Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Sexual dysfunction

Background: Leukosialin (CD43) membrane expression decreases during neutrophil apoptosis but CD43 is neither proteolysed nor internalized. We thus wondered whether it could be shed on bleb-derived membrane vesicles. Methods: Membrane blebbing is a transient event, hardly appreciated during asynchronous spontaneous apoptosis of neutrophils. Cell pre-synchronization at 15°C allowed to observe numerous blebbing neutrophils for a short 1-hour period at 37°C. Blebs detaching from the cell body were observed by time-lapse fluorescence microscopy and the release of bleb-derived vesicles was followed by flow cytometry. Results: CD43 down-regulation co-occurred with the blebbing stage and phosphatidylserine externalization, shortly after mitochondria depolarization and before nuclear condensation. Phosphatidylserine externalization required caspases and PKC but not the myosin light chain kinase MLCK. By contrast, bleb formation and release was caspase and PKC-independent but required an active MLCK, while CD43 down-regulation involved caspases but neither PKC nor MLCK. CD43 appeared mostly excluded from membrane blebs by electron microscopy. Thus, CD43 down-regulation does not result from the release of bleb-derived vesicles. Ultra centrifugation of apoptotic cells supernatant allowed to recover <1 micron microparticles, which contained the entire CD43 molecule.These microparticles expressed neutrophil membrane markers such as CD11b, CD66b and CD63, together with CD43. Conclusion: Blebbing, phosphatidylserine externalization and CD43 down-regulation result from different signaling pathways and can occur independently from one another. CD43 downregulation results from the shedding of microparticles released during apoptosis but unrelated to the blebbing.
The effects of adolescent methamphetamine exposure

Methamphetamine use among adolescents is a significant social and public health concern. Despite increased awareness of methamphetamine use among younger people, relatively little research has examined the effects of adolescent methamphetamine use compared to adult use. Thus, much remains to be learned about how methamphetamine alters adolescent brain function and behavior. In this article we review recent trends in adolescent methamphetamine use and data examining the effects of adolescent methamphetamine use on the dopaminergic system and behavior in humans and animal models. Future research is warranted to expand our understanding of the effects of adolescent methamphetamine exposure and how those effects differ from those seen in adults.
Epidural Injections for Lumbar Radiculopathy and Spinal Stenosis: A Comparative Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND The prevalence of chronic low back pain and related disability is rapidly increasing as are the myriad treatments, including epidural injections. Even though epidural injections are one of the most commonly performed procedures in managing low back and lower extremity pain, starting in 1901 with local anesthetic alone, conflicting recommendations have been provided, despite the extensive literature. Recently Chou et al performed a technology assessment review for Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (AHRQ) part of which was published in Annals of Internal Medicine showing lack of effectiveness of epidural steroid injections in managing lumbar radiculopathy and spinal stenosis. In contrast, multiple other publications have supported the efficacy and use of epidural injections. PURPOSE To assess the efficacy of 3 categories of epidural injections for lumbar and spinal stenosis: performed with saline with steroids, local anesthetic alone, or steroids with local anesthetic and separate facts from opinions. DATA SOURCES PubMed, Cochrane Library, US National Guideline Clearinghouse, prior systematic reviews, and reference lists. The literature search was performed through August 2015. STUDY SELECTION Randomized trials, either placebo or active control, of epidural injections for lumbar radiculopathy and spinal stenosis. DATA EXTRACTION Data extraction and methodological quality assessment were performed utilizing Cochrane review methodologic quality assessment and Interventional Pain Management Techniques - Quality Appraisal of Reliability and Risk of Bias Assessment (IPM-QRB). Evidence was summarized utilizing principles of best evidence synthesis. DATA SYNTHESIS Thirty-nine randomized controlled trials met inclusion criteria. There were 9 placebo-controlled trials evaluating epidural corticosteroid injections, either with sodium chloride solution or bupivacaine, compared to placebo injections. There were 12 studies comparing local anesthetic alone to local anesthetic with steroid. RESULTS A meta-analysis of 5 studies utilizing sodium chloride or bupivacaine with steroid showed a lack of efficacy.A comparison of lidocaine to lidocaine with steroids in 7 studies showed significant effectiveness from baseline to long-term follow-up periods. Meta-analysis showed a similar effectiveness for pain and function without non-inferiority of lidocaine compared to lidocaine with steroid at 3 months and 12 months. LIMITATIONS The review was restricted to the data available with at least 3 months of follow-up, which excluded some studies. The inclusion criteria were restricted to English language studies. CONCLUSION Epidural corticosteroid injections for radiculopathy or spinal stenosis with sodium chloride solution or bupivacaine were shown to be ineffective. Lidocaine alone or lidocaine in conjunction with steroids were significantly effective.
Adaptive synchronization and channel parameter estimation using an extended Kalman filter

