Miracle-dz/UniFAR-FTUs huggingface dataset:
Effect of the MDR1 C3435T Variant and P‐Glycoprotein Induction on Dicloxacillin Pharmacokinetics

This study investigated 2 hypotheses about genotype‐phenotype relationships for the efflux transporter, P‐glycoprotein: (1) the presence of a synonymous C3435T variant in exon 26 of the MDR1 gene correlates to higher plasma concentrations of a P‐glycoprotein substrate, dicloxacillin, and (2) the effects of genotypic differences decrease under conditions of P‐glycoprotein induction by rifampin. Eighteen healthy volunteers received two 1‐g doses of dicloxacillin, one on the 1st study day and the other on the 11th day of rifampin dosing (600 mg daily). Dicloxacillin and its 5‐hydroxymethyl metabolite were analyzed using liquid chromatography/tandem mass spectrometry. Mean dicloxacillin Cmax measurements were 30.5 ± 13.5, 33.3 ± 4.7, and 31.1 ± 12.8 μg/mL in individuals with the CC, CT, and TT genotype at position 3435 in exon 26 of the MDR1 gene. Following rifampin dosing, the mean dicloxacillin Cmax across genotypes decreased from 31.4 ± 10.8 to 22.9 ± 7.0 μg/mL (P < .05), whereas the mean oral clearance increased from 235 ± 82 to 297 ± 71 mL/min (P < .001), and the mean absorption time increased from 0.71 ± 0.55 to 1.34 ± 0.77 h (P 7< .05). Rifampin treatment increased the formation clearance, Cmax, and AUC of the 5‐hydroxymethyl metabolite by 135%, 119%, and 59%, respectively. The C3435T variant had no effect on dicloxacillin pharmacokinetics. The data suggested that rifampin induced intestinal P‐glycoprotein and increased dicloxacillin metabolism.
Copy number variation of two separate regulatory regions upstream of SOX9 causes isolated 46,XY or 46,XX disorder of sex development

Background SOX9 mutations cause the skeletal malformation syndrome campomelic dysplasia in combination with XY sex reversal. Studies in mice indicate that SOX9 acts as a testis-inducing transcription factor downstream of SRY, triggering Sertoli cell and testis differentiation. An SRY-dependent testis-specific enhancer for Sox9 has been identified only in mice. A previous study has implicated copy number variations (CNVs) of a 78 kb region 517–595 kb upstream of SOX9 in the aetiology of both 46,XY and 46,XX disorders of sex development (DSD). We wanted to better define this region for both disorders. Results By CNV analysis, we identified SOX9 upstream duplications in three cases of SRY-negative 46,XX DSD, which together with previously reported duplications define a 68 kb region, 516–584 kb upstream of SOX9, designated XXSR (XX sex reversal region). More importantly, we identified heterozygous deletions in four families with SRY-positive 46,XY DSD without skeletal phenotype, which define a 32.5 kb interval 607.1–639.6 kb upstream of SOX9, designated XY sex reversal region (XYSR). To localise the suspected testis-specific enhancer, XYSR subfragments were tested in cell transfection and transgenic experiments. While transgenic experiments remained inconclusive, a 1.9 kb SRY-responsive subfragment drove expression specifically in Sertoli-like cells. Conclusions Our results indicate that isolated 46,XY and 46,XX DSD can be assigned to two separate regulatory regions, XYSR and XXSR, far upstream of SOX9. The 1.9 kb SRY-responsive subfragment from the XYSR might constitute the core of the Sertoli-cell enhancer of human SOX9, representing the so far missing link in the genetic cascade of male sex determination.
Longitudinal study of psychiatric symptoms, disability, mortality, and emigration among Bosnian refugees.

