Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Granule Exocytosis Contributes to Priming and Activation of the Human Neutrophil Respiratory Burst

The role of exocytosis in the human neutrophil respiratory burst was determined using a fusion protein (TAT–SNAP-23) containing the HIV transactivator of transcription (TAT) cell-penetrating sequence and the N-terminal SNARE domain of synaptosome-associated protein-23 (SNAP-23). This agent inhibited stimulated exocytosis of secretory vesicles and gelatinase and specific granules but not azurophil granules. GST pulldown showed that TAT–SNAP-23 bound to the combination of vesicle-associated membrane protein-2 and syntaxin-4 but not to either individually. TAT–SNAP-23 reduced phagocytosis-stimulated hydrogen peroxide production by 60% without affecting phagocytosis or generation of HOCl within phagosomes. TAT–SNAP-23 had no effect on fMLF-stimulated superoxide release but significantly inhibited priming of this response by TNF-α and platelet-activating factor. Pretreatment with TAT–SNAP-23 inhibited the increase in plasma membrane expression of gp91phox in TNF-α–primed neutrophils, whereas TNF-α activation of ERK1/2 and p38 MAPK was not affected. The data demonstrate that neutrophil granule exocytosis contributes to phagocytosis-induced respiratory burst activity and plays a critical role in priming of the respiratory burst by increasing expression of membrane components of the NADPH oxidase.
IL-1F5, -F6, -F8, and -F9: A Novel IL-1 Family Signaling System That Is Active in Psoriasis and Promotes Keratinocyte Antimicrobial Peptide Expression

IL-1F6, IL-1F8, and IL-1F9 and the IL-1R6(RP2) receptor antagonist IL-1F5 constitute a novel IL-1 signaling system that is poorly characterized in skin. To further characterize these cytokines in healthy and inflamed skin, we studied their expression in healthy control, uninvolved psoriasis, and psoriasis plaque skin using quantitative RT-PCR and immunohistochemistry. Expression of IL-1F5, -1F6, -1F8, and -1F9 were increased 2 to 3 orders of magnitude in psoriasis plaque versus uninvolved psoriasis skin, which was supported immunohistologically. Moreover, treatment of psoriasis with etanercept led to significantly decreased IL-1F5, -1F6, -1F8, and -1F9 mRNAs, concomitant with clinical improvement. Similarly increased expression of IL-1F5, -1F6, -1F8, and -1F9 was seen in the involved skin of two mouse models of psoriasis. Suggestive of their importance in inflamed epithelia, IL-1α and TNF-α induced IL-1F5, -1F6, -1F8, and -1F9 transcript expression by normal human keratinocytes. Microarray analysis revealed that these cytokines induce the expression of antimicrobial peptides and matrix metalloproteinases by reconstituted human epidermis. In particular, IL-1F8 increased mRNA expression of human β-defensin (HBD)-2, HBD-3, and CAMP and protein secretion of HBD-2 and HBD-3. Collectively, our data suggest important roles for these novel cytokines in inflammatory skin diseases and identify these peptides as potential targets for antipsoriatic therapies.
Network-centric healthcare operations: data warehousing and the associated telecommunications platforms

With the rapidly escalating costs, the EU and the US make the adoption and application of Information, Computer and Communication Technologies (ICCT) in healthcare (e-health) an urgent priority, and the recent progress in ICCT facilitates transition from non-collaborative, platformcentric activities to fully federated, network-centric operations. The paper discusses the essential role of federated data warehouses in the novel concept of networkcentric healthcare operations, and shows that the federated approach to data storage and management is the essential element for the improvement of access to coherent, relevant, and timely information required by governments and international organisations for better, more cost effective, and medically sound access, delivery, and administration of global healthcare.
IL-13 Induces Connective Tissue Growth Factor in Rat Hepatic Stellate Cells via TGF-β–Independent Smad Signaling

