Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Antibody deficiency and autoimmunity in 22q11.2 deletion syndrome

Background: Although severe T cell immunodeficiency in DiGeorge anomaly is rare, previous studies of humoral function in these patients have found no antibody abnormalities but have not examined the response to polysaccharide antigens. Isolated cases of autoimmunity have been reported. Several patients with 22q11.2 deletion attending our immunology clinic suffered recurrent sinopulmonary infection or autoimmune phenomena. Aims: To investigate humoral immunodeficiency, particularly pneumococcal polysaccharide antibody deficiency, and autoimmune phenomena in a cohort of patients with 22q11.2 deletion. Methods: A history of severe or recurrent infection and autoimmune symptoms were noted. Lymphocyte subsets, immunoglobulins, IgG subclasses, specific vaccine antibodies, and autoantibodies were measured. Subjects were vaccinated with appropriate antigens as indicated. Results: Of 32 patients identified, 26 (81%) had severe or recurrent infection, of which 13 (50%) had abnormal serum immunoglobulin measurements and 11/20 ≥4 years old (55%) had an abnormal response to pneumococcal polysaccharide. Ten of 30 patients (33%) had autoimmune phenomena; six (20%) were symptomatic. Conclusions: Humoral immunodeficiency is more common than previously recognised in patients with 22q11.2 deletion. Normal T cell function and immunoglobulin levels do not exclude poor specific antibody responses. Patients should be referred for formal immunological assessment of cellular and humoral immune function.
Calories and portion sizes in recipes throughout 100 years: An overlooked factor in the development of overweight and obesity?

Background: Large portion sizes have been associated with large energy intake, which can contribute to the development of overweight and obesity. Portion sizes of non-home cooked food have increased in the past 20 years, however, less is known about portion sizes of home-cooked food. Aim: The aim of the study was to assess if the portion sizes measured in calories in Danish cookbook recipes have changed throughout the past 100 years. Methods: Portion size measured in calories was determined by content-analysis of 21 classic Danish recipes in 13 editions of the famous Danish cookbook “Food” from 1909 to 2009. Calorie content of the recipes was determined in standard nutritional software, and the changes in calories were examined by simple linear regression analyses. Results: Mean portion size in calories increased significantly by 21% (β = 0.63; p < 0.01) over the past 100 years in the analyzed recipes. The mean portion size in calories from a composed homemade meal increased by 77% (β = 2.88; p < 0.01). The mean portion size in calories from meat increased by 27% (β = 0.85; p = 0.03), starchy products increased by 148% (β = 1.28; p < 0.01), vegetables increased by 37% (β = 0.21; p = 0.13) and sauce increased by 47% (β = 0.56; p = 0.02) throughout the years. Conclusions: Portion sizes measured in calories in classical Danish recipes have increased significantly in the past 100 years and can be an important factor in increased energy intake and the risk of developing overweight and obesity.
Real Time Kinetics of Insulin-like Growth Factor II (IGF-II) Interaction with the IGF-II/Mannose 6-Phosphate Receptor

The interaction of soluble forms of the human cation-independent insulin-like growth factor-II/mannose 6-phosphate receptor (IGF-IIR) with IGFs and mannosylated ligands was analyzed in real time. IGF-IIR proteins containing domains 1–15, 10–13, 11–13, or 11–12 were combined with rat CD4 domains 3 and 4. Following transient expression in 293T cells, secreted protein was immobilized onto biosensor chips. β-Glucuronidase and latent transforming growth factor-β1 bound only to domains 1–15. IGF-II bound to all constructs except a control, which contained a point mutation in domain 11. The affinity of domains 1–15, 10–13, 11–13, and 11–12 to IGF-II were 14, 120, 100, and 450 nm, respectively. Our data suggest that domain 13 acts as an enhancer of IGF-II affinity by slowing the rate of dissociation, but additional enhancement by domains other than 10–13 also occurs. As the receptor functions to transport ligands from either the trans-Golgi network or extracellular space to the endosomes, the interaction of IGF-IIR extracellular domains with IGF-II was analyzed over a pH range of 5.0–7.4. The constructs behaved differently in response to pH and in recovery after low pH exposure, suggesting that pH stability of the extracellular domains depends on domains other than 10–13.
Heavy-Metal and Antibiotic Resistance in the Bacterial Flora of Sediments of New York Bight

