Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Human Rotavirus-Specific IgM Memory B Cells Have Differential Cloning Efficiencies and Switch Capacities and Play a Role in Antiviral Immunity In Vivo

ABSTRACT Protective immunity to rotavirus (RV) is primarily mediated by antibodies produced by RV-specific memory B cells (RV-mBc). Of note, most of these cells express IgM, but the function of this subset is poorly understood. Here, using limiting dilution assays of highly sort-purified human IgM+ mBc, we found that 62% and 21% of total (non-antigen-specific) IgM+ and RV-IgM+ mBc, respectively, switched in vitro to IgG production after polyclonal stimulation. Moreover, in these assays, the median cloning efficiencies of total IgM+ (17%) and RV-IgM+ (7%) mBc were lower than those of the corresponding switched (IgG+ IgA+) total (34%) and RV-mBc (17%), leading to an underestimate of their actual frequency. In order to evaluate the in vivo role of IgM+ RV-mBc in antiviral immunity, NOD/Shi-scid interleukin-2 receptor-deficient (IL-2Rγnull) immunodeficient mice were adoptively transferred highly purified human IgM+ mBc and infected with virulent murine rotavirus. These mice developed high titers of serum human RV-IgM and IgG and had significantly lower levels than control mice of both antigenemia and viremia. Finally, we determined that human RV-IgM+ mBc are phenotypically diverse and significantly enriched in the IgMhi IgDlow subset. Thus, RV-IgM+ mBc are heterogeneous, occur more frequently than estimated by traditional limiting dilution analysis, have the capacity to switch Ig class in vitro as well as in vivo, and can mediate systemic antiviral immunity.
Clinical and Fiberoptic Endoscopic Evaluation of Swallowing in Robin Sequence Treated with Nasopharyngeal Intubation: The Importance of Feeding Facilitating Techniques

Objective To evaluate oral feeding capacity, the swallowing process, and risk for aspiration, both clinically and during fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing, in infants with isolated Robin sequence treated exclusively with nasopharyngeal intubation and feeding facilitating techniques. Design Longitudinal and prospective study. Setting Hospital de Reabilitação de Anomalias Craniofaciais, University of São Paulo, Bauru, Brazil. Patients Eleven infants with isolated Robin sequence, under 2 months of age, treated with nasopharyngeal intubation. Interventions Feeding facilitating techniques were applied in all infants throughout the study period. The infants were evaluated clinically and through fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing at first, second, and, if necessary, third week of hospitalization (T1, T2, T3). The mean volume of ingested milk was registered during clinical evaluation, and events were registered during feeding. Results The respiratory status of all infants was improved after nasopharyngeal intubation; 72% of them presented risk for aspiration during fiberoptic endoscopic evaluation of swallowing at T1. This risk was less frequent when thickened milk was given to the infants and at subsequent evaluations (T2 and T3). Conclusions Nasopharyngeal intubation aids in stabilizing the airway in isolated Robin sequence, but it does not relate directly to feeding. The risk for aspiration was present in most of the infants, mainly during the first week of hospitalization, and improved within a few weeks, after the use of feeding facilitating techniques.
Asymptomatic spinal cord lesions predict disease progression in radiologically isolated syndrome

Background: Technological advancements in neuroimaging and the increased use of these diagnostic modalities are responsible for the discovery of incidentally identified anomalies within the CNS. In addition to the identification of unanticipated brain MRI abnormalities suggestive of demyelinating disease in patients undergoing neuroimaging for a medical reason other than evaluation for multiple sclerosis (MS), asymptomatic spinal cord lesions are periodically identified. Objective: To determine if asymptomatic spinal cord lesions are associated with clinical progression in subjects with radiologically isolated syndrome (RIS). Methods: A retrospective review of RIS cases at the University of California, San Francisco Multiple Sclerosis Center was performed. The presence of asymptomatic cervical spinal cord MRI lesions was analyzed as a potential predictor for clinical progression. Results: Twenty-five of 71 subjects with RIS possessed findings within the cervical spine that were highly suggestive of demyelinating disease. Of these subjects, 21 (84%) progressed clinically to clinically isolated syndrome (n = 19) or primary progressive multiple sclerosis (n = 2) over a median time of 1.6 years from the date of RIS identification (interquartile range 0.8–3.8). The sensitivity, specificity, and positive predictive value of an asymptomatic spinal cord lesion for subsequent development of either a first demyelinating attack or primary progressive MS were 87.5%, 91.5%, and 84%, respectively. The odds ratio of clinical progression was 75.3 (95% confidence interval 16.1–350.0, p < 0.0001). This association remained significant after adjusting for potential confounders. Conclusion: These findings suggest that the presence of asymptomatic spinal cord lesions place subjects with RIS at substantial risk for clinical conversion to either an acute or progressive event, a risk that is independent of brain lesions on MRI.
The effect of mood on false memory for emotional DRM word lists

