Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Genetic control of immunity to Trichinella spiralis. Donor bone marrow cells determine responses to infection in mouse radiation chimaeras.

Radiation chimaeras, prepared from NIH (rapid-responder) mice or from the F1 progeny of a cross between H-2 compatible B10.G (slow-responder) and NIH mice, were tested for their ability to respond to infection with the intestinal nematode parasite Trichinella spiralis. Mice reconstituted with bone marrow (BM) from NIH donors showed the rapid response characteristic of this strain, i.e. expelled worms from the intestine before day 12 of infection; those given BM from B10.G mice showed a show expulsion pattern, losing worms after day 12. There was no evidence that the environment of the recipient exerted any influence on the ability of the BM cells to express the response characteristic of the donor. When chimaeras were given immune mesenteric lymph node cells (IMLNC) from infected NIH donors there was successful adoptive transfer of immunity, resulting in an accelerated loss of worms. As before, the time course of the accelerated response was determined by the genotype of the BM used. These results confirm that genetic control of the process of worm expulsion is expressed at the level of a bone marrow-derived cell population and is independent of lymphocyte responsiveness. They further show that the factors involved are an inherent property of the cells concerned. The possibility that these cells are myeloid in nature is discussed.
Abuse of codeine-containing cough syrups: a report from India.

AIM To study the socio-demographic and clinical profile of patients seeking treatment for abuse of codeine-containing cough syrups (CCS). DESIGN Observational; case series. SETTING An addiction clinic in North India. PARTICIPANTS Forty-six consecutive treatment-seeking patients of DSM-III-R-diagnosed dependence on CCS, from January 1994 to June 1995. MEASUREMENTS Semi-structured interview schedule for patients and their family covering socio-demographic and clinical variables. FINDINGS All patients were male. Many were young (mean age 27 years), with completed school education (85%) and from urban backgrounds (80%). The mean age of starting CCS use was 23 years. Initiated commonly through friends (89%) and often for curiosity (63%), 89% of the patients progressed to daily use of CCS in less than 6 months (54% in less than a month), and in quantities much higher than prescribed limits. Opioid-like withdrawal was reported by 92%. Concurrent use of other substances, psychiatric co-morbidity and HIV-related risk behaviour were present in 72%, 24% and 45%, respectively. Most of the patients reported a 'stimulant' effect of CCS ('alert', 96%; 'more active', 94%). CONCLUSIONS The combination of an opioid and a sympathomimetic agent in the CCS may cause a special, distinct euphoretic effect. This effect, along with the low price, easy availability and 'pure' preparation of CCS, may be responsible for the rapidly rising popularity of the CCS as drugs of abuse in India.
Effect of omega‐3 polyunsaturated fatty acid supplementation on semen profile and enzymatic anti‐oxidant capacity of seminal plasma in infertile men with idiopathic oligoasthenoteratospermia: a double‐blind, placebo‐controlled, randomised study

Effective medical treatments of infertile men with idiopathic oligoasthenoteratospermia (OAT) have yet to be determined. This study considered two major aims: (i) to measure the changes in semen parameters, omega‐3 fatty acids (FA) compositions and anti‐oxidant activity; (ii) to determine if the administration of omega‐3 FA affect semen quality in infertile men with OAT. Two hundred thirty‐eight infertile men with idiopathic OAT were randomised to eicosapentaenoic (EPA) and docosahexaenoic acids (DHA), 1.84 g per day (EPAX 5500TG; Lysaker, Norway), or placebo for 32 weeks. The semen parameters were assessed according to WHO criteria, and the EPA and DHA concentrations were determined in red blood cells (RBCs), seminal plasma and sperm cells at baseline and 32‐week treatment period. Of randomised subjects, 211 (88.7%) completed the full 32‐week randomisation period. The anti‐oxidant status of seminal plasma was also evaluated by measuring the superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase‐like activity. In the total group of participants, all EPA and DHA levels in RBC, and seminal plasma, were statistically significantly correlated with those in spermatozoa (both P = 0.001). A significant improvement of sperm cell total count (from 38.7 ± 8.7 ′ 106 to 61.7 ± 11.2 ′ 106, P = 0.001) and sperm cell concentration (from 15.6 ± 4.1 ′ 106 per ml to 28.7 ± 4.4 ′ 106 per ml, P = 0.001) was observed in the omega‐3 group. A significant positive correlation was found between the EPA and DHA in seminal plasma and the semen parameters. Seminal plasma EPA and DHA concentrations were positively correlated with seminal plasma SOD‐like and catalase‐like activity (both P = 0.001). In seminal plasma, both SOD‐like and catalase‐like activity were positively correlated with sperm count, sperm motility, and sperm morphology. Oligoasthenoteratospermic men with low levels of EPA and DHA may benefit from omega‐3 FA supplementation. Further studies are warranted to shed more light on this important issue.
Sexual and reproductive health in young people with spina bifida