The New York Bight extends seaward some 80 to 100 miles (ca. 129 to 161 km) from the Long Island and New Jersey shorelines to the edge of the continental shelf. Over 14 × 106 m3 of sewage sludge, dredge spoils, acid wastes, and cellar dirt are discharged into this area each year. Large populations of Bacillus sp. resistant to 20 μg of mercury per ml were observed in Bight sediments contaminated by these wastes. Resistant Bacillus populations were much greater in sediments containing high concentrations of Hg and other heavy metals than in sediments from areas further offshore where dumping has never been practiced and where heavy-metal concentrations were found to be low. Ampicillin resistance due mainly to β-lactamase production was significantly (P < 0.001) more frequent in Bacillus strains from sediments near the sewage sludge dump site than in similar Bacillus populations from control sediments. Bacillus strains with combined ampicillin and Hg resistances were almost six times as frequent at the sludge dump site as in control sediments. This observation suggests that genes for Hg resistance and β-lactamase production are simultaneously selected for in Bacillus and that heavy-metal contamination of an ecosystem can result in a selection pressure for antibiotic resistance in bacteria in that system. Also, Hg resistance was frequently linked with other heavy-metal resistances and, in a substantial proportion of Bacillus strains, involved reduction to volatile metallic Hg (Hg°).
Difficulty with in situ reduction of graphene oxide in epoxy composite: A potential solution

Graphene Oxide (GO) was prepared and dispersed in DER 332 epoxy. Preliminary work using Broadband Dielectric Spectroscopy (BDS) has shown that the epoxy and its composite could start to degrade at temperature as low as 120°C. Thermogravimetric analysis measurement indicated a slight mass loss difference at 150°C between samples with and without GO. Both samples as produced were initially post-treated at 100°C for 24 h. Then, the thus-prepared samples were submitted to consecutive thermal steps (Tmax = 150°C and step duration at Tmax ~ 15 min), and monitored using BDS. A limit on the number of thermal steps that could be applied, was established before degradation/deformation of the samples occurred. When the AC conductivity at 20°C was compared before and after the complete thermal treatment, it was found that 1 wt% of GO may bring an increase in the conductivity by a factor of about 50. In addition, there is a cumulative effect of the thermal steps translating into a linear continuous increase of the electrical conductivity of the epoxy/GO, reaching as much as 20%.
Simulations of shear instabilities in interfacial gravity waves

An adaptive numerical method is employed to simulate shear instabilities in open-ocean internal solitary-like gravity waves. The method is second-order accurate, employs block-structured adaptive mesh refinement, solves the incompressible Navier–Stokes equations and allows for the simulation of all of the length scales of interest by dynamically tracking important regions with recursively-nested finer grids. Two-dimensional simulations are performed over a range of parameters, which allows us to assess the conditions under which the shear instabilities in the waves occur, including a method to evaluate the critical Richardson number for instability based on the bulk wave parameters. The results show that although the minimum Richardson number is well below the canonical value of 1/4 in all simulations, this value is not a sufficient condition for instability, but instead a much lower Richardson number of 0.1 is required. When the Richardson number falls below 0.1, shear instabilities develop and grow into two-dimensional billows of the Kelvin–Helmholtz type. A linear stability analysis with the Taylor–Goldstein equation indicates that an alternate criterion for instability is given by σi Tw > 5, where σi is the growth rate of the instability averaged over Tw, the period in which parcels of fluid are subjected to a Richardson number of less than 1/4. A third criterion for instability requires that Lw/L > 0.86, where Lw is half the length of the region in which the Richardson number falls below 1/4 and L is the solitary wave half-width. An eigendecomposition of the rate-of-strain tensor is performed to show that the pycnocline thickness increases within the wave because of pycnocline-normal strain and not because of diffusion, which has important ramifications for stability. A three-dimensional simulation indicates that the primary instability is two-dimensional and that secondary, three-dimensional instabilities occur thereafter and lead to strong dissipation and mixing.
The effect of pre-warmed intravenous fluids on prevention of intraoperative hypothermia in cesarean section

