Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Immunoblot analysis of serologic response to outer membrane proteins of Escherichia coli in elderly individuals with urinary tract infections

We used immunoblotting to examine the serologic antibody responses to outer membrane proteins (OMP) of Escherichia coli in both symptomatic and asymptomatic elderly subjects with urinary tract infections. Controls with no present or past urinary tract infections showed variable weak immunoglobulin G (IgG) antibodies to OMP of infecting strains. Elderly individuals with asymptomatic infections demonstrated antibody to both lipopolysaccharide (LPS) and OMP of their infecting strain, with consistent cross-reactivity to OMP of other infecting strains. Young females with acute pyelonephritis showed an IgG response to LPS and OMP with cross-reactivity to OMP of other strains. Elderly individuals with symptomatic invasive infections had strong reactions to both LPS and OMP in specimens collected during the acute phase, generally with an increase in intensity in specimens from convalescent patients. They also demonstrated extensive cross-reactivity to LPS and OMP from all other infecting strains. IgM antibody was not observed in any patients. These data confirm other reports of low levels of antibodies to OMP of E. coli in normal populations. Asymptomatic bacteriuria in this population is associated with antibody responses to the LPS and OMP of the infecting strain. Elderly individuals with invasive infections had initial reactions to the infecting strain with an apparent increase in intensity during convalescence. Antibodies to the major OMP appear to be broadly cross-reactive.
Safety profile of carmustine wafers in malignant glioma: a review of controlled trials and a decade of clinical experience

ABSTRACT Background: Carmustine (1,3-bis [2-chloroethyl]-1-nitrosourea, or BCNU) wafers are approved for recurrent glioblastoma and newly diagnosed malignant glioma (MG). Based on considerable clinical experience and use in multimodal regimens, the safety of BCNU wafers needs a re-evaluation. Scope: A review of literature from 1996 to February 2008 was conducted on the safety of BCNU wafer in MG patients using search criteria in Medline, EMBASE, and BIOSIS. Abstracts from relevant US and European meetings were also evaluated. Three Phase III (two were pivotal) and 26 non-Phase III studies met inclusion criteria. Overall incidence was estimated for each adverse event (AE), and data from individual studies were summarised as median (range) rates. Comparisons were based on consistent similarities or differences across overall incidence, median rate and range. Findings: BCNU wafer group AE rates from the two pivotal Phase III trials ranged from 4–23% for cerebral oedema, 4–9% for intracranial hypertension, 14–16% for healing abnormalities, 5% for CSF leaks, 4–5% for intracranial infection, 19–33% for seizures, 10% for deep vein thrombosis, and 8% for pulmonary embolus. There were no notable differences in AE rates between the two pivotal Phase III and 26 non-Phase III studies. For the non-pivotal studies, the overall incidence of AEs was low, ranging from 0.2% for intracranial hypertension to 9.6% for healing abnormalities. Healing abnormalities, intracranial infection, and seizures were the most consistently reported AEs, having been observed in 16, 12, and 11 studies, respectively. Rates of healing abnormalities appeared higher in recurrent than in newly diagnosed disease. There were no notable differences between BCNU wafer plus adjuvant treatment (e.g., temozolomide) and BCNU wafer alone, with the exception of haematologic toxicity. Conclusion: This review of safety data for BCNU wafers provides reassurance that the AE rates reported in current treatment strategies including multimodal treatment approaches are comparable to those observed in the initial registration studies. The broad range of AE rates may reflect differences in the perioperative and postoperative management. Clinical experience suggests that strategies may exist to reduce the risk of complications.
Temporal Scalp Thickness, Body Mass Index, and Suprafascial Placement of Receiver Coil of the Cochlear Implant