Unified modeling and estimation of the MD (multiplicative distortion) in finite-alphabet digital communication systems is presented. A simple form of MD is the carrier phase exp(j theta ), which has to be estimated and compensated for in a coherent receiver. A more general case with fading must, however, allow for amplitude as well as phase variations of the MD. The authors assume a state-variable model for the MD and generally obtain a nonlinear estimation problem with additional randomly varying system parameters such as received signal power, frequency offset, and Doppler spread. An extended Kalman filter is then applied as a near-optimal solution to the adaptive MD and channel parameter estimation problem. Examples are given to show the use and some advantages of this scheme. >
Adverse effects of public health interventions: a conceptual framework

Public health interventions may have a range of adverse effects. However, there is limited guidance as to how evaluations should address the possibility of adverse effects. This discussion paper briefly presents a framework for thinking about the potential harms of public health interventions, focusing on the following categories: direct harms; psychological harms; equity harms; group and social harms; and opportunity harms. We conclude that the possibility of adverse effects needs to be taken into account by those implementing and evaluating interventions, and requires a broad perspective on the potential impacts of public health strategies.
Urban Air Pollution Monitoring Using Wireless Sensor Networks: A Comprehensive Review

Air pollution is evolving as a severe environmental concern due to its enormous impact on the well being of the people, universal environment and also on the global economy. Conventional air pollution systems are not able to provide air pollution data of high spatiotemporal resolution due to non-scalability and limited data availability. With the advances in the areas of Micro Electro Mechanical Sensor (MEMS) and Wireless Sensor Network (WSN), the researchers had implemented various state-of-the-art air pollution monitoring systems with better and efficient results. A comprehensive review of continuous air pollution surveillance of both indoor and outdoor pollution by employing WSN was presented. In the proposed paper attempts to provide the details related to the existing methods for measuring major air pollutants like CO2, CO, O3, SO2, VOC and Particulate Matter (PM). It presents the various methods, algorithms and dedicated network designs in air pollution monitoring which are useful for generating new solutions to improve the performance through WSN. A comprehensive and detailed review of the existing methods of Air Quality Monitoring systems using WSN was done along with their comparisons
Structural and functional insights into human Tudor-SN, a key component linking RNA interference and editing

Human Tudor-SN is involved in the degradation of hyper-edited inosine-containing microRNA precursors, thus linking the pathways of RNA interference and editing. Tudor-SN contains four tandem repeats of staphylococcal nuclease-like domains (SN1–SN4) followed by a tudor and C-terminal SN domain (SN5). Here, we showed that Tudor-SN requires tandem repeats of SN domains for its RNA binding and cleavage activity. The crystal structure of a 64-kD truncated form of human Tudor-SN further shows that the four domains, SN3, SN4, tudor and SN5, assemble into a crescent-shaped structure. A concave basic surface formed jointly by SN3 and SN4 domains is likely involved in RNA binding, where citrate ions are bound at the putative RNase active sites. Additional modeling studies provide a structural basis for Tudor-SN's preference in cleaving RNA containing multiple I·U wobble-paired sequences. Collectively, these results suggest that tandem repeats of SN domains in Tudor-SN function as a clamp to capture RNA substrates.
On Optimal Online Algorithms for Energy Harvesting Systems With Continuous Energy and Data Arrivals

Energy harvesting (EH) has been developed to extend the lifetimes of energy-limited communication systems. In this letter, we consider a single-user EH communication system, in which both of the arrival data and the harvested energy curves are modeled as general functions. Unlike most of the works in the field, we investigate the online algorithms which only acquire the causal information of the arrival data and the harvested energy processes. We study how well the optimal online algorithm works compared with the optimal offline algorithm, and thus our goal is to find the lower and upper bounds for the ratio of the completion time in the optimal online algorithm to the optimal offline algorithm. We propose two online algorithms which achieve the upper bound of 2 on this ratio. Also, we show that this ratio is 2 for the optimal online algorithm.
Analytical outage probability for max-based schedulers in delay-constrained applications

The calculation of exact outage probabilities in delay-constrained multiuser-systems has been an unsolved problem. This paper introduces an analytical method to calculate the probability of an outage for max-based schedulers, which take a scheduling decision by choosing the user with an associated maximum metric. While this analysis is, therefore, suited for purely opportunistic scheduling, it is also suited for proportional fair scheduling, the arguably most important scheme in today's wireless systems. The approach presented in this paper does not restrict key system properties in any way: it can be applied to an arbitrary number of users with arbitrary channel statistics and arbitrary delay constraints. In order to prove the practicability, the outage probability is calculated for opportunistic and proportional fair scheduling scenarios, and it is shown to perfectly match the results of extensive numerical simulations. Furthermore, the most important practical implementation issues are discussed, and a new and highly useful interpretation of the maximum order statistic of i.n. i.d. (independent non-identically distributed) random variables is introduced.
Learning a Neural Semantic Parser from User Feedback

