Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A first case of complete remission of β‐interferon sensitive adult T‐cell leukemia

A case of complete remission of adult T‐cell leukemia (ATL) induced by β‐interferon is reported. A 46‐year‐old male was diagnosed as ATL because of the increased number of ATL cells with deeply indented and lobulated nuclei in the peripheral blood, accompanied by elevated values of the lactic dehydrogenase, the alkaline phosphatase, and the calcium in the serum. The result of the cell surface marker analysis of peripheral blood lymphocytes was compatible with ATL and anti‐ATL associated antibody (ATLA) was positive. The integration of proviral deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) of human T‐cell leukemia virus type I(HTLV‐I) was proved in the peripheral blood lymphocytes using Southern blot hybridization. Since an ordinal chemotherapy was not so effective for this patient, he was treated with 1.8 times 107 units of recombinant β‐interferon (β‐IFN) per day for 7 days as one course. After 5 courses of treatment, a markedly favorable response was recognized, and he achieved complete remission. A lower dose of β‐IFN (9 times 106 units per day for 3 days as one course, one or two courses per month) has been continued and he has still been in a complete remission state for 10 months. It is concluded that β‐IFN should be used to treat ATL.
Restriction of Human Immunodeficiency Virus Type 1 by TRIM-CypA Occurs with Rapid Kinetics and Independently of Cytoplasmic Bodies, Ubiquitin, and Proteasome Activity

ABSTRACT TRIM-CypA is an owl monkey-specific variant of the retrovirus restriction factor TRIM5α. Here, we exploit its modular domain organization and cyclosporine sensitivity to probe the kinetics and mechanism of TRIM5-mediated restriction. Time of addition/withdrawal experiments reveal that inhibition of incoming human immunodeficiency virus type 1 capsids by TRIM-CypA occurs within minutes of their delivery to the target cell cytoplasm. However, while TRIM-CypA restriction is partly dependent on a RING domain, restriction occurs independently of the ubiquitin/proteasome system. Moreover, tagged TRIM-CypA proteins can be fully active as restriction factors without forming cytoplasmic bodies.
Using semantic environment description as a tool to evaluate car interiors

The semantic environment description (SMB) is a structured method used for evaluating the impression of an architectural environment. The SMB-method measures the impression with eight factors: pleasantness, complexity, unity, potency, social status, enclosedness, affection and originality. The SMB-method is also a useful tool for measuring the impression of a vehicle interior since the method is easy to administrate, has high reliability and validity, is easily adaptable for cross cultural comparisons and provides useful knowledge for design, engineering and marketing. The purpose of the present study was to more deeply investigate the feasibility of the SMB method for measuring the impression of vehicle interiors and to compare customers' and Volvo employees' assessments. The present study confirms that the SMB-method is easy to administer. The method is useful, even though it is not optimized for vehicle environments. If complemented with qualitative techniques the SMB-method provides more interesting results. Volvo employees and customers assessed the vehicle interiors slightly different. Thus it is recommended to use customer's assessments to aquire useful results.
Analysis of surface EMG signals during dynamic contraction using Lempel-Ziv complexity

In this work, an attempt has been made to analyze progression of muscle fatigue in surface electromyography (sEMG) signals by estimating the complexity. The sEMG signals are acquired from biceps brachii of 50 healthy volunteers during dynamic contraction. The pre-processed signals are segmented into non-overlapping epochs of various sizes (500ms, 750ms and 1000ms) and Lempel-Ziv Complexity (LZC) is computed for each epoch. The linear regression technique is used to track the slope variations of LZC. The values of LZC show a decreasing trend during the progression of muscle fatigue. The magnitude of negative trend remained nearly constant irrespective of epoch size. Further, inter-subject variability of LZC measure is found to be minimum. The results shows that this method is useful in analyzing progression of muscle fatigue during dynamic contractions.
Arterial embolization is a rapid and effective technique for controlling pelvic fracture hemorrhage.