Objective: The objectives of this study are to demonstrate the relationship between the thickness of the temporal scalp and body mass index (BMI), age, and sex, and to present the surgical technique which we perform in patients with a thick scalp. Materials and Methods: This is a retrospective, cross-sectional study. This study was performed in a tertiary referral center. Cranial computed tomography images of 469 subjects were included in the study. These subjects were evaluated according to BMI, age, and sex. These individuals were divided into 6 groups based on the BMI levels. Differences between the groups were compared in terms of temporal scalp thickness. In 5 patients with a mean scalp thickness of 9.7 mm, the receiver coil was placed over the temporal muscle fascia through a transmuscular incision without surgical thinning of the skin flap. Results: Average scalp thickness was measured as significantly higher in males than in females, with advancing age, and increasing levels of BMI. In 5 adult patients with a scalp thickness measured as ≥7 mm who underwent cochlear implantation, suprafacial placement of the receiver coil achieved successful surgical and audiological results. Conclusion: Thinning of the skin flap is recommended in patients with a scalp thickness ≥ 7 mm to provide effective transmission, minimalized power requirement, and magnet retention. Suprafascial placement of the receiver coil can be recommended in patients with a thick scalp without any excisional thinning impairing integrity and vascularity of the skin.
Long-term follow up of children with congenital complete atrioventricular block and the impact of pacemaker therapy.

AIMS This study assessed survival, morbidity and impact of pacemaker (PM) therapy in children with Congenital Complete Atrioventricular Block (CCAVB). METHODS AND RESULTS Data of 32 children, diagnosed as showing CCAVB at a median age of 0.4 years (range foetal-10 years), were retrospectively analysed. For comparison of clinical data patients were separated into two groups: CCAVB without structural heart disease (group 1; n = 23) and with structural heart disease (group 2; n = 9). Median follow-up time was 10.2 years. Pacemakers (PM) were implanted in 17 group 1 and all group 2 children. Frequency of PM therapy, age and symptoms before PM implantation did not differ significantly between the groups. Indications for PM implantation were bradycardia in 15, decreased exercise tolerance in 6, syncope in 3 and heart failure in 2 children. PM system related complications occurred in 11/26 (42%) children. Although 1 child died due to PM exit block no further CCAVB related symptoms were recorded in children with PM. CONCLUSION PM therapy reduces mortality and morbidity in children with CCAVB when compared with natural history data. Although children with PM are free from CCAVB related symptoms limited morbidity remains due to PM system related complications.
Characteristics of University of Auckland medical students intending to work in the regional/rural setting.

AIMS To assess the level of interest in regional/rural (RR) practice in final year Auckland medical students and to investigate the demographic characteristics and speciality intentions of these students. METHODS A questionnaire was distributed to all graduating students from The University of Auckland's School of Medicine (SOM) in 2006 and 2007. Students intending to work in a RR setting had their demographic data and intended specialty compared with students intending to work in the city. RESULTS There were 186 respondents, with a response rate of 71%. Of this cohort, 58% stated an intention to work in a city, 15% in an RR setting, and 27% were undecided. RR-destined students were more likely to be Maori and less likely to be Asian then their city-destined counterparts. RR students were more likely to have strong interests in general practice than students intending to work in the city. CONCLUSION Prior to the introduction of a specific rural selection pathway, Auckland medical students have shown a similar level of interest in RR medicine when compared to previous studies. However the proportion of students interested in RR health is significantly below the current proportion of people living in RR areas. The large proportion of students undecided on career setting at graduation suggests there may be room to increase the proportion further through formative early postgraduate experiences, or other incentives.
Effect of Precursors on the Synthesis of Catecholamines and on Neurotransmission in the Superior Cervical Ganglion of the Rat