CONTEXT Evidence is emerging that psychiatric disorders are common in populations affected by mass violence. Previously, we found associations among depression, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and disability in a Bosnian refugee cohort. OBJECTIVE To investigate whether previously observed associations continue over time and are associated with mortality emigration to another region. DESIGN, SETTING, AND PARTICIPANTS Three-year follow-up study conducted in 1999 among 534 adult Bosnian refugees originally living in a refugee camp in Croatia. At follow-up, 376 (70.4%) remained living in the region, 39 (7.3%) were deceased, 114 (21.3%) had emigrated, and 5 (1%) were lost to follow-up. Those still living in the region and the families of the deceased were reinterviewed (77.7% of the original participants). MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES Depression and PTSD diagnoses, based on Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fourth Edition (DSM-IV) criteria and measured by the Hopkins Symptom Checklist-25 and the Harvard Trauma Questionnaire, respectively; disability, measured by the Medical Outcomes Study Short-Form 20; and cause of death, determined by family interviews with review of death certificates, if available. RESULTS In 1999, 45% of the original respondents who met the DSM-IV criteria for depression, PTSD, or both continued to have these disorders and 16% of respondents who were asymptomatic in 1996 developed 1 or both disorders. Forty-six percent of those who initially met disability criteria remained disabled. Log-linear analysis revealed that disability and psychiatric disorder were related at both times. Male sex, isolation from family, and older age were associated with increased mortality after adjusting for demographic characteristics, trauma history, and health status (for male sex, adjusted odds ratio [OR], 2.63; 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.17-5.92; living alone, OR, 2.40; 95% CI, 1.07-5.38; and each 10-year increase in age, OR, 1.91; 95% CI, 1.34-2.71). Depression was associated with higher mortality in unadjusted analysis but was not after statistical adjustment (unadjusted OR, 3.12; 95% CI, 1.55-6.26; adjusted OR, 1.85; 95% CI, 0.82-4.16). Posttraumatic stress disorder was not associated with mortality or emigration. Spending less than 12 months in the refugee camp (OR, 11.30; 95% CI, 6.55-19.50), experiencing 6 or more trauma events (OR, 3.34; 95% CI, 1.89-5.91), having higher education (OR, 1.90; 95% CI, 1.10-3.29), and not having an observed handicap (OR, 0.11; 95% CI, 0.02-0.52) were associated with higher likelihood of emigration. Depression was not associated with emigration status. CONCLUSIONS Former Bosnian refugees who remained living in the region continued to exhibit psychiatric disorder and disability 3 years after initial assessment. Social isolation, male sex, and older age were associated with mortality. Healthier, better educated refugees were more likely to emigrate. Further research is necessary to understand the associations among depression, emigration status, and mortality over time.
Freshwater Mussels as a Prehistoric Food Resource

Abstract The explication of prehistoric subsistence economies has been of increasing interest to archaeologists. This emphasis is reflected, in part, by the considerable attention afforded faunal analyses in the recent archaeological literature. However, little effort has been made toward developing methods that permit meaningful comparisons of food resources at the interspecies level. Data pertinent to the calculation of both quantitative and qualitative food potential of many of the vertebrate animals represented in archaeological contexts are extant. These data are lacking for freshwater mussels, frequently found in archaeological sites in eastern North America. Information relevant to determining the food energy provided by freshwater mussels common to much of the Mississippi River drainage is presented. Results are applicable to more credible interpretations of prehistoric subsistence as related to animal food resources.
Escherichia coli Minicell Membranes Are Enriched in Cardiolipin

ABSTRACT The phospholipid composition of Escherichia coliminicells has been studied as a model for the cell division site. Minicells appeared to be enriched in cardiolipin at the expense of phosphatidylglycerol. Mass spectrometry showed no differences between the gross acyl chain compositions of minicells and wild-type cells.
What’s that Thing Called Embodiment?

Embodiment has become an important concept in many areas of cognitive science. There are, however, very different notions of exactly what embodiment is and what kind of body is required for what type of embodied cognition. Hence, while many nowadays would agree that humans are embodied cognizers, there is much less agreement on what kind of artifact could be considered embodied. This paper identifies and contrasts six different notions of embodiment which can roughly be characterized as (1) structural coupling between agent and environment, (2) historical embodiment as the result of a history of struct ural coupling, (3) physical embodiment, (4) organismoid embodiment, i.e. organismlike bodily form (e.g., humanoid robots), (5) organismic embodiment of autopoietic, living systems, and (6)social embodiment.
Spectral changes in spontaneous MEG activity across the lifespan

