Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A Pilot Study of Intralymphatic Immunotherapy for House Dust Mite, Cat, and Dog Allergies

Several recent clinical trials reported that intralymphatic immunotherapy (ILIT) for some allergens, such as cat dander and pollen, induce tolerance more rapidly than conventional subcutaneous or sublingual immunotherapy, have a comparable duration of effect after only 3 injections, and do not provoke serious local or systemic reactions. However, the efficacy and safety of ILIT are using Dermatophagoides farinae (Df), Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Dp), and dog, which are indoor allergens that are commonly found globally, need to be evaluated. Furthermore, use of multiple allergens in ILIT should be investigated. We assessed the clinical efficacy and adverse effects of ILIT using aqueous Df, Dp, dog, and cat allergens or mixtures thereof in patients with allergic rhinitis. A total of 11 subjects with AR sensitized to Df, Dp, cat, and/or dog allergens received 3 intralymphatic inguinal injections of sensitized allergen extract (HollisterStier, New Orleans, LA, USA). Clinical parameters were assessed before ILIT, and 4 months and 1 year after the first injection. Rhinitis symptoms were alleviated and quality of life was improved 4 months after ILIT (P=0.012 and P=0.007, respectively), and these improvements lasted for 1 year after ILIT (P=0.047 and P=0.009, respectively). However, we observed 2 cases of anaphylaxis, one case of a moderate-to-severe systemic hypersensitivity reaction and the other case of a severe local reaction at the injection site after ILIT. In conclusion, ILIT can rapidly improve allergy symptoms and quality of life, and this effect lasts for 1 year. In hypersensitized patients, however, ILIT can provoke severe systemic and/or local hypersensitivity reactions when performed using aqueous allergen extracts.
Stability of Genome Composition and Recombination between Homoeologous Chromosomes in Festulolium (Festuca × Lolium) Cultivars

Festulolium are hybrids between fescue (Festuca) and ryegrass (Lolium) species and combine high seed yield of ryegrasses with abiotic stress tolerance of fescues. Chromosomes of Festuca and Lolium present in Festulolium freely pair and recombine, which results in highly variable progeny where every single plant has a unique chromosome constitution. Thus, the stability of the genomic composition in Festulolium cultivars is an important issue. In this work, we used in situ hybridization to examine the genomic composition (understood as the proportion of parental genomes present) over 3 consecutive generations of propagation via outcrossing (the first one being the generation used for cultivar registration) of 3 Festulolium cultivars. Our analysis revealed that the genome composition largely differs among the plants from individual cultivars but appears to be relatively stable over the generations. A gradual shift in the genome composition towards Lolium observed in the early generations of hybrids appears to reach a plateau where the proportions of parental genomes become stabilized. Nevertheless, the proportion remains unbalanced to a certain extent (always in favor of the Lolium genome) in each cultivar. Our observations indicate a possibility to modulate genomic composition in hybrids by breeders' selection without a compromise on stability.
Cross-Talk between T Cells and NK Cells Generates Rapid Effector Responses to Plasmodium falciparum-Infected Erythrocytes

Rapid cell-mediated immune responses, characterized by production of proinflammatory cytokines, such as IFN-γ, can inhibit intraerythrocytic replication of malaria parasites and thereby prevent onset of clinical malaria. In this study, we have characterized the kinetics and cellular sources of the very early IFN-γ response to Plasmodium falciparum-infected RBCs among human PBMCs. We find that NK cells dominate the early (12–18 h) IFN-γ response, that NK cells and T cells contribute equally to the response at 24 h, and that T cells increasingly dominate the response from 48 h onward. We also find that although γδ T cells can produce IFN-γ in response to P. falciparum-infected RBCs, they are greatly outnumbered by αβ T cells, and thus, the majority of the IFN-γ+ T cells are αβ T cells and not γδ T cells; γδ T cells are, however, an important source of TNF. We have previously shown that NK cell responses to P. falciparum-infected RBCs require cytokine and contact-dependent signals from myeloid accessory cells. In this study, we demonstrate that NK cell IFN-γ responses to P. falciparum-infected RBCs are also crucially dependent on IL-2 secreted by CD4+ T cells in an MHC class II-dependent manner, indicating that the innate response to infection actually relies upon complex interactions between NK cells, T cells, and accessory cells. We conclude that activation of NK cells may be a critical function of IL-2–secreting CD4+ T cells and that standard protocols for evaluation of Ag-specific immune responses need to be adapted to include assessment of NK cell activation as well as T cell-derived IL-2.
Indices of lactate threshold and their relationship with 10-km running velocity.

