Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
A series on intestinal strongyloidiasis in immunocompetent and immunocompromised hosts.

BACKGROUND Strongyloidiasis, endemic in tropical areas, may be asymptomatic in immunocompetent subjects or may cause potentially fatal hyper-infection in immunocompromised patients. METHODS Of the 13,885 patients referred to the parasitology laboratory at our tertiary care referral center for stool microscopy, 15 were diagnosed as strongyloidiasis over a 6 year period. We assessed these patients retrospectively. RESULTS Most patients were young (median age 32 years, range 3-66) males (12, 80%). Seven patients (46.6%) were immunocompromised. All patients were symptomatic, and symptoms included chronic diarrhea (4, 26.7%), acute diarrhea (1,6.7%), abdominal pain (6, 40%), weight loss (3, 20%), cough (2, 13.33%), vomiting (1, 6.7%), anemia (10, 66.7%) and eosinophilia (3, 20%). Thirteen patients (86.6%) were diagnosed on first stool microscopy. Duodenal biopsy showed normal histology in twelve (80%) and partial villous atrophy in one (6.7%) patient. Stool microscopy also revealed giardiasis and cryptosporidiosis in one patient each. Nine patients responded well to ivermectin and albendazole, one died and five were lost to follow-up. CONCLUSIONS In endemic areas, even immunocompetent subjects may suffer from symptomatic strongyloidiasis and associated eosinophilia is uncommon.
Characterization of 22 Antituberculosis Drugs for Inhibitory Interaction Potential on Organic Anionic Transporter Polypeptide (OATP)-Mediated Uptake

ABSTRACT We investigated the inhibitory interaction potential of 22 currently marketed antituberculosis (TB) drugs on organic anion-transporting polypeptide 1B1 (OATP1B1)-, OATP2B1-, and OATP1B3-mediated uptake using in vitro Xenopus oocytes and HEK cells. Rifabutin, ethambutol, amoxicillin, linezolid, p-amino salicylic acid, and rifapentine exhibited mild to moderate inhibitory effects on OATP-mediated uptake of estrone-3 sulfate, estradiol 17β-d-glucuronide, and rosuvastatin. The 50% inhibitory concentration (IC50) values of rifabutin, amoxicillin, ethambutol, p-amino salicylic acid, and linezolid were 35.4, 36.2, 57.6, 72.6, and 65.9 μM, respectively, for uptake mediated by organic anionic transporter polypeptide 1B1 (OATP1B1) and 28.8, 28.9, 53.9, 31.5, and 61.0 μM, respectively, for uptake mediated by organic anionic transporter polypeptide 1B3 (OATP1B3). Streptomycin and linezolid showed greater inhibition of organic anionic transporter polypeptide 2B1 (OATP2B1)-mediated uptake, with IC50 values of 33.2 and 35.6 μM, respectively, along with mild inhibition of other drugs. Furthermore, rifabutin, amoxicillin, and rifapentine significantly inhibited OATP1B1-mediated rosuvastatin uptake, with IC50 values of 12.3, 13.0, and 11.0 μM, respectively, which showed a similar profile to estrone-3 sulfate uptake. The calculated R values ([I]u inlet,max/Ki, where [I]u inlet,max represents the maximum estimated inhibitor concentration inlet to the liver and Ki is the inhibition constant) as the drug-drug interaction (DDI) indexes of PAS, ethambutol, and amoxicillin were 26.1, 6.5, and 4.3 for OATP1B1 and 52.0, 8.0, and 4.6 for OATP1B3, and those for streptomycin, amikacin, and linezolid were 5.0, 4.2, and 4.4 for OATP2B1, respectively, suggesting a higher possibility of in vivo DDIs. This study is the first comprehensive report to show the novel inhibitory potential of 22 marketed anti-TB drugs on OATP-mediated uptake, providing evidence for future in vivo clinical DDI studies.
Overexpression of ACC gene from oleaginous yeast Lipomyces starkeyi enhanced the lipid accumulation in Saccharomyces cerevisiae with increased levels of glycerol 3-phosphate substrates

