Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Identification of HLA-DRB1 Alleles Associated with Graves' Disease in Koreans by Sequence-Based Typing

The human leukocyte antigen (HLA) region, particularly class II genes, plays a primary role in the susceptibility to development of GD. We investigated the allelic polymorphism of HLA class II DRB1 genes to examine its association with GD in Koreans. We performed the high resolution polymerase chain reaction-sequence based typing (PCR-SBT) of HLA-DRB1 in 133 patients with GD and 200 healthy controls. Compared to healthy controls, the patients with GD had increased frequencies of DRB1*030101 (4.9% vs.1.8%, p = 0.034), DRB1*080201 (5.3% vs. 2.3%, p = 0.050) and DRB1*140301 (3.4% vs. 1.0%, p = 0.043). In contrast, the frequencies of DRB1*070101 (3.0% vs. 7.3%, p = 0.024) and DRB1*130201 (4.1% vs. 9.0%, p = 0.010) were decreased in the patients with GD. However, the corrected p values were not significant in above all alleles. Patients with DRB1*040301 were significantly older than controls (45 years vs. 35 years, p = 0.017). DRB1*040301, DRB1*150201, DRB1*120101 and DRB1*120201 were associated with male predominance, strong familial associations, thyroid ophthalmopathy and radioactive iodine therapy, respectively. In conclusion, there were no significant HLA-DRB1 alleles associated with GD in Koreans, although some alleles were correlated with the clinical characteristics.
Modeled Microgravity Suppressed Expansion of the MBP-specific T Lymphocytes of Rats with Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis

Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is characterized by uncontrolled proliferation of autoreactive T lymphocytes, with markedly increased secretion of pro-inflammatory cytokines. To further dissect the pathogenetic pathways of this disease, we exposed T lymphocytes from EAE rats, which were specific for myelin basic protein (MBP) to a modeled microgravity (MMG) environment, using a rotated cell culture system (RCCS) that was known to suppress proliferation of normal T cells. Following exposure to MMG, the proliferation of EAE lymphocytes decreased dramatically compared to those cultured in unit gravity (UG). At the beginning of MMG, a significant increase of apoptosis of MBP-specific T lymphocytes was observed, while at a later stage, the cytokine secretion profile of exposed MBP-specific T lymphocytes was altered, as was the differentiation of Th subsets. We concluded that the function of MBP-specific T lymphocytes was disordered after exposure to MMG.
Risk factors for morbidity in infants undergoing tetralogy of fallot repair

Background: Primary repair of tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) has low surgical mortality, but some patients still experience significant postoperative morbidity. Aim: To review our institutional experience with primary TOF repair, and identify predictors of intensive care unit (ICU) morbidity. Settings and Design: Medium-sized pediatric cardiology program. Retrospective study. Subjects and Methods: We retrospectively reviewed all the patients with TOF and pulmonic stenosis who underwent primary repair in infancy at our institution from January 2001 to December 2012. Preoperative, operative, and postoperative demographic and morphologic data were analyzed. ICU morbidity was defined as prolonged ICU stay (≥7 days), and/or prolonged duration of mechanical ventilation (≥48 h). Statistical Analysis Used: Multiple logistic regression analysis. Results: Ninety-seven patients underwent primary surgical repair during the study period. The median age was 4.9 months (1-9 months) and the median weight was 5.3 kg (3.1-9.8 kg). There was no early surgical mortality. Incidence of junctional ectopic tachycardia (JET) and persistent complete heart block was 2 and 1%, respectively. The median length of ICU stay was 6 days (2-21 days) and median duration of mechanical ventilation was 19 h (0-136 h). By multiple regression analysis, age and weight were independent predictors of length of ICU stay, while surgical era was an independent predictor of duration of mechanical ventilation. Conclusion: Primary TOF repair is a safe procedure with low mortality and morbidity in a medium-sized program with outcomes comparable to national standards. Age and weight at the time of surgery remain significant predictors of morbidity.
Orexin receptor antagonists: a review of promising compounds patented since 2006

