Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Role of CD40 antigen and interleukin‐2 in T cell‐dependent human B lymphocyte growth

In the present study, we examined the participation of CD40 ligand (L)‐CD40 interaction in T cell‐dependent B cell responses. To this end, purified B lymphocytes were cultured over irradiated CD4+ cloned T cells activated with immobilized anti‐CD3 antibody. The anti‐CD40 mAb 89 strongly blocked, in a specific fashion, both proliferation and Ig secretion of tonsil B cells. Interestingly, proliferation of surface (s)IgD+ B cell was significantly less inhibited by anti‐CD40 than that of sIgD− cells. Preactivated T cells induced B cells to grow and secrete immunoglobulins preferentially in response to IL‐2. This contrasts with the CD40 system where B cells are essentially responsive to IL‐4 and IL‐10 but not to IL‐2 alone. Collectively, these data indicate that CD40L‐CD40 interaction plays an important role in IL‐2‐mediated T cell‐dependent B cell responses. However, the activation of a subset of sIgD+ cells may be independent of this interaction.
A case of small cell carcinoma arising in a mature cystic teratoma of the ovary

Malignant transformation of ovarian mature cystic teratomas is reported to occur in about 1% of cases. The most common malignant evolution is that of squamous cell carcinoma and one of the least common is that of small cell carcinoma. We report a case of distant metastasis from a small cell carcinoma arising in a mature cystic teratoma. A 28‐year‐old nulliparous female presented with signs of supraclavicutar lymph node metastasis. This Is the first known case report of lymph node metastasis as an Initial sign of cancer developing in a pre‐existing mature cystic teratoma. Histologically, the tumor cells had microscopic features similar to those of pulmonary small cell carcinoma. This report gives a literature review, and the histological, Immunohistochemical, flow cytometric and ultrastructural features are described.
Airway Exposure Levels of Lipopolysaccharide Determine Type 1 versus Type 2 Experimental Asthma1

Allergic asthma is characterized by airway inflammation initiated by adaptive immune responses to aeroallergens. Recent data suggest that severe asthma may be a different form of asthma rather than an increase in asthma symptoms and that innate immune responses to LPS can modulate adaptive immune responses to allergens. In this study, we evaluated the hypothesis that airway exposure to different doses of LPS induces different form of asthma. Our study showed that neutrophilic inflammation and IFN-γ expression were higher in induced sputum from severe asthma patients than from mild to moderate asthmatics. Animal experiments indicated that allergen sensitization with low-dose LPS (0.1 μg) induced type 2 asthma phenotypes, i.e., airway hyperresponsiveness, eosinophilic inflammation, and allergen-specific IgE up-regulation. In contrast, allergen sensitization with high-dose LPS (10 μg) induced asthma phenotypes, i.e., airway hyperresponsiveness and noneosinophilic inflammation that were not developed in IFN-γ-deficient mice, but unaffected in the absence of IL-4. During the allergen sensitization period, TNF-α expression was found to be enhanced by both low- and high-dose LPS, whereas IL-12 expression was only enhanced by high-dose LPS. Interestingly, the asthma phenotypes induced by low-dose LPS, but not by high-dose LPS, were completely inhibited in TNF-α receptor-deficient mice, whereas the asthma phenotypes induced by high-dose LPS were abolished in the homozygous null mutation of the STAT4 gene. These findings suggest that airway exposure levels of LPS induces different forms of asthma that are type 1 and type 2 asthma phenotypes by high and low LPS levels, respectively.
Herpes simplex virus glycoproteins E and I facilitate cell-to-cell spread in vivo and across junctions of cultured cells

