Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
IgE‐mediated allergy to pristinamycin: the value of skin tests and basophil activation tests

Allergy to pristinamycin (PMC), an antibiotic related to the macrolide family, is rare and the published cases exclusively concern delayed (T cell-mediated) allergic reactions where the skin tests [patch and intradermal tests (IDT)] are of good diagnostic value (1). We report three cases of IgE-mediated anaphylaxis to PMC where the diagnosis, highly suspected on the clinical symptoms, was confirmed by the positivity of both skin and immunobiological tests. A 60-year-old woman developed an anaphylactic reaction (hypotension, malaise, urticaria and angioedema) 15 min after first taking two PMC tablets for prevention of infectious endocarditis during dental treatment. The symptoms improved in a few hours following an adrenaline injection. A 50-year-old patient developed an anaphylactic reaction (malaise and hypotension associated with angioedema) 30 min after first taking two tablets of PMC for prevention of infectious endocarditis during dental treatment. The symptoms rapidly resolved after the injection of corticosteroids. A 45-year-old woman developed an anaphylactic reaction (malaise without hypotension associated with urticaria, angioedema and nausea) 15 min after first taking one tablet of PMC for cutaneous infection. The symptoms rapidly resolved after the injection of antihistaminics. Skin tests and immunological tests were performed 1–3 months after the reaction according to standard protocols (2, 3). Sterile solutions of PMC and related macrolides were prepared by the hospital pharmacy by dissolving the drugs in isotonic saline at a concentration of 50 mg/ml. Two series of tests were performed. The first one tested PMC alone and the relevant controls. Prick tests (50 mg/ml) and IDT (10 dilution of the prick solution, i.e. 50 lg/ml) to PMC were positive in the three patients but negative in two healthy nonPMC allergic individuals. Prick tests and IDT to the solvent were negative in the three patients, excluding a nonspecific positivity of skin tests to PMC. The second series of tests (prick and IDT) concerned five antibiotics of the macrolide family (spiramycin, roxithromycin, clarithromycin, telithromycin and erythromycin) to check for potential cross-reactivities. Skin tests with all the macrolides tested were negative in the three patients. The basophil activation test (BAT), analyzing the expression of CD203c on patients basophils by FACS (2), was positive for PMC in the three patients. The results are expressed as % of basophils expressing CD203c after in vitro PMC re-stimulation compared to % of basophils expressing CD203c without re-stimulation. The BAT was positive at 31% (control 2%), 69% (control 2%) and 70% (control 2%) for patients 1–3, respectively. The BAT was negative for the five antibiotics of the macrolide family. To our knowledge, this is the first report of immediate allergy to PMC. We demonstrate that both skin tests and BAT are of value for the diagnosis of immediate allergy to PMC.
Priming with Atracurium

Priming with atracurium was evaluated by dividing 39 patients into 2 groups. All received 0.2 mg IV glycopyrrolate and fentanyl, 50 μg IV. Group 1 received saline, group 2 received 0.06 mg/kg atracurium and a stop watch was started. After 3.5 min the patients were asked to lift their heads and maximum negative inspiratory pressure (MIP) was measured. Anesthesia then commenced with thiorpental and a twitch monitor was applied to the ulnar nerve. At 5 min group 1 received 0.36 mg/kg atracurium and group 2 was given 0.30 mg/kg atracurium. At 6.5 min intubation was accomplished in all but one patient in group 1 and all but one in group 2. Mean T4/T1 ratios at 90 sec were 0.73 in group 1 and 0.51 in group 2. This difference was statistically significant (P < 0.001). Bucking on the endotracheal tube occurred in 72% of patients in group 1 and 62% of those in group 2 (not significant). Intubating conditions were “excellent” in 56% of those in group 1 and 75% in group 2 (not significant). “Good” conditions were seen in 33% of group 1 and 15% of group 2 patients (not significant). “Fair” conditions were noted in 6% of patients in group 1 and 5% of group 2 patients (not significant). The time to maximum twitch depression was 11.3 min and 11.5 min in groups 1 and 2 respectively (not significant). All patients in group 1 could sustain head lift whereas four patients in group 2 could not (not significant). A decrease in MIP was noted in 38% of patients in group 2, but MIP was not decreased in those in group 1. This difference was statistically significant (P < 0.005). We conclude that priming with atracurium, although providing a small improvement in T4/T1 ratio at intubation, does not significantly improve intubating conditions. It is complex, time consuming, is not well tolerated, and may put patients at risk for aspiration.
Aids—Intervention Works; “Education” is Questionable