Abstract: Male Sprague‐Dawley rats (325–350 g) were anesthetized with urethane (1.5 g/kg i.p.) and treated with physiological saline, Aspartame (APM; 552 μmol/kg), or tyrosine (Tyr; 552 μmol/kg). Ganglionic transmission and the synthesis of dopamine (DA) and norepinephrine (NE) were measured in the superior cervical ganglion (SCG) following electrical stimulation of the cervical sympathetic trunk (CST). When the CST was stimulated with single pulses, neither APM nor Tyr affected the synthesis of NE or DA. However, in response to low‐ (5 Hz, 20 s) and high‐ (20 Hz, 20 s) frequency pulses, the metabolism of DA was increased (p > 0.05), but to the same extent after saline, APM, or Tyr. In rats stimulated with similar low‐ and high‐frequency pulses, the synthesis of NE was increased significantly (p > 0.05) after Tyr, but not after APM or saline. In saline‐treated controls, ganglionic transmission was not changed in response to single pulses, or low‐ or high‐frequency stimulation. However, after treatment with APM, ganglionic transmission was depressed significantly (p > 0.01) in response to high‐frequency stimulation (single: 0.46 ± 0.09 mV; low: 0.39 ± 0.07 mV; high: 0.27 ± 0.07 mV). After treatment with Tyr, ganglionic transmission was depressed significantly (p > 0.05) in response to both low‐ and high‐frequency stimulation (single: 0.44 ± 0.04 mV; low: 0.22 ±0.12 mV; high: 0.26 ± 0.07 mV). In the nonstimulated SCG, l‐3,4‐dihydroxyphenylalanine (25 mg/kg) caused a rapid, significant (p > 0.01) increase in the synthesis and metabolism of DA, but not of NE. Treatment with nialamide (200 mg/kg i.p.) followed by electrical stimulation (15 Hz, 15 min) of the CST caused a significant (p > 0.05) increase of both NE and DA in the stimulated SCG. It is concluded that there are both similarities and differences in the regulation of the synthesis of NE and in the modulation of ganglionic transmission after the administration of the precursors APM and Tyr. The results indicate that caution is needed in comparing the neurochemical and neurophysiological effects of different catecholamine precursors.
Thoracic Staging in Lung Cancer: Prospective Comparison of 18F-FDG PET/MR Imaging and 18F-FDG PET/CT

Therapeutic decisions in non–small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients depend on the tumor stage. PET/CT with 18F-FDG is widely accepted as the diagnostic standard of care. The purpose of this study was to compare a dedicated pulmonary 18F-FDG PET/MR imaging protocol with 18F-FDG PET/CT for primary and locoregional lymph node staging in NSCLC patients using histopathology as the reference. Methods: Twenty-two patients (12 men, 10 women; mean age ± SD, 65.1 ± 9.1 y) with histopathologically confirmed NSCLC underwent 18F-FDG PET/CT, followed by 18F-FDG PET/MR imaging, including a dedicated pulmonary MR imaging protocol. T and N staging according to the seventh edition of the American Joint Committee on Cancer staging manual was performed by 2 readers in separate sessions for 18F-FDG PET/CT and PET/MR imaging, respectively. Results from histopathology were used as the standard of reference. The mean and maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmean and SUVmax, respectively) and maximum diameter of the primary tumor was measured and compared in 18F-FDG PET/CT and PET/MR imaging. Results: PET/MR imaging and 18F-FDG PET/CT agreed on T stages in 16 of 16 of patients (100%). All patients were correctly staged by 18F-FDG PET/CT and PET/MR (100%), compared with histopathology. There was no statistically significant difference between 18F-FDG PET/CT and 18F-FDG PET/MR imaging for lymph node metastases detection (P = 0.48). For definition of thoracic N stages, PET/MR imaging and 18F-FDG PET/CT were concordant in 20 of 22 patients (91%). PET/MR imaging determined the N stage correctly in 20 of 22 patients (91%). 18F-FDG PET/CT determined the N stage correctly in 18 of 22 patients (82%). The mean differences for SUVmean and SUVmax of NSCLC in 18F-FDG PET/MR imaging and 18F-FDG PET/CT were 0.21 and −5.06. These differences were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). The SUVmean and SUVmax measurements derived from 18F-FDG PET/CT and 18F-FDG PET/MR imaging exhibited a high correlation (R = 0.74 and 0.86, respectively; P < 0.0001). Size measurements showed an excellent correlation between 18F-FDG PET/MR imaging and 18F-FDG PET/CT (R = 0.99; P < 0.0001). The lower and upper limits of agreement between 18F-FDG PET/CT and 18F-FDG PET/MR imaging using Bland–Altman analysis were −2.34 to 3.89 for SUVmean, −7.42 to 4.40 for SUVmax, and −0.59 to 0.83 for the tumor size, respectively. Conclusion: 18F-FDG PET/MR imaging using a dedicated pulmonary MR imaging protocol, compared with 18F-FDG PET/CT, does not provide advantages in thoracic staging in NSCLC patients.
Mapping the major antigenic domains of the native flagellar antigen of Borrelia burgdorferi