Herpes simplex virus (HSV) glycoproteins E and I (gE and gI) can act as a receptor for the Fc domain of immunoglobulin G (IgG). To examine the role of HSV IgG Fc receptor in viral pathogenesis, rabbits and mice were infected by the corneal route with HSV gE- or gI- mutants. Wild-type HSV-1 produced large dendritic lesions in the corneal epithelium and subsequent stromal disease leading to viral encephalitis, whereas gE- and gI- mutant viruses produced microscopic punctate or small dendritic lesions in the epithelium and no corneal disease or encephalitis. These differences were not related to the ability of the gE-gI oligomer to bind IgG because the differences were observed before the appearance of anti-HSV IgG and in mice, in which IgG binds to the Fc receptor poorly or not at all. Mutant viruses produced small plaques on monolayers of normal human fibroblasts and epithelial cells. Replication of gE- and gI- mutant viruses in human fibroblasts were normal, and the rates of entry of mutant and wild-type viruses into fibroblasts were similar; however, spread of gE- and gI- mutant viruses from cell to cell was significantly slower than that of wild-type HSV-1. In experiments in which fibroblast monolayers were infected with low multiplicities of virus and multiple rounds of infection occurred, the presence of neutralizing antibodies in the culture medium caused the yields of mutant viruses to drop dramatically, whereas there was a lesser effect on the production of wild-type HSV. It appears that cell-to-cell transmission of wild-type HSV-1 occurs by at least two mechanisms: (i) release of virus from cells and entry of extracellular virus into a neighboring cell and (ii) transfer of virus across cell junctions in a manner resistant to neutralizing antibodies. Our results suggest that gE- and gI- mutants are defective in the latter mechanism of spread, suggesting the possibility that the gE-gI complex facilitates virus transfer across cell junctions, a mode of spread which may predominate in some tissues. It is ironic that the gE-gI complex, usually considered an IgG Fc receptor, may, through its ability to mediate cell-to-cell spread, actually protect HSV from IgG in a manner different than previously thought.
Haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis, interferon‐gamma‐naemia and Epstein‐Barr virus involvement

Summary. To clarify the correlation between Epstein‐Barr virus (EBV) involvement and hypercytokinaemia in haemophagocytic lymphohistiocytosis (HLH), we analysed serum interferon‐gamma levels and EBV‐DNA in biological specimens obtained from 25 HLH cases (23 children and two adults). We found that HLH patients showed a wide range of serum IFN‐gamma levels from 0.2 to 1300 U/ml, with a median 126U/ml for EBV‐DNA‐positive (n = 9) and 4.5 U/ml for EBV‐DNA‐negative (n = 16) groups. The latter group could be classified further into a group with hyper‐IFN‐gamma‐naemia (> 4.5 U/ml) (n = 8) and a group without hyper‐IFN‐gamma‐naemia (n = 8). The survival of the hyper‐IFN‐gamma‐naemic cases was significantly poorer than non‐hyper‐IFN‐gamma‐naemic cases. We conclude that EBV is probably involved in one third of the HLH cases, all of whom show hyper‐IFN‐gamma‐naemia, and in the half of the HLH cases with hyper‐IFN‐gamma‐naemia who have a rapidly fatal outcome.
Clinical nurses’ knowledge and practice of venous thromboembolism risk assessment and prevention in South Korea: a cross‐sectional survey

