Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effects of L-cysteine on reinstatement of ethanol-seeking behavior and on reinstatement-elicited extracellular signal-regulated kinase phosphorylation in the rat nucleus accumbens shell.

BACKGROUND Alcoholism is a neuroadaptive disorder, and the understanding of the mechanisms of the high rates of relapse, which characterize it, represents one of the most demanding challenges in alcoholism and addiction research. The extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK) is an intracellular kinase, critical for neuroplasticity in the adult brain that is suggested to play a fundamental role in the molecular mechanisms underlying drug addiction and relapse. We previously observed that a nonessential amino acid, L-cysteine, significantly decreases oral ethanol (EtOH) self-administration, reinstatement of EtOH-drinking behavior, and EtOH self-administration break point. METHODS Here, we tested whether L-cysteine can affect the ability of EtOH priming to induce reinstatement of EtOH-seeking behavior. In addition, we determined the ability of EtOH priming to induce ERK phosphorylation as well as the ability of L-cysteine to affect reinstatement-elicited ERK activation. To these purposes, Wistar rats were trained to nose-poke for a 10% v/v EtOH solution. After stable drug-taking behavior was obtained, nose-poking for EtOH was extinguished, and reinstatement of drug seeking, as well as reinstatement-elicited pERK, was determined after an oral, noncontingent, priming of EtOH (0.08 g/kg). Rats were pretreated with either saline or L-cysteine (80 to 120 mg/kg) 30 minutes before testing for reinstatement. RESULTS The findings of this study confirm that the noncontingent delivery of a nonpharmacologically active dose of EtOH to rats, whose previous self-administration behavior had been extinguished, results in significant reinstatement into EtOH-seeking behavior. In addition, the results indicate that reinstatement selectively activates ERK phosphorylation in the shell of the nucleus accumbens (Acb) and that pretreatment with L-cysteine reduces either reinstatement of EtOH seeking and reinstatement-elicited pERK in the AcbSh. CONCLUSIONS Altogether, these results indicate that L-cysteine could be an effective pharmacological agent for the prevention of behavioral and molecular correlates of EtOH-primed reinstatement of EtOH seeking and that the shell of the Acb represents a critical neural substrate for priming-elicited reinstatement mechanisms involving ERK phosphorylation.
Biallelic loss of CDKN2A is associated with poor response to treatment in pediatric acute lymphoblastic leukemia

Abstract The inactivation of tumor suppressor genes located within 9p21 locus (CDKN2A, CDKN2B) occurs in up to 30% of children with B-cell precursor acute lymphoblastic leukemia (BCP-ALL), but its independent prognostic significance remains controversial. In order to investigate the prognostic impact of deletions and promoter methylation within 9p21, 641 children with newly diagnosed BCP-ALL using methylation specific multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MS-MLPA) were investigated. A total of 169 (26.4%) microdeletions in 9p21 were detected, of which 71 were homozygous. Patients with CDKN2A homozygous deletions were older at diagnosis (p < .001), more frequently steroid resistant (p = .049), had higher WBC count (p < .001), higher MRD at Day 15 (p = .013) and lower relapse-free survival [p = . 028, hazard ratio: 2.28 (95% confidence interval: 1.09–4.76)] than patients without these alterations. CDKN2A homozygous deletions coexisted with IKZF1 and PAX5 deletions (p < .001). In conclusion, CDKN2A homozygous deletions, but not promoter methylation, are associated with poor response to treatment and increased relapse risk of pediatric BCP-ALL.
Investigator and independent review committee exploratory assessment and verification of tumor response in a non-Hodgkin lymphoma study

Abstract Interpretation of endpoints (e.g. overall response rate) in clinical trials depends on the accurate and reliable measurement and identification of tumors. Regulatory agencies recommend blinded reviews of imaging data by independent review committees (IRCs). Differences in response outcomes that arise between IRCs and site investigators raise regulatory/sponsor concerns. Here, we evaluate discrepant tumor response assessments by the IRC and unblinded investigators (complete versus partial response, respectively) occurring in 52 (13% of 393 IRC-assessed responders) of 447 enrolled patients with treatment-naïve non-Hodgkin lymphoma from a randomized study. The IRC and investigators were ‘likely correct’ in 73% and 25% of cases, respectively (p < .001). Investigators were more likely to make errors by misinterpreting lymph node data and not utilizing PET results. This post hoc finding suggests a possible role for post-training site evaluation/audit, with retraining as needed, and a specialized consensus committee for concurrent blinded review of site/central data.
Targeting histone deacetylases in T-cell lymphoma

