Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Infectious complications of rituximab in patients with lymphoma during maintenance therapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis

Rituximab maintenance therapy has emerged as an effective treatment for low-grade lymphomas. No major acute or cumulative toxicities were observed in patients receiving rituximab maintenance therapy compared with observation arms in clinical trials. However, B-cells are completely depleted throughout the maintenance period and even longer, which may render patients at high risk for infections. Several infections related to rituximab have been reported in the literature. Yet it is not clear whether rituximab maintenance therapy increases the infectious complications or not. To further investigate this topic, we have performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials (RCT). The meta-analysis of five RCTs showed that rituximab maintenance therapy significantly increased the relative risk of both infection and neutropenia in patients with lymphoma. On the basis of the available evidence, patients who received rituximab maintenance treatment have higher risk of neutropenia and infection than those who did not. Previously treated patients particularly with fludarabine containing regimens are more susceptible to infectious complications and require extended vigilance.
Macroeconomic uncertainty and forecasting macroeconomic aggregates

Abstract Can information on macroeconomic uncertainty improve the forecast accuracy for key macroeconomic time series for the US? Since previous studies have demonstrated that the link between the real economy and uncertainty is subject to nonlinearities, I assess the predictive power of macroeconomic uncertainty in both linear and nonlinear Bayesian VARs. For the latter, I use a threshold VAR that allows for regime-dependent dynamics conditional on the level of the uncertainty measure. I find that the predictive power of macroeconomic uncertainty in the linear VAR is negligible. In contrast, using information on macroeconomic uncertainty in a threshold VAR can significantly improve the accuracy of short-term point and density forecasts, especially in the presence of high uncertainty.
Legumes regulate Rhizobium bacteroid development and persistence by the supply of branched-chain amino acids

One of the largest contributions to biologically available nitrogen comes from the reduction of N2 to ammonia by rhizobia in symbiosis with legumes. Plants supply dicarboxylic acids as a carbon source to bacteroids, and in return they receive ammonia. However, metabolic exchange must be more complex, because effective N2 fixation by Rhizobium leguminosarum bv viciae bacteroids requires either one of two broad-specificity amino acid ABC transporters (Aap and Bra). It was proposed that amino acids cycle between plant and bacteroids, but the model was unconstrained because of the broad solute specificity of Aap and Bra. Here, we constrain the specificity of Bra and ectopically express heterologous transporters to demonstrate that branched-chain amino acid (LIV) transport is essential for effective N2 fixation. This dependence of bacteroids on the plant for LIV is not due to their known down-regulation of glutamate synthesis, because ectopic expression of glutamate dehydrogenase did not rescue effective N2 fixation. Instead, the effect is specific to LIV and is accompanied by a major reduction in transcription and activity of LIV biosynthetic enzymes. Bacteroids become symbiotic auxotrophs for LIV and depend on the plant for their supply. Bacteroids with aap bra null mutations are reduced in number, smaller, and have a lower DNA content than wild type. Plants control LIV supply to bacteroids, regulating their development and persistence. This makes it a critical control point for regulation of symbiosis.
Socioeconomic Status, Stress, and Immune Markers in Adolescents With Asthma

