Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Structural and molecular specificity of antibody responses in mice immune to third stage larvae of Onchocerca volvulus

Immunization of mice with irradiated Onchocerca volvulus infective stage larvae (L3) has been demonstrated to confer protection against challenge infections with these larvae. Additionally, cytokine level measurements and cytokine depletion studies have shown that both IL‐4 and IL‐5 are important in generating a protective immune response against O. volvulus challenge infections, thus suggesting a dependency of protective immunity on IgG1, IgE and/or eosinophils. In the present study, we examined the humoral responses of immunized mice to O. volvulus L3 antigens. ELISA measurements of total serum antibody levels indicated that IgE was the only antibody isotype elevated in mice immunized with O. volvulus L3. IgM from immunized mice was the only isotype that recognized surface antigens on intact O. volvulus L3. IgG1, IgG3, IgE and IgA recognized internal parasite antigens on O. volvulus L3 frozen sections. Western blot analysis of L3 proteins showed that in serum from mice immunized with O. volvulus L3 IgG1, IgG2a/2b, IgA, and IgE, as well as IgM, recognized unique L3 proteins. Antibodies in serum from L3 immunized mice were able to detect O. volvulus adult antigens in a pattern similar to the recognition found in O. volvulus L3. Some L3 antigens were shared by adults, while other antigens were L3 specific. The ELISA, immunohistochemistry and Western blot findings thus demonstrate a complex pattern of antigen recognition of parasite antigens by antibodies found in mice immune to the L3 of O. volvulus
Dental extractions for preradiation dental clearance and incidence of osteoradionecrosis in patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma treated with intensity‐modulated radiotherapy

AIM The aims of the present retrospective study were to evaluate the outcomes of dental extractions in nasopharyngeal carcinoma patients who had undergone dental clearance pre- and post-radiotherapy (RT) with intensity-modulated RT, and to report on the incidence and timing of osteoradionecrosis (ORN) in these patients. METHODS A total of 231 patients were seen pre-, mid-, and postradiation therapy. Information on patient demographics, smoking history, staging, treatment modalities, dental extraction indications, and number and site of dental extractions was gathered. Wilcoxon two-sample tests and Fisher's exact test were used to test the association between groups for patient variables. RESULTS The mean number of teeth removed was 4.1 teeth per patient. A total of 334 (35.2%) teeth were removed for periodontal reasons, 322 (34.03%) were removed prophylactically, and the remaining teeth were removed because of deep caries, retained roots, partial impaction, endodontic lesions, and prosthodontic reasons. Patients had an average of 19.6 teeth remaining after dental clearance, and only 97 (42%) required prosthetic intervention. The statistical analysis showed that there was no correlation between dental extractions pre- or post-RT and the development of ORN. CONCLUSIONS No specific parameter was directly associated with dental extractions, although smoking and increased number of teeth removed preradiation seemed to be prevalent in patients who developed ORN.
"Fingered" patterns in electron droplets in nonuniform magnetic fields.

A semiclassical analysis of a two-dimensional electron droplet in a high, nonuniform magnetic field predicts that the droplet will form "fingered" patterns upon increasing the number of electrons. We construct explicit examples of these patterns using methods first developed for the flow of two-dimensional viscous fluids. We complement our analytical results with Monte Carlo simulations of the droplet wave function, and find that at the point where the semiclassical analysis predicts a cusp on the interface, the droplet fissions-a type of "quantum breakup" phenomenon.
Prevalence and genotypes of Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato infection in Ixodes ricinus ticks in southern Norway

