Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Mycobacterium ulcerans Triggers T-Cell Immunity followed by Local and Regional but Not Systemic Immunosuppression

ABSTRACT Buruli ulcer is a neglected infectious disease caused by Mycobacterium ulcerans and is characterized by necrotic cutaneous lesions induced by the exotoxin mycolactone. Despite evidence of Th1-mediated protective immunity, M. ulcerans infection has been associated with systemic immunosuppression. We show that early during mouse infection with either mycolactone-positive or negative strains, pathogen-specific gamma interferon (IFN-γ)-producing T cells developed in the draining lymph node (DLN). CD4+ cells migrated to the infection foci, but progressive infection with virulent M. ulcerans led to the local depletion of recruited cells. Moreover, dissemination of virulent M. ulcerans to the DLN was accompanied by extensive DLN apoptotic cytopathology, leading to depletion of CD4+ T cells and abrogation of IFN-γ expression. Advanced footpad infection with virulent M. ulcerans did not induce increased susceptibility to systemic coinfection by Listeria monocytogenes. These results show that infection with M. ulcerans efficiently triggers a mycobacterium-specific T-cell response in the DLN and that progression of infection with highly virulent M. ulcerans leads to a local and regional suppression of that immune response, but without induction of systemic immunosuppression. These results suggest that prophylactic and/or therapeutic interventions to prevent dissemination of M. ulcerans to DLN during the early phase of infection would contribute for the maintenance of protective immunity and disease control.
Low complexity polynomial receivers for downlink CDMA

In downlink CDMA, linear multiuser receivers such as the MMSE receiver are often difficult to implement, especially when the spreading factor is large. A trade-off consists in approximating the inverse of the received signal covariance matrix by a polynomial in this matrix. In this paper, a simple algorithm for computing the coefficients of this polynomial for large spreading factors is proposed. The situation where the channel is frequency selective and the users have possibly different powers is considered. Code matrices are modeled as isometric random matrices or as random matrices with i.i. d. elements and the so called Free Probability theory is used.
The effects of daily recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor administration on normal granulocyte donors undergoing leukapheresis.

The effects of daily administration of recombinant human granulocyte colony-stimulating factor (rhG-CSF) to eight normal volunteers donating granulocytes for neutropenic relatives undergoing marrow transplantation were studied. Granulocyte donors consisted of seven marrow donors (5 syngeneic, 2 HLA identical) and one haploidentical son who had not donated marrow. All donors were administered daily rhG-CSF at a mean dose of 5 micrograms/kg/d (range 3.5 to 6.0) for a mean of 11.75 days (range 9 to 14 days), and granulocytes were collected a mean of 7.6 times (range 4 to 12). RhG-CSF was well tolerated and only minor side effects were observed. All donors became anemic from marrow donation and the removal of red blood cells during the collection procedures. Red blood cell transfusions were not given. All donors had a decrease in platelet counts and the magnitude of the decrement appeared to be greater than in historical donors. This was due in part to increased removal of platelets with the collection product, but a direct effect of rhG-CSF on platelet production cannot be excluded. The mean precollection granulocyte level was 29.6 x 10(9)/L (range 11.8 to 79.8), which was a 10-fold increase over baseline. The mean number of granulocytes collected was 41.6 x 10(9) (range 1.3 to 144.1), which was a six-fold increase over historical donors not receiving rhG-CSF. The mean granulocyte level 24 hours after transfusion into neutropenic recipients was 0.95 x 10(9)/L (median 0.57 and range .06 to 9.47). This study indicates that rhG-CSF is safe to administer to normal individuals, significantly improves the quantity of granulocytes collected, and results in significant circulating levels of granulocytes in neutropenic recipients. Further studies to evaluate rhG-CSF in normal granulocyte donors are warranted.
Do the rules of the game determine who is playing? Institutional Change, Entrepreneurship and Human Capital

