Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Polyomavirus BK-specific CD8+ T cell responses in patients after allogeneic stem cell transplant

Polyomavirus BK (BKV) is known as an important etiologic agent in the development of hemorrhagic cystitis (HC) after allogeneic stem cell transplant (SCT). To define T cell epitopes of the BKV proteins VP1 and sT, eight potential HLA-A2-binding peptides were synthesized based on computer algorithms. These peptides were co-incubated with CD8 + T cells from the peripheral blood (PB) of 25 healthy volunteers and seven patients suffering from HC after allogeneic SCT in a mixed-lymphocyte peptide culture (MLPC), which were subsequently screened by enzyme-linked immunospot (ELISPOT) assays and fluorescence-activated cell sorting (FACS) analysis. We found that CD8 + T cells from five of seven (71%) patients with HC presensitized with the BKV peptide VP1 p108 (LLMWEAVTV) specifically recognized T2 cells pulsed with VP1 p108. In contrast, only seven of 25 (28%) healthy volunteers had CD8 + T cells reactive with VP1 p108-pulsed T2 cells. The presence of VP1 p108-specific T cells could be confirmed by FACS analysis. The BKV peptide VP1 p108 seems to play an important role as an immunodominant peptide in the pathogenesis of HC in patients after allogeneic SCT, and might be a promising target for immunotherapies or even strategies to prevent the development of BKV-associated HC.
Cost-effectiveness of polymerase chain reaction versus Ziehl-Neelsen smear microscopy for diagnosis of tuberculosis in Kenya.

BACKGROUND Laboratory services, particularly in large sub-Saharan cities, are overstretched, and it is becoming difficult both for patients and health staff to adhere to the diagnostic procedures for tuberculosis. Alternative techniques would be welcome. The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) has the potential to be cost-effective. We compared the cost-effectiveness of two diagnostic strategies, Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN) on three specimens followed by chest X-ray (CXR), and AMPLICOR MTB PCR on the first specimen only. METHODS Three sputum samples were collected from tuberculosis (TB) suspects attending the Rhodes Chest Clinic, Nairobi. All samples were subjected to ZN, PCR and Löwenstein-Jensen culture used as gold standard. CXR was used to diagnose smear-negative TB. Cost analysis included health service and patient costs. RESULTS Costs per correctly diagnosed case were US dollar 41 and dollar 67 for ZN and PCR, respectively. When treatment costs were included, including treatment of culture-negative cases, PCR was more cost-effective: dollar 382 vs. dollar 412. CONCLUSION PCR may be an alternative in settings with many patients. PCR is patient friendly, CXR is not necessary and, unlike ZN, its performance is hardly affected by the human immunodeficiency virus. PCR can handle large numbers of specimens, with results becoming available on the same day.
Regulation of MMP-9 gene expression for the development of novel molecular targets against cancer and inflammatory diseases

The need to pharmacologically control the proteolytic activity of matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) has been commonly acknowledged, despite its limited efficacy in clinical trials. Among the reasons that explain this failure is our limited understanding of the signals that control the expression of MMPs in different cell types during different pathological conditions. Thus, future therapies must rely on more selective approaches. With the continually increasing body of proof implicating MMPs in a large number of diseases, it has become a priority to establish the pertinence of molecules involved in the signalling pathways leading to the expression of these enzymes. MMP-9 is a case in point: its dramatic overexpression in cancer and various inflammatory conditions clearly points to the molecular mechanisms controlling its expression as a potential target for eventual rational therapeutic intervention. In this article, recent progress in the signalling pathways that regulate MMP-9 expression is reviewed, and the latest strategies to be considered in the search for a specific inhibitor of its expression are presented.
Subcontracting requirements and the cost of government procurement

Government procurement contracts are frequently subject to policies that specify a subcontracting requirement for the utilization of historically disadvantaged firms. I study how such subcontracting policies affect procurement auctions using data from New Mexico's Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Program. Theoretically, subcontracting requirements reduce prime contractors' private information on their costs by requiring them to select their subcontractors from a common pool of disadvantaged firms. This feature mitigates cost increases from using more costly subcontractors by causing prime contractors to strategically lower their markups. My estimated model reveals that New Mexico's past subcontracting requirements led to minor increases in procurement costs.
Effects of Medical History Factors on Symptom Severity in Women Meeting Criteria for Premenstrual Syndrome

