Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Amphotericin B-Induced Renal Tubular Cell Injury Is Mediated by Na+ Influx through Ion-Permeable Pores and Subsequent Activation of Mitogen-Activated Protein Kinases and Elevation of Intracellular Ca2+ Concentration

ABSTRACT Amphotericin B (AMB) is one of the most effective antifungal agents; however, its use is often limited by the occurrence of adverse events, especially nephrotoxicity. The present study was designed to determine the possible mechanisms underlying the nephrotoxic action of AMB. The exposure of a porcine proximal renal tubular cell line (LLC-PK1 cells) to AMB caused cell injury, as assessed by mitochondrial enzyme activity, the leakage of lactate dehydrogenase, and tissue ATP depletion. Propidium iodide uptake was enhanced, while terminal deoxynucleotidyl transferase-mediated dUTP nick end labeling was not affected by AMB, suggesting a lack of involvement of apoptosis in AMB-induced cell injury. The cell injury was inhibited by the depletion of membrane cholesterol with methyl-β-cyclodextrin, which lowered the extracellular Na+ concentration or the chelation of intracellular Ca2+. The rise in the intracellular Ca2+ concentration may be mediated through the activation of the ryanodine receptor (RyR) on the endoplasmic reticulum and the mitochondrial Na+-Ca2+ exchanger, since cell injury was attenuated by dantrolene (an RyR antagonist) and CGP37157 (an Na+-Ca2+ exchanger inhibitor). Moreover, AMB-induced cell injury was reversed by PD169316 (a p38 mitogen-activated protein [MAP] kinase inhibitor), c-Jun N-terminal kinase inhibitor II, and PD98059 (a MEK1/2 inhibitor). The phosphorylations of these MAP kinases were enhanced by AMB in a calcium-independent manner, suggesting the involvement of MAP kinases in AMB-induced cell injury. These findings suggest that Na+ entry through membrane pores formed by the association of AMB with membrane cholesterol leads to the activation of MAP kinases and the elevation of the intracellular Ca2+ concentration, leading to renal tubular cell injury.
Using Multi Shares for Ensuring Privacy in Database-as-a-Service

Database-as-a-service (DAAS) is a new model for data management, where a service provider offers customers software management functionalities as well as the use of expensive hardware. This service enables data integration and access on a large scale in cloud computing infrastructures. Addressing data privacy in DAAS is considered a significant issue for any organizational database. Due to the fact that data will be shared with a third party, an un-trusted server is dangerous and unsafe for the user. This paper proposes the architecture of a new model appropriate for NetDB2 architecture, known as NetDB2 Multi-Shares (NetDB2-MS). It is based on multi-service providers and a secret sharing algorithm instead of encryption, which is used by the existing NetDB2 service. The evaluation is done through simulations. It shows a significant improvement in performance for data storage and retrieval for various query types.
Spontaneous Mutations in the Plasmodium falciparum Sarcoplasmic/ Endoplasmic Reticulum Ca2+-ATPase (PfATP6) Gene among Geographically Widespread Parasite Populations Unexposed to Artemisinin-Based Combination Therapies

ABSTRACT Recent reports on the decline of the efficacy of artemisinin-based combination therapies (ACTs) indicate a serious threat to malaria control. The endoplasmic/sarcoplasmic reticulum Ca2+-ATPase ortholog of Plasmodium falciparum (PfSERCA) has been suggested to be the target of artemisinin and its derivatives. It is assumed that continuous artemisinin pressure will affect polymorphism of the PfSERCA gene (serca) if the protein is the target. Here, we investigated the polymorphism of serca in parasite populations unexposed to ACTs to obtain baseline information for the study of potential artemisinin-driven selection of resistant parasites. Analysis of 656 full-length sequences from 13 parasite populations in Africa, Asia, Oceania, and South America revealed 64 single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs), of which 43 were newly identified and 38 resulted in amino acid substitutions. No isolates showed L263E and S769N substitutions, which were reportedly associated with artemisinin resistance. Among the four continents, the number of SNPs was highest in Africa. In Africa, Asia, and Oceania, common SNPs, or those with a minor allele frequency of ≥0.05, were less prevalent, with most SNPs noted to be continent specific, whereas in South America, common SNPs were highly prevalent and often shared with those in Africa. Of 50 amino acid haplotypes observed, only one haplotype (3D7 sequence) was seen in all four continents (64%). Forty-eight haplotypes had frequencies of less than 5%, and 40 haplotypes were continent specific. The geographical difference in the diversity and distribution of serca SNPs and haplotypes lays the groundwork for assessing whether some artemisinin resistance-associated mutations and haplotypes are selected by ACTs.
Telemedicine for ophthalmic consultation services: use of a portable device and layering information for graders

