Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Cancer Incidence following Expansion of HIV Treatment in Botswana

Background The expansion of combination antiretroviral treatment (ART) in southern Africa has dramatically reduced mortality due to AIDS-related infections, but the impact of ART on cancer incidence in the region is unknown. We sought to describe trends in cancer incidence in Botswana during implementation of the first public ART program in Africa. Methods We included 8479 incident cases from the Botswana National Cancer Registry during a period of significant ART expansion in Botswana, 2003–2008, when ART coverage increased from 7.3% to 82.3%. We fit Poisson models of age-adjusted cancer incidence and counts in the total population, and in an inverse probability weighted population with known HIV status, over time and estimated ART coverage. Findings During this period 61.6% of cancers were diagnosed in HIV-infected individuals and 45.4% of all cancers in men and 36.4% of all cancers in women were attributable to HIV. Age-adjusted cancer incidence decreased in the HIV infected population by 8.3% per year (95% CI -14.1 to -2.1%). However, with a progressively larger and older HIV population the annual number of cancers diagnosed remained constant (0.0% annually, 95% CI -4.3 to +4.6%). In the overall population, incidence of Kaposi’s sarcoma decreased (4.6% annually, 95% CI -6.9 to -2.2), but incidence of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (+11.5% annually, 95% CI +6.3 to +17.0%) and HPV-associated cancers increased (+3.9% annually, 95% CI +1.4 to +6.5%). Age-adjusted cancer incidence among individuals without HIV increased 7.5% per year (95% CI +1.4 to +15.2%). Interpretation Expansion of ART in Botswana was associated with decreased age-specific cancer risk. However, an expanding and aging population contributed to continued high numbers of incident cancers in the HIV population. Increased capacity for early detection and treatment of HIV-associated cancer needs to be a new priority for programs in Africa.
Mind/body techniques for physiological and psychological stress reduction: stress management via Tai Chi training - a pilot study.

BACKGROUND Stress can affect health. There is a growing need for the evaluation and application of professional stress management options, i.e, stress reduction. Mind/body medicine serves this goal, e.g, by integrating self-care techniques into medicine and health care. Tai Chi (TC) can be classified as such a mind/body technique, potentially reducing stress and affecting physical as well as mental health parameters, which, however, has to be examined further. MATERIAL/METHODS We conducted a prospective, longitudinal pilot study over 18 weeks for the evaluation of subjective and objective clinical effects of a Yang style TC intervention in young adults (beginners) by measuring physiological (blood pressure, heart rate, saliva cortisol) and psychological (SF-36, perceived stress, significant events) parameters, i.e, direct or indirect indicators of stress and stress reduction, in a non-randomised/-controlled, yet non-selected cohort (n=21) by pre-to-post comparison and in follow-up. SF-36 values were also compared with the age-adjusted norm population, serving as an external control. Additionally, we measured diurnal cortisol profiles in a cross-sectional sub-study (n=2+2, pre-to-post), providing an internal random control sub-sample. RESULTS Only nine participants completed all measurements. Even so, we found significant (p<0.05) reductions of saliva cortisol (post and follow-up), which seems to be an indicator of general stress reduction. A significant decrease in perceived mental stress (post) proved even highly significant (p<0.01) in the follow-up, whereas physical stress perception declined to a much lesser degree. Significant improvements were also detected for the SF-36 dimensions general health perception, social functioning, vitality, and mental health/psychological well-being. Thus, the summarized mental health measures all clearly improved, pointing towards a predominantly psychological impact of TC. CONCLUSIONS Subjective health increased, stress decreased (objectively and subjectively) during TC practice. Future studies should confirm this observation by rigorous methodology and by further combining physical and psychological measurements with basic research, thereby also gaining knowledge of autoregulation and molecular physiology that possibly underlies mind/body medicine.
A behavioral Bayes method to determine the sample size of a clinical trial considering efficacy and safety

It is necessary for the calculation of sample size to achieve the best balance between the cost of a clinical trial and the possible benefits from a new treatment. Gittins and Pezeshk developed an innovative (behavioral Bayes) approach, which assumes that the number of users is an increasing function of the difference in performance between the new treatment and the standard treatment. The better a new treatment, the more the number of patients who want to switch to it. The optimal sample size is calculated in this framework. This BeBay approach takes account of three decision‐makers, a pharmaceutical company, the health authority and medical advisers. Kikuchi, Pezeshk and Gittins generalized this approach by introducing a logistic benefit function, and by extending to the more usual unpaired case, and with unknown variance. The expected net benefit in this model is based on the efficacy of the new drug but does not take account of the incidence of adverse reactions. The present paper extends the model to include the costs of treating adverse reactions and focuses on societal cost‐effectiveness as the criterion for determining sample size. The main application is likely to be to phase III clinical trials, for which the primary outcome is to compare the costs and benefits of a new drug with a standard drug in relation to national health‐care. Copyright © 2009 John Wiley & Sons, Ltd.
Modification by ALAD of the Association between Blood Lead and Blood Pressure in the U.S. Population: Results from the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

