Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
STUDIES ON TUBERCULIN FEVER

Certain characteristics of tolerance which develops to the pyrogenic effects of old tuberculin (OT) in BCG-vaccinated rabbits have been described. Rabbits made tolerant by several injections of OT lost their ability to produce detectable amounts of endogenous pyrogen (EP) in response to the specific agent (OT) but mobilized normal amounts of EP when given a small unrelated stimulus. On the other hand, when this stimulus followed shortly after an initial tuberculin fever of sufficient magnitude, release of additional EP was suppressed, presumably due to an inhibitory effect of the EP previously mobilized by tuberculin. Similarly, a single large dose of endotoxin almost completely suppressed the response of sensitized rabbits to OT given several hours later. Since several spaced injections of the same dosage were ineffective, this phenomenon does not appear to be attributable to the known mechanisms by which endotoxins promote non-specific resistance to toxicity and infection. Tolerance to tuberculin could not be definitely shown following an injection of Newcastle disease virus which also produces a circulating EP, and it has been inferred that endotoxin blocks the pyrogenic action of antigen on host tissues directly rather than through mobilizing EP. On the basis of these observations, the relationship of specific to non-specific tolerance to tuberculin fever has been compared in terms of the ability of such tolerant animals to mobilize EP to heterologous stimuli and it is concluded that the two forms of tolerance are different. Furthermore, the fact that a number of unrelated agents produce tolerance non-specifically supports the concept that there may be a common source of EP released by a number of stimuli, including endotoxins and myxoviruses, as well as antigen in specifically sensitized hosts.
Helping Students to Adopt Healthy Lifestyle and Positive Youth Development Through School Setting: Hong Kong Experience of Health Promoting Schools

Health promoting school (HPS) has been described as 'total environment' which provides more than just learning and teaching about health issues in classroom. HPS needs to develop a safe social and physical environment for the 'total population' of the school. Healthy City is an example of a macro-setting in comparison with HPS. It leans heavily upon creation of intersectoral collaboration to move it forward. HPS do not usually need the same degree of intersectoral collaboration so it would be launched more smoothly. The Hong Kong Healthy School Award Scheme builds on concepts of HPS, and provides a structured framework for the development as well as indicators for evaluation and monitoring. The scheme will also help to strengthen school-based management as it promotes staff development, parental education, involvement of whole school community, and linkage with different stakeholders. This will enable the participating schools creating 'learning perspective', 'community perspective', and 'capacity building' environment to improve both educational and health outcomes of students. The Healthy School Award Scheme would foster development of values and attitudes such as responsibility, and also enhance teaching and learning of other values-orientated studies such as life education, affective education, and environmental education. The Centre for Health Education and Health Promotion of the Chinese University of Hong Kong together with the Hong Kong Education and Manpower Bureau are the awarding bodies with endorsement from WHO Western Pacific Region. This is first territory wide 'Healthy Schools' movement that gained recognition form WHO by meeting the standards laid down by WHO. The recent baseline assessment of the participating schools showed that very few schools have comprehensive coverage of wide range of health education topics. Not many schools have developed a set of comprehensive curriculum for training of personal skills. The results also revealed that the schools should further develop the physical and social environment, and community partnership. The recent study on the health status of the students revealed that depression and life satisfaction were associated with exercise level; and lower the levels of physical activities, are more likely to have higher score on the depression, and lower score with life satisfaction. Therefore it is essential to promote health through school setting for positive youth development.
The differences of clinical profiles by house dust mite sensitization in patients with asthmatics in Soonchunhyang University Hospital cohort

