Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Ziconotide Infusion for Severe Chronic Pain: Case Series of Patients with Neuropathic Pain

Ziconotide intrathecal infusion was recently approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of intractable severe chronic pain. Patients with neuropathic pain make up a significant population among those who experience chronic pain for which there are less than optimal pharmacotherapeutic options. Published clinical trials provide a global view of ziconotide efficacy and safety. A subset of patients in clinical trials obtained complete pain relief, a remarkable finding given the history of drug treatment for neuropathic pain. To provide more information regarding those who respond to ziconotide therapy we discuss three patients with neuropathic pain who received ziconotide infusion. Two patients with longstanding neuropathic pain, one with complex regional pain syndrome (formerly known as reflex sympathetic dystrophy) of the leg and one with lumbar radiculitis, achieved temporary but complete pain relief from single 5‐ and 10‐μg epidural test doses. In the third case, a patient with longstanding bilateral leg and foot neuropathic pain from acquired immunodeficiency syndrome and antiretroviral drug therapy achieved considerable pain relief from a long‐term continuous intrathecal infusion. The patients who received a single dose had mild central nervous system adverse effects such as sedation, somnolence, nausea, headache, and lightheadedness. The patient who received the intrathecal infusion experienced mild‐to‐severe adverse effects depending on the rate of infusion; these effects included sedation, confusion, memory impairment, slurred speech, and double vision. This patient could sense impending adverse effects and made rate adjustments or suspended infusion to avert untoward symptoms. In all three cases, patients achieved considerable pain relief that was long‐lasting and persisted well after dose administration or suspension of infusion.
Outcome and toxicities associated to chemotherapy in children with acute lymphoblastic leukemia and Gilbert syndrome. Usefulness of UGT1A1 mutational screening

Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most frequent cancer in childhood. Although intensive chemotherapy has improved survival in those patients, important side effects, including hyperbilirubinemia, are frequent. Gilbert syndrome (GS) is a frequent condition that causes a reduction in glucuronidation and intermittent hyperbilirubinemia episodes. This could provoke a greater exposure to some cytotoxic agents used in ALL, increasing the risk of toxicity. On the other hand, unexplained hyperbilirubinemia could lead to unnecessary modifications or even treatment withdrawals, which could increase the risk of relapse, but data regarding this in ALL pediatric population are scarce.
Modeling and predict environmental indicators for land leveling using adaptive neuro-fuzzy inference system (ANFIS), and regression

Purpose The purpose of this paper is to develop three methods including artificial bee colony algorithm (ABC-ANN), regression and adaptive neural fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) to predict the environmental indicators for land leveling and to analysis the sensitivity of these parameters. Design/methodology/approach This paper develops three methods including artificial bee colony algorithm (ABC-ANN), regression and adaptive neural fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) to predict the environmental indicators for land leveling and to analysis the sensitivity of these parameters. So, several soil properties such as soil, cut/fill volume, soil compressibility factor, specific gravity, moisture content, slope, sand per cent and soil swelling index in energy consumption were investigated. A total of 90 samples were collected from three land areas with the selected grid size of (20 m × 20 m). Acquired data were used to develop accurate models for labor, energy (LE), fuel energy (FE), total machinery cost (TMC) and total machinery energy (TM). Findings By applying the three mentioned analyzing methods, the results of regression showed that, only three parameters of sand per cent, slope and soil, cut/fill volume had significant effects on energy consumption. All developed models (Regression, ANFIS and ABC-ANN) had satisfactory performance in predicting aforementioned parameters in various field conditions. The adaptive neural fuzzy inference system (ANFIS) has the most capability in prediction according to least RMSE and the highest R2 value of 0.0143, 0.9990 for LE. The ABC-ANN has the most capability in prediction of the environmental and energy parameters with the least RMSE and the highest R2 with the related values for TMC, FE and TME (0.0248, 0.9972), (0.0322, 0.9987) and (0.0161, 0.9994), respectively. Originality/value As land leveling with machines requires considerable amount of energy, optimizing energy consumption in land leveling operation is of a great importance. So, three approaches comprising: ABC-ANN, ANFIS as powerful and intensive methods and regression as a fast and simplex model have been tested and surveyed to predict the environmental indicators for land leveling and determine the best method. Hitherto, only a limited number of studies associated with energy consumption in land leveling have been done. In mentioned studies, energy was a function of the volume of excavation (cut/fill volume). Therefore, in this research, energy and cost of land leveling are functions of all the properties of the land including slope, coefficient of swelling, density of the soil, soil moisture, special weight and swelling index which will be thoroughly mentioned and discussed. In fact, predicting minimum cost of land leveling for field irrigation according to the field properties is the main goal of this research which is in direct relation with environment and weather pollution.
Lumbosacral ependymomas: a review of the management of intradural and extradural tumors.

