Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The Localized Primary Cytotoxic T‐cell Response to Cells Expressing Minor Histocompatibility Differences

Cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTL) are able to eliminate P815 (DBA/2) mastocytoma cells growing in cerebrospinal fluid of BALB/c H‐2‐compatible but minor histocompatibility (H) antigen‐different mice and in H‐2‐incompatible C3H/He mice. We examined the magnitude of the primary CTL response to multiple, minor H antigens and to determinants of the major histocompatibility complex (MHC) by using a direct cytolytic assay and limiting‐dilution analysis to estimate CTL frequency. By these criteria, no obvious differences emerged, and the responses appeared comparable at the site of inflammatory process, despite differences in the number of clonal progenitors. Experiments with radiation chimeras showed evidence of a strong cytotoxic T‐cell response against P815 cells in [(ddd × bbb)F1→ ddd] and (F1→ bbd), but not in (F1→ bbb) radiation chimeras. Therefore, this cytotoxic T‐cell response against minor H antigens obeys the postulated rules for thymic restriction of precursors. Compatibility at the H‐2 D‐end of the MHC is apparently sufficient to ensure a strong response.
Ceftriaxone related adverse drug reactions in children in a tertiary care hospital, Kolkata, West Bengal, India.

Ceftriaxone is a third-generation cephalosporin antibiotic, which has broad-spectrum activity against Gram-positive and Gram-negative bacteria. It is a frequently used antibiotic in children worldwide. Studies revealed a number of adverse reactions related to this third generation antibiotic. A survey was done where data related with adverse drug reactions (ADRs) were collected for three months from the Department of Pediatrics of a tertiary care hospital, Kolkata, West Bengal, India and then evaluated. In the study, fifteen ADRs were detected. Ceftriaxone itself or its combinations correlated with more than thirty three percent (33.4%) adverse reaction cases in this study. Most common adverse drug reactions in the present study population were different types of rashes like urticaria and maculopapular eruptions.
Analysis of practical stability domain for a class of difference system

In this paper, the practical stability and the estimates of practical stability domains of some difference dynamical system are discussed by V function, some sufficient conditions of the existence on domain of practical stability are given, and the method of constructing practical stability domains of a kind of difference dynamical system are obtained, which improved the result in the proceeding literature. The utilization of the conditions are demonstrated by the examples
Spatio-temporal EEG signal descriptors for recognition of negative emotional states

In the following paper we present a study on novel signal descriptors for the purposes of automated recognition of negative emotional states from EEG signals - namely, the decorrelated values of the energy of the spatio-temporal distribution of EEG activity. Using the extracted features person-specific SVM models are created. The experimental setups are based on data taken from the DEAP database. The classification accuracy of the proposed features is evaluated using two experimental setups: valence detection and like/dislike detection. Recognition accuracy of 77.5% and 78.0%, respectfully, was achieved.
Nonpharmacologic approaches to the treatment of hypertension.

The physiologic elucidation and the management of cardiovascular diseases provide major illustrations of the progress during the past quarter century in medical science and its application to medical care. Perhaps the most outstanding of these achievements has been the knowledge that has accu­ mulated about hypertensive disease. Although major accomplishments are evident in many aspects of cardiovascular disease, the growth of informa­ tion concerning hypertension has several reasons for deserving this ac­ colade.
The effect of adapting cellulose degrading microorganisms to 25 8 C providing energy sources for biological sulphate removal

Harma Greben Julia Sigama Division of Natural Resources and the Environment, CSIR, PO Box 395, 0001 Pretoria, South Africa E-mail: hgreben@csir.co.za Vast volumes of Acid Mine Drainage (AMD) are still being generated in South Africa, due to decant from both active and closed mines. Research to find a cost effective, environmentally friendly treatment system to reduce the salinity and to neutralise the acidity of AMD is ongoing. The study presented here showed that high sulphate removal efficiencies were achieved applying the biological treatment technology, thereby using the degradation products of grass-cellulose as the carbon and energy sources. The process was conducted at 258C, as opposed to 378C described previously, using a one-stage hybrid reactor system, treating both sulphate rich synthetic feed water and pre-treated AMD. The results showed that the fermentation microbes, originating from rumen fluid, derived from cattle, could generate the carbon and energy sources for the sulphate reducing bacteria at 258C. When comparing the results obtained at 258C with those obtained at 378C, it was observed that these were similar. However, at the higher temperature a faster flow-rate to the reactor was possible. The findings implied that the biological sulphate removal system described can be operated more economically at 258C than at 378C, as heating the reactor system can be omitted.
Wearable antennas design for wireless communication

