Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Age-Associated B Cells with Proinflammatory Characteristics Are Expanded in a Proportion of Multiple Sclerosis Patients

Immune aging occurs in the elderly and in autoimmune diseases. Recently, IgD−CD27− (double negative, DN) and CD21−CD11c+ (CD21low) B cells were described as age-associated B cells with proinflammatory characteristics. This study investigated the prevalence and functional characteristics of DN and CD21low B cells in multiple sclerosis (MS) patients. Using flow cytometry, we demonstrated a higher proportion of MS patients younger than 60 y with peripheral expansions of DN (8/41) and CD21low (9/41) B cells compared with age-matched healthy donors (1/33 and 2/33, respectively), which indicates an increase in age-associated B cells in MS patients. The majority of DN B cells had an IgG+ memory phenotype, whereas CD21low B cells consisted of a mixed population of CD27− naive, CD27+ memory, IgG+, and IgM+ cells. DN B cells showed similar (MS patients) or increased (healthy donors) MHC-II expression as class-switched memory B cells and intermediate costimulatory molecule expression between naive and class-switched memory B cells, indicating their potential to induce (proinflammatory) T cell responses. Further, DN B cells produced proinflammatory and cytotoxic cytokines following ex vivo stimulation. Increased frequencies of DN and CD21low B cells were found in the cerebrospinal fluid of MS patients compared with paired peripheral blood. In conclusion, a proportion of MS patients showed increased peripheral expansions of age-associated B cells. DN and CD21low B cell frequencies were further increased in MS cerebrospinal fluid. These cells could contribute to inflammation by induction of T cell responses and the production of proinflammatory cytokines.
Role of monoclonal antibodies in tumor-specific immunity

Monoclonal antibodies, considered to be ‘magic bullets’ 20 years ago, may finally be realizing their full potential, particularly in the area of oncology, where > 10 monoclonal antibodies are approved for treatment. Monoclonal antibodies are being used to modulate tumor-specific immunity through several approaches: antibodies that direct cytotoxicity against the tumor through cellular or complement-mediated pathways; antibodies that directly modulate immune regulation; antibodies that alter tolerance to tumor antigens; and antibodies that act as antigen mimetics through the anti-idiotype network. Therapeutic progress in these areas is reviewed as well as the potential to combine these approaches with standard therapies.
The effect of marcaine on muscle and non‐muscle cells in vitro

The effect of the local anaesthetic Marcaine on muscle and non‐muscle cell types was examined using an in vitro assay. Each of the cell types examined (myotubes, myoblasts, fibroblasts and liver parenchyma) expressed morphological alterations when incubated in Marcaine‐medium. Myotubes were the most sensitive of the cells studied and exhibited several pronounced membrane structural changes after short incubation periods in Marcaine‐medium. The toxic effects of Marcaine were irreversible and the myotubes continued to degenerate despite being placed in fresh medium. Myo‐blasts and non‐muscle cells, however, demonstrated a rapid recovery when removed from the Marcaine‐medium. Since Marcaine is thought to compete with Ca++ for specific sites on cell membranes, it is proposed that the differential effects which were observed are dependent upon the level of calcium related activities being carried out by the cells.
Botulinum toxin for prevention of delayed gastric emptying after esophagectomy

Background Esophageal cancer is among the most common gastrointestinal cancers for which the main treatment is surgery. This study was undertaken to analyze the results of Botox injection in preventing gastric stasis in these patients. Patients and methods 60 patients with esophageal cancer in the middle and lower third parts were included in our study between 2010 and 2011, and were randomly divided into two groups. In group A, 30 patients underwent pyloroplasty, and in group B, injection of botulinum toxin into the pyloric sphincter muscle was used in 30 patients. Results The mean age of these patients was 61 ± 10.7 years and the male/female ratio was 33:27. Isotope scans 3 weeks after surgery showed that 5 patients in group A and 3 in group B had delayed gastric emptying; there was no significant difference between the 2 groups, and the success rate of Botox injection was 90%. Conclusion Considering the fact that there was no significant difference between pyloroplasty and Botox injection on gastric emptying after surgery, and given the need to use less-aggressive techniques and facilitate greater use of endoscopic methods, botulinum toxin injection may be used instead of pyloroplasty as a simple, effective, and complication-free method to prevent delayed gastric emptying.
Delineation of the cryptic 1qter deletion phenotype

