Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
High concordance of parent and teacher attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder ratings in medicated and unmedicated children with autism spectrum disorders.

OBJECTIVE Parent and teacher ratings of core attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) symptoms, as well as behavioral and emotional problems commonly comorbid with ADHD, were compared in children with autism spectrum disorders (ASD). METHOD Participants were 86 children (66 boys; mean: age=9.3 years, intelligence quotient [IQ]=84) who met American Psychiatric Association Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, 4th ed. (DSM-IV) criteria for an ASD on the Autism Diagnostic Interview-Revised (ADI-R) and the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule (ADOS). Parent and teacher behavioral ratings were compared on the Conners' Parent and Teacher Rating Scales (CPRS-R; CTRS-R). The degree to which age, ASD subtype, severity of autistic symptomatology, and medication status mediated this relationship was also examined. RESULTS Significant positive correlations between parent and teacher ratings suggest that a child's core ADHD symptoms-as well as closely related externalizing symptoms-are perceived similarly by parents and teachers. With the exception of oppositional behavior, there was no significant effect of age, gender, ASD subtype, or autism severity on the relationship between parent and teacher ratings. In general, parents rated children as having more severe symptomatology than did teachers. Patterns of parent and teacher ratings were highly correlated, both for children who were receiving medication, and for children who were not. CONCLUSIONS Parents and teachers perceived core symptoms of ADHD and closely-related externalizing problems in a similar manner, but there is less agreement on ratings of internalizing problems (e.g., anxiety). The clinical implication of these findings is that both parents and teachers provide important behavioral information about children with ASD. However, when a clinician is unable to access teacher ratings (e.g., during school vacations), parent ratings can provide a reasonable estimate of the child's functioning in these domains in school. As such, parent ratings can be reliably used to make initial diagnostic and treatment decisions (e.g., medication treatment) regarding ADHD symptoms in children with ASDs.
Immune Responses and Protection Against H5N1 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Virus Induced by the Newcastle Disease Virus H5 Vaccine in Ducks

SUMMARY. Ducks play an important role in the epidemiology of avian influenza, and there is a need for new avian influenza vaccines that are suitable for mass vaccination in ducks. The immune responses as well as highly pathogenic avian influenza (HPAI) H5N1 protection induced by a Newcastle disease virus (NDV) vector expressing an H5N1 hemagglutinin (rNDV-H5) were investigated in mule ducks, a hybrid between Muscovy (Cairina moschata domesticus) males and Pekin (Anas platyrhynchos domesticus) females. Immunological tools to measure NDV and H5-specific serum antibody, mucosal, and cell-mediated immune (CMI) responses in ducks have been validated after infection with the vector NDV and an H5N1 low pathogenic avian influenza virus. The effect of maternally-derived antibodies (MDAs) to NDV on the humoral and CMI responses after NDV-H5 vaccination was also investigated. Our results showed the rNDV-H5 vaccine elicits satisfactory humoral and cellular responses in 11-day-old ducks correlating with a complete clinical and virological protection against the H5N1 strain. However, vaccination with rNDV-H5 in the presence of NDV MDA induced lower NDV-specific serum antibody, mucosal, and CMI responses than in ducks with no MDA, while interestingly the H5-specific serum antibody and duodenal IgY response were higher in ducks with NDV MDA. To our knowledge, this is the first report of the use of an NDV vector in ducks and of an HPAI H5N1 challenge in mule ducks, which appeared to be as resistant as Pekin ducks.
Outcome and Treatment Effects in Stroke Associated with Acute Cervical ICA Occlusion

