Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Comments on the shortcomings of predicting the precision of Cavalieri volume estimates based upon assumed measurement functions

It is well known that the estimation of an object's volume by means of serial cross‐sections, the so‐called Cavalieri method, yields an unbiased estimate. But by itself it provides no means by which to estimate how precise this estimate is unless the shape of the volume is fully known beforehand. This knowledge can only be partially determined from the serial section information that is collected. Methods have been developed that claim to surmount this difficulty by using the serial section data to create a mathematical model of the volume's shape properties. The model then is used to estimate (predict) the precision of the volume estimate (its CE) from the single set of data available. Unfortunately, the theory underlying the model is flawed and so the model itself amounts to no more than an unsubstantiated guess about the shape of the volume. Therefore, the precision of the volume estimates that one obtains from the method is only as good as the model and this cannot be ascertained from the single set of acquired data. In this letter I explain the inadequacies of the modelling method. I suggest that it be used only with caution, if at all. Instead I suggest two alternative ways to predict the CE, one that is based upon a rule‐of‐thumb approach to the object's shape, and another that is based upon spectral analysis of the measurement function and that is easy to implement with available computer software.
A Comparative Study of Electrocardiographic Changes In Pregnant And Non-Pregnant Women

Pregnancy is the unique physiological condition that differs from non-pregnant state. Cardiovascular changes are significant and occur by sixth to eighth week of gestation. The aim of the present study is to know the nature and frequency of ECG changes in pregnant women compared to non-pregnant women of the same race and age group. Study of variations in ECG in normal pregnant women serves as a basis to detect Pathological changes in ECG in normal pregnant women. A cross sectional prospective study was carried in 90 subjects of which 30 (Group-I) were non pregnant. 60 were pregnant, 30 (Group-II) were in early pregnancy between 10-20 weeks of gestation and 30 (Group-III) were in late pregnancy between 24-40 weeks of gestation. A 12 lead electrocardiogram was recorded by using ECG machine in all the participants in supine position. Minor ECG changes including left axis deviation and increased incidence of inverted T-waves in V2 and lead III, aVF have been described in pregnancy. Data was analyzed by analysis of variance for repeated measures and contingency tables were used to compare findings at rest. A P-value of < 0.05 was considered significant. The present study results suggest that at rest, minor ECG changes like axis deviation, T-wave inversion in lead V2, lead III and increase in QTc interval were more frequently present in healthy pregnant than non-pregnant subjects. We recommend that there is need for systemic evaluation of hemodynamic and ECG changes during pregnancy.
Gene b IL-1Transcriptional Activation of the Human Proteins Synergize to Mediate PU.1 and Multiple IFN Regulatory Factor

2 Both lymphoid and myeloid cells express two related members of the IFN regulatory factor (IRF) family of transcription factors, speciﬁcally IRF-4 and IFN consensus binding protein (ICSBP or IRF-8). We previously reported that macrophages express IRF-4 and in combination with the ETS-like protein PU.1 can synergistically activate a human IL-1 b reporter gene. Here we report that this synergy is mediated by a composite PU.1/IRF element located within an upstream enhancer known to confer cytokine- and LPS-inducible expression. In macrophages, synergistic activation of IL-1 b reporter gene expression was preferentially mediated by IRF-4, whereas IRF-4 and ICSBP were equally capable of synergizing with PU.1 when coexpressed in ﬁbroblasts. Furthermore, coexpression of IRF-1 and IRF-2 dramatically increased the capacity of both PU.1/IRF-4 and PU.1/ICSBP to induce IL-1 b reporter gene expression in ﬁbroblasts. The additional synergy observed with IRF-1 and IRF-2 coexpression is mediated by a region of DNA distinct from either the IL-1 b enhancer or promoter. We also assessed the capacity of these transcription factors to activate endogenous IL-1 b gene when overexpressed in human embryonic kidney 293 cells. Although ectopic expression of PU.1 alone was sufﬁcient to activate modest levels of IL-1 b transcripts, endogenous IL-1 b expression was markedly increased following coexpression of additional IRF proteins. Thus, maximal expression of both a human IL-1 b reporter gene and the endogenous IL-1 b gene was observed in cells that coexpressed PU.1, IRF-4 (or ICSBP), IRF1, and IRF2. Together, our observations suggest that these factors may function together as an enhanceosome. The
Calculation of lifetime lung cancer risks associated with radon exposure, based on various models and exposure scenarios