ABSTRACT In the present study, we investigated the effect of participants’ mood on true and false memories of emotional word lists in the Deese–Roediger–McDermott (DRM) paradigm. In Experiment 1, we constructed DRM word lists in which all the studied words and corresponding critical lures reflected a specified emotional valence. In Experiment 2, we used these lists to assess mood-congruent true and false memory. Participants were randomly assigned to one of three induced-mood conditions (positive, negative, or neutral) and were presented with word lists comprised of positive, negative, or neutral words. For both true and false memory, there was a mood-congruent effect in the negative mood condition; this effect was due to a decrease in true and false recognition of the positive and neutral words. These findings are consistent with both spreading-activation and fuzzy-trace theories of DRM performance and have practical implications for our understanding of the effect of mood on memory.
Comparison of the effects of oviductal cell co-culture and oviductal cell-conditioned medium on the development and metabolic activity of cattle embryos.

The objective of this study was to compare the development and metabolic activity of cattle embryos co-cultured with bovine oviductal cells or cultured in serum-free medium previously conditioned by bovine oviductal cells. Zygotes were produced by in vitro fertilization of oocytes from bovine ovaries obtained from an abattoir. Development to the four-cell stage occurred by 48 h after fertilization in both culture systems, but co-cultured embryos reached the 16-cell stage by 96 h, whereas those cultured in conditioned medium did not do so until 24 h later. Similarly, the morula and blastocyst stages were reached 24 h earlier in co-culture than in conditioned medium. There were significantly more cells in the blastocysts from co-culture (96.8 +/- 6.1 versus 56.7 +/- 3.3; P < or = 0.0001). The metabolism of glutamine did not differ between embryos cultured in the two systems, but the metabolism of glucose was significantly greater in embryos cultured in conditioned medium. The first significant increase in glucose metabolism occurred between the four-cell and the 16-cell stages in embryos cultured in conditioned medium, but occurred between the 16-cell and morula stages in the co-cultured embryos, such that the glucose metabolism was significantly greater at the 16-cell stage in embryos cultured in conditioned medium compared with co-cultured embryos (6.5 +/- 1.0 versus 1.5 +/- 0.4 pmol per embryo per 3 h, P < or = 0.0001). The concentration of glucose was significantly less, and that of lactate significantly greater, in co-culture medium than in conditioned medium. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Analytics-Enhanced Automated Code Verification for Dependability of Software-Defined Networks

Software-defined networking (SDN) is a key emerging technology that enables networks to be programmed and dynamically reconfigured through software-based network applications. This programability also significantly increases the exposure of these networks to software application faults, which can compromise or crash the underlying SDN network. It is thus imperative to detect subtle faulty or malicious behaviors of network applications prior to deployment.Automated code verification based on software model checking provides promise for early identification of such behaviors; however, it faces inherent challenges w.r. t. scalability, soft real-time behaviors, and the need for pre-specified thresholds, that significantly limits its usefulness for verifying SDN networks in practice. We describe an approach that enhances automated verification with machine learning-based analytics to detect and identify faulty or malicious behaviors that can compromise network reliability, performance, and security. A novel aspect of our work is that the analytics algorithms learn on information provided by automated verification, coupled with real-time inputs and outputs, to learn thresholds that can be used in software model checking, and to identify anomalous execution paths of network applications that may compromise the underlying SDN network. We demonstrate our approach with a proof-of-concept case study on the ONOS open-source SDN network operating system, using our customization of the Java Path Finder tool and the application of our machine learning algorithms.
Endogenous FGF1-induced Activation and Synthesis of Extracellular Signal-regulated Kinase 2 Reduce Cell Apoptosis in Retinal-pigmented Epithelial Cells*