A decrease in or leveling off of new cases of transfusion-related AIDS coupled with continued increases in homosexual and IV drug cases suggests that intervention by barring contaminated blood has worked and “education” has worked less well, if at all. Current evidence suggests that the blood-bar resulted in change in new AIDS cases among children within 3 years and among adults within 3½ years.
Ciliate protozoa from the rumen of the Japanese serow, Capricornis crispus (Temminck).

The composition of rumen ciliate protozoa from the Japanese serow was investigated. The average number of total ciliates per milliliter of rumen contents was 1.4×105. Eleven species, one of trichostomatid and ten of entodiniomorphid ciliates, were recognized. Of them, ten species had already been described in the domestic ruminants in Japan, but one was detected specifically from the Japanese serow. This species was described as the new form, Epidinium ecaudatum forma capricornisi forma nov. This form had bifurcated and trifurcated caudal spines. Species or formae with trifurcated spines had been described not in the genus Epidinium but in the genus Ophryoscolex. The fact may be one of the characters showing the phylogenetical relationship between these two geneta.
Prevalence and socio-behavioral determinants of dental caries in Sicilian schoolchildren.

BACKGROUND Epidemiological data revealed a marked decline in dental caries prevalence in schoolchildren of Western industrialized countries. In Italy this decline is not well documented, particularly for schoolchildren living in southern Italy. This study investigated the prevalence of caries in schoolchildren in the city of Palermo, Sicily, and assessed the relationship between socio-behavioral determinants and caries. MATERIAL/METHODS A sample of 511 schoolchildren, 153 aged 5 (29.94%) and 358 aged 12 (70.06%), was selected using the cluster sampling technique from a stratified population. The World Health Organization caries diagnostic criteria for Decayed, Missing and Filled Teeth and Surfaces for both permanent (DMFT/DMFS) and primary (dmft/dmfs) dentition was used. A questionnaire to assess oral health behaviors and socio-economic factors was completed by the parents. A logistic regression model was estimated, with DMFT/dmft index properly dichotomized as the dependent variable, and oral hygiene, dietary habits, dentist visit attendance, mother's employment status and level of education as explanatory variables. Two separate analyses were made for 5- and 12-year-old subjects. RESULTS The overall prevalence of dental caries was 38.56% in 5-year-olds and 44.97% in 12-year-olds. In the case of the 5-year-olds, maternal educational level was a protective factor for caries, while in the case of the subjects aged 12, frequent snack consumption was significantly associated with caries. CONCLUSIONS The prevalence of caries in Sicilian schoolchildren was quite high and appears to be related to socio-behavioral determinants (socio-economic background of mothers and frequency of cariogenic snack consumption).
Loss of parietal cell expression of Sonic hedgehog induces hypergastrinemia and hyperproliferation of surface mucous cells.

BACKGROUND & AIMS Sonic Hedgehog (Shh) is expressed in the adult stomach, but its role as a gastric morphogen is unclear. We sought to identify mechanisms by which Shh might regulate gastric epithelial cell function and differentiation. METHODS Mice with a parietal cell-specific deletion of Shh (HKCre/Shh(KO)) were created. Gastric morphology and function were studied in control and HKCre/Shh(KO) mice between 1 and 8 months of age. RESULTS In contrast to control mice, HKCre/Shh(KO) mice developed gastric hypochlorhydria, hypergastrinemia, and a phenotype that resembled foveolar hyperplasia. The fundic mucosa of HKCre/Shh(KO) mice had an expanded surface pit cell lineage that was documented by increased incorporation of bromodeoxyuridine and was attributed to the hypergastrinemia. Compared with controls, numbers of total mucous neck and zymogen cells were significantly decreased in stomachs of HKCre/Shh(KO) mice. In addition, zymogen and neck cell markers were coexpressed in the same cell populations, indicating disrupted differentiation of the zymogen cell lineage from the mucous neck cells in the stomachs of HKCre/Shh(KO) mice. Laser capture microdissection of the surface epithelium, followed by quantitative reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction, revealed a significant increase in expression of Indian Hedgehog, glioma-associated oncogene homolog 1, Wnt, and cyclin D1. Laser capture microdissection analysis also showed a significant increase in Snail with a concomitant decrease in E-cadherin. CONCLUSIONS In the stomachs of adult mice, loss of Shh from parietal cells results in hypochlorhydria and hypergastrinemia. Hypergastrinemia might subsequently induce increased Hedgehog and Wnt signaling in the surface pit epithelium, resulting in hyperproliferation.
Oxygénation globale et périphérique au cours de l'exercice intense : implication des muscles respiratoires et locomoteurs