The risk of lung cancer mortality up to 75 years of age due to radon exposure has been estimated for both male and female continuing, ex- and never-smokers, based on various radon risk models and exposure scenarios. We used risk models derived from (i) the BEIR VI analysis of cohorts of radon-exposed miners, (ii) cohort and nested case-control analyses of a European cohort of uranium miners and (iii) the joint analysis of European residential radon case-control studies. Estimates of the lifetime lung cancer risk due to radon varied between these models by just over a factor of 2 and risk estimates based on models from analyses of European uranium miners exposed at comparatively low rates and of people exposed to radon in homes were broadly compatible. For a given smoking category, there was not much difference in lifetime lung cancer risk between males and females. The estimated lifetime risk of radon-induced lung cancer for exposure to a concentration of 200 Bq m−3 was in the range 2.98–6.55% for male continuing smokers and 0.19–0.42% for male never-smokers, depending on the model used and assuming a multiplicative relationship for the joint effect of radon and smoking. Stopping smoking at age 50 years decreases the lifetime risk due to radon by around a half relative to continuing smoking, but the risk for ex-smokers remains about a factor of 5–7 higher than that for never-smokers. Under a sub-multiplicative model for the joint effect of radon and smoking, the lifetime risk of radon-induced lung cancer was still estimated to be substantially higher for continuing smokers than for never smokers. Radon mitigation—used to reduce radon concentrations at homes—can also have a substantial impact on lung cancer risk, even for persons in their 50 s; for each of continuing smokers, ex-smokers and never-smokers, radon mitigation at age 50 would lower the lifetime risk of radon-induced lung cancer by about one-third. To maximise risk reductions, smokers in high-radon homes should both stop smoking and remediate their homes.
Maternal alloimmunization against fetal platelet antigens: a prospective study

Summary. Neonatal alloimmune thrombocytopenia (NAIT) is induced by maternal alloantibodies to fetal platelet antigens. This prospective study was carried out to evaluate the incidence of anti‐platelet antibodies in 933 mother‐child pairs where the mother and child were typed for the human platelet antigens (HPA)‐l, ‐2,‐3,‐5. Sera from mismatched mother‐child pairs were screened for anti‐platelet antibodies, anti‐HLA class I and blood group ABO IgG antibodies. Platelet‐specific antibodies were anti‐HPA‐3a in one and anti‐HP A‐5b in 17 neonates, respectively. All these neonates had normal platelet counts. One woman had autoreactive antibodies. Anti‐HLA class I and anti‐blood group A IgG antibodies were detected in five and four neonates, respectively, born with a platelet count <150×109/l. None of the 11 homozygous HP A‐lb mothers became immunized against their heterozygous offspring. The maternal HLA‐allotypes HLA‐DR52 and ‐DR6, typically found in individuals immunized against HPA‐la and ‐5b, respectively, were found in three of 11 HPA‐b/b non‐responders and eight of the anti‐HPA‐5b responders. The results indicate that a risk for NAIT due to HPA‐2 and ‐3 alloimmunization is low. The HLA allotypes do not predict the risk for NAIT due to HPA‐1 or ‐5 alloimmunization. Maternal anti‐HPA‐5b antibodies do not correlate with the platelet count in the neonate.
Status of Micro and Macro Nutrients in Patients with Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Suggesting the Importance of Cation Ratios

