Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of raltegravir intensification on HIV proviral DNA in the blood and gut mucosa of men on long-term therapy: a randomized controlled trial

Background:Highly active antiretroviral therapy (HAART) dramatically reduces plasma HIV-1 viremia. However, despite completely suppressive HAART, it has been suggested that low-levels of viral replication may persist in the gut mucosa and elsewhere in individuals on long-term HAART. Objective:We conducted a double-blind randomized, placebo-controlled trial evaluating whether intensification of HAART in long-term virologically suppressed individuals with raltegravir is associated with a reduction in the level of proviral HIV-1 DNA in CD4+ T cells in blood and the sigmoid colon (gut). Methods:Long-term (>4 years) virologically suppressed HIV-infected individuals on standard HAART were randomized 1 : 1 in a double-blind fashion to receive raltegravir (400 mg twice/day) or placebo for 48 weeks. After week 48, all participants were treated with raltegravir to week 96. Blood and sigmoid biopsies were sampled and the frequency of CD4+ T cells carrying HIV-1 proviral DNA was determined. Results:Twenty-four study patients were recruited. At 48 weeks, no difference was apparent between participants receiving raltegravir or placebo in blood HIV-1 proviral levels (P = 0.62), CD4+ T-cell counts (P = 0.25) and gut proviral loads (P = 0.74). Similarly, prolonged raltegravir intensification up to week 96 had no further effect on both blood and gut HIV-1 proviral loads and blood CD4+ T-cell counts. Conclusion:In long-term virologically suppressed patients on standard HAART, intensification with raltegravir did not result in further decay of CD4+ T cells carrying HIV-1 proviral DNA in either the blood or gut after 48 or 96 weeks of therapy, or in any increase in CD4+ T-cell counts.
Normalized shape and location of perturbed craniofacial structures in the Xenopus tadpole reveal an innate ability to achieve correct morphology

Background: Embryonic development can often adjust its morphogenetic processes to counteract external perturbation. The existence of self‐monitoring responses during pattern formation is of considerable importance to the biomedicine of birth defects, but has not been quantitatively addressed. To understand the computational capabilities of biological tissues in a molecularly tractable model system, we induced craniofacial defects in Xenopus embryos, then tracked tadpoles with craniofacial deformities and used geometric morphometric techniques to characterize changes in the shape and position of the craniofacial structures. Results: Canonical variate analysis revealed that the shapes and relative positions of perturbed jaws and branchial arches were corrected during the first few months of tadpole development. Analysis of the relative movements of the anterior‐most structures indicates that misplaced structures move along the anterior–posterior and left–right axes in ways that are significantly different from their normal movements. Conclusions: Our data suggest a model in which craniofacial structures use a measuring mechanism to assess and adjust their location relative to other local organs. Understanding the correction mechanisms at work in this system could lead to the better understanding of the adaptive decision‐making capabilities of living tissues and suggest new approaches to correct birth defects in humans. Developmental Dynamics 241:863–878, 2012. © 2012 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Surface Melt-Induced Acceleration of Greenland Ice-Sheet Flow

Ice flow at a location in the equilibrium zone of the west-central Greenland Ice Sheet accelerates above the midwinter average rate during periods of summer melting. The near coincidence of the ice acceleration with the duration of surface melting, followed by deceleration after the melting ceases, indicates that glacial sliding is enhanced by rapid migration of surface meltwater to the ice-bedrock interface. Interannual variations in the ice acceleration are correlated with variations in the intensity of the surface melting, with larger increases accompanying higher amounts of summer melting. The indicated coupling between surface melting and ice-sheet flow provides a mechanism for rapid, large-scale, dynamic responses of ice sheets to climate warming.
Why the elderly fall in residential care facilities, and suggested remedies.

