Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Using the WHO Essential Medicines List to Assess the Appropriateness of Insurance Coverage Decisions: A Case Study of the Croatian National Medicine Reimbursement List

Purpose To investigate the use of the WHO EML as a tool with which to evaluate the evidence base for the medicines on the national insurance coverage list of the Croatian Institute of Health Insurance (CIHI). Methods Medicines from 9 ATC categories with highest expenditures from 2012 CIHI Basic List (n = 509) were compared with 2011 WHO EML for adults (n = 359). For medicines with specific indication listed only in CIHI Basic List we assessed whether there was evidence in Cochrane Database of Systematic Reviews questioning their efficacy and safety. Results The two lists shared 188 medicines (52.4% of WHO EML and 32.0% of CIHI list). CIHI Basic List had 254 medicines and 33 combinations of these medicines which were not on the WHO EML, plus 14 medicines rejected and 20 deleted from WHO EML by its Evaluation Committee. For deleted medicines, we could obtain data that showed 2,965,378 prescriptions issued to 617,684 insured patients, and the cost of approximately € 41.2 million for 2012 and the first half of 2013, when the CIHI Basic List was in effect. For CIHI List-only medicines with a specific indication (n = 164 or 57.1% of the analyzed set), fewer benefits or more serious side-effects than other medicines were found for 17 (10.4%) and not enough evidence for recommendations for specific indication for 21 (12.8%) medicines in Cochrane systematic reviews. Conclusions National health care policy should use high-quality evidence in deciding on adding new medicines and reassessing those already present on national medicines lists, in order to rationalize expenditures and ensure wider and better access to medicines. The WHO EML and recommendations from its Evaluation Committee may be useful tools in this quality assurance process.
Immunological memory within the innate immune system

Immune memory has traditionally been the domain of the adaptive immune system, present only in antigen‐specific T and B cells. The purpose of this review is to summarize the evidence for immunological memory in lower organisms (which are not thought to possess adaptive immunity) and within specific cell subsets of the innate immune system. A special focus will be given to recent findings in both mouse and humans for specificity and memory in natural killer (NK) cells, which have resided under the umbrella of innate immunity for decades. The surprising longevity and enhanced responses of previously primed NK cells will be discussed in the context of several immunization settings.
Primary Ewing's sarcoma involving the bones of the head and neck

Ewing's sarcoma is a rare tumor of the bone. In the Intergroup Ewing's Sarcoma Study (IESS) approximately 4% of the primary bone tumors arose in the bones of the head and neck. The mean age of patients was 10.9 years; boys slightly dominated the group. Signs and symptoms were local in distribution, with a mass or swelling most frequent. As in other sites, we categorized the dominant histologic pattern as diffuse or filigree, the latter carrying a more unfavorable prognosis. The radiographic appearance may be atypical as compared to Ewing's sarcoma at other sites. Prognosis of head and neck Ewing's is significantly better than Ewing's sarcoma overall. The gnathic bones were commonly affected, yet there was no associated mortality. No patient with primary disease in the bones of the head and neck who survived for 5 years on any of the IESS protocols has subsequently died.
Loop corrections to cosmological perturbations in multi-field inflationary models

We investigate one-loop quantum corrections to the power spectrum of adiabatic perturbation from entropy modes/adiabatic mode cross-interactions in multiple DBI inflationary models. We find that due to the non-canonical kinetic term in DBI models, the loop corrections are enhanced by slow-varying parameter epsilon and small sound speed c(s). Thus, in general the loop-corrections in multi-DBI models can be large. Moreover, we find that the loop-corrections from adiabatic/entropy cross-interaction vertices are IR finite.
Impact of Megha-Tropiques SAPHIR radiances in T574L64 global data assimilation and forecasting system at NCMRWF

