Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Acute hepatitis C: analysis of a 126-case prospective, multicenter cohort

Objectives To analyze the data (epidemiology, mode of transmission, course, and outcome) of a large series of patients with acute hepatitis C (AHC) in France. Methods Prospective multicenter register, observational study. Results A cohort of 126 patients with AHC was prospectively enrolled between 1999 and 2007. Fifteen (12%) were HIV coinfected. Suspected modes of hepatitis C virus transmission were drug use (38%), sexual contact (21%), nosocomial transmission (18%), and occupational exposure (12%). For 40% of the patients, AHC was revealed by jaundice. Spontaneous viral clearance occurred in 40% of the 72 patients observed for 3 months without treatment. Only jaundice and nosocomial/occupational transmission were predictive of spontaneous viral clearance. Ninety patients were treated with standard or pegylated interferon-&agr; alone (58%) or in combination with ribavirin (42%), for 24 weeks or less in 90%. In intention-to-treat, a sustained viral response was obtained in 58 of 78 (74%) hepatitis C virus monoinfected patients [19 of 22 (86%) with 24 weeks of pegylated interferon-&agr; alone], but only six of 12 (50%) of HIV coinfected patients. Conclusion AHC remains rare, and drug and sexual transmission are predominant. A 3-month follow-up after diagnosis avoids treatment for four out of 10 patients. Antiviral treatment is highly effective, 24 weeks of pegylated interferon-&agr; alone being a good option.
Dosing and Timing Effects of Anti‐CD40L Therapy

Abstract: Several publications describing the use of anti‐CD40L monoclonal antibodies (anti‐CD40L) for the treatment of type 1 diabetes in non‐obese diabetic (NOD) mice have reported different treatment responses to similar protocols. The Entelos® Type 1 Diabetes PhysioLab® platform, a dynamic large‐scale mathematical model of the pathogenesis of type 1 diabetes, was used to study the effects of anti‐CD40L therapy in silico. An examination of the impact of pharmacokinetic variability and the heterogeneity of disease progression rate on therapeutic outcome provided insights that could reconcile the apparently conflicting data. Optimal treatment protocols were identified by exploring the dynamics of key pathophysiological pathways.
Distant metastases in papillary thyroid cancer. A review of 91 patients

Of 731 patients with papillary thyroid cancer, 91 had metastases outside regional lymph nodes. The most common site was intrathoracic, occurring in 73 of the 91 patients. Miliary, micronodular pulmonary metastases, with iodine 131 (I‐131) uptake and “curable” by I‐131 treatment were encountered in seven patients. It has not been established whether this was a transient stage in additional patients. In 38 patients rounded, macrohodular pulmonary metastases were found. Another 21 patients had unilateral pulmonary infiltration and mediastinal enlargement. Pulmonary infiltrations may be hematogenic, or may possibly occur via regional, mediastinal lymph nodes. Mortality within 1 year of the diagnosis of distant metastases exceeded 50%. Occurrence of distant metastases showed a slight but highly significant association with male sex, advanced age, and advanced local tumor stage. Better prognostic determinants are, however, required if adequate treatment of the individual patient with papillary thyroid cancer is to be achieved.
Sex Differences in Dopamine‐ and Vesicular Monoamine‐Transporter Functions

