Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Diagnostic Performance of Serum IgG4 Levels in Patients With IgG4-Related Disease

AbstractThe aim of this study is to study the clinical features and diagnostic performance of IgG4 in Chinese populations with IgG4-related diseases (IgG4-RDs). The medical records of 2901 adult subjects who underwent serum IgG4 level tests conducted between December 2007 and May 2014 were reviewed.Serum concentrations of IgG4 were measured in 2901 cases, including 161 (5.6%) patients with IgG4-RD and 2740 (94.4%) patients without IgG4-RD (non-IgG4-RD group). The mean age of the IgG4-RD patients was 58.4 ± 16.1 years (range: 21–87), and 48 (29.8%) were women. The mean serum IgG4 level was significantly much higher in IgG4-RD patients than in non-IgG4-RD (1062.6 vs 104.3 mg/dL, P < 0.001) participants. For IgG4 >135 mg/dL, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), likelihood ratio (LR)+, and LR− were 86%, 77%, 18%, 99%, 3.70, and 0.19, respectively. When the upper limit of normal was doubled for an IgG4 >270 mg/dL, the corresponding data were 75%, 94%, 43%, 98%, 12.79, and 0.26, respectively. For IgG4 >405 mg/dL (tripling the upper limit of normal), the corresponding data were 62%, 98%, 68%, 98%, 37.00, and 0.39, respectively. When calculated according to the manufacturer's package insert cutoff (>201 mg/dL) for the diagnosis of IgG4-RD, the corresponding sensitivity, specificity, PPV, NPV, LR+, and LR− were 80%, 89%, 29%, 99%, 7.00, and 0.23, respectively. For IgG4 >402 mg/dL (>2× the upper limit of the normal range), the corresponding data were 62%, 98%, 68%, 98%, 36.21, and 0.39, respectively. For IgG4 >603 mg/dL (>3× the upper limit of the normal range), the corresponding data were 50%, 99%, 84%, 97%, 90.77 and 0.51, respectively. The optimal cutoff value of serum IgG4 (measured by nephelometry using a Siemens BN ProSpec instrument and Siemens reagent) for the diagnosis of IgG4-RD was 248 mg/dL, the sensitivity and specificity were 77.6% and 92.8%, respectively.The present study demonstrated that 2 or 3 times the upper limit of the manufacturer's reference range of the IgG4 level was a useful marker for the diagnosis of various types of IgG4-RD and the optimal cutoff level was 248 mg/dL.
HOST GENDER IN PARASITIC INFECTIONS OF MAMMALS: AN EVALUATION OF THE FEMALE HOST SUPREMACY PARADIGM

A review of current literature on mammalian hosts' sexual dimorphism (SD) in parasitic infections revealed that (1) it is a scarcely and superficially studied biological phenomenon of considerable significance for individual health, behavior, and lifestyles and for the evolution of species; (2) there are many notable exceptions to the rule of a favorable female bias in susceptibility to infection; (3) a complex network of molecular and cellular reactions connecting the host's immuno-neuro-endocrine systems with those of the parasite is responsible for the host–parasite relationship rather than just an adaptive immune response and sex hormones; (4) a lack of gender-specific immune profiles in response to different infections; (5) the direct effects of the host hormones on parasite physiology may significantly contribute to SD in parasitism; and (6) the need to enrich the reductionist approach to complex biological issues, like SD, with more penetrating approaches to the study of cause–effect relationships, i.e., network theory. The review concludes by advising against generalization regarding SD and parasitism and by pointing to some of the most promising lines of research.
Does the doctors' professional experience reduce referral rates? Evidence from the Finnish referral study.

OBJECTIVE To examine hospital referral rates in Finnish health centres according to doctors' and health centres characteristics. DESIGN Survey of all general practice hospital referrals over one week. SETTING Central and northern part of Finland, in a region comprising 72% of the area of the country and one-third of the population. PARTICIPANTS 851 health centre doctors. OUTCOME MEASURES Referral rates in terms of characteristics of doctors and health centres. RESULTS During the study period, the 851 health centre doctors had 58 760 consultations (mean 69 patients/week), and 2 921 (5%) patients were referred to secondary care. The variation between the highest and lowest referral quintile of the doctors was almost 17-fold, and of the health centres 2.4-fold. Relatively more referrals were made by locums, young, not yet graduated and female doctors than by specialized, more experienced and male doctors. CONCLUSION A low referral rate is closely connetected with the extent of the general practitioners' professional experience and specialist training. Investing in specialist training and continuing medical education seems to be the best way to reduce high referral rates.
Eyewitness testimony research: Current knowledge and emergent controversies.

