Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Systemic inflammatory and autoimmune manifestations associated with myelodysplastic syndromes and chronic myelomonocytic leukaemia: a French multicentre retrospective study.

OBJECTIVE We describe myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS)-associated systemic inflammatory and autoimmune diseases (SIADs), their treatments and outcomes and the impact of SIADs on overall survival in a French multicentre retrospective study. METHODS In this study, 123 patients with MDS and SIADs were analysed. RESULTS Mean age was 70 years (s.d. 13) and the male:female ratio was 2. The SIADs were systemic vasculitis in 39 (32%) cases, CTD in 31 (25%) cases, inflammatory arthritis in 28 (23%) cases, a neutrophilic disorder in 12 (10%) cases and unclassified in 13 cases (11%). The SIADs fulfilled the usual classification criteria in 75 (66%) cases, while complete criteria were not reached in 21 (19%) cases. A significant association was shown between chronic myelomonocytic leukaemia (CMML) and systemic vasculitis (P = 0.0024). One hundred and eighteen (96%) SIAD patients were treated (91% with steroids), with an 83% response to first-line treatment, including 80% for steroids alone. A second-line treatment for SIADs was required for steroid dependence or relapse in 48% of cases. The effect of MDS treatment on SIADs could be assessed in 11 patients treated with azacytidine and SIAD response was achieved in 9/11 (80%) and 6/11 (55%) patients at 3 and 6 months, respectively. Compared with 665 MDS/CMML patients without SIADs, MDS/CMML patients with SIADs were younger (P < 0.01), male (P = 0.03), less often had refractory anaemia with ring sideroblasts (P < 0.01), more often had a poor karyotype (16% vs 11%, P = 0.04) and less frequently belonged to low and intermediate-1 International Prognostic Scoring System categories, but no survival difference was seen between patients with MDS-associated SIADs and without SIADs (P = 0.5). CONCLUSION The spectrum of SIADs associated to MDS is heterogeneous, steroid sensitive, but often steroid dependent.
Proteome analysis demonstrates complex replicon and luteolin interactions in pSyma‐cured derivatives of Sinorhizobium meliloti strain 2011

Sinorhizobium meliloti was studied by proteomic analysis to investigate the contribution made by plasmid‐encoded functions on the intracellular regulation of this bacterium. Protein profiles of strain 2011 were compared with those from its mutant strains which were either cured of their pRme2011a (also called pSyma) plasmid (strain 818), or contained an extensive deletion of this plasmid (strain SmA146). Plasmid pSyma contains the nodulation and nitrogen fixation genes and is 1.4 Mbp with an estimated coding potential of 1400 proteins. However, under the growth conditions used we could detect 60 differences between the parent strain and its pSyma‐cured derivative, strain 818. While the majority of these differences were due to regulatory changes, such as up‐ and downregulation, some proteins were totally missing in some strains. These 60 proteins were classified into 21 subgroups, A to U, based on their measured protein levels when the cells were grown in the presence or absence of luteolin. Comparisons were made between the different strains to assess the possible interactions of the different proteins of the subgroups and plasmid pSyma. These results suggest that pSyma has a role in the regulation of the expression of genes from the other replicons (3.5 Mbp chromosome and the 1.7 Mbp pSymB plasmid) present in the S. meliloti cells. Proteome analysis provides a sensitive tool to examine the functional organisation of the S. meliloti genome and the intracellular gene interactions between replicons and will provide a powerful analytical tool to complement the genome sequencing of strain 1021.
The Schumpeterian entrepreneur: a review of the empirical evidence on the antecedents, behaviour and consequences of innovative entrepreneurship

Abstract Innovative entrepreneurship is considered an important pillar for economic development and has sparked a lively discussion in academia and practice alike. Oftentimes, however, the debate is not sufficiently grounded on solid empirical evidence. The academic literature is growing but very scattered and is separated into several disciplines. We provide a summary that takes stock of the academic knowledge about innovative entrepreneurship and summarizes the evidence from 102 empirical studies published in the primary economics and management journals on the antecedents, behavior, and consequences of innovative entrepreneurship. Based on this state-of-the-art literature review, directions for future research are discussed.
Highly increased numbers of leukocytes in inflamed gingiva from patients with HIV infection

