Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Hepatic Transplant and HCV: A New Playground for an Old Virus

Hepatitis C virus (HCV) infection is a major global health problem affecting 170 million people worldwide. The majority of infected individuals fail to resolve their infection, with a significant number developing chronic, progressive HCV‐related liver disease. HCV infection is the leading indication for liver transplantation and unfortunately, all patients with detectable viral load before transplantation will have rapid, recurrent infection. What remain to be determined are factors contributing to the severity of HCV recurrence. Such factors are unique to the posttransplant setting and include: viral genetic diversity and composition, immunosuppression, donor/recipient age and sex, genetic factors and the liver microenvironment. Importantly, the possibility that the severity of HCV recurrence might be also influenced by factors related to the primary course of disease (i.e. viral set point, previously acquired adaptations of the virus) must be further evaluated. In this sense, recurrent HCV infection should not be regarded merely as another acute infection, but rather, it should be cautioned that problems first arising during the primary course of disease may be accentuated during recurrence. Development of novel therapeutic approaches will require a thorough understanding of viral and host determinants of infection resolution and how these factors may change in the posttransplant setting.
An inventory model for parameter Weibull deterioration in trapezoidal demand under shortages

Abstract This present paper deals with an inventory model with two parameter Weibull deterioration and trapezoidal type demand rate when production and demand are time dependent. Two different EOQ, namely, (i) shortages are not allowed and (ii) shortages are allowed has been considered here. The practical execution of the aimed EOQ model is represented using numerical example. Sensitivity analysis is carried out to show the effect of changes in the parameters on the optimum solution.
Long-Run Covariability

We develop inference methods about long-run comovement of two time series. The parameters of interest are defined in terms of population second-moments of lowfrequency trends computed from the data. These trends are similar to low-pass filtered data and are designed to extract variability corresponding to periods longer than the span of the sample divided by q/2, where q is a small number, such as 12. We numerically determine confidence sets that control coverage over a wide range of potential bivariate persistence patterns, which include arbitrary linear combinations of I(0), I(1), near unit roots and fractionally integrated processes. In an application to U.S. economic data, we quantify the long-run covariability of a variety of series, such as those giving rise to the “great ratios”, nominal exchange rates and relative nominal prices, unemployment rate and inflation, money growth and inflation, earnings and stock prices, etc.
The prevalence of Capgras syndrome in a university hospital setting

Background: Capgras syndrome (CS), the most common type of delusional misidentification syndrome, is the delusional belief that significant people in the patient's life have been replaced by identical doubles. Capgras syndrome is thought to be a rare syndrome which commonly occurs in a psychotic context. Objective: The objective of this study was to estimate the 5-year prevalence rate of CS in a university hospital in-patient setting and determine associated etiological and sociodemographic factors. Methods: All patient files and medical records were reviewed in detail for the presence of Capgras syndrome. The sociodemographic variables, clinical manifestations, and psychiatric and medical diagnoses of patients who fulfilled clinical criteria for Capgras syndrome were recorded for statistical evaluation. Results: The retrospective evaluation of patient files in 920 cases admitted to our psychiatric in-patient unit over 5 years revealed that 12 patients fulfilled the criteria for Capgras syndrome. The crude prevalence of Capgras syndrome in this population during 5-year period was 1.3% (1.8% for females, 0.9% for males). Schizophrenia (50%) was the most common psychiatric diagnosis in these patients. Only two patients presented with an organic etiology underlying Capgras syndrome. Conclusions: The results of this study indicate that Capgras syndrome is not a rare syndrome, and commonly occurs during the course of either functional or organic psychotic illness. Age seems to be an important predicting factor for the etiology of psychosis underlying Capgras syndrome.
Impaired reproductive function of male rats infected with Toxoplasma gondii

