Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The long and the short of it: long-styled florets are associated with higher outcrossing rate in Senecio vulgaris and result from delayed self-pollen germination

Background: It has been reported that some plants of the self-compatible species Senecio vulgaris produce capitula containing long-styled florets which fail to set seed when left to self-pollinate, although readily set seed when self-pollinated by hand. Aims: To determine if production of long-styled florets is associated with higher outcrossing rate in S. vulgaris, and whether long-styles occur in non-pollinated florets, whereas short-styles are present in self-pollinated florets. Methods: The frequency of long-styled florets was compared in the radiate and non-radiate variants of S. vulgaris, known to exhibit higher and lower outcrossing rates, respectively. In addition, style length was compared in emasculated florets that were either self-pollinated or left non-pollinated. Results: Long-styled florets were more frequent in the higher outcrossing radiate variant. Following emasculation, long styles occurred in non-pollinated florets, while short styles were present in self-pollinated florets. The two variants did not differ in style length within the non-pollinated or within the self-pollinated floret categories. Conclusions: A high frequency of long-styled florets is associated with higher outcrossing rate in S. vulgaris and results from delayed self-pollination and pollen germination on stigmas.
Specificity of pyoverdine-mediated iron uptake among fluorescent Pseudomonas strains

Pyoverdine-mediated iron transport was determined for seven fluorescent Pseudomonas strains belonging to different species. For all strains, cell or cell outer membrane and iron(III)-pyoverdine combinations were compared with their homologous counterparts in uptake, binding, and cross-feeding experiments. For four strains (Pseudomonas putida ATCC 12633, Pseudomonas fluorescens W, P. fluorescens ATCC 17400, and Pseudomonas tolaasii NCPPB 2192), the pyoverdine-mediated iron transport appeared to be strictly strain specific; pyoverdine-facilitated iron uptake by iron-starved cells and binding of ferripyoverdine to the purified outer membranes of such cells were efficient only in the case of the homologous systems. Cross-feeding assays, in liquid or solid cultures, resulted, however, especially for P. fluorescens ATCC 17400, in some discrepancies compared with uptake and binding assays, suggesting that growth experiments are the least likely to yield correct information on specificity of the pyoverdine-mediated iron transport. For the three other strains (P. fluorescens ATCC 13525, P. chlororaphis ATCC 9446, and P. aeruginosa ATCC 15692), cross-reactivity was demonstrated by the uptake, binding, and cross-feeding experiments. In an attempt to determine which parts of the iron transport system were responsible for the specificity, the differences in amino acid composition of the pyoverdines, together with the differences observed at the level of the iron-sensitive outer membrane protein pattern of the seven strains, are discussed.
Familial osteoarthropathy of the fingers.

1. Two unrelated families with a genetically determined arthritis-like syndrome of the joints of the hand and wrist are described.2. The condition begins before puberty, is relatively painless and is not functionally disabling. The condition resembles that described by Thiemann and appears to fall into the group of avascular necrosis.3. The appearance of the abnormality is controlled by a single autosomal gene which manifests itself in nearly all persons who are heterozygous for it. Two of the offspring of a marriage between affected persons showed much greater involvement than their siblings.This suggests that they may represent the effect of the abnormal gene in double dose. If this is so, the type of inheritance cannot strictly be regarded as "dominant," since the abnormal homozygote is different from the heterozygote.
A psychosomatic study of eight children with Sydenham's chorea.

A psychosomatic study was made of eight children with Sydenham's chorea. The children ranged in age from 7 to 16 years. Three patients had a history of rheumatic fever and three had no evidence of rheumatic disease; in two patients the evidence for rheumatic fever was equivocal, one probably having had it and the other probably not. The eight children were found to be emotionally quite disturbed. Their personality structure was characterized by a triad of (a) marked passivity, (b) schizoid withdrawal from people, with two of the children being frankly schizophrenic, and (c) much underlying anxiety. Obsessive, phobic and depressive features were separately present in some of the children. In five cases the onset of Sydenham's chorea closely followed an episode of marked emotional stress, and in two others the correlation of chorea with emotional stress was equivocal. The literature was reviewed, and it was pointed out that in over half of all reported cases of Sydenham's chorea evidence of rheumatic fever could not be found. It is felt that Sydenham's chorea can be understood only as a psychosomatic illness potentially caused by a number of agents acting individually or jointly, and varying in their respective importance from case to case. Severe personality disorder and rheumatic fever are two such etiologic agents which may be operative in Sydenham's chorea. The importance of further psychosomatic study and experimental psychotherapy in the comprehensive medical study and management of children with this disorder is emphasized.
In vivo treatment sensitivity testing with positron emission tomography/computed tomography after one cycle of chemotherapy for Hodgkin lymphoma.