Background Environmental lead exposure has been found to be associated with an increased risk of hypertension. Individuals vary greatly in susceptibility to lead toxicity, and genetic susceptibility has often been cited as the probable cause for such variation. Objective The main objective is to determine the role of the aminolevulinic acid dehydratase (ALAD) gene, which encodes the main carrier protein of lead in blood, in the association between lead exposure and blood pressure (BP) and hypertension in the U.S. population. Methods We analyzed data from individuals ≥ 17 years of age who participated in the Third National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey for whom DNA was available (n = 6,016). Multivariable logistic and linear regressions stratified by race/ethnicity were used to examine whether hypertension and BP were associated with ALAD and blood lead levels (BLL). Results BLL was associated with systolic BP in non-Hispanic whites and with hypertension and systolic and diastolic BP in non-Hispanic blacks. BLL was not associated with BP outcomes in Mexican Americans. Non-Hispanic white ALAD2 carriers in the highest BLL quartile (3.8–52.9 μg/dL) had a significantly higher adjusted prevalence odds ratio for hypertension compared with ALAD1 homozygous individuals. We also found a significant interaction between lead concentration and the ALAD2 allele in non-Hispanic whites and non-Hispanic blacks in relation to systolic BP. Conclusions BLL may be an important risk factor for hypertension and increased systolic and diastolic BP. These associations may be modified by ALAD genotype.
Fumigant and Repellent Properties of Essential Oils and Component Compounds Against Permethrin-Resistant Pediculus humanus capitis (Anoplura: Pediculidae) from Argentina

Abstract The repeated use of permethrin and other insecticides for the control of head lice, Pediculus humanus capitis De Geer (Anoplura: Pediculidae), during past decades has resulted in the development of marked levels of resistance. Thus, new alternative insecticides are needed for the control of head lice. We studied the fumigant and repellent properties of essential oils from 16 native and exotic plants in Argentina, and 21 chemical components against permethrin-resistant head lice from Argentina. With a direct vapor-exposure bioassay, the most effective oil was from the native Myrcianthes cisplatensis Cambess (Myrtaceae) with a time to 50% knockdown (KT50) of 1.3 min, followed by exotic species, Eucalyptus cinerea F.V. Muell. , Eucalyptus viminalis Labill. , and Eucalyptus saligna Smith. with KT50 values of 12.0, 14.9, and 17.4 min, respectively. The most effective components were 1,8-cineole and anisole, with KT50 values of 11.1 and 12.7 min, respectively. Regression analysis of KT50 values and vapor pressures and water-partition coefficients for the essential oil components revealed that the most effective fumigants were among the more volatile components. Repellency assays indicated that the essential oil from Mentha pulegium L. and its benzyl alcohol component were the most effective repellents, having repellency indices of 75.5 and 57.8%, respectively. Thus, some Argentinean plants contain essential oils and components that function as fumigants or as repellents and thereby show potential for development of new control products for head lice.
Regional Gray Matter Density Associated with Cognitive Reflectivity–Impulsivity: Evidence from Voxel-Based Morphometry

When faced with a problem or choice, humans can use two different strategies: “cognitive reflectivity,” which involves slow responses and fewer mistakes, or “cognitive impulsivity,” which comprises of quick responses and more mistakes. Different individuals use these two strategies differently. To our knowledge, no study has directly investigated the brain regions involved in reflectivity–impulsivity; therefore, this study focused on associations between these cognitive strategies and the gray matter structure of several brain regions. In order to accomplish this, we enrolled 776 healthy, right-handed individuals (432 men and 344 women; 20.7 ± 1.8 years) and used voxel-based morphometry with administration of a cognitive reflectivity–impulsivity questionnaire. We found that high cognitive reflectivity was associated with greater regional gray matter density in the ventral medial prefrontal cortex. Our finding suggests that this area plays an important role in defining an individual’s trait associated with reflectivity and impulsivity.
Cycloid psychoses in the psychosis spectrum: evidence for biochemical differences with schizophrenia