Toxoplasmosis is one of the classical conditions known to have an adverse effect on female reproductive functions, but a few investigations into male reproductive parameters have been performed. This work was carried out to study the effects of Toxoplasma gondii on reproductive function in male rats. Male rats were infected with the RH strain of T. gondii tachyzoites, and following every 10 days from 10 to 70 postinfection (PI), the percentage of body weight to testis weight ratio as well as epididymal sperm parameters (number, motility, viability, and morphology rates), serum testosterone (ST), intratesticular testosterone (ITT), serum lactate dehydrogenase (SLDH), intratesticular lactate dehydrogenase and fructose in seminal vesicles and coagulating glands were measured. The results of the study showed sperm motility, viability and concentration rates were significantly decreased temporary after infection up to 70 days. Sperm abnormality was also increased during these days. In addition, temporary alteration in ST, ITT, SLDH, intratesticular LDH and fructose in seminal vesicle and coagulating gland was observed PI. These findings suggest that toxoplasmosis can cause impermanent impairment on the reproductive parameters of male rats.
Effect of short-term acclimatization to high altitude on sleep and nocturnal breathing.

STUDY OBJECTIVE Objective physiologic data on sleep and nocturnal breathing at initial exposure and during acclimatization to high altitude are scant. We tested the hypothesis that acute exposure to high altitude induces quantitative and qualitative changes in sleep and that these changes are partially reversed with acclimatization. DESIGN Prospective observation. SETTING One night in a sleep laboratory at 490 meters, the first and the third night in a mountain hut at 4559 meters. PARTICIPANTS Sixteen healthy mountaineers. INTERVENTION Altitude exposure. MEASUREMENTS Polysomnography, questionnaire evaluation of sleep and acute mountain sickness. RESULTS Compared to 490 m, median nocturnal oxygen saturation decreased during the 1st night at 4559 m from 96% to 67%, minute ventilation increased from 4.4 to 6.3 L/min, and the apnea-hypopnea index increased from 0.1 to 60.9/h; correspondingly, sleep efficiency decreased from 93% to 69%, and slow wave sleep from 18% to 6% (P < 0.05, all instances). During the 3rd night at 4559 m, oxygen saturation was 71%, slow wave sleep 11% (P < 0.05 vs. 1st night, both instances) and the apnea/hypopnea index was 86.5/h (P = NS vs. 1st night). Symptoms of AMS and of disturbed sleep were significantly reduced in the morning after the 3rd vs. the 1st night at 4559 m. CONCLUSIONS In healthy mountaineers ascending rapidly to high altitude, sleep quality is initially impaired but improves with acclimatization in association with improved oxygen saturation, while periodic breathing persists. Therefore, high altitude sleep disturbances seem to be related predominantly to hypoxemia rather than to periodic breathing.
In vivo suppression of erythropoiesis by tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha): reversal with exogenous erythropoietin (EPO).

Tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-alpha) selectively kills tumor cells in vitro and in vivo and is being tested as a cancer therapeutic agent. We have shown that TNF-alpha significantly suppresses late-stage erythropoiesis, leading to anemia in chronically treated mice. These erythropoietic effects could limit the clinical use of TNF-alpha. Therefore, we have examined whether erythropoietin (EPO) could be used to prevent TNF-alpha-induced erythroid suppression. Normal mice were treated with a single dose of recombinant murine TNF-alpha (10(5) U/mouse, i.p.) with and without various concentrations of recombinant human EPO. After 3 days, effects on late-stage erythropoiesis were measured by determining the number of mature erythroid colony-forming cells (CFU-E) in the spleen and bone marrow. Simultaneous treatment with EPO abrogated the suppressive effect of TNF-alpha in a dose-dependent manner. EPO treatment also prevented the decrease in peripheral blood-hematocrit that was observed with chronic (5 x 10(4) U/mouse/day for 5 days) administration of TNF-alpha. TNF-alpha-induced hemorrhagic necrosis of tumors and stimulation of macrophage (CFU-M) progenitors were unaffected by EPO treatment. These results demonstrate that simultaneous injection of EPO can abrogate the TNF-alpha-induced suppressive effects on erythropoiesis.
Isolated GH deficiency due to a GHRH receptor mutation causes hip joint problems and genu valgum, and reduces size but not density of trabecular and mixed bone.

