Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Los nudos del ejido: disputas y relaciones intraejidales en Calakmul, Campeche

In Mexico’s contempor a ry ejidos , modes of n a tur a l resource a ccess, distribution of government support, a nd l a nd tenure regimes a re problems a ssoci a ted with neoliber a l policies. In this a rticle, we explore the different forms of tension a nd conflict between ejid a t a rios (offici a l ejid a l members with rights b a sed on this membership) a nd pobl a dores (residents without these rights) in three ejidos in the municip a lity of C a l a kmul, C a mpeche, Mexico. We a ddress different interpret a tions a nd f a ctors th a t ch a r a cterize Mexico’s current a gr a ri a n problem. B a sed on ethnogr a phic work, including in-depth interviews a nd focus groups, we a n a lyze the conflicts a mong different kinds of ejid a l residents. We find a situ a tion of tension a nd r a ncor th a t a rises from the decisions a nd risks a ssumed by the different groups in their struggle for m a rket p a rticip a tion or just surviv a l. We conclude th a t it is urgent to rethink conflicts over ejido resources a nd the unw a nted effects of government progr a ms.
A Post-Wall Waveguide Center-Feed Parallel Plate Slot Array Antenna in the Millimeter-Wave Band

A center-feed structure using cross-junctions is designed for a post-wall waveguide-fed parallel plate slot array antenna. The length of the radiating waveguide in the center-feed antenna is half of that of a conventional end-feed antenna, and the center-feed antenna is expected to enhance bandwidth depending on the long line effect. The symmetrical structure of the antenna can keep the main beam at boresight as the frequency is changed. The cross-junction is analogous to that previously proposed for a single-mode waveguide array, but it excites plane TEM waves in both directions in the oversized parallel plate. The authors have designed and fabricated a slot array with uniform aperture distribution at 61.25 GHz. The bandwidth for 1-dB gain reduction is 1.7 times as wide as that of a conventional end-feed type antenna. The sidelobe level in the E-plane increases to -7.8 dB because of the slot-free area over the center-feed waveguide, which is suppressed to -11.1 dB by introducing a -8.3 dB amplitude tapered distribution in the slot design of the array.
Single fascia iliaca compartment block for pain relief in patients with fractured neck of femur in the emergency department: a pilot study

Objectives Fractured neck of femur (NOF) is a common injury in the elderly, which causes severe pain and distress. Fascia iliaca compartment block using the ‘Two Pop Technique’ is safe and relatively easy to perform. It has been traditionally performed by anaesthetists in a controlled environment for perioperative pain relief with very good results. The purpose of the study was to investigate its applicability and success rate in a busy emergency department (ED) with changing junior staff and time pressures. Materials and methods A prospective cohort study was carried out on 137 patients presenting to the ED with fractured NOF. The blocks were performed by emergency physicians (EPs) of different grades after a short training session. Pain scores (no pain=1, worst pain=10) were documented at presentation, 30 and 60 min after the block. Results A reduction in the pain score of three points or more was regarded as a successful block. This was achieved in 77.4% of all documented cases. No adverse events were reported and the participating EP found it very easy to master the technique. Conclusion The fascia iliaca compartment block offers a very good, efficient and safe alternative to conventional analgesia in the treatment of pain in patients with fractured NOF. It should be used more by EPs as it is easy to learn and it requires inexpensive equipment.
Establishment of cell polarity by afadin during the formation of embryoid bodies

Afadin directly links nectin, an immunoglobulin‐like cell–cell adhesion molecule, to actin filaments (F‐actin) at adherens junctions (AJs). The nectin–afadin complex is important for the formation of not only AJs but also tight junctions (TJs) in epithelial cells. Studies using afadin‐knockout mice have revealed that afadin is indispensable for embryonic development by organizing the formation of cell–cell junctions. However, the molecular mechanism of cell–cell junction disorganization during embryonic development in afadin‐knockout mice is poorly understood. To address this, we took advantage of embryoid bodies (EBs) as a model system. The formation of cell–cell junctions including AJs and TJs was impaired in afadin‐null EBs. The proper accumulation of the Par complex and the activation of Cdc42 and atypical PKC (aPKC), which are crucial for the formation of cell polarity, were also inhibited by knockout of afadin. In addition, the disruption of afadin caused the abnormal deposition of laminin and the dislocalization of its receptors integrin α6 and integrin β1. These results indicate that afadin organizes the formation of cell–cell junctions by regulating cell polarization in early embryonic development.
High frequency of JAK2 exon 12 mutations in Korean patients with polycythaemia vera: novel mutations and clinical significance