Background: Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus (T2DM) is a chronic polymetabolic disorder characterized by chronic hyperglycemia resulting from resistance to insulin action or inadequacy of insulin secretion. Role of the micro & macro nutrients in the pathogenesis of T2DM has not been studied thoroughly. The aim of this study was to evaluate the status of calcium, magnesium, zinc and chromium in relation to HbA1c in a group of subjects with T2DM patients. Methodology: The study comprised of seventy three patients with T2DM, attending the OP of a tertiary care medical college hospital. Thirty four individuals were with HbA1c 7%). Cation ratios were significantly associated with the glycemic control in T2DM.
Singapore: Its Growth as an Entrepot Port, 1819–1941

Once the premier port in colonial Southeast Asia and one of the foremost in the British Empire, Singapore now ranks as the world's fourth busiest port, tonnagewise, with the second highest per capita G.D. P. in Asia. Its post-war achievements rest on solid historical advantages. A broad historical survey of its commercial growth before World War II is therefore not amiss: the more so, as there has been no such panoramic presentation before. With no natural resources, Singapore's economic growth was almost synonymous with its foreign trade. In most historical works, especially those written before World War II, Singapore has been treated as an integral part of the Straits Settlements or British Malaya, for, until its emergence as a separate nation in August 1965, Singapore as the focal point of reference for researches was not part of the historical consciousness.
Spinal and Paraspinal Infections Associated with Contaminated Methylprednisolone Acetate Injections — Michigan, 2012–2013

As of May 6, 2013, Michigan had reported 167 (52%) of the 320 paraspinal or spinal infections without meningitis associated with the 2012-2013 fungal meningitis outbreak nationally. Although the index patient had a laboratory-confirmed Aspergillus fumigatus infection, the fungus most often identified, including in unopened vials of methylprednisolone acetate (MPA), remains Exserohilum rostratum, a common black mold found on plants and in soil. Exposures have occurred through epidural, paraspinal, peripheral nerve, and intra-articular injection with MPA from contaminated lots compounded by the New England Compounding Center in Framingham, Massachusetts. The Michigan Department of Community Health and CDC conducted case ascertainment to describe epidemiologic and clinical characteristics of Michigan patients and to determine factors that might have contributed to the high percentage of spinal and paraspinal infections reported from Michigan. A distinct epidemiologic or clinical difference was not observed between patients with paraspinal or spinal infection with and without meningitis. Lengthy periods (range: 12-121 days) were observed from date of last injection with contaminated MPA to date of first magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) finding indicative of infection. Clinicians should continue to maintain a higher index of suspicion for patients who received injections with contaminated MPA but have not developed infection.
Value of Posttransplant Antibody Tests in the Evaluation of Patients with Renal Graft Dysfunction

Posttransplant HLA antibodies correlate with C4d positive rejection and decreased graft survival. However, the diagnostic value of various antibody tests in the management of patients presenting with graft dysfunction is uncertain. Whether all or some patients should be tested, how often, what antibodies to test for and how to interpret results in presensitized or transfused patients, are issues still unresolved. We tested for HLA and non‐HLA antibodies by flow cytometry assays in 103 consecutive patients with graft dysfunction. The results show that: (1) C4d positive rejection was diagnosed in 75% of patients who developed posttransplant HLA antibodies, but only in 2% in antibody negative patients. (2) The correlation existed for donor specific IgG antibodies but not for IgM or nondonor specific IgG antibodies. (3) Weak antibody reactivity required confirmation by alternative testing as there were false positive results. (4) Posttransplant transfusions did not induce de novo HLA antibodies. (5) Negative antibody results were unlikely to turn positive after several months of follow‐up. (6) Antibodies to the angiotensin II type 1 receptor, HLA‐DP and MICA did not correlate with C4d+ rejection. We conclude that testing for posttransplant HLA antibodies is critical in narrowing the diagnostic alternatives in patients with graft dysfunction.
Spearmint R2R3‐MYB transcription factor MsMYB negatively regulates monoterpene production and suppresses the expression of geranyl diphosphate synthase large subunit (MsGPPS.LSU)