CONTEXT The GH/IGF-I axis is important for bone growth, but its effects on joint function are not completely understood. Adult-onset GH-deficient individuals have often reduced bone mineral density (BMD). However, there are limited data on BMD in adult patients with untreated congenital isolated GH-deficient (IGHD). We have shown that adult IGHD individuals from the Itabaianinha, homozygous for the c.57+1G>A GHRHR mutation, have reduced bone stiffness, but BMD and joint status in this cohort are unknown. OBJECTIVE The goal is to study BMD, joint function, and osteoarthritis score in previously untreated IGHD adults harboring the c.57+1G>A GHRHR mutation. DESIGN This is a cross-sectional study. METHODS Areal BMD by dual-energy X-ray absorptiometry was measured in 25 IGHD and 23 controls (CO). Volumetric BMD (vBMD) was calculated at the lumbar spine and total hip. Joint function was assessed by goniometry of elbow, hips, and knees. X-rays were used to measure the anatomic axis of knee and the severity of osteoarthritis, using a classification for osteophytes (OP) and joint space narrowing (JSN). RESULTS Genu valgum was more prevalent in IGHD than CO. The osteoarthritis knees OP score was similar in both groups, and knees JSN score showed a trend to be higher in IGHD. The hips OP score and JSN score were higher in IGHD. Areal BMD was lower in IGHD than CO, but vBMD was similar in the two groups. Range of motion was similar in elbow, knee, and hip in IGHD and CO. CONCLUSIONS Untreated congenital IGHD due to a GHRHR mutation causes hip joint problems and genu valgum, without apparent clinical significance, reduces bone size, but does not reduce vBMD of the lumbar spine and hip.
The Influence of Transformational Leadership in Creating a Learning Organisation

This study seeks to establish the influence of transformational leadership behaviour on learning organisation. For this purpose Avilio and Bass (2000) transformational leadership questionnaire is adopted and Peter Senge’s learning organisation dimensional questionnaire is used. The independent variables to measure transformational leadership include; Idealised behaviour, idealized attributes, inspirational motivation, intellectual stimulation and individual consideration. The dependent variable used to measure learning organisation includes mental models, personal mastery, shared vision, team learning and system thinking. The study adopted descriptive and explanatory research design. Also this study used a cross sectional survey methods using a survey questionnaires containing 56 items with Likert Scale (Disagree -1 and 5 for Agree). The sample of 100 employees from Amway in Kuala Lumpur were selected using simple probability sampling. The collected data was analysed using descriptive means and regression via SPSS.21. This study found that most of the transformational leadership behaviour is significant and positively influences learning organisation except System Thinking of learning organisation. Though this study included only two organisations, future studies may include larger sample size by conducting the research on more privaye sector organisation, particular only one sector. The future studies may compare differences based on sociodemographic profile and might examine the similarities of national culture in relation with Malaysia. Key Terms: Learning Organisation, Transformational Leadership, Malaysia
Melatonin for Chronic Sleep Onset Insomnia in Children: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial

To establish the efficacy of melatonin treatment in childhood sleep onset insomnia, 40 elementary school children, 6 to 12 years of age, who suffered more than 1 year from chronic sleep onset insomnia, were studied in a double-blind, placebo-controlled study. The children were randomly assigned to receive either 5-mg melatonin or placebo. The study consisted of a 1-week baseline, consecutively followed by a 4-week treatment period. After that period, treatment was continued if the parents wished so. The study's impact was assessed by measurements of lights-off time, sleep onset, and wake-up time, recorded in a diary (n = 33). Sleep onset was also recorded with an actigraph (n = 25). Endogenous dim light melatonin onset was measured in saliva (n = 27). Sustained attention was evaluated with the Bourdon-Vos reaction time test (n = 36). In the melatonin group, mean (95% CI) lights-off time advanced 34 (6-63) minutes, diary sleep onset 63 (32-94) minutes, actigraphic sleep onset 75 (36-114) minutes, and melatonin onset 57 (24 to 89) minutes; total sleep time increased 41 (19-62) minutes. In the placebo group, these parameters did not shift significantly. The change during the 4-week treatment period differed between the treatment groups significantly as to lights-off time, diary and actigraphic sleep onset, sleep duration, and melatonin onset. There were no significant differences between the treatment groups in the change of sleep latency, wake-up time, and sustained attention reaction times. Mild headache occurred in 2 children during the first 2 days of the melatonin treatment. Eighteen months after the start of the trial, in 13 of the 38 children who could be followed up, melatonin treatment was stopped because their sleep problem was solved and in 1 child because sleep was not improved. Twelve children used melatonin 5 mg, the other 1.0 to 2.5 mg. One child developed mild generalized epilepsy 4 months after the start of the trial. The results show that melatonin, 5 mg at 6 PM, was relatively safe to take in the short term and significantly more effective than placebo in advancing sleep onset and dim light melatonin onset and increasing sleep duration in elementary school children with chronic sleep onset insomnia. Sustained attention was not affected. (J Child Neurol 2001;16:86-92).
A novel approach to dielectrophoresis using carbon electrodes

Carbon‐electrode dielectrophoresis (carbon‐DEP) is demonstrated here as an alternative to more traditional DEP techniques. Carbon‐DEP combines advantages of metal‐electrode and insulator‐based DEP by using low‐cost fabrication techniques and low voltages for particle manipulation. The use of 3‐D electrodes is proved to yield significant advantages over the use of traditional planar electrodes. This paper details the fabrication of dense arrays of tall high aspect ratio carbon electrodes on a transparent fused‐silica substrate. The shrinkage of the SU‐8 structures during carbonization is characterized and a design tool for future devices is provided. Applications of carbon electrodes in DEP are then detailed and include particle positioning, high‐throughput filtering and cell focusing using positive‐DEP. Manipulated cells include Saccharomyces cerevisiae and Drosophila melanogaster. The advantages and disadvantages of carbon‐DEP are discussed at the end of this work.
Talent management in South African universities : management and recruits' expectations and perceptions

Orientation: Talented employees will be the key drivers of the university in the future through knowledge, skills, and performance. However, the retention of talent in the education sector seems to be a challenge. The universities in South Africa are confronted with the challenge of replacing talented employees as there are insufficient number of talent recruits’ in the existing talent pipelines to replace them. In order to sustain a talented workforce, universities may rely on talent management programmes. Research purpose: The aim of the present study was to review the current state of strategies, policies and procedures to manage talent within South African universities. Motivation for the study: Limited research was undertaken to date on the current state of talent management within the universities of South Africa. If university management become knowledgeable of their current state of talent management they would have a benchmark to compare themselves against? Research design, approach, and method: A qualitative research design with a multiple case study strategy was followed. Three South African universities participated in the research study (N = 3). The responsible person for driving talent management within their institutions were interviewed (n = 3). Semi-structured, in-depth interviews were used to gather the data. In addition, a document analysis was conducted to review the participating universities’ strategies, policies and procedures for managing talent. The aim of the research was to assess the status of talent management programmes at the mentioned three universities. Main findings: The participating universities do not seem to have formal talent management programmes in place. The three universities have different perspectives on how talent within the universities are defined, which leads to vast differences in their identification, attraction and recruiting, as well as engagement and retention of talent. Only limited strategies, policies or procedures were in place to support the talent management programmes. Practical/managerial implications: The lack of well-defined and formulated talent management programmes at the three participating universities is a cause for concern. It is suggested that universities urgently pay attention to their talent management programmes in
Poor prognosis and limited therapeutic options in patients with Budd‐Chiari syndrome and portal venous system thrombosis

