Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Anti–IL-17 Therapy Restricts and Reverses Late-Term Corneal Allorejection

Corneal allograft rejection has been described as a Th1-mediated process involving IFN-γ production. However, recent evidence also implicated IL-17 as being involved in acute corneal allograft responses. Our data support that IL-17 is involved in early acute corneal allograft acceptance. However, we decided to extend these studies to include a later phase of rejection in which there is a peak of IL-17 production that is >15-fold higher than that seen during acute rejection and occurs >45 d postengraftment at the onset of late-term rejection. We demonstrate that neutralizing IL-17A at this time significantly reduced corneal graft rejection. Surprisingly, when corneal grafts that are undergoing this later phase of rejection are treated with anti–IL-17A, there is a reversal of both opacity and neovascularization. Compared with the early phase of rejection, the cellular infiltrate is significantly less, with a greatly reduced presence of Gr-1+ neutrophils and a relative increase in CD4+ T cells and macrophages. We went on to identify that the cells expressing IL-17 were CD4+ IL-17+ T cells and, somewhat surprisingly, IL-17+ F4/80+ macrophages within the rejecting corneal allografts. Taken together, these findings describe a distinct late phase of corneal allograft rejection that is likely mediated by Th17 cells; therapeutic neutralization of IL-17A reverses this rejection. This further suggests that IL-17 might serve as an excellent therapeutic target to reduce this form of corneal allograft rejection.
Observations on the pattern of vomiting and morbidity in patients with acute sigmoid volvulus.

BACKGROUND Vomiting is usually a late and an infrequent symptom of colonic obstructions. Contrary to this general rule, it occurs early and more frequently in some cases of sigmoid volvulus. AIM To study the clinical significance of vomiting in patients with sigmoid volvulus. SETTING Teaching hospital in Western Orissa, India STUDY DESIGN Prospective observational study MATERIAL AND METHODS Prospectively enrolled subjects with sigmoid volvulus diagnosed on the basis of clinical, radiological and laparotomy evidence were included in the study carried out in a tertiary care centre in India. Detailed history was obtained from them, especially to elicit information about the occurrence of various symptoms. Information regarding type of vomiting was also obtained. Efforts were made to exclude other causes of vomiting. Statistical tests such as Chi-Square test, Fisher's exact test or Student's t test were used. RESULTS Ninety-three consecutive subjects with sigmoid volvulus were enrolled. Five patients with possible other aetiologies for vomiting and seven patients with compound sigmoid volvulus were eliminated from further analysis. Two patterns of vomiting were noted in 81 evaluable patients with sigmoid volvulus. In 33 patients (Group A), vomiting preceded or coincided with the onset of other abdominal symptoms (Type 1 vomiting). In 48 patients (Group B) vomiting occurred after the onset of other abdominal symptoms (Type 2 vomiting). The period between the onset of these symptoms and that of vomiting varied from a few hours to several days. Group A patients sought medical help much earlier than those of Group B. Incidences of circulatory shock (24% vs. 8%), haemorrhagic ascites (21% vs. 6%) and colonic gangrene (64% vs. 35%) were significantly higher in Group A than in Group B. The mortality rate (15% vs. 4%) was higher in Group A as well. About 25% (n = 7) of Group A patients in contrast to 4% (n=2) of Group B required hospitalization exceeding 3 weeks. Vomitus was predominantly non-bilious (21 out of 33 patients) in Group A (64%) and bilious (10 out of 11 patients) in Group B (91%). CONCLUSION Type 1 vomiting appears to be an indicator of more severe presentation and is associated with an increased morbidity and mortality. This study suggests that the pattern of vomiting could be a simple and useful predictor of prognosis in sigmoid volvulus.
DNA bending in the Sin recombination synapse: functional replacement of HU by IHF