The conversion of acetyl-CoA to malonyl-CoA by acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ACC) is the rate-limiting step in fatty acid biosynthesis. In this study, a gene coding for ACC was isolated and characterized from an oleaginous yeast, Lipomyces starkeyi. Real-time quantitative PCR (qPCR) analysis of L. starkeyi acetyl-CoA carboxylase gene (LsACC1) showed that the expression levels were upregulated with the fast accumulation of lipids. The LsACC1 was co-overexpressed with the glycerol 3-phosphate dehydrogenase gene (GPD1), which regulates lipids biosynthesis by supplying another substrates glycerol 3-phosphate for storage lipid assembly, in the non-oleaginous yeast Saccharomyces cerevisiae. Further, the S. cerevisiae acetyl-CoA carboxylase (ScACC1) was transferred with GPD1 and its function was analyzed in comparison with LsACC1. The results showed that overexpressed LsACC1 and GPD1 resulted in a 63% increase in S. cerevisiae. This study gives new data in understanding of the molecular mechanisms underlying the regulation of fatty acids and lipid biosynthesis in yeasts. Graphical abstract Scheme of metabolic pathways and enzymes of S. cerevisiae.
A hospital-based case-control study of identifying ovarian cancer using symptom index

Objective: Recently, a symptom index for identification of ovarian cancer, based on specific symptoms along with their frequency and duration, was proposed. The current study aimed at validation of this index in Korean population. Methods: A case-control study of 116 women with epithelial ovarian cancer and 209 control women was conducted using questionnaires on eight symptoms. These included pelvic/abdominal pain, urinary urgency/frequency, increased abdominal size/bloating, difficulty eating/feeling full. The symptom index was considered positive if any of the 8 symptoms present for <1 year that occurred>12 times per month. The symptoms were compared between ovarian cancer group and control group using chi-square test. Logistic regression analysis was used to determine whether the index predicted cancer. Sensitivity and specificity of the symptom index were also determined. Results: The symptom index was positive in 65.5% of women with ovarian cancer, in 31.1% of women with benign cysts, and in 6.7% of women on routine screening (ps<0.001). Significantly higher proportion of ovarian cancer patients were positive for each symptom as compared with control group (ps<0.001). Results from the logistic regression indicated that the symptom index independently predicted cancer (p<0.001; OR, 10.51; 95% CI, 6.14 to 17.98). Overall, the sensitivity and specificity of the symptom index were 65.5% and 84.7%, respectively. Analyses of sensitivity by stage showed that the index was positive in 44.8% of patients with stage I/II disease and in 72.9% of patients with stage III/IV disease. Conclusion: The current study supported previous studies suggesting that specific symptoms were useful in identifying women with ovarian cancer.
Thrombophilic dimension of recurrent fetal loss in Indian patients

We studied the prevalence of acquired and genetic thrombophilia in 198 women with recurrent fetal loss who were having three or more than three abortions. Seventy-nine women had only early pregnancy losses, that is, first trimester abortions, 30 women had only late pregnancy losses, that is, second and third trimester abortions whereas 89 had both early and late pregnancy losses. The control group included 100 age-matched fertile parous women who did not have any obstetric complications and had at least one normal healthy child. Several genetic and acquired thrombophilia markers were studied. The strongest association was observed with anticardiolipin (odds ratio 22.6, confidence interval 5.7–89, P = 0) followed by lupus anticoagulant, anti-β2 glycoprotein-1, antiannexin. Association of antiphospholipid antibody syndromes was detected with the time of pregnancy loss in anticardiolipin, lupus anticoagulants, which was significantly associated with early pregnancy loss as compared with second and third trimester loss. In case of β2 glycoprotein-1, antiannexin it was less significantly associated with early pregnancy loss as compared with second and third trimester loss. The risk of fetal loss with protein S deficiency was the highest risk observed for any heritable thrombophilia, followed by protein C, factor V Leiden, endothelial protein C receptor, antithrombin III deficiency and β448 fibrinogen polymorphism. Modest risks were also observed with 5,10-methylenetetrahydrofolate reductase, plasminogen activator inhibitor 4G/4G polymorphisms and β448 fibrinogen polymorphism. A combination of two or more than two genetic risk factors were observed in 55 (27.7%), whereas the genetic and acquired risk factors were observed in 107 (54%) of the cases. Thrombophilia is an important contributing factor for both early and late pregnancy losses; approximately two-thirds of our cases of unexplained fetal losses could be explained by acquired or heritable thrombophilia or both, which is in line with other western studies.
Risk Factors for Progression to Invasive Fungal Infection in Preterm Neonates With Fungal Colonization