Abstract From April to October 2007, host-seeking Ixodes ricinus ticks were collected from 4 locations in southern Norway: Farsund, Mandal, Søgne and Tromøy. Two hundred and ten larvae, 1130 nymphs and 449 adults were investigated for infection with Borrelia burgdorferi sensu lato (s.l.) by real-time polymerase chain reaction (PCR) amplification of the 16S rRNA gene. The total percentage of B. burgdorferi s.l. in nymphal and adult ticks was determined to be 31.3% in Farsund, 25.2% in Mandal, 22.3% in Søgne and 22.1% in Tromøy. Larvae were pooled in groups of 10 before analysis, and Borrelia infection was detected in 1 of the 21 larvae pools. B. burgdorferi s.l. were genotyped by melting curve analysis after real-time PCR amplification of the hbb gene, or by direct sequencing of the PCR amplicon generated from the rrs (16S)–rrl (23S) intergenetic spacer. The most prevalent B. burgdorferi genospecies identified were B. afzelii (61.6%), followed by B. garinii (23.4%) and B. burgdorferi sensu stricto (10.6%). B. valaisiana (4.5%) was identified in Norwegian ticks for the first time. Mixed infections were observed in 0.3% of the infected ticks. A higher prevalence of B. burgdorferi s.l. was found in the present study than what has been reported in previous Nordic studies.
Effects of Parent Training Programs on Parental Stress in a General Swedish Population Sample

This is a confirmatory study that assessed the effects of parent training programs on parental stress in a general population. There is a need to repeat and confirm earlier findings to acquire solid knowledge for policy stakeholders. In a quasi-experimental design, self-reported data were gathered at three occasions from 83 parents of children between the ages from one to ten years. These parents had responded to advertisements of parent training programs, and were matched to a comparison group of 83 parents chosen from a governmental database. Parent training program based upon behavioral, cognitive-behavioral, Adlerian and family system-theories. Parental stress due to incompetence, role restriction, social isolation, spousal relationship problems, and health problems were measured by the Swedish Parenthood Stress Questionnaire that is based on the Parent Stress Index Scale. The data indicated a reduction of stress in the sub-scale of health problems among parents in the intervention group with an effect size of 0.33, however, no other subscale showed the intervention as a significant variable when controlling for confounding variables. This study adds on the accumulated knowledge of supporting interventions for parents. We conclude that parent training programs have a significant effect on the stress components of parental health when implemented in real-life settings.
Central nervous system involvement at first relapse in patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia treated with all-trans retinoic acid and anthracycline monochemotherapy without intrathecal prophylaxis

With the advent of more effective therapy for the bone marrow in acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) central nervous system (CNS) prophylaxis has been suggested to be useful. Using data from 739 patients treated on two Spanish national trials, the authors examine the incidence of CNS relapse in APL and whether risk factors for such relapse can be identified. Background The prevalence of and risk factors for central nervous system recurrence in patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia are not well established and remain a controversial matter. Design and Methods Between 1996 and 2005, 739 patients with newly diagnosed acute promyelocytic leukemia enrolled in two consecutive trials (PETHEMA LPA96 and LPA99) received induction therapy with all-trans retinoic acid and idarubicin. Consolidation therapy comprised three courses of anthracycline monochemotherapy (LPA96), with all-trans retinoic acid and reinforced doses of idarubicin in patients with an intermediate or high risk of relapse (LPA99). Central nervous system prophylaxis was not given. Results Central nervous system relapse was documented in 11 patients. The 5-year cumulative incidence of central nervous system relapse was 1.7% (LPA96 3.2% and LPA99 1.2%; p=0.09). The cumulative incidence was 0%, 0.8%, and 5.5% in low-, intermediate-, and high-risk patients, respectively. Relapse risk score (p=0.0001) and the occurrence of central nervous system hemorrhage during induction (5-year cumulative incidence 18.7%, p=0.006) were independent risk factors for central nervous system relapse. Conclusions This study shows a low incidence of central nervous system relapse in patients with acute promyelocytic leukemia following therapy with all-trans retinoic acid and anthracycline without specific central nervous system prophylaxis. Central nervous system relapse was significantly associated with high white blood cell counts and prior central nervous system hemorrhage, which emerged as independent prognostic factors.
Coping with serum screening for Down syndrome when the result is given as a numeric value

Forty‐six pregnant women undergoing second‐trimester biochemical screening for Down syndrome were asked to fill in the State–Trait Anxiety Inventory (STAI) questionnaire to assess their anxiety level at two different moments: when recruited to the study (at 11–13 weeks' gestation), and after the test result was communicated. The test result was given as a numeric value of risk (1/x), rather than as positive/negative.
Adiponectin and the development of diabetes in patients with coronary artery disease and impaired fasting glucose.