Objective Previous research has demonstrated links between low socioeconomic status (SES) and clinical asthma outcomes, as well as links between stress and asthma. The objective of this study was to test whether adolescents with asthma from different SES backgrounds differed in biological profiles relevant to asthma, including immune and cortisol measures. The second objective was to test whether psychological stress and control beliefs could explain these differences. Materials and Methods Adolescents with persistent asthma from either low (N = 18) or high (N = 12) SES neighborhoods were interviewed about their stress experiences (chronic stress, acute life events, interpretations of ambiguous life events) and control beliefs. Blood was drawn to assess immune (cytokines, eosinophils, IgE) and neuroendocrine (cortisol) markers associated with asthma. Results Adolescents in the low SES group had significantly higher levels of a stimulated cytokine associated with a Th-2 immune response (IL-5), higher levels of a stimulated cytokine associated with a Th-1 immune response (IFN-&ggr;), and marginally lower morning cortisol values compared with the high SES group. Low SES adolescents also had greater stress experiences and lower beliefs about control over their health. Statistical mediational analyses revealed that stress and control beliefs partially explained the relationship between SES and IL-5/IFN-&ggr;. Conclusion Our finding that low SES was associated with elevations in certain immune responses (IL-5/IFN-&ggr;) in adolescents with asthma suggests the importance of further exploration into relationships between SES and Th-2/Th-1 responses in asthma. Our findings also suggest that psychological stress and control beliefs may provide one explanation for links between SES and immune responses in childhood asthma.
Work in progress report - Thoracic non-oncologic Influence of major pulmonary resection on postoperative daily ambulatory activity of the patients

To describe and compare the daily ambulatory activity of the patients before and one month after major lung resection. Daily activity was measured using a pedometer (OMROM Walking Style PRO ) given preoperatively in a prospective way to a series of 21 consecutive cases scheduled for lobectomy or pneumonectomy. Analyzed variables were age, pulmonary function, mean number of total and aerobic steps per day, walked distance and mean daily time of aerobic activity. Activity variables were analyzed individually and as a new differential variable DELTA. Wilcoxon and Mann–Whitney nonparametric tests were used for comparison between groups. General series data: 19 male. Age: 63"10.9 years. FEV %: 88.4"22.7. DLCO: 86.2"21.6. Eleven cases had COPD criteria. Type of surgery: 3 pneumonec1 tomyy18 lobectomy. Activity data: all patients showed a global decrease of their activity one month after surgery but, patients in the pneumonectomy group are unable to keep aerobic activity meanwhile patients that undergone lobectomy showed only a 25% reduction in the measured variables. Major pulmonary resection decreases the time and the quality of the daily ambulatory activity of the patients during the first postoperative month. Despite limitations, the chosen pedometer OMRON Walking Style Pro is an efficient tool to evaluate the perioperative daily ambulatory activity of patients. 2009 Published by European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. All rights reserved.
Social Policy and Political Trust: Evidence from the New Rural Pension Scheme in China

Abstract This article analyses the data from the 2010 Chinese General Social Survey (CGSS) to investigate the effects of the New Rural Pension Scheme (NRPS) on people's political trust and policy expectations in China. Results from difference-in-differences (DID) analyses show that those in the NRPS pilot areas reported higher levels of trust in government at both central and local levels than their counterparts in non-NRPS areas, with the former gaining more support than the latter. Moreover, the potential NRPS beneficiaries show similarly higher levels of trust in both central and local governments than non-NRPS beneficiaries. However, the policy did not increase rural residents’ rights consciousness that the government should take the main responsibility for the provision of the old-age support. These findings suggest that citizens' political trust under an authoritarian regime is mainly determined by the material benefits they receive. 摘要 本文通过对 2010 年中国社会综合调查（CGSS2010）的数据分析，研究新型农村社会养老保险(新农保)政策的实施如何影响农村居民对中央和地方政府的信任。 双差分模型分析结果表明，新型农村养老保险的实施同时提高了农民对中央政府和地方政府的政治信任，其中对中央政府的信任要高一点。 相对与非政策受益者，那些潜在的政策受益者也表现出更高的政治信任，而且对中央政府和对地方政府没有差别。 然而，新型农村社会养老保险政策的实施并没有提高农民关于政府应该负责养老的政策期待。 这些发现揭示，在威权体制下，能否从政策中获益是影响政治信任的一个主要因素。
Susceptibility Weighted With Quantitative Phase Magnetic Resonance Imaging in Differentiation of Various Stages of Hemorrhage and Calcification in Female Pelvic Pathologies: A Preliminary Study

