Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Paraproteinemia After Hematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation

The frequency and clinical significance of paraproteinemia in patients receiving hematopoietic stem cell (HSC) transplants were assessed. Of 66 patients with hematologic malignancies, excluding multiple myeloma who received an allogeneic or autologous HSC transplant, paraproteins were detected in 12 patients using immunoelectrophoresis. None of the patients showed paraproteinemia before HSC transplantation. The class of paraproteins most commonly seen was IgG. In 9 of these 12 patients (75%), a paraprotein was detected continuously after HSC transplantation for an average duration of 464 days, while others demonstrated a transient appearance of the protein. Paraproteinemia after HSC transplantation was not related to the stem cell source, (allograft vs. autograft), age, gender, viral infection and graft-vs.-host disease (GVHD). None of the patients developed plasma cell dyscrasia after the appearance of the paraprotein, while 1 patient developed secondary acute lymphoblastic leukemia. These findings indicate that paraproteinemia after HSC transplantation may be caused by an aberrant immune reconstitution after both allogeneic and autologous HSC transplantation. A long-term follow-up of patients with paraproteinemia after HSC transplantation is needed to confirm this finding in a larger series of patients.
[Loss of imprinting of IGF2 in cord blood of newborns of Chinese Han population].

OBJECTIVE To study the imprinting status of IGF2 and phenotypes of loss of imprinting (LOI) in cord blood of neonates of Chinese Han population and to investigate relative factors to LOI. METHODS Cord blood of 1010 Chinese Han newborns were collected and the imprinting status of IGF2 was detected by reverse transcription-PCR(RT-PCR) and restriction fragment length polymorphism.The relationships between LOI and fetal growth indices, features of parents and grandparents, clinical characteristics were analyzed. RESULTS Of all cases, 42.8% (432/1010) were heterozygous for a polymorphism of Apa I site in exon 9 of IGF2, while 21.6%(66/306) displayed IGF2 LOI. Maternal factors including average age, gestational age, BMI pre-pregnancy, weight gain during pregnancy and the level of HB, HCT, and other indices of biochemistry in their second and third trimester were not correlated with LOI expression. However in newborns with fathers older than 35 yrs, 31.7%(19/60) displayed LOI, which was significantly more common than that in newborns with younger fathers (P< 0.05, chi square is 4.69). There were no difference in birth weight (BW) between normal imprinting and LOI groups. But if the newborn's weights were in 2500-2999 g, LOI was 6.25%(2/32), which was significantly lower than that in 3000 g group (P< 0.05, chi square is 4.89). In groups with BW being less than 2500 g and more than/equal to 4000 g, the LOI newborn's blood glucose was decreased significantly after 2 hrs (P< 0.01, t is 7.47 and 10.9). CONCLUSION In newborns of Chinese Han population, 21.6% showed IGF2 LOI in cord blood. IGF2 LOI may have some influences on fetal growth. Paternal age is associated with LOI.
Gaussian mixture models for detection of autism spectrum disorders (ASD) in magnetic resonance imaging

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) is a complex neurological condition characterized by a triad of signs: stereotyped behaviors, verbal and non-verbal communication problems. The scientific community has been interested on quantifying anatomical brain alterations of this disorder. Several studies have focused on measuring brain cortical and sub-cortical volumes. This article presents a fully automatic method which finds out differences among patients diagnosed with autism and control patients. After the usual pre-processing, a template (MNI152) is registered to an evaluated brain which becomes then a set of regions. Each of these regions is the represented by the normalized histogram of intensities which is approximated by mixture of Gaussian (GMM). The gray and white matter are separated to calculate the mean and standard deviation of each Gaussian. These features are then used to train, region per region, a binary SVM classifier. The method was evaluated in an adult population aged from 18 to 35 years, from the public database Autism Brain Imaging Data Exchange (ABIDE). Highest discrimination values were found for the Right Middle Temporal Gyrus, with an Area Under the Curve (AUC) of the Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) the curve of 0.72.
The physical demands of elite English rugby union