Importance of the field: The orexin neuropeptide system plays a central role in maintaining arousal and wakefulness. It has been demonstrated that small molecule antagonists to the orexin receptors promote sleep in preclinical species and in patients with insomnia. Areas covered in this review: This review provides a summary of published patent applications claiming novel orexin antagonists from 2006 to mid-2009, covering both selective and dual orexin receptor antagonists. What the reader will gain: Readers will gain an overview of orexin biology focusing on genetic and pharmacological validation of this target for treating sleep disorders. Additionally, this review discusses the importance of receptor subtype selectivity and the potential role of subtype selective and dual orexin antagonists in treating psychiatric illnesses beyond insomnia. This review identifies companies that are significant contributors to the patent literature claiming novel orexin receptor antagonists. Take home message: The study of the orexin system has emerged as one of the key new fields of investigation in neuroscience. The demonstration of clinical proof-of-concept for the treatment of primary insomnia by Actelion in early 2007 has spurred significant interest in this field and competition has markedly increased since 2006.
Consecuencias del uso de cocaína en las personas que ejercen la prostitución

Objective: To describe the circumstances and consequences of cocaine use in the setting of prostitution. Material and method: We performed a qualitative study with fieldwork in 6 Spanish cities. Semi-structured interviews were carried out to 60 persons aged between 18 and 50 years old involved in prostitution in different settings: street, flat and brothel. Results: The main substances used in prostitution were alcohol and cocaine. Consumption was occasional and instrumental and helped to reduce psychological barriers or inhibition and increase tolerance to long hours of sex work with different clients, thus increasing earnings. Cocaine use was also associated with providing clients with company without having to perform sexual services. Among the consequences of drug use in prostitutes were unprotected sex and a higher risk of violence by clients. Prostitutes developed harm reduction strategies for drug use: dose reduction, simulated drug use, and selection of clients who were users. Conclusions: This study shows that there is connection between drug use and the provision of sexual services. Drug use can pose a health risk as consumption is associated with unprotected sex.
The clinical value of human leukocyte antigen HLA-DRB1 subtypes associated to Graves’ disease in Romanian population

The aim of this study was to identify the primary susceptibility HLA-DRB1 alleles associated with GD in Romanian population and to seek whether specific HLA-DRB1 haplotypes are associated with differences in the clinical presentation of GD at diagnosis. Molecular typing of HLA-DRB1 alleles was performed in 77 Romanian Caucasian GD patients and 445 racially matched controls. In GD patients, age, presence of eye disease, goiter grade, autoantibody status and titer, TSH, FT4, FT3, TT3 levels were recorded at diagnosis. The allelic frequencies of HLA-DRB1*03 (41.55% vs. 17.75%, p < 0.0001, χ2 = 20.81) and DRB1*11 (42.85% vs. 30.56%, p = 0.045, χ2= 3.98)were higher, whereas those of HLA-DRB1*01(3.89% vs. 16.40%, p = 0.007, χ2 = 7.281) and DRB1*15 (10.38% vs. 21.34%, p = 0.038, χ2 = 4.309)were lower in GD patients than in controls. FT4/TT3 ratio (p = 0.015) and anti-thyroglobulin antibodies (p = 0.024) were higher in *03/11 patients compared to *X/X, *11/Z, *03/Y patients (where X is any other allele than *03 and *11, Y is any other allele than *11, Z is any other allele than *03). In conclusion, HLA-DRB1*03 and DRB1*11 may be the primary susceptibility HLA-DRB1 alleles associated with GD in Romanian population, whereas HLA-DRB1*01 and DRB1*15 seem to be protective. At diagnosis, HLA-DRB1*03/11 GD patients had higher FT4/TT3 ratio and anti-thyroglobulin antibody levels.
Detoxified pneumolysin derivative plym2 directly protects against pneumococcal infection via induction of inflammatory cytokines

