Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
LPS induces rapid IL‐10 release by M‐CSF‐conditioned tolerogenic dendritic cell precursors

Dendritic cells (DC) obtained by culturing myeloid precursors in GM‐CSF undergo maturation and induce an efficient T cell response when stimulated with microbial products. DC precursors themselves also recognize microbial products, and it remains unclear how these stimulated DC precursors modulate the immune response. We show here that M‐CSF‐conditioned human DC precursors responded to LPS, Mycobacteria bovis, and inflammatory cytokines by a rapid and robust production of IL‐10, largely superior to that observed with immature DC or monocytes. The endogenous IL‐10 restrained the DC precursors from converting into professional APC, as blocking the IL‐10 receptor in the presence of LPS resulted in the formation of efficient T cell stimulators. LPS stimulation concomitant with DC differentiation gave rise to immature DC, which were tolerant to a secondary LPS exposure. Furthermore, the LPS‐activated DC precursors reduced bystander DC maturation and anti‐CD3/CD28‐triggered T cell activation. These data suggest that when exposed to inflammatory or microbial signals, M‐CSF‐conditioned DC precursors can participate in the modulation of inflammation and immune response by rapid release of IL‐10.
Aspects épidemiologiques et caractéristiques histologiques des cancers du sein à Bangui

Les auteurs ont realise une etude transversale retrospective des cancers du sein diagnostiques au laboratoire d'anatomie pathologique de Bangui de janvier 1999 au 31 decembre 2002 qui a permis d'en determiner les caracteres morphologiques, epidemiologiques et histo-pronostiques. Le materiel etudie, constitue de 37 pieces operatoires, provenait des formations sanitaires de Bangui. Ces prelevements ont ete analyses par les methodes histologiques de routine avec coloration a l'hemateine eosine. Les resultats montrent que le cancer du sein concerne surtout la femme âgee de 40 a 49 ans avec une moyenne d'âge de 46,7 ans. Son diagnostic est souvent tardif et son pronostic histologique mauvais. Le sein gauche est le plus concerne (56,7 %). Les types histologiques sont domines par le carcinome canalaire infiltrant suivi par le carcinome lobulaire infiltrant. Des lesions de mastose etaient associees dans 24 % des cas.
The Perceived Impact of E-books on Student Reading Practices: A Local Study

This study investigates the perceived impact of future e-book collections on student research and recreational reading habits at our institution through three questions: how students currently use library print collections, how students use e-books, and how these factors impact student perception of the effects of future library e-books on their research and recreational reading behavior. Students express a fairly high interest in e-books, although not without raising significant concerns. While students appreciate the ease of access provided by e-books, many imagine that research would be more difficult using e-books. Results will help the library better evaluate e-book options and navigate possible issues related to implementation.
The Great Barrow at Bishop's Waltham, Hampshire

The barrow is situated on the eastern fringe of the township of Bishop's Waltham, Hampshire, in the south-western corner of a recreation ground, adjacent to Folly Farm (fig. 1). It is some 190 feet in diameter and 7 feet in height; the grassy slopes (pl. XII, 1) have provided, for many years, a tumbling ground for the local children. At the end of 1953, the Parish Council planned to level the barrow, and lay out a football pitch. In the face of this impending destruction, excavations were undertaken by the Ministry of Works, under the directorship of the writer. He was assisted in this task by Miss D. G. Duckett (Mrs J. G. Hurst), who during the latter part of the operation was in charge of all day-to-day activities. Her good management and shrewd observation, in conditions which were often adverse, ensured the measure of success with which the labours were crowned.
Model Sensitivity of Fundamental-Frequency-Based Position Estimators for Sensorless PM and Reluctance Synchronous Motor Drives

Sensorless drives for permanent magnet (PM) and reluctance synchronous motors are quite interesting options in modern ac drives. Fundamental-frequency observers provide a rotor position estimate, to be used instead of that measured by delicate sensors. The estimation algorithms are based on either the extended electromotive force or active flux concepts. They feature easy implementation, although their reliability may be undermined by both corrupted measurements and parameter variations, especially in the case of anisotropic rotor structures. Through an analytical sensitivity analysis, this article investigates the influence of model uncertainty on the observed position. The substantial relationships between cause (parameter uncertainty or measurement error) and effect (position error) are validated by experimental results, which also highlights the effects of the q-axis inductance and resistance values on the electric measurement sensitivities. The resulting functions and graphic plots are useful to draw interesting considerations about the motor selection and the control design of the sensorless drive.
Foot‐and‐mouth disease in the UK: What should we do next time?