The serine recombinase Sin requires a non‐specific DNA‐bending protein such as Hbsu for activity at its recombination site resH. Hbsu, and Sin subunits bound at site II of resH, together regulate recombination, ensuring selectivity for directly repeated resH sites by specifying assembly of an intertwined synapse. To investigate the role of the DNA‐bending protein in defining the architecture of the synapse, we constructed a chimaeric recombination site (resF) which allows Hbsu to be substituted by IHF, binding specifically between site I (the crossover site) and site II. Two Sin dimers and one IHF dimer can bind together to the closely adjoining sites in resF, forming folded complexes. The precise position of the IHF site within the site I–site II spacer determines the conformation of these complexes, and also the reactivity of the resF sites in recombination assays. The data suggest that a sharp bend with a specific geometry is required in the spacer DNA, to bring the Sin dimers at sites I and II together in the correct relative orientation for synapse assembly and regulation, consistent with our model for a highly condensed synapse in which Hbsu/IHF has a purely architectural function.
Emotional elicitation by dynamic facial expressions

In the present study, we investigated the emotional effect of the dynamic presentation of facial expressions. Dynamic presentation of facial expressions was implemented using a computer-morphing technique. We presented dynamic and static expressions of fear and happiness, as well as other dynamic and static mosaic images, to 17 subjects. Subjects rated the valence and arousal of their emotional response to the images. Results indicated higher reported arousal in response to dynamic presentations than to static facial expressions (for both emotions) and to mosaic images. These results suggest that the specific effect of the dynamic presentation of emotional facial expressions is that it enhances the overall emotional experience without a corresponding qualitative change in that experience, and that this effect is not restricted to facial images
Biofilm Formation by Malassezia Furfur/Ovale as a Possible Mechanism of Pathogenesis in Tinea Versicolor

Malassezia species exist as normal flora on human skin but can convert to a pathogenic state in response to a number of host and environmental factors ultimately resulting in tinea versicolor (TV). Biofilm formation represents one of the main mechanisms by which microorganisms maintain viability in hostile environments. We have shown that Malassezia furfur/ovale cultured from patients with active TV can produce biofilms in vitro and in vivo. Exposure of Malassezia to sweat in vivo is the likely trigger for biofilm formation (as it is in atopic dermatitis); we believe this biofilm formation is potentially responsible for both the pathogenesis and the chronicity of this infection. This gives rationale to biofilm-dispersing agents, such as selenium sulfide, as important components in the standard TV treatment regimen. Periodic use of such agents would conceivably prevent reinfection.
Aerva lanata: A review on phytochemistry and pharmacological aspects

Aerva lanata (L.) A. L. Juss. ex Schultes. (Amaranthaceae) locally known as ‘bui’ is an erect or prostrate undershrub with a long tap-root and many wolly-tomentose branches, found in the wild, throughout India. In traditional medicine the plant is used in cough, strangury (slow to be and painful discharge of urine), headache and urolithiasis. The photochemical constituents present in the plant include alkaloids (ervine, methylervine, ervoside, aervine, methylaervine, aervoside, ervolanine, and aervolanine), flavanoids (kaempferol, quercetin, isorhamnetin, persinol, persinosides A and B), methyl grevillate, lupeol, lupeol acetate benzoic acid, β-sitosteryl acetate and tannic acid. Pharmacological studies reported diuretic, anti-inflammatory, hypoglycemic, anti-diabetic, antiparasitic, antimicrobial, hepoprotective, anti-urolithiasis, antiasthmatic, antifertility and hypolipidemic properties of Aerva lanata. This review article includes the detailed exploration of the morphology, phytochemistry, and pharmacological aspects of Aerva lanata in an attempt to provide a direction for further research.
Evaluation of Optical Coherence Tomography as a Means of Identifying Earlier Stage Basal Cell Carcinomas while Reducing the Use of Diagnostic Biopsy.

