Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
ETIOLOGICAL APPROACH TO CHRONIC URTICARIA

Background: In 1769, William Cullen introduced the word “urticaria” (transient edematous papules, plaque with itching). Urticaria affects 15-25% of people at least once in their life time. It is a clinical reaction pattern triggered by many factors causing the liberation of vasoactive substances such as histamine, prostaglandins and kinins. Urticaria is classified according to its duration into acute (< 6 weeks duration) and chronic (>6 weeks duration). Various clinical investigations may be initiated to diagnosis the cause. Aims: To evaluate the types of chronic urticaria with reference to etiology from history and investigations. Materials and Methods: A total of 150 patients with chronic urticaria of more than six weeks were studied. Autologous serum skin test (ASST) was performed after physical urticarias were excluded. Standard batteries of tests were performed after ASST in all patients; and other specific investigations were done where necessary. Skin prick test was done in idiopathic urticaria. Results: The study sample consisted of 62 male and 88 female patients with a mean age of 21-40 years. About 50% of patients showed an ASST positive reaction, 3.9% were positive for antinuclear antibody (ANA), IgE titer was elevated in 37%, H. pylori antibodies was positive in 26.7%. Thyroid antibodies were positive in 6.2%. Giardia and entamoeba histolytica was reported in 3.3% on routine stool examination and on urinalysis 8% had elevated WBC counts; 12% showed para nasal sinusitis, with maxillary sinusitis of 7.3%. Random blood sugar was high in 5.3%. Four patients had ASOM, two had positive KOH mount for dermatophytes, abdominal USG showed cholecystitis in two patients. Recurrent tonsillitis was noted in two patients. Urticaria following intake of NSAIDs was observed in four patients and with oral contraceptive pills in one patient. Contact urticaria to condom (latex) was seen in one patient. Cholinergic (4.7%) and dermographic (4.7%) urticaria were the predominant physical urticarias. Prick test was performed in idiopathic urticaria with maximum reactions to food antigens (25%) where brinjal was the commonest, 9% to dust in which spider web was the most common, 8% to pollen where parthenium and amaranthus were the commonest, followed by A. flavus in fungi, pigeon in epithelia and cockroach in insects. Conclusion: Nearly half of the patients had chronic autoimmune urticaria on the basis of ASST. A significant number of them had serological makers of autoimmune activity. ASST provides an easy, inexpensive investigation in CU and helps direct attention to underlying systemic auto immune diseases. The presence of these auto antibodies was significantly associated with more frequent and longer lasting urticarial attacks. Exhaustive work ups with extensive laboratory diagnostics, challenge tests, and prick testing should be reserved for individual cases following detailed history.
An Iron Age I Canaanite/Phoenician Courtyard House at Tel Dor: A Comparative Architectural and Functional Analysis

In this paper, we present an analysis of an Iron Age I dwelling at the Phoenician site of Dor, on Israel's Carmel coast. We provide a definition for the architectural mental template for this type of house—a Central Courtyard Hash-Plan House. By combining an analysis of the size and layout of the house, and the distribution of artifacts and ecofacts in it, we define rooms devoted to specialized economic activities such as food production and storage and also attempt to identify gendered spaces. We conclude that the house was a self-contained agrarian unit engaged in complex economic activity. The same conceptual plan, housing similar economic activities, can be identified in other dwellings in the southern Levant, from Late Bronze Age I to Late Iron Age IIA. The gradual disappearance of this house type, vis-à-vis the emergence, on the one hand, of smaller and simpler dwellings such as the ubiquitous Four-Room House and, on the other, that of public facilities for specialized economic tasks, signifies to our minds a fundamental ideological and economic transformation, a change in the habitus of Levantine society—namely, the gradual segregation between households and various aspects of economic life.
Hypotonia, congenital nystagmus, ataxia, and abnormal auditory brainstem responses: a report on the first white patient

