Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Yeast On-Target Lysis (YOTL), a Procedure for Making Auxiliary Mass Spectrum Data Sets for Clinical Routine Identification of Yeasts

ABSTRACT Matrix-assisted laser desorption ionization–time of flight mass spectrometry (MALDI-TOF MS)-based species identification has become a reliable and fast tool for use in clinical diagnostics, including in mycology. To identify yeasts in the MALDI Biotyper system, a multistep extraction protocol, which is also used to generate the reference spectra, is recommended. Sample preparation by on-target lysis (OTL) requires significantly less hands-on time and is therefore highly desirable, but it results in too-low MALDI Biotyper log score values to allow automated species identification. To overcome this problem, we developed a procedure for generating and validating an OTL spectrum data set for the most relevant and frequently occurring yeast species in clinical specimens. The performance was evaluated against a set of OTL spectra derived during clinical routine procedures and from a set of closely related yeasts. In the diagnostic setting, the OTL procedure significantly decreased the workload but allowed species identification with high specificity and sensitivity. False identifications were not observed. The use of in-house-generated OTL reference spectra can highly accelerate MALDI-TOF MS-based yeast species identification using the MALDI Biotyper.
Corrosion Behavior of Cast Iron in Different Aqueous Salt Solutions

The corrosion behavior of cast iron in different aqueous salt solutions has been studied. Samples of cast iron were exposed in the salt solutions media for 40 days and corrosion rates evaluated, using total immersion test and Tafel extrapolation curves. The concentration of salts taken is 5 g/liter. The total immersion test parameters vise weight loss; corrosion rate as well as Tafel extrapolation parameters, Icorr. , corrosion potential , corrosion rate have been calculated. Besides these terms, the pH and electrical conductivity have been calculated by standard methods. It was observed that NaCl solutions was most corrosive to cast iron because of the nature of chlorine ions followed by KCl ,Na2SO4 ,CaCl2 , MgSO4, MnSO4, NaNO3, KBr, CaCO3, KI, NaHCO3, and lastly, Pb (NO3)2. The types of salt solution and exposure time affected the corrosion of the cast iron.
Using mental practice in stroke rehabilitation: a framework

Introduction: Motor imagery and mental practice are getting increased attention in neurological rehabilitation. Several different mental practice intervention protocols have been used in studies on its effect on recovery in stroke rehabilitation. The content of the intervention protocols itself is rarely discussed or questioned. Objective: To give a practical framework of how mental practice could be integrated into therapy, drawing on available evidence and theory. The aim of the treatment programme described is to enhance both the patient's physical performance and their empowerment and self-determination. The framework: Based on evidence from sports rehabilitation and our own experiences the framework will eventually be evaluated in a randomized controlled trial. Five steps are described to teach and upgrade the patient's imagery technique: (1) assess mental capacity to learn imagery technique; (2) establish the nature of mental practice; (3) teach imagery technique; (4) embed and monitor imagery technique; (5) develop self-generated treatments. The description is not, however, a recipe that should be followed precisely. It leaves enough room to tailor the mental practice intervention to the specific individual possibilities, skills and needs of the patient in accordance with evidence-based practice. Discussion: Different aspects of the described protocol are discussed and compared with experiences from sports and evidence available in rehabilitation.
Imipramine Treatment and Increased Serum Cholesterol Levels

