Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Characterization of Newcastle disease virus isolates obtained from Eurasian collared doves (Streptopelia decaocto) in Italy

Eurasian collared doves (Streptopelia decaocto) are thought to originate from India and they have colonized, throughout the centuries, the Middle East and, more recently, Mediterranean countries such as Italy and Spain. In the present paper we report of the isolation and characterization of Newcastle disease viruses (NDV) obtained from Eurasian collared doves during 2000-2001, and compare them to isolates obtained from feral pigeons (Columba livia) during the same period. All isolates could be classified as avian paramyxovirus type 1 (APMV1) and belonged to the pigeon variant group (PPMV1), as their haemagglutinating activity was inhibited by mAb 161/617 which is specific for PPMV1. The intracerebral pathogenicity indices ranged from 0.68 to 1.38 and all isolates contained multiple basic amino acids at the deduced cleavage site of the fusion protein, which is a typical feature of virulent viruses. Phylogenetic analysis of the isolates indicate that 18/20 of these form a separate cluster from the isolates obtained from pigeons in the same period. These findings suggest that different lineages are circulating in feral pigeon populations, and that a separate lineage affects Eurasian collared doves.
Assays for Detection of PRRS Virus Isolation of live virus

• Additional tests are available to actually determine the presence of the virus. These tests include immunohistochemistry staining (IHC), fluorescent antibody staining (FA), polymerase chain reaction (PCR), and virus isolation (VI). While a positive result on these tests indicates the virus is present in the sample, a negative test does not necessarily indicate that the pig is free of the virus. Correct sample selection, sample handling, and the sensitivity of the test all interact to provide a reliable result.
Suppression of cartilage matrix gene expression in upper zone chondrocytes of osteoarthritic cartilage.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the anabolic activity of osteoarthritic chondrocytes in situ by investigating the messenger RNA (mRNA) expression of 3 major cartilage components, type II collagen, aggrecan, and link protein: METHODS In situ hybridization experiments and histochemical analysis for proteoglycan content were performed on parallel sections of normal and osteoarthritic (OA) cartilage specimens. RESULTS Most chondrocytes in the deeper.zones of OA cartilage showed an increase in mRNA expression, in particular, of type II collagen and to a lesser extent, aggrecan, compared with normal specimens. However, chondrocytes of the upper zone were largely negative for aggrecan or type II collagen mRNA. The expression of link protein mRNA was low in normal and OA specimens. CONCLUSION These observations suggest that suppression of the anabolic activity of chondrocytes in the upper zones contributes to the metabolic imbalance observed in OA cartilage. Stimulation of matrix anabolism in superficial chondrocytes might be a suitable target for therapeutic intervention.
Current treatment for acute viral bronchiolitis in infants

This paper provides an update and critical review of available data on the treatment of acute viral bronchiolitis in previously healthy infants, with special focus on new or promising therapies. The main potential benefits of medical assistance in these patients reside in the careful monitoring of their clinical status, the maintenance of adequate hydration and oxygenation, the preservation of the airway opened and cleared of secretions and the option to perform parental education. There is no convincing evidence that any other form of therapy will reliably provide beneficial effects in infants with bronchiolitis and currently, any treatment beyond supportive care should be prescribed on a case-by-case basis with watchful appraisal of its effects. Therapies such as ribavirin, IFN, vitamin A, antibiotics, mist therapy or anticholinergics, have not demonstrated any measurable clinical effect. Several studies and meta-analyses with β2-agonists and corticosteroids have failed to show any benefit of significant extent, however, physicians keep favouring their use. Presently, adrenaline has received rather consistent support from clinical trials but it is not yet widely prescribed. There are other therapeutic strategies, for instance, heliox, hypertonic saline, noninvasive ventilation, physical therapy techniques, thickened feeds or palivizumab that have shown promising potential benefits, but evidence supporting its use is still limited and further studies should be warranted. In the meantime, infants with acute viral bronchiolitis should be treated following evidence-based clinical practice guidelines, keeping the patient central in the process and being sensitive to social, cultural and familiar influences on their treatment strategy.
Caregivers of Advanced Cancer Patients: Feelings of Hopelessness and Depression