Streptococcus pneumoniae is a major cause of infectious disease and complications worldwide, such as pneumonia, otitis media, bacteremia and meningitis. New generation protein-based pneumococcal vaccines are recognized as alternative vaccine candidates. Pneumolysin (Ply) is a cholesterol-dependent cytolysin produced by all clinical isolates of S. pneumoniae. Our research group previously developed a highly detoxified Ply mutant designated Plym2 by replacement of two animo acids (C428G and W433F). Exhibiting undetectable levels of cytotoxicity, Plym2 could still elicit high titer neutralizing antibodies against the native toxin. However, evaluation of the active immunoprotective effects of Plym2 by subcutaneous immunization and lethal challenge with S. pneumoniae in mice did not yield favorable results. In the present work, we confirmed the previous observations by using passive immunization and systemic challenge. Results of the passive immunization were consistent with those of active immunization. Further experiments were conducted to explain the inability of high titer neutralizing antibodies against Ply to protect mice from S. pneumoniae challenge. Pneumococcal Ply is known to be the major factor responsible for the induction of inflammation that benefits the host. Proinflammatory cytokines facilitate the clearance of invaders by the recruitment and activation of leukocytes at the early infection stage. We demonstrated that Plym2 could induce proinflammatory cytokines similarly to wild-type Ply. A systemic infection model was used to clarify that Plym2 lacking cytolytic activity could protect mice from intraperitoneal challenge directly, while antibodies to the mutant had no effect. Therefore, the protective function of Plym2 may be due to its induction of proinflammatory cytokines. When used in the systemic infection model, Plym2 antibodies may block the induction of proinflammatory cytokines by Ply. These findings demonstrate that a Ply-based vaccine would not be an effective primary vaccine component, but it may be beneficial as an adjuvant to stimulate cytokine production.
The Role of Occupational Therapy in Palliative Care

The purpose of this paper is to define the role of occupational therapy in palliative care, to describe the services currently available in the metropolitan area of Perth, Western Australia, and to make recommendations for the extension of occupational therapy services in the area of palliative care. The literature regarding occupational therapy in palliative care is reviewed; The results of interviews with occupational therapists and patients currently involved in palliative care are analysed; and the recommendations for future services are offered.
Association between CARD8 rs2043211 Polymorphism and Inflammatory Bowel Disease: A Meta-Analysis

Objective: The aim of this study was to determine whether caspase recruitment domain-containing protein 8 (CARD8) rs2043211 polymorphism was associated with susceptibility to inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). Methods: Relevant studies were searched using PubMed and Embase up to February 2014. A meta-analysis was conducted on the association between rs2043211 polymorphism and IBD using: (1) allele contrast, (2) the dominant model, (3) the recessive model, and (4) homozygote contrast. The pooled estimated of risk was obtained by random-effects model or fixed-effects model. Publication bias was assessed by Egger’s test. Results: Eight relevant articles with a total of 10 534 IBD patients [6785 Crohn’s disease (CD), 3713 ulcerative colitis (UC) and 36 indeterminate colitis (IC)] and 6755 healthy controls were included in the meta-analysis, which consisted of 12 studies, 12 for CD, 10 for UC, 2 for IC. There was no significant association between rs2043211 polymorphism and IBD, CD, and IC in overall population. However, stratified meta-analysis by ethnicity showed significant association between rs2043211 polymorphism and CD in the European population under the dominant model [odds ratio (OR) = 1.210, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.013–1.445, p = 0.036] and homozygote contrast (OR = 1.212, 95% CI = 1.005–1.461, p = 0.044). Conclusions: Our meta-analysis results indicated significant association between rs2043211 polymorphism and the susceptibility to CD under the dominant model and homozygote contrast in the European population.
Preventive Effect of a Novel Recombinant sTNFRII on Collagen-Induced Arthritis

We developed a novel trimeric sTNFRII fusion protein, named sTNFRII-gAD, which exhibited a higher in vitro antagonistic efficacy for TNFα in comparison with sTNFRII-Fc. This study aimed to investigate the arthritic protection of sTNFRII-gAD in a rat collagen-induced arthritis (CIA). The rats were injected intradermally with collagen type II at days 0 and 7. Three days after the second injection (day 10), the rats were intraperitoneally given sTNFRII-gAD or sTNFRII-Fc, or PBS. Effects of treatments were examined with respect of CIA incidence, severity and pathological changes. Serum TNFα, IL-17A and regulatory T cell (Treg) in periphery were determined at days 10 and 16, respectively. Our results showed that sTNFRIIgAD significantly reduced CIA incidence and severity (p < 0.05); meanwhile it led to a dramatic improvement in cartilage and bone damage. Moreover, the increase in serum anti-CII and IL-17A, and the reduction in Treg population were inhibited (p < 0.05) by sTNFRII-gAD or sTNFRII-Fc. Serum TNFα was found to be accumulated in the groups treated with sTNFRII-gAD or sTNFRII-Fc compared with the group treated with PBS (p < 0.05). It is noteworthy that sTNFRII-gAD displayed a better efficacy than sTNFRII-Fc in CIA incidence, pathological changes in cartilage and the elevation of anti-CII antibody, indicating that sTNFRII-gAD is potentially a more efficacious anti-TNFα agent for rheumatoid arthritis.
Inter-rater reliability in a resource-oriented physiotherapeutic examination