Abstract The aim of this study was to assess the physical demands of elite English rugby union match-play. Player movements were captured by five distributed video cameras and then reconstructed on a two-dimensional plane representing the pitch. Movements based on speeds were categorized as standing, walking, jogging, and medium-intensity running (low-intensity activity), and high-intensity running, sprinting, and static exertion (scrummaging, rucking, mauling, and tackling) (high-intensity activity). Position groups were defined as forwards (tight and loose) and backs (inside and outside). Backs travelled more total distance than forwards (6127 m, s = 724 vs. 5581 m, s = 692; P < 0.05) and greater distances in walking (2351 m, s = 287 vs. 1928 m, s = 2342; P < 0.001) and high-intensity running (448 m, s = 149 vs. 298 m, s = 107; P < 0.05). Forwards performed more high-intensity activity than backs (9:09 min:s, s = 1:39 vs. 3:04 min:s, s = 1:01; P < 0.001), which was attributable to more time spent in static exertion (7:56 min:s, s = 1:56 vs. 1:18 min:s, s = 0:30; P < 0.001), although backs spent more time in high-intensity running (0:52 min:s, s = 0:19 vs. 1:19 min:s, s = 0:26; P = 0.004). Players travelled a greater distance in the first 10 min compared with 50–60 and 70–80 min, but there was no difference in the amount of high-intensity activity performed during consecutive 10-min periods during match-play. These results show the differing physical demands between forwards and backs with no evident deterioration in high-intensity activity performed during match-play.
The Antimicrobial Activity of the Essential Oil of Salvia officinalis Harvested in Boumerdes

 Abstract — The Algeria by its location offers a rich and diverse vegetation. A large number of aromatic and medicinal plants grow spontaneously. The interest in these plants has continued to grow in recent years. Their particular properties due to the essential oil fraction can be utilized to treat microbial infections. To this end, and in the context of the valuation of the Algerian flora, we became interested in the species of the family Lamiaceae which is one of the most used as a global source of spices. The plant on which we have based our choice is a species of sage "Salvia officinalis " from the Isser localized region within the province of Boumerdes. This work focuses on the study of the antimicrobial activity of essential oil extracted from the leaves of Salvia officinalis . The extraction is carried out by essential oil hydrodistillation and reveals a yield of 1.06 ℅ . The study of the antimicrobial activity of the essential oil by the method of at aromatogramme shown that Gram positive bacteria are most susceptible ( Staphylococcus aureus and Bacillus subtilis) with a strong inhibition of growth. The yeast Candida albicans fungus Aspergillus niger and have shown moderately sensitive.
The impact of R&D programme success on the decision to capitalise development expenditures in European firms

ABSTRACT The financial reporting treatment of R&D expenditures can have important implications for firms’ strategic investment in R&D. Yet, financial reporting issues have been largely neglected in the R&D management literature. In this study, we first hypothesise that firms’ capitalisation of development expenditures subsequent to the mandatory adoption of IAS 38 (International Accounting Standard 38: Intangible Assets) is positively and significantly impacted by a measure of R&D programme success. Our empirical findings – based on a pan-European sample of firms – reveal strong support for this prediction. Our findings also offer support for our second hypothesis which predicts that capitalisation of development expenditures in conjunction with an evaluation of R&D programme success has a positive and significant impact on growth in shareholder value. Consequently, our work suggests that an important challenge for R&D professionals within firms is to develop improved measures of R&D success and to communicate this information to senior executives.
UST Research Online UST Research Online