Background The purposes of this study were to assess the value of phase for characterization of female pelvic lesions with hemorrhage in various stages and to differentiate them from calcified lesions at 3.0-T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Methods Forty-four female patients with hemorrhagic (n = 37) or calcified (n = 7) pelvic pathology underwent conventional MRI including susceptibility-weighted imaging with phase information. Hemorrhagic lesions were grouped into acute, subacute, and chronic, and calcified lesions were detected on the basis of conventional imaging findings. Phase quantification of these hemorrhagic and calcified lesions was performed. Results The phase values significantly differed (P < 0.001) among various stages of hemorrhage, as well as calcification (chronic hemorrhage, −65.09 ± 9.09 degrees; subacute hemorrhage, −11.41 ± 4.4 degrees; acute hemorrhage, −42.30 ± 5.20 degrees; and calcified lesions, 117.55 ± 12.93 degrees). Conclusions Quantitative phase imaging has the potential to differentiate various stages of hemorrhagic and calcified pathologies. This may add value to the conventional MRI in improved characterization of these entities in female pelvic pathologies.
An investigation of discordance between subjective and physiological measures of vasomotor symptoms

Objectives Hot flushes and night sweats (HF/NS) can be measured objectively using sternal skin conductance (SSC) monitoring, but objective and subjective measures of HF/NS have only moderate concordance. We aim to investigate this discordance and factors affecting perceptions of HF/NS in a UK sample. Methods Twenty-seven menopausal women completed questionnaires assessing beliefs about HF/NS, mood, stress, somatic amplification and subjective (frequency and problem-rating) and objective (24-h SSC) HF/NS measures. Results On average, 48 HF/NS were reported per week; 47%% of objectively recorded HF/NS were accompanied by a subjective response and 56%% of subjectively recorded HF/NS were accompanied by an objective recording. Concordant HF/NS were more likely to be moderate or severe, while over-reported (false-positive) HF/NS tended to be mild or moderate; night sweats were more likely to be under-reported. Anxiety, somatic amplification and body mass index were associated with negative beliefs about HF/NS and, in turn, negative beliefs were associated with more problematic HF/NS. Conclusions Different patterns of discordance were evident for hot flushes and night sweats. Both subjective and objective measures should be included in the evaluation of treatments for HF/NS. The possible role of beliefs in mediating the influence of anxiety, somatic amplification and body mass index upon HF/NS experience warrants further investigation.
Aseptic Meningitis among Children in Kuwait

Objective: To describe the epidemiology, clinical features, and the morbidity caused by aseptic meningitis in children in Kuwait. Subjects and Method: A multicenter retrospective study of previously healthy children hospitalized with a diagnosis of aseptic meningitis in the period 2001–2003 was carried out. Results: There were 172 children with the diagnosis of meningitis based on changes in the cerebrospinal fluid. Aseptic meningitis was diagnosed in 86 (50%) of the cases; their mean age was 3.2 ± 3.8 years. There were two peaks of cases, one during the months of May and June and the other in November/December. Older children (≧5 years) presented more frequently with signs and symptoms suggestive of meningeal irritation than younger children (<5 years) (p ≤ 0.01). The median duration of hospitalization was 7 days. The majority (n = 56, 65%) received a 7- to 10-day course of antibiotics despite negative cerebrospinal fluid cultures. Six (7%) hospitalized children had complications: 3 had convulsions, 2 were ventilated, and 1 had motor palsy. Intensive care unit admission was necessary in 3. All the children were discharged home without sequelae. There were no mortalities in the study group. Conclusions: Aseptic meningitis among children in Kuwait is a major cause of morbidity and requires prolonged hospitalization. The complication rate is low and there were no sequelae or mortality among the studied cohort.
Considering Outcomes Beyond Achievement: Student Participation as an Indicator of High School Performance.

