Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Hepatitis C virus genotypes and risk of hepatocellular carcinoma in cirrhosis: A prospective study

A prospective study was performed to establish whether infection with specific hepatitis C virus (HCV) genotypes was associated with an increased risk of development of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) in cirrhosis. A cohort of 163 consecutive hepatitis C virus antibody (anti‐ HCV)‐positive cirrhotic patients was prospectively evaluated for the development of HCC at 6‐month intervals by ultrasound (US) scan and α‐fetoprotein (AFP) concentration. HCV genotypes were determined according to Okamoto. Risk factors associated with cancer development were analyzed by univariate and multivariate statistics. At enrollment, 101 patients (62%) were infected with type 1b, 48 (29.5%) were infected with type 2a/c, 2 (1.2%) were infected with type 3a, 1 (0.6%) was infected with type 1a, 3 (1.8%) had a mixed‐type infection, and, in 8 patients (4.9%), genotype could not be assigned. After a 5‐ to 7‐year follow‐up (median, 68 months), HCC developed in 22 of the patients, 19 infected with type 1b and 3 with type 2a/c (P < .005). Moreover, HCC developed more frequently in males (P < .01), patients with excessive alcohol intake (P < .01), those over 60 years of age (P < .02), and in patients who did not receive interferon treatment (P < .02). Multivariate analysis showed that type 1b was the most important risk factor associated with tumor development (odds ratio 6.14, 1.77‐21.37 95% confidence interval). Other independent risk factors were older age and male sex. Cirrhotic patients infected with HCV type 1b carry a significantly higher risk of developing HCC than patients infected by other HCV types. The latter may require a less intensive clinical surveillance for the early detection of neoplasia.
A Critical Look at the ResearchGate Score as a Measure of Scientific Reputation

In this paper, we present an assessment of the ResearchGate score as a measure of a researcher’s scientic reputation. This assessment is based on well-established bibliometric guidelines for research metrics. In our evaluation, we nd that the ResearchGate Score has three serious shortcomings: (1) the score is intransparent and irreproducible, (2) the score incorporates the journal impact factor to evaluate individual researchers, and (3) changes in the score cannot be reconstructed. Therefore, we conclude that the ResearchGate Score should not be considered in the evaluation of academics in its current form.
Results of the First Italian External Quality Assurance Scheme for Somatic EGFR Mutation Testing in Non–Small-Cell Lung Cancer

Introduction: The Italian Association of Medical Oncology (AIOM) and the Italian Society of Pathology and Cytology organized an external quality assessment (EQA) scheme for EGFR mutation testing in non–small-cell lung cancer. Methods: Ten specimens, including three small biopsies with known epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) mutation status, were validated in three referral laboratories and provided to 47 participating centers. The participants were requested to perform mutational analysis, using their usual method, and to submit results within a 4-week time frame. According to a predefined scoring system, two points were assigned to correct genotype and zero points to false-negative or false-positive results. The threshold to pass the EQA was set at higher than 18 of 20 points. Two rounds were preplanned. Results: All participating centers submitted the results within the time frame. Polymerase chain reaction (PCR)/sequencing was the main methodology used (n = 37 laboratories), although a few centers did use pyrosequencing (n = 8) or real-time PCR (n = 2). A significant number of analytical errors were observed (n = 20), with a high frequency of false-positive results (n = 16). The lower scores were obtained for the small biopsies. Fourteen of 47 centers (30%) that did not pass the first round, having a score less than or equal to 18 points, used PCR/sequencing, whereas 10 of 10 laboratories, using pyrosequencing or real-time PCR, passed the first round. Eight laboratories passed the second round. Overall, 41of 47 centers (87%) passed the EQA. Conclusion: The results of the EQA for EGFR testing in non–small-cell lung cancer suggest that good quality EGFR mutational analysis is performed in Italian laboratories, although differences between testing methods were observed, especially for small biopsies.
Oversampled A/D conversion and error-rate dependence of nonbandlimited signals with finite rate of innovation