Objective. The aim of this study is to explore the spectral patterns of spontaneous magnetoencephalography (MEG) activity across the lifespan. Approach. Relative power (RP) in six frequency bands (delta, theta, alpha, beta-1, beta-2 and gamma) was calculated in a sample of 220 healthy subjects with ages ranging from 7 to 84 years. Main results. A significant RP decrease in low-frequency bands (i.e. delta and theta) and a significant increase in high bands (mainly beta-1 and beta-2) were found from childhood to adolescence. This trend was observed until the sixth decade of life, though only slight changes were found. Additionally, healthy aging was characterized by a power increase in low-frequency bands. Our results show that spectral changes across the lifespan may follow a quadratic relationship in delta, theta, alpha, beta-2 and gamma bands with peak ages being reached around the fifth or sixth decade of life. Significance. Our findings provide original insights into the definition of the ‘normal’ behavior of age-related MEG spectral patterns. Furthermore, our study can be useful for the forthcoming MEG research focused on the description of the abnormalities of different brain diseases in comparison to cognitive decline in normal aging.
In vitro actinomycete biofilm development and inhibition by the polyene antibiotic, nystatin, on IUD copper surfaces

The presence of intrauterine contraceptive devices (IUDs) gives a solid surface for attachment and an ideal niche for biofilm to form and flourish. Pelvic actinomycosis is often associated with the use of IUDs. Treatment of IUD-associated pelvic actinomycosis requires the immediate removal of the IUD. Therefore, this article presents in vitro evidence to support the use of novel antibiotics in the treatment of actinomycete biofilms. Twenty one clinical actinomycetes isolates from endocervical swabs of IUD wearers were assessed for their biofilm forming ability. An in vitro biofilm model with three isolates, Streptomyces strain A4, Nocardia strain C15 and Nocardia strain C17 was subjected to treatment with nystatin. Inhibition of biofilm formation by nystatin was found to be concentration dependent, with MBIC50 values in the range 0.08–0.16 mg ml−1. Furthermore, at a concentration of 0.16 mg ml−1, nystatin inhibited the twitching motility of the isolates, providing evidence for a possible mechanism of biofilm inhibition.
Using MinION™ to characterize dog skin microbiota through full-length 16S rRNA gene sequencing approach

The most common strategy to assess microbiota is sequencing specific hypervariable regions of 16S rRNA gene using 2nd generation platforms (such as MiSeq or Ion Torrent PGM). Despite obtaining high-quality reads, many sequences fail to be classified at the genus or species levels due to their short length. This pitfall can be overcome sequencing the full-length 16S rRNA gene (1,500bp) by 3rd generation sequencers. We aimed to assess the performance of nanopore sequencing using MinION™ on characterizing microbiota complex samples. First set-up step was performed using a staggered mock community (HM-783D). Then, we sequenced a pool of several dog skin microbiota samples previously sequenced by Ion Torrent PGM. Sequences obtained for full-length 16S rRNA with degenerated primers retrieved increased richness estimates at high taxonomic level (Bacteria and Archaea) that were missed with short-reads. Besides, we were able to obtain taxonomic assignments down to species level, although it was not always feasible due to: i) incomplete database; ii) primer set chosen; iii) low taxonomic resolution of 16S rRNA gene within some genera; and/or iv) sequencing errors. Nanopore sequencing of the full-length 16S rRNA gene using MinION™ with 1D sequencing kit allowed us inferring microbiota composition of a complex microbial community to lower taxonomic levels than short-reads from 2nd generation sequencers.
Poliovirus Excretion among Persons with Primary Immune DeficiencyDisorders: Summary of Data from Enhanced Poliovirus Surveillance in Egypt,2011-2014

Background: If exposed to oral poliovirus vaccine (OPV), persons with primary immune deficiency disorders (PID) are at increased risk of paralytic poliomyelitis; and can chronically excrete poliovirus. However, the risk of excretion of vaccine derived poliovirus among immunodeficient persons (iVDPV) is not well characterized. We present summary of data from poliovirus surveillance project among PID patients collected between 2011 and 2014 from 11 Egyptian Governorates. Methods: Stool was tested for polioviruses in suspected or confirmed PID children regardless of whether Acute Flaccid Paralysis (AFP) was present or not. Those excreting poliovirus were followed until three consecutive negative stool samples were obtained. Results: There were 122 patients with suspected or confirmed PID identified; 13/122 (11%) excreted poliovirus; of these, 6 excreted iVDPVs, the remaining 7 excreted Sabin virus. The duration of iVDPV excretion ranged from 1 to 21 months. AFP was detected in 3/6 (50%) of those excreting iVDPVs. All iVDPV excretors had history of receiving OPV. Conclusions: Chronic poliovirus excretion in PID patients is rare, however, poliovirus eradication requires removal of all polioviruses from circulation; and because PID individuals are not necessarily paralyzed they might be missed by current poliovirus surveillance based on detection of AFP. To achieve poliovirus eradication, surveillance for polioviruses among PID patients should be routinely conducted in all countries, and poliovirus antiviral therapy must be made available for those with chronic excretion.
Distributed space-time block coding