OBJECTIVES Adiponectin has insulin-sensitizing properties, and high adiponectin levels have been shown to be associated with reduced risk of developing diabetes. Patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) have relatively low adiponectin levels and high prevalence of glucose intolerance. The role of adiponectin in predicting the development of diabetes in this high-risk group has not been determined. The study aimed to determine whether baseline adiponectin levels predict the development of diabetes in a group of patients with CAD and impaired fasting glucose (IFG). METHODS A total of 588 patients who participated in the Bezafibrate Infarction Prevention (BIP) study and who had at baseline fasting glucose of 100-125 mg/dl were included and followed for 6.2+/-1.3 years. Adiponectin was determined in frozen plasma samples taken at baseline. RESULTS Of the patients with IFG at baseline, 256 (44%) developed diabetes during follow-up. The patients who developed diabetes had at baseline higher body-mass index, fasting glucose, C-reactive protein, triglycerides, homeostatic assessment of insulin resistance (HOMA-IR) and diastolic blood pressure than patients who did not develop diabetes. Adiponectin levels at baseline were significantly lower in patients who developed diabetes than in patients who did not develop diabetes (P = 0.009, nonparametric Kruskall-Wallis test). An increase of 1 unit of natural logarithm of adiponectin level was associated with a hazard ratio of 0.77 (95% CI, 0.61-0.96) for diabetes development. CONCLUSION Patients with CAD and IFG have a very high rate of conversion to type 2 diabetes. Even in this high-risk group, high adiponectin levels are associated with reduced risk of developing diabetes.
Rumen holotrich ciliate protozoa.

Factors Influencing Size of the Protozoal Population . 28 Diurnal Variations in the Holotrich Population . 28 IN VITRO CULTIVATION OF HOLOTRICH PROTOZOA.28 TECHNIQUES FOR ISOLATION OF HOLOTRICH CILIATES FROM RUMEN CONTENTS . 29
The Direct and Indirect Cost Burden of Clinically Significant and Symptomatic Uterine Fibroids

Objective: To estimate direct medical costs and indirect (productivity related) for women age 25 to 54 who had clinically significant and symptomatic uterine fibroids (UF). Methods: We compared direct medical expenditures among 30,659 women who had clinically significant and symptomatic UF to expenditures among an equal number of matched controls who did not. We also compared indirect costs for a sub-sample of 910 employed women in each group. Regression analyses controlled for demographic and casemix factors. Results: Mean 12-month direct medical costs for women with UF were $11,720 versus $3257 for controls, and mean 12-month indirect costs for women with UF were $11,752 versus $8083 for controls. Differences were statistically significant (P < 0.0001). Conclusions: UF is a costly disorder and merits thought as interventions are considered to improve women's health and productivity.
Exploring the differences in epidemiology of treated ESRD between Germany and England and Wales.

BACKGROUND The aim of this study is to investigate reasons for the large reported differences in renal replacement therapy (RRT) incidence between Germany and England and Wales (E&W). METHODS Age- and sex-standardized incidence rates were calculated at day 0, day 90, and day 180 by using registry data, and early RRT mortality was studied as an indicator of ascertainment differences. Nationally representative health survey data were analyzed to provide general population prevalence data for major chronic kidney disease risk factors: hypertension, diabetes, vascular disease, obesity, and smoking. Resource data were collected from routine sources and national surveys, and literature searches were performed to explore variation in chronic kidney disease prevalence, late referral, early start, and nondialytic therapy. RESULTS The gap in RRT incidence between Germany and E&W increased after adjusting for differences in early mortality. The standardized day-90 incidence rate ratio was 1.79 (193.0 per million of the adult population [pmap] in Germany and 107.5 pmap in E&W) diabetes and vascular disease explained 79% of this difference. Diabetes, ischemic heart disease, and hypertension were 1.85-, 1.24-, and 1.18-fold more prevalent in Germany, whereas rates of hypertension control were 0.54-fold lower (20% versus 37% in England). Ischemic heart disease mortality rates were lower in Germany. CONCLUSION Much of the difference in RRT incidence between Germany and E&W is explained by a greater prevalence of diabetes, hypertension, and vascular disease in the German general population, particularly those older than 65 years, and lower competing mortality risk.
How many Layers has the Adventitia? – Structure of the Arterial Tunica Externa Revisited