Purpose – Much of the practitioner literature touts the universal beneﬁts of process management and its impact on operational performance. However, in academic literature, empirical evidence is mixed. The purpose of this study is to investigate the role of the competitive intensity on the effectiveness of process management. Design/methodology/approach – Survey data from manufacturing plants were collected from through a global research project. Regression analysis was used to test hypotheses. Findings – The inﬂuence of process design on efﬁciency and innovation performance is not dependent on competitive intensity; however, the impact of process improvement and process control on efﬁciency and innovation performance is in some instances moderated by competitive intensity. Research limitations/implications – The inclusion of competitive intensity as a contingency variable helps to explain the contextual impact of process management on efﬁciency and innovation. Practical implications – Process management can be an effective tool if the levels of process design, control, and improvement are customized to ﬁt with the competitive environment. Originality/value – This is one of the few studies to empirically examine process management as three core elements. Previous studies utilized a single construct of process management or multiple manufacturing practices such as customer/supplier involvement, statistical quality control, process focus, and cross-functional teams to measure process management. Using this measurement approach demonstrates how process management can inﬂuence both efﬁciency and innovation.
Dysregulation of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21WAF1/CIP1/MDA6 increases the susceptibility of human leukemia cells (U937) to 1-beta-D-arabinofuranosylcytosine-mediated mitochondrial dysfunction and apoptosis.

The effects of dysregulation of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21WAF1/CIP1 on the apoptotic response of U937 monocytic leukemia cells to 1-beta-D-arabinofuranosylcytosine (ara-C) were examined. After a 6-h exposure to 1 microM ara-C, cells stably transfected with a p21WAF1/CIP1 antisense construct were significantly more sensitive to the induction of classic apoptotic morphology, DNA fragmentation, caspase-3 activation, poly(ADP-ribose) polymerase degradation, and underphosphorylation of the retinoblastoma protein (pRb) than their empty-vector counterparts. Enhanced susceptibility of antisense-expressing cells to ara-C was accompanied by a corresponding reduction in clonogenic and suspension culture growth. The increased sensitivity of these cells to ara-C-mediated lethality could not be attributed to cytokinetic perturbations, nor did ara-CTP formation or (ara-C)DNA incorporation differ significantly between the cell lines. Moreover, synchronization of p21 antisense-expressing cells in S-phase by aphidicolin block resulted in a further increase in ara-C-mediated apoptosis, suggesting enhanced drug sensitivity of the S-phase cell fraction. After exposure to ara-C, p21 antisense-expressing cells displayed a greater decline in mitochondrial membrane potential (deltapsi(m)) and generation of reactive oxygen species than their empty-vector counterparts, as well as early potentiation (e.g., within 2-4 h) of cytochrome c release into the cytosolic S-100 fraction. Lastly, ara-C-mediated increases in mitogen-activated protein kinase activity over basal levels were attenuated in p21 antisense-expressing cells. Collectively, these findings indicate that dysregulation of the cyclin-dependent kinase inhibitor p21WAF1/CIP1 increases the susceptibility of U937 human leukemia cells to ara-C-related lethality, and this phenomenon occurs as a relatively early event that is independent of cell cycle or pharmacodynamic factors and is associated with mitochondrial perturbations implicated in activation of the apoptotic protease cascade.
Influence of region and lactation period on DDT and lindan content in mares' milk from Poland.

Milk samples were collected from 2000 to 2001, between 7 th to 180 th d of lactation from mares differing in age and the number of lactations. The content of DDT and HCH was determined by gas chromatography with electron capture detection. It was confirmed that mare’s milk was contaminated with various amounts of hazardous residues of DDT and its metabolites, probably depending on stud localisation.
tRNAs in Trypanosoma brucei: Genomic Organization, Expression, and Mitochondrial Import

