Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
The effect of single low-dose primaquine treatment for uncomplicated Plasmodium falciparum malaria on hemoglobin levels in Ethiopia: a longitudinal cohort study

Abstract Background To interrupt residual malaria transmission and achieve successful elimination of P. falciparum in low-transmission settings, the World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the administration of a single dose of 0.25 mg/kg (or 15 mg/kg for adults) primaquine (PQ) combined with artemisinin-based combination therapy (ACT) without glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G6PD) testing. However, due to the risk of hemolysis in patients with G6PD deficiency (G6PDd), PQ use is not as common. Thus, this study aimed to assess the safety of a single low dose of PQ administered to patients with G6PD deficiency. Methods An observational cohort study was conducted with patients treated for uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria with either single-dose PQ (0.25 mg/kg) (SLD PQ) + ACT or ACT alone. Microscopy-confirmed uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria patients visiting public health facilities in Arjo Didessa, Southwest Ethiopia, were enrolled in the study from September 2019 to November 2022. Patients with uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria were followed up for 28 days through clinical and laboratory diagnosis, such as measurements of G6PD levels and hemoglobin (Hb) concentrations. G6PD levels were masured by a quantiative biosensor machine. Patient interviews were also conducted, and the type and frequency of clinical complaints were recorded. Hb data were taken on days (D) 7, 14, 21, and 28 following treatment with SLD-PQ + ACT or ACT alone. Results A total of 249 patients with uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria were enrolled in this study. Of these, 83 (33.3%) patients received ACT alone, and 166 (66.7%) received ACT combined with SLD-PQ treatment. The median age of the patients was 20 (IQR 14) years. G6PD deficiency was found in 17 (6.8%) patients, 14 males and 3 females. There were 6 (7.2%) and 11 (6.6%) phenotypic G6PD-deficient patients in the ACT alone and ACT + SLD-PQ arms, respectively. The mean Hb levels in patients treated with ACT + SLD-PQ were reduced by an average of 0.45 g/dl (95% CI = 0.39 to 0.52) in the posttreatment phase (D7) compared to a reduction of 0.30 g/dl (95% CI = 0.14 to -0.47) in patients treated with ACT alone ( P = 0.157). A greater mean Hb reduction was observed on day 7 in the G6PD deficiency group (-0.56 g/dL) than in the G6PD normal group (-0.39 g/dL); however, there was no statistically significant difference ( P = 0.359). Overall, D14 losses were 0.10 g/dl (95% CI = -0.00 to 0.20) and 0.05 g/dl (95% CI = -0.123 to 0.22) in patients with and without SLD-PQ, respectively ( P = 0.412). Conclusions Our findings showed that single low-dose primaquine (SLD-PQ) treatment for uncomplicated P. falciparum malaria is safe and does not increase the risk of hemolysis in G6PDd patients. This evidence suggests that the wider deployment of SLD-PQ for P. falciparum is part of a global strategy for eliminating P. falciparum malaria.
The Effect of Twisting on Perforator Flap Viability: An Experimental Study in Rats

Perforator flaps increasingly find acceptance and use in the field of reconstructive surgery due to their decreased donor-site morbidity and increased like-tissue coverage. Nevertheless, they are more prone to vascular compromise, especially when the meticulous technique they require is not employed. Pedicle twisting is a condition occasionally encountered in flap procedures, sometimes inadvertently, sometimes inevitably. In this study, circulatory comprise induced by twisting of the pedicle on a true perforator flap in a rat model is investigated. Thirty-eight Wistar-Albino rats were randomized into 4 groups, and cranial epigastric artery true perforator flaps were elevated on a single perforator. The flaps were returned as they were in the control group (n = 9), and with 90°, 180°, and 270° of torsion in groups 2 (n = 9), 3 (n = 10), and 4 (n = 10), respectively. The flaps were evaluated by their flap survival area, weight, and histopathological appearance by the end of the first week. The mean flap survival ratios for groups 1, 2, 3, and 4 were 97.78 ± 4.41%, 72.22 ± 44.10%, 73.50 ± 30.46%, and 30 ± 30.18% (mean ± SD), respectively. The degree of degenerative changes in group 4 was found to be statistically significant (P < 0.016). Our histopathological examinations indicate that vascular compromise was moderate in group 3 and severe in group 4. Our findings suggest that under normal conditions, the pedicle of a true perforator flap must not be twisted more than 180°.
Widespread Occurrence of Pneumocystis carinii in Commercial Rat Colonies Detected Using Targeted PCR and Oral Swabs