PURPOSE Negative [(18)F]fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) -positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) after two cycles of chemotherapy indicates a favorable prognosis in Hodgkin lymphoma (HL). We hypothesized that the negative predictive value would be even higher in patients responding rapidly enough to be PET negative after one cycle. This prospective study aimed to assess the prognostic value of PET after one cycle of chemotherapy in HL and to assess the dynamics of FDG uptake after one cycle (PET1) and after two cycles (PET2). PATIENTS AND METHODS All PET scans were read by two blinded, independent reviewers in different countries, according to the Deauville five-point scale. The main end point was progression-free survival (PFS) after 2 years. RESULTS A total of 126 patients were included, and all had PET1; 89 patients had both PET1 and PET2. The prognostic value of PET1 was statistically significant with respect to both PFS and overall survival. Two-year PFS for PET1-negative and PET1-positive patients was 94.1% and 40.8%, respectively. Among those with both PET1 and PET2, 2-year PFS was 98.3% and 38.5% for PET1-negative and PET1-positive patients and 90.2% and 23.1% for PET2-negative and PET2-positive patients, respectively. No PET1-negative patient was PET2 positive. CONCLUSION PET after one cycle of chemotherapy is highly prognostic in HL. No other prognostic tool identifies a group of patients with HL with a more favorable outcome than those patients with a negative PET1. In the absence of precise pretherapeutic predictive markers, PET1 is the best method for response-adapted strategies designed to select patients for less intensive treatment.
Low Frequency of KRAS Mutation in Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinomas in Korean Patients and Its Prognostic Value

Objectives Low prevalence and prognostic relevance of KRAS mutations in Korean pancreatic ductal adenocarcinomas (PDACs) need to be validated with sensitive detection method. Methods Peptide nucleic acid (PNA)–mediated polymerase chain reaction (PCR) clamping was used to precisely detect KRAS mutation in 72 paraffinized tumor samples and was validated by pancreatic cell lines to compare the efficiency of direct sequencing. Results The PNA-mediated PCR clamping detected mutant allele proportions of as low as 0.5% against a background of wild-type DNA and was 20-fold more sensitive than direct sequencing through the validation of pancreatic cell lines. Peptide nucleic acid–mediated PCR clamping detected KRAS mutations in 47.2% of 72 PDACs. Low tumor cellularity and low PCR amplification efficiency led to be undetected or failed by direct sequencing in pancreatic paraffinized samples. KRAS mutations were an independent worse prognostic factor predicting a reduced progression-free survival rate in the postoperative chemotherapy group. Conclusions Peptide nucleic acid clamp real-time PCR was a sensitive method for detecting KRAS status in paraffinized PDAC samples. We identified a low KRAS mutation rate among the Korean PDAC patients using PNA clamp real-time PCR, potentially implicating epidemiological characteristics. The low KRAS mutation rate and its prognostic role may suggest the further survival benefit in Korean PDAC patients.
Benchmarking of patient satisfaction with physical rehabilitation services in various hospitals of Jeddah

