Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Controversies in Parkinson's disease.

There is a long history of concern that dopamine itself may be neurotoxic, but this has been largely put to rest, and in fact one interpretation of the recent ELLDOPA study is that dopamine may be neuroprotective. In this study patients with early-onset PD were placed on either placebo or various strengths of dopamine, ranging from 150 mg to 600 mg daily. To everybody’s surprise, at the end of the study when the drugs were withdrawn, the group of 600 mg daily did not deteriorate to baseline and the group of placebo remained significantly worse. The most parsimonious interpretation of this is simply that the wash-out period was not long enough and that dopamine has effects which last much longer than 2 weeks. However, if dopamine were to be newly released on the market, it might well be hailed as the newest and the best form of neuroprotection available: there is certainly no evidence that dopamine adversely affects disease progression.
A new objective scoring system for the prediction of successful induction of labour

A prospective study was done in 311 women undergoing induction of labour for the formulation of a new score, which will be more objective than the conventional Bishop's score. Pre-induction cervical assessment was done by the transvaginal sonographic parameters followed by the digital examination. Labour induction was successful in 79.09%. A new score was formulated using the parameters having independent association and weighting of individual components was given according to its regression coefficients. A new score with a maximum value of 13 was proposed. The best cut-off point for the new score in receiver operating characteristics curve was six with a sensitivity of 95.5% and specificity of 84.6%. The new score was found to have a better area under the curve than the conventional score.
Prostaglandins and Other Lipid Mediators ysophosphatidic acid-induced oxidized low-density lipoprotein ptake is class A scavenger receptor-dependent in macrophages

Lysophosphatidic acid (LPA) is a low-molecular-weight lysophospholipid enriched in platelets and mildly oxidized low-density lipoprotein (OxLDL). It is suggested that LPA is involved in atherosclerosis, and our previous studies showed that LPA regulates inflammation in multiple cell types. The main aim of this study was to investigate the effects of LPA on the uptake of OxLDL by mouse J774A.1 macrophages.
Evaluating the named nurse understanding of recovery in forensic mental health

This article describes a service evaluation carried out on a personality disorder admission ward in a high-secure hospital to evaluate nurses understanding of recovery approaches in mental health. The study used semi-structured questionnaires to determine the participant's understanding of recovery. The findings highlight that further development is required in staff training and education on recovery. Theories underpinning recovery principles also need to be disseminated to help nurses understand the relevance of current policy developments, and thus improve care.
PACT Facilitates RNA-Induced Activation of MDA5 by Promoting MDA5 Oligomerization

MDA5 is a RIG-I–like cytoplasmic sensor of dsRNA and certain RNA viruses, such as encephalomyocarditis virus, for the initiation of the IFN signaling cascade in the innate antiviral response. The affinity of MDA5 toward dsRNA is low, and its activity becomes optimal in the presence of unknown cellular coactivators. In this article, we report an essential coactivator function of dsRNA-binding protein PACT in mediating the MDA5-dependent type I IFN response. Virus-induced and polyinosinic-polycytidylic acid–induced activation of MDA5 were severely impaired in PACT-knockout cells and attenuated in PACT-knockdown cells, but they were potentiated when PACT was overexpressed. PACT augmented IRF3-dependent type I IFN production subsequent to dsRNA-induced activation of MDA5. In contrast, PACT had no influence on MDA5-mediated activation of NF-κB. PACT required dsRNA interaction for its action on MDA5 and promoted dsRNA-induced oligomerization of MDA5. PACT had little stimulatory effect on MDA5 mutants deficient for oligomerization and filament assembly. PACT colocalized with MDA5 in the cytoplasm and potentiated MDA5 recruitment to the dsRNA ligand. Taken together, these findings suggest that PACT functions as an essential cellular coactivator of RIG-I, as well as MDA5, and it facilitates RNA-induced formation of MDA5 oligomers.
Effects of pleural effusion drainage on oxygenation, respiratory mechanics, and hemodynamics in mechanically ventilated patients.