We study the problem of A/D conversion and error-rate dependence of a class of nonbandlimited signals with finite rate of innovation. In particular, we analyze a continuous periodic stream of Diracs, characterized by a finite set of time positions and weights. Previous research has only considered sampling of this type of signals, ignoring the presence of quantization, necessary for any practical implementation. To this end, we first define the concept of consistent reconstruction and introduce corresponding oversampling in both time and frequency. High accuracy in a consistent reconstruction is achieved by enforcing the reconstructed signal to satisfy three sets of constraints, related to low-pass filtering, quantization and the space of continuous periodic streams of Diracs. We provide two schemes to reconstruct the signal. For the first one, we prove that the estimation mean squared error of the time positions is O(1/R/sub t//sup 2/R/sub f//sup 3/), where R/sub t/ and R/sub f/ are the oversampling ratios in time and frequency, respectively. For the second scheme, it is experimentally observed that, at the cost of higher complexity, the estimation accuracy lowers to O(1/R/sub t//sup 2/R/sub f//sup 5/). Our experimental results show a clear advantage of consistent over nonconsistent reconstruction. Regarding the rate, we consider a threshold crossing based scheme where, as opposed to previous research, both oversampling in time and in frequency influence the coding rate. We compare the error-rate behavior resulting, on the one hand, from increasing the oversampling in time and/or frequency, and, on the other hand, from decreasing the quantization stepsize.
New Plasmid-Mediated Fluoroquinolone Efflux Pump, QepA, Found in an Escherichia coli Clinical Isolate

ABSTRACT Plasmid-mediated Qnr and AAC(6′)-Ib-cr have been recognized as new molecular mechanisms affecting fluoroquinolone (FQ) resistance. C316, an Escherichia coli strain demonstrating resistance to various FQs, was isolated in Japan. Resistance to FQs was augmented in an E. coli CSH2 transconjugant, but PCR failed to detect qnr genes, suggesting the presence of novel plasmid-mediated FQ resistance mechanisms. Susceptibility tests, DNA manipulation, and analyses of the gene and its product were performed to characterize the genetic determinant. A novel FQ-resistant gene, qepA, was identified in a plasmid, pHPA, of E. coli C316, and both qepA and rmtB genes were mediated by a probable transposable element flanked by two copies of IS26. Levels of resistance to norfloxacin, ciprofloxacin, and enrofloxacin were significantly elevated in E. coli transformants harboring qepA under AcrB-TolC-deficient conditions. QepA showed considerable similarities to transporters belonging to the 14-transmembrane-segment family of environmental actinomycetes. The effect of carbonyl cyanide m-chlorophenylhydrazone (CCCP) on accumulation of norfloxacin was assayed in a qepA-harboring E. coli transformant. The intracellular accumulation of norfloxacin was decreased in a qepA-expressing E. coli transformant, but this phenomenon was canceled by CCCP. The augmented FQ resistance level acquired by the probable intergeneric transfer of a gene encoding a major facilitator superfamily-type efflux pump from some environmental microbes to E. coli was first identified. Surveillance of the qepA-harboring clinical isolates should be encouraged to minimize further dissemination of the kind of plasmid-dependent FQ resistance determinants among pathogenic microbes.
Giant Subcutaneous Leiomyosarcoma at Knee Joint: Malignant Tumour at Rare Site

Primary subcutaneous leiomyosarcoma (LMSs) are uncommon of all soft tissue malignancies. Its frequency is about 1% to 2%, with a predilection for middle age, and found more frequently in the lower extremity. They can be of two types according to its primary site of origin: deep subcutaneous and superficial cutaneous. The physical appearance of this tumour resembles more with benign condition and can easily be mistaken for nonmalignant condition. Hence, it is important to diagnose it correctly and it is important to differentiate it from other spindle cell neoplasm. A case of giant subcutaneous leiomyosarcoma is presented here which was found around knee in lower extremity. The diagnosis was suspected by histopathology and confirmed by immunohistochemistry.
Factors Affecting Rural Households’ Resilience to Food Insecurity in Niger