Connective tissue growth factor (CTGF) plays a central role in stimulating extracellular matrix deposition in the liver, and hence is considered a critical mediator of TGF-β–dependent fibrogenesis. Hepatic stellate cells (HSCs) are known as the major source of CTGF in damaged liver. However, previous studies revealed that IL-13, rather than TGF-β, represents the predominant inducer of CTGF expression in HSCs. We now dissected IL-13 downstream signaling that modulates CTGF expression in HSCs. IL-13 induces a time- and dosage-dependent increase of CTGF in a TGF-β–independent manner. This process requires participation of different Smad proteins and their upstream receptor kinases (activin receptor-like kinases). Smad1 and Smad2 were identified as the key mediators of IL-13–dependent CTGF expression. Furthermore, IL-13 induces Stat6 phosphorylation in HSCs, but Stat6 was not involved in CTGF induction. Instead, the Erk1/2-MAPK pathway was found to be responsible for IL-13–induced early Smad phosphorylation and CTGF synthesis. We demonstrate that IL-13 induces CTGF expression in HSCs by activating TGF-β–independent activin receptor-like kinase/Smad signaling via the Erk-MAPK pathway rather than via its canonical JAK/Stat6 pathway. These results provide an improved new insight into the molecular mechanisms of profibrotic IL-13 activities in the liver.
The effects of service climate and servicescape on service convenience in the hospital

The understanding of the antecedents and consequences of service convenience are important for service providers. This study proposed that perceived service climate and servicescape have effects on service convenience which finally affect customer evaluation. Moreover, this study proposes that the organisational citizenship behaviour (OCB) of the providers have effects on the level of service convenience. The model was tested by using patients and nurses of Taiwan hospitals. The results indicated that perceived service climate and service-oriented OCB have significant effects on service convenience, while perceived servicescape affects insignificantly. Moreover, the results exhibit that service convenience has detrimental effect on service evaluation.
Effects of individual innovativeness on physician acceptance of information technology

Although considerable research activity has been devoted to better understanding the processes underlying user adoption of technology in general, the determinants of individual adoption and use of information technologies continue to be a significant area of inquiry for researchers in the IS as well as the healthcare services domain. Building upon Innovation Diffusion theory, this study examines how individual's intrinsic inclinations towards innovations affect the salient determinants of behavioural intention as identified by the Unified Theory of Acceptance and Use of Technology (UTAUT). Two hundred twenty-two resident and faculty physicians were surveyed; the technological innovation was a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA). Empirical findings indicate the proposed model was strongly supported and explained 59% of the variance in intentions to adopt the target technology.
Leadership and spirituality in business and public administration: a cross-cultural empirical study comparing the USA and France

In this discussion we build on previous work on the role of ethics in shaping the behaviour of leaders in business and public administration to investigate the relationship between leadership spirituality, the environment springing from such leadership, and the resulting followers’ attributions of leader effectiveness in the USA and France. Survey data collected from the USA and France were used to test a composite construct of spiritual leadership including (a) accountability, (b) rationality, and (c) honesty. The results of hypothesis tested suggest followers’ attributions of leaders’ positive outcomes increase in proportion with increases in leader’s spirituality. These results are indicative of a state of affairs that will force new standards to be written in political books, government manuals, and history books. This study contributes to the standards research by bridging ethical standards, spirituality, and organisational performance.
The 6th International Conference on Ambient Systems, Networks and Technologies (ANT 2015) Computations on the Edge in the Internet of Things

AbstractIn the Internet of Things (IoT), many applications focus on gathering data which can then be processed and visualized. However,such computations are usually spread generically based on parameters such as CPU and/or network load. This may mean that asigniﬁcant amount of data needs to be transported over the network (either directly, or transparently using a network ﬁle system) inorder for the data to be available to the node that is responsible for processing them. This paper proposes a method for deployingcomputations that can take factors such as data proximity into consideration. Thus, processing can be moved from central high-powered processing nodes to smaller devices on the edge of the network. By doing this, costs for gathering, processing andactuation can be minimized. In order to capture data dependencies among computations, but also to deploy and handle individualprocessing tasks in an easy way, the actor-model programming paradigm is used. To minimize the overall cost and to handleextra factors that weigh in on the distribution of tasks, a constraint programming approach is used. The combination of these twotechniques results in an eﬃcient distribution of tasks to processing resources in IoT. Taking into consideration the NP-hard natureof this problem, we present empirical results that illustrate how this technique performs in relation to the amount of devices/actors. © 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. This is an open access article under the CC BY-NC-ND license c 2015 The Authors. Published by Elsevier B.V. Peer-review under responsibility of the Conference Program Chairs.
A Critical Role for Dendritic Cells in the Formation of Lymphatic Vessels within Tertiary Lymphoid Structures