Men and women differ with regard to their use of, and responses to, methamphetamine (MA). Analogous sex differences with regard to MA are observed in animal models. In this report, data from a series of experiments that focus upon dopamine transporter (DAT) and vesicular monoamine transporter2 (VMAT2) function are reviewed by way of providing some understanding for these sex differences to MA. The amount of dopamine (DA) recovered after infusion of DA into superfused striatal tissue was greater in females and an accentuated amount of extracellular DA was obtained from females after infusion of the DAT‐blocking drug, nomifensine. These data suggest a higher level of DAT activity in females. To evaluate the implications of this sex difference in DAT function as related to MA, the amount of DA evoked by an infusion of MA into superfused striatal tissue was tested and found to be significantly greater in males. In contrast, potassium chloride–stimulated DA release was greater in females. The results of these DA‐evoked experiments imply that the greater DAT activity of females, by itself, cannot explain the sex differences observed with MA, and our attention was then directed to the VMAT2. Administration of the VMAT2 blocker, reserpine, in vivo resulted in a significantly greater amount of striatal DA depletion within female mice and infusion of reserpine in vitro into striatal tissue produced significantly greater levels of extracellular DA in females. The data of these reserpine experiments suggest that females possess a more active/efficient VMAT2 function. Collectively, the data provide evidence for sex differences in both DAT and VMAT2 functioning, and we propose that the interaction of these two transporter systems contributes to the differences in response to MA between males and females.
Salivary Amylase Promotes Adhesion of Oral Streptococci to Hydroxyapatite

Recent studies have demonstrated that several species of oral streptococci, such as Streptococcus gordonii, bind soluble salivary a-amylase. The goal of the present study was to determine if amylase immobilized onto a surface such as hydroxyapatite can serve as an adhesion receptor for S. gordonii. Initially, human parotid saliva was fractionated on Bio-Gel P60, and fractions were screened for their ability to promote adhesion of S. gordonii to hydroxyapatite. Fractions containing a-amylase and proline-rich proteins promoted the adhesion of [3H]-labeled S. gordonii to hydroxyapatite. Similar findings were obtained with purified amylase and acidic proline-rich protein 1 (PRP1). Incubation of S. gordonii G9B in the presence of starch and maltotriose increased the binding of this strain to amylase-coated hydroxyapatite, while the adhesion of S. sanguis 10556 to amylase-coated hydroxyapatite was not affected by these saccharides. These results suggest that amylase may serve as a hydroxyapatite pellicle receptor for amylase-binding streptococci. Furthermore, starch and starch metabolites may enhance the adhesion of amylase-binding streptococci to amylase in dental pellicles to augment the formation of dental plaque.
Production of Single Oospore Progeny (SOP) of Phytophtora infestans: Inheritance of Mating Type and Mycelial Morphotypes

The aim of this study was to produce sexual progeny (oospores), of the causal agent of late blight, Phytophthora infestans, study the inheritance of mating type and morphological appearances of these progeny. This pseudofungus exists in two distinct mating types: A1 and A2 mainly in Mexico. However, reports indicate presence of both mating types in many countries all over the world which indicates possibilities of sexual reproduction. The experiment was conducted at the University of Wales, Bangor, in the School of Biological Sciences. Three A1 parental isolates 96.89. 43and 96.69 (both UK) and P9463 (California, USA) were mated with a common A2 isolate 96.70 (UK). About 545 Single Oospore Progeny (SOP) were obtained. The A1:A2 ratio was 3:1 for cross #1; 1:1 for cross #2; and 3:1 for cross #3. All A1 SOPs and 7% of the A2 SOPs had non- lumpy (-) morphology, the rest (93%) of the A2 SOPs exhibited lumpiness of varying degrees. Lumpiness varied from slighty lumpy (+) (17%), lumpy (++) (56%), to being very lumpy (+++) (20%). No visible sporangiophores observed among the very lumpy progeny. The A2 SOP were lumpy as opposed to non-lumpy A2 parent, which was a fluffy isolate just like the A1 parents. Scanning electron microscope revealed that the lumpiness was an aggregate of short-branching hyphae. Lumpiness of A2 isolates has not been reported in nature but observed in laboratories. This could be due to the failure by such isolates to survive as in this study such isolates were observed to produce very few sporangia.
Arsenic Suppresses Cell Survival via Pirh2-mediated Proteasomal Degradation of ΔNp63 Protein*