A white Italian boy, aged 5 years and 8 months, is reported with failure to thrive, hypotonia, truncal ataxia, psychomotor retardation, and congenital horizontal pendular nystagmus with only waves I and II on auditory brainstem responses. Our patient's clinical picture resembles that previously reported in 10 male Oriental patients. He did not manifest spastic diplegia by the age of 2 years, as did the subjects reported in the literature, but knee‐jerk hyperreflexia was evident at the most recent clinical reevaluation. Serial brain MRI studies revealed a cystic brain lesion and peritrigonal hyperintensities with no brainstem abnormalities. To date, no other child with a similar syndrome has been described either in Europe or in America. The clinical features of this condition are consistent and characteristic. A definitive diagnosis is achieved by demonstrating the absence of all waves following wave I or wave II on auditory brainstem responses as early as 3 months of age. Due to the predominance of males, the occurrence in siblings, the early age at onset, the non‐progressive course, and the characteristic auditory brainstem response findings, the syndrome may have a genetic origin and be attributable to a dysgenetic brainstem lesion.
GABRB3 gene expression increases upon ethanol exposure in human embryonic stem cells

Ionotropic receptors are the target for most mood-defining compounds. Chronic exposure to ethanol (EtOH) alters receptor-mediated responses and the numbers of these channels and specific subunits; as well as induces anxiolytic, sedative, and anesthetic activity in the human brain. However, very little is known regarding the effects of EtOH on ionotropic receptor transcription during early human development (preimplantation). Using two separate human embryonic stem cell lines the study shows that low amounts of EtOH (20 mM) alters transcription of the ionotropic subunit GABRB3. Changes in ionotrophic receptor expression influence the central nervous system development and have been shown to produce brain abnormalities in animal models. These results suggest that low concentrations of EtOH can alter ionotropic receptor transcription during early human development (preimplantation), which may be a contributing factor to the neurological phenotypes seen in fetal alcohol spectrum disorder (FASD).
Role of the Bsk/Iyk Non-Receptor Tyrosine Kinase for the Control of Growth and Hormone Production in RINm5F Cells

Abstract Bsk/Iyk, a murine non-receptor-tyrosine kinase which is expressed in fetal and adult islet of Langerhans was previously found to decrease NIH3T3 cell proliferation when expressed as a Y497/504F-mutant. We presently wanted to determine the effects of Bsk/Iyk on the proliferation of insulin producing cells. Cells expressing Bsk/IykY497/504F and Bsk/IykY504F display a decreased proliferation rate and express higher levels of the cell cycle inhibitor p27/Kipl compared to control cells. These mutants also conferred diminished cell viability in response to INF-γ and IL-1β and contain higher levels of glucagon mRNA. Wild-type Bsk/Iyk is mainly localized at the plasma membrane whereas mutant Bsk/Iyk can enter the nucleus. In vitro kinase reactions using an exogenous substrate indicate a complicated mode of regulation of kinase activity by Y497 and Y504 with the latter being homologous to Y527 in pp60c-Src. These findings suggest that Bsk/Iyk might play a role in inhibiting cell proliferation, transducing cytokine-induced cytotoxicity and regulating hormone production of endocrine pancreatic cells.
Vertical bone augmentation with simultaneous dental implantation using crestal biomaterial rings: a rabbit animal study.

BACKGROUND Ceramic biomaterial blocks like hydroxyl apatite are too brittle for simple simultaneous vertical augmentation and dental implant placement. Biological scaffolds of xenogenic or allogenic origin are known to be advantageous. PURPOSE The aim of this study was the proof of principle for combined vertical bone augmentation and dental implantation with marginal cuffs made of biological scaffolds with interconnecting porous system and titanium dental implants. MATERIALS AND METHODS Cylindrical porcine biomaterial rings (processed, mineralized bone matrix) were placed in combination with titanium dental implants in the tibia model using six chinchilla bastard rabbits (n = 12 samples). Histological examination included undecalcified histological examination with toluidine blue staining and fluorescence microscopy. Animals were sacrificed after 30 days. RESULTS The results showed bony healing in the scaffolds with immature bone tissue ingrowth following the trabecular structure, showing lamellar cancellous bone healing. Fluorescence microscope showed analogous results. CONCLUSION The biological scaffold proved a biocompatibility in a xenogenic setting. The vertical bone augmentation with simultaneous implantation was successful and proved the feasibility of the concept.
An In Vivo Inflammatory Loop Potentiates KRAS Blockade

