Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Issues in Pediatric Immunization

Revisions to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention's pediatric immunization guidelines have generated a renewed focus on controversies associated with the nation's childhood vaccination program. Among these issues are adherence with and access to required vaccinations, concerns about individuals' rights in relation to government-mandated vaccinations, ongoing worry about adverse effects associated with immunizations, and questions about how best to protect immunocompromised and ill children. This article addresses these questions and presents strategies that can be used by clinicians to improve adherence with vaccination guidelines.
Planktonic determination of variability and sustainability of fisheries

Traditional explanations for the variability, and limits to sustainability, of fish stocks focus on the early planktonic life history. Recently, these models have been challenged. Here, the arguments for the locus of regulation in fish stocks are reviewed. New material is presented, of North Sea plaice, indicating that only the fittest larvae survive, and that there is an increased predation on weaker larvae. It is concluded that the main source of regulation is in the planktonic phase, and that this is where research needs to be.
Comparison of Longstanding Pediatric-Onset and Adult-Onset Crohn’s Disease

Introduction: Limited information is available on the characteristics of longstanding Crohn’s disease with onset in childhood or adolescence. Materials and Methods: In this retrospective study, 224 patients with pediatric-onset Crohn’s disease were compared to a group of patients with disease diagnosed as adults. Results: More than 50% of the patients in the pediatric-onset group were followed for more than a decade, with a mean follow-up of 12.2 years. There were 96 male (42.9%) and 128 female (57.1%) patients. Most had disease diagnosed in adolescence. The female predominance, similar to adult-onset disease, was noted only among patients with disease diagnosed in adolescence (13–19 years), not in childhood. Disease most often involved both ileum and colon (128 of 224; 57.1%). Isolated ileal or colonic disease was less common. Upper gastrointestinal tract disease was present in 42 of 224 (18.8%) patients. The incidence of strictures (28.6%) and penetrating complications (46.4%) was similar to that of adults followed for the same period of time. Conclusion: In pediatric-onset Crohn’s disease, female-predominance emerges during adolescence. Pediatric-onset disease is more extensive than adult-onset disease. When followed for an extended period of time, it has high rates of disease complexity, with strictures and penetrating complications similar to adult-onset disease.
DNA Content and Nucleoid Distribution in Methanothermobacter thermautotrophicus

ABSTRACT Flow cytometry and epifluorescence microscopy results for the euryarchaeon Methanothermobacter thermautotrophicus were consistent with filaments containing multiple cells. Filaments of one to four cells contained two to eight nucleoids. Single chromosome-containing cells were not observed. Filaments containing multiple genome copies displayed synchronous DNA replication initiation. Chromosome segregation occurred during replication or rapidly after replication termination.
Optically controlled rotation of multibeam light field

We propose a method of rotation of higher-order Bessel light beams based on controlling phase difference between the interfering Bessel beam and a super-Gaussian or annular beam coaxial with it. TO realize the optically-controlled rotation of light field, a phase modulator based on quadratic or cubic nonlinearities can be used.
Urinary proteases degrade albumin: implications for measurement of albuminuria in stored samples

Background Previous studies have shown that albumin in stored urine samples degrades over time, and that albumin losses are greatest in samples with low pH conditions (pH < 5). Furthermore, the high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC) assay for urinary albumin has been shown to be particularly susceptible to the effects of prolonged storage. Methods Frozen urine samples, stored for 12 months at −70 and −20°C, were analysed for albumin fragmentation. Urinary protease activity was investigated in vitro in urine adjusted to pH 2.3–2.5. Albumin was measured by nephelometry, HPLC and sodium dodecyl sulphate-polyacrylamide gel electrophoresis. Results In the unadjusted samples, albumin was degraded in 11 out of 40 samples stored at −20°C. In the in vitro experiments, both endogenous albumin and exogenous albumin added to urine were rapidly degraded into large fragments within minutes after adjustment to low pH. The fragments produced were consistent with those produced during digestion with pepsin and urinary degradation was completely inhibited by pepstatin. Albumin concentration measured by HPLC was most dramatically affected, with near-complete loss of albumin-sized material within one hour of incubation at pH 2.3–2.5. Sample reactivity with antiserum in a nephelometry assay initially declined then increased, possibly due to exposure of internal epitopes during albumin digestion. Conclusions This study demonstrated that proteases are present and active in stored human urine samples. Urinary albumin digestion occurred in a manner consistent with activity of endogenous urinary proteases. Adjustment to neutral pH or addition of protease inhibitors may be useful techniques for sample preservation.
Effect of Ca2+ on Morphology and Division of Yersinia pestis