Dear Sir: Several studies suggest that tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) produce an increase in appetite which may also be associated with an increase in weight, not only in patients with depression, but also in those with an anxiety disorder (1,2). We have observed that in a few patients there was an increase in the levels of serum cholesterol after a few weeks ofTCA treatment. In fact, some evidence suggests that chlorpromazine, which has structural similarity to imipramine, produces an increase in serum cholesterol level (3). As increase in serum cholesterol levels is associated with an increase in risk of cardiovascular illness, we decided to study the effect of TCAs on serum cholesterol levels in this retrospective study. Case records of 24 panic disorder patients diagnosed acording to DSM-ill criteria were reviewed. There were five males and 19 females and all patients received imipramine. The mean duration of treatment was 32.4 weeks and themean dosage of imipramine was 129 mg per day. The baseline and the post-treatmentcholesterol assays were performed by the same laboratory for each patient. Serum cholesterol level after 12 weeks of treatment was significantly higher than the baseline value (215.3 ± 9.8 vs 202.3 ± 8.3 (mean ± SE); t=2.28; df=23; p<0.05; two-tailed). When the patients were divided into two groups that received imipramine for more than eight weeks and less than eight weeks, there was a significant increase of serum cholesterol only in the former group (226.2 ± 18.7 vs 197.6 ± 14.7 (mean ± SE); t=3.58; df= 10; p<0.OO8). Body weight was available for eight patients who had an increase in cholesterol level after treatment. In four of these patients, there was a decrease in body weight (mean: 0.96 kg), and in one, there was no change. There was no significant difference in the levels of triglyceride levels before and after treatment (144.3 ± 21.3 vs 119.6 ± 12.6 (mean ± SE)). To our knowledge, this is the first report in humans suggesting that treatment with TCAs may be associated with some increase in serum cholesterol levels. This is in agreement with an earlier study done with rabbits (4). TCAs may produce this effect either by increasing appetite and thereby weight, or by producing cholestasis, or a direct stimulating effect on cholesterol synthesis. This effect may not be due to weight gain because there was no increase in weight in the majority of the patients whose serum cholesterol levels increased. Similar findings were reported in rabbits (4). Patients who received imipramine for more than eight weeks had a mean increase of 14% in their cholesterol levels. This increase may be particularly important if it is in the low density lipoprotein fraction (LDL), as there is already evidence suggestingan increased risk of mortality from cardiovascular illness in panic disorder patients (5). If this finding is
Is it true that coeliacs do not digest gliadin? Degradation pattern of gliadin in coeliac disease small intestinal mucosa

Prolyl-endopeptidase supplementation has been proposed to favour gliadin degradation as an alternative treatment for coeliac disease (CD), although the real usefulness of this therapy in vivo is still under discussion.1 However, our data point to alternative treatments aiming to modify the intestinal microbiota in patients with CD by the use of probiotics and/or prebiotics. We propose that the induction of gliadin proteolysis in the human gut might not be the solution but the origin of CD. We have carried out gliadin zymograms using a complete protein solution from duodenal mucosa of patients with CD, both untreated patients with positive serology, genetics and duodenal inflammation (n = 20), and treated patients on a gluten-free diet (GFD) with negative serology and recovering mucosa (n = 9). We have also analysed 18 non-CD controls, without mucosal inflammation and negative serology. Figure 1 reveals for the first time to our knowledge, and in contrast to what would be expected, the existence of a specific gliadinase pattern in duodenal samples from patients with CD. This pattern was observed regardless of the phase …
Minor salivary gland tumors. A histologic and immunohistochemical study

Clinical, histologic, and immunohistochemical data were reviewed and evaluated on 238 oral minor salivary gland tumors. Benign neoplasms accounted for 65% of the total. Pleomorphic adenomas were the most common of all neoplasms, and mucoepidermoid carcinomas were the most frequently encountered malignancies. Pleomorphic adenomas and adenoid cystic carcinomas stained positive for S‐100 protein. Immunohistochemistry was believed to be of potential assistance in diagnosis of salivary gland tumors and in prediction of histogenesis.
Segmental liver resection for colorectal metastases.