Prior research shows that entrepreneurship enhances economic development. However, it is becoming increasingly evident that it is not the number of new startups that matters for that goal, but rather their quality. This paper studies whether institutional change can facilitate the transition from quantity toward quality of entrepreneurship. In particular, we investigate the effect of the Italian policy intervention targeting Young Innovative Companies (YICs) on the human capital of entrepreneurs, and how that influences entrepreneurial performance. We exploit a quasi-natural experiment setting and analyze founders of 1,787 YICs founded before and after the Law no. 221/2012 reform, by breaking down the impact of lowering entry and growth barriers. The findings indicate that the reform in general, but more importantly, lowering growth barriers attracts founders endowed with the most valuable, specific experience (experience in the same sector and/or management functions). Furthermore, while the reform impacts positively the performance of all startups, the ones founded by highly skilled individuals are able to capitalize on it the most.
The Instability of Family Earnings and Family Income in Canada, 1986­1991 and 199­2001

We investigate how family earnings instability evolved between the late 1980s and the late 1990s and how family income instability varies across segments of the (family-level) earnings distribution. We uncover four key patterns. First, among the subset of families who were intact over the 1982­91 and 1992­2001 periods, family earnings instability changed little between the late 1980s and the late 1990s. Second, the dispersion of families' permanent earnings became much more unequal during that period. Third, families who were in the bottom tertile of the (age-specific) earnings distribution in 1992 to 1995 had, during the 1996­2001 period, much more unstable market income than their counterparts in the top tertile. Fourth, among families with husbands aged under 45, the tax and transfer system, during the 1996­2001 period, eliminated at least two-thirds (and up to all) of the differences in instability (measured in terms of proportional income gains/losses) in family market income that were observed during that period between families in the bottom tertile and those in the top tertile. This finding highlights the key stabilization role played by the tax and transfer system, a feature that received relatively little attention during the 1990s when (UI) EI and Social Assistance were reformed.
Piecewise-linear surface approximation from noisy scattered samples

We consider the problem of approximating a smooth surface f(x, y), based on n scattered samples {(x/sub i/, y/sub i/, z/sub i/)/sub i=1//sup n/} where the sample values {z/sub i/} are contaminated with noise: z/sub i/=f(x/sub i/, y/sub i/)=/spl epsiv//sub i/. We present an algorithm that generates a PLS (piecewise linear surface) f', defined on a triangulation of the sample locations V={(x/sub i/, y/sub i/)/sub i=1//sup n/}, approximating f well. Constructing the PLS involves specifying both the triangulation of V and the values of f' at the points of V. We demonstrate that even when the sampling process is not noisy, a better approximation for f is obtained using our algorithm, compared to existing methods. This algorithm is useful for DTM (digital terrain map) manipulation by polygon-based graphics engines for visualization applications. <<ETX>>
Image analysis of dermal collagen changes during skin aging.

OBJECTIVE To determine progressive quantitative, directional and textural changes in dermal collagen as a function of age and sex and to estimate their evolutive trend with appropriate regression models. STUDY DESIGN Ninety-six samples of abdominal skin from autopsy cases were analyzed. The ages ranged from 3.5 months to 86 years. Picro-Sirius-stained slides were examined by polarizing microscopy, and spatial density, directional features and texture of collagen were measured by computerized image analysis. Nonlinear regression models were built to estimate evolutive changes with respect to age. The relationship between spatial orientation of collagen bundles and age was best modeled by linear regression. RESULTS The evolutive patterns of dermal thickness and spatial density of collagen bundles correspond to a second-order polynomial model with a progressive increase from childhood to middle age and a relatively sharp decrease after the seventh decade. The evolution of textural pattern of dermal collagen, defined by gradient analysis, depicts a sort of inverted U. Its complexity is maximum in the first year of life, decreases until the period 25-50 years and increases progressively after the sixth decade. The horizontal orientation of collagen bundles with intermingled fascicles oriented in other directions, shown by young individuals, is progressively simplified with aging. In elderly subjects, collagen bundles have a horizontal orientation. No significant sex-related differences were found. CONCLUSION Dermal collagen changes related to aging are apparently independent of sex, at least in abdominal skin, and show characteristic curvilinear evolutive trends defined by decreased dermal thickness in the elderly, decrease in the spatial density of collagen bundles and increase in textural heterogeneity of the dermis. Progressive simplification in the orientation of collagen bundles leading to a predominant horizontal disposition followed a linear trend. These changes could contribute to providing a substantial morphologic basis to age-associated biomechanical alterations in the skin.
New Em@ncipatory Landscapes? Young People With Intellectual Disabilities, Internet Use, and Identification Processes