Gain-of-function mutations in JAK2 are the molecular hallmarks of polycythaemia vera (PV), one of the myeloproliferative neoplasms. Most (∼95%) patients harbour V617F mutation in exon 15, while the rest have small insertion/deletion mutations in exon 12. We investigated JAK2 mutations in 42 Korean patients with PV. V617F was detected by sequencing and allele-specific PCR. When V617F was negative, sequencing and fragment length analyses were performed to detect exon 12 mutations. As a result, all patients had JAK2 mutations: 37 (88%) harboured V617F, and 5 (12%) had exon 12 mutations. Two patients had novel exon 12 mutations (H538_R541delinsLII and F537_K539delinsVL). Genotype–phenotype correlations demonstrated lower white blood cell and platelet counts in exon 12 mutations than V617F. The frequency of JAK2 exon 12 mutations was higher than expected in Korean patients with PV. Molecular genetic testing for JAK2 exon 12 mutations is mandatory for diagnosis and genotype–phenotype correlations in patients with erythrocytosis and suspected PV.
Efficacy and safety of trastuzumab

The human epidermal growth factor receptor (HER) 2 is overexpressed in ∼ 20 – 25% of human breast cancers and is an independent adverse prognostic factor. Targeted therapy directed against this receptor has been developed in the form of a humanised monoclonal antibody, trastuzumab. This antibody has shown activity as a single agent in metastatic breast cancer both prior to chemotherapy and in heavily pretreated patients. A pivotal Phase III trial has demonstrated that its use in combination with an anthracycline or paclitaxel results in a significant improvement in survival, time to progression, and response. This has recently been reinforced by another trial with docetaxel. The HER2 status of a tumour is a critical determinant of response to trastuzumab-based treatment. Those that express HER2 at the highest level on immunohistochemistry (IHC), 3+, derive more benefit from treatment with trastuzumab than those with overexpression at the 2+ level. Benefit correlates best with tumours that are positive on fluorescence in situ hybridisation for HER2, regardless of IHC status. Treatment with trastuzumab is generally well tolerated with a low incidence of adverse events. Some patients may experience fever, chills, dyspnoea and pain, particularly with the first administration. Unexpectedly, cardiac toxicity has developed in some patients treated with trastuzumab, and this has a higher incidence in those treated in combination with an anthracycline. ‘Cross-talk’ between the oestrogen receptor and HER2 pathway has stimulated interest in using trastuzumab in combination with endocrine therapy. Current clinical trials are investigating the role of this agent in the adjuvant setting.
Inherited pancreatic endocrine tumor syndromes: Advances in molecular pathogenesis, diagnosis, management, and controversies

Pancreatic endocrine tumors (PETs) can occur as part of 4 inherited disorders, including Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia type 1 (MEN1), von Hippel‐Lindau disease (VHL), neurofibromatosis 1 (NF‐1) (von Recklinghausen disease), and the tuberous sclerosis complex (TSC). The relative frequency with which patients who have these disorders develop PETs is MEN1>VHL>NF‐1>TSC. Over the last few years, there have been major advances in the understanding of the genetics and molecular pathogenesis of these disorders as well in the localization and the medical and surgical treatment of PETs in such patients. The study of PETs in these disorders not only has provided insights into the possible pathogenesis of sporadic PETs but also has presented several unique management and treatment issues, some of which are applicable to patients with sporadic PETs. Therefore, the study of PETs in these uncommon disorders has provided valuable insights that, in many cases, are applicable to the general group of patients with sporadic PETs. In this article, these areas are reviewed briefly along with the current state of knowledge of the PETs in these disorders, and the controversies that exist in their management are summarized briefly and discussed. Cancer 2008;113(7 suppl):1807–43. Published 2008 American Cancer Society.
Elastin fibers display a versatile microfibril network in articular cartilage depending on the mechanical microenvironments

