Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comparison of Histology and Extracellular Matrix Between Autoimmune and Alcoholic Chronic Pancreatitis

Objectives: In autoimmune chronic pancreatitis (AIP), the histology is known to be characteristic and histologic recovery including pancreatic fibrosis has been reported after steroid therapy. The aims of this study were to demonstrate whether these histologic findings were unique to AIP and evaluate any differences in the composition of extracellular matrix between AIP and ordinary chronic pancreatitis. Methods: Histologic findings and extracellular matrix proteins (collagen types I, III, and IV and fibronectin) were evaluated in 15 patients with clinically proven AIP and compared with those of 8 patients with surgically treated alcoholic chronic pancreatitis (ACP). Results: The pattern of fibrosis was mainly loose fibrosis with stromal edema in AIP, while it was dense fibrosis in ACP. Acinar atrophy was more diffuse and severe in AIP than ACP. While diffuse with same stage of inflammatory activity was observed in AIP, multifocal inflammation with different stage of inflammatory was seen in ACP. For extracellular matrix proteins, dense deposition (compared with normal controls) of collagen type III was observed more frequently in ACP than AIP (P < 0.05). ACP showed decreased deposition of collagen type IV more frequently than AIP (P = 0.001). Conclusion: Fibrosis and inflammation are common to both AIP and ACP, but the pattern is very different between the 2 groups, and the deposition of collagen types III and IV is substantially different between AIP and ACP.
Primary Cutaneous T-Cell Lymphomas Showing Gamma-Delta (&ggr;&dgr;) Phenotype and Predominantly Epidermotropic Pattern are Clinicopathologically Distinct From Classic Primary Cutaneous &ggr;&dgr; T-Cell Lymphomas

Primary cutaneous gamma-delta (&ggr;&dgr;) T-cell lymphoma is a rare disease that typically involves the dermis and subcutis. Cases of primary cutaneous T-cell lymphomas showing &ggr;&dgr; phenotype and predominantly epidermotropic pattern (E&ggr;&dgr;TCL) are not well defined. In this series, cases of primary cutaneous T-cell lymphomas showing &ggr;&dgr; phenotype were reviewed and classified as predominantly epidermotropic (E&ggr;&dgr;TCL) when >75% of lymphoma cells resided in the epidermis or predominantly dermal and/or subcutaneous (DS&ggr;&dgr;TCL). Clinical, pathologic, and immunophenotypic features were compared in 27 biopsies from 13 patients of E&ggr;&dgr;TCL and 13 biopsies from 7 patients of DS&ggr;&dgr;TCL. The lymphoma cells were diffusely positive for CD3 and T-cell receptor (TCR)&ggr;, mostly positive for granzyme B and TIA-1, variably positive for CD8, CD7, and CD30, and negative for CD4 and TCR&bgr;. Two patients with E&ggr;&dgr;TCL had dissemination to lymph nodes and 1 to the lung; 1 patient with DS&ggr;&dgr;TCL had gastrointestinal involvement. The median survival of patients with E&ggr;&dgr;TCL was not reached, and with a median follow-up of 19.2 months, 3/13 died. In contrast, the median survival of patients with DS&ggr;&dgr;TCL was 10 months, and after a median follow-up of 15.6 months, 5/5 died (P<0.01). E&ggr;&dgr;TCL is a rare presentation of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma that can be distinguished from DS&ggr;&dgr;TCL based on the extent of epidermotropism and has a better prognosis and longer median survival than DS&ggr;&dgr;TCL. However, although E&ggr;&dgr;TCL resembles mycosis fungoides clinically and histologically, a subset of E&ggr;&dgr;TCL is more likely to behave more aggressively than typical mycosis fungoides.
Detection of autoantibodies to ss‐a/ro by indirect immunofluorescence using a transfected and overexpressed human 60 kd ro autoantigen in hep‐2 cells