Cycloid psychoses (CP) differ from schizophrenia regarding symptom profile, course, and prognosis and over many decades they were thought to be a separate entity within the psychosis spectrum. As to schizophrenia, research into the pathophysiology has focused on dopamine, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and glutamate signaling in which, concerning the latter, the N-methyl-d-aspartate receptor plays a crucial role. The present study aims to determine whether CP can biochemically be delineated from schizophrenia. Eighty patients referred for psychotic disorders were assessed with the Comprehensive Assessment of Symptoms and History, and (both at inclusion and after 6 weeks of antipsychotic treatment) with the Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale and Clinical Global Impression. From 58 completers, 33 patients were diagnosed with schizophrenia and ten with CP according to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition, and Leonhard criteria, respectively. Fifteen patients were diagnosed with other disorders within the psychosis spectrum. At both time points, blood levels of the dopamine metabolite homovanillic acid, brain-derived neurotrophic factor, and amino acids related to glutamate neurotransmission were measured and compared with a matched control sample. Patients with CP showed a significantly better response to antipsychotic treatment as compared to patients with schizophrenia. In CP, glycine levels were elevated and tryptophan levels were lowered as compared to schizophrenia. Glutamate levels were increased in both patient groups as compared to controls. These results, showing marked differences in both treatment outcome and glutamate-related variable parameters, may point at better neuroplasticity in CP, necessitating demarcation of this subgroup within the psychosis spectrum.
Distinct Phases of Coordinated Early and Late Gene Expression in Growth Plate Chondrocytes in Relationship to Cell Proliferation, Matrix Assembly, Remodeling, and Cell Differentiation

Although much has been learned about growth plate development and chondrocyte gene expression during cellular maturation and matrix remodeling in the mouse, there has been a limited study of the interrelationships of gene expression between proteinases, growth factors, and other regulatory molecules in the mouse and in other species. Here we use RT‐PCR of sequential transverse sections to examine the expression profiles of genes involved in chondrocyte growth, differentiation, matrix assembly, remodeling, and mineralization in the bovine proximal tibial growth plate. Specifically, we studied the expression of genes encoding COL2A1 and COL10A1, the latter a marker of cellular hypertrophy, the matrix metalloproteinases (MMP), MMP‐13 and MMP‐9, as well as the transcriptional factors, Sox9 and Cbfa1, the growth factors basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF), parathyroid hormone‐related peptide (PTHrP), transforming growth factor (TGF)β1, and β2, Indian hedgehog (Ihh), and the matrix protein osteocalcin. These were analyzed in relationship to cell division defined by cyclin B2 expression. Two peaks of gene expression activity were/observed. One was transient, limited, and located immediately before and at the onset of cyclin B2 expression in the early proliferative zone. The other was generally much more pronounced and was located in the early hypertrophic zone. The upregulation of expression of COL2A1, its transcriptional activator Sox9, osteocalcin, MMP‐13, and TGFβ2 was observed immediately before and at the onset of cyclin B2 expression and also in the hypertrophic zones. The upregulation of COL10A1, Cbfa1, MMP‐9, TGFβ‐1, and Ihh gene expression was associated exclusively with the terminal differentiation of chondrocytes at the time of mineral formation in the extracellular matrix. In contrast, bFGF and PTHrP expression was observed in association with the onset of cyclin B2 expression and hypertrophy. This initial cluster of gene expression associated predominantly with matrix assembly and onset of cell proliferation is therefore characterized by expression of regulatory molecules distinct from those involved at hypertrophy. Together these results identify separate phases of coordinated gene expression associated with the development of the physis in endochondral bone formation.
Evaluating Classification Reliability for Combining Classifiers

The implementation of a multiple classifier system implies the definition of a rule (combining rule) for determining the most likely class, on the basis of the class attributed by each single classifier. The availability of a criterion to evaluate the reliability of the decision taken by a classifier can be profitably used in order to implement an effective combining rule. In this paper, we propose a method that evaluates the reliability of each classification act by using an e-Support Vector Regression approach. This idea yields to define four combining rules that work also with classifiers providing as their only output the guess class. The results obtained on some standard datasets by these reliability-based rules are compared with those obtained by using different well-known combining criteria, in order to assess the effectiveness of the proposed approach.
Mel-generalized cepstral analysis - a unified approach to speech spectral estimation

The generalized cepstral analysis method is viewed as a unified approach to the cepstral method and the linear prediction method, in which the model spectrum varies continuously from all-pole to cepstral according to the value of a parameter γ. Since the human ear has high resolution at low frequencies, introducing similar characteristics to the model spectrum, we can represent speech spectrum more efficiently. From this point of view, this paper proposes a spectral estimation method which uses the spectral model represented by mel-generalized cepstral coefficients. The effectiveness of mel-generalized cepstral analysis is demonstrated by an experiment of HMM-based isolated word recognition.
Diabetes is associated with lower tuberculosis antigen-specific interferon gamma release in Tanzanian tuberculosis patients and non-tuberculosis controls