To investigate whether the advanced cancer patients' caregivers' depression and hopelessness are affected by patients' demographic and clinical characteristics and by caregivers' sociodemographic variables. Moreover, the relation between cancer patients' and caregivers' depression and hopelessness was assessed. One hundred five patients with advanced cancer receiving palliative care and 96 caregivers were enrolled in the study. The patients and their caregivers completed the Beck Depression Inventory and the Beck Hopelessness Scale while researchers recorded data on demographic characteristics, disease status, and treatment regimen. The analysis showed that significant associations were found between patient male sex and caregiver's depression (P = .007) and hopelessness (P = .002), between patient family status and caregiver's depression (P = .031) and hopelessness (P = .001), and between patient radiotherapy treatment and caregiver's hopelessness (P = .017). Moreover, statistically significant correlation was found between patient's and caregiver's depression (P = .041). Generalized estimating equations showed that the patients characteristics that predicted caregivers' hopelessness were family status (P = .017), radiotherapy (P = .025), and the caregiver's relation to patient (P = .059). The findings suggest that caregiver's hopelessness is predicted by cancer patient's characteristics and that patient's depression is correlated to that of caregiver. The findings provide a base for future research.
Suppression of proinflammatory cytokines and induction of IL‐10 in human monocytes after coxsackievirus B3 infection

Coxsackievirus B3 (CVB3) causes acute and chronic myocarditis, which is accompanied by an intense mononuclear leukocyte infiltration. Because myocardial tissue damage may either result from viral infections or from a dysregulated immune response, the susceptibility of human monocytes and macrophages to CVB3 was examined in this study with regard to virus replication, virus persistence, and release of cytokines. Monocytes were infected by CVB3 as shown by the intracellular appearance of plus‐ and minus‐strand viral RNA, which was also capable of persisting for more than 10 days. Fresh monocytes were not permissive for full virus replication whereas monocyte‐derived macrophages yielded a low amount of new viruses, which led to cell death. Although CVB3 infection induced the mRNA for the proinflammatory cytokines tumor necrosis factor‐alpha (TNF‐α), interleukin (IL)‐1, and IL‐6, only little cytokine production occurred. When infected monocytes were stimulated in addition by lipopolysaccharides (LPS), cytokine production was partially suppressed. In striking contrast, IL‐10 expression was strongly and persistently induced by CVB3 on the mRNA and the protein level. These data show a dysregulated cytokine response in CVB3‐exposed human monocytes and macrophages, which is characterized by a suppression of proinflammatory cytokines and a dominance of IL‐10. This viral strategy may aid CVB3, causing chronic myocardiopathy. J. Med. Virol. 64:487–498, 2001. © 2001 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Evolving global epidemiology, syndromic classification, general management, and prevention of unknown mushroom poisonings