OBJECTIVES In mechanically ventilated patients, the effect of draining pleural effusion on oxygenation is controversial. We investigated the effect of large pleural effusion drainage on oxygenation, respiratory function (including lung volumes), and hemodynamics in mechanically ventilated patients after ultrasound-guided drainage. Arterial blood gases, respiratory mechanics (airway, pleural and transpulmonary pressures, end-expiratory lung volume, respiratory system compliance and resistance), and hemodynamics (blood pressure, heart rate, and cardiac output) were recorded before and at 3 and 24 hours (H24) after pleural drainage. The respiratory settings were kept identical during the study period. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS The mean volume of effusion drained was 1,579 ± 684 ml at H24. Uncomplicated pneumothorax occurred in two patients. Respiratory mechanics significantly improved after drainage, with a decrease in plateau pressure and a large increase in end-expiratory transpulmonary pressure. Respiratory system compliance, end-expiratory lung volume, and PaO2/FiO2 ratio all improved. Hemodynamics were not influenced by drainage. Improvement in the PaO2/FiO2 ratio from baseline to H24 was positively correlated with the increase in end-expiratory lung volume during the same time frame (r = 0.52, P = 0.033), but not with drained volume. A high value of pleural pressure or a highly negative transpulmonary pressure at baseline predicted limited lung expansion following effusion drainage. A lesser improvement in oxygenation occurred in patients with ARDS. CONCLUSIONS Drainage of large (≥500 ml) pleural effusion in mechanically ventilated patients improves oxygenation and end-expiratory lung volume. Oxygenation improvement correlated with an increase in lung volume and a decrease in transpulmonary pressure, but was less so in patients with ARDS.
The Granulocyte Progenitor Stage Is a Key Target of IRF8-Mediated Regulation of Myeloid-Derived Suppressor Cell Production

Alterations in myelopoiesis are common across various tumor types, resulting in immature populations termed myeloid-derived suppressor cells (MDSCs). MDSC burden correlates with poorer clinical outcomes, credited to their ability to suppress antitumor immunity. MDSCs consist of two major subsets, monocytic and polymorphonuclear (PMN). Intriguingly, the latter subset predominates in many patients and tumor models, although the mechanisms favoring PMN-MDSC responses remain poorly understood. Ordinarily, lineage-restricted transcription factors regulate myelopoiesis that collectively dictate cell fate. One integral player is IFN regulatory factor (IRF)–8, which promotes monocyte/dendritic cell differentiation while limiting granulocyte development. We recently showed that IRF8 inversely controls MDSC burden in tumor models, particularly the PMN-MDSC subset. However, where IRF8 acts in the pathway of myeloid differentiation to influence PMN-MDSC production has remained unknown. In this study, we showed that: 1) tumor growth was associated with a selective expansion of newly defined IRF8lo granulocyte progenitors (GPs); 2) tumor-derived GPs had an increased ability to form PMN-MDSCs; 3) tumor-derived GPs shared gene expression patterns with IRF8−/− GPs, suggesting that IRF8 loss underlies GP expansion; and 4) enforced IRF8 overexpression in vivo selectively constrained tumor-induced GP expansion. These findings support the hypothesis that PMN-MDSCs result from selective expansion of IRF8lo GPs, and that strategies targeting IRF8 expression may limit their load to improve immunotherapy efficacy.
Machado Joseph disease: clinical and genetic aspects, and current treatment

Introduction: Spinocerebellar ataxia (SCA) type 3/Machado–Joseph disease (SCA3/MJD) is the most common SCA worldwide. SCA3/MJD is an adult onset cerebellar ataxia associated with pyramidal, lower motor neuron and extrapyramidal findings, resulting in heterogeneous phenotypic presentations. SCA3/MJD is caused by a CAG repeat expansion at the ATXN3 gene that codes for ataxin-3. Mutant ataxin-3 trigger multiple, interconnected pathogenic cascades, but many of key disease mechanisms remain unclear. Areas covered: This review focused on the present knowledge about the genetic characteristics, ancestral origins, selective forces, clinical course and determinants of phenotypic heterogeneity of SCA3/MJD. Disease-modifying and symptomatic therapies were also detailed. Expert opinion: Although no evidence exists for disease-modifying therapies for SCA3/MJD, symptomatic treatments for some disease signs are available. Genetic counseling is fundamental and should include discussion on options such as prenatal or pre-implantation diagnoses, and adoption, as ways to prevent the disease. Basic and translational science trying to speed the exchange of novel therapies (e.g., gene silencing) to the clinics will be central to the development of effective therapies, together with consortiums to define surrogate disease biomarkers and essential data for planning future clinical trials on SCA3/MJD.
Expression Profiles of Retinoblastoma Protein and p27Kip1 According to HER2 Amplification Status in Primary Breast Cancer