Objective: To study patients' satisfaction in rehabilitation services and its relation to staff job satisfaction in public, private and teaching hospitals in Jeddah. Method: A cross sectional survey was used to measure patients' satisfaction with rehabilitation services in ten different hospitals in Jeddah (Kingdom of Saudi Arabia). A validated Monnin and Perneger's questionnaire with a 5-points Likert scale was utilized. At the same time, staff job satisfaction was measured by the Effort-Reward Imbalance model in the same health care facilities. Results: On 725 patients who responded to the survey, 80.6% were overall satisfied with the rehabilitation services they received. Patient satisfaction was significantly different (p= 0.001) between hospital types. In average, 88.5% of the patients of the teaching hospitals were satisfied with the rehabilitation services, compared to 77% of the patients in the public hospitals and 75.7% of the patients in the private hospitals. Moreover there was no statistically significant correlation between staff job satisfaction and patients' satisfaction. Conclusion: Patients' satisfaction with rehabilitation services was the highest in the teaching hospitals in comparison with the other types of health care facilities. Patients' satisfaction was however not significantly correlated with the staff job satisfaction. (Isabelle CN Devreux, Agnes Jacquerye, France Kittel, Enas Elsayed and Bahjat Al-Awa Benchmarking of patient satisfaction with physical rehabilitation services in various hospitals of Jeddah) Life Science Journal 2012; 9(3):73-78). (ISSN: 1097-8135). http://www.lifesciencesite. com.11
Thalassemic erythrocytes release microparticles loaded with hemichromes by redox activation of p72Syk kinase

High counts of circulating microparticles, originated from the membrane of abnormal erythrocytes, have been associated with increased thrombotic risk in hemolytic disorders. Our studies indicate that in thalassemia intermedia patients the number of circulating microparticles correlates with the capability of the thalassemic erythrocytes to release microparticles. The microparticles are characteristically loaded with hemichromes formed by denatured α-chains. This finding was substantiated by the positive correlation observed in thalassemia intermedia patients between the amount of hemichromes measured in erythrocytes, their capability to release microparticles and the levels of plasma hemichromes. We observed that hemichromes, following their binding to the cytoplasmic domain of band 3, induce the formation of disulfide band 3 dimers that are subsequently phosphorylated by p72Syk kinase. Phosphorylation of oxidized band 3 appears to be relevant for the formation of large hemichromes/band 3 clusters that, in turn, induce local membrane instability and the release of microparticles. Proteomic analysis of microparticles released from thalassemia intermedia erythrocytes indicated that, besides hemichromes and clustered band 3, the microparticles contain a characteristic set of proteins that includes catalase, heat shock protein 70, peroxiredoxin 2 and carbonic anhydrase. High amounts of immunoglobulins and C3 have also been found to be associated with microparticles, accounting for their intense phagocytosis. The effect of p72Syk kinase inhibitors on the release of microparticles from thalassemia intermedia erythrocytes may indicate new perspectives for controlling the release of circulating microparticles in hemolytic anemias.
Regulatory Role of Lymphoid Chemokine CCL19 and CCL21 in the Control of Allergic Rhinitis1

The lymphoid chemokines CCL19 and CCL21 are known to be crucial both for lymphoid cell trafficking and for the structural organization of lymphoid tissues such as nasopharynx-associated lymphoid tissue (NALT). However, their role in allergic responses remains unclear, and so our current study aims to shed light on the role of CCL19/CCL21 in the development of allergic rhinitis. After nasal challenge with OVA, OVA-sensitized plt (paucity of lymph node T cells) mice, which are deficient in CCL19/CCL21, showed more severe allergic symptoms than did identically treated wild-type mice. OVA-specific IgE production, eosinophil infiltration, and Th2 responses were enhanced in the upper airway of plt mice. Moreover, in plt mice, the number of CD4+CD25+ regulatory T cells declined in the secondary lymphoid tissues, whereas the number of Th2-inducer-type CD8α−CD11b+ myeloid dendritic cells (m-DCs) increased in cervical lymph nodes and NALT. Nasal administration of the plasmid-encoding DNA of CCL19 resulted in the reduction of m-DCs in the secondary lymphoid tissues and the suppression of allergic responses in plt mice. These results suggest that CCL19/CCL21 act as regulatory chemokines for the control of airway allergic disease and so may offer a new strategy for the control of allergic disease.
An Examination of Mann's Model of Time-Limited Individual Psychotherapy *

