Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of intraarterial papaverine or nimodipine on vessel diameter in patients with cerebral vasospasm after subarachnoid hemorrhage

Introduction. Papaverine (P) and nimodipine (N) are the most widely used vasodilators when angiographic and symptomatic vasospasm is present after subarachnoid aneurysmatic hemorrhage (SAH). Their effect is only short-lived and no direct comparisons have been undertaken to evaluate the action of both substances directly. We retrospectively assessed the effect of either P or N on angiographic diameter reduction and capillary blood flow. Methods. Fifteen SAH patients with secured aneurysms and cerebral vasospasm received intraarterial P, fifteen similar patients received N. As the primary endpoint, pre- and post-infusion arterial diameters and capillary blood flow were rated retrospectively on angiographies and compared by RM-ANOVA. Secondary endpoints were the difference in the modified Rankin Scale between the two groups on admission and at discharge, the occurrence of delayed cerebral ischemia, the separate effects on angiographic diameter and capillary blood flow and the overall response rate to the vasodilator infusion. Results. Angiographic resolution of diameter reduction and angiographically assessed capillary blood flow together differed not significantly between both groups. P infusion dilated all angiographic demonstrable vessels while N infusion was ineffective in 16% of the patients. Capillary flow on pre- and post-infusion angiographies was not different between the two groups. Conclusion. P and N seem to differ in the effect on cerebral diameter reduction in patients with vasospasm after SAH. The clinical implications remain to be established. A multimodal approach, perhaps combining different agents for intraarterial infusion in such patients, needs to be evaluated.
Mast Cells Down-Regulate CD4+CD25+ T Regulatory Cell Suppressor Function via Histamine H1 Receptor Interaction1

Mast cells promote both innate and acquired immune responses, but little is known about the effect of mast cells on T regulatory (Treg) cell function. In this study, we show for the first time that the capacity of murine CD4+CD25+ Treg cells to suppress in vitro proliferation by CD4+CD25− T responder (Tresp) cells in response to anti-CD3/anti-CD28 mAb-coated beads was reduced in the presence of syngeneic bone marrow-derived mast cells (BMMC) activated by FcεR cross-linking. Activated BMMC culture supernatants or exogenous histamine also inhibited Treg cell suppressor function while the histamine H1 receptor-specific antagonist loratadine, but not the H2 receptor-specific antagonist famotidine, restored Treg cell suppressor function in the presence of activated BMMC or activated BMMC culture supernatants. Moreover, treatment of Treg cells with loratadine, but not famotidine, rescued Treg cell suppressor function in the presence of exogenous histamine. In addition, the H1 receptor-specific agonist 2-pyridylethylamine dihydrochloride inhibited Treg cell suppressor function to an extent that was comparable to histamine, whereas the H2 receptor-specific agonist amthamine dihydrobromide was without effect. Both Treg cells and Tresp cells expressed H1 receptors. Exposure to histamine caused Treg cells to express lower levels of CD25 and the Treg cell-specific transcription factor Foxp3. Taken together, these data indicate that BMMC-elaborated histamine inhibited Treg cell suppressor function by signaling through the H1 receptor. We suggest that histamine released as a result of mast cell activation by microbial products might cause a transient decrease in Treg cell suppressor function, thereby enhancing the development of protective immunity.
Novel amplicons on the short arm of chromosome 7 identified using high resolution array CGH contain over expressed genes in addition to EGFR in glioblastoma multiforme

Amplification of a defined chromosome segment on the short arm of chromosome 7 has frequently been reported in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM), where it is generally assumed that it is the result of over expression of the epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) gene that provides the selective pressure to maintain the amplification event. We have used high resolution array comparative genomic hybridization (aCGH) to analyze amplification events on chromosome 7p in GBM, which demonstrates that, in fact, several other regions distinct from EGFR can be amplified. To determine the changes in gene expression levels associated with these amplification events, we used oligonucleotide expression arrays to investigate which of the genes in the amplified regions were also over expressed. These analyses demonstrated that not all genes in the amplicons showed increased expression, and we have defined a series of over expressed genes on 7p that could potentially contribute to the development of the malignant phenotype in these tumors. The global analysis of amplification afforded by aCGH analysis has improved our ability to define numerical chromosome abnormalities in cancer cells and has raised the possibility that genes other than EGFR may be important. © 2005 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Small body size at birth and behavioural symptoms of ADHD in children aged five to six years.

