bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Influenza Vaccinations and Chemosensory Function
Authors: Doty Richard L. , Berman Austin H. , Izhar Mohammad , Hamilton Hugh B. , Villano Danylko , Vazquez Britney E. , Warrum Maja N. , Mahbob Mariam 
Published: January 2014

Background Although influenza vaccines have saved millions of lives, some have been associated with extremely rare adverse effects such as Guillain-Barré syndrome, Bell's palsy, and optic neuritis. Despite the fact that olfactory loss after an influenza vaccination is noted in one case report, no quantitative olfactory testing was performed. Hence, it is unclear whether, in fact, olfactory dysfunction can be associated with such vaccinations. This study was designed to (1) identify patients from the University of Pennsylvania Smell and Taste Center who attributed their empirically determined chemosensory disturbances to influenza vaccinations and (2) determine whether influenza vaccinations add to the degree of olfactory or gustatory dysfunction due to other causes. Methods A retrospective analysis of self-reported etiologies of 4554 consecutive patients presenting to the University of Pennsylvania Smell and Taste Center with complaints of chemosensory dysfunction was performed. Those who reported dysfunction secondary to influenza vaccinations were identified. Additionally, in a subset of 925 patients for whom detailed inoculation histories were available, it was determined whether the number of lifetime inoculations added to the deficits due to other causes. Results Nine of the 4554 patients (0.19%) attributed olfactory disturbances to an influenza vaccination. None complained of taste dysfunction. All nine had abnormally low scores on the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (p < 0.001), with three being anosmic and six microsmic. Seven had elevated phenyl ethyl alcohol detection thresholds (p < 0.05). Two cases exhibited mild-to-moderate loss of whole mouth taste function. Of the 925 patients, no association was evident between the number of lifetime vaccinations and the chemosensory test scores. In accord with previous studies, age and sex were significantly related to the test scores. Conclusion A very small percentage of the 4554 patients evaluated (0.19%) attributed their chemosensory dysfunction to a prior influenza vaccination. No influences of the number of lifetime influenza vaccinations on the test scores were evident in the subset of 925 patients whose dysfunction was due to other causes.
Regional and Socioeconomic Disparities in Emergency Department Use of Radiographic Imaging for Acute Pediatric Sinusitis
Authors: Sedaghat Ahmad R. , Cunningham Michael J. , Ishman Stacey L. 
Published: January 2014

Background Acute pediatric sinusitis (APS) is a common complication of pediatric upper respiratory tract infections. Children with all degrees of APS severity may present to emergency departments (EDs) for evaluation and management. This study was designed to analyze the use of imaging in APS presenting to U.S. EDs. Methods A cross-sectional analysis of the 2008 National Emergency Department Sample database was performed. One hundred one thousand six hundred sixty children, aged ≤18 years, assigned at least one ICD9 code for APS were identified. Current procedural terminology code sinus plain film radiographs, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging identified children who underwent sinus imaging. Association of performance of sinus imaging was sought with multiple predictor variables including clinicodemographic and hospital characteristics. Results The use of any imaging was associated with older age (odds ratio [OR] = 1.07; p < 0.001), male gender (OR = 1.57; p < 0.001), and diagnosis of chronic rhinosinusitis (OR = 2.46; p < 0.001). Imaging was more common in metropolitan teaching (OR = 1.40;0 p < 0.001) and nonteaching (OR = 5.64; p < 0.001) hospitals. Markers of higher socioeconomic status—private health insurance (OR = 1.37; p < 0.001) and higher income level (OR = 1.96; p < 0.001)—were associated with greater use of imaging, especially CT scans. Conclusion The use of ED imaging in APS is appropriately associated with factors known to be associated with APS complications. However, additional disparities with respect to regional and socioeconomic factors exist. Interventions to eliminate these health care disparities in use of imaging resources may lead to quality improvement in care and outcomes for APS.
Evaluation of Polyvinylidene Fluoride Nasal Sensor to Assess Deviated Nasal Septum in Comparision with Peak Nasal Inspiratory Flow Measurements
Authors: Manjunatha Roopa G. , Rajanna K. , Mahapatra D. Roy , Prakash Surya 
Published: January 2014