Purified flagellar protein (p41) of Borrelia burgdorferi (strain B31) was subjected to chemical cleavage with hydroxylamine or proteolysis with V8 protease, endoproteinase Asp-N, or alpha-chymotrypsin. The resulting polypeptides were identified by sodium dodecyl sulfate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis, and their positions in the published DNA sequence of the p41 protein were determined by amino-terminal sequencing and amino acid analysis. Epitope specificities of antibody binding by a monoclonal antibody raised by immunization of mice with purified flagella and pooled sera from patients with multiple erythema migrans, late Lyme borreliosis, or secondary syphilis were analyzed by Western blots (immunoblots) of peptides transferred to Immobilon polyvinylidene difluoride filters. The major epitope binding one murine monoclonal antibody (158) was localized to a carboxy-terminal domain that includes residues 300 to 336. The dominant epitopes binding human polyclonal antibodies are in the central portion of the molecule (residues 182 to 218) that is not conserved compared with other bacterial flagellins. Additional reactive epitopes were identified in the amino-terminal domain of the protein. Sera from patients with syphilis bound strongly to the amino-terminal conserved domain, providing a structural basis for cross-reactivity seen in standard enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, but not to the central part of the molecule. Specific and cross-reactive antigenic determinants need to be considered in the design of improved immunodiagnostics for spirochetal diseases.
INCREASING THE PROPORTION OF DOMESTIC VIOLENCE ARRESTS THAT ARE PROSECUTED: A NATURAL EXPERIMENT IN MILWAUKEE*

Research Summary: Mandatory and pro-arrest policies in domestic violence incidents have increased strains on prosecutorial and court resources. They have also brought to prosecutors many cases in which victims never wanted batterers charged and prosecuted. Prosecutors are faced with the dilemma of (a) screening out difficult cases up front and expending resources on fewer but more winnable case or (b) prosecuting a larger number of cases as adequately as resources will allow. We studied a natural experiment that resulted when the Milwaukee prosecutor liberalized his screening policy to double the number of domestic violence case filings. After the new screening policy was implemented, time to disposition doubled, convictions decreased, the prevalence of pretrial crime increased, and victim satisfaction declined. Policy Implications: The results do not support the idea that domestic violence cases can be readily prosecuted without regard for victim desires. To commit to such a policy would require a substantial commitment of additional staff, resources to collect additional types of evidence, and a willingness to try a substantially larger number of cases.
Differentiation of Erysipelothrix Rhusiopathiae Strains by Nucleotide Sequence Analysis of a Hypervariable Region in the spaA Gene: Discrimination of a Live Vaccine Strain from Field Isolates

Erysipelothrix rhusiopathiae causes erysipelas in swine and is considered a reemerging disease contributing substantially to economic losses in the swine industry. Since an attenuated live vaccine was commercialized in 1974 in Japan, outbreaks of acute septicemia or subacute urticaria of erysipelas have decreased dramatically. In contrast, a chronic form of erysipelas found during meat inspections in slaughterhouses has been increasing. In this study, a new strain-typing method was developed based on nucleotide sequencing of a hypervariable region in the surface protective antigen (spaA) gene for discrimination of the live vaccine strain from field isolates. Sixteen strains isolated from arthritic lesions found in slaughtered pigs were segregated into 4 major patterns: 1) identical nucleotide sequence with the vaccine strain: 3 isolates; 2) 1 nucleotide substitution (C to A) at position 555: 5 isolates; 3) 1 nucleotide substitution at various positions: 5 isolates; and 4) 2 nucleotide substitutions: 3 isolates. Isolates with the same nucleotide sequence as the vaccine strain were further characterized by other properties, including the mouse pathogenicity test. One strain isolated from pigs on a farm where the live vaccine had been used was found to be closely related to the vaccine strain. The phylogenetic tree constructed based on the spaA sequence suggests that the evolutionary distance of the isolates is related to the pathogenicity in mice. The new strain-typing system based on nucleotide sequencing of the spaA region is useful to discriminate the vaccine strain from field isolates.
Non-pharmacological intervention for breathlessness in lung cancer