Retinal-pigmented epithelial (RPE) cell survival is critical to the maintenance of the function of the neural retinal and in the development of various retina degenerations. We investigated molecular mechanisms involved in this function by assessing apoptosis in RPE cells following serum deprivation. Apoptosis induced by serum withdrawal is lower in aged RPE cells because of higher endogenous acidic fibroblast growth factor (FGF1) synthesis and secretion. These experiments examined several aspects of FGF signaling and the contribution of endogenous FGF1 to activation of the extracellular signal-regulated kinase 2 (ERK2). In aged RPE cells, FGFR1 was rapidly activated, and its autophosphorylation followed the kinetics of endogenous FGF1 secretion, before the onset of apoptosis. ERK2 phosphorylation, activity, and de novo synthesis increased at the same time. In marked contrast, no de novo JNK1 synthesis was observed. MEK1 inhibition resulted in lower levels of ERK2 activation and synthesis and higher levels of apoptosis. Treatment with neutralizing anti-FGF1 or blocking anti-FGFR1 antibodies mimics these effects. Thus, this study strongly suggests that the survival-increasing effect of FGF1 in aged RPE cells is because of an autocrine/paracrine loop in which the ERK2 cascade plays a pivotal role.
The laboratory diagnosis of prostatic adenocarcinoma.

At the close of each decade, we are reminded by medical statisticians that our longevity increases significantly. For the male, especially if he be of black race this statement has an ironic twist. Over age 70, prostatic "cancer" assumes the leadership list of "cancers" in general, supplanting lung and colo-rectal. One interesting point evolved by careful autopsy studies suggests that this incidence is found coincidentally and is not primarily responsible for the cause of death. This illustrates a different significance to other neoplasia, and offers useful opportunities to study the evolution of a neoplasm. In contrast to other "cancers" (for example pulmonary), the histological nature of the tumor is almost totally derived from the acinar lobules and designated adenocarcinoma. Neoplasia arising from the fibromuscular stroma (sarcoma) and metaplastic ductus (squamous cell carcinoma) constitute less than 1% of all prostate cancers. Histological appearances, however, are not as simple as hoped. As in many tumors the section may present a uniform well-differentiated adenocarcinoma in which the acinar structure is well maintained--yet at the opposing end of the spectrum show a fatally dedifferentiated picture whose organ origin is difficult to determine. Adding to the complication is the wide variation, far more commonly seen, of the mixed tumor with all variations presenting a composite panorama of histology. Indeed the pure type is rare. As with all neoplastic disease, early detection is critical, since opportunity for cure with the various forms of therapy from surgery through radiation to chemotherapy are increasing rapidly. The prostate gland is relatively accessible to the trained finger of the physician and later stages of the disease are palpable. However, the earliest Stage (I) is not discovered by rectal examination, hence provides an ideal opportunity for the serum tumor marker, to identify disease. Since 1938, disseminated prostatic adenocarcinoma has been associated with elevation of activity of an enzyme acid phosphatase. Although there are several isoenzymes the prostatic specific one has in the past been assayed by different spectrophotometric techniques using selective substrate and chemical inhibition. More recently various immunological methods have added a greater sensitivity and specificity to the early detection of prostatic adenocarcinoma. However is should be clearly stated that prostatic acid phosphatase is not cancer specific and can be associated with other nonmalignant lesions in the prostate gland. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
Presentation, pathology and prognosis of renal disease in type 2 diabetes

