Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Polymorphism, duplication, and IS1-mediated rearrangement in the chromosomal his-rfb-gnd region of Escherichia coli strains with group IA and capsular K antigens

Individual Escherichia coli strains produce several cell surface polysaccharides. In E. coli E69, the his region of the chromosome contains the rfb (serotype O9 lipopolysaccharide O-antigen biosynthesis) and cps (serotype K30 group IA capsular polysaccharide biosynthesis) loci. Polymorphisms in this region of the Escherichia coli chromosome reflect extensive antigenic diversity in the species. Previously, we reported a duplication of the manC-manB genes, encoding enzymes involved in GDP-mannose formation, upstream of rfb in strain E69 (P. Jayaratne et al., J. Bacteriol. 176:3126-3139, 1994). Here we show that one of the manC-manB copies is flanked by IS1 elements, providing a potential mechanism for the gene duplication. Adjacent to manB1 on the IS1-flanked segment is a further open reading frame (ugd), encoding uridine-5'-diphosphoglucose dehydrogenase. The Ugd enzyme is responsible for the production of UDP-glucuronic acid, a precursor required for K30 antigen synthesis. Construction of a chromosomal ugd::Gm(r) insertion mutation demonstrated the essential role for Ugd in the biosynthesis of the K30 antigen and confirmed that there is no additional functional ugd copy in strain E69. PCR amplification and Southern hybridization were used to examine the distribution of IS1 elements and ugd genes in the vicinity of rfb in other E. coli strains, producing different group IA K antigens. The relative order of genes and, where present, IS1 elements was established in these strains. The regions adjacent to rfb in these strains are highly variable in both size and gene order, but in all cases where a ugd homolog was present, it was found near rfb. The presence of IS1 elements in the rfb regions of several of these strains provides a potential mechanism for recombination and deletion events which could contribute to the antigenic diversity seen in surface polysaccharides.
The association of mannose-binding lectin genetic polymorphisms with the risk of rheumatoid arthritis: a meta-analysis

Abstract Objective: To better understand the risks of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) and certain subsets conferred by mannose-binding lectin (MBL2) polymorphisms in different races. Materials and methods: Eighteen articles (4810 cases and 4585 controls) were identified from the latest literature search carried out in May 2014 using PubMed, Web of Science, Wanfang Database (Chinese) and Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure. Three single nucleotide polymorphisms of codon 52, 54 and 57, exonic and extended genotypic variance in MBL2 were synthesized. Results: Codon 54 mutation of MBL2 was unlikely to be a risk factor for RA in overall population, but turned out to be deleterious in East Asian (four studies with 523 cases and 647 controls, pooled OR:1.63, 95% CI: 1.23–2.17). Codon 54 mutation increased the risk of seropositive and erosive RA by 44% and 162%, respectively (three studies with 281 cases and 358 controls, 95% CI: 1.01–2.05; 3 studies with 180 cases and 499 controls, 95% CI: 1.77–3.88). Furthermore, those risks were relatively stronger when restricted in East Asian (two studies with 147 cases and 244 controls, pooled OR: 1.85, 95% CI: 1.19–2.87; 2 studies with 170 cases and 291 controls, pooled OR: 2.78, 95% CI: 1.85–4.20). No remarkable associations were detected regarding codon 52, 57, exon 1 and extended genotype of MBL2. Conclusions: Polymorphism of codon 54 in MBL2 may predispose to RA, especially seropositive or erosive RA, which East Asian appears to be more vulnerable.
Systemic medications used in treatment of common dermatological conditions: safety profile with respect to pregnancy, breast feeding and content in seminal fluid

Abstract Prescribing for pregnant or lactating patients and male patients wishing to father children can be a difficult area for dermatologists. There is a lack of review articles of commonly used systemic medications in dermatology with respect to their effects on developing embryogenesis and their potential transfer across the placenta, in breast milk and in seminal fluid. This paper aims to provide an up to date summary of evidence to better equip dermatologists to inform patients about the effects of systemic medications commonly used in dermatology to treat conditions such as atopic dermatitis, psoriasis and acne, on current and future embryogenesis and fertility.
Timeliness of childhood immunizations.