L'objectif de ce travail etait d'etudier l'oxygenation globale et musculaire au cours de l'exercice intense tout en verifiant les hypotheses explicatives de l'exces (Δ) de VO2 et la composante lente (CL) de VO2 observes respectivement au cours de l'exercice incremental et a charge constante. La premiere etude a renforce le lien entre ΔVO2 et le travail respiratoire. La deuxieme etude a montre les importantes sollicitations des muscles respiratoires au cours de l'exercice a charge constante correlees avec CL VO2 comparees a l'exercice incremental. De plus, cette etude a permis a travers de l'enregistrement de l'oxygenation au niveau du vaste externe de confirmer l'existence CL VO2 et l'absence ΔVO2 local. Malgre les origines communes entre CL VO2 et ΔVO2, ces deux phenomenes ne sont pas de correles. La correlation entre l'oxygenation globale et locale au cours de l'exercice a charge constante nous a conduits a la troisieme etude s'interessant a investiguer cette relation en fonction de l'intensite de l'exercice. En effet, cette correlation a ete impactee par l'intensite avec une composante lente locale qui n'etait pas differente entre les deux intensites. Associe a ceci, le taux total d'hemoglobine a diminue a l'exercice severe avec des sollicitations ventilatoires plus importantes comparees a l'exercice intense. Dans ce sens, la derniere etude revele que l'endurance des muscles respiratoire est correlee a la baisse de saturation tissulaire en oxygene au niveau du vaste externe a la fin de l'exercice ainsi qu'a la performance.Ces resultats contribuent a la comprehension de l'oxygenation globale et musculaire et en particulier ΔVO2 et CL VO2 et leurs origines
Requirement of ERK Activation for Visual Cortical Plasticity

Experience-dependent plasticity in the developing visual cortex depends on electrical activity and molecular signals involved in stabilization or removal of inputs. Extracellular signal–regulated kinase 1,2 (also called p42/44 mitogen-activated protein kinase) activation in the cortex is regulated by both factors. We show that two different inhibitors of the ERK pathway suppress the induction of two forms of long-term potentiation (LTP) in rat cortical slices and that their intracortical administration to monocularly deprived rats prevents the shift in ocular dominance towards the nondeprived eye. These results demonstrate that the ERK pathway is necessary for experience-dependent plasticity and for LTP of synaptic transmission in the developing visual cortex.
Causes of death at autopsy in an inpatient hospice program.

BACKGROUND Although postmortem examination has been reported in a variety of settings and diseases, the medical literature only makes sparse mention of postmortem findings regarding the manner of death in terminally ill patients receiving palliative care. We sought to identify causes of death in an inpatient hospice program as determined by autopsy. METHODS A retrospective chart review of all deaths from January 1998 through June 2000 of the inpatient hospice unit at Audie L. Murphy Veterans Affairs Hospital in San Antonio, Texas, was conducted. Autopsies were routinely offered to survivors of all deceased patients during this period. Basic demographic and clinical characteristics were collected for all patients, and pathologic reports were reviewed. RESULTS Forty-eight autopsies were conducted out of 260 deaths in the unit (18%). Patients who had autopsies were similar to nonautopsied patients in age, gender, length of stay, presence of cancer and whether this cancer was treated or not. Nonhispanic white patients were more likely to receive an autopsy and African American patients were less likely to receive one (p = 0.027). Most deaths were directly or indirectly related to the primary diagnosis. Pneumonia was present in 79% of all patients (n = 38), and appeared to be the major cause of death in 44% of patients (n = 21). Other deaths were determined to be due to cancer's direct effects, sepsis, ischemic heart disease, hepatic or renal failure, obstructive uropathy, subdural hemorrhage, pulmonary embolism, hypercalcemia and endocarditis. CONCLUSION Pneumonia is the most frequent cause of death in patients in this inpatient hospice program.
Efficacy of retreatment with rituximab in patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome.

