Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Improving early diagnosis of pulmonary infections in patients with febrile neutropenia using low-dose chest computed tomography

We performed a prospective study in patients with chemotherapy induced febrile neutropenia to investigate the diagnostic value of low-dose computed tomography compared to standard chest radiography. The aim was to compare both modalities for detection of pulmonary infections and to explore performance of low-dose computed tomography for early detection of invasive fungal disease. The low-dose computed tomography remained blinded during the study. A consensus diagnosis of the fever episode made by an expert panel was used as reference standard. We included 67 consecutive patients on the first day of febrile neutropenia. According to the consensus diagnosis 11 patients (16.4%) had pulmonary infections. Sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value and negative predictive value were 36%, 93%, 50% and 88% for radiography, and 73%, 91%, 62% and 94% for low-dose computed tomography, respectively. An uncorrected McNemar showed no statistical difference (p = 0.197). Mean radiation dose for low-dose computed tomography was 0.24 mSv. Four out of 5 included patients diagnosed with invasive fungal disease had radiographic abnormalities suspect for invasive fungal disease on the low-dose computed tomography scan made on day 1 of fever, compared to none of the chest radiographs. We conclude that chest radiography has little value in the initial assessment of febrile neutropenia on day 1 for detection of pulmonary abnormalities. Low-dose computed tomography improves detection of pulmonary infiltrates and seems capable of detecting invasive fungal disease at a very early stage with a low radiation dose.
Factors associated to toxoplasmosis-related knowledge among pregnant women attending public health services in the municipality of Niterói , Rio de Janeiro , Brazil , 2013-2015

Objective: to analyze the factors associated to toxoplasmosis-related knowledge among pregnant women attending public health services in the municipality of Niterói, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. Methods: this is a cross-sectional study conducted with pregnant women assisted in eight health care units; data was collected using a standardized questionnaire, from April 2013 to February 2015. Results: among the 405 pregnant women interviewed, 173 (42.7%) knew about toxoplasmosis and, of those, 24.3% knew about it through friends; the proportion of pregnant women with toxoplasmosis-related knowledge increased with age (p<0.001), education level (p<0.001) and the number of pregnancies (p=0.031); the history of abortion was also associated with toxoplasmosis-related knowledge (p=0.019). Conclusion: the variables ‘age’, ‘education level’, ‘number of pregnancies’ and ‘abortion history’ were important factors for toxoplasmosis-related knowledge among pregnant women assisted in the public health care sector of Niterói.
Inhibition by licochalcone A, a novel flavonoid isolated from liquorice root, of IL‐1β‐induced PGE2 production in human skin fibroblasts

Licochalcone A, a novel flavonoid isolated from the root of Glycyrrhiza inflata, has been reported to exhibit anti‐inflammatory activity in animal models. In this study, we examined the effect of licochalcone A on the production of chemical mediators such as prostaglandin (PG)E2 and cytokines by interleukin (IL)‐1β in human skin fibroblasts. Licochalcone A (IC50 15.0 nm) inhibited PGE2 production, but not IL‐6 and IL‐8 production, in response to IL‐1β. NS‐398 (IC50 1.6 nm), a COX‐2 selective inhibitor, also suppressed the PGE2 production. Furthermore, licochalcone A and NS‐398 suppressed PGF2α production by IL‐1β. However, licochalcone A (1 μm) had no effect on increased levels of cyclooxygenase (COX)‐2 mRNA and protein in cells. Dexamethasone (100 nm) not only inhibited PGE2, PGF2α, IL‐6 and IL‐8 production but also strongly suppressed the expression of COX‐2 mRNA and protein. Licochalcone A had no effect on COX‐1‐dependent PGE2 production, whereas indometacin (100 nm), a dual inhibitor of COX‐1 and COX‐2, was very effective. These results suggest that licochalcone A induces an anti‐inflammatory effect through the inhibition of COX‐2‐dependent PGE2 production. Furthermore, it appears that the inhibitory effect of licochalcone A on PGE2 production in response to IL‐1β is quite different from that of the steroid.
Computation of Jacobsthal's function h(n) for n<50