In this paper, a new class of distributed space-time block codes (DSTBCs) is introduced. These DSTBCs are designed for wireless networks which have a large set of nodes N but at any given time only a small, a priori unknown subset of nodes S /spl sub/ N can be active. In the proposed scheme, the signal transmitted by an active node is the product of an information-carrying code matrix and a unique node signature vector. It is shown that existing STBCs designed for N/sub c/ /spl ges/ 2 co-located antennas are favorable choices for the code matrix guaranteeing a diversity order of d = min{N/sub S/, N/sub c/} if n/sub S/ nodes are active. For the most interesting case N/sub S/ /spl ges/ N/sub c/ the performance loss entailed by the distributed implementation is analytically characterized. Furthermore, efficient methods for the optimization of the set of signature vectors are provided. Possible applications of the proposed DSTBCs include ad hoc and sensor networks employing decode-and-forward relaying.
Interferon-regulated chemokines as biomarkers of systemic lupus erythematosus disease activity: a validation study.

OBJECTIVE Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is a complex autoimmune disease characterized by unpredictable flares of disease activity and irreversible damage to multiple organ systems. An earlier study showed that SLE patients carrying an interferon (IFN) gene expression signature in blood have elevated serum levels of IFN-regulated chemokines. These chemokines were associated with more-severe and active disease and showed promise as SLE disease activity biomarkers. This study was designed to validate IFN-regulated chemokines as biomarkers of SLE disease activity in 267 SLE patients followed up longitudinally. METHODS To validate the potential utility of serum chemokine levels as biomarkers of disease activity, we measured serum levels of CXCL10 (IFNgamma-inducible 10-kd protein), CCL2 (monocyte chemotactic protein 1), and CCL19 (macrophage inflammatory protein 3beta) in an independent cohort of 267 SLE patients followed up longitudinally over 1 year (1,166 total clinic visits). RESULTS Serum chemokine levels correlated with lupus activity at the current visit (P = 2 x 10(-10)), rising at the time of SLE flare (P = 2 x 10(-3)) and decreasing as disease remitted (P = 1 x 10(-3)); they also performed better than the currently available laboratory tests. Chemokine levels measured at a single baseline visit in patients with a Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Disease Activity Index of < or =4 were predictive of lupus flare over the ensuing year (P = 1 x 10(-4)). CONCLUSION Monitoring serum chemokine levels in SLE may improve the assessment of current disease activity, the prediction of future disease flares, and the overall clinical decision-making.
A PROBABILISTIC SEMANTICS FOR COUNTERFACTUALS. PART A

This is part A of a paper in which we defend a semantics for counterfactuals which is probabilistic in the sense that the truth condition for counterfactuals refers to a probability measure. Because of its probabilistic nature, it allows a counterfactual ‘if A then B’ to be true even in the presence of relevant ‘A and not B’-worlds, as long such exceptions are not too widely spread. The semantics is made precise and studied in different versions which are related to each other by representation theorems. Despite its probabilistic nature, we show that the semantics and the resulting system of logic may be regarded as a naturalistically vindicated variant of David Lewis’ truth-conditional semantics and logic of counterfactuals. At the same time, the semantics overlaps in various ways with the non-truth-conditional suppositional theory for conditionals that derives from Ernest Adams’ work. We argue that counterfactuals have two kinds of pragmatic meanings and come attached with two types of degrees of acceptability or belief, one being suppositional, the other one being truth based as determined by our probabilistic semantics; these degrees could not always coincide due to a new triviality result for counterfactuals, and they should not be identified in the light of their different interpretation and pragmatic purpose. However, for plain assertability the difference between them does not matter. Hence, if the suppositional theory of counterfactuals is formulated with sufficient care, our truth-conditional theory of counterfactuals is consistent with it. The results of our investigation are used to assess a claim considered by Hawthorne and Hájek, that is, the thesis that most ordinary counterfactuals are false.
Ultrafast floating 75-V lateral IGBT with a buried hole diverter and an effective junction isolation