Mathematical models were used to guide the UK foot-and-mouth disease (FMD) control policy during the 2001 epidemic. Based on data collected during the epidemic, prospective modelling using a variety of approaches gave the same conclusions: (i) that the epidemic had not been brought under control by 'traditional' methods, and (ii) that neighbourhood control measures (the contiguous cull) could bring the epidemic under control and result in a net saving of livestock. Retrospective analyses suggest that the subsequent course of the epidemic was consistent with a beneficial impact of the contiguous cull and that it would have been difficult to achieve a better outcome using reactive vaccination, which would have required very large-scale vaccination programmes to have been implemented quickly. Perhaps the most important lesson to be learned is the vital importance of rapid and decisive intervention in response to an outbreak, including the earliest possible implementation of a national ban on the movement of livestock once the presence of disease is confirmed.
Prospective study of 3-year follow-up of low-dose intrathecal opioids in the management of chronic nonmalignant pain.

OBJECTIVE Long-term follow-up with the use of low-dose opioids in intrathecal (IT) drug delivery system (DDS) for the treatment of intractable, severe chronic nonmalignant pain. DESIGN This is a prospective, cohort long-term outcome study. Intervention. The intervention was the implantation of DDS. METHOD AND PATIENTS A total of 61 consecutive patients (60% females, 40% males) with a mean age of 59.2 years and a mean duration of symptoms prior to implant of 6.2 years were referred for implant of DDS for severe intractable noncancer pain. After adequate patient evaluation, each underwent a trial with IT opioids. Three patients failed the trial and 58 patients were implanted. Follow-up was 36 months, with intervals at 6, 12, 18, 24, and 36 months. The Brief Pain Inventory was used for follow-up assessment criteria at baseline prior to implant as well as throughout the duration of the study. OUTCOME MEASURES Outcome measures included self-reported pain scores (worst and average), functional improvement, and IT dose, and oral opioid consumption. RESULTS We observed a statistically significant reduction in both worst and average pain from baseline (8.91 and 7.47 at baseline) throughout the duration of the study (4.02 and 3.41, respectively, at 36 months) (P = 0.012 and P < 0.001, respectively). We also documented a statistically significant improvement in physical and behavioral function. All subjects showed a significant reduction in the oral opioid consumption. The dose of IT opioids remained low and virtually unchanged for 36 months of follow-up: 1.4 morphine equivalent/day at 6 months and 1.48 at 36 months. Oral opioid averaged 128.9 mg of morphine equivalent/patient/day at baseline to 3.8 at 3 month and remained at the same level throughout the study. CONCLUSION Low-dose IT opioid can provide sustained significant improvement in pain and function for long-term follow-up in chronic noncancer pain.
Experimental Radiofrequency Brain Lesions: A Volumetric Study

OBJECTIVE This study describes the production, under strictly standardized and controlled conditions, of radiofrequency lesions with identical neurogenerator settings: in vitro in two different albumin solutions (nongelatinous and gelatinous) and in vivo in the thalamus of the pig. METHODS The radiofrequency lesions were investigated in vitro by the use of a specially designed video system and in vivo by magnetic resonance imaging. Moreover, the size of the in vivo lesions was estimated with the use of histological sectioning. The statistical analysis included the calculation of a correlation coefficient for the length, width, and volume for each lesion estimation. RESULTS A high correlation (R = 0.96, P < 0.005; n = 14) was found between clot sizes in the two albumin solutions. Albumin clots generated in gelatinous albumin showed systematically larger volumes. In the pig, two concentric zones were seen in all magnetic resonance images and all histological preparations. The width correlation of the completely coagulated brain tissue (inner zones) was R = 0.94, P < 0.005, and n = 7. The corresponding correlation between magnetic resonance images and gelatinous albumin was R = 0.93, P < 0.005, and n = 7. As a rule, the in vitro clots were smaller than the outer zone but larger than the inner zone of the magnetic resonance imaging-recorded lesions for all of the electrode and temperature combinations tested. In vivo lesions generated with the same electrode and parameter settings showed high reproducibility. CONCLUSION The value of presurgical electrode tests to validate the electrode function and lesion size in vitro has become evident in this study, which shows a high correlation between the in vitro albumin clots and the in vivo lesions observed on magnetic resonance images.
Relationship between faecal egg count and worm burden of Opisthorchis viverrini in human autopsy cases