Purpose: The majority of patients with allergic disease are highly sensitized to house dust mites (HDM). There is few data to observe sensitization rate to HDM in asthmatics in Korea. The aim of this study was to observe the differences of clinical profiles by HDM sensitization in patients with asthmatics in Soonchunhyang University Hospital (SCH) cohort. Methods: We recruited 2,345 asthmatic patients in SCH cohort. Lung function, body mass index and sputum and blood eosinophils, and PC20, and clinical profiles were compared by HDM sensitization. Results: Dermatophagoides farinae (Derf) and/or Dermatophagoides pteronyssinus (Derp) (+) sensitization rate was higher prevalence in male than in female. Compared with nonatopy asthmatics, Derf and/or Derp (+) asthmatics had early onset of age [Derf and/or Derp (+) vs. Derf and Derp (-) vs. atopy (-); 32.5±0.51 vs. 36.1±0.88 vs. 43.1±0.54, P<0.05]. Derf and/or Derp (+) asthmatics had shorter duration of asthma symptom than that of nonatopy asthmatics. Derf and/or Derp (+) asthmatics had lower forced expiratory volume in one second and forced vital capacity than those of Derf and Derp (-) asthmatics. PC20 in Derf and/or Derp (+) asthmatics had lower than those of Derf and Derp (-) and nonatopy asthmatics [Derf and/or Derp (+) vs. Derf and Derp (-) vs. atopy (-); 5.4±0.24 mg/ mL vs. 6.59±0.52 mg/mL vs. 7.19±0.33 mg/mL, P<0.05]. Blood eosinophils number in Derf and/or Derp (+) asthmatics had higher than that of nonatopy asthmatics (414.7±131.1 vs. 350.6±14.0, P<0.05). Total immunoglobulin E (IgE) in Derf and/or Derp positive asthmatics had higher than that of Derf and Derp negative and nonatopy asthmatics. There was no difference of body mass index among three groups. Conclusions: Our data indicate that atopy asthmatics sensitized to Derf and/or Derp had early onset of age, high total IgE and airway responsiveness, and eosinophilic inflammation. (�������� ������ ������ ����(���������������
TiO2-Nanowired Delivery of Mesenchymal Stem Cells Thwarts Diabetes- Induced Exacerbation of Brain Pathology in Heat Stroke: An Experimental Study in the Rat Using Morphological and Biochemical Approaches

We have shown previously that heat stroke produced by whole body hyperthermia (WBH) for 4 h at 38°C in diabetic rats exacerbates blood-brain barrier breakdown, brain edema formation and neuronal cell injury as compared to healthy animals after identical heat exposure. In this combination of diabetes and WBH, normal therapeutic measures do not induce sufficient neuroprotection. Thus, we investigated whether nanowired mesenchymal cells (MSCs) when delivered systemically may have better therapeutic effects on brain damage in diabetic rats after WBH. Diabetes induced by streptozotocin administration (75 mg/kg, i.p, daily for 3 days) in rats resulted in clinical symptoms of the disease within 4 to 6 weeks (blood glucose level 20 to 30 mmoles/l as compared to saline control groups (4 to 6 mmoles/l). When subjected to WBH, these diabetic rats showed a 4-to 6-fold exacerbation of blood-brain barrier breakdown to Evans blue and radioiodine, along with brain edema formation and neuronal cell injury. Intravenous administration of rat MSCs (1x10 6 ) to diabetic rats one week before WBH slightly reduced brain pathology, whereas TiO2 nanowired MSCs administered in an identical manner resulted in almost complete neuroprotection. On the other hand, MSCs alone significantly reduced brain pathology in saline-treated rats after WBH. These observations indicate that nanowired delivery of stem cells has superior therapeutic potential in heat stroke with diabetes, pointing to novel clinical perspectives in the future.
Validation of a questionnaire to assess dietary habits among 5–13‐year old school children of farmers and anthroposophic families