Background: ΔNp63 exhibits an oncogenic potential and is often overexpressed in squamous cell carcinomas. Results: Arsenic degrades ΔNp63 protein at least in part via Pirh2-mediated proteolysis, and inhibition of ΔNp63 expression facilitates tumor cells to arsenic-induced death. Conclusion: Arsenic trioxide induces Pirh2 to target ΔNp63 for degradation. Significance: Targeting ΔNp63 may be explored to manage tumors overexpressing ΔNp63. Transcription factor p63, a member of the p53 family, shares a high degree of sequence similarity with p53. Because of transcription from two distinct promoters, the p63 gene encodes two isoforms, TAp63 and ΔNp63. Although TAp63 acts as a tumor suppressor, ΔNp63 functions as an oncogene and is often overexpressed in squamous cell carcinomas. Thus, therapeutic agents targeting ΔNp63 might be used to manage tumors that overexpress ΔNp63. Here we found that arsenic trioxide, a frontline agent for acute promyelocytic leukemia, inhibits ΔNp63 but not TAp63 expression in time- and dose-dependent manners. In addition, we found that arsenic trioxide decreases the stability of ΔNp63 protein via a proteasome-dependent pathway but has little effect on the level of ΔNp63 transcript. Furthermore, we found that arsenic trioxide activates the Pirh2 promoter and consequently induces Pirh2 expression. Consistent with this, we found that knockdown of Pirh2 inhibits, whereas ectopic expression of Pirh2 enhances, arsenic-induced degradation of ΔNp63 protein. Importantly, we found that knockdown of ΔNp63 sensitizes, whereas ectopic expression of ΔNp63 inhibits, growth suppression induced by arsenic. Together, these data suggest that arsenic degrades ΔNp63 protein at least in part via Pirh2-dependent proteolysis and that inhibition of ΔNp63 expression facilitates tumor cells to arsenic-induced death.
Results of Flexor-to-Extensor and Extensor Brevis Tendon Transfer for Correction of the Crossover Second Toe Deformity

Between 1990 and 1995, 38 patients (42 feet) underwent repair for crossover toe deformity, 31 (35 feet) of whom returned for final examination at an average of 51.6 months (range, 24–81 months). Causes included trauma, iatrogenic, and unknown. Presenting complaints included dorsal pain with either metatarsalgia or joint pain, isolated metatarsophalangeal (MP) joint pain, metatarsalgia, painful plantar callus, metatarsalgia and joint pain, and painful dorsal callus. All patients were treated with one of two operative techniques, either the flexor-to-extensor tendon transfer or the extensor brevis tendon transfer. Choice of procedure depended on the stage of preoperative deformity. Twenty-four patients were completely satisfied with the surgical correction, 6 were satisfied with reservations, and 1 was dissatisfied. The average postoperative AOFAS score for all patients was 85 points (range, 54–100 points), which correlated strongly with patient satisfaction. Twenty-two patients stated that they had no postoperative pain, 8 reported some pain, and 1 had frequent pain at the corrected toe. In 30 feet, there was no recurrence; three patients had mild residual crossover toe deformity, and two patients had recurrent deformity, although all MP joints were stable. Follow-up radiographs demonstrated substantial reduction in MP joint angles in both the AP (from 7° to −1°) and lateral (from 45° to 25°) projections. This article reviews the surgical technique of both procedures, proposes specific indications for each, and presents outcomes. Based on our findings, the extensor brevis tendon transfer is appropriate for stage 1, stage 2, and flexible stage 3 deformities. Flexor-to-extensor tendon transfer is appropriate for rigid stage 3 and stage 4 deformities and for all patients with a symptomatic neuroma of the second web space (where the extensor brevis transfer is not possible). Stiffness of the MP joint is a potential problem with the flexor-to-extensor tendon transfer.
Using physical objects with young children in ‘face-to-face’ and telehealth speech and language therapy

