Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Expression of regulatory genes for lymphoplasmacytic cell differentiation in Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia

Waldenstrom Macroglobulinemia (WM) is a B‐cell malignancy characterized by excess bone marrow (BM) lymphoplasmacytic cells (LPC). The accumulation of LPC in WM may represent a failure of B‐cells to properly differentiate into plasma cells. The present study investigated transcriptional expression of genes involved in late B‐cell differentiation, including PRDM1, PAX5, XBP1 transcripts and ERN1, in BM B‐cells from 31 patients with WM and six healthy donors. Real time reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT‐PCR) determined that approximately 80% of the patients had high XBP1 spliced mRNA expression, 80% of whom had high mRNA ERN1α expression. XBP1, PRDM1 and PAX5 mRNA was present in all patients studied. Using relative quantitative RT‐PCR we isolated two groups with low and high expression of XBP1, XBP1 spliced and ERN1α. Sequence analysis showed germline polymorphisms in all genes studied. These data depict for the first time a heterogeneous expression pattern of the genes involved in late differentiation process of plasma cells in patients with WM and propose a role of XBP1‐ERN1α in WM pathogenesis.
Enhanced surveillance for pregnancy-associated mortality--Maryland, 1993-1998.

CONTEXT Deaths occurring among women who are pregnant or who have had a recent pregnancy have a devastating impact on the family and community. It is important to understand the magnitude and causes of pregnancy-associated mortality so that comprehensive strategies can be formulated to prevent such deaths. OBJECTIVE To ascertain the number and causes of pregnancy-associated deaths using enhanced surveillance techniques. DESIGN, SETTING, AND SUBJECTS Retrospective, cross-sectional analysis of death certificate data of reproductive-age women, live birth and fetal death records, and medical examiner records in Maryland during 1993-1998. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURE Number of pregnancy-associated deaths, defined as death from any cause during pregnancy or within 1 year of delivery or pregnancy termination, by source of data and cause of death. RESULTS A total of 247 pregnancy-associated deaths were ascertained. Twenty-seven percent (n = 67) were identified through cause-of-death information obtained from death certificates, 70% (n = 174) through linkage of death records with birth and fetal death records, and 47% (n = 116) through review of medical examiner records. Homicide was the leading cause of pregnancy-associated death (n = 50; 20%), and cardiovascular disorders were the second-leading cause (n = 48; 19%). CONCLUSIONS In this Maryland sample, comprehensive identification of pregnancy-associated deaths was accomplished only after collecting information from multiple sources and including all deaths occurring up to 1 year after delivery or pregnancy termination. This enhanced pregnancy mortality surveillance led to the disturbing finding that a pregnant or recently pregnant woman is more likely to be a victim of homicide than to die of any other cause. By broadening pregnancy mortality to include all possible causes, previously neglected factors may assume increased importance in prenatal and postpartum care.
Role of FNAC in palpable chest wall lesions in developing country

Palpable chest wall lesions are unusual manifestation of an underlying thoracic pathology and it is difficult to diagnose them with their diverse spectrum ranging from benign to malignant. Considering the exposure of patient to invasive biopsy/excision and the risk of local complications, FNAC is now being increasingly used in the primary assessment of these lesions. Objectives of this study were to report the spectrum of chest wall lesions in the population of a developing country and evaluating the diagnostic role of FNAC.
Diabetes mellitus and arsenic exposure: a second look at case-control data from a Swedish copper smelter.

OBJECTIVES--To find out whether a newly found association between diabetes mellitus and arsenic in drinking water in Taiwan could be reproduced in copper smelters with arsenic exposure. METHODS--Extended analysis of a previous case-control study from 1978 was based on death records and objective exposure information from the company. The final analysis included only those employed at the smelter. Cases were 12 people with diabetes mellitus on the death certificate and those for whom there was clinical information on this disease. Controls were 31 people without cancer, cardiovascular and cerebrovascular disease as these disease categories had been associated with arsenic exposure in the original study and elsewhere. RESULTS--The odds ratios found for diabetes mellitus with increasing arsenic exposure categories were (reference level = 1), 2.0, 4.2, and 7.0, but the 95% confidence intervals included unity. Unstratified test for trend was weakly significant, P = 0.03. CONCLUSIONS--Although based on small numbers, the findings provide some support for the suggestion that arsenic exposure could sometimes play a part in the development of diabetes mellitus.
Eculizumab fails to inhibit generation of C5a in vivo.