OBJECTIVE To examine the timeliness of vaccine administration among infants and young children in the United States. METHODS We analyzed age at receipt of vaccines among 16 211 children aged 24 to 35 months in the 2000 National Immunization Survey and examined receipt at the recommended time of each dose and selected vaccination series, as well as receipt at 4 additional time frames: acceptably early, late, never by 24 months, and too early to be considered valid. We also examined the relationship between timeliness of vaccinations and characteristics of the child, mother, and immunization provider, using multivariate logistic regression. RESULTS Only 9% of children received all recommended vaccines at the recommended ages. The rates varied significantly by antigen, ranging from 24% for all Haemophilus influenzae type b doses to 75% for all hepatitis B doses as recommended. Overall, 55% of children did not receive all recommended doses by 24 months of age, and 8% of children received at least 1 vaccination dose too early to be considered valid. Factors associated with not receiving all vaccines as recommended were having more children in the household, mothers younger than 30 years, use of public providers, and multiple vaccination providers. CONCLUSIONS By 24 months of age, 9 of 10 children received at least 1 vaccine outside the recommended age ranges. High vaccination status of children at 24 months of age does not reflect the reality that many vaccinations are not given at the appropriate ages. Timeliness of vaccination is critical to prevent disease outbreaks, protect children through their first 2 years of life, and minimize the need to repeat doses.
Free Radicals and Oxidative Stress Challenge Dialysis Patients: Effects of Two Different Membranes

Patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) who undergo hemodialysis manifest pronounced oxidative stress (OS), for the antioxidant system is inadequate to correct the imbalance between generation and scavenging of reactive oxygen species (ROS). To clarify the role of two different membranes on the OS, we measured plasma lipid peroxidation (LPO) and erythrocyte concentration of several antioxidant enzymes on 20 controls and 6 patients on bicarbonate dialysis (BHD). At 7 days intervals, 2 BHD sessions were done on the same 6 hemodialysis patients: the two BHD sessions were similar, except for the membrane used (cuprophan, first study; regenerated cellulose = Bioflux, second study, 7 days later). Before, during, and after each session (0', 30', 60', 120', end, 30' after BHD end), several blood samples were drawn. Lipid peroxidation and erythrocyte glutathione (GSH), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and catalase were spectrophotometrically determined (Bioxytech, France), but for erythrocyte glutathione peroxidase (Gpx) and G-6-PD, Gunzler's and Beutler's methods were used, respectively. Both membranes induce a significant decrease in LPO (p < 0.01) and an increase in erythrocyte SOD (p < 0.05). Bioflux shows some peculiar effects: a significant increase in erythrocyte GSH (p < 0.05) and erythrocyte catalase (p < 0.01) with a gradual increase of erythrocyte SOD and catalase/SOD ratio. Cuprophan, on the contrary, causes a sudden increase in erythrocyte SOD, white erythrocyte catalase decreases. These data support the view that Bioflux induces an OS lower than cuprophan because with the former, increased H2O2 production leads (thanks to catalase and GPx action) to water generation. With cuprophan, instead the reduced SOD/catalase ratio causes a greater H2O2 generation and a lower conversion to water. ASAIO Journal 1997; 43:M766-M772.
A randomized study of radiotherapy versus radiotherapy plus chemotherapy in stage I‐II non‐hodgkin's lymphomas

In a randomized, prospective trial from 1974–1978, 73 patients with non‐Hodgkin's lymphomas in clinical Stage I or II were treated with extended field radiotherapy alone (RT) or RT plus adjuvant chemotherapy with vincristine, streptonigrin, cyclophosphamide and prednisone (RT + CT). With a median follow‐up time of five years, 54% have relapsed in the RT group versus only 10% in the RT + CT group (P < 0.01). There is no statistical difference in the overall survival yet, but 13/14 deaths in the RT group versus only 3/12 in the RT + CT group were due to progressive disease. Among patients with unfavorable histology, 13/22 in the RT group have died from disease progression against 3/34 in the RT + CT group (P < 0.01). The results are in agreement with those from two other series published in detail. Based on these results we therefore recommend to use adjuvant CT with RT in all Stage I‐II patients with unfavorable histology. Further observation is necessary before a conclusion can be drawn for the lymphoma patients with more favorable histology. Cancer 52:1–7, 1983.
Design methodology and experimental results for new ladder-type SAW resonator coupled filters