Objective Non-diabetic renal disease (NDRD) is common in patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D), but the relationship between its presentation and prognosis is unknown. Research design and methods In a retrospective cohort study, we compared renal and patient survival among 263 patients with T2D who had native renal biopsies between 2002 and 2008 from three Auckland hospitals in New Zealand. The presence of diabetic nephropathy (DN), NDRD or mixed (DN and NDRD) was determined from biopsy. We examined clinical associations according to NDRD etiologies and mode of presentation—acute (defined by acute kidney injury (AKI)) or non-acute. Patients were followed until end-stage renal disease, death or December 2015. Survival was compared using Log-rank test. Results 94 (36%) patients had DN, 72 (27%) had NDRD, and 97 (37%) had mixed pathologies. Obesity-related focal segmental glomerulosclerosis was the most common NDRD (46%) in patients with non-acute presentations, whereas interstitial nephritis or immune-complex glomerulonephritides were the most prevalent in those with acute presentations (60%). DN was commonly associated with AKI (p<0.001). The prevalence of DN increased with diabetes duration (p<0.001), but NDRD was still found in 55% of subjects with ≥14 years T2D. NDRD was strongly associated with the absence of retinopathy (p<0.001). Renal survival was best in the NDRD group (p<0.001). Among those with DN, renal prognosis was worse in those with more advanced DN lesions and those with an acute presentation (p<0.001). The proportion of all-cause mortality was similar in all three groups, but overall survival was poorest in the DN group (p=0.025). Conclusions Renal disease in patients with T2D is heterogeneous. The renal prognosis differs markedly according to histopathological diagnosis and mode of presentation.
Tuberous Sclerosis Complex Consensus Conference: Revised Clinical Diagnostic Criteria

At the recent tuberous sclerosis complex consensus conference, the clinical diagnostic criteria for tuberous sclerosis complex were simplified and revised to reflect both new clinical information about tuberous sclerosis complex and an improved understanding of the disorder derived from molecular genetic studies. Based on this new information, some clinical signs once regarded as pathognomonic for tuberous sclerosis complex are now known to be less specific. No single sign is present in all affected patients, and there is no proof that any single clinical or radiographic sign is absolutely specific for tuberous sclerosis complex. Accordingly, the clinical and radiographic features of tuberous sclerosis complex have now been divided into major and minor categories based on the apparent degree of specificity for tuberous sclerosis complex of each feature. A definitive diagnosis of tuberous sclerosis complex now requires two or more distinct types of lesions, rather than multiple lesions of the same type in the same organ system. Although diagnosis on purely clinical grounds can continue to be difficult in a few patients, there should be little doubt about the diagnosis for those individuals who fulfill these strict criteria. Couples with more than one child with tuberous sclerosis complex, no extended family history, and no clinical features of tuberous sclerosis complex are more likely to have germline mosaicism for tuberous sclerosis than nonexpression of the mutation. Germline mosaicism, while fortunately rare, will not be suspected from either diagnostic criteria or molecular testing until a couple has multiple affected children. Genetic counseling for families with one affected child should include a small (1% to 2%) possibility of recurrence, even for parents who have no evidence of tuberous sclerosis complex after a thorough diagnostic evaluation. (J Child Neurol 1998;13:624-628).
Effect of disagreement between refractive, keratometric, and topographic determination of astigmatic axis on suture removal after penetrating keratoplasty