Background Endovascular therapy (EVT) with stent retrievers in addition to i.v. thrombolysis (IVT) has proven effective in acute stroke patients with middle cerebral artery (MCA, M1 segment) and distal internal carotid artery (ICA) occlusion. Limited data exist concerning acute cervical ICA occlusion, either alone or in combination with intracranial ICA occlusion (tandem occlusion). Therefore we analyzed outcome and treatment effects in stroke associated with cervical ICA occlusion, with specific focus on the impact of intracranial ICA or M1 patency. Methods Seventy-eight patients with cervical ICA occlusion from our local stroke unit registry were analyzed retrospectively. Thrombolysis in Cerebral Infarction (TICI) classification, infarct size, modified Rankin scale (mRS), symptomatic intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH), and death were assessed as outcome parameters. Results Forty-three patients had isolated cervical ICA occlusion whereas 35 patients presented with extra-/intracranial tandem occlusion. Patients underwent IVT alone (n = 23), combined IVT/EVT (n = 28) or no treatment (n = 27). Treated and untreated patients with tandem occlusion had a worse outcome after 90 days compared to isolated cervical occlusion (OR for moderate outcome 0.29, 0.27–0.88, p = 0.01). Additional EVT improved outcome in patients with tandem occlusion (OR for moderate outcome: 15.43, 1.60–148.90, p = 0.008) but not isolated cervical occlusion (OR 1.33, 0.38–11.60, NS). Conclusions In contrast to tandem occlusion, stroke outcome in patients with isolated cervical ICA occlusion was generally more benign and not improved by combined IVT/EVT compared to IVT alone. Intracranial vessel patency may be critical for treatment decision in acute cervical ICA occlusion.
Impaired endothelial function and elevated levels of pentraxin 3 in early‐onset preeclampsia

Objective. To study endothelial function in relation to anti‐angiogenic biomarkers and the inflammatory process in preeclampsia. Design. Observational study. Setting. Data were obtained from pregnant women who were admitted to the obstetrical ward at the Karolinska University Hospital, Solna, Stockholm, Sweden. Population. Thirty‐five women with newly developed and untreated preeclampsia and 30 healthy controls. Methods. Flow‐mediated dilation of the brachial artery, levels of anti‐angiogenic and inflammatory markers were measured in plasma during pregnancy and 3–6 months after delivery. Main outcome measures. Flow‐mediated dilation of the brachial artery, anti‐angiogenic and inflammatory markers. Results. Flow‐mediated dilation was decreased in the preeclamptic group at inclusion and at follow‐up (p<0.05). Pentraxin 3 (PTX3) and ratio of soluble fms‐like tyrosine kinase‐1 (sFlt‐1) to placental growth factor (PlGF) were elevated in women with preeclampsia during pregnancy (p<0.001). Furthermore flow‐mediated dilation was lower and the ratio sFlt‐1/PlGF and PTX3 were higher in early‐onset preeclampsia than late preeclampsia (p=0.018, 0.002 and 0.039). Levels of PTX3 at inclusion correlated inversely with flow‐mediated dilation at follow‐up both in the preeclampsia and control groups (Spearman, rs=–0.47, p=0.02 and rs=–0.46, p=0.02 respectively). Conclusion. Impaired endothelial function and increased ratio sFlt/PlGF, elevated PTX3 is present in women with preeclampsia and is especially pronounced in women with early‐onset preeclampsia.
Review of the Quality of Life and Burden of Illness in Gastroesophageal Reflux Disease

Gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD) is associated with a range of symptoms (typically heartburn, acid regurgitation and dysphagia), which may or may not be accompanied by endoscopically evident esophagitis. A number of studies have demonstrated that health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in reflux disease patients is significantly impaired in comparison to the general population, regardless of the endoscopic findings. Furthermore, this impairment is comparable to or greater than that observed in other chronic conditions, such as diabetes, arthritis or congestive heart failure. Impaired HRQoL in GERD patients is a result of features such as disturbed sleep, reduced vitality, generalized body pain, an impaired sex life and anxiety about the underlying cause of the symptoms. Nocturnal symptoms of reflux disease appear to have a particularly marked impact on HRQoL. The burden of illness imposed by reflux disease on HRQoL also has an impact on productivity, both at and outside work. The impact of reflux disease on productivity is significant and comparable to that caused by headache or back pain. Effective treatment is available for reflux disease, and there is evidence that this can quickly restore HRQoL to levels observed in the general population. However, poor communication between physicians and patients is contributing to unacceptable levels of patient dissatisfaction. Understanding patients’ experience of GERD and its treatment through the study of HRQoL is one way to address this problem.
Single-Ended and Differential Ka-Band BiCMOS Phased Array Front-Ends