ABSTRACT The Sounder for Probing Vertical Profiles of Humidity (SAPHIR) is a sounding instrument of Megha-Tropiques (Indo-French joint satellite); launched by the Indian Space Research Organization on 12 October 2011 with six channels near the absorption band of water vapour at 183 GHz. In the framework of this work, the assimilation scheme has been first modified to enable the SAPHIR radiance observations being used as additional observation type, and second, a methodology has been prepared to remove the radiance pixels significantly affected by clouds. The impact of SAPHIR radiances on analysis as well as forecasts of the National Centre for Medium Range Weather Forecasting-Global Forecast System (NGFS) at T574L64 resolution has been investigated through data assimilation. Measurements from SAPHIR are incorporated into the Gridpoint Statistical Interpolation three-dimensional variational assimilation system to provide the improved initial conditions. To find out the impact, analysis/forecast cycling experiments with and without SAPHIR radiances are performed during the period 10–29 November 2013. The impact of the improvement in term of root mean square error has been clearly evaluated for five parameters, namely, relative humidity, temperature, wind, geopotential height, and specific humidity. It is demonstrated that the assimilation of SAPHIR observations results in a considerable improvement for the five parameters over the global region. During the study period, two tropical cyclones (HELEN, 19–22 November and LEHAR, 23–28 November) were formed over the North Indian Ocean. Impact on specific humidity and track forecast errors of tropical cyclone are also examined. Overall, initial results show the usefulness of SAPHIR radiances in the NGFS.
CDP‐choline: Neuroprotection in transient forebrain ischemia of gerbils

CDP‐choline is a rate‐limiting intermediate in the biosynthesis of phosphatidylcholine (PtdCho), an important component of the neural cell membrane. The ability of CDP‐choline to alter phospholipid metabolism is an important function in the treatment of ischemic injury. Exogenous treatment with CDP‐choline stimulates PtdCho synthesis and prevents release of free fatty acids (FFA), especially arachidonic acid (AA), after ischemia/reperfusion. Phase III clinical trials of CDP‐choline in the treatment of stroke are currently underway. Here we report the neuroprotection by CDP‐choline in transient forebrain ischemia of gerbils. CDP‐choline significantly attenuated the blood‐brain barrier (BBB) dysfunction after ischemia with 6‐hr reperfusion, and considerably reduced the increase of AA in FFA and leukotriene C4 (LTC4) synthesis at 1 day. Edema was significantly elevated after 1 and 2 days, but attained maximum at 3‐day reperfusion. CDP‐choline substantially attenuated edema at 3 days. Ischemia resulted in 80 ± 8% CA1 hippocampal neuronal death after 6‐day reperfusion, and CDP‐choline provided 65 ± 6% neuroprotection. CDP‐choline may act by increasing PtdCho synthesis via two pathways: (1) conversion of 1,2‐diacylglycerol to PtdCho, and (2) biosynthesis of S‐adenosyl‐L‐methionine, thus stabilizing the membrane and reducing AA release and metabolism to leukotriene C4. This would result in decreased toxicity due to AA, leukotrienes, oxygen radicals, lipid peroxidation, and altered glutamate uptake, thus limiting BBB dysfunction, edema and providing neuroprotection. J. Neurosci. Res. 58:697–705, 1999. © 1999 Wiley‐Liss, Inc.
A modified neuromuscular electrical stimulation protocol for quadriceps strength training following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction.

STUDY DESIGN Randomized clinical trial, single-masked. OBJECTIVES To determine the effectiveness of using a modified neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) training program as an adjunct treatment for improving quadriceps strength and physical function in rehabilitation following anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR). BACKGROUND NMES training for quadriceps strengthening has previously been shown to be an effective adjunct treatment following ACLR when performed against isometric resistance using a dynamometer with the knee positioned in flexion. We developed a modified version of published NMES protocol because some patients have difficulty tolerating the existing protocol and many clinics may not have instrumented dynamometers. There is a need to determine the effectiveness of this modified protocol. METHODS AND MEASURES Forty-three subjects who had undergone ACLR were randomly assigned to either a group that received (NMES group) or did not receive (comparison group) the NMES treatment in conjunction with their rehabilitation. Group means for quadriceps strength and self-reported measures of knee function were compared after 12 and 16 weeks of rehabilitation. The proportion of subjects in each group achieving clinical criteria to initiate ambulation without crutches, treadmill running, and agility training at selected times during rehabilitation were also compared. RESULTS The NMES group demonstrated moderately greater quadriceps strength at 12 weeks (effect size, 0.48), and moderately higher levels of self-reported knee function at both 12 (effect size, 0.72) and 16 (effect size, 0.65) weeks of rehabilitation compared to the comparison group. A greater proportion of subjects in the NMES group achieved clinical criteria for advancing to agility training at 16 weeks. CONCLUSIONS The modified NMES quadriceps training protocol can be a useful adjunct to ACLR rehabilitation programs, but the treatment effect is smaller than what has been reported in previous studies.
The functional properties of a truncated form of endothelial cell protein C receptor generated by alternative splicing