The objective of the study was to determine the sensitivity and specificity of an indirect immunofluorescence (IIF) assay using transfected HEp‐2 cells to detect anti‐SS‐A/Ro autoantibodies in human sera. Seventy‐three sera having SS‐A/Ro autoantibodies as determined by double immunodiffusion (ID) and immunoblotting (IB) were tested by IIF on a HEp‐2 cell substrate that had been transfected with a full‐length cDNA encoding a human 60 kD SS‐A/Ro autoantigen. Controls included 30 normal human sera and 50 sera with a variety of other antinuclear antibodies. Prototype human and rabbit sera directed against the 60 kD SS‐A/Ro antigen produced intense speckled nuclear and nucleolar staining of transfected cells. Sixty‐nine of 73 (95%) SS‐A/Ro positive sera also produced this characteristic staining pattern. The endpoint autoantibody titers on transfected cells was fivefold greater than on untransfected cells. The 30 normal human sera and the 50 sera with other antinuclear antibodies did not produce this characteristic staining. Six of 32 (19%) unselected sera that were sent for autoantibody testing had reactivity with transfectants by IIF. Four of the six sera were confirmed to have anti‐SS‐A/Ro antibodies by ID and 5/6 by IB. By contrast, only three of these sera were scored as having a staining pattern compatible with SS‐A/Ro antibodies by IIF on standard HEp‐2 substrates. We conclude that SS‐A/Ro autoantibodies can be detected by an IIF assay using a HEp‐2 cell substrate transfected with a SS‐A/Ro cDNA. This new substrate detects SS‐A/Ro antibodies that were not identified on standard HEp‐2 substrates and by other immunoassays. ©1995 wiley‐Liss, inc.
Heat Shock Proteins in Cancer

Abstract: Heat shock proteins (Hsps) are highly conserved and inhabit nearly all subcellular locations where they perform a variety of chaperoning functions including folding and unfolding of nascent polypeptides, proteins, transport of proteins, and support of antigen presentation processes. Apart from their intracellular location Hsps with a molecular weight of 70 kDa (Hsp70) also have been found on the plasma membrane of malignantly transformed cells, on virally/bacterial infected cells and in the extracellular space. Depending on their intra‐ and extracellular location Hsps exert either protection against environmental stress or act as potent stimulators of the immune response. In this review we address the dual function of intracellular and extracellular located small Hsps and members of the Hsp70 family and its immunological consequences for cancer immunity.
Ocular Delivery of PACAP1-27 Protects the Retina From Ischemic Damage in Rodents.

Purpose Pituitary adenylate cyclase activating polypeptide (PACAP) is neuroprotective in neuronal injuries. Bilateral common carotid artery occlusion (BCCAO) causes chronic hypoperfusion-induced degeneration in the rat retina, where we proved the retinoprotective effect of intravitreal PACAP. Although this route of administration is a common clinical practice in several diseases, easier routes are clinically important. Our aim was to investigate the potential retinoprotective effects of PACAP eye drops in BCCAO-induced ischemic retinopathy. Methods After performing BCCAO in rats, the right eyes were treated with PACAP1-27 eye drops (1 μg/drop, 2 × 1 drops/day for 5 days), containing different vehicles: saline, water for injections, thiomersal or benzalkonium solution for ophthalmic use (SOCB). Histology and immunohistochemistry were performed 2 weeks after surgery, while molecular analysis was performed 24 hours after BCCAO. Passage of PACAP1-27 through the ocular layers was tested with radioactive PACAP-SOCB in mice. Results Bilateral common carotid artery occlusion led to a severe degeneration of all retinal layers. Solution for ophthalmic use was the most effective vehicle for delivering PACAP (PACAP-SOCB), significantly ameliorating BCCAO-induced damage. The massive upregulation of GFAP was not observed in retinas treated with PACAP-SOCB eye drops. PACAP-SOCB treatment also increased activation of the protective Akt and ERK1/2 in hypoperfused retinas. The cytokine profile showing upregulation in different cytokines was attenuated by PACAP-SOCB. Radioactive PACAP reached the retina when delivered in SOCB-containing eye drops. Conclusions PACAP1-27, delivered in the SOCB vehicle as eye drops, was retinoprotective in ischemic retinopathy, providing the basis for future therapeutic administration.
Tamoxifen and thromboembolism.

