Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Persistently negative HIV-1 antibody enzyme immunoassay screening results for patients with HIV-1 infection and AIDS: serologic, clinical, and virologic results. Seronegative AIDS Clinical Study Group.

OBJECTIVE To describe persons with HIV infection and AIDS but with persistently negative HIV antibody enzyme immunoassay (EIA) results. DESIGN Surveillance for persons meeting a case definition for HIV-1-seronegative AIDS. SETTING United States and Canada. PATIENTS A total of eight patients with seronegative AIDS identified from July 1995 through September 1997. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Clinical history of HIV disease, history of HIV test results, and CD4 cell counts from medical record review; results of testing with a panel of EIA for antibodies to HIV-1, and HIV-1 p24 antigen; and viral subtype. RESULTS Negative HIV EIA results occurred at CD4 cell counts of 0-230 x 10(6)/l, and at HIV RNA concentrations of 105,000-7,943,000 copies/ml. Using a panel of HIV EIA on sera from three patients, none of the HIV EIA detected infection with HIV-1, and signal-to-cut-off ratios were < or = 0.8 or all test kits evaluated. Sera from five patients showed weak reactivity in some HIV EIA, but were non-reactive in other HIV EIA. All patients were infected with HIV-1 subtype B. CONCLUSIONS Rarely, results of EIA tests for antibodies to HIV-1 may be persistently negative in some HIV-1 subtype B-infected persons with AIDS. Physicians treating patients with illnesses or CD4 cell counts suggestive of HIV infection, but for whom results of HIV EIA are negative, should consider p24 antigen, nucleic acid amplification, or viral culture testing to document the presence of HIV.
Human interdigitating dendritic cells directly stimulate CD40‐activated naive B cells

Human interdigitating dendritic cells (IDC) were isolated from tonsils based on their CD40+ lineage‐negative expression in situ. Isolated IDC displayed a phenotypic profile similar to that of IDC in tonsils and spleen in situ, characterized by high‐level expression of major histocompatibility complex class II, the co‐stimulatory molecules B7.1 (CD80) and B7.2 (CD86), expression of the late DC maturation marker CD83, and no expression of CD1a, CD13, or CD33. IDC also showed weak nonspecific esterase staining and had the ability to induce an allogeneic mixed lymphocyte reaction. In this study, we further show that in the presence of surrogate activated T cells in the form of CD40 ligation and IL‐2, IDC enhance the proliferation of naive B cells and induce their differentiation into plasma cells producing IgM. Evidence for the anatomical co‐localization of naive B cells and IDC in the T cell area together with the data obtained in vitro implies a role for IDC in the initiation of the extrafollicular reaction.
Impact of sleep-related complaints on depressive symptoms in patients with restless legs syndrome.

OBJECTIVE Restless legs syndrome (RLS) is a distressing sensorimotor disorder with a 5% to 10% prevalence in the United States and Western Europe. The nocturnal occurrence of symptoms often leads to severe sleep disturbances. RLS has been reported to be associated with depression and anxiety. The aim of the present study was to investigate the relationship between RLS symptom severity, sleep disturbances, and depressive symptoms. METHOD Questionnaire data from 100 consecutive patients with idiopathic RLS who had been investigated in our Sleep Disorders Unit from April 1999 to December 2004 were evaluated. Patients were untreated regarding RLS, depression, or sleep disturbances. Severity of RLS was assessed with the International RLS Study Group rating scale (IRLS). Depressive symptoms and subjective sleep quality were determined using the Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) and the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), respectively. RESULTS IRLS scores indicated moderate-to-severe RLS symptoms in the population studied (mean +/- SD IRLS score = 23.6 +/- 6.7). The mean +/- SD BDI score was 9.3 +/- 5.6, with highest values on the "reduced sleep," "loss of energy," and "work difficulties" items, indicating predominating somatic symptoms of depression. Fourteen patients had a BDI score of 15 to 20 ("mild depression"), and 3 patients had a BDI score of 20 to 30 ("mild to moderate depression"). Overall, patients estimated their sleep quality as moderately impaired (mean +/- SD PSQI score = 10.9 +/- 3.7). Severity of RLS correlated with the impairment of subjective sleep quality (r = 0.281, p = .007) but not with self-rated depressive symptoms (r = 0.119, p = .237). CONCLUSION RLS patients scored high on the somatic items of the BDI, particularly on those related to sleep disturbance, but not on the other items that mostly address cognitive symptoms. Our results indicate that RLS might be associated with some features of depression but not with the full spectrum of a depressive disorder. The relationship between the 2 disorders should be investigated in further studies.
Tumor Necrosis Factor Regulation of Apoptosis in Mouse Preimplantation Embryos and Its Antagonism by Transforming Growth Factor Alpha/Phosphatidylionsitol 3-Kinase Signaling System1