'. Let j(n) denote the smallest positive integer m such that every sequence of m consecutive integers contains an integer prime to n. Let P n be the product of the first n primes and define h(n) = j(P n ). Presently, h(n) is only known for n ≤ 24. In this paper, we describe an algorithm that enabled the calculation of h(n) for n < 50.
Counterfeiting, Screening and Government Policy

We construct a search theoretic model of money in which counterfeit money can be produced at a cost, but agents can screen for fake money, also at a cost. Counterfeiting can occur in equilibrium when both costs and the inflation rate are sufficiently low. Optimal monetary policy is the Friedman rule. However, the rationale for the Friedman rule in an economy with circulation of counterfeit money differs from the conventional mechanism that holds in the model when counterfeiting does not occur. We also study optimal anti-counterfeiting policy that determines the counterfeiting cost and the screening cost.
Monitoring surface changes in discontinuous permafrost terrain using small baseline SAR interferometry, object-based classification, and geological features: a case study from Mayo, Yukon Territory, Canada

Permafrost-induced deformation of ground features is threating infrastructure in northern communities. An understanding of permafrost distribution is therefore critical for sustainable adaptation planning and infrastructure maintenance. Considering the large area underlain by permafrost in the Yukon Territory, there is a need for baseline information to characterize the permafrost in this region. In this study, the Differential Interferometric Synthetic Aperture Radar (DInSAR) technique was used to identify areas of ground movement likely caused by changes in permafrost. The DInSAR technique was applied to a series of repeat-pass C-band RADARSAT-2 observations collected in 2015 over the Village of Mayo, in central Yukon Territory, Canada. The conventional DInSAR technique demonstrated that ground deformation could be detected in this area, but the resulting deformation maps contained errors due to a loss of coherence from changes in vegetation and atmospheric phase delay. To address these limitations, the Small BAseline Subset (SBAS) InSAR technique was applied to reduce phase error, thus improving the deformation maps. To understand the relationship between the deformation maps and land cover types, an object-based Random Forest classification was developed to classify the study area into different land cover types. Integration of the InSAR results and the classification map revealed that the built-up class (e.g., airport) was affected by subsidence on the order of −2 to −4 cm. The spatial extent of the surface displacement map obtained using the SBAS InSAR technique was then correlated with the surficial geology map. This revealed that much of the main infrastructure in the Village of Mayo is underlain by interbedded glaciofluvial and glaciolacustrine sediments, the latter of which caused the most damage to human made structures. This study provides a method for permafrost monitoring that builds upon the synergistic use of the SBAS InSAR technique, object-based image analysis, and surficial geology data.
A review of lapatinib ditosylate in the treatment of refractory or advanced breast cancer

Breast cancer remains a leading cause of disease and death among women throughout the world. Despite advances in drug therapy, development of novel and improved drugs for breast cancer continues to be of great interest. Lapatinib is a novel dual receptor tyrosine kinase inhibitor that is a selective and potent inhibitor of ErbB-1 and ErbB-2 tyrosine kinases, both of which are growth promoting factors overexpressed in some breast cancers. Cell-based assays have proven lapatinib to be a potent inhibitor of ErbB-1 and ErbB-2 activation and breast cancer cell proliferation. In pharmacokinetic studies, lapatinib has shown mostly linear elimination kinetics over the daily dose range of 10–1600 mg and is metabolized by CYP3A4/5 and CYP2C19. Phase I, II, and III clinical trials involving lapatinib as monotherapy or in combination have shown promise for the treatment of advanced and metastatic breast cancer. Drug-drug interactions may occur secondary to concomitant administration of either CYP450 inhibitors or inducers. While lapatinib appear to be a promising addition to breast cancer therapy, several questions remain to be answered before its optimal role is elucidated.
Inter- and intraspecific genetic variation and differentiation in the sibling bean weevils Zabrotes subfasciatus and Z. sylvestris (Coleoptera: Bruchidae) from Mexico

