Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
New-Onset Seizures after Liver Transplantation: Clinical Implications and Prognosis in Survivors

Purpose: To identify the probable etiologies and characteristics of new-onset seizures after orthotopic liver transplantation (OLT) and to assess their clinical implications and prognosis. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical, electrophysiologic and laboratory data of 17 patients with new-onset seizures after OLT among 367 adult and pediatric patients who underwent OLT between 1999 and 2001. Results: A suspected etiology of seizures was identified in most patients, including 6 (35.2%) with neurotoxicity due to immunosuppressive therapy, 4 (23.5%) with cerebrovascular disease, 3 (17.6%) with severe metabolic derangement by sepsis or rejection, and 1 each (5.8%) with hyperglycemia and brain edema due to fulminant hepatic failure. Causative factors could not be identified in 2 patients (11.8%). Seizures recurred in 15 patients (88.2%), with 9 occurring on the same day as the original seizure. Attacks caused by neurotoxicity tended to have an earlier onset, within 1 week in 4 of 6 patients, than those caused by cerebrovascular disease and sepsis/rejection, but this was not statistically significant. A total of 21 EEGs were performed in 13 patients. Eleven patients had abnormal EEG findings, of whom 4 (30.7%) showed epileptiform discharges, but the outcome of patients with epileptiform activity did not differ statistically from that of patients without such discharges (p > 0.6). The incidence of poor outcome (death or persistent vegetative state) in the group with seizures was almost 10 times higher than in the group without seizures (52.9 vs. 5.7%, p < 0.001). The prognosis of patients with seizures due to cerebrovascular disease and severe metabolic derangement by sepsis/rejection was poorer than that of patients with seizures caused by the neurotoxicity of immunosuppressive drugs (p < 0.02), suggesting that the underlying cause of seizures is important in determining prognosis. Of 8 patients who survived, 1 was lost to follow-up. The long-term outcome of seizures in surviving patients was excellent, with all survivors available for follow-up being seizure-free for a mean follow-up of 42.5 months (range, 16–58 months). Conclusion: New-onset seizures after OLT may herald fatal outcome, especially in patients with cerebrovascular disease or sepsis. The prognosis of seizures in survivors is excellent, and long-term antiepileptic drugs are not required in most cases.
Knowledge of cervical cancer and HPV vaccine post- vaccination among mothers and daughters in Vietnam.

BACKGROUND Limited human papillomavirus (HPV) related knowledge might be a barrier to future vaccine acceptance. From 2008-2010, PATH conducted an HPV vaccination demonstration project in partnership with the government immunization program in Vietnam, which included awareness campaigns prior to vaccination. OBJECTIVE To assess and compare knowledge and attitudes about cervical cancer and HPV vaccines between mothers and daughters, and whether knowledge was associated with vaccination status. METHODS We analyzed HPV-related knowledge and attitude data from mother-daughter paired responses to a cross-sectional household survey. After parents completed the survey, daughters were asked the same questions. We calculated the frequency of responses for each question and devised a scaled composite measure for knowledge. RESULTS Participants believed they had received enough information about cervical cancer and HPV vaccines and it was sufficient to make a decision about vaccination. Fifty percent of the participants knew HPV causes cervical cancer and 80% knew the HPV vaccine prevented cervical cancer. Mothers had more knowledge about cervical cancer and HPV infection (p<0.01), compared to daughters, who had more vaccine specific knowledge (p<0.01). However, the total mean knowledge score was similar for the groups. Girls not fully vaccinated had a lower mean knowledge score than fully vaccinated girls (p<0.001). CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that the purpose of the HPV vaccine was clearly messaged; however, some misconceptions about cervical cancer and HPV still exist. Limited knowledge about the magnitude of cervical cancer, HPV as a cause of cervical cancer, and HPV vaccines may have contributed to incomplete vaccination.
Training-Based Channel Estimation Algorithms for Dual Hop MIMO OFDM Relay Systems

