Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Hematological parameters in pulmonary tuberculosis patients with and without hiv infection

Hematological parameters are altered during infections. When dual infections such as HIV and pulmonary tuberculosis (PT) occur together, changes are bound to happen. The present study was undertaken in HIV infected patients with and without PT to assess their hematological status and to compare it with that of healthy family members without any infection or illness. The study included 162 participants, of whom 42 were positive for both HIV and TB (group A), 32 HIV negative but TB positive (group B), 45 HIV positive but TB negative (group C), and another healthy 43 were kept as control who were negative for both diseases (group D). Standard methods were adopted to diagnose the diseases. Hematological status was assessed by two pathologists independently and average of the two was taken for analysis. Hemoglobin levels (Hb), total RBC, and PCV were low in all groups without significant differences between the groups. On the other hand, total WBC was significantly lower (P< 0.05) in the HIV infected groups irrespective of the presence of coexisting tuberculosis infection. TWBC and ALC correlated positively with each other in all groups. ESR was significantly elevated (P <0.001) in groups A, B and C as compared to healthy controls (group D). In view of the hematological alterations, practitioners should constantly monitor the hematological status of these individuals and provide appropriate supportive measures.
Whole-Tree Water Use Efficiency Is Decreased by Ambient Ozone and Not Affected by O3-Induced Stomatal Sluggishness

Steady-state and dynamic gas exchange responses to ozone visible injury were investigated in an ozone-sensitive poplar clone under field conditions. The results were translated into whole tree water loss and carbon assimilation by comparing trees exposed to ambient ozone and trees treated with the ozone-protectant ethylenediurea (EDU). Steady-state stomatal conductance and photosynthesis linearly decreased with increasing ozone visible injury. Dynamic responses simulated by severing of a leaf revealed that stomatal sluggishness increased until a threshold of 5% injury and was then fairly constant. Sluggishness resulted from longer time to respond to the closing signal and slower rate of closing. Changes in photosynthesis were driven by the dynamics of stomata. Whole-tree carbon assimilation and water loss were lower in trees exposed to ambient O3 than in trees protected by EDU, both under steady-state and dynamic conditions. Although stomatal sluggishness is expected to increase water loss, lower stomatal conductance and premature leaf shedding of injured leaves aggravated O3 effects on whole tree carbon gain, while compensating for water loss. On average, WUE of trees exposed to ambient ozone was 2–4% lower than that of EDU-protected control trees in September and 6–8% lower in October.
Total Variation in the penA Gene of Neisseria meningitidis: Correlation between Susceptibility to β-Lactam Antibiotics and penA Gene Heterogeneity

ABSTRACT In recent decades, the prevalence of Neisseria meningitidis isolates with reduced susceptibility to penicillins has increased. The intermediate resistance to penicillin (Peni) for most strains is due mainly to mosaic structures in the penA gene, encoding penicillin-binding protein 2. In this study, susceptibility to β-lactam antibiotics was determined for 60 Swedish clinical N. meningitidis isolates and 19 reference strains. The penA gene was sequenced and compared to 237 penA sequences from GenBank in order to explore the total identified variation of penA. The divergent mosaic alleles differed by 3% to 24% compared to those of the designated wild-type penA gene. By studying the final 1,143 to 1,149 bp of penA in a sequence alignment, 130 sequence variants were identified. In a 402-bp alignment of the most variable regions, 84 variants were recognized. Good correlation between elevated MICs and the presence of penA mosaic structures was found especially for penicillin G and ampicillin. The Peni isolates comprised an MIC of >0.094 μg/ml for penicillin G and an MIC of >0.064 μg/ml for ampicillin. Ampicillin was the best antibiotic for precise categorization as Pens or Peni. In comparison with the wild-type penA sequence, two specific Peni sites were altered in all except two mosaic penA sequences, which were published in GenBank and no MICs of the corresponding isolates were described. In conclusion, monitoring the relationship between penA sequences and MICs to penicillins is crucial for developing fast and objective methods for susceptibility determination. By studying the penA gene, genotypical determination of susceptibility in culture-negative cases can also be accomplished.
Dysfunctional attitudes and anxiety sensitivity in the manifestation and first onset of social anxiety disorder versus specific phobia and healthy: A prospective longitudinal study