Abstract Survival and apoptosis of cells in preimplantation embryos are fundamental for successful pregnancy. Relevant to these processes, tumor necrosis factor (TNF) and transforming growth factor alpha (TGFA) are produced by mammalian oviducts and uteri. In early embryos, TNF induces apoptosis, whereas TGFA could act as a survival factor. Here we investigated the TNF regulation of apoptosis in early mouse embryos and its antagonism by TGFA. TNF receptor superfamily, member 1a mRNA was detectable throughout early embryonic stages, with an increase after the early blastocyst stage, whereas the expression of TNF receptor superfamily, member 1b transcripts were detected only at the expanded blastocyst stage. Although pregnant uteri produced TNF, physiologic levels were low during the preimplantation period. Treatment with TNF inhibited the development of two-cell stage embryos to blastocysts showing decreased proliferation and increased apoptosis both in vitro and in vivo. These detrimental effects of TNF on early embryo development and survival were blocked by a neutralizing anti-TNF antibody. In addition to the death receptor-mediated pathway, TNF-induced apoptosis was further mediated by disruption of mitochondrial functions, characterized by release of cytochrome c and activation of caspase 9. The proapoptotic effects of TNF in blastocysts were counteracted by cotreatment with TGFA. The antagonistic effect of TGFA on TNF-induced apoptosis was blocked by phosphatidylionsitol 3-kinase (PI3K) inhibitors. The present findings demonstrate the stage-selective susceptibility to the apoptosis-inducing effect of TNF in mouse preimplantation embryos and that the TGFA/PI3K signaling system has an important role in the control of TNF-induced apoptosis in blastocysts.
Biomass burning, land-cover change, and the hydrological cycle in Northern sub-Saharan Africa

The Northern Sub-Saharan African (NSSA) region, which accounts for 20%–25% of the global carbon emissions from biomass burning, also suffers from frequent drought episodes and other disruptions to the hydrological cycle whose adverse societal impacts have been widely reported during the last several decades. This paper presents a conceptual framework of the NSSA regional climate system components that may be linked to biomass burning, as well as detailed analyses of a variety of satellite data for 2001–2014 in conjunction with relevant model-assimilated variables. Satellite fire detections in NSSA show that the vast majority (>75%) occurs in the savanna and woody savanna land-cover types. Starting in the 2006–2007 burning season through the end of the analyzed data in 2014, peak burning activity showed a net decrease of 2–7%/yr in different parts of NSSA, especially in the savanna regions. However, fire distribution shows appreciable coincidence with land-cover change. Although there is variable mutual exchange of different land cover types, during 2003–2013, cropland increased at an estimated rate of 0.28%/yr of the total NSSA land area, with most of it (0.18%/yr) coming from savanna. During the last decade, conversion to croplands increased in some areas classified as forests and wetlands, posing a threat to these vital and vulnerable ecosystems. Seasonal peak burning is anti-correlated with annual water-cycle indicators such as precipitation, soil moisture, vegetation greenness, and evapotranspiration, except in humid West Africa (5°–10° latitude), where this anti-correlation occurs exclusively in the dry season and burning virtually stops when monthly mean precipitation reaches 4 mm d−1. These results provide observational evidence of changes in land-cover and hydrological variables that are consistent with feedbacks from biomass burning in NSSA, and encourage more synergistic modeling and observational studies that can elaborate this feedback mechanism.
Localization and characterization of major histocompatibility complex class II-positive cells in the posterior segment of the eye: implications for induction of autoimmune uveoretinitis.