Single-ended and differential phased array front-ends are developed for Ka-band applications using a 0.12 mum SiGe BiCMOS process. The phase shifters are based on CMOS switched delay networks and have 22.5deg phase resolution and <4deg rms phase error at 35 GHz, and can handle +10 dBm of RF power (P1dB) with a 3rd order intermodulation intercept point (IIP3) of +21 dBm. For the single-ended design, a SiGe low noise amplifier is placed before the CMOS phase shifter, and the LNA/phase shifter results in 11 plusmn 1.5 dB gain and <3.4 dB of noise figure (NF), for a total power consumption of only 11 mW. For the differential front-end, a variable gain LNA is also developed and shows 9-20 dB gain and <1deg rms phase imbalance between the eight different gain states. The differential variable gain LNA/phase shifter consumes 33 mW, and results in 10 + 1.3 dB gain and 3.8 dB of NF. The gain variation is reduced to 9.1 plusmn 0.45 dB with the variable gain function applied. The single-ended and differential front-ends occupy a small chip area, with a size of 350 times 800 mum2 and 350 times 950 mum2, respectively, excluding pads. These chips are competitive with GaAs and InP designs, and are building blocks for low-cost millimeter-wave phased array front-ends based on silicon technology.
Rapid presumptive identification of streptococci directly from blood cultures by serologic tests and the L-pyrrolidonyl-beta-naphthylamide reaction

The value of the Strepslide kit for the rapid presumptive identification of streptococci directly from blood cultures without prior determination of hemolysis patterns was assessed and compared with that of the Streptex and Phadebact streptococcus kits. Studies involved 94 simulated and 60 clinical isolates of 83 streptococci. The Streptex and Strepslide kits had excellent sensitivity and specificity for group A, B, F, and G organisms, and the Phadebact kit had excellent sensitivity and specificity for groups B and G. Group C reactions usually occurred with all of the streptococcus kits with pneumococci and occasionally with alpha-hemolytic streptococci. Although these kits were unacceptable for group C and D organisms, enterococci which were common clinical isolates could be directly identified in blood cultures by a supplementary rapid L-pyrrolidonyl-beta-naphthylamide biochemical test. Direct application of the Phadebact pneumococcus kit to blood cultures was also assessed with 29 isolates of 20 organisms. The specificity was good, but the sensitivity was only 65.5%.
Differential cytotoxicity of phospholipid analogues to pathogenic Acanthamoeba species and mammalian cells.

OBJECTIVES Previous studies have reported the ability of several phospholipid analogues to successfully inhibit the growth of Acanthamoeba species in vitro. This study tests further phospholipid analogues, either as free drug or in liposomal formulations, and unlike previous studies, examines their comparative toxicities to mammalian cells. METHODS The relative cytotoxic activities of the phospholipid derivatives hexadecyl-PC, octadecyl-PC, elaidyl-PC, erucyl-PC and edelfosine, against Acanthamoeba castellanii, Acanthamoeba polyphaga and a rabbit corneal epithelial (RCE) cell line, was determined by the alamarBlue assay. Free and liposomal formulations were compared for hexadecyl-PC and elaidyl-PC. RESULTS Both hexadecyl-PC and octadecyl-PC (IC50 values between 3.9 and 7.8 microM) demonstrated considerable activity against A. castellanii, as did elaidyl-PC (IC50 values between 15.6 and 31.25 microM). Both hexadecyl-PC and elaidyl-PC also proved effective against A. polyphaga (IC50 values between 15.6 and 31.25 and between 31.25 and 62.5 microM, respectively). In contrast, neither erucyl-PC nor edelfosine was inhibitory against either Acanthamoeba species. The growth of RCE cells was inhibited by octadecyl-PC, erucyl-PC and edelfosine (octadecyl-PC and erucyl-PC IC50 values between 7.8 and 15.6 microM and edelfosine IC50 values between 31.25 and 62.5 microM). Liposomal formulations of hexadecyl-PC and elaidyl-PC were less effective than free drug against both Acanthamoeba species. CONCLUSIONS These results demonstrate that hexadecyl-PC has the highest therapeutic index and is the most promising for the treatment of acanthamoebiasis.
Recombinant adeno-associated virus vectors in the treatment of rare diseases