Summary Many aromatic plants, such as spearmint, produce valuable essential oils in specialized structures called peltate glandular trichomes (PGTs). Understanding the regulatory mechanisms behind the production of these important secondary metabolites will help design new approaches to engineer them. Here, we identified a PGT‐specific R2R3‐MYB gene, MsMYB, from comparative RNA‐Seq data of spearmint and functionally characterized it. Analysis of MsMYB‐RNAi transgenic lines showed increased levels of monoterpenes, and MsMYB‐overexpressing lines exhibited decreased levels of monoterpenes. These results suggest that MsMYB is a novel negative regulator of monoterpene biosynthesis. Ectopic expression of MsMYB, in sweet basil and tobacco, perturbed sesquiterpene‐ and diterpene‐derived metabolite production. In addition, we found that MsMYB binds to cis‐elements of MsGPPS.LSU and suppresses its expression. Phylogenetic analysis placed MsMYB in subgroup 7 of R2R3‐MYBs whose members govern phenylpropanoid pathway and are regulated by miR858. Analysis of transgenic lines showed that MsMYB is more specific to terpene biosynthesis as it did not affect metabolites derived from phenylpropanoid pathway. Further, our results indicate that MsMYB is probably not regulated by miR858, like other members of subgroup 7.
Summary of Documented Fatalities in Livestock Manure Storage and Handling Facilities-1975-2004

Abstract Data were compiled and analyzed on the estimated frequency and characteristics of deaths related to on-farm manure storage and handling facilities for the period of 1975 through 2004. Sources included published government reports, national and local media, on-line searches, published farm fatality reports, and prior litigation. No prior research was identified that addressed the magnitude of the problem, nor documented evidence-based intervention strategies. Data from 77 fatalities along with 21 severe injuries and 14 international fatality cases were identified, documented and coded for analysis. Analysis of the 77 fatalities showed that victim characteristics and causative factors did not reflect previously reported patterns; i.e., over half of the fatalities involved dairy operations and 21% involved persons under the age of 16. The largest percentage (34%) of deaths occurred to persons conducting repair or maintenance activities on manure handling equipment, while the second largest group (22%) were attempting to perform a rescue of another person. The most frequently identified cause of death was asphyxiation with elevated levels of sulfide levels in the blood noted in some cases. The peak period of incidents were during the hottest part of the summer and often associated with transferring of manure for application to crop ground. Recommendations included the need to revise ASABE EP470 Manure Storage Safety Practice to include engineering controls that would reduce the need for farmers and farm workers to enter spaces containing toxic manure-related gases. In addition, the need to educate owner/operators and employees concerning the hazards associated with agricultural manure storage structures and equipment, especially those classified as permit-required confined spaces, should be considered, including the need for appropriate warnings and entry procedures. Incorporation of current OSHA confined spaceentry procedures into these facilities is also recommended.
Genetic elimination of dengue vector mosquitoes

An approach based on mosquitoes carrying a conditional dominant lethal gene (release of insects carrying a dominant lethal, RIDL) is being developed to control the transmission of dengue viruses by vector population suppression. A transgenic strain, designated OX3604C, of the major dengue vector, Aedes aegypti, was engineered to have a repressible female-specific flightless phenotype. This strain circumvents the need for radiation-induced sterilization, allows genetic sexing resulting in male-only releases, and permits the release of eggs instead of adult mosquitoes. OX3604C males introduced weekly into large laboratory cages containing stable target mosquito populations at initial ratios of 8.5–10∶1 OX3604C∶target eliminated the populations within 10–20 weeks. These data support the further testing of this strain in contained or confined field trials to evaluate mating competitiveness and environmental and other effects. Successful completion of the field trials should facilitate incorporation of this approach into area-wide dengue control or elimination efforts as a component of an integrated vector management strategy.
Using nested clade analysis to assess the history of colonization and the persistence of populations of an Iberian Lizard