OBJECTIVE To determine the diagnostic accuracy of optical coherence tomography for basal cell carcinoma and the proportion of biopsies that could be avoided if optical coherence tomography is used to rule-in surgery. DESIGN Multicenter, prospective, observational study. SETTING Dermatology clinics. PARTICIPANTS Consecutive patients with clinically challenging pink lesions suspicious for basal cell carcinoma. MEASUREMENTS Clinical, dermoscopic, and optical coherence tomography images were obtained for all subjects. At each stage, the clinician made a diagnosis (pathology + subtype if applicable), and assessed his/her own confidence in the diagnosis. RESULTS Optical coherence tomography significantly (p<0.01) improved sensitivity and specificity over clinical or dermoscopic evaluation. The percentage of correct diagnoses was 57.4 percent (clinical), 69.6 percent (dermoscopy), and 87.8 percent (optical coherence tomography). Optical coherence tomography significantly increased the certainty of diagnosis; clinicians indicated they were certain (>95% confident) in 17 percent of lesions examined clinically, in 38.6 percent examined with dermoscopy, and in 70 percent examined with optical coherence tomography. With the use of optical coherence tomography in the diagnosis of basal cell carcinoma, more than 1 in 3 patients could avoid a diagnostic biopsy. CONCLUSION In a population of clinically challenging lesions, optical coherence tomography improved diagnostic certainty by a factor of four over clinical examination alone and improved diagnostic accuracy by 50 percent (57-88%). The addition of optical coherence tomography to other standard assessments can improve the false-positive rate and give a high degree of certainty for ruling in a positive diagnosis for basal cell carcinoma. A reduction of 36 percent in overall biopsies could be achieved by sending high certainty basal cell carcinoma positive optical coherence tomography diagnoses straight to surgery.
Trade Liberalization, Economic Growth, and Income Distribution in a Multiple-cone Neoclassical Growth Model

The empirical literature on trade liberalization reflects two puzzles. First, the effect of trade liberalization on economic growth is ambiguous. Second, the effect of trade liberalization by developing countries on their income distribution is ambiguous. This paper attempts to explain these two puzzles at the same time, based on a multiple-cone neoclassical growth model. The model shows that countries that are labor abundant in a global sense may see a rise in income inequality and a decline in per capita GDP and per capita consumption with liberalization if they are capital abundant in a local sense. The results suggest that the two puzzles can be explained by the existence of global and local factor abundances.
“ A Cystic Neoplasm in Disguise ”

Odontogenic pathologies are a group of site specific lesions occurring in jaw bones unless metastasized to other body sites. These pathologies vary in nature from hamartomatous proliferations to malignant neoplasms with metastatic potential. The source of origin being tissue associated with odontogenesis[1], (cell rests of serres, epithelial cell rests of malassez, reduced enamel epithelium and the ectomesencymal element). They can remain restricted to a localized region or can extensively involve the affected jaw. Mandible is more commonly involved with mandible to maxilla ratio of 4.5:1[2]. An understanding of biologic behavior is of fundamental importance to the diagnosis and treatment planning which should be achieved by correlating historical, clinical, radiographic and histologic features[3].
Earnings Manipulation and Incentives in Firms

We show that earnings manipulation destroys incentives within the corporate hierarchy. In the model, top management has incentives to over-report earnings. An insider, for instance, a division manager may gain evidence about over-reporting. We show that the division manager is more likely to have evidence, when the performance of her own division is low. Top management wants to prevent information leakage to the outside world. Hence, when the division manager threatens to blow the whistle, top management pays her a bribe. As this occurs when division output is low, the wedge between payments in high and low states of nature decreases. Earnings manipulation therefore undermines incentives to exert effort and destroys value. We show that earnings manipulation is more likely to occur in flatter hierarchies; we also discuss implications of the auditing and whistle-blowing regulations of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act.
Three New Familial Hemiplegic Migraine Mutants Affect P/Q-type Ca2+ Channel Kinetics*