Introduction We compared remote, image-based patient consultations to in-person consultations at emergency department and inpatient hospital settings. Methods Patients evaluated by the ophthalmic consultation services (gold standard) were imaged over a two-week period. A trained study coordinator took anterior segment photographs (AS) and posterior segment photographs (PS) with a portable camera (PictorPlus, Volk Optical, Cleveland, OH). Ophthalmologists (graders) determined photograph quality, presence of pathology, and their confidence in disease detection. At a separate session, graders reassessed photographs accompanied by a one-sentence summary of demographics and chief complaint (CHx). We computed accuracy and reliability statistics. Results We took AS photographs of 24 eyes of 15 patients and PS photographs of 39 eyes of 20 patients. The majority of images were rated as acceptable or excellent in quality (AS: 89–96%; PS: 70–75%). Graders detected AS pathology with 62–81% sensitivity based on photographs, increasing to 87–88% sensitivity with photographs plus CHx. Graders detected PS pathology with 79–86% sensitivity based on a photograph only, increasing to 100% sensitivity with photographs plus CHx. Discussion In this pilot study, there is evidence that portable ophthalmic imaging technologies could enable ophthalmologists to remotely evaluate anterior and posterior segment eye diseases with good sensitivity. The ophthalmologist could detect ocular pathology on photographs more accurately if they were provided brief clinical information.
Psychopathology in Cocaine-abusing Adolescents

ObjectiveCocaine is a widely abused drug in the United States and a significant, but not well studied, problem in adolescent populations. Few studies have used structured diagnostic interviews and Diagnostic and Statistical Manual for Mental Disorders criteria to examine comorbidity in adolescents referred to inpatient treatment for substance use disorders (SUDs). Many psychiatric disorders have their onset and develop during adolescence, and a complex overlap can develop between substance abuse and adolescent behavioral or emotional disturbances. This study investigates cooccurring psychiatric disorders in cocaine-dependent adolescents. MethodSubjects were adolescents aged 14 to 17 years who had abused cocaine and were attending the 6-week adolescent inpatient drug and alcohol treatment program for the South Carolina Department of Mental Health. They completed the Diagnostic Interview Schedule for Children 2.3, PC version before viewing a 36-minute videotape with salient cocaine cues for craving. ResultsOf the 31 subjects completing the study, 21 (68%) subjects were diagnosed with an axis I diagnosis other than conduct or other SUDs. ConclusionsThe prevalence of affective disorders including sex differences is similar to other investigated adolescent SUD populations. However, cocaine-preferring adolescents may have higher comorbidity and more anxiety disorders. The presence of anxiety may be a major factor in adolescent cocaine addiction.
Practice of Periodic Medical Examination among Hospital Workers in a Nigeria Teaching Hospital

A survey conducted to examine the practice of periodic medical examination among health workers was conducted at University of Ilorin Teaching Hospital, Ilorin. A total of 74 hospital workers were selected by stratified random sampling from all the departments and units in the hospital and interviewed. More than half (60.9%) of those interviewed were senior staff while 39.1% were junior staff. Most of the respondents (82.8%) had a medical examination since being employed in the hospital. Among those that had pre-employment medical examination done only 14.1% had the examination done before assumption of duty. Two-thirds of those who did the medical examination did so just to satisfy the hospital management requirement. Only 20.6% of the respondents had ever had periodic medical examination (PME) while on employment of the hospital. Among those that ever had PME the mean number of times that they had periodic medical examination was 2.4. Socio-demographic characteristic of respondents had no significant effect on the practice of PME. It was found that there was a significantly higher level of PME practice among hospital workers who were encouraged to do PME by doctors. This low practice of periodic medical examination will not allow early detection of diseases. The situation will probably be worse among the general population who have less knowledge of the benefits of PME and reduced access to facilities for PME. It is therefore important to put in place a national policy on periodic medical examination so that diseases can be detected early and through this put in place early management to reduce morbidity and motility. NQJHM Vol. 14 (3&4) 2004: pp. 206-210
An m-Health system for education and motivation in cardiac rehabilitation: the experience of HeartCycle guided exercise

Introduction Home-based programmes for cardiac rehabilitation play a key role in the recovery of patients with coronary artery disease. However, their necessary educational and motivational components have been rarely implemented with the help of modern mobile technologies. We developed a mobile health system designed for motivating patients to adhere to their rehabilitation programme by providing exercise monitoring, guidance, motivational feedback, and educational content. Methods Our multi-disciplinary approach is based on mapping “desired behaviours” into specific system’s specifications, borrowing concepts from Fogg’s Persuasive Systems Design principles. A randomised controlled trial was conducted to compare mobile-based rehabilitation (55 patients) versus standard care (63 patients). Results Some technical issues related to connectivity, usability and exercise sessions interrupted by safety algorithms affected the trial. For those who completed the rehabilitation (19 of 55), results show high levels of both user acceptance and perceived usefulness. Adherence in terms of started exercise sessions was high, but not in terms of total time of performed exercise or drop-outs. Educational level about heart-related health improved more in the intervention group than the control. Exercise habits at 6 months follow-up also improved, although without statistical significance. Discussion Results indicate that the adopted design methodology is promising for creating applications that help improve education and foster better exercise habits, but further studies would be needed to confirm these indications.
Met and unmet need in youth mental health