Objective. To evaluate dietary habits among 5–13‐year old school children of farmers, anthroposophic families and controls and to evaluate the validity of a food questionnaire as part of a lifestyle questionnaire of the PARSIFAL‐study.Methods. Food questionnaires were completed by the parents of the children. Validity was assessed with 24‐h recalls performed as telephone interviews with a parent accompanied by the child.Results. Dietary habits were assessed among 14 901 children. Farm children consumed most farm milk, dairy products made from farm milk and meat. Children from anthroposophic families consumed most fruits and vegetables, whole grain products and olive oil and least meat and margarine. Among 493 participants included in the validation study, validity of the food items studied was determined to be moderate‐to‐adequate.Conclusions. Dietary habits differ substantially among children of farmers and children from anthroposophic families. Validity of the diet questionnaire should be sufficiently a.
Factors that Influence the Evolution of β-Lactam Resistance in β-Lactamase—Inducible Strains of Enterobacter cloacae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa

: Induction ratios were determined for beta-lactamase-inducible strains of Enterobacter cloacae and Pseudomonas aeruginosa by using 10 beta-lactam agents. For E. cloacae, pre-incubation with ceftriaxone, cefoxitin, cefamandole, cefoperazone, or imipenem produced significantly larger amounts of beta-lactamase than did pre-incubation with moxalactam, clavulanate, ceftazidime, or aztreonam. For P. aeruginosa, imipenem was the best inducer, whereas ceftriaxone, piperacillin, cefoperazone, cefamandole, clavulanate, and aztreonam were poor beta-lactamase inducers. The rate of emergence of resistance by E. cloacae p99 and P. aeruginosa ATCC 27853 did not correlate with the induction ratio of the selecting agent; however, a strong correlation was noted between the mutation rate and the ratio of the MIC to the concentration of selecting antibiotic used. Emergence of resistance is related to the MIC of the antibiotic and the concentration of antibiotic used to select for resistance and is independent of the efficacy of the beta-lactam inducer. Resistant mutants arise through both beta-lactamase-dependent and -independent mechanisms.
Q fever: pets, vets and validating tests

Q fever is a highly significant worldwide zoonosis caused by thebacteriumCoxiellaburnetii.While infection iscommonly asymptomatic, 40% of primary infections in humans are symptomatic, with serious acute or chronic debilitating illnesses possible, including endocarditis, post-Q fever fatigue syndrome and recrudescent granulomatous lesions in bone or soft tissue. The bacterium itself has a duplicitous lifecycle; a metabolically active form obligately replicates within the macrophage cell lineage while an inactive form has extreme environmental resilience, providing a means to travel to new cells and newhosts. Coupledwith a potentially large, seeminglyasymptomatic reservoirencompassingwild and domestic mammals, birds and arthropods, this bacterium continues to raise important questions about its impact on public health worldwide. Given the targeted and complex nature of testing required to confirm a diagnosis in humans, ongoing vigilance in promptly recognising clinical cases in humans and reappraisal of the potential risks created by animal exposure is required. This article outlines the current evidence on the potential role that cats and dogs might play in transmission of this bacterium and provides a framework for future studies.
Continuity of care coordination, health needs and social deprivation

Aims and Method Continuity of care is an important aspect of service provision. We retrospectively examined the number of changes over a 2-year period in care coordinator for new patients on enhanced care in a London borough. Deprivation score, length of hospital stay, and health and social needs were examined for association with continuity of care. Results Twenty-six patients met the inclusion criteria; ten patients (39%) had a change in care coordinator. Patients having one or more changes in care coordinator were found to live in significantly more deprived council wards (P=0.004), but their needs score (P=0.863) or length of hospital stay (P=0.368) were not significantly different than in those who did not have changes in care coordinator. Clinical Implications Social deprivation affects relational continuity of care in community teams but the mechanism requires evaluation.
Effects of hyperbaric oxygen on full-thickness meshed sheet skin grafts applied to fresh and granulating wounds in horses.

