Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Lack of Evidence for Retrovirus Infection in Schizophrenic Patients

Lack of Evidence for Retrovirus Infection in Schizophrenic Patients DEAR SIR, We read with interest the publication of Dr T. J. Crow's hypothesis associating retroviral infection with the development of schizophrenia (Journal, September 1984, 145, 243â€”252). In view of the familial occurrence, indirect evidence for an infec tious aetiology, and data suggesting immune dys function in some schizophrenic patients, we found this hypothesis plausible and worth investigating. No evidence exists, however, to suggest that retroviruses, rather than other classes of viruses, are involved . One of the unique properties common to all retroviruses is that they contain an enzyme, reverse transcriptase, which can transcribe DNA from RNA. The presence of this foreign enzyme in host cells may stimulate the production of anti bodies directed against reverse transcriptase, which can be detected by standard immunological labora tory techniques. If an individual has, or previously had, an active retroviral infection, elevated titres of serum IgG specifically directed against reverse transcriptase may then be present, as has been recently reported in patients with the autoimmune disorder, systemic lupus erythematosus (Okamoto et al, 1983). We therefore examined sera from schizophrenic patients for the presence of anti bodies to this protein, as well as others, that might provide evidence for Dr Crow's proposal. Fifteen hospitalised DSM-III diagnosed chronic schizophrenics, all with evidence of active positive symptoms of psychosis, and 15 age-and gender matched normal controls had serum samples drawn and blindly assayed for antibodies to reverse transcriptase. However, since reverse transcriptase is only weakly antigenic, and thus some individuals with retroviral infections may be missed if screening is limited to antibodies against this protein, we have also examined antibodies to Human T Cell Leuk emia Virus antigens (HTLV I and III), the only class of retroviruses known to infect humans. The assay procedures have been described in detail elsewhere (Kalyanaraman et a! , 1981; Saxinger and Gallo, 1983). At serum dilutions of 1:300 or greater no antibodies (IgG) to reverse transcriptase or any of the other viral proteins were found in either the schizophrenic or control groups. In contrast, almost 100 percent of human T cell leukemia patients have titres several fold greater to at least some of the viral proteins (Sam & Gallo, 1983), as do patients with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS; Sarngadharan et al, 1984). We, therefore have failed to find evidence that would be consistent with the presence of a retrovirus infection in schizophrenia. If schizo phrenia is associated with periodic activation and reproduction of the retrovirus,particularlyduring an exacerbation of psychosis, then we would expect that at least a few of our 15 patients would have shown some antibody response to the enzyme, reverse transcriptase.
Galectins Are Differentially Expressed in Supratentorial Pilocytic Astrocytomas, Astrocytomas, Anaplastic Astrocytomas and Glioblastomas, and Significantly Modulate Tumor Astrocyte Migration

Galectins, a family of mammalian lectins with specificity to β‐galactosides, are involved in growth‐regulatory mechanisms and cell adhesion. A relationship is assumed to exist between the levels of expression of galectins and the level of malignancy in human gliomas. A comparative study of this aspect in the same series of clinical samples is required to prove this hypothesis. Using computer‐assisted microscopy, we quantitatively characterized by immunohistochemistry the levels of expression of galectins‐1, ‐3 and‐8 in 116 human astrocytic tumors of grades I to IV. Extent of transcription of galectins‐1, ‐3, and ‐8 genes was investigated in 8 human glioblastoma cell lines by means of RT‐PCR techniques. Three of these cell lines were grafted into the brains of nude mice in order to characterize in vivo the galectins‐1, ‐3 and ‐8 expression in relation to the patterns of the tumor invasion of the brain. The role of galectin‐1, ‐3 and ‐8 in tumor astrocyte migration was quantitatively determined in vitro by means of computer‐assisted phase‐contrast videomicroscopy. The data indicate that the levels of galectin‐1 and galectin‐3 expression significantly change during the progression of malignancy in human astrocytic tumors, while that of galectin‐8 remains unchanged. These three galectins are involved in tumor astrocyte invasion of the brain parenchyma since their levels of expression are higher in the invasive parts of xenografted glioblastomas than in their less invasive parts. Galectin‐3, galectin‐1, and to a lesser extent galectin‐8, markedly stimulate glioblastoma cell migration in vitro. Since bands for the transcripts of human galectins‐2, ‐4 and ‐9 were apparently less frequent and intense in the 8 human glioblastoma cell lines, this system provides an excellent model to assign defined roles to individual galectins and delineate overlapping and distinct functional aspects.
Carbamazepine: Effect on IgG Subclasses in Epileptic Patients

