Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) and MxA‐protein expression in blood leucocytes

The underlying immunopathogenic mechanism of CVID has been suspected to involve a chronic viral infection or an autoimmune condition. However, formal proof of viral infection is lacking. Measurement of MxA‐protein in leucocyte lysates is a sensitive test for evaluating the activation of the host's interferon system. Both viral infections and autoimmune diseases such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) strongly induce MxA‐protein in peripheral leucocytes. We therefore examined 15 patients with longlasting hypogammaglobulinaemia for MxA‐protein induction in vivo: 13 patients suffered from CVID, one from hyper‐IgM syndrome, and one patient had chronic B lymphocytic leukaemia associated with immunoglobulin deficiency and chronic papilloma virus infection (condylomata accuminata). Only the latter patient exhibited a strong MxA‐protein expression; two CVID patients were borderline positive, and the remaining 12 patients including the hyper‐IgM syndrome were MxA‐protein‐negative. There was no relationship between MxA expression and low CD4/CD8 ratios or increased CD8/CD57+ T cell counts, although both conditions are often observed in CVID as well as in chronic viral infections. When exposed in vitro to interferon‐alpha (IFN‐α), peripheral blood leucocytes of four MxA‐negative patients were capable of producing normal amounts of MxA‐protein. Taken together, these results argue against a viral or autoimmune pathogenesis of CVID.
The Breakdown of Immunity from Potato Wart Disease

It has always been assumed that the wart disease fungus exists everywhere as a single homogeneous race to which potato varieties are either susceptible or immune, and government lists of recommended immune varieties have been accepted internationally. Recently new aggressive races have appeared which can attack many if not most of these immunes. This is a threat that could become serious and the position is being closely watched.
Gait abnormalities in peroneal nerve paralysis and their corrections by orthoses: a biomechanical study.

Stroke, brain injury, incomplete spinal cord injuries, and peripheral neuropathies frequently result in dysfunction of the foot dorsiflexors and evertors. A controlled examination of aspects of these disabilities was conducted with normal volunteers who underwent a temporary peroneal nerve block. The effects of peroneal nerve paralysis were analyzed to quantitatively describe the resulting gait abnormalities and to assess the effectiveness of orthoses in restoring a normal gait pattern. Kinematic and kinetic measurements were made during normal ambulation, ambulation with a right peroneal nerve paralysis, and ambulation with a paralysis and an ankle-foot orthosis (AFO) with three different adjustments: a posterior stop set in 5 degrees plantarflexion, a posterior stop set in 5 degrees dorsiflexion, and spring-assisted dorsiflexion. The peroneal paralysis produced abnormalities during both the stance and swing phases of gait. During early stance there was a decrease in the length of the heelstrike phase and a reduction in the peak plantarflexion moment (p less than 0.01). During midstance there was an increase in the range of inversion-eversion achieved suggesting medial-lateral instability (p less than 0.01). The second vertical force peak and the aft-shear force peak were reduced (p less than 0.05) as were the peak dorsiflexion moment and the opposite steplength (p less than 0.01). These reductions are believed to be due to medial-lateral instability during pushoff. Subjects demonstrated a steppage gait during swing phase and increased inversion just prior to heelstrike (p less than 0.05). (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Macrophages and Brucella.