ABSTRACT The mitochondrial genome of Trypanosoma brucei does not encode tRNAs. Consequently, all mitochondrial tRNAs are imported from the cytosol and originate from nucleus-encoded genes. Analysis of all currently available T. brucei sequences revealed that its genome carries 50 tRNA genes representing 40 different isoacceptors. The identified set is expected to be nearly complete since all but four codons are accounted for. The number of tRNA genes in T. brucei is very low for a eukaryote and lower than those of many prokaryotes. Using quantitative Northern analysis we have determined the absolute abundance in the cell and the mitochondrion of a group of 15 tRNAs specific for 12 amino acids. Except for the initiator type tRNAMet, which is cytosol specific, the cytosolic and the mitochondrial sets of tRNAs were qualitatively identical. However, the extent of mitochondrial localization was variable for the different tRNAs, ranging from 1 to 7.5% per cell. Finally, by using transgenic cell lines in combination with quantitative Northern analysis it was shown that import of tRNALeu(CAA) is independent of its 5′-genomic context, suggesting that the in vivo import substrate corresponds to the mature, fully processed tRNA.
Correlated Template-Switching Events during Minus-Strand DNA Synthesis: a Mechanism for High Negative Interference during Retroviral Recombination

ABSTRACT Two models for the mechanism of retroviral recombination have been proposed: forced copy choice (minus-strand recombination) and strand displacement-assimilation (plus-strand recombination). Each minus-strand recombination event results in one template switch, whereas each plus-strand recombination event results in two template switches. Recombinant proviruses with one and more than one template switches were previously observed. Recombinants with one template switch were generated by minus-strand recombination, while recombinants containing more than one template switch may have been generated by plus-strand recombination or by correlated minus-strand recombination. We recently observed that retroviral recombination exhibits high negative interference whereby the frequency of recombinants containing multiple template-switching events is higher than expected. To delineate the mechanism that generates recombinants with more than one template switch, we devised a system that permits only minus-strand recombination. Two highly homologous vectors, WH204 and WH221, containing eight different restriction site markers were used. The primer binding site (PBS) of WH221 was deleted; although reverse transcription cannot initiate from WH221 RNA, it can serve as a template for DNA synthesis in heterozygotic virions. After one round of retroviral replication, the structures of the recombinant proviruses were examined. Recombinants containing two, three, four, and five template switches were observed at 1.4-, 10-, 65-, and 50-fold-higher frequencies, respectively, than expected. This indicates that minus-strand recombination events are correlated and can generate proviruses with multiple template switches efficiently. The frequencies of recombinants containing multiple template switches were similar to those observed in the previous system, which allowed both minus- and plus-strand recombination. Thus, the previously reported high negative interference during retroviral recombination can be caused by correlated template switches during minus-strand DNA synthesis. In addition, all examined recombinants contained an intact PBS, indicating that most of the plus-strand DNA transfer occurs after completion of the strong-stop DNA.
Altered copper status in adult men with cystic fibrosis.

OBJECTIVES To measure indices of copper status in adult men with cystic fibrosis (CF). A previous study in children showed changes in copper homeostasis compared to controls. This study was designed to investigate whether this observation persisted into adulthood. METHODS This was a case-control age-matched study using seven men with CF and six healthy men. Blood samples were drawn into metal free tubes and fractionated into plasma, polymorphonuclear cells, mononuclear cells and erythrocytes. Cell fractions were assayed for copper and CuZn-superoxide dismutase; plasma was assayed for ceruloplasmin. RESULTS The men with cystic fibrosis had significantly greater plasma copper and ceruloplasmin activity, yet had significantly lower copper-zinc superoxide dismutase activity in mononuclear and polymorphonuclear cells. Furthermore, the mononuclear cells of the cystic fibrosis subjects had about 45% percent less copper-zinc superoxide dismutase protein. Cellular copper levels were not statistically different between the two groups. A significant correlation was found between lung function and copper-zinc superoxide dismutase activity in the polymorphonuclear cells. Iron status was normal. CONCLUSIONS The results indicate that individuals with cystic fibrosis have altered copper distribution compared to control individuals. Some aspects are characteristic of an inflammatory response; however, other measures suggest that copper homeostasis may be abnormal. It is not known whether the deviation in copper homeostasis in these individuals is a result of poor copper absorption, inadequate dietary intake, a result of their chronic inflammation or a direct effect due to the defect in ion transport caused by the disease. However, this research suggests that the severity of the disease and the activity of a copper dependent enzyme may be related. Further work will be necessary to determine the cause of the abnormal copper homeostasis and whether correcting it has any bearing on the course of the disease.
Polyunsaturated fatty acids and type 2 diabetes: Impact on the glycemic control mechanism