OBJECTIVE To review the success rate of embolization in stopping hemorrhage for unstable patients with severe pelvic fractures, to calculate the time to achieve embolization, and to determine the yield from angiography. DESIGN Retrospective review of patients admitted to a Level I trauma center with pelvic fractures during a 5-year period. MATERIALS AND METHODS Charts were reviewed for Injury Severity Score, age, blood pressure, prothrombin time/partial thromboplastin time, pelvic fracture type, mortality, time to reach the angiography suite, time to achieve embolization, and mechanism of injury. MEASUREMENTS AND MAIN RESULTS Of 806 patients admitted with pelvic fractures, 35 underwent pelvic angiography, and 15 (1.9%) required embolization. Embolization was successful for all patients. No deaths resulted from ongoing hemorrhage. Angiography yield in initially unstable patients was 64%. The mean age and initial hemodynamic instability were significantly greater in nonsurvivors. The time from arrival in the trauma bay to arrival in the angiography suite ranged from 50 to 1,140 minutes, and the time spent in the angiography suite performing embolization ranged from 50 to 140 minutes, with an average time of 90 minutes. Patients who were embolized within 3 hours of arrival had a significantly greater survival rate. CONCLUSION Only a small percentage of patients with pelvic fractures require embolization, but when it is used, embolization can be 100% effective. Age, time to achieve embolization, and initial hemodynamic instability appear to be important factors in survival.
Everything all right in method comparison studies?

Researchers and clinicians often need to know whether a new method of measurement is equivalent to an established one that is already in use. For this problem, the estimation of limits of agreement advocated by Bland and Altman is a widely used solution. However, this approach ignores two vital issues in method comparisons. First, does the appropriate re-scaling of the test method bring the methods into agreement? Second, independent of lying ‘adequately’ between the limits of agreement or not, it is important to know whether one method is equal to or better than another. This article proposes an approach and a model, where both these questions will be addressed simultaneously. In this model, the error variation of the standard method stands for ‘acceptable’ precision in measurements. Accordingly, the between-subject component of the measurements by the standard method will be used as a ‘gold standard’ against which the properties of the test method will be evaluated. Application of the model is demonstrated using the peak expiratory flow rate data of Bland and Altman.
The Relationship between Sleep Disorders and Stroke

Abstract Although sleep appears to be a quiescent, passive state externally, there are a multitude of physiological changes occuring during sleep that can affect cerebral homeostasis and predispose individuals to cerebrovascular disorders. Therefore, it is not surprising that sleep-disordered breathing causes significant nocturnal perturbations, such as obstructive sleep apnea (OSA), that can lead to cerebrovascular disorders. There is evidence to suggest that OSA is a risk factor for stroke, although studies have not been able to clearly discern the absence or presence of OSA before the stroke event. Sleep-disordered breathing, such as OSA and central sleep apnea, can occur as a consequence of stroke. Fortunately, treating OSA appears to decrease morbidity and possibly mortality. Unfortunately, continuous positive airway pressure compliance in this population group is low, and significant efforts and resources may be needed to improve compliance and adherence. Various other sleep disorders, such as insomnia, fatigue, hypersomnia, and parasomnia, can occur following a stroke, and physicians treating patients following a stroke need to be aware of these disorders in order to effectively treat such patients.
Robust multiplexed model predictive control

This paper extends the recently developed multiplexed model predictive control (MMPC) concept to ensure satisfaction of hard constraints despite the action of persistent, unknown but bounded disturbances. MMPC uses asynchronous control moves on each input channel instead of synchronised moves on all channels. It offers reduced computation, by dividing the online optimisation into a smaller problem for each channel, and potential performance improvements, as the response to a disturbance is quicker, albeit via only one channel. Robustness to disturbances is introduced using the constraint tightening approach, tailored to suit the asynchronous updates of MMPC and the resulting time-varying optimisations. Numerical results are presented, involving a simple mechanical example and an aircraft control example, showing the potential computational and performance benefits of the new robust MMPC.
WHY DO WOMEN STOP SMOKING DURING PREGNANCY? CIGARETTES TASTE AND SMELL BAD