The studies reviewed here indicate that during the course of infection with B. abortus protective immune responses occur and that macrophages are activated for antimicrobial activity in both susceptible and resistant animals. Yet in susceptible animals chronic infections with B. abortus become established. There is circumstantial evidence from experiments in vitro that the outcome of infection is related to macrophage/Brucella interactions. This includes the following: 1) the virulence of strains of B. abortus is proportional to their ability to inhibit host phagocyte functions and to survive in murine, bovine, and guinea pig macrophages; and 2) the ability of guinea pig and bovine macrophages to inhibit intracellular growth of brucellae is directly proportional to the innate resistance of the host from which the macrophages were derived. In the murine model, the relative resistance of C57Bl/10 mice to infection with virulent B. abortus strain 2308 correlated with more efficient clearance during the first week following infection, compared with the susceptible BALB/c strain. It is not known whether this was due to innate differences in the recruitment or bactericidal activities of macrophage populations in the two mouse strains, as demonstrated with L. monocytogenes, or to other nonimmune factors such as natural killer cells secreting IFN-gamma and lysing infected macrophages following direct interaction with the brucellae, as shown with other intracellular bacteria. It is also of interest that clearance of strain 2308 following the plateau phase was slower in BALB/c than in C57Bl/10 mice. Since at this time protective T cells are known to be present in the spleens of BALB/c mice, this difference may have been due either to more efficient clearance of brucellae by C57Bl/10 macrophages following activation with T cell cytokines, or to the inability of immune T cells to interact with Brucella-infected macrophages in the susceptible BALB/c strain. CD8 T cells have been shown to have an important role in clearance of brucellae following the peak of infection and may act by lysing chronically infected macrophages. Although protective T cells have been demonstrated in susceptible strains of mice, chronically infected macrophages in these animals may fail to act as targets or may down-regulate T cell functions. As a result, infected macrophages could persist in the presence of Brucella-specific T cells. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 400 WORDS)
The natural history of B cells

Multiple sclerosis is a common neurological disorder that represents a significant source of disability. B cells have recently emerged as a novel therapeutic target for multiple sclerosis. The natural development of B cells is characterized by an antigen-independent phase that occurs in the bone marrow and an antigen-dependent phase that takes place in the peripheral lymphoid tissue. The stage of B-cell development can be identified by the presence of specific cell surface markers. Checkpoints are in place to prevent self-reactive B cells from further development and activation. Some self-reactive B cells are able to escape these checkpoints, resulting in a loss of tolerance. B cells may contribute to systemic autoimmunity and the development of autoimmune disease via cytokine production, antigen presentation, and complement activation. In addition, B cells may trigger autoimmune disease via molecular mimicry, which occurs when a single B-cell receptor recognizes both a non-self antigen molecule and a self-molecule. Accumulating data suggest that ectopic proliferation of B cells in the central nervous system may also play a role. Further research is needed to elucidate the pathology of B cells and their role in central nervous system autoimmune diseases, including multiple sclerosis.
The Upside of the Long Campaign

We theorize that the “long campaign” provides the impetus to motivate people to engage in campaign politics. We rely on panel survey data from the Cooperative Campaign Analysis Project to evaluate the impact of a long presidential campaign on citizens’ political engagement. The panel provides us unique leverage to render the analysis fully dynamic and to minimize endogeneity issues because we determine temporal order for key concepts. We find that campaign contacts occurring during the primary significantly increase participation in the general election. We also find that exposure to advertisements during primaries translates to higher levels of voter engagement in the fall campaign. We demonstrate that attitudes toward primary and general election candidates are strongly related to voters’ engagement in the fall campaign. Finally, we are able to explain how contacts, campaign information, and citizen attitudes toward candidates shape changes in levels of engagement across the primary and general election campaigns.
[Blepharitis related to Cetuximab treatment in an advanced colorectal cancer patient].