Medical history variables were examined to identify their effects on the severity of premenstrual syndrome (PMS) in women seeking medical treatment. Symptoms were monitored daily for two untreated cycles and two placebo-treated cycles to establish the diagnosis of PMS. Data from 60 women who reported moderate to severe premenstrual mood changes and met criteria for PMS were analyzed statistically. Step regression analysis showed that 34% of the variance in symptom severity was explained by four variables: PMS in the patient's mother, low level of exercise, younger age, and more children. These significant relationships with severity of PMS have not previously been identified and suggest a role of familial and daily stress factors in this complex syndrome.
The PRNP gene polymorphism in Rough-coated Pomeranian Landrace sheep

Prion protein (PrP) is a membrane glycoprotein whose abnormal form is believed to cause a group of disorders known as transmissible spongiform encephalopathies (TSEs), which affect the brain and nervous system of both human beings and animals. The most familiar TSEs are Creutzfeldt-Jakob Disease (CJD) in human beings, and bovine spongiform encephalopathy (BSE) and scrapie in sheep and goats. It is well established that resistance or susceptibility to scrapie has a genetic background that is closely linked to amino acid variations within PrP at positions 136 (A/V), 154 (R/H) and 171 (Q/R). The ARR (alanine at codon 136 and arginine at codons 154 and 171) allele is associated with the highest resistance to scrapie, whereas the VRQ allele is linked to the highest susceptibility. In the present study the allelic and genotypic frequencies of the PRNP gene in the Rough-coated Pomeranian Landrace (RPL) were determined. Polymorphisms at codons 136, 154 and 171 were identified with the PCR-RFLP method. Of the eight observed genotypes, ARR/ARQ (35.9%) and ARQ/ARQ (24.4%) were the most frequent. This study reported a presence of AHQ/AHR genotype (2.6%) that has not previously been recorded in any sheep breed. The predominance of wild-type ARQ (46.8%) haplotype, which is linked to the risk of scrapie development, suggested a genetic susceptibility to scrapie in RPL sheep. Although the frequency of ARR/ARR in RPL sheep was low, the highest frequency of the ARR/ARQ genotype could be helpful in increasing the number of individuals carrying the ARR/ARR genotype and reducing the risk of genetic defects within the population.
Product Characteristics : The Establishment of Key Attributes for Product Classification

A common characteristic of successful companies is strategic alignment of the supply chain from the purchase of raw materials to the delivery of the finished product. Although frameworks have been proposed to facilitate this alignment there is no consensus on the key characteristics to be used in describing products and the related market demand. This paper analyzes the current research literature to develop common product attributes and suggests key attributes to further research into product characteristics and supply chain alignment. Ultimately, a methodology for classifying products by key characteristics and mapping to the appropriate supply chain is the goal.
Seizure Severity and the Quality of Life

Summary: The efficacy of an antiepileptic drug (AED) is determined at present by the drug‐elicited reduction in seizure frequency. Reduction of seizure frequency as the sole measure of efficacy does not account for treatment‐induced reductions in seizure severity and positive psychological effects experienced by the patient. A clinical trial was undertaken in which seizure frequency was the primary and seizure severity and psychological well‐being were the secondary measures of efficacy. Psychological assessment and seizure frequency were monitored in patients whose epilepsy was treated with lamotrigine (LTG) or placebo. The results indicate that LTG is an effective AED, causing reductions in seizure frequency and severity and improvements in mood and mastery. In addition, the study demonstrated that the use of seizure severity scales, especially the Ictal subscale, may enhance the sensitivity of assessment of trials of AED treatments.
The equivalent of a thallium binding residue from an archeal homolog controls cation interactions in brain glutamate transporters