Abstract Background: Diabetes is increasingly common in TB endemic regions and plays a role as a possible risk factor for increased progression from latent TB infection (LTBI) to active TB disease. Although the pathophysiological mechanisms are not fully understood, the immune system is weakened in diabetes patients and therefore the validity of interferon gamma release assays (IGRA) may be compromised. The aim of the present study was to assess the association between diabetes and Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) antigen-specific interferon gamma (IFN-γ) release in a TB endemic area among culture-confirmed TB patients and non-TB controls. Methods: Culture-confirmed pulmonary TB patients (n = 187) and healthy non-TB neighbourhood controls (n = 190) from Mwanza, Tanzania were tested for the presence of circulating T cells recognizing Mtb antigens using an IGRA. The diabetes status of all participants was assessed using a standard oral glucose tolerance test. The impact of diabetes on the performance of the IGRA was estimated using robust linear and logistic regression. Results: Compared to normal glucose tolerance, diabetes was associated with reduced levels of Mtb-specific IFN-γ. Increasing levels of fasting blood glucose (B − 0.3, 95% confidence interval − 0.6 to − 0.03, p = 0.033) was negatively associated with IFN-γ. Although TB patients had higher specific and lower unspecific mitogen IFN-γ responses compared to non-TB controls, the association between diabetes and IFN-γ did not depend on TB status. Conclusion: Diabetes is associated with lower levels of Mtb antigen-specific IFN-γ, and the validity of IFN- γ tests for LTBI may be questionable in individuals with diabetes.
1 What Flow Cytometry Can Tell Us About Marine Micro-Organisms – Current Status and Future Applications

Born in the field of medicine for the analysis of mammalian cell DNA, flow cytometry (FCM) was first used in microbiology studies in the late 1970s thanks to optical improvements and the development of new fluorochromes (Steen & Lindmo, 1979; Steen, 1986). Its initial applications in clinical microbiology are dated to the 1980s (Steen & Boyne, 1981; Ingram et al., 1982; Martinez et al., 1982; Steen 1982; Mansour et al., 1985), and, by the end of that decade, FCM had also become popular in environmental microbiology (Burkill, 1987; Burkill et al., 1990; Yentsch et al., 1983; Yentsch & Pomponi, 1986; Yentsch & Horan, 1989; Phinney & Cucci, 1989). Today, it is a poweful and commonly used tool for the study of aquatic micro-organisms. FCM has thus become a precise alternative to microscopic counts, increasing the number of both the micro-organisms detected and the samples that can be analyzed. The advantages of FCM include single-cell detection, rapid analysis (5000 cells per second or more), the generation of multiple parameters, a high degree of accuracy and statistically relevant data sets.
The Targeting of Transfers in Developing Countries: Review of Experience and Lessons

Drawing on a database of more than one hundred anti-poverty interventions in 47 countries, Targeting of Transfers in Developing Countries provides a general review of experiences with methods used to target interventions in transition and developing countries. Written for policymakers and program managers in developing countries, in donor agencies, and in NGOs who have responsibility for designing interventions that reach the poor, it conveys what targeting options are available, what results can be expected as well as information that will assist in choosing among them and in their implementation.
The turn to practice in HCI: towards a research agenda

This paper argues that a new paradigm for HCI research, which we label the 'practice' perspective, has been emerging in recent years. This stands in contrast to the prevailing mainstream HCI paradigm, which we term the 'interaction' perspective. The 'practice turn', as it has been dubbed in the social sciences, provides a conceptual frame to organize a variety of issues emerging in more recent HCI research. While this approach has been present in certain strands of HCI research for some time, it has not been articulated fully to date. In this paper, we provide a short account of the main tenets of this perspective, and then show how it can illuminate some of the recent debates within HCI. Our argument is one which does not seek to replace extant HCI theories, but rather to provide an alternative, complementary theoretical lens which may illuminate the present confusion among both researchers and practitioners as to the direction of HCI. The paper articulates a set of issues which can help direct HCI research programs, as well as highlighting the potential contribution of the HCI field to this practice approach itself, in terms of a more nuanced understanding of emerging practices.
Probabilistic approximation of metric spaces and its algorithmic applications

This paper provides a novel technique for the analysis of randomized algorithms for optimization problems on metric spaces, by relating the randomized performance ratio for any, metric space to the randomized performance ratio for a set of "simple" metric spaces. We define a notion of a set of metric spaces that probabilistically-approximates another metric space. We prove that any metric space can be probabilistically-approximated by hierarchically well-separated trees (HST) with a polylogarithmic distortion. These metric spaces are "simple" as being: (1) tree metrics; (2) natural for applying a divide-and-conquer algorithmic approach. The technique presented is of particular interest in the context of on-line computation. A large number of on-line algorithmic problems, including metrical task systems, server problems, distributed paging, and dynamic storage rearrangement are defined in terms of some metric space. Typically for these problems, there are linear lower bounds on the competitive ratio of deterministic algorithms. Although randomization against an oblivious adversary has the potential of overcoming these high ratios, very little progress has been made in the analysis. We demonstrate the use of our technique by obtaining substantially improved results for two different on-line problems.