Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Hematogenous Spinal Infection in Central Greece

Study Design. We retrospectively analyzed spinal infection (SpI), in a teaching Hospital, in Central Greece. Objective. To study presentation, etiology, and outcome of SpI in Central Greece. Summary of Background Data. SpI most frequently involves the intervertebral disc and adjacent vertebral bodies and can cause neurologic impairment. Methods. Thirty three patients (23 men; age [mean ± standard deviation], 60.6 ± 11.3 years; disease duration, 44.5 [±54.7] days) hospitalized with SpI between January 2000 and December 2007 were included in the study. All patients had magnetic resonance imaging of the spine. Results. Nineteen patients had pyogenic SpI (57.6%) and 14 patients had granulomatous SpI, 11 due to Brucella spp (34.4%), 3 due to Mycobacterium tuberculosis (9.4%). Staphylococcus aureus was the most frequent cause of pyogenic SpI, and spondylodiscitis (SpD) was the most frequent localization. Epidural entension was found in 8 of 17 pyogenic SpD and in 2 of 11 brucellar SpD patients. Subdural extension was detected in 3 patients with pyogenic SpD. Blood cultures were positive in 17 of 19 patients with pyogenic SpI. Two patients had concomitant endocarditis (staphylococcal 1, enterococcal 1). The most common associated disease was diabetes mellitus. All but 2 patients received medical treatment alone. Two patients died of uncontrollable sepsis. Conclusion. Back pain in presence of fever, constitutional symptoms, and/or high inflammation markers should alert physicians for spinal infection. In endemic areas, Brucella is a frequent cause of SpI.
Results of a physician and respiratory therapist collaborative effort to improve long-term metered-dose inhaler technique in a pediatric asthma clinic.

BACKGROUND Despite advances in therapy, asthma continues to be the chronic condition most responsible for school absenteeism and pediatric hospitalizations. This is especially true for inner-city children. We operate an inner-city Pediatric Asthma Compliance and Technique (PACT) clinic in which physicians and respiratory therapists collaborate to improve metered-dose inhaler (MDI) technique and outcomes among asthmatic children. OBJECTIVE To determine the efficacy of our strategy for improving MDI technique and asthma outcomes. METHODS Children referred to the PACT clinic underwent standardized assessment based on the Expert Panel Guidelines of the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI). Clinicians demonstrated and reinforced correct MDI technique at each visit. Using a standardized format we prospectively collected, at the patient's first visit (T1) and most recent visit (T2), data on demographics, MDI-technique scores (MDI steps done correctly; scale of 0-8), pulmonary function, and asthma severity (NHLBI classification scale: 1 = mild intermittent to 4 = severe persistent). Statistical analyses were performed using parametric and non-parametric tests. RESULTS Of the 60 patients who attended the PACT clinic between 1999 and 2002, 15 were excluded from the study because of incomplete data recording. Mean duration from T1 to T2 was 11.8 +/- 9.5 months. At T1 and T2, respectively, the mean MDI-technique scores were 53% and 81%, the mean overall asthma severity scores were 2.6 and 2.3, and the mean overall pulmonary function severity scores were 2.4 and 2.1. MDI-technique scores significantly improved between TI and T2 (p < 0.001). The black patients had the largest improvement in MDI technique (p < 0.001), but their pulmonary function test results, overall asthma severity, and pulmonary function severity did not improve significantly. The white patients significantly improved both their MDI technique (p = 0.004) and their overall asthma severity scores (p = 0.005). CONCLUSION In our PACT clinic asthmatic children showed sustained improvement in MDI technique, and some of the patients improved in pulmonary function and overall asthma severity score.
Effect of single growth factor and growth factor combinations on differentiation of neural stem cells.