Abstract Histone deacetylase inhibitors (HDACi) are epigenetic modifiers with single-agent activity in patients with cutaneous and peripheral T-cell lymphoma (CTCL, PTCL). The mechanisms for this preferential activity remain unclear, and although some would term this as ‘class effect,’ there are differences in efficacy and safety, likely a result of the varying chemical structures/classes, histone and non-histone targets, potencies, and clinical dosing for each. Three HDACi have single-agent approval in relapsed/refractory TCL in the United States: romidepsin in CTCL and PTCL, vorinostat in CTCL, and belinostat in PTCL. Although comparison of these agents is difficult due to differences in patient populations, through this review we aimed to provide a detailed overview of the clinical data for HDACi in TCL and their use in clinical practice. Despite early concerns, data demonstrate the cardiac safety of HDACi, while highlighting the need to maintain electrolytes in the normal range and monitor QT interval when initially co-administering antiemetics or other drugs that prolong QT. To further improve response rates and durability of responses, HDACi are under clinical investigation in combination with chemotherapy regimens and various novel agents.
Fetal Fibronectin as a Predictor of Preterm Birth in Patients with Symptoms: a Multicenter Trial

fold higher rate during the peak period of GBSD infections nearly 15 years ago. It does appear that the virulence of the organism has changed, and other infectious agents, such as Staphylococcus epidermidis, have become more prevalent in the intensive care nursery patient as a cause of early infection. Whether this observed decline in GBSD in the United States also affected the Australian results reported is unclear. In spite of a lowered concern about GBSD, there is no question that it remains a source of significant morbidity and mortality during the neonatal period. The work outlined byJeffrey and Lahra is to be commended as a highly effective, thoughtful public health approach to this difficult problem. While one might criticize a study that depends on historical controls, the authors provide sufficient simultaneous evidence from elsewhere in Australia to support their contention. Obstetricians and pediatricians, as well as public health officials, should seriously consider the introduction of a similar approach in this country. With broadening third-party coverage of pregnancy by Medicaid managed care programs, the ability to reduce serious GBSD appears to be even more feasible. One would hope that data collection from some HMOs would allow the rapid evaluation of the effectiveness of this approach in various regions of this country. -MF ARS
Executive functions in adult offspring of alcohol-dependent probands: toward a cognitive endophenotype?

BACKGROUND Executive function (EF) impairment in alcohol dependence (AD) has been related to the toxic effects of alcohol on frontal lobes. However, this impairment could be partially present before the onset of the disease and might constitute a vulnerability factor. Although a considerable body of research has investigated executive functioning among AD patients, much less attention has been directed toward high-risk individuals. Most studies were carried out among children or adolescents, and very few were conducted in adults. The aim of this study was to examine EF in a group of adult offspring of AD individuals. METHODS One hundred and fifty-five nonalcoholic adults with (family history positive [FHP]) or without (family history negative [FHN]) family history of AD were included in the study. All participants were screened for past and current psychiatric diagnoses, and alcohol, tobacco, and other substance use. They were compared on self-rated impulsiveness using the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale-11 (BIS-11) and EF using a neuropsychological test battery. RESULTS Group comparison revealed that FHP participants had significantly higher BIS-11 scores than the FHN participants, while neuropsychological examination revealed lower EF scores for FHP participants. Hierarchical regression analysis revealed that the number of AD family members was a predictor of EF results, whereas impulsiveness was not. CONCLUSIONS Nonalcoholic adult offspring of AD individuals showed increased impulsiveness and decreased EF, suggesting weakness of 2 distinct neurobehavioral decision systems. Findings support evidence that EF weaknesses may qualify as a suitable endophenotype candidate for AD.
DELIS Dynamically Evolving , Large-scale Information Systems Integrated Project Member of the FET Proactive Initiative Complex Systems DELIS-TR-594 Yago : A Large Ontology from Wikipedia and WordNet