Background HIV infection increases susceptibility for marginal periodontitis, with horizontal and rapid loss of periodontal soft tissues and alveolar bone. Objectives To examine whether numbers, distribution and some properties of mast cells, neutrophils and macrophages are normal in chronically inflamed gingiva of HIV-positive patients. Methods Gingival biopsies were stained for mast cell tryptase and chymase, neutrophil elastase, CD68, human transforming growth factor β1, HLA-DR, FcγRI, FcγRII and FcγRIII and calprotectin. Results Patients at all stages of HIV infection showed radically increased numbers of mast cells and neutrophils throughout the connective tissue, and of macrophages below the oral gingival epithelium (P < 0.05). Conclusion HIV infection is associated with increased numbers of mast cells, macrophages and neutrophils in the chronic periodontal lesion. This may predispose for tissue destruction through the release of inflammatory mediators and effector molecules. The unusually heavy cell infiltrate throughout the gingival connective tissue may contribute to the diverging pattern of periodontal tissue loss in HIV-positive patients.
Effects of renin-angiotensin system inhibitors on the occurrence of acute kidney injury following off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting.

BACKGROUND Despite several studies that evaluated the effects of renin-angiotensin system (RAS) inhibitors on postoperative renal function in cardiac surgery patients, no final conclusions are available. The aim of the present study was to determine the effect of RAS inhibitors on renal function following off-pump coronary artery bypass grafting (OPCAB). METHODS AND RESULTS Among patients who underwent OPCAB, perioperative characteristics, postoperative renal function and incidence of acute kidney injury (AKI) were compared between those who received RAS inhibitors for at least 2 weeks (RASI group, n=296) and those not treated with RAS inhibitors (Control group, n=176). AKI was defined as an increase in serum creatinine >0.3 mg/dl or >50% from baseline. Preoperative comorbidities were more frequent in the RASI group. Operative data were similar. Incidence of postoperative AKI (19.9% vs 20.9%, P=0.815) and of postoperative renal function was comparable between groups. In the adjusted multivariate logistic regression model for propensity scores between groups, diabetes mellitus, preoperative creatinine level and perioperative transfusion were significant risk factors for postoperative AKI, whereas preoperative treatment with RAS inhibitors did not increase the risk. CONCLUSIONS Chronic preoperative use of RAS inhibitors did not affect postoperative renal function or increase the risk of postoperative AKI in patients undergoing OPCAB.
[Correlation between Streptococcus mutans level in saliva and caries status in children].

OBJECTIVE To investigate the distribution pattern of salivary Streptococcus mutans (Sm) level in children and its association with caries status. METHODS Three hundred and sixty-five 11- 12-year-old children participated in this study. Scores of decayed, missing or filled teeth (DMFT) for the permanent dentition were recorded. Salivary Sm concentrations were determined by species-specific monoclonal antibodies. RESULTS Caries-affected children harbored more Sm in saliva [5.53 (1.50, 18.00) x 10(7)/L] than their caries-free counterparts [3.42 (1.60, 8.10) x 10(7)/L] (P = 0.002). Salivary Sm concentration tended to rise with the increase of DMFT score. Spearman's correlation coefficient for Sm concentration was 0.136 (P = 0.010). When salivary Sm concentration reached 8.64 x 10(7)/L, children's caries experience doubled. CONCLUSIONS Salivary Sm level has a skewed distribution among the children studied and associates positively with caries presence. Determination of salivary Sm levels could be used to predict children's caries status.
Factors implicated for late presentations of gross congenital anomaly of the nervous system in a developing nation

Background. Gross congenital lesions of the nervous system are obvious at birth and usually present early for management and corrective surgery. However in tropical and developing nations, late presentations are common. Aims: To determine the factors responsible for very late presentations of gross congenital lesions. Methods. We conducted a prospective study of all cases of congenital CNS anomalies that presented very late (>6 months after birth) to our neurosurgical clinic over an eight year period (2000–2008). Results. A total of 81 patients were seen during the study period. The age ranged from 6months to 47years. Hydrocephalus accounted for about half of the cases 37 (48.3%). The others were spina bifida 15 (18.5%), encephalocele 10 (12.4%), subgaleal inclusion dermoid cyst 7 (8.6%), and craniosynostosis 6 (7.4%), neurofibroma 4(4.9%), and anencephaly 2 (2.5%). Reasons given for late presentations were ignorance, poverty and in some the expectation that the baby would die. Other reasons for late presentation were that the patient was either about to start school or get married. Conclusion. Late presentations of congenital CNS lesions are associated with many complications most of which could have been avoided with early medical treatment. Health education should include issues regarding congenital malformations delivered by trained experts.
Transient Hyperammonemia Due to L -Asparaginase Therapy in Children with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia or Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