Design methodology and experimental results for a new type of SAW filter called an "extended SAW resonator coupled filter" used in 800 MHz and 0.6 to 1.0 watt cellular radios are presented. The new filters have very small nonlinearities as well as high-performance and high-power characteristics. We have proposed a new equivalent circuit model for IDTs with leaky SAWs, which includes the propagation losses due to leakage and conductances caused by bulkwave radiation. Synthesis procedures for the new SAW filters based on the new treatments of leaky SAWs are discussed, and simulation and experimental results are also given. The new filters satisfy not only the required frequency-response specifications but also the spurious response sensitivity for an antenna duplexer used in USA cellular radio. <<ETX>>
Do the Concentration and Volume of Local Anesthetics Affect the Onset and Success of Infraclavicular Anesthesia?

Background: Although local anesthesia is a suitable method for upper limb surgeries, there is debate regarding the effects of appropriate dosing. Objectives: In the current study, we investigated the effects of the concentration and volume of a local anesthetic on the beginning and quality of anesthesia during upper limb orthopedic surgeries. Patients and Methods: This double-blinded, randomized, clinical trial was conducted on 60 patients aged between 18 and 85 years candidated for upper limb orthopedic operations. The patients were equally and randomly distributed into two groups (n = 30). Under ultrasound imaging guidance, the first group received 7 mL of 2% lidocaine and the second group 10 mL of 1.3% lidocaine into the brachial plexus cords. The onset of block and the level of sensory and motor block were documented for each nerve territory. Results: The onset of sensory and motor block was significantly shorter in the 1.3% lidocaine group than in the 2% lidocaine group (P ≤ 0.05). The success rate of sensory and motor block was not different. The quality (completeness) of sensory block for the musculocutaneous nerve and that of motor block for the radial nerve were significantly better in the 1.3% lidocaine group than in the 2% lidocaine group. Conclusions: The volume of the injected anesthetic accelerated the onset of sensory and motor block without affecting the rate of success in our patients.
p62/SQSTM1 Is a Target Gene for Transcription Factor NRF2 and Creates a Positive Feedback Loop by Inducing Antioxidant Response Element-driven Gene Transcription*

The p62/SQSTM1 (sequestosome 1) protein, which acts as a cargo receptor for autophagic degradation of ubiquitinated targets, is up-regulated by various stressors. Induction of the p62 gene by oxidative stress is mediated by NF-E2-related factor 2 (NRF2) and, at the same time, p62 protein contributes to the activation of NRF2, but hitherto the mechanisms involved were not known. Herein, we have mapped an antioxidant response element (ARE) in the p62 promoter that is responsible for its induction by oxidative stress via NRF2. Chromatin immunoprecipitation and gel mobility-shift assays verified that NRF2 binds to this cis-element in vivo and in vitro. Also, p62 docks directly onto the Kelch-repeat domain of Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (KEAP1), via a motif designated the KEAP1 interacting region (KIR), thereby blocking binding between KEAP1 and NRF2 that leads to ubiquitylation and degradation of the transcription factor. The KIR motif in p62 is located immediately C-terminal to the LC3-interacting region (LIR) and resembles the ETGE motif utilized by NRF2 for its interaction with KEAP1. KIR is required for p62 to stabilize NRF2, and inhibition of KEAP1 by p62 occurs from a cytoplasmic location within the cell. The LIR and KIR motifs cannot be engaged simultaneously by LC3 and KEAP1, but because p62 is polymeric the interaction between KEAP1 and p62 leads to accumulation of KEAP1 in p62 bodies, which is followed by autophagic degradation of KEAP1. Our data explain how p62 contributes to activation of NRF2 target genes in response to oxidative stress through creating a positive feedback loop.
Further evaluation of quantitative structure–activity relationship models for the prediction of the skin sensitization potency of selected fragrance allergens