Wild-type cells of Yersinia pestis are known to exhibit a nutritional requirement for physiological levels of Ca2+ (∼2.5 mM) at 37 but not 26 C. Upon shift of Ca2+-deficient cultures from 26 (permissive condition) to 37 C (restrictive condition), bacterial mass quadrupled as the organisms doubled in number and then became elongated to about twice their normal size. As shown in thin sections, the resulting static cells contained axial filaments which differed from the typical irregularly lobate nucleoids of normal yersiniae grown under the permissive condition. Following prolonged cultivation under the restrictive condition (12 h), the organisms generally exhibited apparent degenerative changes, including separation or infolding of the cell wall and cytoplasmic membrane, degeneration of deoxyribonucleic acid, and appearance of vacuoles within the cytoplasm. At this time, the cells were unable to reinitiate cell division at 37 C upon addition of Ca2+ but divided in partial synchrony after return to 26 C. This observation indicated that, at 37 C, continuous exposure to Ca2+ is necessary for yersiniae to maintain normal morphology and the ability to divide.
Staphylococcus aureus re‐colonization in atopic dermatitis: beyond the skin

Patients with atopic dermatitis (AD) are often heavily colonized by Staphylococcus aureus, which adversely affects eczema severity. Strategies to control S. aureus in AD include antibiotic and or antiseptics. However long‐term efficacy is unclear. In this study we consider extra‐cutaneous factors that may cause S. aureus re‐colonization in adult AD. Twenty‐one patients with AD were recruited and were assessed for: duration of AD, use of topical or oral antibiotic within the preceding 3 months, the number of hospital admissions during the preceding year and current treatment. The types of topical treatments used, vehicle, container and the expiry dates were also recorded. The severity of AD was assessed by SCORAD index. Microbiological assessment for S. aureus carriage from affected skin, anterior nares, emollient and topical steroid was undertaken using culture, Staphaurex test and antibiotic resistance. Of the patients 86% had S. aureus colonization. The median SCORAD score were greater in those colonized with S. aureus (P = 0.02) and those with contaminated treatments (P = 0.05). Prior antibiotic treatment, prior hospital admission and nasal carriage did not influence the median SCORAD. Three extra‐cutaneous mechanisms by which S. aureus can re‐colonize the skin were identified: antibiotic resistance, nasal carriage and treatment contamination.
Patient-tailored antiemetic treatment with 5-hydroxytryptamine type 3 receptor antagonists according to cytochrome P-450 2D6 genotypes.