Background: Hypothermia is one of the problems occurring during surgery, which can happen due to thermoregulation mechanism disorders and intake of low temperature IV fluids, and may cause increase in blood pressure, heart rate, intracranial pressure, oxygen consumption, pain, and discomfort to the patient. The rate of cesarean section in our country is three times more than the global standard. As one of the responsibilities of the nurse is patient's advocacy, s/he should support them. This study aimed to investigate the effect of pre-warmed intravenous fluids on prevention of hypothermia during general anesthesia in cesarean section. Materials and Methods: Sixty-two women undergoing elective cesarean section by general anesthesia were randomly allocated in two groups of intervention and control. Women in the intervention group received pre-warmed serum (37°C) while those in the control group received serum at room temperature (25.5°C). The core body temperature and some hemodynamic parameters of the participants were assessed during the operation. Results: The mean of pulse rate, systolic blood pressure, diastolic blood pressure, and arterial O2 saturation in the two groups were not statistically significant (P > 0.05). But the mean of mothers’ core body temperature at the end of anesthesia in the intervention and control groups were 36 ± 0.5°C and 35.34 ± 0.6°C, respectively (P < 0.05). Conclusion: Infusion of pre-warmed serum (37°C) would prevent intraoperative hypothermia and improve the nursing care for women who undergo cesarean section by general anesthesia.
General Versus Disease-Specific Measures: Further Work on the Sickness Impact Profile for Head Injury

Three modifications devised to make the Sickness Impact Profile more sensitive to head injury are evaluated in 202 head-injured and 132 general trauma patients 1 month and 12 months after injury. The modifications consist of adding items, deleting nonapplicable items, and reweighting areas of function. Each of the modifications, and especially all three combined, slightly but significantly improve discrimination of head-injured and comparison subjects and increase correlations with neurologic and neuropsychologic severity indexes. These slight improvements occur more often at 12 months than at 1 month and among those without rather than with pre-existing conditions. No improvements are found in the ability to classify patients into subgroups. The modifications fail to make improvements sufficiently large or consistent to provide a practical advantage over the SIP. The standard SIP provides a reasonable measure of psychosocial functioning following head injury. It relates to head injury and other system injury severity and reflects recovery with time. The SIP score relates to emotional functioning even after injury severity has been taken into account. Until other factors, such as emotional status and responses style, are better controlled, little benefit is likely to be obtained from creating disease-specific psychosocial measures.
Increased Levels of 27‐Hydroxycholesterol Induced by Dietary Cholesterol in Brain Contribute to Learning and Memory Impairment in Rats

SCOPE Dietary cholesterol has been shown to play a role in the development of Alzheimer's disease (AD). It is proposed that oxysterol especially 27-hydroxycholesterol (27-OHC) may play a potential role in β-amyloid peptides (Aβ) production and accumulation during AD progression. METHODS AND RESULTS To investigate the mechanisms of dietary cholesterol and 27-OHC on learning and memory impairment, male Sprague-Dawley rats are fed with cholesterol diet with or without 27-OHC synthetase inhibitor (anastrozole) injection. The levels of cholesterol, 27-OHC, 24-hydroxycholesterol (24S-OHC), 7α-hydroxycholesterol, and 7β-hydroxycholesterol in plasma are determined; apolipoprotein A (ApoA), apolipoprotein B (ApoB), HDL-cholesterol (HDL-C), and LDL-cholesterol (LDL-C) in plasma or brain; CYP27A1 and CYP7A1 in liver and CYP46A1 and CYP7B1 in brain; cathepsin B, cathepsin D, and acid phosphatase in lysosome; and Aβ1-40 and Aβ1-42 in brain. Results show increased levels of 27-OHC (p < 0.01), LDL-C (p < 0.01), and ApoB (p < 0.01), and decreased level of HDL-C (p < 0.05) in plasma, upregulated CYP27A1 (p < 0.01) and CYP7A1 (p < 0.01) expression in liver, altered lysosomal function, and increased level of Aβ in brain (p < 0.05). CONCLUSIONS This study indicates that the mechanisms of dietary cholesterol on learning and memory impairment may be involved in cholesterol metabolism and lysosome function with the increase of plasma 27-OHC, thus resulting in Aβ formation and accumulation.
The Incidence of Ankle Sprains in Soccer

This study investigated the relationship between exposure time and ankle sprains in soccer. Forty-one teams (639 players) from four male senior soccer divisions at different levels of skill (divisions I-VI) were followed prospectively for 1 year. The exposure to soccer and the number of injuries per player were higher in higher divisions, but the injury incidence, percentage of ankle injuries and incidence of ankle injuries were the same at different levels of skill. Of all injuries 17 to 20% were ankle sprains and the incidence varied between 1.7 to 2.0 ankle injuries per 1000 hours of exposure. Since players with previous ankle problems run an increased risk of reinjury we suggest that these players receive preventive advice.
Minimal groups increase young children's motivation and learning on group-relevant tasks.