We present an approach to rapidly and easily build natural language interfaces to databases for new domains, whose performance improves over time based on user feedback, and requires minimal intervention. To achieve this, we adapt neural sequence models to map utterances directly to SQL with its full expressivity, bypassing any intermediate meaning representations. These models are immediately deployed online to solicit feedback from real users to flag incorrect queries. Finally, the popularity of SQL facilitates gathering annotations for incorrect predictions using the crowd, which is directly used to improve our models. This complete feedback loop, without intermediate representations or database specific engineering, opens up new ways of building high quality semantic parsers. Experiments suggest that this approach can be deployed quickly for any new target domain, as we show by learning a semantic parser for an online academic database from scratch.
Face verification across age progression

Human faces undergo considerable amount of variations with aging. While studies have revealed the extent to which factors such as illumination variations, pose variations, facial expression and occlusions affect face recognition, the role of natural factors such as aging effects in affecting the same are yet to be studied. How does age progression affect the similarity between two images of an individual? What is the confidence associated with establishing the identity between two age separated face images of an individual? On a database of pairs of passport images, we study similarity of faces as a function time. We propose a Bayesian age-difference classifier that is built on a probabilistic eigenspaces framework. Since age separated face images invariably differ in illumination and have facial variations due to aging, we propose a method to overcome non uniform illumination across face images. The problem discussed in this paper has direct applications in passport renewal and homeland security.
Eradication of hepatitis C virus and non‐liver‐related non–acquired immune deficiency syndrome–related events in human immunodeficiency virus/hepatitis C virus coinfection

We assessed non‐liver‐related non–acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS)‐related (NLR‐NAR) events and mortality in a cohort of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)/hepatitis C virus (HCV)–coinfected patients treated with interferon (IFN) and ribavirin (RBV), between 2000 and 2008. The censoring date was May 31, 2014. Cox regression analysis was performed to assess the adjusted hazard rate (HR) of overall death in responders and nonresponders. Fine and Gray regression analysis was conducted to determine the adjusted subhazard rate (sHR) of NLR deaths and NLR‐NAR events considering death as the competing risk. The NLR‐NAR events analyzed included diabetes mellitus, chronic renal failure, cardiovascular events, NLR‐NAR cancer, bone events, and non‐AIDS‐related infections. The variables for adjustment were age, sex, past AIDS, HIV transmission category, nadir CD4+ T‐cell count, antiretroviral therapy, HIV RNA, liver fibrosis, HCV genotype, and exposure to specific anti‐HIV drugs. Of the 1,625 patients included, 592 (36%) had a sustained viral response (SVR). After a median 5‐year follow‐up, SVR was found to be associated with a significant decrease in the hazard of diabetes mellitus (sHR, 0.57; 95% confidence interval [CI], 0.35‐0.93; P = 0.024) and decline in the hazard of chronic renal failure close to the threshold of significance (sHR, 0.43; 95% CI, 0.17‐1.09; P = 0.075). Conclusion: Our data suggest that eradication of HCV in coinfected patients is associated not only with a reduction in the frequency of death, HIV progression, and liver‐related events, but also with a reduced hazard of diabetes mellitus and possibly of chronic renal failure. These findings argue for the prescription of HCV therapy in coinfected patients regardless of fibrosis stage. (Hepatology 2017;66:344–356).
Intradialytic administration of daptomycin in end stage renal disease patients on hemodialysis.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Infusion of intravenous antibiotics after hemodialysis (HD) may delay initiation of treatment for the next HD shift. Intradialytic administration of drugs such as vancomycin during the final hour of HD obviates these delays. Daptomycin has potent activity against Gram-positive bacteria, but the manufacturer recommends that the dose be infused after HD ends. This study determined the pharmacokinetics of intradialytically dosed daptomycin in patients with ESRD. DESIGN, SETTING, PARTICIPANTS, & MEASUREMENTS This prospective crossover study compared single-dose daptomycin (6 mg/kg, 30-min intravenous infusion) pharmacokinetics administered after HD versus during the last part of HD with high-permeability (HP) and low-permeability (LP) dialyzers to seven patients who had ESRD and were on thrice-weekly HD. Serial blood samples were collected to determine daptomycin serum concentrations and protein binding. Statistical analysis was done using linear mixed model analysis. RESULTS The maximum serum concentration observed with a 6 mg/kg post-HD dose was 61.1 +/- 7.6 microg/ml with a mean protein binding of 89.2%. Intradialytic daptomycin administration resulted in reduced maximum serum concentration and area under the curve values that were approximately 12 to 20% lower when administered during HD with LP dialyzers and approximately 35% lower with HP dialyzers. CONCLUSIONS Intradialytic daptomycin administration during the last 30 min of HD is feasible, provided that larger dosages are used to compensate for intradialytic drug loss. On the basis of our findings, intradialytic doses of approximately 7 mg/kg (LP) or approximately 9 mg/kg (HP) theoretically should be bioequivalent to 6 mg/kg infused after HD. The calculated dosages are mathematically driven and must be validated in prospective clinical trials.
More precisely biased: increasing the number of markers is not a silver bullet in genetic bottleneck testing