BACKGROUND The question, whether to perform either a segmental, or a major liver resection if both procedures are technically feasible, continues to be under debate. METHODS Outcomes from 188 liver resections for colorectal cancer liver metastases in the Naval Hospital of Varna in 2000-2007 were reviewed. All surviving patients were followed-up for a minimum of 2 years. Morbidity, mortality, mean blood loss, mean blood transfusion, disease-free survival and overall survival rates of the patients undergoing segmental liver resection (group one, n=76) and major liver resection (group two, n=112) were statistically compared. RESULTS No patients died in group one while 7 patients (3.7%) died in the early postoperative period in group two. There were 18 postoperative complications in group one (23%) and 38 in group two (33%) (p less than 0.05). The mean blood loss was 1,245 +/- 128 mL in group two and 423 +/- 232 mL in group one (p less than 0.001) while the mean blood transfusion requirement was 2 units (0-18 units) for patients with major liver resections and 0.5 unit (0-3 units) for those with segmentectomies (p less than 0.006). There were no statistically significant differences in disease-free survival (p=0.545) and overall survival rates (p=0.750) between both groups. CONCLUSION Segmental resection enables sufficient liver volume conservation. It results in lower perioperative morbidity and mortality rates and more seldom postoperative failure. Thus it warrants disease-free and overall survival rates similar to those following the major resection.
Study of Drug Utilization Pattern for Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease in Patients Attending a Government Hospital in Kerala, India

Objective: Drug utilization studies are powerful exploratory tools to ascertain the role of drugs in society. This study was conducted to establish the drug utilization pattern and the common adverse drug reactions for the treatment of acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) in one of the government hospitals in Kerala, India. Methods: This was a prospective observational study aimed at recognizing the drug utilization pattern for the treatment of acute exacerbation of COPD for 7-day under nonexperimental settings. All information significant to the study was collected from the case records and discussions conducted with the inpatients and bystanders during ward rounds, with the support of a physician. Moreover, daily follow-ups were conducted to assemble data on amendment in therapy, add-on therapy, and clinical improvement until the patient was discharged from the hospital or to an upper limit of 7-day, whichever is earlier. Results: All the patients in this study received combination therapy. Among the inhalational β-agonists, salbutamol accounted for 74% use. Parenteral steroids were used in 78% of the patients and all of them received hydrocortisone. Steroid inhalers were used only in 25% of the patients. Anticholinergics were used in 77.5% of patients. Antibiotics were used in 86.7% patients. The main adverse effects noted were dry mouth (15%) and bad taste (10%) and these adverse effects were highly correlated with the use of anticholinergics (P < 0.05). Conclusions: Despite the use of drugs according to the availability and physician's preference, it was found in the analysis that majority were in accordance with Global Initiative for Chronic Obstructive Lung Disease criteria recommendations.
Cytotype distribution patterns, ecological differentiation, and genetic structure in a diploid-tetraploid contact zone of Cardamine amara.

UNLABELLED • PREMISE OF THE STUDY Contact zones between diploids and their autopolyploid descendants represent a unique evolutionary venue for studying polyploid establishment, cytotype coexistence, and interactions. Here, we examine cytotype coexistence in a diploid-tetraploid contact zone of a perennial herb, Cardamine amara, located north of the Alps by assessing cytotype spatial patterns, ecological divergence, and genetic variation and structure. • METHODS Flow cytometry was applied to screen DNA ploidy levels in 302 populations (3296 individuals) and the genetic variation of a selection of 25 populations was examined using microsatellite and AFLP markers. Environmental (landscape and climatic) data were analyzed to assess ecological differentiation between the cytotypes. • KEY RESULTS A parapatric distribution of the cytotypes with a relatively wide (over 100 km in some regions) secondary contact zone was identified. Mixed-ploidy populations, documented for the first time in this species, as well as triploid individuals were found along the diploid-tetraploid borderline. Different climatic requirements of the two main cytotypes were revealed, mirrored in their altitudinal separation. The tetraploids were genetically differentiated from both the diploids and the modeled, in silico autotetraploid genotypes, in accordance with the assumed polyploid origin and spread linked to past glaciations, and largely independent evolution in allopatry. • CONCLUSIONS The observed spatial and genetic patterns likely reflect the evolutionary and colonization history of the two cytotypes and have been maintained by multiple factors such as ecological divergence, limited gene flow between the cytotypes, and the restricted dispersal capacity.
IPM-CPR for peaches: incorporating behaviorally-based methods to manage Halyomorpha halys and key pests in peach.