PURPOSE The use of serotonin 5-hydroxytryptamine type 3 receptor antagonists has substantially reduced, but not eliminated, nausea and vomiting in cancer chemotherapy. This study sought to investigate whether efficacy of antiemetic treatment with ondansetron and tropisetron depends on cytochrome P-450 2D6 (CYP2D6) genotype, hypothesizing that the rapid and particularly the ultrarapid metabolizers of these drugs are at risk of being undertreated. PATIENTS AND METHODS Included in the study were 270 cancer patients receiving their first day of chemotherapy. Nausea and vomiting were documented using standardized interviews. The intensity of nausea was measured with visual analog scales before and twice during the chemotherapy. The relationship between the CYP2D6 genotypes and the tropisetron serum concentrations 3 and 6 hours after drug administration was analyzed in a subgroup of 42 patients. CYP2D6 genotyping was carried out by polymerase chain reaction-restriction fragment length polymorphism analysis. RESULTS Genetically defined poor metabolizers had higher serum concentrations of tropisetron than all other patients (P <.03). Approximately 30% of all patients receiving chemotherapy experienced nausea and vomiting. Genetically defined ultrarapid meta-bolizers of CYP2D6 substrates had higher frequency of vomiting within the first 4 hours (P <.001) and within the period 5 to 24 hours (P <.03) after treatment than all the other patients; the tendency for nausea was similar. This difference was more pronounced in patients treated with tropisetron than in those treated with ondansetron. CONCLUSION Antiemetic treatment with tropisetron or ondansetron could be improved by adjustment for the CYP2D6 genotype; approximately 50 subjects would have to be genotyped to protect one patient from severe emesis.
Influence of baroreflex‐mediated tachycardia on the regulation of dynamic cerebral perfusion during acute hypotension in humans

The effect of acute arterial baroreflex dysfunction on cerebral autoregulation (CA) in otherwise healthy humans is unknown. We identified dynamic CA with and without arterial baroreflex‐mediated tachycardia and consequent changes in cardiac output during acute hypotension whilst continuously monitoring changes in middle cerebral artery mean blood velocity (MCA Vmean). Acute hypotension was induced in nine healthy subjects (mean ±s.d.; 26 ± 3 years) by releasing bilateral thigh cuffs after 6 min of supra‐systolic resting ischaemia. Hypotension was induced before and after sympathetic blockade (β‐1 receptors), and combined sympathetic–cholinergic blockade. That sequential bolus injections of sodium nitroprusside (50 μg), followed 60 s later by phenylephrine hydrochloride (50 μg), elicited < 5 beats min−1 change in heart rate was verified to confirm that full cardiac autonomic blockade was achieved. Thigh cuff release elicited a transient drop in mean arterial pressure and resultant tachycardia. This tachycardic response was diminished in full cardiac blockade (vs. control, P= 0.029; vs.β‐1 adrenergic blockade, P= 0.031). Dynamic CA was also attenuated in the full blockade condition compared to both control (P= 0.028) and β‐1 adrenergic blockade conditions (P= 0.015), and was related with the attenuated tachycardia response (P= 0.015). These data indicate an important role of the cardiac baroreflex in dynamic CA.
[Sleep disorders in Parkinson's disease: insomnia and sleep fragmentation, daytime hypersomnia, alterations to the circadian rhythm and sleep apnea syndrome].

INTRODUCTION Sleep disorders in Parkinson's disease are present in 60-98% of patients and reduce their quality of life. AIMS To review the pathophysiology, diagnostic approach and management of the different sleep disorders. DEVELOPMENT We describe the pathophysiology associated with neurodegeneration, due to symptoms (motor and nonmotor) and drug therapies. This article reviews insomnia, excessive daytime sleepiness, circadian sleep disorders and sleep apnea. CONCLUSIONS Subjective or objective sleepiness assessment should routinely be performed by physicians looking after Parkinson's disease patients. Management is difficult and should be targeted to the specific sleep disorder and its likely cause.
Incomplete lineage sorting or secondary admixture: disentangling historical divergence from recent gene flow in the Vinous‐throated parrotbill (Paradoxornis webbianus)