The present study attempted a sensitive test of the dynamic sequence proposed by Mann for time-limited individual psychotherapy (TLP). Session evaluation ratings were collected from both patient and therapist. Indices were constructed that reflected the consistency of patient ratings, the consistency of therapist ratings, and the congruence between patient and therapist ratings, in each third of TLP. Measures of symptoms and social functioning were employed to differentiate cases of “good” versus “poor” treatment outcome. Therapists' adherence to the TLP technique was assessed by categorizing all interventions in each session. Fourteen patients were treated according to the TLP model. Measures of therapist behaviour indicated that treatments had been conducted in general accordance with Mann's technical recommendations. Measures of consistency and congruence failed to support the proposed TLP dynamic sequence. Analyses of mean evaluation ratings indicated a trend towards more positive evaluations as therapy progressed; “good” outcome cases were significantly more likely to evidence this pattern. Results are discussed in terms of interplay between inductive hypothesis building and empirical verification in the development of theories of psychotherapy.
Inhibitory effects of sunitinib on ovalbumin-induced chronic experimental asthma in mice.

BACKGROUND Tyrosine kinase signaling cascades play a critical role in the pathogenesis of allergic airway inflammation. Sunitinib, a multitargeted receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor, has been reported to exert potent immunoregulatory, anti-inflammatory and anti-fibrosis effects. We investigated whether sunitinib could suppress the progression of airway inflammation, airway hyperresponsiveness (AHR), and airway remodeling in a murine model of chronic asthma. METHODS Ovalbumin (OVA)-sensitized mice were chronically challenged with aerosolized OVA for 8 weeks. Some mice were intragastrically administered with sunitinib (40 mg/kg) daily during the period of OVA challenge. Twelve hours after the last OVA challenge, mice were evaluated for the development of airway inflammation, AHR and airway remodeling. The levels of total serum immunoglobulin E (IgE) and Th2 cytokines (interleukin (IL)-4 and IL-13) in bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were measured by ELISA. The expression of phosphorylated c-kit protein in the lungs was detected by immunoprecipitation/Western blotting (IP/WB) analysis. RESULTS Sunitinib significantly inhibited eosinophilic airway inflammation, persistent AHR and airway remodeling in chronic experimental asthma. It reduced levels of total serum IgE and BALF Th2 cytokines and also lowered the expression of phosphorylated c-kit protein in remodelled airways. CONCLUSIONS Sunitinib may inhibit the development of airway inflammation, AHR and airway remodeling. It is potentially beneficial to the prevention or treatment of asthma.
Antireflux surgery in children suffering from reflux‐associated respiratory diseases

The aim of our study was to evaluate the success, complications, and morbidity following a modified Thal fundoplication in children with reflux‐associated respiratory disease (RARD). We used a procedure consisting of retroesophageal hiatal plasty, wrapping the gastric fundus around the gastroesophageal junction 180°, and fixation of the lesser curvature at the abdominal wall. Follow‐up by questionnaire of 128 (77 male, 51 females) out of 196 antireflux procedures between 1992 and 1995 was achieved. Surgical therapy was considered justified whenever there was gastroesophageal reflux resulting in severe recurrent respiratory symptoms. Eleven percent of the children suffered from bronchiectasis. The diagnosis of RARD was based on a high index of suspicion, barium swallow with fluoroscopy, 24‐hr two‐level pH‐monitoring, bronchoscopy, bronchoalveolar lavage and detection of lipid‐laden alveolar macrophages, esophago‐gastroscopy, and esophageal biopsy. Patients with bronchopulmonary diseases such as allergy, immunodeficiency, cystic fibrosis, primary ciliary dyskinesia, and malformation of the bronchial tree or vessels had been excluded.
Animal models in ocular toxocariasis