To the Editor. — We question the safety of using tamoxifen citrate for patients with a known predisposition to thrombosis. This antiestrogen has been shown to be an effective hormonal agent in metastatic breast cancer, and so far, few serious side effects have been associated with its use. However, deep-vein thrombosis and pulmonary emboli have occurred in patients taking tamoxifen,1-3and it is possible that this could be related to its paradoxical estrogenic effects. Report of a Case. — A 72-year-old woman with metastatic pleural effusion and bone disease from breast cancer showed development of occlusion of the right brachial and ulnar arteries while she was receiving chemotherapy. A successful thromboembolectomy was performed. There was no obvious cardiac cause of embolism. A year later her disease progressed despite changes in chemotherapy. Estrogen receptor status was unknown. Tamoxifen citrate therapy, 10 mg twice daily, was started but was discontinued after a month
Short- and Long-Term Operation of the Lutein-Epoxide Cycle in Light-Harvesting Antenna Complexes1[W][OA]

The lutein-5,6-epoxide (Lx) cycle operates in some plants between lutein (L) and its monoepoxide, Lx. Whereas recent studies have established the photoprotective roles of the analogous violaxanthin cycle, physiological functions of the Lx cycle are still unknown. In this article, we investigated the operation of the Lx cycle in light-harvesting antenna complexes (Lhcs) of Inga sapindoides Willd, a tropical tree legume accumulating substantial Lx in shade leaves, to identify the xanthophyll-binding sites involved in short- and long-term responses of the Lx cycle and to analyze the effects on light-harvesting efficiency. In shade leaves, Lx was converted into L upon light exposure, which then replaced Lx in the peripheral V1 site in trimeric Lhcs and the internal L2 site in both monomeric and trimeric Lhcs, leading to xanthophyll composition resembling sun-type Lhcs. Similar to the violaxanthin cycle, the Lx cycle was operating in both photosystems, yet the light-induced Lx → L conversion was not reversible overnight. Interestingly, the experiments using recombinant Lhcb5 reconstituted with different Lx and/or L levels showed that reconstitution with Lx results in a significantly higher fluorescence yield due to higher energy transfer efficiencies among chlorophyll (Chl) a molecules, as well as from xanthophylls to Chl a. Furthermore, the spectroscopic analyses of photosystem I-LHCI from I. sapindoides revealed prominent red-most Chl forms, having the lowest energy level thus far reported for higher plants, along with reduced energy transfer efficiency from antenna pigments to Chl a. These results are discussed in the context of photoacclimation and shade adaptation.
Does monitoring newborn weight discourage breast feeding?

Background: A policy of regular neonatal weight monitoring was introduced to a geographically defined population in 2000. This was combined with targeted breast feeding support for infants reaching specified intervention thresholds. Aims: To look for evidence of compromise in breast feeding rates as a result of this policy change. Methods: Breast feeding rates at 10 days and 6 weeks were compared for this intervention population and two local non-intervention groups for the years 1999 and 2001. The data were analysed using Poisson regression analysis and the Z-test. Results: There was a 3.1% (95% CI 0.8% to 5.5%) rise in the deprivation corrected breast feeding rate at 6 weeks for the intervention population compared to an increase of 0.8% (95% CI –0.8% to 2.3%) for the combined control groups. Multivariate analysis showed that breast feeding rates were adversely influenced by deprivation, but were not significantly influenced by the intervention. Conclusion: No evidence was found to support claims that regular monitoring of newborn weight adversely affects breast feeding rates.
A trial of corticotrophin gelatin injection in acute optic neuritis

The effect of a 30 day course of corticotrophin gelatin injections on the natural history of acute unilateral optic neuritis in 27 patients is reported. A further 27 patients received inert injections in a double-blind control. Measurements were made on visual acuity, visual field, macular threshold, and colour vision, and the development of optic atrophy and other neurological episodes was recorded. No significant differences were found between treated and control groups at intervals up to two years from the start of the trial. The criteria for inclusion of patients are given and it is concluded that corticotrophin has no effect on the natural history of the condition as defined.
The Social Cost of Heterogeneous Information

