Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Eleven cases of angioedema with eosinophilia treated in a single hospital in Japan.

BACKGROUND Angioedema with eosinophilia (AE) is mostly reported in Japanese patients, and only as case reports. In this study, we aimed to determine how prevalent AE cases appear, the characteristic features and the course of AE, and to evaluate whether corticosteroid therapy for AE is necessary or not. METHODS The patients whose blood samples showed an eosinophil count of ≥2,000/μL, among the samples tested for blood cell counts and differential counts between January 2006 and December 2010, in Japanese Red Cross Medical Center, were firstly included. Among these, patients with AE were extracted. RESULTS All of the 11 patients were Japanese young females. One patient with arthralgia showed radioisotope accumulation in the joints by bone scintigraphy. The peak peripheral blood eosinophil count was 7,839 ± 6,008 (2,130-23,170)/μL after visiting our hospital. An increase in white blood cell count was only due to an increase in eosinophil count. Serum C-reactive protein and IgE levels remained almost normal. Peripheral blood eosinophil count decreased steadily for 8 weeks, regardless of corticosteroid use. Edema in all of the patients and arthralgia in 6 patients improved within 12 weeks. As far as followed, none of the patients had a recurrence of AE. CONCLUSIONS AE developed in Japanese young females and likely showed a single course. In AE, the count of eosinophil of 104/μL was observed. Only eosinophil count increased among leukocyte series. Serum C-reactive protein and IgE levels remained almost normal. The eosinophil count in AE patients will return to the normal level within 8 weeks even without corticosteroid therapy.
Typicality and emotion in the voice of children with autism spectrum condition: evidence across three languages

Only a few studies exist on automatic emotion analysis of speech from children with Autism Spectrum Conditions (ASC). Out of these, some preliminary studies have recently focused on comparing the relevance of selected prosodic features against large sets of acoustic, spectral, and cepstral features; however, no study so far provided a comparison of performances across different languages. The present contribution aims to fill this white spot in the literature and provide insight by extensive evaluations carried out on three databases of prompted phrases collected in English, Swedish, and Hebrew, inducing nine emotion categories embedded in short-stories. The datasets contain speech of children with ASC and typically developing children under the same conditions. We evaluate automatic diagnosis and recognition of emotions in atypical childrens voice over the nine categories including binary valence/arousal discrimination.
The Coupling Strategy Research of Urban Public Space and Traffic for Improving the Residents’ Low-Carbon Travel Accessibility: A Case Study of Hexi New City Central Area in Nanjing

Under the current model of advocating urban intensive development and updating built-up areas, promoting the coupling optimization of space and public transport in built-up areas is an important way to realize sustainable urban development. Apart from researching the space and accessibility of the central area in Hexi new city of Nanjing and analyzing problems from various aspects, i.e., urban land use, road network planning, bus station distribution, non-motorized traffic, and space and environment design, combining with the OD (Origin & Destination) survey, this paper further put forward the corresponding improvement strategy for the public space accessibility of different levels and optimized design of non-motorized traffic.
Effect of inulin supplementation of milk to prepare fermented biomilks

Actually, functional fermented milks have to exhibit multiple benefits for the health, associated to good organoleptic characteristics. These are strengthened by the addition of probiotics as well as certain soluble fibers, among which inulin. The aim of this work was the evaluation of the effect of inulin supplementation of milk basis on the production of probiotic fiber-enriched fermented milks. To this purpose, we investigated the kinetics of acidification of inulin supplementation of milk (0, 1, 2 and 4 g/100 g) throughout the fermentation, the probiotic survival, the post-acidification and the firmness of fermented fiber-enriched milks, stored at 4°C either for 24 h or after 7 days since their preparation. This work shows that the biomilk preparation is influenced either by the supplemented amount of inulin or by the co-culture composition. According to the selected co-culture, inulin addition to the milk influenced the kinetic parameters of acidification, the concentration of probiotics, the post-acidification and the firmness of fermented fiber-enriched milk.
The Dictyostelium bZIP transcription factor DimB regulates prestalk-specific gene expression