This article presents YAGO, a large ontology with high coverage and precision. YAGO has been automatically derived from Wikipedia and WordNet. It comprises entities and relations, and currently contains more than 1.7 million entities and 15 million facts. These include the taxonomic Is-A hierarchy as well as semantic relations between entities. The facts for YAGO have been extracted from the category system and the infoboxes of Wikipedia and have been combined with taxonomic relations from WordNet. Type checking techniques help us keep YAGO’s precision at 95% – as proven by an extensive evaluation study. YAGO is based on a clean logical model with a decidable consistency. Furthermore, it allows representing n-ary relations in a natural way while maintaining compatibility with RDFS. A powerful query model facilitates access to YAGO’s data.
Orbital Cellulitis With Subperiosteal Abscess: Demographics and Management Outcomes

Purpose: Infectious orbital cellulitis represents a serious threat to vision and, if untreated, poses significant morbidity risk. In this study, the authors attempt to further characterize the features of orbital cellulitis with subperiosteal abscess (SPA) and determine outcomes based on the type of surgical intervention employed. Methods: Data were obtained by retrospective chart review of all inpatient admissions for orbital inflammation/cellulitis from Sept 2005 to April 2010. Charts were reviewed for demographic information, radiographic and clinic evidence of orbital cellulitis, presence of SPA (defined by radiographic criteria), interventions taken (surgical and nonsurgical), presence of concurrent sinusitis, types of microbes present, and duration of hospital admission. Statistical analysis was performed using chi-square tests. Results: A total of 97 patients were admitted with a diagnosis of orbital inflammation/cellulitis, of whom 49 patients had clinical and/or radiographic evidence of orbital cellulitis. Twenty-four patients had radiographic evidence of SPA. All patients with SPA had concurrent sinusitis, and 16 patients underwent initial surgical intervention. Nine patients had external transcaruncular/transcutaneous SPA drainage only, 6 had combined SPA and sinus drainage, and one had sinus drainage alone. Of those that underwent SPA-only drainage, 5 had SPA reaccumulation, while no reaccumulation occurred with combined SPA and sinus drainage. No reaccumulation occurred if the SPA was less than 2 cm in its greatest diameter. Conclusion: In this study, for those abscesses larger than 2 cm, combined sinus and SPA drainage was associated with improved treatment outcome, demonstrated by absence of abscess reaccumulation and shorter hospital stay. SPA-only drainage was more frequently associated with SPA reaccumulation.
Pilon fractures update

Surgical management of pilon fractures remains challenging, with treatment continuing to evolve. Although the two-staged approach is widely recommended, soft-tissue complications are problematic. New region-specific implants and new surgical techniques have been developed and have improved treatment of this difficult fracture. Definitive external fixation also has had strong proponents. Sound surgical judgment of the type of injury is still the most important tool in obtaining optimal results.
Patients' perspectives on prescribing by nurses in general practice

Nurse prescribing was introduced in part to improve Patients' access to medicines in general practice. Previous studies have found that patients were satisfied with nurse prescribing on the basis of several criteria including accessibility, timeliness, convenience and the quality of the relationship with the nurse. Aim: The aim of this study was to explore Patients' attitudes to and experiences of nurse prescribing in inner-city general practices with different ethnic populations. Methods: Nurse prescribers from four Birmingham practices recruited patients to the study and 15 patients agreed to take part. Semi-structured interviews were conducted by the researcher between November and December 2007. Findings: Participants responded positively: 73% found nurse prescribing to be convenient; 86% felt they had a good relationship with the nurse. Conclusions: The results were in line with the findings of previous studies, and Patients' ethnic background did not appear to have an effect on their experiences of .
Comparison of Surgical Outcomes of Large Orbital Fractures Reconstructed With Porous Polyethylene Channel and Porous Polyethylene Titan Barrier Implants

