Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Isolation and identification of Acanthamoeba spp. from thermal swimming pools and spas in Southern Brazil

Free-living amoebae (FLA) are widely distributed in soil and water. A few number of them are implicated in human disease: Acanthamoeba spp. , Naegleria fowleri, Balamuthia mandrillaris and Sappinia diploidea. Species of Acanthamoeba can cause keratitis and brain infections. In this study, 72 water samples were taken from both hot tubs and thermal swimming pools in the city of Porto Alegre, RS, Brazil, to determine the presence of Acanthamoeba in the water as well as perform the phenotypic and genotypic characterization of the isolates. The identification of the isolates was based on the cysts morphology and PCR amplification using genus-specific oligonucleotides. When the isolates were submitted to PCR reaction only 8 were confirmed as belonging to the genus Acanthamoeba. The sequences analysis when compared to the sequences in the GenBank, showed genotype distribution in group T3 (12,5%), T5 (12,5%), T4 (25%) and T15 (50%). The results of this study confirmed the presence of potentially pathogenic isolates of free living amoebae in hot swimming pool and spas which can present risks to human health.
The safety of ezetimibe and simvastatin combination for the treatment of hypercholesterolemia

ABSTRACT Introduction: In the light of the most recent and stricter dyslipidemia treatment guidelines, the need for combination hypolipidemic therapy is increasing. Ezetimibe plus simvastatin is available as a fixed dose therapy offering an efficient hypolipidemic treatment choice. Based on the positive results of the IMProved Reduction of Outcomes: Vytorin Efficacy International Trial (IMPROVE-IT) trial, the use of this drug combination is expected to increase in the next years. Areas covered: This review discusses the current evidence regarding the safety of ezetimibe/simvastatin combination. Current evidence regarding possible associated side effects (musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal, endocrine, hematological, renal, ophthalmologic, allergic, malignancy) and drug interactions of this combination is thoroughly discussed. Expert opinion: Ezetimibe and simvastatin treatment, either as a single pill or the combined use of the individual compounds, offers limited additional risk compared with simvastatin monotherapy and comprises a safe and efficient choice for dyslipidemia treatment in high-risk and diabetic patients.
Numbers, Sizes, and Types of Diatoms Around Estuaries for a Diatom Test

We collected 68 fresh, brackish, and seawater samples from various sites around the estuaries of 2 rivers at high and low tides. Seawater flowed approximately 2.4 (salinity, 2.2% at the site) and 1.2 km (1.8%) upstream of the estuaries, but the surface comprised essentially fresh water up to the mouth. Sites contained 69 to 22,200 diatoms/50 mL of water, and the numbers varied by depth and at sites separated by only approximately 1.2 km. Diatoms ranged from 2.8 to 429 &mgr;m (mean range, 16.1-59.2 &mgr;m) in size. Large pennate diatoms populated fresh water areas, and most sedimented before reaching the sea. Numbers of pennate diatoms of less than 20 &mgr;m were decreased in areas of seawater. Numbers of centric diatoms tended to increase nearer the sea, and seawater contained large centric diatoms. Brackish water containing large volumes of seawater was easily discriminated by assemblages of marine diatoms, unlike that containing a little seawater, because marine diatoms could be found in fresh water around estuaries. Tides and the nature of the river often altered diatomaceous assemblages at the same estuarial sites. Caution is recommended for forensic interpretation of aqueous media to deduce drowning sites.
Hyperpigmented mycosis fungoides: a rare variant

Mycosis fungoides (MF) is the most common type of cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. The diagnosis of classic MF is based on a combination of clinical presentation, histopathology, immunohistochemistry, and T-cell monoclonality detected by molecular studies. However, the diagnosis can be difficult in some cases. We report a case of hyperpigmented mycosis fungoides. A 60-year-old woman, phototype IV, presented for more than 4 years a history of asymptomatic hyperpigmented non- infiltrated plaques on the face. Cutaneous lupus was diagnosed based on a skin biopsy. Hydroxychloroquine and photoprotection was started. Considering non improvement, another biopsy was done, in favor of a mycosis fungoides CD3+, CD4+, CD8-. The diagnostic of hyper pigmented mycosis fungoides stage I was retained and topical steroid was introduced. Mycosis fungoides can appear in various clinical forms, the hyperpigmented form is rare but this diagnosis should be evoked.
Effect of physical activity on femoral bone density in men