There are high rates of cigarette smoking resumption among women who have quit smoking while pregnant, and the reasons for this are poorly understood. Our purpose in this study was to obtain an in-depth description of the context surrounding smoking behaviors during pregnancy and the first 3 months after women give birth in order to gain insight into the reasons women resume smoking. We used a longitudinal qualitative descriptive approach with in-depth interviews conducted early in pregnancy, at 36 weeks of pregnancy, and 3 months postpartum. Our purposive sample consisted of 15 pregnant women who had stopped smoking without assistance by their first prenatal visit. All women smoked mentholated cigarettes prior to pregnancy and 40% were primiparas. A thematic content analysis of 43 interviews revealed that the majority of women experienced an aversion to the taste or smell of tobacco smoke while pregnant and attributed these sensation changes to being pregnant. The taste and smell of tobacco smoke returned to prepregnancy states postpartum, and by 3 months postpartum 73% of the women had resumed smoking. This physiologic change can be conceptualized as a pregnancy-specific motivation for smoking cessation that can inform our efforts toward relapse prevention.
Neurofeedback and Basic Learning Theory: Implications for Research and Practice

Brain activity assessed by electroencephalography (EEG) has been demonstrated to respond to conditioning techniques. The concept of modulating this activity has been called EEG biofeedback, more recently neurofeedback, and is based on operant learning principles. Technological advancements have significantly enhanced the ease and affordability of recording and analyzing brain activity. Thus, properly trained practitioners can implement these conditioning strategies in their practice. Recent research indicating evidenced-based efficacy has made this technique a more viable option for clinical intervention. The objective of this article is to highlight the learning principles that have provided the fundamentals of this neuromodulatory approach. In addition, it is recommended that future applications in clinical work, research, and development adhere to these principles.
Cardiovascular stress and lactate formation during gymnastic routines.

BACKGROUND Carried out to investigate cardiovascular and metabolic response during various gymnastic routines [Pommel Horse (PH), Roman Ring (RR), Parallel Bar (PB), Horizontal Bar (HB) and Floor Exercise (FE)]. METHODS EXPERIMENTAL DESIGN comparative and randomized. SETTING General purpose, applicable on gymnastics training. Participants. Five male volunteers drawn from students attending sports coaching course in gymnastics at NIB, Patiala. A mixed population from all over India who had competitive experience of 6 to 10 years. INTERVENTIONS no interventions. MEASURES presence of heart rate overshooting, high lactate levels and individual characteristics of the gymnastics routines. RESULTS In all the routines peak HR was much lower than maximum heart rate (HRmax) of the gymnasts. Mean HR was lowest in first set and highest in the final (3rd set) on all the apparatuses. Highest mean HR was recorded in HB followed by FE, RR, PB and PH respectively. After both first and third sets blood lactic acid (La) was highest in FE followed by RR, PB, HB and PH. La levels following the first set were 7.11, 6.77, 6.23, 5.97 and 5.18 mM/l, respectively. Third set values were 10.54, 10.16, 8.95, 8.74 and 8.04 mM/l. CONCLUSIONS (a) Cardiovascular load in various gymnastic routines is considerably less than maximal running; (b) HR overshoot is common at the end of all the men's gymnastic routines; training evaluation or performance evaluation in gymnastics through heart rate should consider this fact to avoid any misinterpretation; (c) PH is physiologically least demanding among the five while FE and RR are most stressful; (d) repetition of gymnastic exercise routines with short rest pause may lead the gymnast to reach nearer to his lactate tolerance; (e) gymnastics activity is dominated by anaerobic metabolism.
Management of non‐immune hydrops: 8 years' experience

During a period of 8 years (1985–92), 100 fetuses were diagnosed to have non‐immune hydrops on the basis of ultrasonographic findings and absence of rhesus isoimmunization. Both the mother and the fetus were thoroughly evaluated by a set protocol that included a detailed fetal abnormality scan with echocardiography and fetal blood sampling. A cause for non‐immune hydrops could be identified in 81% of the fetuses. Cardiovascular abnormalities (23%) and α1‐thalassemia (22%) were almost equally common etiological factors in the South‐East Asian population under investigation. A chromosomal abnormality was detected in 10% of the fetuses with non‐immune hydrops. Twenty‐six fetuses were found to be suitable for in utero therapy. In utero therapy included one or more of the following: (1) fetal intravascular blood transfusion; (2) direct fetal drug therapy; and (3) fetal pleuroamniotic shunting. Eighteen of the 26 babies (69.2%) were alive and well at 1 month after delivery. It is concluded that in well‐selected cases appropriate in utero fetal therapy can lead to significant improvement in fetal salvage. Copyright © 1996 International Society of Ultrasound in Obstetrics and Gynecology
The Introduction of Domestic Camels to the Southern Levant: Evidence from the Aravah Valley