Background: Adolescents and young adults have a high incidence and prevalence of mental disorders, which can be disabling, chronic and lead to the development of further mental health problems. Yet their needs are not being adequately met by existing health structures. We set out to examine the extent of met and unmet need in young people by assessing referrals to a public mental health service for 15 – 24 year olds. We sought to identify differences between young people who were accepted into the service and those who were not with respect to psychiatric diagnosis, subthreshold symptoms, and psychosocial functioning. Method: All young people aged 15 – 24 years who were referred to the service from April to September 2003 for assistance with non-psychotic disorders were approached for assessment. Results: 204 individuals were referred to the service with non-psychotic problems over the data collection period, and 150 consented to participate in the study. Fifty nine percent of participants (n = 88) were accepted into the service (the RA group). They were more likely to have a current diagnosis than those not accepted into the service (the RNA group; n = 62). The RA group had higher levels of depression and anxiety, and lower psychosocial functioning, compared to the RNA group. The RNA group group were also unwell: nearly 63% had at least one diagnosis at the time of referral. Both the RA and RNA groups showed functional impairment. Conclusions: Limited services are denying assistance to young people with significant morbidity and associated functional impairment. We suggest a range of reforms that would benefit the mental health of society by focussing on those most in need and those most likely to respond to early intervention: our young people.
Self-directed exercise in multiple sclerosis: Evaluation of a home automated tele-management system

Introduction Physical rehabilitation is one of the few non-pharmaceutical therapies for maintaining or improving walking ability for patients with multiple sclerosis. However, travel distance to rehabilitation clinics, neurological disability and insurance coverage often limit access to specialised rehabilitation services. To address these issues, we utilised a web-based system to support a home-based self-directed exercise programme. Methods Patients (n = 24) were randomised to either routine home rehabilitation or to the multiple sclerosis home automated tele-management system for a six-month period. The study group had a mean age of 50.4 years, 56% of patients were male, and 67% had progressive multiple sclerosis with an overall mean Patient Determined Disease Steps score of 4.4 (cane or crutch required for walking). Key outcomes included the timed 25-foot-walk, six-minute-walk and the Berg Balance Scale. Results There was no statistically significant difference in the change of the primary walking outcome measure, timed 25-foot-walk, at six months between the home automated tele-management intervention and control groups (p = 0.44). Similarly, change scores for the six-minute-walk were not significantly different between the home automated tele-management or control groups at six months. Discussion Maintaining overall gait abilities in this group of predominantly progressive multiple sclerosis patients is notable. Exercise adherence was positively associated with higher multiple sclerosis disability and self-reported walking ability. Study engagement and participation in routine home-based exercise for the entire study period was challenging. Further research using clinical video telerehabilitation techniques that optimise patient involvement warrants further study.
Resistance and Tolerance to Tropodithietic Acid, an Antimicrobial in Aquaculture, Is Hard To Select

ABSTRACT The antibacterial compound tropodithietic acid (TDA) is produced by bacteria of the marine Roseobacter clade and is thought to explain the fish probiotic properties of some roseobacters. The aim of the present study was to determine the antibacterial spectrum of TDA and the likelihood of development of TDA resistance. A bacterial extract containing 95% TDA was effective against a range of human-pathogenic bacteria, including both Gram-negative and Gram-positive bacteria. TDA was bactericidal against Salmonella enterica serovar Typhimurium SL1344 and Staphylococcus aureus NCTC 12493 and killed both growing and nongrowing cells. Several experimental approaches were used to select mutants resistant to TDA or subpopulations of strains with enhanced tolerance to TDA. No approach (single exposures to TDA extract administered via different methods, screening of a transposon library for resistant mutants, or prolonged exposure to incremental concentrations of TDA) resulted in resistant or tolerant strains. After more than 300 generations exposed to sub-MIC and MIC concentrations of a TDA-containing extract, strains tolerant to 2× the MIC of TDA for wild-type strains were selected, but the tolerance disappeared after one passage in medium without TDA extract. S. Typhimurium mutants with nonfunctional efflux pump and porin genes had the same TDA susceptibility as wild-type strains, suggesting that efflux pumps and porins are not involved in innate tolerance to TDA. TDA is a promising broad-spectrum antimicrobial in part due to the fact that enhanced tolerance is difficult to gain and that the TDA-tolerant phenotype appears to confer only low-level resistance and is very unstable.
Cost analysis of telerehabilitation after arthroscopic subacromial decompression