BACKGROUND The invasive brown marmorated stink bug, Halyomorpha halys (Stål) (Hemiptera: Pentatomidae), has emerged as a key pest in mid-Atlantic peach production. Current management of H. halys has disrupted IPM programs by relying exclusively on frequent, repeated, season-long insecticide applications. We developed a behaviorally-based tactic termed IPM-CPR (Crop Perimeter Restructuring) that utilizes border sprays for H. halys, groundcover management for Lygus lineolaris (Palisot de Beauvois) (Hemiptera: Miridae) and mating disruption for Grapholita molesta (Busck) (Lepidoptera: Tortricidae). RESULTS IPM-CPR reduced insecticide usage by 25-61%. Generally there was less, and at times significantly less, catfacing injury (attributable to H. halys) in peaches in the IPM-CPR blocks relative to the standard, and minimal differences in injury due to G. molesta or L. lineolaris. These results suggest that perimeter applications of insecticides exploit the border-arrestment behavior of H. halys by controlling them at the orchard edge, reducing damage throughout the block. CONCLUSION IPM-CPR significantly reduces the area managed by growers for control of H. halys, while simultaneously managing key pests at levels equal to current grower standard practices. This approach brings IPM tactics back into the orchard system after disruption by the invasive H. halys and potentially supports beneficial insects.
Epidemiological Study of Toxocar canis in Children under 14-Years-Old and Dogs in Zabol and Chabahar Districts, Southeast of Iran

Background: The purpose of this study was seroepidemiological and parasitological assessment of Toxocara canis infection in children and dogs in Zabol and Chabahar, Iran. Methods: This study was a descriptive-analytic study with a simple random sampling of children under 14 yr old, referring to urban, rural, and tribal laboratories of Zabol and Chabahar, Sistan and Baluchestan Province, Iran in 2016. Demographic data, clinical, and laboratory conditions of patients were collected through interviews, questionnaires, and blood count measuring. The prevalence of IgG antibodies against T. canis was assessed by ELISA. T. canis eggs in dogs (as the original host) were also assessed by examining animal feces. Then the data were analyzed using SPSS 19 software and descriptive statistics, chi-square and ANOVA statistical tests. Results: Totally, 364 patients were enrolled, of which 51.6% were female and mean±SD age of participants was 7.2 (±3.7) yr. IgG antibodies against T. canis was observed in 3.8% of cases. A significant association was found between the seroprevalence of T. canis and eosinophil (P=0.003) and red blood cell count (P=0.04). We also found a significant association between serological prevalence of T. canis and demographic parameters, such as city of residence (P=0.003), gender (P=0.04), consumption of vegetables (P=0.01), and the living place (P=0.04). Mean antibody titration was 2.2 ±1.1, with statistically significant difference among age groups (P=0.001). In addition, T. canis infection was positive in 27.5% of dogs living in the study areas. Conclusion: High risk of infection represented in patients referring to laboratories of Zabol and Chabahar. In addition, given the fact that dogs are the final hosts to transfer Toxocara infection to humans, this study emphasizes the need to control the population of stray dogs in the region to prevent the development of disease in the human society.
Prevalence and Incidence of Autism Spectrum Disorders Among National Health Insurance Enrollees in Taiwan from 1996 to 2005

The authors used a national database to examine the prevalence and incidence of autism spectrum disorders. The National Health Research Institute provided a database of 1 000 000 random participants for study. A population-based sample of 372 642 aged younger than 18 was obtained as a dynamic cohort. Those study participants who had at least one service claim from 1996 to 2005 with a principal diagnosis of autism spectrum disorders were identified. The cumulative prevalence of autism spectrum disorders increased from 1.79 to 28.72 per 10 000 from 1996 to 2005. The annual incidence of autism spectrum disorders increased from 0.91 to 4.41 per 10 000 per year from 1997 to 2005. Higher incidence was detected in the 0 to 5 age group, in males, and in those who lived in northern, southern, and eastern regions and urban areas. Our findings suggest increases in the prevalence and incidence of treated autism spectrum disorders in Taiwan.
Mortality During the First Year of Potent Antiretroviral Therapy in HIV-1-Infected Patients in 7 Sites Throughout Latin America and the Caribbean