The ecmA gene is specifically expressed in prestalk cells and its transcription is induced by the chlorinated hexaphenone DIF-1. We have purified a novel bZIP transcription factor, DimB, by affinity chromatography on two spatially separated ecmA promoter fragments. Mutagenesis of the cap-site proximal DimB-binding site (the -510 site) greatly decreases ecmA expression in the pstO cells, which comprise the rear half of the prestalk zone, and also in the Anterior-Like Cells, which lie scattered throughout the prespore region. However, DimB is not essential for normal expression of the ecmA gene, instead it spatially limits its expression; ecmA is relatively highly expressed in the subset of prestalk cells that coats the prestalk zone, but in slugs of a DimB-null strain, ecmA is highly expressed throughout the prestalk zone. Because the -510 site is required for correct ecmA expression, we posit a separate activator protein that competes with DimB for binding to the -510 site. DimB rapidly accumulates in the nucleus when cells are exposed to DIF-1, and ChIP analysis shows that, in the presence of extracellular cAMP, DIF-1 causes DimB to associate with the ecmA promoter in vivo. Thus, DIF-1 regulates DimB activity to generate a gradient of ecmA expression in the prestalk zone of the slug.
Quality indicators in Ochroma pyramidale seeds from three sites in the Ecuadorian Amazon for reforestation in degraded areas

Ochroma pyramidale, is a species recognized for its economic and ecological importance, widely used in forest plantation programs. The aim of this work was to evaluate seed quality indicators of Ochroma pyramidale in three sites in the Amazon region of Ecuador for reforestation purpose in degraded areas. The results indicated that the seeds of the species in the three study sites are of good quality, expressed through the germinative capacity, germination energy, useful value and germinative vigor, although in San Juan they presented higher values as a reflection of their vitality and exuberant nature.
Sexual behavioral abstine HIV/AIDS questionnaire: Validation study of an Iranian questionnaire

Background: This study was designed to assess the validity and reliability of the designed sexual, behavioral abstinence, and avoidance of high-risk situation questionnaire (SBAHAQ), with an aim to construct an appropriate development tool in the Iranian population. Materials and Methods: A descriptive–analytic study was conducted among female undergraduate students of Tehran University, who were selected through cluster random sampling. After reviewing the questionnaires and investigating face and content validity, internal consistency of the questionnaire was assessed by Cronbach's alpha. Explanatory and confirmatory factor analysis was conducted using SPSS and AMOS 16 Software, respectively. Results: The sample consisted of 348 female university students with a mean age of 20.69 ± 1.63 years. The content validity ratio (CVR) coefficient was 0.85 and the reliability of each section of the questionnaire was as follows: Perceived benefit (PB; 0.87), behavioral intention (BI; 0.77), and self-efficacy (SE; 0.85) (Cronbach's alpha totally was 0.83). Explanatory factor analysis showed three factors, including SE, PB, and BI, with the total variance of 61% and Kaiser–Meyer–Olkin (KMO) index of 88%. These factors were also confirmed by confirmatory factor analysis [adjusted goodness of fitness index (AGFI) = 0.939, root mean square error of approximation (RMSEA) = 0.039]. Conclusion: This study showed the designed questionnaire provided adequate construct validity and reliability, and could be adequately used to measure sexual abstinence and avoidance of high-risk situations among female students.
ON YOUNG TOWERS ASSOCIATED WITH INFINITE MEASURE PRESERVING TRANSFORMATIONS

For a σ-finite measure preserving dynamical system (X, μ, T), we formulate necessary and sufficient conditions for a Young tower (Δ, ν, F) to be a (measure theoretic) extension of the original system. Because F is pointwise dual ergodic by construction, one immediate consequence of these conditions is that the Darling–Kac theorem carries over from F to T. One advantage of the Darling–Kac theorem in terms of Young towers is that sufficient conditions can be read off from the tail behavior and we illustrate this with relevant examples. Furthermore, any two Young towers with a common factor T, have return time distributions with tails of the same order.
Pre-formulation studies of resveratrol