Elastin fibers are major extracellular matrix macromolecules that are critical in maintaining the elasticity and resilience of tissues such as blood vessels, lungs and skins. However, the role of elastin in articular cartilage is poorly defined. The present study investigated the organization of elastin fiber in articular cartilage, its relationship to collagen fibers and the architecture of elastin fibers from different mechanical environments by using a kangaroo model. Five morphologies of elastin fibers were identified: Straight fiber, straight fiber with branches, branching fibers directly associated with chondrocyte, wave fiber and fine elastin. The architecture of the elastin network varied significantly with cartilage depth. In the most superficial layer of tibial plateau articular cartilage, dense elastin fibers formed a distinctive cobweb‐like meshwork which was parallel to the cartilage surface. In the superficial zone, elastin fibers were well organized in a preferred orientation which was parallel to collagen fibers. In the deep zone, no detectable elastin fiber was found. Moreover, differences in the organization of elastin fibers were also observed between articular cartilage from the tibial plateau, femoral condyle, and distal humerus. This study unravels the detailed microarchitecture of elastin fibers which display a well‐organized three‐dimensional versatile network in articular cartilage. Our findings imply that elastin fibers may play a crucial role in maintaining the integrity, elasticity, and the mechanical properties of articular cartilage, and that the local mechanical environment affects the architectural development of elastin fibers. © 2013 Orthopaedic Research Society. Published by Wiley Periodicals, Inc. J Orthop Res 31:1345–1353, 2013
Examining the pathways for young people with drug and alcohol dependence: a mixed-method design to examine the role of a treatment programme

Introduction Young people with drug and alcohol problems are likely to have poorer health and other psychosocial outcomes than other young people. Residential treatment programmes have been shown to lead to improved health and related outcomes for young people in the short term. There is very little robust research showing longer term outcomes or benefits of such programmes. This paper describes an innovative protocol to examine the longer term outcomes and experiences of young people referred to a residential life management and treatment programme in Australia designed to address alcohol and drug issues in a holistic manner. Methods and analysis This is a mixed-methods study that will retrospectively and prospectively examine young people's pathways into and out of a residential life management programme. The study involves 3 components: (1) retrospective data linkage of programme data to health and criminal justice administrative data sets, (2) prospective cohort (using existing programme baseline data and a follow-up survey) and (3) qualitative in-depth interviews with a subsample of the prospective cohort. The study will compare findings among young people who are referred and (a) stay 30 days or more in the programme (including those who go on to continuing care and those who do not); (b) start, but stay fewer than 30 days in the programme; (c) are assessed, but do not start the programme. Ethics and dissemination Ethics approval has been sought from several ethics committees including a university ethics committee, state health departments and an Aboriginal-specific ethics committee. The results of the study will be published in peer-reviewed journals, presented at research conferences, disseminated via a report for the general public and through Facebook communications. The study will inform the field more broadly about the value of different methods in evaluating programmes and examining the pathways and trajectories of vulnerable young people.
Antigen-Binding Diversity of Human Hybridoma Autoantibodies Derived from Splenocytes of Patients with SLE