PURPOSE The object of this study was to determine the relationship of three measures of running velocity at lactate threshold (LT) with 10-km running velocity. The methods used to determine LT velocity (m.s(-1)) during submaximal treadmill running were: 1) LT(1), the velocity preceding two consecutive increases in blood lactate > or = 1 mmol.L(-1); 2) LT(D), the velocity associated with the maximum perpendicular distance between the nonlinear regression line and the straight line formed by the two end data points of the blood lactate profile; and 3) LT(4), the velocity corresponding to a blood lactate concentration of 4 mmol.L(-1). METHODS Thirty competitive and recreational runners (11 female and 19 male) undertook two 10-km time trials (7 d apart), three treadmill familiarization sessions over the following 21 d, and then completed an incremental submaximal treadmill run. From blood lactate samples taken during the submaximal run, mean LT velocity (+/- SD) at LT(1) (3.76 +/- 0.57), LT(D) (3.79 +/- 0.58), and LT(4) (4.11 +/- 0.64) was determined. Pearson product moment correlation analysis revealed a strong relationship between all mean LT speeds and mean 10-km running velocity (3.77 +/- 0.57), with the strongest relationship observed for LT(D) (r = 0.86, P < 0.001). Correlations by gender between LT(D) and 10-km velocity were r = 0.84 (female) and r = 0.78 (male). Male subjects had significantly higher LT velocities than female subjects using all methods (P < 0.001), and velocity at LT(4) was significantly faster than 10-km velocity and velocity at LT(1) and LT(D) (P < 0.001). CONCLUSION Of the methods measured, LT(D) appears to be the most sensitive and valid measure of LT velocity and may be of benefit in monitoring the training program of 10-km distance runners.
Toxoplasma gondii Interferes with Lipopolysaccharide-Induced Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinase Activation by Mechanisms Distinct from Endotoxin Tolerance1

We show in this study that Toxoplasma gondii infection induces rapid activation of p38 mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK), extracellular signal-regulated kinase 1/2, and stress-activated protein kinase/c-Jun N-terminal kinase MAPK, followed promptly by their deactivation in mouse macrophages. Nevertheless, when infected cells were subsequently subjected to LPS triggering, MAPK activation was severely defective, in particular in the case of p38 MAPK, which is required for LPS-triggered TNF-α and IL-12 production. Similar effects occurred during endotoxin tolerance, but the phenomena were distinct. LPS pretriggering failed to activate the major p38 MAPK kinase, MAPK kinase 3/6. Toxoplasma infection, in contrast, resulted in sustained activation of this kinase. Furthermore, endotoxin pre-exposure blocked IκBα degradation upon subsequent LPS triggering, but this was not the case for Toxoplasma preinfection. Endotoxin-mediated down-regulation of the LPS receptor, Toll-like receptor 4, has been suggested as one possible mechanism contributing to tolerance, and we found in this study that LPS down-modulated Toll-like receptor 4 expression. In contrast, Toxoplasma infection induced up-regulation of this pattern recognition receptor. Our results show that T. gondii blocks LPS-triggered cytokine production in part through MAPK inactivation, and that this occurs through pathways distinct from endotoxin-induced tolerance.
Diagnosis of Stroke-Associated Pneumonia: Recommendations From the Pneumonia in Stroke Consensus Group