Fragrance substances represent a very diverse group of chemicals; a proportion of them are associated with the ability to cause allergic reactions in the skin. Efforts to find substitute materials are hindered by the need to undertake animal testing for determining both skin sensitization hazard and potency. One strategy to avoid such testing is through an understanding of the relationships between chemical structure and skin sensitization, so‐called structure–activity relationships. In recent work, we evaluated 2 groups of fragrance chemicals – saturated aldehydes and α,β‐unsaturated aldehydes. Simple quantitative structure–activity relationship (QSAR) models relating the EC3 values [derived from the local lymph node assay (LLNA)] to physicochemical properties were developed for both sets of aldehydes. In the current study, we evaluated an additional group of carbonyl‐containing compounds to test the predictive power of the developed QSARs and to extend their scope. The QSAR models were used to predict EC3 values of 10 newly selected compounds. Local lymph node assay data generated for these compounds demonstrated that the original QSARs were fairly accurate, but still required improvement. Development of these QSAR models has provided us with a better understanding of the potential mechanisms of action for aldehydes, and hence how to avoid or limit allergy. Knowledge generated from this work is being incorporated into new/improved rules for sensitization in the expert toxicity prediction system, deductive estimation of risk from existing knowledge (DEREK).
Application of a pulse-driven ac Josephson voltage standard to ac-dc difference measurement in KRISS

The pulse-driven ac Josephson voltage standard (ACJVS) system has been operated stably in Korea Research Institute of Standards and Science(KRISS). We have improved the system operation so that the distortion has been reduced compared to our previous report [1]. Since this system can generate arbitrary waveform with quantum-mechanically precise voltages, it can be applied to precision ac electrical measurements. We will present single-tone waveform synthesis results at different amplitudes and frequencies for ac metrology purpose, and will describe our preliminary result on ac-dc difference measurement using ACJVS and a commercial thermal transfer standard.
Comparison between Unilateral and Bilateral Ovarian Drilling in Clomiphene Citrate Resistance Polycystic Ovary Syndrome Patients: A Randomized Clinical Trial of Efficacy

Background Laparoscopic ovarian drilling (LOD) is an alternative method to induce ovulation in polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) patients with clomiphene citrate (CC) resistant instead of gonadotropins. This study aimed to compare the efficacy of unilateral LOD (ULOD) versus bilateral LOD (BLOD) in CC resistance PCOS patients in terms of ovulation and pregnancy rates. Materials and Methods In a prospective randomized clinical trial study, we included 100 PCOS patients with CC resistance attending to Al-Zahra Hospital in Rasht, Guilan Province, Iran, from June 2011 to July 2012. Patients were randomly divided into two ULOD and BLOD groups with equal numbers. The clinical and biochemical responses on ovulation and pregnancy rates were assessed over a 6-month follow-up period. Results Differences in baseline characteristics of patients between two groups prior to laparoscopy were not significant (p>0.05). There were no significant differences between the two groups in terms of clinical and biochemical responses, spontaneous menstruation (66.1 vs. 71.1%), spontaneous ovulation rate (60 vs. 64.4%), and pregnancy rate (33.1 vs. 40%) (p>0.05). Following drilling, there was a significant decrease in mean serum concentrations of luteinizing hormone (LH) (p=0.001) and testosterone (p=0.001) in both the groups. Mean decrease in serum LH (p=0.322) and testosterone concentrations (p=0.079) were not statistically significant between two groups. Mean serum level of follicle stimulating hormone (FSH) did not change significantly in two groups after LOD (p>0.05). Conclusion Based on results of this study, ULOD seems to be equally efficacious as BLOD in terms of ovulation and pregnancy rates (Registration Number: IRCT138903291306N2).
Changes in brain functionalhomogeneity in subjects with Alzheimer's disease

Imaging studies have reported marked reductions in brain glucose metabolism in Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). However, less is known about disruptions in the patterns of brain metabolic activity. Here we questioned whether AD affects the patterns of homogeneity yheterogeneity in brain metabolism. PET images of 35 AD subjects were compared with those of 35 controls. A template was applied to extract a cortical rim, which was partitioned into 990 contiguous regions. Estimates of metabolic homogeneity were obtained using the coefficient of variation (CV). The CV of the entire cortex was found to be significantly larger in AD, suggesting increased heterogeneity at the whole brain level. In contrast, regional CV was significantly lower in AD in temporal and parietal cortices, which were the regions that along with the precuneus had the largest metabolic decrements, though the precuneus had increased CV. The enhanced heterogeneity for the global cortical pattern most likely reflects variability in the degree of pathology among brain regions as wel las neuroanatomicaldisconnection. The enhanced homogeneity in parietaland temporalcortices is likely to reflect loss of regional differentiation (i.e. macrocolumnar disorganization). The enhanced CV in precuneus, despite its marked reductions in metabolism, suggests that increases in regional homogeneity in parietal and temporal cortices are not a mere reflection of the decrement in metabolism. 2002 Elsevier Science Ireland Ltd. All rights reserved.
Reactions of sewage farm soils to different irrigation solutions in a column experiment. 1. Solid phase physicochemical properties