Sirs, In primary Sjögren’s syndrome (pSS), the majority of open-label studies and randomised controlled trials (RCT) showed the efficacy of rituximab in improving objective signs of disease activity, patients’ symptoms, and health-related quality of life. Most alleviation of symptoms was observed within 24 weeks of treatment (1, 2). The beneficial effect on salivary flow seemed to be dependent on the residual function of the glands (1). Recently, Gottenberg et al. found good physician-reported efficacy and tolerance during retreatment with rituximab in 41 initially responding pSS patients (3). Furthermore, Carubbi et al. showed sustained clinical response and a good safety profile during 6 courses of rituximab (given every 24 weeks) in 19 early pSS patients with active disease (4). To add to these two studies on the efficacy of retreatment, we analysed data of pSS patients who received their first two courses of rituximab within our previously reported RCT (5) and extension study (6). From these studies, 15 pSS patients (14 female) could be included. Patients had median age of 39 years (range 27–65) and median disease duration of 37 months (range 3–154). Each course consisted of 1000 mg rituximab intravenously (given with 100 mg methylprednisolone) on days 1 and 15. Median interval between courses was 103 weeks (range 60–136). Table I. Clinical and laboratory parameters during the first and second course of rituximab in patients with pSS.
PAPNET computer‐aided rescreening for detection of benign and malignant glandular elements in cervicovaginal smears: A review of 61 cases

An increasing proportion of the recent cytodiagnostic literature has focused on automation of the Pap smear screening process in hopes of finding a feasible system to aid in the reduction of the number of reported false‐negative cases. In a sense, these systems can be thought of as computer‐driven sensitivity enhancers for better detection of abnormalities in smeared cervicovaginal specimens. The PAPNET system (Neuromedical Systems, Inc., Suffern, NY) relies on a neural network of artificial‐intelligence technology to recognize the complex cellular arrays present in Pap smears, and was originally intended to aid in the identification of morphologically abnormal cells of squamous origin. Herein, we present the results of 61 smears containing a mixture of known diagnostically important benign, dysplastic, and malignant glandular cellular abnormalities which were reviewed by the PAPNET technology. The PAPNET system detected the diagnostic glandular material in 44 of the 45 benign cases reviewed (98% detection rate). In addition, the PAPNET technology identified abnormal cellular material in 15 of the 16 studied smears from patients with malignant/dysplastic morphology (94% detection rate). These data indicate that the PAPNET neural networks are capable of detecting cells with aberrant glandular cytomorphology. In both cases missed by the PAPNET system, the number of abnormal cells per slide was very low, indicating that as with human screeners, the capabilities of this semiautomated method may be exceeded when an extreme paucity of diagnostic cellular material is present in a given slide. Further and larger reviews of glandular abnormalities by automated technologies are needed to assess these systems for their true efficacy at diminishing false‐negative cases. Diagn. Cytopathol. 1998;18:307–311. © 1998 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Enhancing Job Analysis Surveys in the Medical Specialties With CMS Data

Job analysis surveys are a key component in validating certification examinations in the medical specialties. Few organizations, however, confirm the survey data-gathering process using external data. This article demonstrates how an organization can use data from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to supplement job analysis survey results using a real example from medical imaging. Organizations can also use CMS data longitudinally to predict which procedures are increasing and decreasing in frequency. This prediction can greatly assist with future comprehensive job analyses or smaller, more targeted updates between comprehensive job analyses.
Optogenetic activation of LiGluR‐expressing astrocytes evokes anion channel‐mediated glutamate release

Non‐technical summary Ca2+ increases in astrocytes have been suggested to trigger the release of neuroactive compounds called gliotransmitters. To study the mechanism of gliotransmitter release, it is desirable to have a method able to selectively and reproducibly evoke Ca2+ increases in astrocytes. Here, we show that the optogenetic tool the light‐gated glutamate receptor 6 (LiGluR) reproducibly evokes Ca2+ rises in cultured astrocytes. Combining LiGluR photoactivation and evanescent‐field Ca2+ imaging, we explored the cellular mechanism of gliotransmitter release from astrocytes in an all‐optical manner. The results suggest that high Ca2+ in astrocytes triggers the release of glutamate via anion channels rather than vesicular exocytosis.
Learning from a Natural Experiment: Studying a Corporate Work-Time Policy Initiative.