Objective:To assess the evolving global epidemiology of mushroom poisoning and to identify new and emerging mushroom poisonings and their treatments, a descriptive analysis and review of the world’s salient scientific literature on mushroom poisoning was conducted. Data Source:Data sources from observation studies conducted over the period 1959–2002 and describing 28,018 mushroom poisonings since 1951 were collected from case reports, case series, regional descriptive studies, meta-analyses, and laboratory studies of mushroom poisonings and the toxicokinetics of mycotoxins. Study Selection:Studies included in the review were selected by a MEDLINE search, 1966–2004, an Ovid OLDMEDLINE search, 1951–1965, and a medical library search for sources published before 1951. Data Extraction:To better guide clinicians in establishing diagnoses and implementing therapies, despite confusing ingestion histories, data were extracted to permit an expanded syndromic classification of mushroom poisoning based on presentation timing and target organ systemic toxicity. Data Synthesis:The final 14 major syndromes of mushroom poisoning were stratified first by presentation timing and then by target organ systemic toxicity and included early (<6 hrs), late (6–24 hrs), and delayed syndromes (≥1 day). There were eight early syndromes (four neurotoxic, two gastrointestinal, two allergic); three late syndromes (hepatotoxic, accelerated nephrotoxic, erythromelalgia); and three delayed syndromes (delayed nephrotoxic, delayed neurotoxic, rhabdomyolysis). Four new mushroom poisoning syndromes were classified including accelerated nephrotoxicity (Amanita proxima, Amanita smithiana), rhabdomyolysis (Tricholoma equestre, Russula subnigricans), erythromelalgia (Clitocybe amoenolens, Clitocybe acromelalgia), and delayed neurotoxicity (Hapalopilus rutilans). In addition, data sources were stratified by three chronological time periods with >1,000 confirmed mushroom ingestions reported and tested for any statistically significant secular trends in case fatalities from mushroom ingestions over the entire study period, 1951–2002. Conclusions:Since the 1950s, reports of severe and fatal mushroom poisonings have increased worldwide. Clinicians must consider mushroom poisoning in the evaluation of all patients who may be intoxicated by natural substances. Since information on natural exposures is often insufficient and incorrect, a new syndromic classification of mushroom poisoning is recommended to guide clinicians in making earlier diagnoses, especially in cases where only advanced critical care, including organ transplantation, may be life saving.
Does Serum Visfatin Represent a Biochemical Marker to an Experimental Peripheral Neuropathic Pain in Mice?

The effects of pregabalin on neuropathic pain relief and the serum visfatin level were assessed using an experimental model of neuropathy in a study conducted on 40 male mice with sciatic nerve constriction. The mice were randomly assigned to 4 groups, each with 10 mice. The mice were subjected to experimental chronic partial constriction of the sciatic nerve and compared to sham-operated, saline-treated control mice (group I). The experimental groups (II-IV) were subjected to partial constriction of the left sciatic nerve. A series of behavioral tests, electrophysiological studies and biochemical measures were performed after 3 weeks of daily oral treatment with pregabalin (20 and 40 mg/kg in groups III and IV, respectively). The study revealed the actions of pregabalin against the nociceptive effects of chronic sciatic nerve constriction in mice (p < 0.01), including replenishment of the glutathione level (p < 0.05) and reduction of the serum visfatin level. No significant effect on the tissue malondialdehyde level was found for any of the pregabalin doses. The percentage differences in the maximum tetanic force between the ipsilateral and contra lateral legs were significant in both pregabalin-treated groups (p < 0.05). We concluded that pregabalin reduced the serum visfatin level and produced a dose-dependent antinociceptive antioxidant effect.
Changes of polyphenols, sugars, and organic acid in 5 Vitis genotypes during berry ripening.

UNLABELLED The concentrations of sugars, organic acids, and polyphenols during berry ripening in 5 grape genotypes were analyzed using HPLC and HPLC-MS to determine which were correlated. Veraison is critical stage during grape berry development, and marks the beginning of ripening. Glucose and fructose accumulated sharply in a 1: 1ratio, though the concentration of fructose was slightly higher than that of glucose at maturation. Malic acid and tartaric acid were the dominant organic acids, and they decreased rapidly during berry ripening. The 5 cultivars contained 28 anthocyanins and 8 other polyphenols. All anthocyanins accumulated and were positively correlated with the sugars and negatively correlated with the organic acids. Hydroxycinnamic acids declined and were positively correlated with anthocyanin contents. Changes in flavanols and flavonols different among the 5 genotypes, with flavonols positively correlated with anthocyanin content, but the flavanols procyanidin B1and epicatechin negatively correlated with anthocyanins content. There were obvious differences in patterns of change of polyphenols among 5 grape genotypes. PRACTICAL APPLICATION The results could be used for improving grape berry quality during ripening and developing a comprehensive database of primary and secondary metabolites in the Vitis for grape breeding.
Time variation, asymmetry and threshold effects in Malta’s Phillips curve