Introduction: An estimated 25 million Americans are living with rare diseases. Adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated gene therapy is an emerging therapeutic option for > 7000 identified rare diseases. This paper highlights the benefits of AAV therapy compared to conventional small molecules, discusses current pre-clinical and clinical applications of AAV-mediated gene therapy, and offers insights into cutting edge research that will shape the future of AAV for broad therapeutic use. Areas covered: In this review the biology of AAV and our ability to generate disease-specific variants is summarized. Limitations of current therapy are reviewed, with an emphasis on immune detection of virus, viral tropism and tissue targeting, and limitations of gene expression. Information for this review was found using PubMed and clinicaltrials.gov. Expert opinion: Currently the scope of clinical trials of AAV gene therapy is concentrated in an array of Phase I/II safety trials with less than two dozen rare diseases featured. Pre-clinical, translational studies are expanding in number as developments within the last decade have made generation of improved AAV vectors available to more researchers. Further, one bottleneck that is being overcome is the availability of disease models, which will allow for improved preclinical testing and advancement of AAV to more clinical applications.
Angiopoietin-1 protects mesenchymal stem cells against serum deprivation and hypoxia-induced apoptosis through the PI3K/Akt pathway

AbstractAim:The angiopoietin-1 (Ang1)/Tie-2 signaling system not only plays a pivotal role in vessel growth, remodeling, and maturation, but also reduces apoptosis of endothelial cells, neurons, and cardiomyocytes. However, relatively little is known as to whether Ang1 has a protective effect on mesenchymal stem cells (MSC). The aim of the present study was to investigate the protective effect of Ang1/Tie-2 signaling on MSC against serum deprivation and hypoxia-induced apoptosis, and to determine the possible mechanisms.Methods:Hoechst 33342 and terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated digoxigenin-dUTP nick-end labeling staining were used to assess the apoptosis of MSC. The expression of Tie-2, Akt, Bcl-2, Bax, and cleaved caspase-9 and -3 was detected by Western blot analysis.Results:This study showed that MSC expressed Tie-2 receptor, and Ang1 induced Tie-2 receptor phosphorylation. The protective effect of Ang1 on MSC was dose-dependent and peaked at 50 μg/L; however, the soluble Tie-2/Fc fusion protein, which acts as an inhibitor by sequestering Ang1, abrogated the anti-apoptotic effect. Ang1 induced Akt phosphorylation, increased the Bcl-2/Bax ratio, and decreased the activation of caspase-9 and -3. All these effects were attenuated by Tie-2/Fc and a phosphatidylinositol 3 kinase (PI3K) inhibitor, wortmannin.Conclusion:These results demonstrate that Ang1 can protect MSC against serum deprivation and hypoxia-induced apoptosis; Ang1/Tie-2 signaling and its downstream PI3K/Akt messenger pathway are crucial in the processes leading to MSC survival.
Comparison of Proximal and Distal Rotational Femoral Osteotomy in Children With Cerebral Palsy

This study compares the complication rates and results of 27 proximal (intertrochanteric) and 51 distal femoral rotational osteotomies in 48 patients with static encephalopathy. There was no significant difference between the 14% rate of orthopaedic complications in the intertrochanteric osteotomy (ITO) group and the 10% rate in the distal osteotomy (DO) group. Loss of fixation occurred in three of 51 limbs (6%) in the DO group and in none of 27 limbs in the ITO group. If the results of one surgeon are excluded, fixation loss occurred in one of the 49 remaining DO cases (2%). There was one delayed union in the study population (1/27 limbs [4%] in the ITO group). Of the 33 limbs studied with postoperative gait analysis, overcorrection was present in two limbs (6%): one of 10 limbs (10%) in the ITO group and one of 23 (4%) in the DO group. Static and dynamic measures of femoral rotation improved in both groups, and no statistically significant differences were present between the two groups. Though variable, the mean change in dynamic and static measurements postoperatively was approximately 40% less than the amount of derotation reported at surgery.
The Strawberry Pathogenesis-related 10 (PR-10) Fra a Proteins Control Flavonoid Biosynthesis by Binding to Metabolic Intermediates*