Glutamate transporters maintain low synaptic concentrations of neurotransmitter by coupling uptake to flux of other ions. Their transport cycle consists of two separate translocation steps, namely cotransport of glutamic acid with three Na+ followed by countertransport of K+. Two Tl+ binding sites, presumed to serve as sodium sites, were observed in the crystal structure of a related archeal homolog and the side chain of a conserved aspartate residue contributed to one of these sites. We have mutated the corresponding residue of the eukaryotic glutamate transporters GLT-1 and EAAC1 to asparagine, serine, and cysteine. Remarkably, these mutants exhibited significant sodium-dependent radioactive acidic amino acid uptake when expressed in HeLa cells. Reconstitution experiments revealed that net uptake by the mutants in K+-loaded liposomes was impaired. However, with Na+ and unlabeled L-aspartate inside the liposomes, exchange levels were around 50–90% of those by wild-type. In further contrast to wild-type, where either substrate or K+ stimulated the anion conductance by the transporter, substrate but not K+ modulated the anion conductance of the mutants expressed in oocytes. Both with wild-type EAAC1 and EAAC1-D455N, not only sodium but also lithium could support radioactive acidic amino acid uptake. In contrast, with D455S and D455C, radioactive uptake was only observed in the presence of sodium. Thus the conserved aspartate is required for transporter-cation interactions in each of the two separate translocation steps and likely participates in an overlapping sodium and potassium binding site.
Susceptibility to acute motion sickness in blind persons.

Abstract : A group of twelve persons selected only on the basis of their visual defects were exposed to stressful Coriolis accelerations under standardized conditions. All demonstrated differences in susceptibility to acute motion sickness that bore no relation to their rank order of visual deprivation. Insofar as comparison with a group of normal subjects was made possible, no significant differences in susceptibility were demonstrable. It was concluded that vision is not an essential but rather a secondary etiologic factor in the genesis of motion sickness. This is not incompatible with the fact that symptoms characteristic of motion sickness may be visually induced in the absence of 'motion. ' (Author)
HIV/AIDS-related knowledge and attitudes of Palestinian women in the Occupied Palestinian Territory.

OBJECTIVE To explore Palestinian women's knowledge, perceptions, and attitudes towards HIV/ AIDS. METHODS Data used in this study were collected as a part of the Demographic and Health Survey (DHS) 2004 in the Occupied Palestinian Territory (OPT). RESULTS Most of the women in the OPT (93.4%) had heard of AIDS. They had fair general knowledge of HIV/AIDS prevention methods and transmission. TV was the main source of information about HIV/AIDS. Among the determinants of HIV/AIDS knowledge identified by this study were education, region, and locality. CONCLUSION A research-informed policy concerning HIV/AIDS prevention should be formulated.
Human immunodeficiency virus type 1 Nef does not alter T-cell sensitivity to antigen-specific stimulation

We have developed an in vitro model to study the influence that human immunodeficiency virus type 1 (HIV-1) may have on the ability of T cells to respond to antigenic challenge. We have examined consequences of HIV-1 gene expression on T-cell activation in antigen-dependent T cells that have stably integrated copies of replication-defective proviral HIV-1. Virus production by HIV-infected, antigen-dependent T cells was induced in response to antigenic stimulation and then decreased as infected cells returned to a state of quiescence. Contrary to the predictions of models proposing that Nef alters signal transduction pathways in T lymphocytes and thereby alters cellular activation, Nef expression in antigen-dependent T-cell clones did not influence their proliferative responses to low or intermediate concentrations of antigen and did not affect other measures of T-cell activation, such as induction of interleukin 2 receptor alpha-chain expression and cytokine production. In addition, we found no evidence for alteration of T-cell responsiveness to antigen by the gag, pol, vif, tat, or rev gene of HIV-1.
Effects of the Novel Antiepileptic Drug Lacosamide on the Development of Amygdala Kindling in Rats

Summary: Purpose: The current treatment of epilepsy focuses exclusively on the prophylaxis or suppression of seizures and thus provides merely a symptomatic treatment, without clear influence on the course of the disease. There is a need for new drugs that act at different molecular targets than currently available antiepileptic drugs (AEDs) and for new therapies designed to block the process of epileptogenesis. In recent years, different research lines have examined the epileptogenic process in order to understand the different stages in this process, and with the hope that early recognition and intervention could prevent the development or progression of epilepsy. In animals, acquired epilepsy is studied most commonly with the kindling model and status epilepticus models. In the present study, we used the kindling model to evaluate whether the novel AED lacosamide affects kindling‐induced epileptogenesis. This drug does not seem to act by any of the mechanisms of currently available AEDs, but the exact molecular mechanisms of action of lacosamide have not yet been clarified.
Cavitation induced by a surfactant leads to a transient release of water stress and subsequent ‘run away’ embolism in Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) seedlings