Background and Purpose— Lower respiratory tract infections frequently complicate stroke and adversely affect outcome. There is currently no agreed terminology or gold-standard diagnostic criteria for the spectrum of lower respiratory tract infections complicating stroke, which has implications for clinical practice and research. The aim of this consensus was to propose standardized terminology and operational diagnostic criteria for lower respiratory tract infections complicating acute stroke. Methods— Systematic literature searches of multiple electronic databases were undertaken. An evidence review and 2 rounds of consensus consultation were completed before a final consensus meeting in September 2014, held in Manchester, United Kingdom. Consensus was defined a priori as ≥75% agreement between the consensus group members. Results— Consensus was reached for the following: (1) stroke-associated pneumonia (SAP) is the recommended terminology for the spectrum of lower respiratory tract infections within the first 7 days after stroke onset; (2) modified Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) criteria are proposed for SAP as follows—probable SAP: CDC criteria met, but typical chest x-ray changes absent even after repeat or serial chest x-ray; definite SAP: CDC criteria met, including typical chest x-ray changes; (3) there is limited evidence for a diagnostic role of white blood cell count or C-reactive protein in SAP; and (4) there is insufficient evidence for the use of other biomarkers (eg, procalcitonin). Conclusions— Consensus operational criteria for the terminology and diagnosis of SAP are proposed based on the CDC criteria. These require prospective evaluation in patients with stroke to determine their reliability, validity, impact on clinician behaviors (including antibiotic prescribing), and clinical outcomes.
Matter, Time, and the Digital: Varda's The Gleaners and I

Agnès Varda’s The Gleaners and I (2000) introduces us to all manner of people who gather the world’s leftovers for reasons of survival, ethics, or simply pleasure. We meet homeless laborers, a chef who collects his own herbs, artists who sculpt from salvaged materials, a literacy instructor who lives off discarded produce at the outdoor market. Varda’s subjects pick and collect a treasure-trove of under-utilized objects: unharvested wheat and figs, lost buttons, broken dolls, day-old loaves of bread, refrigerators, and odd-shaped fruit and vegetables. Varda in turn counts herself among these gleaners, but what she collects are images, not things, using her digital camera as receptacle. The Gleaners and I is a digital film about salvaging: a film in an ultra contemporary format that is concerned with the expired and out of date. This is the first of many paradoxes the film embodies. For The Gleaners and I is also a profoundly materialist film, that is, a film about the conservation of tangible resources—yet it is made in the least material of available image formats, digital video. D. N. Rodowick has noted that the digital arts have come to be associated with the “abstract,” the “ephemeral,” and the “desubstantialized” (Rodowick, 212). Lev Manovich likewise lists “numerical representation” and “mathematical manipulability” as the primary defining elements of new media (Manovich, 28). Rodowick has also rightfully suggested that the digital arts are
Higher Membrane Permeability Predicts Poorer Patient Survival

The CANUSA trial recently reported higher mortality in patients with lower KTN and worse nutritional status ( 1). A separate analysis of the same data showed worse technique and patient survival with increased membrane permeability (2). This is intriguing because patients with higher dialysatel plasma (D/P) creatinine would be expected to have a higher KTN (though a lower serum albumin), than those with lower membrane permeability (3). Patients in the highest peritoneal equilibration test (PET) group had the worst survival. We decided to examine these apparently contradictory results.
Production , Manufacturing and Logistics A new methodology for evaluating sustainable product design performance with two-stage network data envelopment analysis