BACKGROUND/AIMS Post-keratoplasty astigmatism can be managed by selective suture removal in the steep axis. Corneal topography, keratometry, and refraction are used to determine the steep axis for suture removal. However, often there is a disagreement between the topographically determined steep axis and sutures to be removed and that determined by keratometry and refraction. The purpose of this study was to evaluate any difference in the effect of suture removal, on visual acuity and astigmatism, in patients where such a disagreement existed. METHODS 37 cases (from 37 patients) of selective suture removal after penetrating keratoplasty, were included. In the first group “the disagreement group” (n=15) there was disagreement between corneal topography, keratometry, and refraction regarding the axis of astigmatism and sutures to be removed. In the second group “the agreement group” (n=22) there was agreement between corneal topography, keratometry, and refraction in the determination of the astigmatic axis and sutures to be removed. Sutures were removed according to the corneal topography, at least 5 months postoperatively. Vector analysis for change in astigmatism and visual acuity after suture removal was compared between groups. RESULTS In the disagreement group, the amount of vector corrected change in refractive, keratometric, and topographic astigmatism after suture removal was 3.45 (SD 2.34), 3.57 (1.63), and 2.83 (1.68) dioptres, respectively. In the agreement group, the amount of vector corrected change in refractive, keratometric, and topographic astigmatism was 5.95 (3.52), 5.37 (3.29), and 4.71 (2.69) dioptres respectively. This difference in the vector corrected change in astigmatism between groups was statistically significant, p values of 0.02, 0.03, and 0.03 respectively. Visual acuity changes were more favourable in the agreement group. Improvement or no change in visual acuity occurred in 90.9% in the agreement group compared with 73.3% of the disagreement group. CONCLUSIONS Agreement between refraction, keratometry, and topography was associated with greater change in vector corrected astigmatism and was an indicator of good prognosis. Disagreement between refraction, keratometry, and topography was associated with less vector corrected change in astigmatism, a greater probability of decrease in visual acuity, and a relatively poor outcome following suture removal. However, patients in the disagreement group still have a greater chance of improvement than worsening, following suture removal.
Prevalence and determinants of diabetes mellitus and impaired glucose tolerance in Indonesia (a part of basic health research/Riskesdas).

AIM To estimate the prevalence of diagnosed and undiagnosed diabetes mellitus (DM) and impaired glucose tolerance (IGT) in 15 year old and over in urban Indonesia and their association with risk factors such as age, smoking, physical inactivity, obesity, hypertension. METHODS A national sample involving 24,417 participants living in urban Indonesia aged > 15 years were examined for 2 hours of plasma glucose concentrations in a cross sectional survey using the 75-g oral glucose. Diagnostic criteria of the World Health Organization 1999 and American Diabetes Association (ADA) 2003 were used to determine the prevalence of abnormal glucose tolerance. Data on age, smoking, physical activity were obtained from the personal interview, and obesity included body mass index and waist circumference and blood pressure were measured. RESULTS The prevalences of diabetes in urban Indonesia was 5.7%, consisting of diagnosed diabetes mellitus (DDM) 1.5%, undiagnosed diabetes mellitus (UDDM) 4.2% and IGT 10.2%. The prevalence of DM was 6.4% in women and 4.9% in men. In the youngest group (15-24 years) 5.3% had IGT. Prevalence increases with age with a sharp rise from middle age (35-54 years). Determinant factors for IGT and diabetes were age, smoking, obesity, central obesity and hypertension. CONCLUSION these results indicate that diabetes has become a major public health problem in Indonesia and needs national strategies to screen, prevent and treat the disease.
Accreditation: a cultural control strategy.

PURPOSE The purpose of this paper is to describe and understand the effects of the accreditation process on organizational control and quality management practices in two Quebec primary-care health organizations. DESIGN/METHODOLOGY/APPROACH A multiple-case longitudinal study was conducted taking a mixed qualitative/quantitative approach. An analytical model was developed of the effects of the accreditation process on the type of organizational control exercised and the quality management practices implemented. The data were collected through group interviews, semi-directed interviews of key informers, non-participant observations, a review of the literature, and structured questionnaires distributed to all the employees working in both institutions. FINDINGS The accreditation process has fostered the implementation of consultation mechanisms in self-assessment teams. Improving assessments of client satisfaction was identified as a prime objective but, in terms of the values promoted in organizations, accreditation has little effect on the perceptions of employees not directly involved in the process. As long as not all staff members have integrated the basis for accreditation and its outcomes, the accreditation process appears to remain an external, bureaucratic control instrument. ORIGINALITY/VALUE This study provides a theoretical model for understanding organizational changes brought about by accreditation of primary services. Through self-assessment of professional values and standards, accreditation may foster better quality management practices.
Splenic abscess due to acute brucellosis

Splenic abscess due to acute brucellosis is a rare event. We report a case of splenic abscess caused by Brucella spp. in a 21-year-old man. The MRI revealed sharply demarcated lesions measuring 20 and 30 mm in diameter at the superior pole of spleen. Positive Wright agglutination test and positive blood culture confirmed the diagnosis. Antibiotic therapy, without surgical intervention, was successful.