ABSTRACT The genus Pneumocystis contains a family of fungal organisms that infect a wide variety of mammalian species. Although it is a cause of pneumonia in immunocompromised hosts, recent evidence suggests that these organisms colonize nonimmunosuppressed hosts. Detection of cryptic colonization withPneumocystis becomes important in animal studies when infection-free animals are necessary. Provocation by chronic immunosuppression, histology, and serology has been widely used to detect the presence of Pneumocystis in rat colonies, requiring lengthy time periods and/or postmortem tissue. We conducted a study to evaluate the use of PCR amplification of oral swabs for the antemortem detection of Pneumocystis in 12 rat groups from three commercial vendors. Sera were collected upon arrival, and the oral cavity was swabbed for PCR analysis. Ten of these groups of rats were then housed in pairs under barrier and immunosuppressed to provokePneumocystis growth. Once moribund, the rats were sacrificed, and the lungs were collected to evaluate the presence ofPneumocystis by PCR and microscopic enumeration. DNA was extracted from oral swabs and lung homogenates, and PCR was performed using primers targeting a region within the mitochondrial large-subunit rRNA of Pneumocystis carinii f. sp. carinii. Upon receipt, 64% of rats were positive for P. carinii f. sp. carinii-specific antibodies, while P. carinii f. sp. carinii DNA was amplified from 98% of oral swabs. Postmortem PCR analysis of individual lungs revealedP. carinii f. sp. carinii DNA in all rat lungs, illustrating widespread occurrence of Pneumocystis in commercial rat colonies. Thus, oral swab/PCR is a rapid, nonlethal, and sensitive method for the assessment of Pneumocystisexposure.
Equine Lameness : Clinical Judgment Meets Advanced Diagnostic Imaging

When I graduated, it was accepted wisdom that lameness was assessed by watching horses move in hand. As an experienced rider, I became increasingly aware of the value of ridden exercise to assess lameness and performance. This has become an essential part of lameness and poor performance diagnosis. Diagnostic analgesia is now commonplace, but it is only comparatively recently that we have become aware of some of its limitations. Since I graduated, diagnostic imaging has evolved from radiography to include ultrasonography, nuclear scintigraphy, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and computed tomography. We are still learning how to interpret what we find and to integrate this with clinical findings. I aim to discuss the science and art of lameness diagnosis. Accurate lameness diagnosis requires recognition of the lame limb(s), identification of any significant palpable abnormalities, determination of the source(s) of pain, and appropriate diagnostic imaging to identify the potential cause(s) of pain, with high quality images, correctly interpreted. This is an acquired art requiring careful observation, pattern recognition, a logical deductive process, and a questioning mind. By continuing to look, I believe that we can all continue to learn and to make new discoveries. My aim is to review some of the advances in lameness recognition, diagnostic analgesia, and advanced imaging, especially MRI. With respect to MRI, my focus is on the foot, because this is the area about which we have learned most and that has the best validation by comparison of imaging findings with postmortem examinations. However, throughout, I aim to emphasize the complexities and the many unanswered questions that remain. This is a challenging field. 2. Looking at the Horse and Learning to Read the Horse
Evolutionary Approach for Efficient Resource Allocation in Multi-User OFDM Systems

Orthogonal Frequency Division Multiplexing is a promising technology for high data rate transmission in wideband wireless systems for achieving high downlink capabilities in the future cellular systems. To minimize the overall transmit power, the genetic algorithm approach was proposed for adaptive subcarrier and bit allocation based on channel state information. This is done by assigning one subcarrier for one user and each user a set of subcarriers and by determining the number of bits and the transmit power level for each subcarrier. The simulation results show that genetic algorithm approach produces better results compared to conventional algorithms in optimum power allocation. The results further conclude that genetic search helps fast convergence and can handle large allocations of subcarriers to users (many subcarriers to one user) without performance degradation.
The caloric restriction paradigm: Implications for healthy human aging