Although research on young people’s identification processes on the Internet is a growing field, few studies illustrate conditions for young people with intellectual disabilities (ID). Previous studies have shown that young people with ID are worried about being marginalized, and that many in fact are lonelier than other young people. Internet and social networking sites might be of vital importance as a space for exploring alternative and less stigmatized identities. This article reports findings from individual interviews with 27 young people with ID in Sweden. The transcribed interviews were analyzed using a thematic content analysis. A prominent finding concerned the informants being well aware of both risks and opportunities using Internet and Social Networking Sites. Consequently, the more they interacted with non-disabled peers, the more they experienced negative consequences of Internet use. These circumstances rather lead to downsizing than upsizing Internet use, and less participation on Social Networking Sites. The experiences of the informants are discussed in a conceptual framework of social identity, participation, and emancipation. We recommend that social work practitioners reflect upon the ways that support can be arranged in order to empower young people with ID to participate on the Internet.
Patients with attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder without observed apneic episodes in sleep or daytime sleepiness have normal sleep on polysomnography.

STUDY OBJECTIVE There is continuing speculation about the relationship between attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) and obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) or periodic limb movement disorder (PLMD)/restless legs syndrome. The objective was to determine if a significant portion of children with ADHD diagnosed using DSM-IV criteria have OSA or PLMD. SETTING Sleep disorders centers in a private practice setting and a hospital setting. PARTICIPANTS Children aged 6 to 14 years with ADHD were enrolled. Patients with snoring were not excluded. Although patients with snoring plus either observed apneic episodes in sleep or excessive daytime sleepiness were to be excluded, as were patients with restless legs at night, only 1 subject actually had to be excluded because of these criteria. MEASUREMENTS AND RESULTS Forty children were evaluated with a polysomnogram. A respiratory disturbance index cut-off of more than 5 per hour of sleep was used to diagnose OSA, and a periodic limb movement (with arousal) index cut-off of 5 or more per hour of sleep was used to diagnose PLMD. The Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder Rating Scale-IV-Parent Version: Investigator Administered and Scored was used to determine severity of inattentive, hyperactive, and total ADHD symptoms. Except for a somewhat longer rapid eye movement sleep latency and decreased percentage of rapid eye movement sleep, polysomnography was essentially normal. No patient had OSA or PLMD on polysomnography. CONCLUSIONS OSA or PLMD is not a common underlying disorder or etiologic factor in patients who meet the criteria for ADHD. In the absence of symptoms suggesting a primary sleep disorder, such as snoring with observed apneic episodes in sleep or daytime sleepiness or restless legs, polysomnographic evaluation does not seem indicated in patients with ADHD.
Long-term outcome of childhood acute myeloid leukemia in a developing country: experience from a children's hospital in China

Data on childhood acute myeloid leukemia (AML) in developing countries are limited. Herein we report the outcome of childhood AML treated with modified NPCLC-AML97 in our institution from 1997 to 2005. One hundred and eighty-five children with newly diagnosed AML were admitted. The 7-year overall survival (OS) and event free survival (EFS) rates for the whole cohort were 33.1 ± 4.1% and 31.2 ± 3.7%, respectively. Sixty patients (32.4%) refused chemotherapy and 123 were eligible for protocol evaluation. Among eligible patients, 111 (90.2%) achieved complete remission (CR). The estimated 7-year OS and EFS rates were 50.2 ± 5.5% and 46.9 ± 5.1%, respectively. APL was more curable than non-APL (7-year EFS: 63.5 ± 7.9% vs. 35.9 ± 6.3%, p = 0.005). Thirty-one patients (25.2%) relapsed, but no central nervous system leukemia was observed. Although the cure rate of childhood AML in China was low, the treatment outcome for patients who could adhere to the treatment protocol was satisfactory.
Prognostic significance of angiogenesis in rectal cancer: a morphometric investigation.