This study aimed to identify the sexual and reproductive health knowledge, attitudes, and behaviour of young people, aged between 14 and 23 years, with spina bifida who had attended the Spina Bifida Clinic at a tertiary centre in Melbourne, Australia within the past 10 years. Subjects participated in a structured interview and their parents completed a written questionnaire. Fifty‐one (55%) of 93 eligible young people and 69 of 97 parents (71%) participated. Most young people were satisfied with the amount of general sex education they had received. However, 95% stated they had inadequate knowledge about sexual and reproductive health relating to spina bifida and 59% of parents considered they had inadequate knowledge. Thirty‐nine percent of young people and 30% of parents had discussed sexuality issues with a doctor. However, 93% of young people and 100% of parents said that they would definitely talk about these issues if the discussions were initiated by their doctor. A significant degree of sexual intimacy was reported, with 60% reporting an intimate relationship, and 25% (10 females, three males) reporting sexual intercourse. Thirty‐seven percent of females had experienced unwanted sexual attention, and 30% reported unwanted sexual touching. This study suggests that health professionals should pay greater attention to sexual and reproductive health issues in young people with spina bifida.
Cell‐surface glycosaminoglycans inhibit cation‐mediated gene transfer

Cationic polymers and liposomes are used to wrap DNA into complexes that promote its cellular uptake. The mechanisms of the uptake and the intracellular fate of these complexes are obscure, as are reasons for an unpredictable and sometimes poor efficiency of the transgene expression. Polyanionic glycosaminoglycans (GAGs) on the cell surface interact with the cationic DNA complexes and influence transfection.
Spatial Stability over Time of Brain Areas Generating Fast Ripples in the Epileptic Rat

Summary: Purpose: Fast ripples (FRs) are interictal, pathological, high‐frequency oscillations in the 200‐ to 600‐Hz range, which can be recorded from limbic regions capable of generating spontaneous seizures in rodent models of epilepsy and in human mesial temporal lobe epilepsy. To evaluate the spatial stability of FR‐generating brain areas over long periods, we monitored interictal FR oscillations in rats with chronic recurrent spontaneous seizures.
Enhanced antitumor effect against human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) by vaccination with chemotactic‐hTERT gene‐modified tumor cell and the combination with anti‐4‐1BB monoclonal antibodies

Human telomerase reverse transcriptase (hTERT) represents an attractive target for cancer immunotherapy because hTERT is reactivated in most human tumors. In an attempt to develop an effective vaccine against most human cancers, we constructed chemotactic‐hTERT vaccine. Two hTERT fragments encoding multiple cytotoxic T lymphocyte and T helper cell epitopes were fused as a tumor antigen (named Te). The plasmid based DNA vaccine (pCCL21‐Te‐Fc) was constructed by linking human CCL21 and IgG Fc gene sequences to each end of Te. In poorly immunogenic B16F10 mouse melanoma model, DNA (pCCL21‐Te‐Fc) vaccination significantly inhibited tumor growth and all of the mice were dead by day 52. The immunization with pCCL21‐Te‐Fc‐modified tumor cells (B16/CCL21‐Te‐Fc) resulted in a higher antitumor effect than DNA vaccination and 25% of tumor‐bearing mice achieved long‐term survival (>120 days). The combined therapy of B16/CCL21‐Te‐Fc plus anti‐4‐1BB MAbs further enhanced the immune response, resulting in 75% of tumor‐bearing mice achieved long‐term survival (>120 days) in subcutaneous model and few lung nodules in pulmonary metastasis model. Rechallenge experiment showed that a persistent memory response was successfully induced by the combined therapy. In vivo depletion of lymphocytes indicated that CD8+ T cells were essential in the antitumor activity induced by B16/CCL21‐Te‐Fc plus anti‐4‐1BB MAbs, whereas NK cells and CD4+ T cells played substantial roles. The CTL activity induced by pCCL21‐Te‐Fc‐transfected PBMCs specifically lysed a variety of human leukocyte antigen‐matched and hTERT‐positive human tumor cells, suggesting pCCL21‐Te‐Fc could serve as a vaccine against most human cancers. © 2006 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Elastic Stable Intramedullary Nailing for Pediatric Long Bone Fractures: Experience with 175 Fractures

