Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Role of Alpha/Beta Interferons in the Attenuation and Immunogenicity of Recombinant Bovine Respiratory Syncytial Viruses Lacking NS Proteins

ABSTRACT Alpha/beta interferons (IFN-α/β) are not only a powerful first line of defense against pathogens but also have potent immunomodulatory activities. Many viruses have developed mechanisms of subverting the IFN system to enhance their virulence. Previous studies have demonstrated that the nonstructural (NS) genes of bovine respiratory syncytial virus (BRSV) counteract the antiviral effects of IFN-α/β. Here we demonstrate that, in contrast to wild-type BRSVs, recombinant BRSVs (rBRSVs) lacking the NS proteins, and those lacking NS2 in particular, are strong inducers of IFN-α/β in bovine nasal fibroblasts and bronchoalveolar macrophages. Furthermore, whereas the NS deletion mutants replicated to wild-type rBRSV levels in cells lacking a functional IFN-α/β system, their replication was severely attenuated in IFN-competent cells and in young calves. These results suggest that the NS proteins block the induction of IFN-α/β gene expression and thereby increase the virulence of BRSV. Despite their poor replication in the respiratory tract of young calves, prior infection with virus lacking either the NS1 or the NS2 protein induced serum antibodies and protection against challenge with virulent BRSV. The greater level of protection induced by the NS2, than by the NS1, deletion mutant, was associated with higher BRSV-specific antibody titers and greater priming of BRSV-specific, IFN-γ-producing CD4+ T cells. Since there were no detectable differences in the ability of these mutants to replicate in the bovine respiratory tract, the greater immunogenicity of the NS2 deletion mutant may be associated with the greater ability of this virus to induce IFN-α/β.
Self-reported absenteeism among hospital workers in benin city, Nigeria.

SUMMARY BACKGROUND Absenteeism is a major cause of loss in jobs, man-hours, productivity, and lives in the health sector. It also has grave consequences for global economies. OBJECTIVE To determine the overall absenteeism rate and the factors that conduces to absenteeism among hospital workers. DESIGN Cross sectional descriptive type. SETTING AND PARTICIPANTS The entire staff in the hospital was enlisted in the study and data were collected through self-administered and semi-structured questionnaire. RESULTS Fifty three percent of the 474 respondents reported at least one absence spell in the year. Absenteeism was highest among domestic staff (70.8%) and lowest among the doctors (46.9%). The average number of spells per absentee per year was 1.7 and the average duration of spells was 4.1 days while the incapacity rate was 7.2 days. The overall absenteeism rate was 1.7%. Absenteeism was significantly associated with increasing age (p=0.000), gender, [females<males (p=0.001)] and with marital status [married<unmarried (p= 0.02)]. Higher rates of absenteeism were recorded among staffs who were stressed (92.1%), not satisfied with the working environment (66.7%) and those who experienced job dissatisfaction (64%). Engagement in physical activities impacted positively on absenteeism (p=0.02). Ill health accounted for 54.6% of absenteeism, with the bulk of it (67.5%) due to malaria CONCLUSION Though the overall absenteeism rate (1.7) was lower than the level of 4 considered to be excessive, 53% of the study population had been absent from work at least once in the study year. There is therefore the need to improve on the social and physical work environment in order to reduce absenteeism among these workers.
A comparison of liver fat content as determined by magnetic resonance imaging-proton density fat fraction and MRS versus liver histology in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease