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To examine Korean registered nurses' level of perceived knowledge and practice of venous thromboembolism risk assessment as well as prevention, self-efficacy in venous thromboembolism care and actual knowledge of venous thromboembolism. BACKGROUND For hospitalised patients, venous thromboembolism is a preventable clinical disorder. Caring for venous thromboembolism patients requires coordination across multiple providers and settings. Clinical nurses can play a major role in improving venous thromboembolism prevention care, assessing venous thromboembolism risks and providing appropriate prophylactic measures to those who are at risk for venous thromboembolism. DESIGN A cross-sectional descriptive study. METHODS Anonymous paper-based surveys were conducted for a convenience sample of registered nurses' (n = 452) from two university-affiliated hospitals in South Korea. RESULTS The majority of participants indicated that their overall self-rated venous thromboembolism knowledge was 'fair', while only 2·4% rated it as 'very good' or 'excellent'. The overall mean score of the venous thromboembolism knowledge questions was 50·9 (±13·0) of a possible score of 100. The mean score of self-efficacy in practising venous thromboembolism prevention/prophylaxis was 3·0 (based on a one to five Likert scale). The self-reported venous thromboembolism assessment performance on patients varied among clinical units. Only 9·3% of participants reported having received in-service venous thromboembolism education from their hospital. CONCLUSIONS The findings showed that overall venous thromboembolism knowledge and self-efficacy in venous thromboembolism prevention practices of Korean registered nurses' were not highly rated. Korean nurses demonstrated a lack of knowledge about venous thromboembolism, particularly in the areas of venous thromboembolism prophylaxis measures and venous thromboembolism diagnosis methods. RELEVANCE TO CLINICAL PRACTICE Focused education on venous thromboembolism prevention and risk assessment should be considered a component of continuing education for Korean nurses.
Communication partner training of enrolled nurses working in nursing homes with people with communication disorders caused by stroke or Parkinson’s disease

Abstract Purpose: To evaluate the effect of a communication partner training programme directed to enrolled nurses working with people with communication disorders in nursing homes, using an individualised approach. Method: Five dyads consisting of a person with stroke-induced aphasia (n = 4) or Parkinson’s disease (PD) (n = 1) living in different nursing homes and his/her enrolled nurse participated in the study, which had a replicated single-subject design with multiple baselines across individuals. The main element of the intervention was supervised analysis of video-recorded natural interaction in everyday nursing situations and the formulation of individual goals to change particular communicative strategies. Results: Outcome was measured via blinded assessments of filmed natural interaction obtained at baseline, intervention and follow-up and showed an increased use of the target communicative strategies. Subjective measures of goal attainment by the enrolled nurses were consistent with these results. Measures of perceived functional communication on behalf of the persons with communication disorders were mostly positive; four of five participants with communication disorders and two of five enrolled nurses reported improved functional communication after intervention. Conclusions: The use of an individualised communication partner training programme led to significant changes in natural interaction, which contributes importantly to a growing body of knowledge regarding communication partner training. Implications for rehabilitation Communication partner training can improve the communicative environment of people with communication disorders. For people with communication disorders who live in institutions, the main conversation partner is likely to be a professional caretaker. An individualised approach for communication partner training that focussed on specific communication patterns was successful in increasing the use of supportive strategies that enrolled nurses used in natural interaction with persons with communication disorders. The training also positively affected the perceived functional communication of the persons with communication disorders.
Regeneration With Proliferation of the Endothelium of Cultured Human Donor Corneas With Extended Postmortem Time

Purpose: To examine the endothelium of donor corneas with extended postmortem time for survival and reparative mechanisms in an eye bank organ culture storage system. Methods: We obtained 14 pairs of donor corneas with a postmortem time ranging from 29 to 163 hours. One cornea of a pair was immediately fixed for the study of structural changes postmortem and to serve as a control. The second was stored in organ culture for 3 days and thereafter fixed to be studied for reparative processes. Examination was done with light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy. Immunohistochemical staining with antibodies against proliferating cell nuclear antigen, Ki-67, and n-cadherin was performed to examine for cell proliferation and to characterize the cells. Results: The control corneas showed increasing endothelial cell damage with increasing postmortem time. After 5-7 days postmortem, most cells were structurally damaged. After 3 days in organ culture, all corneas acquired an endothelial covering of the posterior surface, with cells, suggesting proliferation in both scanning preparations and in cross-sections. Positive endothelial cell staining with proliferating cell nuclear antigen was found in all cultured corneas. Ki-67 staining of the endothelium was found in 9 of the cultured corneas. Conclusions: The study showed survival of the corneal endothelium up to 7 days postmortem, and accordingly, the potential clinical use of donor corneas with extended postmortem time. Our results furthermore suggest that repair of the endothelium in donor corneas during organ culture storage occurs also by proliferation and not only by migration and enlargement of existing cells. If we uncover the mechanisms regulating cell proliferation in corneal endothelium, it should be possible to develop better storage methods of corneal transplants to improve quality and supply.
Evaluation of a novel device for measuring patient compliance with oral appliances in the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea.