Background Deviated nasal septum (DNS) is one of the major causes of nasal obstruction. Polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF) nasal sensor is the new technique developed to assess the nasal obstruction caused by DNS. This study evaluates the PVDF nasal sensor measurements in comparison with PEAK nasal inspiratory flow (PNIF) measurements and visual analog scale (VAS) of nasal obstruction. Methods Because of piezoelectric property, two PVDF nasal sensors provide output voltage signals corresponding to the right and left nostril when they are subjected to nasal airflow. The peak-to-peak amplitude of the voltage signal corresponding to nasal airflow was analyzed to assess the nasal obstruction. PVDF nasal sensor and PNIF were performed on 30 healthy subjects and 30 DNS patients. Receiver operating characteristic was used to analyze the DNS of these two methods. Results Measurements of PVDF nasal sensor strongly correlated with findings of PNIF (r = 0.67; p < 0.01) in DNS patients. A significant difference (p < 0.001) was observed between PVDF nasal sensor measurements and PNIF measurements of the DNS and the control group. A cutoff between normal and pathological of 0.51 Vp-p for PVDF nasal sensor and 120 L/min for PNIF was calculated. No significant difference in terms of sensitivity of PVDF nasal sensor and PNIF (89.7% versus 82.6%) and specificity (80.5% versus 78.8%) was calculated. Conclusion The result shows that PVDF measurements closely agree with PNIF findings. Developed PVDF nasal sensor is an objective method that is simple, inexpensive, fast, and portable for determining DNS in clinical practice.
A Prospective Multicenter Study of Systemic Reactions in Standardized Specific Immunotherapy for Allergic Rhinitis in China
Authors: Chen Jianjun , Li Bin , Zhao Yan , Zhang Quanming , Wan Lijia , Liu Jun , Tian Xingde , Li Guoyi , Zhou Jie , Zhang Long , Wang Pengju , Cheng Qi , Liang Jianwei , Zhao Ping , Luo Zhihong , He Jingpei , Lu Haitao , Zhou Yi , Zhang Yuanfen , Chen Xiangjun , Pan Fangming , Zhang Zhimao , Zeng Ligang , He Benchao , Zeng Ying , Xu Xiaoyan , Kong Weijia 
Published: January 2014

Background Standardized allergen-specific immunotherapy (SIT) has been used in China for years. However, there is no extensive study of the safety of standardized SIT in Chinese patients until now. The aim of the current study is to perform a prospective and multicenter study to evaluate the systemic reactions (SRs) of standardized SIT in Chinese patients. Methods The study was performed in 13 allergy centers in China, using the same vaccine and practice procedure. The length of observation period was 2 years. SRs were recorded and analyzed. Results There were 666 patients included (261 children and 405 adults). All patients finished the initial phase and 47 patients withdrew during the maintenance phase. There were 0.47% (94/19,963) SRs in all injections (0.72 in children and 0.31% in adults); 8.26% (55/666) patients experienced SRs (12.26% children and 5.68% adults). The occurrence of SRs was significantly higher in children than that in adults (p < 0.01). A higher ratio of SRs was found among patients accompanied with asthma. There were 74.47% SRs of grade I, 15.96% SRs of grade II, 7.45% SRs of grade III, and 2.13% SRs of grade IV. There were 90.43% of SRs associated with the discomfort of lower respiratory tract. Conclusion This multicenter study showed that properly conducted standardized SIT was a safe treatment for allergic rhinitis in China. The incidence of SRs was higher in children than that in adults.
Relationships of Indoleamine 2,3-Dioxygenase Activity and Cofactors with Asthma and Nasal Polyps
Authors: Luukkainen Annika , Karjalainen Jussi , Hurme Mikko , Paavonen Timo , Huhtala Heini , Toppila-Salmi Sanna 
Published: January 2014