PURPOSE To identify potential antigen-presenting cells in the choroid and retina of the normal rat eye, with a view to proposing a role for such cells in the induction and perpetuation of experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis, a model of human uveoretinal inflammation. METHODS Immunohistochemical and electron microscopic studies using a panel of monoclonal antibodies were performed on frozen sections of the perfused-fixed normal Lewis rat eye, choroid whole mounts, and cytospin preparations of cells harvested from choroid/ciliary body explant cultures. In addition, time-lapse video recordings of migratory uveal tract cells in culture were taken. RESULTS No major histocompatibility complex class II-positive cells were found in the normal Lewis rat retina. However, at least three populations of potential antigen-presenting cells were found in the uveal tissues of the eye: classical dendritic cells expressing high levels of major histocompatibility complex class II antigen; resident dendritiform macrophages, which were negative for major histocompatibility complex class II antigen, but expressed specific macrophage markers (ED2); and blood-borne macrophages (ED1) that had emigrated from the vasculature into the tissue compartment. In addition there were small numbers of cells expressing novel markers such as markers usually found only on macrophage subsets in splenic tissue (ED3) and a recently described marker for veiled dendritic cells (OX62). Dendritic cells and resident dendritiform macrophages closely interacted with each other and with tissue cells, particularly retinal pigment epithelial cells. CONCLUSIONS The posterior uveal tract is richly populated with classical dendritic cells expressing constitutive high levels of major histocompatibility complex class II antigen. There are also several types of macrophages with the potential to modulate immune responses in the posterior segment. Interactions among these cells and with resident tissue cells such as retinal pigment epithelial cells are probably central to the initiation of (auto)immune responses in the posterior segment of the eye.
Minority marketing students' perceptions of international groups: implications for international marketing efforts

With the expansion into international markets, U.S. businesses that are genuinely committed to diversifying their workforce incur challenges when identifying globally prepared minorities. Cultural barriers, such as the belief that they will be discriminated against, have impacted minority students’ willingness to participate in experiences, such as study abroad, that will prepare them globally for careers. Given these cultural barriers, do significant levels of social distance by minority business students, particularly exist toward international groups? From a social distance context, this study examines how minority students perceive international groups. By knowing and understanding the target audience, value-added strategies can be developed that will successfully reach the target audience. The researchers provide a unique contribution to business education by assessing where these minority students are culturally and how business educators can help to target those students who may need more knowledge and instruction regarding the benefits of cultural awareness and global preparedness for culturally diverse business environments.
Mutational analyses of the human Rad51‐Tyr315 residue, a site for phosphorylation in leukaemia cells

The human Rad51 protein, which plays a central role in homologous recombination, catalyses homologous pairing. The Rad51‐Tyr315 residue is known to be constitutively phosphorylated in leukaemia cells and is thought to reside within the subunit‐subunit interface of the Rad51 filament. To study the function of the Tyr315 residue, we purified five Rad51 mutants, Y315D, Y315E, Y315R, Y315A and Y315F, in which the Tyr315 residue was replaced by Asp, Glu, Arg, Ala and Phe, respectively. Biochemical studies of these Rad51 mutants revealed that the Y315D and Y315E mutants are defective in homologous pairing due to their impaired ssDNA binding, but their dsDNA binding remained unaffected. The Y315D, Y315E and Y315R mutants are defective in dsDNA unwinding, which depends on Rad51‐filament formation, suggesting that these mutants are defective in filament formation on dsDNA. Therefore, the Rad51‐Tyr315 residue plays important roles in ssDNA binding and filament formation.
Postgraduate students’ factors on program choice and expectation