The 1qter microdeletion is often reported in the literature as a part of a complex chromosome rearrangement. We describe a patient with a normal initial cytogenetic analysis later found by subtelomeric FISH to have a de novo isolated 1qter microdeletion. Further characterization was completed through microarray comparative genomic hybridization (CGH) and specific bacterial artificial chromosomes (BACs) to a region of 5.2–5.3 Mbp. Six additional cases were reviewed from a literature search. While no particular feature is specifically unique, the most frequently associated features include short stature, developmental delay and mental retardation, microcephaly, seizures, abnormal corpus callosum, and abnormal ear shape. This further delineates the phenotype and further narrows the chromosomal region responsible for a 1qter microdeletion phenotype. © 2007 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Synthesis and Biological Activity of Bimorpholine and its Carbanucleoside

A new enantiomerically pure carbacyclic nucleoside analogue with bimorpholine as a nonaromatic nucleobase was synthesized. The nucleoside analogue and bimorpholine were tested for cytotoxicity using an MTT assay and the xCELLigence System. Both assays revealed that compound 3 was highly cytotoxic at a 50 μM concentration while the cytotoxic effect of compound 1 was much less prominent. No antiretroviral activity was detected for this compound. In contrast, it acted as a potent inhibitor of hepatitis C virus (HCV) replication. Most likely this effect originates largely from the cytotoxicity of the compound; however, it is possible that a specific mechanism of HCV inhibition also exists.
Central Nervous System Candidiasis Presenting with Persistent Brain Parenchymal Microabscess in a Premature Infant

Candidal meningitis is a serious complication of systemic candidiasis and cause of major morbidity and mortality. This is especially true in very low birth weight premature infants. We describe a premature neonate who suffered from systemic candidal infection with brain parenchymal involvement detected by cranial ultrasound. This patient survived after antifungal treatment but delayed neurodevelopmental outcome was noted in the subsequent follow-up. Physicians should be more alert to the early diagnosis of fungal infection in premature babies as central nervous system candidal infection can result in neurodevelopmental delay in such infants. (Chang Gung Med J 2006;29(4 Suppl):29-34)
Development of Multi-Objective Six Sigma Approach for Robust Design Optimization

In this study, a new optimization approach for robust design, design for multi-objective six sigma, has been developed and applied to three robust optimization problems.The design for multi-objective six sigma builds on the ideas of design for six sigma, coupled with multiobjective evolutionary algorithm, for an enhanced capability to reveal tradeoff information considering both optimality and robustness of design. While design for six sigma requires careful input parameter setting, design for multi-objective six sigma needs no such prior tuning, plus it can reveal the tradeoff information in a single optimization run. Three robust optimization problems were taken as to demonstrate the capabilities of design for multiobjective six sigma. Results indicate that design for multi-objective six sigma has a more practical and more efficient capability than the design for six sigma to reveal tradeoff design information considering both optimality and robustness of design.
Pathologic significance of a novel oncoprotein in thyroid cancer progression

The incidence of thyroid cancer is increasing worldwide, and there is an emerging need to develop accurate tools for diagnosis. Fine needle aspiration biopsy has greatly improved evaluation of thyroid nodules, but challenges with indeterminate lesions remain in up to 25% of biopsies. Novel tissue biomarkers may assist in improved nodule characterization. Microcalcifications occurring in thyroid cancers suggest proteins involved in bone formation may play a role in thyroid carcinogenesis. We evaluated the expression of the known osteogenic protein, Enigma, in thyroid cancer as a candidate oncoprotein and role in carcinogenesis based on association with other known oncoproteins such as bone morphogenetic protein‐1 (BMP‐1).
Gallstone disease in an elderly population: the Silea study.