The antigen-binding specificity of human hybridoma-derived monoclonal autoantibodies (mAb) was analysed with mAbs derived from the spleens of two patients with active systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). From one patient 72 mAbs (RSP clones) and from the other 173 mAbs (RT clones) were obtained. The binding specificity of these mAbs was analysed by solid- and fluid-phase ELISA against the autoantigens ssDNA, dsDNA, cardiolipin, SmRNP, histones, Sm-D and SS-B (La) synthetic peptides, and foreign antigens including bacterial polysaccharides. In addition, antinuclear antibody activity and anti-dsDNA binding were con firmed by fluorescence staining methods. Reflecting the patient's serological profile, none of the antibodies from the RSP clones reacted with ssDNA or dsDNA but 12 reacted with car diolipin. In addition, three mAbs reacted with H4, five with U 1 RNP, two with Sm-D peptides and 12 with SS-B peptides. In contrast, from the RT fusion, nine mAbs reacted with ssDNA, HI and SS-B peptides, seven with cardiolipin, four with dsDNA, two with Sm-D peptides and one each with H2A, H3 and H4. In many cases one mAb showed reactivity with more than one antigen: for example, mAb RT 72 binds to ssDNA, dsDNA, cardiolipin, H1, H4 and an Sm-D peptide; RT 6 binds to H1, SmRNP and ubiquitinated histone H2A. However, none of the antibodies showed 'across the board' polyreactivity; indeed, the selectivity of the reactions was notable and marked variation in antibody affinity was recorded. Eight of the mAbs bound to Salmonella typhimurium and two to the Klebsiella polysaccharide K-30. This report con firms the diversity in the antigen-binding pattern and polyreactivity of autoantibodies derived from SLE patients and supports the notion that antibodies to autoantigens can also bind to foreign antigens. It also suggests that the antigen-binding profiles of human hybridoma- derived antibodies reflect the range of antibodies present in the serum of individual patients.
Tires as larval habitats for mosquitoes (Diptera: Culicidae) in southern Manitoba, Canada

ABSTRACT In 2003, a survey at waste management grounds and tire dealerships was conducted to determine the species composition of mosquitoes in tires in southern Manitoba, Canada. Over 25% of the 1,142 tires sampled contained a total of 32,474 mosquito larvae and pupae. Culex restuans made up at least 95% of the larvae collected for each month of the summer. Culiseta inornata and Culex tarsalis reached their greatest numbers in July and August, respectively, though they were never abundant. Ochlerotatus triseriatus was also found but never reached more than 1% of the total larvae collected in any given month. Mosquito prevalence was more than three times greater in August (36.1%) than in June (11.7%). Orientation affected prevalence of mosquitoes in tires: 31.4% of vertical tires (tires standing on their treads) contained mosquitoes, whereas mosquitoes were found in only 18.9% of horizontal tires (tires parallel to the ground). Tires in the eastern region of Manitoba contained mosquitoes more often (61.7%), irrespective of date, than Winnipeg (25.9%), the central region (29.1%), or the western region (19.8%). Mosquito prevalence was similar across three size categories of tires, car tires (18.8%), truck tires (19.8%), and semi-trailer tires (26.7%), though tractor tires (47.8%) contained significantly more mosquitoes than tires in the other categories.
Negative Regulation of AAA C ATPase Assembly by Two Component Receiver Domains: A Transcription Activation Mechanism that is Conserved in Mesophilic and Extremely Hyperthermophilic Bacteria

Only a few transcriptional regulatory proteins have been characterized in extremely hyperthermophilic organisms, and most function as repressors. Structural features of the NtrC1 protein from the hyperthermophilic bacterium Aquifex aeolicus suggested that this protein functions similarly to the s 54 -polymerase activator DctD of Sinorhizobium meliloti . Here, we demonstrate that NtrC1 is an enzyme that hydrolyzes ATP to activate initiation of transcription by s 54 -holoenzyme. New structural data, including small-angle solution scattering data and the crystal structure of the phosphorylated receiver domain, show that NtrC1 uses a signal transduction mechanism very similar to that of DctD to control assembly of its AAA C ATPase domain. As for DctD, the off-state of NtrC1 depends upon a tight dimer of the receiver domain to repress oligomerization of an intrinsically competent ATPase domain. Activation of NtrC1 stabilizes an alternative dimer conﬁguration of the receiver domain that is very similar to the on-state dimers of the DctD and FixJ receiver domains. This alternative dimer appears to relieve repression of the ATPase domain by disrupting the off-state dimerization interface along the helical linker region between receiver and ATPase domains. Bacterial enhancer binding proteins typically have two linker sequences, one between N-terminal regulatory and central ATPase domains, and one between the central ATPase and C-terminal DNA binding domains. Sequence analyses reveal an intriguing correlation between the negative regulation mechanism of NtrC1 and DctD, and a structured N-terminal linker and unstructured C-terminal one; conversely, the very different, positive mechanism present in NtrC protein occurs in the context of an unstructured N-terminal linker and a structured C-terminal one. In both cases, the structured linkers signiﬁcantly contribute to the stability of the off-state dimer conformation. These analyses also raise the possibility that a structured linker between N-terminal regulatory and central output domains is used frequently in regulatory proteins from hyperthermophilic organisms.
Thalassemia Incidence and Treatment in China with Special Reference to Shenzhen City and Guangdong Province