Purpose: Human epidermal growth factor receptor-2 (HER2)/neu amplification affects the cell proliferation through the modulation of multiple G1 cell cycle regulators in breast tumor cells. We performed this study to investigate whether retinoblastoma protein (pRB) and p27Kip1 were differently expressed according to the HER2 amplification status in human breast cancer. Methods: HER2 amplification was assayed by fluorescence in situ hybridization and the expression of cell cycle regulators were assayed by immunohistochemistry on 153 consecutive invasive breast cancers. The proliferative activity of breast cancer was analyzed according to the HER2 amplification and cell cycle protein expression status. Results: HER2 amplification was observed in 39 (25.5%) of 153 breast cancers. In the HER2 amplified breast cancers, the pRB expression was significantly increased (p=0.011) whereas there was no significant relationship between HER2 amplification and p27Kip1 expression. There was an inverse correlation between pRB expression and Ki67 labeling index in the HER2 amplified breast cancers (p= 0.036). In contrast, Ki-67 labeling index was significantly decreased as p27Kip1 expression increased in HER2 nonamplified breast cancers (p=0.028). In HER2 non-amplified breast cancers, we could not observe any association between the pRB expression and Ki67 labeling index. Conclusion: The proliferation of the breast cancers was associated with pRB expression in HER2 amplified tumors whereas it was associated with p27Kip1 expression in HER2 non-amplified tumors. The results of the current study indicate that the cell proliferative activity of the breast cancer is under different growth signal pathways according to HER2 amplification status.
Bonobos Maintain Immune System Diversity with Three Functional Types of MHC-B

Fast-evolving MHC class I polymorphism serves to diversify NK cell and CD8 T cell responses in individuals, families, and populations. Because only chimpanzee and bonobo have strict orthologs of all HLA class I, their study gives unique perspectives on the human condition. We defined polymorphism of Papa-B, the bonobo ortholog of HLA-B, for six wild bonobo populations. Sequences for Papa-B exon 2 and 3 were determined from the genomic DNA in 255 fecal samples, minimally representing 110 individuals. Twenty-two Papa-B alleles were defined, each encoding a different Papa-B protein. No Papa-B is identical to any chimpanzee Patr-B, human HLA-B, or gorilla Gogo-B. Phylogenetic analysis identified a clade of MHC-B, defined by residues 45–74 of the α1 domain, which is broadly conserved among bonobo, chimpanzee, and gorilla. Bonobo populations have 3–14 Papa-B allotypes. Three Papa-B are in all populations, and they are each of a different functional type: allotypes having the Bw4 epitope recognized by killer cell Ig-like receptors of NK cells, allotypes having the C1 epitope also recognized by killer cell Ig-like receptors, and allotypes having neither epitope. For population Malebo, these three Papa-B are the only Papa-B allotypes. Although small in number, their sequence divergence is such that the nucleotide diversity (mean proportional distance) of Papa-B in Malebo is greater than in the other populations and is also greater than expected for random combinations of three Papa-B. Overall, Papa-B has substantially less diversity than Patr-B in chimpanzee subspecies and HLA-B in indigenous human populations, consistent with bonobo having experienced narrower population bottlenecks.
‘Burnout’, absence and turnover amongst British nursing staff

In a predictive study of qualified nursing staff in long-stay settings, ‘burnout’ variables, role ambiguity and perceived support from their superior were assessed. Absence through sickness and job turnover were then measured over the subsequent two years. Ambiguity about authority predicted frequency of short absences in the subsequent 12 months. Perceived lack of support and emotional exhaustion predicted the frequency of absences of more than four days, and more than seven days, respectively, in the subsequent 12 months. Feelings of depersonalization were correlated with departure from the job during the subsequent two years. Hypotheses are offered to draw together these particular findings, emphasizing the mediating role which feelings of ‘professional depression’ may play.
Chronic Contained Rupture of an Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm: a Case Report and Review of the Literature