This dissertation is the product of a three-phase exploratory study that utilized both quantitative and qualitative methods in order to develop and test a composite indicator o f high school performance that measures the degree to which high schools strike a balance between the press for academic excellence and the need to sustain all students—even the most marginal—on to high school completion. In Phase I, unadjusted and relative performance indicators (UPIs and RPIs) of student achievement and participation were calculated for a statewide sample of 308 schools whose grade configurations included grades 9-12. The achievement scores were composites of student performance in five subject areas of a state exit examination administered in grades 10 and 11. The participation scores, on the other hand, were composites derived from student attendance, discipline, and dropout data for grades 9-12. Though the primary focus of the study was school performance during SY 1993-94, annual performance scores were calculated for three years (SYs 1991-92 1993-94). In Phase n , the achievement and participation scores for all 308 schools were compared. A three-by-three contingency table was then used to re-categorize schools into nine effectiveness categories ranging from consistently effective to consistently ineffective for both outcomes. In Phase m , four cases were selected for intensive, site-based research in order to accumulate evidence that could be used to (a) gauge the accuracy of the school effectiveness classifications and (b) lend insight into how the school climate and processes of consistently effective schools vary from those of differentially effective schools. Three
Effect of prenatal and postnatal exposure to lead on kidney function in male and female rats

The effect of 5 months' exposure to 0.5% lead acetate in drinking water on the kidney function of developing rats was studied. In both sexes, lead exposure produced a significant elevation of the kidney weight and after 3 months' treatment both male and female rats showed signs of tubular impairment. In male rats increased β2‐microglobulin and lactate dehydrogenase excretion was observed. Lysozyme was increased after 5 months of exposure. No changes were observed in total proteins and albumin excretion. Female rats showed a significantly increased excretion of β2‐microglobulin from 3 months onwards, while lactate dehydrogenase increased only at the end of 3 months and total proteins after 5 months of exposure. No changes were observed in lysozyme and albumin excretion. Thus, the results suggest that lead exposure produces changes in the renal tubular function of developing rat. There is no sex difference in the nephrotoxicity of lead. Comparison with our previous studies suggests that exposure to lead starting at weaning is more renotoxic than exposure starting 2 months later. However, prenatal exposure might also have been a contributory factor.
Projections from the laterodorsal nucleus of the thalamus to the limbic and visual cortices in the rat

The laterodorsal nucleus (LD) of the thalamus is an important source of thalamic afferents to the limbic cortex, but the topography and lamination of these projections has not been investigated in detail. Using the anterograde transport of Phaseolus vulgaris leucoagglutinin and Fluoro‐Ruby, the present study demonstrates that in the rat, LD projects to infraradiata, precentral agranular, retrosplenial, visual (area 18b), subicular, and entorhinal cortices. Each subregion of LD has a distinct pattern of terminals within these cortical areas. The rostral part and the dorsalmost part of LD project densely to retrosplenial granular a (Rga) cortex, presubiculum and parasubiculum. Slightly more caudal parts of dorsal LD project primarily to the postsubiculum. More ventral parts of LD project primarily to retrosplenial dysgranular (Rdg) and retrosplenial granular b (Rgb) cortices. The projection of LD to area 18b originates from cells in the caudalmost part of LD. In each cortical region, LD terminals display distinct laminar patterns. In area 18b and the adjacent Rdg cortex, the LD terminal field is in layers I, III, and IV, but in both the Rgb and Rga cortices the terminal field is located predominantly in layer I. In the postsubiculum the LD terminals are distributed to layers I and III/IV and extend into superficial layer V; in the presubiculum and the parasubiculum the LD terminals are only in the deep layers (i.e., layers IV–VI). A small number of LD axons terminate in the deep layers (i.e., layers IV–VI) of the medial entorhinal cortex. These results indicate that each area of LD has a distinct projection to limbic and adjacent neocortex.
Nuclear and cytoplasmic location of the FER tyrosine kinase

The location of the FER protein within the cell was investigated by using subcellular fractionation and immunofluorescence. FER was found in the cytoplasm and in the nucleus, where it was associated with the chromatin fraction. Its ubiquitous expression and its subcellular location indicate that it may be involved in key regulatory processes.
Gender differences in stress response: Role of developmental and biological determinants