Objectives: Therapeutic options in Budd‐Chiari syndrome (BCS) are highly dependent on the site and extent of hepatic vein thrombosis. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of additional portal venous system thrombosis on the clinical presentation, treatment and outcome in patients with BCS. Patients: Clinical notes of 51 patients with BCS admitted to our centre were evaluated. We identified 13 patients (25%) with BCS and additional portal venous system thrombosis. Ten patients were female and three male with a mean age at presentation of 42 years (range 32‐67). Results: An underlying haematological aetiology was identified in 10 of the 13 patients. Only four patients (31%) were anticoagulated before referral to our centre. In addition to hepatic vein thrombosis seven patients had portal vein thrombosis (PVT), three had PVT, splenic vein (SV) and superior mesenteric vein (SMV) thrombosis and three had either SV, SMV or inferior vean cava (IVC) thrombosis. The presentation was acute in three patients, subacute in six and chronic in four with a high incidence of encephalopathy (6/13; 46%). Treatment included liver transplantation (four), mesoatrial shunt (one) and balloon dilatation of hepatic veins (two). Six patients were treated medically as all other options were considered too risky or technically impossible. Nine of 13 patients (70%) died either after surgery or before any treatment could be instituted (median survival 1 month), compared to 14/38 (37%) in patients with isolated hepatic vein thrombosis (median survival 6.3 years). Conclusion: We conclude that patients with BCS and portal venous system thrombosis constitute a unique group with limited therapeutic options and poor prognosis. The importance of early recognition and anticoagulation of patients with BCS is emphasized.
International Medical R&D Spillovers

Does medical technology originating in countries close to the technology frontier have a significant impact on health outcomes in countries distant from this frontier? This paper considers a framework where lagging countries may benefit from medical technology (a result of research and development by countries close to the frontier) that is embodied in medical imports or diffuses in the form of ideas. Using a novel dataset from a cross-section of 73 technology-importing countries, we show that medical technology diffusion is an important contributor to improved health status, as measured by life expectancy and mortality rates.
Correlation between morphological and functional retinal impairment in patients affected by ocular hypertension, glaucoma, demyelinating optic neuritis and Alzheimer’s disease

In this article the correlations between the morphological evaluation of the nerve fiber layer (NFL) thickness (by OCT) and retinal functional assessment (by Pattern ERG recordings) performed in patients affected by ocular hypertension (OHT), glaucoma (OAG), demyelinating optic neuritis (MSON), and Alzheimer’s disease (AD) are reported. In OHT eyes with ocular hypertension we observed that the inter-individual variation in NFL thickness is correlated with the variability of the PERG responses (the thinner the layer, the worse the visual function). In our OAG, MSON and AD eyes we observed a significant reduction in NFL thickness when compared with controls. In OHT, OAG, MSON and AD eyes abnormal PERG responses with delayed implicit times and reduced amplitudes were found. The impairment in the PERG parameters was significantly correlated to the reduction in NFL thickness. Our results suggest that in patients affected by ocular hypertension, glaucoma, demyelinating optic neuritis, and Alzheimer’s Disease there is a reduction of NFL thickness evaluated “in vivo” by OCT, and this morphological involvement is correlated with electrophysiological responses assumed to be originating from the innermost retinal layers.
Method for Designing and Optimizing Random-Search Libraries for Strain Improvement

ABSTRACT Random searches have been the hallmark of directed evolution and have been extensively employed in the improvement of complex or poorly understood phenotypes such as tolerance to toxic compounds in the context of cellular engineering. While genome-wide mutagenesis followed by selection or screening has been a traditional means of phenotype improvement, the list of experimental methods for cellular engineering based on random searches is rapidly expanding. Adding to the confusion is the element of chance, which lengthens the process and most notably adds to the cost of phenotypic improvement programs. Here we present a method to systematize the effort of finding superior mutants by successively improving random libraries. The method, based on the quantification of phenotypic diversity, is then used to isolate more-robust strains.