The Mexican bean weevil, Zabrotes subfasciatus (Boheman) (Coleoptera: Bruchidae), is one of the most important pests of stored beans worldwide (Cardona & Posso, 1987; Kapila & Pajni, 1987; Abate & Ampofo, 1996) and the best known member of the bruchid subfamily Amblycerinae. This species probably evolved in Central America and used as original hosts the wild ancestors of the modern cultivated forms of the Lima bean Phaseolus lunatus, and the common bean, P. vulgaris (Fabaceae). Zabrotes subfasciatus became a pest when it established itself as a continuous breeder in stored seeds, and spread to many parts of the tropics and subtropical areas of the world through trade in bean seeds (Southgate, 1978). Although various species and varieties of Phaseolus are the preferred hosts, Z. subfasciatus has also colonized several other legumes of economic importance (Meik & Dobie, 1986). There are many reports on the interaction of this insect with its host seeds at the biochemical and molecular level, but no attempts have been made to measure the extent of genetic subdivision and gene flow among populations of this species. These data are relevant because restrictions in gene flow between populations play a role in the evolution of local adaptation, including the development of insecticide resistance (Caprio & Tabashnik, 1992) and the establishment of host races (Butlin, 1990). Recently, some individuals morphologically similar to Z. subfasciatus but exhibiting slight differences in behaviour, were found breeding on cultivated P. vulgaris seeds from two localities in Mexico. After their taxonomic examination, Romero & Johnson (1999) described these specimens as a new species and named it Z. sylvestris, because they hypothesized that it feeds predominantly on wild varieties of P. lunatus and P. vulgaris. For this reason and because both Z. subfasciatus and Z. sylvestris are sexually dimorphic and have very similar external morphology this new species has remained unnoticed. However, some features of the morphology and structure of the genitalia of both sexes show slight but consistent differences that can be used as diagnostic characters (Romero & Johnson, 1999). In this study, allozyme electrophoresis was used to determine the degree of genetic similarity between Z. subfasciatus and Z. sylvestris, to confirm the status of the second as a new and distinct species, and to provide additional characters that can be used to differentiate between them. Genetic variability was examined in both species, and population genetic structure and gene flow among Mexican populations of Z. subfasciatus are also described.
Sequential DNA Methylation of the Nanog and Oct-4 Upstream Regions in Human NT2 Cells during Neuronal Differentiation*

Human NT2 cells, which differentiate into neurons and astrocytes, initially express and then permanently down-regulate Nanog and Oct-4 (POU5F1). We investigated the relationship between the expression of these genes and the methylation state of their 5′-flanking regions. Gene expression and DNA methylation were assayed with quantitative polymerase chain reaction and bisulfite genomic sequencing, respectively. Retinoic acid-induced differentiation of NT2 cells to neurons is accompanied by a sequential decrease in the expression of both genes, paralleled by sequential epigenetic modification of their upstream regions. This is the first report demonstrating changes in DNA methylation in the promoter regions of Nanog and Oct-4 in a human cell line.
Perioperative transversus abdominis plane (TAP) blocks for analgesia after abdominal surgery.