This paper estimates a Phillips curve for Malta using data since the 1960s and presents evidence that the relationship has flattened over time, implying that the link between inflation and economic activity has weakened. Further analysis finds that this phenomenon was driven by downward price stickiness, whereby the responsiveness of price inflation is limited during economic slowdowns; however the Phillips curve was and remains alive during economic booms. Other threshold effects are also present; with only statistically large shocks having an effect during a boom. This study also finds a strong increase in the importance of import price shocks in driving consumer price inflation in the Maltese economy. The estimated variance of shocks to inflation was high in the 1980s, but has fallen greatly since then. Estimates of the Wage Phillips curve show a strong link between economic activity and wage growth. This channel operates mainly through slower wage growth during recessions, as periods of strong economic growth were not associated with faster wage growth. Similar threshold effects also exist; this channel only operates when economic slack is high. A number of structural changes in the Maltese economy, notably EU accession and favourable labour market developments may explain the stability in wage growth and some of the findings. JEL Classification Codes: C11, C32, E31, E32, O11
Roles of Brahma and Brahma/SWI2-Related Gene 1 in Hypoxic Induction of the Erythropoietin Gene*

Upon hypoxia, the human erythropoietin (EPO) gene is transactivated by the heterodimeric hypoxia-inducible factor 1 (HIF-1). Mammalian SWI/SNF is a chromatin-remodeling complex involved in the modulation of gene expression. We demonstrate that Brahma (Brm) and Brahma/SWI2-related gene 1 (Brg-1), alternative ATPase subunits of SWI/SNF, potentiate reporter gene activation mediated by HIF-1 in an ATPase-dependent manner. Brm was more potent than Brg-1 in the reporter gene assays. Simultaneous depletion of both Brm and Brg-1 by small interfering RNAs significantly compromised the transcription of the endogenous EPO gene triggered by hypoxia. Whereas knocking down Brm alone resulted in a moderate reduction in transcription of the EPO gene, depletion of Brg-1 resulted in an augmentation of transcription of both the EPO gene and the Brm gene, indicating that Brm can compensate for loss of Brg-1. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and sequential ChIP (re-ChIP) analysis showed that both Brm and Brg-1 associate with the enhancer region of the EPO gene in vivo in a hypoxia-dependent fashion and that each is present in a complex with HIF-1. Brm and Brg-1 were also recruited to the promoter of the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) gene in a hypoxia-dependent fashion, although hypoxic induction of VEGF transcription was not affected by depletions of either or both Brm and Brg-1. Together these studies reveal a novel role for SWI/SNF in the activation of transcription of the EPO gene, indicate an important communication and compensation between Brm and Brg-1, and suggest that the requirement for SWI/SNF during hypoxic induction is gene-specific.
Fibrolamellar hepatocellular carcinoma at a tertiary centre in South Africa: a case series.

BACKGROUND Fibrolamellar carcinoma (FLC) is an uncommon malignant tumour of hepatocyte origin that differs from hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in aetiology, demographics, condition of the affected liver, and tumour markers. Controversy exists whether FLC demonstrates a more favourable prognosis than typical HCC. A review of existing literature reveals a dearth of FLC data from the African continent. METHODS We utilised the prospective liver resection database at Groote Schuur Hospital to identify all patients who underwent surgery for FLC between 1990 and 2008. RESULTS Seven patients (median age 21 years, range 19 - 42, 5 men, 2 women) underwent surgery for FLC. No patient had underlying liver disease or an elevated alpha fetoprotein (AFP) at either initial presentation or recurrence. Six patients had a solitary tumour at diagnosis (mean largest diameter = 12cm), and underwent left hepatectomy (N=2), right hepatectomy (N=1), extended right hepatectomy (N=1), right hepatectomy (N=1), extended right hepatectomy (N=1), and segmentectomies (N=2). Three patients underwent a portal lymphadenectomy for regional lymphatic tumour involvement. One patient with advanced extrahepatic portal nodal metastasis was unresectable. No peri-operative deaths occurred. Recurrence occurred post resection in all 6 patients. Median overall survival was 60 months, and overall 5-year survival was 4 out of 7 (57%). Post-resection survival (N=6) was 61 months, with a 5-year survival rate of 4 out of 6 (67%). The patient with unresectable disease survived 38 months after tumour embolisation with Lipiodol. CONCLUSION Our series suggests that despite (i) a high resection rate of solitary lesions with clear tumour resection margins, and (ii) absence of underlying liver disease, FLC has a high recurrence rate with an ultimately poor clinical outcome. These findings concur with recent international experience of FLC. experience of FLC.
Identification of the external laryngeal nerve: its anatomical relations to inferior constrictor muscle, superior thyroid artery, and superior pole of the thyroid gland in Thais.