Purpose: To compare the postoperative outcomes of large orbital fractures repaired with porous polyethylene (PP) channel implants (PPCIs) and PP titan barrier implants (PPTBs). Methods: Medical records of 42 patients who underwent surgical reconstruction for a large orbital fracture with either PPCI or PPTB were reviewed retrospectively. The degree of diplopia, determined with a binocular single vision test, and enophthalmos, measured by a Hertel exophthalmometer, was compared between 2 implant groups. Orbital volumes were calculated using CT scans and the measuring tool. Results: Of the 42 patients examined, 16 received PPCI and 26 received PPTB. No significant difference in the degree of diplopia was observed between the 2 implant groups before surgery, and 1 and 3 months after surgery (p = 0.256, 0.408, and 0.432, respectively). Preoperative average enophthalmos measuring 1.28 mm and 1.04 mm was successfully corrected to 0.19 mm and 0.25 mm 3 months after reconstruction with PPCI and PPTB, respectively. The fractured orbit volumes and nonfractured contralateral orbit volumes were 24.96 ± 2.32 cm3 and 23.18 ± 1.73 cm3 in the PPCI group, and 26.80 ± 2.10 cm3 and 24.13 ± 2.28 cm3 in the PPTB group, respectively. After surgery, the fractured orbit volumes significantly decreased to 23.39 ± 2.82 cm3 in the PPCI group and to 23.53 ± 1.74 cm3 in the PPTB group; these values were not significantly different from that of the nonfractured orbit (p = 0.681 for PPCI and 0.204 for PPTB). Conclusions: Porous polyethylene channel implant and PPTB are both effective implant materials for the repair of large orbital fractures; however, PPTB has the additional benefit of not requiring screw fixation.
Knowledge, awareness and level of vaccination of hepatitis B, amongst the students of Rural Dental College, Uvarsad, Gandhinagar, Gujarat, India

Aims: The aim of this study is to determine the current knowledge, awareness and levels of vaccination of undergraduate dental students of a Rural Dental College regarding the hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. Settings and Design: A total of 277 students of Rural Dental College at Gandhinagar district of Gujarat voluntarily participated in this exploratory study. Subjects and Methods: An instrument of thirteen questions was designed to assess knowledge and awareness about hepatitis B infection and transmission. It was the tool of data collection. The knowledge assessment of the HBV disease was done prior to starting the hepatitis B education program (HEP) by noting the scores and it was again repeated 1 year later. In the knowledge assessment, 9/13 correct was deemed adequate. Statistical Analysis: Decision Analyst STATS™ (http://decision-analyst-stats.software.informer.com/2.0/) was used. Average, probability of significant difference and Z test was utilized to draw conclusions. Results: The male female ratio was 30:70; before the program of education HEP 19% of the students showed adequate knowledge about the hepatitis B disease process. After the full program, which involved a vaccination using 0-1-6 regimen, a training session of HEP was held. Post-HEP adequate knowledge was demonstrated by 78% of the BDS students from 1 st , 2 nd and 3 rd year. A total of 98% of the students were vaccinated at the end of 12 months period. 2% refused vaccination. Conclusions: Results indicate that specific education programs regarding occupational hazards and focus on hepatitis B creates a sensitization of the importance of this vaccination for the dental students.
OUTCOME OF PATIENTS WHO PRESENT TO THE EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT WITH AN ELEVATED INTERNATIONAL NORMALIZED RATIO