OBJECTIVE The effects on neural proliferation and differentiation of neural stem cells (NSC) of basic fibroblast growth factor-2 (bFGF), insulin growth factor-I (IGF-I), brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF), and nerve growth factor (NGF) were assessed. Also, following combinations of various factors were investigated : bFGF+IGF-I, bFGF+BDNF, bFGF+NGF, IGF-I+BDNF, IGF-I+NGF, and BDNF+NGF. METHODS Isolated NSC of Fisher 344 rats were cultured with individual growth factors, combinations of factors, and no growth factor (control) for 14 days. A proportion of neurons was analyzed using beta-tubulin III and NeuN as neural markers. RESULTS Neural differentiations in the presence of individual growth factors for beta-tubulin III-positive cells were : BDNF, 35.3%; IGF-I, 30.9%; bFGF, 18.1%; and NGF, 15.1%, and for NeuN-positive cells was : BDNF, 34.3%; bFGF, 32.2%; IGF-1, 26.6%; and NGF, 24.9%. However, neural differentiations in the absence of growth factor was only 2.6% for beta-tubulin III and 3.1% for NeuN. For beta-tubulin III-positive cells, neural differentiations were evident for the growth factor combinations as follows : bFGF+IGF-I, 73.1%; bFGF+NGF, 65.4%; bFGF+BDNF, 58.7%; BDNF+IGF-I, 52.2%; NGF+IGF-I, 40.6%; and BDNF+NGF, 40.0%. For NeuN-positive cells : bFGF+IGF-I, 81.9%; bFGF+NGF, 63.5%; bFGF+BDNF, 62.8%; NGF+IGF-I, 62.3%; BDNF+NGF, 56.3%; and BDNF+IGF-I, 46.0%. Significant differences in neural differentiation were evident for single growth factor and combination of growth factors respectively (p<0.05). CONCLUSION Combinations of growth factors have an additive effect on neural differentiation. The most prominent neural differentiation results from growth factor combinations involving bFGF and IGF-I. These findings suggest that the combination of a mitogenic action of bFGF and postmitotic differentiation action of IGF-I synergistically affects neural proliferation and NSC differentiation.
Low density lipoproteins.

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Sequence and structural analysis of surface protein antigen I/II (SpaA) of Streptococcus sobrinus

Streptococcal antigen I/II or the surface protein antigen A (SpaA) of Streptococcus sobrinus is an adhesin which mediates binding of the organism to tooth surfaces. The complete sequence of the gene which encodes SpaA has been determined. The gene consists of 4,584 bp and encodes a protein of 1,528 amino acid residues. The deduced amino acid sequence shows extensive homology with those of the cell surface adhesins from Streptococcus mutans serotypes c and f and from Streptococcus sanguis. Structural analysis of the N-terminal region (residues 50 to 550), which is rich in alanine and includes four tandem repeats of an 82-residue sequence, suggests that it adopts an alpha-helical coiled-coil conformation. Cell surface hydrophobicity may be associated with this region. The C-terminal region is more conserved and includes two tandem repeats of a 39-residue proline-rich sequence. A further proline-rich sequence in this region is predicted to span the cell wall. Although a hydrophobic sequence is present in the C-terminal region, it appears to be too short to span the cell membrane. Anchoring of SpaA in the cell membrane may therefore require some form of posttranslational modification or association with another membrane protein.
The relationship between initial trunk control or postural balance and inpatient rehabilitation outcome after stroke: a prospective comparative study

Objective: To compare the predictive validity of trunk control in sitting position assessed by Trunk Impairment Scale and balance in lying, sitting and standing posture assessed by Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke patients on functional outcome in stroke survivors. Design: Prospective observational study. Setting: A single rehabilitation hospital in Italy. Subjects: Sixty of 68 consecutive subjects admitted to a rehabilitation hospital after stroke. Main measures: We performed Trunk Impairment Scale and Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke patients at admission to inpatient rehabilitation. Outcome measures at discharge were Functional Independence Measure score and destination (classified as either home or institution). Results: After adjustment for 14 potential confounders, including Functional Independence Measure score at admission to rehabilitation, both Trunk Impairment Scale and Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke patients scores were significantly associated with the Functional Independence Measure score at discharge (P = 0.010 and P =0.04, respectively), change in the Functional Independence Measure score during rehabilitation (P = 0.003 and P<0.001, respectively), Functional Independence Measure effectiveness (P = 0.024 and P =0.017, respectively) and destination at discharge (P = 0.040 and P =0.032, respectively). The panel of prognostic variables predicted 64—65% of the variance in the final Functional Independence Measure score, 30—35% of the variance in the change of the Functional Independence Measure score during rehabilitation, and 45—46% of the variance in the Functional Independence Measure effectiveness depending on the inclusion of either Trunk Impairment Scale or Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke patients score among the predictors. Conclusions: Both trunk performance in sitting position and balance in lying sitting and standing posture after stroke predicted functional ability and destination at discharge from inpatient rehabilitation. Scores from the Postural Assessment Scale for Stroke patients may have a slightly better prognostic value than scores from the Trunk Impairment Scale.
Post-weaning Multisystemic Wasting Syndrome (PMWS) in pigs: an attempt to bring together the pieces of the puzzle.