OBJECT The goal of this study was to review the management of intra- and extradural ependymomas. Spinal ependymomas most commonly occur as intramedullary tumors throughout the spinal axis. In the lumbosacral region, ependymomas are most commonly associated with the conus medullaris and cauda equina, but can also occur extradurally in the sacrum, presacral tissues, or subcutaneous tissues over the sacrum. These two tumor locations produce different management concerns. Intradural ependymomas, especially those in the lumbosacral region, are now recognized for their potential to spread throughout the central nervous system (CNS), whereas extradural tumors elicit more concern for their association with extraneural metastases. METHODS The authors have reviewed the literature regarding both of these distinct tumors and have summarized recommendations for the management of intra- and extradural lumbosacral ependymomas. For both tumors, it appears that gross-total resection is the treatment of choice when feasible. The role of radiation therapy has not been adequately studied for either tumor location, but most clinicians use this modality in patients with subtotal resection of intradural ependymomas, local recurrence, or CNS dissemination. Data supporting the use of radiation therapy for extradural ependymomas are lacking. There does not appear to be a significant role for chemotherapy in either tumor location. CONCLUSIONS Despite the risk for local recurrence and CNS dissemination, the prognosis for intradural lumbosacral ependymomas is good, with a greater than 90% 10-year patient survival in most series. The prognosis for extradural ependymomas does not appear to be as good. Much depends on extradural tumor location, however; the outlook is better for dorsal sacral tumors than presacral tumors.
Determination of the recombination correction factor kS for some specific plane-parallel and cylindrical ionization chambers in pulsed photon and electron beams

It has been shown from an evaluation of the inverse reading of the dosemeter (1/M) against the inverse of the polarizing voltage (1/V), obtained with a number of commercially available ionization chambers, using dose per pulse values between 0.16 and 5 mGy, that a linear relationship between the recombination correction factor kS and dose per pulse (DPP) can be found. At dose per pulse values above 1 mGy the method of a general equation with coefficients dependent on the chamber type gives more accurate results than the Boag method. This method was already proposed by Burns and McEwen (1998, Phys. Med. Biol. 43 2033) and avoids comprehensive and time-consuming measurements of Jaffé plots which are a prerequisite for the application of the multi-voltage analysis (MVA) or the two-voltage analysis (TVA). We evaluated and verified the response of ionization chambers on the recombination effect in pulsed accelerator beams for both photons and electrons. Our main conclusions are: (1) The correction factor kS depends only on the DPP and the chamber type. There is no influence of radiation type and energy. (2) For all the chambers investigated there is a linear relationship between kS and DPP up to 5 mGy/pulse, and for two chambers we could show linearity up to 40 mGy/pulse. (3) A general formalism, such as that of Boag, characterizes chambers exclusively by the distance of the electrodes and gives a trend for the correction factor, and therefore (4) a general formalism has to reflect the influence of the chamber construction on the recombination by the introduction of chamber-type dependent coefficients.
Site-specific benzo[a]pyrene diol epoxide-DNA adducts inhibit transcription elongation by bacteriophage T7 RNA polymerase.