BACKGROUND Behavioural disorders with a neurodevelopmental background, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), have been associated with a non-optimal foetal environment, reflected in small body size at birth. However, the evidence stems from highly selected groups with birth outcomes biased towards the extreme low end of the distribution in birth weight. Whether a similar association exists among the normal range of term birth is unclear. METHODS The ADHD Rating Scale was filled in by the biological mothers and fathers of children aged five to six years who were born healthy at term. Information on weight (kg), height (cm), head circumference (cm), and gestational age at birth were obtained from hospital records, and the ponderal index (kg/m3), a commonly used measure of thinness, and head circumference-to-length ratio were calculated. RESULTS Behavioural symptoms of ADHD were predicted by a lower ponderal index, a smaller head circumference, and a smaller head circumference-to-length ratio (beta's: -.12 to -.14, p's < .05). Adjustments for length of gestation, mother's age, tobacco and alcohol use during pregnancy, pre-pregnancy body mass index (BMI), or parity, the monthly gross income of the family, child's BMI at the age of five to six years or gender did not change the associations. CONCLUSION These results suggest that physiological adaptation in utero, indicated by small body size at birth, within term gestational range may increase the susceptibility to behavioural symptoms of ADHD.
Human CD8 T lymphocytes recognize Mycobacterium tuberculosis antigens presented by HLA‐E during active tuberculosis and express type 2 cytokines

CD8 T cells contribute to protective immunity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis. In humans, M. tuberculosis reactive CD8 T cells typically recognize peptides associated to classical MHC class Ia molecules, but little information is available on CD8 T cells recognizing M. tuberculosis Ags presented by nonclassical MHC class Ib molecules. We show here that CD8 T cells from tuberculosis (TB) patients recognize HLA‐E‐binding M. tuberculosis peptides in a CD3/TCR αβ mediated and CD8‐dependent manner, and represent an additional type of effector cells playing a role in immune response to M. tuberculosis during active infection. HLA‐E‐restricted recognition of M. tuberculosis peptides is detectable by a significant enhanced ex vivo frequency of tetramer‐specific circulating CD8 T cells during active TB. These CD8 T cells produce type 2 cytokines upon antigenic in vitro stimulation, help B cells for Ab production, and mediate limited TRAIL‐dependent cytolytic and microbicidal activity toward M. tuberculosis infected target cells. Our results, together with the finding that HLA‐E/M. tuberculosis peptide specific CD8 T cells are detected in TB patients with or without HIV coinfection, suggest that this is a new human T‐cell population that participates in immune response in TB.
Unraveling the Association Between SSRI Use and Falls: An Experimental Study of Risk Factors for Accidental Falls in Long-Term Paroxetine Users

Abstract Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are widely used to treat depression and are also associated with an increased falls risk. However, the biological mechanism underlying accidental falls with SSRI intake has yet to be elucidated. The present experimental study was designed to investigate whether obstacle avoidance skills in long-term (>90 days), senior paroxetine users (61 ± 5.8 years) are affected during gait, simple and challenging postural balance tasks, as well as during manual reaction time tasks. The performance of the paroxetine users was compared with healthy group-matched controls (60 ± 4.8 years). The results demonstrated impaired postural balance in the paroxetine users, especially during one-legged stance or under various dual-task conditions. Although the deficit in one-legged stance could indicate vestibular involvement, this was deemed unlikely because performance of standing on compliant surface with closed eyes remained unaffected. Paroxetine use also failed to affect manual reaction times or obstacle avoidance performance. It is suggested that paroxetine affects attentional capacities particularly in conjunction with balance control. Compared with healthy seniors, long-term senior users of paroxetine seem to be at an increased risk of falling due to impairments in balance control, especially when attention has to be divided between 2 concurrent activities.
Mandibular overdentures supported by two Brånemark, IMZ or ITI implants: a ten-year prospective randomized study.

OBJECTIVES The aim of this prospective comparative study was to evaluate the survival rate, condition of peri-implant tissues, patient satisfaction and surgical and prosthetic aftercare of the IMZ-implant system (two-stage cylinder type), the Brånemark-implant system (two-stage screw type) and the ITI-implant system (one-stage screw type) supporting a mandibular overdenture during a 10-year follow-up period. MATERIALS AND METHODS Three groups of 30 edentulous patients were treated with two endosseous implants in the interforaminal region of the mandible. Clinical and radiographic parameters were evaluated immediately after completion of the prosthetic treatment and after 1, 5 and 10 years of functional loading. Prosthetic and surgical aftercare was scored during the evaluation period, as well as patient satisfaction. RESULTS The 10-year survival rate was 93% for the IMZ group, 98% for the Brånemark group and 100% for the ITI group (IMZ<ITI, p<0.05). Mean marginal bone loss was limited over a period of 10 years. No differences in satisfaction and aftercare were observed between the groups. CONCLUSION It is concluded that two implants placed in the interforaminal region, connected with a bar, supply a proper base for the support of a mandibular overdenture in the edentulous patient. After10 years, no relevant changes had developed between the three implant systems.
Excess of Psychoses among the French West Indian Population