PMWS was first described in Canada (Harding 1996, Clark 1997) and soon after, the condition was recognized in several other countries: the USA (Daft et al 1996, Sorden et al 2000) and the EU where reports came from Spain (Segales et al 1997), France (Le Cann et al 1997) and the UK-Northern-Ireland (Kennedy et al 1998). At the initial stage, a limited number of PMWS-affected herds were detected in each country but whilst their number increased, the disease was recognized in several other countries throughout the world like in 1998 in Korea and Japan (Lyoo et al 1999, Sato et al 2001), in 1999 in Taiwan (Chen Shihping et al 2001), in 2000 in Switzerland, Poland and Denmark (Borel et al 2001, Pejzak et al 2001, Vigre et al 2005). Later on, in 2003 it was diagnosed in other countries like NewZealand, Sweden and Norway (Stone 2004, Wallgren et al 2004, Brunborg et al 2004). During 2005 and 2006 numerous severe cases were reported in Canada (Ellis et al 2006). Within a few years, PMWS has become a worldwide animal health main concern to the pig industry and a real challenge to the veterinary science community. A small single stranded DNA virus (Porcine Type 2 Circovirus, PCV2) was rapidly found in the damaged tissues of affected pigs and suggested to play a pivotal role in disease onset through its impact on the immune system (Krakowka et al 2001). However as soon as the laboratory tools adequately tailored to PCV2 detection on large scale were available, it became evident that the virus was widespread and found as well in PMWS-affected as in non affected farms ; Additionally, retrospective studies consistently showed that it was so since decades far before PMWS was recognized and reported (Mesu et al 2000, Magar et al 2000). Despite differences were recently found in RFLP patterns of PCV2 isolates in Canada, to date there is no clear evidence of major genomic differences in PCV2 viruses recovered from pigs with and without PMWS that could explain expression or not of the disease (Larochelle et al 2003, Griesen et al 2004, De Boisseson et al 2004, Ellis et al 2006). Recently the role of retroviruses was assessed. Retroviramia was found associated to pigs sampled in PMWS-affected farms (Tucker et al 2006). However to date PCV2 still remains considered as the principal infectious cause of PMWS. In the meantime epidemiological studies were carried out trying to get more knowledge about the on-farm conditions leading-predisposing to clinical PMWS, whereas an important laboratory research effort was directed at a better understanding of the pathological mechanism incurred in PMWS with an emphasis placed on the immune system. The present paper is an attempt to bring together the main aspects of current available knowledge that could help the farm managers to avoid the most detrimental consequences of PMWS. Therefore it is restricted to those points assumed to have a practical interest to herd health maintenance regarding PMWS, in relation to management and husbandry.
Carsten Zelle „Angenehmes Grauen“. Literarhistorische Beiträge zur Ästhetik des Schrecklichen im achtzehnten Jahrhundert.

prinzipiell für diplomatisch getreuen Abdruck), doch sind gewisse Modernisierungen heute unausweichlich und bei manchen Editionsarbeiten (wie zum Beispiel Registern) zudem hilfreich. Nur müßten sie einmal etwas fundierter begründet werden, als in den ja doch nur (wie beim Winkler-, Hanserund Deutschen Klassiker-Verlag) unter dem Druck von Absatzbestrebung und Kostensenkung/Gewinnsteigerung diktierten Regelwerken. Bleibt noch die Frage, ob eine solche Ausgabe, die nach ihrer Anlage wissenschaftlich ist, sich nach Gestaltung und Preis nicht an ein weiteres Publikum richtet, gewissermaßen ihre Zeit hat. Als ,Rettung* Bürgers könnte man einwenden hätte es vermutlich auch eine unkommentierte Auswahl getan. Man weiß aber, daß neue Editionen oft die wissenschaftliche Beschäftigung mit halbvergessenen Autoren wieder anregen, weil sie sie nicht selten überhaupt ermöglichen. Das wäre dieser möglich und zu wünschen.
Symptom Clusters and Quality of Life According to the Survivorship Stage in Ovarian Cancer Survivors