BACKGROUND The external laryngeal nerve (ELN) is not routinely identified during thyroid surgery despite clear benefits from doing so. One reason is its anatomical variations, which differ from papers to papers. There were also very few studies of ELN in Thais, especially its relation to inferior constrictor muscle and tip of superior pole of the thyroid gland, which serve as important landmarks when identifying the ELN intraoperatively. OBJECTIVE To describe the course of ELN and its relations to the inferior constrictor muscle, superior thyroid artery (STA), and tip of superior pole of the thyroid gland in Thais in order to serve as a guide for identification and preservation of the nerve. MATERIAL AND METHOD One hundred thirty four ELNs from 68 cadavers with normal-sized thyroid glands and no signs of neck abnormality were studied Three areas were studied, (1) its relation to inferior constrictor muscle, (2) the nearest distance from the nerve to tip of the superior pole of the thyroid gland, and (3) the crossing point of the ELN and STA in relation to the tip of the superior pole of the thyroid gland. All distances were measured in mm using a vernier caliper. RESULTS The three areas of the study were reported separately using established classifications and compared to the previous published papers. All ELNs run superficially, at the least on the upper portion of the inferior constrict muscle, rendering it more vulnerable to injury in Thais. CONCLUSION The course of the ELN and its relations to nearby structures can vary considerably and are influenced by many factors. Nevertheless, these findings should encourage the surgeons to identify the ELN intraoperatively with meticulous dissection to minimize the risk of ELN injury.
Relatedness, national boarders, perceptions of firms and the value of their innovations

The main goal of this dissertation is to better understand how external corporate stakeholder perceptions of relatedness affect important outcomes for companies. In pursuit of this goal, I apply the lens of category studies. Categories not only help audiences to distinguish between members of different categories, they also convey patterns of relatedness. In turn, this may have implications for understanding how audiences search, what they attend to, and how the members are ultimately valued. In the first chapter, I apply incites from social psychology to show how the nationality of audience members affects the way that they cognitively group objects into similar categories. I find that the geographic location of stock market analysts affect the degree to which they will revise their earnings estimates for a given company in the wake of an earnings miss by another firm in the same industry. Foreign analysts revise their earnings estimates downward more so than do local analysts, suggesting that foreign analysts ascribe the earnings miss more broadly and tend to lump companies located in the same country into larger groups than do local analysts. In the second chapter, I demonstrate that the structure of inter-category relationships can have consequential effects for the members of a focal category. Leveraging an experimental-like design, I study the outcomes of nanotechnology patents and the pattern of forward citations across multiple patent jurisdictions. I find that members of technology categories with many close category 'neighbors' are more broadly cited than members of categories with few category 'neighbors. ’ My findings highlight how category embeddedness and category system structure affect the outcomes of category members as well as the role that classification plays in the valuation of innovation. In the third chapter, I propose a novel and dynamic measure of corporate similarity that is constructed from the two-mode analyst and company coverage network. The approach creates a fine-grained continuous measure of company similarity that can be used as an alternative or supplement to existing static industry classification systems. I demonstrate the value of this new measure in the context of predicting financial market responses to merger and acquisition deals. Degree Type Dissertation Degree Name Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) Graduate Group Management First Advisor Witold Henisz This dissertation is available at ScholarlyCommons: http://repository.upenn. edu/edissertations/1638