Objective: To investigate and compare the prevalence of psychoses in the French West Indies (FWI) and in continental France. Method: As part of an international epidemiologic multicentre study under the authority of the World Health Organization French Collaborating Center (WHO-CC), we questioned 7257 individuals selected from the general population in France and in the FWI, using the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview. We compared data using the chi-square test. Results: We found a significant discrepancy between the rate of psychoses at the continental French sites (1.8%) and the FWI sites (4.4%) (P < 0.0001). After homogenizing the rate of missing interviews, our results remained significant. Conclusions: Such a drastic increase in the rate of psychoses in the FWI population cannot be explained solely on the basis of either the classical migration hypothesis or other currently accepted hypotheses. More attention should be given to new parameters such as 1) the recent and significant abuse of crack cocaine and cannabis in the FWI, 2) the continued existence of magic practices in a significant portion of the French Afro-Caribbean population, and 3) the expression of mood disorders with overvalued ideation or psychotic symptomatology.
CNS Repair Requires Both Effector and Regulatory T Cells with Distinct Temporal and Spatial Profiles

Monocyte-derived macrophages (mo-MΦs) and T cells have been shown to contribute to spinal cord repair. Recently, the remote brain choroid plexus epithelium (CP) was identified as a portal for monocyte recruitment, and its activation for leukocyte trafficking was found to be IFN-γ-dependent. Here, we addressed how the need for effector T cells can be reconciled with the role of inflammation-resolving immune cells in the repair process. Using an acute spinal cord injury model, we show that in mice deficient in IFN-γ-producing T cells, the CP was not activated, and recruitment of inflammation-resolving mo-MΦ to the spinal cord parenchyma was limited. We further demonstrate that mo-MΦ locally regulated recruitment of thymic-derived Foxp3+ regulatory T (Treg) cells to the injured spinal cord parenchyma at the subacute/chronic phase. Importantly, an ablation protocol that resulted in reduced Tregs at this stage interfered with tissue remodeling, in contrast to Treg transient ablation, restricted to the 4 d period before the injury, which favored repair. The enhanced functional recovery observed following such a controlled decrease of Tregs suggests that reduced systemic immunosuppression at the time of the insult can enhance CNS repair. Overall, our data highlight a dynamic immune cell network needed for repair, acting in discrete compartments and stages, and involving effector and regulatory T cells, interconnected by mo-MΦ. Any of these populations may be detrimental to the repair process if their level or activity become dysregulated. Accordingly, therapeutic interventions must be both temporally and spatially controlled.
Symptoms of depression and posttraumatic stress disorder in an outpatient population before and after Hurricane Katrina

The aim of the present investigation was to evaluate symptoms of depression and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in an outpatient psychiatric population before and after Hurricane Katrina. The sample consisted of 156 patients (110 females; Mage=41.2 years, SD=10.9) at an outpatient psychiatric clinic who completed measures of psychological symptoms as part of their regular clinical care in the month before (n=76; 49%) and the 1 month after (n=80; 51%) Hurricane Katrina made landfall. Partially consistent with prediction, depression scores were significantly higher in the month following the hurricane, but PTSD scores were not significantly different. Depressive symptoms after the hurricane were predicted by watching television coverage of the looting that occurred in New Orleans and by the amount of time the participant was without electricity. Symptoms of PTSD after the hurricane were predicted by the participants' use of general television viewing as a coping strategy, the amount of time they spent watching television coverage of the looting in New Orleans, and the use of prayer as a coping behavior. Of these variables, only prayer was associated with a decrease in PTSD symptoms. Findings are discussed in relation to the need for collaborative efforts between clinically oriented and research‐oriented institutions to study the impact of large‐scale disasters on a variety of populations. Depression and Anxiety 0:1–6, 2007. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Ehrlichia ewingii, a newly recognized agent of human ehrlichiosis.