Psychological research on eyewitness testimony has flourished over the last decade and there are now a number of findings that appear relevant to police and courts. We review some of the major eyewitness research findings regarding such things as the relationship between accuracy and confidence, the identification of perpetrators from lineups, and the influence of misleading information on eyewitness memory and reports. Next, we discuss a controversy over the application of eyewitness research in the courtroom, namely expert testimony. The debate regarding expert testimony has sharpened researchers' conceptions of generalization problems and the quality of jurors' knowledge about eyewitness accuracy, as well as raising concerns about the proper role of experimental psychologists in the legal system. We propose that the confusion and controversy over expert testimony stems largely from the fact that expert testimony represents an attempt to provide services to the judicial phase, rather than the evidence-production phase, of the fact-finding process.
Non-sibling parasites (Strepsiptera) develop together in the same paper wasp

SUMMARY Host discrimination by immature host-seeking endoparasites is a complex and somewhat unexplored topic. In the case of multiple infections, conflicts among conspecifics may occur to monopolize space and resources in the same host. Two or more 1st instar larvae of Xenos vesparum (Strepsiptera, Stylopidae) may enter into a Polistes dominulus (Hymenoptera, Vespidae) larva and develop together until the adult stage of both parasite and host. We carried out a screening of mitochondrial haplotypes in X. vesparum individuals extracted from superparasitized wasps taken in 5 naturally infected nests from different areas of Tuscany (Italy), to assess whether non-sibling parasites may infect the same colony and host. In total, we obtained 12 different haplotypes out of 122 genotyped individuals of both sexes: 17 of 34 superparasitized wasps hosted parasites that originated from females differing in their haplotypes. To date, this is the first described case of superparasitism with non-sibling host-seeking larvae infecting a single individual hymenopteran host. In addition, at least in heavily infected colonies, there is evidence of a male-biased sex-ratio and synchronous development of the parasites, regardless of their haplotypes. Finally, the distribution of haplotypes per nest is consistent with either phoretic infection or larvipositing on nests by means of superparasitized wasps.
Genetic characterization of colorectal cancers in young patients based on chromosomal loss and microsatellite instability

Background: In recent studies a high frequency of microsatellite instability among colorectal cancers in young patients has been reported, but the frequency of microsatellite instability (MSI) and chromosomal instability among colorectal cancers in young patients has not yet been fully elucidated. Only one report showed an increased loss of heterozygosity (LOH) ratio at 9p locus, which harbors tumor suppressor genes p16. The LOH and MSI status among colorectal cancers in young patients was examined. Methods: Twenty-five patients under 40 years of age diagnosed with colorectal cancer were examined for MSI and LOH using 17 microsatellite markers, and also p16 expression patterns were evaluated by immunohistochemistry and methylation status of the p16 gene was assessed by methylation-specific PCR. Results: MSI was observed in only one case (4%). LOH at 2p, 5q, 9p, 11q, 17p, and 18q was observed in 41%, 59%, 42%, 35%, 46%, and 56% of cases, respectively. Eighty-three percent of patients showed p16-positive expression patterns. Fifty percent of colorectal cancers in young patients exhibited p16 methylation (3/6). Conclusions: Our study demonstrated that colorectal cancers in young patients without MSI showed a high frequency of LOH at the 9p locus. However, LOH status at 9p and p16 expression pattern did not show a significant correlation. Other tumor suppressor genes on the 9p, with the exception of p16, may play an important role in the carcinogenesis of colorectal cancers in young patients.
NITROGEN BALANCE AND RUMEN MICROBIAL PROTEIN SYNTHESIS IN GOATS FED DIETS CONTAINING SOAKED AND ROASTED MUCUNA BEAN (Mucuna Pruriens)