Abstract Context: Resveratrol, a natural compound found in grapes, has potential chemotherapy effects but very low oral bioavailability in humans. Objective: To evaluate the solubility, pH stability profile, plasma protein binding (PPB) and stability in plasma for resveratrol. Methods: Solubility of resveratrol was measured in 10 common solvents at 25 °C using HPLC. The solution state pH stability of resveratrol was assessed in various United States Pharmacopeia buffers ranging from pH 2 to 10 for 24 h at 37 °C. Samples were analyzed up to 24 h. Human PPB was determined using ultracentrifugation technique. Standard solutions of drug were spiked to blank human plasma to yield final concentrations of 5, 12.5 or 25 μg/mL for determination. Finally, stability of resveratrol in human and rat plasma was also assessed at 37 °C. Aliquots of blank plasma were spiked with a standard drug concentration to yield final plasma concentration of 50 μg/mL. Samples were analyzed for resveratrol concentration up to 96 h. Results: Resveratrol has wide solubility ranging from 0.05 mg/mL in water to 374 mg/mL in polyethylene glycol 400 (PEG-400). Resveratrol is relatively stable above pH 6 and has maximum degradation at pH 9. The mean PPB of resveratrol is 98.3%. Resveratrol degrades in human and rat plasma in a first-order process with mean half lives of 54 and 25 h, respectively. Conclusion: Resveratrol is more soluble in alcohol and PEG-400 and stable in acidic pH. It binds highly to plasma proteins and degrades slower in human then rat plasma.
One step ahead: a parasitoid disperses farther and forms a wider geographic population than its fig wasp host

The structure of populations across landscapes influences the dynamics of their interactions with other species. Understanding the geographic structure of populations can thus shed light on the potential for interacting species to co‐evolve. Host–parasitoid interactions are widespread in nature and also represent a significant force in the evolution of plant–insect interactions. However, there have been few comparisons of population structure between an insect host and its parasitoid. We used microsatellite markers to analyse the population genetic structure of Pleistodontes imperialis sp. 1, a fig‐pollinating wasp of Port Jackson fig (Ficus rubiginosa), and its main parasitoid, Sycoscapter sp. A, in eastern Australia. Besides exploring this host–parasitoid system, our study also constitutes, to our knowledge, the first study of population structure in a nonpollinating fig wasp species. We collected matched samples of pollinators and parasitoids at several sites in two regions separated by up to 2000 km. We found that pollinators occupying the two regions represent distinct populations, but, in contrast, parasitoids formed a single population across the wide geographic range sampled. We observed genetic isolation by distance for each species, but found consistently lower FST and RST values between sites for parasitoids compared with pollinators. Previous studies have indicated that pollinators of monoecious figs can disperse over very long distances, and we provide the first genetic evidence that their parasitoids may disperse as far, if not farther. The contrasting geographic population structures of host and parasitoid highlight the potential for geographic mosaics in this important symbiotic system.
On the Effectiveness of Vibration-based Energy Harvesting

There has been a significant increase in the research on vibration-based energy harvesting in recent years. Most research is focused on a particular technology, and it is often difficult to compare widely differing designs and approaches to vibration-based energy harvesting. The aim of this study is to provide a general theory that can be used to compare different approaches and designs for vibration-based generators. Estimates of maximum theoretical power density based on a range of commonly occurring vibrations, measured by the author, are presented. Estimates range from 0.5 to 100mW/cm 3for vibrations in the range of 1–10 m/s 2at 50–350 Hz. The theory indicates that, in addition to the parameters of the input vibrations, power output depends on the system coupling coefficient, the quality factor of the device, the mass density of the generator, and the degree to which the electrical load maximizes power transmission. An expression for effectiveness that incorporates all of these factors is developed. The general theory is applied to electromagnetic, piezoelectric, magnetostrictive, and electrostatic transducer technologies. Finally, predictions from the general theory are compared to experimental results from two piezoelectric vibration generator designs.
The monocyte chemokine receptor CX3CR1 does not play a significant role in the pathogenesis of experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis.