This cross-sectional study evaluated a convenience sample comprising 182 ovarian cancer survivors to identify symptom clusters according to the cancer survivorship stage and to determine their effects on quality of life using the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life–C30 and –OV28 questionnaires. Factor and multiple regression analyses were performed to identify symptom clusters according to the cancer survivorship stage and the symptom clusters that affected the quality of life in each cancer survivorship stage, respectively. Participants in the acute, extended, and permanent survival stages accounted for 33%, 36.3%, and 30.7% of subjects, respectively. Overall, the most common symptom cluster was fatigue-diarrhea, and the symptom clusters affecting the quality of life differed according to the cancer survivorship stage. Thus, to improve the quality of life of ovarian cancer survivors, the main symptom clusters of each cancer survivorship stage must be identified, and management strategies for the related symptoms must be designed.
Electrophoretic comparisons of isozymes from selected populations of Stomoxys calcitrans (Diptera: Muscidae).

Populations of the stable fly, Stomoxys calcitrans, temporally or spatially isolated from each other were sampled at 3 beach sites and 2 agricultural sites in northwest Florida and at an agricultural site in Indiana, USA. Eleven enzyme systems were compared by electrophoresis on starch gels. Similarities among isozyme frequencies from contemporary beach populations were so strong that it is likely that these flies were from an intermix of populations coming from numerous areas north of the beaches. Greatest differences appeared between temporally isolated fly populations from beach sites.
Effects of temporal changes in climate variables on crop production in tropical sub-humid South-western Nigeria

Climate variability and change have been implicated to have significant impacts on global and regional food production particularly the common stable food crops performance in tropical sub-humid climatic zone. However, the extent and nature of these impacts still remain uncertain. In this study, records of crop yields and some climatic variables for a period of 17 years (1990 - 2006) were used to carry out a comprehensive study of the impacts of climate variability on some common classes of food crops (tubers, grains, legumes and vegetables) in South-western Nigeria with a view to determining their responses to observed varying climatic conditions. Crops differed markedly in their responses to the climate variables. Mean temperature varied with the tuber crop production compared with other food crops. Production of other food crops (grains, legumes and vegetables) was largely dependent on the seasonal and inter-annual change in rainfall. However, combinations of a number of interacting factors with both climatic and non-climatic components were responsible for the relatively low coefficient of correlation (r � 0.4) between rainfall amount and the crop yields. The climate projections for Southwestern Nigeria by 2020 would have direct and adverse impacts on food production, distribution, infrastructure and livelihood assets in Nigeria.
Genetic Determinants Responsible for Acquisition of Dengue Type 2 Virus Mouse Neurovirulence

ABSTRACT Studies conducted some 50 years ago showed that serial intracerebral passage of dengue viruses in mice selected for neurovirulent mutants that also exhibited significant attenuation for humans. We investigated the genetic basis of mouse neurovirulence of dengue virus because it might be directly or indirectly associated with attenuation for humans. Analysis of the sequence in the C-PreM-E-NS1 region of the parental dengue type 2 virus (DEN2) New Guinea C (NGC) strain and its mouse-adapted, neurovirulent mutant revealed that 10 nucleotide changes occurred during serial passage in mice. Seven of these changes resulted in amino acid substitutions, i.e., Leu55-Phe and Arg57-Lys in PreM, Glu71-Asp, Glu126-Lys, Phe402-Ile, and Thr454-Ile in E, and Arg105-Gln in NS1. The sequence of C was fully conserved between the parental and mutant DEN2. We constructed intertypic chimeric dengue viruses that contained the PreM-E genes or only the NS1 gene of neurovirulent DEN2 NGC substituting for the corresponding genes of DEN4. The DEN2 (PreM-E)/DEN4 chimera was neurovirulent for mice, whereas DEN2 (NS1)/DEN4 was not. The mutations present in the neurovirulent DEN2 PreM-E genes were then substituted singly or in combination into the sequence of the nonneurovirulent, parental DEN2. Intracerebral titration of the various mutant chimeras so produced identified two amino acid changes, namely, Glu71-Asp and Glu126-Lys, in DEN2 E as being responsible for mouse neurovirulence. The conservative amino acid change of Glu71-Asp probably had a minor effect, if any. The Glu126-Lys substitution in DEN2 E, representing a change from a negatively charged amino acid to a positively charged amino acid, most likely plays an important role in conferring mouse neurovirulence.
Distribution of perfluorocarboxylate isomers in select samples from the north american environment