BACKGROUND Little is known on gallbladder emptying and gallstone composition in the elderly. AIMS AND SUBJECTS: Cross-sectional survey on the prevalence of gallstone disease and associated factors, gallstone characteristics and gallbladder emptying in a population aged > or = 60 years. METHODS Gallstone number and size as well as gallbladder motor function were assessed by ultrasound. Gallstone composition and pattern were evaluated by conventional radiology and computed tomography (CT) based on Hounsfield units (HU). RESULTS Gallstones were found in 148/1,065 subjects (13.9%), while 136 subjects (12.8%) were cholecystectomized with an overall prevalence of gallstone disease of 26.7% (sex ratio: F > M). Multiple gallstones (62.7%) and small gallstones (52%, diameter < or = 15 mm) were seen; silent gallstones accounted for 93.9% of the total. Only diabetes mellitus in women was significantly associated with cholelithiasis. Gallbladder fasting volumes were larger in gallstone carriers than in controls (P < 0.01); residual and ejection volumes were also significantly greater in gallstone carriers, whereas ejection fractions were similar in the two groups (50.3% +/- 2.4 versus 54.9% +/- 3.0; not significant). Gallstone calcifications were detected in 29/91 gallstone carriers by X-ray and in another 20 by CT (HU > 90). Moreover, 35 gallstone carriers had a score < or = 50 HU and six had attenuation values between 50 and 90 HU. Six gallstone patterns were identified: hypo-isodense, homogeneously dense, rimmed, laminated, core-hyperdense, gas-containing. CONCLUSIONS In the elderly, the prevalence of gallstone disease is very high, especially in women, but gallstone size, number and pattern and gallbladder emptying do not differ from those reported in the middle-aged gallstone population. Advanced age is associated with a high rate of calcified, probably pigment stones.
Immunohistochemical localization of S100‐like protein in non‐mammalian kidney

The immunolocalization of S100‐like protein was investigated in the kidney of saltwater fishes (Dicentrarchus labrax; Coris julis; Serranus cabrilla; Scorpaena porcus), amphibia (Rana aesculenta), reptiles (Lacerta viridis), and aves (Gallus domesticus; Strutio camelus). S100‐like immunoreactivity was detected in the juxtaglomerular cells of all saltwater fishes studied. No immunoreactivity was observed in other tracts of the nephron or in the interstitial tissue. In frog kidney, S100‐like immunoreactive cells were localized in the proximal tubule, singly distributed or placed side by side in clusters of two or three cells. S100‐like immunoreactive cells were distributed in the distal and in the collecting tubules in lizard, chicken, and ostrich kidney. In the distal tubule of lizard kidney, S100‐like immunoreactive cells were numerous and uniformly distributed. In lizard collecting tubules, S100‐like immunoreactive cells showed less intense immunoreactivity than in the distal tubule, except for a cluster of cells at the junction with the initial collecting duct. In chicken and ostrich kidney, S100‐like immunoreactive cells of the distal tubules were closely packed together. In the collecting tubules, S100‐like immunoreactive cells were alternate to negative cells. These results indicate the high conservation degree of S100 proteins through phylogenesis and suggest a functional role for these proteins in the vertebrate kidney. Microsc. Res. Tech. 60:652–657, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A phantom for cadaverless evaluation of targeting systems for distal locking of intramedullary nails

One of the most challenging parts of intramedullary nailing is finding the location of the distal holes of the intramedullary nail following its insertion along the medullary canal. The preferred method for locating the distal holes involves the use of x-ray imaging. In order to reduce the exposure of the medical personnel and patient to ionizing radiation several alternative methods are being investigated and their feasibility and accuracy are being assessed by performing surgery on cadavers. Due to several issues associated with cadavers, this paper introduces a phantom as an alternative tool for the evaluation of such techniques. The features associated with this phantom should allow researchers to assess the performance of their distal locking systems at a reduced cost and without the need for surgical skills.
Incidence and characterization of Listeria spp. from foods available in Korea.