PURPOSE To examine the role of the monocyte chemokine receptor CX(3)CR1 in experimental autoimmune uveoretinitis (EAU). METHODS EAU was induced in naive WT, Cx(3)cr1(gfp/+), and Cx(3)cr1(gfp/gfp) C57Bl/6 mice or chimeric mice. Ocular disease severity was graded by histologic analysis of resin sections. In addition, immunohistochemistry and confocal microscopy were performed on retinal whole mounts to characterize the monocytic infiltrate and changes in retinal microglia. To determine the relative roles of resident and blood-borne monocyte-derived cells in the active phase of uveoretinitis, EAU was induced 4 weeks after transplantation in chimeric mice (Cx(3)cr1(gfp/gfp)→WT and Cx(3)cr1(gfp/+)→WT), and analysis was performed at days 14, 16, 21, and 28 after immunization. RESULTS After EAU induction, disease scores were not significantly different in WT, Cx(3)cr1(gfp/+), and Cx(3)cr1(gfp/gfp) mice. Chimeric studies revealed both donor- and host-derived monocyte-derived cells in the inner retinal layers during early EAU; however, it was donor monocytic cells that infiltrated the photoreceptors, the site of the target antigen. The absence of CX(3)CR1 did not impede the ability of monocyte-derived cells from Cx(3)cr1(gfp/gfp) donor mice to infiltrate during the peak of EAU. CONCLUSIONS The lack of CX(3)CR1 on monocyte-derived cells does not significantly influence the onset or severity of EAU. In addition, chimeric studies revealed that it is primarily blood-derived monocytes that mediate photoreceptor damage in the effector phase of EAU, and this process is not CX(3)CR1 dependent.
Therapeutic drug monitoring as a tool in treating HIV infection.

Despite its success antiretroviral therapy (ART) is still associated with a significant risk of toxicity and subsequent virological failure. Pending the introduction of drugs with greater potency and durability one of the most pressing priorities in HIV treatment is to identify ways in which to maximize the efficacy of existing therapeutic options while minimizing its toxicity. Resistance testing has been shown to be one such strategy. Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) for HIV drugs has been widely proposed as another tool by which treatment may be optimized. There are some parallels with resistance testing not least the potential difficulties or pitfalls in interpreting test results and the understandable pressure for provision of this service in the face of increasingly limited treatment options notwithstanding the current lack of data from controlled clinical studies. In this reviews we shall discuss the value of TDM in the context of a ‘monitoring service (in other words drug concentrations are provided in conjunction with interpretation and advice) rather than a facility for ‘measuring drug concentrations. This distinction is important since the interpretation of drug concentrations is fraught with complexity. (excerpt)
Hyperhaemolysis syndrome treated with corticosteroids and darbopoietin in a patient with mantle cell lymphoma

Dear Sir, Delayed haemolytic transfusion reaction hyperhaemolysis (DHTR/H) syndrome is a potentially life-threatening condition where there is breakdown of both allogeneic and autologous red cells following a red blood cell transfusion. This causes a drop in haemoglobin to levels below pre-transfusion concentrations associated with a rise in the biochemical markers of haemolysis in the context of a DHTR. This phenomenon was first recognised in patients with sickle cell disease and is often associated with fever and pain (Petz et al., 1997). Only a proportion of patients develop a positive direct antiglobulin test (DAT) and it is rare to detect new alloantibodies. This, together with the fact that many patients who develop DHTR/H have a paradoxical reticulocytopenia, suggests that there may be multiple pathogenic mechanisms for DHTR/H including bystander haemolysis (epitope spreading), contact lysis of red cells by activated macrophages and suppression of erythropoiesis (Win et al., 2008). DHTR/H is well recognised in patients requiring recurrent transfusion for haemoglobin disorders such as sickle cell disease and thalassaemia; it has also been described in patients with lymphoproliferative disorders (Win et al., 2005). In this report, we describe the diagnosis and subsequent management of DHTR/H in a patient with mantle cell lymphoma. Our patient was diagnosed with mantle cell lymphoma at the age of 80 years following a gastric biopsy for the investigation of haematemesis. At that time, he had a large mass affecting the body and antrum of the stomach, 17·5 cm splenomegaly but no bone marrow involvement. Of note, he had a history of massive transfusion (25 U of packed red cells) following a complicated prostatectomy. Over the next 4 years, his lymphoma was controlled by combinations of chlorambucil, fludarabine, rituximab, R-CVP (rituximab, cyclophosphamide, vincristine, prednisolone) and PEP-C (prednisone, etoposide, procarbazine, cyclophosphamide) chemotherapy. He underwent a diagnostic tonsillectomy and local radiotherapy for tonsillar relapses. A gastrointestinal bleed secondary to gastric relapse was treated palliatively with local radiotherapy. Unfortunately, by this time he had developed multiple red cell alloantibodies (anti-Fya, -E, -Cw, -S) making transfusion problematic. Five years after the initial diagnosis, the patient represented with a pancytopenia (haemoglobin 77 g L−1, white
Genital tuberculosis: Comparative study of the diagnostic modalities