Underlying the importance of research on the biology of aging is the fact that many nations face the demographic reality of a rapidly aging populace and the looming healthcare challenges that it brings. This reality is a result of aging itself being the most significant risk factor for a range of the most prevalent diseases, including many cancers, cardiovascular disease, and diabetes. Accordingly, interventions are sorely needed that would be able to delay or prevent diseases and disorders associated with the aging process and thereby increase the period of time that aging individuals are in good health (the health‐span). Caloric restriction (CR) has emerged as a model of major interest as it is widely agreed that CR is the most potent environmental intervention that delays the onset of aging and extends life span in diverse experimental organisms. A better understanding of the mechanisms by which CR delays aging will reveal new insights into the aging process and the underlying causes of disease vulnerability with age. These novel insights will allow the development of novel treatments and preventive measures for age‐associated diseases and disorders. Am. J. Hum. Biol. 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Designing a Family of Coordination Algorithms

Many researchers have shown that there is no single best organization or coordination mechanism for all environments. This paper discusses the design and implementation of an extendable family of coordination mechanisms, called Generalized Partial Global Planning (GPGP). The set of coordination mechanisms described here assists in scheduling activities for teams of cooperative computational agents. The GPGP approach has several unique features. First, it is not tied to a single domain. Each mechanism is defined as a response to certain features in the current task environment. We show that different combinations of mechanisms are appropriate for different task environments. Secondly, the approach works in conjunction with an agent''s existing local planner/scheduler. Finally, the initial set of five mechanisms presented here generalizes and extends the Partial Global Planning (PGP) algorithm. In comparison to PGP, GPGP schedules tasks with deadlines, it allows agent heterogeneity, it exchanges less global information, and it communicates at multiple levels of abstraction. We analyze the performance of several GPGP algorithm family members and one centralized upper bound reference algorithm, using data from simulations of multiple agent teams working in abstract task environments. We show how to decide if adding a new mechanism is useful, and suggest a way to prune the search for an appropriate combination of mechanisms in an environment.
Urinary Levels of 8-Iso-Prostaglandin F2α and 8-Hydroxydeoxyguanine as Markers of Oxidative Stress in Patients With Coronary Artery Disease

Background and Objectives The objective of this study was to determine if urinary levels of 8-iso-prostaglandin F2α (8-iso-PGF2α) and 8-hydroxydeoxyguanine (8-OHdG) could be used as markers of the oxidative stress in significant coronary artery disease (CAD). Subjects and Methods We conducted a case-control study in 104 subjects assessed by coronary angiography with the following diagnoses: 35 consecutive cases of significant CAD and 69 cases of non-CAD with stable angina. We compared the urinary levels of 8-iso-PGF 2α and 8-OHdG, as measured by immunoassay between the 2 groups. Results History of hypertension was significantly higher and high density lipoprotein-cholesterol level significantly lower in the CAD group compared with those in the non-CAD group. Median levels of 8-iso-PGF2α were significantly higher in the CAD group compared with the non-CAD group (9.2 vs. 6.0 ng/mg, p=0.001). There were no significant differences in 8-OHdG values between the 2 groups. The odds ratio of 8-iso-PGF2α for CAD in the highest tertile compared with that in the lowest tertile was 7.39 (95% confidence interval; 1.71-31.91). There was no significant difference in median values of 8-iso-PGF2α between single- and multi-vessel CAD. Conclusion Urinary 8-iso-PGF 2α was independently associated with significant CAD in this case-control study.
Psychiatric disorders in male prisoners who made near-lethal suicide attempts: case–control study