PURPOSE The purpose of this study was to evaluate a novel intraoral monitor for measuring patient compliance of oral appliances for the treatment of obstructive sleep apnea. MATERIALS AND METHODS A clinical trial was conducted to compare objective recording by an intraoral compliance monitor and self-reporting by participants using a mandibular repositioning device (MRD). Ten participants were fitted with a Thornton Adjustable Positioner (TAP III) with an embedded compliance monitor. The participants were asked to wear the test appliance for seven nights and to record their usage of the appliance and any adverse effects in a treatment journal. The data were downloaded to a dedicated computer using radio-frequency identification (RFID) technology, and the information was compared to the data in the participant's journal. RESULTS The mean objective wearing time, as detected by the compliance monitor, was found to be 6.6 ± 1.6 hours/night. The mean subjective wearing time, as recorded by the participants, was 6.5 ± 1.5 hours/night. The correlation between subjective and objective times was 0.9985. The use of the test appliance by this sample population was 68.7% with a range of 24% to 100%. Participants reported a range of adverse outcomes related to the MRD consistent with those reported in the literature and were found to be transient in nature. CONCLUSIONS This study supports previously reported usage times and adverse outcomes. The compliance monitor showed a very high linear correlation between subjective and objective data, validating its use in future compliance studies.
The Diagnosis of Silicone Breast Implant Rupture

Summary: Magnetic resonance imaging of the breast in the diagnosis of silicone breast implant rupture is widely accepted to be the imaging study of choice for most women. Magnetic resonance imaging in the detection of silicone implant failure has been shown to have the highest sensitivity and specificity and has the ability to image the entire implant without the use of ionizing radiation. Unfortunately, some women are unable to have a magnetic resonance imaging examination of the breast because of contraindications such as cardiac pacemakers, aneurysm clips, and claustrophobia. Therefore, mammography, ultrasonography, and computed tomography will have roles in the diagnosis of silicone breast implant ruptures. This article illustrates the spectrum of imaging appearances of normal silicone gel implants and the appearances of silicone breast implant ruptures.
Albendazole in hydatid disease.

Raised serum alkaline phosphatase activity is important in the diagnosis of renal osteodystrophy, particularly as an indicator of secondary hyperparathyroidism. The response to treatment with vitamin D derivatives or parathyroidectomy or both is shown by declining alkaline phosphatase activity after a variable latent period. ' The rate of decline is a convenient index of skeletal response to treatment. In addition, clinical experience has shown that hypercalcaemia tends to occur as the phosphatase activity falls to within normal limits, which necessitates frequent biochemical review in the first weeks of treatment. We describe here the use of transformed values of serum alkaline phosphatase activity to characterise these events.
Cirrus cloud microphysical and optical properties at southern and northern midlatitudes during the INCA experiment