Summary: IgG subclass concentrations were determined in sera from 20 epileptic patients before carbamazepine therapy and after 6 weeks of treatment. Subclass‐specific monoclonal antibodies were used in an ELISA technique. Carbamazepine reduced the IgG2 concentration in 13 patients, and the mean value fell from 3.21 to 2.47 g/L during the carbamazepine treatment (p < 0.01). This IgG2 decrease was maintained after 4 and 12 months of carbamazepine therapy. IgGl, IgG3, and IgG4 concentrations did not change. IgG2 deficiency was not seen. The reduction in IgG2 was not related to the carbamazepine serum concentration within the therapeutic range, to the type of epilepsy, or to the age of the patient. The carbam‐azepine‐induced reduction of IgG2 in serum may indicate an altered immune response to certain antigens, preferentially to carbohydrates.
The effects of media characteristics on IPTV adoption

This paper examines the factors that influence user adoption of IPTV. Early studies lacked comprehensive approaches to both technological and broadcasting aspects of IPTV adoption. This study therefore incorporates additional theoretical construct, user gratifications, to reflect media characteristics using the Technology Adoption Model (TAM). Although originally the TAM is believed to be more parsimonious, predictive, and robust, looking at the two key components (perceived usefulness (PU) and perceived ease of use (PEU)) of the TAM is not enough to explain user adoption of IPTV. This is because this model did not reflect the psychological perspective of media on IPTV. Therefore, to examine the effect of media characteristics on IPTV adoption, this study incorporates additional theoretical variables spanning ‘the uses and gratifications theory’ rather than focusing only on the TAM. This research also examines the effect of habitual TV and Internet media use on IPTV adoption. Overall, the results revealed that the effect of perceived affective gratification was very important and Internet use habits can be key determinants of IPTV adoption.
Functional expression of oxidative phosphorylation proteins in the rod outer segment disc

The rod Outer Segment (OS) disc, an organelle devoid of mitochondria, is specialized in phototransduction, a process requiring a continual chemical energy supply. We have shown that OS discs express functional mitochondrial electron transport chains, FoF1‐ATP synthase and the tricarboxylic acid cycle enzymes, all mitochondrial features. Here, we focus on oxygen consumption and adenosine triphosphate (ATP) synthesis by OS discs analysing electron transport chain I‐III‐IV and II‐II‐IV pathways, supported by reduced nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide and succinate, respectively. Interestingly, respiratory capacity of discs was measurable also in the presence of 3‐hydroxy‐butyrrate, a typical metabolic substrate for the brain. Data were supported by a two‐dimensional electrophoresis analyses conducted as our previous one, but focused to those mitochondrial proteins that are involved in oxidative phosphorylation. Carbonic anhydrase was also found active in OS discs. Moreover, colocalization of Rhodopsin with respiratory complex I and ATP synthase seems a further step in the characterization of some proteins typical of the mitochondrial inner membranes that are expressed in the rod discs. The existence of oxygen utilization in the outer retina, likely supplying ATP for phototransduction, may shed light on some retinal pathologies related to oxidative stress of the outer retina. Copyright © 2013 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Model describing the relationship between pharmacokinetics and hematologic toxicity of the epirubicin-docetaxel regimen in breast cancer patients.