The primary aim of the study was to examine inter-rater reliability of the resource-oriented body examination method, which includes a physical examination of body posture, respiration, body function, and muscle palpation. A secondary aim was to determine the relationship between percentage of agreement and reliability as assessed by kappa coefficient. Two independent evaluators examined 19 apparently healthy persons, simultaneously and without the knowledge of one another's results. Inter-rater reliability was expressed as kappa coefficient and as percentage of agreement between raters. The median kappa findings for posture, respiration, body function, and muscle palpation, were 0.55, 0.54, 0.42, and 0.27, respectively. The percentage of median agreement for posture, respiration, body function, and muscle palpation were 74%, 82%, 84%, and 72% respectively. Significance of the kappa coefficients was seen for posture in 77%, for respiration in 75%, and for body function and muscle palpation in 45% of the items when tested. There was a positive correlation between significant kappa coefficient and percentage of agreement, rs =. 96, P <. 001, where a kappa coefficient of 0.50 responded to about 74% agreement.
Costs, quality of life, treatment satisfaction and compliance in patients with β-thalassemia major undergoing iron chelation therapy: the ITHACA study

ABSTRACT Objectives: Iron chelation treatment (ICT) in β-thalassemia major (β-TM) patients undergoing blood transfusions can cause low satisfaction, low compliance, with possible negative consequences on treatment success, patients' wellbeing, and costs. The purpose was to estimate the societal burden attributable to β-TM in terms of direct and indirect costs, health-related quality-of-life (HRQoL), satisfaction and compliance with ICT in patients undergoing transfusions and ICT. Research design and methods: The naturalistic, multicenter, longitudinal Italian-THAlassemia-Cost-&-Outcomes-Assessment (ITHACA) cost-of-illness study was conducted involving patients of any age, on ICT for at least 3 years, who were enrolled at 8 Italian Thalassemia Care Centers. Costs were estimated from the societal perspective, quantified with tariffs, prices, or net earnings valid in 2006. Results: One-hundred and thirty-seven patients were enrolled (median age = 28.3, 3–48 years, 49.6% male) and retrospectively observed for a median of 11.6 months. Mean direct costs were €1242/patient/month, 55.5% attributable to ICT, 33.2% attributable to transfusions. Relevant quantity and quality of productivity was lost. Both physical and mental components of HRQoL were compromised. Little difficulties remembering to take ICT and positive satisfaction with the perceived effectiveness of therapy were declared, but not good levels of satisfaction with acceptance, perception of side effects and burden of ICT. Conclusions: The management of β-TM patients undergoing transfusions and ICT is efficacious, although costly, but overall benefits were not always perceived as optimal by patients. Efforts must be focused to improve patients' acceptance and satisfaction with their therapy; this would contribute to a better compliance and hence an increase in treatment effectiveness and patients' overall wellbeing, with expected improved allocation of human and economic resources.
Canonical variate analysis in safflower (Carthamus tinctorius L.)

Seventy five genotypes of safflower representing the broad spectrum of variation were assessed for genetic divergence for eight characters using Mahalanobis D2 statistic and principal component analysis. The seed yield contributed maximum towards the total genetic divergence followed by test weight and number of seeds per capitulam. On the basis of clustering method, twelve clusters were obtained for D2 statistic. The best clusters with regard to seed yield and oil content were cluster XII and cluster II, respectively. Principal component analysis identified three principal components which explained 83.02% variability. Genotypes GMU 3470, GMU 3484, GMU 3499, A-1, JSF-1 and GMU 3475 (based on PCI axis) were divergent.
What's new in emergencies, trauma and shock? Mechanical ventilation in trauma patients: A tight-rope walk!