Chronic contained rupture of an abdominal aortic aneurysm (AAA) is an unusual but recognised entity. Differentiation from other modes of presentation of an AAA, i.e. asymptomatic non-acute, symptomatic acute non-ruptured and acutely ruptured, can be of importance in determining the appropriate management. We present a case of chronic contained rupture managed by semi-urgent repair, followed by a review of the literature.
CD83 Antibody Inhibits Human B Cell Responses to Antigen as well as Dendritic Cell–Mediated CD4 T Cell Responses

Anti-CD83 Ab capable of Ab-dependent cellular cytotoxicity can deplete activated CD83+ human dendritic cells, thereby inhibiting CD4 T cell–mediated acute graft-versus-host disease. As CD83 is also expressed on the surface of activated B lymphocytes, we hypothesized that anti-CD83 would also inhibit B cell responses to stimulation. We found that anti-CD83 inhibited total IgM and IgG production in vitro by allostimulated human PBMC. Also, Ag-specific Ab responses to immunization of SCID mice xenografted with human PBMC were inhibited by anti-CD83 treatment. This inhibition occurred without depletion of all human B cells because anti-CD83 lysed activated CD83+ B cells by Ab-dependent cellular cytotoxicity and spared resting (CD83−) B cells. In cultured human PBMC, anti-CD83 inhibited tetanus toxoid–stimulated B cell proliferation and concomitant dendritic cell–mediated CD4 T cell proliferation and expression of IFN-γ and IL-17A, with minimal losses of B cells (<20%). In contrast, the anti-CD20 mAb rituximab depleted >80% of B cells but had no effect on CD4 T cell proliferation and cytokine expression. By virtue of the ability of anti-CD83 to selectively deplete activated, but not resting, B cells and dendritic cells, with the latter reducing CD4 T cell responses, anti-CD83 may be clinically useful in autoimmunity and transplantation. Advantages might include inhibited expansion of autoantigen- or alloantigen-specific B cells and CD4 T cells, thus preventing further production of pathogenic Abs and inflammatory cytokines while preserving protective memory and regulatory cells.
Antigen Acquisition Enables Newly Arriving B Cells To Enter Ongoing Immunization-Induced Germinal Centers

Modern vaccines must be designed to generate long-lasting, high-affinity, and broadly neutralizing Ab responses against pathogens. The diversity of B cell clones recruited into germinal center (GC) responses is likely to be important for the Ag-neutralization potential of the Ab-secreting cells and memory cells generated upon immunization. However, the factors that influence the diversity of B cell clones recruited into GCs are unclear. As recirculating naive Ag-specific B cells arrive in Ag-draining secondary lymphoid organs, they may join the ongoing GC response. However, the factors that limit their entry are not well understood, and it is not known how that depends on the stage of the ongoing follicular T cell and GC B cell response. In this article, we show that, in mice, naive B cells have a limited window of time during which they can undergo Ag-driven activation and join ongoing immunization-induced GC responses. However, preloading naive B cells with even a threshold-activating amount of Ag is sufficient to rescue their entry into the GC response during its initiation, peak, and contraction. Based on these results, we suggest that productive acquisition of Ag may be one of the main factors limiting entry of new B cell clones into ongoing immunization-triggered GC responses.
What influences contraceptive behaviour in women who experience unintended pregnancy? A systematic review of qualitative research

Abstract One in five pregnancies in the UK ends in abortion. The great majority of those pregnancies are unintended, resulting from incorrect, inconsistent or non-use of contraception, rather than contraception failure. We undertook a synthesis of qualitative research with women who have unintended pregnancies as a new approach to understanding contraceptive behaviour. A literature search was carried out using four databases. Identified studies were screened against pre-set inclusion criteria. Included studies were quality assessed. Analysis followed a meta-ethnographic approach. A total of 236 studies were identified, of which nine were included. Six categories involved in contraceptive behaviour were identified – access, method factors, knowledge, societal influence, personal beliefs and motivations and relationship factors. A model of contraceptive behaviour was developed. Contraceptive behaviour is a complex, multifactorial process. Interventions targeting one aspect are unlikely to make a difference; however identifying and affecting the important factors within a population may improve contraception adherence.
Effect of crude soybean oil sediment as a substitute for refined soybean oil in broiler diet.