BACKGROUND Neo-angiogenesis is crucial for tumor growth and metastasis and has been proposed as an independent prognostic factor for survival in patients with solid tumors. In this study the quantitative expression of angiogenesis was investigated by direct stereologic assessment of the vascular surface density in rectal carcinoma to determine the possible correlation of angiogenesis with clinicopathological factors and prognosis. PATIENTS AND METHODS Sections from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue blocks of 29 primary rectal carcinomas were resected and immunostained for endothelial cell factor-VIII-related antigen. The vascular surface density (VSD), number of vessels per square mm (NVES), maximum NVES (NVESmax) according to the three maximum values of NVES and number of vessels in the unit area (N) were assessed by means of morphometry. The results were related to the main prognostic variables and the survival of patients. RESULTS There were no significant differences between survivors and non-survivors in terms of the angiogenesis parameters that were investigated. The overall survival rate was not significantly different for sex, age, tumor size and differentiation, extrahepatic metastasis, depth of invasion and the mode of adjuvant therapy. However, a significantly lower overall survival rate was observed in patients with liver metastatic disease (p<0.001), lymph node involvement (p=0.04) and incomplete resection (p<0.001). Multivariate analysis indicated that only the number of vessels in the unit area (HR = 1. 028, p = 0. 04), hepatic metastases (HR=14.94, p=0.007) and type of resection (HR=23.81, p=0.004) predicted overall survival. CONCLUSION These findings suggest that increased tumoral vascularity, consistent with previous studies, adversely affects survival in rectal cancer patients. Liver metastatic status and completeness of the surgical resection were the most powerful criteria to predict the final outcome of these patients. Thus, neo-angiogenesis is indeed an important and key step in tumorigenesis, but it may not be the single overwhelming factor that determines recurrence and metastasis in rectal carcinoma.
La réforme des retraites de 2010 : quel impact sur l’activité des séniors ?

We examine the consequences on older workers’ activity rate of the 2010 French pension reform, which raised the legal retirement age from 60 to 62. Overall, the activity rate of workers affected by the reform is 19 to 22 percentage points higher than that of workers of the same age but belonging to generations not affected by the reform. This result is consistent with an ex ante evaluation using the Destinie microsimulation model managed by the Insee. Moreover, microsimulation allows to first quantify and then sweep out possible interactions between the reform on ages and the other ongoing reforms: the increase in the qualifying period for a full pension, on the one hand, and the so-called “long careers” reform, on the other, which allows people with sufficient years of service to retire earlier than the legal age with a full pension. The declining number of pensioners at ages affected by the reform results in a higher employment rate for older workers, but also raises unemployment and, to a lesser extent, inactivity (other than retirement).
Factors determining length of stay of surgical day-case patients.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVE Factors which lead to prolonged stay in the day-care unit and unplanned admission after day-case surgery are poorly understood. METHODS Data sets of 3152 day-case patients were collected with a computerized online record keeping system (NarkoData). Predictors of prolonged postoperative stay including unanticipated admission were identified using univariate analysis. Charts of patients, who needed admission, were reviewed. RESULTS 13.2% of day-case patients had a postoperative stay < or = 3 h, 55.3% 3-6 h and 26.2% > or = 6 h. The rate of unanticipated admission was 5.4%. Intraoperative haemoglobin concentration and blood loss were the best predictors of a prolonged postoperative stay. Other significant predictors were female gender, advanced age, longer duration of surgery, larger volume of infusions, intubation, spinal anaesthesia, intraoperative use of opioids and non-depolarizing muscle relaxants, high pain score, nausea and vomiting and prolonged preoperative waiting time. Chart review of patients admitted to hospital confirmed the validity of the statistically significant predictors. CONCLUSIONS In day-case surgery, the predictors of prolonged stay in the day-care unit and unplanned Hospital admission are mainly related to the surgical procedure.
Abacavir + dolutegravir + lamivudine for the treatment of HIV