Background Although male prisoners are five times more likely to die by suicide than men of a similar age in the general population, the contribution of psychiatric disorders is not known. Aims To investigate the association of psychiatric disorders with near-lethal suicide attempts in male prisoners. Method A matched case–control study of 60 male prisoners who made near-lethal suicide attempts (cases) and 60 prisoners who had never carried out near-lethal suicide attempts in prison (controls) was conducted. Psychiatric disorders were identified with the Mini International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI), and information on sociodemographic characteristics and criminal history was gathered using a semi-structured interview. Results Psychiatric disorders were present in all cases and 62% of controls. Most current psychiatric disorders were associated with near-lethal suicide attempts, including major depression (odds ratio (OR) = 42.0, 95% CI 5.8–305), psychosis (OR = 15.0, 95% CI 2.0–113), anxiety disorders (OR = 6.0, 95% CI 2.3–15.5) and drug misuse (OR = 2.9, 95% CI 1.3–6.4). Lifetime psychiatric disorders associated with near-lethal attempts included recurrent depression and psychoses. Although cases were more likely than controls to meet criteria for antisocial personality disorder, the difference was not statistically significant. Comorbidity was also significantly more common among cases than controls for both current and lifetime disorders. Conclusions In male prisoners, psychiatric disorders, especially depression, psychosis, anxiety and drug misuse, are associated with near-lethal suicide attempts, and hence probably with suicide.
Treatment and complications of thalassemia major in Guangxi, Southern China

β‐Thalassemia is extremely prevalent in Guangxi province, Southern China. However, little is known about the treatment and complications of patients with thalassemia major (TM) in Guangxi. The first thalassemia center in China was opened in Guangxi in 2003. Since that time, more than 400 patients have been enrolled.
Enzymes for ecdysteroid biosynthesis: their biological functions in insects and beyond

Steroid hormones are responsible for the coordinated regulation of many aspects of biological processes in multicellular organisms. Since the last century, many studies have identified and characterized steroidogenic enzymes in vertebrates, including mammals. However, much less is known about invertebrate steroidogenic enzymes. In the last 15 years, a number of steroidogenic enzymes and their functions have been characterized in ecdysozoan animals, especially in the fruit fly Drosophila melanogaster. In this review, we summarize the latest knowledge of enzymes crucial for synthesizing ecdysteroids, the principal insect steroid hormones. We also discuss the functional conservation and diversity of ecdysteroidogenic enzymes in other insects and even non-insect species, such as nematodes, vertebrates, and lower eukaryotes. Graphical Abstract Ecdysteroidogenic enzymes are essential for biosynthesizing the steroid hormone 20-hydroxyecdysone that triggers developmental transitions in insects.
Comparative Evaluation of Microtensile Bond Strength in Three Different Dentin Luting Agents: An In vitro Study

ABSTRACT Aim: Long-term clinical success on indirect restorations is largely determined by bonding efficiency of the luting agent, with adhesion to dentin being the main challenge. Therefore, aim of this study was to assess the microtensile bond strength when using flowable resin composite, preheated resin composite and dual self-adhesive resin cement as dentin luting agents. Materials and Methods: Occlusal thirds of molar teeth were cut and randomly divided into 3 groups to be cemented: RelyX™U200, Filtek™ Z250 XT- preheated to 70° and Filtek Flow™ Z350XT. They were then thermocycled 5000 times between 5+/-2°C and 55+/-2°C. Subsequently, 10 microbars per group were prepared. The 30 samples were placed in saline solution for 24 hours at room temperature prior to microtensile test. This was performed with a digital universal testing machine at a crosshead speed of 0.5 mm/min. The bond strength values obtained were analyzed in Megapascals (MPa). Measures of central tendency such mean and measures of dispersion such standard deviation were used. In addition, the Kruskall Wallis non-parametric test with Bonferroni post hoc test was applied, considering a significance value of 5% (P < 0.05), with type I error. Results: The dentin microtensile bond strengths of preheated resin composite, flowable resin composite and dual self-adhesive cement were 6.08 ± 0.66 Mpa, 5.25 ± 2.60Mpa and 2.82 ± 1.26Mpa, respectively. In addition, the preheated resin composite exhibited significantly higher microtensile bond strength compared to the dual self-adhesive cement (P < 0.001). While the flowable resin composite showed no significant difference with the dual self-adhesive cement (P = 0.054) and the preheated resin composite (P = 0.329). Conclusions: The microtensile bond strength in dentin was significantly higher when using a preheated resin composite at 70°C as a luting agent compared to dual self-adhesive cement. However, the preheated resin composite showed similar microtensile bond strength compared to the flowable resin composite.
Practice Parameter: Recurrent stroke with patent foramen ovale and atrial septal aneurysm: Report of the Quality Standards Subcommittee of the American Academy of Neurology