Abstract Ocular toxocariasis is a clearly defined disease. However, much remains to be learned concerning the migratory route, ocular changes, diagnosis and treatment. Studies in paratenic hosts have contributed to our understanding and will yield more information. Various experimental animals have been used, such as mice, rabbits, guinea pigs, primates, hamsters and gerbils. Of these, the last appear to be the most appropriate model due to their high susceptibility to ocular infection. Results obtained from different animal models are often not comparable due to the fact that dose and routes of inoculation are diverse. Early stages in the pathogenesis of ocular toxocariasis are manifested by haemorrhages in the anterior chamber and iris, replaced in time by accumulations of white cells. Ocular migration produces an early cell reaction, formed by an infiltration of neutrophils accompanied by vasculitis and retinal microinfarcts. Over a period of time, an increase of macrophages and the distribution of the infiltrates is observed. Later, granulomatous lesions are formed. These do not necessarily contain a larva and their appearance varies in different animal models. Local production of IgE and the presence of specific IgG have been described.
Bioindicators in the MIDUS National Study: Protocol, Measures, Sample, and Comparative Context

Objectives: Midlife in the United States (MIDUS) is a national study of health and aging among individuals aged 25 to 74 at baseline (1995-1996). Longitudinal survey assessments (2004-2005), were followed by biological assessments on a subsample (aged 35-85). To facilitate public use, we describe the protocol, measures, and sample. Method: Respondents traveled to clinics for a 2-day data-collection protocol that included fasting blood specimens, 12-hr urine specimen, medical history, physical exam, bone densitometry, and a laboratory challenge (heart rate variability, blood pressure, respiration, salivary cortisol). Results: Response rates for the biological protocol (N = 1,255) were 39.3% or 43.1% (adjusting for those who could not be located or contacted). Reasons for nonparticipation were travel, family obligations, and being too busy. Respondents were comparable to the recruitment pool on most demographic characteristics and health assessments. Discussion: Strengths of the protocol vis-à-vis similar studies include opportunities to link biological factors with diverse content from other MIDUS projects.
Photoperiodic regulation of ovine spermatogenesis: relationship to serum hormones.

Serum concentrations of reproductive hormones and spermatogenesis were studied in rams exposed to either decreasing (group 1) or increasing (group 2) photoperiods. Six rams were assigned to each group in late February and maintained in individual pens throughout the study. Room temperature was kept at approximately 18#{176}C for both groups of rams. Light schedules were decreased or increased stepwise from a 12 h light:12 h dark photoperiod so that within 8 weeks, rams were exposed to either short days (8 h light:16 h dark photoperiod) or long days (16 h light:8 h dark photoperiod). Scrotal circumference (testis size) decreased (P<0.05)”s.lO% throughout the experiment in long day rams; however, after an initial decrease, scrotal circumference in short day rams increased (P<0.05)’\. ’15%. When compared to long day rams, short day rams had 45% heavier (P<0.05) testes, 30% larger (P<0.01) seminiferous tubule diameters and produced nearly twice as many sperm. Histological examination of the germinal epithelium revealed that long days exerted deleterious effects at several points in spermatogenesis. The changes in sperm production of photoperiod-treated rams could be the result of changes in several endocrine systems. Short day rams were characterized by low concentrations of serum prolactin and elevated concentrations of serum testosterone, LII and FSH. On the basis of these findings, we suggest that testicular growth in rams exposed to short day lengths is a response to increased gonadotropin activity. The action of these gonadotropins may be direct on the germinal epithelium of the ram testis or may stimulate spermatogenesis indirectly by enhancing testosterone secretion in interstitial cells.
Macrophages in the embryo and beyond: Much more than just giant phagocytes

Originally recognized as an essential part of the innate and acquired immune systems, macrophages emerged as omnipresent and influential regulators of embryo‐ and organo‐genesis, as well as of tissue and tumor growth. Macrophages are present essentially in all tissues, beginning with embryonic development and, in addition to their role in host defense and in the clearance of apoptotic cells, are being increasingly recognized for their trophic function and role in regeneration. Some tissue macrophages are also found to posses a substantial potential for autonomous self‐renewal. Macrophages are associated with a significant proportion of malignant tumors and are widely recognized for their angiogenesis‐promoting and trophic roles, making them one of the new promising targets for cancer therapies. Recent expression profiling of embryonic macrophages from different tissues revealed remarkable consistency of their gene expression profiles, independent of their tissue of origin, as well as their similarities with tumor‐associated macrophages. Macrophages are also capable of fusion with other cells in tissue repair and metastasizing tumors, as well as with each other in the immune response and osteoclastogenesis. genesis 46:447–462, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.