The effect of soaking and roasting velvet beans (Mucuna pruriens) on nitrogen utilization and rumen microbial protein synthesis in goats was investigated. Sixteen goats were randomly assigned to four diets in a completely randomized design. Goats were fed a basal diet of Cynodon dactylon hay plus 30% soaked (treatment 1), 30% roasted (treatment 2) and 30% untreated velvet bean (treatment 3). The control diet had 100% hay (treatment 4). Animals were given experimental diets over 14 days following a 7-day adjustment period. Feed, refusals, urine and faecal samples were collected daily from individual goats for determination of nitrogen, nitrogen intake, utilization and allantoin in faeces and urine. Microbial protein yield was estimated from the allantoin. Data were analysed using PROC General Linear Model of Statistical Analysis Software. Goats fed a diet with soaked beans had significantly higher (P 0.05) from that of goats fed untreated beans. Microbial protein synthesis was highest for diets with soaked beans although this was non-significantly different (P>0.05) from diets with roasted and untreated beans. All diets containing velvet beans, processed or not, contributed to significantly higher (P<0.05) microbial protein yield than diets with hay only. In terms of nitrogen balance, soaking can be recommended as an appropriate processing method for velvet beans for goat feeding. However, for microbial protein yield, processing method was not statistically important and the bean could be used untreated producing the same results.
HLA-B 27 , Klebsiella pneumoniae , and the relation to acute anterior uveitis

s of the Fourth International Congress of Immunology (Paris): 8.4. 04, 1980. 14. Mittal KK, Mickey AM, Singal DP, and Terasak PI: Refinement of microdroplet lymphocyte cytotoxicity test. Transplantation 8:913, 1968. 15. Penhale WJ, Rarmer A, Macculsh AC, and Irvin WJ: A rapid micromethod for the phytohemagglutinin induced human lymphocyte transformation test. Clin Exp Immunol 18:155, 1974. 16. O'Donnell MJ: Soluble immune complexes: the physical, chemical and immunological properties relating to disease. Thesis, Department of Pathology, University of Illinois College of Medicine (in preparation). 17. O'Donnell MJ, Jabs AD, Horita M, Regan MA, and Yokoyama MM: The application of Immunobeads in the NBT test for the detection of ingestion and killing functions of human neutrophils. Immunol Commun 8:539, 1979. 18. Benacerraf B and McDevitt HO: Histocompatibility and linked immune response genes. Science 175: 273, 1972. 19. Mittal KK: The HLA polymorphism and susceptibility to disease. Vox Sang 31:161, 1979. Downloaded From: http://iovs.arvojournals. org/pdfaccess.ashx? url=/data/journals/iovs/933331/ on 06/24/2017 Volume 22 Number 2 HLA-B27, Klebsiella, and AAU 219 20. Damian TT: Molecular mimicry: antigen sharing by parasite and host and its consequences. Am Naturalist 98:129, 1964. 21. Brewerton DA, Caffrey M, Hart FD, James DCC, Nicholls A, and Sturrock RD: Ankylosing spondylitis and HLA-B27. Lancet 1:904, 1973. 22. Mapstone R and Woodrow JC: HLA-B27 and acute anterior uveitis. Br J Ophthalmol 59:270, 1975. 23. Parker CW: Clinical Immunology. New York, 1980, W. B. Saunders Co., pp. 986-988. 24. Wolf E and Archer JR: Failure to demonstrate cross-reactivity in antisera with double specificity for human lymphocytes and Klebsiella pneumoniae. In Abstracts of the Fourth International Congress of Immunology (Paris): 8.5. 71, 1980. 25. Andrews BS, Mclntosh J, Petts V, and Penny R: Circulating immune complexes in acute uveitis: a possible association with the histocompatibility complex locus antigen B27. Int Arch Allergy Appl Immunol 58:313, 1979. Downloaded From: http://iovs.arvojournals. org/pdfaccess.ashx? url=/data/journals/iovs/933331/ on 06/24/2017
Human fibulin-3 protein variant expresses anti-cancer effects in the malignant glioma extracellular compartment in intracranial xenograft models