In this paper, we consider minimum-mean-square error (MMSE) training-based channel estimation for two-hop multiple-input multiple-output (MIMO) orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) relaying systems. The channel estimation process is divided into two main phases. The relay-destination channel is estimated in the first phase and can be obtained using well-known point-to-point MIMO OFDM estimation methods. In the second phase, the source-relay channel is estimated at the destination with the use of a known training sequence that is transmitted from the source and forwarded to the destination by a nonregenerative relay. To obtain an estimate of the source-relay channel, the source training sequence, relay precoder, and destination processor, require to be optimized. To solve this problem, we first derive an iterative algorithm that involves sequentially solving a number of convex optimization problems to update the source, relay, and destination design variables. Since the iterative algorithm may be too computationally expensive for practical implementation, we then derive simplified solutions that have reduced computational complexity. Simulation results demonstrate the effectiveness of the proposed algorithms.
The Production Function for Housing: Evidence from France

We propose a new nonparametric approach to estimate the production function for housing. Our estimation treats output as a latent variable and relies on a first-order condition for profit maximization combined with a zero-profit condition. More desirable locations command higher land prices and, in turn, more capital to build houses. For parcels of a given size, we compute housing production by summing across the marginal products of capital. For newly built single-family homes in France, the production function for housing is close to constant returns and is well, though not perfectly, approximated by a Cobb-Douglas function with a capital elasticity of 0.65.
Nucleus accumbens neurons encode predicted and ongoing reward costs in rats

Efficient decision‐making requires that animals consider both the benefits and the costs of potential actions, such as the amount of effort or temporal delay involved in reward seeking. The nucleus accumbens (NAc) has been implicated in the ability to choose between options with different costs and overcome high costs when necessary, but it is not clear how NAc processing contributes to this role. Here, neuronal activity in the rat NAc was monitored using multi‐neuron electrophysiology during two cost‐based decision tasks in which either reward effort or reward delay was manipulated. In each task, distinct visual cues predicted high‐value (low effort/immediate) and low‐value (high effort/delayed) rewards. After training, animals exhibited a behavioral preference for high‐value rewards, yet overcame high costs when necessary to obtain rewards. Electrophysiological analysis indicated that a subgroup of NAc neurons exhibited phasic increases in firing rate during cue presentations. In the effort‐based decision task (but not the delay‐based task), this population reflected the cost‐discounted value of the future response. In contrast, other subgroups of cells were activated during response initiation or reward delivery, but activity did not differ on the basis of reward cost. Finally, another population of cells exhibited sustained changes in firing rate while animals completed high‐effort requirements or waited for delayed rewards. These findings are consistent with previous reports that implicate NAc function in reward prediction and behavioral allocation during reward‐seeking behavior, and suggest a mechanism by which NAc activity contributes to both cost‐based decisions and actual cost expenditure.
Aberrant Stat 3 Signaling by Interleukin-4 in Malignant Glioma Cells : Involvement of IL-13 R a 2

Interleukin (IL)-4 exhibits antitumor activity in rodent experimental gliomas, which is likely mediated by the actions of IL-4 on a variety of immune cells present in and around the tumor masses. Here, we show that IL-4, which activates Stat6 in normal human astrocytes and in a variety of other cells, induces an aberrant activation of Stat3 in glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) cells but not in normal human astrocytes. Previously, we have shown that autocrine IL-6 signaling induces a persistent activation of Stat3. Now, we show that Stat3 is further activated by IL-4 stimulation of GBM cells. Expression of IL-13Ra2, a decoy receptor for IL-13 that partly blocks IL-4–mediated activation of Stat6 in GBM cells, upregulates the activation of Stat3 as shown by a small interfering RNA–mediated inhibition of IL-13Ra2 expression. In addition, transient expression of the IL-13Ra2 transgene in 293T cells increases the IL-4–mediated activation of Stat3 and subsequent expression of Stat3-targeted gene. Coimmunoprecipitation results reveal that IL-13Ra2–mediated activation of Stat3 does not require a direct physical interaction between Stat3 and IL-13Ra2. Chromatin immunoprecipitation assay employing anti-Stat3 antibody confirms the in vivo binding of activated Stat3 to the promoters of genes that encode antiapoptotic proteins Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, and Mcl-1. IL-4 significantly up-regulates of the steady-state levels of Bcl-2, Bcl-xL, and Mcl-1 in GBM cells. These results indicate that IL-4/IL-13 receptor-mediated Stat3 signaling may contribute to the pathogenesis of GBM cells by modulating the expression of the Bcl-2 family of antiapoptotic proteins. (Cancer Res 2005; 65(7): 2956-63)
Hospitalization of patients with cocaine and amphetamine use disorders from a psychiatric emergency service.