To the editor: Eculizumab is a monoclonal antibody (mAb) reputed to block C5 by preventing enzymatic generation of active components C5a and C5b. [1][1] C5a is a proinflammatory mediator whereas C5b combines with C6, C7, C8, and C9 to form the membrane attack complex C5b-9, which contributes to
Suicidal Expression among School-Attending Adolescents in a Middle-Income Sub-Saharan Country

We investigated correlates for suicidal expression among adolescents in the Seychelles. Data on 1,432 students (52% females) were derived from the Global School-based Health Survey. Participants were divided into three groups: those with no suicidal behavior (N = 1,199); those with suicide ideation/SI (N = 89); and those reporting SI with a plan to carry out a suicide attempt/SISP (N = 139), each within a 12-month recall period. Using multinomial logistic regression, we examined the strength of associations with social, behavioral and economic indicators while adjusting for covariates. Sixteen percent of school-attending adolescents reported a suicidal expression (10% with a plan/6.2% without). Those reporting SI were younger (relative risk ratio RRR = 0.81; CI = 0.68–0.96), indicated signs of depression (RRR = 1.69; CI = 1.05–2.72) and loneliness (RRR=3.36; CI =1.93–5.84). Tobacco use (RRR = 2.34; CI = 1.32–4.12) and not having close friends (RRR = 3.32; CI = 1.54–7.15) were significantly associated with SI. Those with SISP were more likely to be female (RRR = 0.47; 0.30–0.74), anxious (RRR = 3.04; CI = 1.89–4.88) and lonely (RRR = 1.74; CI = 1.07–2.84). Having no close friends (RRR = 2.98; 1.56–5.69) and using tobacco (RRR = 2.41; 1.48–3.91) were also strongly associated. Having parents who were understanding was protective (RRR = 0.50; CI = 0.31–0.82). Our results suggest that school health promotion programs may benefit from targeting multiple factors associated with suicidal expression. More research, particularly multilevel designs are needed to identify peer and family influences which may modify associations with suicidality.
Comparing the effects of genetic drift and fluctuating selection on genotype frequency changes in the scarlet tiger moth

One of the recurring arguments in evolutionary biology is whether evolution occurs principally through natural selection or through neutral processes such as genetic drift. A 60–year–long time series of changes in the genotype frequency of a colour polymorphism of the scarlet tiger moth, Callimorpha dominula, was used to compare the relative effects of genetic drift and variable natural selection. The analysis showed that most of the variation in frequency was the result of genetic drift. In addition, although selection was acting, mean fitness barely increased. This supports the ‘Red Queen's hypothesis’ that long–term improvements in fitness may not occur, because populations have to keep pace with changes in the environment.
Mother Knows Best: Dominant Females Determine Offspring Dispersal in Red Foxes (Vulpes vulpes)