Background A soluble form of endothelial cell protein C receptor (sEPCR) is generated by shedding of the cellular form. sEPCR binds to protein C and factor VIIa and inhibits both the activation of protein C and the activity of activated protein C and factor VIIa. High sEPCR levels may increase the risk of thrombosis.We wanted to explore the possibility of detecting soluble endothelial cell protein C receptor forms generated by alternative splicing. Design and Methods Reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction was used to look for new forms of endothelial cell protein C receptor. A yeast expression system was used to generate sufficient amounts of the distinct sEPCR forms. Surface plasmon resonance experiments, chromogenic assays, clotting assays and immunoassays were subsequently performed to characterize a new form of sEPCR that was found. Results We demonstrated, by reverse transcriptase polymerase chain reaction and sequencing, the existence of a new, soluble form of endothelial cell protein C receptor generated by alternative splicing, in which the transmembrane region is replaced by a 56-residue tail (tEPCR). Its cDNA was present in human umbilical vein endothelial cells and in most tissues as well as in lung cancer cells. tEPCR was not located in the membrane of transfected cells.We demonstrated that tEPCR binds to protein C and factor VIIa. tEPCR blocked the generation of activated protein C and inhibited the activity of both activated protein C and factor VIIa. tEPCR was detected, by immunoassays, in the supernatant of lung cancer cells and human umbilical vein endothelial cells. Conclusions A truncated form of alternatively spliced endothelial cell protein C receptor was detected in the endothelium and cancer cells. tEPCR behaves as sEPCR generated by shedding of the cellular endothelial cell protein C receptor.
Evaluation of fungicides as potential grapevine pruning wound protectants against Botryosphaeria species

Protection of wounds against infection by trunk disease pathogens is the most efficient and cost-effective means to prevent grapevine trunk diseases. Studies done to determine the effectiveness of chemical pruning wound protectants have mostly focused on the control of Eutypa lata. However, other important wound pathogens, such as Phaeomoniella chlamydospora, Phaeoacremonium spp. , Phomopsis spp. and species of Botryosphaeriaceae (including Botryosphaeria and aggregate genera), pose just as significant a threat to sustainable grape production. Fungicide sensitivity studies have been conducted for Pa. chlamydospora, P. viticola and E. lata. However, no such studies have been conducted for the pathogenic species of Botryosphaeriaceae from grapevines in South Africa. Ten fungicides were, therefore, tested in vitro for their efficacy on mycelial inhibition of the four most common or pathogenic species of Botryosphaeriaceae in South Africa, ‘B. ’ obtusa, Neofusicoccum australe, N. parvum and Lasiodiplodia theobromae. Iprodione, pyrimethanil, copper ammonium acetate, kresoxim-methyl and boscalidwere ineffective in inhibiting themycelial growth at the highest concentrations tested (20 μg/mL for copper ammonium acetate, 5 μg/mL for other agents tested). Benomyl, tebuconazole, prochloraz manganese chloride and flusilazole were the most effective fungicides with EC50 values for the different species ranging from 0.36–0.55, 0.07–0.17, 0.07–1.15 and 0.04–0.36 μg/mL, respectively. These fungicides, except prochloraz manganese chloride, are registered for use on grapes in South Africa and were also reported to be effective against Pa. chlamydospora, P. viticola and E. lata. Results from bioassays on 1-year-old Chenin Blanc grapevine shoots indicated that benomyl, tebuconazole and prochloraz manganese chloride were most effective in limiting lesion length in pruning wounds that were inoculated with species of Botryosphaeriaceae after fungicide treatment. The bioassay findings were, however, inconclusive due to low and varied re-isolation incidences. Benomyl, tebuconazole, prochloraz manganese chloride and flusilazole can be identified as fungicides to be evaluated as pruning wound protectants in additional bioassays and vineyard trials against species of Botryosphaeriaceae as well as the other grapevine trunk disease pathogens.
Role of Potassium Uptake Systems in Sinorhizobium meliloti Osmoadaptation and Symbiotic Performance

