Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Use of hepatitis B core antibody‐positive donors in recipients without evidence of hepatitis B infection: A survey of current practice in the United States

Because of the current organ shortage, some liver transplant programs have begun to accept marginal organs that previously would have been rejected. An example is the use of donors with evidence of past hepatitis B virus (HBV) infection. To gain insight into the use of hepatitis B core antibody‐positive (anti‐HBc+) donor livers in recipients without evidence of HBV infection, we conducted a survey. Surveys consisting of 12 multiple‐choice questions were sent to all 110 liver transplant programs across the United States in mid‐2001, and 56 of 110 surveys (51%) could be evaluated. Overall, 32 of 56 programs (57%) indicated they would transplant an anti‐HBc+ liver into a recipient without serological evidence of HBV infection. Of those who would accept an anti‐HBc+ liver, 16 of 27 respondents (59%) indicated knowledge of HBV DNA status would change their protocol; 46% of these respondents would decrease prophylaxis if HBV DNA was negative, 27% would increase prophylaxis if HBV DNA was positive, and 27% would not accept the liver if HBV DNA was positive. Conversely, 9 of 28 respondents (32%) who would not accept an anti‐HBc+ liver stated that knowing HBV DNA status would change their protocol in that they might consider accepting livers if HBV DNA was negative. In conclusion, as of mid‐2001, of transplant medical directors in the United States who responded to our survey, 57% would accept an anti‐HBc+ donor liver for an HBV‐naïve recipient. Treatment protocols for using these organs varied. Knowledge about HBV DNA status of the donor and/or liver would greatly influence prophylaxis for those accepting anti‐HBc+ donor livers.
Calcium permeation of the turtle hair cell mechanotransducer channel and its relation to the composition of endolymph

1 Recordings of mechanoelectrical transducer currents were combined with calcium imaging of hair bundles in turtle auditory hair cells located near the high‐frequency end of the cochlea. The external face of the hair bundles was perfused with a range of Ca2+ concentrations to study the quantitative relationship between Ca2+ influx and transducer adaptation. 2 With Na+ as the monovalent ion, the peak amplitude of the transducer current decreased monotonically as the external [Ca2+] was raised from 25 μM to 20 mM. When Na+ was replaced with the impermeant Tris the transducer current increased with external [Ca2+]. These results indicate that Ca2+ can both permeate and block the transducer channels. The Ca2+ concentration for half‐block of the monovalent current was 1 mM. 3 To quantify the Ca2+ influx, the fraction of transducer current carried by Ca2+ was measured using the change in bundle fluorescence in cells loaded with 1 mM Calcium Green‐1. The fluorescence change was calibrated by substituting an impermeable monovalent ion to render Ca2+ the sole charge carrier. 4 In the presence of Na+, the fractional Ca2+ current was ≈10 % in 50 μM Ca2+, a concentration similar to that in endolymph, which bathes the hair bundles in vivo. The amount of Ca2+ entering was dependent on the identity of the monovalent ion, and was larger with K+, suggesting that the transducer channel is a multi‐ion pore. 5 Over a range of ionic conditions, the rate of transducer adaptation was proportional to Ca2+ influx indicating that adaptation is driven by a rise in intracellular [Ca2+]. 6 Shifts in the current‐displacement function along the displacement axis in different external Ca2+ concentrations were predictable from variation in the resting Ca2+ influx. We suggest that changes in the resting open probability of the transducer channels adjust the entry of Ca2+ to keep its concentration constant at an internal site. 7 The results demonstrate that endolymph containing high K+, 50 μM Ca2+ and low Mg2+ concentrations, maximizes the transducer current while still allowing sufficient Ca2+ entry to drive adaptation. The hair cell mechanotransducer channel, in its permeation and block by Ca2+, shows behaviour similar to the voltage‐gated Ca2+ channel and the cyclic nucleotide‐gated channel.
Compliance To and Knowledge of Anti-Hypertensive Therapy amongst Hypertensive Patients Attending Lagos University Teaching Hospital (Luth), Idi-Araba, Lagos, Nigeria.