A total of 410 domestic Korean food samples were analyzed for the presence of Listeria spp. by the conventional U.S. Department of Agriculture protocol, and presumptive strains were identified by morphological, cultural and biochemical tests according to Bergey's manual and confirmed by API-Listeria kit. Among the total 410 food samples, 46 samples (11.2%) were found to be contaminated with Listeria species. Among the 46 strains of Listeria spp. isolates, 8 strains (17.42%) for Listeria monocytogenes, 3 strains (6.5%) for Listeria seeligeri, 33 strains (71.7%) for Listeria innocua, and 2 strains (4.4%) for Listeria welshimeri were identified, respectively. Also, only beef, chicken, pork, frozen foods, and sausage were contaminated with L. monocytogenes, and the other products were free of L. monocytogenes. Of 46 Listeria spp. isolates, L. innocua (71.7%) was the most predominantly isolated in a variety of foods compared to other Listeria spp. An in vitro virulence assay for Listeria spp. using myeloma and hybridoma cells from murine and human sources was performed. The result showed that only L. monocytogenes killed approximately 95 to 100% hybridoma cells after 6 h and the other Listeria species, such as L. innocua, L. seeligeri, and L. welshimeri strains had about 0 to 10% lethal effect on hybridoma cells. Also, an antibiotic susceptibility test showed that Listeria spp. isolates were very susceptible to the antibiotics tested, except for nalidixic acid. Also, serotyping results showed 75% of L. monocytogenes isolates from beef, chicken, and frozen pizza belonged to serotype 1 and 25% from sausage were type 4.
Immunological and histopathological reactions of the rat against the tapeworm Hymenolepis diminuta and the effects of anti‐thymocyte serum

Summary Anti‐thymocyte‐serum (ATS) treated Wistar rats infected with 100 cysticercoids of the rat intestinal cestode Hymenolepis diminuta showed a delayed destrobilation and expulsion of the worms compared with saline‐treated infected rats. This result strengthens previous evidence of an immunological nature of the destrobilation and expulsion in lumen‐dwelling cestodes—even in their most susceptible hosts. The migration of the worms in the small intestine during the first 20 days of a primary 100‐worm infection is described and the anterior migration of the destrobilated worms to the first 10% of the pylorus is emphasized and compared with similar migrations of the nematode Nippostrongylus brasiliensis in the rat. No serum antibodies were detected using passive cutaneous anaphylaxis and the indirect immunofluorescence test, although the thymus‐independent areas of the mesenteric lymph nodes showed an increase in pyroninophilic cells. In the small intestine, no response to the tapeworm infection could be detected in pyroninophilic cells and globule leucocytes, but mast cell and eosinophilic cell numbers were increased in the saline‐treated infected rats. Although the host responses to H. diminuta are shown to be thymus‐dependent, the possibility of thymus‐independent activity in the host reactions cannot be ruled out.
Is disordered folate metabolism the basis for the genetic predisposition to neural tube defects?

Vitamin levels were measured in twenty women under 35 years of age with a history of two or more neural tube defect pregnancies. Each index case was compared with a female control matched for age, obstetric history and social class. The mean concentration of red cell folate in the subjects was 178 ng/ml, significantly lower than the mean of 268 ng/ml for the control group (P=0.005). Red cell folate levels showed a linear relationship with the number of neural tube defect pregnancies, the levels being lowest in women who had had three or four affected offspring. There was no significant difference in serum folate; plasma or white cell vitamin C; plasma vitamin A; thiamine, riboflavine or pyridoxine status; serum vitamin B12; plasma vitamin E; total protein, albumin, transferrin, magnesium, copper or zinc. Diet was assessed by a questionnaire. The dietary intakes of total folate and other vitamins except vitamin A were lower in the subjects than the controls but none of the differences were statistically significant. Regression analysis showed a difference between subjects and controls in the relationship of red cell folate to dietary folate.
Monitoring age‐related changes of collagen content and vascularity in ganglia using unbiased stereological methods