Purpose: To demonstrate the effectiveness of intramedullary fixation of displaced long bones shaft fractures in skeletally immature children using the elastic stable intramedullary nails. Patients and methods: The case records of 173 children who underwent fixation with titanium intramedulary nails because of long bones fractures were reviewed. The average age of the patients was 11.7 years, and mean follow-up was 41.3 months. There were 55 humeral, 42 forearm, 42 femoral and 36 tibial fractures. Subjective satisfaction was assessed. Results: All patients achieved complete healing at a mean of 7.5 weeks. Complications were recorded in 11 (6.3%) patients and included: one neuropraxia, six entry site skin irritations, two protrusions of the wires through the skin and two skin infections at the entry site. In a subjective measure of outcome at follow-up, 89% of patients were very satisfied and 11% satisfied; no patients reported their outcome as not satisfied. The implants were removed at a median time of six months from the index operation. Conclusion: Elastic Stable Intra-medullary Nailing is the method of choice for the pediatrics patients, because it is minimaly invasive and shows very good functional and cosmetic results. It allows an early functional and cast-free follow-up with a quick pain reduction.
Meta-Analysis of Tympanostomy Tube Sequelae

OBJECTIVE: To estimate the incidence of tympanostomy tube sequelae based on systematic review of published case series and randomized studies. DATA SOURCES: English-language MEDLINE search from 1966 through April 1999 with manual reference search of proceedings, articles, reports, and guidelines. STUDY SELECTION: Cohort studies with otitis media as the primary indication for tube placement. DATA EXTRACTION: Two reviewers independently extracted data from 134 articles. DATA SYNTHESIS: Transient otorrhea occurred in 16% of patients in the postoperative period and later in 26%; recurrent otorrhea occurred in 7.4% of patients and chronic otorrhea in 3.8%. Sequelae of indwelling tubes included obstruction (7% of ears), granulation tissue (5%), premature extrusion (3.9%), and medial displacement (0.5%). Sequelae after tube extrusion included tympanosclerosis (32%), focal atrophy (25%), retraction pocket (3.1%), cholesteatoma (0.7%), and perforation (2.2% with short-term tubes, 16.6% with long-term tubes). Meta-analysis showed that long-term tubes increased the relative risk of perforation by 3.5 (95% CI, 1.5 to 7.1) and cholesteatoma by 2.6 (95% CI, 1.5 to 4.4). Similarly, intubation increased the relative risk of tympanosclerosis by 3.5 (95% CI, 2.6 to 4.9) and focal atrophy by 1.7 (95% CI, 1.1 to 2.7) over nonintubated control ears (baseline tympanosclerosis and atrophy rates of 10% and 14%, respectively). CONCLUSIONS: Sequelae of tympanostomy tubes are common but are generally transient (otorrhea) or cosmetic (tympanosclerosis, focal atrophy). Nonetheless, the high incidence suggests a need for ongoing otologic surveillance of all patients with indwelling tubes and for a reasonable time period after tube extrusion. Long-term tubes should be used on a selective and individualized basis.
The long pentraxin-3 is a useful marker for diagnosis of ovarian torsion: An experimental rat model

Pentraxin-3 (PTX3) plays an important role in the primary inflammatory response. We aim to evaluate PTX3 as a diagnostic marker of ovarian torsion in an experimental rat model. In this study, 16 female Sprague Dawley albino mature rats were randomly allocated to Group 1 (control, sham operated) and Group 2 (experimental ovarian torsion model). A torsion model was set up using atraumatic vascular clips just above and below the right ovary for a 3-h ischaemia. Blood samples were collected before and three hours after ovarian torsion. Three hours after ovarian torsion, right ovary was surgically removed for histopathological examination in both groups. There was no significant difference in preoperative PTX3 level in both groups (1.05 ± 0.20 ng/mL vs 1.09 ± 0.28 ng/mL, p > 0.05). Three hours after the operation, mean plasma level of PTX3 was significantly higher in ovarian torsion group than the control group (2.13 ± 0.49 ng/mL vs 1.07 ± 0.22 ng/mL, p = 0.001). Also, the mean total histopathological score was significantly increased in the torsion group. PTX3 can be used in clinical practice as a useful marker for early diagnosis of ovarian torsion.
Leukotriene B4 Induces Nitric Oxide Synthesis in Trypanosoma cruzi-Infected Murine Macrophages and Mediates Resistance to Infection