BACKGROUND: Genital tuberculosis (GTB) is one of the major causes for severe tubal disease leading to infertility. Unlike pulmonary tuberculosis (TB), the clinical diagnosis of GTB is difficult because in the majority of cases the disease is either asymptomatic or has varied clinical presentation. Routine laboratory tests are of little value in the diagnosis. The objective of this study was to compare the modalities of polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique, acid fast bacilli (AFB) culture and AFB staining. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The women visiting in vitro fertility center during December 2012 and May 2013 were included in this study. A total of 227 aseptically collected endometrial tissue samples were processed. AFB staining, AFB culture and PCR were carried out using standard procedures. RESULT: Out of 227 patients suspected of GTB, 133 were found to be positive either by AFB smear microscopy, culture or PCR. Out of 133 samples, two samples (1.5%) were found to be positive by all three methods, i.e. microscopy, culture and PCR, 11 (4.8%) were found to be positive by both PCR and culture, whereas 126 (86%) samples were found to be positive only by PCR. The PCR has failed to detect seven cases that were positive by conventional culture method. CONCLUSION: Our study showed that the conventional methods of diagnosis like microscopy and culture are less sensitive when compared with PCR. PCR also helped in early diagnosis of infection. However simultaneously, false negative results were an important limitation of this method. PCR negative samples were found to be positive by culture methods. Deoxyribose nucleic acid PCR is not reliable for TB due to false positive or negative result. Thus, we suggest both culture and PCR as important diagnostic methods for detection of GTB.
The pulmonary physician in critical care c 13: The pulmonary circulation and right ventricular failure in the ITU

The management of severe pulmonary hypertension associated with right ventricular failure is reviewed and its relevance to adults with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) is discussed. eventy four subjects with moderate to severe asthma were randomised to either standard manage- ment according to BTS guidelines or to “sputum management” where patients were given escalat-ing doses of corticosteroids and leukotriene antagonists in order to bring the eosinophil counts in their induced sputum to the target level of 1–3% or their exhaled NO level to <8 ppb. There were 109 exacerbations in the BTS management group compared with 35 in the sputum management group (p=0.01), and signiﬁcantly fewer courses of oral steroids (p=0.008) and admissions (p=0.047) were required in the latter group over 1 year. It is possible that treatment for asthma targeted at controlling airway inﬂammatory markers, particularly sputum eosinophils, might be more effective at reducing exacerbations than treatment based on traditional assessments of symptoms, peak ﬂow, and the use of inhaled b 2 agonists.
Scattering matrices and Weyl functions

For a scattering system {AΘ, A0} consisting of self‐adjoint extensions AΘ and A0 of a symmetric operator A with finite deficiency indices, the scattering matrix {SΘ(λ)} and a spectral shift function ξΘ are calculated in terms of the Weyl function associated with a boundary triplet for A*, and a simple proof of the Krein–Birman formula is given. The results are applied to singular Sturm–Liouville operators with scalar and matrix potentials, to Dirac operators and to Schrödinger operators with point interactions.