I study the welfare effects of a lack of common knowledge in a dynamic price-setting model with incomplete nominal adjustment due to incomplete, heterogeneous information. I identify two welfare effects of informational heterogeneity: First, it affects the dynamic adjustment of prices in response to aggregate shocks, and thereby the magnitude of aggregate consumption volatility. Second, informational heterogeneity leads to price dispersion across firms, which leads to an ex-post resource mis-allocation. There is a trade-off between the two: Better public information always improves the ex post resource allocation, but by acting as a focal point of beliefs, it may increase consumption and price volatility. Better private information reduces aggregate volatility, but may increase price dispersion. The aggregate welfare implications are driven by the latter: Better public information i sa lways welfare-improving, but better private information may lead to welfare losses. Finally, I compare equilibrium strategies to the firstbest use of information, and show that the equilibrium relies too heavily on private information, relative to the social optimum. This inefficiency is the result of a forecasting externality, whereby individual decision rules do not internalize their effect on the forecasting problem other firms face in equilibrium.
Performance of broilers fed diets supplemented with dry peppermint (Mentha piperita L.) or thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.) leaves as growth promoter source

A study was conducted to determine the performance, carcase and gastrointestinal tract (gut) characteristics of broilers fed diets supplemented with dry peppermint ( Mentha piperita L.) or thyme (Thymus vulgaris L.) leaves, which are among the alternative growth promoters. In the study, 312 one-week-old broilers (Ross-308) were used. There were 3 dietary treatments, each consisting of 4 replications (13 males and 13 females in each replication). The control group was fed basal diet, while the peppermint and thyme groups were fed diets supplemented with 0.2% peppermint or thyme (w/w) as menthol and thymol (70 mg per kg diet) sources, respectively. From 7 days to 35 days of age, the body weight gain was higher ( P < 0.05) in broilers fed the peppermint-supplemented diet compared to the control, but the effect of peppermint on body weight gain disappeared at 42 days of age. Feed intake, feed to gain ratio, carcase weight, carcase yield, and the relative weights of the edible inner organs and whole gut, and the relative length of the whole gut were not significantly affected by peppermint and thyme contents. The peppermint or thyme leaves increased ( P < 0.05) the abdominal fat pad at 42 days of age. Thus, the dry peppermint leaves had a higher growth promoting efficacy than the dry thyme leaves at an early stage of broilers' life, but an increase in abdominal fat should be taken into account for carcase quality and processing.
[Serum cytokine profiling of prostate cancer and benign prostatic hyperplasia using recombinant antibody microarray].

OBJECTIVE To identify the differential expressions of serum cytokines between prostate cancer (PCa) and benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH), and provide proteomic evidence for the early diagnosis of PCa. METHODS We used human cytokine array to determine the profiles of the serum cytokines obtained from 6 PCa and 6 BPH patients with the PSA level within the grey scale of 4 - 10 ng/ml. RESULTS We identified 19 differentially expressed cytokines in the PCa patients, 16 obviously up-regulated, including IL-3, IL-6 and IL-16, and 3 markedly down-regulated, which were Fas/TNFRSF6, TRALR-3 and IGFBP-6. Most of them were involved in such cellular bioprocesses as transcription, proliferation, signal transduction, and apoptosis. CONCLUSION The cytokine antibody assay permits simultaneous measurement of multiple markers in a small volume of serum, and can identify a panel of key cytokines related to the malignant biological behavior of cancer cells. And it helps to find the biomarkers for the early diagnosis, efficacy assessment and prognosis of prostate cancer.
Effect of Stem Cell Therapy on Bone Mineral Density: A Meta-Analysis of Preclinical Studies in Animal Models of Osteoporosis

Background Preclinical studies of the therapeutic role of stem cell based therapy in animal models of osteoporosis have largely yielded inconsistent results. We performed a meta-analysis to provide an overview of the currently available evidence. Methods Pubmed, Embase and Cochrane Library databases were systematically searched for relevant controlled studies. A random-effect model was used for pooled analysis of the effect of stem cell based therapy on bone mineral density (BMD). Stratified analyses were performed to explore the effect of study characteristics on the outcomes. Results Pooled results from 12 preclinical studies (110 animals in stem cell treatment groups, and 106 animals in control groups) indicated that stem cell based treatment was associated with significantly improved BMD (standardized mean difference [SMD] = 1.29, 95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 0.84–1.74, P < 0.001) with moderate heterogeneity (Cochrane’s Q test: P = 0.02, I2 = 45%) among the constituent studies. Implantation of bone marrow cells, bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells, adipose-derived stem cells, and human umbilical cord blood-derived CD34+ cells, were all associated with improved BMD as compared to that in the controls (P < 0.05 for all); the only exception being the use of embryonic stem cell transplantation (P > 0.05). Egger’s test detected potential publication bias (P = 0.055); however, ‘trim and fill’ analysis yielded similar results after statistically incorporating the hypothetical studies in the analysis (SMD = 1.24, 95% CI: 0.32–2.16, P < 0.001). Conclusions Stem cell transplantation may improve BMD in animal models of osteoporosis. Our meta-analysis indicates a potential therapeutic role of stem cell based therapy for osteoporosis, and serves to augment the rationale for clinical studies.
Discussion Papers Oil Prices , Exchange Rates and Asset Prices