Although Pleistocene glaciations had a major impact on the population genetic patterns of many species in North America and Europe, it remains unclear how these climatic fluctuations contributed to species diversification in East Asia. One reason for this is the difficulty of distinguishing genetic admixture following secondary contact from incomplete lineage sorting, both of which can generate similar patterns of genetic variation. Using a combination of multilocus analyses and coalescent simulation, we explore how these two processes occurred in the Pleistocene evolutionary history of a widespread East Asian bird, the Vinous‐throated parrotbill, Paradoxornis webbianus. Maximum likelihood (ML) tree identified two major mitochondrial lineages, which are geographically separated in most parts of its range, but are sympatric at a few sampling sites. NJ tree and Structure analysis of microsatellite data set revealed an extensive level of admixture and little population structure, suggesting recent admixture between two formerly separated groups. Networks from nuclear DNA data sets, however, did not indicate any geographically isolated groups but rather a panmictic population, thus support incomplete lineage sorting. By using coalescent simulation approaches, we show that both processes did occur, although at different temporal scales. During the Pleistocene glaciations, probably around 0.1–0.5 Ma (the Marine Isotope Stage 6, MIS6), P. webbianus contracted into two separate refugia, and subsequently accumulated genetic divergence. During the interglacial MIS5, the species expanded into previously glaciated areas allowing the once separated groups to come into contact and become admixed. Taken together, our results indicate the current genetic variation within P. webbianus is a combination pattern of widespread distribution in pre‐Pleistocene, then contraction and fragmentation into separated refugia during glacial advance, followed by recently postglacial expansion and admixture.
CYP2E1*1D regulatory polymorphism: association with alcohol and nicotine dependence.

OBJECTIVE CYP2E1 bioactivates environmental protoxins and metabolizes alcohol. CYP2E1 is induced by alcohol and cigarette smoking and may contribute to metabolic tolerance in alcoholics. The CYP2E1*1D polymorphism has been associated with greater CYP2E1 inducibility. One objective was to determine the frequency of the variant allele in eight ethnic groups. Further, the Canadian Native Indian, South-east Asian Canadian and Caucasian Canadian groups were stratified by alcohol and nicotine dependence (as measured by DSM-IV criteria) to examine the potential association of CYP2E1*1D with drug dependence. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS We found a significantly greater frequency of the CYP2E1*1D allele among Indo-Asian Canadians (0.31), Chinese Canadians (0.19), Taiwanese (0.20), Japanese Canadians (0.18), African Americans (0.13), African Canadians (0.10) and Canadian Native Indians (0.09) compared to Caucasian Canadians (0.02). Although the power of the association study was low among some subgroups, the CYP2E1*1D genotype (subjects with at least one variant allele) was associated with alcohol as well as nicotine dependence. Specifically, Canadian Native Indians dependent on nicotine alone or alcohol alone exhibited significantly greater CYP2E1*1D frequencies compared to non-drug dependent controls, while the variant frequency among Southeast Asians dependent on nicotine was greater than their non-drug dependent counterparts. We also found that CYP2E1*1D genotype was associated with significantly greater 3-hydroxycotinine per cigarette in African Americans. The variable frequency of CYP2E1*1D among ethnic groups suggests a greater risk for diseases putatively related to CYP2E1 in some non-Caucasian ethnic groups. The association of CYP2E1*1D with alcohol and nicotine dependence suggests that CYP2E1 may contribute to the development of these dependencies.
Response Modeling of Lightweight Charring Ablators and Thermal Radiation Testing Results

Under NASA's In-Space Propulsion/Aerocapture Program, ARA conducted arc-jet and thermal-radiation ablation test series in 2003 for advanced development, characterization, and response modeling of SRAM-20, SRAM-17, SRAM-14, and PhenCarb-20 ablators. Testing was focused on the future Titan Explorer mission. Convective heating rates (CW) were as high as 153 W/sq cm in the IHF and radiation rates were 100 W/sq cm in the Solar Tower Facility. The ablators showed good performance in the radiation environment without spallation, which was initially a concern, but they also showed higher in-depth temperatures when compared to analytical predictions based on arc-jet thermal-ablation response models. More testing in 2003 is planned in both of these facility to generate a sufficient data base for Titan TPS engineering.
The Dynamics of Revenue Diversification and Efficiency of Banks in India

This article attempts to understand how income diversification influences efficiency of scheduled commercial banks in India across ownership and over crises periods. We explore two competing hypotheses prevalent in the literature—strategic focus and conglomeration. Input-oriented technical and pure technical efficiency scores are calculated using data envelopment analysis following two approaches in the literature—intermediation and operating. We find support for the conglomeration hypothesis under the intermediation approach while the strategic focus hypothesis holds under the operating approach regarding influence of revenue diversification on both types of efficiency. Furthermore, foreign banks indulge in higher revenue diversification in the post-crisis period and, therefore, report greater efficiency as compared with their domestic counterparts. These results have important policy ramifications for regulators and supervisors.
Are medical societies developing a standard for gun injury prevention?