Background Relatedness between group members is central to understanding the causes of animal dispersal. In many group-living mammals this can be complicated as extra-pair copulations result in offspring having varying levels of relatedness to the dominant animals, leading to a potential conflict between male and female dominants over offspring dispersal strategies. To avoid resource competition and inbreeding, dominant males might be expected to evict unrelated males and related females, whereas the reverse strategy would be expected for dominant females. Methodology/Principal Findings We used microsatellites and long-term data from an urban fox (Vulpes vulpes) population to compare dispersal strategies between offspring with intra- and extra-group fathers and mothers of differing social status in red foxes. Relatedness to the dominant male had no effect on dispersal in offspring of either sex, whereas there was a strong effect of relatedness to resident females on offspring dispersal independent of population density. Males with dominant mothers dispersed significantly more often than males with subordinate mothers, whereas dispersing females were significantly more likely to have subordinate mothers compared to philopatric females. Conclusions/Significance This is the first study to demonstrate that relatedness to resident females is important in juvenile dispersal in group-living mammals. Male dispersal may be driven by inbreeding avoidance, whereas female dispersal appears to be influenced by the fitness advantages associated with residing with the same-sex dominant parent. Selection pressure for paternal influence on offspring dispersal is low due to the limited costs associated with retaining unrelated males and the need for alternative inbreeding avoidance mechanisms between the dominant male and his female offspring. These findings have important implications for the evolution of dispersal and group living in social mammals, and our understanding of a key biological process.
Fourth Belgian multicentre survey of antibiotic susceptibility of anaerobic bacteria

Objectives To collect recent data on the susceptibility of anaerobes to antimicrobial agents with known activity against anaerobes, and to compare them with results from previous Belgian multicentre studies. Methods Four hundred and three strict anaerobic clinical isolates were prospectively collected from February 2011 to April 2012 in eight Belgian university hospitals. MICs were determined by one central laboratory for 11 antimicrobial agents using Etest methodology. Results According to EUCAST breakpoints, >90% of isolates were susceptible to amoxicillin/clavulanate (94%), piperacillin/tazobactam (91%), meropenem (96%), metronidazole (92%) and chloramphenicol (98%), but only 70% and 40% to clindamycin and penicillin, respectively. At CLSI recommended breakpoints, only 71% were susceptible to moxifloxacin and 79% to cefoxitin. MIC50/MIC90 values for linezolid and for tigecycline were 1/4 and 0.5/4 mg/L, respectively. When compared with survey data from 2004, no major differences in susceptibility profiles were noticed. However, the susceptibility of Prevotella spp. and other Gram-negative bacilli to clindamycin decreased from 91% in 1993–94 and 82% in 2004 to 69% in this survey. Furthermore, the susceptibility of clostridia to moxifloxacin decreased from 88% in 2004 to 66% in 2011–12 and that of fusobacteria from 90% to 71%. Conclusions Compared with previous surveys, little evolution was seen in susceptibility, except a decline in activity of clindamycin against Prevotella spp. and other Gram-negative bacteria, and of moxifloxacin against clostridia. Since resistance was detected to all antibiotics, susceptibility testing of anaerobic isolates is indicated in severe infections to confirm appropriateness of antimicrobial therapy.
Are Associations Between Neighborhood Socioeconomic Characteristics and Body Mass Index or Waist Circumference Based on Model Extrapolations?

Background: We investigated whether neighborhood socioeconomic characteristics, measured within person-centered areas (ie, centered on individuals' residences) are associated with body mass index (BMI [kg/m2]) and waist circumference. We used propensity-score matching as a diagnostic and validation tool to examine whether socio-spatial segregation (and related structural confounding) allowed us to estimate neighborhood socioeconomic effects adjusted for individual socioeconomic characteristics without excessive model extrapolations. Methods: Using the RECORD (Residential Environment and CORonary heart Disease) Cohort Study, we conducted cross-sectional analyses of 7230 adults from the Paris region. We first estimated the relationships of 3 neighborhood socioeconomic indicators (education, income, real estate prices) with BMI and waist circumference using traditional multilevel regression models adjusted for individual covariates. Second, we examined whether these associations persisted when estimated among participants exchangeable based on their probability of living in low-socioeconomic-status neighborhoods (propensity-score matched samples). Results: After adjustment for covariates, BMI/waist circumference increased with decreasing neighborhood socioeconomic status, especially with neighborhood education measured within 500-m radius buffers around residences; associations were stronger for women. With propensity-score matching techniques, there was some overlap in the odds of exposure between exposed and unexposed populations. As a function of socio-spatial segregation and an indicator of whether the data support inferences, sample size decreased by 17%–59% from the initial to the propensity-score matched samples. Propensity-score matched models confirmed relationships obtained from models in the entire sample. Conclusions: Overall, adjusted associations between neighborhood socioeconomic variables and BMI/waist circumference were empirically estimable in the French context, without excessive model extrapolations, despite the extent of socio-spatial segregation.
Changing disease burden of hepatocellular carcinoma in the Far East and Southeast Asia