When we (Erin Kelly and Phyllis Moen) applied for funding to establish the Flexible Work and Well-Being Center at the University of Minnesota (as part of a larger National Institutes of Health, Centers for Disease Control [NIH-CDC] initiative to create an interdisciplinary, collaborative network on work, families, and health), we saw an opportunity to engage in a real-world investigation of an actual private-sector policy change aimed at lessening work-family conflicts and strains. This would be far different from simply studying possible associations between an existing policy and various work-family outcomes. We were interested in both (1) the process of organizational change and policy implementation and (2) the impacts of policy shifts aimed at reducing work-family conflicts and enhancing employee well-being at different points over the life course. We were especially drawn to this NIH initiative because it focused on policies changing work, not on changing employees (by promoting their coping strategies or teaching them stress-reduction techniques, for example). Although neither of us had previously initiated a true policy intervention, we have always been drawn to engaged scholarship bridging the divide between theory and practice (Van de Ven 2007). The request for applications from NIH and the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health suggested just such a possibility, one that would permit scholars to address a real-world problem by partnering with practitioners and stakeholders in the private sector. Our goal in crafting the proposal was to theorize a workplace intervention that could potentially have high impact on employees and their families. To do so, we drew on our combined knowledge from (1) our previous research on flexibility policies and practices in organizations and the adaptive strategies of working families across the life course (e.g., Kelly 2003; Kelly and Kalev 2006; Moen 2003; Moen and Roehling 2005), as well as (2) the broad literature on workplace policies, job characteristics, and employee and family well-being, and (3) ongoing discussions with human resources professionals in corporate settings. How did we go from this knowledge base to crafting our actual proposal?
Psychological approach to managing irritable bowel syndrome

> “It is more important to know what sort of person has a disease than to know what sort of disease a person has. ” Hippocrates The medical management of patients with irritable bowel syndrome is often unsatisfactory. Doctors are still taught that irritable bowel syndrome is a diagnosis of exclusion, and patients readily sense that they are being told that nothing is really wrong with them. Many people soon come to appreciate that the range of medical treatments available is limited in both scope and efficacy. The mood of negativity, once established, is difficult to dispel. #### Summary points Current medical treatment includes drugs that alter intestinal motility—such as antispasmodics, 5-hydroxytryptamine antagonists, antidiarrhoeals, and laxatives—and dietary changes, including fibre supplementation and identification of food intolerances.1 Response may vary, but the failure rate of these “physical” treatments is high, which may lead to the conclusion that irritable bowel syndrome has a strong psychological component. A diagnosis of exclusion has been made—again with negative, rather than positive therapeutic, connotations. Although many doctors are aware that antidepressants have been used in irritable bowel syndrome, they seem reluctant to prescribe such agents, not least because suggesting this as a valid option to patients who are clearly not depressed …
The Boom and the Lean Times in Global REITs: The 2000-2008 Period

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to consider two global real estate periods (2000‐2006 and 2007‐2008) that will probably be recorded in history as the most significant periods in terms of a surge and then an eventual downturn in the real estate prices and returns. The paper aims to offer investment strategies in the real estate sector and pinpoint the optimum momentum strategies that provide the maximum returns in the real estate investment trusts (REITs) markets of seven countries.Design/methodology/approach – Within an iterative framework, a two‐step procedure was employed. The first step drew upon an established momentum approach. The second step, however, departed from it and employed an evolutionary (genetic) algorithm to optimize the investment strategies that could be pursued.Findings – The findings suggest that momentum effects have been present during the 2000‐2008 periods. However, in contrast with prior studies, momentum portfolio returns are statistically insignificant during the boom ye.