In this paper, we present a wearable antenna design, for Bluetooth/WiFi communication. The proposed antenna is embedded in jeans garment using conductive fabric. Four Bluetooth wearable antennas were installed on a human body. Also, an antenna for hearing aids device was designed and simulated. The S parameters of the antennas system, gain and specific absorption rate (SAR) were calculated.
Expression of the nuclear export protein chromosomal region maintenance/exportin 1/Xpo1 is a prognostic factor in human ovarian cancer

The human nuclear export protein chromosomal region maintenance/exportin 1/Xpo1 (CRM1) mediates the nuclear export of proteins and messenger RNAs and, thus, is an important regulator of subcellular distribution of key molecules. Whereas cell‐biologic studies have suggested a fundamental role for CRM1 in the regulation of mitosis, the expression of this protein in human tumor tissue has not been investigated to date.
Neuroprotective Activity of pDING in Response to HIV‐1 Tat

Although neurons are not productively infected with HIV‐1, neuronal injury and death are frequently seen in the brains of AIDS patients with neurological and neurocognitive disorders. Evidently, viral proteins including Tat and cellular inflammatory factors released by activated and/or infected microglia, macrophages, and astrocytes contribute to neuronal cell death. Several studies have demonstrated that HIV‐1 associated neuronal cell injury is mediated by dysregulation of signaling pathways that are controlled, in part, by a class of serine/threonine kinases. In this study, we demonstrate that pDING, a novel plant‐derived phosphate binding protein has the capacity to reduce the severity of injury and death caused by HIV‐1 and its neurotoxic Tat protein. We demonstrate that pDING, also called p27SJ/p38SJ, protects cells from the loss of neuronal processes induced by Tat and promotes neuronal outgrowth after Tat‐mediated injury. Further, expression of pDING prevents Tat‐induced oxidative stress and mitochondrial permeability. With its profound phosphatase activity, pDING controls the activity of several kinases including MAPK, Cdk5, and their downstream target protein, MEF2, which is implicated in neuronal cell protection. Our results show that expression of pDING in neuronal cells diminishes the level of hyperphosphorylated forms of Cdk5 and MEF2 caused by Tat and the other neurotoxic agents that are secreted by the HIV‐1 infected cells. These observations suggest that pDING, through its phosphatase activity, has the ability to manipulate the state of phosphorylation and activity of several factors involved in neuronal cell health in response to HIV‐1. J. Cell. Physiol. 229: 153–161, 2014. © 2013 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Functional antagonism between RNA binding proteins HuR and CUGBP2 determines the fate of COX-2 mRNA translation.

BACKGROUND AND AIMS Cyclooxygenase-2 (COX-2) expression is regulated at the levels of messenger RNA (mRNA) stability and translation by AU-rich elements (ARE) located in its 3' untranslated region (3'UTR). Although structurally homologous RNA binding proteins HuR and CUGBP2 stabilize COX-2 mRNA, HuR induces whereas CUGBP2 inhibits COX-2 mRNA translation. This study aimed to determine the antagonism between these proteins on COX-2 expression. METHODS COX-2 ARE binding activity was determined by nitrocellulose filter binding and UV cross-linking assays using recombinant glutathione S-transferase (GST)/HuR and GST/CUGBP2. Protein:protein interactions were determined by GST pull-down, yeast 2-hybrid, and immunocytochemistry assays. Nucleocytoplasmic shutting was determined by heterokaryon analyses. The effect of CUGBP2 and HuR on COX-2 ARE-dependent translation was shown by a chimeric luciferase mRNA containing COX-2 3'UTR. HT-29 cells were subjected to 12 Gy gamma-irradiation in a cesium irradiator. RESULTS CUGBP2 and HuR bind with similar affinities to COX-2 ARE, but CUGBP2 competes with HuR for binding. In vitro, HuR and CUGBP2 heterodimerize. Furthermore, FLAG-tagged HuR and myc-tagged CUGBP2 colocalize in the nucleus of HCT-116 cells. Moreover, both proteins shuttled between the nucleus and cytoplasm. In vitro, HuR enhanced whereas CUGBP2 inhibited translation of the chimeric luciferase COX-2 3'UTR mRNA. Furthermore, CUGBP2 competitively inhibited HuR-mediated translation of the transcript. In HT-29 cells transfected with HuR and CUGBP2, a switch in COX-2 mRNA binding from predominantly HuR to CUGBP2 occurred after radiation treatment, which was coupled with increased silencing of the COX-2 mRNA. CONCLUSIONS CUGBP2 overrides HuR and suppresses COX-2 mRNA translation.
Almonds inhibit dyslipidemia and vascular dysfunction in rats through multiple pathways.