Missense mutations in the pore-forming human α1A subunit of neuronal P/Q-type Ca2+channels are associated with familial hemiplegic migraine. We studied the functional consequences on P/Q-type Ca2+ channel function of three recently identified mutations, R583Q, D715E, and V1457L after introduction into rabbit α1A and expression in Xenopus laevis oocytes. The potential for half-maximal channel activation of Ba2+ inward currents was shifted by > 9 mV to more negative potentials in all three mutants. The potential for half-maximal channel inactivation was shifted by > 7 mV in the same direction in R583Q and D715E. Biexponential current inactivation during 3-s test pulses was significantly faster in D715E and slower in V1457L than in wild type. Mutations R583Q and V1457L delayed the time course of recovery from channel inactivation. The decrease of peak current through R583Q (30.2%) and D715E (30.1%) but not V1457L (18.7%) was more pronounced during 1-Hz trains of 15 100-ms pulses than in wild type (18.2%). Our data demonstrate that the mutations R583Q, D715E, and V1457L, like the previously reported mutations T666M, V714A, and I1819L, affect P/Q-type Ca2+channel gating. We therefore propose that altered channel gating represents a common pathophysiological mechanism in familial hemiplegic migraine.
Epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition in pancreatic islet β cells

In vitro generation of insulin-producing cells from stem / progenitor cells presents a promising approach to overcome the scarcity of donor pancreas for cell replacement therapy in diabetes. In this regard, pancreatic islet-derived progenitors are proposed to be a better alternative as they are obtained from cells that can efficiently produce insulin under physiological conditions and are supposed to retain the epigenetic memory for producing 'insulin' even after transition to a mesenchymal-like cell type. However, in last few years there has been significant debate in understanding the origin of such islet-derived mesenchymal-like progenitor cells in vitro. The initial idea proposed that human insulin-producing β-cells contribute to generation of a population of islet-derived endocrine progenitor cells by a process of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) in vitro. This idea was challenged by a series of lineage-tracing studies in mice demonstrating the non-beta origin of mesenchymal cells in culture. However, recent observations made by two independent groups confirm that human islet insulin-producing cells can proliferate and contribute to mesenchymal-like cell populations in vitro. Here, we provide a fact sheet about the observations that are till now reported by several groups regarding origin of mesenchymal-like cells in the cultures of pancreatic islets.
Chlamydial serology.

Serological methods are important in the study of the epidemiology and pathogenesis of Chlamydia trachomatis. However, their application in clinical diagnosis has been less successful. The microimmunofluorescence (micro-IF, or MIF) test is, so far, the only test that has an acceptable specificity and sensitivity. Other immunofluorescence tests and enzyme- and radioimmunoassays made available to date are of comparable sensitivity but present varying degrees of cross reaction to non-trachomatis chlamydiae, an entity whose prevalence currently is not known. The complement fixation (CF) test with the chlamydial group antigen is the least specific and sensitive method, and can only be applied in the diagnosis of deep chlamydial infections. The diagnostic value of the detection of antibodies in secretions of Chlamydia-infected individuals has not been finally evaluated.
The Psychology of Sexual Prejudice

Sexual prejudice refers to negative attitudes toward an individual because of her or his sexual orientation. In this article, the term is used to characterize heterosexuals' negative attitudes toward (a) homosexual behavior, (b) people with a homosexual or bisexual orientation, and (c) communities of gay, lesbian, and bisexual people. Sexual prejudice is a preferable term to homophobia because it conveys no assumptions about the motivations underlying negative attitudes, locates the study of attitudes concerning sexual orientation within the broader context of social psychological research on prejudice, and avoids value judgments about such attitudes. Sexual prejudice remains widespread in the United States, although moral condemnation has decreased in the 1990s and opposition to antigay discrimination has increased. The article reviews current knowledge about the prevalence of sexual prejudice, its psychological correlates, its underlying motivations, and its relationship to hate crimes and other antigay behaviors.
Conceptualization of Strategic Information Systems Planning (SISP) success model in public sector: an absorptive capacity approach

The rapid changes in information technology (IT) and business environment have challenged the organizational capabilities in planning the appropriate information systems/information technology (IS/IT) strategies for organizations. With SISP consistently remains as one of the top managerial concerns, there is a need to find ways to improve SISP. Based on this scenario, the role of knowledge and knowledge based processes should be the central focus in SISP. Therefore, some studies have suggested that SISP process should be viewed as a learning process rather than a problem solving process. As a learning process, SISP success can be determined by how much impact the SISP practice has influenced on information system (IS) planners’ thinking and actions. In this case, knowledge capacity absorbed from SISP experience reflects a certain level of organizational learning (OL) or capability is achieved which later influences the SISP success. However, SISP study from this perspective is lacking. Synthesizing from the literature, this paper proposes a conceptual framework based on absorptive capacity model for an SISP success model in the public sector.
Outpatient tympanomastoidectomy: factors affecting hospital admission.