Benzo[a]pyrene, an extremely potent procarcinogen and mutagen, is metabolized to a variety of products, including the ultimate carcinogen 7,8-dihydroxy-9,10-epoxy- 7,8,9,10-tetrahydrobenzo[a]pyrene. This product of biotransformation reacts with DNA, forming a series of adducts principally at the N2 position of guanine that differ in their stereochemistry and exhibit unique biological properties. In order to gain a better understanding of the effects on RNA synthesis of these adducts, we used purified bacteriophage T7 RNA polymerase to transcribe a series of templates containing one of four stereoisomerically pure BPDE-guanine lesions--(+)-trans-,(-)-trans-,(+)-cis-anti-N2-BPDE-guanine--or no damaged bases. To construct suitable double-stranded oligodeoxynucleotides for these studies, we annealed an 11-mer containing a site-specific stereoisomerically pure N2-BPDE-guanine adduct, a 37-mer, and a 10-mer to a complementary 58-base sequence of single-stranded DNA. The oligomers were ligated, purified, and reannealed. The resulting DNA template contained the promoter for T7 RNA polymerase and a BPDE adduct at position +16 following the transcription initiation site. The results of the transcription assays clearly demonstrate that each of the adducts inhibits elongation by T7 RNA polymerase, but they do so to significantly different extents, depending on the stereochemical characteristics of the BPDE-modified guanine. The order of inhibition is (+)-trans > (-)-trans > (+)-cis > (-)-cis, when the amount of full-length transcript for each is compared to that obtained for an unmodified template. Furthermore, premature termination of RNA synthesis occurs at or near the site of the BPDE lesion as evidenced by the formation of discrete, truncated transcripts. These results might be related to the fact that the pyrenyl moiety of the trans-BPDE adducts is situated in the minor groove of double-stranded DNA, but is quasi-intercalated into the double helix in the case of the cis stereoisomers. (ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)
Rural to urban migration and distributive justice in contemporary China

This paper examines perceptions of micro justice and macro justice in contemporary China, focusing on comparisons among rural–urban migrants, urban locals and rural villagers. It puts forward three possibilities concerning distributive justice among rural–urban migrants relative to other groups, based on the social position hypothesis, reference group hypothesis, and subjective mobility hypothesis. Data from the 2010 Chinese General Social Survey largely support the reference group hypothesis. Rural–urban migrants are significantly more likely than urban locals to view their income level and society as fair, and the difference in perceived fairness of own income between the two groups varies by income level. Rural villagers and rural–urban migrants hold similar views on micro justice and macro justice. This paper contributes to the existing literature by suggesting that: (1) socio-economic status is not necessarily positively associated with favorable views of the current distributive system; and (2) social comparisons may play a more important role.
Brazilian adaptation of the Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination-Revised (ACE-R)

The Addenbrooke’s Cognitive Examination-Revised (ACE-R) is a highly sensitive and specific tool for the detection of mild dementia. It is particularly useful in differentiating Alzheimer’s disease from frontotemporal dementia. While the first version of the test battery has been adapted in many countries, its revised version has not, probably because it was published very recently. Objective To translate and adapt the ACE-R for use in the Brazilian population. Methods Two independent translations were made from English into Portuguese, followed by two independent back-translations. Few adaptations in accordance to the Brazilian culture and language were made and a first version of the instrument produced. This former version of the ACE-R was administered to 21 cognitively healthy subjects aged 60 years or more, with different educational levels. Results The mean age of the studied sample of healthy elderly was 75.4 years (ranging from 60 to 89 years). Small additional modifications were necessary after the evaluation of the first ten subjects in order to improve comprehension of the test. The final Portuguese version of the ACE-R was produced and was found to be well understood by the remaining 11 subjects, taking an average of 15 minutes to be administered. Conclusions The Brazilian version of the ACE-R proved to be a promising cognitive instrument for testing both in research and clinical settings. With this regard, additional studies are currently being carried out in our unit in order to investigate the diagnostic properties of the ACE-R in our milieu.
Empirical phylogenies and species abundance distributions are consistent with preequilibrium dynamics of neutral community models with gene flow

