements after 48 hours and seven days showed less agreement although there was no statistical difference (P = 0.32 and P = 0.30 respectively). Repeated measurement after five hours showed a statistical significant difference for the fractional synthesis rate of fibrinogen (p = 0.008) but not for albumin (p = 0.12). Repeated measurements of albumin de novo synthesis more than 48 hours apart show acceptable agreement using either one or two different isotopic labels. For fibrinogen the larger intra-individual scatter necessitates larger study groups to detect changes in longitudinal studies. Repeated measurements within 48 hours need to be validated further.
Age, Gender, and Living Circumstances: Discriminating Older Adults on Death Anxiety

The present study examines the effect of age, gender, and living circumstances on elderly persons' death anxiety. For this purpose, 299 persons attending public parks (average age = 70 years) were interviewed using the Death Anxiety Survey Schedule, which is a set of 10 questions related to death anxiety from an Indian perspective. Women, those relatively older, and those living with family were significantly more anxious about the word death. The gender and age results in this Indian sample are similar to that in some western samples. The results that those living with family have significantly higher death anxiety are not in agreement with past western studies and may reflect cultural differences in anxiety about death.
Sistema cognitivo de petición de canales disponibles en la banda de frecuencia de 470mhz a 698 mhz para el despliegue de iot

El espectro radioelectrico (ER) es un recurso natural que permite las comunicaciones inalambricas para los servicios de telecomunicaciones tales como television, radiodifusion sonora, radionavegacion entre otros. El espectro es gestionado de acuerdo con las recomendaciones establecidas en la Union Internacional de Telecomunicaciones (UIT) y los entes reguladores de cada uno de los paises. La gestion del ER por asignacion fija para usuarios primarios y secundarios en el espectro radioelectrico se encuentra en un proceso de cambio, puesto que el uso del espectro con esta asignacion tiene bajos niveles de uso en algunas bandas de frecuencia. Por lo tanto, la asignacion dinamica se observa como una solucion al uso eficiente del espectro para los servicios de telecomunicaciones emergentes. El aumento del uso del ER es consecuencia de servicios de telecomunicaciones emergentes como Internet of Things (IoT) puesto estos servicios pueden tener baja tasa de trafico, pero gran numero de dispositivos y tambien podrian tener trafico multimedia. En estos servicios, las cosas pueden ser consideradas como objetos de la vida cotidiana como electrodomesticos, vestibles, medios de transporte, entre otros. Adicionalmente, la conexion de los dispositivos a Internet permite el desarrollo de nuevas oportunidades en ambitos sociales, economicos, ambientales entre otros aportando tangiblemente a la comunidad por medio del control, la gestion y la monitorizacion de elementos fisicos que componen un medio urbano dentro de una red. La investigacion se enmarca en bandas de frecuencia de asignacion dinamica de television que permiten nuevas oportunidades para el despliegue de servicios emergentes como IoT. Por lo anterior, el trabajo de grado busca realizar una revision del estado regulatorio actual de ER con respecto a la asignacion dinamica en la banda de 470MHz a 698MHz, el uso de esta banda para los dispositivos IoT y el analisis del protocolo para la comunicacion de los dispositivos IoT en una red de Huecos espectrales en Television (TVWS, por sus siglas en ingles).
Evidence for the Pathophysiological Role of Endogenous Methylarginines in Regulation of Endothelial NO Production and Vascular Function*

In endothelium, NO is derived from endothelial NO synthase (eNOS)-mediated l-arginine oxidation. Endogenous guanidinomethylated arginines (MAs), including asymmetric dimethylarginine (ADMA) and NG-methyl-l-arginine (l-NMMA), are released in cells upon protein degradation and are competitive inhibitors of eNOS. However, it is unknown whether intracellular MA concentrations reach levels sufficient to regulate endothelial NO production. Therefore, the dose-dependent effects of ADMA and l-NMMA on eNOS function were determined. Kinetic studies demonstrated that the Km for l-arginine is 3.14 μm with a Vmax of 0.14 μmol mg–1 min–1, whereas Ki values of 0.9 μm and 1.1 μm were determined for ADMA and l-NMMA, respectively. EPR studies of NO production from purified eNOS demonstrated that, with a physiological 100 μm level of l-arginine, MA levels of >10μm were required for significant eNOS inhibition. Dose-dependent inhibition of NO formation in endothelial cells was observed with extracellular MA concentrations as low 5 μm. Similar effects were observed in isolated vessels where 5 μm ADMA inhibited vascular relaxation to acetylcholine. MA uptake studies demonstrated that ADMA and l-NMMA accumulate in endothelial cells with intracellular levels greatly exceeding extracellular concentrations. l-Arginine/MA ratios were correlated with cellular NO production. Although normal physiological levels of MAs do not significantly inhibit NOS, a 3- to 9-fold increase, as reported under disease conditions, would exert prominent inhibition. Using a balloon model of vascular injury, ∼4-fold increases in cellular MAs were observed, and these caused prominent impairment of vascular relaxation. Thus, MAs are critical mediators of vascular dysfunction following vascular injury.
Mini-open intramedullary nailing of acute femoral shaft fracture: reduction through a small incision without a fracture table.