Abstarct: Good knowledge and compliant to antihypertensive therapy can have a positive effect on high blood pressure control. The objective of this study is to assess compliance to and knowledge of antihypertensive therapy amongst outpatient’s attending the hypertensive clinic of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital, IdiAraba, Lagos. This descriptive cross-sectional study on out-patients attending the hypertension clinic of LUTH, was conducted from the16 th June to 20 th July, 2012. Multistage sampling technique was utilized to select the calculated minimum sample size of 282 (133 males and 149 females). A validated questionnaire by Morisky Green was modified to suite the study, pretested and self administered by two (2) trained medical personnel (nurses). Collected data was entered, cleaned and analyzed using Epi-Info version 2007 statistical software. Up to 252(96.18%) of the hypertensive patients showed good knowledge of anti-hypertensive therapy while only 10(3.82%) had poor knowledge. Majority 196 (74.81%) of the respondents were not compliant to antihypertensive treatment while only 66(25.19%) complied. Poor compliance was found to be mainly due to forgetfulness 188(71.76%) and non-availability of drugs in respondent’s place of domicile 136(51.91%). There was relationship between sex, religion, education and knowledge of respondents to hypertensive therapy. Significant association was found between knowledge of hypertensive therapy and forgetfulness. There was a significant association between forgetfulness and poor compliance 14.8(3.9-54.8). Good knowledge of antihypertensive therapy has not significantly improved compliance to antihypertensive therapy thereby leading to low healthcare outcome. Keyword: Antihypertensive therapy, Compliant, Hypertension, Knowledge.
MAPK/FoxA2-mediated cigarette smoke-induced squamous metaplasia of bronchial epithelial cells

Objective To explore the effect of cigarette smoke (CS) on the development of squamous metaplasia in human airway epithelial cells and the role of MAPK- and FoxA2-signaling pathways in the process. Materials and methods In an in vitro study, we treated the bronchial epithelial cell line BEAS2B with CS extract, followed by treatment with the ERK inhibitor U0126, the JNK inhibitor SP600125, or the p38 inhibitor SB203580. In vivo, we used a CS-induced rat model. After treatment with CS with or without MAPK inhibitors for 90 days, lung tissues were harvested. p-ERK, p-p38 and p-JNK protein levels in cells and lung tissue were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, mRNA- and protein-expression profiles of FoxA2, E-cadherin, CD44, and ZO1 were measured using quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction and Western blotting, respectively, and morphological changes in bronchial epithelial cells were observed using lung-tissue staining. Results In both the in vitro and in vivo studies, phosphorylation of the ERK1/2, JNK, and p38 proteins was significantly increased (P<0.05) and mRNA and protein expression of E-cadherin and FoxA2 significantly decreased (P<0.05) compared with the control group. ERK, JNK, and p38 inhibitors reversed the CS-extract-induced changes in E-cadherin, CD44, and ZO1 mRNA and protein expression (P<0.05), decreased p-ERK, p-p38, and p-JNK protein levels in cells and lung tissue, suppressed bronchial epithelial hyperplasia and local squamous metaplasia, and decreased FoxA2 expression. Conclusion MAPK and FoxA2 mediate CS-induced squamous metaplasia. MAPK inhibitors upregulate FoxA2, resulting in a reduction in the degree of squamous metaplasia.
Treatment outcomes by drug resistance and HIV status among tuberculosis patients in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam.

OBJECTIVE To assess the combined effects of drug resistance, HIV infection and treatment regimen on treatment outcomes of smear-positive tuberculosis patients in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam. METHODS A representative sample of patients diagnosed in 1998-2000 in 12 urban districts was offered HIV testing and submitted sputum for Mycobacterium tuberculosis culture and drug susceptibility testing. New patients were treated with 2SHRZ/6HE in nine districts and with 2SHRZ/4RH in three districts. RESULTS The cure rate was 87% (1240/1430) among new patients compared to only 73% (287/391) among previously treated patients. Failure was associated with multidrug resistance (adjusted odds ratios [aOR] 49.6 and 16.6, respectively) and combined resistance to isoniazid (INH) and streptomycin (SM) (aOR 13.4 and 4.8), but not with HIV infection. New patients had an increased risk of failure on treatment with 2SHRZ/4RH compared to 2SHRZ/6HE if the isolate was resistant to INH and SM (aOR 2.8, P = 0.016). Death during treatment occurred in 15 of 50 HIV-infected patients (30%). Mortality was significantly associated with HIV infection (aOR 29.9), multidrug resistance (aOR 4.7) and other resistance to two or more drugs (aOR 2.1). CONCLUSION In Vietnam, adaptation of treatment regimens should be considered, and interventions are needed to reduce the high mortality among HIV-infected patients.
Impacts of Land Surface Model Complexity on a Regional Simulation of a Tropical Synoptic Event