OBJECTIVES Among the illicit stimulants, cocaine and amphetamines are the most widely abused. Although these drugs have similar psychoactive properties and routes of administration, their duration of action and mechanism of action are different, as are the psychiatric problems that accompany their use. The authors explored whether these differences and results of urine drug testing were associated with differences in use of psychiatric inpatient services. METHODS The records of 2,357 patients admitted to a large county psychiatric emergency service were examined to determine whether patients admitted for amphetamine-related or cocaine-related disorders differed in rates of transfer to an inpatient psychiatric ward or in length of stay on the ward after transfer. The authors also examined whether positive or negative results of urine drug screens predicted transfer or length of stay. RESULTS Patients with amphetamine-related disorders were more than a third more likely than patients with cocaine-related disorders to be transferred to the inpatient ward. Patients with negative urine screens were a third more likely than those with positive screens to be transferred and stayed slightly longer on the ward after transfer. Patients with cocaine-related disorders stayed slightly longer on the ward than patients with amphetamine-related disorders. CONCLUSIONS Patients with amphetamine-related disorders have higher rates of psychiatric hospitalization than patients with cocaine-related disorders. Diagnostic uncertainty and other factors may also influence transfer rates and subsequent length of stay.
Sexual behaviour among Italian adolescents: Knowledge and use of contraceptives

Background Comprehensive data concerning the sexual behaviour of Italian adolescents are lacking; the planning of prevention programmes is therefore difficult. Methods The current study evaluates the knowledge of Italian adolescents about sexuality and their use of methods to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. The age at first intercourse in the current sample was compared to that found in past samples to ascertain whether sex education was needed at an earlier age. The efficacy of one school-based sex education programme was analysed. Results Overall 630 students in three Italian cities were surveyed. Just over half the students were sexually active. Among these, the mean age at first intercourse was 15.6 years (SD ± 1.3). The contraception most widely used was the condom although ‘coitus interruptus’, ‘natural family planning’ and ‘no method’ were also mentioned. The knowledge among students from Latina, after they had received sex education, was significantly better. Conclusion Our data show a lower mean age at first intercourse than has been reported for earlier periods by other authors. School-based sexual education is effective in improving knowledge. Sexual health services for young people must be available and counselling services improved.
Effect of Prostaglandin E1 on Peritoneal Membrane Transport in CAPD-Treated Diabetic Patients

Transperitoneal transport is a complicated process that includes diffusion and convection across the walls of blood microvessels into tissue interstitium, transport through the interstitium, and final passage across the peritoneum to the dialysis solution in the cavity (1). Various vasoactive substances have been previously shown to be involved in the regulation of peritoneal permeability to small solutes and proteins. Prostaglandin E1 (PGE1) can be produced by nearly all human cells, including mesothelial cells. In most vascular beds, PGE1 is a potent vasodilator. Further pharmacological activities include, for example, inhibition of platelet aggregation, inhibitory effects on inflammatory cells, modulation of cytokine production, and modulation of cellular proliferation (2,3). Prostaglandins locally produced in the peritoneal cavity may be among the mediators involved in the regulation of blood flow by peritoneal capillaries and can influence peritoneum permeability for solutes (4–7). Despite previously reported data, available reports concerning influence of the E-series prostaglandins on peritoneal characteristics refer to PGE2 and focus on either experimental models or dialysis-related peritonitis (4–6). According to our best knowledge, the direct effects of PGE1 on peritoneal membrane transport in patients on continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) have not been reported previously in the literature. The aim of the present study was to estimate the effects of PGE1 on peritoneal membrane transport in diabetic CAPD patients treated with a PGE1 analog (alprostadil) due to critical limb ischemia.
Characterization of subgroups of heart failure patients with preserved ejection fraction with possible implications for prognosis and treatment response