To the Editor: We have recently established an Osteoporosis Clinic at our federally qualified health center and have now obtained bone mineral density (BMD) measurements using dual-energy x-ray absorptiometry (DXA) in 114 postmenopausal women and others at risk. For these patients, we have measurements of the lumbar spine and, where obtainable, both femurs. From these initial readings, we have noted that many of our patients have a discrepancy between left and right total hip BMD that is greater than precision error of the system can explain. Of the 76 patients who had both hips measured, 18 had T-score discrepancies of at least 0.5, a difference large enough in some cases to determine whether we would initiate pharmacological therapy. Given that weight-bearing exercise is known to influence bone density, we wondered whether one explanation for the large discrepancies might be gait asymmetry. In all five patients with a T-score discrepancy of 0.7 or greater, we have confirmed that the patient has an easily identifiable gait asymmetry (Table 1). Discrepancies between the right and left total hip T-scores in the same patient have been noted in some studies. Recommendations for how to use this information differ. Some feel that the percentage of patients with changes in diagnostic categories is so small that routine monitoring of bilateral femur BMD does not yield clinically significant benefit. Nevertheless, there has been the suggestion that from a public health perspective bilateral measurements may be warranted, because the absolute number of patients affected is large. Current recommendations from the International Society for Clinical Densitometry are that treatment decisions be based on the BMD measurement from one hip or, if both hips are measured, that the mean of the two measurements be used. One factor worth considering at this point is that the additional time needed to obtain a second femur reading is minimal, in contrast to the amount of time that was needed with first-generation scanners. Given that there is a potential physiological explanation for a difference in T-scores in the hips of a single individual, we suggest that, where possible, both hips be measured and that treatment decisions be based on the lower of the T-scores rather than on the mean T-score. If bilateral measurements are not feasible in all patients, we recommend that, at least in patients with obvious gait asymmetry, both hips be measured.
Applied Soft Computing

Intrusion detection system (IDS) is to monitor the attacks occurring in the computer or networks. Anomaly intrusion detection plays an important role in IDS to detect new attacks by detecting any deviation from the normal proﬁle. In this paper, an intelligent algorithm with feature selection and decision rules applied to anomaly intrusion detection is proposed. The key idea is to take the advantage of support vector machine (SVM), decision tree (DT), and simulated annealing (SA). In the proposed algorithm, SVM and SA can ﬁnd the best selected features to elevate the accuracy of anomaly intrusion detection. By analyzing the information from using KDD’99 dataset, DT and SA can obtain decision rules for new attacks and can improve accuracy of classiﬁcation. In addition, the best parameter settings for the DT and SVM are automatically adjusted by SA. The proposed algorithm outperforms other existing approaches. Simulation results demonstrate that the proposed algorithm is successful in detecting anomaly intrusion detection.
CD4+CD26− lymphocytes are useful to assess blood involvement and define B ratings in cutaneous T cell lymphoma

Abstract Bernengo et al. reported that >30% CD4+CD26− lymphocytes detect blood involvement in patients with mycosis fungoides (MF) and Sézary syndrome. In addition, the ISCL/EORTC suggested that this threshold might serve as a criterion for the B2 blood rating for staging. In this manuscript, we report our experience with measurement of CD4+CD26− and CD4+CD7− cells, Sézary cell counts, and aberrant T cells with diminished expression of CD2, CD3, or CD5 antigens. CD4+CD26− ≥30% occurred in 15 of 373 (4.0%) patients with MF, 33 of 47 (70%) patients with erythrodermic cutaneous T cell lymphoma (ECTCL) and 2 of 54 (4%) patients with inflammatory skin diseases. CD4+CD26− measurements provided a more reliable assessment of neoplastic cell numbers in the blood than Sézary cell or CD4+CD7− percentages. CD4+CD26− measurements may be used to define B ratings for staging with B2 defined as CD4+CD26− ≥ 1000/μL, plus clonality or phenotypically abnormal cells.
Patient perceptions of treatment-free remission in chronic myeloid leukemia

Abstract Around half of patients with chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) who achieve a stable deep molecular response would remain in treatment-free remission (TFR) if their tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) were stopped. TFR is increasingly becoming a goal of treatment. Eighty-seven patients answered a survey exploring patient perceptions of TFR, incorporating CML-specific factors (disease history, treatment toxicity, and adherence) and questions concerning health beliefs. 81% of participants (95% CI: 72%–89%) indicated that they would be willing to attempt TFR. No demographic or CML-related variable in the survey was significantly associated with willingness. In qualitative analysis, the commonest motivations for TFR included TKI toxicity (n = 26) and convenience (n = 18). The leading reason for reluctance was fear of consequences of stopping TKI (n = 16). Reluctance was often associated with needs for additional information or incomplete understanding of the current data. Understanding patient motivations and concerns is important if TFR is to become a part of CML management.