Abstract: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the fifth most common cancer in the world, and has a marked difference in geographic distribution. More than 80% of HCC cases occur in developing countries, especially the Far East and Southeast Asia. Although immunization has been successful against hepatitis B virus (HBV), a changing disease burden of HCC has been observed in many parts of the world because of the increasing prevalence and duration of hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection in these countries. In addition, the age‐specific incidence of HCC has progressively shifted toward younger people. Hepatitis B genotypes B and C are prevalent in the Far East and Southeast Asia, and the clinical relevance of HBV genotypes has become increasingly recognized. Compared with genotype C, genotype B is associated with earlier hepatitis B e antigen seroconversion, slower progression to cirrhosis and less frequent development of HCC. By using periodic examinations of serum alfa‐fetoprotein levels and abdominal ultrasonography, small HCC can be detected and treated earlier. However, prevention of HBV and HCV infections as well as effective treatment of the chronic viral infections with timely interventions are still needed for the global control of HCC, particularly in the Far East and Southeast Asia.
Factor Substitution and Factor Augmenting Technical Progress in the Us: A Normalized Supply-Side System Approach

Using a normalized CES function with factor-augmenting technical progress, we estimate a supply-side system of the US economy from 1953 to 1998. Avoiding potential estimation biases that have occurred in earlier studies and putting a high emphasis on the consistency of the data set, required by the estimated system, we obtain robust results not only for the aggregate elasticity of substitution but also for the parameters of labor and capital augmenting technical change. We find that the elasticity of substitution is significantly below unity and that the growth rates of technical progress show an asymmetrical pattern where the growth of labor-augmenting technical progress is exponential, while that of capital is hyperbolic or logarithmic.
The Importance of Strength and Power on Key Performance Indicators in Elite Youth Soccer.

The purpose of this investigation was to examine the importance of strength and power in relation to key performance indicators (KPI's) within competitive soccer match play. This was achieved through using an experimental approach where fifteen subjects were recruited from a professional soccer club's scholarship squad during the 2013/14 season. Following anthropometric measures, power and strength were assessed across a range of tests which included the squat jump (SJ), countermovement jump (CMJ), 20 metre (m) sprint and arrowhead change of direction test. A predicted 1-repetition maximum (RM) was also obtained for strength by performing a 3RM test for both the back squat and bench press and a total score of athleticism (TSA) was provided by summing z-scores for all fitness tests together, providing one complete score for athleticism. Performance analysis data was collected during 16 matches for the following KPIs: passing, shooting, dribbling, tackling and heading. Alongside this, data concerning player ball involvements (touches) was recorded. Results showed that there was a significant correlation (p < 0.05) between CMJ (r = 0.80), SJ (r = 0.79) and TSA (r = 0.64) in relation to heading success. Similarly, a significant correlation (p < 0.05) between predicted 1RM squat strength and tackle success (r = 0.61). These data supports the notion that strength and power training are important to soccer performance, particularly when players are required to win duels of a physical nature. There were no other relationships found between the fitness data and the KPI's recorded during match play which may indicate that other aspects of player's development such as technical skill, cognitive function and sensory awareness are more important for soccer-specific performance.
Soccer Attenuates the Asymmetry of Rectus Abdominis Muscle Observed in Non-Athletes