Although most patients with osteoporosis are women, up to one third of hip fractures occur in men. There is little information about which factors influence bone density in men.1 Vigorous activity may lead to bone gain, while immobilisation causes bone loss. A sedentary lifestyle could, therefore, increase the risk of fractures.2 We therefore examined the relation between physical activity and bone density in normal men. One hundred and thirty seven healthy white men, comprising husbands of women attending our osteoporosis clinic, laboratory staff, and hospital workers who were enrolled in a normal bone study, listed their regular physical and sporting activities. Subjects taking drugs or with diseases likely to affect calcium metabolism were excluded. Forty eight were smokers (mean 15 cigarettes/day), and 120 drank alcohol (mean 8.6 g of alcohol/day). The time per week spent on each activity was …
Classifying music user groups and identifying needs for mobile virtual music services

This paper presents the results of qualitative interviews conducted with musicians and listeners about their music activities and use of social media services. The paper describes different music user groups, their wishes and what services are needed from a mobile network virtual environment. This information can help developers design new mobile network services from the user experience points of views.
Investigating decision rules with a new experimental design: the EXACT paradigm

In the decision-making field, it is important to distinguish between the perceptual process (how information is collected) and the decision rule (the strategy governing decision-making). We propose a new paradigm, called EXogenous ACcumulation Task (EXACT) to disentangle these two components. The paradigm consists of showing a horizontal gauge that represents the probability of receiving a reward at time t and increases with time. The participant is asked to press a button when they want to request a reward. Thus, the perceptual mechanism is hard-coded and does not need to be inferred from the data. Based on this paradigm, we compared four decision rules (Bayes Risk, Reward Rate, Reward/Accuracy, and Modified Reward Rate) and found that participants appeared to behave according to the Modified Reward Rate. We propose a new way of analysing the data by using the accuracy of responses, which can only be inferred in classic RT tasks. Our analysis suggests that several experimental findings such as RT distribution and its relationship with experimental conditions, usually deemed to be the result of a rise-to-threshold process, may be simply explained by the effect of the decision rule employed.
Comparison of Diversities and Compositions of Bacterial Populations Inhabiting Natural Forest Soils

ABSTRACT The diversity and composition of soil bacterial communities were compared among six Austrian natural forests, including oak-hornbeam, spruce-fir-beech, and Austrian pine forests, using terminal restriction fragment length polymorphism (T-RFLP, or TRF) analysis and sequence analysis of 16S rRNA genes. The forests studied differ greatly in soil chemical characteristics, microbial biomass, and nutrient turnover rates. The aim of this study was to relate these differences to the composition of the bacterial communities inhabiting the individual forest soils. Both TRF profiling and clone sequence analysis revealed that the bacterial communities in soils under Austrian pine forests, representing azonal forest types, were distinct from those in soils under zonal oak-hornbeam and spruce-fir-beech forests, which were more similar in community composition. Clones derived from an Austrian pine forest soil were mostly affiliated with high-G+C gram-positive bacteria (49%), followed by members of the α-Proteobacteria (20%) and the Holophaga/Acidobacterium group (12%). Clones in libraries from oak-hornbeam and spruce-fir-beech forest soils were mainly related to the Holophaga/Acidobacterium group (28 and 35%), followed by members of the Verrucomicrobia (24%) and the α-Proteobacteria (27%), respectively. The soil bacterial communities in forests with distinct vegetational and soil chemical properties appeared to be well differentiated based on 16S rRNA gene phylogeny. In particular, the outstanding position of the Austrian pine forests, which are determined by specific soil conditions, was reflected in the bacterial community composition.
The fish in secondary prevention of heart disease (FISH) survey--primary care physicians and omega3 fatty acid prescribing behaviors.

PURPOSE Consumption of fish oil has been shown to reduce mortality in patients with cardiovascular disease (CVD). This study aims to determine the frequency and associations of dietary fish prescribing by family physicians. METHODS A 22-item survey mailed to randomly selected Washington State family physicians. RESULTS Nearly all agreed that nutrition is important in CVD prevention (99%) and felt that they have an essential role in giving dietary advice (92%). The majority (57%) knew of fish oil's effectiveness in secondary prevention of CVD. However, only 17% of respondents were identified as high fish prescribers. Knowledge of fish oil's benefit in sudden death reduction was associated with higher fish prescribers in bivariate (P = .005) and multivariate analysis (OR = 2.77; 95th CI: 1.32 to 5.82). High fish prescribers were more likely to report having sufficient time to discuss dietary therapies in bivariate (P = .018) and multivariate analysis (OR = 1.43; 95th CI: 1.03 to 1.98). CONCLUSIONS Despite knowledge of fish oil's benefit and favorable attitudes toward nutritional therapy, family physicians infrequently recommend fish oils for their CVD patients. Strategies improving awareness of fish oil's effects on sudden death and reducing time barriers associated with dietary counseling should be explored further to increase recommendation of this important advice.
Geographical and Tribal Distribution of the African Lymphoma in Uganda