ABSTRACT Introduction: Since the last revision of both European and American guidelines (EACS and DHHS), new data from clinical trials and cohort studies, as well as experience in clinical practice, have prompted significant changes to the list of recommended/preferred options for the treatment of HIV infected patients, highlighted the role of INSTI-based regimens. Dolutegravir (DTG) in combination with abacavir/lamivudine (ABC/3TC) is one of these preferred regimens in multiple clinical scenarios, including treatment-naive and treatment-experienced patients. Areas covered: In this article we describe the coformulation of ABC/3TC/DTG in a fixed-dose combination (FDC) approved in September 2014 for the treatment of HIV infection. We focused our research on the efficacy and safety data resulting from phase 2 and 3 clinical study, particularly on the results of both SPRING (1 and 2) and SINGLE studies. Expert opinion: Triple combination therapy with ABC/3TC/DTG should be considered among the initial options for treatment-naive patients, being effective, well tolerated, with a high genetic barrier to resistance along with a convenient once-daily administration. In treatment-experienced patients the single-tablet regimen (STR) based on ABC/3TC/DTG could be used as simplification strategy in subjects with sustained viral suppression, as the high genetic barrier of DTG should ensure a safe switch from both NNRTI or PI based regimens.
Measuring economic exclusion for racialized minorities, immigrants and women in Canada: results from 2000 and 2010

ABSTRACT In this article, the authors examine patterns of economic exclusion in Canada’s labor market in 2000 and 2010. Using Canada’s Survey of Labour and Income Dynamics data, the authors devise a unique Economic Exclusion Index to capture disparities in income, employment precarity, and wealth. The authors find evidence of persistent disadvantage tied to immigrant status, race, and gender in Canada’s labor market; specifically, individuals identified as Black, South Asian and Arab, as well as recent immigrants and women, fare worst. The authors conclude that there is a need for structural changes that enable disadvantaged groups to move toward economic inclusion in Canada’s labor market.
On the influence of vias on a PCB power-bus

In this paper, a method for the investigation of the influence of a through-hole via on a printed circuit board power-bus is presented. Therefore based on an introduced via model for a through-hole via its scattering parameters are extracted using a de-embedding algorithm. After the following calculation of the via model elements with the two-port theory, the extracted impedances are inserted in a known formula for the power-bus impedance. In addition, it is shown how the signal return current acts as an excitation source of the waveguide modes within the power-bus.
Frequency of cytotoxic T lymphocyte precursors (CTLp) interacting with autologous tumor via the T‐cell receptor: Limiting dilution analysis of specific CTLp in peripheral blood and tumor‐invaded lymph nodes of melanoma patients

The frequencies of cytotoxic T‐lymphocyte precursors (CTLp) that lyse auto logo us tumor by a T‐cell receptor (TCR) dependent mechanism (specific CTLp) were evaluated by limiting dilution analysis (LDA) using lymphocytes from peripheral blood (PBL) and from surgically resected, tumor‐invaded lymph nodes (LNL) in 9 melanoma patients. The frequency of specific CTLp was determined in PBLs and/or LNIs of all patients by a modified LDA assay, enabling us to measure lytic activity on the autologous tumor that could be significantly inhibited by an anti‐CD3 monoclonal antibody (MAb). This assay allowed us to detect frequencies of specific CTLp ranging from 1/720 to 1/32,037 in peripheral blood and from 1/328 to 1/22,061 in tumor‐invaded lymph nodes. These frequencies indicated that lymphoid populations from PBLs or LNLs of melanoma patients may contain as low as 30 to as much as 3,000 specific CTLp/106 lymphocytes. In addition, comparison of wells containing specific CTLp with those showing no inhibition by anti‐CD3 MAb indicated that specific CTLp represent between 3 and 88% of all precursors with lytic activity on the tumor. In 6 of 9 patients, no marked differences between PBLs and LNIs in specific CTLp frequencies were found. A 10‐fold increase of specific CTLp, in comparison to PBL and LNL, was found only in lymphocytes isolated from a subcutaneous metastasis of one patient. Our results indicate that CTLp interacting with autologous tumor by a TCR‐dependent mechanism exist in PBL and LNL of most melanoma patients, although a wide variation in their absolute number is evident among different patients.