Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
MOLECULAR PHYLOGENETIC ANALYSIS OF THE AVIAN MALARIAL PARASITE PLASMODIUM (NOVYELLA) JUXTANUCLEARE

Plasmodium (Novyella) juxtanucleare is a widely distributed parasite that primarily infects chickens (Gallus gallus domesticus). All species of Novyella are characterized by very small schizonts, which in the case of P. juxtanucleare are always found juxtaposed to the erythrocyte nucleus, hence its name. Nearly complete small-subunit ribosomal RNA sequences have been obtained from 2 isolates of this species, and comparisons with other Plasmodium species have been made. Phylogenetic analysis reveals that this parasite is closely related to other avian-infecting Plasmodium species and that molecular relationships among the avian-infecting plasmodia do not correspond to their morphology-based subgeneric classifications.
Quality of life of survivors of paediatric intensive care.

OBJECTIVE The mortality rate in paediatric intensive care units (PICU) has fallen over the last two decades. More advanced treatment is offered to children with life-threatening disease and there is substantial interest in knowing whether long term outcome and quality of life after intensive care are acceptable. SETTING 12-bed paediatric and neonatal intensive care unit. INTERVENTION Prospective follow-up study with telephone interview 1 and 2 years after discharge. METHODS Four domains of quality of life (physical function, role function, social-emotional function and health problem) were recorded by calculating the health state classification (HSC) index. Outcome was classified good (HSC 1.0-0.7), moderate (HSC 0.69-0.3), poor (HSC 0.29-0) and very poor (HSC <0). RESULTS 661 patients were admitted to the PICU in the year 2001 with a mortality within the unit of 3.9%. Over 2 years follow-up there were 21 additional deaths (3.2%). 574 patients could be followed up after 1 year and 464 patients after 2 years. After two years the outcome was good in 77%, moderate in 15% and poor in 8%. Patients with respiratory disease had the best outcome, similar to those admitted for neurological and medical reasons. Patients admitted for postoperative care and for cardiovascular disease had a poorer quality of life. 31% of the children had preexisting health care problems and 21% of all patients had new chronic disease after intensive care. CONCLUSION The majority of survivors admitted to the PICU have a good outcome. The overall mortality rate doubled if assessed two years after discharge.
The association between economic development, lifestyle differentiation, and C‐reactive protein concentration within rural communities in Hainan Island, China

Earlier fieldwork in rural areas of Hainan Island, China, demonstrated that during the course of economic development increasing differences had emerged in lifestyles within communities. It is possible that these variations might have stratified residents into subpopulations with different health attributes. This study examined the association between C‐reactive protein (CRP) concentration, a biomarker of future cardiovascular events, and personal lifestyle parameters and the degree of community‐level economic development among rural communities.
The impacts of economic crisis on green consumption in Taiwan

This paper is aimed to analyze how Taiwanese consumer attitudes and behavior towards green products would change due to the ongoing economic crisis of 2008. From the survey results, we found about 70 percent of respondents know about green consumerism and eco-labeling system. About 80 percent of respondents have an attitude and belief that one can positively influence environmental quality by individual green behavior. However, more than 40 percent of respondents are skeptical of green marketing or advertising. 61 percent of respondents reported they would be willing to purchase green products, even when green product costs more than non-green alternative (85 percent of those green consumers would pay a price premium, but lower than 10 percent). The ongoing global economic crisis, however, would make 44 percent of respondents purchase less green products. The estimation results of the probit model show consumers who would intentionally buy green products with strong green claims due to environmental concerns; are older; and have higher income are more likely to pay a price premium for green products in the presence of global economic crisis. Consumers who perceive green products are usually low in quality; and are married are less likely to buy high-priced green products under the situation of global economic crisis. Results of the ordered probit model show that consumers who would intentionally buy green products with strong green claims due to environmental concerns; who are older; who do not perceive that green products are low in quality and agree green consumption could help improve environmental quality; are more likely to pay more for green products.
From Smallpox to SARS: Is the Past Prologue?