OBJECTIVE To study precipitating factors for falls among older people living in residential care facilities. DESIGN Prospective cohort study. SETTING Five residential care facilities. PARTICIPANTS 140 women and 59 men, mean age +/- SD 82.4 +/- 6.8 (range, 65-97). MEASUREMENTS After baseline assessments, falls in the population were tracked for 1 year. A physician, a nurse, and a physiotherapist investigated each event, and reached a consensus concerning the most probable precipitating factors for the fall. RESULTS Previous falls and treatment with antidepressants were found to be the most important predisposing factors for falls. Probable precipitating factors could be determined in 331 (68.7%) of the 482 registered falls. Acute disease or symptoms of disease were judged to be precipitating, alone or in combination in 186 (38.6%) of all falls; delirium was a factor in 48 falls (10.0%), and infection, most often urinary tract infection, was a factor in 38 falls (7.9%). Benzodiazepines or neuroleptics were involved in the majority of the 37 falls (7.7%) precipitated by drugs. External factors, such as material defects and obstacles, precipitated 38 (7.9%) of the falls. Other conditions both related to the individual and the environment, such as misinterpretation (eg, overestimation of capacity or forgetfulness), misuse of a roller walker, or mistakes made by the staff were precipitating factors in 83 (17.2%) of falls. CONCLUSION Among older people in residential care facilities, acute diseases and side effects of drugs are important precipitating factors for falls. Falls should therefore be regarded as a possible symptom of disease or a drug side effect until proven otherwise. Timely correction of precipitating and predisposing factors will help prevent further falls.
Developmental aspects of the direct‐developing frog Adelophryne maranguapensis

Direct development in amphibians is characterized by the loss of aquatic breeding. The anuran Adelophryne maranguapensis is one example of a species with direct development, and it is endemic to the state of Ceará, Brazil. Detailed morphological features of A. maranguapensis embryos and the stages of sequential development have not been described before. Here, we analyzed all available genetic sequence tags in A. maranguapensis (tyr exon 1, pomc and rag1) and compared them with sequences from other species of Adelophryne frogs. We describe the A. maranguapensis reproductive tract and embryonic body development, with a focus on the limbs, tail, ciliated cells of the skin, and the egg tooth, which were analyzed using scanning electron microscopy. Histological analyses revealed ovaries containing oocytes surrounded by follicular cells, displaying large nuclei with nucleoli inside. Early in development, the body is unpigmented, and the neural tube forms dorsally to the yolk vesicle, typical of a direct‐developing frog embryo. The hindlimbs develop earlier than the forelimbs. Ciliated cells are abundant during the early stages of skin development and are less common during later stages. The egg tooth appears in the later stages and develops as a keratinized microridge structure. The developmental profile of A. maranguapensis presented here will contribute to our understanding of the direct‐development model and may help preserve this endangered native Brazilian frog. genesis 54:257–271, 2016. © 2016 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.
Guidelines for the Management of Patients With Supraventricular Arrhythmias * — Executive Summary

Committee Members Carina Blomström-Lundqvist, MD, PHD, FACC, FESC, Co-chair; Melvin M. Scheinman, MD, FACC, Co-chair; Etienne M. Aliot, MD, FACC, FESC; Joseph S. Alpert, MD, FACC, FAHA, FESC; Hugh Calkins, MD, FACC, FAHA; A. John Camm, MD, FACC, FAHA, FESC; W. Barton Campbell, MD, FACC, FAHA; David E. Haines, MD, FACC; Karl H. Kuck, MD, FACC, FESC; Bruce B. Lerman, MD, FACC; D. Douglas Miller, MD, CM, FACC; Charlie Willard Shaeffer, Jr, MD, FACC; William G. Stevenson, MD, FACC; Gordon F. Tomaselli, MD, FACC, FAHA
Separating Parkinson's disease from normality. Discriminant function analysis of fluorodopa F 18 positron emission tomography data.