Background Asthma and chronic rhinosinusitis with nasal polyps (CRSwNPs) are coexisting diseases that are multifactorial. The rural environment seems to protect from atopy, but its relation with nonatopic airway inflammations has been less investigated. Indoleamine 2,3-dioxygenase (IDO) is an enzyme involved in the catabolism of the essential amino acid tryptophan (Trp) to kynurenine (Kyn). Low IDO activity has been previously observed in atopy and asthma. The objective was to investigate the relationships of IDO activity, eosinophils, and cofactors during asthma and/or CRSwNPs. Methods A Finnish population-based cohort of adult asthmatic patients (n = 245) and nonasthmatic patients (n = 405) was used. The presence of asthma and atopy were based on patient history and standardized diagnostic tests. The presence of acetyl salicylic acid intolerance, doctor-diagnosed NPs, and countryside environment during childhood were based on a questionnaire report. Serum IDO activity was evaluated by assessing the Kyn/Trp ratio by liquid chromatography. Results Low IDO activity was associated significantly with atopy, CRSwNPs, and an urban background. IDO activity did not correlate with pulmonary function. As expected, CRSwNPs was more frequent among asthmatic patients. A rural background has a protective effect from atopy and atopic asthma but it did not affect the prevalence of CRSwNPs or nonatopic asthma. Conclusion Low IDO activity might result from the urban environment and influence the development of the atopic phenotype. On the other hand, low IDO activity, found in CRSwNPs, does not seem to be related to the urban background an us may result from other, still unknown, factors.
Mac Wellman’sAntigone: The Hegelian Theme
Authors: Shaw Michael 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACT:Mac Wellman, the contemporary American playwright, has said that there is a lot of George Steiner’s Antigones (where Steiner discusses the influence of Sophocles’s play on later writers and philosophers) in his Antigone of 2000. Explicating that relationship reveals that Wellman uses this material in various ways to present a view of the world that has much in common with, and is deeply indebted to, the realist tradition in philosophy and literature. It is also made clear that Wellman’s interest in these authors and this tradition goes far beyond his reading of Steiner’s book. Major elements of that “Hegelian theme” are the division of the spiritual and the real realms, the division within the real realm between word and deed, the predominance of time and change, and the imperfection of the human spirit, leading to endless conflict and disaster. The self, a spiritual thing, is driven to act and encounters resistance but, in the process, proves itself – self-realization. As it proceeds in self-realization, it longs for and, on very rare occasions, succeeds in becoming one with the Absolute. Mac Wellman, true to this philosophical tradition, is a frustrated idealist.
De la confusion des intérêts au conflit d'intérêts
Authors: Mény Yves 
Published: January 2014

La France a longtemps ignoré non seulement la réalité mais même le concept de conflit d’intérêts. Au nom des vertus supposées de la « synthèse », elle a légitimé et justifié l’accumulation de positions de pouvoir, aussi bien dans la sphère privée que publique. Cette approche est l’un des nombreux avatars du peu d’appétit de la société française, et en particulier de ses élites, pour le pluralisme. Il en résulte que le conflit d’intérêts, lorsqu’il est pris en compte, l’est moins sous l’angle de la prévention et de la prise de conscience que de celui de la sanction de quelques rares hypothèses de nature délictueuse. Peu à peu, sous la pression des médias, de l’opinion publique et en raison de l’internationalisation des débats, l’approche française, malgré de fortes réticences, tend à se rapprocher des pratiques anglo-saxonnes, historiquement les plus avancées dans ce domaine.
Geoelectrical monitoring: an innovative method to supplement landslide surveillance and early warning
Authors: Supper Robert , Ottowitz David , Jochum Birgit , Kim Jung‐Ho , Römer Alexander , Baron Ivo , Pfeiler Stefan , Lovisolo Mario , Gruber Stefanie , Vecchiotti Filippo 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACTPermanent geoelectrical monitoring, using the GEOMON4D instrumentation in combination with high resolution displacement monitoring by means of the D.M.S. system, was performed at two active landslide areas: Ampflwang/Hausruck in Austria, and Bagnaschino in Italy. These sites are part of the Austrian geoelectrical monitoring network, which currently comprises six permanently monitored landslides in Europe. Within the observation intervals, several displacement events, triggered by intense precipitation, were monitored and analysed. All of these events were preceded by a decrease of electric resistivity. The application of an innovative 4D inversion algorithm made it possible to investigate the potential processes which led to the triggering of these events. We conclude that resistivity monitoring can significantly help in the investigation of the causes of landslide reactivation. Since the results also contribute to the extrapolation of local displacement monitoring data to a larger scale, resistivity monitoring can definitely support decision‐finding in emergencies.
SP Monitoring at a Sea Dike
Authors: Kang Hye‐Jin , Cho In‐Ky , Kim Jung‐Ho , Yong Hwan‐Ho , Song Sung‐Ho , Park Young‐Gyu 
Published: January 2014