OBJECTIVE. Colonization by Candida spp is a major risk factor for development of fungal sepsis, but little is known about the variables associated with progression to invasive disease in already colonized neonates. We investigated such variables in a large number of colonized preterm neonates in an NICU. SETTING. This study was conducted in the Department of Neonatology and the NICU at Sant'Anna Hospital in Torino, Italy. DESIGN AND PATIENTS A database search of clinical charts and weekly surveillance cultures was used to identify all neonates with birth weights <1500 g (very low birth weight) who were admitted to our NICU during 1998–2005 and were colonized (≥1 site) by Candida spp during their stay, as well as infants with invasive fungal infection. The association between a number of factors with progression to invasive fungal infection was evaluated. Those shown to be significantly associated by univariate analysis were cross-checked by logistic regression. RESULTS. Colonization occurred in 201 infants (32.1% of very low birth weight admitted neonates), and invasive fungal infection occurred in 51 (8.1%) of them, with an overall progression rate of 0.25. At univariate analysis, 10 factors (namely low birth weight, low gestational age, use of third-generation cephalosporins, endotracheal intubation, duration of stay in the NICU, bacterial sepsis, colonization of central venous catheter, of endotracheal tube, of gastric aspirate, or in ≥3 [multiple] sites) were associated with an increased risk of progression, whereas prophylaxis with fluconazole was associated to a decreased risk. After logistic regression, only colonization of central venous catheter and colonization in multiple sites remained significantly associated with invasive fungal infection. Fluconazole prophylaxis remained an independent protective factor. CONCLUSIONS. Central venous catheter colonization and multiple-site colonization are independent risk factors and predictors of progression to fungal sepsis in preterm very low birth weight neonates colonized by Candida spp during their stay in the NICU. Fluconazole prophylaxis is an independent protective factor. These findings can be used to improve the surveillance, prophylaxis, or preemptive measures in neonates at high risk.
Omega-3 fatty acid supplementation reduces tumor growth and vascular endothelial growth factor expression in a model of progressive non-metastasizing malignancy.

BACKGROUND Omega-3 fatty acids, the principal component of fish oil, have been demonstrated to have antiinflammatory properties. The role of eicosapentaenoic acid (EPA) supplementation for cancer patients is currently under investigation; however, the mechanisms of EPA activity have not been defined. The purpose of this study was to characterize tumor-specific and treatment-specific effects of supplemental dietary EPA in an animal model of progressive malignancy. METHODS Fischer 344 rats (200-250 g) underwent flank implantation of the methycholanthrene (MCA)-induced fibrosarcoma on day 0. Rats were randomly divided into 3 treatment groups on day 13: EPA (1 mL, 5.0 g/kg per day) + 10 IU vitamin E; corn oil (1 mL) + 10 IU vitamin E, and saline (1 mL) + 10 IU vitamin E (vitamin E was used to prevent fatty acid oxidation). On day 14, gavage feeding was started and was continued through day 28. The animals were killed on day 29, and the tumors were removed. The tumors were weighed and divided by the tumor-free carcass weight to obtain percentage of tumor volume, and the livers were flash frozen. Vascular endothelial growth factor-alpha (VEGF-alpha) and cyclo-oxygenase 2 (COX-2) mRNA were measured by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR). RESULTS EPA rats had significant reductions in tumor volume compared with isocaloric corn oil and control saline animals (25%, p < .01 and 33%, p < .01, respectively). Rats receiving EPA demonstrated decreased VEGF-alpha mRNA levels (0.023 +/- 0 0.001) compared with those receiving corn oil (0.129 +/- 0.047) or saline (0.150 +/- 0.026; p < .05). CONCLUSIONS These data demonstrate that EPA supplementation inhibits tumor growth, potentially through alterations in the expression of the pro-angiogenic VEGF-alpha. The mechanism(s) of EPA as an inhibitor of tumor-related angiogenic growth factors may be associated with COX-2 enzyme fatty acid metabolism and merits further study.
EFFECT OF MIX COMPOSITION ON COMPRESSIVE STRENGTH AND MICROSTRUCTURE OF FLY ASH BASED GEOPOLYMER COMPOSITES

Geopolymer is a class of aluminosilicate binding materials synthesized by thermal activation of solid aluminosilicate base materials such as fly ash, metakaolin, GGBS etc., with an alkali metal hydroxide and silicate solution. These binders are currently attracting widespread attention due to their potential utilization as a high performance, environmental friendly and sustainable alternative to Portland cement. The present paper reports results of an experimental study on development of compressive strength and microstructure of geopolymer paste and mortar specimens prepared by thermal activation of Indian fly ash with sodium hydroxide and sodium silicate solution. The effect of main synthesis parameters such as alkali content(Na B B 2 B B O/Al B B 2 B B O
Cladophora (Chlorophyta) spp. Harbor Human Bacterial Pathogens in Nearshore Water of Lake Michigan