SUMMARY The relationship between faecal examination for egg output and worm burden of Opisthorchis viverrini in man of 181 autopsy cases from Northeast Thailand is described. Diagnosis of the parasite infection by stool examination for the presence of eggs was less sensitive than the worm recovery technique. Using Stoll's dilution and formalin–ether technique, no eggs were detected in the faeces of 20 cases harbouring low worm burdens (< 20 worms). The quantitative faecal egg count by Stoll's dilution technique showed a strikingly close positive correlation with the number of worms recovered (r = 0·96, P < 0·001) indicating a strong linear association between eggs per gram of faeces (epg) and worm burden. The number of epg per worm was inversely correlated to the worm burden (P < 0·001), suggesting that density-dependent constraints on fecundity could operate to restrict egg output in heavy infections. The accuracy of egg counts for estimating worm burden and its relevance to parasite epidemiological research are discussed.
Subclinical cardiovascular target organ damage manifestations of ankylosing spondylitis in young adult patients

AimAlthough it is known that ankylosing spondylitis (AS) is associated with cardiovascular complications, the extent of these complications has not been clearly demonstrated in young adult patients. We have therefore investigated myocardial diastolic functions, carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT), and aortic elastic properties of young adult patients diagnosed with AS.MethodSixty-six AS patients and 21 age/gender-matched healthy subjects were enrolled in the study. Spectral and tissue Doppler echocardiography, CIMT, aortic strain and distensibility, and serum B-type natriuretic peptide values were compared with disease activity indexes of AS, including the Bath Ankylosing Spondylitis Disease Activity Index (BASDAI), and the role of other variables, such as anti-tumor necrosis factor-alpha (anti-TNF-α) treatment, lipid parameters, erythrocyte sedimentation rate, and C-reactive protein.ResultsBoth mitral early diastolic flow speed (mE) and late diastolic flow speed (mA) scores were lower among patients than among the control subjects (p = 0.015 and p = 0.035, respectively). The Em ratio of the patients was remarkably lower than that of the control subjects (p = 0.044). BASDAI scores of >4 were used to identify patients with more active disease. The mA and mE/mA ratios were significantly different between patients with a BASDAI score of >4 and those with a BASDAI score of <4 (p = 0.026 and p = 0.021, respectively). While aortic elasticity were not significantly different between the groups, AS patients treated with anti-TNF-α had significantly improved aortic strain and distensibility values (p = 0.022 and p = 0.014, respectively) compared to those treated with non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). ConclusionMyocardial diastolic functions were significantly deteriorated in the AS patients, and disease activity and myocardial diastolic functions were associated. An interesting finding was that patients receiving anti-TNF-α had better aortic elasticity than those treated with NSAIDs.
‘Transitional’ and hyperplastic‐metaplastic mucosa occurring in solitary ulcer of the rectum

Non‐polypoid hyperplastic mucosa similar to that adjacent to colorectal carcinomas and adenomas, the so‐called ‘transitional mucosa’ (TM), was found in 16 out of 27 cases of solitary ulcer syndrome of the rectum. In 18 cases fully developed hyperplastic (metaplastic) mucosa was also found. It is suggested that chronic ischaemia which takes place in the solitary ulcer syndrome leads to TM as an exaggerated regenerative phenomenon. Later maturation of TM could lead to hyperplastic (metaplastic) changes.
Requirements for growth of Streptococcus agalactiae in a chemically defined medium