Niger faces many natural and human constraints explaining the erratic evolution of its agricultural production over time. Unfortunately, this is likely to cause a decline in the food supply. This study attempts to identify factors affecting rural households’ resilience to food insecurity in Niger. For this, we first create a resilience index by using principal component analysis and later apply structural equation modeling to identify its determinants. Data from the 2010 National Survey on Households’ Vulnerability to Food Insecurity done by the National Institute of Statistics is used. The study shows that asset and social safety net indicators are significant and have a positive impact on households’ resilience. Climate change approximated by long-term mean rainfall has a negative and significant effect on households’ resilience. Therefore, to strengthen households’ resilience to food insecurity, there is a need to increase assistance to households through social safety nets and to help them gather more resources in order to acquire more assets. Furthermore, early warning of climatic events could alert households, especially farmers, to be prepared and avoid important losses that they experience anytime an uneven climatic event occurs.
Role of Sphingolipid Mediator Ceramide in Obesity and Renal Injury in Mice Fed a High-Fat Diet

The present study tested a hypothesis that excess accumulation of sphingolipid, ceramide, its metabolites, or a combination contributes to the development of obesity and associated kidney damage. Liquid chromatography/mass spectrometry analysis demonstrated that C57BL/6J mice on the high-fat diet (HFD) had significantly increased plasma total ceramide levels compared with animals fed a low-fat diet (LFD). Treatment of mice with the acid sphingomyelinase (ASMase) inhibitor amitriptyline significantly attenuated the HFD-induced plasma ceramide levels. Corresponding to increase in plasma ceramide, the HFD significantly increased the body weight gain, plasma leptin concentration, urinary total protein and albumin excretion, glomerular damage index, and adipose tissue ASMase activity compared with the LFD-fed mice. These HFD-induced changes were also significantly attenuated by treatment of mice with amitriptyline. In addition, the decline of plasma glucose concentration after an intraperitoneal injection of insulin (0.15 U/kg b.wt.) was more sustained in mice on the HFD with amitriptyline than on the HFD alone. Intraperitoneal injection of glucose (3 g/kg b.wt.) resulted in a slow increase followed by a rapid decrease in the plasma glucose concentration in LFD and HFD plus amitriptyline-treated mice, but such blood glucose response was not observed in HFD-fed mice. Immunofluorescence analysis demonstrated a decrease in the podocin and an increase in the desmin in the glomeruli of HFD-fed mice compared with the LFD and HFD plus amitriptyline-treated mice. In conclusion, our results reveal a pivotal role for ceramide biosynthesis in obesity, metabolic syndrome, and associated kidney damage.
Psychosocial Predictors of Job Involvement amongst Civil Servants in Nigeria

This study investigated self-efficacy, meaning in life, education and age as predictors of job involvement among civil servants in Nigeria. It adopted survey research design, purposive and convenience sampling techniques respectively. 214 male and female civil servants participated in the study. A structured questionnaire form containing three validated scales of measurement was used as instrument. Hypothesis one stated that self-efficacy and meaning in life will jointly and independently predict job involvement while hypothesis two stated that educational qualification and age will jointly and independently predict job involvement. Results revealed that self-efficacy and meaning in life jointly predicted job involvement F (2,211) = 33.512; R 2 = 0.234; p . 05). Based on the above findings, this study concluded and recommended that self-efficacy, meaning in life and age are significant predictors of job involvement. Hence, directors and managers were advised to design effective manpower training programmes for the employees, to enhance their levels of efficacy, perception of life and job involvement. Keywords: Age, Civil servant, Education, Job involvement, Meaning in life, Self-efficacy
Herbal compound Naoshuantong capsule attenuates retinal injury in ischemia/reperfusion rat model by inhibiting apoptosis.