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Treatment of Traumatic Dental Injuries: Shift in Strategy

Absract A more conservative approach to the treatment of traumatic dental injuries has been made possible by knowledge concerning the pathogensis of external root resorption, increased knowledge about wound healing processes in the pulp and periodintium, as well as by advances in restorative dentistry (reattachment of crown fragments with a dentin bonding system, the use of adhesive bridges, and advances in autotransplantation and implantation). However, a rethinking by the public, clinicians, and third-party payers is necessary for these procedures to gain wider acceptance. The present article describes the state of the art of treating dental trauma in the hope that these advances cam become an accepted part of the dental trauma armamentarium and not merely scientific curiosities.
Neuroprotection by salubrinal treatment in global cerebral ischemia

Most common cerebrovascular accidents (CVAs) result from the occlusion of a blood vessel and are called ischemic stroke. The interruption of the blood flow reduces the oxygen and glucose levels in the neural parenchyma, which in turn decreases the energy of the cells and compromises their homeostasis. This condition has to be reverted for cell survival. One of the homeostatic processes impaired by cerebral ischemia is protein folding in the endoplasmic reticulum (ER) lumen where unfolded proteins are accumulated (Degracia and Monti, 2004). This situation, known as ER stress, elicits the so called unfolded protein response (UPR), whereby the cell tries to restore homeostasis to prevent its death. ER stress activates protein sensors that trigger the three different pathways described so far for UPR. Early UPR signaling events are initiated by the protein kinase RNA-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase (PERK). This UPR pathway is characterized by the phosphorylation of the eukaryotic translation initiation factor 2α (eIF2α), which blocks most of protein translation and activates the transcription factor 4 (ATF4). This factor regulates the activation of genes that protect the cell against metabolic consequences of ER stress. PERK-ATF4 UPR pathway activation enhances the protein folding capacity of the ER and is essential for reducing ER stress. This pathway is turned off by protein phosphatase 1 (PP1) which dephosphorylates p-eIF2α (reviewed by Godin et al., 2016). The use of the PP1 blocker, salubrinal (Sal), which is able to penetrate into brain tissue in vivo (Sokka et al., 2007), provides a mechanism to maintain activated the PERK-UPR pathway (Ohri et al., 2013).
Disparity Based Image Segmentation For Occupant Classification

Frontal "depowered" air bag systems are underdesign today to be even more effective than current air bags in saving lives, while at the same time reducing the potential of causing an air bag induced serious injury or death. Stereovision real-time occupant sensing systems (airbag suppression) have been developed at Delphi Automotive Systems for use in comercial vehicle applications. One of the issues in such a system is that the irrelevant non-stationary background information within the field of view of the cameras results in less robust occupant classifications. In this paper, a disparity-based image segmentation method is provided. The input images are first segmented according to a pre-determined disparity threshold map and the real-time disparities of the occupants. Binary image processing techniques are used to reject noise introduced into the segmented images through low- resolution disparity calculations. The segmented images are then used for image feature extraction for a neural network classifier. For comparison, two neural network classifiers were created with and without the infrared image segmentation. Our experiements on segemnted images shown an increase of the classifier performance by at least 23% on a large database of IR images collected in extreme outdoor conditions.
Interleukin-17 and Interferon-γ Are Produced Concomitantly by Human Coronary Artery–Infiltrating T Cells and Act Synergistically on Vascular Smooth Muscle Cells