Despite extensive work on the group A streptococci (A. W. Bernheimer and A. M. Pappenheimer, Jr., J. Bacteriol. 43:481, 1942; H. D. Slade and W. C. Slamp, J. Exptl. Med. 102:291, 1955), very few investigators have been interested in the group B organisms which may or may not have similar physiological requirements for growth. The vitamin requirements of 19 human and bovine strains and the amino acid requirements of 2 of these strains were determined by C. F. Niven, Jr. (J. Bacteriol. 46:573, 1943). G. Redaelli and L. Bertoni (Boll. Ist. Sieroterap. Milan. 41:204, 1962) carried out similar studies on 17 serotypes of Streptococcus agalactiae. Previous studies from this laboratory (N. P. Willett and G. E. Morse, J. Bacteriol. 91:2245, 1966) demonstrated that S. agalactiae could be grown in a chemically defined medium which supported a rate and an amount of growth comparable to that obtained in complex medium. The purpose of this investigation was to determine the minimal nutritional and physiological requirements of a specific strain of S. agalactiae which has been used widely in experimental studies of bovine mastitis (J. M. Murphy, Cornell Vet. 49:411, 1949). S. agalactiae is becoming increasingly important to the medical profession as well as to the veterinarian owing to its implication as a cause of neonatal sepsis (T. C. Eickhoff et al., New Engl. J. Med. 89:421, 1964). The strain of S. agalactiae, preparation of the inoculum, and description of the complete chemically defined medium have been reported previously (N. P. Willett and G. E. Morse, J. Bacteriol. 91:2245, 1966). Minimal nutritional requirements of the organism were determined by eliminating individual nutrients from the defined medium and determining whether the resultant medium would support growth. Amounts of 1 % were serially transferred into each deficient me-
Gastroesophageal reflux disease—should we adopt a new conceptual framework?

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) has traditionally been approached as a spectrum of diseases. Over the years, this important concept affected our current understanding of the pathophysiologic mechanisms resulting in GERD. Additionally, it had a profound impact on our therapeutic approach and treatment algorithms. However, literature review reveals that there is scant data to support the spectrum paradigm. Consequently, we propose categorizing GERD into three unique groups of patients: nonerosive reflux disease, erosive esophagitis, and Barrett's esophagus. Thus far, studies have demonstrated very little movement between these groups. Although the spectrum concept focused our attention on esophageal mucosal injury, the new proposed conceptual model shifts our attention to esophageal symptoms. Furthermore, dividing GERD into three unique groups of patients will allow us to concentrate on the different mechanisms that lead to the development of each of these GERD-related disorders and thus help us to focus on the specific therapeutic modalities that will benefit each individual group of patients.
Functional and structural changes in mammalian sympathetic neurones following colchicine application to post‐ganglionic nerves.

1. The effects of post‐ganglionic colchicine application on neurones of the guinea‐pig superior cervical ganglion were studied with intracellular recording and electron microscopy. 2. Local colchicine application for 30 min to one of the major post‐ganglionic nerves caused several electrophysiological changes after 4‐7 days in many neurones whose axons run in this nerve. These changes include: (a) a reduction in the amplitude of synaptic potentials elicited by supramaximal preganglionic stimulation; (b) a decrease in the number of preganglionic fibres innervating individual neurones; (c) the development of regenerative responses in dendrites; and (d) the failure of antidromic action potentials to fully invade the neuronal soma. These functional changes occurred in the absence of impaired impulse conduction or axon degeneration, and were not observed in nearby neurones whose axons ran in an untreated post‐ganglionic nerve. The effects of colchicine are similar to the changes produced by axotomy. 3. Counts of synapses in thin sections from the region of the ganglion where the affected neurones were located showed a reduction, compared to the number of synapses in other regions of the colchicine treated ganglia, or normal control ganglia. This finding indicates that synaptic depression after colchicine treatment, like that after axotomy, is due primarily to a loss of synaptic contacts from the dendrites of affected nerve cells. Unusual profiles containing numerous vesicular and tubular organelles frequently seen after interruption of the axons were also observed in thin sections after colchicine treatment. 4. The similarity of the electrophysiological and ultrastructural effects of colchicine treatment and axon interruption offers further support for the view that synaptic contacts on sympathetic neurones are normally regulated by an interaction of the neuronal soma with its axonal extension to the periphery.
Composition of the surface waxes of apple fruits and changes during storage.