According to the data from different screening studies, thalassemia is the most commonly seen hereditary hemolytic disease in China. The reported prevalence of thalassemia carriers varies but it is most prevalent in Southern China. In the past, the outcome of patients with thalassemia major has been very poor due to unfavorable economic background. With economic improvement in the past 10 years, increasing number of patients can get regular transfusion and chelation, and more patients can be treated by hemopoietic stem cell transplantation. A better prevention network has been built up over the years, but there are still babies being born with severe forms of thalassemia every year. A more comprehensive preventive program and public education are vital.
Biologic activity of cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 antibody blockade in previously vaccinated metastatic melanoma and ovarian carcinoma patients

A large number of cancer-associated gene products evoke immune recognition, but host reactions rarely impede disease progression. The weak immunogenicity of nascent tumors contributes to this failure in host defense. Therapeutic vaccines that enhance dendritic cell presentation of cancer antigens increase specific cellular and humoral responses, thereby effectuating tumor destruction in some cases. The attenuation of T cell activation by cytotoxic T lymphocyte-associated antigen 4 (CTLA-4) further limits the potency of tumor immunity. In murine systems, the administration of antibodies that block CTLA-4 function inhibits the growth of moderately immunogenic tumors and, in combination with cancer vaccines, increases the rejection of poorly immunogenic tumors, albeit with a loss of tolerance to normal differentiation antigens. To gain a preliminary assessment of the biologic activity of antagonizing CTLA-4 function in humans, we infused a CTLA-4 blocking antibody (MDX-CTLA4) into nine previously immunized advanced cancer patients. MDX-CTLA4 stimulated extensive tumor necrosis with lymphocyte and granulocyte infiltrates in three of three metastatic melanoma patients and the reduction or stabilization of CA-125 levels in two of two metastatic ovarian carcinoma patients previously vaccinated with irradiated, autologous granulocyte–macrophage colony-stimulating factor-secreting tumor cells. MDX-CTLA4 did not elicit tumor necrosis in four of four metastatic melanoma patients previously immunized with defined melanosomal antigens. No serious toxicities directly attributable to the antibody were observed, although five of seven melanoma patients developed T cell reactivity to normal melanocytes. These findings suggest that CTLA-4 antibody blockade increases tumor immunity in some previously vaccinated cancer patients.
Final height and growth hormone secretion after completion of growth hormone therapy in patients with idiopathic growth hormone deficiency and with abnormalities of the hypothalamic-pituitary region.

AIMS The aim of the study was an evaluation of final height and growth hormone (GH) secretion after completion of GH therapy (retesting) in patients with GH deficiency (GHD). PATIENTS AND METHODS The analysis comprised 53 patients (43 boys, 10 girls) with childhood-onset GHD, who completed GH therapy and reached final height. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), performed in all the patients, led to the following groups: pituitary stalk interruption syndrome (PSIS), pituitary hypoplasia (HP), craniopharyngioma (CP) -- patients after tumour excision, patients with normal hypothalamic-pituitary region (NP). RESULTS In 51 patients, final height was normal. The height gain was significantly (p<0.05) greater in PSIS than in that other groups. In retesting, GH secretion was significantly (p<0.005) lower in PSIS and CP than in HP and in NP and also (p<0.05) in HP than in NP. Permanent severe GHD was confirmed in all the patients with PSIS and CP and in some patients with HP (37.5%), while it was excluded in all the patients with normal pituitary in MRI. CONCLUSIONS It seems that in patients with PSIS and CP, the confirmation of persistent character of GHD needs no retesting, while in patients with normal MRI results, GHD diagnosis should be established with special attention.