ABSTRACTThe self‐potential (SP) method is widely used in seepage evaluation hydrological studies to monitor the integrity of infrastructure such as dams, sea dikes, and other types of flood control devices because the electric signals that are measured are directly related to seepage rate. At leaking areas along sea dikes, large SP anomalies can be generated by the rising and falling of tides. Unfortunately, SP data are often contaminated with several types of noise, such as that from drifting electrodes, telluric disturbances, and external electrical noise. Furthermore, SP signals can have high levels of spatial variability due to heterogeneity in lateral resistivity at the locations where the electrodes are installed. Because of these issues, it is very difficult to correlate the measured SP voltages with the streaming potentials associated with groundwater flows at particular points in time. To alleviate these problems, we developed a simple but effective interpretation method for SP monitoring data that involves subtracting consecutive SP voltages collected at different time points from a particular monitoring station. This subtracting procedure is able to effectively reduce spurious SP anomalies caused by electrode drift, change in resistivity, and other types of interference. Therefore, any changes observed in SP measurements over certain time frames were interpreted as resulting primarily from temporal changes in seepage flow. To demonstrate the performance of this method, we analysed SP monitoring data measured at a sea dike located on the southern coast of Korea. Our results confirmed that the SP interpretation method is able to explain changes in streaming potentials depending on the tide change over time and to detect the horizontal location of anomalous seepage zones along the sea dike.
Using computers to monitor student performance in essay-writing
Authors: Vaché Jean 
Published: January 2014

Il s’agit ici d’évaluer la qualité de la production écrite des étudiants d’anglais grâce à des méthodes d’évaluation reposant en partie sur des mesures quantitatives. Le corpus est constitué des compositions écrites pendant une année sur des sujets littéraires par un groupe d’étudiants de seconde année. Chaque composition a été traitée par analyseur syntaxique et examinée à partir d’un outil de concordance qui enregistre tous éléments quantifiables tels que nombre total de mots, mots à occurrence unique, nombre de phrases, formes verbales, pronoms, etc. Les résultats tant individuels que collectifs sont exprimés en pourcentages et en valeurs. À partir de ces données, on tente de répondre à un certain nombre de questions : existe-t-il des tendances repérables ? De telles mesures peuvent-elles être considérées comme une méthode valable d’évaluation des étudiants ? Peut-on avoir recours à l’ordinateur pour mesurer la qualité de notre enseignement ?
Michel Foucault et les cachots conceptuels de l’incarcération : une évasion cognitive est-elle possible ?
Authors: Dubé Richard 
Published: January 2014