The hydrolysed surface waxes of Dougherty, Granny Smith and Sturmer apples at harvesting consisted of 57 to 62% acids, 21 to 26% hydrocarbons, 7% primary alcohols, 3 to 5% secondary alcohols and 4 to 7% of other constituents. The hydrocarbon homologues ranged from C18 to C31 with n-nonacosane comprising 84 to 92% of the total hydrocarbons. The primary alcohols (C14 to C28) were mainly n-hexacosanol in Sturmer and n-tetracosanol in Dougherty and Granny Smith cultivars, the amounts of these alcohols being, respectively, 53.4, 32.4 and 35.6% of the total alcohols. In all three cultivars the secondary alcohols consisted almost entirely of one component, possibly nonacosan-10-ol. The Sturmer waxes were distinguished from those of the Dougherty and Granny Smith by a lower content of linoleic and by a generally higher content of palmitic acid. During storage the amount and composition of the waxes of Sturmers did not change appreciably. The wax content of the Granny Smith cultivar increased up to 268 days and that of the Dougherty up to 70 days of storage. Changes in fatty acid composition also occurred during storage, the most remarkable being the up to 11-fold elevation of the linolenic acid content of the Granny Smith apples.
Laproscopic Cholecystectomy: Cystic Duct Occlusion with Titanium Clip or Ligature

During lap. cholecystectomy (LC), cystic duct occlusion can be done with titanium clips or laparoscopically silk ligature. However, till now, there is no randomized, controlled study reported in the literature that has compared the outcome using either of these methods. In the present study, 100 patients who were to undergo lap.cholecystectomy were randomly assigned to two groups. Group I comprised patients undergoing cystic duct occlusion with clips while group II comprised those undergoing cystic duct occlusion with silk. Our aim was to compare the postoperative outcome in both the cases.
Late relapse of ovarian dysgerminoma: case report and literature review.

Dysgerminoma of the ovary is a rare tumor. Ovarian dysgerminoma is chemosensitive and potentially curable even when in advanced stage. We report a case of intra-abdominal relapse of stage Ia ovarian dysgerminoma 20 years following initial surgery. The patient was treated with surgical resection followed by a full course of platinum-based chemotherapy. However, she had rapidly progressive disease and eventually died. To date, this is the latest reported case of relapse of ovarian dysgerminoma. This rare situation has been reported in patients with germ cell tumors of the testis, the male counterpart of ovarian germ cell tumors. Testis cancer patients with late relapse are rarely, if ever, curable by chemotherapy. A diagnosis of recurrent dysgerminoma should be considered in patients who have the appropriate findings with a history of dysgerminoma, even if remote. Patients with late recurrences of ovarian germ cell tumors may be less responsive to chemotherapy.
DNA index and %S-phase cells determined in acute lymphoblastic leukemia of children: a report from studies ALL V, ALL VI, and ALL VII (1979-1991) of the Dutch Childhood Leukemia Study Group and The Netherlands Workgroup on Cancer Genetics and Cytogenetics.

DNA per cell content was routinely recorded by single-parameter flow cytometry in leukemic blasts from 473 children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL), enrolled in national studies ALL V, VI, and VII (1979-1991) of the Dutch Childhood Leukemia Study Group. The parameters bonemarrow %S-value and DNA Index were compared with clinical features, with chromosome number based on cytogenetic analyses and with treatment results in study ALL VI. %S-values, ranging between 1 and 36%, were unrelated to initial white blood cell count, immunophenotype, and DNA index but were lowest in blasts with L1 morphology. In study ALL VI (non-high risk), the survival of patients with < or = 6% S-phase cells was superior to that of patients with %S-values of > 6 (P = 0.030). Hyperdiploidy, defined by a DNA index > or = 1.16, was compared to the cytogenetic hyperdiploid classification of n > 50. Initially there were 25 discrepancies in 189 samples jointly analysed by flow cytometry and cytogenetics. After review only five discrepancies remained unresolved. Hyperdiploidy, independent of the method used, was found to be unrelated to blast morphology and %S-phase cells but closely associated with c-ALL and was absent in T-ALL. In study ALL VI, event-free survival at 8 years of hyperdiploid patients was 90.6% but was not significantly different from non-hyperdiploid patients (EFS = 82.1%; P = 0.08). Routine DNA flow cytometry appeared a valuable adjunct to cytogenetic analyses and allowed the identification of a large subset of non-high-risk ALL patients in study ALL VI with a DNA index > or = 1.16 or %S-value of < or = 6.0 with highest survival probability.