Patients with heart failure and preserved ejection fraction (HFpEF) have a poor prognosis, and no therapies have been proven to improve outcomes. It has been proposed that heart failure, including HFpEF, represents overlapping syndromes that may have different prognoses. We present an exploratory study of patients enrolled in the Irbesartan in Heart Failure with Preserved Ejection Fraction Study (I‐PRESERVE) using latent class analysis (LCA) with validation using the Candesartan in Heart failure: Assessment of Reduction in Mortality and morbidity (CHARM)‐Preserved study to identify HFpEF subgroups.
THE HÆMODYNAMIC EFFECTS OF SODIUM AMOBARBITAL IN HYPERTENSION

It has long been accepted that barbiturates tend to lower the systemic arterial pressure in patients with hypertension, and this effect has been used in various diagnostic sedation tests. However, because ofthe inadequate description of the drugs' effect on the cardiac output in hypertension, the hmemodynamic mechanism responsible for the hypotensive action is not clear. As barbiturates are often administered at the same time as powerful hypotensive agents either for sedation or anmsthesia, it is important to know the mode of action of the drug on the cardiovascular system. The purpose of this paper is to describe the acute effects of sodium amobarbital on the cardiac output, stroke output, blood pressure, and peripheral resistance in a series of patients with hypertension.
PESTISIDA ORGANIK RAMAH LINGKUNGAN PEMBASMI HAMA TANAMAN SAYUR

Salah satu masalah yang sering dihadapi oleh para petani, terutama petani sayuran adalah serangan hama yang dapat menggagalkan panen. Petani pada umumnya menggunakan pestisida kimia untuk membasmi hama tersebut karena pestisida kimia banyak dijual di pasaran dan sangat efektif dalam membasmi hama. Namun, penggunaan pestisida kimia, apalagi pada jangka waktu yang lama dan terus-menerus sangat berbahaya. Alternatif penggunaan pestisida organik yang jauh lebih ramah lingkungan dan tidak beracun merupakan solusi yang lebih baik untuk menggantikan peran pestisida kimia. Tujuan spesifik kegiatan pengabdian ini adalah memberikan pengetahuan yang memadai kepada petani sayur mengenai bahaya pestisida kimia dan kelebihan pestisida organik serta untuk mengembangkan potensi bahan-bahan alam sebagai bahan baku pembuatan pestisida organik sehingga dapat meningkatkan hasil panen dan nilai ekonomi sayuran. Hasil dari kegiatan pengabdian ini menunjukkan masyarakat sangat antusias untuk menggunakan pestisida organik sebagai pengganti pestisida kimia.
Upper thermal limits of cardiac function for Arctic cod Boreogadus saida, a key food web fish species in the Arctic Ocean.