The standard treatment protocol for acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) in childhood includes intravenous therapy with asparaginase (Asp), which may cause hyperammonemia. In this study, all patients receiving asparaginase therapy at the Hospital for Children and Adolescents of the University of Leipzig between January 2002 and December 2007 were reviewed for the occurrence of hyperammonemia. Fifty-four patients were identified (22 girls, 32 boys; mean age 5.8 years). Blood ammonia concentrations were determined in 4 patients due to suspicious clinical signs. All showed hyperammonemia with NH3 concentrations between 260 and 700 μmol/L. They received specific acute detoxification therapy consisting in protein restriction, administration of benzoic acid, glucose/insulin. All 4 recovered completely. All patients receiving therapeutic regimes that include asparaginase (Asp) should be monitored for the development of transient hyperammonemia.
PREVALENCE AND ABUNDANCE OF IXODES PACIFICUS IMMATURES (ACARI: IXODIDAE) INFESTING WESTERN FENCE LIZARDS (SCELOPORUS OCCIDENTALIS) IN NORTHERN CALIFORNIA: TEMPORAL TRENDS AND ENVIRONMENTAL CORRELATES

The prevalence and abundance of immature Ixodes pacificus ticks on western fence lizards (Sceloporus occidentalis) were examined in relation to time of year, host attributes (i.e., age, gender, and presence or absence of blood parasites), and 5 environmental characteristics, including topographic exposure and ground cover substrate, over a 2-year period in northern California. Lizards were infested with subadult ticks from early March until late July or early August, with peak median numbers of larvae and nymphs recorded in late April and early May of both years. Peak larval and nymphal abundances differed between years. The overall ratio of larvae to nymphs on adult male lizards was low, ranging from 0.80 in 1999 to 2.41 in 2000. Such intensive feeding of nymphs versus larvae on these lizards, which are reservoir-incompetent for Borrelia burgdorferi spirochetes, may explain previous observations of decreasing spirochetal infection prevalence from the nymphal to adult stage in northwestern California. Adult male lizards were more likely to be infested with nymphs and harbored greater abundances of larvae and nymphs than adult females. Lizards uninfected with blood parasites had more nymphs than infected lizards. The measured environmental characteristics could explain only a small percentage of the total variation observed in larval prevalence (22%) and in larval and nymphal abundance (12 and 3%, respectively).
Interleukin-4 (IL-4) and IL-13 Signaling Pathways Do Not RegulateBorrelia burgdorferi-Induced Arthritis in Mice: IgG1 Is Not Required for Host Control of Tissue Spirochetes

ABSTRACT Previous studies have suggested that interleukin-4 (IL-4) has a protective effect in host defense to Borrelia burgdorferiinfection, both in limiting the severity of arthritis and in controlling spirochete numbers in tissues, and a mapping study revealed suggestive linkage to a cluster of genes on mouse chromosome 11, including the genes for IL-4 and IL-13. In contrast, other studies have questioned the importance of IL-4. In this study the involvement of IL-4 in murine Lyme disease was examined in C57BL/6J and BALB/cJ mice with targeted disruptions in the IL-4 gene, the IL-4Rα chain gene, or both. A spectrum of arthritis severity was seen in BALB/cJ mice, and ablation of IL-4, IL-4Rα, or both had no effect on the overall severity of arthritis as determined by joint swelling and histopathology. Wild-type C57BL/6J mice exhibited mild to moderate arthritis, and ablation of IL-4 again had no effect on arthritis severity. IL-4- and IL-4Rα-deficient mice produced extremely low levels of immunoglobulin G1 (IgG1) and showed increased production of IgG2b. This shift in immunoglobulin isotype had no effect on the host's ability to control spirochete growth in either strain of mouse, as determined by PCR detection of B. burgdorferi DNA from heart and ankle tissues. In summary, the IL-4-IL-4Rα pathway, including IL-13 signaling, neither limits arthritis severity nor is required for control of spirochete growth during B. burgdorferi infection of mice. Furthermore, the IgG1 isotype is not required to control B. burgdorferi cell numbers in tissues. These findings suggest the host defense against B. burgdorferi infection is not dependent on the Th1-Th2 paradigm of T-cell responses.
Ghost shrimps (Decapoda: Axiidea: Callianassidae) of the Maastrichtian (Late Cretaceous) Ocozocoautla Formation, Chiapas (Mexico)