Ectopic, or tertiary, lymphoid aggregates often form in chronically inflamed areas. Lymphatic vessels, as well as high endothelial venules, form within these lymphoid aggregates, but the mechanisms underlying their development are poorly understood. Overexpression of the chemokine CCL21 in the thyroid of transgenic mice leads to formation of lymphoid aggregates containing topologically segregated T and B lymphocytes, dendritic cells (DCs), and specialized vasculature, including Lyve-1+/Prox-1+ lymphatic vessels. In this article, we show that adoptive transfer of mature CD4+ T cells into animals expressing CCL21 in a RAG-deficient background promotes the influx of host NK cells and DCs into the thyroid and the formation of new lymphatic vessels within 10 d. This process is dependent on the expression of lymphotoxin ligands by host cells, but not by the transferred CD4+ T cells. Ablation of host DCs, but not NK cells, reduces the formation of new lymphatic vessels in the thyroid. Taken together, these data suggest a critical role for CD11c+ DCs in the induction of lymphangiogenesis in tertiary lymphoid structures.
Investigation into sleep and quality of life in patients with rheumatoid arthritis

Purpose: Aim of this study is to examine the relationship between the sleep and life of rheumatoid arthritis patients and the factors affecting this relationship. Method and material: This research is a descriptive design study. This study was conducted in the Rheumatology polyclinic of a university hospital between January 2011 and June 2011 in Izmir/Turkey. Simple random sampling method was used in this study. The data of the research were collected through face-to-face interviews. “Patient Identification Form”, “Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index” and “Nottingham Health Profile” scale were used for data collection. Results: In Pittsburg Sleep Quality Index, total score average of the rheumatoid arthritis patients was found out to be 10.92±4.80. Score averages of the sub-scales of Nottingham Health Profile were found as following: Pain= 67.48±26.53, Energy Level=69.55±30.10, Emotional Reaction= 50.78±27.00, Physical Mobility= 50.59±24.40, Social Isolation= 32.50±30.47 and Sleep= 59.12± 32.53. Conclusion: In line with the findings of the study, it was determined that a great majority of the rheumatoid arthritis patients had poor sleep quality and as well as a low quality of life. Ozet Amac: Bu calismanin amaci Romatoid Artritli hastalarda uyku ve yasam kalitesi arasindaki iliskiyi ve bu iliskiyi etkileyen faktorleri incelemektir. Yontem: Arastirma tanimlayici tipte bir calismadir. Arastirma, Ocak- Haziran 2011 tarihleri arasinda Izmir/Turkiye’de bir universite hastanesinin Romatoloji polikliniginde yurutulmustur. Calismada basit randomize ornekleme yontemi kullanilmistir. Arastirmanin verileri yuz yuze gorusme yontemiyle toplanmistir. Veri toplama icin, “Hasta Tanitim Formu”, “Pittsburgh Uyku Kalitesi Indeksi” ve “Nottingham Saglik Profili” kullanildi. Bulgular: Romatoid Artritli hastalarin Pittsburgh Uyku Kalitesi Indeksi Toplam Puan Ortalamasi; 10.92±4.80 olarak bulundu. Nottingham Saglik Profili alt boyutlari puan ortalamalari sirasiyla: Agri=67.48±26.53, Enerji Duzeyi=69.55±30.10 Emosyonel Reaksiyon= 50.78±27.00; Fiziksel Hareketlilik= 50.59±24.40, Sosyal Izolasyon= 32.50±30.47 ve Uyku= 59.12± 32.53 olarak bulundu. Sonuc: Arastirma bulgulari dogrultusunda, Romatoid Artritli hastalarin buyuk bir cogunlugunun uyku ve yasam kalitesinin kotu oldugu saptanmistir.
Changes in levels of T cell subpopulations to monitor the response to antiretroviral therapy among HIV-1-infected patients during two years of HIV-1 replication suppression