This study evaluated the role of two cognitive vulnerability factors, anxiety sensitivity and dysfunctional attitudes, in the prediction of the manifestation and onset of social anxiety disorder relative to specific phobia and relative to healthy controls. Women, aged between 18 and 24 years, were studied at baseline and 18 months later using the Anxiety Disorders Interview Schedule-Lifetime-ADIS-IV-L and the Anxiety Sensitivity Index-ASI and the Dysfunctional Attitude Scale-DAS. First, 52 women with current social anxiety disorder were compared to 97 women with current specific phobia and 1124 healthy controls (cross-sectional analysis). Second, 24 women with a first incidence of social anxiety disorder were compared to 55 women with a first incidence of specific phobia and 684 healthy controls (longitudinal analysis). Multiple logistic regression analyses, adjusted for baseline anxiety and depressive severity, revealed that a) dysfunctional attitudes were elevated in women with current social anxiety disorder versus healthy controls as well as women with current specific phobia in the cross-sectional analysis and b) dysfunctional attitudes were elevated in women who subsequently developed social anxiety disorder versus healthy controls in the longitudinal analysis. However, dysfunctional attitudes were not predictive for women who developed social anxiety disorder during the study relative to women who developed specific phobia. The results suggest that dysfunctional attitudes are a marker of severity for social anxiety disorder relative to other phobias and a risk factor for phobias more generally. Anxiety sensitivity seems not to contribute to the manifestation and onset of social anxiety disorders.
An area-based study on intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis for preventing group B streptococcus early-onset disease: advances and limitations

Abstract Introduction: The prevalence of maternal group-B-streptococcus (GBS) colonization and risk factors (RFs) for neonatal early-onset disease (EOD) in Europe are poorly defined. Large-scale information concerning adherence to recommendations for preventing GBS-EOD are lacking. Materials and methods: This was a 3-month retrospective area-based study including all regional deliveries ≥35 weeks' gestation (in 2012). The sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive values, odds ratio and receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve for intrapartum antibiotic prophylaxis (IAP) among full-term and preterm deliveries and prolonged membrane rupture (PROM) were calculated. Results: Among 7133 women, 259 (3.6%) were preterm (35–36 weeks' gestation). Full-term women were 6874, and 876 (12.7%) had at least 1 RF. Most women (6495) had prenatal screening and 21.4% (1390) were GBS positive. IAP was given to 2369 (33.2%) women (preterm, n = 166; full term, n = 2203). Compared to full-term, preterm women were less likely to receive IAP when indicated (73.2% versus 90.3%, p < 0.01). Full-term women represented the largest area under the curve (AUC, 0.87). PROM showed the highest sensitivity (98.6%), but the lowest specificity (6.9%) and AUC (0.53). Conclusions: Large-scale prenatal screening and IAP are feasible. Women delivering preterm are less likely to receive IAP when indicated. Most unnecessary antibiotics are given in cases of PROM.
P 2 Y 2 and G q / G 11 control blood pressure by mediating endothelial mechanotransduction