phy involving not only the right cheek but also bitemporal areas since a right Bell palsy 17 years ago. Examination showed marked loss of subcutaneous fat over the fronto-temporal scalp bilaterally with sparing of fatty tissue around the bridge of the nose resulting in prominent vertical and horizontal frown wrinkles (figure, A). Additionally, the right cheek was retracted from loss of subcutaneous fat (see the arrow, figure A). CSF examination revealed acellular fluid but with markedly elevated IgG level of 17.53 mg/dL (0.6–3.3). Oral prednisone was started with complete resolution of her chronic headaches. Bilateral PRS may be difficult to recognize. In our case, retraction of the right cheek in presence of bilateral scalp atrophy suggested the diagnosis. Sparing of tissue over the nasal bridge has been previously emphasized as a characteristic feature in unilateral cases.2 Although skull and intraparenchymal lesions are typical, our case suggests adjacent inflammatory dural involvement may also be prominent. Furthermore, this inflammatory response may extend out of the facial-cranial region. Recognition of this acquired neurocutaneous complex is important, since underlying cerebral lesions are amenable to medical treatment. Note. The opinions or assertions contained herein are the private views of the author and are not to be construed as representing the views of the Department of Defense, the Department of the Army, or the Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences.
Persistence of Parahippocampal Representation in the Absence of Stimulus Input Enhances Long-Term Encoding: A Functional Magnetic Resonance Imaging Study of Subsequent Memory after a Delayed Match-to-Sample Task

Recent theoretical models based on cellular processes in parahippocampal structures show that persistent neuronal spiking in the absence of stimulus input is important for encoding. The goal of this study was to examine in humans how sustained activity in the parahippocampal gyrus may underlie long-term encoding as well as active maintenance of novel information. The relationship between long-term encoding and active maintenance of novel information during brief memory delays was studied using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) in humans performing a delayed matching-to-sample (DMS) task and a post-scan subsequent recognition memory task of items encountered during DMS task performance. Multiple regression analyses revealed fMRI activity in parahippocampal structures associated with the active maintenance of trial-unique visual information during a brief memory delay. In addition to a role in active maintenance, we found that the subsequent memory for the sample stimuli as measured by the post-scan subsequent recognition memory task correlated with activity in the parahippocampal gyrus during the delay period. The results provide direct evidence that encoding mechanisms are engaged during brief memory delays when novel information is actively maintained. The relationship between active maintenance during the delay period and long-term subsequent memory is consistent with current theoretical models and experimental data that suggest that long-term encoding is enhanced by sustained parahippocampal activity.
Dynamic Interactions between Large-Scale Brain Networks Predict Behavioral Adaptation after Perceptual Errors

Failures to perceive visual stimuli lead to errors in decision making. Different theoretical accounts implicate either medial frontal (MF) cognitive control processes or prestimulus occipital (OC) cortical oscillatory dynamics in errors during perceptual tasks. Here, we show that these 2 previously unconnected theoretical accounts can be reconciled, and the brain regions described by the 2 theories have complimentary and interactive roles in supporting error adaptation. Using a perceptual discrimination task and time–frequency network-based analyses of electroencephalography data, we show that perceptual anticipation and posterror top–down control mechanisms recruit distinct but interacting brain networks. MF sites were a hub for theta-band networks and theta–alpha coupling elicited after errors, whereas occipital sites were a network hub during stimulus anticipation and alpha–gamma coupling. Granger causality analyses revealed that these networks communicate in their preferred direction and frequency band: response-related MF → OC interactions occurred in the theta band, whereas stimulus anticipation-related OC → MF interactions occurred in the alpha band. Subjects with stronger network interactions were more likely to improve performance after errors. These findings demonstrate that multiple large-scale brain networks interact dynamically and in a directionally specific manner in different frequency bands to support flexible behavior adaptation during perceptual decision making.