Abstract A multimode Chameleon Surface Model (CHASM) with different levels of complexity in parameterizing surface energy balance is coupled to a limited-area model (DARLAM) to investigate the impacts of complexity in land surface representations on the model simulation of a tropical synoptic event. A low pressure system is examined in two sets of numerical experiments to discuss the following. (i) Does land surface parameterization influence regional numerical weather simulations? (ii) Can the complexity of land surface schemes in numerical models be represented by parameter tuning? The model-simulated tracks of the low pressure center do not, overall, show large sensitivity to the different CHASM modes coupled to the limited-area model. However, the landing position of the system, as one measurement of the track difference, can be influenced by several degrees in latitude and about one degree in longitude. Some of the track differences are larger than the intrinsic numerical noise in the model estimated.
Stable 5,6-Epoxyeicosatrienoic Acid Analog Relaxes Coronary Arteries Through Potassium Channel Activation

5,6-Epoxyeicosatrienoic acid (5,6-EET) is a cytochrome P450 epoxygenase metabolite of arachidonic acid that causes vasorelaxation. However, investigations of its role in biological systems have been limited by its chemical instability. We developed a stable agonist of 5,6-EET, 5-(pentadeca-3(Z),6(Z),9(Z)-trienyloxy)pentanoic acid (PTPA), in which the 5,6-epoxide was replaced with a 5-ether. PTPA obviates chemical and enzymatic hydrolysis. In bovine coronary artery rings precontracted with U46619, PTPA (1 nmol/L to 10 &mgr;mol/L) induced concentration-dependent relaxations, with maximal relaxation of 86±5% and EC50 of 1 &mgr;mol/L. The relaxations were inhibited by the cyclooxygenase inhibitor indomethacin (10 &mgr;mol/L; max relaxation 43±9%); the ATP-sensitive K+ channel inhibitor glybenclamide (10 &mgr;mol/L; max relaxation 49±6%); and the large conductance calcium-activated K+ channel inhibitor iberiotoxin (100 nmol/L; max relaxation 38±6%) and abolished by the combination of iberiotoxin with indomethacin or glybenclamide or increasing extracellular K+ to 20 mmol/L. Whole-cell outward K+ current was increased nearly 6-fold by PTPA (10 &mgr;mol/L), which was also blocked by iberiotoxin. Additionally, we synthesized 5-(pentadeca-6(Z),9(Z)-dienyloxy)pentanoic acid and 5-(pentadeca-3(Z),9(Z)-dienyloxy)pentanoic acid (PDPA), PTPA analogs that lack the 8,9 or 11,12 double bonds of arachidonic acid and therefore are not substrates for cyclooxygenase. The PDPAs caused concentration-dependent relaxations (max relaxations 46±13% and 52±7%, respectively; EC50 1&mgr;mol/L), which were not altered by glybenclamide but blocked by iberiotoxin. These studies suggested that PTPA induces relaxation through 2 mechanisms: (1) cyclooxygenase-dependent metabolism to 5-ether–containing prostaglandins that activate ATP-sensitive K+ channels and (2) activation of smooth muscle large conductance calcium-activated K+ channels. PDPAs only activate large conductance calcium-activated K+ channels.
Reported vs recorded sleep characteristics.

Twenty-one carefully screened normal Ss used to the sleep laboratory filled out sleep and dream logs both at home and after one or more nights in the laboratory. Subjective descriptions of sleep ordinarily associated with reports of "poor" sleep were related to transient episodes of wakefulness. In general, subjective sleep parameters appeared related to episodes of wakefulness rather than to other sleep stages. Abrupt as opposed to gradual awakenings from sleep favored REM period dream recall. Terminal as opposed to earlier REM periods tended to be associated with detailed rather than vague or no-content dream recall. Presleep tension favored longer sleep latencies, while unusual fatigue promoted transient intercurrent wakefulness. By a number of criteria, Ss appeared to sleep better at home than in the lab.
Squamous Cell and Basal Cell Carcinoma of the Skin in Relation to Radiation Therapy and Potential Modification of Risk by Sun Exposure