CASE REPORT A 52-year-old woman with advanced colorectal cancer was referred to us for treatment of Cetuximab-related ocular side-effects. DISCUSSION Cetuximab is a monoclonal antibody that specifically blocks epidermal growth factor receptor activity. It has recently been approved to treat some tumors such as metastatic colorectal cancer and some ORL cancers. Tolerance to it seems to be better than that to the classic chemotherapeutic agents. However it has several side-effects. Cetuximab-related eyelid toxicity has been recently described, though the pathogenesis has not yet been clearly established.
The relationship between the presence of periodontopathogenic bacteria in saliva and halitosis.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the association between the presence of periodontal pathogenic bacteria in saliva and halitosis in mouth air. DESIGN Cross-sectional microbiological and clinical oral examination of adult patients. SUBJECTS 101 adult patients (25 males, 76 females) who attended the Preventive Dentistry and Breath Odour Clinic of Kyushu Dental College. Their average age was 50.0+/-13.5 years old (mean +/- SD). SETTING The subjects were classified into three groups: halitosis subjects with a probing depth (PD) > or = 4mm (P group), halitosis subjects without PD > or = 4mm (H group), and non-halitosis subjects without PD > or = 4mm (C group). METHODS All subjects received a periodontal examination. Volatile sulphur compounds (VSC: hydrogen sulphide and methyl mercaptan) were measured using gas chromatography. The presence of Bacteroides forsythus, Porphyromonas gingivalis, Actinobacillus actinomycetemcomitans and Prevotella intermedia in the saliva was detected by polymerase chain reaction. RESULTS AND CONCLUSION The presence of B. forsythus, P. gingivalis and P. intermedia influenced the production of VSC. Specifically, the presence of B. forsythus in subjects with periodontitis was strongly correlated to the concentration of VSC in mouth air.
Putative serotonin reuptake inhibitor-induced spawning and parturition in freshwater bivalves is inhibited by mammalian 5-HT2 receptor antagonists.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can mimic the physiological actions of serotonin, and in bivalve molluscs they induce zebra mussel spawning and fingernail clam parturition. We have elucidated further the pharmacology of SSRI-induced spawning and part-urition by blocking these reproductive processes with two mammalian 5-HT(2) receptor antagonists, cyproheptadine and mianserin. These two antagonists were potent inhibitors of both spawning and parturition induced by the SSRIs fluvoxamine, fluoxetine, and zimelidine. In zebra mussels, both cyproheptadine and mianserin significantly blocked spawning induced by fluvoxamine and by zimelidine. In the fingernail clams Sphaerium spp. , both cyproheptadine and mianserin blocked fluvoxamine-induced parturition. A possible mechanism of action for SSRI-induced spawning and parturition in bivalves is suggested.
Priority statistical multiplexing of mixed VBR video and CBR traffic in B-ISDN/ATM with a threshold algorithm

The authors analyze a threshold priority access statistical multiplexing technique with a Markov modulated fluid source model for variable-bit-rate (VBR) video traffic, and an exact constant-bit-rate (CBR) model. Exact expressions for loss probabilities and delay are obtained. Based on these quality-of-service parameters, buffer size requirements of the statistical multiplexer are obtained, and the performance of a fixed threshold algorithm is compared with that of a rate-based threshold algorithm. The results provide the tradeoffs between buffer size and processing complexity for control. The exact analytical results can be used to calculate buffer size requirements. <<ETX>>
Perinatal and intrafamily transmission of hepatitis B virus in three generations of a low‐prevalence population

Family members of 47 hepatitis B virus (HBV)‐carrier pregnant women were tested for the presence of hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg), other markers of HBV infection, and hepatitis A virus (HAV) antibodies. Eleven members of six families were found to be HBV DNA positive. Five of the anti‐HBe‐positive persons were found to be HBV DNA carriers, too. The mean age of the HBV DNA carriers was found to be lower than that of Hbe carriers; therefore, it is suggested that seroconversion to HBe occurs before the resolution of HBV DNA carrier state. Superinfection with hepatitis A virus was not found to influence the elimination of HBV‐carrier state, as there was no correlation found between the hepatitis A exposure and the hepatitis B virus markers in the families. The low HBV prevalence in the population (0.3%) was in contrast to the high prevalence of the families of the HBV‐carrier mothers (27.1%) and family members with HBV markers (50.4%). Significant positive correlation was found in the proportion of HBV‐positive children, and the HBV history of their parents. When fathers were shown to be seronegative, the probability of HBV transmission was reduced by a factor of 6 (12.5% instead of 75%) probably due to reduced viral load and possibly by other factors. Several results indicate, that the noncytocidal hepatitis B virus clearing mechanism suggested by Guidotti et al. [1996, 1999] was effective also in the HBV‐carrier human population. J. Med. Virol. 70: 194–204, 2003. © 2003 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
High‐density lipoprotein cholesterol level and smoking modify the prognosis of patients with coronary vasospasm