Background Many imaging methods have been defined for quantification of hepatic steatosis in non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). However, studies comparing the efficiency of magnetic resonance imaging-proton density fat fraction (MRI-PDFF), magnetic resonance spectroscopy (MRS), and liver histology for quantification of liver fat content are limited. Purpose To compare the efficiency of MRI-PDFF and MRS in the quantification of liver fat content in individuals with NAFLD. Material and Methods A total of 19 NAFLD patients underwent MRI-PDFF, MRS, and liver biopsy for quantification of liver fat content. The MR examinations were performed on a 1.5 HDx MRI system. The MRI protocol included T1-independent volumetric multi-echo gradient-echo imaging with T2* correction and spectral fat modeling and MRS with STEAM technique. Results A close correlation was observed between liver MRI-PDFF- and histology- determined steatosis (r = 0.743, P < 0.001) and between liver MRS- and histology-determined steatosis (r = 0.712, P < 0.001), with no superiority between them (ƶ = 0.19, P = 0.849). For quantification of hepatic steatosis, a high correlation was observed between the two MRI methods (r = 0.986, P < 0.001). MRI-PDFF and MRS accurately differentiated moderate/severe steatosis from mild/no hepatic steatosis (P = 0.007 and 0.013, respectively), with no superiority between them (AUCMRI-PDFF = 0.881 ± 0.0856 versus AUCMRS = 0.857 ± 0.0924, P = 0.461). Conclusion Both MRI-PDFF and MRS can be used for accurate quantification of hepatic steatosis.
Fluconazole and amphotericin-B resistance are associated with increased catalase and superoxide dismutase activity in Candida albicans and Candida dubliniensis.

INTRODUCTION Candida dubliniensis, a new species of Candida that has been recovered from several sites in healthy people, has been associated with recurrent episodes of oral candidiasis in AIDS and HIV-positive patients. This species is closely related to C. albicans. The enzymatic activity of C. dubliniensis in response to oxidative stress is of interest for the development of drugs to combat C. dubliniensis. METHODS Fluconazole- and amphotericin B-resistant strains were generated as described by Fekete-Forgács et al. (2000). Superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase assays were performed as described by McCord and Fridovich (1969) and Aebi (1984), respectively. RESULTS We demonstrated that superoxide dismutase (SOD) and catalase activities were significantly higher (p<0.05) in the fluconazole- and amphotericin B-resistant strains of C. dubliniensis and C. albicans than in the sensitive strains. The catalase and SOD activities were also significantly (p<0.01) higher in the sensitive and resistant C. albicans strains than in the respective C. dubliniensis strains. CONCLUSIONS These data suggest that C. albicans is better protected from oxidative stress than C. dubliniensis and that fluconazole, like amphotericin B, can induce oxidative stress in Candida; oxidative stress induces an adaptive response that results in a coordinated increase in catalase and SOD activities.
Heart rate response to exercise and cardiorespiratory fitness of young women at high familial risk for hypertension: effects of interval vs continuous training

Exercise training is an effective intervention for treating and preventing hypertension, but its effects on heart rate (HR) response to exercise and cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) of non-hypertensive offspring of hypertensive parents (FH+) has not been studied. We compared the effects of three times per week equal-volume high-intensity aerobic interval (AIT) and continuous moderate-intensity exercise (CME) on HR response to exercise and CRF of FH+. Forty-four young FH+ women (25.0 ± 4.4 years) randomized to control (CON; n = 12), AIT (80–90% of VO2MAX; n = 16), or CME (50–60% of VO2MAX; n = 16) performed a graded exercise test (GXT) before and after 16 weeks of follow-up to evaluate HR response to exercise and several parameters of CRF. Resting, maximal, and reserve HR did not change after the follow-up in all groups. HR recovery (difference between HRMAX and HR at 1 minute of GXT recovery phase) improved only after AIT (11.8 ± 4.9 vs. 20.6 ± 5.8 bpm, p < 0.01). Both exercise programmes were effective for improving CRF parameters, but AIT was more effective than CME for improving oxygen consumption at the respiratory compensation point (VO2RCP; 22.1% vs. 8.8%, p = 0.008) and maximal effort (VO2MAX; 15.8% vs. 8.0%, p = 0.036), as well as tolerance time (TT) to reach anaerobic threshold (TTAT; 62.0 vs. 37.7, p = 0.048), TTRCP (49.3 vs. 32.9, p = 0.032), and TTMAX (38.9 vs. 29.2, p = 0.042). Exercise intensity was an important factor in improving HR recovery and CRF of FH+women. These findings may have important implications for designing exercise-training programmes for the prevention of an inherited hypertensive disorder.
Dual Retinoblastoma-binding Proteins with Properties Related to a Negative Regulator of Ras in Yeast (*)