Four hundred fifty day old unsexed broiler chicks were used in a 35-day trial at Chittagong veterinary and animal sciences university farm to find out the effect of using crude soybean oil sediment (CSOS) as a substitute for refined soybean oil (RSO) in broiler diet. The experiment was carried out following completely randomized design. The chicks were randomly distributed in three treatment groups having three replications per treatment. Each replication had 50 birds. The house was divided by wire net into nine compartments to maintain desired replication. Birds were fed three types of diet i.e. diet without CSOS and RSO (T 0), diet containing RSO (T1) and diet containing CSOS (T2). All birds had free access to ad libitum feeding. Results indicated that no variations (P<0.05) were observed in weight gain of birds for the 1 st and 2 nd week except at 3 rd , 4 th and 5 th week irrespective of dietary treatments. At 5 th
Type 2 diabetes in pregnancy: Rates of fetal malformations and level of preconception care

Abstract An observational study was performed to assess the prevalence of fetal malformations and the level of preconception care in women with Type 2 diabetes. Pregnant women with Type 2 diabetes who delivered between 2002 and 2010 were recruited to the study. The fetal malformation rate of patients with Type 2 diabetes was compared with the rate in a control group; the general population. The malformation rate was 3.2 (7.2–2.2%; p < 0.0001) greater in the diabetes group. In addition, only 4% of women with Type 2 diabetes had preconception care. Despite evidence of benefits in women receiving preconception care, patients with Type 2 diabetes do not attend for preconception counselling and the malformation rate is high.
A phenomenological exploration of the patient learning J experiences of 16—19 year-old women accessing a young people's rheumatology service in the UK

Sustaining the needs of people with chronic illness is a challenge facing health and social care services. Patients' knowledge about their disease can impact on improving the management of their care and may offer opportunity for increasing support (Department of Health, 2000, 2001, 2003, 2005). This small phenomenological enquiry sought to understand how six young women aged between 16 and 19 years experienced learning about their rheumatological illness, and their preferred learning options relating to treatment and management. Data was collected through the use of semi-structured interviews. Interviews were analysed using a modified version of Colaizzi's seven stage process (Hantikainen and Kappeli, 2000). Findings offer insight into perceived health knowledge needs of young women with rheumatological illness in the UK. Data gathered indicated that communication was of concern for the sample, particularly within lay environments such as schools, work and home. Opportunities for service improvement are discussed within the context of existing evidence, including tailoring of materials for young people, and development of services that facilitate effective communication. The involvement of `experienced patients' may be beneficial in facilitating self-care management of young women with rheumatological disease.
SELF WOUND MANAGEMENT PRACTICES BEFORE ATTENDING ANTIRABIES VACCINE CLINIC

Introduction: In INDIA almost 20000 people die (40% of world death) each year from rabies. Most of these deaths could be prevented by post exposure prophylaxis with wound washing, rabies immunoglobulin & vaccination. Local wound management alone can reduce viral load by up to 80%. Objective: To study selfwound management practices in animal exposure patients before attending a tertiary level ARV clinic. Methodology: Data regarding wound management was collected by individual interview of patients attending the ARV clinic during OCT 2011 to MAR 2012. The data collected in the form of a questionnaire. Analysis of data was done in the Department Of Community Medicine, V.S. S. Medical College, Burla. Results: Total 493 cases of animal exposure were attended during the study period. Most common biting animal was dog (94.5%). 31% of cases were under the age of 10 years & 23% belongs to the age of 10-19 years. Male to female ratio was 3:1. Most of the cases (91%) were of category III exposure. Immediate management of wound was practiced by 63-77% of cases before visiting ARV clinic; only 2% wash the wound with running water & soap for 15 minutes. 39% of cases applied Dettol/savlon at the wound side & other 38% applied turmeric, red chilli, kerosene, Band-Aid & ghee locally. Most cases (61%) reported to ARV clinic within 24hours.