OBJECTIVES Ischemic ophthalmopathy threatens people's lives and health. The herbal compound medication, Naoshuantong capsule, plays a critical role in the treatment of cardiac-cerebral vascular diseases; however, the roles and mechanisms of action of Naoshuantong capsule in ischemic ophthalmopathy is unknown. The objective of the present study was to determine the effect and mechanism of action of Naoshuantong capsule on ischemic ophthalmopathy in rats. METHODS In this study a rat model of ischemic ophthalmopathy was constructed using a high intra-ocular pressure-induced ischemia/reperfusion model. The effects of Naoshuantong capsule on ischemic ophthalmopathy were detected using electroretinography, and changes in retinal ultrastructure were examined by HE staining and electron microscopy. The mechanism of action of Naoshuantong capsule on ischemic ophthalmopathy was explored by immunofluorescence and real-time PCR. RESULTS Rat models of ischemic ophthalmopathy were successfully constructed by intra-ocular hypertension, which presented decreased amplitudes of the electroretinogram (ERG-b) wave and total retinal thickness, intracellular damage, increased expression of Bax and caspase 3, and decreased expression of Bcl-2. Treatment with Naoshuantong capsule attenuated the changes and damage to the ischemic retina in the rat model, inhibited the over-expression of Bax and caspase 3, and increased the expression of Bcl-2. CONCLUSION Our study indicated that Naoshuantong capsule attenuates retinal damage in rat models of ischemic ophthalmopathy, possibly by inhibiting apoptosis.
A Pilot Intervention To Increase Parent-Child Communication about Alcohol Avoidance.

JOAN M. CARLSON** MICHELE JOHNSON MOORE DEBORAHM. PAPPAS CHUDLEY E. WERCH GRAHAMF. WATTS PATRICIA A. EDGEMON University of North Florida Enhancing parent-child communication regarding alcohol use through educational print correspondence is a potentially cost-effective tool in health promotion. The purpose of this pilot study was to examine whether a series of postcards addressing specific alcohol risk and protective factors, sent to the parents/guardians of preadolescents in two different school settings, influenced parent-child communication regarding alcohol use. Subjects for this study included parents of participating 6th grade students attending one neighborhood (N=262) and one magnet (bused) (N=388) inner-city school. Participating students were randomly assigned to the intervention or control group. Baseline data were collected from students, enabling the intervention to be tailored to students' individual needs. Parents of students assigned to the intervention were mailed up to 10 prevention postcards over five weeks. Parents completed a 10-item telephone survey eight weeks after implementation of the prevention postcards. The overall parent response rate was 74% (N=478). Results ofthis pilot intervention found that postcards increased parent-child communication regarding alcohol use, but that these effects differed by school setting and race. Although significant effects were found for the intervention group, further analysis revealed that effects were found only for White parents at the magnet school. Discussion of these differences and implications for research and educational programming are provided. * This research was funded in part by a grant from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (Grant #AA9283). ** Send all correspondence to first author at: Center for Drug Prevention and Health Promotion College of Health; University of North Florida 4567 St. Johns Bluff Road Jacksonville, FL 32224-2847 (904) 620-2847; Fax (904) 620-1035; email: jcarlson@unf.edu
Deafness and HIV/AIDS: a systematic review of the literature

A systematic review of the literature focused on empirical work on deafness and HIV/AIDS published during the past decade. The review reveals that deaf people are vulnerable to contracting HIV and might lack access to HIV/ AIDS information, testing and treatment. Three studies that were located through this review included prevalence data on disability and HIV. These indicated that deaf people are as likely, if not twice as likely, to be infected with HIV. The data also reveal that although some research has focused on HIV/AIDS knowledge among deaf people, this might not be the main area of concern in relation to HIV risk for this population. The available research more often points to increased instances of multiple partners, sexual abuse and earlier sexual debut, and, in some contexts, decreased use of condoms. These factors might explain increased risk of HIV infection for the deaf population. Additionally, the review elaborates on the geographical and methodological focuses of past research and identifies gaps, strengths and weaknesses in this body of literature.
Cell–cell Interaction Underlies Formation of Fluid in the Male Reproductive Tract of the Rat