Abstract It was recently suggested that the introduction of the camel to the southern Levant occurred in the early Iron Age (late 2nd-early 1st millennia BCE). Our study of faunal remains from Iron Age sites at Timna, together with previous studies of Late Bronze and Iron Age sites at Timna and Wadi Faynan, enable us to pinpoint this event more precisely. The new evidence indicates that the first significant appearance of camels in the Aravah Valley was not earlier than the last third of the 10th century BCE. This date accords with data from the Negev and the settled lands further to the north when the low chronology is applied to the early Iron IIA.
Brainstem Auditory Evoked Responses in Lafora Disease

Brainstem auditory-evoked responses (BAERs) have been studied in five patients suffering from Lafora-type of progressive myoclonus epilepsy proven by skin biopsy and in ten healthy volunteers. At the time of examination the patients were not taking benzodiazepines and showed myoclonic jerks. In all patients the central conduction time (interpeak latencies I-V, I-III, III-V) and the amplitude (amplitude ratio I/V) of BAERs were within the +/- 2 S.D. limits of the normal values. Since Lafora disease is a neuropathologically prevalent grey-matter illness (typical inclusion bodies are stored intraneuronally) these data indicate that diseases primarily affecting the brainstem grey-matter are usually associated with normal BAERs.
Staphylococcal protein A immunoadsorption for Goodpasture's syndrome in four Chinese patients.

BACKGROUND Removal of anti-glomerular basement membrane (anti-GBM) antibody by extracorporeal treatment including plasmapheresis or immunoadsorption (IA) has been considered an effective method in the treatment of Goodpasture's syndrome. In this study, we investigated the effect of IA on serum anti-GBM level and evaluated its clinical efficacy in patients with Goodpasture's syndrome. METHODS Four patients with Goodpasture's syndrome were enrolled in this study. All patients presented with severe renal failure and needed hemodialysis. They were treated with staphylococcal protein A IA, together with intravenous pulse methylprednisolone therapy and mycophenolate mofetil (n=3) or intermittent intravenous cyclophosphamide (n=1). IA was administered for 10 cycles per session and 8-10 sessions as a course; a total of 30-60 L of plasma was regenerated in each course. RESULTS Serum anti-GBM antibody level decreased to the normal range in 3 patients after 1 course of IA treatment and remained negative in 2 patients who were followed up for 4 months. In the other patient, serum anti-GBM antibody level decreased by 62.8% after the first course of IA treatment and decreased to the normal range after the second course of IA. Rebound of serum anti-GBM was found in all patients during the first 3 to 4 IA sessions. Pulmonary hemorrhage resolved in all patients, including 1 patient who was unresponsive to methylprednisolone pulse therapy. One of the 4 patients who required initial hemodialysis on admission could stop hemodialysis after IA, and the other 3 patients who had 100% glomerular crescents were on maintenance hemodialysis. CONCLUSIONS IA could remove serum anti-GBM antibody and resolve pulmonary hemorrhage effectively; the efficacy of IA in improving renal function is markedly determined by the severity of renal damage.
CD4+CD25− T Cells That Express Latency-Associated Peptide on the Surface Suppress CD4+CD45RBhigh-Induced Colitis by a TGF-β-Dependent Mechanism

Murine CD4+CD25+ regulatory cells have been reported to express latency-associated peptide (LAP) and TGF-β on the surface after activation, and exert regulatory function by the membrane-bound TGF-β in vitro. We have now found that a small population of CD4+ T cells, both CD25+ and CD25−, can be stained with a goat anti-LAP polyclonal Ab without being stimulated. Virtually all these LAP+ cells are also positive for thrombospondin, which has the ability to convert latent TGF-β to the active form. In the CD4+CD45RBhigh-induced colitis model of SCID mice, regulatory activity was exhibited not only by CD25+LAP+ and CD25+LAP− cells, but also by CD25−LAP+ cells. CD4+CD25−LAP+ T cells were part of the CD45RBlow cell fraction. CD4+CD25−LAP−CD45RBlow cells had minimal, if any, regulatory activity in the colitis model. The regulatory function of CD25−LAP+ cells was abrogated in vivo by anti-TGF-β mAb. These results identify a new TGF-β-dependent regulatory CD4+ T cell phenotype that is CD25− and LAP+.
The psychological experience of women who survived HELLP syndrome in Cape Town, South Africa : original research