Background: Epidemiologic studies consistently find enhanced risk of basal cell carcinoma of the skin among individuals exposed to ionizing radiation, but it is unclear whether the radiation effect occurs for squamous cell carcinoma. It is also not known whether subgroups of individuals are at greater risk, eg, those with radiation sensitivity or high ultraviolet radiation exposure. Methods: We analyzed data from a case-control study of keratinocyte cancers in New Hampshire. Incident cases diagnosed in 1993–1995 and 1997–2000 were identified through a state-wide skin cancer surveillance system, and controls were identified through the Department of Transportation and Center for Medicare and Medicaid Service Files (n = 1121 basal cell carcinoma cases, 854 squamous cell carcinoma cases, and 1049 controls). Results: We found an association between history of radiation treatment and basal cell carcinoma. The association was especially strong for basal cell carcinomas arising within the radiation treatment field (odds ratio = 2.6; 95% confidence interval = 1.5–4.3), and among those treated with radiation therapy before age 20 (3.4; 1.8–6.4), those whose basal cell carcinomas occurred 40 or more years after radiation treatment (3.2; 1.8–5.8), and those treated with radiation for acne (11; 2.7–49). Similar age and time patterns of risk were observed for squamous cell carcinoma, although generally with smaller odds ratios. For basal cell carcinoma, early exposure to radiation treatment was a risk factor largely among those without a history of severe sunburns, whereas for squamous cell carcinoma, radiation treatment was a risk factor primarily among those with a sun-sensitive skin type (ie, a tendency to sunburn). Conclusions: Radiation treatment, particularly if experienced before age 20, seems to increase the long-term risk of both basal and squamous cell carcinomas of the skin. These risks may differ by sun exposure or host response to sunlight exposure.
Premature ovarian aging in primary infertility: Triple X syndrome

Genetic aberrations comprise one-third of women with premature ovarian aging (POA). X chromosome abnormalities are seen in these women. We report a case of a 29-year-old lady with primary infertility and POA. She was phenotypically normal and her basal follicle stimulating hormone level was above the age-specific cut-off. Karyotype was triple X syndrome.
Review of Problems of Adolescent Sexual Behavior and the Role of Millennium Development Goals 4, 5 and 6 in Nigeria

Introduction: The problems of adolescents’ sexual behavior are grave and far-reaching. Methods: Review of exiting literature via Google scholar, AJOL, Pubmed, HINARI and other relevant data bases on the common problems of adolescents’ inappropriate sexual behavior. Result: Adolescent sexual behavior could result in adolescent pregnancy which prevalence varies widely throughout Nigeria perhaps due to differences in culture and development. Abortion, the willful termination of pregnancy is another problem which is often undertaken for pregnancies resulting from incest and sexual abuse. Also common is trans-generational sex which occurs when an adolescent has non-marital sex in the last 12 months with a man who is at least 10 years older than her. Also related to this, is transactional sex found in both committed and casual relationships. It is not always done for survival because in some cultures, sex for favor is carried out for reasons other than subsistence. Furthermore, multiple sexual partners are the engagement in sex with more than one partner over a particular time frame. It may be sequential or concurrent. The high prevalence of these problems in Nigeria raises a question of the possibility of achieving the millennium development goals (MDGs) 4, 5 and 6 specifically targeted at reducing child mortality, improving maternal health and combating HIV/AIDS, malaria and other diseases respectively. Conclusion: Policies and strategies such as family life and HIV/AIDs education (FLHE) curriculum on adolescent reproductive health should be pursued with greater vigor in our secondary schools in addition to establishing HIV counseling centers and vocational training programs for out-of-school adolescents. WHO support and commitment to key action areas for countries and member states will build and strengthen their capacity to improve reproductive and sexual health.
Estradiol administration improves splanchnic perfusion following trauma-hemorrhage and sepsis.