Background:Although nearly 2 million people live with HIV in Latin America and the Caribbean, mortality rates after initiation of highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) have not been well described. Methods:Five thousand one hundred fifty-two HIV-infected, antiretroviral-naive adults from clinics in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Haiti, Honduras, Mexico, and Peru starting HAART during 1996-2007 were included. First-year mortality rates and their association with demographics, regimen, baseline CD4, and clinical stage were assessed. Results:Overall 1-year mortality rate was 8.3% [95% confidence interval (CI): 7.6% to 9.1%], although variable across sites: 2.6%, 3.7%, 6.0%, 13.0%, 10.8%, 3.5%, and 9.8% for clinics in Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Haiti, Honduras, Mexico, and Peru, respectively. Eighty percent of deaths occurred within the first 6 months. Median baseline CD4 was 107 cells per milliliter, ranging from 79 (Peru) to 163 (Argentina). Mortality estimates adjusting for CD4 were similar across sites (1.1%-2.8% for CD4 = 200), except for Haiti, 7.5%, and Honduras, 7.0%. Death was associated with lower CD4 [adjusted hazard ratio for CD4 = 200 vs. CD4 = 50 was 0.58; 95% CI: 0.40 to 0.85] and clinical AIDS (hazard ratio = 3.1; 95% CI: 2.1 to 4.5). Conclusions:Mortality rates were similar to those reported elsewhere for resource-limited settings. Disease stage at HAART initiation, treatment eligibility criteria, program age, and background mortality rates may explain some variability in prognosis between sites.
Therapeutic drug monitoring of cyclosporine microemulsion in patients with corticosteroid-resistant systemic lupus erythematosus

Abstract Objectives. We retrospectively examined how the cyclosporine-A (CSA) microemulsion administration mode affected blood CSA levels, as well as how the dose and blood levels of CSA affected its therapeutic effect against systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Methods. We calculated the area under the blood concentration time curve (AUC) of CSA in 16 patients with corticosteroid-resistant SLE, and analyzed its correlation with CSA levels at the blood sampling time points to investigate the optimum monitoring and dosing regimen. Results. The blood CSA level peaked at 2 h after administration (C2) in all patients. AUC0-6, which most markedly reflects the immunosuppressive effect, significantly correlated with C2 (R2 = 0.905), but not with the trough (C0). In concentration/dose ratio (C/D) of CSA, C2/D level was significantly higher when administered once daily before breakfast than when administered in the divided dose after meals (R2 = 0.355, P = 0.015), but not C0/D. During the 6-month follow-up, the CSA C2 tended to correlate with improvement in SLE disease activity index 2000 (R2 = 0.633, P = 0.067). Conclusions. The treatment with a single dose of CSA before breakfast, followed by monitoring of C2, may be useful for improving the therapeutic effect in patients with corticosteroid-resistant SLE.
Sudden unexpected death in infancy in Denmark

Abstract Background. Incidence of sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI) and sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) differs among studies and non-autopsied cases are difficult to assess. Objectives. To investigate causes of sudden death in infancy in a nationwide setting. Validate the use of the ICD-10 code for SIDS (R95) in the Danish Cause of Death registry. Design. A retrospective analysis of all infant deaths (< 1 year of age) in Denmark in 2000–2006. All death certificates and autopsy reports were read. Results. We identified 192 SUDI cases (10% of total deaths, 0.42 per 1000 births) with autopsy performed in 87% of cases. In total, 49% of autopsied SUDI cases were defined as SIDS (5% of all deaths, 0.22 per 1000 births); Cardiac cause of death was denoted in 24% of cases. The Danish Cause of Death Registry misclassified 30% of SIDS cases. Conclusions. A large proportion of infant deaths are SUDI, and the majority of these are caused by cardiac disease or SIDS. Autopsy is not always performed and valuable information is subsequently lost. Cause of Death registry data is not accurate in describing SIDS.