ABSTRACT Cladophora glomerata, a macrophytic green alga, is commonly found in the Great Lakes, and significant accumulations occur along shorelines during the summer months. Recently, Cladophora has been shown to harbor high densities of the fecal indicator bacteria Escherichia coli and enterococci. Cladophora may also harbor human pathogens; however, until now, no studies to address this question have been performed. In the present study, we determined whether attached Cladophora, obtained from the Lake Michigan and Burns Ditch (Little Calumet River, Indiana) sides of a breakwater during the summers of 2004 and 2005, harbored the bacterial pathogens Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC), Salmonella, Shigella, and Campylobacter. The presence of potential pathogens and numbers of organisms were determined by using cultural methods and by using conventional PCR, most-probable-number PCR (MPN-PCR), and quantitative PCR (QPCR) performed with genus- and toxin-specific primers and probes. While Shigella and STEC were detected in 100% and 25%, respectively, of the algal samples obtained near Burns Ditch in 2004, the same pathogens were not detected in samples collected in 2005. MPN-PCR and QPCR allowed enumeration of Salmonella in 40 to 80% of the ditch- and lakeside samples, respectively, and the densities were up to 1.6 × 103 cells per g Cladophora. Similarly, these PCR methods allowed enumeration of up to 5.4 × 102Campylobacter cells/g Cladophora in 60 to 100% of lake- and ditchside samples. The Campylobacter densities were significantly higher (P < 0.05) in the lakeside Cladophora samples than in the ditchside Cladophora samples. DNA fingerprint analyses indicated that genotypically identical Salmonella isolates were associated with geographically and temporally distinct Cladophora samples. However, Campylobacter isolates were genetically diverse. Since animal hosts are thought to be the primary habitat for Campylobacter and Salmonella species, our results suggest that Cladophora is a likely secondary habitat for pathogenic bacteria in Lake Michigan and that the association of these bacteria with Cladophora warrants additional studies to assess the potential health impact on beach users.
Mutational analysis of CHRNB 2 , CHRNA 2 and CHRNA 4 genes in Chinese population with autosomal dominant nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsy

Objective: The present study aims to investigate the gene mutations of CHRNB2, CHRNA2 and CHRNA4 in Chinese population with autosomal dominant nocturnal frontal lobe epilepsy (ADNFLE). Methods: 257 ADNFLE patients (74 sporadic and 32 familial) were collected, including 42 pedigree patients and 215 sporadic cases. Exon mutational screening of CHRNB2, CHRNA2 and CHRNA4 was performed by direct PCR sequencing. Results: No published mutations of CHRNB2, CHRNA4 and CHRNA2 genes were detected in this study. Three kinds of c.SNP (c.66C> T, c.249C> T, c.375A> G) were detected on the 2nd and 5th exons of CHRNA2; six kinds of c.SNP (c.639T> C, c.678T> C, c.1209G> T, c.1227T> C, c.1659G> A, c.1629C> T) were detected on the 5th exon of CHRNA4. Three novel mutations were discovered, respectively locating on the exon 5 of CHRNA4 gene (c.570C> T), 5th and 6th exons of CHRNB2 gene (c.483C> T and c.1407C> G). The three mutations were absent in 200 healthy controls, indicating that the mutations were very rare. Conclusion: CHRNA4, CHRNB2 and CHRNA2 may be not the causative genes of Chinese ADNFLE population. Whether the three novel synonymous mutations were genetic factors of ADNFLE pathogenesis in Chinese Han population needs to be further studied.
Efficacy of Atomoxetine in Children With Severe Autistic Disorders and Symptoms of ADHD

Objective: This study aims to examine the efficacy of atomoxetine in treating symptoms of attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) in children with severe autistic disorder. Method: Children with severe autistic disorder who had symptoms of ADHD were given atomoxetine for 10 weeks. The efficacy of atomoxetine was evaluated by using the Aberrant Behavior Checklist (ABC) to rate ADHD symptoms at baseline, week 6, and week 10. The Clinical Global Impression-Improvement (CGI-I) scale was used as secondary outcome to assess the overall improvement of the children’s development at week 10. Results: A total of 12 children participated in this study. Although CGI-I scores showed improvement at week 10, the ABC hyperactivity subscale did not show a significant improvement of the ADHD symptoms at baseline (M = 33.89) compared to those at week 10 (M = 31.78, p = .62). Conclusion: Atomoxetine did not benefit children with severe autistic disorder who have ADHD symptoms.
Evaluation of brivaracetam: a new drug to treat epilepsy