Context: Following heightened gun violence in the 1990s, many medical societies in the United States adopted policies on the topic. Objective: Identify points of firearm violence policy agreement among large medical organizations. Design: Fourteen national medical societies—clinical focus, demonstrated interest in gun injury prevention, >2000 members—were selected for policy review in 2002. Policies were categorized on areas covered and items within these. Consensus areas were addressed by ⩾7/14 societies.Consensus items were included by ⩾7/14 societies, shared items by 5–6. Results: There were five consensus areas: access prevention, gun commerce, research, public education, and clinical counseling. There were four consensus items: restricting gun access by enforcing existing laws, restricting access to all guns at the point of sale, restricting access to handguns at the point of sale, and creating a national database on gun injury and death. Shared items promote violence prevention, clinical education on risks of guns in the home, treating guns as consumer products, restricting gun access to children, bans on automatic weapons, and promoting trigger locks. Conclusions: Large medical societies in the United States agree on key approaches for reducing gun injury mortality and morbidity. Future research will be needed to track the evolution of this emerging standard for physician action, which now includes the consensus areas and items. It promises to be, in effect, a medical standard of care for gun injury prevention. The United States experience may be useful to others working on gun injury prevention.
Can spleen transplantation induce tolerance? A review of the literature

AbstractIn some rodent strain combinations, allogeneic spleen transplantation induces tolerance spontaneously to itself and to other donor-specific organs. In other combinations, a state of tolerance has been achieved in the weakened immune system of the recipient. The data indicate that if a balance can be achieved between host-versus-graft and graft-versus-host responses, tolerance develops, possibly due to the development of suppressor/regulatory cells. There have been a number of unsuccessful studies in outbred large animals, but none in MHC-defined donor-recipient pairs, and none in which the protocol specifically aimed at inducing tolerance. Spleen transplantation has been performed in approximately 50 humans for a number of reasons, however no clear immunologic advantage has been reported. Graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) was documented in at least 3 patients, and was lethal in one case, despite excision of the donor spleen. The advantages of tolerance over chronic immunosuppressive therapy are so great that a potentially tolerogenic approach such as spleen transplantation would seem worthy of further investigation in a suitable large animal model. Such a study is ongoing at our center. * = contributed equally
Sphingosine 1‐Phosphate Inhibits Ischemia Reperfusion Injury Following Experimental Lung Transplantation

Ischemia reperfusion (I/R) injury following lung transplantation is exacerbated by the destruction of the endothelial cell barrier leading to pulmonary edema and dysregulated activated lymphocyte migration. Sphingosine 1‐phosphate (S1P), a G‐coupled protein receptor (GPCR) agonist, has been previously shown to promote endothelial cell tight junction formation and prevent monocyte chemotaxis. We asked if S1P treatment could improve pulmonary function and attenuate I/R injury following syngeneic rat lung transplantation. In comparison to vehicle‐treated recipients, S1P administered before reperfusion significantly improved recipient oxygenation following transplantation. Improved graft function was associated with reduced inflammatory signaling pathway activation along with attenuated intragraft levels of MIP‐2, TNF‐α and IL‐1β. Moreover, S1P‐treated recipients had significantly less apoptotic endothelial cells, pulmonary edema and graft accumulation of neutrophils than did vehicle‐treated recipients. Thus our data show that S1P improves lung tissue homeostasis following reperfusion by enhancing endothelial barrier function and blunting monocytic graft infiltration and inflammation.