Elevated blood pressure is a key risk factor for developing cardiovascular diseases. Blood pressure is largely determined by vasodilatory mediators, such as nitric oxide (NO), that are released from the endothelium in response to fluid shear stress exerted by the flowing blood. Previous work has identified several mechanotransduction signaling processes that are involved in fluid shear stress–induced endothelial effects, but how fluid shear stress initiates the response is poorly understood. Here, we evaluated human and bovine endothelial cells and found that the purinergic receptor P2Y2 and the G proteins Gq/G11 mediate fluid shear stress–induced endothelial responses, including [Ca]i transients, activation of the endothelial NO synthase (eNOS), phosphorylation of PECAM-1 and VEGFR-2, as well as activation of SRC and AKT. In response to fluid shear stress, endothelial cells released ATP, which activates the purinergic P2Y2 receptor. Mice with induced endothelium-specific P2Y2 or Gq/G11 deficiency lacked flow-induced vasodilation and developed hypertension that was accompanied by reduced eNOS activation. Together, our data identify P2Y2 and Gq/G11 as a critical endothelial mechanosignaling pathway that is upstream of previously described mechanotransduction processes and demonstrate that P2Y2 and Gq/G11 are required for basal endothelial NO formation, vascular tone, and blood pressure. Research Article Vascular biology
One-day cognitive–behavioural therapy self-confidence workshops for people with depression: randomised controlled trial

Background Despite its high prevalence, help-seeking for depression is low. Aims To assess the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of 1-day cognitive–behavioural therapy (CBT) self-confidence workshops in reducing depression. Anxiety, self-esteem, prognostic indicators as well as access were also assessed. Method An open randomised controlled trial (RCT) waiting list control design with 12-week follow-up was used (trial registration: ISRCTN26634837). A total of 459 adult participants with depression (Beck Depression Inventory (BDI) scores of 14) self-referred and 382 participants (83%) were followed up. Results At follow-up, experimental and control participants differed significantly on the BDI, with an effect size of 0.55. Anxiety and self-esteem also differed. Of those who participated, 25% were GP non-consulters and 32% were from Black and minority ethnic groups. Women benefited more than men on depression scores. The intervention has a 90% chance of being considered cost-effective if a depression-free day is valued at £14. Conclusions Self-confidence workshops appear promising in terms of clinical effectiveness, cost-effectiveness and access by difficult-to-engage groups.
LPS targets host guanylate‐binding proteins to the bacterial outer membrane for non‐canonical inflammasome activation

Pathogenic and commensal Gram‐negative bacteria produce and release outer membrane vesicles (OMVs), which present several surface antigens and play an important role for bacterial pathogenesis. OMVs also modulate the host immune system, which makes them attractive as vaccine candidates. At the cellular level, OMVs are internalized by macrophages and deliver lipopolysaccharide (LPS) into the host cytosol, thus activating the caspase‐11 non‐canonical inflammasome. Here, we show that OMV‐induced inflammasome activation requires TLR4‐TRIF signaling, the production of type I interferons, and the action of guanylate‐binding proteins (GBPs), both in macrophages and in vivo. Mechanistically, we find that isoprenylated GBPs associate with the surface of OMVs or with transfected LPS, indicating that the key factor that determines GBP recruitment to the Gram‐negative bacterial outer membranes is LPS itself. Our findings provide new insights into the mechanism by which GBPs target foreign surfaces and reveal a novel function for GBPs in controlling the intracellular detection of LPS derived from extracellular bacteria in the form of OMVs, thus extending their function as a hub between cell‐autonomous immunity and innate immunity.
DIGITAL THREE-DIMENSIONAL PHOTOGRAMMETRY: ACCURACY AND PRECISION OF FACIAL MEASUREMENTS OBTAINED FROM TWO COMMERCIALLY-AVAILABLE IMAGING SYSTEMS