In response to our review of the use of genetic bottleneck tests in the conservation literature (Peery et al. 2012, Molecular Ecology, 21, 3403–3418), Hoban et al. (2013, Molecular Ecology, in press) conducted population genetic simulations to show that the statistical power of genetic bottleneck tests can be increased substantially by sampling large numbers of microsatellite loci, as they suggest is now possible in the age of genomics. While we agree with Hoban and co‐workers in principle, sampling large numbers of microsatellite loci can dramatically increase the probability of committing type 1 errors (i.e. detecting a bottleneck in a stable population) when the mutation model is incorrectly assumed. Using conservative values for mutation model parameters can reduce the probability of committing type 1 errors, but doing so can result in significant losses in statistical power. Moreover, we believe that practical limitations associated with developing large numbers of high‐quality microsatellite loci continue to constrain sample sizes, a belief supported by a literature review of recent studies using next generation sequencing methods to develop microsatellite libraries. conclusion, we maintain that researchers employing genetic bottleneck tests should proceed with caution and carefully assess both statistical power and type 1 error rates associated with their study design.
Hemiparetic Gait Parameters in Overground Versus Treadmill Walking

Objective: Hemiparetic gait is characterized by high stride-cycle variability, di minished stance time, single-limb stance time, and stance/swing ratio in the paretic limb. Recent studies suggest treadmill (TM) training may improve the motor control underlying these variables, but supporting evidence is sparse. Methods: This study compared gait patterns of untrained chronic hemiparetic stroke patients (n = 18; mean, 39.5 months poststroke) during overground (OG) and TM walking at matched velocities. Variables included relative stance time, relative single-limb stance time, stance/swing ratio, peak force, and impulse. Within-subject variability of these meas ures (CV) was used to assess gait pattern stability. Results: OG and TM cycle dura tions were similar, but CVs differed (TM < OG, p < 0.05). In the paretic limb, dif ferences were seen in relative stance time, relative single-limb stance time, and stance/swing ratio, respectively (TM > OG, p < 0.05). These variables decreased in the nonparetic limb during TM walking (p < 0.05 for all). Improved interlimb sym metry and coordination were evidenced by decreased between-limb differences and improved relative temporal phasing, respectively, in the TM condition (p < 0.05). Conclusions: Collectively, these results demonstrate that the TM induces an imme diate alteration toward a more consistent and symmetric gait pattern. Further inves tigation is needed to determine whether TM training leads to motor relearning and neuroplasticity in chronic hemiparetic subjects. Key Words: Stroke—Rehabilitation— Hemiparetic gait-Treadmill-Gait symmetry.
Comparative Proteomic Analysis Provides insight into the Key Proteins as Possible Targets Involved in Aspirin Inhibiting Biofilm Formation of Staphylococcus xylosus

Staphylococcus xylosus is an opportunistic pathogen that causes infection in humans and cow mastitis. And S. xylosus possesses a strong ability to form biofilms in vitro. As biofilm formation facilitates resistance to antimicrobial agents, the discovery of new medicinal properties for classic drugs is highly desired. Aspirin, which is the most common active component of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory compounds, affects the biofilm-forming capacity of various bacterial species. We have found that aspirin effectively inhibits biofilm formation of S. xylosus by Crystal violet (CV) staining and scanning electron microscopy analyses. The present study sought to elucidate possible targets of aspirin in suppressing S. xylosus biofilm formation. Based on an isobaric tag for relative and absolute quantitation (iTRAQ) fold-change of >1.2 or <0.8 (P-value < 0.05), 178 differentially expressed proteins, 111 down-regulated and 67 up-regulated, were identified after application of aspirin to cells at a 1/2 minimal inhibitory concentration. Gene ontology analysis indicated enrichment in metabolic processes for the majority of the differentially expressed proteins. We then used the Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway database to analyze a large number of differentially expressed proteins and identified genes involved in biosynthesis of amino acids pathway, carbon metabolism (pentose phosphate and glycolytic pathways, tricarboxylic acid cycle) and nitrogen metabolism (histidine metabolism). These novel proteins represent candidate targets in aspirin-mediated inhibition of S. xylosus biofilm formation at sub-MIC levels. The findings lay the foundation for further studies to identify potential aspirin targets.