Cavitation decreases the hydraulic conductance of the xylem and has, therefore, detrimental effects on plant water balance. However, cavitation is also hypothesized to relieve water stress temporarily by releasing water from embolizing conduits to the transpiration stream. Stomatal closure in response to decreasing water potentials in order to avoid excessive cavitation has been well documented in numerous previous studies. However, it has remained unclear whether the stomata sense cavitation events themselves or whether they act in response to a decrease in leaf water potential to a level at which cavitation is initiated. The effects of massive cavitation on leaf water potential, transpiration, and stomatal behaviour were studied by feeding a surfactant into the transpiration stream of Scots pine (Pinus sylvestris) seedlings. The stomatal response to cavitation in connection with the capacitive effect was also studied. A major transient increase in leaf water potential was found due to cavitation in the seedlings. As cavitation was induced by lowering the surface tension, the two mechanisms could be uncoupled, as the usual relation between xylem water potential and the onset of cavitation did not hold. Our results indicate that the seedlings responded more to leaf water potential and less to cavitation itself, as stomatal closure was insufficient to prevent the seedlings from being driven to ‘run-away’ cavitation in a manner of hours.
Mechanical Fatigue Characteristics of High Voltage Generator Insulation

This paper presents the deformation and fracture behavior of stator windings subjected to static and cyclic bending loadings, and the reliability of newly developed insulation systems. The flexural deformation characteristics are revealed on the curved end portion of the stator windings for a 1300 MVA water cooled generator. The fatigue characteristics are examined on the test bars with three different kinds of the developed insulation systems. Comparing those results with calculated thermal strain, it has been confirmed that the insulation systems have sufficient mechanical strength to withstand thermal cycling in service.
THE ν PEAK IN DEFORMED HIGH-PURITY α-IRON STUDIED BY FORCED VIBRATIONS OUT OF RESONANCE

The y peak i n high-pur i ty ai ron was i n v e s t i g a t e d us ing f r equenc ies over t h r e e decades, i.e. 7.4H2, O.Ol5Hz and 0.007Hz. For 7.4H2, t h e usua l resonant v i b r a t i o n mode was used and f o r 0.015 o r 0.007Hz, t h e forced v i b r a t i o n mode was app l i ed . The observed v a l u e s of t h e enthalpy, H, and of t h e preexponent ia l f a c t o r , l / ro , of t h e y peak bo th showed t h e tendency of i n c r e a s e wi th anneal ing a f t e r t h e low temperature small deformation, i . e . from 0.825eV and 4 . 0 ~ 1 0 ~ 3 ~ 1 t o 0.910eV and 1 . 2 ~ 1 0 ~ 5 ~ 1 , r e s p e c t i v e l y . From t h e amplitude dependence, 2Hk was es t imated a s about 0.940eV, where Hk denotes t h e enthalpy of an i s o l a t e d s i n g l e kink i n screw-dis locat ions i n a-iron.
Safety Regulations of Food Enzymes

Summary The majority of industrial enzymes available at present is used in food industry. Safety regulations of food enzymes differ among countries, including fundamental aspects, whether a pre-market approval is needed and on the level of details, e.g. what particular information manufacturers have to provide in the course of safety evaluation. Occupational safety concerns focus on allergenic properties as it is well established that enzymes are potent inhalative sensitizers and can cause allergic reactions including asthma. Otherwise toxic substances including bacterial toxins and mycotoxins might also be present in enzyme isolates and might thus constitute a safety risk to consumers. Safety evaluation procedures seem to be appropriate as no incidents have been reported so far, resulting in suggestion for reduced test packages. Safety precaution and monitoring measures established by industry have also reduced but not entirely eradicated occupational risks. Challenges to regulators and industry arise from unresolved issues, e.g. whether enzymes might be contact sensitizers, and from the lack of harmonisation of both legislation and safety evaluation. In the EU, most food enzymes are not covered by food safety regulations neither on Community nor on national level. On top of this the availability of enzymes with new and unusual properties raises questions of safety. In the EU there seems to be a chance that these challenges will be tackled in the course of establishing a harmonised legislation on food enzymes.
VISUAL FUNCTION MEASURES IN EARLY AND INTERMEDIATE AGE-RELATED MACULAR DEGENERATION