Traditionally, direct anthropometry, two-dimensional (2D) photogrammetry and cephalometry have served as primary methods to quantify craniofacial characteristics. Stereophotogrammetry, a more recent method, is able to capture a three-dimensional (3D) image of a subject's facial surface almost instantaneously. This image can then later be measured in a variety ways, allowing the calculation of linear distances and the quantification of angles, surface areas and volumes. Several 3D stereophotogrammetric systems are commercially available and although some systems have been independently validated, little is known about how measurement data generated by different systems compare. The objective of this study is to evaluate the accuracy and precision of craniofacial measurements obtained using different 3D stereophotogrammetry systems (3dMDface and Vectra 3D) by comparing their values to each other and to measurements obtained using a Microscribe mechanical digitizer. The study sample consisted of 18 mannequin heads, pre-labeled with 28 anthropometric landmarks. All possible inter-landmark distances (n = 378) were calculated and several error magnitude statistics were used to compare facial measurement techniques: mean absolute difference (MAD), relative error magnitude (REM), technical error of measurement (TEM) and intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). Overall, measurements across all three facial measurement techniques were highly comparable. Over 99% of MAD values were less than 1 mm and over 99% of REM scores were deemed excellent or very good (REM 0.05). Thermal maps depicting 3D surface-to-surface comparisons also showed negligible differences, with an average Root Mean Squared value across all 18 3D models of 0.197 mm. Results indicate that measurements derived from the Vectra-3D and 3dMDface imaging systems are virtually identical. Furthermore, both systems demonstrated similarly high levels of accuracy when compared to the Microscribe digitizer. Both imaging systems produce facial measurements sufficiently similar to allow for their data to be combined or compared statistically.
Cross-cultural Patlerns of Attachment: A Meta-Analysis of the Strange Situation

VAN IJZENDOORN, MARINUS H , and KROONENBERG, PIETER M Cross-cultural Patterns of Attachment A Meta-Analysts of the Strange Situation CHILD DEVELOPMENT, 1988, 59, 147-156 Crosscultural research usmg Amsworth's Strange Situation tends to rely on incomplete Information and to concentrate on individual rather than aggregated samples In this study, a widei perspective is taken by exammmg almost 2,000 Strange Situation classifications obtamed m 8 different countries Differences and similanties between distributions in classifications of samples are mvestigated usmg correspondence analysis Aggregation of samples per country and contment allowed for a firmer empirical basis foi cross-cultural analysis Substantial inhacultural diffeiences weie estabhshed, m a number of mstances, samples from l country resembled those in other countries more than they did each other The data also suggest a pattem of cross-cultuial differences, m which A classifications emerge äs relatively more prevalent m Western European counhies and C classificahons äs relatively more frequent m Israel and Japan Inbacultural vanaüon was nearly l 5 times the crosscultural Variation
Scale effects of the rheological properties of electrorheological suspensions

The knowledge about the rheological behavior of electrorheological suspensions in all prevalent conditions is essential for the design process of applications. Of particular importance is the dependence of fluid viscosity on the electric field strength, the temperature, and the shear rate. Previous research has pointed out the difficulties in determining the relevant rheological parameters independent from the geometry and flow conditions. For example, experimental results obtained using a capillary rheometer are different from the results gained in flow channel experiments. Even the results from one flow channel could not easily be used to predict the performance of a channel with, for example, a different distance between the electrodes. Some possible effects such as wall slip, interactions of the particles with the surface of the electrodes, or scale effects based on the particle size distribution in relation to the dimension of the flow channel may complicate the determination of the rheological parameters. To investigate these effects, a flow channel test rig that allows systematic changes to the flow conditions was developed. The distance of the electrodes can continuously be changed from 0.02 to 1 mm with an apparent shear rate from 100 to 10,000 s−1. The electrodes can easily be replaced to determine the influence of surface structure. This article will first discuss the design of the flow channel followed by the experimental results obtained under different test conditions. The aim of this research is to gain insight into the scale effects of electrorheological suspensions in order to develop microfluidic applications.
Within-Host Evolution of Staphylococcus aureus during Asymptomatic Carriage