The retinoblastoma protein (Rb) interacts with multiple cellular proteins that mediate its cellular function. We have identified nine polypeptides that bind to the T-binding domains of Rb using an Rb affinity resin. RbAp48 and RbAp46 are quantitatively the major Rb-associated proteins purified by this approach. RbAp48 was characterized previously and was found to be related to MSI1, a negative regulator of Ras in the yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Here we report the cloning and characterization of RbAp46. RbAp46 shares 89.4% amino acid identity with RbAp48. The internal WD repeats, which are found in a growing number of eukaryotic proteins, are conserved between RbAp46 and RbAp48. Like RbAp48, RbAp46 forms a complex with Rb both in vitro and in vivo and suppresses the heat-shock sensitivity of the yeast RAS2 strains. We have also isolated the murine cDNA homologs of RbAp48 and RbAp46. Although both mRNA can be detected in all mouse tissues, their mRNA levels vary dramatically between different tissues. No significant differences were observed in the expression patterns of these genes in most tissues except thymus, testis, and ovary/uterus, in which 2-fold differences were observed. Interestingly, the mouse and human RbAp48 amino acid sequences are completely identical, and the mouse and human RbAp46 differ only by one conserved amino acid substitution. These results suggest that RbAp48 and RbAp46 may have shared as well as unique functions in the regulation of cell proliferation and differentiation.
Her honour : An Islamic critique of the rape provisions in Pakistan's ordinance on Zina

Pour l'A. l'arrete de 1979 s'appliquant au cas de zina (rapport sexuel extra-marital) dans les affaires de viol a ete mal interprete au Pakistan. Ce dernier ne prend pas en compte la distinction legale entre les lois de hirabah (viol) et de jirah (blessures) et considere le viol comme un type de zina ce qui constitue un recul dans l'evolution juridique. L'A. critique l'arrete pakistanais a la lumiere de la Sharia. Il propose des amendements pour une loi islamique vraie et appropriee.
Minor changes in calculated creatinine clearance and anion‐gap are associated with tenofovir disoproxil fumarate‐containing highly active antiretroviral therapy

Tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (Tenofovir DF, TDF), the first nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor approved for the treatment of HIV disease, has been associated with renal dysfunction in isolated cases. The aim of this study was to assess changes in renal parameters in individuals receiving TDF‐ and non‐TDF‐containing highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART).
LARVA MIGRANS BY BAYLISASCARIS TRANSFUGA: FATAL NEUROLOGICAL DISEASES IN MONGOLIAN JIRDS, BUT NOT IN MICE

Raccoon roundworms (Baylisascaris procyonis) and other Baylisascaris species cause patent or latent larva migrans (LM) in a variety of mammals and birds, including humans. It is not clear whether LM by Baylisascaris transfuga, roundworms of bears, is associated with clinical neurological disorders. To clarify this issue, ICR and BALB/c mice as well as Mongolian jirds (Meriones unguiculatus) were orally inoculated with 2,000–5,000 embryonated eggs of B. transfuga. In mice, the ascarid caused symptomatic LM of limited extent and duration, whereas the infection was fatal in jirds; i.e., they exhibited general signs such as severe depression and emaciation on days 8–11 postinfection (PI) and died, or they developed progressive and fatal neurological disorders after day 14 PI. Histological examination showed B. transfuga larvae in the brain of all mice and jirds examined, and the larvae collected from them developed to a size comparable with that of B. procyonis. There existed, however, critical differences in host reactions against larvae localized in the brain of mice and jirds; B. transfuga larvae found in mice were surrounded by granulomatous reactions and immobilized, whereas larvae found in jirds were free from any host reaction and mobile, causing extensive malacia.
Direct Antigen Presentation by a Xenograft Induces Immunity Independently of Secondary Lymphoid Organs1

The location of immune activation is controversial during acute allograft rejection and unknown in xenotransplantation. To determine where immune activation to a xenograft occurs, we examined whether splenectomized alymphoplastic mice that possess no secondary lymphoid organs can reject porcine skin xenografts. Our results show that these mice rejected their xenografts, in a T cell-dependent fashion, at the same tempo as wild-type recipients, demonstrating that xenograft rejection is not critically dependent on secondary lymphoid organs. Furthermore, we provide evidence that immune activation in the bone marrow did not take place during xenograft rejection. Importantly, immunity to xenoantigens was only induced after xenotransplantation and not by immunization with porcine spleen cells, as xenografted mutant mice developed an effector response, whereas mutant mice immunized by porcine spleen cells via i.p. injection failed to do so. Moreover, we provide evidence that antixenograft immunity occurred via direct and indirect Ag presentation, as recipient T cells could be stimulated by either donor spleen cells or recipient APCs. Thus, our data provide evidence that direct and indirect Ag presentation by a xenograft induces immunity in the absence of secondary lymphoid organs. These results have important implications for developing relevant xenotransplantation protocols.
The epidemiology of immune thrombocytopenic purpura