Three experiments (N = 130) used a minimal group manipulation to show that just perceived membership in a social group boosts young children's motivation for and learning from group-relevant tasks. In Experiment 1, 4-year-old children assigned to a minimal "puzzles group" persisted longer on a challenging puzzle than children identified as the "puzzles child" or children in a control condition. Experiment 2 showed that this boost in motivation occurred only when the group was associated with the task. In Experiment 3, children assigned to a minimal group associated with word learning learned more words than children assigned an analogous individual identity. The studies demonstrate that fostering shared motivations may be a powerful means by which to shape young children's academic outcomes.
Comparative effects of modafinil and amphetamine on daytime sleepiness and cataplexy of narcoleptic dogs.

The effects of modafinil and amphetamine on daytime sleep (polysomnographic recordings) and cataplexy (the food-elicited cataplexy test) were compared using the narcoleptic canine model. Results indicate that both modafinil (5 and 10 mg/kg body weight i.v.) and amphetamine (100 and 200 micrograms/kg i.v.) increase wakefulness and reduce slow-wave sleep in control and narcoleptic dogs. In contrast, the results of cataplexy testing demonstrate that amphetamine (2.5-160 micrograms/kg i.v.), but not modafinil (0.125-8.0 mg/kg i.v.) significantly suppresses canine cataplexy. These results suggest that the pharmacological property of modafinil is distinct from amphetamine. Results of polysomnographic recordings also demonstrate that narcoleptic dogs slept significantly more during the daytime than control dogs and required very high doses (10 mg/kg i.v. modafinil; 200 micrograms/kg i.v. amphetamine) of stimulants to reduce their level of sleepiness to that of control dogs. This finding is consistent with the data collected in human narcolepsy and validates the use of this canine model for the screening of stimulant compounds.
Preperitoneal pelvic packing reduces mortality in patients with life-threatening hemorrhage due to unstable pelvic fractures

BACKGROUND A 2015 American Association for the Surgery of Trauma trial reported a 32% mortality for pelvic fracture patients in shock. Angioembolization (AE) is the most common intervention; the Maryland group revealed time to AE averaged 5 hours. The goal of this study was to evaluate the time to intervention and outcomes of an alternative approach for pelvic hemorrhage. We hypothesized that preperitoneal pelvic packing (PPP) results in a shorter time to intervention and lower mortality. METHODS In 2004, we initiated a PPP protocol for pelvic fracture hemorrhage. RESULTS During the 11-year study, 2,293 patients were admitted with pelvic fractures; 128 (6%) patients underwent PPP (mean age, 44 ± 2 years; Injury Severity Score (ISS), 48 ± 1.2). The lowest emergency department systolic blood pressure was 74 mm Hg and highest heart rate was 120. Median time to operation was 44 minutes and 3 additional operations were performed in 109 (85%) patients. Median RBC transfusions before SICU admission compared with the 24 postoperative hours were 8 versus 3 units (p < 0.05). After PPP, 16 (13%) patients underwent AE with a documented arterial blush. Mortality in this high-risk group was 21%. Death was due to brain injury (9), multiple organ failure (4), pulmonary or cardiac failure (6), withdrawal of support (4), adverse physiology (3), and Mucor infection (1). Of those patients with physiologic exhaustion, 2 died in the operating room at 89 and 100 minutes after arrival, whereas 1 died 9 hours after arrival. CONCLUSIONS PPP results in a shorter time to intervention and lower mortality compared with modern series using AE. Examining mortality, only 3 (2%) deaths were attributed to the immediate sequelae of bleeding with physiologic failure. With time to death under 100 minutes in 2 patients, AE is unlikely to have been feasible. PPP should be used for pelvic fracture–related bleeding in the patient who remains unstable despite initial transfusion. LEVEL OF EVIDENCE Therapeutic study, level IV.
Cannabinoids, inflammation, and fibrosis