Stress response is associated with manifestations of various psychosomatic and psychiatric disorders. Hence, it is important to understand the underlying mechanisms that influence this association. Moreover, men and women tend to react differently with stress–both psychologically and biologically. These differences also need to be studied in order to have a better understanding in the gender difference observed for many disorders, which are likely to be contributed by the gender difference in stress reactivity and responses. Such an understanding would have a significant impact on our understanding about how adult health is set during early life and how adult disease could be prevented in men and women.
DNA element of Corynebacterium diphtheriae with properties of an insertion sequence and usefulness for epidemiological studies

The segment of DNA which is inserted within the tox gene of bacteriophage gamma and is responsible for its Tox- phenotype was found to be present and repeated approximately 30 times in the chromosome of Corynebacterium diphtheriae Belfanti 1030. Other C. diphtheriae strains contained a variable number of copies (1 to 25) of the same element. Sequence analysis showed that this repeated and interspersed DNA element was flanked by 9-base-pair direct repeats and that the 5' and 3' ends of the insertion contained sequences forming an imperfect inverted repeat. Therefore, the DNA segment here described has most of the typical structural features of a bacterial insertion sequence element. We show that different C. diphtheriae isolates derived from the same outbreak of diphtheria have an identical genomic distribution of this DNA element and that such DNA can be useful for epidemiological studies.
An uncertain future: The unchanging views of care home residents about living and dying

Background: Older people living in a care home have a limited life expectancy, and care homes are an important setting for end-of-life care provision. Aim: This research aimed to explore the views, experiences and expectations of end-of-life care among care home residents to understand if key events or living in a residential environment influenced their views. Design: The research used a prospective design. The paper draws on the qualitative interviews of 63 care home residents who were interviewed up to three times over a year. This was a sub-sample of the larger data set of 121 care home residents. Setting/Participants: The residents were recruited from six care homes (providing personal care with no on-site nursing) in the UK. Results: Four main themes were identified; Living in the Past, Living in the Present, Thinking about the Future and Actively Engaged with planning the future. Many residents said they had not spoken to the care staff about end-of-life care; many assumed their family or General Practitioner would take responsibility. Conclusions: Core to the older person’s ability to discuss end-of-life care is their acceptance of being in a care home, the involvement of family members in making decisions and the extent to which they believed they could influence decision making within their everyday lives. Advance care plans should document ongoing dialogue. These findings can inform how primary health and palliative care services introduce, discuss and tailor existing frameworks and programmes of end-of-life care.
Recruitment of cdc2 kinase by DNA topoisomerase II is coupled to chromatin remodeling

Although initiation of chromosome condensation during early prophase is linked temporally to the appearance of the mitotic cdc2 kinase in the nucleus, it is not known what targets the kinase to the nucleus and how this is coupled to chromatin remodeling. We now report that cdc2 kinase forms stable molecular complexes with the nuclear enzyme DNA topoisomerase II, which is associated with marked stimulation of both DNA binding and catalytic activity of topoisomerase II, albeit in a phosphorylation‐independent manner. The molecular interaction is required for recruitment of cdc2 kinase, as shown by incubation of purified enzymes with chicken erythrocyte nuclei, which have neither endogenous topoisomerase II nor cdc2 kinase. The physical association between the two enzymes alters the DNA/topoisomerase II interaction as shown by pulse‐field electrophoresis after incubation of intact nuclei with the specific topoisomerase II inhibitor VM‐26. Furthermore, the presence of both enzymes, but not either enzyme alone, is accompanied by extensive chromatin remodeling converting the interphase nuclei into precondensation chromosomes with striking resemblance to early prophase structures. Our results reveal a novel property of cyclin‐dependent kinases and demonstrate that the recruitment of cdc2 kinase by topoisomerase II is coupled to chromatin remodeling.