I am really quite honored to have a chance to be here. Also let me say how much I appreciate what all of you public health professionals do. One of the unfortunate dimensions of modern American life is that we have chosen to privatize all aspects of life. People do not live on their front porches anymore and watch their neighbors in the evening. They go out back in their wall-enclosed backyards. And we have done the same with medicine. Medicine has been privatized in America. We have lost a sense of the public obligations of health and hygiene and sanitation. So I thank you for keeping the flame alive on what we clearly now know is the far bigger issue of health care in modern society.
Current status of clinical development of interleukin‐10

Communication between cells in the lymphohematopoietic system is mediated by soluble molecules called cytokines. Lymphoid and myeloid cells are the cellular targets and source of these regulatory molecules. Interleukin‐10 seems to be a main factor of a negative feedback system that inhibits synthesis of proinflammatory cytokines and of colony‐stimulating factors in a variety of cells. Considering the cytokine synthesis‐inhibiting action of interleukin‐10 in activated macrophages, T cells, neutrophils, and eosinophils, many of the biologic effects of interleukin‐10 may result in immunosuppression. Recently, the interleukin‐10 receptor and some signal transduction events following interleukin‐10 binding have been characterized. Substantial progress has also been made in providing the experimental basis for interleukin‐10 therapy in various diseases. In vitro and preclinical studies suggest that interleukin‐10 may prove quite useful in clinical settings in which overexpression of cytokines is likely to play an important role in pathogenesis, including inflammatory bowel disease, acute pancreatitis, septic shock, and certain malignancies.
Diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging in probable Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease: a clinical-anatomic correlation.

BACKGROUND Creutzfeldt-Jakob disease (CJD) is a rare transmissible disease that typically causes a rapidly progressive dementia and leads to death in less than 1 year. Although a few anecdotal reports suggest that diffusion-weighted magnetic resonance imaging may help substantiate premortem diagnosis of CJD, detailed correlation between radiographic data and clinical, electrophysiologic, and metabolic parameters is not available. METHODS Signal abnormalities on diffusion-weighted images in 3 consecutive patients with probable CJD were correlated with psychometric features, electroencephalographic findings, and functional images with either positron emission tomography or single photon emission computed tomography. RESULTS Focality of abnormalities on diffusion-weighted image, not apparent on routine magnetic resonance images, correlated closely with clinical manifestations of CJD. The topographic distribution of signal abnormality on diffusion-weighted image corresponded with abnormal metabolism or perfusion on positron emission and single photon emission computed tomographic scans. In 2 cases, the laterality of diffusion abnormalities correlated with periodic sharp wave activity on electroencephalograms. CONCLUSION These findings extend previous observations that suggested a diagnostic and localizing utility of diffusion-weighted imaging in CJD.
Long-term Results of a Multicenter Randomized Phase III Trial of Induction Chemotherapy With Cisplatin, 5-fluorouracil, ± Docetaxel for Larynx Preservation.

BACKGROUND The purpose of GORTEC 2000-01 was to compare the long-term efficacy and safety of induction chemotherapy with cisplatin (P) and 5-fluorouracil (F) with or without docetaxel (T) for larynx preservation. METHODS Operable patients with untreated stage III or IV larynx or hypopharynx invasive squamous cell carcinoma who required total laryngectomy were randomly assigned to three cycles of induction chemotherapy with either TPF or PF, followed by radiation therapy for responders. The primary endpoint was three-year larynx preservation rate. Secondary endpoints included larynx dysfunction-free survival (LDFFS), overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), loco-regional control rate (LCR), cause of death, and later toxicity rates. Survival and other data were analyzed by Kaplan-Meier methods. All statistical tests were two-sided. RESULTS Two hundred thirteen patients were treated with median follow-up of 105 months. The five- and 10-year larynx preservation rates were 74.0% (95% CI = 0.64 to 0.82) vs 58.1% (95% CI = 0.47 to 0.68) and 70.3% (95% CI = 0.58 to 0.8) vs 46.5% (95% CI = 0.31 to 0.63, P = .01) in the TPF vs PF arm, respectively. The five- and 10-year LDFFS rates were 67.2% (95% CI = 0.57 to 0.76) vs 46.5% (95% CI = 0.36 to 0.57) and 63.7% (95% CI = 0.52 to 0.74) vs 37.2% (95% CI = 0.24 to 0.52, P = .001), respectively. OS, DFS, and LCR were not statistically improved in the TPF vs the PF arm. Statistically fewer grade 3-4 late toxicities of the larynx occurred with the TPF regimen compared with the PF arm (9.3% vs 17.1%, G-test, P = .038). CONCLUSION Long-term follow-up confirms that induction chemotherapy with TPF increased larynx preservation and larynx dysfunction-free survival. In this larynx preservation approach using induction chemotherapy, TPF should be recommended, followed by radiation therapy.
Risk analysis for species introductions: forecasting population growth of Eurasian ruffe (Gymnocephalus cernuus)