Cannabinoids apparently act on inflammation through mechanisms different fromthose of agents such as nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). As a class, the cannabinoids are generally free fromthe adverse effects associated with NSAIDs. Their clinical development thus provides a new approach to treatment of diseases characterized by acute and chronic inflammation and fibrosis. A concise survey of the anti‐inflammatory actions of the phytocannabinoids ∆9‐tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), cannabidiol, cannabichromene, and cannabinol is presented. Mention is also made of the noncannabinoid plant components and pyrolysis products, followed by a discussion of 3 synthetic preparations—Cesamet (nabilone; Meda Pharmaceuticals, Somerset, NJ, USA), Marinol (dronabinol;THC; AbbVie, Inc., North Chicago, IL, USA), and Sativex (Cannabis extract; GW Pharmaceuticals, Cambridge United Kingdom)—that have anti‐inflammatory effects. A fourth synthetic cannabinoid, ajulemic acid (AJA; CT‐3; Resunab; Corbus Pharmaceuticals, Norwood, MA, USA), is discussed in greater detail because it represents the most recent advance in this area and is currently undergoing 3 phase 2 clinical trials by Corbus Pharmaceuticals. The endogenous cannabinoids, including the closely related lipoamino acids, are then discussed. The review concludes with a presentation of a possible mechanism for the anti‐inflammatory and antifibrotic actions of these substances. Thus, several cannabinoids may be considered candidates for development as anti‐inflammatory and antifibrotic agents. Of special interest is their possible use for treatment of chronic inflammation, a major unmet medical need. —Zurier, R. B. , Burstein, S. H. Cannabinoids, inflammation, and fibrosis. FASEB J. 30, 3682–3689 (2016) www.fasebj. org
Fall injury episodes among noninstitutionalized older adults: United States, 2001-2003.

OBJECTIVE This report presents national estimates of fall injury episodes for noninstitutionalized U.S. adults aged 65 years and over, by selected characteristics. Circumstances surrounding the fall injury and activity limitations and utilization of health care resulting from the fall injury are also presented. METHODS Combined data from the 2001-2003 National Health Interview Surveys (NHIS), conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's National Center for Health Statistics (NCHS), were analyzed to produce estimates for the U.S. civilian noninstitutionalized population. Data on nonfatal medically attended fall injuries occurring within the 3 months preceding the interview were obtained from an adult family member. RESULTS The annualized rate of fall injury episodes for noninstitutionalized adults aged 65 years and over in 2001-2003 was 51 episodes per 1,000 population. Rates of fall injuries increased with age, and were higher for women compared with men. Non-Hispanic white older adults had higher rates of fall injuries compared with non-Hispanic black older adults. Older adults with certain chronic conditions and activity limitations had higher rates of fall injuries compared with older adults without these conditions. The most common cause of fall injuries among older adults was slipping, tripping, or stumbling, and most fall injuries occurred inside or around the outside of the home. Nearly 60 percent of older adults who experienced a fall injury visited an emergency room for treatment or advice. Nearly one-third of older adults experiencing a fall injury needed help with activities of daily living as a result, and over one-half of these persons expected to need this help for at least 6 months. A similar percentage experienced limitation in instrumental activities of daily living as a result of fall injuries. CONCLUSION Fall injuries remain very prevalent among older adults and result in high health care utilization and activity limitations. Rates of fall injuries vary by demographic and health characteristics of older noninstitutionalized adults.
The Relationship between FDI and Regional Economic Integrations: An Empirical Analysis of BSEC Countries

This study investigates the effect of regional economic integration on foreign direct investment (FDI) in Organization of Black Sea Economic Cooperation (BSEC) countries not only with theoretical point of view but also with empirical evidence. The effect of regional economic integration on FDI was empirically analyzed for 9 countries and the time period cover in this study is after the BSEC has been implemented. The model is estimated with panel data methods using a dummy variable for the regional economic integrations for the 1994-2013 periods. This paper is concerned with the effect of membership to regional economic integrations together with other factors has increased FDI flows. With the current increasing regionalization trend, this paper analyses that in order to attract higher amounts of FDI, developing countries should stress regional economic integration, or at least they should make regional trade agreements or free trade agreements. Keywords: Foreign Investment, Economic Integration.