Background Subacromial impingement syndrome poses a substantial socioeconomic burden, leading to significant consumption of healthcare. Health systems are calling for greater evidence of economic impacts of particular healthcare services. Telerehabilitation programmes have the potential to reduce costs and improve patient access as an alternative to traditional care. Cost analysis has been traditionally included in study protocols and results, although the reliability and research methodology have frequently been under debate. The aim of this study was to compare costs related to a telerehabilitation programme versus conventional physiotherapy following subacromial decompression surgery (ASD). Methods The study was embedded in a randomised controlled trial. The economic analysis was based on the perspective of the health sector and the human capital method. Only the costs associated with the provision of physiotherapy services were taken into account. Costs were measured during the intervention period between baseline and 12 weeks for both groups. Student’s t-test was used to compare independent variables between the two groups, with a 95% confidence interval for the estimates and real costs. Results The estimated total cost analysis shows a preliminary cost differential in favour of the telerehabilitation group, meaning that for each participant’s total intervention, telerehabilitation saves 29.8% of the costs. Real cost analysis, only for received treatments, shows a cost differential in favour of telerehabilitation, meaning that for each participant’s total intervention, telerehabilitation saves 22.15% of the costs incurred for conventional rehabilitation. Conclusions Our study provides direct and meaningful information about telerehabilitation opportunities and can be an essential component in further cost evaluations for different strategies after surgical procedures. This study demonstrates that there was a trend towards lower healthcare costs after ASD. Managers now have the responsibility to decide whether to implement telerehabilitation based on clinical and economic data.
Health Promotion in Latinos

This article provides a review of health promotion research conducted among Latinos. The authors examined 31 intervention studies promoting physical activity and/or healthy diet in Latino samples. Overall, findings suggested that Latinos are responsive to interventions promoting physical activity and healthy diet, despite facing numerous barriers to health promotion. In fact, 12 of the 21 studies that measured physical activity and 19 of the 26 studies that measured dietary behavior reported that the intervention produced significant improvements in those health behaviors. Design strengths of these studies included the high rates of retention and large number of randomized controlled trials. However, there were concerns regarding the lack of diversity in the samples (mostly Mexican American women), limiting the generalizability of the findings and the underutilization of objective measures of physical activity and diet behavior in intervention studies.
Network Centrality and Contributions to Online Public Good--The Case of Chinese Wikipedia

Internet technology enables virtual collaboration and plays an important role in knowledge production. However, collaborative technology will not function without conducive underlying social mechanisms. Previous research mostly investigates individual-level motivations of editors, with only a few exceptions examining the collaboration relationships. In this paper, we take a structural perspective and investigate the impact of positions (centralities) of editors in the collaboration networks on their efforts and effort allocations. To achieve this, we empirically reconstruct the dynamic collaboration network of Chinese Wikipedia for the period between 2002 and 2007. Based on a dynamic view of the network, we compose a panel data set that covers both the contribution behavior and network position characteristics of Wikipedia editors. We strengthen our causal interpretation by leveraging the exogenous block that prevented Wikipedia editors in Mainland China from accessing the website. We find distinctive effort allocation patterns that strongly correlate with network centrality measures. This confirms theoretical predictions derived in recent developments in network economics and social network theories. This research enhances our understanding about how collaboration network structure shapes individuals' behavior in online collaboration platforms.
Predicting Enterprise Efficiency: The Impact of IT Capability

Drawing from both the IS and economics perspectives, the present study shows that the quality management of IT matters to firm performance. It is the first attempt to evaluate firm efficiency by incorporating the effect of IT capability using a sample of small- and medium-sized enterprises in China and adopting the two-stage data envelopment analysis (DEA) approach. The efficiency of Chinese enterprises is estimated using DEA. The estimated efficiency score of the enterprises is then regressed on a set of variables in which measures of IT capability are the focus. The input-based DEA results indicated that about 35% of existing inputs were required to produce existing output had the enterprises been efficient. The Tobit results showed that the better IT competency of employees was, the more overall and pure technical efficient the enterprise was. Also, enterprises located in the coastal area were found to be less efficient while enterprises with smaller size operated with more scale efficient.
Clotrimazole Dampens Vaginal Inflammation and Neutrophil Infiltration in Response to Candida albicans Infection

ABSTRACT The pathology of vulvovaginal candidiasis (VVC) caused by Candida albicans is associated with a nonprotective inflammatory response and is frequently treated with clotrimazole. We investigated the mechanisms by which clotrimazole resolves VVC. Low levels of clotrimazole, which do not block fungal growth, inhibit expression of a “danger response” transcription factor, c-Fos, block production of proinflammatory cytokines, and inhibit neutrophil infiltration to the site of infection.