OBJECTIVE To determine the effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) on full-thickness skin grafts applied to fresh and granulating wounds of horses. ANIMALS 6 horses. PROCEDURES On day 0, two 4-cm-diameter circular sections of full-thickness skin were removed from each of 2 randomly selected limbs of each horse, and two 4-cm-diameter circular skin grafts were harvested from the pectoral region. A skin graft was applied to 1 randomly selected wound on each limb, leaving the 2 nongrafted wounds to heal by second intention. On day 7, 2 grafts were harvested from the pectoral region and applied to the granulating wounds, and wounds grafted on day 0 were biopsied. On day 14, 1 wound was created on each of the 2 unwounded limbs, and the wounds that were grafted on day 7 were biopsied. All 4 ungrafted wounds (ie, 2 fresh wounds and 2 wounds with 1-week-old granulation beds) were grafted. The horses then received HBOT for 1 hour daily at 23 PSI for 7 days. On day 21, the grafts applied on day 14 were biopsied. RESULTS Histologic examination of biopsy specimens revealed that grafts treated with HBOT developed less granulation tissue, edema, and neovascularization, but more inflammation. The superficial portion of the graft was also less viable than the superficial portion of those not treated with HBOT. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE The use of HBOT after full-thickness skin grafting of uncompromised fresh and granulating wounds of horses is not indicated.
High-Dose Antithrombin III in Severe Sepsis: A Randomized Controlled Trial

ContextActivation of the coagulation system and depletion of endogenous anticoagulants are frequently found in patients with severe sepsis and septic shock. Diffuse microthrombus formation may induce organ dysfunction and lead to excess mortality in septic shock. Antithrombin III may provide protection from multiorgan failure and improve survival in severely ill patients.ObjectiveTo determine if high-dose antithrombin III (administered within 6 hours of onset) would provide a survival advantage in patients with severe sepsis and septic shock.Design and SettingDouble-blind, placebo-controlled, multicenter phase 3 clinical trial in patients with severe sepsis (the KyberSept Trial) was conducted from March 1997 through January 2000.PatientsA total of 2314 adult patients were randomized into 2 equal groups of 1157 to receive either intravenous antithrombin III (30 000 IU in total over 4 days) or a placebo (1% human albumin). Main Outcome MeasureAll-cause mortality 28 days after initiation of study medication.ResultsOverall mortality at 28 days in the antithrombin III treatment group was 38.9% vs 38.7% in the placebo group (P = .94). Secondary end points, including mortality at 56 and 90 days and survival time in the intensive care unit, did not differ between the antithrombin III and placebo groups. In the subgroup of patients who did not receive concomitant heparin during the 4-day treatment phase (n = 698), the 28-day mortality was nonsignificantly lower in the antithrombin III group (37.8%) than in the placebo group (43.6%) (P = .08). This trend became significant after 90 days (n = 686; 44.9% for antithrombin III group vs 52.5% for placebo group; P = .03). In patients receiving antithrombin III and concomitant heparin, a significantly increased bleeding incidence was observed (23.8% for antithrombin III group vs 13.5% for placebo group; P<.001). ConclusionsHigh-dose antithrombin III therapy had no effect on 28-day all-cause mortality in adult patients with severe sepsis and septic shock when administered within 6 hours after the onset. High-dose antithrombin III was associated with an increased risk of hemorrhage when administered with heparin. There was some evidence to suggest a treatment benefit of antithrombin III in the subgroup of patients not receiving concomitant heparin.
Roles of thromboxane A2 and 5-hydroxytryptamine in endotoxin-induced digital vasoconstriction in horses.