Objective - To evaluate the effect of non-pharmacological intervention for breathlessness in lung cancer on breathlessness ratings and patient functioning. Design - Randomised controlled pilot study. Setting - A nurse led clinic in a specialist cancer centre. Subjects - 20 patients with advanced small cell and non-small cell lung cancer. Intervention - Weekly sessions with a nurse research practitioner over 3-6 weeks using counselling, breathing re-training, relaxation and teaching coping and adaptation strategies. Main outcome measures - Visual analogue scale ratings of breathlessness, distress caused by breathlessness, functional capacity, ability to perform activities of daily living and the Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale. Results - Improvements in median scores on all measures were observed in the intervention group with the exception of depression, compared with the control group where median scores were static or worsened. Distress from breathlessness was improved by a median of 53%, breathlessness at worst by 35% and functional capacity by 21 %. In contrast, distress in the control group worsened by a median of 10%. Significant improvements compared with the control group were observed in breathlessness at best (p < 0.02), breathlessness at worst (p < 0.05), distress caused by breathlessness (p < 0.01), functional capacity (p < 0.02) and ability to perform activities of daily living (p < 0.03) but were not observed for anxiety or depression. Conclusion - Lung cancer patients suffering from breathlessness benefited from this rehabilitative approach to breathlessness management and strategies employed in this pilot study warrant further multicentre research. Macmillan nurses and palliative care teams are recommended to explore the potential of adopting similar approaches.
[Hemochromatosis--from an underdiagnosed curiosity to a common disease].

BACKGROUND Hemochromatosis is a common disease with a good prognosis, when diagnosed early and treated appropriately. The aim of this overview is to give updated information on hemochromatosis with special focus on biochemical features, diagnosis and treatment. MATERIAL AND METHODS This article is based on our own experience and a review of available literature in various databases such as PubMed and Medline. RESULTS Hereditary hemochromatosis is an autosomal recessive disease characterized by iron overload due to increased intestinal iron uptake over many years. Hemochromatosis is often discovered through coincidental detection of high levels of transferrin and/or ferritin. The early symptoms are asthenia and joint pain. About 85 % of patients with hereditary hemochromatosis are homozygote for the C282Y mutation in the HFE: gene, but the majority of homozygotes remain asymptomatic. With ferritin levels > 500 microg/, both hereditary hemochromatosis and iron overload (of unknown cause) are treated with blood-letting. INTERPRETATION The pathogenesis is not fully elucidated but recent reports indicate that the protein hepcidin (produced in the liver) plays a key role in the development of hemochromatosis. Iron overload may also be secondary to other diseases such as thalassemia and other conditions requiring multiple long-term blood transfusions. The goal is to maintain ferritin values at approximately 20 - 50 microg/L.
Maintenance of mitochondrial DNA copy number and expression are essential for preservation of mitochondrial function and cell growth

To examine whether a reduction in the mtDNA level will compromise mitochondrial biogenesis and mitochondrial function, we created a cell model with depleted mtDNA. Stable transfection of small interfering (si)RNA of mitochondrial transcription factor A (Tfam) was used to interfere with Tfam gene expression. Selected stable clones showed 60–95% reduction in Tfam gene expression and 50–90% reduction in cytochrome b (Cyt b) gene expression. Tfam gene knockdown clones also showed decreased mtDNA‐encoded cytochrome c oxidase subunit I (COX I) protein expression. However, no significant differences in protein expression were observed in nuclear DNA (nDNA)‐encoded mitochondrial respiratory enzyme subunits. The cell morphology changed from a rhombus‐like to a spindle‐like form as determined in clones with decreased expressions of Tfam, mtRNA, and mitochondrial proteins. The mitochondrial respiratory enzyme activities and ATP production in such clones were significantly lower. The proportions of mtDNA mutations including 8‐hydroxy‐2′‐deoxyguanosine (8‐OHdG), a 4,977‐bp deletion, and a 3,243‐point mutation were also examined in these clones. No obvious increase in mtDNA mutations was observed in mitochondrial dysfunctional cell clones. The mitochondrial respiratory activity and ATP production ability recovered in cells with increased mtDNA levels after removal of the specific siRNA treatment. These experimental results provide direct evidence to substantiate that downregulation of mtDNA copy number and expression may compromise mitochondrial function and subsequent cell growth and morphology. J. Cell. Biochem. 103: 347–357, 2008. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.