HYPOTHESIS The female sex steroid 17beta-estradiol improves immune functions following trauma-hemorrhage in rodent models. Therefore, we hypothesized that 17beta-estradiol administration following trauma-hemorrhage would also improve cardiac output, splanchnic perfusion, and oxygen utilization, even after the induction of subsequent sepsis. SETTING A university laboratory. INTERVENTION Male rats underwent midline laparotomy (ie, soft tissue injury). They were bled to a mean arterial pressure of 35 to 40 mm Hg for 90 minutes and resuscitated over 60 minutes with lactated Ringer solution. At the beginning of resuscitation, 17beta-estradiol (l mg/kg) or a vehicle was administered. At 20 hours after resuscitation, polymicrobial sepsis was induced by cecal ligation and puncture (CLP). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES At 5 hours after CLP, cardiac performance (via a left ventricular catheter), cardiac output, and organ blood flow were determined using strontium 85 microspheres. Blood samples were collected from the femoral artery and jugular, portal, and renal veins to determine systemic and regional oxygen delivery and consumption. Moreover, circulating levels of 17beta-estradiol, its adrenal precursor dehydroepiandrosterone (DHEA), and corticosterone were assessed by enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay. RESULTS Hemorrhage and subsequent sepsis significantly depressed cardiac performance, cardiac output, organ perfusion, and oxygen consumption. Estrogen did not restore cardiac output or systemic oxygen consumption; nonetheless, it restored the depressed intestinal perfusion. Rats treated with estrogen had significantly elevated levels of plasma 17beta-estradiol, but the levels of DHEA or corticosterone were not affected. CONCLUSIONS The increase in gut perfusion could represent a potential mechanism for the salutary effects of 17beta-estradiol following trauma-hemorrhage. Because 17beta-estradiol improves systemic and intestinal perfusion after trauma-hemorrhage and induction of subsequent sepsis, this agent appears to be a promising adjunct for the treatment of trauma victims.
Primitive roots in algebraic number fields Research

We consider an analogue of Artin’s primitive root conjecture for units in real quadratic fields. Given such a nontrivial unit, for a rational prime p which is inert in the field. The maximal order of this unit modulo p is p+ 1. An extension of Artin’s conjecture is that there are infinitely many such inert primes for which this order is maximal. This is known at present only under the Generalized Riemann Hypothesis. Unconditionally, we show that for any choice of 7 units in different real quadratic fields satisfying a certain simple restriction, there is at least one which satisfies the above version of Artin’s conjecture. Likewise, we consider an analogue of Artin’s primitive root conjecture for nonunits in real quadratic fields. Given such an element, for a rational prime p which is inert in the field the maximal order of the unit modulo p is p − 1. As before, the extension of Artin’s conjecture is that there are infinitely many such inert primes for which this order is maximal. We show that out of any choice of 85 algebraic numbers satisfying a certain simple restriction, there is at least one which satisfies the above version of Artin’s conjecture. Gupta and Murty’s method to attack the former problems raises question regarding gcd (a − 1, b − 1) where a, b are multiplicatively independent rational positive integers. It is known that there are infinitely many integers n with ’big‘ gcd (a − 1, b − 1). We show the same property for gcd (a + 1, b + 1). By the principal method which we use for primitive roots we can obtain another result. Let `r(p) (`nr(p) respectively) denote the smallest prime which is quadratic residue (non-residue respectively) mod p, and z(x) any unbounded increasing real function. We show the known results of Erdös and Elliot with an elementary method, and generalize this result in the sense that the `r(p)’s (`nr(p)’s) can be chosen from a specific infinite set which fulfills a certain condition . Then, we present an interesting application of the proof technique of the result which relates to the former problem.
Antimicrobial Activity and Spectrum of PPI-0903M (T-91825), a Novel Cephalosporin, Tested against a Worldwide Collection of Clinical Strains

ABSTRACT PPI-0903M is a novel N-phosphono-type cephalosporin active against oxacillin-resistant staphylococci and many other gram-positive organisms. This study evaluated the in vitro activity and spectrum of PPI-0903M against 1,478 recent clinical isolates collected from 80 medical centers (22 countries). PPI-0903M demonstrated broader in vitro activity against gram-positive bacteria, particularly against multidrug-resistant staphylococci and streptococci of current clinical concern, than currently available extended-spectrum cephalosporins while maintaining similar activity against gram-negative pathogens.
A blind spectrum recovery algorithm for sparse wideband signals based on backtracking

This paper proposed a novel recovery algorithm for sparse wideband signals. Conventional recovery methods are mainly required the frequency support as a prior, or are based on some compressed sensing (CS) recovery algorithms, such as simultaneous orthogonal matching pursuit (SOMP), which identifies a single spectrum band one time, and couldn't refine the selected spectrum band that is wrong. The proposed algorithm adopts a backtracking strategy. In this strategy, the proposed algorithm can maintain the correct frequency supports and refine the wrong ones during next iteration. The expectation is that the recursive refinements of the estimate of the frequency support set will lead a higher success rate than SOMP. Simulation results demonstrate the proposed algorithm outperforms SOMP.