Tunica adventitia or tunica externa is the outer layer of the blood vessel wall. It consists of connective tissue with vasa and nervi vasorum and plays a key role in vascular health. The aim of our study was to compare the wall layers beyond tunica media in arteries of different type and location. The following arteries of pig, dog and cat were processed histologically and analysed by light microscopy: aorta ascendens, arcus aortae, aorta thoracica, aorta abdominalis, arteria (a.) femoralis, a. tibialis cranialis, a. carotis communis, a. lingualis, a. basilaris, a. cerebralis media, a. testicularis and aa. jejunales. We found two layers of connective tissue outside the media: (1) a compact layer with many elastic fibres in muscular and few in elastic arteries and (2) an outer layer of loose connective tissue. The compact layer was missing in aorta ascendens, arcus aortae and intracranial vessels. Adventitial stripping removed only the loose connective tissue layer. In spite of the still present compact layer, stripped arteries were very flimsy. We suggest using the term ‘tunica externa’ for the compact connective tissue layer and ‘tunica adventitia’ for the outermost loose connective tissue layer as in other organs. The presence of the tunica externa differs between species, arteries and arterial side, as well as the removability of tunica adventitia and tunica externa by anatomical dissection.
Collecting Self-Reported Data on Dating Abuse Perpetration From a Sample of Primarily Black and Hispanic, Urban-Residing, Young Adults: A Comparison of Timeline Followback Interview and Interactive Voice Response Methods

Dating abuse is a prevalent and consequential public health problem. However, relatively few studies have compared methods of collecting self-report data on dating abuse perpetration. This study compares two data collection methods—(a) the Timeline Followback (TLFB) retrospective reporting method, which makes use of a written calendar to prompt respondents’ recall, and (b) an interactive voice response (IVR) system, which is a prospective telephone-based database system that necessitates respondents calling in and entering data using their telephone keypads. We collected 84 days of data on young adult dating abuse perpetration using IVR from a total of 60 respondents. Of these respondents, 41 (68%) completed a TLFB retrospective report pertaining to the same 84-day period after that time period had ended. A greater number of more severe dating abuse perpetration events were reported via the IVR system. Participants who reported any dating abuse perpetration were more likely to report more frequent abuse perpetration via the IVR than the TLFB (i.e., may have minimized the number of times they perpetrated dating abuse on the TLFB). The TLFB method did not result in a tapering off of reported events past the first week as it has in prior studies, but the IVR method did result in a tapering off of reported events after approximately the sixth week. We conclude that using an IVR system for self-reports of dating abuse perpetration may not have substantial advantages over using a TLFB method, but researchers’ choice of mode may vary by research question, resources, sample, and setting.
Bayesian quantum frequency estimation in presence of collective dephasing

We advocate a Bayesian approach to optimal quantum frequency estimation—an important issue for future quantum enhanced atomic clock operation. The approach provides a clear insight into the interplay between decoherence and the extent of prior knowledge in determining the optimal interrogation times and optimal estimation strategies. We propose a general framework capable of describing local oscillator noise as well as additional collective atomic dephasing effects. For a Gaussian noise, the average Bayesian cost can be expressed using the quantum Fisher information. Thus we establish a direct link between the two, often competing, approaches to quantum estimation theory.
Comparison of growth between native and immigrant infants between 0–3 years from the Dutch ABCD cohort