On the basis of newly collected material, two ghost shrimp taxa from the lower Maastrichtian Ocozocoautla Formation in Chiapas (Mexico) are recorded. Callianassa burckhardti is reassigned to Eucalliax, which extends the known fossil record of this genus to the early Maastrichtian. A new species, Callianassa (s.l.) ocozocoautlaensis, is described based on a single specimen whose state of preservation does not enable a firm generic assignment, despite the fact that the material exhibits striking similarities to extant Callianassa modesta, occasionally treated as a member of the genus Cheramus. The fossil record of ghost shrimps from Mexico is briefly reappraised and their survival across the K/Pg boundary is discussed. The conservative body plan of ctenochelid and callianassid taxa is emphasized and it is postulated that virtually all major ghost shrimp clades were already established well before the Cenozoic.
Prefrontal correlates of approach preferences for alcohol stimuli in alcohol dependence

An approach bias for alcohol stimuli (i.e. faster approach than avoidance reactions) might facilitate relapses in alcohol dependence. Neurobiological models suggest hypersensitivity in the reward system [inter alia nucleus accumbens and orbitofrontal cortex (OFC)] to cause pathologically enhanced approach impulses towards alcohol stimuli. At the same time, in alcohol dependence, these structures are only insufficiently controlled by a hypoactive dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC). The present study investigated the cortical aspects of this model with functional near‐infrared spectroscopy in 21 alcohol‐dependent in‐patients and 21 healthy controls (HC; comparable in age, gender and education) during performance of the Approach‐Avoidance Task (AAT) for the first time. Complementing previous findings, in reaction times (RTs), patients showed stronger approach preferences for alcohol than non‐alcohol stimuli. For non‐alcohol stimuli, patients even displayed avoidance preferences. The reversed pattern was found in HC. Group differences in activity of the OFC were identical to those in RTs, revealing patients to assign higher subjective value to approaching alcohol stimuli. In both groups, regulatory activity in the right DLPFC was stronger during avoiding than approaching alcohol pictures. Probable awareness of the behavioural hypotheses due to explicit task instructions and patients' deficient prefrontal function might account for this equally aligned pattern. Results are discussed with regard to recent findings revealing a reduced behavioural approach bias and risk for relapse by applying a retraining version of the AAT. Functional measurements might serve as a method for monitoring the corresponding neurobiological changes and—possibly—predicting the success of such a training.
LYSOPHOSPHATIDIC ACID REDUCES THE ORGAN INJURY CAUSED BY ENDOTOXEMIA-A ROLE FOR G-PROTEIN-COUPLED RECEPTORS AND PEROXISOME PROLIFERATOR-ACTIVATED RECEPTOR-&ggr;