Background: Suppression of Fra a gene expression leads to down-regulation of color-producing flavonoid biosynthesis in strawberry. Results: Fra proteins can bind natural flavonoids, which induce conformational changes in conserved loop regions. Conclusion: Fra a proteins control flavonoid biosynthesis through binding to metabolic intermediates. Significance: PR-10 proteins may play a role in the control of secondary metabolism through binding of metabolites to their ligand-binding cavities. Pathogenesis-related 10 (PR-10) proteins are involved in many aspects of plant biology but their molecular function is still unclear. They are related by sequence and structural homology to mammalian lipid transport and plant abscisic acid receptor proteins and are predicted to have cavities for ligand binding. Recently, three new members of the PR-10 family, the Fra a proteins, have been identified in strawberry, where they are required for the activity of the flavonoid biosynthesis pathway, which is essential for the development of color and flavor in fruits. Here, we show that Fra a proteins bind natural flavonoids with different selectivity and affinities in the low μm range. The structural analysis of Fra a 1 E and a Fra a 3-catechin complex indicates that loops L3, L5, and L7 surrounding the ligand-binding cavity show significant flexibility in the apo forms but close over the ligand in the Fra a 3-catechin complex. Our findings provide mechanistic insight on the function of Fra a proteins and suggest that PR-10 proteins, which are widespread in plants, may play a role in the control of secondary metabolic pathways by binding to metabolic intermediates.
The potential role of nemonoxacin for treatment of common infections

Introduction: Nemonoxacin, a novel non-ﬂuorinated quinolone, exhibits potent activity against Gram-positive bacteria, including MRSA and fluoroquinolone-resistant MRSA, Gram-negative and atypical pathogens. This agent also has a reduced propensity for resistance development in many kinds of pathogens. Areas covered: This article reviews currently available clinical and in vitro data that support the potential role of nemonoxacin for the treatment of common infectious diseases, including community-acquired pneumonia (CAP), Clostridium difficile infections (CDIs), acute bacterial skin and skin structure infections (ABSSSIs) and sexually transmitted diseases (STDs). One recent Phase II trial comparing either 500 mg or 750 mg oral nemonoxacin with 500 mg oral levofloxacin for mild to moderate CAP demonstrated that nemonoxacin had comparable clinical success with levofloxacin. Nemonoxacin showed lower MICs against clinical C. difficile isolates than commercially available fluoroquinolones, making it a potential therapeutic agent if novel formulations are developed to maintain a higher concentration in the human gut. For STDs, nemonoxacin also showed good activity against some common pathogens, such as Chlamydia trachomatis and Neisseria gonorrhoeae. Expert opinion: Although in vitro studies have shown promising results regarding the susceptibility to nemonoxacin of common pathogens causing CDIs, ABSSSIs and STDs, further clinical trials are needed to prove its efficacy.
Heat shock induces chromosomal instability in near-tetraploid embryonal carcinoma cells

Embryonal carcinoma cells, the cancer stem cell of teratocarcinoma, provide a good model system to study various aspects of embryonic and cancer development. Abnormal karyotype not only affects the normal development and differentiation, but also boosts tumor development. As evidences suggesting the role of karyotypic abnormalities (e.g., aneuploidy and near-tetraploidy) and stem cell in tumor development are increasing, it becomes pertinent to study karyotypically abnormal embryonal carcinoma cells. We isolated a subclone, P19RG01, from long-term culture of P19 embryonal carcinoma cell line. This subclone is near-tetraploid and expresses markers of embryonal carcinoma cells. Here we show that sub-lethal heat shock induces centrosome amplification, multipolar mitosis and chromosome missegregation thereby inducing chromosomal instability by several fold. The formation of supernumerary centrosome is accompanied by a long G2 arrest. These events lead to the generation of heterogeneous population of cells in culture. Our observations support the previous observations that selective forces (both intrinsic as well as extrinsic) play an important role in tumor progression. Moreover, we provide direct evidences which suggest chromosomal instability in cancer stem cells, using P19RG01 embryonal carcinoma cells as a model system. We propose that a minor population of chromosomally unstable cancer stem cells exists in a tumor or is generated (transient existence) in the presence of selective forces. These chromosomally unstable cancer stem cells generate a heterogeneous cancer stem cell population, which undergoes Darwinian selection, leading to selection of more malignant cancer stem cells and thereby tumor progression.