ABSTRACT There is a growing mortality related to co-morbidities associated with diabetes mellitus. Intake of polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFA) has been associated with low cardiometabolic risk and reduction of inflammatory process. The objective of this paper is to review the impact of PUFA intake on glycemic control in diabetic patients as well as to elucidate the possible mechanisms involved. Medline/PubMed electronic database was searched to identify studies published within last five years regarding the effect of PUFA intake on glucose metabolism in type 2 diabetics. The search terms used were “polyunsaturated fatty acid(s),” “PUFA,” and “diabetes. ” We included only interventional studies that assessed the effects of PUFA intake on glucose metabolism – fasting glucose, serum insulin, HbA1c, and HOMA-IR assessment– in type 2 diabetics. Initially, 48 articles were identified, of which one was not available and 41 did not match the inclusion criteria. Within the selected studies, three articles showed an improvement in fasting blood glucose, two showed an increase in fasting glycemia, and there was no effect of intervention in one article only. Based on the analyzed clinical interventional studies, supplementation of 0.42–5.2-g PUFA/day for at least eight weeks may become an alternative treatment for type 2 diabetes mellitus, particularly in Asian subjects.
Use of High-Flow Nasal Cannula Oxygen Therapy to Prevent Desaturation During Tracheal Intubation of Intensive Care Patients With Mild-to-Moderate Hypoxemia*

Objectives:Tracheal intubation of ICU patients is frequently associated with severe hypoxemia. Although noninvasive ventilation reduces desaturation during intubation of severely hypoxemic patients, it does not allow for per-procedure oxygenation and has not been evaluated in mild-to-moderate hypoxemic patients for whom high-flow nasal cannula oxygen may be an alternative. We sought to compare pre- and per-procedure oxygenation with either a nonrebreathing bag reservoir facemask or a high-flow nasal cannula oxygen during tracheal intubation of ICU patients. Design:Prospective quasi-experimental before-after study (ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT01699880). Setting:University hospital medico-surgical ICU. Patients:All adult patients requiring tracheal intubation in the ICU were eligible. Interventions:In the control (before) period, preoxygenation was performed with a nonrebreathing bag reservoir facemask and in the change of practice (after) period, with high-flow nasal cannula oxygen. Measurements and Main Results:Primary outcome was median lowest SpO2 during intubation, and secondary outcomes were SpO2 after preoxygenation and number of patients with saturation less than 80%. One hundred one patients were included. Median lowest SpO2 during intubation were 94% (83–98.5) with the nonrebreathing bag reservoir facemask versus 100% (95–100) with high-flow nasal cannula oxygen (p < 0.0001). SpO2 values at the end of preoxygenation were higher with high-flow nasal cannula oxygen than with nonrebreathing bag reservoir facemask and were correlated with the lowest SpO2 reached during the intubation procedure (r = 0.38, p < 0.0001). Patients in the nonrebreathing bag reservoir facemask group experienced more episodes of severe hypoxemia (2% vs 14%, p = 0.03). In the multivariate analysis, preoxygenation with high-flow nasal cannula oxygen was an independent protective factor of the occurrence of severe hypoxemia (odds ratio, 0.146; 95% CI, 0.01–0.90; p = 0.037). Conclusions:High-flow nasal cannula oxygen significantly improved preoxygenation and reduced prevalence of severe hypoxemia compared with nonrebreathing bag reservoir facemask. Its use could improve patient safety during intubation.