BACKGROUND Almonds are reported to be protective against cardiovascular diseases (CVDs); however, the possible mode of action has only infrequently been explored. OBJECTIVE This study aimed at investigating the mechanistic basis for the benefits of almonds in atherosclerotic CVDs. METHODS Three studies in 3 groups of rats were designed with the use of tyloxapol (study 1), a high-fat diet (HFD; study 2), and white-flour fructose (WFF; study 3). In each of the studies, the first group acted as the control [administered saline in study 1 and fed a normal diet (ND) in studies 2 and 3]; the second and third groups were treated with tyloxapol in study 1, an HFD in study 2, and WFF in study 3. The third group in each study was also fed almonds (3 g/kg) for 4 wk, after which blood was collected for biochemical evaluation. Livers and aortas were isolated from the rats in studies 1 and 2 for enzyme assays and vascular analysis, respectively. RESULTS Almond supplementation significantly (P < 0.05) prevented hyperlipidemia in all of the rat models. Supplementation suppressed cholesterol synthesis, leading to a 65% inhibition of tyloxapol-induced activation of hepatic β-hydroxy-β-methylglutaryl coenzyme A reductase. The almond intervention inhibited by 56% the HFD-induced increase in serum concentrations of hepatic aminotransferases. Almonds also protected against an HFD-induced increase in uric acid (0.9-fold), phosphorus (1.1-fold), alkaline phosphatase (4.6-fold), and γ-glutamyltransferase (1-fold), with resultant concentrations that were not different from those in ND-fed rats (P > 0.05). Almonds partially restored the vascular reactivity of isolated aortas and prevented HFD-induced endothelial dysfunction by reducing inhibition of endothelial nitric oxide (NO) synthase and promoting NO release. The 70% decrease in HDL cholesterol that was observed in the WFF group was prevented by almond supplementation; serum and LDL cholesterol were also normalized. CONCLUSIONS The inhibition of de novo cholesterol synthesis, prevention of hepatic damage, and restoration of vascular function via the protection of endothelium and influence on the NO pathway are some of the mechanisms underlying the medicinal value of almonds in CVDs.
A longitudinal analysis of psychological adaptation among. Survivors of cancer

This longitudinal study examined the psychological adaptation of newly diagnosed cancer patients. Findings showed a decline in patient's mental health status over time. Initial psychological status and other psychosocial factors, and not illness‐related factors, were predictive of subsequent adaptation. Two psychologically vulnerable patient groups were identified: those who remained distressed over time and those whose mental health status declined over time.
Acute effect of ischemic preconditioning on the performance of judo athletes