ABSTRACT Stimulation of potassium uptake is the most rapid response to an osmotic upshock in bacteria. This cation accumulates by a number of different transport systems whose importance has not been previously addressed for rhizobia. In silico analyses reveal the presence of genes encoding four possible potassium uptake systems in the genome of Sinorhizobium meliloti 1021: Kup1, Kup2, Trk, and Kdp. The study of the relevance of these systems under a number of different growth conditions and in symbiosis showed that the integrity of Kup1 or Trk is essential for growth under laboratory conditions even in osmotically balanced media and the absence of both systems leads to a reduced infectivity and competitiveness of the bacteria in alfalfa roots. Trk is the main system involved in the accumulation of potassium after an osmotic upshift and the most important system for growth of S. meliloti under hyperosmotic conditions. The other three systems, especially Kup1, are also relevant during the osmotic adaptation of the cell, and the relative importance of the Kdp system increases at low potassium concentrations.
Male circumcision and sexual function in men and women: a survey-based, cross-sectional study in Denmark.

BACKGROUND One-third of the world's men are circumcised, but little is known about possible sexual consequences of male circumcision. In Denmark (~5% circumcised), we examined associations of male circumcision with a range of sexual measures in both sexes. METHODS Participants in a national health survey (n = 5552) provided information about their own (men) or their spouse's (women) circumcision status and details about their sex lives. Logistic regression-derived odds ratios (ORs) measured associations of circumcision status with sexual experiences and current difficulties with sexual desire, sexual needs fulfilment and sexual functioning. RESULTS Age at first intercourse, perceived importance of a good sex life and current sexual activity differed little between circumcised and uncircumcised men or between women with circumcised and uncircumcised spouses. However, circumcised men reported more partners and were more likely to report frequent orgasm difficulties after adjustment for potential confounding factors [11 vs 4%, OR(adj) = 3.26; 95% confidence interval (CI) 1.42-7.47], and women with circumcised spouses more often reported incomplete sexual needs fulfilment (38 vs 28%, OR(adj) = 2.09; 95% CI 1.05-4.16) and frequent sexual function difficulties overall (31 vs 22%, OR(adj) = 3.26; 95% CI 1.15-9.27), notably orgasm difficulties (19 vs 14%, OR(adj) = 2.66; 95% CI 1.07-6.66) and dyspareunia (12 vs 3%, OR(adj) = 8.45; 95% CI 3.01-23.74). Findings were stable in several robustness analyses, including one restricted to non-Jews and non-Moslems. CONCLUSIONS Circumcision was associated with frequent orgasm difficulties in Danish men and with a range of frequent sexual difficulties in women, notably orgasm difficulties, dyspareunia and a sense of incomplete sexual needs fulfilment. Thorough examination of these matters in areas where male circumcision is more common is warranted.
Capacity provisioning for schedulers with tiny buffers