This paper takes a financial market perspective in examining the relationship between oil prices, the US dollar and asset prices, and it exploits the heteroskedasticity for the identification of causality in a multifactor model. It finds a bidirectional causality between the US dollar and oil prices since the early 2000s. Moreover, both oil prices and the US dollar are significantly affected by changes in equity market returns and risk. By contrast, oil prices did not react to changes in these financial assets before 2001. The paper provides evidence that this may be explained by the increased use of oil as a financial asset over the past decade, which intensified the link between oil and other assets. The model can account well for the strong and rising negative correlation between oil prices and the US dollar since the early 2000s, with risk shocks and the financialisation process of oil prices explaining most of the strengthening of this correlation. JEL code: F30; G15.
The only domain which distinguishes Epstein-Barr virus latent membrane protein 2A (LMP2A) from LMP2B is dispensable for lymphocyte infection and growth transformation in vitro; LMP2A is therefore nonessential

Using second-site homologous recombination, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) recombinants were constructed which carry an LMP2A mutation terminating translation at codon 19. Despite the absence of LMP2A or LMP2A cross-reactive protein, the recombinants were able to initiate and maintain primary B-lymphocyte growth transformation in vitro. EBNA1, EBNA2, and LMP1 expression was unaffected by the LMP2A mutation. The LMP2A mutant recombinant EBV-infected lymphoblastoid cell lines (LCLs) were identical to wild-type recombinant EBV-infected control LCLs with respect to initial outgrowth, subsequent growth, sensitivity to limiting cell dilution, sensitivity to low serum, and growth in soft agarose. The permissivity of LCLs for lytic EBV infection and virus replication was also unaffected by the LMP2A mutation.
Indirect vegetation–soil moisture feedback with application to Holocene North Africa climate 1

Using a fully coupled climate–terrestrial ecosystem model, we demonstrate explicitly that an initial perturbation on vegetation induces not only a direct positive vegetation feedback, but also a significant indirect vegetation–soil moisture feedback. The indirect feedback is generated through either fractional cover change or soil moisture depletion. Both indirect feedback mechanisms are triggered by a vegetation perturbation, but involve subsequent effects of soil moisture and evaporation, indirectly. An increase in vegetation tends to reduce bare‐ground evaporation through either the area reduction in bare ground or the depletion of soil moisture; the reduced evaporation may then counter the initial plant transpiration, favoring a negative net vegetation feedback. Furthermore, grasses are more effective in inducing the indirect vegetation–soil feedbacks, because of their limited plant evapotranspiration and shallower roots that tend to change surface soil moisture, and, in turn, evaporation, effectively. In comparison, trees favor a direct positive vegetation feedback due to their strong plant transpiration on subsurface soil moisture as well as a lower albedo.
An empirical investigation of self-attitudes.

A LTHOUGH the self has long been the central concept in the symbolic interaction approach to social psychology, little if anything has been done to employ it directly in empirical research. There are several reasons for this, one of the most important of which is that there has been no consensus regarding the class of phenomena to which the self ought to be operationally ordered. The self has been called an image, a conception, a concept, a feeling, an internalization, a self looking at oneself, and most commonly simply the self (with perhaps the most ambiguous implications of all). One of these many designations of the self has been as attitudes. We do not have space here to discuss the theoretical clarification which results from the conscious conceptualization of the self as a set of attitudes ' except to point out that this conceptualization is most consistent with Mead's view of the self as an object which is in most respects like all other objects, and with his further view that an object is a plan of action (an attitude). If, as we suppose, human behavior is organized and directed, and if, as we further suppose, the organization and direction are supplied by the individual's attitudes toward himself, it ought to be of crucial significance to social psychology to be able to identify and measure self-attitudes. This paper is