Background & Study Aim: Ischemic preconditioning may improve the physiological responses and performances of athletes in different sport modalities. Similarly, judokas could also benefit from augmented performance the day of a competition. However, until now, there is no evidence of the effect of ischemic preconditioning procedure (IPC) on the performance of these athletes. Thus, the objective of this study was the effect of IPC on the performance of judo athletes. Material & Methods: The study involved 17 judo athletes (age 21.35 ±3.46 years, practice judo 8.94 ±3.88 years, height 1.73 ±9 m, body mass 69.34 ± 10,94 kg). In the first session, they answered the questionnaires, performed the anthropometric evaluation, the familiarization of the Special Judo Fitness Test (SJFT). The SJFT was used to evaluate the athletes’ special physical fitness. In the second and third sessions, two experimental protocols were performed in a randomized and counterbalanced manner: a) IPC (3 cycles x 5 min ischemia at 220 mmHg / 5 min reperfusion at 0 mmHg) + SJFT and b) SHAM (placebo session: 3 cycles x 5 min ischemia at 20 mmHg / 5 min reperfusion at 0 mmHg) + SJFT. A 30-minute interval between the experimental protocols and the SJFT and 72 hours between the 2nd and 3rd sessions was observed. Results: After performing IPC, judokas performed the highest number of throws in the series (A) and the total number of throws (A+B+C). The SJFT index also showed a significant improvement over the SHAM session. Conclusions: IPC acutely improves specific performance of judo athletes and may therefore be used during competitions.
Biotransformation of the trichoderma metabolite 6-n-pentyl-2H-pyran-2-one (6PAP) by selected fungal isolates

A variety of fungi were tested for their ability to transform the antifungal Trichoderma metabolite 6-n-pentyl-2H-pyran-2-one (6PAP) (1). Three Penicillium isolates, a Sclerotinia isolate, and a Fusarium isolate were all able to rapidly metabolize 1 and gave mixtures of isomers of monohydroxylated 1 and, in some cases, products resulting from further oxidation to carboxylic acids. Among these products were four previously unidentified metabolites (6, 7, 8, and 9) which were isolated and characterized by NMR spectroscopy. Sphaeropsis sapinea, Ophiostoma quercus, Ophiostoma piceae, a Verticillium sp. , and two additional Fusarium isolates were unable to metabolize 1 efficiently.
Reduced order sliding mode control for pneumatic actuator

A new position control algorithm, based on sliding mode control, has been developed for a pneumatic cylinder. In the proposed pneumatic system, commercially available two-way on-off solenoid valves have been used. The inherent robustness property of the sliding mode controller makes it easier to select the switching gains of the controller. Moreover, approximate dynamic modeling of the system makes the controller simple. Since in sliding mode control, the states remain on the sliding surface, the motion of the piston is very smooth. This suggests the potential of pneumatic cylinders as actuators for robot manipulators. The controller is hybrid in nature, consisting of an error amplifier, data conversion devices and an 8088 microprocessor along with various digital circuit accessories. Only one feedback device (potentiometer) is used. Velocity is calculated from the sampled position signals. >
Are Quantitative Bacterial Wound Cultures Useful?

ABSTRACT Determining if a nonhealing wound is infected can be difficult. The surface of a wound is not sterile and can be colonized with numerous commensal, environmental, and potentially pathogenic microorganisms. Different types of wounds have various clinical presentations, with some signs and symptoms more likely to be present than others depending on the type and location of the wound. Clinicians often order microbiology wound cultures to assist in determining if a nonhealing wound is infected. This minireview briefly summarizes the clinical microbiology of wound cultures, with an emphasis on the history and utility (or lack thereof) of the quantitative wound culture.
YOUNG CHILDREN IN HOSPITAL

CHILD CARE EXPERTS for decades have called for practical measures to reduce the psychological trauma of hospitalization for the under-five year old, and hopefully reduce the devastating sequelee that are still all too frequent. It is due to the painful realization that there has been no concerted remedial action by either hospital or even government authorities that a voluntary group of medical and lay people have recently formed an Association for the Welfare of Children in Hospital (see Correspondence, page 296).
Infant crying and stress management ~ aining Table 1 . Experimental Manipulation During Pretraining 935 Group Biofeedback Desensitization Crying