OBJECTIVE To evaluate the roles of 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT), thromboxane A2 (TxA2), and platelet-activating factor (PAF) in endotoxin-induced digital hypoperfusion in horses. ANIMALS 6 healthy adult Thoroughbreds. PROCEDURES Horses were treated with IV administration of saline (0.9% NaCl) solution (control treatment) or the 5-HT 1B/D selective antagonist, GR55562 (0.3 mg/kg), prior to tryptamine infusion (1.6 microg/kg/min for 30 minutes) to establish an effective GR55562 dose. In a crossover study, horses were treated with IV administration of saline solution (control treatment), aspirin (4 mg/kg, 2 hours or 4 days before lipopolysaccharide [LPS] infusion), GR55562 (0.3 mg/kg), the PAF antagonist WEB2086 (3 mg/kg), or aspirin plus GR55562 prior to LPS infusion (30 ng/kg for 30 minutes). Digital blood flow was measured by use of Doppler ultrasonography. Concomitant measurements of hoof wall and coronary band surface temperatures were made. Serial blood samples were collected and plasma 5-HT and TxA2 concentrations determined. RESULTS GR55562 abolished tryptamine-induced digital hypoperfusion. Neither WEB2086 nor GR55562 affected LPS-induced alterations in digital perfusion or plasma mediator concentrations. Aspirin given 2 hours before LPS administration abolished the increase in plasma TxA2 concentration and significantly attenuated LPS-induced digital hypoperfusion. Aspirin given 4 days before LPS significantly attenuated the increase in plasma TxA2 concentration and digital hypothermia. Aspirin plus GR55562 had a greater effect on LPS-induced digital hypothermia than aspirin alone. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Thromboxane A2 and 5-HT played a role in mediating LPS-induced digital hypoperfusion in horses. Platelet-activating factor appeared unimportant in mediating LPS-induced 5-HT or TxA2 release or digital hypoperfusion.
HEALTH-RELATED QUALITY OF LIFE IN CHRONIC OBSTRUCTIVE PULMONARY DISEASE: ARE DISEASE-SPECIFIC AND GENERIC QUALITY OF LIFE MEASURES CORRELATED?

Background: Generic and disease-specific health-related quality of life (HRQoL) questionnaires are commonly used in subjects with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, it is not clear whether generic and disease-specific measures should be used in parallel, as they focus on different aspects of life. This study aimed to investigate the association between two most commonly used generic and disease specific HRQoL measures: Medical Outcomes Study Short Form 36- Item (SF-36) and St George's Respiratory Questionnaire (SGRQ). Materials and Methods: In a cross-sectional study, 58 subjects were selected through non-randomized systematic sampling from all COPD patients admitted to the "Respiratory Clinic of Baqiyatallah Hospital" during 2006. Each subject completed both SF-36 and SGRQ forms. Spirometry was also performed for each patient. The correlations between SGRQ total score and its subscores, including symptoms, activity and impacts, and SF-36 total score and its subscores, including physical functioning (PF), role-physical (RP), bodily pain (BP), general health (GH), vitality (VT), social functioning (SF), role-emotional (RE) and mental health (MH), were assessed. Results: No significant correlation was found between the total score or subscores of SF-36 and the total score or subscales of SGRQ (p>0.05). Conclusion: The generic SF-36 and the disease specific SGRQ questionnaires assess different aspects of HRQoL in COPD patients and each should be used separately. The optimal approach appears to be the application of generic and disease-specific measures together, at least in the research setting. Further studies are recommended with larger sample
A Qualitative Study of Barriers to Effectiveness of Interventions to Prevent Mother-to-Child Transmission of HIV in Arba Minch, Ethiopia

Objectives. Despite the availability of services to prevent mother-to-child transmission (PMTCT) of HIV, socio-cultural, health system and operational factors constrain many pregnant women from accessing services or returning for followup thereby increasing the risk of vertical transmission of HIV to newborns. We highlight and describe unique contextual factors contributing to low utilization of PMTCT services in Arba-Minch, Ethiopia. Methods. Qualitative research design was utilized to obtain data through focus group discussions and in-depth interviews with antenatal clinic attendees, health workers health facilities in the study area. Results. Awareness of PMTCT services and knowledge of its benefits was nearly universal, although socioeconomic, cultural and health system factors, including stigma and desire to prevent knowledge of serostatus, impede access to and utilization of services. Health system factors—lack of appropriate followup mechanisms, inadequate access to ARV drugs and poorly equipped manpower also contribute to low utilization of services. Conclusion. Reducing mother-to-child transmission of HIV in sub-Saharan Africa will be more effective when unique contextual factors are identified and addressed. Effectiveness of PMTCT interventions rests on a well functioning health system that recognize the importance of social, economic, cultural contexts that HIV positive pregnant women live in.