BACKGROUND The transversus abdominis plane (TAP) block is a peripheral nerve block which anaesthetises the abdominal wall. The increasing use of TAP block, as a form of pain relief after abdominal surgery warrants evaluation of its effectiveness as an adjunctive technique to routine care and, when compared with other analgesic techniques. OBJECTIVES To assess effects of TAP blocks (and variants) on postoperative analgesia requirements after abdominal surgery. SEARCH STRATEGY We searched specialised registers of Cochrane Anaesthesia and Cochrane Pain, Palliative and Supportive Care Review Groups, CENTRAL, MEDLINE, EMBASE and CINAHL to June 2010. SELECTION CRITERIA We included randomised controlled trials (RCTs) comparing TAP block or rectus sheath block with: no TAP or rectus sheath block; placebo; systemic, epidural or any other analgesia. DATA COLLECTION AND ANALYSIS At least two review authors assessed study eligibility and risk of bias, and extracted data. MAIN RESULTS We included eight studies (358 participants), five assessing TAP blocks, three assessing rectus sheath blocks; with moderate risk of bias overall. All studies had a background of general anaesthesia in both arms in most cases.Compared with no TAP block or saline placebo, TAP block resulted in significantly less postoperative requirement for morphine at 24 hours (mean difference (MD) -21.95 mg, 95% confidence interval (CI) -37.91 to 5.96; five studies, 236 participants) and 48 hours (MD -28.50, 95% CI -38.92 to -18.08; one study of 50 participants) but not at two hours (all random-effects analyses). Pain at rest was significantly reduced in two studies, but not a third.Only one of three included studies of rectus sheath blocks found a reduction in postoperative analgesic requirements in participants receiving blocks. One study, assessing number of participants who were pain-free after their surgery, found more participants who received a rectus sheath block to be pain-free for up to 10 hours postoperatively. As with TAP blocks, rectus sheath blocks made no apparent impact on nausea and vomiting or sedation scores. AUTHORS' CONCLUSIONS No studies have compared TAP block with other analgesics such as epidural analgesia or local anaesthetic infiltration into the abdominal wound. There is only limited evidence to suggest use of perioperative TAP block reduces opioid consumption and pain scores after abdominal surgery when compared with no intervention or placebo. There is no apparent reduction in postoperative nausea and vomiting or sedation from the small numbers of studies to date. Many relevant studies are currently underway or awaiting publication.
The geography of the Long-term Care Continuum production system by county

The objective of this dissertation is to examine the fundamental geographic patterns at play regarding the spatial distribution of specific Aging in Place (AIP) and Aging in Community (AIC) opportunities in the United States by county, focusing on the characteristics of the workforce that provide these services. Secondly, this research aims to determine what are the key determinants or predictor variables that best explain this spatial distribution. This examination will investigate the geographical link between Facility-Based Services (FBS) and Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS), and their relationship to the older adult population. It is hypothesized that certain socio-economic and demographic variables that gauge culture, social capital, and prosperity will be instrumental in describing the geographic inventory of the Long-Term Care workforce and that specific establishments and initiatives dedicated to the Continuum of Long-Term Care are disproportionately located and clustered in these geographic areas. Specifically, it is hypothesized that the geography of Facility-Based and Home and Community-Based Services will vary and access to Long-Term Care will be unequal. The analysis revealed that Long-Term Care employment and Continuum of Care establishments are not evenly distributed throughout the United States, greatly influencing an individual’s ability to Age in Community. Urban counties, with higher population densities and elevated levels of social capital provide more HCBS and innovative Long-Term Care Options. Access barriers are accentuated in rural and less affluent geographies, often making institutionalized Skilled Nursing Homes the only available form of care.
Prognostic value of COX‐2, P53, and EZH‐2 evaluated by quantitative image analysis in premalignant and malignant breast lesions

Cytological differential diagnosis of atypical hyperplasia and well differentiated breast carcinoma may be challenging, because sometimes there is an overlap between the cytomorphological features of these lesions. The aim of the study was to investigate COX‐2, EZH‐2, p53 expression in carcinomas and the gray zone of breast cytology categories of atypical hyperplastic lesions with regard to biological behavior of the tumor.
Changing conceptions of teaching in medical faculty

Background: The Association of American Medical Colleges and Howard Hughes Medical Institute have urged medical faculty to develop in themselves, and in their students, habits of critical professional inquiry, while stressing the importance of integrating formal learning with hands-on, practical experience. Aims: This study describes the impact of a year-long faculty development program on conceptions of teaching held by 16 faculty in a medical school affiliated with a large private Midwestern research university. Method: Using pre and post semi-structured interviews, researchers identified three conceptions of teaching – transmission, acquisition, and engagement – found in participants, comparing how participants’ conceptions changed by the end of the program. Results: Researchers found that 13 out of 16 (81%) faculty developed or maintained a more complex understanding of teaching by the end of the program. Conclusions: This study recommends that faculty developers (1) encourage their faculty to reflect substantially on what it means to teach – with the goal of assisting faculty to move beyond the idea of teaching as transmission or even as acquisition, to conceiving it as helping their students ask deep questions and make conceptual connections for themselves; (2) help faculty understand that developing a more complex understanding of teaching is as crucial to their professional development as developing their research and clinical skills; and (3) provide substantial opportunities for participants to explore teaching and learning as an evidence-based practice with colleagues and students.
Exploring Inter-Observer Differences in First-Person Object Views Using Deep Learning Models