Abstract Objectives: The aim of this study was to compare the effect of 2 y of antiretroviral therapy (ART) on the percentage of activated CD38+CD8+ T cells and human leukocyte antigen (HLA)-DR+CD8+ T cells, and the expression of the co-stimulatory molecule CD28 on CD4+ and CD8+ T cells in the peripheral blood of HIV-infected adults, and to assess the use of immune activation markers to predict the virological response to ART in a cohort of HIV-1-infected patients in the north-western part of China. Methods: We analyzed changes in the CD4+ T cell count, viral load, and the percentages of CD38+CD8+ T cells, HLA-DR+CD8+ T cells, CD28+CD4+ T cells, and CD28+CD8+ T cells in 48 patients with HIV diseases during 2 y of suppressive highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART). Good virological responders (n = 20) were defined as those who had suppressed and maintained a plasma viral load below the detection limit of the assay for at least 12 months. Poor virological responders (n = 28) were defined as those with a detectable viral load at 6 and 12 months after beginning HAART. Results: Among the 20 good responders, baseline median levels of CD38+CD8+ T cells were elevated, but had decreased significantly at 24 months of therapy (p < 0.0001). Median levels of HLA-DR+CD8+ T cells also decreased at 24 months of therapy (p < 0.0001). Levels of expression of CD28+CD4+ T cells rose steadily to 6 months (p = 0.03), and smoothly reached levels observed among HIV-negative blood donors during the 24 months of therapy (p > 0.05). Levels of expression of CD28+CD8+ T cells increased at 24 months (p = 0.04). Among the 28 poor responders, median levels of CD38+CD8+ T cells decreased significantly at 24 months (p < 0.0001). Levels of HLA-DR+CD8+ T cells also decreased at 24 months (p < 0.001). Levels of CD28+CD8+ T cells and levels of CD28+CD4+ T cells increased at 24 months remained unchanged. The percentage of CD38+CD8+ T cells appeared to provide a sensitive estimate of the overall immune recovery in comparison with the percentage of HLA-DR+CD8+ T cells, although this lacked specificity for the determination of early virological drug failure and did not appear to be a reliable surrogate for RNA viral load. Conclusions: We show that HAART can be used successfully in Chinese populations with elevated baseline immune activation markers and that the percentage of CD38+CD8+ T cells may be an additional parameter to the current criteria for estimating the antiretroviral response with HAART.
Tolerance Induction of IgG+ Memory B Cells by T Cell-Independent Type II Antigens

Memory B cells generated during a T cell-dependent immune response rapidly respond to a secondary immunization by producing abundant IgG Abs that bind cognate Ag with high affinity. It is currently unclear whether this heightened recall response by memory B cells is due to augmented IgG-BCR signaling, which has only been demonstrated in the context of naive transgenic B cells. To address this question, we examined whether memory B cells can respond in vivo to Ags that stimulate only through BCR, namely T cell-independent type II (TI-II) Ags. In this study, we show that the TI-II Ag (4-hydroxy-3-nitrophenyl) acetyl (NP)-Ficoll cannot elicit the recall response in mice first immunized with the T cell-dependent Ag NP-chicken γ-globulin. Moreover, the NP-Ficoll challenge in vivo as well as in vitro significantly inhibits a subsequent recall response to NP-chicken γ-globulin in a B cell-intrinsic manner. This NP-Ficoll–mediated tolerance is caused by the preferential elimination of IgG+ memory B cells binding to NP with high affinity. These data indicate that BCR cross-linking with a TI-II Ag does not activate IgG+ memory B cells, but rather tolerizes them, identifying a terminal checkpoint of memory B cell differentiation that may prevent autoimmunity.
Alcohol related fatal brain injury causing multiple types of hemorrhagic lesions

Traumatic brain injury may be a significant consequence of head trauma, leading to potentially serious disability or death. Although the elderly are especially prone to head trauma due to falls, head injuries and falls related to alcohol use are also quite common and can be seen in younger and middle aged populations. Traumatic brain injury can cause multiple types of cerebral hemorrhagic lesions, which can occur simultaneously. These hemorrhagic lesions can progressively enlarge and cause further neurological deterioration, brainstem herniation, and death. This report highlights a young male with severe brain injury due to considerable alcohol consumption at a party who ultimately died from his injuries. This case report emphasizes the importance of recognizing and raising awareness of the significant role alcohol can play in head related injuries.
Retrospective study of the association between transfusion frequency and potential complications of iron overload in patients with myelodysplastic syndrome and other acquired hematopoietic disorders*