OBJECTIVE To explore the relationship between normal and parkinsonian fluorodopa F 18 (18F-6-L-fluorodopa [18F-dopa]) uptake data to identify clinically normal subjects who may have preclinical Parkinson's disease. DESIGN A statistical comparison of striatal fluorodopa F 18 positron emission tomography scan data from patients with Parkinson's disease and normal controls. SETTING Positron emission tomography unit within a postgraduate teaching hospital. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Discriminant function analysis used to compare the pattern of striatal (left and right caudate and putamen) fluorodopa F 18 uptake in normal subjects and patients with Parkinson's disease. RESULTS The discriminant score that best separates patients with Parkinson's disease from normal controls is a function of the lowest putamen influx constant minus a function of the caudate influx constant values. Borderline low normal subjects have slightly low fluorodopa F 18 uptake throughout the striatum, whereas patients with early Parkinson's disease have low fluorodopa F 18 uptake in one putamen with preserved uptake in the caudate (for normal subjects, subtracting the caudate influx constants from a function of the lowest putamen value lowers the discriminant score, although it remains positive; for patients, subtracting a larger caudate value from a function of the putamen uptake value leads to a negative score). One control subject had a borderline low discriminant score, compatible with focal nigral pathological changes as expected in preclinical Parkinson's disease. A repeated scan taken 3 years later showed a marked reduction in fluorodopa F 18 uptake, suggesting progressive nigral dysfunction. CONCLUSION Normal and parkinsonian fluorodopa F 18 uptake data differ both in the overall level of tracer uptake and in its spatial distribution. Subjects whose overall striatal fluorodopa F 18 uptake falls at the borderline of normal and parkinsonian values are likely to be normal if they have uniformly low uptake, but may have early or preclinical Parkinson's disease if uptake into putamen is very much lower than uptake into caudate.
Selectivity as a Function of Membrane Thickness: Gas separation and Pervaporation

In this article, the pervaporation selectivity as a function of the membrane thickness is studied for the dehydration of acetic acid. From this study, it appeared that the selectivity of polysulfone (PSF), poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC), and polyacrylonitrile (PAN) decreases with decreasing membrane thickness, below a limiting value of about 15 m. However, in the case of gas separation, the selectivity of PSF membranes is independent of the membrane thickness. This phenomenon could not be explained by a difference in membrane morphology, sorption resistance, thermodynamic interaction, or coupling. It is believed that the decrease in selectivity for thin membranes has to be attributed to defects induced during pervaporation. These defects, crazes (and cracks), result from a reduced value of the critical strain, due to sorption of acetic acid/water and stresses between the polymer chains, due to a concentration gradient across the membrane.
Thyroid function tests in neonates fed human milk.

• Serum concentrations of thyroxine (T 4 ), triiodothyronine (T 3 ), T 3 -resin uptake, thyroid-stimulating hormone, and thyroxine-binding globulin were measured in 2- to 3-week-old babies, 22 fed human milk and 25 fed formula. Levels of T 4 and T 3 were significantly greater in breast-fed babies than in formula-fed babies. ( Am J Dis Child 1983;137:220-222)
Glycosidases of Phaseolus vulgaris. I. Isolation and characterization of beta-N-acetylglucosaminidase.

Abstract A highly purified preparation of the enzyme, β-N-acetylglucosaminidase, has been obtained in a four-step purification procedure from the germinating seeds of Phaseolus vulgaris. The enzyme hydrolyzes p-nitrophenyl 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-β-d-glucopyranoside. The pH optimum for this reaction is 4.6, and apparent Km and Vmax values are 4.7 x 10-4 m and 7 µmoles per min per mg, respectively. The preparation also shows β-N-acetylgalactosaminidase activity. The enzyme has no action on phenyl 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-α-d-glucopyranoside and, therefore, appears to be specific for glycosidic bonds of β configuration. It cleaves the nonreducing terminal 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-d-glucose residues from glycopeptides derived from desialyzed fetuin and orosomucoid; these glycopeptides had been previously treated with β-galactosidase. The enzyme also releases 1 of the 2 residues of 2-acetamido-2-deoxy-d-glucose from the oligosaccharide chain of the intact bovine pancreatic ribonuclease B.
Ischemic mitral valve repair: Correlations between the mechanisms of mitral regurgitation and left ventricular function prior to and following surgery