Purpose: The objectives of this study were to evaluate 1) the feasibility of performing computerized tests of low luminance visual acuity (LLVA), cone-specific contrast (Cone Contrast Test [CCT]), contrast sensitivity, and microperimetry and 2) the test–retest repeatability of these outcomes in dry age-related macular degeneration (AMD). Methods: This prospective study enrolled 30 subjects at a single site (8 controls, 8 early AMD, and 12 intermediate AMD). Subjects underwent LLVA, contrast sensitivity, CCT, and microperimetry with eye tracking. Low luminance deficit was defined as best-corrected visual acuity minus LLVA in EDTRS letters. Follow-up testing was administered at approximately 1 month. Results: There was high test–retest repeatability at one month for all visual function metrics (intraclass correlations >0.7) except log contrast sensitivity (intraclass correlations 0.6). Compared with controls, patients with intermediate AMD showed significant deficits on best-corrected visual acuity, LLVA, low luminance deficit, percent-reduced threshold on microperimetry, and red CCT (P < 0.05), but not on contrast sensitivity, green and blue CCT. Conclusion: This pilot study supports the feasibility and reliability of using LLVA, microperimetry, and CCT in early dry AMD. Our data suggest these measures can be used as alternative future clinical trial endpoints. A larger, prospective natural history study of alternative visual function measures in dry AMD is warranted.
Collaboration Networks, Structural Holes, and Innovation: A Longitudinal Study

To assess the effects of a firm's network of relations on innovation, this paper elaborates a theoretical framework that relates three aspects of a firm's ego network—direct ties, indirect ties, and structural holes (disconnections between a firm's partners)—to the firm's subsequent innovation output. It posits that direct and indirect ties both have a positive impact on innovation but that the impact of indirect ties is moderated by the number of a firm's direct ties. Structural holes are proposed to have both positive and negative influences on subsequent innovation. Results from a longitudinal study of firms in the international chemicals industry indicate support for the predictions on direct and indirect ties, but in the interfirm collaboration network, increasing structural holes has a negative effect on innovation. Among the implications for interorganizational network theory is that the optimal structure of interfirm networks depends on the objectives of the network members.
High Incidence of Osteoporosis and Fractures in an Aging Post-Polio Population

Background/Aims: Since the polio epidemic in Ireland in the 1950s, most polio survivors are approaching into the 6th and 7th decade of their lives. There is little data about bone density and risk of fractures in these patients. In 2006, we undertook an audit of post-polio patients attending rheumatology and neurology outpatient clinics in a university teaching hospital. Our aim was to determine the prevalence of osteoporosis (OP), falls and fractures and to evaluate the association of bone density with other potential contributing factors to OP. Methods: Over a 6-month period, 50 post-polio patients attending outpatient clinics completed a questionnaire, and subsequently their medical records were reviewed. Demographic data and details of treatment were extracted. The patients underwent a dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry scanning to quantify bone mineral density. Results: Thirty subjects (60%) were females (26 were postmenopausal). The average age of females was 60 ± 13.4 years and of men 59 ± 16.8 years. Overall, 41 (82%) of the patients had experienced falls in the last 5 years and 32 (64%) in the last 6 months. Nineteen (38%) of the patients had experienced a bone fracture in the last 5 years. Based on the bone mineral density data, 28 (56%) of the patients were diagnosed with OP and 20 (40%) had osteopenia, but only 8 (16%) received anti-resorptive therapy. Of the 19 patients who had a fracture, 14 (74%) had OP and 5 (26%) had osteopenia, of whom only 6 (32%) received anti-resorptive therapy. Eight out of 9 fractures of the neck of femur occurred in the weaker leg. Conclusions: Post-polio patients are a high-risk group for fracture, and thus bone density assessment, review of falls risk and therapeutic intervention should be considered for all patients. Both osteopenia and OP are associated with increased fracture risk.