0377-2217/$ see front matter 2012 Elsevier B.V. A http://dx.doi. org/10.1016/j.ejor. 2012.03. 043 ⇑ Corresponding author. Tel. : +1 613 533 6982. E-mail addresses: cchen@business.queensu. ca (C. C jyyu@ntu.edu.tw (J.-Y. Yu), hnoori@wlu.ca (H. Noori). 1 Tel. : +1 508 831 5467. 2 Tel. : +886 2 33661041. 3 Tel. : +1 519 884 0710x2571. Sustainable product design has been considered as one of the most important practices for achieving sustainability. To improve the environmental performances of a product through product design, however, a firm often needs to deal with some difficult technical trade-offs between traditional and environmental attributes which require new design concepts and engineering specifications. In this paper, we propose a novel use of the two-stage network Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) to evaluate sustainable product design performances. We conceptualize ‘‘design efficiency’’ as a key measurement of design performance in terms of how well multiple product specifications and attributes are combined in a product design that leads to lower environmental impacts or better environmental performances. A two-stage network DEA model is developed for sustainable design performance evaluation with an ‘‘industrial design module’’ and a ‘‘bio design module. ’’ To demonstrate the applications of our DEA-based methodology, we use data of key engineering specifications, product attributes, and emissions performances in the vehicle emissions testing database published by the US EPA to evaluate the sustainable design performances of different automobile manufacturers. Our test results show that sustainable design does not need to mean compromise between traditional and environmental attributes. Through addressing the interrelatedness of subsystems in product design, a firm can find the most efficient way to combine product specifications and attributes which leads to lower environmental impacts or better environmental performances. This paper contributes to the existing literature by developing a new research framework for evaluating sustainable design performances as well as by proposing an innovative application of the two-stage network DEA for finding the most eco-efficient way to achieve better environmental performances through product design. 2012 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.
Anti-tumor effect of CT-322 as an Adnectin inhibitor of vascular endothelial growth factor receptor-2

CT-322 is a new anti-angiogenic therapeutic agent based on an engineered variant of the tenth type III domain of human fibronectin, i.e., an AdnectinTM, designed to inhibit vascular endothelial growth factor receptor (VEGFR)-2. This PEGylated Adnectin was developed using an mRNA display technology. CT-322 bound human VEGFR-2 with high affinity (KD, 11 nM), but did not bind VEGFR-1 or VEGFR-3 at concentrations up to 100 nM, as determined by surface plasmon resonance studies. Western blot analysis showed that CT-322 blocked VEGF-induced phosphorylation of VEGFR-2 and mitogen-activated protein kinase in human umbilical vascular endothelial cells. CT-322 significantly inhibited the growth of human tumor xenograft models of colon carcinoma and glioblastoma at doses of 15-60 mg/kg administered 3 times/week. Anti-tumor effects of CT-322 were comparable to those of sorafenib or sunitinib, which inhibit multiple kinases, in a colon carcinoma xenograft model, although CT-322 caused less overt adverse effects than the kinase inhibitors. CT-322 also enhanced the anti-tumor activity of the chemotherapeutic agent temsirolimus in the colon carcinoma model. The high affinity and specificity of CT-322 binding to VEGFR-2 and its anti-tumor activities establish CT-322 as a promising anti-angiogenic therapeutic agent. Our results further suggest that Adnectins are an important new class of targeted biologics that can be developed as potential treatments for a wide variety of diseases.
The effects of intra‐vestibular nucleus administration of brain‐derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) on recovery from peripheral vestibular damage in guinea pig

Brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), at doses of 0.04, 0.4 or 4.0 μg/day, was delivered by cannula and s.c osmotic minipump into the ipsilateral vestibular nucleus complex from 0 to 50 h following unilateral labyrinthectomy (UL) in guinea pigs. Compared to the vehicle control group, the frequency of spontaneous nystagmus was significantly reduced (p < 0.02) and the rate of yaw head tilt compensation increased (p < 0.02). However, roll head tilt was not significantly affected. There were also no significant effects of BDNF administration into the IVth ventricle (4.0 μg/day) on any UL symptom. These results further support the hypothesis that neurotrophins such as BDNF may enhance the vestibular compensation process.
Serological Detection of Caseous Lymphadenitis in Sheep and Goats Using a Commercial ELISA in Grenada, West Indies

Caseous lymphadenitis (CLA) in small ruminants has been diagnosed by culture, several times in the state of Grenada. In order to understand the prevalence of CLA, serum samples from 541 sheep and 338 goats from Grenada and Carriacou islands were tested for antibodies against the phospholipase antigen of Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis , the causative agent of caseous lymphadenitis (CLA) using a commercial ELISA kit: “ELITEST CLA”. The percentage of positive samples among sheep was 7.9, and for goats it was 31.3%, with a significant difference between these two species of animals. Of the six parishes of Grenada, and one parish of Carriacou, significantly more positive samples originated from St. George parish. There were no significant differences between age groups. The results of this study show that CLA is endemic and widely distributed throughout the islands of Grenada and Carriacou.
The paro robot seal as a social mediator for healthy users