In this issue of JETS,. Arora, et al. have highlighted various ventilatory strategies used in trauma patients. [4] They have described common injuries to different organ systems and their management principles. Independent lung ventilation has an important role in cases of massive chest trauma where isolation of lungs is required. In most of the patients with traumatic injuries of chest, protective lung ventilatory strategy remains the basic principle. Some other ventilatory modes based on open lung concept, for example, airway pressure release ventilation (APRV), high frequency oscillatory ventilation (HFOV), and high frequency percussive ventilation (HFPV) also help in preventing and managing VALI. Extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) provides rest to the lungs by facilitating gas exchange outside the body. Other newer techniques like closed loop ventilation seem to have potential for further improving ventilatory management of critically ill patients.
Prevalence and consequences of positive blood alcohol levels among patients injured at work

Aims: The aim of this study was to characterize positive blood alcohol among patients injured at work, and to compare the severity of injury and outcome of blood alcohol concentration (BAC) positive and negative patients. Settings and Design: A retrospective cohort study was performed at a Level 1 academic trauma center. Patients injured at work between 01/01/07 and 01/01/12 and admitted with positive (BAC+) vs negative (BAC−) blood alcohol were compared using bivariate analysis. Results: Out of 823, 319 subjects were tested for BAC (38.8%), of whom 37 were BAC+ (mean 0.151 g/dL, range 0.015-0.371 g/dL). Age (41 years), sex (97.2% men), race, intensive care unit (ICU) and hospital length of stay (LOS), and mortality were similar between groups. Nearly half of BAC+ cases were farming injuries (18, 48.6%): Eight involved livestock, five involved all-terrain vehicles (ATVs), three involved heavy equipment, one fell, and one had a firearm injury. Eight (21.6%) were construction site injuries involving falls from a roof or scaffolding, five (13.5%) were semi-truck collisions, four (10.8%) involved falls from a vehicle in various settings, and two (5.4%) were crush injuries at an oilfield. BAC+ subjects were less likely to be injured in construction sites and oilfields, including vehicle-related falls (2.3 vs 33.9%, P < 0.0001). Over half of BAC+ (n = 20, 54%) subjects were alcohol dependent; three (8.1%) also tested positive for cocaine on admission. No BAC+ subjects were admitted to rehabilitation compared to 33 (11.7%) of BAC− subjects. Workers’ compensation covered a significantly smaller proportion of BAC+ patients (16.2 vs 61.0%, P < 0.0001). Conclusions: Alcohol use in the workplace is more prevalent than commonly suspected, especially in farming and other less regulated industries. BAC+ is associated with less insurance coverage, which probably affects resources available for post-discharge rehabilitation and hospital reimbursement.
Patterns in student and staff access to, and attitudes towards usefulness of, ICT in an Australian University

[Abstract]: New information and communication technology (ICT) enables new opportunities for learning. However, for these opportunities to benefit students and staff, they must have ready access to ICT and positive attitudes toward its usefulness for learning and teaching. This paper reports some initial results from analysis of data obtained from surveys of ICT access, and attitudes toward ICT usefulness for learning, of students and staff at an Australian university in late 2009 and early 2010. The surveys were conducted as part of a larger project to identify ICT likely to be of most benefit for student learning. The survey data will be used to inform decisions about adoption of new digital technologies for learning and teaching and the provision of professional development to staff.
Immune system changes in cytapheresis donors.

: In vitro measurements of several variables of the immune system were made in 21 healthy donors who had been subjected to frequent cytapheresis an a group of whole blood donor controls matched for age and sex. Significant changes noted in the apheresis donors compared to controls included a 23 percent lower mean absolute lymphocyte count (p less than .01), a 25 percent lower mean T cell count (p less than .01), and a 46 percent lower mean B cell count (p less than .001). Serum protein changes included a 27 percent lower mean gamma globulin level (p less than .01), and 14 percent lower mean IgG level (p less than .05) in the apheresis donors when compared to the control group. The possible implications of these findings are discussed, and we suggest that donors undergoing multiple cytapheresis procedures be closely monitored to determine the safe donation frequency.