The objective of this study was to determine the upper thermal limits of Arctic cod Boreogadus saida by measuring the response of maximum heart rate (f(Hmax)) to acute warming. One set of fish were tested in a field laboratory in Cambridge Bay (CB), Nunavut (north of the Arctic Circle), and a second set were tested after air transport to and 6 month temperature acclimation at the Vancouver Aquarium (VA) laboratory. In both sets of tests, with B. saida acclimated to 0° C, f(Hmax) increased during acute warming up to temperatures considerably higher than the acclimation temperature and the near-freezing Arctic temperatures in which they are routinely found. Indeed, f(Hmax) increased steadily between 0.5 and 5.5° C, with no significant difference between the CB and VA tests (P > 0.05) and with an overall mean ± s.e. Q10 of 2.4 ± 0.5. The first Arrhenius breakpoint temperature (T(AB)) for f(Hmax) was also statistically indistinguishable for the two sets of tests (mean ± s.e. 3.2 ± 0.3 and 3.6 ± 0.3° C), suggesting that the temperature optimum for B. saida could be reliably measured after live transport to a more southerly laboratory location. Continued warming above 5.5° C revealed a large variability among individuals in the upper thermal limits that triggered cardiac arrhythmia (T(arr)), ranging from 10.2 to 15.2° C with mean ± s.e. 12.4 ± 0.4° C (n = 11) for the field study. A difference did exist between the CB and VA breakpoint temperatures when the Q10 value decreased below 2 (the Q10 breakpoint temperature; T(QB)) at 8.0 and 5.5° C, respectively. These results suggest that factors, other than thermal tolerance and associated cardiac performance, may influence the realized distribution of B. saida within the Arctic Circle.
Neuromuscular Responses to 14 Weeks of Traditional and Daily Undulating Resistance Training

Abstract This study compared traditional (TP) and daily undulating (DUP) periodization on muscle strength, EMG-estimated neural drive and muscle architecture of the quadriceps femoris (QF). 10 non-athletic females (24.4±3.2 years) performed 14 weeks of isometric training for the QF exercising 1 leg using TP and the contralateral leg using DUP. Intensities varied from 60% to 80% of MVC and the intensity zones and training volume were equated for each leg. Knee extension MVC, maximal voluntary QF-EMG activity and vastus lateralis (VL) muscle architecture were measured in both legs before, after 6 weeks and after 14 weeks of training using dynamometry, surface EMG and ultrasonography. Isometric MVC and maximal QF-EMG remained unaltered after 6 weeks of training, but were significantly (P<0.05) enhanced after 14 weeks in both legs (MVC: TP 24%, DUP 23%; QF-EMG: TP 45%, DUP 46%). VL-architecture remained unchanged following 6 weeks of training, but VL-muscle thickness (TP 17%, DUP 16%) and fascicle length (TP 16%, DUP 17%) displayed significant (P<0.05) enlargements after 14 weeks in both legs. Importantly, these temporal neuromuscular alterations displayed no significant differences between the training legs. Therefore, periodization may not act as a key trigger for neuromuscular adaptations.
Saw Palmetto-Based Nutritional Supplement Prostataplex Relieves Symptoms of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) in Patients with Mild to Moderate BPH

The goal of this study was to assess the efficacy of the saw palmetto-based nutritional supplement, Prostataplex, for relieving the symptoms associated with benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH) in men with mild to moderate degrees of BPH. A randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trial was performed in Shanghai, China. Eighty patients with BPH were randomly assigned to either the intervention group (39 cases) or control group (41 cases). Patients in the intervention group were administered Prostataplex orally and placebos were given to patients in the control group. The duration of treatment was 12 weeks in both groups. Following the intervention of Prostataplex, the maximum urinary flow rates (MFR), total scores of International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS) and quality of life indicators were significantly better among the patients in the intervention group than those in the control group (P < 0.01 for all variables). Significant improvement of symptoms including dysuria, reducing nocturnal polyuria and increasing urinary flow rate was seen after two months of intervention, especially for the improvement of incomplete bladder emptying. Prostataplex has positive effects on improving symptoms as well as quality of life in men with mild to moderate BPH.
Incidence and Distribution Pattern of Rickettsia felis in Peridomestic Fleas from Andalusia, Southeast Spain

Abstract: The presence of Rickettsia felis was investigated in three species of pulicid fleas (Ctenocephalides felis, Ctenocephalides canis and Pulex irritans) collected in 38 locales in Andalusia (Spain) over the period 1999–2004. Amplification of a fragment of OmpB gene was positive in 54.17 % of lots of Ct. felis. The identity of the PCR bands was confirmed as R. felis by sequence data obtained directly from the PCR amplicon. No rickettsia was found in Ct. canis nor P. irritans.