KRAS inhibitors perform inferior to other targeted drugs. To investigate a possible reason for this, we treated cancer cells with KRAS inhibitors deltarasin (targeting phosphodiesterase-δ), cysmethynil (targeting isoprenylcysteine carboxylmethyltransferase), and AA12 (targeting KRASG12C), and silenced/overexpressed mutant KRAS using custom vectors. We show that KRAS-mutant tumor cells exclusively respond to KRAS blockade in vivo, because the oncogene co-opts host myeloid cells via a C-C-motif chemokine ligand 2/interleukin-1β signaling loop for sustained tumorigenicity. Indeed, KRAS-mutant tumors did not respond to deltarasin in Ccr2 and Il1b gene-deficient mice, but were deltarasin-sensitive in wild-type and Ccr2-deficient mice adoptively transplanted with wild-type murine bone marrow. A KRAS-dependent pro-inflammatory transcriptome was prominent in human cancers with high KRAS mutation prevalence and predicted poor survival. Hence the findings support that in vitro systems are suboptimal for anti-KRAS drug screens, and suggest that interleukin-1β blockade might be specific for KRAS-mutant cancers.
A Network Analysis of Developmental Change in ADHD Symptom Structure From Preschool to Adulthood

Although there is substantial support for the validity of the diagnosis of attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), there is considerable disagreement about how to best capture developmental changes in the expression of ADHD symptomatology. This article examines the associations among the 18 individual ADHD symptoms using a novel network analysis approach, from preschool to adulthood. The 1,420 participants were grouped into four age brackets: preschool (ages 3–6, n = 109), childhood (ages 6–12, n = 548), adolescence (ages 13–17, n = 357), and young adulthood (ages 18–36, n = 406). All participants completed a multistage, multi-informant diagnostic process, and self and informant symptom ratings were obtained. Network analysis indicated ADHD symptom structure became more differentiated over development. Two symptoms, often easily distracted and difficulty sustaining attention, appeared as central, or core, symptoms across all age groups. Thus, a small number of core symptoms may warrant extra weighting in future diagnostic systems.
Sphingosine-1-Phosphate Agonists Increase Macrophage Homing, Lymphocyte Contacts, and Endothelial Junctional Complex Formation in Murine Lymph Nodes

The sphingosine-1-phosphate (S1P) receptor agonist, phosphorylated FTY720 (FTY-P), causes lymphopenia, lymphocyte sequestration in mesenteric lymph nodes (MLNs), and immunosuppression. Using multiple techniques to analyze MLN cells harvested from mice treated with S1P receptor agonists, we saw a redistribution of lymphocytes out of nodal sinuses and an expansion of follicles. Although changes in circulating monocytes were not observed with overnight exposure to FTY720, we saw a significant increase in S1P receptor 1 (S1P1)-expressing CD68+ macrophages in subcapsular sinuses of FTY-P-treated MLNs. This was confirmed by quantitative analysis of F4/80+ cells in MLN suspensions. The sinus volume and number of S1P1-positive cells within sinuses were also increased by FTY-P. High endothelial venules and lymphatic endothelium expressed high levels of S1P1, and treatment with FTY-P resulted in intense staining and colocalization of CD31, β-catenin, and zona occludens 1 in junctions between sinus cells. Transmission electron microscopy showed that FTY-P greatly reduced lymphocyte microvilli and increased cell-cell contacts in the parenchyma. Immunoelectron microscopy revealed that intranodal lymphocytes lacked surface expression of S1P1, whereas S1P1 was evident on the surface and within the cytoplasm of macrophages, endothelial cells, and stromal cells. This subcellular pattern of intranodal receptor distribution was unchanged by treatment with FTY-P. We conclude that S1P1 agonists have profound effects on macrophages and endothelial cells, in addition to inducing lymphopenia.
Topical mitomycin C in the prevention of keloid scar recurrence.