-The adult's perception of infant crying determines whether it is a source of stress and may be an antecedent to physical child abuse. The study had clients listen to infant crying and used stress management training to change their perceived arousal, anxiety, and evaluation of the crying. Fifteen nonparental female clients were randomly assigned to three groups who either had pretraining without stress, pretraining while listening to infant crying, or listened to yoked infant crying without pretraining. During the second stage all clients had stress management training while listening to infant crying. The clients' perceived anxiety and arousal elicited by crying were significantly diminished after stress management training and anxiety measures were strongly correlated with both perceived arousal and the clients' evaluation of infant crying. Although this is the first experiment applying biofeedback assisted stress management training to the perceptual responses and physiological arousal associated with infant crying, these results with inexperienced clients have implications for the prevention and treatment of parental stress and should encourage further research treating physical child abuse as a stress-related disorder.
Postoperative nausea and vomiting after thyroidectomy: a comparison between dexmedetomidine and remifentanil as part of balanced anesthesia

Background Postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) is the major complication related to general anesthesia, occurring in 60–80% of patients after thyroidectomy. The objective of this study was to compare the effects of an intraoperative dexmedetomidine infusion with remifentanil, as anesthetic adjuvants of balanced anesthesia, on PONV in patients undergoing thyroidectomy. Methods Eighty patients scheduled for thyroidectomy were randomized into the following two groups: 1) The dexmedetomidine group (Group D), who received an initial loading dose of dexmedetomidine (1 µg/kg over 10 min) during the induction of anesthesia, followed by a continuous infusion at a rate of 0.3–0.5 µg/kg/h; 2) the remifentanil group (group R), who received remifentanil at an initial target effect site concentration of 4 ng/ml during the induction of anesthesia, followed by a target effect site concentration of 2–3 ng/ml. PONV was assessed during the first 24 hours in 2 time periods (0–2 h and 2–24 h). The pain intensity, sedation score, extubation time, and hemodynamics were also assessed. Results During the 2 time periods, the incidence and severity of PONV in group D were significantly lower than in group R. In addition, the need for rescue antiemetics was significantly lower in group D than in group R. The effect of dexmedetomidine on postoperative pain relief (2–24 h) was superior to that of remifentanil. The hemodynamics were similar in both groups, whereas eye opening and extubation time were delayed in group D. Conclusions Adjuvant use of intraoperative dexmedetomidine infusion may be effective for the prevention of PONV.
Perspectives From Masters in Rheumatology and Autoimmunity: Can We Get Closer to a Cure for Rheumatoid Arthritis?

Welcome to our new series, Perspectives From Masters in Rheumatology and Autoimmunity. Our goal in publishing this series of articles is to give readers the opportunity to hear the rich perspectives of individuals in rheumatology who have contributed mightily—indeed have led their fields—in a specific rheumatic disease or in a specific discipline related to the study of autoimmunity. Dr. Paul Plotz’ article on autoimmunity in the November 2014 issue, which was transcribed from one of his inspiring lectures, sparked this idea. Authors have been given relatively free rein to develop their ideas that have had and will have the most impact on the field, without encumbering them with bibliography requirements. We are thrilled that our inaugural Perspectives article is written by Professors Sir Marc Feldmann and Sir Ravinder Maini, winners of the Lasker and many other awards for their groundbreaking work in establishing the role of tumor necrosis factor in the pathogenesis of rheumatoid arthritis and in the development of tumor necrosis factor antagonists which have transformed the lives of our patients with rheumatoid arthritis. Enjoy, and stay tuned for the next Perspectives article, by Professor James Fries. Joan M. Bathon, MD Editor, Arthritis & Rheumatology July 2010—June 2015 Richard J. Bucala, MD, PhD Editor, Arthritis & Rheumatology July 2015—June 2020
A multi-neighborhood multi-operator algorithm for the uncapacitated exam proximity problem

An algorithm featuring multiple local search operators and multiple neighborhood structures is applied to the uncapacitated exam proximity problem. The use of multiplicity is to enable effective interplay between intensification and diversification during the search process. The algorithmic design is inspired by Hansen and Mladenovic’s Variable Neighborhood Descent algorithm and the “one operator, one landscape” point of view. Its performance was evaluated using publicly available datasets. For the uncapacitated exam proximity problem, the multineighborhood and multi-operator algorithm compared favorably against other search techniques. These results should encourage further research on the application of multiple operator approach as solution techniques to the uncapacitated exam proximity problem.