PURPOSE The aims of the present study were (1) to characterize the pharmacokinetics of both component drugs and (2) to describe the relationship between the pharmacokinetics and the dose-limiting hematologic toxicity for the epirubicin (EPI)/docetaxel (DTX) regimen in breast cancer patients. PATIENTS AND METHODS Forty-four patients with advanced disease received EPI and DTX every 3 weeks for up to nine cycles. The initial doses (EPI/DTX) were 75/70 mg/m(2). Based on leukocyte (WBC) and platelet counts, the subsequent doses were, stepwise, either escalated (maximum, 120/100 mg/m(2)) or reduced (minimum, 40/50 mg/m(2)). Hematologic toxicity was monitored in all patients, whereas pharmacokinetics was studied in 16 patients. A semiphysiological model, including physiological parameters as well as drug-specific parameters, was used to describe the time course of WBC count following treatment. RESULTS In the final pharmacokinetic model, interoccasion variability was estimated to be less than interindividual variability in the clearances for both drugs. The sum of the individual EPI and DTX areas under concentration-time curve correlated stronger to WBC survival fraction than did the corresponding sum of doses. A pharmacokinetic-pharmacodynamic (PK-PD) model with additive effects of EPI and DTX could adequately describe the data. CONCLUSION The final PK-PD model might provide a tool for calculation of WBC time course, and hence, for prediction of nadir day and duration of leukopenia in breast cancer patients treated with the EPI/DTX regimen.
Impact of mass chemotherapy for the control of filariasis on geohelminth infections in Sri Lanka

The aims of the World Health Organizations Global Programme to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis are to stop the spread of Wuchereria and Brugia infection and alleviate the suffering of individuals affected by lymphatic filariasis. Control of transmission is based on mass drug administrations (MDA). In the MDA entire populations at risk of filarial infection will be given four to six annual treatments with a combination of albendazole and a microfilaricide - either diethylcarbamazine citrate (DEC) or ivermectin. Inclusion of albendazole in this two-drug treatment regimen is expected to result in a public-health impact beyond lymphatic filariasis (LF) alone largely because of this drugs effectiveness against geohelminth infections. The anticipated health benefits of albendazole use include nutritional benefits (such as height and weight gains and reduction of anaemia) greater cognitive development among children and greater productivity in the adult population (Ottesen et al. 1999). (excerpt)
Interpretation and Utility of Traction Radiography in Scoliosis Surgery: Analysis of Patients Treated With Cotrel‐Dubousset Instrumentation

Study Design. An analysis of a standardized method of traction radiography for the evaluation of reducibility of scoliosis. Objectives. To determine whether and how preoperative traction radiography can provide objective information and to compare traction radiography with supine side‐bending radiography. Summary of Background Data. Flexibility of scoliosis deformity remains an arbitrary concept. No objective method of preoperative evaluation of reducibility has been established. Methods. The utility of a standardized method of traction radiography was evaluated in 74 patients with idiopathic scoliosis who were aged 14‐22 years and treated with Cotrel‐Dubousset instrumentation. Results. In thoracic curves, the postoperative Cobb angle was highly correlated with the preoperative Cobb angle in traction (r = 0.82). However, such correlation was much lower with lumbar curves (r = 0.54). The reducibility of the thoracic curve by traction as expressed by the ratio to the original curve was dependent on the magnitude of the original curve (P = 0.005), and this parameter proved less informative than the absolute angle values. Time‐related analysis of 30 patients who were observed for more than 5 years revealed that the high correlation between the preoperative angle of thoracic curves in traction and their postoperative angle decreased with the follow‐up time (r = 0.80 − 0.65). A comparison of traction radiography and supine side‐bending radiography showed that these two tests were practically equivalent in terms of evaluating the reducibility of curves. Conclusion. The results provide an objective interpretation of traction radiographs for scoliosis.
The Effect of Adding Plant Sterols or Stanols to Statin Therapy in Hypercholesterolemic Patients: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

Objective: To characterize the effect of plant sterols/stanols on serum lipids in hypercholesterolemic patients on concurrent statin therapy, we conducted a meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials. Methods: A systematic literature search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane CENTRAL, and the Natural Medicines Comprehensive Database was conducted from the earliest possible date through May 2008. Trials were included in the analysis if they were randomized controlled trials evaluating the use of plant sterols/stanols in combination with statins in hypercholesterolemic patients that reported efficacy data on total cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, high-density lipoprotein (HDL) cholesterol, or triglycerides. The weighted mean difference (WMD) of the change from baseline (in mg/dL) with 95% confidence interval (CI) was calculated as the difference between the mean in the plant sterol/stanol groups and the control groups, using a random-effects model. Results: Eight studies (n = 306 patients) met the inclusion criteria. Upon meta-analysis, the use of plant sterols/stanols in combination with statin therapy significantly lowered total cholesterol (WMD, −14.01 mg/dL [95% CI, −18.66 to −9.37], p < 0.0001) and LDL cholesterol (WMD, −13.26 mg/dL [95% CI, −17.34 to −9.18], p < 0.0001) but not HDL cholesterol or triglycerides. Conclusions: Based upon the current literature, we can only say that plant sterols/stanols, when administered in addition to statins, favorably affect total and LDL cholesterol with 95% confidence. Randomized trials examining the impact of plant sterols/stanols in combinatation with statins on patient morbidity and mortality are needed.
A survey for H i in the distant Universe: the detection of associated 21-cm absorption at z = 1.28