Background— Atherosclerosis is an inflammatory disease in which interferon (IFN)-γ, the signature cytokine of Th1 cells, plays a central role. We investigated whether interleukin (IL)-17, the signature cytokine of Th17 cells, is also associated with human coronary atherosclerosis. Methods and Results— Circulating IL-17 and IFN-γ were detected in a subset of patients with coronary atherosclerosis and in referent outpatients of similar age without cardiac disease but not in young healthy individuals. IL-17 plasma levels correlated closely with those of the IL-12/IFN-γ/CXCL10 cytokine axis but not with known Th17 inducers such as IL-1β, IL-6, and IL-23. Both IL-17 and IFN-γ were produced at higher levels by T cells within cultured atherosclerotic coronary arteries after polyclonal activation than within nondiseased vessels. Combinations of proinflammatory cytokines induced IFN-γ but not IL-17 secretion. Blockade of IFN-γ signaling increased IL-17 synthesis, whereas neutralization of IL-17 responses decreased IFN-γ synthesis; production of both cytokines was inhibited by transforming growth factor-β1. Approximately 10-fold fewer coronary artery–infiltrating T helper cells were IL-17 producers than IFN-γ producers, and unexpectedly, IL-17/IFN-γ double producers were readily detectable within the artery wall. Although IL-17 did not modulate the growth or survival of cultured vascular smooth muscle cells, IL-17 interacted cooperatively with IFN-γ to enhance IL-6, CXCL8, and CXCL10 secretion. Conclusions— Our findings demonstrate that IL-17 is produced concomitantly with IFN-γ by coronary artery–infiltrating T cells and that these cytokines act synergistically to induce proinflammatory responses in vascular smooth muscle cells.
Amelioration of Experimental Autoimmune Encephalomyelitis in Lewis Rats by FTY720 Treatment

Experimental autoimmune encephalomyelitis (EAE) is a T-cell-dependent autoimmune disease that reproduces the inflammatory demyelinating pathology of multiple sclerosis (MS). We investigated the efficacy and mechanism of immunosuppression against EAE by administering 2-amino-[2-(4-octylphenyl) ethyl]-1,3-propanediol hydrochloride (FTY720) in Lewis rats immunized with myelin basic protein together with complete Freund's adjuvant. FTY720 treatment almost completely protected the rats against disease. The protection by FTY720 was associated with a dramatic reduction in the number of lymphocytes staining for T-cell receptors in the spinal cord as examined by immunohistochemistry. The mRNA expression of Th1 cytokines interleukin (IL)-2, IL-6, and interferon-γ in the spinal cord was also reduced dramatically as assessed by reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction. Furthermore, lymphocytes isolated from the spleen of FTY720-treated rats were transferred into naive recipient rats against EAE manifestation by reducing both disease incidence and clinical score. These results suggested that the protective anti-inflammatory effect of treatment with FTY720 was, to a large extent, due to the inhibition of encephalitogenic T-cell responses and/or their migration into the central nervous system and may be a potential candidate for use in treating patients with MS.
Radiofrequency Medial Branch Neurotomy in Litigant and Nonlitigant Patients With Cervical Whiplash: A Prospective Study

Study Design. The efficacy of radiofrequency medial branch neurotomy to treat cervical zygapophysial joint pain from whiplash was compared prospectively in litigants and nonlitigants. Objectives. 1) To assess the effect of monetary gain on treatment of zygapophysial joint pain in cervical whiplash. 2) To determine whether radiofrequency medial branch neurotomy is effective treatment for whiplash. Summary of Background Data. The influence of litigation on treatment outcome is a subject of controversy in both the medical and legal professions. This is the first study to examine this issue in a prospective manner using a previously proven diagnostic and therapeutic method. Methods. Sixty patients with cervical whiplash who remained symptomatic after 20 weeks of conservative management were referred for radiofrequency cervical medial neurotomy. The patients were classified as litigant or nonlitigant based on whether the potential for monetary gain via litigation existed. Each group underwent identical evaluation and treatment. Patients were observed for 1 year. Visual analogue scores and self-reported improvement were obtained before, immediately after, and 1 year after radiofrequency cervical medial neurotomy. Results. Forty-six patients completed the study. The overall reduction in cervical whiplash symptoms and visual analogue pain scores were significant immediately after treatment (nonlitigants vs. litigants: 2.0 vs. 2.5, P = 0.36) and at 1 year (nonlitigants vs. litigants: 2.9 vs. 4.0, P = 0.05). One-year follow-up scores were higher than immediate post-treatment scores (nonlitigants vs. litigants: 2.5 vs. 3.6). The difference between litigants and nonlitigants in the degree of symptomatology or response to treatment did not reach significance. Conclusions. These results demonstrate that the potential for secondary gain in patients who have cervical facet arthropathy as a result of a whiplash injury does not influence response to treatment. These data contradict the common notion that litigation promotes malingering. This study also confirms the efficacy of radiofrequency medial branch neurotomy in the treatment of traumatic cervical facet arthropathy.