Capacity and buffer sizes are critical design parameters in schedulers which multiplex many flows. Previous studies show that in an asymptotic regime, when the number of traffic flows N goes to infinity, the choice of scheduling algorithm does not have a big impact on performance. We raise the question whether or not the choice of scheduling algorithm impacts the capacity and buffer sizing for moderate values of N (e.g., few hundred). For Markov-modulated On-Off sources and for finite N, we show that the choice of scheduling is influential on (1) buffer overflow probability, (2) capacity provisioning, and (3) the viability of network decomposition in a non-asymptotic regime. This conclusion is drawn based on numerical examples and by a comparison of the scaling properties of different scheduling algorithms. In particular, we show that the per-flow capacity converges to the per-flow long-term average rate of the arrivals with convergence speeds ranging from O (√log N/N) to O(1/N) depending on the scheduling algorithm. This speed of convergences of the required capacities for different schedulers (to meet a target buffer overflow probability) is perceptible even for moderate values of N in our numerical examples.
Quality of Life and Psychological Morbidity in Vitiligo Patients: A Study in a Teaching Hospital from North-East India

Background: Vitiligo is an acquired discoloration of skin and mucous membrane of great cosmetic importance affecting 1-4% of the world's population. It causes disfiguration in all races, more so in dark-skinned people because of strong contrast. Men, women, and children with vitiligo face severe psychological and social disadvantage. Aim: To assess the impact of the disease on the quality of life of patients suffering from vitiligo, also to ascertain any psychological morbidity like depression associated with the disease and to compare the results with that of healthy control group. Materials and Methods: Dermatology Life Quality Index (DLQI) and Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HAMD) are administered to 100 vitiligo patients presenting to the Dermatology OPD and 50 age- and sex-matched healthy controls. Results were analyzed and compared with that of control group. Findings are also correlated in relation to demographic and clinical profile of the disease. Statistical analysis is made to see the significance. Results: Vitiligo-affected patients had significantly elevated total DLQI scores (P < 0.001) compared to healthy controls. There is increase in parameters like itch, embarrassment, social and leisure activities in the patient cohort than the control group. Patients of vitiligo are also found to be more depressed (P < 0.001) than the controls. Conclusion: Quality of life (QOL) in patients affected with vitiligo declined more severely, and also there is increase in incidence of depression than in the control group. These changes are critical for the psychosocial life of the affected people.
Uptake and release of adenosine by cultured astrocytoma cells

ADENINF derivatives have been implicated as neurotransmitters in the autonomic nervous system (BURNSTOCK, 1972, 1975), and several observations have suggested that adenosine may in some way be involved in synaptic transmission in the central nervous system as well. Adenosine is released from brain slices incubated in uitro (PULL & MCILWAIN, 1972), and this release is augmented by electrical stimulation (PULL & MC~LWAIN, 1972) and by depolarizing agents (SHiMizu rt a/., 1970h; LEwiN & BLECK, 1976). Brain slices also take up adenosine from the incubation medium (SHiMizu et ul., 1969). In addition, adenosine is liberated from synaptosomal beds (KURODA & MCILWAIN, 1974) and from the surface of rat cortex following electrical stimulation (SULAKHE & PHILLIS, 1975). When adenosine I S applied iontophoretically to cortical neurons, inhibition of discharge has been most frequently observed (PHILLIS t’i ci l . , 1974). Adenosine stimulates cyclic AMP accumulation in brain slices (SATTIN & RALL, 1970), and the physiologic action of adenosine may be mediated by cyclic AMP. The contribution of glia to the observed release of adenosine from brain slices is unknown. Cultured astrocytoma cells offer a population of cells of glial origin. Although tumor cells may be poor models of normal adult glia in civo, we elected to study the release as well as the uptake of adenosine in cells derived from tumor astrocytes.
Light verb constructions with ‘do’ and ‘be’ in Hindi: A TAG analysis

In this paper we present a Lexicalized Feature-based Tree-Adjoining Grammar analysis for a type of nominal predicate that occurs in combination with the light verbs “do” and “be” (Hindi kar and ho respectively). Light verb constructions are a challenge for computational grammars because they are a highly productive predicational strategy in Hindi. Such nominals have been discussed in the literature (Mohanan, 1997; Ahmed and Butt, 2011; Bhatt et al., 2013), but this work is a first attempt at a Tree-Adjoining Grammar (TAG) representation. We look at three possibilities for the design of elementary trees in TAG and explore one option in depth using Hindi data. In this analysis, the nominal is represented with all the arguments of the light verb construction, while the light verb adjoins into its elementary tree.