A cardiovascular event analysis was performed in a subset of 80 consecutive patients with vasospastic coronary artery disease. During the follow‐up period (30 ± 2 months, mean ± SD), 9 patients had vascular accidents, including acute myocardial infarction, unstable angina, and stroke (Group A), while the remaining 71 patients were eventfree (Group B). Serum total‐cholesterol, low‐density lipoprotein cholesterol, and triglyceride levels were not different between the two groups at the baseline as well as after follow‐up. However, the HDL‐C level at baseline was significantly lower in Group A (33.5 ± 2.6 mg/dl) than in Group B (41.9 ± 1.7 mg/dl, p < 0.05). The HDL‐C level increased significantly during the follow‐up in Group B (ΔHDL‐C: 6.2 ± 1.2 mg/dl, p < 0.01), but not in Group A (ΔHDL‐C: ‐ 3.2 ± 2.7 mg/dl). The HDL‐C level after follow‐up was significantly lower in Group A (30.3 ± 2.9 mg/dl) than in Group B (48.1 ± 1.5 mg/dl, p < 0.01). Current smokers at the end of the follow‐up period were more prevalent in Group A (67%) than in Group B (11%, p < 0.01). Cardiovascular accidents occurred more often in current smokers (6/14, 43%) at the end of the followup than in current nonsmokers, including quitters (3/66, 5%; p < 0.05). The HDL‐C level was increased significantly (ΔHDL: 6.2 ± 1.3 mg/dl, p < 0.01) in the latter patients, but not in the former (ΔHDL: –0.4 ± 2.9 mg/dl). Cardiovascular accidents were significantly (p < 0.01) more common in patients with lower (< 40 mg/dl) HDL‐C levels (7/23, 30%) than in those with higher HDL‐C levels (2/57, 4%) after followup, although this difference was not significant when patients were divided according to these levels at baseline. These results indicated that a low HDL‐C level after follow‐up is more predictive of subsequent cardiovascular events than at baseline. The increase in HDL‐C level attained by smoking cessation appears important for a favorable prognosis.
MTC Sadism Scale: Toward a Dimensional Assessment of Severe Sexual Sadism With Behavioral Markers

Sadism was initially described as the experience of sexual pleasure produced by acts of cruelty and bodily punishment. Sadism was conceptualized as if sadists were fundamentally different from nonsadists. Recent studies have suggested that sadism is distributed as a dimension rather than as a category. The aim of the current study was to assess the psychometric properties the MTC Sexual Sadism Scale. Our analyses were conducted on a sample of 486 sexual offenders assessed at a correctional institution in Massachusetts. In summary, the results indicate that the MTC Sexual Sadism Scale possesses good psychometric properties for the dimensional assessment of severe sexual sadism with behavioral markers. Moreover, the scale captures a wide range of intensity of sadism among sexual offenders. These results are consistent with prior research and support the current consensus to move toward a dimensional interpretation of sadism. Implications both for clinical assessment and for research on the development of sadism are discussed.
Accounting Restatements and Corporate Cash Policy

Using a difference-in-differences approach, we find that the cash holdings of firms increase significantly after announcements of irregularity-related restatements. The increase is larger for firms with a higher demand for precautionary savings and is smaller for firms with less pronounced increase in shareholder control after the restatements. Investments and repurchases of irregularity firms become more sensitive to excess cash after the restatements. In addition, we find that the market value of cash holdings increases after restatements. Overall, the evidence suggests that strengthened shareholder control reduces cash holdings, but this effect is weaker than the increase in cash holdings due to exacerbated precautionary savings concerns. Our study contributes to the literature on the effect of financial reporting credibility on real corporate decisions.
Genomic Organization and Molecular Analysis of Virulent Bacteriophage 2972 Infecting an Exopolysaccharide-Producing Streptococcus thermophilus Strain