Abstract Purpose: Speech language therapists increasingly are using telehealth to enhance the accessibility of their services. It is unclear, however, how play-based therapy for children can be delivered via telehealth. In particular, modalities such as videoconferencing do not enable physical engagement between therapists and clients. The aim of our reported study was to understand how physical objects such as toys are used in similar and different ways across videoconferenced and “face-to-face” (hereafter, “in-person”) therapy. Methods: We used conversation analytic methods to compare video-recorded therapy sessions for children delivered across in-person and telehealth settings. Utilising a broader corpus of materials, our analysis focused on four client–therapist dyads: two using videoconferencing, and two who met in-person. Results: Both videoconferencing and in-person sessions enabled routine affordances and challenges for delivering therapy. Within in-person therapy, therapists made access to objects contingent upon the client producing some target expression. This contingency usually was achieved by restricting physical access to these objects. Restricting access to a toy was not necessary in videoconferenced therapy; therapists instead used techniques to promote engagement. Conclusions: When delivering play-based therapy via telehealth, our study demonstrates how practitioners adapt the intervention to suit the particular medium of its delivery. Implications for Rehabilitation Telehealth enhances equitable access for those who cannot physically access rehabilitation services. Telehealth modalities can create practical challenges, however, when delivering interventions such as play-based therapy. Practitioners should intentionally adapt telehealth interventions to suit the particular telehealth modality they are using.
Maternal manifestation of Ballantyne's syndrome occurring concomitantly with the development of fetal congenital mesoblastic nephroma

Various fetal or placental disorders cause Ballantyne's (mirror) syndrome. For the first time, we report a maternal manifestation of Ballantyne's syndrome occurring concomitantly with the development of fetal congenital mesoblastic nephroma (CMN). In a pregnant woman with a CMN fetus, lung edema, hypertension, hyperthyroidism, and high serum human chorionic gonadotrophin level occurred, all of which characterize maternal manifestation of Ballantyne's syndrome. The fetus and placenta were devoid of ‘edema’, lacking ‘triple edema’, and thus this condition was not diagnosed as Ballantyne's syndrome; however, we considered this condition as the maternal manifestation of Ballantyne's syndrome. We performed emergent cesarean section at 28 weeks. Delivery acutely ameliorated maternal symptoms. Tumor was resected and was confirmed as CMN. Maternal manifestations of Ballantyne's syndrome, such as lung edema and hypertension, can occur in a mother with fetal CMN even without fetal and/or placental edema. The clinical course of this patient may suggest an etiology of Ballantyne's syndrome.
How ERK1/2 activation controls cell proliferation and cell death: Is subcellular localization the answer?

Extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases 1 and 2 (ERK1/2) are members of the mitogen-activated protein kinase super family that can mediate cell proliferation and apoptosis. The Ras–Raf–MEK–ERK signaling cascade controlling cell proliferation has been well studied but the mechanisms involved in ERK1/2-mediated cell death are largely unknown. This review focuses on recent papers that define ERK1/2 translocation to the nucleus and the proteins involved in the cytosolic retention of activated ERK1/2. Cytosolic retention of ERK1/2 denies access to the transcription factor substrates that are responsible for the mitogenic response. In addition, cytosolic ERK1/2, besides inhibiting survival and proliferative signals in the nucleus, potentiates the catalytic activity of some proapoptotic proteins such as DAP kinase in the cytoplasm. Studies that further define the function of cytosolic ERK1/2 and its cytosolic substrates that enhance cell death will be essential to harness this pathway for developing effective treatments for cancer and chronic inflammatory diseases.
A significant change in Norwegian gynecologist's attitude to hormone therapy is observed after the results of the Women's Health Initiative Study

In Norway about 40% of climacteric women have been on hormone therapy (HT). The women usually seek advice from their doctor concerning HT. The attitude of the medical profession thus has great impact on the decision to use or to restrain from use of HT. We, therefore, in 1997 (1) and in 2002 conducted a survey among all Norwegian gynecologists to investigate the attitude and prescribing practice concerning HT. The 2002 survey was carried out in April to June 2002, immediately before the results of the Women’s Health Initiative (WHI) (2) and the Heart and Estrogen/progestin Replacement Study (HERS) II (3) were published. It offered us an opportunity to investigate if remarkable publications had an immediate impact on the opinion concerning HT.
Nontraditional Students' Perceptions of Variables Influencing Retention: A Multisite Study