Background: In the Netherlands separate reference charts have been developed for native and immigrant groups to deal with differences in growth patterns in later childhood. The use of these charts, however, is complicated by methodological issues; they do not represent all large Dutch immigrant groups in separate charts despite the differences that have been suggested and the evidence of ethnic disparities in growth dates back to 1997. Aim: Anthropometric measurements from a contemporary multi-ethnic cohort study were created to quantify differences in childhood growth by creating growth charts, separately for boys and girls between the ages of 0–3 years. Subjects and methods: The infants modelled in the charts had a mother born in the Netherlands (n = 3107), Suriname (n = 225), Turkey (n = 203) and Morocco (n = 336). Charts with and without correction for country of origin of the mother were created by using the LMST method. Results: All models including the covariate country of origin of the mother fitted the data better (p < 0.0005), but the observed differences were small. Conclusion: Most remarkable differences were found in the BMI and weight measurements for age charts. Especially girls from mothers born in Turkey and Morocco had an increasingly heavier weight for their age than girls from mothers born in the Netherlands.
Improving Clinical Guidelines and Decisions Under Uncertainty

This paper discusses how limited ability to assess patient risk of illness and predict treatment response may affect the welfare achieved by adherence to clinical practice guidelines and by decentralized clinical practice. I explain why predictive ability has been limited, calling attention to imperfections in clinical judgment and to questionable methodological practices in the research that supports evidence-based medicine. I discuss recent econometric research that can improve the ability of guideline developers and clinicians to predict patient outcomes. Recognizing that uncertainty will continue to afflict medical decision making, I apply basic decision theory to suggest reasonable decision criteria with well-understood welfare properties.
Nonlinear Pricing with Competition: The Market for Settling Payments

The multiple payments settlement systems available in the United States differ on several dimensions. The Fedwire Funds Service, a utility that operates a U.S. large-value payments-settlement service, offers the fastest speed of settlement. Recognizing that payments differ in the urgency with which they need to be settled, Fedwire offers banks a decreasing block-price schedule. This approach allows Fedwire to price discriminate, charging high fees for urgent payments and low fees for less urgent ones. We analyze banks’ demand for Fedwire Funds given this nonlinear scheme, taking into account competing settlement systems. We show that how banks respond to Fedwire’s pricing depends crucially on the need to settle payments quickly. If the urgency for immediate settlement is great enough, banks will respond to marginal price; otherwise, they will respond to average price. We test whether banks respond to marginal or to average price. Our identification comes from exogenous variation in Fedwire’s pricing, which results in differential changes in marginal and average price for comparable banks. We find that banks respond to average price.
Possible ring material around centaur (2060) Chiron

We propose that several short duration events observed in past stellar occultations by Chiron were produced by rings material. From a reanalysis of the stellar occultation data in the literature we determined two possible orientations of the pole of Chiron's rings, with ecliptic coordinates l=(352+/-10) deg, b=(37+/-10) deg or l=(144+/-10) deg, b=(24+/-10) deg . The mean radius of the rings is (324 +/- 10) km. One can use the rotational lightcurve amplitude of Chiron at different epochs to distinguish between the two solutions for the pole. Both imply lower lightcurve amplitude in 2013 than in 1988, when the rotational lightcurve was first determined. We derived Chiron's rotational lightcurve in 2013 from observations at the 1.23-m CAHA telescope and indeed its amplitude is smaller than in 1988. We also present a rotational lightcurve in 2000 from images taken at CASLEO 2.15-m telescope that is consistent with our predictions. Out of the two poles the l=(144+/-10) deg, b=(24+/-10) deg solution provides a better match to a compilation of rotational lightcurve amplitudes from the literature and those presented here. We also show that using this preferred pole, Chiron's long term brightness variations are compatible with a simple model that incorporates the changing brightness of the rings as the tilt angle with respect to the Earth changes with time. Also, the variability of the water ice band in Chiron's spectra in the literature can be explained to a large degree by an icy ring system whose tilt angle changes with time and whose composition includes water ice, analogously to the case of Chariklo. We present several possible formation scenarios for the rings from qualitative points of view and speculate on the reasons why rings might be common in centaurs. We speculate on whether the known bimodal color distribution of centaurs could be due to presence of rings and lack of them.