The distribution of the lizard Lacerta schreiberi is likely to have been severely affected by the climatic cycles that have influenced the Iberian Peninsula. Information about the species ecology and Iberian physiogeography was used to generate specific hypotheses about episodes of colonization and subsequent population persistence. These hypotheses generated predictions about the distribution of genetic variation, which were tested using nested clade analysis (NCA) supplemented by analysis of molecular variance (amova). Two predictions were confirmed by NCA; that is those that specified multiple and allopatric refugia. However, the remaining three predictions were not corroborated by the analyses. Firstly, a simple analysis of the distribution of genetic variability failed to detect an expected difference in the pattern of colonization between the inland mountain system and the coastal region. Moreover, while NCA did detect the expected genetic pattern in southern coastal populations, it was explained in terms of long‐distance migration, which seems implausible because of the extent of unsuitable habitat. A more likely cause of the pattern is population fragmentation and a reduction in population size caused during the Holocene. Finally, NCA also failed to detect a northwestern population expansion, which is supported by other evidence. We conclude that NCA has a limited ability to detect range expansion led by individuals with more ancestral (interior) haplotypes.
Cosmeceuticals for Hyperpigmentation: What is Available?

Cosmeceuticals are topical cosmetic-pharmaceutical hybrids that enhance the beauty through constituents that provide additional health-related benefit. Cosmeceuticals are commonly used for hyperpigmentation. These disorders are generally difficult to treat, hence the need for skin lightening agents including, cosmeceuticals. These agents selectively target hyperplastic melanocytes and inhibit key regulatory steps in melanin synthesis. With the recent safety concern regarding use of hydroquinone, the need for alternative natural, safe and efficacious skin lightening agents is becoming all the more necessary and the article attempts to look at other alternative cosmeceuticals available or maybe upcoming in the future. We carried out a PUBMED search using the following terms “cosmeceuticals, hyperpigmentation, skin lightening agents. ” We cited the use of various agents used for the treatment of hyperpigmentation, mainly melasma and post-inflammatory hyperpigmentation. We describe the safety and efficacy of these agents and their advantage over the conventional therapy.
Protein Design of an HIV-1 Entry Inhibitor

Human immunodeficiency virus type–1 (HIV-1) membrane fusion is promoted by the formation of a trimer-of-hairpins structure that brings the amino- and carboxyl-terminal regions of the gp41 envelope glycoprotein ectodomain into close proximity. Peptides derived from the carboxyl-terminal region (called C-peptides) potently inhibit HIV-1 entry by binding to the gp41 amino-terminal region. To test the converse of this inhibitory strategy, we designed a small protein, denoted 5-Helix, that binds the C-peptide region of gp41. The 5-Helix protein displays potent (nanomolar) inhibitory activity against diverse HIV-1 variants and may serve as the basis for a new class of antiviral agents. The inhibitory activity of 5-Helix also suggests a strategy for generating an HIV-1 neutralizing antibody response that targets the carboxyl-terminal region of the gp41 ectodomain.
Clinical governance and the learning organization.

AIM This paper compares and contrasts clinical governance and organizational learning. BACKGROUND Clinical governance represents one of the most significant policy developments in recent years. It places on all health care delivery organizations a statutory duty to develop the systems, standards and processes necessary to improve health care quality and manage risk. At the same time, many health care organizations are seeking new ways in which learning can be retained and deployed more widely within the organization (organizational learning). KEY ISSUES Both approaches emphasize cultural changes as essential underpinnings to quality improvement. However, the two approaches also differ fundamentally in their logic of action. Clinical governance is essentially 'top down', being built around formal standards, established procedures, and regular monitoring and reporting. In contrast, organizational learning emphasizes 'bottom up' changes in values, beliefs and motivations in such a way that learning and change are prioritized. The challenge for managers and practitioners lies in seeking a creative tension between these two contrasting styles of organizational change.