OBJECTIVE To assess the ability of mitomycin C to prevent the recurrence of surgically excised keloid scars. Mitomycin C has been successfully used to prevent scar tissue formation at the site of subglottic stenosis in the field of pediatric otolaryngology. It appears that mitomycin C interferes with the ability of fibroblasts to produce a scar without causing changes in epithelialization. DESIGN We excised keloid scars from various sites in the head and neck and then applied mitomycin C to the resected bed prior to closure of the wound at a concentration of 0.4 mg/mL for 5 minutes. All patients had multiple keloids and acted as their own control. At 1 month after the procedure both wounds were started on a regimen of triamcinolone acetonide, 40 mg/mL injections, repeated every month for 6 months. At the end of the study, photos and measurements were again taken. RESULTS Fifteen patients (13 female and 2 male) ranging in age from 10 to 55 years enrolled in the study. No infections or nonhealing wounds were seen. There was no difference in postoperative pain. Eight patients completed the triamcinolone injections, 5 had fewer than 6 injections, and 2 patients had no steroid injections. Twelve patients completed follow-up and were evaluated for surgical complications and recurrence of the keloids at either site. Two patients had partial postoperative follow-up in person and then completed follow-up via telephone. One patient could not be found for follow-up. Four patients had recurrence of both excised lesions. Ten patients had no recurrence of their keloids at either site. CONCLUSION Mitomycin C made no difference in the prevention of keloid recurrence after excision when topically applied.
The Influence of Privacy Dispositions on Perceptions of Information Transparency and Personalization Preferences

To attract customers, firms offer personalized services. This is perceived beneficial by many customers as it enhances the purchase experience and addresses customers’ needs. However, to offer personalized services, customer data has to be collected and analyzed. This practice gives rise to privacy concerns and can inhibit the usage of such services. Our research aims to address the tension between personalization and privacy by applying information boundary theory to investigate how respondents’ disposition to value privacy and the availability of information transparency features influences individuals’ intention to disclose information to personalized services. Based on an experimental study, we find a significant interaction between disposition to value privacy and personalization, while the implementation of transparency features does not yield substantial changes in information disclosure. Thus, in order to successfully offer personalized services, we recommend that practitioners take individuals’ privacy preferences into account for their service design.
Wear Rates and Current Distribution of Carbon Brushes on Steel Slip Rings

This paper deals with brush wear and current distribution of carbon brushes on steel slip rings. Measurements of brush wear and brush current have been carried out both in generators in service and in a laboratory test rig. Wear rates increase with increasing brush current only for positive brushes on-site, whereas an evident correlation between brush current and brush wear was found for both polarities in the laboratory. The magnetizing current is, in general, unevenly distributed between the brushes operating in parallel, and the current shifts between different brushes during operation. The current distribution becomes more uneven with increasing mean current density and with increasing circumferential velocity of the slip ring.
The Relative Roles of Adaptation and Phylogeny in Determination of Larval Traits in Diversifying Anuran Lineages

I measured phenotypic traits important to the fitness of larval anurans to assess the relative roles of ancestral trait value and selective regime in determining present‐day phenotypes. The positions of 14 species from three taxonomic families and three different habitats in a phenotypic space defined by 19 traits provided measures of taxonomic and ecological similarity. The distribution of phenotypic distances among species revealed that neither taxonomy nor habitat overwhelmingly determined phenotype. There appear to be multiple ways in which anurans can exploit pond types. However, the direction of phenotypic movement was not random from one species to the next. Independent contrasts revealed significant correlations in the evolution of traits that were consistent among lineages. These correlations reflected well‐known trade‐offs that result from functional relationships among the constituent traits. Although there is no simple pattern in the distribution of mean phenotypes across environments and lineages, the pattern of the evolutionary trajectories that created that distribution is consistent with a predictive theory of multivariate evolution.
Burkholderia fungorum Septicemia