BACKGROUND Outpatient tympanomastoidectomy is common in many medical centers. However, failure of same-day discharge is often the result of postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV). Many times this leads to hospital admission after tympanomastoidectomy, and it is often difficult to predict before surgery whether PONV will be an issue that impedes same-day discharge. OBJECTIVE To determine the clinical factors correlated with the incidence of PONV requiring hospital admission after chronic ear surgery by hypothesizing that the complexity of a particular case, as measured using a 10-point scale, is predictive of surgical time or failure of same-day hospital discharge. STUDY DESIGN Retrospective medical chart review of 103 patients having mastoidectomy with tympanoplasty for chronic otitis media over a 2-year period. METHODS We recorded patient age, clinical data, surgical times, types of agents used for induction and maintenance of anesthesia, use of prophylactic antiemetic drugs, types and doses of analgesic agents, and PONV. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were performed to determine which variables were associated with PONV that required hospital admission. RESULTS One third of patients studied were safely discharged from the hospital the day of surgery, and 92% were discharged within 23 hours. The most common cause for observation admission to the hospital was PONV. The only variable in multivariate analysis that significantly correlated with PONV mandating hospital admission after tympanomastoid surgery was a history of motion sickness or PONV (odds ratio, 5.21; P =.02). Although severity of disease did not correlate with length of hospital stay, it directly correlated with length of surgery. CONCLUSIONS A history of PONV or motion sickness is predictive of PONV and length of hospital stay. Routine planning for a 23-hour overnight observation stay seems warranted for all patients undergoing tympanomastoidectomy, despite severity of disease.
Eosinophils are the major effector cells of immunity to microfilariae in a mouse model of onchocerciasis

SUMMARY Mice inoculated with microfilariae of the filarial nematode Onchocerca lienalis clear their parasites over a period of 3–4 months and are highly resistant to re-infection. We have investigated the comparative roles of the eosinophil, macrophage and neutrophil in effecting this parasite clearance, employing agents specifically to perturb cell function in vivo. Using the anti-IL-5 monoclonal antibody TRFK-5, we show that eosinophils are of primary importance in effecting resistance to re-infection. Ablation of macrophages (with carbon) and neutrophils (with the monoclonal antibody NIMP-R14) had no effect on parasite clearance following re-infection. Neutralization of these 3 cell types during a primary infection showed that while the removal of both eosinophils and macrophages caused a small but significant delay in parasite clearance, the depletion of neutrophils had no effect. This report describes the first direct evidence for eosinophil-mediated killing of microfilariae in vivo, and is consistent with Th-2 cell responses previously described in this model.
LEARNING OLIGOPOLISTIC COMPETITION IN ELECTRICITY AUCTIONS

This paper addresses the problem of auction markets efficiency within the context of recently liberalized electricity markets. Two different auction mechanisms, i.e., the uniform and the discriminatory price setting rules, have been employed worldwide in designing electricity markets. In this paper, we study the relative efficiency of the two auction mechanisms in the framework of the learning‐in‐games approach. The behavior of electricity suppliers are modeled by means of an adaptive learning algorithm and the demand is assumed to be constant and inelastic, according to a common hypothesis in electricity market modeling. Computational experiments results are interpreted according game theoretical solutions, i.e., Nash equilibria and Pareto optima. Different economic scenarios corresponding to a duopoly and a tripoly competition with different level of demand are considered. Results show that in the proposed conditions, sellers learn to play competitive strategies, which correspond to Nash equilibria. Finally, this study establishes that, in the presented computational setting and economic scenarios, the discriminatory auction mechanism results more efficient than the uniform auction one.