PURPOSE To determine the volume and degree of asymmetry of the rectus abdominis muscle (RA) in professional soccer players. METHODS The volume of the RA was determined using magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) in 15 professional male soccer players and 6 non-active male control subjects. RESULTS Soccer players had 26% greater RA volume than controls (P<0.05), due to hypertrophy of both the dominant (28% greater volume, P<0.05) and non-dominant (25% greater volume, P<0.01) sides, after adjusting for age, length of the RA muscle and body mass index (BMI) as covariates. Total volume of the dominant side was similar to the contralateral in soccer players (P = 0.42) and in controls (P = 0.75) (Dominant/non-dominant = 0.99, in both groups). Segmental analysis showed a progressive increase in the degree of side-to-side asymmetry from the first lumbar disc to the pubic symphysis in soccer players (r = 0.80, P<0.05) and in controls (r = 0.75, P<0.05). The slope of the relationship was lower in soccer players, although this trend was not statistically significant (P = 0.14). CONCLUSIONS Professional soccer is associated with marked hypertrophy of the rectus abdominis muscle, which achieves a volume that is 26% greater than in non-active controls. Soccer induces the hypertrophy of the non-dominant side in proximal regions and the dominant side in regions closer to pubic symphysis, which attenuates the pattern of asymmetry of rectus abdominis observed in non-active population. It remains to be determined whether the hypertrophy of rectus abdominis in soccer players modifies the risk of injury.
Modification of pineapple leaf fibers and graft copolymerization of acrylonitrile onto modified fibers

Raw pineapple leaf fibers (PALFs) were chemically modified by scouring, NaOH treatment, and bleaching (NaClO2). The graft copolymerization of synthetic acrylonitrile monomer onto bleached PALFs was carried out in aqueous medium using potassium persulfate (K2S2O8/FeSO4) as a redox initiator. The maximum grafting level at optimum conditions, namely, monomer concentration, initiator concentration, catalyst concentration, reaction time, and temperature have been determined. The main objective of this study is to decrease the amorphous region of lignocellulose in PALFs and improve its hydrophobic nature by incorporation of synthetic polymer of polyacrylonitrile and mechanical properties. The modified and grafted fibers were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, scanning electron microscope, thermogravimetric analysis, and X-ray diffraction study techniques. The moisture content and tensile strength properties were also evaluated for their environmental and mechanical performances.
An Optimal Transportation Approach for Nuclear Structure-Based Pathology

Nuclear morphology and structure as visualized from histopathology microscopy images can yield important diagnostic clues in some benign and malignant tissue lesions. Precise quantitative information about nuclear structure and morphology, however, is currently not available for many diagnostic challenges. This is due, in part, to the lack of methods to quantify these differences from image data. We describe a method to characterize and contrast the distribution of nuclear structure in different tissue classes (normal, benign, cancer, etc.). The approach is based on quantifying chromatin morphology in different groups of cells using the optimal transportation (Kantorovich-Wasserstein) metric in combination with the Fisher discriminant analysis and multidimensional scaling techniques. We show that the optimal transportation metric is able to measure relevant biological information as it enables automatic determination of the class (e.g., normal versus cancer) of a set of nuclei. We show that the classification accuracies obtained using this metric are, on average, as good or better than those obtained utilizing a set of previously described numerical features. We apply our methods to two diagnostic challenges for surgical pathology: one in the liver and one in the thyroid. Results automatically computed using this technique show potentially biologically relevant differences in nuclear structure in liver and thyroid cancers.
Efficiency Improvement of Overall PMSM-Inverter System Based on Artificial Bee Colony Algorithm Under Full Power Range

This paper investigates both the fundamental and harmonic losses of permanent magnet synchronous motor (PMSM) in conjunction with inverter losses for a wide range of switching frequencies (SFs) and different direct-axis currents (Ids) under full power range. The effects of SFs and Ids on the total losses, including fundamental loss and harmonic loss in the windings and lamination core, conduction loss, and switching loss in IGBTs, are described through analytical models. Meanwhile, the loss models of the motor are modified and validated by the 2-D finite-element analysis. Furthermore, the efficiency improvement of the overall PMSM-inverter system for different operation conditions benefits from an artificial bee colony (ABC) algorithm proposed in this paper. The optimal SF and Id, in terms of PMSM-inverter overall efficiency, are preferred for every operation point, thanks to the proposed ABC and the precise calculation of losses. Experimental results validate the proposed methodology.