ABSTRACT The Streptococcus thermophilus virulent pac-type phage 2972 was isolated from a yogurt made in France in 1999. It is a representative of several phages that have emerged with the industrial use of the exopolysaccharide-producing S. thermophilus strain RD534. The genome of phage 2972 has 34,704 bp with an overall G+C content of 40.15%, making it the shortest S. thermophilus phage genome analyzed so far. Forty-four open reading frames (ORFs) encoding putative proteins of 40 or more amino acids were identified, and bioinformatic analyses led to the assignment of putative functions to 23 ORFs. Comparative genomic analysis of phage 2972 with the six other sequenced S. thermophilus phage genomes confirmed that the replication module is conserved and that cos- and pac-type phages have distinct structural and packaging genes. Two group I introns were identified in the genome of 2972. They interrupted the genes coding for the putative endolysin and the terminase large subunit. Phage mRNA splicing was demonstrated for both introns, and the secondary structures were predicted. Eight structural proteins were also identified by N-terminal sequencing and/or matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization—time-of-flight mass spectrometry. Detailed analysis of the putative minor tail proteins ORF19 and ORF21 as well as the putative receptor-binding protein ORF20 showed the following interesting features: (i) ORF19 is a hybrid protein, because it displays significant identity with both pac- and cos-type phages; (ii) ORF20 is unique; and (iii) a protein similar to ORF21 of 2972 was also found in the structure of the cos-type phage DT1, indicating that this structural protein is present in both S. thermophilus phage groups. The implications of these findings for phage classification are discussed.
Continuous veno-venous haemofiltration in the treatment of severe acute pancreatitis: 6-year experience.

BACKGROUND Continuous veno-venous haemofiltration (CVVH) could be reasonable for attenuation of systemic complications in severe acute pancreatitis (SAP). The aim of the study was implementation and feasibility assessment of the CVVH in the treatment protocol of SAP. PATIENTS AND METHODS CVVH was applied to 111 SAP patients during 2000-2005. APACHE II, systemic inflammatory response syndrome (SIRS), multiple organ dysfunction syndrome (MODS), serum lipase, C-reactive protein (CRP), complication rate and main outcomes were analysed comparing two periods. RESULTS Overall, 39 patients corresponded to Balthazar grade E SAP and 72 patients to necrotizing SAP (NSAP), with an average APACHE II score of 7 and 8.5, respectively, on admission. CVVH was started within 48 h in 82% of patients. Duration of CVVH was significantly augmented in NSAP patients during the routine period, comprising 92 h (p=0.006). The clinical presentation of SIRS and MODS was similar in both periods, with more initial pulmonary dysfunctions in NSAP (p=0.048). Peripancreatic infection decreased in the routine period; surgical interventions were performed in 34.8% vs 72.4% of patients. Hospital stay comprised on average 15.9 days for grade E SAP and 29.4 days for NSAP in the routine period, with overall mortality of 10.26% and 30.5%, respectively. DISCUSSION Application of CVVH in the treatment protocol of SAP is obscure due to relative invasiveness, a poorly understood mechanism of action and scarce clinical experience. We conclude that early pre-emptive application of CVVH is safe and feasible in the treatment of SAP. Duration of the procedure seems to be essential. Randomized clinical trials are justified. Our results are in favour of clinical application of CVVH in the treatment of SAP.
Use of Quality Indicators in Nursing Homes in Victoria, Australia

Objective: This study aimed to characterize the use of mandated quality indicators (QIs) in public sector nursing homes by describing their adherence to established principles of measurement and whether nursing homes respond to QI data to improve care. Method: Data were collected from a descriptive cross-sectional quantitative study using a confidential survey questionnaire distributed electronically to senior staff in all public sector nursing homes in Victoria, Australia. Results: Staff from 113 of 196 facilities completed the survey (58%). Adherence to principles of measurement was suboptimal, with variation in applying QI definitions and infrequent random audits of data (n = 54, 48%). QI data triggered reviews of individual residents (62%-79%), staff practice (44%-65%), and systems of care (45%-55%). Most facilities (58%-75%) reported that beneficial changes in care occurred as a result of using QIs. Discussion: QI performance data are positively received and used to improve care. Standardization of data collection, analysis, and reporting should strengthen the program’s utility.