Community characteristics reflect past ecological and evolutionary dynamics. Here, we investigate whether it is possible to obtain realistically shaped modeled communities–that is with phylogenetic trees and species abundance distributions shaped similarly to typical empirical bird and mammal communities–from neutral community models. To test the effect of gene flow, we contrasted two spatially explicit individual‐based neutral models: one with protracted speciation, delayed by gene flow, and one with point mutation speciation, unaffected by gene flow. The former produced more realistic communities (shape of phylogenetic tree and species‐abundance distribution), consistent with gene flow being a key process in macro‐evolutionary dynamics. Earlier models struggled to capture the empirically observed branching tempo in phylogenetic trees, as measured by the gamma statistic. We show that the low gamma values typical of empirical trees can be obtained in models with protracted speciation, in preequilibrium communities developing from an initially abundant and widespread species. This was even more so in communities sampled incompletely, particularly if the unknown species are the youngest. Overall, our results demonstrate that the characteristics of empirical communities that we have studied can, to a large extent, be explained through a purely neutral model under preequilibrium conditions.
Myotonic Dystrophy: From Bench to Bedside

Abstract Myotonic dystrophy type 1 (DM1) and type 2 (DM2) are autosomal dominant disorders classically characterized by muscle weakness, myotonia, and early-onset cataracts. Patients may also experience dysfunction of the heart, brain, gastrointestinal, endocrine, skin, and respiratory systems. The pathogenesis of myotonic dystrophy is related to trinucleotide (DM1) and tetranucleotide (DM2) repeat expansions that produce toxic mutant mRNA with subsequent interference of RNA-splicing mechanisms. Optimal disease management includes symptomatic care, screens for asymptomatic disease, counseling, and a multidisciplinary approach. The authors review the pathogenesis, clinical features, diagnostic tests, and standard management of DM1 and DM2 and outline promising clinical research for patients with these disorders.
Adherence to antihypertensive treatment: a critical factor for blood pressure control

Background To compare rates of blood pressure (BP) control with the level of adherence to antihypertensive treatment and factors influencing compliance in Greek patients. Design An observational cross-sectional study on 1000 consecutively treated hypertensive patients, admitted to a University department of general surgery in a Greek hospital. Methods Patients were interviewed by the same doctor using pre-coded questionnaires with questions on demographic data, health and treatment status. Blood pressure was measured using a standard mercury sphygmomanometer. Treatment of hypertension was defined as current use of antihypertensive medication. Compliance was defined as an affirmative reply to a number of questions regarding regular use of antihypertensive medication according to the physician's instructions. Results Satisfactory BP control (levels <140/90 mmHg) was documented in only 20% of the treated hypertensives. Compliance to antihypertensive treatment was found in only 15% of the patients. Control of BP was positively associated with compliance. Compliance was more common among patients aged <60, city dwellers, the better educated, those more adequately counselled by their physicians and those followed by a private doctor. As regards treatment, compliance was better among those taking one antihypertensive tablet per day, those who had never changed their antihypertensive regimen and those who had never changed their doctor. Conclusions Compliance is associated with more effective BP control. Physicians can enhance patient compliance and hypertension control by devoting more time to counselling, avoiding unnecessary changes in drug regimens and restricting the tablet numbers.
B cell repertoire diversification precedes immunoglobulin receptor expression

68 monoclonal antibodies specific for the hemagglutinin (HA) of the influenza virus, PR8, were obtained from sIg- bone marrow B cell precursors stimulated in splenic fragment cultures. Reactivity pattern (RP) analysis demonstrated that these anti-HA antibody responses included at least 29 distinguishable clonotypes. Comparison of the specificities of anti-HA antibodies obtained from sIg- bone marrow cells with those obtained from adult spleen cells indicates that the anti-HA repertoires of the two populations are comparable in diversity. Since the sIg- bone marrow B cell precursor pool presumably has not encountered V region-specific regulatory mechanisms in vivo, our data suggest that substantial diversification of the B cell repertoire precedes surface immunoglobulin (sIg) expression and subsequent interaction with environmental regulatory processes.
Pharmacology of different progestogens: the special case of drospirenone