The North American distribution of the Eurasian ruffe (Gymnocephalus cernuus), an ecologically important and costly invasive fish, is presently limited to the Laurentian Great Lakes. Risk analyses for accidental introductions of ruffe to inland lakes should focus on the chance of establishment for small introductions such as those that would result from transporting ruffe as bait. Here I use Akaike's Information Criterion to select a population growth model for ruffe based on observed population dynamics during the invasion of Loch Lomond, Scotland. This population is regulated by a high carrying capacity and Allee effects were undetected. Parameter estimates obtained from this population forecast that the chance of establishment for possible introductions of ruffe to inland lakes in North America is high. A model for ruffe winter survival suggests that survivorship between introductions and spawning may be an important determinant of establishment success, but that the chance of establishment is high for.
Psychological response of patients with acute leukemia to germ‐free environments

Fifty‐two patients under chemotherapeutic treatment for relapse of acute leukemia were studied for psychological response and adaptation to isolation in “germ‐free” or laminar air‐flow rooms. Psychological assessment was obtained by use of a rating scale based on nurses' observations, a forced‐choice questionnaire, clinical record, and diaries kept by patients in the units. Patients in general adapted to the protected environment and maintained their psychological stability over time. This related in part to receiving intensive and individualized nursing care in a special unit, which contributed to a feeling of security. Mental symptoms described as occurring with sensory deprivation or isolation were not observed. Psychological status was most strongly influenced by physical status. Emotional stability was generally maintained until severe illness developed. Often delirium appeared in the terminal stage of illness, as well as anxiety and depressive symptoms. Patients described the most significant psychological deprivation resulting from the isolated environment as being the loss of the ability to touch or be touched by others. The loss of human physical contact generated feelings of loneliness, from mild to pronounced, in 30% of patients by their own report, but up to 75% as rated by the nurses. Frustration, a sense of coldness, and a lack of emotional warmth with distance from others were described. A technique is presented of systematic observation and assessment of behavior by medical nurses, which allowed a quantitative and continuous psychological evaluation of patients in a stressful hospital environment. Cancer 40:871–879, 1977.
Anxiety and Attention to Threatening Pictures

Previous research using attentional search tasks has revealed an anxiety-related bias favouring attention to threatening words when they are presented simultaneously with emotionally neutral words. In Experiment 1, using a similar task, a related effect was found here with emotionally threatening pictures. When pictures were used as location cues in a second experiment, high-trait anxious individuals were slower than less anxious controls when responding to targets requiring attentional disengagement from threat, and they were slower in general with pictures judged to be highly threatening. In a third experiment using the same task but with a longer cue exposure, a related disengagement difficulty occurred across both groups, although the more general slowing with severe threat was again confined to the anxious group. We conclude that attentional bias involves both a specific difficulty in disengaging attention from the location of any threat and a more general interference effect that is related to threat level.
Antagonistic antimalarial properties of pawpaw leaf aqueous extract in combination with artesunic acid in Plasmodium berghei-infected mice.