Perfluorinated acids are anthropogenic pollutants with primarily two industrial synthetic routes: electrochemical fluorination (ECF) and telomerization. A mixture of structural isomers is produced by ECF, while telomerization conserves the geometry of its starting materials, which are typically linear. To contribute to a discussion on sources of perfluorinated acid pollution, isomer profiles of perfluorinated carboxylates (PFCAs) were determined in a diverse set of environmental and biotic samples from remote to urban locations. Analysis was conducted on the derivatized extracts using gas chromatography/mass spectrometry. The perfluorooctanoate (PFOA) isomer profile in most samples contained linear and branched isomers congruent with an ECF input, but linear PFOA (n‐PFOA) predominated (>90%) greater than in the ECF technical product (78%). The perfluorononanoate (PFNA) isomer pattern varied from only n‐PFNA, n‐ and iso‐PFNA (isopropyl isomer), or n‐PFNA and multiple branched isomers. At midlatitudes, PFNA isomer profiles containing multiple branched isomers are attributed to ECF sources such as impurities in ECF PFOA. In surface water from Lake Ontario (Canada) and an Arctic lake, only n‐ and iso‐PFNA were observed. Human and dolphin blood contained multiple branched PFNA, consistent with an ECF signature albeit n‐isomer enriched. Both n‐ and isopropyl isomers of longer‐chain PFCAs were observed with a distinct pattern for dolphin and Arctic samples compared to those from the Lake Ontario ecosystem. These results support the hypothesis that long‐range atmospheric transport of linear volatile precursors, subsequent degradation, and deposition contribute to the presence of n‐PFCAs in the Arctic freshwater environment. The presence of longer‐chain isopropyl isomers may be preliminary evidence of isopropyl fluorinated organic precursors.
Streptococcus pneumoniae Sheds Syndecan-1 Ectodomains through ZmpC, a Metalloproteinase Virulence Factor*

Several microbial pathogens stimulate the ectodomain shedding of host cell surface proteins to promote their pathogenesis. We reported previously that Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus aureus activate the ectodomain shedding of syndecan-1 and that syndecan-1 shedding promotes P. aeruginosa pathogenesis in mouse models of lung and burned skin infections. However, it remains to be determined whether activation of syndecan-1 shedding is a virulence mechanism broadly used by pathogens. Here we show that Streptococcus pneumoniae stimulates syndecan-1 shedding in cell culture-based assays. S. pneumoniae-induced syndecan-1 shedding was repressed by peptide hydroxamate inhibitors of metalloproteinases but not by inhibitors of intracellular signaling pathways previously found to be essential for syndecan-1 shedding caused by P. aeruginosa, S. aureus, or other shedding agonists. A 170-kDa protein fraction with a peptide hydroxamate-sensitive shedding activity was purified by ammonium sulfate precipitation, DEAE chromatography, and size exclusion chromatography. Mass spectrometry analyses revealed that the 170-kDa fraction is composed of ZmpB and ZmpC, two metalloproteinase virulence factors of S. pneumoniae. Both the purified 170-kDa ZmpB/ZmpC fraction and unfractionated S. pneumoniae culture supernatant generated syndecan-1 ectodomains that are smaller than those released by endogenous shedding. Further, a mutant S. pneumoniae strain deficient in zmpC, but not zmpB, lost its capacity to stimulate syndecan-1 shedding. These data demonstrate that S. pneumoniae directly sheds syndecan-1 ectodomains through the action of ZmpC.