A low-voltage lateral insulated gate bipolar transistor (IGBT) is proposed for junction-isolated smart power technologies. An effective suppression of the substrate current is obtained through the use of a double buried layer structure. This structure, with the buried layer of p-type (BLP) on top of the buried layer of n-type, also ensures fast switching and a wide safe operating area as the BLP serves as a buried hole diverter in the on state and during turnoff. The floating capability of the device is also provided by the double buried layer. This lateral IGBT (LIGBT) is made in a standard smart power technology without adding extra masks. Due to the low power losses in the on state and during switching, this n-type LIGBT is competitive with n-type DMOS devices.
The effect of massage therapy on depression, anxiety and stress in adolescent wrestlers

In this study we examined the effects of massage therapy on depression, anxiety and stress in youth wrestlers. To do this test participated 24 wrestlers that participations' age ranged from 15-18 years old. In doing so, we control the effects of massage therapy on experimental and control groups by DASS Inventory. During 10 sessions of treatment the experimental groups were received 25 minutes sports massage for every session. As shown MANOVA by comparison of Depression, Anxiety, and Stress scores between experimental and control groups and by control the pretest scores, indicated the significant different between scores of Depression (P<0.001), Anxiety (P<0.001), and Stress (P<0.001) in experimental and control groups. The findings of this study indicate that massage therapy tangibly and significantly decreases the level of depression, anxiety and stress of wrestlers that this phenomenon can lead to mental health and thereby improve their performance.
Influence of Autologus Adipose Derived Stem Cells and PRP on Regeneration of Dehiscence-Type Defects in Alveolar Bone: A Comparative Histochemical and Histomorphometric Study in Dogs.

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES Autogenous bone grafts is considered to be the best choice for reconstructive surgery. Adipose Derived Stromal Cells (ASCs) represents a promising tool for new clinical concepts in supporting cellular therapy. The goal of our study was to investigate bone regeneration following application of autologous ASCs with or without Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) at dehiscence-type defects in alveolar bone in dogs. METHODS AND RESULTS Standardized buccal dehiscence defects (4× 3×3 mm) were surgically created in eighteen dogs, the defects were grafted with either ASCs -PRP, ASCs alone, or without grafting material. Three months later; a bone core was harvested from grafted and non grafted sites for histological, histochemical and histomorphometric assessment. There was no evidence of inflammation or adverse tissue reaction with either treatment. Defects grafted with ASCs-PRP showed a significantly higher result (p≤ 0.05), with a mean area % of spongy bone and compact bone of (64.96±5.37 and 837.62±24.95), compared to ASCs alone (47.65±1.43 and 661.92±12.65) and without grafting (33.55± 1.74 and 290.85±7.27) respectively. The area % of lamellated bone increased significantly reaching its highest level in group A followed by group B. Also a significant increase in area % of neutral mucopolysaccharides and calcified reactivity of Masson|s Trichrome stain in groups A and B compared to group C was obtained. CONCLUSIONS Our results suggest that, the addition of PRP to ASCs enhances bone formation after 3 months and may be clinically effective in accelerating postsurgical healing in both periodontal and maxillofacial surgical applications.
Microwear, Microdrills, and Mississippian Craft Specialization

Samples of microdrills, microblades, and microcores from the Powell Mound (11-Ms-46) and the Dunham tract (11-S-34/4) of the Cahokia site near St. Louis, and a small number of Jaketown perforators from the Poverty Point site, Louisiana, were examined for microwear traces, using the methods outlined by L. H. Keeley. Many archaeologists have assumed that the microdrills in the Cahokia microlithic industry were used by craft specialists to produce drilled disc beads and other items made from marine and freshwater shell. Microwear analysis of the Cahokia microdrills showed they were specialized tools, used almost exclusively to drill shell material, while the Jaketown perforators were used to drill a variety of materials. This alone does not establish the existence of craft specialization at Cahokia. The distribution of microdrills and shell artifacts at Cahokia and throughout the Cahokia settlement system on the American Bottom indicates shell craft production was not restricted to “guild areas. ” The shell beads produced by the microdrills may have served as ritual tokens or currency as well as ornaments, but they were not necessarily produced by full-time specialists who were part of a state-level society.