BACKGROUND & OBJECTIVES Artemisinins, the main stay in the treatment of malaria are used in combinations with other antimalarials to forestall resistance, as artemisinin-combination therapies (ACTs). However, ACTs are expensive and some of the non-artemisinin components are not well-tolerated by patients. There are several folkloric and scientific proofs of the efficacy of herbal remedies for malaria. Mature leaves of Carica papaya is widely used to treat malaria in several African countries. An ACT involving a medicinal herb extract or its active constituent(s) will provide an indigenous alternative/herbal ACT. METHODS Mature fresh leaves of Carica papaya were grounded and macerated in cold distilled water for 24 h and the extract (PCE) was stored in the refrigerator for seven days. Fresh extracts were made as needed. The antiplasmodial activity of PCE and/or artesunic acid were determined by using the Peter's 4-day suppressive test in Plasmodium berghei-infected mice. The ED50 and ED90 were calculated from the dose-response relationships. RESULTS The combination of 50 mg/kg of PCE and 15 mg/kg of artesunic acid produced a significant reduction of parasitemia (81.25%), compared to 50 mg/kg PCE alone (37.7%). The mean survival time of the combinations of PCE and 15 mg/kg of artesunic acid, and PCE alone followed a dose-dependent manner. The ED50 of PCE showed that it has a very good activity. The isobolar equivalent (IE) calculated from the ED90 of PCE in combination with artesunic acid showed that the interaction was antagonistic. INTERPRETATION & CONCLUSION Although pawpaw alone was found to have a very good activity, its combination with artesunic acid is antagonistic. Combinations of artemisinins and pawpaw show little promise for combination therapy development.
Comparison of polyclonal antiserum versus monoclonal antibodies for the rapid diagnosis of influenza A virus infections by immunofluorescence in clinical specimens

A pool of monoclonal antibodies was compared with polyclonal antiserum for the rapid detection of influenza A virus in 28 clinical specimens by immunofluorescence. Monoclonal antibodies showed higher sensitivity (69 versus 46%) and accuracy (86 versus 75%) and easier slide interpretation than did polyclonal antiserum. The procedure proved useful for rapid detection of a community outbreak of influenza A virus infection.
PROPOFOL AND REMIFENTANIL SEDATION FOR BRONCHIAL THERMOPLASTY: A PROSPECTIVE COHORT TRIAL

Background: Bronchial thermoplasty (BT) is a rapidly emerging bronchoscopic treatment for patients with moderate-to-severe asthma. Different sedation strategies are currently used, ranging from mild midazolam sedation to general anaesthesia requiring tracheal intubation. Objectives: The aim of this study was to assess the feasibility, safety, and both, patients’ and bronchoscopists’ satisfaction with propofol and remifentanil sedation administered by specialised sedation anaesthesiology nurses during BT in severe asthma patients. Methods: A prospective observational cohort study in BT-treated severe asthma patients of the TASMA trial was designed. Patients were asked to rate their overall BT procedure satisfaction and tolerance with propofol/remifentanil sedation using a visual analogue scale (VAS) ranging from 0 to 10. Similarly, bronchoscopists were asked to rate patient cooperation and tolerance. Sedation-associated adverse events and the number of BT activations were recorded. Results: Thirty-two BT procedures in 13 severe asthma patients were performed under moderate target-controlled infusion (TCI) propofol/remifentanil sedation. Patients’ median VAS scores (median (interquartile range (IQR)) were as follows: overall satisfaction 9.6 (IQR 8.5–10.0), dyspnea 0.0 (IQR 0.0–0.6), pain 0.1 (IQR 0.0–1.0), cough 0.5 (IQR 0.0–2.1), and anxiety 0.1 (IQR 0.0–0.7). Bronchoscopists’ median VAS scores (median (interquartile range (IQR)) were as follows: overall patient cooperation 9.1 (IQR 8.5–9.6), dyspnea 0.3 (IQR 0.0-0.9), pain 0.2 (IQR 0.0–1.3), cough 1.2 (IQR 0.7–2.0), and discomfort 0.6 (IQR 0.3–1.5). All patients were willing to undergo the procedure again and would recommend this form of sedation to their best friend. One case of conversion to general anaesthesia occurred. No serious adverse events were reported. Conclusions: Moderate sedation with propofol and remifentanil TCI provided by specialised sedation anaesthesia nurses is feasible and safe and results in high satisfaction rates of both, patients and bronchoscopists. 14745_SEberl_BW. indd 126 25-07-17 12:44 127 PROPOFOL AND REMIFENTANIL SEDATION FOR BRONCHIAL THERMOPLASTY
Cleavage Site Specificity of Cathepsin K toward Cartilage Proteoglycans and Protease Complex Formation