ABSTRACT Background: Patients with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS) and other acquired hematopoietic disorders frequently require chronic transfusion therapy. Although red cell transfusions are known to cause iron overload, data on the risk of iron-related complications in these patients are limited. Methods: This was a retrospective, case-control study to assess the association between exposure to transfusions and complications of iron overload in patients with MDS and other hematopoietic disorders using a large US health-insurance claims database spanning 1997–2004. Subjects included members with one or more claims with a diagnosis of ‘neoplasm of uncertain behavior of other lymphatic and hematopoietic tissues’ (ICD-9-CM 238.7) and no claims for potential complications of iron overload (cardiomyopathy/heart failure, conduction/rhythm disorders, diabetes, liver disease) prior to the diagnosis date. Cases were defined as subjects with claims for complications of iron overload after the diagnosis date and were compared with a corresponding number of controls (patients without complications) with respect to receipt of transfusions, controlling for demographic and clinical characteristics using multivariate conditional logistic regression. Results: A total of 4546 patients met inclusion criteria including 511 cases and a corresponding number of controls. Receipt of transfusions was significantly associated with risk of potential complications of iron overload (odds ratio [OR] = 2.90; p = 0.0008). Results for specific potential complications were as follows: cardiomyopathy/heart failure (OR = 1.62; p = 0.2955), conduction/rhythm disorders (OR = 4.18; p = 0.0005), diabetes (OR = 5.06; p = 0.0025), and liver disease (OR = 3.31; p = 0.0008). Conclusion: These results suggest that transfusion therapy may increase risk of complications of iron overload in patients with MDS or other hematopoietic disorders. Further research is needed to assess whether the associations observed in this retrospective observational study are due to iron overload or other factors.
Early lumbar puncture in adult bacterial meningitis—rationale for revised guidelines

Abstract Current international guidelines recommend cerebral computerized tomography (CT) before lumbar puncture (LP) in many adults with suspected acute bacterial meningitis (ABM), due to concern about LP-induced cerebral herniation. Despite guideline emphasis on early treatment based on symptoms, performing CT prior to LP implies a risk of delayed ABM treatment, which may be associated with a fatal outcome. Firm evidence for LP-induced herniation in adult ABM is absent and brain CT cannot discard herniation. Thus, the recommendation to perform CT before LP may contribute to an avoidable delay of LP and ABM treatment. The inappropriate use of the diagnostic treatment sequence of brain CT scan, followed by LP, followed by antibiotics and corticosteroids should be avoided in adults with suspected ABM by omitting needless contraindications for LP, thus eliminating an unnecessary fear of immediate LP. Revised Swedish guidelines regarding early LP are presented, and the background documentation and reasons for omitting impaired consciousness, new onset seizures, and immunocompromised state as contraindications to LP are discussed.
In-vitro bronchodilator activity clitoria ternatea and A. precatorius

Introduction: Asthma is a complex disorder of airway inflammation. The leaves of Abrus precatorius Linn. (Fabacease) and roots of Clitoria ternatea Linn family Fabeaceae have been traditionally used for the treatment of asthma. Aim and Objectives: Hence, the objective of present study was to evaluate ethanol extract of A. precatorius leaves and C. ternatea root for in-vitro bronchodilator activity using histamine induced contraction of goat tracheal chain. Method: Trachea chain was suspended in 30 ml organ bath containing Kreb’s solution which was maintained at 37 ± 0.5 oC with continuous aeration. The responses of contraction induced by histamine at concentration (0.5 μg/ml) without test extracts and in the presence of test extracts at a concentration of 2.5-25 μg/ml; in Krebs solution were recorded. The percent relaxation of histamine contracted goat trachea in the presence of test extracts were calculated (Kulshrestha, S. et al. Indian J Pharmacol 1983; 15(2): 107-110). Results: Result of study reveals that ethanol extract of A. precatorius leaves and C. ternatea root showed the significant relaxations of histamine induced precontracted goat trachea. The percent relaxation of goat trachea 60.22 and 60.80 were observed by ethanol extract of A. precatorius leaves and C. ternatea root at concentration 25 μg/ml respectively as shown in Figure 1. Conclusions: In conclusion A. precatorius leaves and C. ternatea root shows in-vitro bronchodilator property.