Robots are being designed to provide companionship, but there is some concern that they could lead to a reduction in human contact for vulnerable populations. However, some field data suggests that robots may have a social mediation effect in humanhuman interactions. This study examined social mediation effects in a controlled laboratory setting. In this study 114 unacquainted female volunteers were put in pairs and randomised to interact together with an active Paro, an inactive Paro, or a dinosaur toy robot. Each pair was invited to evaluate and interact with the robot together during a ten minute session. Post-interaction questionnaires measured the quality of dyadic interaction between participants during the session. Our results indicate that the strongest social mediation effect was from the active Paro.
Randomized, phase III trial of panitumumab with infusional fluorouracil, leucovorin, and oxaliplatin (FOLFOX4) versus FOLFOX4 alone as first-line treatment in patients with previously untreated metastatic colorectal cancer: the PRIME study.

PURPOSE Panitumumab, a fully human anti-epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) monoclonal antibody that improves progression-free survival (PFS), is approved as monotherapy for patients with chemotherapy-refractory metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). The Panitumumab Randomized Trial in Combination With Chemotherapy for Metastatic Colorectal Cancer to Determine Efficacy (PRIME) was designed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of panitumumab plus infusional fluorouracil, leucovorin, and oxaliplatin (FOLFOX4) versus FOLFOX4 alone as initial treatment for mCRC. PATIENTS AND METHODS In this multicenter, phase III trial, patients with no prior chemotherapy for mCRC, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status of 0 to 2, and available tissue for biomarker testing were randomly assigned 1:1 to receive panitumumab-FOLFOX4 versus FOLFOX4. The primary end point was PFS; overall survival (OS) was a secondary end point. Results were prospectively analyzed on an intent-to-treat basis by tumor KRAS status. RESULTS KRAS results were available for 93% of the 1,183 patients randomly assigned. In the wild-type (WT) KRAS stratum, panitumumab-FOLFOX4 significantly improved PFS compared with FOLFOX4 (median PFS, 9.6 v 8.0 months, respectively; hazard ratio [HR], 0.80; 95% CI, 0.66 to 0.97; P = .02). A nonsignificant increase in OS was also observed for panitumumab-FOLFOX4 versus FOLFOX4 (median OS, 23.9 v 19.7 months, respectively; HR, 0.83; 95% CI, 0.67 to 1.02; P = .072). In the mutant KRAS stratum, PFS was significantly reduced in the panitumumab-FOLFOX4 arm versus the FOLFOX4 arm (HR, 1.29; 95% CI, 1.04 to 1.62; P = .02), and median OS was 15.5 months versus 19.3 months, respectively (HR, 1.24; 95% CI, 0.98 to 1.57; P = .068). Adverse event rates were generally comparable across arms with the exception of toxicities known to be associated with anti-EGFR therapy. CONCLUSION This study demonstrated that panitumumab-FOLFOX4 was well tolerated and significantly improved PFS in patients with WT KRAS tumors and underscores the importance of KRAS testing for patients with mCRC.
An unusual case of Behçet’s disease presenting with bilateral internal carotid artery occlusion

Behcet’s disease (BD) is a multisystemic recurrent inflammatory disorder, which is originally described as a triad of oral and genital ulcerations with uveitis. As vasculitis of the vasa vasorum is the main pathological hallmark of BD, it is generally seen in the form of superficial thrombophlebitis or occlusion of major veins; however arterial obstruction and aneurysms may also be seen to a lesser extent.1 We present a patient with BD who developed bilateral internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusions. A 43 year old, right handed male patient was referred to Ege University Neurology Department for evaluation of an acute onset right sided weakness, fever, headache, and difficulty with gait and speech in August 2001. On admission, he was alert and fully oriented. His temperature was 38°C, pulse was regular (90/min), blood pressure was 150/80 mm Hg. His speech was severely dysarthric but he could name, repeat, read, and follow instructions. His cranial nerves and fundoscopic examination were normal. His gait was wide based and unsteady. He had four sided mild weakness, which was prominent on the right. Muscle stretch reflexes were …