Background Decades of cytotoxic and more recently immunotherapy treatments for malignant glioma have had limited success due to dynamic intra-tumoral heterogeneity. The dynamic interplay of cancer cell subpopulations has been found to be under the control of proteins in the cancer microenvironment. EGF-containing fibulin-like extracellular matrix protein (EFEMP1) (also fibulin-3) has the multiple functions of suppressing cancer growth and angiogenesis, while promoting cancer cell invasion. EFEMP1-derived tumor suppressor protein (ETSP) retains EFEMP1’s anti-growth and anti-angiogenic functions while actually inhibiting cancer cell invasion. Methods In this study, we examined the therapeutic effect on glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) of an in vitro synthesized protein, ZR30, which is based on the sequence of ETSP, excluding the signaling peptide. Results ZR30 showed the same effects as ETSP in blocking EGFR/NOTCH/AKT signaling pathways, when applied to cultures of multiple GBM cell lines and primary cultures. ZR30’s inhibition of MMP2 activation was shown not only for GBM cells, but also for other types of cancer cells having overexpression of MMP2. A significant improvement in survival of mice with orthotopic human GBM xenografts was observed after a single, intra-tumoral injection of ZR30. Using a model mimicking the intra-tumoral heterogeneity of GBM with cell subpopulations carrying different invasive and proliferative phenotypes, we demonstrated an equal and simultaneous tumor suppressive effect of ZR30 on both tumor cell subpopulations, with suppression of FOXM1 and activation of SEMA3B expressions in the xenografts. Conclusion Overall, the data support a complementary pleiotrophic therapeutic effect of ZR30 acting in the extracellular compartment of GBM.
Protein‐protein interactions at a DNA replication fork: bacteriophage T4 as a model

The DNA replication system of bacteriophage T4 serves as a relatively simple model for the types of reactions and protein‐protein interactions needed to carry out and coordinate the synthesis of the leading and lagging strands of a DNA replication fork. At least 10 phage‐encoded proteins are required for this synthesis: T4 DNA polymerase, the genes 44/62 and 45 polymerase accessory proteins, gene 32 single‐stranded DNA binding protein, the genes 61, 41, and 59 primase‐helicase, RNase H, and DNA ligase. Assembly of the polymerase and the accessory proteins on the primed template is a stepwise process that requires ATP hydrolysis and is strongly stimulated by 32 protein. The 41 protein helicase is essential to unwind the duplex ahead of polymerase on the leading strand, and to interact with the 61 protein to synthesize the RNA primers that initiate each discontinuous fragment on the lagging strand. An interaction between the 44/62 and 45 polymerase accessory proteins and the primase‐helicase is required for primer synthesis on 32 protein‐covered DNA. Thus it is possible that the signal for the initiation of a new fragment by the primase‐helicase is the release of the polymerase accessory proteins from the completed adjacent fragment. —Nossal, N. G. Protein‐protein interactions at a DNA replication fork: bacteriophage T4 as a model. FASEB J. 6: 871‐878; 1992.
Emerging drugs for acromegaly

Background: Acromegaly is due to growth hormone (GH) hypersecretion by a benign pituitary tumor (adenoma). Treatments include surgical removal of the adenoma (often incomplete when the tumor is large and/or invasive), radiotherapy of the pituitary region (sometimes effective only after > 10 years, and potentially causing cerebrovascular disease), and medical therapy. Methods: The scope of this article is to review the efficacy and safety of currently marketed drugs and to discuss the interest of new compounds. For this purpose, critical analysis of original articles and reviews was made and manufacturers were asked to provide all data that have been presented in congress and are not yet published. Results/conclusion: Somatostatin analogs (first octreotide and then lanreotide) have been used for 20 years to treat patients in whom surgery and/or radiotherapy has failed, and also as first-line therapy when other modalities are contraindicated or are unlikely to control GH and insulin-like growth factor-I (IGF-I) hypersecretion. Long-lasting formulations, requiring only one monthly injection, have greatly improved the convenience of these treatments. GH/IGF-I hypersecretion is controlled by these drugs in about 50% of patients, but the remaining patients require another treatment. Pegvisomant, a drug belonging to a totally different therapeutic class (GH-receptor antagonists) with a different mode of action, is effective in most of these patients. According to current research goals, new developmental drugs include new somatostatin analogs (SAs) with different somatostatin receptor selectivity, and chimeric molecules that are able to bind to both somatostatin and dopamine receptors.
Increased oxidative stress and altered levels of antioxidants in asthma.