We have undertaken a survey for H I 21-cm absorption within the host galaxies of z ∼ 1.2−1.5 radio sources, in the search of the cool neutral gas currently ‘missing’ at z 1. This deficit is believed to be due to the optical selection of high-redshift objects biasing surveys towards sources of sufficient ultraviolet luminosity to ionize all of the gas in the surrounding galaxy. In order to avoid this bias, we have selected objects above blue magnitudes of B ∼ 20, indicating ultraviolet luminosities below the critical value ofLUV ∼ 10 23 WH z −1 , above which 21-cm has never been detected. As a secondary requirement to the radio flux and faint optical magnitude, we shortlist targets with radio spectra suggestive of compact sources, in order to maximize the coverage of background emission. From this, we obtain one detection out of 10 sources searched, which atz = 1.278 is the third highest redshift detection of associated 21-cm absorption to date. Accounting for the spectra compromised by radio frequency interference, as well as various other possible pitfalls (reliable optical redshifts and turnover frequencies indicative of compact emission), we estimate a detection rate of ≈30 per cent, close to that expected for LUV 10 23 WH z −1 sources.
Secrecy Throughput in Inhomogeneous Wireless Networks with Nonuniform Traffic

We investigate the secrecy throughput of inhomogeneous wireless network, especially in cases of independent and uniform eavesdropper with single antenna and multiple antennas. Towards the inhomogeneous distribution of legitimate nodes, we novelly construct a circular percolation model under the idea of transforming “inhomogeneous” to “homogeneous. ” Correspondingly, the information is transmitted by two ways: intracluster transmission and intercluster transmission. For intracluster transmission, a per-node secrecy throughput of Ω ( 1 / n 1 - v ( 1 - v ) log n ) is derived by circular percolation model, where n and n v represent the number of nodes and clusters in the network, respectively. As for intercluster case, a connection called “information pipelines” is built. Then the per-node secrecy throughput of Ω Φ _ / n can be obtained, where Φ _ denotes the minimum node density in the network. Moreover, when the eavesdropper is equipped with Ψ ( n ) antennas, the per-node secrecy throughput of Ω ( 1 / n 1 - v ( 1 - v ) log n Ψ - 2 / α ( n ) ) and Ω ( ( Φ _ / n ) Ψ - 2 / α ( n ) ) is achieved for intracluster and intercluster transmission, respectively.
Photodynamic Therapy in the Treatment of Actinic Keratosis †

The efficacy of photodynamic therapy (PDT) with 5‐aminolevulinate and methyl aminolevulinate in the treatment of actinic keratosis has been demonstrated in a large number of clinical studies over the last several years. Here, we recapitulate the major findings, comparing the various photosensitizers, light sources and therapeutic regimens, and present a retrospective analysis of 142 own cases treated with 259 PDTs. In addition, we also discuss the value of PDT in comparison with cryotherapy or 5‐fluorouracil. The efficacy and the low risk of side effects of PDT have resulted in a high patient preference in clinical trials.
Decreased taxation, spirits consumption and alcohol-related problems in Switzerland.