We report the first case of community-acquired bacteremia with Burkholderia fungorum, a newly described member of the Burkholderia cepacia complex. A 9-year-old girl sought treatment with septic arthritis in her right knee and ankle with soft tissue involvement. Commercial identification systems did not identify the causative microorganism.
The requirement of low calcium dialysate in patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis receiving calcium carbonate as a phosphate binder.

In the present study we investigated the requirement of low calcium dialysate in 35 patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) receiving calcium carbonate as the sole phosphate binder over a 12-month period. Patients with corrected serum calcium > or = 2.85 mmol/L after switching to oral calcium carbonate were given 1 to 3 2-litre exchanges of 2.5 mEq/L calcium dialysate. Serum phosphate level dropped from the pretreatment value of 2.95 +/- 0.62 to a level of between 1.70 +/- 0.41 to 2.03 +/- 0.44 mmol/L 2 weeks after therapy. Corrected serum calcium level increased significantly from 2 weeks onwards. Serum alkaline phosphatase rose initially at 2 and 6 weeks and decreased from 3 months onwards. Serum parathyroid hormone level dropped significantly from a mean pretreatment level of 569 to 320 pg/ml after 12 months (p < 0.001). Serum aluminum decreased significantly from a mean of 1.04 to 0.65 umol/L (p < 0.01). Daily calcium carbonate requirement fluctuated but tended to increase till 8 months and plateaued and ranged from 2.61 +/- 0.57 to 3.98 +/- 2.11 gm. The daily requirement of low calcium dialysate followed a similar trend with approximately three-quarters of patients ultimately requiring at least 1 bag of low calcium dialysate. Eight patients did not require low calcium dialysate. Patients who required low calcium dialysate were significantly older, had a significantly lower pretreatment serum parathyroid hormone and higher serum aluminum levels than those who did not. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Changes in fatty acid concentrations in tissues of African catfish, Clarias gariepinus Burchell, as a consequence of dietary carnitine, fat and lysine supplementation

A study was undertaken to examine the effect of different dietary carnitine (200 and 1000 mg/kg diet) and fat (90 and 190 g/kg diet) supplementation on growth and fatty acid concentrations of fish fed either with a low- (13 g/kg) or a high-lysine (21 g/kg) diet. African catfish (22·7 g/fish), Clarias gariepinus Burchell, juveniles were stocked (sixteen aquaria, twenty-five fish per aquarium) and fed for a maximum of 74 d. Dietary lysine had a clear effect on growth performance and feed conversion ratios, but dietary carnitine supplements had no effect. High-carnitine supplements increased total carnitine content (P<0·0004) and reduced tissue free carnitine: acyl-carnitine ratio (P<0·05) compared with low-carnitine supplements. High-fat supplements decreased liver carnitine concentrations. Clear effects on liver fatty acid concentrations were observed in high-carnitine-fed fish compared with low-carnitine-fed fish. The primary liver fatty acids affected were 18:2n-6 (linoleic acid), 20:5n-3 (eicosapentanoic acid) and 22:6n-3 (docosahexanoic acid). The whole-body fatty acid balance suggested that 20:5n-3 disappeared (apparently by β-oxidation) more readily than 18:2n-6 and/or 22:6n-3. From 774 mg 20:5n-3 eaten by high-lysine–high-fat–low-carnitine fish, 58 % was not assimilated into body tissues. High-carnitine-fed fish showed an increase in 20:5n-3 oxidation by 7 % compared with low-carnitine fish. Although dietary carnitine did not improve body growth, these results support the hypothesis that carnitine can enhance the mobilisation of long-chain fatty acids towards oxidation.