BACKGROUND Reactive oxygen species might play an important role in the modulation of airway inflammation. There is evidence of an oxidant-antioxidant imbalance in asthma. Although several oxidants and antioxidants are likely to be involved, alterations in only limited parameters have been studied in isolation. OBJECTIVE We investigated changes in a wide range of oxidants and antioxidants to create a comprehensive picture of oxidant-antioxidant imbalance. METHODS In the peripheral blood of 38 patients with bronchial asthma and 23 control subjects, oxidative stress was measured in terms of superoxide anion generation by leukocytes, lipid peroxidation products, total nitrates and nitrites, total protein carbonyls, and total protein sulfhydrils in plasma. Antioxidant status was evaluated by measuring red blood cell superoxide dismutase and catalase activity, total blood glutathione, and glutathione peroxidase activity in red blood cells and leukocytes and total antioxidant capacity in plasma. RESULTS Asthmatic patients showed increased superoxide generation from leukocytes, increased total nitrites and nitrates, increased protein carbonyls, and increased lipid peroxidation products and decreased protein sulfhydrils in plasma, indicating increased oxidative stress. They also showed increased superoxide dismutase activity in red blood cells and increased total blood glutathione and decreased glutathione peroxidase activity in red blood cells and leukocytes. Red blood cell catalase activity and the total antioxidant capacity of plasma were not altered. CONCLUSION There are alterations in a wide array of oxidants and antioxidants, with balance shifting toward increased oxidative stress in asthma. Therapeutic augmentation of the antioxidant defenses might be beneficial.
Exploratory Study of Climate Change Innovations in Wine Regions in Australia

Galbreath J. Exploratory study of climate change innovations in wine regions in Australia, Regional Studies. This study examines climate change innovations in two regional wine clusters in Australia. In South Australia, the evidence suggests firms in the wine industry are implementing climate change innovations at a higher rate than their counterparts in Western Australia. To help explain these differences, key variables are examined. Knowledge exchanges in the region and firm-level absorptive capacity explain the uptake of climate change innovations in South Australian firms, whereas knowledge exchanges alone explain innovations in Western Australian firms. Conclusions are presented along with limitations and future research opportunities.
Upregulation of AMPK during cold exposure occurs via distinct mechanisms in brown and white adipose tissue of the mouse

AMPK (adenosine monophosphate‐activated protein kinase), a key regulator of cellular energy metabolism and whole‐body energy balance, is present in brown adipose tissue but its role in regulating the acute metabolic state and chronic thermogenic potential of this metabolically unique tissue is unknown. To address this, the AMPK signalling system in brown and white adipose tissue was studied in C57Bl/6 mice under control conditions, during acute and chronic cold exposure, and during chronic adrenergic stimulation. In control mice AMPK activity in brown adipose tissue was higher than in any tissue yet reported (3‐fold the level in liver) secondary to a high level of expression of the α1 isoform. During the first day of cold, a time of intense non‐shivering thermogenesis, AMPK activity remained at basal levels. However, chronic (>7 days) cold caused a progressive increase in brown adipose tissue AMPK activity secondary to increased expression of the α1 isoform. To investigate the signalling pathway involved, noradrenaline (norepinephrine) and the β3‐adrenergic‐specific agonist CL 316, 243 were given for 14 days. This increased uncoupling protein‐1 content in brown adipose tissue, but not AMPK activity. In white adipose tissue 15 days of cold increased α1 AMPK activity 98 ± 20%, an effect reproduced by chronic noradrenaline or CL 316 243. We conclude that chronic cold not only increases AMPK activity in brown and white adipose tissue, but that it does so via distinct signalling pathways. Our data are consistent with AMPK acting primarily as a regulator of chronic thermogenic potential in brown adipose tissue, and not in the acute activation of non‐shivering thermogenesis.
Addressing Puzzle About Equity Valuation Using Multiples: How Earnings Forecasts Outperform Residual Income Model in Multiples

Since Liu, Nissim and Thomas (LNT, 2002), researchers have been perplexed by how simple earnings forecasts using multiples, apparently outperform the theory-based residual income model in terms of pricing error. This paper explains mathematically how LNT (2002) find this curious result and demonstrates that, in terms of pricing error, the majority of residual income models in fact outperform earnings forecasts using multiples. The explanation for the LNT (2002) result is in their selection of comparators: they choose residual income models that perform the worst among residual income models, and compare them with the best performing multiples. In terms of future return generation, this paper reports that the majority of residual income models again outperform earnings forecasts using multiples, further supporting the superiority of theory-based valuation models to rule-of-thumb based models in price estimation and future return generation. The paper resolves a decade-old puzzle in equity valuation and demonstrates that theory-based valuation models are empirically superior to rule-of-thumb based valuation models.