The pharmacological properties of progestins used in contraception and hormone replacement therapy (HRT) vary, depending upon the molecules from which they are derived. Very small structural changes may induce considerable differences in effects. It is unclear if the currently available progestins are able to bind specifically to the progesterone receptors, PR-A or PR-B. The clinical relevance of more specific binding to one or the other isoforms of the progesterone receptor is still unknown. The development of new generations of progestins, with improved receptor-selectivity profiles, has been a great challenge. Steroidal and non-steroidal progesterone agonists have also been synthesized, although these molecules are at a very early stage of development. Several new progestins have been synthesized in the past decade, including dienogest, drospirenone, Nestorone, nomegestrol acetate and trimegestone. Drospirenone differs from the classic progestins in its derivation from spirolactone. The major effect of drospirenone is antimineralocorticoid activity. By that property, drospirenone causes decreased salt and water retention, and thus lowering of blood pressure. The affinity of drospirenone for the mineralocorticoid receptor is about five times that of aldosterone, the naturally occurring mineralocorticoid. In addition, drospirenone has no androgenic effect, but does exhibit partial antiandrogenic activity; its antiandrogenic potency is about 30% of that of cyproterone acetate, the progestin with the most potent antiandrogenic activity. This property, shared by several new progestins, may counteract the negative effect of androgens on hair growth, lipid changes, insulin and, possibly, body composition in postmenopausal women. Drospirenone has a long terminal half-life (about 32 hours), and its bioavailability is about 76%. Drospirenone, which has pharmacodynamic properties very similar to those of progesterone, has been developed as a combined oral contraceptive (30 μg ethinylestradiol/3 mg drospirenone; Yasmin®, Schering AG, Berlin, Germany). Drospirenone is also available in combination with estradiol as an HRT preparation (1 mg 17β-estradiol/2 mg drospirenone; Angeliq®, Schering AG).
Econometric and Existential Understanding of Food: Analysing Economic Growth and Nutritional Status in South India

There is much debate on the reasons for the poor nutritional status of the population amidst high economic growth in the country. A profusion of correlations and statistical averages characterizes mainstream nutritional discourses that are based on the notion of food as a thing that could be measured and understood in terms of numerical values. Much as the quantitative approach is necessary to guide public policy and to provide the basic food security to the population, it is a partial view, not adequate to understand the issues surrounding nutrition in all its dimensions. Drawing upon field data on food in rural South India, this article calls for a broader perspective on food that gives scope for people’s concerns about its quality and ecological source. It aims at providing a sociologically informed understanding of the statistical and the existential aspects of the nutrition problem.
Magnetic Properties of Enhanced Permeability Dielectrics for Nanomagnetic Logic Circuits

Enhanced permeability dielectric (EPD) samples were fabricated in an ultra-high-vacuum magnetron sputtering system, and their magnetic properties were studied by a variable-temperature vibrating sample magnetometer. EPDs were fabricated with layers of CoFe forming uniform particles separated by MgO dielectric as insulator. The optimal sample has peak relative low-field permeability (μ<sub>r</sub>) of 452, saturation magnetization (M<sub>s</sub>) of 636 emu/cm<sup>3</sup> and magnetization at 100 Oe (M<sub>100 Oe</sub>) of 398 emu/cm<sup>3</sup>. Effect of low temperature is discussed, and measurements show that the EPD remains superparamagnetic at 173 K; μ<sub>r</sub>, M<sub>s</sub> and M<sub>100 Oe</sub> values at reduced temperatures are higher than those at room temperature. The sample is ferromagnetic at 100 K.