Objective. To define the mechanisms of ischemic mitral regurgitation (MR) and its correlation with left ventricular (LV) function prior to and 1 year following mitral valve (MV) repair. Design. Fifty-three patients (pts) underwent echocardiographic evaluation of the MR mechanism according to Carpentier's classification; quantification of MR and LV function. Results. Forty-one, 5% of pts had Type I (annulus dilation), 20, 5% had Type II (commissural prolapse) and 38% had Type IIIb MR (predominant posterior leaflet restriction). Preoperative LV function was slightly better preserved in pts with Type II and IIIb MR. Despite similar MV repair efficiency intraoperatively, after 1 year Type I MR progressed vs the remaining types. LV function, including dimensions, ejection fraction and pulmonary artery pressure had a tendency to worsen in pts with Type I and markedly improved in Type II and IIIb MR. Conclusions. Ischemic MR of Type I is associated with more marked LV dysfunction preoperatively, its further deterioration and MR progression after MV repair. Type II and IIIb MR correlates with better preserved LV function preoperatively and its incremental improvement late after surgery.
Correlating Selection Criteria With Subsequent Performance as Residents

The objective of this study was to determine which criteria in the residency application had the highest correlation with subsequent performance of orthopaedic residents. Data collected from the application files of 58 residents included scores on standardized tests, number of honors grades in the basic and clinical years of medical school, election to Alpha Omega Alpha, numbers of research projects and publications, and numbers of extracurricular activities. Measures of performance included scores on the Orthopaedic In-Training Examination and American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery Part I Examination, and faculty evaluations of overall, cognitive, affective, and psychomotor performance. The number of honors grades on clinical rotations was the strongest predictor of performance, whereas election to Alpha Omega Alpha was second. The only other significant correlation was between the number of fine motor activities and psychomotor performance. None of the predictor variables had a significant correlation with Orthopaedic In-Training Examination or American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery Examination scores. Consistency between faculty rankings in each of the four categories was supported by regression analysis. From the results of this study, it appears that academic performance in clinical clerkships in medical school is the most predictive of resident performance. Range restriction in the data available for orthopaedic residency applicants, however, likely precludes the development of a reliable model to assist in the selection of orthopaedic residents.
Effect of fatty acids on the growth of Corynebacterium acnes in vitro.

Seven saturated and three unsaturated fatty acids were tested in ten different concentrations (from 0.5 mcg to 500 mcg/ml of medium) for their effect on the growth of Corynebacterium acnes in vitro . Of the unsaturated fatty acids tested, oleic acid (18: 1) was found to significantly stimulate C. acnes growth. Saturated fatty acids from C 8 to C 16 were found to suppress C. acnes growth. Lauric acid (12:0) was the most inhibitory. These findings are discussed in relation to the in vivo ecology of the human skin flora.
Heat Resistance And Inactivation of Neosartorya fischeri and Talaromyces flavus ascospores in water, phosphate buffers, fruit juices and fruit juices fortified with sugars and preservatives.

This work was designed to the study some heat resistance characteristics of the isolates obtained in relation to fruit processing parameters. The effect of heat (85 0 , 90 0 , 92.5 0 and 95 0 C) in combination with common fruit products preservatives (sodium benzoate and citric acid) and sugars (fructose and sucrose) on inactivation of ascospores of N. fischeri and T. flavus was studied in water, phosphate buffers, grapefruit, orange and pineapple juices. The rate of thermal inactivation was highest in medium containing sodium benzoate. The presence of sugars (sucrose and fructose) in juices protected the ascospores against heat inactivation when compared with plain juices. Ascospores of T. flavus had D85 0 C values which ranged from 10.6 to 78.9min; D90 0 C values of <1 to 13.6min and D92.5 0 C values of <1 to 8.1min. Ascospores of N. fischeri had D85 0 C values which ranged from 61.9 to 217.5min; D90 0 C values of 5.0 to 62.6min; D92.5 0 C values of 1.1 to 19.7min and D95 0 C values of <1 to 13.6min. These results mark the high heat resistance of ascospores of heat resistant fungi isolated from the tropics. Heat resistant fungi not only cause spoilage of fruit products but also produce highly toxic and sometimes carcinogenic compounds; these findings are of utmost importance to fruit processing industries which are presently increasing in number in Nigeria and other developing countries. (N.J. Amaeze. Heat Resistance And Inactivation of Neosartorya fischeri and Talaromyces flavus ascospores in water, phosphate buffers, fruit juices and fruit juices fortified with sugars and preservatives. Report and Opinion 2012;4(2):18-26). (ISSN: 1553-9873). http://www.sciencepub. net/report. 4
A meta-analysis of the association of the deletion allele of the angiotensin-converting enzyme gene with myocardial infarction.