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to identify, through empirical analysis, the factors affecting, and expectations of, postgraduate students in their choice of postgraduate programme in Greece. Design/methodology/approach A sample of 523 postgraduate students from various university departments in the Athens area completed the questionnaire (response rate: 70.2 per cent), which contained 14 questions designed to identify the reasons why postgraduate students had chosen their particular postgraduate programme and what their expectations were as to the outcome of their studies, on a self-reporting basis. Findings Two fields of postgraduate programmes were popular: business administration and educational studies. Quality and preference appears to influence business administration students, their choice was intrinsically motivated and self-determined, without any external pressures. By contrast, students’ choice in educational studies was influenced by the particular characteristics of the programme, their choice was influenced by institutional motivation whereas their options and autonomy support seemed to be less. Research limitations/implications This study has some limitations, so data gathered from other Greek regions may be needed for a more thorough investigation and analysis as well as for the confirmation of the results. Originality/value There is only a very limited amount of empirical research concerning the identification of the factors affecting, and the expectations of, postgraduate students in their choice of postgraduate programme while the existing literature on the subject does not discuss the matter in substantial detail. Indeed, the present study moves the analysis forward as it considers both economic and psychological perspective in the choice of postgraduate programmes.
Long-term subcutaneous interferon beta-1a therapy in patients with relapsing-remitting MS

Objective: To conduct systematic long-term follow-up (LTFU) of patients in the Prevention of Relapses and Disability by Interferon beta-1a Subcutaneously in Multiple Sclerosis (PRISMS) study to provide up to 8 years of safety, clinical and MRI outcomes on subcutaneous (SC) interferon (IFN) β-1a in relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (RRMS). Methods: The original cohort of 560 patients was randomized to IFNβ-1a, 44 or 22 μg three times weekly (TIW) or to placebo; after 2 years, patients on placebo were rerandomized to active treatment and the blinded study continued for a further 4 years. The LTFU visit was scheduled 7 to 8 years after baseline. Results: LTFU was attended by 68.2% of the original PRISMS study cohort (382/560 patients). 72.0% (275/382) were still receiving IFNβ-1a SC TIW. Patients originally randomized to IFNβ-1a 44 μg SC TIW showed lower Expanded Disability Status Scale progression, relapse rate and T2 burden of disease up to 8 years compared with those in the late treatment group. Brain parenchymal volume did not show differences by treatment group. Overall, 19.7% of patients progressed to secondary progressive MS between baseline and LTFU (75/381). No new safety concerns were identified and treatment was generally well tolerated. Conclusions: Despite the limitations inherent in any long-term study (for example, potential differences between returning and nonreturning patients), these results indicate that patients with relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis can experience sustained benefit over many years from early interferon β-1a subcutaneous therapy three times weekly compared with patients whose treatment is delayed. This effect was more apparent in the patients receiving the higher dose.
Decision making and prostate cancer treatment selection: a review.

OBJECTIVES To review the issues surrounding decision making regarding prostate cancer treatment. DATA SOURCES Journal articles, abstracts, and selected findings from one prospective grounded theory research study. CONCLUSIONS Multiple factors are involved in the selection of prostate cancer treatment, such as individual disease-specific data, age, personal values, vicarious and personal cancer experiences, and the physician-patient relationship. IMPLICATIONS FOR NURSING PRACTICE Accurate information regarding each treatment option delivered by experts in their respective fields is necessary for informed decision making. A more multidisciplinary approach regarding discussion of treatment options is needed. Nurses play a pivotal role in facilitating discussion among family members and assisting patients to make a decision that balances their personal values with accurate information regarding treatment outcomes.
Guiding stars: the effect of a nutrition navigation program on consumer purchases at the supermarket.