Purpose of reviewThis review updates the American Society of Hematology and British guidelines on immune thrombocytopenic purpura incidence, prevalence, and natural history, with recent observations from the peer-reviewed medical literature. Recent findingsThis analysis was conducted using literature-indexing systems to identify relevant articles. Information about the incidence and prevalence of immune thrombocytopenic purpura is limited, with nearly all data coming from Europe. Recent reports have confirmed earlier studies suggesting that the disease occurs in five out of 100 000 children per year, and that spontaneous recovery is typical. Intracranial hemorrhage occurs in 0.5–1.0% of affected children, and half are fatal. The incidence in adults is roughly two in 100 000 per year and may be more common in older adults than previously recognized. A female predominance occurs only among middle-aged patients, and there is no racial variation in incidence. Spontaneous remission rates vary by report and range from 5 to 11%. SummarySpontaneous remission occurs more frequently in children than in adults, and intracranial bleeding is uncommon. The incidence increases with age, with a female predominance only among middle-aged adults. Adult patients with chronic disease may have a better prognosis than previously recognized, although only a small minority recover spontaneously.
Long-term prognosis of metacarpal and metatarsal fractures in dogs

Summary Objectives: Lameness after metacarpal and metatarsal fractures in dogs is reported to occur with an incidence of 18% to 70%. On the basis of long-term results, the prognosis of these injuries was re-evaluated retrospectively. Methods: Medical records of 100 dogs with complete clinical and radiographic follow-up examinations after an average of four years (4 months – 14 years) were evaluated. According to their treatment, patients were allocated to three groups (Group 1 = conservative, Group 2 = surgical, Group 3 = combined). Assessment included complications during the healing period and the final radiographic and functional outcome, which was statistically compared for differences between groups (Fisher exact test, exact Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney test). Further, risk factors for each bone were analyzed (stepwise, multiple logistic regression model). In 15 dogs, kinetic data (relative stance phase, peak vertical force and impulse) were investigated by computed gait analysis. Results: Complications were observed in 11 of 67 (16%) conservatively, in three of 25 (12%) surgically, and in three of eight (37%) conservatively and surgically treated dogs. Overall frequency of lameness evaluated by visual clinical assessment was three percent. Frequency of osteoarthritis and nonunion was also low, accounting for three percent and one percent respectively, although healing of mainly single-bone fractures resulted in malunions in 14% radiographically. Synostoses were found in 19% of patients, and significantly more frequent in surgically treated dogs. A higher risk of complications was identified for metatarsal compared to metacarpal fractures. Further, an increased risk for complications was detected for a higher degree of displacement and instability. Clinical significance: According to the longterm results found in this study, the prognosis for metacarpal and metatarsal fractures is better than reported in the literature to date. With the reservation that more severe injuries are generally treated surgically, and these fractures more frequently developed synostosis, no significant difference could be detected between conservative and surgical treatment.
Successful determination of lower inflection point and maximal compliance in a population of patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome*