Physicochemical properties of two sandy soils taken from a present and from a former sewage farm were studied during a 2.5 years column experiment, m which lime and irrigation water of various compositions were applied The amount of exchangeable bases and base saturation percentage in both soils changed markedly during the experiment. These changes were governed by changes in soil pH The specific surface area as well as the cation exchange capacity were closely related to the organic carbon content in the soil profile The surface charge density of both soils was roughly equal and independent of the soil depth
Examining Scholarly Influence: A Study in Hirsch Metrics and Social Network Analysis

This study is part of a program aimed at creating measures to enable a fairer and more complete assessment of a scholar’s contribution to a field thus bringing greater rationality and transparency to the promotion and tenure process. We find current approaches toward the evaluation of research productivity to be simplistic, atheoretic, and biased towards reinforcing existing reputation and power structures. This study examines the use of the Hirsch-family of indices, a robust and theoretically informed metric, as an addition to prior approaches to assessing the scholarly influence of IS researchers with some surprising results. We find that while the top tier journals are important indications of a scholar’s impact, they are neither the only nor indeed the most important sources of scholarly influence. We find that other ranking studies, by narrowly bounding the venues included in those studies, distort the discourse and effectively privilege certain venues by declaring them as more highly influential than they are when one includes broader measures of scholarly impact. We found three different categories of scholars: those who publish primarily in North American journals, those who publish primarily in European journals, and a transnational elite who publish in both geographies. Excluding the transnational scholars, we find that North American Scholars tend to be more influential than the Europeans on average. We attribute this difference to a difference in the publication culture of the different geographies.
Inferring truth from multiple annotators for social interaction analysis

This study focuses on incorporating knowledge from multiple annotators into a machine-learning framework for detecting psychological traits using multimodal data. We present a model that is designed to exploit the judgements of multiple annotators on a social trait labeling task. Our two-stage model first estimates a ground truth by modeling the annotators using both the annotations and annotators’ self-reported confidences. In the second stage, we train a classifier using the estimated ground truth as labels. Our experiments on a dominance estimation task in a group interaction scenario on the DOME corpus, in addition to synthetically generated data, give satisfactory results, outperforming the commonly used majority voting as well as other approaches in the literature.
[Allergen sensitization in Mexican adults with asthma: Experience at a teaching hospital].

INTRODUCTION Cutaneous test practice to identify atopy is recommended in persons who suffer persistent asthma. OBJECTIVE To estimate the prevalence of allergen sensitization in a group of adult asthma patients; plus, to investigate about the differences that exist between atopic and non-atopic asthmatic persons. METHODS Consecutive asthmatic outpatients were evaluated for the first time in an Allergology Service. They were analyzed through clinical history, physical examination, and allergic cutaneous reactivity to any of 38- allergen panel. IgE serum levels were quantified too. RESULTS One hundred eighty one asthmatic patients were included. Mean age was 40 years; 75.1% were women; in 59.9%, asthma was accompanied by allergic rhinitis; 81.2% fulfilled the atopy criteria. On average, each patient had 7.2 positive skin tests, corresponding to house-dust mite the highest frequency, followed by cockroach. Subjects age correlated negatively with the amount of positive cutaneous test and IgE serum levels, and positively with severity of asthma. IgE serum level higher than 100UI/ml was identified as a predictive factor for atopic asthma (OR = 3.1, p = 0.03). CONCLUSIONS A substancial amount of asthmatic patients were atopic. The most highly sensitizing allergens were house-dust mite and cockroach. Differences between atopic and non-atopic asthmatics depended on their age and IgE serum levels.