The epithelia lining the epididymides of many species consists of several cell types. We have provided evidence that the basal cells are essential to the integrated functions of the epithelium. Basal cells, but not principal cells, and other cells in the epididymis express TRPC3 and COX-1. We have isolated basal cells from intact rat epididymis using antibody-coated Dynabeads and subjected them to whole-cell patch-clamp measurement of nonselective cation channel activity, a feature of TRPC3 protein, and Fluo-3 fluorescence measurement of intracellular Ca2+ concentration. The results show that a nonselective cation current blockable by La3+ (0.1 mM), Gd3+ (0.1 mM), or SKF96365 (20 μM) could be activated by lysylbradykinin (200 nM). In cells loaded with Fluo-3, addition of lysylbradykinin (100 nM) caused a sustained increase of intracellular Ca2+. This effect was blocked by Gd3+ (0.1 mM) or SKF96365 (20 μM) and was not observed in Fluo-3–loaded principal cells. Stimulation of basal cell/principal cell cocultures with lysylbradykinin (200 nM) evoked in principal cells a current with CFTR-Cl− channel characteristics. Isolated principal cells in the absence of basal cells did not respond to lysylbradykinin but responded to PGE2 (100 nM) with activation of a CFTR-like current. Basal cells, but not principal cells, released prostaglandin E2 when stimulated with lysylbradykinin (100 nM). The release was blocked by SKF96365 (20 μM) and BAPTA-AM (0.05 or 0.1 mM). Confluent cell monolayers harvested from a mixture of disaggregated principal cells and basal cells responded to lysylbradykinin (100 nM) and PGE2 (500 nM) with an increase in electrogenic anion secretion. The former response was dependent on prostaglandin synthesis as piroxicam blocked the response. However, cell cultures obtained from principal cells alone responded to PGE2 but not to bradykinin. These results support the notion that basal cells regulate principal cells through a Ca2+ and COX signaling pathway.
Social Functioning and Emotional Regulation in the Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder Subtypes

Compared 16 children with attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) combined type (ADHD-C), 14 children with ADHD predominantly inattentive type (ADHD-I), and 17 controls on parent and teacher ratings of social status and performance, self-report of social knowledge and performance, and observations of behavior on an emotional regulation task. Analyses revealed distinct patterns of social dysfunction between ADHD subgroups. Children with ADHD-C were rated as showing more aggressive behavior; furthermore, they displayed emotional dysregulation characterized by high intensity and high levels of both positive and negative behavior. In contrast, children with ADHD-I were perceived as displaying social passivity and showed deficits in social knowledge on the self-report measure but did not evidence problems in emotional regulation. Regression analyses revealed that social performance, emotional regulation, and, to a lesser degree, social knowledge, were predictive of social status. The application of these findings to understanding the nature of the social deficits in the ADHD subtypes and directions for future research are discussed.
Pim‐1 kinase phosphorylates and stabilizes RUNX3 and alters its subcellular localization

The loci of the Pim and Runx gene families have been identified as targets for viral insertions in CD2‐myc mice. Synergistic cooperation between Pim and RUNX was also found in the CD2‐Runx2 transgenic mouse lymphoma model. RUNX genes have come to prominence recently because of their roles as essential regulators of cell fate in development. Paradoxically, they appear to function either as tumor‐suppressor genes or dominant oncogenes according to the cellular context. However, the molecular mechanism of the ambiguous roles played by this family of transcription factors in cancer has remained largely uninvestigated. Here we demonstrate that Pim‐1 phosphorylates four Ser/Thr residues within the Runt domain and stabilizes RUNX3 protein. In addition, Pim‐1 markedly altered the cellular localization of RUNX3 from the nucleus to the cytoplasm. Our results demonstrate that the subcellular localization of RUNX3 is altered by phosphorylation. We propose that RUNX family members may behave as oncogenes if mislocalized to a cellular micro‐compartment. J. Cell. Biochem. 105: 1048–1058, 2008. © 2008 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
Unmeasurable premise avoidance in T-S fuzzy observers

This paper addresses the problem of unmeasured premise variable in T-S fuzzy observers. Normally when the premise variable is unmeasured, observer design becomes rather challenging and computational burden increases. Here a simple method is introduced to avoid unmeasured premise variables by using the nonlinear local models in the fuzzy rules. The proposed method guarantees asymptotic convergence of state estimation error by Lyapunov stability analysis and linear matrix inequality (LMI) formulation. A practical example of two wheeled vehicle, illustrates effectiveness of the proposed method.