BACKGROUND The ACE gene is characterized by a polymorphism based on the presence (insertion [I]) or absence (deletion [D]) within intron 16 of a 287-basepair alu repeat sequence, resulting in three genotypes (DD and II homozygotes and ID heterozygotes). In 1992, the DD genotype was reported to be associated with an increased risk of myocardial infarction (MI). Subsequent studies have produced conflicting findings. To further evaluate the association of the ACE I/D genotype with MI risk, we carried out a meta-analysis of all the published studies. METHODS AND RESULTS In total, 15 studies containing 3394 MI cases and 5479 control subjects were analyzed. The overall distribution of genotypes in the control subjects was 22.7% II, 49.0% ID, and 28.3% DD. The mean odds ratio for MI for DD versus ID/II genotypes across all studies was 1.26 (95% CI, 1.15, 1.39; P < .0001). Pairwise odds ratios were 1.36 (95% CI, 1.19, 1.55) for DD and II, 1.24 (95% CI, 1.11, 1.38) for DD and ID, and 1.09 (95% CI, 0.96, 1.23) for ID and II. The relative risk appeared to be increased in Japanese populations (2.55; 95% CI, 1.75, 3.70). CONCLUSIONS Within the limitations of the available data, the meta-analysis therefore supports an association of the ACE D allele with MI risk and strengthens the justification for further evaluation in appropriately powered studies.
Work life and mental wellbeing of single and non-single working mothers in Scandinavia

Background: This study examined levels and predictors of mental wellbeing in Scandinavian working single and non-single mothers, with a special focus on financial stress, job characteristics and work—family conflict. Methods: The European Social Survey Round 2 (2005) provided questionnaire data from 73 single and 432 non-single working mothers in Denmark, Sweden and Norway. Respondents answered questions about the outcome variables life satisfaction, happiness, and positive affect, and predictor variables financial stress, job characteristics, work—family conflict, and social support. Hierarchical multiple regression was used to assess the relationships between predictor variables and mental wellbeing outcomes. Results: Single working mothers scored significantly lower on life satisfaction and happiness, but not on positive affect, than did non-single mothers. Financial stress was higher in the single mother group. There were no significant differences in levels of enriching or stressful job characteristics, or in levels of social support. While financial stress and work—family conflict were important predictors in both groups, the relationship between financial stress and wellbeing was far stronger in the single mother group. Confidant support was a significant predictor only in the single mother group, and social participation only in the non-single mothers group. Conclusions: This study suggests that the Scandinavian welfare democracies have not yet been successful in relieving the financial pressure experienced by single working mothers. Development of efficient financial support systems should be prioritized. Ways to reduce work—family conflict in both single and non-single mothers in Scandinavia should also be given increased attention.
Dampness in buildings as a risk factor for health effects, EUROEXPO: a multidisciplinary review of the literature (1998-2000) on dampness and mite exposure in buildings and health effects.

UNLABELLED The scientific literature on health effects from dampness in buildings, including mite exposure over the period 1998-2000 has been reviewed by an European group (EUROEXPO) of eight scientists in experience from medicine, epidemiology, toxicology and engineering. Forty studies deemed relevant have been the foundation for the conclusions. Dampness in buildings is a risk factor for health effects among atopics and non-atopics both in domestic and in public environments. However, the literature is not conclusive in respect of causative agents, e.g. mites, microbiological agents and organic chemicals from degraded building materials. There is a strong need for more multidisciplinary studies including expertise from all relevant areas. A general conclusion from the work was that there is a strong need for multidisciplinary reviews in scientific journals of articles dealing with associations between indoor environmental factors and health effects. PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS There is good evidence for a true association between dampness in buildings and health. As the causative factors behind this association are not known, the main focus in practical investigations should be on finding out and remediate the reasons for the humidity problem.