ObjectiveTo compare the ease and efficacy of two commonly used methods for choosing optimal positive end-expiratory pressure (PEEP) in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome: a static pressure-volume curve to determine the lower inflection point (Pflex) and the “best PEEP” (PEEPbest) as determined by the maximal compliance curve. DesignProspective study. SettingMedical and respiratory intensive care units of university-associated tertiary care hospital. PatientsTwenty-eight patients on mechanical ventilation with acute respiratory distress syndrome. InterventionsA critical care attending physician or fellow and an experienced respiratory therapist attempted to obtain both static pressure-volume curves and maximal compliance curves on 28 patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome by using established methods that were practical to everyday use. The curves then were used to determine both Pflex and PEEPbest, and the results were compared. Measurement and Main resultsOur results showed at least one value for optimal PEEP was obtained in 26 of 28 patients (93%). Pflex was determined in 19 (68%), a PEEPbest in 24 (86%), and both values in 17 (61%). In patients who had both Pflex and PEEPbest determined, there was a close concordance (±3 cm H2O) in 60%. When the values of Pflex and PEEPbest were interpreted by two additional investigators, there was unanimous agreement on the Pflex (±3) only 64% of the time. There was agreement on the value of PEEPbest 93% of the time. ConclusionsOur data show that optimal PEEP, as determined by a pressure-volume curve and a maximal compliance curve, are sometimes unobtainable by practical means but, when obtained, often correspond. A maximal compliance is more often identified, has less interobserver variability, and poses less risk to the patient. We conclude that determining optimal PEEP by maximal static compliance may be easier to measure and more frequently obtained at the bedside than by using a static pressure-volume curve.
IGF-II and IGF Binding Protein (IGFBP-1, IGFBP-3) Gene Expression in Fetal Rhesus Monkey Tissues during the Second and Third Trimesters

The IGF system is a key modulator of somatic fetal growth. Studies with human fetal tissues have shown a specific spatial and temporal pattern of expression of IGF and IGF binding protein (IGFBP) mRNAs, but have been limited to defined periods during gestation (i.e. 8–20 wk gestation) because of tissue availability. To fully assess the role of these peptides in the primate growth process, a longitudinal study was conducted that focused on the expression of IGF-II and IGFBP-1 and IGFBP-3 genes in the rhesus monkey (Macaca mulatta). Liver, kidney, brain, and lung were collected from rhesus monkey fetuses approximately every 2 wk from 65 (early second trimester) through 150 d gestation (term 165 ± 10 d) (n = 50), then processed for in situ hybridization using radiolabeled human cDNAs. IGF-II mRNA was abundantly expressed in fetal kidney (maturing glomerulus, supporting mesenchyme, cells of the developing nephrons), liver (hepatocytes), cerebral cortex (choroid plexus, capillaries), and lung (blood vessels, connective tissues, lamina propria, cartilage framework). IGFBP-1 was expressed only in the hepatocytes and IGFBP-3 mRNA was modestly expressed within the kidney (developing nephrons, collecting system mesenchyme), and liver (hepatocytes). These studies have shown that (1) IGF-II, IGFBP-1, and IGFBP-3 are expressed in specific cell types of the fetal monkey indicating a paracrine/autocrine role during development; (2) changes in IGF-II and IGFBP mRNA expression occur with advancing gestation; and (3) fetal monkey tissues express IGF-II and IGFBPs in a similar manner when compared with the human fetus.
Perceptions of herpes zoster and attitudes towards zoster vaccination among 50-65-year-old Danes.

INTRODUCTION Herpes zoster (HZ or shingles) and its complication post-herpetic neuralgia (PHN) are common in persons above 50 years of age. A vaccine that decreases the incidence and morbidity associated with HZ was licensed for use in 2006 and will be marketed in Denmark as from 2013. This study aimed to explore the relations between illness perceptions of shingles and attitudes towards zoster vaccination. MATERIAL AND METHODS Three qualitative focus group interviews were conducted with 22 patients, relatives and individuals with no personal experiences with HZ. Semi-structured interview guides were applied including questions identified in a literature study. The data were analysed using a medical anthropological approach. RESULTS The study showed that HZ and PHN, in particular, have severe impacts on patients' quality of life (QoL) and often affect their relatives' daily lives as well. Nevertheless, people who have no experience with HZ underrate both its prevalence and its QoL impacts. Such misperceptions often result in delayed treatment and may lead to a low uptake of zoster vaccination. CONCLUSION Individual attitudes towards zoster vaccination are closely related to subjective perceptions of HZ and views on vaccination in general. Vaccination recommendations to target groups are necessary, but individual choice is determined by knowledge about the disease, personal risk assessment and the recommendations of the general practitioner. FUNDING The study was funded by a research grant from Sanofi Pasteur MSD. TRIAL REGISTRATION not relevant.