BACKGROUND To improve diet quality and overall population health, the need to develop nutritional rating systems that are comprehensive in scope and easy for the consumer to understand and use at the point-of-purchase has emerged. OBJECTIVE Our aim was to examine the effect of a comprehensive storewide supermarket point-of-purchase nutrition navigation intervention by using a shelf-label 3-tiered star icon on consumer food and beverage choices and their associated nutritional quality. DESIGN By using a natural experiment design, purchasing data from 2006 to 2008 were obtained from a Northeast supermarket chain with 168 stores located in northern New England and New York and examined at preimplementation and at 1- and 2-y follow-up periods. RESULTS The nutrition navigation system studied showed significant changes in food purchasing immediately after implementation, and these changes continued to be significant 1 and 2 y later. When the same 8-mo period (January-August) each year was compared, in 2006, 24.50% of items purchased earned a star rating; this proportion increased to 24.98% (P < 0.001) and 25.89% (P < 0.0001) at the 1- and 2-y follow-up periods, respectively. For a 4-wk period, 1 y after program implementation, consumers purchased significantly more ready-to-eat cereals with stars (eg, less added sugars and more dietary fiber) and fewer no-star, high-sugar, low-fiber cereals. CONCLUSION Increasing rates of obesity and declining diet quality for Americans strongly support the need for effective supermarket point-of-purchase programs, such as the Guiding Stars nutrition navigation program, that provide clear, concise, and simplified nutrition information to guide consumer food and beverage choices.
Single-Chain Soluble BG505.SOSIP gp140 Trimers as Structural and Antigenic Mimics of Mature Closed HIV-1 Env

ABSTRACT Similar to other type I fusion machines, the HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein (Env) requires proteolytic activation; specifically, cleavage of a gp160 precursor into gp120 and gp41 subunits creates an N-terminal gp41 fusion peptide and permits folding from an immature uncleaved state to a mature closed state. While the atomic-level consequences of cleavage for HIV-1 Env are still being determined, the uncleaved state is antigenically distinct from the mature closed state, and cleavage has been reported to be essential for mimicry of the mature viral spike by soluble versions of Env. Here we report the redesign of a current state-of-the-art soluble Env mimic, BG505.SOSIP, to make it cleavage independent. Specifically, we replaced the furin cleavage site between gp120 and gp41 with Gly-Ser linkers of various lengths. The resultant linked gp120-gp41 constructs, termed single-chain gp140 (sc-gp140), exhibited different levels of structural and antigenic mimicry of the parent cleaved BG505.SOSIP. When constructs were subjected to negative selection to remove subspecies recognized by poorly neutralizing antibodies, trimers of high antigenic mimicry of BG505.SOSIP could be obtained; negative-stain electron microscopy indicated these to resemble the mature closed state. Higher proportions of BG505.SOSIP-trimer mimicry were observed in sc-gp140s with linkers of 6 or more residues, with a linker length of 15 residues exhibiting especially promising traits. Overall, flexible linkages between gp120 and gp41 in BG505.SOSIP can thus substitute for cleavage, and sc-gp140s that closely mimicked the vaccine-preferred mature closed state of Env could be obtained. IMPORTANCE The trimeric HIV-1 envelope glycoprotein (Env) is the sole target of virus-directed neutralizing antibody responses and a primary focus of vaccine design. Soluble mimics of Env have proven challenging to obtain and have been thought to require proteolytic cleavage into two-component subunits, gp120 and gp41, to achieve structural and antigenic mimicry of mature Env spikes on virions. Here we show that replacement of the cleavage site between gp120 and gp41 in a lead soluble gp140 construct, BG505.SOSIP, with flexible linkers can result in molecules that do not require cleavage to fold efficiently into the mature closed state. Our results provide insights into the impact of cleavage on HIV-1 Env folding. In some contexts such as genetic immunization, optimized cleavage-independent soluble gp140 constructs may have utility over the parental BG505.SOSIP, as they would not require furin cleavage to achieve mimicry of mature Env spikes on virions.