Recent advances in wearable camera technology have led many cognitive psychologists to study the development of the human visual system by recording the field of view of infants and toddlers. Meanwhile, the vast success of deep learning in computer vision is driving researchers in both disciplines to aim to benefit from each other's understanding. Towards this goal, we set out to explore how deep learning models could be used to gain developmentally relevant insight from such first-person data. We consider a dataset of first-person videos from different people freely interacting with a set of toy objects, and train different object-recognition models based on each subject's view. We observe large inter-observer differences and find that subjects who created more diverse images of an object result in models that learn more robust object representations.
Crowdsourcing as a Novel Method to Evaluate Aesthetic Outcomes of Treatment for Unilateral Cleft Lip

Background: Lack of convenient and reliable methods to grade aesthetic outcomes limits the ability to study results and optimize treatment of unilateral cleft lip. Crowdsourcing methods solicit contributions from a large group to achieve a greater task. The authors hypothesized that crowdsourcing could be used to reliably grade aesthetic outcomes of unilateral cleft lip. Methods: Fifty deidentified photographs of 8- to 10-year-old subjects (46 with unilateral cleft lip and four controls) were assembled. Outcomes were assessed using multiple pairwise comparisons that produced a rank order (Elo rank) of nasal appearance and, on a separate survey, by Asher-McDade ratings. Both surveys were repeated to assess reliability. A group of expert surgeons repeated the same tasks on a smaller subset of photographs. Results: The authors obtained 2500 and 1900 anonymous, layperson evaluations by means of crowdsourcing on each Elo rank and Asher-McDade survey, respectively. Elo rank and Asher-McDade scores were highly reproducible (correlation coefficients, 0.87 and 0.98), and crowd evaluations agreed with those by expert surgeons (0.980 and 0.96 for Elo rank and Asher-McDade score, respectively). Crowdsourcing surveys were completed within 9 hours, whereas the expert surgeons required 3 months. On further analysis of their cleft subject sample set, the authors found that greater initial cleft severity was associated with worse aesthetic outcome. Conclusions: Outcomes assessed by crowds were reliable and correlated well with expert assessments. Crowdsourcing allows acquisition of massive numbers of layperson assessments on an unprecedented scale, and is a convenient, rapid, and reliable means of assessing aesthetic outcome of treatment for unilateral cleft lip. CLINICAL QUESTION/LEVEL OF EVIDENCE: Diagnostic, IV.
Morphologic, Immunohistochemical, Immunologic, Ultrastructural, and Time-Related Study of Herpes Simplex Virus Type 1–Infected Cultured Human Fibroblasts

Membrane glycoproteins of enveloped animal viruses are synthesized, processed, and transported inside infected cells. Expression of viral glycoproteins on the surface of viral particles and host cells are essential for many biologic functions. In the case of herpes simplex virus, the glycoprotein molecules may act as nucleation points for virus assembly and budding at the nuclear membrane. The temporal distribution of herpes simplex virus type 1 particles and glycoproteins in cultured human fibroblasts was studied by titration plaque assay, immunoblots, immunofluorescence light microscopy, and immunogold cryosection electron microscopy to describe the virus-cell interactions. These concordant analyses revealed significant release of infectious viral particles to the medium at 6 hours postinfection, that the capacity of the host cells to make infectious viral particles was complete at 18 hours postinfection, and that the infection brought time-related modifications of tubulin, cell morphology, and viral glycoproteins. The data presented is in accord with the theory of envelopment at the nuclear membranes containing immature glycoproteins followed by multiple deenvelopments and reenvelopments of the virus particles during the transport and maturation in the endoplasmic reticulum and the Golgi complex.