ABSTRACT Introduction: High prevalence of therapy-resistant epilepsy demands development of anticonvulsants with new mechanisms of action. Brivaracetam is an analogue of levetiracetam which binds to the synaptic vesicle protein 2A (SV2A) and decreases release of excitatory neurotransmitters. Areas covered: Relevant published studies were searched for by predefined strategy in MEDLINE, EBSCO and SCINDEKS electronic databases. Brivaracetam is effective as adjunctive therapy for uncontrolled partial-onset seizures with or without secondary generalization in patients 16 years and older with epilepsy. It reduces baseline-adjusted focal seizure frequency per week from 7.3 to 12.8% over placebo. Adverse events rate in patients with brivaracetam is not higher than in patients with placebo. Expert opinion: Brivaracetam is an important step forward in the treatment of therapy-resistant partial-onset seizures with or without secondary generalization. Its development was systematic and targeted. Due to its efficacy and excellent safety profile, it is likely that brivaracetam will be often prescribed. In future, efficacy and safety of brivaracetam should be tested in monotherapy settings and also in the first-line therapy of partial-onset seizures.
Emergency department management of pediatric migraine

Migraine is a common pediatric emergency department problem. Since its pathophysiology is unclear and possibly multifactorial, a single treatment strategy is unlikely to be successful for all patients. A specific treatment that has been successful for a particular patient should be strongly considered. Otherwise, it is best to start with simple therapies such as acetaminophen, aspirin, or an NSAID if not already tried at home. For patients requiring more specific therapy, reasonable choices would be dihydroergotamine or a dopamine antagonist such as prochlorperazine. There are several newer agents studied in adults with examples being sumatriptan and naratriptan. These probably have a role in the adolescent and should be considered in the younger age group when other therapies have failed. When the headache has been prolonged, dexamethasone may be useful in decreasing inflammation and relieving pain. As illustrated in many of the above studies, monotherapy is often inadequate in achieving complete relief of headache pain in all patients. Most of the drugs discussed here address only one of the three etiologies thought to be involved in migraine pathogenesis, namely; the dopaminergic system. the serotonin system or inflammation. Presumably, therapy directed toward more than one of these etiologies at the same time may be more effective (11).
[Identification of endophytic Actinomycete Lj20 from plant and its antifungal substances].

OBJECTIVE Endophytic actinomycete Lj20 with antifungal activity was isolated from the roots of capsicum plants. We identified Lj20 and synthesized its antifungal substances. METHODS Morphological, biological and biochemical characteristics, chemotaxonomy analysis and 16S rDNA sequences were used to identify Lj20. According to GC-MS extrapolation result, one of antifungal substances in the metabolites of Lj20 was chemically synthesized. The bioactivities were determined by mycelium growth inhibition method. RESULTS Lj20 belonged to Streptomyces sp. and was similar to Streptomyces rochei. The metabolites contained butylated hydroxytoluene and 3, 5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl methyl ether. The median effective concentration (EC50) of these two compounds to Botrytis cinerea Pers. were 237.04 mg/L of the water and 186.48 mg/L of the water, respectively. CONCLUSION Lj20 was classified as Streptomyces rochei. Butylated hydroxytoluene and 3, 5-di-tert-butyl-4-hydroxybenzyl methyl ether had significant inhibition to the pathogen.
Refined Asymptotics for Rate-Distortion Using Gaussian Codebooks for Arbitrary Sources

The rate-distortion saddle-point problem considered by Lapidoth (1997) consists in finding the minimum rate to compress an arbitrary ergodic source when one is constrained to use a random Gaussian codebook and minimum (Euclidean) distance encoding is employed. We extend Lapidoth’s analysis in several directions in this paper. First, we consider refined asymptotics. In particular, when the source is stationary and memoryless, we establish the second-order, moderate, and large deviation asymptotics of the problem. Second, by random Gaussian codebook, Lapidoth referred to a collection of random codewords, each of which is drawn independently and uniformly from the surface of an $n$ -dimensional sphere. To be more precise, we term this as a spherical codebook. We also consider i.i. d. Gaussian codebooks in which each random codeword is drawn independently from a product Gaussian distribution. We derive the second-order, moderate, and large deviation asymptotics when i.i. d. Gaussian codebooks are employed. In contrast to the recent work on the channel coding counterpart by Scarlett, Tan, and Durisi (2017), the dispersions for spherical and i.i. d. Gaussian codebooks are identical. The ensemble excess-distortion exponents for both spherical and i.i. d. Gaussian codebooks are established for all rates. Furthermore, we show that the i.i. d. Gaussian codebook has a strictly larger excess-distortion exponent than its spherical counterpart for any rate greater than the ensemble rate-distortion function derived by Lapidoth.