BACKGROUND Femoral shaft fractures are usually treated with intramedullary nailing. In this study, we report on a modified surgical technique with reduction through a small incision for this type of fracture. METHODS From 1994 to 1997, this technique was used on 74 patients with 82 femoral shaft fractures. Seventy patients (76 fractures) with at least 3 years of postoperative follow-up were included for clinical evaluation. The surgical technique involves a mini-wound at the fracture site, and fracture reduction is performed with 1 finger or a bone hook without the use of a fracture table. RESULTS Seventy-four fractures (97%) healed in the first 6 months. In 2 patients, there was little evidence of fracture union at 6 months. One of these 2 patients was treated with an open bone graft, and the other was treated with a closed exchanging nail. Finally these 2 patients healed. The mean operation time for this procedure was 75 minutes. CONCLUSION The advantages of this procedure include that no fracture table is needed, there is a shorter operation time, there is a small amount of blood loss, and it is especially suitable for multiple trauma patients.
Agonist high and low affinity state ratios predict drug intrinsic activity and a revised Ternary complex mechanism at serotonin 5‐HT2A and 5‐HT2C receptors

The ternary complex model as applied to G‐protein coupled receptors (GPCR) predicts that an agonist binds with low affinity (KL) to the free receptor (R), leading to an agonist/receptor/G‐protein complex. This ternary complex displays high agonist affinity (KH), resulting in signal transduction. Classical dogma states that the ratio KL/KH predicts intrinsic activity of drugs: the higher the ratio the higher the intrinsic activity. This model was based on studies in which KL and KH were indirectly determined by computer analyses of antagonist radioligand binding data. In order to investigate the relationship of KL, KH, and intrinsic activity for agonists at 5‐HT2A and 5‐HT2C receptors, we utilized 3H‐agonist and 3H‐antagonist radioligands to directly determine KH and KL. Comparisons of the log KL/KH ratios and intrinsic activities of drugs for stimulating intracellular phosphatidylinositol (PI) hydrolysis revealed a strong correlation for 5‐HT2A (r2 = 0.92) and 5‐HT2C (r2 = 0.96) receptors. The data were fit to computer simulations based on the original ternary complex model and the revised ternary complex model in which an activated state of the receptor (R*) exists in equilibrium with the resting state of the receptor (R). Data produced for both 5‐HT2A and 5‐HT2C receptors were better‐fitted to a revised ternary complex model, rather than the classical ternary complex model. These data support a revised model for the molecular events coupling GPCR to activation of G‐proteins and indicate that a strong correlation between the KL/KH ratio and intrinsic activity for agonist action at GPCR is consistent with the existence of R*. Synapse 35:144–150, 2000. © 2000 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
New technology for thermoelectric cooling

Thermoelectric coolers in use today have a coefficient of performance (COP) of only about 0.5. This compares to COPS of larger scale machines, such as air conditioners and refrigerators at levels of 3.0 to 5.0. For electronic component cooling there is a new thermoelectric technology emerging for improved efficiency. This paper discusses this new technology which is multi-layer quantum well (MLQW) thermoelectrics, that should increase by four or five times the COP of present thermoelectric coolers used in electronic cooling applications. It also details and updates the experimental work in MLQW thermoelectric materials and will detail the supporting analysis of the predicted higher performance cooling. A specific example of an electronic cooling module configuration is presented.
Aryl hydrocarbon receptor-induced signals up-regulate IL-22 production and inhibit inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract.