Background Staphylococcus aureus is a major cause of healthcare associated mortality, but like many important bacterial pathogens, it is a common constituent of the normal human body flora. Around a third of healthy adults are carriers. Recent evidence suggests that evolution of S. aureus during nasal carriage may be associated with progression to invasive disease. However, a more detailed understanding of within-host evolution under natural conditions is required to appreciate the evolutionary and mechanistic reasons why commensal bacteria such as S. aureus cause disease. Therefore we examined in detail the evolutionary dynamics of normal, asymptomatic carriage. Sequencing a total of 131 genomes across 13 singly colonized hosts using the Illumina platform, we investigated diversity, selection, population dynamics and transmission during the short-term evolution of S. aureus. Principal Findings We characterized the processes by which the raw material for evolution is generated: micro-mutation (point mutation and small insertions/deletions), macro-mutation (large insertions/deletions) and the loss or acquisition of mobile elements (plasmids and bacteriophages). Through an analysis of synonymous, non-synonymous and intergenic mutations we discovered a fitness landscape dominated by purifying selection, with rare examples of adaptive change in genes encoding surface-anchored proteins and an enterotoxin. We found evidence for dramatic, hundred-fold fluctuations in the size of the within-host population over time, which we related to the cycle of colonization and clearance. Using a newly-developed population genetics approach to detect recent transmission among hosts, we revealed evidence for recent transmission between some of our subjects, including a husband and wife both carrying populations of methicillin-resistant S. aureus (MRSA). Significance This investigation begins to paint a picture of the within-host evolution of an important bacterial pathogen during its prevailing natural state, asymptomatic carriage. These results also have wider significance as a benchmark for future systematic studies of evolution during invasive S. aureus disease.
Concordance in a World without a Gold Standard: A New Non-Invasive Methodology for Improving Accuracy of Fibrosis Markers

Background Assessing liver fibrosis is traditionally performed by biopsy, an imperfect gold standard. Non-invasive techniques, liver stiffness measurements (LSM) and biomarkers [FibroTest® (FT)], are widely used in countries where they are available. The aim was to identify factors associated with LSM accuracy using FT as a non-invasive endpoint and vice versa. Methods The proof of concept was taken using the manufacturers recommendations for excluding patients at high risk of false negative/positive. The hypothesis was that the concordance between LSM and FT, would be improved by excluding high-risk patients. Thereafter, the impact of potential variability factors was assessed by the same methods. Liver biopsy and independent endpoints were used to validate the results. Results Applying manufacturers' recommendations in 2,004 patients increased the strength of concordance between LSM and FT (P<0.00001). Among the 1,338 patients satisfying recommendations, the methodology identified a significant LSM operator effect (P = 0.001) and the following variability factors (all P<0.01), related to LSM: male gender, older age, and NAFLD as a cause of liver disease. Biopsy confirmed in 391 patients these results. Conclusion This study has validated the concept of using the strength of concordance between non-invasive estimates of liver fibrosis for the identification of factors associated with variability and precautions of use.
Minimizing the Pain of Local Anesthesia Injection

Background: Local anesthetic injection is often cited in literature as the most painful part of minor procedures. It is also very possible for all doctors to get better at giving local anesthesia with less pain for patients. The purpose of this article is to illustrate and simplify how to inject local anesthesia in an almost pain-free manner. Methods: The information was obtained from reviewing the best evidence, from an extensive review of the literature (from 1950 to August of 2012) and from the experience gained by asking over 500 patients to score injectors by reporting the number of times they felt pain during the injection process. Results: The results are summarized in a logical stepwise pattern mimicking the procedural steps of an anesthetic injection—beginning with solution selection and preparation, followed by equipment choices, patient education, topical site preparation, and finally procedural techniques. Conclusions: There are now excellent techniques for minimizing anesthetic injection pain, with supporting evidence varying from anecdotal to systematic reviews. Medical students and residents can easily learn techniques that reliably limit the pain of local anesthetic injection to the minimal discomfort of only the first fine needlestick. By combining many of these conclusions and techniques offered in the literature, tumescent local anesthetic can be administered to a substantial area such as a hand and forearm for tendon transfers or a face for rhytidectomy, with the patient feeling just the initial poke.
A Reinforcement Learning Approach for Dynamic Search

TREC Dynamic Domain (DD) track is intended to support the research in dynamic, exploratory search within complex domains. It simulates an interactive search process where the search system is expected to improve its efficiency and effectiveness based on its interaction with the user. We propose to model the dynamic search as a reinforcement learning problem and use neural network to find the best policy during a search process. We show a great potential of deep reinforcement learning on DD track