[1] Microphysical and optical measurements were performed in midlatitude cirrus clouds at temperatures between −33°C and −60°C during southern and northern Interhemispheric Differences in Cirrus Properties From Anthropogenic Emissions (INCA) field experiments carried out at equivalent latitudes (53°S and 55°N) from Punta Arenas in the Southern Hemisphere (SH, Chile) and Prestwick in the Northern Hemisphere (NH, Scotland). The aim of this paper is to analyze the microphysical and optical properties of cirrus clouds and to compare the results of the two campaigns. Compared with the mean properties of cirrus clouds in SH, the cirrus sampled in NH were characterized by a greater concentration of ice crystals (2.2 cm−3 versus 1.4 cm−3, respectively) with a lower effective diameter (36 μm versus 42 μm, respectively). A significant contrast in extinction coefficient was also evidenced with larger values in NH than in SH (0.61 km−1 versus 0.49 km1, respectively), whereas no significant differences in the ice water content were observed (8 mg m−3). The first measurements of the asymmetry parameter obtained in midlatitude cirrus clouds revealed rather uniform particle scattering properties (median g values between 0.76 and 0.78) with small differences between SH and NH (0.770 versus 0.767, respectively). No significant differences in crystal shape were evidenced between the two data sets. For similar environmental conditions (i.e., over a similar range of temperature and vertical velocity) and for given values of the relative humidity, the comparisons clearly show distinct differences between the microphysical and optical properties of cirrus clouds sampled in the SH and NH field experiments. These differences may be related to the contrasts in cirrus freezing thresholds in terms of relative humidity over ice for onset of clouds, which is about 20% lower in NH than in SH, as reported in previous INCA data analyses. Nevertheless, definite conclusions are hampered by the large natural variability of cirrus cloud properties and the limited number of flights performed, not forgetting both the actual freezing mechanisms and potential differences in small-scale dynamical variability, which are still insufficiently understood.
EXPLORING THE UTILITY OF A POPULATION-BASED REGISTRY OF CONGENITAL HYPOTHYROIDISM ( CH ) : THE MODEL OF THE ITALIAN NATIONAL REGISTRY OF INFANTS WITH CH 1

Correspondence to: Antonella Olivieri Department of Cell Biology and Neurosciences Istituto Superiore di Sanità Viale Regina Elena, 299 – 00161 Roma, Italy Phone: +39.06. 4990.2324; Fax: +39.06. 4990.2619 e-mail: antonella.olivieri@iss.it ABSTRACT A population-based Registry of congenital hypothyroidism (CH) has the potential to assess temporal and geographical trends of the disease incidence, to identify possible clusters of the disease, to characterize the affected population, and to promote development of ad hoc investigation of suspected exposures as possible causes of the disease. Moreover, by identifying critical points in screening program procedures it can contribute to develop recommendations to improve diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up of CH babies. In Italy the neonatal screening program for CH is a complex system including screening, diagnosis, treatment, follow-up and nationwide surveillance of the disease. This is performed by the Italian National Registry of Infants with Congenital Hypothyroidism (INRICH). All the Italian Centres in charge of screening, diagnosis and follow-up of infants with CH take part in the INRICH. The aims of the Registry are to monitor efficiency and effectiveness of neonatal screening, to provide disease surveillance and to allow identification of possible aetiological risk factors for the disease. Therefore, the INRICH represents a useful epidemiological tool for surveillance of the disease and a powerful resource of information on CH babies. In fact, the results derived from epidemiological studies performed by using the INRICH data have contributed to deepen knowledge of CH, to start identifying the most important risk factors for the disease, and to orient molecular biologists towards the identification of new genes involved in the aetiology of CH, which still represents the most frequent endocrine disease in infancy.
Sorafenib for the treatment of multiple myeloma

ABSTRACT Introduction: Sorafenib is an orally available compound that acts predominantly by targeting the Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK pathway and by inhibiting the vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF). Since the Ras/Raf/MEK/ERK pathway is implicated in the proliferation of multiple myeloma (MM) cells and VEGF in bone marrow neovascularization, sorafenib is a drug offering the potential for targeting two important pathogenetic mechanisms involved in MM. Thus, sorafenib is being proposed for use in MM. Areas covered: In this review, the authors discuss the rationale for the use of sorafenib in MM. They then summarize the clinical development of sorafenib in MM, from initial Phase I to Phase II studies. A systematic literature review of the trials was performed using PubMed. Expert opinion: Preliminary data from phase I/II trials showed that sorafenib had a good safety profile but minimal anti-myeloma activity as a single agent in relapsed/refractory patients. Results of phase II trials, evaluating sorafenib combined with new drugs, such as bortezomib and lenalidomide are eagerly awaited.