OBJECTIVE The spirits market in Switzerland was reformed in 1999 in accordance with the World Trade Organization agreement. The resulting tax reform and increased competition have resulted in markedly reduced prices for foreign spirits, and a previous study showed that spirits consumption increased significantly after the tax reform. The present study examined whether alcohol-related problems also increased at follow-up and if they did, whether the increase was the result of increased spirits consumption. Further correlates of alcohol-related problems were also explored. METHOD Data were obtained from a longitudinal study on changes in alcohol consumption in Switzerland. The baseline survey was conducted 3 months before the tax reform, and the follow-up was conducted 28 months after the tax reform. A randomly selected sample of 4,007 residents aged 15 years or older participated in the baseline survey, and 73% of this sample participated in the follow-up survey. Alcohol consumption was measured on the basis of a graduated frequency, and alcohol-related problems were measured by items taken from the Alcohol Use Disorder Identification Test (AUDIT). RESULTS Findings indicate that alcohol-related problems increased significantly at follow-up. The significance disappeared, however, after controlling for spirits consumption, indicating that the increase of alcohol-related problems at follow-up was mainly mediated through increased consumption of spirits. The multiple regression models showed that spirits, beer and wine consumption, gender, Age*Spirits Consumption interaction, region, smoking status, heavy-drinking frequency and average number of drinks were significant correlates of alcohol-related problems. CONCLUSIONS Alcohol-related problems increased at the follow-up, particularly among younger age groups who consumed more spirits. Prevention programs on alcohol-related problems should target young people.
Characterization of Munc-18c and Syntaxin-4 in 3T3-L1 Adipocytes

We have previously identified three mammalian Sec1/Munc-18 homologues in adipocytes (Tellam, J. T., McIntosh, S., and James, D. E. (1995) J. Biol. Chem. 270, 5857-5863). These proteins are thought to modulate the interaction between vesicle membrane and target membrane soluble N-ethylmaleimide-sensitive factor attachment protein receptors (SNAREs) and thus regulate intracellular vesicular transport. This study aimed to further characterize these Munc-18 isoforms and to define their potential role in the trafficking of GLUT-4 in adipocytes, a process reported to involve the vesicle membrane SNARE, VAMP-2. Using an in vitro binding assay with recombinant fusion proteins, we show that Munc-18a and Munc-18b bind to syntaxin-1A, −2, and −3, while Munc-18c binds only to syntaxin-2 and −4. The specific interaction between Munc-18c and syntaxin-4 is of interest because aside from syntaxin-1A, which is not expressed in adipocytes, syntaxin-4 is the only syntaxin that binds to VAMP-2. Using a three-way binding assay, it was shown that Munc-18c inhibits the binding of syntaxin-4 to VAMP-2. The subcellular distribution of syntaxin-4 and Munc-18c was almost identical, both being enriched in the plasma membrane, and both exhibiting an insulin-dependent movement out of an intracellular membrane fraction similar to that observed for GLUT-4. Munc-18b had a similar distribution to Munc-18c and so may also be involved in vesicle transport to the cell surface, whereas Munc-18a was undetectable by immunoblotting in adipocytes. Microinjection of a syntaxin-4 antibody into 3T3-L1 adipocytes blocked the insulin-dependent recruitment of GLUT-4 to the cell surface. These data suggest that syntaxin-4/Munc-18c/VAMP-2 may play a role in the docking/fusion of intracellular GLUT-4-containing vesicles with the cell surface in adipocytes.
An axenic amastigote system for drug screening

Currently available primary screens for selection of candidate antileishmanial compounds are not ideal. The choices include screens that are designed to closely reflect the situation in vivo but are labor-intensive and expensive (intracellular amastigotes and animal models) and screens that are designed to facilitate rapid testing of a large number of drugs but do not use the clinically relevant parasite stage (promastigote model). The advent of successful in vitro culture of axenic amastigotes permits the development of a primary screen which is quick and easy like the promastigote screen but still representative of the situation in vivo, since it uses the relevant parasite stage. We have established an axenic amastigote drug screening system using a Leishmania mexicana strain (strain M379). A comparison of the 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) drug sensitivity profiles of M379 promastigotes, intracellular amastigotes, and axenic amastigotes for six clinically relevant antileishmanial drugs (sodium stibogluconate, meglumine antimoniate, pentamidine, paromomycin, amphotericin B, WR6026) showed that M379 axenic amastigotes are a good model for a primary drug screen. Promastigote and intracellular amastigote IC50s differed for four of the six drugs tested by threefold or more; axenic amastigote and intracellular amastigote IC50s differed by twofold for only one drug. This shows that the axenic amastigote susceptibility to clinically used reference drugs is comparable to the susceptibility of amastigotes in macrophages. These data also suggest that for the compounds tested, susceptibility is intrinsic to the parasite stage. This contradicts previous hypotheses that suggested that the activities of antimonial agents against intracellular amastigotes were solely a function of the macrophage.