Exogenous lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) has been shown to beneficial in renal ischemia/reperfusion injury, wound healing and colitis. LPA acts via specific G-protein-coupled receptors and also peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-&ggr; (PPAR-&ggr;). However, activation of PPAR-&ggr; is dependent on the presence of an unsaturated acyl chain. Here we investigate the effects of saturated LPA (18:0) and unsaturated LPA (18:1) on the organ injury associated with endotoxemia and the receptors mediating LPA activity. Male Wistar rats received either lipopolysaccharide (LPS, 6 mg/kg i.v.) or vehicle. The PPAR-&ggr; antagonist GW9662 (1 mg/kg i.v.), the LPA receptor antagonist Ki16425 (0.5 mg/kg i.v.) or vehicle was administered 30 min after LPS. LPA 18:0 or LPA 18:1 (1 mg/kg i.v.) or vehicle was administered 1 h after injection of LPS. Endotoxemia for 6 h resulted in an increase in serum levels of aspartate aminotransferase, alanine aminotransferase and creatine kinase. Therapeutic administration of LPA 18:0 or 18:1 reduced the organ injury caused by LPS. LPA 18:0 also attenuated the increase in plasma IL-1&bgr; caused by LPS. Ki16425, but not GW9662, attenuated the beneficial effects of LPA 18:0, however, Ki16425 and GW9662 attenuated the beneficial effects of 18:1. In conclusion, LPA reduces the organ injury caused by endotoxemia in the rat. Thus, LPA may be useful in the treatment of shock of various aetiologies. The mechanism of action is related to acyl chain saturation, with LPA 18:0 acting via G-protein-coupled receptors and LPA 18:1 acting via G-protein-coupled receptors and PPAR-&ggr;.
Is plasma homocysteine level associated with metabolic syndrome components in adolescents?

BACKGROUND This study investigated whether serum homocysteine (Hcy) level is associated with metabolic syndrome components, including high waist circumference (WC), hypertriglyceridemia, low high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C), elevated systolic blood pressure (SBP), and insulin resistance (IR) in adolescents living in Central Anatolia, Turkey. METHODS The data of The Prevalence of Metabolic Syndrome Among Adolescents Study, a cross-sectional study carried out in two of the central and ten outlying districts of Kayseri was used. Components of metabolic syndrome were modified from the Adult Treatment Panel III (ATP III). A multivariate regression model was developed to examine the relationships between the homocysteine (Hcy) level and metabolic syndrome components. Hyperhomocysteinemia (HH) was defined as level of Hcy > or = 15 micromol/L. RESULTS Mean plasma Hcy level of adolescents with metabolic syndrome was found to be 11.8 +/- 5.0 micromol/L. Although the Hcy level of females (11.4 +/- 5.5 micromol/L) was lower than that of males (12.0 +/- 4.7 micromol/L), the difference was not statistically significant (P > 0.05). In all, 40.5% of adolescents had Hcy levels between 10 and 15 micromol/L (mild HH) and 17.7% of adolescents had Hcy levels of > or = 15 micromol/L. The Hcy level was negative and weakly correlated with insulin resistance in females (r = -0.319, P = 0.058) and negative strongly correlated with SBP in males (r = - 0.385, P = 0.011). There were no associations between Hcy level and other components of metabolic syndrome. CONCLUSIONS An elevated plasma Hcy level is not considered to be related to components of metabolic syndrome. But HH may be an independent risk factor, especially for diabetic adolescents or those who have cardiovascular events as in adults.
Serotype specific polymerase chain reaction identifies a higher prevalence of streptococcus mutans serotype k and e in a random group of children with dental caries from the Southern region of India

Background: The development of dental caries has been associated with the oral prevalence of Streptococcus mutans. Four serotypes of S. mutans have been reported, namely serotype c, e, f, and k that are classified based on the composition and linkages of cell wall polysaccharides, response to physiological reactions, sero-specificity and 16s rRNA homology. Although the oral prevalence of S. mutans serotype c in Indian subjects with or without caries is known, the prevalence of the other three serotypes, e, f, and k are not known. Hence in this study, we have investigated the occurrence of the e, f, and k serotypes in children with or without caries within the age group of 6-12 years. Materials and Methods: Genomic DNA isolated from whole saliva of caries active (CA) and caries free (CF) groups were first screened for the presence of S. mutans by strain specific polymerase chain reaction (PCR). Those samples that tested positive for the presence of S. mutans were further analyzed by serotype specific PCR to identify the prevalence of the serotypes. Results: Strain specific PCR indicated a higher prevalence of S. mutans in CA group (80%) relative to CF group (43%). Further analysis of the S. mutans positive samples in both groups indicated a higher prevalence of serotype k and e, followed by serotype f in CA group. Conclusion: The present data clearly establishes a novel S. mutans serotype prevalence hierarchy in children from this region, compared with those that have been reported elsewhere. Besides, the data are also clinically significant as the occurrence of serotype k has been associated with infective endocarditis.