Abstract Cathepsin K is a potent extracellular matrix-degrading protease that requires interactions with soluble glycosaminolycans for its collagenolytic activity in bone and cartilage. The major sources of glycosaminoglycans in cartilage are aggrecan aggregates. Therefore, we investigated whether cathepsin K activity is capable to hydrolyze aggrecan into fragments allowing the formation of glycosaminoglycan-cathepsin K complexes and determined the cleavage site specificity of cathepsin K toward the cartilageresident link protein and aggrecan. The cleavage site specificity was compared with those of cathepsins S and L. All three cathepsins released glycosaminoglycans from native bovine cartilage at lysosomal pH and to a lesser degree at neutral extracellular pH. Cathepsin predigested aggrecan complexes and cartilage provided suitable glycosaminoglycan fragments that allowed the formation of collagenolytically active cathepsin K complexes. A detailed analysis of the degradation of aggrecan aggregates revealed two cathepsin K cleavage sites in the link protein and several sites in aggrecan, including one site within the interglobular domain E1. In summary, these results demonstrate that cathepsin K is capable to degrade aggrecan complexes at specific cleavage sites and that cathepsin K activity alone is sufficient to selfprovide the glycosaminoglycan fragments required for the formation of its collagenolytically active complex.
A Sustainability Decision Model for the Built Environment

This paper introduces a decision model and framework for subcontractor selection and team formation in the built environment based on the triple-bottom-line economic/business, social and environmental aspects of sustainability. The model and decision framework aid the decision maker in forming a construction project team that can most benefit the overall goal of sustainability and compatibility amongst the subcontractors (supply chain) from a number of trade industries. The model uses both the analytical hierarchy process (AHP) and the analytical network process (ANP) as its basis. Once the generic decision model is described, an example application is used to show its use and feasibility. The robustness of the solution is demonstrated using sensitivity analysis, allowing the decision maker to appreciate the complexities in this decision environment. This is one of the few formal modelling applications to sustainability in the built environment, an industry that has significant economic, social, and environmental influences.
A comparison of basal cell markers used in the prostate

cirrhosis complicated with hepatocellular carcinoma showing negative results for HCV, HBV, and HGV markers (in Japanese). Kanzo (Acta. Hepatol. Jpn.) 1997; 38; 547–552. 5. Morimoto T, Honda G, Kawai Y et al. Right hepatic lobectomy for hepatocellular carcinoma which developed in primary biliary cirrhosis: report of a case. Surg. Today 1999; 29; 646–650. 6. Krasner N, Johnson PJ, Portmann B et al. Hepatocellular carcinoma in primary biliary cirrhosis: report of four cases. Gut 1979; 20; 255–258.
Automated Quantification of Pulmonary Perfused Blood Volume by Dual-Energy CTPA in Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension

Abstract Objectives: The aim of the study was to determine whether automated quantification of pulmonary perfused blood volume (PBV) in dual-energy computed tomography pulmonary angiography (DE-CTPA) can be used to assess the severity of chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH). Methods: Automated quantification of PBV was performed in 25 consecutive CTEPH patients undergoing DE-CTPA. PBV values were correlated with cardiac index and pulmonary vascular resistance quantified by right heart catheterization and walking distance in the 6-minute walk test using Pearson’s correlation coefficient and multivariate linear regression analysis to control for age and gender. Results: DE-CTPA derived PBV values inversely correlated with systolic (r = –0.64, p = 0.001) and mean (r = –0.57, p = 0.004) pulmonary arterial pressure. There was a trend for PBV values to inversely correlate with pulmonary vascular resistance (r = –0.20, p = 0.35). No significant correlation was found between PBV values and cardiac index or 6-minute walking distance. These correlations were confirmed to be independent of age and gender on multivariate linear regression analysis. Conclusion: DE-CTPA can be used for an automated quantification of pulmonary PBV in chronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension. PBV values correlate inversely with systolic and mean pulmonary arterial pressure and can thus be used to estimate the severity of pulmonary hypertension in these patients. Citation Format: • Meinel FG, Graef A, Thierfelder KM et al. Automated Quantification of Pulmonary Perfused Blood Volume by Dual-Energy CTPA in Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension. Fortschr Röntgenstr 2014; 186: 151 – 156