Lourdement critiquée dès sa naissance au milieu du XVIIIe siècle, la prison, comme peine de référence du droit criminel, se maintient malgré tout. À cet effet, les thèses développées par Foucault dans Surveiller et Punir auront reconnu l’influence d’un discours disciplinaire et problématisé, sous forme de fonction « latente », la gestion différentielle des illégalismes de classe. Au cœur d’un système de pensée « carcéralisant », ces éléments, sans doute constitutifs du problème, cachent cependant d’autres réalités cognitives faisant obstacle à la valorisation des sanctions alternatives. En les rendant plus visibles, en les distinguant comme « cachots conceptuels », le droit, tout comme les observateurs du droit, pourraient à cet égard favoriser une éventuelle évasion cognitive. C’est dans cette perspective que nous devons concevoir la contribution visée par cet article.
HIV Nef Expression Favors the Relative Preservation of CD4+ T Regulatory Cells That Retain Some Important Suppressive Functions
Authors: Chrobak Pavel , Afkhami Soheila , Priceputu Elena , Poudrier Johanne , Meunier Clémence , Hanna Zaher , Sparwasser Tim , Jolicoeur Paul 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
HIV-1 infection causes depletion and/or dysfunction of distinct CD4+ T cell subsets and may affect these differently. Using the CD4C/HIV-1Nef transgenic (Tg) mice as a model, we report that HIV-1 Nef causes depletion of total CD4+ T cells, but preserves and relatively enriches CD4+ regulatory T cells (Treg). We found that Nef-mediated CD4+ Treg enrichment is the direct result of Nef expression in CD4+ T cells, occurs independently of Nef-induced lymphopenia, and most likely results from multiple mechanisms: lower apoptosis, enhanced cell division, and increased generation from precursors. Interestingly, Tg Treg relative enrichment could be reversed by enhancing Lck activity. Most importantly, we show that, in contrast to Tg helper CD4+ T cells that have lost their function, Nef-expressing CD4+ Treg retain their regulatory function in vitro and also in vivo, under some settings. In particular, we found that Treg prevent expansion of Tg B and non-Treg T cells in vivo. Our study reveals that Nef affects distinct CD4+ T cell subsets differently and uncovers the high proliferative potential of B and non-Treg T cells in this mouse model.
Type 2 Innate Lymphoid Cells Drive CD4+ Th2 Cell Responses
Authors: Mirchandani Ananda S. , Besnard Anne-Gaelle , Yip Edwin , Scott Charlotte , Bain Calum C. , Cerovic Vuk , Salmond Robert J. , Liew Foo Y. 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
CD4+ T cells have long been grouped into distinct helper subsets on the basis of their cytokine-secretion profile. In recent years, several subsets of innate lymphoid cell have been described as key producers of these same Th-associated cytokines. However, the functional relationship between Th cells and innate lymphoid cells (ILCs) remains unclear. We show in this study that lineage-negative ST2+ICOS+CD45+ type 2 ILCs and CD4+ T cells can potently stimulate each other’s function via distinct mechanisms. CD4+ T cell provision of IL-2 stimulates type 2 cytokine production by type 2 ILCs. By contrast, type 2 ILCs modulate naive T cell activation in a cell contact–dependent manner, favoring Th2 while suppressing Th1 differentiation. Furthermore, a proportion of type 2 ILCs express MHC class II and can present peptide Ag in vitro. Importantly, cotransfer experiments show that type 2 ILCs also can boost CD4+ T cell responses to Ag in vivo.
Endothelial Cell–Derived Chemerin Promotes Dendritic Cell Transmigration
Authors: Gonzalvo-Feo Safiye , Del Prete Annalisa , Pruenster Monika , Salvi Valentina , Wang Li , Sironi Marina , Bierschenk Susanne , Sperandio Markus , Vecchi Annunciata , Sozzani Silvano 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
ChemR23 is a chemotactic receptor expressed by APCs, such as dendritic cells, macrophages, and NK cells. Chemerin, the ChemR23 ligand, was detected by immunohistochemistry, to be associated with inflamed endothelial cells in autoimmune diseases, such as lupus erythematosus, psoriasis, and rheumatoid arthritis. This study reports that blood and lymphatic murine endothelial cells produce chemerin following retinoic acid stimulation. Conversely, proinflammatory cytokines, such as TNF-α, IFN-γ, and LPS, or calcitriol, are not effective. Retinoic acid–stimulated endothelial cells promoted dendritic cell adhesion under shear stress conditions and transmigration in a ChemR23-dependent manner. Activated endothelial cells upregulated the expression of the atypical chemotactic receptor CCRL2/ACKR5, a nonsignaling receptor able to bind and present chemerin to ChemR23+ dendritic cells. Accordingly, activated endothelial cells expressed chemerin on the plasma membrane and promoted in a more efficient manner chemerin-dependent transmigration of dendritic cells. Finally, chemerin stimulation of myeloid dendritic cells induced the high-affinity binding of VCAM-1/CD106 Fc chimeric protein and promoted VCAM-1–dependent arrest to immobilized ligands under shear stress conditions. In conclusion, this study reports that retinoic acid–activated endothelial cells can promote myeloid and plasmacytoid dendritic cell transmigration across endothelial cell monolayers through the endogenous production of chemerin, the upregulation of CCRL2, and the activation of dendritic cell β1 integrin affinity.
IL-21 Promotes CD4 T Cell Responses by Phosphatidylinositol 3-Kinase–Dependent Upregulation of CD86 on B Cells
Authors: Attridge Kesley , Kenefeck Rupert , Wardzinski Lukasz , Qureshi Omar S. , Wang Chun Jing , Manzotti Claire , Okkenhaug Klaus , Walker Lucy S. K. 
Published: January 2014

Abstract
The cytokine IL-21 is a potent immune modulator with diverse mechanisms of action on multiple cell types. IL-21 is in clinical use to promote tumor rejection and is an emerging target for neutralization in the setting of autoimmunity. Despite its clinical potential, the biological actions of IL-21 are not yet fully understood and the full range of effects of this pleiotropic cytokine are still being uncovered. In this study, we identify a novel role for IL-21 as an inducer of the costimulatory ligand CD86 on B lymphocytes. CD86 provides critical signals through T cell–expressed CD28 that promote T cell activation in response to Ag engagement. Expression levels of CD86 are tightly regulated in vivo, being actively decreased by regulatory T cells and increased in response to pathogen-derived signals. In this study, we demonstrate that IL-21 can trigger potent and sustained CD86 upregulation through a STAT3 and PI3K-dependent mechanism. We show that elevated CD86 expression has functional consequences for the magnitude of CD4 T cell responses both in vitro and in vivo. These data pinpoint CD86 upregulation as an additional mechanism by which IL-21 can elicit immunomodulatory effects.