ABSTRACT The production of nitric oxide (NO) by gamma interferon (IFN-γ)-activated macrophages is a major effector mechanism during experimental Trypanosoma cruzi infection. In addition to IFN-γ, chemoattractant molecules, such as platelet-activating factor (PAF) and CC chemokines, may also activate macrophages to induce NO and mediate the killing of T. cruzi in an NO-dependent manner. Here we investigated the ability of leukotriene B4 (LTB4) to induce the production of NO by macrophages infected with T. cruzi in vitro and whether NO mediated LTB4-induced parasite killing. The activation of T. cruzi-infected but not naive murine peritoneal macrophages with LTB4 induced the time- and concentration-dependent production of NO. In addition, low concentrations of LTB4 acted in synergy with IFN-γ to induce NO production. The NO produced mediated LTB4-induced microbicidal activity in macrophages, as demonstrated by the inhibitory effects of an inducible NO synthase inhibitor. LTB4-induced NO production and parasite killing were LTB4 receptor dependent and were partially blocked by a PAF receptor antagonist. LTB4 also induced significant tumor necrosis factor alpha (TNF-α) production, and blockade of TNF-α suppressed LTB4-induced NO release and parasite killing. A blockade of LTB4 or PAF receptors partially inhibited IFN-γ-induced NO and TNF-α production but not parasite killing. Finally, daily treatment of infected mice with CP-105,696 was accompanied by a significantly higher level of blood parasitemia, but not lethality, than that seen in vehicle-treated animals. In conclusion, our results suggest a role for LTB4 during experimental T. cruzi infection. Chemoattractant molecules such as LTB4 not only may play a major role in leukocyte migration into sites of inflammation in vivo but also, in the event of an infection, may play a relevant role in the activation of recruited leukocytes to kill the invading microorganism in an NO-dependent manner.
Identification of the Heparan Sulfate Binding Sites in the Cellular Prion Protein*

Data from cell culture and animal models of prion disease support the separate involvement of both heparan sulfate proteoglycans and copper (II) ions in prion (PrP) metabolism. Though direct interactions between prion protein and heparin have been recorded, little is known of the structural features implicit in this interaction or of the involvement of copper (II) ions. Using biosensor and enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay methodology we report direct heparin and heparan sulfate-binding activity in recombinant cellular prion protein (PrPc). We also demonstrate that the interaction of recombinant PrPc with heparin is weakened in the presence of Cu(II) ions and is particularly sensitive to competition with dextran sulfate. Competitive inhibition experiments with chemically modified heparins also indicate that 2-O-sulfate groups (but not 6-O-sulfate groups) are essential for heparin recognition. We have also identified three regions of the prion protein capable of independent binding to heparin and heparan sulfate: residues 23–52, 53–93, and 110–128. Interestingly, the interaction of an octapeptide-spanning peptide motif amino acids 53–93 with heparin is enhanced by Cu(II) ions. Significantly, a peptide of this sequence is able to inhibit the binding of full-length prion molecule to heparin, suggesting a direct role in heparin recognition within the intact protein. The collective data suggest a complex interaction between prion protein and heparin/heparan sulfate and has implications for the cellular and pathological functions of prion proteins.
Development of a porcine model of type 1 diabetes by total pancreatectomy and establishment of a glucose tolerance evaluation method.

PURPOSE To develop and evaluate the efficacy of diabetes-targeted cell therapies in humans, a reliable model in larger animals is highly desirable. This article reports the surgical technique of total pancreatectomy in pigs and the biochemical analysis of the characteristics of totally pancreatectomized pigs. METHODS Surgical total pancreatectomy was conducted in 23 pigs. Blood glucose, insulin, biochemistries, activity index, and intravenous glucose tolerance test (IVGTT) were examined to assess the pathophysiological profiles of diabetic pigs. RESULTS A total of 14 pigs successfully underwent total pancreatectomy without requiring biliary reconstruction and were analyzed in the present study. Activity index was decreased from day 5 on and the mean survival of totally pancreatectomized pigs was 7.6 +/- 2.7 days. No endogenous insulin secretion was confirmed in these pigs. Pigs which received total pancreatectomy demonstrated significantly higher levels of ketone bodies. IVGTT performed within 4 days after total pancreatectomy showed a spontaneous decrease in blood glucose levels despite an absence of endogenous insulin secretion. IVGTT on day 5 or later showed continued hyperglycemia in pigs with total pancreatectomy. Histological examination showed atrophy of hepatocytes and decreased glycogen storage in the liver and decreased mucus production of the small intestine. CONCLUSION This article describes a porcine model of diabetes created by total pancreatectomy and it analyzes the pathophysiological profiles in the animals. The present study has suggested that IVGTT on day 5 or later after total pancreatectomy is a reliable method to evaluate the efficacy of cell therapies.
FOCAL AND ABERRANT PREFRONTAL ENGAGEMENT DURING EMOTION REGULATION IN VETERANS WITH POSTTRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER

Collectively, functional neuroimaging studies implicate frontal–limbic dysfunction in the pathophysiology of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), as reflected by altered amygdala reactivity and deficient prefrontal responses. These neural patterns are often elicited by social signals of threat (fearful/angry faces) and traumatic reminders (combat sounds, script‐driven imagery). Although PTSD can be conceptualized as a disorder of emotion dysregulation, few studies to date have directly investigated the neural correlates of volitional attempts at regulating negative affect in PTSD.
Geldanamycin Induces ErbB-2 Degradation by Proteolytic Fragmentation*

Exposure of carcinoma cell lines to the antibiotic geldanamycin induces the degradation of ErbB-2, a co-receptor tyrosine kinase that is frequently overexpressed in certain tumors. Using ErbB-2 mutants expressed as chimeric receptors or green fluorescent protein fusion proteins, we report that the kinase domain of ErbB-2 is essential for geldanamycin-induced degradation. The kinase domain of the related epidermal growth factor receptor was not sensitive to this drug. The data further indicate mechanistic aspects of ErbB-2 degradation by geldanamycin. The data show that exposure to the drug induces at least one cleavage within the cytoplasmic domain of ErbB-2 producing a 135-kDa fragment and a 23-kDa fragment. The latter represents the carboxyl-terminal domain of ErbB-2, whereas the former represents the ectodomain and part of the cytoplasmic domain. Degradation of the carboxyl-terminal fragment is prevented by proteasome inhibitors, whereas degradation of the membrane-anchored 135-kDa ErbB-2 fragment is blocked by inhibitors of the endocytosis-dependent degradation pathway. Confocal microscopy studies confirm a geldanamycin-induced localization of ErbB-2 on intracellular vesicles.
Hospital‐Onset Clostridium difficile Infection Among Solid Organ Transplant Recipients

Clostridium difficile infection (CDI) is a considerable health issue in the United States and represents the most common healthcare‐associated infection. Solid organ transplant recipients are at increased risk of CDI, which can affect both graft and patient survival. However, little is known about the impact of CDI on health services utilization posttransplantation. We examined hospital‐onset CDI from 2012 to 2014 among transplant recipients in the University HealthSystem Consortium, which includes academic medical center–affiliated hospitals in the United States. Infection was five times more common among transplant recipients than among general medicine inpatients (209 vs 40 per 10 000 discharges), and factors associated with CDI among transplant recipients included transplant type, risk of mortality, comorbidities, and inpatient complications. Institutional risk‐standardized CDI varied more than 3‐fold across high‐volume hospitals (infection ratio 0.54–1.82, median 1.04, interquartile range 0.78–1.28). CDI was associated with increased 30‐day readmission, transplant organ complications, cytomegalovirus infection, inpatient costs, and lengths of stay. Total observed inpatient days and direct costs for those with CDI were substantially higher than risk‐standardized expected values (40 094 vs 22 843 days, costs $198 728 368 vs $154 020 528). Further efforts to detect, prevent, and manage CDI among solid organ transplant recipients are warranted.
Church life in England in the thirteenth century

Preface Bibliography Part 1: 1. The parishes of England 2. Chapels, chantries and collegiate churches 3. Rectors 4. Vicars 5. Assistant clergy 6. The parsonage and its occupants 7. The church and its services 8. The education of the clergy 9. Clerical incomes: (a) from the land 10. Clerical incomes: (b) the offerings of the people 11. Priest and people 12. Preferment 13. The bishop at home 14. On the move 15. Diocesan affairs 16. The demand for reform 17. How this demand was met Part 2 : 18. English monasteries in the thirteenth century 19. Occupants of the religious houses 20. Administration 21. Financial affairs 22. Daily life of the monasteries 23. The monks' standard of living 24. The monastic contribution to society 25. The glory of the friars 26. Change and decay Appendix Index.