Background: Haemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low platelet count (HELLP syndrome) is a high-risk pregnancy condition that could be fatal to mother and/or baby. It is characterised, as the acronym indicates, by haemolysis, elevated liver enzymes and low blood platelets. Objective: This study explored women in Cape Town’s psychological experience of HELLP syndrome. Method: Six participants who previously experienced HELLP syndrome were interviewed. Using a grounded theory approach, themes emerged and a model illlustrating the psychological experience of HELLP syndrome was constructed. Results: The major themes that emerged were the perceived lack of information, a need to assign blame and a shift in focus. Themes of not knowing and trance and/or surreal experience underpin the cognitive aspects of the HELLP syndrome experience. Themes that expressed feelings of an inability to control, whirlwind and/or rapid pace and support acted together to bind the experience. Finally, emotions such as anger, ambivalence, disbelief, anxiety, guilt, loneliness and fear were present throughout the experience. Conclusion: This study developed an initial exploratory model representing the psychological experience of HELLP syndrome in a sample of South African women. Underlying this entire experience was a perceived lack of information which had a profound effect on numerous aspects of the experience ranging from where to locate blame to the varied emotions experienced. Agtergrond: Die HELLP sindroom is ‘n hoe-risiko swangerskap toestand wat kan dodelik vir moeder en/of baba wees. Dit word gekenmerk deur hemolise, verhoogde lewerensieme en lae bloedplaatjies. Doelwit: Hierdie studie het Suid-Afrikaanse vroue se sielkundige ervaring van die HELLP sindroom ondersoek. Metode: Ses deelnemers wat voorheen HELLP sindroom ervaar het is ondervra. Met die gebuik van gefundeerde teorie as ‘n teoretiese raamwerk en ontleding het temas na vore gekom en ‘n model wat die sielkundige ervaring van HELLP sindroom illustreer, is gebou. Resultate: Die vernaamste temas wat na vore gekom het was die oenskynlike gebrek aan inligting, ‘n behoefte om skuld toe te skryf en ‘n verskuiwing in fokus. Die tema van nie weet en beswyming en/of surrealistiese ervaring ondersteun die kognitiewe aspekte van die HELLP sindroom. Temas wat gevoelens van geen beheer, warrelwind en/of vinnige tempo en ondersteuning uitgesprek het, het saam opgetree om die ervaring te bind. Ten slotte, emosies soos woede, teenstrydigheid, ongeloof, angs, skuldgevoelens, eensaamheid en vrees was teenwoordig in die hele ervaring. Gevolgtrekking: Hierdie studie het van’n aanvanklike ondersoekende model van die sielkundige ervaring van HELLP sindroom tot ‘n steekproef van die Suid-Afrikaanse vroue ontwikkel. Onderliggend aan hierdie hele ervaring was ‘n oenskynlike gebrek aan inligting wat ‘n diepgaande uitwerking gehad het op talle aspekte van die ervaring wat gewissel het van waar om die blaam te plaas tot die uiteenlopende ervaarde emosies.
Teaching High-Ability Pupils in Early Primary School

This thesis describes the design and implementation of the intervention 'Excel Kwadraat' in primary schools. This intervention aims to improve teachers’ differentiation practices in order to better anticipate pupil differences, including excellent or high-ability pupils. In the end, the intervention aims at enhancing the academic achievement of both high-ability and non-high-ability early primary school pupils. The intervention includes screening pupils’ school-entry characteristics, matching their needs with curricular activity levels, and implementing a school-wide approach to differentiation and high-ability. The central question in this thesis is: does Excel Kwadraat, compared with regular education, positively affect high-ability pupils’ academic achievement? To answer this question, a number of studies were set up that focus on current teaching practices for high-ability pupils, and the design, development, implementation, and effects of Excel Kwadraat in early primary school.