BACKGROUND & AIMS The pathogenesis of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) is believed to involve an altered balance between effector and regulatory T cells. Aryl hydrocarbon receptor (AhR), a ligand-dependent transcription factor that mediates the toxicity of dioxins, controls T-cell responses. We investigated the role of AhR in inflammation and pathogenesis of IBD in humans and mouse models. METHODS AhR expression was evaluated in intestinal tissue samples from patients with IBD and controls by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and flow cytometry. Intestinal lamina propria mononuclear cells (LPMCs) were activated in the presence or absence of the AhR agonist 6-formylindolo(3, 2-b)carbazole (Ficz). Colitis was induced in mice using trinitrobenzene sulfonic acid (TNBS), dextran sulfate sodium (DSS), or T-cell transfer. Mice were given injections of Ficz or the AhR antagonist 2-metyl-2H-pyrazole-3-carboxylic acid; some mice first received injections of a blocking antibody against interleukin (IL)-22. Cytokines were quantified by real-time PCR and flow cytometry. RESULTS Intestine tissue from patients with IBD expressed significantly less AhR than controls. In LPMCs from patients with IBD, incubation with Ficz reduced levels of interferon gamma (IFN)-γ and up-regulated IL-22. Mice injected with Ficz were protected against TNBS-, DSS-, and T-cell transfer-induced colitis; they had marked down-regulation of inflammatory cytokines and induction of IL-22. Mice given AhR antagonist produced more inflammatory cytokines and less IL-22 and developed a severe colitis. Neutralization of endogenous IL-22 disrupted the protective effect of Ficz on TNBS-induced colitis. CONCLUSIONS AhR is down-regulated in intestinal tissue of patients with IBD; AhR signaling, via IL-22, inhibits inflammation and colitis in the gastrointestinal tract of mice. AhR-related compounds might be developed to treat patients with IBDs.
L’immunothérapie allergénique : vers de nouvelles approches thérapeutiques

L’immunotherapie allergenique (ITA) specifique est aujourd’hui le seul traitement connu des maladies allergiques dependantes des IgE. Cette these explore une vision d’ensemble de l’ITA, de ses mecanismes d’action au developpement de nouveaux traitements innovants. Dans une premiere partie, nous traitons des mecanismes immunologiques de l’allergie, des allergenes, des symptomes cliniques et du diagnostic de l’allergie. Puis, dans une seconde partie, nous etudions l’immunotherapie allergenique : voies d’administration, indications, efficacite et securite, production et reglementation. Nous nous concentrons en particulier sur les mecanismes d’action connus de l’ITA. La balance entre les benefices et les risques de l’ITA n’a pas encore atteint un parfait equilibre. La plupart des strategies de developpement des traitements d’ITA ont pour but d’augmenter l’immunogenicite (efficacite) et de reduire l’allergenicite (toxicite) afin d’obtenir des traitements plus surs et plus efficaces. Ainsi, dans une troisieme partie, nous abordons ces differentes strategies, basees sur la modification des extraits allergeniques (allergenes recombinants, hypoallergenes, peptides contenant des epitopes T et B), sur l’utilisation d’adjuvants et sur l’utilisation de nouvelles voies d’administration. Nous traitons egalement des vaccins ADN appliques au traitement des allergies. L’ITA est une medecine personnalisee et doit pouvoir compter sur des biomarqueurs predictifs et de suivi de son efficacite a court et long terme. Ici, nous abordons les caracteristiques et les fonctions des biomarqueurs et donnons un apercu des biomarqueurs candidats de l’ITA actuellement en developpement.
[Effect of acupuncture in keratoconjunctivitis sicca].

BACKGROUND Conjunctivitis sicca is a chronic disease of the ocular surface. The substitution of tear deficiency with artificial tears is not satisfying in many patients. In a series of patients successfully treated with acupuncture we observed very different effects on each patient. In this study we evaluate the correlation between the effect of acupuncture and the etiology of the dry eyes treated. PATIENTS AND METHODS 102 patients (87 women, 15 men) with dry-eye syndrome have been needed 10 sessions, once per week, for 30 minutes. We recorded causal factors according to the traditional chinese medicine (TCM): external and internal factors. External factors were: toxic, allergic, drug-induced, ocular surface inflammation and infection, contact lens and generally external irritations. Internal factors were disorders of hormones, immune system, psychic, and vitamin-A deficiency. Ophthalmologic observation included the slit-lamp examination, Schirmers test II, break-up time of tear film (BUT) and a drop-frequency protocol--before and 1 week after acupuncture treatment. RESULTS There was a statistically significant difference (p < 0.001) in Schirmers test, BUT and drop frequency between before and after acupuncture. There was no significant difference between internal and external factors, but the effect on external induced sicca was better. The best effect of acupuncture was found in external factors after inflammation and in patients with imbalance of the autonomic nervous system, the least effects in Sjögren Syndrome. The effect was better in younger then in patients over 50 years. CONCLUSION The study demonstrate, according DeLa Fuye that the best effect of acupuncture is seen on functionally disorders.