Guided by the Nursing Undergraduate Retention and Success model, the purpose of this multisite study was to gain further insight into students' perceptions concerning factors that restricted or supported retention. Nontraditional students (n = 1,156) completed the Student Perception Appraisal-Revised. Factor analysis yielded 5 factors: environmental factors, institutional interaction and integration factors, personal academic factors, college academic facilities, and friend support. Demographic and student characteristics were examined in relation to student perceptions. Implications are discussed.
Psychosocial Problems Among Adults with Epilepsy

Summary: The psychosocial functioning of adults with epilepsy was evaluated by the administration of the Washington Psychosocial Seizure Inventory, which was given to five groups of patients across the United States. In four of the five samples, the results were indistinguishable from one another, with similar psychosocial problems suggested despite substantially different patient characteristics and referral sources. Emotional, interpersonal, vocational, and financial concerns were most commonly found, as well as difficulties in dealing with seizures. Persons in the fifth sample were selected somewhat differently; they had fewer vocational and financial problems, but were otherwise similar. The results have implications for the study of psychosocial problems in epilepsy and for the establishment of treatment programs.
Continuous in vivo monitoring in diabetes: the subcutaneous glucose concentration

The most advanced glucose sensors are measuring amperometrically the hydrogen peroxide generated in a stoichiometric relation to the prevailing glucose concentration during glucose oxidase‐mediated glucose oxidation. They proved useful in commercially available glucose analysers and in experimental subcutaneous (sc) monitoring. Here it is shown (a) that under steady state conditions the sc. glucose concentration is nearly identical to that in blood, (b) that sc. inserted glucose electrodes do mirror the intracorporal glucose concentration both under hypo‐, normo‐, and hyperglycaemic conditions with a clinically relevant accuracy, (c) that automated feedback control of intracorporal glucose concentration is possible applying the output of sc. glucose sensor as an input to the computer that controls the insulin pump, and (d) that stable function of sc. sensor may be accomplished over intervals up to one day; in some cases applications over up to ten days have been reported. The underlying problem consists in an insufficient functional biostability which is a function of biocompatibility and size of the sensor, of its sterility, and of the permanent skin penetration. The latter is still required to get the device in place, to keep it in function, and to make use of the data under any condition. At this time, sc. glucose electrodes to be employed as hypoglycaemia‐warning systems over one day are considered clinically important and technically achievable.
Landscape configuration is the primary driver of impacts on water quality associated with agricultural expansion

Corporations and other multinational institutions are increasingly looking to evaluate their innovation and procurement decisions over a range of environmental criteria, including impacts on ecosystem services according to the spatial configuration of activities on the landscape. We have developed a spatially explicit approach and modeled a hypothetical corporate supply chain decision representing contrasting patterns of land-use change in four regions of the globe. This illustrates the effect of introducing spatial considerations in the analysis of ecosystem services, specifically sediment retention. We explored a wide variety of contexts (Iowa, USA; Mato Grosso, Brazil; and Jiangxi and Heilongjiang in China) and these show that per-area representation of impacts based on the physical characterization of a region can be misleading. We found two- to five-fold differences in sediment export for the same amount of habitat conversion within regions characterized by similar physical traits. These differences were mainly determined by the distance between land use changes and streams. The influence of landscape configuration is so dramatic that it can override wide variation in erosion potential driven by physical factors like soil type, slope, and climate. To minimize damage to spatially-dependent ecosystem services like water purification, sustainable sourcing strategies should not assume a direct correlation between impact and area but rather allow for possible nonlinearity in impacts, especially in regions with little remaining habitat and highly variable hydrological connectivity.