We describe for the first time application of unbiased stereological techniques to estimate total volume and volume fractions of interest in individual dorsal root ganglia (DRG). Volume estimates were obtained using a two‐stage sampling design. Sections were systematically sampled following a random start, from DRG which were embedded in methacrylate and exhaustively sectioned. We further examined the efficiency of point counting irregular volume fractions housed in a regular reference volume. We found that the precision of volume estimates was relatively unaffected by exhaustive sampling, and that the magnitude of error was, in large part, determined by object shape.
Antiphospholipid antibodies and hepatitis C virus infection in Iranian thalassemia major patients

Although the precise nature of Antiphospholipid antibodies is still not clearly defined, they are known to have association with thromboembolic events and have been found in hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection. Moreover, high prevalence of HCV infection and thrombotic risk is described in thalassemia. We aimed at investigating the prevalence of anticardiolipin antibodies (aCLAbs), lupus anticoagulant (LA), and their relation with HCV infection in Iranian thalassemic patients. Presence of anti‐HCV antibody, serum HCV‐RNA, aCLAbs, and LA activity was determined in 131 patients with thalassemia major (male/female: 63/68 aged 3–29 years) registered at thalassemia unit, Dastgheib Hospital, Shiraz, Iran. Sixty‐one healthy controls were also included. Anti‐HCV antibody was positive in 24 (18.3%), IgG aCLAbs in 56 (42.7%), and LA activity in 9 (6.9%) patients. 87.5% of patients positive for aCLAbs had a low titer of aCLAbs. Although none of the participants had a previous history of thrombosis, higher prevalence of aCLAbs was detected in thalassemic patients compared with controls. No significant difference in the prevalence of aCLAbs was found between HCV‐infected and noninfected patients. A high prevalence of aCLAbs, the majority in low titers, was detected in Iranian thalassemic patients irrespective of previous history of thrombosis and presence of HCV infection.
An Indian Ocean dilemma: Sino-Indian rivalry and China's strategic vulnerability in the Indian Ocean

This paper looks at the key strategic issues faced by China in the Indian Ocean within the context of growing Sino-Indian rivalry. It makes two basic arguments: first, that China has considerable strategic disadvantages in the Indian Ocean as compared with India; and second, that India has had more success than China in developing security relationships in the region. These propositions differ from a more common narrative, according to which China is establishing security relationships throughout the region that seriously threaten India. This paper argues that, on the contrary, China faces a strategic dilemma right across the Indian Ocean that it will only be able to partially mitigate in the short to medium term. Perhaps we should be asking how China's strategic vulnerability should be best managed.
Could the high level of cirrhosis in central and eastern Europe be due partly to the quality of alcohol consumed? An exploratory investigation.

BACKGROUND The burden of alcohol-related diseases differs widely among countries. Since the 1980s, a band of countries in Central and Eastern Europe have experienced a steep rise in deaths from chronic liver diseases and cirrhosis. A possible risk factor is the consumption of illegally produced home-made spirits in these countries containing varying amounts of aliphatic alcohols and which may be hepatotoxic. However, little is known about the composition of such beverages. AIMS To compare the concentration of short-chain aliphatic alcohols in spirits from illegal and legal sources in Hungary. DESIGN Samples taken from commercial retailers and illegal sources were collected and their aliphatic patterns and alcohol concentrations were determined by gas chromatographic/mass spectrometric (GC/MS) analysis. FINDINGS The concentrations of methanol, isobutanol, 1-propanol, 1-butanol, 2-butanol and isoamyl alcohol were significantly higher in home-made spirits than those of from commercial sources. CONCLUSIONS The results suggest that the consumption of home-made spirits is an additional risk factor for the development of alcohol-induced cirrhosis and may have contributed to high level of liver cirrhosis mortality in Central and Eastern Europe. Restrictions on supply and sale of alcohol from illicit sources are needed urgently to reduce significantly the mortality from chronic liver disease.