BACKGROUND Human ehrlichiosis is a recently recognized tick-borne infection. Four species infect humans: Ehrlichia chaffeensis, E. sennetsu, E. canis, and the agent of human granulocytic ehrlichiosis. METHODS We tested peripheral-blood leukocytes from 413 patients with possible ehrlichiosis by broad-range and species-specific polymerase-chain-reaction (PCR) assays for ehrlichia. The species present were identified by species-specific PCR assays and nucleotide sequencing of the gene encoding ehrlichia 16S ribosomal RNA. Western blot analysis was used to study serologic responses. RESULTS In four patients, ehrlichia DNA was detected in leukocytes by a broad-range PCR assay, but not by assays specific for E. chaffeensis or the agent of human granulocytic ehrlichiosis. The nucleotide sequences of these PCR products matched that of E. ewingii, an agent previously reported as a cause of granulocytic ehrlichiosis in dogs. These four patients, all from Missouri, presented between May and August 1996, 1997, or 1998 with fever, headache, and thrombocytopenia, with or without leukopenia. All had been exposed to ticks, and three were receiving immunosuppressive therapy. Serum samples obtained from three of these patients during convalescence contained antibodies that reacted with E. chaffeensis and E. canis antigens in a pattern different from that of humans with E. chaffeensis infection but similar to that of a dog experimentally infected with E. ewingii. Morulae were identified in neutrophils from two patients. All four patients were successfully treated with doxycycline. CONCLUSIONS These findings provide evidence of E. ewingii infection in humans. The associated disease may be clinically indistinguishable from infection caused by E. chaffeensis or the agent of human granulocytic ehrlichiosis.
Personal hair dyes use and risk of glioma: a meta-analysis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Use of hair dyes for glioma risk has been investigated in numerous epidemiological studies, but the evidence is inconsistent. Therefore, a meta-analysis was performed to estimate the association between hair dyes use and glioma risk. METHODS We searched PubMed and EMBASE databases without any limitations, covering all papers published by the end of March 8, 2013. Cohort and case-control studies reporting relative risk estimates (RRs) with corresponding 95% confidence intervals (CIs) (or data to calculate them) on this issue were included. Random effects models were used to calculate the pooled RRs and corresponding 95% CIs. RESULTS Four case-control and two cohort studies were included in this meta-analysis. The summary RRs and 95 % CIs for ever users of any hair dyes were 1.132 (0.887-1.446) for all studies, 1.291 (0.938-1.777) for case-control studies, and 0.903 (0.774-1.054) for cohort studies. In the subgroup analysis by geographic regions and sex, the similar results were detected. No significant associations were also observed among the studies which reported data involving permanent hair dye use and duration of any hair dye use. CONCLUSION In summary, the results of our study demonstrated that hair dyes use is not associated with risk of glioma.
DHA induces ER stress and growth arrest in human colon cancer cells: associations with cholesterol and calcium homeostasis

Polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) are normal constituents of the diet, but have properties different from other fatty acids (e.g., through generation of signaling molecules). N-3 PUFAs reduce cancer cell growth, but no unified mechanism has been identified. We show that docosahexaenoic acid (DHA; 22:6 n-3) causes extensive changes in gene expression patterns at mRNA level in the colon cancer cell line SW620. Early changes include unfolded protein response (UPR) and increased levels of phosphorylated eIF2α as verified at protein level. The latter is considered a hallmark of endoplasmic reticulum (ER) stress and is abundantly present already after 3 h. It may coordinate many of the downstream changes observed, including signaling pathways for cell cycle arrest/apoptosis, calcium homeostasis, cholesterol metabolism, ubiquitination, and proteasomal degradation. Also, eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA), but not oleic acid (OA), induced key mediators of ER stress and UPR at protein level. Accumulation of esterified cholesterol was not compensated for by increased total levels of cholesterol, and mRNAs for cholesterol biosynthesis as well as de novo synthesis of cholesterol were reduced. These results suggest that cytotoxic effects of DHA are associated with signaling pathways involving lipid metabolism and ER stress.
Resistance of broiler outbred lines to infection with Salmonella enteritidis

Salmonella infections originating from poultry are one of the major causes of food-borne disease. For the control of salmonella in poultry a multifactorial approach is more likely to be effective, and the genetic resistance of poultry breeds to salmonella infections may be a valuable contribution. Experimental Salmonella enteritidis infections were examined in three different broiler outbred lines: the FC line, which had been selected for feed conversion efficiency; the R line, which had been selected for growth rate; and the C line, a commercially available line. The FC line had the highest mortality rate after intramuscular inoculation with 5 × 10 6 colony forming units (CFU) of S. enteritidis at 2 weeks of age (40% versus 21 and 20% in the other lines). However, at slaughter age, the number of birds carrying salmonella in caecal contents, and the concentration of salmonella in the caecal contents, was lowest in the FC line. The FC and R lines were compared by inoculation with doses ranging from 10 2 to 10 7 CFU S. enteritidis . At sublethal doses (10 5 CFU or less), the FC line carried significantly less salmonella in caecal contents and the rate of systemic infection was lower. The start of shedding was also delayed compared with the R line. At doses of 10 6 CFU S. enteritidis or higher, there were no differences in salmonella carriage between the lines, and the FC line showed higher mortality. In conclusion, resistance to mortality and resistance to the carriage of S. enteritidis do not necessarily coincide within lines, as the FC line showed high mortality but low carriage, both in survivors of high infection doses and in all birds at lower infection doses.